TRIP REPORTS

Cape Ann Trip - January 14-15, 2012

 Saturday started out with a bright sun and southerly winds which were cold.  We were joined by the group affectionately known as the “Felton Sisters” consisting of Annie, Janet, Marjorie and Margaret.  There were eight other HAS members on the trip making it easy to get around using two cars.

 Our first stop was at Folly Cove.  Here our first birds was a flock of robins.  The cove itself didn’t have as many birds as in the past but did have 15-18 harlequin ducks, all three scoters and a fly by long tailed duck. 

 From here we went a short way back route 127 to Halibut Point.  It seemed strange to walk all the way out to the point with out any snow or ice, even the quarry was not frozen.  Once at the point proper we were buffeted by the strong winds (what else is new?) and started scanning the ocean.  There were sea ducks and some distant razorbills.  A large flock of shorebirds landed on the rocks along the waters edge.  Mostly sanderling but we were able to pick out one purple sandpiper and a few dunlin.  There weren’t many gulls and no white-winged gulls. 

Next was Andrew’s Point where there was much less wind.  It was nice not to have any ice to contend with.  There were some fairly close razorbills and red-necked grebes.  The usual harlequin ducks were there and a double-crested cormorant was found.  Unusual there at this time of year.  A thick-billed murre was found along with more scoters.  A good sized flock of purple sandpipers flew in but landed below the rocks so we could not study them.

 The “Felton sisters” told us of a location just south of Rockport ,that had harbored a yellow breasted chat.   They led us there and we walked a ways along a path through a tangle of briars but could not coax out the chat.

 We bypassed the Emerson Inn and met at the Jodrey Fish Pier.  The usual large flocks of gulls were all sitting on distant roof tops making it difficult to pick out anything good.  There was, however, one Iceland gull sitting in the harbor on the west side of the pier.  Another birder came to tell us of a close thick-billed murre on the east side of the pier.  When we got there the murre was “attacked” by a razor bill that came up from under the murre and landed on it.  The razorbill then disappeared and resurfaced a long distance away.  Another murre was found farther in the harbor.

 There had been a townsends warbler, a western species, visiting a private home in Ipswich.  The owner is a birder and very hospitable to anyone who wanted a look.  We drove there and in a few minutes the warbler showed up and gave us wonderful looks.  It is feeding on meal worms and appears quite healthy.  We spent 30 minutes or so before returning to Gloucester.

 Eastern Point was our next to last stop and here we found three black guillemots out beyond the light house and a small flock of gadwall in the small cove by the parking lot.

 There had been an adult king eider off the Elks on Atlantic road but it was not to be found this day. We did find about 18 red-necked grebes.

Sunday morning started off sunny and frigid, temp around 7 or 8 degrees and windy.  There was much   “sea smoke “ on the ocean.

 We drove drive up to Plum Island, spotting a flock of turkeys along the way.  Lot 1 was our first stop where we hooked up with the Feltons, here we found more razorbills, scoters, loons and a few harlequins.  The Feltons had arrived before us and found snow buntings and horned larks at Hellcat.  We all went there and again found these two species out on the dike.  A couple asked us if we had seen the snowy owl, we had not and told them so.  Paul Walter overheard another couple telling the first couple, “go to lot 5, walk out to the beach and look left”.  Correctly thinking the directions were to a snow owl we followed them and did find the snowy.  It was a distance away but it was a snowy.

  Emerson rocks was our last stop on the island and it wasn’t too birdy but we did find a greater scaup, an unusual specie for this trip.  There was a large flock of mostly dunlin with a few sanderling thrown in along the beach. On the way out Paul Wolter spotted a raptor and it turned out to be rough-legged hawk, a species we have missed for the past couple of years. 

Cashman Park in Newburyport was our lunch spot along the Merrimac River where there were many ring-billed gulls and a few common goldeneye.   

After lunch we went to Salisbury Beach on the other side of the river.  We drove around the campground and found nothing, ending up at the jetty at the mouth of the river.  There was so much turbulence we couldn’t make out anything and with the temperature dropping and the wind not, we called it a trip.

 Our trip total was 64 species.  The usual leaders called in sick (again) and asked me to lead the trip.  It was easy with the small group we had, and fun.

Respectfully submitted, Carl Ekroth

Beginner's Bird Walk - Station 43 II - 9:00 A.M. - January 14, 2012

There was no ice on the marsh but still plenty of water to navigate
before getting to HAS's new platform. A lone Muted Swan and hundreds of
Canada Geese greeted the group. Also, many Blue Jays, Mourning Doves
and Rock Doves were present.

Moving along  the hedge row to the CT River we had Song, Tree and
White-throated Sparrows. A Downy, Red-bellied and Hairy Woodpecker were
seen.  The CT River gave us 4 - 5 Common Mergansers and one Ring-billed
Gull.

Along Vibert Road several Red-tailed Hawks and an immature Bald Eagle
made a brief appearance. One Wood Duck, Blacks and Mallards rounded out
the morning's
count, making a total of thirty species.

Eighteen people enjoyed a cold crisp day with no snow to hamper our
progress. Warming up with coffee at Dunkin' Donuts was enjoyed at the
end of a successful morning.

Respectfully submitted, Roger Preston / Jon Ward / Gil Kleiner

Glastonbury Meadows Walk - October 23, 2011

Eleven birders met on a brisk and cloudy fall morning with the hope of a good
day of birding.  We started on a great note with very good looks at an Eastern
Meadowlark found in a weedy field in Riverfront Park (town land north of the
Meadows) and an adult Bald Eagle perched in a tree over the CT River.  Upon
arrival at the Meadows, we birded the area by the pond, noting a cooperative
Brown Creeper, a Belted Kingfisher, and an abundance of Yellow-rumped
Warblers.  When a Merlin came from nowhere and landed in a tall tree, we
estimated 200+ American Pipits in the air after a scan across the plowed fields.
As we started down the main dirt road, we encountered our surprise bird of the
day: a 1st winter Bonaparte's Gull flying over the Meadows, clearly determined
to reach Long Island Sound!  Continuing further, it took us a few seconds to
process a small flock of Brant flying south over the CT River, accompanied by a
single Canada Goose.  We've seen Brant here on only a few rare occasions, but
several minutes later we noticed a larger, distant flock of waterfowl that were
probable Brant (we later learned Brant were also seen to the north of us by
other birders).  We encountered a few birdy spots on the main dirt road which
included Song, White-throated, Swamp, and Savannah sparrows, and very good looks
at 2 adult White-crowned Sparrows.  Many Yellow-rumped and a few Palm warblers
were seen in the trees and field.  In the distance we noted a large bird perched
near the top of a tree.  Upon closer inspection, we identified it as a Pileated
Woodpecker, which was soon joined by a second one.  We rarely see Pileateds
here, and everyone wished that one of the leaders had the foresight to not
leave the scopes in the car!  On our way back we noted a flyby Common Merganser
and an adult Red-shouldered Hawk, unobtrusively perched in a tree right above
where many of us had just passed, offering us fine looks.

Overall, we noted 57 species, with the Eastern Meadowlark and Bonaparte's Gull
being the best birds of the day.

Respectfully submitted, Bill Asteriades and Andrew Dasinger

 

Greenstone Hollow Nature Preserve Trip Report -  October 8, 2011

A nice, sunny day greeted us as we started out the walk.  Fifteen of us gathered to see what is migrating through.  The trails were mostly dry, with a few wet spots.

The front part of the preserve was quiet, with only the most common birds present.  We did get a Red-bellied Woodpecker at the stream crossing.

The trails in the shrub swamp were a little damp, but not extremely so.  We found an active flock of Cedar Waxwings.  Probably the most abundant bird of the trip.  Then we had our Confusing Fall Warbler.  After much debate and some lucky views, we decided it was a Yellow-rumped Warbler, our only warbler of the trip.  We also had an early White-throated Sparrow.  A sign of winter’s approach.

In a distant tree we saw a pair of hawks.  After much debate we settled on Sharp-shinned Hawk as the best guess.

The cedar woods were very quiet.  The swamp at the north end of the preserve was also devoid of birds.  We did find a pear tree with lots of fruit.  Alas no Partridge.

The Willow Wander trail yielded the best birds of the day, both Golden-crowned Kinglets and Ruby-crowned Kinglets.

The marsh had a few migrating Red-winged Blackbirds, but nothing else of note.

We had a total of 18 species, with 1 warbler.

Respectfully submitted, Larry Lunden

Species:
Canada Goose, Sharp-shinned Hawk, Mourning Dove, Red-bellied Woodpecker, Blue Jay, American Crow, Black-capped Chickadee, Golden-crowned Kinglet, Ruby-crowned Kinglet, American Robin, Gray Catbird, European Starling, Cedar Waxwing, Yellow-rumped Warbler, Song Sparrow, White-throated Sparrow, Northern Cardinal, Red-winged Blackbird

Beginner's Bird Walk I - Station 43 - September 17, 2011

Twenty-two people in two groups started out on a cold and crisp
beautiful day. It was very wet and muddy under foot but all were game
to "give it a go" and brave wet feet or worse!

The marsh area produced many Red-winged Black Birds, three Great
Egrets, Great Blue Herons, Green Herons, hundreds of Wood Ducks, a few
Blue-winged and Green-winged Teal and Flickers.

Our walk along the corn field toward the CT River quickly turned into
mosquito alley - the pesky things zeroed in on one of the leader's bare
legs!! The river produced a Spotted Sandpiper, Ring-billed Gulls,
another Great Blue Heron and several Mallards.

Birds along the river to the boat ramp included Coopers, Harrier and
Red-tailed Hawks, Catbirds, Robins, a Magnolia Warbler, Redstart,
Common Yellow-throat,  Cardinal and Rose-breasted Grosbeak.

Along Vibert Road and Main Street four more Red-tailed Hawks, Phoebes,
and a Mockingbird were spotted.

Many thanks to all the more experienced birders who helped the
beginners - their favorable comments were appreciated. Fourteen people
retired to Dunkin' Donuts to tally up thirty-six birds and enjoy a
place to warm up.

Respectfully submitted,
Roger Preston / Jon Ward / Giil Kleiner
 

Connecticut's Migration Marvel - Swallow Paddle - September 14, 2011

A magnificent  day greeted  seven  HAS paddlers as we prepared our kayaks for our exploration of  Goose Island  & Lord Cove's complex tidal marshes.  All were enthusiastic & excited about  the "Big Show "expected at dusk, but we also wanted to enjoy the beauty & serenity of the water ways.  

Our put in  was blocked by dinghies floating free &  "waterlogged logs ,"  tree trunks & timber  swept ashore by Irene. We quickly dispatched the blockade & spent the rest of the day peacefully paddling in &  around the cove & marsh. We were entertained by mute swans ,their webbed feet slapping the water as their whirring, whistling wings  lifted them slowly aloft.

A double crested cormorant struggled with its huge catch,as marsh harriers swooped & glided the edges of phragmites & a marsh wren sang & came out for a bow.

All this was but a prelude to the grand spectacle of the swallows. About an hour before sunset, the tree swallows ( & occasional barn & Northern rough wings slowly filter in from all directions.

They fly overhead, skim the water for a quick drink, gradually forming a huge swirling & undulating mass. Grackles in smaller groups fly across quickly, a darker punctuation then rapidly settle in their roost. The swallows continue to coalesce, oscillate  & form a dark living cloud.

At at an unknown moment they break apart, flying in groups like ribbons of smoke ,as a free flying Slinky.  Then abruptly,  this revolving ,oscillating  ball forms a funnel & the birds dive bomb down precipitously into the depth & protection of Goose Island's  phragmites, disappearing completely for the night.

Respectfully submitted, David Zomick

Species Seen:
>Canada Goose  4
> Mallard  2
> Double-crested Cormorant  9
> Great Egret  1
> Turkey Vulture  1
> Osprey  1
> Northern Harrier  1
> Merlin  1
> Laughing Gull  1
> Ring-billed Gull  5
> Herring Gull  3
> Great Black-backed Gull  1
> Common Tern  2
> Forster's Tern  1
> Mourning Dove  1
> Belted Kingfisher  2
> Blue Jay  1
> American Crow  1
> Tree Swallow  400000     Swallows were performing their routine evening
> roosting ritual over Goose Island
> Bank Swallow  1
> Barn Swallow  4
> Marsh Wren  1
> European Starling  1000
> Northern Cardinal  1
> Red-winged Blackbird  300
> Common Grackle  200
> House Sparrow  5
 

Rt 44 Powerlines Walk - Wednesday, Sept 14, 2011

Jamaica Bay Wildlife Refuge Trip -  September 3, 2011

Eight HAS members departed the Cromwell commuter lot at 7:30, made one pit stop, and arrived at Jamaica Bay at 9:30. The return trip was more crowded and took a little longer but was still quite good. We did the East Pond in the morning and the West Pond after lunch. Water levels are controlled at both ponds but the mechanism for the East Pond was not working. It is not expected to be functioning until next spring. This made the water level at the main shorebird pond too high for shorebirds. Nevertheless, birding was pretty good at the East Pond, especially the herons. We had adult and immature Black–crowned Night-Herons at both blinds, a Green Heron, a Great Blue Heron, a dozen or so Snowy Egrets and a few Great Egrets. There were also large flocks of Glossy Ibis and American Black Duck. The West Pond had additional flocks of Glossy Ibis, mixed egrets and American Black Duck. The enormous Glossy Ibis flock was  spectacular when it took to the air and then landed again. There were a few Common and Forster’s Terns and three Northern Shovelers . The most unusual bird, the American White Pelican, appears as an “accidental”  in the Jamaica Bay bird list provided by the National Park Service. Two pelicans made two long fly overs. The immense size of the birds provided long and satisfying looks. We left Jamaica Bay a little after 4 and got to the Cromwell commuter lot about 6:30. Six of us ate dinner at a diner near the commuter lot. As far as I could tell, everyone had a very fine day.

Respectfully submitted, Fred Nowak

Greenstone Hollow Nature Preserve Trip Report  -  June 25, 2011

A cool and cloudy day greeted us as we started out the walk.  Six of us gathered for the first weekend walk at this park.  The 38 acre preserve was acquired by Hartford Audubon in 1993, and trails have been developed over the last two years.  The preserve has a variety of habitats including swamp, marsh, woods, a pond, and a small lawn.

The leaves were completely out, exercising our powers of birding by ear.  Nesting season was also in progress, resulting in many silent birds.  The previous several days saw lots of rain, and several of the trails were wet.

At the trail entrance we heard a Common Yellowthroat, our first warbler.  The woods up to the stream crossing were quiet.  The stream was full, and spread over the whole muddy area.  Without the walkway we could not have got across.

The trails in the shrub swamp were water logged.  Here and at several locations we ran across small flocks of Cedar Waxwings.  Probably the most abundant bird of the trip.  In the cedar woods we had some more observations.  We heard an Ovenbird, and an Eastern Towhee.  We saw a brownish bird in the trees, and tried to get a good look at it.  We followed it for awhile, but could not identify it.  It must have been a terrific bird, if we knew what it was.

Back at the old farm road we encountered a singing Baltimore Oriole, and had a flyover Great Blue Heron.  In the lawn area we found a bird acting like a Northern Flicker.  The markings were not the usual ones, so we concluded it was a juvenile.

We looked over the beaver pond, and heard a Yellow Warbler and saw an Eastern Phoebe.  We also looked at a turtle nest that had recently hatched out.

We had a total of 23 species, with 3 warblers.

Respectfully submitted, Larry Lunden

Spice Bush Swamp & Mooney’s Woods Trip Report, Jun 11, 2011

A cool and cloudy day greeted us as we started out the walk.  Seven of us gathered for the first walk at this park in 20 years.  The 33 acre park was acquired by the Town of West Hartford in 1962.  Hartford Audubon has held Bird walks here in the 1980’s, but not since.  The park has a variety of habitats including swamp, woods, a pond, and a small field.

The leaves were completely out, exercising our powers of birding by ear.  The previous night saw lots of rain, and several of the trails were wet.  It also rained while we were walking.

The field by the parking lot yielded a Yellow Warbler.  They must be nesting it the trees by the pond as they are seen here regularly.  The trees also held two Baltimore Orioles and their nest was hanging over the pond.  Flying over the pond was a solitary swallow that we looked at for some time to identify it.  Finally we decided it was a Northern Rough-winged Swallow.  A belted Kingfisher was also heard by the pond.  A reliable resident.

A short rain shower started up as we ascended the hill to the upper levels.  We heard, and then saw, the first of numerous Gray Catbirds.  In the woods we heard an American Redstart.  The field was grown up in long grass.  It was also very wet.

Back at the pond we saw a few Cedar Waxwings.  We also looked at the Oriole nest.

Then we crossed the street to look at Mooney’s Woods.  This is an area behind Braeburn Elementary School.  We saw several birds in a large tree in a neighbor’s yard.  Unfortunately the day was gray and cloudy, and we had trouble identifying them.  We did hear a Red-winged Blackbird and a Black-and-white Warbler, our last warbler of the day.  Then the rain started up again and we called it quits.

We had a total of 24 species, with 3 warblers.

Respectfully submitted, Larry Lunden

Mattabesset River Paddle Trip, Cromwell, CT - Sunday June 5, 2011

10 people showed up for a very nice day of paddling and birding.  Two canoes and 6 kayakers.  Once we shuttled the cars to the take out area (Harbor Park in Middletown) we headed down river, with the out going tide. The weather was perfect.  

Some of the species we saw included Osprey, a Bald eagle, Eastern Wood-Pewee, Great Crested Flycatcher, Barn Swallow, Wood Thrush, Scarlet Tanager and Rose Breasted Grosbeak.  We took a few minutes and paddled up the Coginchaug River and returned to the Mattabesset.  Then we headed out to the Connecticut River and down river to our take out at Harbor Park.  

We had a total of 44 birds and one (Mystery bird).  I would like to thank everyone for coming, as it was one of the largest attended event in several years.  

Trip Report and Photos - Respectfully submitted, Jeff Feldmann

East Rock Park Trip Report - Saturday, May 14, 2011

Seventeen  people showed up for the annual East Rock park trip in Hamden/New Haven on May 14th. it was an overcast day but at least the winds were calm and no rain. it was slow going as the warblers were in low numbers but we just kept plugging away and  added one species at a time.

As we started out someone spotted 2 Black Crowned Night Herons along the river and we started seeing warblers such as Magnolia, Parula, Black And White, American Redstarts and a Canada. A Wilson's was seen by only a couple of us but we all got a view of a Northern Waterthrush.

Other species were heard only. We had a total of 3 Swainson's Thrushes which was nice with good views. A Scarlet Tanager added some nice color to the scene and a couple of Ospreys flew over. All this was on the lower level.

As we were accending to the upper level we ran into a birder who informed us that it was quiet there. Oh well, you still have to give it a shot. He was right but we still managed to get a good view of a Worm Eating Warbler and Ovenbird.
We also picked up Great Crested Flycatcher.

 We tried to add more birds on the way back down knowing that birds move around but it was slow. Some of us stayed to have our lunch and this is when someone spotted a Great Egret along the stream to add to our total.

When everyone had left but three of us we added 3 Turkey Vultures and a Black Vulture to bring our list to 63 species.

Respectfully submitted, Paul Desjardins, guide

The trip started out a bit cool but soon warmed up. Twenty-two people
were in attendance.  Mud and water at the marsh was navigable for
everyone.

Warblers seen were Northern Parula, Yellow, Magnolia, Black-throated
Blue, Yellow-rumped, Black-throated Green, Black and White, American
Redstart, Northern Waterthrush, and Common Yellowthroat.

The marsh gave us Great Blue and Green Herons, Wood Ducks and a few
Mallards. Warbling Vireos seemed to be everywhere as were Barn and Tree
Swallows and a few Chimney Swifts.

Shorebirds included Killdeer, Spotted Sandpiper, Solitary Sandpiper,
Least Sandpiper and a Wilson's Snipe.

Plenty of color was added by seeing Rose-breasted Grosbeaks, Cardinals,
Orchard and Baltimore Orioles, and Scarlet Tanagers.

Several novice birders were helped out a great deal by many of the more
experienced. Their assistance was very much appreciated.

A  grand total of 65 species was compiled at the usual gathering place,
Dunkin' Donuts.

Respectfully submitted, Roger Preston / Jon Ward / Gil Kleiner


HAS- Mid-week walk- 5/5/2011  --Airline  Trail- Lebanon ( Chesbro Br. Rd to Rt. 87)

It was partly cloudy, breezy and cool( low 50s) as  six of us started down this c. one mile stretch - very level and well  maintained- on our way to a 45 species morning. A high-lite was the  absence of L Waterthrushes on the way out and at least three males on- territory as we returned. Other joys were Worm-eating, Blue-winged and  
Chestnut-sided Warblers; Scarlet Tanagers; rose-breasted grosbeak;  
Yellow-throated, red-eyed and Warbling Vireos; and a Red-shouldered  
Hawk ' scolding' two FO Turkey Vultures. A brief shower hit as we  
tallied and left for the rest of the day.  

Respectfully submitted, Ernie Harris


Gay City and Heritage Farm Trip -  May 1, 2011

A beautiful, if a bit chilly (42F) spring morning as twelve birders headed off , reversing our usual pattern. This turned out to be a good move as we got right into  
several 'interesting' species-EASTERN PHOEBE, BLUE-HEADED VIREO, BLUE-
GRAY GNATCATCHER( That would become our 'trip following' bird), very  
close looks at OVENBIRD, distant song of N. PARULA, singing WOOD and  
HERMIT THRUSHES and the first of several VEERY good looks :-),  
AMERICAN REDSTART and PINE WARBLER. Of further note: YELLOW WARBLER,L  
WATERTHRUSH, YELLOW-THROATED and WARBLING VIREOS, LEAST FLYCATCHERS,  
OSPREY, PILEATED WOODPECKER, BROAD-WINGED HAWK over the upper marsh,  
and a ROSE-BREASTED GROSBEAK. Lunches on the Harris' deck provided:  
HOUSE WREN, RUBY-THROATED HUMMINGBIRD, and another ROSE-BREASTED  
GROSBEAK.

Our after-lunch trip to the Heritage Farm in Bolton Center was bird-
quiet but scenically beautiful leaving us hopeful for AMERICAN  
KESTRELS  to nest in Tom Sayer's box and BOBOLINK to return and nest  
in the fields. Total species for the day= 62  

Respectfully submitted,  Ernie Harris


Quarry Park and Connecticut River Floodplain Trip Report - April 30, 2011

A cool and cloudy day greeted us as we started out the walk.  Ten of us gathered and two more joined us later.  The leaves were starting to come out, but not enough to completely hide the birds.  Due to a change of ownership, the entrance we have been using in the past is no longer available.  We parked at the official entrance to Quarry Park, and went in from the north end on top of the ridge.

The ridge trail had a dearth of bird life.  It was difficult to even hear any birds.  Eventually we heard a Northern Flicker and that assured us that there were some to be seen or heard.  We also heard a Wood Thrush, which we would see later.

Coming down to the upper level trail was more rewarding.  Over head we had our first of three flyovers of a Great Blue Heron.  The upper trail gives us the advantage of seeing into the tops of the trees.  There we found a Rose-breasted Grosbeak sunning itself.  Then we heard, and saw a Northern Mockingbird.  Although this is a common bird, it has been 7 years since we have seen one on these trips.  A flyover of a Common Merganser was the first sighting of this species on these trips.  Then we heard a squeaky sound that was a Black-and-white Warbler, our first warbler of the day.  It was hiding just behind the bushes as we tried to see where it was.  As we walked along, it followed us and eventually came out in the open for all to see.  Another bird that came out at tree top level was a Scarlet Tanager.  We got good looks at it, as it has been 8 years since we had one on these trips.

When we reached the trail that leads into the woods, some more sun came out.  Sitting in a tree in the sun was a Red-tailed Hawk that had a Blue Jay pestering it.

On the lower level, we could see across the railroad tracks into some good habitat.  We were able to hear a Black-throated Green Warbler, our second warbler.  Then we had our first Veery of these trips.  We could see it on the tracks, but not a sound came from it.

On the open rocks more sun came out.  Several species were in the tops of the trees.  We heard and saw both Yellow Warbler and Northern Parula.

On our way back up the levels to the ridge trail we had a Yellow-rumped Warbler ahead of us.  Overhead we heard Chimney Swifts.  In the trees ahead of us, we got to see a Blue-gray Gnatcatcher.  After diligent searching, it wasn’t until we got back to the parking lot for us to find a House Sparrow, our last bird of the day.

Due to the flooding of the river, we skipped the caravan through the meadows.
Our total species of 42, with 5 warblers, was decent, especially without the meadows tour.  Also were two new species.

Respectfully submitted, Larry Lunden

By mid-April it should have been warm but not for this walk; 28
stalwart birders donned heavy coats, gloves, hats/hoods to brave the
30-degree temperatures and wind blowing across Great Pond.

An Osprey caught a large fish and proceeded to a dead snag to consume
his  breakfast while being harassed by a Red-shouldered Hawk.
Ducks included Blacks, Mallards, two Ring-necked, and Wood Ducks flying
over.  Resident Canada Geese and Red-winged Blackbirds were joined by many
Tree Swallows hawking insects at the north end of the pond.
On the east side, out of the wind, we picked up Killdeer, a Sharp-shinned Hawk and two Turkey Vultures.  Part of the group continued around  the pond, muddy as it was, and the  other half backtracked to Len's bench. Warblers seen were Pine, Palm and Yellow-rumped; Woodpeckers spotted were Pileated, Red-bellied and Downy. Brown Creepers were a good find for many of the group.

Total birds for Great Pond amounted to 33 at  which point most people
headed for the nearest coffee shop to warm up. Six birders continued over to Wagner Woods just up the road from Great Pond. This property is a new acquisition to Simsbury's Land Trust. Here a Phoebe, Red-tailed Hawk, Fish Crow and Hermit Thrush were added to the day's species, making 37 the grand total for the day.

Respectfully submitted, Roger  Preston / Jon Ward  / Gil Kleiner

 

 Western CT Shoreline Trip, April 2, 2011

Looking out over NH Harbor while waiting for participants, 2 Northern Gannets were noted.  We checked out the water near Leon’s Restaurant and had both great and double crested cormorants, rudy ducks, greater scaup and gadwall.  Then it was on to Sherwood Island Park where we met Tina Green, who showed us a great horned owl nest with two owlets.  In the Mill Pond at the entrance we had Northern pintail and Blue-winged teal.   Around the point we had long tailed ducks and horned grebe in breeding plumage, and a flock of 19 red-throated loons.  Long-tailed ducks are SO much prettier in non-breeding plumage.  Near the feeders three Wilson’s Snipe were seen.  We also had more northern gannets.

Our next stop was Ash Creek in Fairfield where we found an osprey and  a reported Eurasian Wigeon drake.

We made stops at Long Beach Blvd and Long beach, not finding much at either place.  At the Stratford Point seawall we spotted a flock of Bonaparte’s gulls off the point.  From Cove Place we got a decent look at the birds and found a large flock of gulls, scaup and scoter feeding on a plankton bloom.  Some of the Bonaparte’s had full, almost black, hoods.  Again a few gannets.

Birdseye boat launch had American coot and gadwall plus a fish crow in the sea grass next to the parking lot.  At a little bridge near the marina next to Shakespeare Theater a black-crowned night heron was roosting in a tree.

At Milford Point we found American oystercatchers, northern harrier, great and snowy egrets, green-winged teal and gadwall. 

Oyster River in Milford was next and among the many ring-billed gulls four Bonaparte’s gulls were found.  Sandy Point, W. Haven was our last stop and after walking out quite a ways looking for piping plovers and seeing none we ended the trip.

  The trip total was 67 species and 11 birders were on the trip.

  Respectfully Submitted, Carl Ekroth, Guide
 

 Satchuest Point, Rhode Island Trip, March 26, 2011

Eleven people showed up for the annual Rhode island trip. The trip began at Sachuest Point and we started off with high wind gusts which luckily calmed down somewhat later on. The sky was sunny but the weather was about 10 degrees cooler than normal.

As we started out we encountered several duck species such as Common Eider, Common Goldeneyes, Buffleheads, a lone White Winged Scoter and a flyby Black Scoter. Several Horned Grebes were noted and as we rounded the corner a Northern Gannet put in an appearance. Next we saw the usual Harlequin Ducks as well as a flock of Purple Sandpipers. We then went into the visitor center to warm up.

Our next stop was to the nearby reservoir where we added a few Greater Scaups, a Hooded Merganser, 3 Common Mergansers and a very close singing Carolina Wren.
After this we visited a nearby area where we had a great view of the ocean from the other side where we started from and picked up 5 Brants and a pair of rather close Horned Grebes.

From here we headed to Trustrom Pond where we picked up good on land birds including White Breasted Nuthatch, Brown Creeper, Golden Crowned Kinglet, Yellow Rumped Warbler and 2 Purple Finches among others. These were in the area of the feeders and it should be noted that is where all the land birds were so i guess the small birds know where all the food is! Further along we had a good view of Great Cormorants on the rocks and we also added Osprey, Gadwall, American Wigeon, Ring Necked Ducks and a Ruddy Duck.

Our last stop was at Ninigret Pond where we only added Brown Headed Cowbirds. We had hopes of seeing our buddy the Lesser Black Backed Gull. We thought we may have seen him but he was way off in the distance and so could not confirm. We ended the day with 57 species which was on the low side but still it was a fun day.

Respectfully submitted, Paul Desjardins

Cape Ann Trip, January 15 & 16, 2011

Saturday, 1/15:  Seven of us left the Vista Motel (in 2 cars, great!) and in a departure from the regular route, first went to the Jodrey State Fish Pier where there was a dirth of gulls, but common eiders, red-breasted mergs and a ruddy duck were there.  The previously reported thick-billed murre was not found.  From here we traveled to Eastern Point.  We walked out to the Dog Bar and then up by the lighthouse to check out the ocean.  We were able to find a black guillemot and four purple sandpipers.  In the little cove there were black ducks, mallards and gadwall.  Niles Pond was completely frozen and devoid of any avian life.

A stop at the motel and then off to Good Harbor Beach, where we looked for the recently reported king eider without success.  We were on our way to Loblolly Cove when we received a call from the Brookline group telling us they had the king eider at the beach we had just left.  Needless to say we immediately turned around and skedaddled back to Good Harbor and with a little walk out on the beach found the eider sitting on a rock.  It was a distance away but close enough to pick out the field marks.  The day’s weather was a departure from the usual with a lack of wind.

Heading back to Loblolly Cove, where there had been a report of Barrows Goldeneye, we received another call from Brookline reporting they had the Barrows there.  They were still there when we arrived and pointed out the goldeneye.  Good looks were had by all, noting the differences with common goldeneye.  The light was great with the sun behind us and blue ocean in front.

Cathedral ledge was our next stop where we found harlequin ducks, black ducks, red-necked grebes and strangely, two red-tailed hawks out on the seaweed covered rocks.

 At Andrews Point it was quiet with the exception of 5 long tailed ducks.  The walk out to Halibut Point was snow packed with a few icy spots.  Once out on the point the absence of wind was really noticeable.  Some of the group had a mature male northern harrier fly below them.  On the water there were more harlequins and distant bonapart’s gulls.  Folly Cove was dead.

Back at the fish pier, there was a nice flyby and landing of an Iceland gull, and fairly close looks at another guillemot.  We talked to a group from New Hampshire who said they had had a Razorbill off the Granite pier earlier so we took off in case it was still there.  But no, it wasn’t but we had good looks at a red-necked grebe and two purple sandpipers.

We were at the Vista at the end of the day when Chris Tauro said she saw what she thought was a large hawk in a tree.  Upon closer inspection we thought, “turkey vulture” but no, it was a turkey with a second below it.

Sunday dawned clear and frigid and we gave the fish pier one last try for the murre.  Again, not there.  Bass rocks was our last stop in Gloucester but it was very quiet with a few common eider and bufflehead.  Off to Newburyport and Plum Island.  Upon arriving at the Mass Bird Joppa Flats, we found out that two bohemian waxwings had been found that morning near the Hellcat Crossing.  It was bitter cold and the wind that had been absent Saturday had returned with a vengeance.  We went directly there and walked down the boardwalk that goes down in the hollow on the east side of the road but could not find but a few robins and two cardinal.  A few cedar waxwings made a brief appearance but no Bohemians.  As a consolation, Paul Desjardins found a catbird for us.

At about this time we got another call from the Perko sisters (thanks ladies) saying they had snow bunting, horned larks and a Lapland longspur on the beach at parking lot #7.  We arrived there just after the longspur disappeared but did see the other birds plus 4 sanderling and 5 dunlin. There was a Wilson’s snipe, in a small wet area in an otherwise frozen pond at the North Pool Overlook, which we found.

As we were looking at the snipe, yet another call from the Perkos, they had the bohemian waxwings up by the Salt pannes.  Needless to say, we rushed right up there, well as fast as one can with a 25 mph speed limit.  When we got there all we found were some robins and then an immature Cooper’s hawk made a pass through the area scattering all the birds to parts unknown.  We looked all along the road as far back as Hellcat to no avail.   After a short stop at the Mass Bird Joppa Flats we headed to Salisbury Beach but found nothing new.

At this point, with the temperature dropping and the wind, we called it a day. The trip ended with 64 species. 

Respectfully submitted, Carl Ekroth, Replacement leader