On June 27, 2024, we held our annual breeding bird survey. This year, 11 members split up into 4 teams to cover the Burrage Pond Wildlife Management Area. We observed 74 different species and were able to confirm breeding for 19 of those.
Oddly enough, the most interesting sighting of the day is a species that is definitely not breeding at Burrage. Kim, Mike, Mary, and I covered the small ponds in the western part of the WMA. We had only just gotten started when we spotted an unusual bird perched on a submerged log - an Anhinga! This species has only been seen twice before in Massachusetts and both of those sightings were fly-overs. This is a new species for Plymouth County as well as a first for the South Shore Bird Club. We were able to get the word out and the other teams were able to come and see the bird.
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| Anhinga (Photo by Kim Wylie) |
Dan, Annie, and Vin covered the main bog area near the Hawks Ave. entrance and were able to confirm two of the rare breeding species. They spotted Sandhill Cranes with a colt as well as a juvenile American Bittern. Jim and Wayne birded the southern end of the bogs near the Elm St. parking lot. They found an Eastern Kingbird nest and a Belted Kingfisher carrying food. They also saw a Common Yellowthroat feeding a young Brown-headed Cowbird.
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| Eastern Kingbird nest (Photo by Jim Sweeney) |
Nate, Noah, and Stu covered the marshes at the northern end of the property. They had several Virginia Rails including some singing birds. They also found an American Woodcock and an Eastern Phoebe nest.
On our last trip to Burrage back in early May, the club found a very vocal King Rail. We were hopeful this species might breed here again as they did in 2016. However, this bird hasn't been seen in several weeks and was not found on our survey.
Thanks again to everyone who participated. The full list of species is below. An eBird trip report is also available at: SSBC BBS 2024 - Burrage Pond WMA - eBird Trip Report
- Brian Vigorito