On the Road: New England Marshes

We had heard a great deal about the birding at Plum Island, MA in the Parker River NWR on Ray  Brown's "Talkin' Birds" radio show (available on the Internet).   This refuge was only a few miles from our route to Maine on I-95, so we visited for a few hours.   Here also the birds were involved in breeding activity.   Most were common birds we see as migrants in TX (see Bird Lists at end of post), such as the abundant yellow warblers.  However, as migrants in TX they are not singing as they were here.

Yellow Warbler singing in plum tree at Parker River NWR.

This Red-winged Black-bird with red epallett fully exposed appeared to be challenging me as I entered his territory along the marsh boardwalk.

Red-winged Blackbird, Parker River NWR.

Eastern Towhee, Parker River NWR.

We used to have many Towhees in our yard when we lived in Georgia, but we have not seen them in Texas, so these were a first for our eBird list.

Gadwall, Parker River NWR.

There were the usual ducks and geese.

Canada Geese with goslings, Parker River NWR.

After we arrived in Maine and were working on the boat,  we took a day off and went birding at the Scarborough Marsh (near Portland, ME).  Here again most of the birds were familiar.  These salt marshes are similar to those on the Gulf Coast, except for the tides of 10' and the occasional Harbor Seal swimming in the tidal creeks.

Song Sparrow, Scarborough Marsh, ME

Both Great Egrets and Snowy Egrets are abundant at Scarborough Marsh.

Great Egret, Scarborough Marsh, ME.

The Saltmarsh Sparrow and Nelson's Sharp Tail Sparrow are "target" birds at Scarborough Marsh where their breeding ranges overlap. They are quite similar in appearance, but have distinctive songs which we could identify (thanks to recordings on our iPod).   These were both "life" birds for us.  Unfortunately, they were elusive and difficult to photograph.

Saltmarsh Sparrow, Scarborough Marsh, ME.

NE Marshes Bird Lists -

Parker River NWR

Canada Goose,10
Gadwall,3
American Black Duck,1
Double-crested Cormorant,2
Great Egret,4
Osprey,1
Willet,3
Herring Gull,6
Common Tern,2
Mourning Dove,2
Eastern Kingbird,2
Tree Swallow,2
Wood Thrush,1
American Robin,3
Gray Catbird,2
Yellow Warbler,4

Scarborough Marsh
Double-crested Cormorant    4
Great Egret    7
Snowy Egret    19
Glossy Ibis    3
Willet    12
Herring Gull    5
Great Black-backed Gull    1
Mourning Dove    1
Belted Kingfisher    1
American Crow    1
Tree Swallow    21
Cliff Swallow    12
American Robin    1
Gray Catbird    1
Cedar Waxwing    2
Yellow Warbler    2
Common Yellowthroat    1
Nelson's Sparrow    1
Saltmarsh Sparrow    2
Song Sparrow    7
Red-winged Blackbird    20
American Goldfinch    2

On the Road: Sapsucker Woods

 Sapsucker Woods Pond wetland

Sapsucker Woods is the home of the Cornell Lab of Ornithology, in Ithaca, NY. Since we are "members" of the Lab and regularly submit observations to eBird their  on-line  checklist system we made a detour to visit the Lab on our way to Maine early this summer.   The lab and building are very interesting, but the surrounding 230-acre Sapsucker Woods Sanctuary was the best part of the visit for us.

Mallard with ducklings in the wetland

As it was late spring many of the birds were raising young or beginning breeding activity.

Pond with Great Blue Heron Nest

Although they look quite natural, the ponds have been constructed.  In that way this sanctuary is similar to the Estero Llano Grande in Weslaco, TX  (see blog post).  "If you build it [a wetland] they [the birds] will come."

Close-up of the Great Blue Heron nest.

Water Lilies in Fuller Wetlands

The wetland flowers were magnificent as well.

Iris in the marsh.

American Goldfinches at a feeder seen from the building.

There were many feeders attracting birds.

Black-capped Chickadee at feeder along a trail.

Common Grackle showing blue iridescence.

And lots of birds in the woods along the trails.

Baltimore Oriole

Fuller Wetlands overlook on a morning bird walk with a staff member from the lab.