November 2013

At the start of the month I saw a large flock of grackles getting ready for migration at Riverway as I walked past.

Saturday 2nd, Riverway, Boston, MA, USA

Mid-month I braved the numerous unleashed dogs at Millennium Park for a couple of nice sparrows: Clay-Colored Sparrow and a life-tick FOX SPARROW also notable Hairy Woodpecker and Eastern Bluebirds.

Sunday 17th, Millennium Park, MA, USA

At the end of the month a Thanksgiving trip to Florida provided ample birds as usual. A visit to Siesta Key, for the amazing beach and Snowy Plover at the north end. A drive along Myakka Road to the State Park's north entrance provided a moment of good luck because as I watched Palm Warblers and Sandhill Cranes in someone's large front garden, a CRESTED CARACARA flew over; a very distinctive bird, life-tick and the highlight of the week/month!

Monday 25th, Myakka Road, FL, USA

Myakka SP itself was also awesome, especially the non-bird alligators, my first. I also saw my first CASPIAN TERN, LONG-BILLED DOWITCHERS and BLACK-NECKED STILTS.

Monday 25th, Myakka River SP, FL, USA

Although I didn't see the scrub-jays at Shamrock Park, on the way back at Bowdoin Road I did see BLACK-BELLIED WHISTLING DUCK, a life-tick.

Wednesday 27th, Bowdoin Road Pond, FL, USA

October 2013

Only one outing this month, a Leverett Pond patch visit, which turned up a couple of warblers: N. Parula and Blackpoll Warbler.

Also two patch-ticks: Cooper's Hawk, apparently hunting chipmunks, and Brown Creeper, creeping up and down tree trunks.

Saturday 5th, Leverett Pond, MA, USA

September 2013

Birds seen this month included a few yellowlegs and plovers during a family outing to Hingham whilst having dinner in a car-park.

Sunday 1st, Hingham Bathing Beach, MA, USA.

And a Peregrine near Copley on my way from work.

Thursday 12th, Copley, Boston, MA, USA.

A mid-month Olmsted Park patch visit turned up a female BLUE-WINGED TEAL, first on Leverett then on Willow Pond, a life-tick.

Sunday 15th, Leverett Pond, Boston, MA, USA.

Gooseberry Neck, Bristol, US-MA, 25-Aug-2013

11:53 AM - 2:00 PM
Protocol: Traveling
1.5 mile(s)
Comments: Outing to a familiar migration hotspot on a lovely day.
Weather: bright, hot & sunny.
21 species

Common Eider X
Double-crested Cormorant X
Osprey X

Grey Plover 2 on nearby rocks off south-east tip; primary projection not beyond tail, pale top of head, noticeable bill.

Spotted Sandpiper 1 foraging on rock close to south-east shore. Easily identifiable shape and bobbing behaviour.

Whimbrel 4 flew in low, directly towards and over me as I stood on the southern tip! The settled on the nearby beach and started to forage, keeping a eye loosely on me.

Sanderling 50 along the shore, flying to avoid people, and then roosting at the end of the island as I sat about 40 yards away having my lunch. I was able to move off without disturbing them.

Semipalmated Sandpiper 5 + foraging at various points along the shore, or on rocks in the water.

Laughing Gull X
Ring-billed Gull X
Herring Gull X
Great Black-backed Gull X

Least Tern 3 between rocks to the east and south of the mainland. They and other terns initially moved between the near eastern rocks and the further away southern rocks, before mainly settling on the farther rocks.

Black Tern 3 on southern rocks; small, darker body including tail, but not possible to pick out too many more details because I only had my binoculars.

Common Tern 1

Forster's Tern 1 flew out to the southern rocks, distinctive face mask just about visible.

Mourning Dove 2 near the tower.
Tree Swallow 100 + flying throughout and many perching on reeds.
Barn Swallow 1 or 2 among the tree swallows.
Grey Catbird X
Song Sparrow 1

View this checklist online at http://ebird.org/ebird/view/checklist?subID=S15095339

Olmsted Park--Ward's Pond, Suffolk, MA, USA, 27-Jul-2013

2:57 PM - 3:35 PM
Protocol: Traveling
0.25 mile(s)
Comments: Last part of patch visit, including a nice sit by the pond in the sunshine. I was also able to walk on the new boardwalk.
2 species

Great Black-backed Gull 1 over to Jamaica Pond.
Grey Catbird 1

View this checklist online at http://ebird.org/ebird/view/checklist?subID=S15087833

Olmsted Park--Leverett Pond, Suffolk, MA, USA, 27-Jul-2013

2:06 PM - 2:33 PM
Protocol: Traveling
0.5 mile(s)
Comments: Summer patch visit.
Weather: hot and sunny.
8 species

American Black Duck X
Mallard X
Double-crested Cormorant X
Blue Jay X
American Robin X
European Starling 1
Song Sparrow 1 heard.
House Sparrow X

View this checklist online at http://ebird.org/ebird/view/checklist?subID=S15087764