This Wednesday, March 27, Donna Cooper and I led Wednesday Morning Birding inland to see the spectacle of ducks along Scotland Road in Newbury. We found the pools at the Common Pasture full of excited Green-winged Teals, with resplendent males busily vying for attention. A drake Northern Shoveler was snoozing when we arrived, but he woke to join his female in the parade. Even a pair of American Black Ducks got in the spirit, all of them looking fabulous in the bright sun, which doubly highlighted the many hues of the ducks as it reflected off the smooth pools. A flock of eight Killdeers made a brief appearance on the meadow, and the air was filled with early spring birdsong. The show there will continue through this month. We await appearances by uncommon species such as Blue-winged Teal, Eurasian Wigeon, or perhaps a Sandhill Crane if we are lucky.

In the fields on our way to Plum Island, we passed flocks of American Robins, who have announced spring to most people, regardless of their ornithological acumen. Three Turkey Vultures soared over Route 1, near where a kettle formed most afternoons throughout the winter. The non-migration of the TVs says “climate change” to us. They always moved in and out of Pennsylvania when I was growing up, but now they stay there along with Black Vultures, a few of which wintered even in Massachusetts this year.

At parking lot #1, where we made only a brief stop for the facilities, we searched for adult Bald Eagles that have been seen sitting in a pair on one of the Osprey platforms in the marsh. We didn’t see them, but a House Finch sang forcefully from the gatehouse. American Black Ducks and Canada Geese were all over the marsh for now, as the duckiest month approaches. At the Main Panne, American Black Ducks predominated, but there was a good gathering of eight Gadwalls and a pair of American Wigeons. An American Goldfinch “potato-chipped” behind us, reminding me of how few of them have been around this winter. Red-winged Blackbirds are arrayed up and down the island now; we were still enjoying how their intense calling fill us with the sense of spring.

At Emerson Rocks, off of the parking lot #7 dune platform, we hoped to see a lot of things, including Piping Plovers that were spotted by Stan Deutsch in a pre-WMB scouting run. Alas, they must have moved on, though we know they are hanging out at Sandy Point. We did have a good selection of wintering, or now migrating, sea ducks. American Goldeneyes, Long-tailed Ducks, Common Eiders, and Black and White-winged Scoters crowded around the rocks. The latter scoters were much less abundant, but a Horned Grebe beginning to transition into alternate plumage had us studying that look in the field guide. The sub-adult male King Eider that has stolen the show all winter was still there; we hope he comes back next year sporting a fully mature, bright bill!

We had passed some Ring-necked Ducks on Stage Island Pool on our way south, so we stopped in to enjoy them on our return trip. They were very close to the road, and as we watched, some of us saw an American Coot come out and disappear around the corner of a spit of reeds. Off in the distance, a raptor (which eventually resolved, in the light-distorting air, to be a Rough-legged Hawk) perched in a thin line of trees. It was a great day in the Great Marsh and inland, presaging a month when the excitement of the neotropical migration builds. We hope you will join us to witness it!

Our list:
Scotland Road and along the way:
Canada Goose – common.
American Black Duck (2) – Common Pasture.
Mallard – common.
Northern Shoveler (2) – Common Pasture.
Green-winged Teal (~30) – Common Pasture.
Rock Pigeon (~15) – various.
Killdeer (8) – Common Pasture.
Turkey Vulture (3) Near Rt. 1.
Red-tailed Hawk (2) various.
American Crow (2) – Common Pasture.
Common Raven (2) – Common Pasture.
American Robin – common.
House Sparrow (4) – Common Pasture.
Song Sparrow – common.
Red-winged Blackbird – common.
 
Plum Island:
Brant (~20) – Bar Head.
Canada Goose – common.
Mute Swan (2) – South Pannes.Gadwall (8) – Main Panne.
American Wigeon (2) – Main Panne.
American Black Duck – common
Mallard – common
Ring-necked Duck (9) – Stage Island Pool.
King Eider (1) – Emerson Rocks.
Common Eider – common.
White-winged Scoter (3) – Emerson Rocks.
Black Scoter (~50) – Emerson Rocks.
Long-tailed Duck (~10) – Emerson Rocks.
Bufflehead (2) – Bar Head.
Common Goldeneye (~10) – Emerson Rocks.
Red-breasted Merganser (2) – Plumbush River.
Horned Grebe (1) – Emerson Rocks.
American Coot (1) – Stage Island Pool.
Herring Gull – common.
Osprey (1) – Pools near Wardens.
Northern Harrier (3) – North Field.
Rough-legged Hawk (1) – Trees beyond Stage Island Pool.
Black-capped Chickadee (1) – parking lot #1.
American Robin (4) – various.
Northern Mockingbird (1) – parking lot #7 thicket.
Song Sparrow – common.
Red-winged Blackbird – common.
Common Grackle (~15) – parking lot #1.
House Finch (1) Gatehouse.
American Goldfinch (1) behind Main Panne.

Last Wednesday was a great contrast to the wild day that followed on Friday, as the sky was clear and the wind was nil when Dave Weaver and I led WMB to Plum Island. On our way to the north end, along Plum Island Turnpike, we were happy to see three FOY Killdeer flash across the road. We looked forward to enjoying the beach at the river’s outlet in the relatively calm conditions. But we were unprepared for how “pluperfect” it was, to use the term Dave Weaver came up with for his Massbird report. It was stunning to see the river surface glassy in all directions, lit by bright sun and roiled only by current in the silent air, with rafts of birds arranged all around. Right off the beach, we were struck right away by the sight of a Red-necked Grebe, almost entirely molted into beautiful alternate plumage. That special bird was joined eventually by three Red-throated Loons, who came right up to the beach, as if to make up for all the views of that species we missed this winter.

Common Eiders, Black and White-winged Scoters, and Long-tailed Ducks rode the strong current , foraging on the purported mussel beds at intermittent spots as they floated along. Common Goldeneyes enjoyed the relatively still waters to the left of the boat docks, and after a while John Cannizzo spotted an adult Bald Eagle standing on a log in the marsh across from the boat ramp, at Salisbury Beach SR. That bird took off to tussle in the air with an immature eagle, giving us a fantastic show. The list up there was rounded out with some Red-breasted Mergansers, and the song of a House Finch, reminding us that we were about to cross the line of the equinox.

At parking lot #1 in the Parker River NWR, we found the sea as calm as we would expect, given the smooth state of the river mouth, as if we were on the shores of a local pond. What a difference two more days would make, with a short but wild nor’easter buffeting us for hours. As has been the case all winter, most of the birds at the beach were far out on the sea. Out there, we could see many dark shapes of scoters, which would resolve to White-winged when they flew, unless they would have to be assumed to be either Black or Surf Scoters. Most of those were certainly Black Scoters, as we could sometimes see the bright orange bills of drakes, and no “skunkheads” could be discerned. A few Horned Grebes appeared there as they usually do, along with plenty of Common Eiders. A Northern Mockingbird sat in a shrub on the south side of the parking lot, and we expect to see plenty of antics from that bird as spring progresses.

Our next stop was at the Main Panne for this amazing show by a little gang of Red-breasted Mergansers, and to check out the Gadwalls and American Wigeons that have spiced up the population of American black Ducks that is always there.

After that marvel, we had used a good bit of our time, so I suggested that we go as far as Hellcat, even though the gate there was open. But people who had gotten wind of the recent sightings of King Eider and Pacific Loon at Emerson Rocks revolted, and we capitulated with a run straight down there. I did notice a dark form on the Pine Island nesting platform as I pushed on by and behind the trees, but others in the rear of the caravan found that to be a dark-morph Rough-legged Hawk. The rocks were covered by the tide by the time we got up to the parking lot #7 dune platform, and the birds that hang out around that pile of rocks were a bit spread out on the nearby sea. Some of us got very fleeting looks at a distant loon that looked a bit different, but that is as far as that went. I can’t figure out where that King Eider went with the rocks unavailable to hide behind, but he was not to be seen then, only to return that afternoon.

All over the island we noticed Red-winged Blackbirds dotting the bare-branched trees and shrubs, and a boisterous flock of Common Grackles passed over the gatehouse at one point. With the Killdeer we found here and there, the singing of many birds we enjoyed, and the steeper angle of the light, this was a Vernal Equinox WMB indeed. The time has come when we are being reunited with the beloved creatures of our green-season communities. We hope you can come enjoy them with us!

Our list:
Canada Goose – common.
Mute Swan (2) – ads, small pannes.
Gadwall (3) – 2 drakes, 1 hen; main panne.
American Wigeon (3) – 2 drakes, 1 hen; main panne.
Greater Scaup (7) – north end.
American Black Duck – common.
Common Eider – common; north end, one ocean, seven ocean.
White-winged Scoter – common; north end, one ocean, seven ocean.
Black Scoter – common; north end, one ocean, seven ocean.
Long-tailed Duck – common; north end, one ocean, seven ocean.
Common Goldeneye (15) – north end.
Red-breasted Merganser (8) – 1, north end; 7, 2 hens & 5 drakes, main 
panne..
Red-throated Loon (3) – north end; beginning molt to breeding plumage.
Common Loon (2) – 1, north end; 1, seven ocean.
Horned Grebe (9) – 3, one ocean; 6, seven ocean.
Red-necked Grebe (2) – north end; both molting – breeding plumage evident.
Bald Eagle (3) – 2 ads, 1 imm; north end – Salisbury side.
[Northern Harrier (1) – ad male, w. side PI bridge.]
[Red-tailed Hawk (1) – Joppa.]
Rough-legged Hawk (1) – dark morph; Pines nesting platform.
[Killdeer (3) – PI Tpk, overhead, vicinity airport.]
Killdeer (5) – various.
Herring Gull
Great Black-backed Gull (2)
Mourning Dove (2) – north end.
American Crow (1)
[American Robin (~ 20) – PI airport.]
American Robin (5) – S- curves.
Northern Mockingbird (2) – 1, north end; 1, vicinity parking lot #1.
European Starling – a few.
Yellow-rumped Warbler (3) – roadside, s. old pines.
Song Sparrow – common.
Red-winged Blackbird (~ 8) – various.
Common Grackle (~ 12) – parking lot #1.
House Finch (1) – north end.

David Larson and I led this week’s Wednesday Morning Birding program around a share of Cape Ann. This was our final trip for the season to Cape Ann, ergo, no more Harlequins until November. In the meantime, we will continue to enjoy scoters, Long-tails, Buffleheads, and goldeneyes, at least for a little while, from Plum Island. On this absolutely gorgeous morning, from Jodrey Fish Pier, we saw a few Common Eiders, a Red-breasted Merganser or two, a Common Loon, and a small group of eight Surf Scoters within good viewing distance. Gulls were, of course, present, but not in big numbers as in times past. Oh, my, it’s not very often that we have calm conditions on Cape Ann, but this time around there was minimal wind. The flat-calm water, at this low tide, allowed us to actually see the bottom of the harbor from the pier.

Eastern Point was wonderful with the variety of birds present. We saw big flocks of Black Scoters, Common Eiders, and Long-tailed Ducks. There were lesser numbers of Surf and White-winged Scoters, but impressive numbers, nonetheless. This spectacle was indicative of a gathering of the various seaducks preparatory to their migration to their northern nesting grounds. On the far side of the outer harbor, we were able to find five Razorbills, their smaller black-and-white bodies evident in the bright sunshine. Near the end of the Dog Bar — the big Gloucester Harbor jetty — keen eyes with good scopes found a small flock of Purple Sandpipers loafing in the morning sun. A few Gadwalls were present nearby, as they usually are. Other dabbling ducks present were a pair of Mallards and a few American Black Ducks, one pair included a “Blallard” drake — a black duck-Mallard hybrid, with some Mallard green evident in its head and one of its tail feathers showing the typical Mallard curl. Otherwise, it looked very much like a black duck. Other divers in view were some Buffleheads and Red-breasted Mergansers. In the marsh to the north of us, a few Red-winged Blackbirds could be heard singing and there were several Common Grackles.

Making our way along Atlantic Road, we made a stop at “Cormorant Rock” where we usually find Great Cormorants loafing. We were not disappointed. Sitting atop the rock were five adult Great Cormorants and two immatures. The adults displayed their nuptial plumage with their white flank patches and heads and necks turning a frosty white. The dark chests and white bellies of the immatures were evident. In the vicinity of the rock was a pair of Harlequin Ducks, which we don’t normally see on this stretch of coastline. There were also a few Common Eiders and White-winged Scoters. For those not entirely focused on the ocean, two Song Sparrow were heard singing in the background.

From our Elks Club vantage point, we managed to locate two Black Guillemots — one in nearly complete black breeding plumage and the other still in its dominantly white winter plumage. Four Red-necked Grebes and a single Horned Grebe were also present along with the usual duckies. A few Purple Sandpipers right in front of us presented great views as the incoming tide approached them.

Following the requisite pit stop at the Rockport public loos, we visited Cathedral Ledge. Here we had stunning views of Harlequins directly below us. The sun height and angle made the drake plumages utterly breathtaking — absolutely gorgeous. Their wintering numbers are dwindling as they make their way north for the breeding season, so we were very happy to have these birds giving us a show, the last of our season.

David Moon and I look forward to seeing you next week back at Joppa Flats Education Center. The arrival of early spring migrants is underway and resident bird song is being heard!

Cheers and warmest regards!
Dave Weaver

Our list:
Canada Goose – common.
Gadwall (3) – Eastern Pt.
American Black Duck (~ 15) – various.
Mallard (2) – Eastern Pt.
Common Eider – common.
Harlequin Duck (12) – 2, “Cormorant Rock,” Atlantic Rd.; 10, Cathedral Ledge.
Surf Scoter – common.
White-winged Scoter – common.
Black Scoter – common.
Long-tailed Duck – common.
Bufflehead – common.
Common Goldeneye (~ 20)
Red-breasted Merganser (~ 10)
Common Loon (~ 15)
Horned Grebe (1) – Elks Club.
Red-necked Grebe (4) – Elks Club.
Great Cormorant (7) – “Cormorant Rock,” Atlantic Rd.
Purple Sandpiper (~ 20) – ~ 16, Eastern Pt. Dog Bar; 4, Elks Club.
Ring-billed Gull (~ 10)
Herring Gull – common.
Great Black-backed Gull (~ 12)
Razorbill (5) – Eastern Pt.
Black Guillemot (2) – Elks Club.
Rock Pigeon
Mourning Dove
American Crow (~ 15)
Northern Mockingbird (1) – Cathedral Ledge.
European Starling (~ 6) – Eastern Pt.
Song Sparrow (3) – singing; 2, Atlantic Rd.
Northern Cardinal (1) – Cathedral Ledge.
Red-winged Blackbird (3) – Eastern Pt.
Common Grackle (~ 6) – Eastern Pt.
House Sparrow