Bird Man of Bridgewater

Phoenix/Tempe Wintering Birds

2011-12-27T21:43:00.000-05:00

The second leg of our trip brought us to Phoenix for a few nights. Temps were cold in the morning, but quickly warmed up. I watched the Arizona/New Mexico bird list for reports of good sightings. I also wanted to take my mom to the Phoenix Botanical Garden (PBG) so I hit the Tempe Reservoir at sun up with the intent of spending a few hours before hitting the PBG. I wasn't disappointed. I wanted grebe's and I got them (pied-billed, eared, horned, western and potentially Clark's). The Clark's is still up for debate. The Sibley's explanation for difference between Western and Clark'sis that the black cap doesn't come below the eye. Unfortunately the black cap doesn't come below the eye in the juvenile western either. So another bird challenge for me. My photos of the Clark's isn't good enough to post so I'll be reviewing other Clark's photos. If you have a good Clark's photo I'd be interested to see it.

Eared Grebe

Western Grebe (see the distinct black line below the eye)

Proud Ruddy Duck strutting its junk!

Crazy as a Coot!

After spending just a short period of time at the Tempe Reservoir, we cruised over to PBG to check out the gardens and look for some cool birds. We weren't disappointed by either. The gardens were being prepared for a luminary show so they were primping the walkways for a huge tadoo! Most birds I saw were lifers and fortunately it was Saturday morning so we ran in to a Bird group on their weekly bird walk. I was fortunate as they pointed out several birds that I would have misidentified. Take the blue-gray gnatcatcher and the black tailed gnatcatcher. Winter black tailed sure looks like a BGG to me. New bird, yay!

Abert's Towhee

Anna's hummingbird

Black tailed gnatcatcher

Cactus Wren

Costa's Hummingbird

Curve-billed Thrasher

Gambrel's Quail (tons of these birds)

I remember Northern Bobwhites in these numbers

on Cape Cod when I was growing up. Days gone by.

Verdin

I was excited to get my first Verdin, but man by the end I was sick of this excited little bird.

Clearly a very abundant species.

Lesser Goldfinch (female)

I'm all ears!

Rosy cheeked Luv Birds

I had to stand on my head in the brush for this pic hence the angle.

Great time in Phoenix with some great birders.

Sedona Arizona

2011-12-18T22:17:00.000-05:00

My mom turns 80 in January and I thought it would be nice for a mother son trip to a warmer climate. Fortunately she finds birding tolerable so...birding I did. Yes it was nice to hang with my mom, but no it wasn't warmer. Our trip began in Sedona....gods country! Although my last post mentioned that I needed to live near the ocean, I could live in Sedona for at least a portion of the year. Amazing beauty, tranquility and birding!!! Sedona is at 4000+/- elevation so the temp first thing in the morning was below 30. But the sky was blue and our hotel looked out on amazing scenery.

Red Rock State Park

I wish I had a wide angle lens. Might try to post a few pics together to give a sense of the valley. So cool! A picture can not tell the full story.

Anna's Hummingbird

Bewick's Wren

Canyon Towhee (kind of a drab looking bird..not far off from the Abert's or California)

Cooper's Hawk

Ladderback Woodpecker

Road Runner, the coyote's after you.

Road Runner, if he catches you you're through.

Road Runner, the coyote's after you. Road Runner, if he catches you you're ...

Beep Beep

Not afraid of people clearly....this dude ran between me and a docent at the park while we were discussing birding in the region.

Ruby Crowned Kinglet (luv the red spot on the head)

Verdin

Western Bluebird

The species is still out with friends to ID. The smaller empids are very difficult. This bird was small.

Hammond's or a Cordilleran. Anybody?

Western Meadowlark

From Sedona, we stayed two days in Phoenix and 3 days in Tucson. Still working on the photos. 100 species and 30 lifers. Yay!

Alcids on Cape Cod

2011-12-04T20:17:00.001-05:00

Had all kinds of plans to get a few projects done this weekend so I had no plans to bird....what a bad idea! I read the e-bird list for Massachusetts and there were so many great birds I threw out all my plans today and went to the Cape. It was sooo worth it. For some reason Razorbills are migrating in huge numbers into the area. Most of the other alcids were also reported along the coast. So my first stop was Sacuset Beach in Plymouth. Sacuset is located at the end of the Cape Cod Canel where it enters Cape Cod Bay. The current is amazingly quick so diving birds were having a feeding frenzy. There were 20 common loons, 10 razorbills, a horned grebe and a black guillimont. There was a report of a Lapland Longspur, but I didn't see it. Temps were a bit chilly at sun up, but it quickly warmed up. No wind and blue sky. I realize my post isn't all alcids, but the alcids stole the show on this trip.

Black Guillemot

Scusett Beach

Horned Grebe,

Scusett Beach

From Plymouth I drove right down to P-town harbor. I figured I could start there and visit locations on the way back. Conditions were much different in P-town. It was overcast with a steady breeze and raw, but the birding was fabulous.

Common Eider,

MacMillan Wharf,

P-town Cape Cod

Razorbill

MacMillan Wharf,

P-town Cape Cod

Thick-billed Murre,

MacMillan Wharf,

P-town Cape Cod

In addition to the birds photographed I also saw a Brown booby (lifer), 10 harlequins, a long-tailed duck, great cormerants, and a slew of common loons. I left P-town for Race Point to view the ocean side. There must of been 5000 red breasted mergansers, but nothing close to shore. Standard gulls and a few northern gannets were buzzing around. I spent a bit of time on the beach listening to the waves.

Sorry to my mid-western friends, but I really could never live away from the ocean. It is truly amazing.

I departed P-town for Wellfleet Harbor. Heard a report of a dovekie hanging out along the dock. It was low tide when I arrived so the birds were right along the dock. Tons of Boneparte's Gulls diving for minnows. I was standing on a boat ramp and up came a Red throated loon. He didn't care that I was there. I spent so much time gawking at the loon that I almost didn't see the Dovekie pop up next to me.

Red-throated loon

Wellfleet Harbor

Dovekie

Wellfleet Harbor

An amazing birding day!

Snowy Owl and other Sea Birds

2011-11-20T17:22:00.001-05:00

I got up before sun up to look for a Red-necked Grebe, but had no luck. Started out as a very slow day which was disappointing because there have been so many reports of great birding. I decided to search for a snowy owl that had been repeatedly seen at Duxbury Beach in Duxbury, MA. I've seen a few snowy's before, but they were usually 100s of yards away. I didn't expect anything less at the beach, but I usually have pretty good luck along the shore.

Saturday was no different, fantastic birding. Access with a vehicle is by permit only so I packed up my gear and off I went on foot. I didn't expect to walk as far as I did, but when a great photo op exists I think I'd walk to the moon. One of three snowies was most recently spotted at the base of Plum Hills on Saquish Island. Clearly I wasn't paying attention because I walked right up on what I thought was plastic bag, but when I got within 15 feet, it immediated teed right up for me on a branch. I took over 100 photos thinking I may never get another opportinity like this one. I spent 30 minutes on my belly in the sand.

Snowy Owl (female) Duxbury Beach

On my way back, I realized that I'd really walked a long distance and was exhausted. I looked it up today and it was appxomately 4 miles out. 8 miles for a snowy. Jeesh! You better really like it. I tell ya! I was also pretty lucky on the way back I saw some great birds. Black scoters, White winged scoters, long-tailed ducks, northern gannets, red breasted mergansers, snow buntings, northern harrier, sharp-shinned, and many different gulls species. I didn't spend alot of time as the wind was amazing. It was sustained at 25 mpg. I did take a few more photos though.

Juvenile Bonaparte's Gull

Horned Grebe

Red-Throated Loon

I also got a juvenile brant which threw me for a loop as it was missing the typical white line. All in all a great day. Beautiful sunshine, blue sky, ocean waves, and plenty of birds.

Brant, juvenile

Birds of Texas (September)

2011-11-12T09:22:00.001-05:00

On my recent trip to Austin to attend the Alliance of Hazardous Materials Professionals (AHMP) conference, my friend Mike and I took a few days following to bird and had a great trip. We introduced a few others to birding and met another AHMP member out on the range, who I'd run into before, but had no idea he was in to birding. We met him a Pernales State Park where his family was camping for the labor day weekend. Excellent variety, but due to the drought many of the unusual species had already departed or not arrived yet. The drought was awful. Entire rivers 100 feet across were but a trickle. Temps were daily in the 110 range so we took our time and shelter where we could find it. Nothing can really stop a birding from enjoying the past time though. Next year the AHMP conference is in Anchorage, Alaska, I'll be spending a week before the conference birding. Took some pretty good photos during the trip. I'll need a few posts to get them all in though. Enjoy!

Summer Tanager

Northern Cardinal

Lesser Goldfinch (female)

Lesser Goldfinch (male)

Great Crested Flycatcher

Bewick's Wren

Black-chinned Hummingbird

Black crested Titmouse

Inca Dove

Yellow Throated Warbler and a few shore birds

2011-10-21T21:11:00.000-04:00

I was on the way out the door to work and got an email that a Yellow Throated Warbler had been seen at Sachuest Point in Middletown, Rhode Island. Soooo work..lifer? Work....lifer? I picked the lifer search at least for a few hours. So off I went to Sachuest. It was a bit windy so I wasn't that confident of seeing the warbler. Yellow throats are not real common in the northeast. Their territory is New Jersey south. So when I arrived I got another email that the YTW was no longer being seen at Sachuest. Major bummer! I decided to look around anyway and fortunately as soon as I got out of my truck. Bam! There it was jumping along the edge of the building.

Amazingly tame bird. I set up my camera about 20 feet away and stood still and it flew within 3 feet. I got alittle crazy and took over 200 photos. Umm oops!

Yellow-throated warbler

Yellow throated warbler

After my short, but successful trip to Sachuest Point, I visited the beaches and had some pretty good luck with shore birds. Hopefully I've identified them correctly. Shore bird identification is my nemisis.

White rumped sandpiper

American Avocet

American Golden Plover

Ruddy Turnstone

Semipalmated sandpiper

Spotted Sandpiper

Semipalmated Plover

Sanderling

Southeastern Massachusetts and Cape Cod

2011-10-05T21:58:00.002-04:00

I have taken so many pictures over the summer and had no time to post. So my message will be short. It's all about the birds. Today's post includes three short trips. Looking for specific life species. I've had an amazing summer and early fall of birding.

The first was to Crane Wildlife Management Area in Mashpee, Cape Cod. Interesting open grassland area with potential for many different birds species throughout the changing seasons. There are so few open grassland areas left in Massachusetts. I was looking for a Grasshopper Sparrow and I got lucky. Lots of other good species too. We saw a good sized flock of Northern rough winged swallow and we heard several Bob Whites, a species whose population has plummeted over the last few decades.

Grasshopper Sparrow-Crane Wildlife Management Area

Mashpee, MA (Cape Cod)

The same day we moved over to Allen's Pond, but didn't have much luck. A couple good species.

Piping Plover Allen's Pond, Dartmouth, MA

Salt-Marsh Sparrow

The next trip I took out to Wellfleet Bay Audubon Sanctuary and to Race Point in Provincetown, MA. You really can't be disappointed with a day on the outer arm of Cape Cod in the summer. First up is Wellfleet Bay Audubon Sanctuary

Baltimore Oriole (male in molt)

Baltimore Oriole (female)

Green Heron

Whimbrel in flight (flock of 5)

Eastern Wood Peewee

I'm not a beach goer as I have a hard time sitting still, but listening to the waves is mesmerizing. I just love it. Birds were amazing too. Race Point is known by birders for its Least Tern breeding area. 1000s of least terns buzzing around. Sooooo cool

Black Tern (lifer)

Bonaparte's Gull (very tame) Flock of 10+/-

Least Tern (sitting near its nest)

Munch Munch I'm a seal out to lunch.

I even saw the fish jump out of the water and the seal chasing after it.

Great day had by all (well at least me)!

Birding in the Rangely Lakes, Maine Area Part1

2011-08-01T22:28:00.002-04:00

I'm still really behind so I've probably lost most of my regular followers. Too much going on in the summer to post regularly. Too busy birding. Hopefully they all come back.

Anyway this is a continuation of my Maine trip. After leaving Machais Seal Island, I drove 5 hours west to the Rangeley Lakes Region for some birding with the Brookline Bird Club. Excellent trip and really fun group of people! Got plenty of life birds and some fairly decent photos. Without further ado!

I'll have more of the photos from climbing Saddleback Mountain and some of the other wild critters encounted during the trip in my next post. Enjoy.

Alder Flycatcher

Broadwing Hawk w/lunch

Grey Jay

Tree Swallow feeding young

Yellow-Rumped Warbler

Bicknell's Thrush (Saddleback Mountain)

Female Common Merganser

Broadwing Hawk

Barn Swallow

Magnolia Warbler

Winter Wren

More Maine Birding-Scarbourgh and Quoddy State Park

2011-07-20T06:23:00.000-04:00

Summer time is great for birding, but I just can't seem to find the time to blog. Sorry to my steadfast followers.

The first day of my trip north I stopped at a few decent birding locations. Scarborough Marsh is located a short distance south of Portland, ME. It was a good stopping point for me on my 7 1/2 hour trip north. Prior to my trip I was surfing the net to identify any current hot spots and found John Vanderpool's site. John is on his Big Year. You can follow him at the Big Year link. What an awesome idea.

Any way I only stayed at Scarborough for any hour and it was pretty quiet.

Virgina Rail

House Wren

After Scarborough, I drove for 5 hours straight through to get to Lubec, ME where I planned to stay the night. I decided to hit one of the local State Parks. I didn't know what to expect along the coast. It was also the late afternoon so I wasn't hopeful of a large count and I was right.

Black Throated Green Warbler

Immature Bald Eagle

After Quoddy I checked in to a local motel and found a local small bar for a Guinness. Lubec, ME was an amazing little fishing village along the US-Canadian border. That was a great Guinness after a 7.5 hour drive. I retired early so the morning trip to Machias Seal Island would arrive more quickly.

Puffin

Razorbills (is there a pecking order?)

Machais Seal Island-Auks

2011-07-11T21:48:00.001-04:00

Its been a month since I last posted. I was busy on a downer after the lackluster migration this year. Just seemed like the birds flew right over Massachusetts for their breeding grounds. I outsmarted them though. This past week I went to their breeding grounds an wow....what a show. I'll have a few posts out of this vacation.

The first post is from Machais Seal Island. MSI is a rock outcrop in the middle of the Bay of Fundy. There are no trees and very little vegetation only grass and wild flowers. Island ownership is disputed by the US and Canada, but the Canadian Coast Guard maintain the lighthouse and buildings.

I took a guided tour out of Cutler, ME. Its a tiny little fishing harbor along the northeast coast of Maine. I stayed the night before in a town called Lubec, ME. I took a wrong turn and found myself facing the US/Canadian border.

The coast is absolutely beautiful in northern Maine. High cliffs and huge tides up to 16 feet along Cutler coast. Further up the bay into Canada and the tides are the largest in the world reaching 50 feet during the ebb and flow tides. One birding challenge is that the cold waters and warm air result in fog. The day of my birding trip to MSI was no different. The fog was pea soup thick until we got to within a mile of the island and the sky turned blue. Yahoo!! God must be a birder.

Quoddy State Park, Lubec, ME

Machias Seal Island

(desolate-a few building and 1000s of birds)

Puffin (poor little guy is yawning)

Puffin on approach.

Puffin

(Yum...fish guts)

Razorbill

(I'm the king of the mountain...can't touch me...da...dadada...dada..dada....

Hammer Time!)

Razorbill

this bird was being grumpy. hence the scowl

even birds get bitchy.

Common Murre

(notice the eye-ring bridle on the left bird.

Bridles are more common in northern birds, but they don't occur in every bird.

In fact, a bird with no bridle is more common.

Sorry my southern friends. We're special.)

Many more pictures to come. Please stay tuned and comment as well.

Plymouth Whale Watch and Sea Birds

2011-06-12T19:39:00.003-04:00

Wow....what a great birding weekend. I started birding Friday and I finished today at 4PM. I think I was dreaming about birds at night too. Thinking about the adventures of the day. I'd been planning today's trip for months. It was a pelagic trip with several local clubs. I was particularly nervous because typically I get dreadful sea sickness so I've been watching the maritime reports for weeks. Hoping when today rolled around the seas would be less than 2 feet. Unfortunately the weekend arrived with reports of rain and waves building to 7 feet. I got a seasickness patch beforehand so I was determined to go.

I awoke this morning to poring rain. AUGH! I packed my bags and headed to Plymouth still leery of meeting Ralph off the back of the boat. We departed for the outer Cape Cod area at 8AM. The trip started off great, but as soon as we exited the harbor the waves started increasing. By 1030 there were 8 to 10 foot swells. The wave action was crazy so were the birds and the whales. We got great action on both accounts. I was fortunate. I didn't even get queasy. I was one of the few people that didn't. People were turning green everywhere.

Here are a couple of the better pics for the day. I can't believe they even came out. The boat was bouncing with the waves. I'm glad there were so many and they got close enough to photograph.

We saw 25 humpbacks, 20 minkies, and one fin back. Numerous birds species too. Here are a few pics from the day.

Greater Shearwater

Northern Gannet (Immature bird-maybe 2 years)

Sooty Shearwater

South Polar Skua

(rare bird for New England waters. They are around, but its a treat to see one.

Lifer for me. Wayne Peterson of Mass Audubon made the captain chase this bird down so everyone could see it. The boat did a 360 and was riding the waves fast).

Humpback fluke

Humpback consuming food

I'm going on another one of these trips in September. Great trip.....just hope the wave action is much less.

More later in the week from my Friday and Saturday trip to Burage Pond in Hanson, MA and Touisett WMA in Warren, RI.

Ninigret NWR and Trustom Pond NWR, Charlestown, RI and Freetown State Forest, Freetown, MA

2011-06-05T19:56:00.002-04:00

2011 migration is basically over for southeastern Massachusetts and Rhode Island. Birding was kind of slow over the weekend. I went out both days and although there are plenty of birds, they are the usual birds that call the area home. Several of these birds still give me the wow factor even if I see them on a regular basis. On Saturday cat birds, yellow warblers and eastern towhee ruled the day. There were so many cat birds I didn't even take a picture. The weather was perfect though. Blue sky, but not real hot. Temps were perfect for birding. Saturday I went out alone to Rhode Island. I'd never visited Ninigret. It is an old WWII Navy air strip located along the cost of RI. Great place for birds that like scrub brush. I did add a Willow Flycatcher to my life list. Not a great photo, but still a good bird.

I tried to hit Charlestown Breachway on my way to Trustom, but it was high tide and I wasn't prepared to brave the frigid Atlantic temps to get to the sandbars.

So I drove to Trustom Pond. It was pretty birdy, but more quiet then normal. The usual suspects. Alot of people there to check out the Osprey hatchlings.

Cedar waxwing

I could see these birds everyday and I'd never get sick of them.

Social almost darn right jovial in their interaction.

Cedar Waxwing

These two birds were playing a game with a berry. They would pass the berry and then jump and face in the opposite direction. They did it for probably 10 minutes before the bird on the left got bored and flew to another branch. Can birds have ADD?

Eastern Towhee

Mute Swan

I know you all are probably going to say Awww how cute, but the trouble with Mute Swans are they are terribly aggressive and are kicking alot of the native species out of the habitates. This swan had 15 young. That's just not right. I wonder if nature will be enough to control this species. I have to admit that it is majestic.

Willow Flycatcher (lifer) Not a great photo, but still enough to ID the species. Flycatchers are a huge challenge to ID. The only way I could ID this particular species was by call.... Fritz bew.

Yellow Warbler

Another great call. Sweet...Sweet.....I'm so sweet.

On Sunday morning I went on a trip with the South Shore Bird Club to Freetown State Forest. Its amazing that such a large track of land is preserved in Southeastern Massachusetts. 5000 acres of multi-use recreational land. A bit too many off-road vehicles for me, but each to their own. Most of the trip we saw very few vehicles, but you could definitely see signs of damage.

It isn't often that you find old homesteads preserved in eastern Massachusetts, but we came across several in the woods. No buildings, just old foundations. Cool stuff. There were so many habitats in the forest that you can pretty much find any species that calls Massachusetts home (beside marsh and salt water species). Trip wasn't great for photograph. Most of the trip was spent in mature forest habitat.

Pine Warbler

Yum Worm!

Veery

By far the coolest call of any bird goin!!!

Plum Island Warblers

2011-05-30T21:20:00.002-04:00

I needed a bird fix so I decided to head up to Plum Island on the North Shore of Massachusetts. Unfortunately the weather was not great for photography as it was really foggy all day. Seems like we've had a lot of fog on weekends all spring long. The birding was great though. I guess the birds hit the fog bank and decided to hanging out on the island. I think I even saw a Common Yellow-throat with a Corona and a lime. :)

Plum island contains the Parker River National Wildlife Reserve, a 6 mile long island of sand dunes and salt marsh. It is excellent habit for migrating warblers. Although the weather remained poor all day, I took some OK shots. There was a report of a Mourning Warbler too, a lifer for me, but no luck. I move pretty slowly when I bird. As stated previously, I like quality not quantity so I've been known for spending hours in front of one tree watching the birds. Saturday was no different. I got to PI at 0730 and could have stayed until sun down. Unfortunately the birding slowed down late in the afternoon or I would have stayed. Hope you enjoy....leave a comment either way.

Black-throated Green Warbler

Blackburnian Warbler

Female Blackpole Warbler

Magnolia Warbler

Northern Parula

Wilson's Warbler

Wompatuck State Park, Hingham, MA

2011-05-22T17:13:00.000-04:00

Weather has been atrocious here for last two weeks. Thick fog, mist and no sun. Today I braved the 50 degree wet weather and went birding . I'd never visited the park, but I'd heard alot of good things about it. Oven birds were everywhere, but I was disappointed that there weren't more warblers. I was hoping to see a Worm Eating and a Cerulean Warbler as they'd been seen there fairly recently. I got a couple good photos though. I'm going to have to join a group to visit this park in the future so I can find all the hot spots. It's too big to wander around aimlessly. Enjoy!

American Redstart

Black and White Warbler

Ovenbird

Pine Warbler

Red-eyed Vireo

Veery

Wood Thrush

Cape May Day 2

2011-05-17T21:30:00.001-04:00

A few more birds from Cape May. I had a real challenge getting great shots of warblers. There were many different species, but my photos are not of great quality.

Here are a few warbler and non-warbler species. Can't wait to get out again soon.

Black throated Green Warbler

Chestnut sided Warbler

Common Yellowthroat

(looks mighty sad with that big frown)

Another fun bird so inquisitive.

Almost gives a persceptable head tilt to say "hey what are you doing here"?

Lesser Yellow Legs

Tree Swallow

Purple Martins

Killdeer

White-eyed Vireo (mighty noisy)

Don't forget to leave comments.

Brigantine NWR and Cape May, NJ #1

2011-05-15T18:49:00.003-04:00

Its migration and I haven't seemed to have any time to post. I've been birding and boy has it been BIRDIE!! I have more to post from my trip to Louisiana, but will save it for another day. Today's post is from Brigantine National Wildlife Refuge and Cape May, New Jersey. Had a great trip with South Shore Bird Club members. We encountered 142 species with 10 lifers for me. According to the trip leaders it was actually a slow week at Cape May. I can't say it was slow for me. It wasn't a great trip for photography, but that was fine. Memories of some of the warblers are burned into my head. However, the highlight of the trip, believe it or not, was the 4 foot Black Racer we saw crossing the dike at Brigantine. We also watched a Yellow Breasted Chat performing his mating dance. They are hilarious. The vocalization and the actual physical flight gyrations are amazing. His bright yellow chest was evident as it hung in mid-air squawking and barking out his call.

South Shore Bird Club Members (great group)

Black Racer

Dunlin

Forster's Tern

Kentucky Warbler

Orchard Oriole

Yellow-breasted chat

(new top birds on my life list) makes me laugh!

Yellow Breasted Chat

Acadian Flycatcher

Brown Thrasher

Boat-tailed Grackle

Loads more pictures to post over the next week or so. I also went to Mount Auburn Cemetery in Cambridge, MA this weekend. I'll be posting those soon too.

Wading Birds from Grand Isle, Louisiana

2011-05-01T22:02:00.000-04:00

A day at the beach was fruitful. Although I was on the island about a week before prime migration I still had a great day at Grand Isle State Park, and in marsh areas along the road.

Reddish Egret -this bird would seriously win Dancing with the Stars.

Not a fan of DWTR.

Short billed Dowitcher

(check on the water drop rolling off the beak.)

Yellow crowned Night Heron

(there were two sitting in a tree off the trail.)

Black necked Stilt

(such a cool looking bird)

Clapper Rail

(He was talking to me for an hour. I was real patient and he finally wandered out.)

Lesser Yellow legs

Willet

Snowy Egret (magestic looking bird)

Stay tuned for more from Lousiana. Next weekend I'll be going to Cape May, New Jersey.

Tanagers, Bunting and a Lone Yellow bellied Sap Sucker

2011-04-27T22:10:00.000-04:00

Sorry for the delay in trip pictures. Can't seem to find the time to post. So it will be a short message unlike the babbling from last time. These are more pictures from Grand Isle, Louisiana. I hope you enjoy.

Summer Tanager, Grand Isle, Louisiana

Scarlett Tanager, Grand Isle, Louisiana

Indigo Bunting, Grand Isle, Louisiana

Painted Bunting, Grand Isle, Louisiana

Yellow-bellied Sap Sucker, Grand Isle, Louisiana

Warblers and Vireos

2011-04-18T21:48:00.000-04:00

Well where do I start? Before I get on to the more important parts, I have to tell you the "oh woe is me" story. It started over a month ago with my first mishap. While walking down the stairs heading to the couch with laptop in hand, looking forward to viewing my favorite bird blogs I tripped and yes my laptop went ahead of me. In slow motion stair after stair went before me and so goes the laptop. It hit the wall and then two steps before crashing on to the hardwood floor. I didn't make it that far. I was alone, but still stood up and looked around with that embarrassed look to see if anyone saw my Dick Van Dyke style spill. I was fine, but I can't say the same for my laptop. The LCD screen was a mess.

It took me a few weeks to get the LCD screen from Amazon, but the installation was a breeze. Shortly thereafter my laptop got the Windows Restorer virus. The virus makes it appear as if your hard drive has been wiped clean by hiding everything. Yikes...I back everything up on an external hard drive, but I hadn't had time to back up a recent trip. So that took me a week until my friend John Elliott figured it. Bless him!

All is well now so on with the show.

I recently had a business trip back to Louisiana. I hit the shore a week or two before the full force of migration so no "fall outs", but really had an amazing experience. Fortunately no sign of the oil on the shores. I'll have a few weeks of posting from this trip. Today is warblers and vireos. Most of these photos are from Grand Isle located approximately two and half hours south of New Orleans. Great place to bird..but not alot of quality accommodations. Its along way down there though too.

Palm Warbler

Yellow-eyed Vireo

White-eyed Vireo

Red-eyed Vireo

Prothonotary Warbler

Hooded Warbler

Stayed tuned for more Louisiana Birding. I took over 2000 photos. Couldn't stop clicking

Birding along the New Jersey Coast

2011-02-27T21:24:00.000-05:00

Had a business trip down to Philly at the end of last week so I decided to take a trip down to Cape May and Brigantine NWR on Saturday. Great trip with a few lifers. Took the trip with my friend Mike of Mandrake Birding. Long day, but great birding. Cape May was unusually quiet, but Brigantine was absolutely amazing. I could spend a week there. The black-headed gull and the Ross' Goose were lifers. The Ross' were mixed in with 30+/- Canada Geese on a soccer field. They were a surprised. Mike called me on Friday night to report that they were seen real close to where I was staying. Yahoo! I was intrigued by the Black headed as I wasn't even familiar with it. Until this year I hadn't paid much attention to gulls, but now I'm hooked.

Made a stop on the way home to look for a few white-winged crossbills, but was not successful. I'm planning a trip up to northern Maine and Canada during the summer so I'm sure I'll see them then. Hope you enjoy!

Black-headed Gull

Bonaparte's Gull

Northern Pintail

Peregrine Falcon (female)

Ross' Goose

Snow Goose

Short-eared Owl

(not a great shot, but such a neat bird)

Seabirds and More

2011-02-19T13:06:00.001-05:00

I decided to join the Massachusetts Audubon North River Sanctuary regular Friday morning bird walk. I don't typically attend these events as I'm really more interested in quality vs quantity. I don't really keep track of the number of birds I see. I'm more interested in watching birds in their element and have been known to hang out for a couple hours to the chagrin of anyone who birds with me. Not to say I didn't enjoy myself. The trip guides are excellent. One of the guides has an ongoing record of 100 birds per month for 63 straight months. Huge count! When we started out I asked, John Gallazzo, one of the guides to find me a Common Redpoll. He said, we shall see!

Our first stop was Duxbury beach. With a full moon, the tides were due to be very high so we moved down the breakway to Gannett Point to look for a Nelson's Sparrow. Apparently they are common in Nebraska, but are rarely seen here. The individual bird had been hanging out since November, but not seen over the last week or so. On our way, we ran into a small flock of Common Redpolls...Yahoo! Success right off the bat. One of the challenges with birding with a group is that you really don't get enough time to photograph so this photo is really from later in the afternoon when I went back to find the Redpolls. No luck with the Nelson's and the Atlantic was calm and quiet.

Common Redpoll (Duxbury Beach, MA)

Common Loon (beginning to show its true colors)

Following our trip to Duxbury Beach, we moved over to the Daniel Webster Wildlife Sanctuary. Could not get real close, but we saw at least 5 red-tails, 6 rough legged (RL) and 6 norther harriers. The male harrier is an amazingly beautiful bird. I haven't photographed a male yet. Stay tuned for that. This picture, although of poor quality, definitely shows the dark stage of the RL. The RL is slightly larger then the red-tail. Both are large hawks though. Seeing them both together was a good show.

Rough Legged Hawk

Eastern Blue Bird

Rock Doves

(if they weren't pigeons they'd be a really beautiful bird)

I moved on to Plymouth Harbor to find a Lesser Black Backed Gull that apparently hangs around at Jenny Pond in Plymouth Center. I had not luck with the lesser so I decided to do the waterfront.

Iceland Gull (Plymouth boat ramp)

Iceland Gull

Ruddy Duck

Ruddy Ducks ( there were about 10 in this group).

Along the New England Coast

2011-02-13T17:52:00.000-05:00

Last weekend I drove up to Gloucester to look for gulls and other assorted seabirds along the coast. Gloucester is a beautiful fishing village with great restaurants and an incredible access to great bird sites. Unfortunately it was really windy and cold so birding was a bit difficult. Seems like we're having a run on red breasted mergansers. They are everywhere and today was no different. There were many poking around the rocks.

Red-breasted Merganser (female)

I visited Jodgrey State Fishing peer. Its a great place to see gulls, and other sea ducks. I got a really good viewing in my scope of an adult Glaucous and Iceland gull. Unfortunately, they were to far for a good photo. I need to look into digiscoping. I was also fortunate to see a black billed murre and a black guillimot, but they were really to far away for a good photo shot.

Black-billed Murre

I went down to the beach to search for wading birds and found a flock of sanderlings, but the real prize was a Harp Seal. It was sitting in the snow getting a sun tan. It should have thought about a manicure too. Take a look at those nails.

It was unfortunate that people let their dogs approach the seal. I love dogs, but people really need to be more responsible.

Harp Seal

This weekend I took a quick trip to Tiverton, Rhode Island to visit a few open pastures along the water front. I have a few birds that are on my target list so I was on the hunt. I was photographing and there were 5 hunters in the opposite field. I thought hunting season was over. I heard a few shots and their dogs were yipping so I think they got something.

Back to my adventure....seems like everyone has been seeing my target species all over New England, but I've been coming up short. However, as soon as I approached the fields a flock of 25 birds jumped up with a characteristic white flash. Yup I finally got a Snow bunting. Yes I know alot of you see them all the time, but this is only the second time for me and the first photo. Yippee!!

Snow Bunting

There were raptors all over the fields. I saw Rough legged, Red-tailed and a Sharpie, but the only one close enough for a photo was Cooper's Hawk.

Cooper's Hawk

chasing a rather large flock of Starlings.

Shorebirds and Sea Ducks

2011-02-01T19:02:00.001-05:00

My first local birding on Saturday since my trip to Minnesota. I had a good time with my sister Jane of the Backyard Explorer. First stop was at Sachuest Point NWR. I usually have great luck there for sea ducks, but it was the short-eared owls that had been reported all week that I was most excited about. Unfortunately I arrived about 10 minutes late. I met a nice gent in the parking lot and he said that I had just missed three buzzing around. There were tons of common eider, bufflehead and harlequins. A few horned grebes, common goldeneye, scoters and common loons scattered here and there. No great photos though. The snow was too deep along the rocky shore so I didn't dare walk on the rocks.

We left Sachuest for Third Beach. Jane immediately lost interest in birding cause she found some shell thing. She called it a tiddly wink or a smeddleebop...who knows. She left the beach with pockets full before remembering she had a bag so after filling her pockets, she filled a bag too. I hope her enthusiasm for all things nature never changes.

Meanwhile I wandered down the beach to check out a small flock of sanderlings. I also found dunlins and purple sandpipers skulking around the rocks. Farther off shore there were brants, and a surf scoter or two. I parked my butt on a snow bank for some close-up photos.

Dunlin

Ruddy Turnstone

Sanderling

We moved on from Third Beach to Fort Getty in Jamestown and I got a fairly decent shot of a white-winged scoter. A photograph lifer for me. I've never had one that close to shore

White-winged Scoter

We left Jamestown and stopped at her house to look for a Yellow-bellied sap sucker that had been poking at the trees, but unfortunately no go. I did get a nice shot of an Eastern Towhee.

Eastern Towhee (or whatever they are calling it this week)

We moved on to Trustum Pond and Charlestown Breachway, but with no good opportunities for birding photography. The beach was amazing though. Waves were huge and the current in the breachway was something else. A quiet day for the birds. Not alot of action, but some good photos nonetheless.

Still looking for the snow bunting, redpoll, hoary redpoll, and a pine siskin.

Sax-Zimm Bog Day III

2011-01-21T09:08:00.001-05:00

I promised a quick post so without further ado. I am really happy with these photos. They came out great and it was a fantastic trip. Cold yes and snowing most of the time, but as you will see it didn't stop us from getting some great birding done.

Great Gray Owl (totally awesome)

Boreal Chickadee (love this bird)

Pine Grosbeak (male)

Red-breasted nuthatch

(this was my photo nemesis bird. I couldn't get a good photo.

I'd say that's behind me with this photo.)

Ruffed Grouse (chicken of the snow)

Black backed Woodpecker (male)

I trekked through snow up to my backside (uphill both ways) to get this picture.

Black backed woodpecker (female)

Sax-Zimm Bog, Duluth, Minnesota

2011-01-18T21:54:00.005-05:00

Wow what a trip! I went with Mike Mandracchia of Mandrake Birding and Kim Risen, a professional guide from Naturescape Tours of Tamarack, Minnesota (near Duluth) and Cathy Risen, his wife, on a four day birding trip to the frozen North Country of Minnesota.  I can't begin to tell you what negative 15 feels like. Did I say frozen!!?

The birding was amazing. A guide is so worth it if you are not familiar with the area and/or you are challenged by the local birds. Kim was awesome not only for his knowledge of the local area, but his general knowledge about everything BIRD. Great trip! They even found me a Guinness on Day 3.

Day 1
I left Boston in the wee hours for Minneapolis and then to Duluth. It was snowing pretty hard when we arrived, but a birding we will go. The cold was staggering, but I dressed for the occasion. God bless Northface!

We drove an hour north of Duluth to Sax-Zimm Bog. Hmm Sax-Zimm sounds fancy. I figured it was some Viking burial ground or named after two French Explorers who were lost in the bog never to be seen again, but instead, to my chagrin its just located between Sax and Zimm roads.   I digress, its birding I'm here to talk about.

We were on the hunt for a Great Gray Owl. Unfortunately, I'm constantly reminded how little I know about birding when I meet people like Kim, but the birding community is unbelievable friendly I rarely feel uncomfortable. One thing I'm exceptional at is spotting birds.  As soon as we got into the area we encountered Pine Grosbeaks.  But owls were what we were really looking for and we found a Northern Hawk Owl right away.

Northern Hawk Owl, Sax-Zimm Bog, Meadowlands, MN

The snow was really coming down on top of at least 24 to 28 inches. It was dry and really powdery. I'm not used to that kind of snow. Its rare I can't make snow balls to ping unsuspecting soles at home, but Kim and Mike survived the trip without getting blasted.

It took us awhile, but Kim put out an alert to other birders in the area for our benefit and to call him if a Great Gray shows up. We got reports all over the bog, but couldn't seem to find one ourselves until we got the call around 430. A friend had found one. Wow!!! Unfortunately it was really to late to take pictures, but I didn't care. His friend was a bird bander so he offered to call the GGO in with a mouse for us to see. As soon as he put the mouse down, the owl was on the move. He came within 30 feet of us, but did a last minute 90 on a dime and off to hunt for another victim. Apparently small vermin are plentiful this year so getting close to humans wasn't worth for Mr. Great Gray. Doesn't matter though cause I saw my first Great Gray Owl on day 1.

Day 2

Unfortunately day 2 was so cold not alot was moving and the pictures I took were outdone on Day 3. We went searching for Sage Grouse. We made it all the way to the Boundary Waters and while standing outside the car, nostril hairs freezing, we heard the clear howling of a rather large wolf pack. Sooooo COOL! We saw gray jay, white winged crossbills, pine grosbeaks, ruffed grouse, but not the Sage Grouse. Due to the cold and lack of any movement, we decided to search Lake Superior for gulls and any bird movement.

Instead of birds we found amazing scenery and some insane surfers.

Split Rock Light Station

Little House on the Edge of the World

Surfin Fool!

Common Golden-eye

I'll report day 3 and 4 later in the week. We ended up with 39 species and 13 lifers for me. And a great photo of the GGO. Ya'll come back now, ya hea!! You won't be disappointed. I promise.

Sachuest NWR and Rhode Island Coast

2011-01-08T11:24:00.002-05:00

I'm again way behind on my post. The week between Christmas and New Years was pretty productive. I was able to get out a few times with decent luck. There had been alot of chatter about a Green tailed towhee, a western rarity, but seen on a fairly regular basis at Sachuest NWR in Middletown, Rhode Island. I got lucky. Several people had struck out on the morning I visited, but fortunately he popped right out for me. He had taken up in the pine trees at a camp ground. Silly bird, the camp ground was closed for the winter.

Green tailed Towhee, Sachuest NWR

The Towhee was hanging out with a rather large group of sparrows. There Song, Savannah, and American Tree.

American Tree Sparrow

I drove up to Sachuest, but decided against walking the loop. Likely should have because the reports later in the day was very positive. Instead I moved over to 3rd Beach looking for the Red Polls that had been reported. No such luck for me. Surprisingly Red Polls would have been a lifer. I saw them many years ago before I started keeping track or photographing so I don't count them. Fortunately I ran into a few good birds in the dunes and on the water.

American Pipit

Surf Scoter

For some reason, I can never get a clear quality picture of a surf scoter. Drives me nuts.

I drove over to Beaver Tail and I really struck out there. There were a few Harlequins and many Eider, but the rocks were snow covered and the waves were huge so I didn't attempt it. I was meeting my sister for lunch so I moved on to Point Judith. I had heard about a Lark Sparrow taking up residence, but I wasn't able to find the spot. I stopped in to Galilee Harbor and found a few birds and several seals. I'm terrible identifying gulls. Sparrows are hard enough, but at least there is only season of immature individuals. Seems to me that gulls have minimum three seasons of immaturity and sometime four. Ugh!

Greater Black backed Gull

Herring Gull

My sister of the Backyard Explorer called for lunch so I drove down to meet her at Matunuck for lunch. On my way to lunch I ran into a nice gent doing some sport falconry. He was using a Harris Hawk. Wow what a beautiful bird. He was also really willing to talk to me about the species. Apparently the Harris Hawk hunts in a pack with multiple birds tracking their prey. His bird wasn't all that happy that day because of the wind. Funny he said it was so smart he could drive with it sitting on its perch on the front without much problem. However, if the owner were to leave it for any time, the bird would open the glove compartment and find the food. Smart Bird!!!

I met my sister at a pub overlooking the ocean and they thankfully had Guinness. What a great spot. The back deck hung over that water and I was able to get a few good shots. Now mind you I had a few Guinness. :)

Bonaparte's Gull

Red Throated Loon

After lunch I shot over to Moonstone Beach (if that sand could talk) for a walk down to the back side of Trustum Pond. Unfortunately, the pond was frozen with the exception of a very small strip. I didn't trek the 1/2 mile with my scope, but could clearly see about 8 species of duck, 45 Mute Swans, and several species of gulls but they were too far away.

I moved down to the front side of Trustum Pond and did the 1 1/2 loop. It was getting dark and temps were dropping quickly so I moved quickly. I was hoping for some Barred Owls, but no such luck. I saw one winter wren and a few sparrows.

White Throated Sparrow

All in all a great day. Couldn't have asked for better birding, better company for lunch and being out for a day with nature. Yahoo!! I am sooooo glad to be a BIRD NERD!

Plum Island, Gloucester and Rockport and one request for Help too

2011-01-02T20:24:00.001-05:00

OK I've been out birding for the last two weeks and never posted. So I guess I'll be posting alot the week. Today I am posting a few pics from my trip up to the north shore of Massachusetts. I rarely make it up there, but I took a day just prior to the Christmas holiday in hopes of scoring big or at least having a great birding day. I've been to Plum Island several times, but never to Gloucester and the Cape Ann loop. The birding was so so, but the scenery did not disappoint.

I arrived at Plum Island at 0730 and it was mighty chilly. I love walking the beach in the cold as long as there is no wind. I'm in my element around the sound of waves. Can't imagine joining the L-Street Brownies for their annual New Year's swim. That's crazy talk.

It was a calm day at Plum Island with some pretty decent sized waves. The birds weren't real active and neither were the people. I saw 5 people max. I was hoping for a snow bunting, but it just wasn't meant to be. No lifers either, but a few good pics anyway. While I was leaving Plum Island I stopped in a Joppa Flats Audubon and they were real helpful and suggested several different great birding locations.

Common Eider (seem to be have a huge spike of Eider this year.)

Bufflehead

Cooper's Hawk

Gloucester Harbor (scene of the movie The Perfect Storm)

I had never visited Rockport before and it was a really nice old fishing village. I was pleasantly surprised. My understanding is that they got hit pretty hard during the recent Northeaster that hit the Massachusetts coast. Hopefully the Christmas decorations on this building made it through.

Rockport Harbor (this is a perfect Christmas Card)

Wondering if anyone has a suggestion on this bird. I initially thought it was a Purple Sandpiper, but the color of the bill almost looks bright orange versus the typical muted yellow.

Thanks in advance.

So later on this week, I'll post a few from Southeastern Massachusetts and a few from Rhode Island. I was one of the lucky ones to get a fairly decent photo of the Green tailed Towhee. A lifer, but that is for another day.

Have a great week and hope you visit again soon.

Ducks in Louisiana

2010-12-19T20:20:00.003-05:00

I was hoping to switch gears off my Louisiana trip with a more local flair from a day of birding on Saturday, but alas I had a really bad birding day. I left my house at 6AM for an hour or so drive to the Parker River NWR on Plum Island on the north shore of Massachusetts. There were an assorted number of ducks and other species, but photography wasn't great and everyone I met along the way felt the same. From there I visited the coast through Gloucester, Rockport and Cape May. Just wasn't my day to bird. I hope it was just an off day and it isn't that I was completely spoiled in Louisiana.

Anyway today I'm reverting back to my gazillions of photos from Louisiana to share some ducks. Although they were very skittish, I was able to a few good shots. I suspect their skittish behavior was due to the many hunters down south. I'm not a hunter, but I have several friends that do. Seems like everyone in the south does. I don't mind as long as it is properly managed. Duck hunters pump a great deal of money into conservation through the purchase of duck stamps. Ducks Unlimited also supports conservation and protection of open space so hopefully the abundance of ducks will remain.

I was fortunate to get a very large variety. My first stop was at the Audubon Zoo as I was told there is often alot of freeloaders and I wasn't disappointed. Beside the resident ducks, there had to be 500 Black bellied whistling ducks, falvous whistling ducks, and many others. Great for ducks!!!!! See below

Black bellied Whistling Duck

Fulvous Whistling Duck

Female Hooded Merganser

Wood Duck (woodies were all over the place) Luv'em!!!

I also visited Laccisine NWR in south central LA. There was a huge abundance of everything present at Laccasine.

Blue winged Teal

Female Blue Winged Teal

Green and Blue Winged Teal

Lesser Scaup

Female Northern Shoveler

Ring-necked (sweet!)

I've got some time off this week so hopefully I'll have a post of local birds. I'm sure you don't care where they come from, but I need a fix bad. :) Hope you enjoy!

Perching Birds of Louisiana

2010-12-12T17:07:00.000-05:00

Still sorting through 1400 pictures from my Louisiana trip. I'll get several more posts out of it.

My first post should have been my itinerary for the trip. I visited many excellent locations from Mississippi to Texas. I started on Saturday after landing at the airport at the Audubon Zoo looking for wintering ducks. Spent a bit of time in City Park and then spent Sunday in Fontainbleu State Park in Mandeville along the northern edge of Lake Pontratrain. Sunday I visited East New Orleans. I was shocked at the condition of this part of the city. Buildings and neighborhoods that still remain as they did immediately after Hurricane Katrina. I refrained from taking pictures. They've gone through enough down there to have more picturessplashed across the Internet. Suffice it to say, lots more needs to be done down there to remove abandoned buildings. Here's only one example and then I'll share my bird photos.

There are entire 12 to 15 story office buildings abandoned and blocks of residential houses no longer occupied. Not sure what to think!

I had great luck spotting perching birds at Fontainbleu State Park. Several warblers, flycatchers, bluebirds were everywhere, and Loggerhead Shrike, a lifer for me.

Nashville Warbler

Palm Warbler

Pine Warbler (outstanding color)

Ruby Crowned Kinglet

Eastern Bluebird

Loggerhead Shrike

Blue gray natcatcher

Yellow Rumped Warbler

Carolina Wren (I have two more wrens. Just trying to ID species)

Common Yellow Throat (such an enjoyable bird to watch)

Stay tuned for more posts shortly. Enjoy!

Raptors of Louisiana

2010-12-07T22:30:00.001-05:00

Today I'm posting an array of raptors that I encountered on my trip across Louisiana. I was amazed that there were so many. No exaggeration a hawk on a telephone pole every 1/4 mile. Thankfully there was little traffic on route so I could, if the spirit moved me, pull the car off for a quick photo. I'm really happy about the Sharpie as I have not been able to photograph one previously. I now have a much clearer view on the differences between a Cooper's and a Sharpie. I watched a North Harrier take a black water snake right in front of me. I froze because it happened so fast and didn't get the picture. I luv this birding game. Enjoy, I did!

Red-tailed Hawk

Northern Harrier

American Kestrel

Merlin

Bald Eagle

Rails in Louisiana

2010-12-05T18:45:00.000-05:00

While on a business trip to Louisiana I had the opportunity to do alittle birding. I had great success. Likely added 10 new species to my life list. I'll group the photos over the next couple weeks with similar species. I spent alot of time in the marshes surrounding Lake Pontratrain. If you weren't aware LP is huge. I drove across the lake on the causeway for 31 miles. In the middle you can't see land...yikes. There were ducks along the entire route. Mostly Ring Necks, but I couldn't look too closely since the road was only two lanes wide and rather deep over the edge. Today I'm posting Rails...I believe, although it is up for debate, that I was able to photograph three species of rails (and a Sora). The Clapper, King, and the Virginia are very close in appearance, but each have subtle differences. The Gulf Coast Clapper Rail has distinct differences from its Atlantic Cousin. Clapper also prefer brackish while the King prefers fresh water. Take a look and see what you think. I know they all aren't the greatest pictures, these birds are characteristically elusive so I feel fortunate to even see a feather.

Clapper Rail (much more buff then the King below) Grand Isle, Louisiana

King Rail (slightly larger and much more reddish) Fontainbleu State Park, Mandeville, Louisiana

Virginia Rail (slightly smaller then the Clapper)

Fontainbleu State Park, Mandeville, Louisiana

Sora (seemed very territorial-lots of inter-species playground fightin!)

I guess all that chatter was "fightin words"!

Bayou Savage-middle of nowhere Louisiana

Pink Footed, Barnacle, White Fronted Geese and an Cooper's Hawk

2010-11-24T14:32:00.001-05:00

I took vacation this week and spent some time chasing around rare bird sightings. I had great luck, but the pictures didn't come out that great. In most cases, I was a good distance from the subject. The Pink Footed Goose is a rarity for Massachusetts. "They" claim there has only been 3 sightings of the goose during the last decade. I've always wondered how "they" have so much variable expertise in every subject and how so many people know them. Seems like everyone is always quoting them. I digress.

Pink Footed Goose

The Barnacle Goose was taken on Massachusetts Corrections property. I should have known better, but we got the boot from the property. I was still able to get a pretty good shot of the Barnacle Goose before getting the bootsky!

Barnacle Goose

It took me 45 minutes to find the White Fronted in a flock (or is it a gaggle) of Canada Geese. There were easily 100 CG and only one WFG. The sun was also behind the geese too so it made it double trouble. I was elated to finally find it. However, just when I had him in the view finder a customer called me. AUGH! Yes I know I'm on vacation, but customers needs come first always. It took me another 15 minutes to find it again, but I got it.

White-Fronted Goose

Lastly, I stopped to take a picture of a hawk dining on a pigeon. Pretty good pic, but unfortunately I can't tell the species. I'm leaning toward a immature Coop, but it could also be an immature sharpie. The legs were short. Hope you like!

Cooper's Hawk

Cooper's Hawk Rusty Blackbird, Green-winged Teal and a Ringneck Duck

2010-11-16T21:05:00.000-05:00

I went on a South Shore Bird Club walk this morning looking for waterfowl on several large bodies of water immediately south of Boston. Unfortunately large bodies of water do not promote great bird photography. The daily list was excellent and I was fortunately able to get a few good pictures. Great Pond in Randolph was loaded with Green Winged Teal, but there were also Red Headed Ducks, Lesser and Greater Scuaps, Common Goldeneye, Common Loon, Ring necked Duck and several other great species. We went to a small pond in Stoughton, MA and I had my best luck for photos. A Cooper's Hawk swooped over a neighbors feeder. I was able to get close enough to see it land on a bird bath. Great Photo!

Then we were scanning the pond's edge and a Rusty Blackbird landed on the green grass. Took me awhile to walk around the pond, but I got pretty close.

This pond also contained 60 Ring necked ducks, a beautiful pair of Pintails, a few Ruddy Ducks and misc gulls.

Cooper's Hawk

Rusty Blackbird

Rusty Blackbird (in heavy molt)

Green winged Teal

Ring Necked Duck

Coopers Hawk, American Pipit and Unknown Warbler

2010-10-07T21:02:00.000-04:00

Another great day at Cumbies last Sunday. A few more pictures to share. The third one is potentially an Audubon Warber which is the Western version of the Yellow-rumped warbler a rare sitting for Massachusetts. It is being confirmed by Wayne Peterson at Mass Audubon. Will update when I know more.

Cooper's Hawk

American Pipit

Here's the photographs of the unknown Warbler. There are many different markings that have completely thrown me off course. Clearly marked wing bars, yellow throat and belly, but white undertail. Darker crown and white eye ring. This time of year birds can have many odd coloration. I'll report back once I get confirmation from Mass Audobon.

Warbles, Sparrows and Grosbeak

2010-10-03T20:46:00.001-04:00

Birding week started with a class on Sparrows with the South Shore Bird Club. The class was provided by Jim Sweeney. The guy is brilliant, a great teacher and exceptionally knowledgable about sparrows. Although I learned alot in the class, I still find sparrow identification to be daunting.

On Saturday morning we met as a class to implement what we learned on Thursday. Beautiful morning with blue sky and plenty of bird action. Warblers, sparrows, raptors and gosbeaks were a plenty. The Cumberland Farms property is a treasure trove for birding activity. If you live in Massachusetts or Rhode Island the trip is well worth it.

Blue Grosbeak

Palm Warbler

Savannah Sparrow

Swamp Sparrow

Lincoln's Sparrow

Vireo, Tanagers and Warblers

2010-09-19T13:45:00.001-04:00

On a recent trip to Atlanta I had a weekend to bird prior to a conference I was attending. Flew down to Atlanta on Saturday morning. Although, Saturday wasn't that productive, Sunday turned into a great morning for migrating birds. Visited to Kennesaw Mountain as it is an IBA and known as a great stop over for migrating warblers. Met some great local birders that were very friendly and helpful. Haven't begun to build the new birds into the life list, but I think I added at least five. Hope you enjoy!

Yellow-throated Vireo (picture doesn't do this bird justice...crisp colors, well defined lines...

absolutely stunning)

Summer Tanager (molting)

Hooded Warbler (I asked it to sit still, but clearly this species has no discipline because I couldn't even get it in focus with the fast shutter speed and rapid fire pics.)

Immature Magnolia Warbler (I had a better opportunity to take a picture of this bird, but someone stepped right in front of my lens. Forgiven in the excitement of a warbler sighting. They move so fast that there isn't a second to waste.)

Black throated green (see this species alot during the spring and the coloration is much more distinct. Nice looking bird though.

Great Egret (luv close-up shots)

Unidentified Birds Help!

2010-09-04T08:25:00.004-04:00

I had such a great time discussing the photos on the recent trip with the BwBTC that I figured I'd throw out a couple I've been having a difficulty identifying. The wading bird was taken on Long Island last summer, the next two were taken in Wisconsin and the final photo was taken at Allen's Pond in Dartmouth, Massachusetts. So what do you think?

Willet

Cape May Warbler

Tennessee Warbler

Clueless

Let the debate begin!

BwBTC Trip

2010-08-30T21:45:00.003-04:00

What a fine day out! Met some great people, shared birding pics, ideas, methods, jokes, and life stories. You really can't get any better then that. I'll take all the bird nerd jokes you can throw at me if every birding adventure was as spectacular. I took my sister, Jane with me on the trip. Great addition.....always a hoot...a little birding joke. Her enthusiasm is always contagious. They say people change when you get older, but I'm not so sure. Jane was putting frogs in her pocket and losing them in the house from the time she was 3 and I think she picked one or two up on this trip. Ribit!!!

Back to the trip....Dawn, of Dawn's Bloggity Blog organized the trip with her husband Jeff. What a fabulous idea!!! Also in attendance was my sister Jane @ The Backyard Naturalist, Catie from Birdinggirl;
Larry from the Brownstone Birding blog; Dan @ Nature Observances by Forestal and Susan from the Nature of Framingham.

Charlestown Breakway was interesting. Got alittle concerned seeing the current coming in to the breakway, but we skirted the area until we got in to the sandbars. There was a group of birders already on the sandbar and they shared what they found.

Bairds Sandpiper ?

We had a fun debate while all together whether this was a immature Sanderling or a Bairds Sandpiper.

What are your thoughts now?

White Rumped Sandpiper....got alittle embarrassed checking out her rump! Is it white? Yup

Great Blue Heron

Buff-breasted Sandpiper

Following the breakway, we went and had lunch together. I shared some photos from my Mississippi trip which I'll be posting shortly. We had a tough time IDing a Blue-gray gnatcatcher. Once we finished lunch we migrated over to Trumstum Pond. It was really slow at first. One bird at a time, but by the end of the day, the trees exploded with Warblers, Vireos and associated small perching birds. There were so many I couldn't even focus. Jane got a headache from trying to follow them(warts too from the frogs in her pocket.) I got some fairly decent pictures.

Black-billed Cuckoo

Immature Magnolia Warbler

Immature Ringnecked Pheasant

And the final news, I found a little friend embedded in my thigh today. Took a visit to the doctors with symptoms of Lyme Disease. With out much tripidation, the doctor said yep you have it. Small tick, big red blotch! Shit-This is the third time. I need a new hobby. Video games maybe. Probably get carpal tunnel. :) I can't wait to go out with this group again. Birding anybody?

More Wading Birds

2010-08-24T21:44:00.000-04:00

More photos from Louisiana.....I had a great time visiting City Park, and the local NWR surrounding Lake Pontchartrain. Bayous are an interesting experience. It was hot and humid, but still had a great time seaching the shurbs and grasses for a new species. I was able to get 12 new species for my life list. I'm not focused so much on my list as I am trying to get great photos of new species. I just love it. However, you just can't beat getting out of the office, breathing in the fresh air and feeling the warm sunshine. Well in this case heavy humid air and blazing sunshine, but its better than freezing my behind off in the cold AC in the office anyday. I took some time on Bourban Street too. Music was great, but the crowds and drinking got old really fast. Not to say I didn't enjoy tossing back a few Guinness cause I did.

Tri-colored Heron (favorite photo)

Want to blow this up really big and hang it on my wall.

Male and Female Morehen (got some photos of the male with chicks.)

No not a couple of female hens, baby chicks.

They were squeeking constanting driving their dad nuts.

Venture to say he was looking for a Budwieser after taking care of the kids all morning.

Not a great picture, but my first of a American Bittern. They make the coolest sound. Very gutteral crocking. If you've never heard it definitely listen when you get the chance. I'll post some upland birds within the next week or so.

More Woodpeckers

2010-08-22T15:23:00.000-04:00

I traveled back to Louisiana for a quick trip recently. I'll need multiple posts to cover the variety. The bayous kept me occupied for two solid days. The temps didn't make the birding easy, but I took it slow and wandered on marked trails. No snakes, but plenty of aligators.

I didn't make it down to the coast. My business was in New Orleans, but I drove north of Lake Pontritrane to a state park and Lecome NWR. Got some good butterfly pics too. NWR had a small butterfly garden. I also saw my first painted bunting on the trip, but I didn't get to photograph it. More later.....

Red-headed Woodpecker

Red-cockaded woodpecker (endangered)

Brown-headed Nuthatch

Wading Birds

2010-08-13T19:56:00.000-04:00

Ok folks I am so far behind on my posts. I have a ton of photos to post and if I wait to clean them up or pick the best I'll never post so I'm just picking a few different species to post. I spent last Friday on Monomoy Island off Cape Cod. Wading birds were very busy.

Hudsonian Godwit

American Oystercatcher (cool eyes)

Lesser Yellowleg

Marbled Godwit (long beak-image if it tripped)

Marsh Wren, Rose-breasted Grossbeak,Yellow Warbler

2010-07-11T14:44:00.000-04:00

Not a fantastic birding day for variety on Saturday. I visited Great Meadows National Wildlife Refuge in Concord, Massachusetts. The general area of the first battle for our US independence. I'm sure the area has high potential, but it was pretty hot so the birds were laying low.

Saw mostly the usual suspects, but I got some very nice shots of them. I did see one bird that I could not identify. I only got a fair look at it because it was in the canopy. Very small thin looking bird. It was actually smaller then a chickadee. Maybe a flycatcher? I hate when that happens.

Hope you enjoy!

Marsh Wren

Rose-Breasted Grosbeak (female)

Yellow Warbler

Great Crested Flycatcher and Cedar Waxwing

2010-06-26T17:47:00.001-04:00

I've been having luck lately with birds landing pretty closely and a new lens certainly helps. The Great Crested Flycatcher was through my office window. The Cedar Waxwing was on Plum Island. Had a fruitful trip to Portland, Maine too. More pictures to follow!

Great Crested Flycatcher

Cedar Waxwing

I think this is my favorite bird of all time. Colorful, social, and darn right whimsical. So much fun to watch.

Phothonotary Warbler, Northern Parula, & White-eyed Vireo

2010-05-02T19:54:00.005-04:00

Here are a few pictures from a trip I recently took to Louisiana. It was a good trip, but the full migration of warblers hadn't hit the area where I was able to bird. Apparently two hours south a trip saw 200+ species. Good trip though. More posts from the trip forthcoming.

Prothonotary Warbler

Northern Parula

White-eyed Vireo

A visual comparison of a Hairy vs a Downy Woodpecker.

2010-03-07T15:21:00.002-05:00

Today's post is a comparison of the Hairy and Downy woodpeckers. When viewing these birds in the wild as separate species they really look identical, but together there are some very distinct differences.

The first picture is of a Hairy Woodpecker. Notice the length of the beak, the actual size and the distinct black pattern below the eye and away from the beak. It is slighty larger above the wing on the Hairy then that of the Downy.

Female Downy Woodpecker (notice short beak, straight line away from the beek without much downward spread). The female also does not have a red cap.

Both birds in one shot. Clearly two different birds. I wish I could perfect getting both birds in focus. The Downy looks slighty bothered by the Hairy. Little scowl on his beak! :)

Savannah Sparrow, Tundra Swan, Northern Pintail and a Ring-neck duck

2010-03-05T16:02:00.002-05:00

These are pictures from the last leg of my New Jersey Trip. They were taken at the Edwin B. Forsythe Wildlife Refuge located just north of Atlantic City. It is an amazing section of New Jersey. It must be completely awesome during migration. As soon as we entered the refuge, a rather large flock of snow geese took to the air. Unfortunately, we were too far away to get a good picture.

Today I've posted an assortment of birds. The savannah sparrow is the first and looks very similar to most other sparrows except for the yellow highlight above its eye. It runs along the ground really fast too. I also posted a Tundra Swan. Looks like a Mute Swan with the exception of the black vs an orange beak. I posted another picture of the Northern Pintail only because I think they are cool and a Ring-necked duck as well. Not the coolest duck on the street, but I'd have a beer with him.

Savannah Sparrow (notice yellow highlights above the eye)

Tundra Swan (really windy so even using a tripod was tough)

Northern Pintail (male and female)

Ring-Neck Duck

American Coot, Tufted Titmouse and Yellow-rumped Warbler

2010-02-26T20:28:00.002-05:00

Well today isn't an exciting post, but all of god's creatures have a place in the choir. I got each of these pictures as I was searching for the elusive Carolina Chickadee. Yes, folks I was actually searching for a chickadee. In these parts (i.e, New England), you can't but move and find the ever present, but charming Black-capped Chickadee. Apparently the black capped is a Red Sox fan because its southern boundary is located somewhere around the Connecticut border with New York (makes a good story anyway). Unfortunately, I was only able to briefly capture the Carolina Chickadee so it isn't post worthy.

Today's post are again from Cape May. The American Coot seemed to be alot more vibrant than I remember. Its dark black feathers contrast nicely with the white beak and a very fine red highlight on the bridge. Nice looking bird and always busy. I'm also posting a Tufted Titmouse just because it is a great photo. The region's second nosiest bird, just behind the Carolina Wren. Pishing brings them in every time.

Of course no birding day is complete without seeing a flock of yellow-rump warblers. You'd run around in a pack too if your name was humanoid-yellow-rumpus. Sure to get beat up at the playground!!! Enjoy.

American Coot

Tufted Titmouse

Yellow Rumped Warbler

Brown Thasher, White Throated Sparrow and Fox Sparrow

2010-02-23T21:56:00.000-05:00

Since this was my first trip to Cape May I had no idea what to expect. I'd heard crazy stories of hawks, falcons and associated raptors passing through in the 100s. There were lots of small ponds throughout the Cape so waterfowl were numerous. Due to ice still on most of the ponds, the water fowl were really close to the shore. We stopped at the beach and that was were I got a shock. There is a large sign where they post the largest number of sightings per species of raptors in any one single day. Hold on to your hat folks....on one Fall day they reported seeing 23,000 Sharp-shinned hawks. Hard for me to believe because I have a difficult time telling between a Coopers' and a Sharpy, and when you are up to 23,000 birds, well....still hard for me to believe. How do you know its not the same bird flying around in circles (giggling as he flys by again and again)? Today's pictures were taken at Cape May Audobun Society bird feeders. We spent 1/2 hour just watching the amazing variety of birds. I've attached a few examples.

Fox Sparrow ( funny little dance they do!)

Brown Thrasher

White Throated Sparrow

Sandpiper, Dunlin, and Ruddy Turnstone @ Barnegat Light NJ

2010-02-21T18:26:00.000-05:00

Our first stop on my New Jersey trip was to Barnegat Light. The wind was pretty strong, but it was rather warm considering it was February. I couldn't believe how tame the birds were on the jetty. If you don't know about Barnegat Light jetty it goes out about a mile along the beach. The water from the inner channel enters the Atlantic Ocean. Luckily it was a northwest wind so the ocean waves were not hitting the jetty and the birds were numerous. Today I'm posting pictures of the little birds that were just hanging out on the jetty. I set up my tri-pod to take a few and a flock came in and landed right at my feet. Didn't seem to care that I was even there. I can only imagine what it is like during migration. Ready to go with me on a trip in May?

Dunlin (foreground) and a Purple Sandpiper (background)

Dunlin

Purple Sandpiper

Ruddy Turnstone

Northern Pintail, Longtailed, Harlequin and Northern Shoveler

2010-02-20T20:15:00.003-05:00

I took a trip down to New Jersey to meet with a friend, Mike Mandracchia who is a professional guide in New Jersey. The trip was amazing. We spotted approximately 71 species including 3 lifers. I took some excellent photographs with my new lens "Big Mama". I was feeling pretty cocky about the new lens and was even approached by several people asking what size it was. Feeling cocky that is until a sharp looking van pulled up driven by an older women. She said, "how's the birding boys. Ooo is that a turda swan?" Well indeed it was so she parked her van and hobbled over to check things out with binoculars. I was hoping she was going to check out my lens, but instead she went back to her van and pulled out a camera and lens that required a forklift to position it. Moral: somebody will always have something bigger and better so learn to use what you have by understanding your sorroundings. Learning your sorroundings during birding is half the fun anyway. Learning and knowing the preferred habitat of each species will help us all be better birders.

Back to the fun stuff...we visited Barnegat Light, Cape May and the Brigentine National Wildlife Refuge. I'll post pictures from each location over the next week.

Male and Female Northern Pintail

Male Long tailed Duck (formerly Old Squaw)

Male Harlequin Ducks

Male Northern Shovelers

Great birding in New Jersey.

Pileated Woodpecker

2010-01-29T18:09:00.003-05:00

I was in Pittsburgh for a business trip and had a later flight so I got up early to do a little birding. I couldn't find any specific nature centers or parks so I decided a cemetary would do. By luck I found a really large cemetary. I think most of the birds were smarter then me though because it was about 7 degrees and there was little movement. However, I got a few lucky shots.

I've seen the damage left behind by Pileated Woodpeckers, but never got a close up shot. The head is a little blurry because it was moving 100 mph, but it is a handsome bird. I always think of the cartoon Woody Woodpecker whenever I see a PW. The cartoon was really obnoxious.

As is typical, when you see one Jay you hear a whole lot more. Today was no different. They were squawking away about something. It may have been a herd of deer in the area or me. I sat and watched this bird try to eat a frozen grape. Alittle too much for him to swallow.

There were also 12 to 15 Common Northern Flickers flying around too. This one found a nice hole to investigate.

I saw a few other birds, but couldn't photograph them (Hairy woodpecker, gold finch, crows, tufted tit mouse). Not a banner day, but the PW gets the prize.

Cooper's Hawk, Bridgewater, MA

2010-01-24T18:14:00.003-05:00

After an unsuccessful attempt at capturing the Coop on a previous attempt, I was lucky enough to be late for work on Friday by a few minutes. On my way out the door the Coop flew right over my head and landed above our bird feeders. These shots are through my kitchen window so they are slighty blurry.

Went to the South Shore Bird Club annual meeting last night. Good time had by all. Plum Island with the Bird Club next weekend. Hopefully lots to report next Sunday.

Coastal Birds-Massachusetts

2010-01-16T18:00:00.003-05:00

It was a warm morning in Massachusetts (32 degrees) so I decided to hit the road for trip through some of my typically great spots for viewing. Unfortunately, overall it was not a real successful Saturday morning. I visited Mass Audubon Daniel Webster and their North River properties in Marshfield first. Kind of a bust. 100 or so Canada Geese and a Tufted Titmouse. So I decided to move along the coast toward Scituate Harbor. I found a few birds pictured below that I couldn't ID. I think they are Purple Sandpipers. I couldn' get a great picture.

Scituate Harbor-Tons of Ring-billed Gulls, a few Common Eider, about four male and six female bufflehead and 4 red-headed mergansers. Then I moved on to Minot, along the rocky coast. There were tons of different gull species. The Brants were all over the rocks too. I also saw several common loons, a few surf scoters, and a white-winged scoter. I have a woodworking class next weekend, but plan to go to Plum Island on Jan 30th so that will likely be the next report. Cheers, jhm

Purple Sandpiper, Marshfield, MA

Domestic Goose on the run

Female Bufflehead

Female Common Eider

Spring 2008

2010-01-11T20:59:00.001-05:00

Was planning to upload only pictures I've taken from 2009 on for the blog, but was bored tonight so I figured I'd post a few older ones that were unique for me. Hope you enjoy!

Clark's Nutcracker-Grand Teton National Park Talk about an annoying bird. Here we are at 7000 feet gazing out across the most amazing views in the GTNP and he was squawking, barking and chirping. Shut it, bird...enough of you. If I was a bird I think I'd hang out with him. Great conversationalist!

Praire Warbler, Burrage Pond, Halifax, MA

Common Yellow Throat, My Back Yard, Bridgewater, MA

I know this is a common bird, but it doesn't make it any less beautiful. I love watching them. They are very silly birds.

Gambel's Quail, Tucson, AZ (wish I was there now)

Great Horned Owl, Salt Lake City

Hooded Oriole, Tucson, AZ

Baby Killdeer, Hyde Park, MA

Palm Warbler, Milwaukee, Wisconsin

Ruby Crowned Kinglet, Milwaukee, Wisconsin

Scarlet Tanager, Milwaukee, Wisconsin

I've never seen such a social tanager. He followed me around for an hour.

Red Shouldered Hawk, Bridgewater, MA

Looking to feast at my bird feeders. NO SEED FOR YOU!

Tom Turkey guarding his post. He was challenging me. He wouldn't let me pass. Strutting, snorting, stamping and walking back and forth. It was so amazing I couldn't help but laugh which pissed him off even more.

Immature male orchard oriole (first year) Burrage Pond, Halifax, MA

Male Orchard Oriole, Burrage Pond Halifax MA

Help ID this bird

2010-01-10T14:56:00.002-05:00

Originally a quiz, but Andy from Nature Potpourrie at http://andyslens.com/index/ labeled the bird. My friend Wendy also supported Andy's expert sleuth work. Thanks for the help.

Savannah Sparrow

Birds of Plymouth, MA and Scusett Beach

2010-01-10T11:03:00.006-05:00

I traveled down to Plymouth Harbor and Scusett Beach yesterday morning. It was mighty frigid out and the wind off the water took my breath away, but I was able to visit all my ususal sites and get a few good pics and some blurry ones (enough for me to ID the birds.) Just can't wait for SPRING!!

Common Eider, Plymouth Harbor, Plymouth, MA

1st Year Male Red Breasted Merganser, Plymouth,MA

Female Common Eider, Plymouth Harbor, MA

Female Red Breasted Merganser, Plymouth, MA

1st Year Male Barrow's Golden Eye, Plymouth Harbor, MA

Male Bufflehead (he's on the hunt for a rather attractive female right ahead of him. I deleted the picture as this is a family page. :)

Male Red Breasted Merganser, Plymouth, MA

Terrible picture of a male Surf Scoter, Plymouth Beach (they were riding the surf and then diving up and down the beach). It was so cold that even the salt spray was freezing in the air.

Common Loon (although these are a common sight for winter, the bill on this loon was darker (for this time of year) then I'm used to seeing which lead me to question the ID.

Assorted gulls, Brants, and American Black Ducks

(Can anyone help with the ID of the gulls?) Most are ring bills, but there are a few without the characteristic black wing tips.

My Backyard in the snow!

2010-01-03T13:05:00.000-05:00

Tons of familiar species today. Had a Cooper's Hawk. Grabbed my camera and was snapping away. Once it took off I realized I forgot my memory card. No photos! So goes the life of a true amateur.

American Tree Sparrow (notice the distinct black mark on its chest)

House Finch and American Gold Finch (GF was flapping the wing to tell me to get my sorry ass out to fill the feeders.)

Morning Dove

Male Northern Cardinal (8 of them today!)

Male Downy Woodpecker

Oliver Mill Park, Middleboro, MA

2010-01-03T12:56:00.000-05:00

Took a short drive to Middleboro, MA to check out my normal viewing spots and happened upon a few good shots. Disappointed I'm not able to get out today due to the snow. Photography rots in the snow. Anyway hope you enjoy.

Female Bufflehead (not sure why I couldn't get a better photo. She kept diving.) No male for this lonely duck.

Hooded Merganser (8 males and 2 females)

Little Egret

2009-12-19T19:50:00.004-05:00

Boat-Tailed Grackle

2009-12-19T19:46:00.002-05:00

Tri-colored Heron

2009-12-19T19:44:00.001-05:00

White Stork

2009-12-19T19:43:00.001-05:00

White Ibis

2009-12-19T19:39:00.002-05:00

Black Vulture

2009-12-19T19:36:00.001-05:00

Swallow-Tailed Kite (eating the Geico Gecco)

2009-12-19T19:34:00.002-05:00

Roseate Spoonbill

2009-12-19T19:31:00.003-05:00

Imature Red Shouldered Hawk

2009-12-19T19:29:00.002-05:00

Red Shouldered Hawk

2009-12-19T19:20:00.008-05:00

Male and Female Anihinga

2009-12-19T19:18:00.002-05:00

Loggerhead Shrike

2009-12-19T19:16:00.001-05:00

Little Egret

2009-12-19T17:45:00.002-05:00

Little Blue Heron

2009-12-19T17:43:00.002-05:00

Limpkin

2009-12-19T17:40:00.001-05:00

Green Heron

2009-12-19T17:38:00.003-05:00

Barred Owl

2009-12-19T17:35:00.005-05:00

Great Egret

2009-12-19T17:29:00.001-05:00

Bobolink

2009-12-19T17:23:00.002-05:00

Purple Martin

2009-12-19T17:22:00.001-05:00

Glossy Ibis

2009-12-19T17:20:00.003-05:00

Harlequin Duck

2009-12-19T17:15:00.002-05:00

Common Tern

2009-12-19T16:51:00.003-05:00

Sanderling

2009-12-19T16:49:00.003-05:00

Lesser Yellow Leg

2009-12-19T16:45:00.002-05:00

1st Year Common Eider and Harlequin Ducks

2009-12-19T16:42:00.002-05:00

Black Phoebe

2009-12-18T22:05:00.004-05:00