This Wednesday, Dave Williams and I met 33 birders in Gloucester, excited to search for the many alcids and other seabirds that have been reported off Cape Ann recently. Naturally, we found American Black Ducks and Mallards on the salt marsh behind the Friendly’s parking lot.
Great-Cormorants – John Linn
It is always interesting to pull up to the end of Jodrey State Fish Pier, because the “birdscape,” especially on the water, varies a lot over the winter. We found one of the two Peregrine Falcons that frequent the cupola on City Hall; it’s time to check the ground around there for pellets! The harbor was full of Common Eiders and more Red-breasted Mergansers than we have seen all winter. More than one flock of 10+ were hanging close together, undoubtedly testing the effects of new bright plumage the males are sporting to attract a mate. That was a theme for most of the “duckies” we saw. A group of young Surf Scoters foraged near the pier, not where we usually see that species. Some White-winged Scoters were scattered over the water farther out, along with a couple of Common Loons and Long-tailed Ducks also in the harbor. While there were certainly flocks of gulls as always in the harbor area, the numbers were lower than they often are, perhaps due to a hiatus in fishing. The harbormaster says that the season and, to an extent, restrictions on the catch has reduced the fleet’s activity lately, and the producer on the pier has not been processing herring and menhaden to the degree they usually do. This means gulls have less to scavenge in the harbor. Maybe that is why the Iceland Gull was seen last week off Atlantic Road, instead of lounging near the pier.
Long-tailed Duck – Andrea LeBlanc
Because we wanted time for the alcid search this Wednesday, we headed right over to Atlantic Road after the harbor. There were two Great Cormorants waiting for us near “Cormorant Rock,” and we started the often frustrating search for alcids. They are harder to see because they are small and dive for long times over large distances, and seeing the field marks when they are on a short break from foraging on a choppy sea can be tough. We worked our way up Atlantic Road, stopping frequently, spotting scattered scoters, one Red-necked Grebe, and several Black Guillemots. One of the latter finally took a rest on the water, reasonably close enough to see all the distinguishing characteristics. The flocks of Buffleheads that we always see there were in high spirits, as the color on them in the photo attests.
Buffleheads looking sporty off Atlantic Road – David Moon
Then it was time for our pit stop at Rockport Harbor, where a drake Northern Pintail has been wintering. That bird is obviously doing well. Some of us spotted an adult Bald Eagle soaring overhead as we arrived, and a Red-tailed Hawk also flew overhead.
Northern Pintail in Rockport Harbor – Andrea Leblanc
Surprisingly short on time, we headed straight for Andrews Point. Our timing was good, as the wonderful Dovekie in the photos below floated tight in to the shore in the suddenly calm water, warmer air, and sunshine. There were lots of Harlequin Ducks, plenty of eiders and scoters, including Black Scoters, and an especially handsome drake Surf Scoter. A few alcids flew and foraged so far out that identification, while not impossible, was not particularly solid.
Dovekie at Andrews Point- Mike Densmore
Dovekie at Andrews Point – Andrea LeBlanc
Harlequin Ducks at Andrews Point – John Linn
It was a day of working hard for birds along the rocky coast; however, if you struggle and strain to see little avian things on the uneven sea, you also might get to pull up on a special bird sitting as if on display. As always, it was a great pleasure and privilege to be out with the great assortment of people that come together for our weekly outing, really made possible by all the fine volunteer leaders that support these programs. Dave Weaver is happy to be back now, with Eagle Festival tomorrow, and we are looking forward to seeing you next week for our next visit to Plum Island!