Man, I love spring migration. Things in New England are hopping' now.
Yesterday, when I got out of work (after a very tiring 68 hour work week, and having read all kinds of great reports on the local list-servs, and knowing that I had several friends heading to Cape May) I made a few stops at some local spots to try and see a few birds. (Also a bit of scouting for next week's birdathon, but more on that a little later.) First I checked a location where I saw a pair of Broad-winged Hawks at nest, and had heard they were back inthe area, but couldn't locate them. I then headed over to the "mountain" near Horn Pond in Woburn where Prairie Warblers, Field Sparrows and Indigo Buntings. The Prairie Warblers and Field Sparrows have indeed started to return (but no Indigo Buntings there yet.)
The weather today was a little overcast with intermittent raindrops, but the birding was still great. We picked up Paul & Diana at 6:30 this morning and headed over to Mt. Auburn Cemetery. One of our first "first of season" birds we saw within a few minutes of stepping out of the car was a Blue-winged Warbler. It was quickly followed with a host of other warblers including Black-and-Whites, American Redstarts, Black-throated Blue's, Black-throated Greens, Nashville's, Pine, Blackburnian's, and Magnolia. We also saw our FOS Scarlet Tananger, and Indigo Bunting. Talk about a day of colorful birds! Added to that we saw Veery, Wood and Hermit Thrushes. A commotion of crows led us to one of the Great-horned Owls, which also drew in a local Cooper's Hawk which also to a few swipes at the owl.
And before leaving the cemetery, we did a quick check on an Eastern Screech Owl that I had not caught up with yet. Today it was out and "displaying" for the crowds.
After stopping at Mt.A, we decided to continue "scouting" for next weekend - including stops at Oak Grove Cemetery/Brooks Estate, where we searched for cuckoos, but instead found Great-crested Flycatchers, and the Flickers were pretty cooperative:
Then we headed to a Heron Rookery in Concord. In addition to all the herons, I know where a pair of Pileated Woodpeckers are nesting and wanted to see how they were coming along. I'm happy to say they seem to be doing just fine, and we saw the male and emale exchanges places in the cavity while there.
We also watched a pair of Red-bellied Woodpeckers while there regularly visiting a particular snag. Not exactly the location of a nest cavity I am used to seeing Red-bellied Woodpeckers using, (snag was pretty rotten and looked soft) so perhaps they were a young pair and this was their first attempt.
Tomorrow should be another great day of birding. I think Pamela and I plan to go to Plum Island in the morning.
But before I forget, next weekend I will be again be participating in MassAudubon's annual Birdathon fundraiser with Paul and Diana, raising money for the Drumlin Farm Sanctuary in Lincoln, MA. Today we did some scouting, and next week we will be "competing" with at least 24 other teams from 6pm on Friday the 15th until 6pmon Saturday the 16th. Financial support is greatly appreciated, and if you are so inclined, can be done this year on-line here.
Of course, well wishes are free and are most welcomed!!!
