Squantum Part 2, May 14 and 21

Wednesday May 14th

 

Four participants seems to be the magic number for our discoveries at Squantum.

Today we went straight to Squaw Rock Park, as that had been very productive for birds just two days earlier. We were not disappointed! Although the number of warbler species was not as numerous as had been at the weekend, the looks afforded to us were spectacular. Near the quarry area one can look DOWN on warblers, which is a great change from places like Mt. Auburn or Wompatuck – no “warblers neck” for us today! Highlight for me was a lingering Golden-crowned Kinglet. As there was no photographer among us, unfortunately we have no pictures of birds or birders. Below is the complete lists for that morning.

Quincy: Squantum, Squaw Rock Park, Norfolk, US-MA
May 14, 2014 6:55 AM - 8:55 AM
Protocol: Traveling
0.8 mile(s)
Comments:     SSBC trip, 48 F to 50 F partially sunny
27 species

Snowy Egret  1     flyover.
Ruby-throated Hummingbird  1
Blue-headed Vireo  1
Blue Jay  7
American Crow  3
Northern Rough-winged Swallow  3
House Wren  1
Golden-crowned Kinglet  1     great looks by everyone in the group.
Ruby-crowned Kinglet  1
American Robin  1
Gray Catbird  10
Northern Mockingbird  1
Black-and-white Warbler  2
Common Yellowthroat  3
American Redstart  4
Northern Parula  4
Magnolia Warbler  1
Yellow Warbler  3
Black-throated Blue Warbler  2
Yellow-rumped Warbler  12
Wilson's Warbler  1
Eastern Towhee  2
Song Sparrow  X
Northern Cardinal  3
Common Grackle  6
Brown-headed Cowbird  1
American Goldfinch  2

View this checklist online at http://ebird.org/ebird/view/checklist?subID=S18594805

This report was generated automatically by eBird v3 (http://ebird.org

We also checked the Salt Pannes at Kennedy Center and were delighted by the ABDU chicks possibly taking their first swim that day!

Quincy: Squantum Salt Pannes, Norfolk, US-MA
May 14, 2014 9:00 AM - 9:10 AM
Protocol: Stationary
Comments:     SSBC trip
10 species

American Black Duck  17     11 very small chicks with one adult, at least 3 other Ducks sitting on nests.  6 Adults, 11 Juveniles.
Semipalmated Plover  4
Killdeer  2
Greater Yellowlegs  3
Least Sandpiper  3
Least Tern  3
Tree Swallow  2
Barn Swallow  3
Song Sparrow  2
House Finch  2

View this checklist online at http://ebird.org/ebird/view/checklist?subID=S18594804

This report was generated automatically by eBird v3 (http://ebird.org)

 

Wednesday May 21^st

We first stopped at the Kennedy Center and had another look at the continuing Glossy Ibis and admired the ABDU already remarkably grown from last week,

 Photo by Liam Waters

Quincy: Squantum Salt Pannes, Norfolk, US-MA
May 21, 2014 6:20 AM - 6:40 AM
Protocol: Stationary
Comments:     SSBC trip, sunny 50F
15 species

American Black Duck  17     6 Adults, 11 Juveniles.
Great Egret  2
Snowy Egret  3
Glossy Ibis  2
Osprey  2
Greater Yellowlegs  2
Ring-billed Gull  1     flyover.
Great Black-backed Gull  1
Chimney Swift  3
Tree Swallow  3
Barn Swallow  9
Song Sparrow  1
Red-winged Blackbird  5
Common Grackle  3
House Sparrow  2

View this checklist online at http://ebird.org/ebird/view/checklist?subID=S18553194

This report was generated automatically by eBird v3 (http://ebird.org)

 

Then we continued on to Squantum Point Park and walked the whole loop in brilliant sunshine without encountering a single dogwalker!

The last in the series of four mornings at Squantum was higlighted by the arrival of the first of the year willow flycatcher at Squantum Point Park. While looking at the bird through the scope both Liam and I heard a virginia rail calling. I searched for it low on the ground, hoping to catch a glimpse through the reeds when Liam exclaimed OMG and pointed to a bush. There, about 4.5 feet off the ground the rail was singing his little heart out! My theory is that he had to compete with the planes landing overhead, but of course he just might have liked the view or wanted us to be able to have a great look. It is certainly not a look anyone of us will ever forget. Luckily Liam got his camera out and had plenty of time to get a couple of lovely photos to remember this wonderful sighting by.

 

Thanks Liam for this memorable shot!

Quincy: Squantum Point Park, Norfolk, US-MA
May 21, 2014 6:50 AM - 7:50 AM
Protocol: Traveling
0.8 mile(s)
Comments:     SSBC trip, sunny 55 F
27 species

Double-crested Cormorant  1
Virginia Rail  2     1 observed singing from a bush about 4.5 feet off the ground, later a lot of interaction happening in the reeds - did not see the second bird.
Mourning Dove  3
Willow Flycatcher  3
Warbling Vireo  3
Red-eyed Vireo  1
Blue Jay  2
Black-capped Chickadee  2
Veery  1
Hermit Thrush  1
American Robin  15
Gray Catbird  3
Northern Mockingbird  1
Cedar Waxwing  12     flyover, vocalizing.
Common Yellowthroat  2
Yellow Warbler  14
Black-throated Green Warbler  1     Heard.
Eastern Towhee  1     Heard.
Savannah Sparrow  1
Song Sparrow  4
Northern Cardinal  2
Red-winged Blackbird  8
Common Grackle  26
Brown-headed Cowbird  2
Baltimore Oriole  1
American Goldfinch  2
House Sparrow  2

View this checklist online at http://ebird.org/ebird/view/checklist?subID=S18553193

This report was generated automatically by eBird v3 (http://ebird.org)

 

Christine Whitebread