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  • Category: Birds
  • Founded: Aug 4, 2005
  • Language: English
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#3291 From: Sue McGrath <newburyportbirders@...>
Date: Tue Mar 1, 2011 11:45 pm
Subject: Parker River NWR: Comprehensive Conservation Planning Meetings
moultonstreet
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Plum Island Birders,

I was at the Refuge Headquarters this morning, March 1st, because it's
time to talk about the Purple Martins again
as they are on their way with over 1040 adult scout reports and 5
subadult reports in the southeastern states.

I also asked the staff about the upcoming CCP meetings.  I encourage
birders and birding club members to attend one
of these meetings.  Birders utilize this Refuge more than many, other,
special interest groups. These meetings are
our opportunity to express our concerns about issues that affect birds,
their habitat and birders.

Let's attempt to influence the future management of habitats, including
the North Pool which remains a serious concern.

Meetings:

Tuesday, March 22,2011  7-9:00pm at the Crane Estate, Ipswich

Wednesday, March 23, 2011  7-9:00pm at the Newbury Fire Station on
Morgan Avenue, Newbury

For more information, the link is:
http://www.fws.gov/northeast/planning/Parker%20River/ccphome.html


With best wishes,
Sue

Sue McGrath
Newburyport Birders
Observe ~ Appreciate ~ Identify
Newburyport, MA
www.newburyportbirders.com
978-462-4785

#3292 From: "David K. Weaver" <cygnus-dkw@...>
Date: Wed Mar 2, 2011 8:27 pm
Subject: Plum Island & lower Merrimack River - 03-02-11
davidkweaver
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Bill Gette and I led this morning's edition of Wednesday Morning Birding out
of Joppa Flats Education Center.  It was partly cloudy and blustery
(SW/10-20) with temps ranging from 34 to 41 F.  We visited Parker River NWR
on Plum Island and spent some time on the Merrimack in search of eagles.
The highlight of my morning was having a "brand spanking new" birder seeing
her first Bald Eagle through my scope.  Her reaction was something to
behold -- she squealed with absolute and utter delight!  What a moment!

Here is our list for the morning:

Plum Island --
Canada Goose
American Black Duck
Mallard
Northern Pintail (2)
Common Eider
White-winged Scoter (1) - lot #7.
Long-tailed Duck (3) - 1, lot #1; 2, lot #7.
Bufflehead (2)
Common Goldeneye (~ 15) - lot #7; 3 on river at lot #2.
Horned Grebe (2) - lot #1.
Rough-legged Hawk (1) - light morph; Stage Island/Cross Farm Hill.
Sanderling (2) - lot #1.
Ring-billed Gull
Herring Gull
Great Black-backed Gull
Rock Pigeon
American Crow (~ 5)
European Starling
Snow Bunting (5) - main pan.

Lower Merrimack River (Pumping Station & Deer Island) --
Common Goldeneye
Common Merganser (3)
Great Cormorant (~ 10)
Bald Eagle (5) - 1 ad, 1 ~ 4W, 3 juvs.
Red-tailed Hawk (1)
Ring-billed Gull
Herring Gull
Rock Pigeon
American Robin
Red-winged Blackbird (1)
Common Grackle (1)

Next Wednesday will be our last visit to Cape Ann this season for Wednesday
Morning Birding.  We will meet at Friendly's at the first Rt 128 rotary in
Gloucester and depart there at 0930.  Any questions about programs at Joppa
Flats Education Center, give Bill Gette or David Larson a call at (978)
462-9998.

Dave Weaver
Manchester, MA 01944
cygnus-dkw@...

#3293 From: Linda Ferraresso <tattler1@...>
Date: Sun Mar 6, 2011 4:14 pm
Subject: Great Horned Owl on nest North Andover 3/6
lindaferraresso
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Doug Chickering called to say he had a Great Horned Owl on the nest at
the Heron Rookery on Bradford Street in North Andover. A good viewing
spot is just before starting up the hill.

Linda

--
Linda Ferraresso
Watertown, MA
tattler1(at)verizon(dot)net

“Faith is the bird that feels the light and sings when the dawn is still dark" -
Tagore

#3294 From: Barbara Volkle and Steve Moore <barb620@...>
Date: Mon Mar 7, 2011 1:12 pm
Subject: Natural Heritage and Endangered Species Program - tax checkoff
b_volkle
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Apologies for cross-posting...

A critical part of the funding equation for the MA Natural Heritage &
Endangered Species Program are your voluntary contributions on
your MA state income tax form.  If you care about the future of our
wildlife and wild places, please consider making a crucial donation.

Currently, there is no line item in the state budget to support the
NHESP.  While a small portion of the operational budget of this
program comes from fees and limited federal aid, the bulk of the
support for this program comes from your tax checkoff contributions.

Alarmingly, contributions to NHESP are down.  In 1992,  57,433 filers

contributed  $283,671.  In 2009 (the most recent year with up-to-
date figures), only 18,916 contributed $199,089!

You can donate when filing your state income tax by entering an
amount on Line 32a: "Endangered Wildlife Conservation".  Ask
your tax preparer, if you use one, to do this.

To learn more about rare and endangered species conservation, visit
www.mass.gov/masswildlife (click on Natural Heritage).  Scroll down
to "Support us" for more information on the tax checkoff and making
a contribution.  If you have already filed your taxes, it is not too
late
to make a contribution directly!

Thanks to Marion Larson of MassWildlife for this information.

Join me and spread the word.  Tell a friend or neighbor about this
program and its important work. Share this information with your
local bird clubs and other community groups.

Please contribute generously and support this worthwhile program!

Together, let's turn this trend around!

Barbara Volkle, moderator MASSBIRD
Northborough, MA
barb620@...

#3295 From: Sue McGrath <newburyportbirders@...>
Date: Mon Mar 7, 2011 10:06 pm
Subject: Wrackline
moultonstreet
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I thought I'd share this with the  PI email group...

With best wishes,
Sue

Sue McGrath
Newburyport, MA
www.newburyportbirders.com







Parker River's newsletter is back!  You may view and/or download a copy of The Wrack Line at the main refuge web site.  Simply click here to go to the web site.

Many thanks,

Matt

************************************************************
Matt Poole, Visitor Services Manager
United States Fish & Wildlife Service
Parker River National Wildlife Refuge Complex
6 Plum Island Turnpike
Newburyport, Massachusetts  01950
Phone: (978) 465-5753
Email: matt_poole@...
http://www.fws.gov/northeast/parkerriver/

"Children are the living messages we send to a time we will not see."      John W. Whitehead

#3296 From: Richard Heil <rsheil@...>
Date: Sun Mar 13, 2011 4:05 pm
Subject: Plum Island Migration Watch & Nbpt. Common Pastures; 12 March 2011.
pterodromamo...
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SATURDAY, 12 MARCH 2011:
PLUM ISLAND: Lot One Migration Watch (0740-1145 hrs.) then south to Stage Island Pool (1145-1305 hrs) 
Weather: Partly to mostly cloudy, SW winds 10-25 mph, 40-46 F.
Richard S. Heil

Canada Goose (1340): Including 570 migrating N.
Mute Swan (2)
Gadwall (4)
American Black Duck (550)
Mallard (85)
Northern Pintail (64) : Most Stage I. Pool.
American Green-winged Teal (60) : Stage I. Pool.
Ring-necked Duck (8) : Stage I. Pool.
Common Goldeneye (14)
Common Merganser (14) : migrating N.
Red-breasted Merganser (3)
Turkey Vulture (24) : migrating N.
Bald Eagle (2 imms.)
Northern Harrier (3f.)
Cooper's Hawk (1m.)
Red-shouldered Hawk (4 ads.) : migrating N.; Rapidly increasing of late. This tally of migrants from Plum Island where traditionally rare seems indicative of this ongoing change of status.
Red-tailed Hawk (6)
Rough-legged Hawk (1 lt. imm.) : migrating N.
Merlin (1) : migrating N.
Peregrine Falcon (2)
Killdeer (2)
Ring-billed Gull (25) : migrating N.
Herring Gull (40) : some migrating
Great Black-backed Gull (12) : migrating N.
Mourning Dove (4)
American Crow (277) : All migrating N in flocks over the dunes and marsh; largest flock was 55. 
Horned Lark (23)
Black-capped Chickadee (4)
American Robin (8)
European Starling (16) : migrating N.
American Tree Sparrow (9)
Song Sparrow (4)
Northern Cardinal (1)
Red-winged Blackbird (280+) : mostly males, migrating N.
Common Grackle (90+) : migrating N.
Brown-headed Cowbird (4) : migrating N.

Coyote (1) : Swam across the Plum Island River coming from the mainland heading to the island: http://www.flickr.com/photos/rsheil/5522507195/

COMMON PASTURES, NEWBURY-NEWBURYPORT: Scotland Road and Hale Street (0610-0730 hrs.)
Canada Goose (520)
Ring-billed Gull (250+)
Eastern Bluebird (1m.)
American Robin (85)
American Pipit (1)
Red-winged Blackbird (220)
Common Grackle (230)

Richard S. Heil
S. Peabody, MA
rsheil@...
http://www.flickr.com/photos/rsheil/?saved=1







#3297 From: Thomas Wetmore <ttw4@...>
Date: Sun Mar 13, 2011 4:36 pm
Subject: Mar 13, Stage, Plum Is -- Good Ducks, etc.
ttwetmore
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PI Birders,

Lots of birds on Stage Island Pool this morning ...

WOOD DUCK -- 12
Gadwall -- 5
American Black Duck -- 80
Mallard -- 20
Northern Pintail -- 70
Green-winged Teal -- 350
NORTHERN SHOVELER -- 2
RING-NECKED DUCK -- 20
PIED-BILLED GREBE -- 1

There was a Red-necked Grebe on Bill Forward Pool; may be the first time I've
seen one there.

At the North Pool Overlook there were 2 EASTERN MEADOWLARKS.

The roadside was lined with Song Sparrows, about 120 by my count.

Good birding,

Tom Wetmore
Newburyport, MA
http://bartonstreet.com/tom/birds/
Think globally, bird locally.

#3298 From: "njlandry@..." <njlandry@...>
Date: Sat Mar 19, 2011 10:35 am
Subject: AM Woodcock PRNWR 3-19
nlandry61
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Birders,
I arrived at Parker River NWR at 5:34am and found the gates are oepn. I got my
first Am Woodcock at the Hellcat parking lot. I have since then counted 17 birds
to the end of the refuge.

Sent with Verizon Mobile Email Nancy Landry Haverhill MA

#3299 From: "njlandry@..." <njlandry@...>
Date: Sat Mar 19, 2011 12:18 pm
Subject: Piping ploves Snady Point 3-19
nlandry61
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Have 3 piping ploves out at Sandy Point and had 2 or 3 fox sparrows down near
lot 7.
Sent with Verizon Mobile Email Nancy Landry Haverhill MA

#3300 From: Thomas Wetmore <ttw4@...>
Date: Sat Mar 19, 2011 7:21 pm
Subject: Mar 19, Plum Island -- Fox Sparrows and other Highlights
ttwetmore
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Though windy and raw and sometimes rainy it was another wonderful morning on
Plum Island.

My favorites included ...

Brant -- 130 seen from Lot Seven overlook.
American Wigeon -- four on Stage Island Pool.
Green-winged Teal -- 450+ on North Pool, Forward Pool and Stage Island Pool.
American Coot -- one on Stage Island Pool.
Piping Plover -- three at Sandy Point -- none with leg bands.
American Woodcock -- about 18 seen and heard from Lot One to Hellcat before
dawn.
Razorbill -- 2 in ocean close off Lot One.
Fox Sparrow -- six, including four roadside near Wardens and two roadside south
of Stage tower -- all singing.
Song Sparrow -- 200+ abundant roadside throughout.

Good birding,

Tom Wetmore
Newburyport, MA
http://bartonstreet.com/tom/birds/
Think globally, bird locally.

#3301 From: njlandry@...
Date: Sat Mar 19, 2011 9:56 pm
Subject: Great day on Plum Island 3-19-11
nlandry61
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Birders,

 

It was a great morning to be out on Plum Island this morning. It was one of those in between season’s type of day that you could find almost anything from Snow Geese to Fox Sparrow. The Fox Sparrow was a MA and Plum Island life bird and I managed to get 2 good photos today. One was taken down by lot 7 and the other at the Dunes Trails swamp area along the road. They are posted on my website at http://www.pbase.com/plumphotos/image/133266574.

 

 The Fox Sparrow also making it be the 226 bird species that I have photographed on the island with hopes of capturing as many different species as possible that visit the island. The web page for that can be found at http://www.pbase.com/plumphotos/pi.

 

 

My full list of birds seen today is below

 

Snow Goose 30 flyby
Brant 130 ocean 7,
Canada Goose X
Gadwall 12
American Black Duck X
Mallard 15
Northern Pintail 26
Green-winged Teal 300
Ring-necked Duck X
Common Eider X
White-winged Scoter 9, Ocean 7
Bufflehead X
Common Goldeneye X
Hooded Merganser 2 Pines Panes
Red-breasted Merganser 2
Common Loon 1, ocean 7, 2 Sandy Point

Piping Plover 3 Sandy Point
Northern Harrier 2, 1 M @ Wardens

Rough-legged Hawk 1 cross hill
American Coot 1 stage
Killdeer 4
American Woodcock 17 mostly heard
Ring-billed Gull X
Herring Gull X
Great Black-backed Gull X
Mourning Dove 3
Blue Jay 1 Hellcat
American Crow 9
Black-capped Chickadee 6
Red-breasted Nuthatch 1 Pines
American Robin X
Northern Mockingbird 1 lot 7
European Starling X
American Tree Sparrow 3
Fox Sparrow 2 lot 7, 2 dunes trails swamp
Song Sparrow 80
Dark-eyed Junco 1 rd Panns
Northern Cardinal 2 Hellcat
Red-winged Blackbird X
Common Grackle X
Brown-headed Cowbird 2

American Goldfinch 3

 
Nancy J. Landry
Haverhill MA
njlandry@...
www.pbase.com/plumphotos


#3302 From: Bird Watcher's Supply & Gift <birdwsg@...>
Date: Sun Mar 20, 2011 12:07 am
Subject: 6 Piping Plover- Sandy Point
birdwsg
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Margo Goetschkes and I birded the Newburyport area today with the following highlights:

Salisbury:
3 FISH CROWS across from Salisbury Beach State Reservation

Sweet Apple Tree Lane, Salisbury:
2 RUSTY BLACKBIRDS
1 NORTHERN SHRIKE, 1st winter

Scotland Road, Newbury:
20 American wigeon
60 green-winged teal
10 gadwall
9 Killdeer
15 WILSON'S SNIPE

Plum Island:
15 common loon, PI Sound
10 horned grebe, PI Sound
50 Pale-bellied Brant PI Sound
16 ring-necked ducks, Stage Is Pool
6 PIPING PLOVER, Sandy Point none banded.  We predict that this will be a good breeding year for piping plover on the Island.  Every time we turned around, they multiplied! First there were 3.  After turning away to check the brant, there were 4. After turning away to count loons and grebes in the Sound, there were 6!
1 Rough-legged Hawk- Cross Farm Hill
1 NORTHERN SHRIKE- north edge of Cross Farm Hill
110 song sparrows (65 at Wardens!)


Steve Grinley
Bird Watcher's Supply & Gift and Nature Shop at Joppa Flats
Newburyport, MA
BirdWSG@...
978-462-0775
www.birdwatcherssupplyandgift.com


#3303 From: Sue McGrath <newburyportbirders@...>
Date: Sun Mar 20, 2011 1:41 am
Subject: Parker River NWR
moultonstreet
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#3304 From: "njlandry@..." <njlandry@...>
Date: Sun Mar 20, 2011 12:32 pm
Subject: Redhead Plum Island
nlandry61
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Birders,
Tom Wetmore called to report of a male Redhead down at stage pool.
Sent with Verizon Mobile Email Nancy Landry Haverhill MA

#3305 From: Thomas Wetmore <ttw4@...>
Date: Sun Mar 20, 2011 12:49 pm
Subject: Redheads, fox sparrows
ttwetmore
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2 male Redheads and 2 Fox Sparrows from Stage tower

Sent from my iPhone

#3306 From: Thomas Wetmore <ttw4@...>
Date: Mon Mar 21, 2011 2:30 pm
Subject: Mar 21, Plum Is -- Redheads, Fox Sparrows, Blue-winged Teal
ttwetmore
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PI Birders,

Just back from a short visit to the refuge.

Two male REDHEADS and two singing FOX SPARROWS are still in view/sound from the
Stage tower. In addition, there is a male BLUE-WINGED TEAL mixed in with
hundreds of Green-winged Teals at Stage; plus the AMERICAN COOT is still at
Stage; and the Ring-necked Duck flock was over 45 in number.

Off the Bar Head Rocks there were three male Greater Scaup to add to the single
male still at Forward Pool. The Lesser Scaup that has also been at Forward Pool
the past couple days was not in evidence.

Unusually, of the three Northern Harriers present at North Field this morning,
two were males, one adult the other first year, and the other an adult female.

Good birding,

Tom Wetmore
Newburyport, MA
http://bartonstreet.com/tom/birds/
Think globally, bird locally.

#3307 From: Sue McGrath <newburyportbirders@...>
Date: Mon Mar 21, 2011 7:46 pm
Subject: Programs at Parker River NWR
moultonstreet
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Birders,
I wanted to share this with the group.
Best,
Sue

Sue McGrath
Newburyport, MA

Dear Friends and Volunteers of Parker River National Wildlife Refuge,

As promised, we will periodically be providing some fun developmental opportunities for volunteers and Friends of the Parker River National Wildlife Refuge.  Each is intended to add breadth and depth to your understanding of the Refuge, the National Wildlife Refuge System, and the United States Fish and Wildlife Service.  And, did I mention that a central goal is to have fun?!

Here's what we've put on the calendar for this spring:

The Merrimack River Atlantic Salmon Restoration Program, Friday, May 6th from 9:00 am to 2:00 pm:  Wild Atlantic salmon disappeared from the Merrimack River by 1900.  Since 1969, the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service has been working with its partners to restore the salmon to the Merrimack and it's cold water tributaries.  During this field trip we will visit the Nashua National Fish Hatchery, where salmon are raised for the recovery effort.  We'll then visit the Amoskeag Dam in Manchester, NH, where we'll have an opportunity to walk through the visitor center and see how a fish ladder works.  Please be sure to bring a bag lunch for this visit.  The tour will be lead by Matt Poole, who spent eight years working with the salmon program on the Merrimack.

Behind the Scenes at Parker River, Friday, May 13th from 10:00 am - Noon:  We've been working on a new interpretive program that will provide visitors with a behind the scenes tour of Parker River NWR.  While visiting some areas on the refuge not generally open to the public, you' will be provided with an overview of refuge habitats and wildlife, refuge management practices, and historical use of Plum Island (pre-Refuge).  This new "flagship" interpretive program will begin in the auditorium at the refuge headquarters.  

Point N' Shoot 101 -- Digital Photography for Beginners, Friday, May 20th from 9:00 am - Noon:  This presentation is for folks who find the new world of digital photography somewhat bewildering!  Matt Poole, the Refuge's visitor services manager and an avid photographer, will provide an overview of the "digital workflow" -- the cycle in digital photography that begins with pressing the shutter release (or taking a picture) and concludes with editing images on a computer.   He'll provide an array of useful tips and will answer your questions.  This session will be conducted in the auditorium at Refuge headquarters.

If you plan to participate in any or all of these programs, please reserve a spot by contacting Jan Wood at (978) 465-5753.  Down the road, we'll also be looking at the possibility of scheduling similar training programs on weekends.

Thanks,

Matt Poole

************************************************************
Matt Poole, Visitor Services Manager
United States Fish & Wildlife Service
Parker River National Wildlife Refuge Complex
6 Plum Island Turnpike
Newburyport, Massachusetts  01950
Phone: (978) 465-5753
Email: matt_poole@...
http://www.fws.gov/northeast/parkerriver/

"Children are the living messages we send to a time we will not see."      John W. Whitehead

#3308 From: "David K. Weaver" <cygnus-dkw@...>
Date: Wed Mar 23, 2011 9:11 pm
Subject: Scotland Road & Plum Island - 03-23-11
davidkweaver
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Bill Gette and I led Wednesday Morning Birding out of Joppa Flats Education
Center on a deceptively cold day with temps in the 30s, overcast conditions,
and light winds out of the NW.  We checked out the pastures off Scotland
Road and Plum Island to take advantage of all that was being seen in these
two areas -- and were not disappointed.

Here's our list for the morning:

Scotland Road --
American Wigeon (~ 20)
American Black Duck
Mallard
Northern Pintail (2)
Green-winged Teal (~ 15)
"AMERICAN X EURASIAN INTERGRADE" TEAL (Sibley) (1) - adult male, observed
and photographed by Rick Heil on Monday.
Killdeer (3)
Wilson's Snipe - 54 counted, but no doubt more present.
American Crow (3)
Black-capped Chickadee (2)
American Robin
European Starling
Red-winged Blackbird
Common Grackle

Plum Island --
Canada Goose
Mute Swan (4) - main pan.
Gadwall (~ 12) - various.
American Black Duck - many throughout island.
Mallard
Northern Pintail (~ 80) - main pan, Bill Forward Pool, Stage Island Pool.
Green-winged Teal (~ 350) - main pan, BFP, SIP.
Redhead (2) - drakes, SIP (thanks, Doug!).
Ring-necked Duck (~ 24) - SIP.
Greater Scaup (1) - BFP.
Lesser Scaup (2) - SIP.
Common Eider (~ 40) - 2, lot #1; balance, Emerson Rocks.
White-winged Scoter (6) - 5, lot #1; 1, ER.
Black Scoter (7) - lot #1.
Long-tailed Duck (5) - ER.
Bufflehead (2) - BFP.
Common Goldeneye (4) - BFP.
Red-breasted Merganser (~ 15) - various.
Common Loon (3) - 1, lot #1; 2, ER.
Horned Grebe (~ 13) - ~ 10, lot #1; 3, ER.
Double-crested Cormorant (2) - BFP.
OSPREY (1) - Pines Trail platform; as we moved south on refuge road late
morning, first seen engaged in skirmish with light morph Rough-legged Hawk
in vicinity of nesting platform -- evidently Osprey defending nesting
territory; large bird, probably female; then seen perched atop platform as
we headed north toward end of program, ~ 1230.
Northern Harrier (3) - 2 over dike, BFP; 1 n. end refuge.
Red-tailed Hawk (2)
Rough-legged Hawk (1) - light morph (see Osprey note).
Killdeer (4) - courtship display in marsh opposite lot #3 -- obviously one
bird attempting to hold off two others (assume three males) from what must
have been a lone female.
Herring Gull
Great Black-backed Gull
Rock Pigeon
[American Tree Sparrow (3) - Joppa Flats.]
Song Sparrow (3) - singing.
Northern Cardinal (1)
Red-winged Blackbird
[Eastern Meadowlark (1) - PI Airport.]
Common Grackle

We will meet again next week back at Joppa Flats at 0930 for Wednesday
Morning Birding. For more information
about Joppa Flats programs, call Bill Gette or Dave Larson at 978-462-9998.

Dave Weaver
Manchester, MA 01944
cygnus-dkw@...

#3309 From: Sue McGrath <newburyportbirders@...>
Date: Sun Mar 27, 2011 2:31 am
Subject: Signs of Spring at PRNWR
moultonstreet
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Birders,

Today, Paula & I led our Signs of Spring birding program.  Many of the winter specialties are still present while some early, spring migrants have arrived. During this field program with north, northwest winds, we birded the salt marshes, ocean and maritime forest.  Mild Sandy Point was littered with plastic discs from the Hooksett plant as we searched for shorebirds. 

The emerging marsh grass shoots, red buds on trees and pussy willows were a joy to see.  Before the male catkins of the American pussy willow come into full flower, they are covered in fine, grayish fur, lending to a fancied likeness to tiny cats ~ these catkins appear long before their leaves and are known as one of the earliest signs of spring.  As we exited the Refuge, we listened for American Woodcock and observed two of them probing, evacuating their cloaca and strutting roadside. 

Peregrine Falcon, 1
Northern Harrier, 2 [1 gray ghost, 1 large female]
Fox Sparrow, 3, Goodno Woods
American Woodcock, 2, roadside
Barred Owl, perched & in flight between Lots 2-3 [marsh side]
Green-winged Teal, southern end of Stage Island Pool & Marsh Trail @ Hellcat
American Black Duck
Mallard
Ring-necked Duck, SI Pool
Red-breasted Merganser
Mallard X American Black Duck, 1male
Greater Scaup, 3, Sandy Point
Common Eider      SP
Black Scoter     SP
Wing-winged Scoter  SP
Horned Grebes, SP
Long-tailed Duck SP
Canada Goose
Gadwall
American Robin
Red-winged Blackbird
Common Grackle
Mourning Dove
Song Sparrow, 20, various
Woodpecker species
Black-capped Chickadee
Herring Gull
Great Black-backed Gull
Ring-billed Gull
Great Cormorant
American Crow

"Spring is sooner recognized by plants than by men."
Chinese Proverb

With best wishes,
Sue

Sue McGrath
Newburyport Birders
Observe ~ Appreciate ~ Identify
Newburyport, MA
www.newburyportbirders.com









#3310 From: Bird Watcher's Supply & Gift <birdwsg@...>
Date: Wed Mar 30, 2011 2:51 pm
Subject: Bluebirds, Phoebe, Tree Swallows - Plum Island 3/30
birdwsg
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Tom Wetmore called to report a pair of BLUEBIRDS (very rare on Plum Island) just south of the parking lot to the Bill Forward Blind.  There was also a PHOEBE there, and Tom also saw 2 TREESWALLOWS on the island.

Steve Grinley
Bird Watcher's Supply & Gift and Nature Shop at Joppa Flats
Newburyport, MA
BirdWSG@...
978-462-0775
www.birdwatcherssupplyandgift.com

 

#3311 From: Sue McGrath <newburyportbirders@...>
Date: Thu Mar 31, 2011 2:23 am
Subject: Brant at The Basin
moultonstreet
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Birders,

I had a large flock of Brant [145] at the Basin this afternoon.  They
took flight, crossed the river and put down at Salisbury Beach State
Reservation. Then, within minutes they were in flight to return to the Basin

Good birding,
Sue

Sue McGrath
Newburyport Birders
Observe ~ Appreciate ~ Identify
Newburyport, MA
www.newburyportbirders.com

#3312 From: Arthur Robinson <lewie@...>
Date: Thu Mar 31, 2011 2:06 am
Subject: Blue-winged Teal and Brant near Sandy Point
artlewrobins
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Late this afternoon (about 4:15 PM), a male Blue-Winged Teal, again with many Green-Winged Teal, was in the flooded field (pond) to the right of the road leading to Sandy Point's second parking lot. Around 14 Brant were also at Emerson Rocks.

Art Robinson
Cambridge

On Mon, Mar 21, 2011 at 10:30 AM, Thomas Wetmore <ttw4@...> wrote:
 

PI Birders,

Just back from a short visit to the refuge.

Two male REDHEADS and two singing FOX SPARROWS are still in view/sound from the Stage tower. In addition, there is a male BLUE-WINGED TEAL mixed in with hundreds of Green-winged Teals at Stage; plus the AMERICAN COOT is still at Stage; and the Ring-necked Duck flock was over 45 in number.

Off the Bar Head Rocks there were three male Greater Scaup to add to the single male still at Forward Pool. The Lesser Scaup that has also been at Forward Pool the past couple days was not in evidence.

Unusually, of the three Northern Harriers present at North Field this morning, two were males, one adult the other first year, and the other an adult female.

Good birding,

Tom Wetmore
Newburyport, MA
http://bartonstreet.com/tom/birds/
Think globally, bird locally.




--
Arthur L. Robinson
52 Garden Street, Apt B1
Cambridge, MA 02138
617-499-0820 (voice and fax)
510-333-1989 (cell)
lewie@...

#3313 From: Sue McGrath <newburyportbirders@...>
Date: Fri Apr 1, 2011 5:28 pm
Subject: Native Garden Work Day ~ Thursday, 4/7/11
moultonstreet
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Birders,

I thought I'd share this with the list...

Best,
Sue

Sue McGrath
Newburyport, MA



Hi Everyone!

This a quick reminder that we are planning to have a native garden work day here at Refuge headquarters on Thursday, April 7th from 9:00 am - 3:00 pm.  We are looking for folks to help out.

This will be phase one of our effort to turn the existing native garden into an outdoor classroom.  The goal for the day includes moving some plant beds, laying down organic compost and mulch, and constructing a meeting circle in the center of the garden space (a place where groups will gather for programs).  

If you're interested in helping out, simply show up with enthusiasm and a smile.  If you can only contribute a few hours, those are a few hours that we will greatly appreciate!  If you could bring a shovel and/or garden rake, that would be helpful, as well.

Because of the difficulty with rescheduling this type of work, we're planning to do the work rain or shine (within climatological reason, of  course!).

Thank you!

Matt

************************************************************
Matt Poole, Visitor Services Manager
United States Fish & Wildlife Service
Parker River National Wildlife Refuge Complex
6 Plum Island Turnpike
Newburyport, Massachusetts  01950
Phone: (978) 465-5753
Email: matt_poole@...
http://www.fws.gov/northeast/parkerriver/

#3314 From: Sue McGrath <newburyportbirders@...>
Date: Fri Apr 1, 2011 11:41 pm
Subject: Early Northern Harrier Courtship Roll ~ Parker River NWR
moultonstreet
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Birders,

I witnessed the courtship flight of the male Northern Harrier this afternoon.  I saw dramatic barrel rolls over the North Pool Field.
Two females were seen hunting in the area.

Seems early to me...


With best wishes,
Sue

Sue McGrath
Newburyport Birders
Observe ~ Appreciate ~ Identify
Newburyport, MA
www.newburyportbirders.com




#3315 From: Sue McGrath <newburyportbirders@...>
Date: Sat Apr 2, 2011 2:15 pm
Subject: Purple Martins of Plum Island
moultonstreet
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Plum Island Birders,

The Purple Martin nest boxes and gourds are up at both Lot 1 and the north end of Plum Island [by the lighthouse].

We're eagerly awaiting their arrival!

You can adopt a Purple Martin gourd for the 2011 breeding season. These birds at Plum Island have been studied and monitored for years.  Purple Martin gourd adoptions make great gifts for members of your family or friends.

With each adoption of a Purple Martin gourd for the 2011 breeding season, you will receive:

  • Photos
  • As the season progresses, updates on breeding biology at the colony ~ nest building, egg laying, hatching and fledgling activities.
  • A final tally of the colony's reproductive success.
  • An invitation to renew your adoption the following year.

Your adoption allows you to:

  • Partake in a scheduled round of nest checks with a Purple Martin landlord.
  • Know that you are helping provide housing for this human-dependent songbird.

For more information contact Sue off line please.


With best wishes,
Sue

Sue McGrath
Newburyport, MA
www.newburyportbirders.com




#3316 From: Thomas Wetmore <ttw4@...>
Date: Sun Apr 3, 2011 2:44 am
Subject: Closing the Books on March
ttwetmore
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PI Birders,

Closing the books on March, it looks like we tallied 102 species for the month.
Not a bad total, but one less than last year and a long way below the big number
we had in 2

2003 - 96
2004 - 88
2005 - 85
2006 - 120
2007 - 100
2008 - 110
2009 - 107
2010 - 103
2011 - 102

Here are the species reported in March, 2011:

     1  Snow Goose
     2  Brant
     3  Canada Goose
     4  Mute Swan
     5  Wood Duck
     6  Gadwall
     7  American Wigeon
     8  American Black Duck
     9  Mallard
    10  Blue-winged Teal
    11  Northern Shoveler
    12  Northern Pintail
    13  Green-winged Teal
    14  Canvasback
    15  Redhead
    16  Ring-necked Duck
    17  Greater Scaup
    18  Lesser Scaup
    19  Common Eider
    20  Surf Scoter
    21  White-winged Scoter
    22  Black Scoter
    23  Long-tailed Duck
    24  Bufflehead
    25  Common Goldeneye
    26  Hooded Merganser
    27  Common Merganser
    28  Red-breasted Merganser
    29  Wild Turkey
    30  Red-throated Loon
    31  Common Loon
    32  Pied-billed Grebe
    33  Horned Grebe
    34  Red-necked Grebe
    35  Northern Gannet
    36  Double-crested Cormorant
    37  Great Cormorant
    38  Great Blue Heron
    39  Great Egret
    40  Turkey Vulture
    41  Osprey
    42  Bald Eagle
    43  Northern Harrier
    44  Sharp-shinned Hawk
    45  Cooper's Hawk
    46  Red-shouldered Hawk
    47  Red-tailed Hawk
    48  Rough-legged Hawk
    49  American Kestrel
    50  Merlin
    51  Peregrine Falcon
    52  American Coot
    53  Piping Plover
    54  Killdeer
    55  Sanderling
    56  Purple Sandpiper
    57  American Woodcock
    58  Black-legged Kittiwake
    59  Ring-billed Gull
    60  Herring Gull
    61  Iceland Gull
    62  Glaucous Gull
    63  Great Black-backed Gull
    64  Dovekie
    65  Razorbill
    66  Rock Pigeon
    67  Mourning Dove
    68  Barred Owl
    69  Downy Woodpecker
    70  Eastern Phoebe
    71  Northern Shrike
    72  Blue Jay
    73  American Crow
    74  Horned Lark
    75  Tree Swallow
    76  Black-capped Chickadee
    77  Red-breasted Nuthatch
    78  White-breasted Nuthatch
    79  Eastern Bluebird
    80  American Robin
    81  Gray Catbird
    82  Northern Mockingbird
    83  European Starling
    84  Snow Bunting
    85  Yellow-rumped Warbler
    86  American Tree Sparrow
    87  Savannah Sparrow
    88  Fox Sparrow
    89  Song Sparrow
    90  Swamp Sparrow
    91  White-throated Sparrow
    92  Dark-eyed Junco
    93  Northern Cardinal
    94  Red-winged Blackbird
    95  Eastern Meadowlark
    96  Common Grackle
    97  Brown-headed Cowbird
    98  Purple Finch
    99  House Finch
   100  Common Redpoll
   101  American Goldfinch
   102  House Sparrow

Good birding,

Tom Wetmore
Newburyport, MA
http://bartonstreet.com/tom/birds/
Think globally, bird locally.

#3317 From: "lenox1959" <jbedard@...>
Date: Mon Apr 4, 2011 11:48 pm
Subject: Sharp shinned hawk or Coppers hawk?
lenox1959
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can anyone ID this hawk? Thought it was a Coppers but now think it to be a Sharp
shinned as it looked smaller in height.

http://www.bedardphoto.com/coopers2webpage.jpg


Thanks!

John B.
Lenox, MA

#3318 From: Bird Watcher's Supply & Gift <birdwsg@...>
Date: Tue Apr 5, 2011 1:46 pm
Subject: LittleBlue Heron-Plum Is 4/5
birdwsg
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Susan Hardy saw a LITTLE BLUE HERON at the south end of the Salt Pannes on Plum Island this morning.   She also said that there were great egrets on the island,  and also many phoebes along the road.

Steve Grinley
Bird Watcher's Supply & Gift and Nature Shop at Joppa Flats
Newburyport, MA
BirdWSG@...
978-462-0775
www.birdwatcherssupplyandgift.com

#3319 From: Thomas Wetmore <ttw4@...>
Date: Tue Apr 5, 2011 5:37 pm
Subject: Apr 5, Plum Is, Phoebes Galore, Palm Warbler
ttwetmore
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PI Birders,

65 degree winds blowing from the south are having quite an effect on the island.
This morning there were Eastern Phoebes EVERYWHERE, on the marsh, in the scrub,
in the forest, in the fields, on the road, as well as flocks of Dark-eyed Juncos
and a PALM WARBLER in the s-curves. Add in 8 Great Egrets, 9 Great Blue Herons,
a Brown Creeper at the Pines, a few Golden-crowned Kinglets, 2 FOX SPARROWS, and
it was a better than expected rush on to the island and off again this morning
in hopes of seeingn the Little Blue Heron (not there) reported earlier this
morning.

Good birding,

Tom Wetmore
Newburyport, MA
http://bartonstreet.com/tom/birds/
Think globally, bird locally.

#3320 From: Sue McGrath <newburyportbirders@...>
Date: Wed Apr 6, 2011 12:00 am
Subject: Introduction to Bird Biology Course
moultonstreet
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Plum Island Birders,

I'm posting this course information on behalf of my friend and mentor 
Stephen Haydock.  Please remember to sign up early!

Good birding,
Sue

Sue McGrath
Newburyport, MA



North Shore Community College (NSCC) in Danvers, Massachusetts is 
currently enrolling students for an introductory course in ornithology 
to be offered this fall. The course is designed to provide the student 
with a foundation of knowledge in avian biology, enhance student 
ornithological field skills and increase student appreciation of birds. 
The lectures introduce the students to the biology of birds and include 
the following topics: field techniques, taxonomy, evolution, anatomy and 
physiology, feathers and flight, vocalizations, distribution, 
reproduction and development, populations, conservation, migration, and 
behavior. The field trips/laboratories emphasize bird identification and 
field techniques.

The course instructor is retired U.S. Fish & Wildlife Service biologist 
Steve Haydock who has been studying birds and other wildlife for more 
than 35 years. He has been teaching this course at NSCC since 2002. 
Additional details are as follows:

COURSE:               Introduction to Bird Biology, Bio-150

SEMESTER:           Fall, 2011, September 8 - December 17

CREDITS:               3 semester. Course may be audited for no 
credit/grade

CAMPUS:               1 Ferncroft Road located off Route 1 south

TIMES:                    Lectures:               Thursdays, 6:30pm - 8:15pm

                               Labs/Field Trips:    Saturdays, 8am - 10am

REGISTRATION:      For information, visit or call the Enrollment Office 
(Danvers Campus) at 978-762-4000 ext 4336 or dial 0 for the operator to connect you. PROOF 
OF COMMUNICATIONS PROFICIENCY IS REQUIRED. Early registration is 
strongly recommended.

ADDITIONAL INFORMATION:       North Shore Community College: www.northshore.edu

                              Steve Haydock, Instuctor
                                   telephone: 978-363-5457
                                   email: SHAYDOCK01@...





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