B-Mail(sm): MASSBIRD for Mon, 7 Dec 2009

[ << | >> | ^^ ]

Subject: Waterbird Survey Results 12/04/09 - Great Meadows
          NWR - Concord
From: Barbara Volkle and Steve Moore <barb620(AT)theworld.com>
Date: 7 Dec 2009 9:52am

Thanks to Jason St.Sauver of US FWS for the following report.

Barbara Volkle
Northborough, MA
barb620(AT)theworld.com

* * *

The following species of waterfowl and other birds were counted 
during a
recent waterbird survey conducted at the Great Meadows National 
Wildlife
Refuge; Concord Impoundments on Friday, December 4, 2009. If you have 
any
questions regarding this survey or management at the Concord 
Impoundments,
please contact the Refuge biological staff at 978-443-4661 x37, 24 or 
23.

Canada Goose  560
Mute Swan  4
Mallard  4
Green-winged teal  6
Ring-necked duck  10
Bufflehead  15
Common goldeneye  6
Hooded merganser  1
Ruddy duck  5
Pied-billed grebe  2
American coot  19
Great blue heron  1

Jason St. Sauver
Biological Technician
US Fish & Wildlife Service
Eastern Massachusetts NWR Complex
978.443.4661 x23

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Subject: Fw: eBird Report - Rockport , 12/4/09
From: Paul Peterson <petersonpaul63(AT)yahoo.com>
Date: 7 Dec 2009 9:58am

----- Forwarded Message ----
From: "do-not-reply(AT)ebird.org" <do-not-reply(AT)ebird.org>
To: petersonpaul63(AT)yahoo.com
Sent: Mon, December 7, 2009 9:55:52 AM
Subject: eBird Report - Rockport , 12/4/09

Location:    Rockport
Observation date:    12/4/09
Notes:    I birded on foot from Pigeon Cove(which definitely lives up to its
name) to Halibut Point. I never made it to the shore at Halibut Pt. due to time
constraints. The Hermit Thrushes, Yellow-rumped Warblers, Purple Finches, Cedar
Waxwings, and Red-bellied Woodpecker were at Halibut Pt. State Park. Forty of
the Harlequin Ducks were at Andrew's point, as were the roosting purple
Sandpipers, Black Guillemot, and most of the Common Eiders. 
Number of species:    33

Common Eider (Atlantic)    43
Harlequin Duck    46
Red-breasted Merganser    5
Common Loon    1
Northern Gannet    12
Red-tailed Hawk    1
Purple Sandpiper    25
Black-legged Kittiwake    1
Ring-billed Gull    X
Herring Gull (American)    X
Great Black-backed Gull    X
Black Guillemot    1
Rock Pigeon    11
Red-bellied Woodpecker    1
Downy Woodpecker    4
Blue Jay    4
American Crow    15
Black-capped Chickadee    13
Tufted Titmouse    7
White-breasted Nuthatch    5
Carolina Wren    7
Hermit Thrush    2
American Robin    23
Northern Mockingbird    2
European Starling    40
Cedar Waxwing    11
Yellow-rumped Warbler (Myrtle)    3
Song Sparrow    7
White-throated Sparrow    2
Northern Cardinal    6
Purple Finch    2
House Finch    7
American Goldfinch    2

This report was generated automatically by eBird v2(http://ebird.org)

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Subject: Fw: eBird Report - Rumney Marsh (East) , 12/6/09
From: Paul Peterson <petersonpaul63(AT)yahoo.com>
Date: 7 Dec 2009 10:00am

----- Forwarded Message ----
From: "do-not-reply(AT)ebird.org" <do-not-reply(AT)ebird.org>
To: petersonpaul63(AT)yahoo.com
Sent: Mon, December 7, 2009 9:41:17 AM
Subject: eBird Report - Rumney Marsh (East) , 12/6/09

Location:    Rumney Marsh (East)
Observation date:    12/6/09
Notes:    These birds were seen from the commuter train roosting together in one
 of their favorite spots-on the grassy island out in the water between Saugus
and Lynn. They may stay well into January, based on previous experience.
Number of species:    1

Great Blue Heron    7

This report was generated automatically by eBird v2(http://ebird.org)

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Subject: Fw: eBird Report - Gloucester , 12/6/09
From: Paul Peterson <petersonpaul63(AT)yahoo.com>
Date: 7 Dec 2009 10:00am

----- Forwarded Message ----
From: "do-not-reply(AT)ebird.org" <do-not-reply(AT)ebird.org>
To: petersonpaul63(AT)yahoo.com
Sent: Mon, December 7, 2009 9:34:30 AM
Subject: eBird Report - Gloucester , 12/6/09

Location:    Gloucester
Observation date:    12/6/09
Notes:    I had stopped walking along the back shore to look at the ocean when I
 heard some chattering. Lo and behold!-a group of 13 Ruddy Turnstones and 6
Purple Sandpipers roosting on a rock in front of me. Mostof the Black Guillemots
 were close to shore, and thus identifiable with binoculars.
Number of species:    31

Canada Goose    34
Mute Swan    3    Inner Harbor
Gadwall    2
American Black Duck    13
Mallard    13
Ring-necked Duck    5
King Eider    1    at the Good Harbor Beach footbridge two hours before high
tide! Eric N. saw it at Salt I. at 10:00 a.m.(small rocky island at north end of
 Good Harbor Beach)
Common Eider    116    most in Inner Harbor
White-winged Scoter    26    mostly back shore(ocean from just south of Good
Harbor Beach to Eastern Point neighborhood, a mile or so coastal stretch)
Bufflehead    102
Red-breasted Merganser    19
Common Loon    3    two were at the Jodrey Fish Pier
Northern Gannet    77    all along back shore
Great Cormorant    11    two-Salt I., and nine Brace Cove on Brace Rock
Ruddy Turnstone    13    roosting with the Purple Sandpipers near high tide on
back shore
Purple Sandpiper    6
Bonaparte's Gull    200    Brace Cove cuties
Ring-billed Gull    X
Herring Gull (American)    X
Iceland Gull    2    Brace Cove beauties
Great Black-backed Gull    X
Black Guillemot    5    in two groups on back shore
Rock Pigeon    77
American Crow    8
Horned Lark    5    Good Harbor Beach parking lot with a Snow Bunting-near high
tide
Black-capped Chickadee    5
European Starling    100
Song Sparrow    3
Snow Bunting    1
Northern Cardinal    4
House Sparrow    4

This report was generated automatically by eBird v2(http://ebird.org)

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Subject: Fw: eBird Report - Boston-Christian Science
         Center , 12/6/09
From: Paul Peterson <petersonpaul63(AT)yahoo.com>
Date: 7 Dec 2009 10:02am

----- Forwarded Message ----
From: "do-not-reply(AT)ebird.org" <do-not-reply(AT)ebird.org>
To: petersonpaul63(AT)yahoo.com
Sent: Mon, December 7, 2009 9:37:54 AM
Subject: eBird Report - Boston-Christian Science Center , 12/6/09

Location:    Boston-Christian Science Center
Observation date:    12/6/09
Notes:    This bird was on one of his favorite perches, near top of the hotel
facing Huntington Ave, just across from the Christian Science Admin. nesting
building, presumably warming up in the morning sun.
Number of species:    1

Peregrine Falcon    1

This report was generated automatically by eBird v2(http://ebird.org)

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Subject: Scarcity of birds
From: "Jan and Dick Sherwood" <sherwood63(AT)comcast.net>
Date: 7 Dec 2009 10:32am

This is a multi-part message in MIME format.

----INCLUDING text/plain MIME SECTION----

Birds at my feeder are very scarce.  Instead of a maxium of
8 birds (Goldfinch) and a maxium of 12 species, I now have=20
3 and 3, respectively.  Any ideas why?
Dick Sherwood
508-992-4274
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Subject: Common Shelduck searching -- Massbirders should
         coordinate!
From: "Marshall Iliff" <miliff(AT)aol.com>
Date: 7 Dec 2009 10:36am

----INCLUDING text/plain MIME SECTION----

Massbird,

The report of a Common Shelduck from Nahant is very exciting for several
reasons. First, like Jeremiah, I think this could very well be a natural
vagrant. The location (coastal), habitat (extensive mudflats/rocky
shoreline), time of year, and overall situation all seem great. The
Newfoundland record just weeks ago (of a hatch-year bird) strengthens the
case significantly.  Finally, Jeremiah did not mention the two records (from
Oct in Essex and from Dec on Martha's Vineyard) mentioned by Veit and
Petersen's 1993 Birds of Massachusetts, but they considered those birds
natural vagrants. Yes, this species is kept in captivity, but with four
records of Oct-Dec shelducks along the immediate coast and in appropriate
habitat, it is perhaps time to reconsider the ABA/AOU policy that these are
not acceptable vagrants.

Given this, I think Massbirders should really mobilize to relocate this
bird. We want to know: 1) a confirmed ID-although the description sounded
good for shelduck, for a bird this rare photos would be ideal; 2) its age
(hatch-years birds have a white trailing edge to secondaries, so in-flight
photos). I think the case for natural vagrancy would be stronger if this
were a hatch-year (immature) bird; 3) its foot/plumage condition. Bands or
clipped hallux (rear toe) could indicate captive origin.

Matt Garvey and I search from 7:00-9:00 this morning but the tide was low so
the bird could have been anywhere over the hundreds of acres of mudflats in
the area (the preferred habitat for shelducks, which feeds primarily on
clams and mussels). Linda Pivacek and Jeremiah Trimble were searching from
9:00 on. I'll return to the original location around 2:00 pm to check if it
returns. I urge other birds to check Revere Beach, Lynn Beach, Short Beach,
or even places like Wollaston Beach. Anywhere with tidal flats attractive to
Brant or American black Ducks could be productive. Even Cape Cod locations
like Barnstable Harbor and First Encounter Beach might be worth checking. If
this bird continued south (the Newfoundland bird stayed just 15 minutes) ,
it might wrap around Cape Cod since it seems likely to stick to the coast. 

Let's all be on high alert. If anyone if looking for the bird this afternoon
and would like to coordinate, my cell phone is 617-385-8352.

Good luck to all who search!

Best,

Marshall Iliff

From: massbird-approval(AT)world.std.com
[mailto:massbird-approval(AT)world.std.com] On Behalf Of Jeremiah Trimble
Sent: Sunday, December 06, 2009 4:42 PM
To: Jim M
Cc: Massbird
Subject: Re: [MASSBIRD] Common shelduck in Nahant

Dear MASSBIRDERS,

Jim's report is very intriguing and I want to make sure that Massachusetts
birders consider this report with great interest.  It is always difficult to
assess the natural occurrence of out-of-range waterfowl.  However, this
species has been on the radars of many birding folks as a potential true
vagrant to northeastern North America.  In addition, this species has
increased dramatically over the last decade in Iceland, a good jumping off
point to North America.

Most significantly, only 2 weeks ago, an immature male Common Shelduck was
observed and photographed at Quidi Vidi Lake in St. John's Newfoundland.  At
a good location for an arriving vagrant and at a good time of year, this
bird was considered by many folks there to be a natural vagrant.  

It would be very worthwhile to get out into the field and try to document
this bird reported by Jim.  Please send all reports to MASSBIRD and anyone
who sees this bird please be sure to submit details and photographs to the
Massachusetts Avian Records Committee.  Such reports can be sent to myself
or Matt Garvey.

Good birding,

Jeremiah Trimble

Cambridge, MA

On Sun, Dec 6, 2009 at 3:27 PM, Jim M <jamesjr_54(AT)yahoo.com> wrote:

Among the 200+ buffleheads today 12/6 at Short Beach in Little Nahant I
spotted a large duck with dark head, orange bill, chestnut/gray "vest,"
black wings and white back. Long white neck. Dabbling, not diving. Meets the
description of the Common Shelduck, from what I can discover. I moved from
the beach (it was high tide with strong 3-5 foot waves held up by a stiff
30-mph off-shore wind) to the public access walkway off of Little Nahant
Road for a better look and had great looks for 30 minutes. Bird was still
there when I left at 2:15-ish. Bird was at the North end of the beach, about
50 yards from the south shore of litttle Nahant, about 100 yards offshore
from the beach.

Jim Malone
781-261-0187
"The welfare of each                   of us is dependent fundamentally upon
the welfare of all of                   us."- Teddy Roosevelt, 1903
www.myspace.com/themerj

-- 
Jeremiah Trimble 
Curatorial Associate - Ornithology
Museum of Comparative Zoology
Harvard University 
26 Oxford Street 
Cambridge, MA 02138 
phone: 617-495-2471 
fax: 617-495-5667 
email: jtrimble(AT)oeb.harvard.edu 

----DELETED text/html MIME SECTION----

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Subject: Re: Common Shelduck searching -- Massbirders
         should coordinate!
From: Richard Veit <veitrr2003(AT)yahoo.com>
Date: 7 Dec 2009 11:16am

----INCLUDING text/plain MIME SECTION----

I agree -- this bird is at least as likely to be a wild vagrant as an escap=
ed captive.=C2=A0 In the absence of definitive evidence of captivity, I lea=
n strongly towards its being wild.=0A=C2=A0Richard R. Veit=0AProfessor and =
Chairman=0ABiology Department=0ACSI/CUNY=0A2800 Victory Boulevard=0AStaten =
Island, NY 10314=0A718-982-3853=0AFax 718-982-3852 =0A=0A=0A=0A=0A_________=
_______________________=0AFrom: Marshall Iliff <miliff(AT)aol.com>=0ATo: Massb=
ird <massbird(AT)theworld.com>=0ASent: Mon, December 7, 2009 10:33:02 AM=0ASub=
ject: [MASSBIRD] Common Shelduck searching -- Massbirders should coordinate=
!=0A=0A=0AMassbird,=0A=C2=A0=0AThe report of a Common Shelduck from Nahant =
is very exciting for several reasons. First, like Jeremiah, I think this co=
uld very well be a natural vagrant. The location (coastal), habitat (extens=
ive mudflats/rocky shoreline), time of year, and overall situation all seem=
 great. The Newfoundland record just weeks ago (of a hatch-year bird) stren=
gthens the case significantly. =C2=A0Finally, Jeremiah did not mention the =
two records (from Oct in Essex and from Dec on Martha=E2=80=99s Vineyard) m=
entioned by Veit and Petersen=E2=80=99s 1993 Birds of Massachusetts, but th=
ey considered those birds natural vagrants. Yes, this species is kept in ca=
ptivity, but with four records of Oct-Dec shelducks along the immediate coa=
st and in appropriate habitat, it is perhaps time to reconsider the ABA/AOU=
 policy that these are not acceptable vagrants.=0A=C2=A0=0AGiven this, I th=
ink Massbirders should really mobilize to relocate this bird. We want to kn=
ow: 1) a confirmed ID=E2=80=94although the description sounded good for she=
lduck, for a bird this rare photos would be ideal; 2) its age (hatch-years =
birds have a white trailing edge to secondaries, so in-flight photos). I th=
ink the case for natural vagrancy would be stronger if this were a hatch-ye=
ar (immature) bird; 3) its foot/plumage condition. Bands or clipped hallux =
(rear toe) could indicate captive origin.=0A=C2=A0=0AMatt Garvey and I sear=
ch from 7:00-9:00 this morning but the tide was low so the bird could have =
been anywhere over the hundreds of acres of mudflats in the area (the prefe=
rred habitat for shelducks, which feeds primarily on clams and mussels). Li=
nda Pivacek and Jeremiah Trimble were searching from 9:00 on. I=E2=80=99ll =
return to the original location around 2:00 pm to check if it returns. I ur=
ge other birds to check Revere Beach, Lynn Beach, Short Beach, or even plac=
es like Wollaston Beach. Anywhere with tidal flats attractive to Brant or A=
merican black Ducks could be productive. Even Cape Cod locations like Barns=
table Harbor and First Encounter Beach might be worth checking. If this bir=
d continued south (the Newfoundland bird stayed just 15 minutes) , it might=
 wrap around Cape Cod since it seems likely to stick to the coast. =0A=C2=
=A0=0ALet=E2=80=99s all be on high alert. If anyone if looking for the bird=
 this afternoon and would like to coordinate, my cell phone is 617-385-8352=
.=0A=C2=A0=0AGood luck to all who search!=0A=C2=A0=0ABest,=0A=C2=A0=0AMarsh=
all Iliff=0A=C2=A0=0A=C2=A0=0AFrom:massbird-approval(AT)world.std.com [mailto:=
massbird-approval(AT)world.std.com] On Behalf Of Jeremiah Trimble=0ASent: Sund=
ay, December 06, 2009 4:42 PM=0ATo: Jim M=0ACc: Massbird=0ASubject: Re: [MA=
SSBIRD] Common shelduck in Nahant=0A=C2=A0=0ADear MASSBIRDERS,=0AJim's repo=
rt is very intriguing and I want to make sure that Massachusetts birders co=
nsider this report with great interest. =C2=A0It is always difficult to ass=
ess the natural occurrence of out-of-range waterfowl. =C2=A0However, this s=
pecies has been on the radars of many birding folks as a potential true vag=
rant to northeastern North America. =C2=A0In addition, this species has inc=
reased dramatically over the last decade in Iceland, a good jumping off poi=
nt to North America.=0A=C2=A0=0AMost significantly, only 2 weeks ago, an im=
mature male Common Shelduck was observed and photographed at Quidi Vidi Lak=
e in St. John's Newfoundland. =C2=A0At a good location for an arriving vagr=
ant and at a good time of year, this bird was considered by many folks ther=
e to be a natural vagrant. =C2=A0=0A=C2=A0=0AIt would be very worthwhile to=
 get out into the field and try to document this bird reported by Jim. =C2=
=A0Please send all reports to MASSBIRD and anyone who sees this bird please=
 be sure to submit details and photographs to the Massachusetts Avian Recor=
ds Committee. =C2=A0Such reports can be sent to myself or Matt Garvey.=0A=
=C2=A0=0AGood birding,=0AJeremiah Trimble=0ACambridge, MA=0A=C2=A0=0A=C2=A0=
=0A=C2=A0=0AOn Sun, Dec 6, 2009 at 3:27 PM, Jim M <jamesjr_54(AT)yahoo.com> wr=
ote:=0AAmong the 200+ buffleheads today 12/6 at Short Beach in Little Nahan=
t I spotted a large duck with dark head, orange bill, chestnut/gray "vest,"=
 black wings and white back. Long white neck. Dabbling, not diving. Meets t=
he description of the Common Shelduck, from what I can discover. I moved fr=
om the beach (it was high tide with strong 3-5 foot waves held up by a stif=
f 30-mph off-shore wind) to the public access walkway off of Little Nahant =
Road for a better look and had great looks for 30 minutes. Bird was still t=
here when I left at 2:15-ish. Bird was at the North end of the beach, about=
 50 yards from the south shore of litttle Nahant, about 100 yards offshore =
from the beach.=0A=0AJim Malone=0A781-261-0187=0A"The welfare of each =C2=
=A0 =C2=A0 =C2=A0 =C2=A0 =C2=A0 =C2=A0 =C2=A0 =C2=A0 =C2=A0 of us is depend=
ent fundamentally upon the welfare of all of =C2=A0 =C2=A0 =C2=A0 =C2=A0 =
=C2=A0 =C2=A0 =C2=A0 =C2=A0 =C2=A0 us."- Teddy Roosevelt, 1903=0Awww.myspac=
e.com/themerj=0A=0A=0A=0A=0A=0A=0A=0A-- =0AJeremiah Trimble =0ACuratorial A=
ssociate - Ornithology=0AMuseum of Comparative Zoology=0AHarvard University=
 =0A26 Oxford Street =0ACambridge, MA 02138 =0Aphone: 617-495-2471 =0Afax: =
617-495-5667 =0Aemail: jtrimble(AT)oeb.harvard.edu 
----DELETED text/html MIME SECTION----

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Subject: Re: Common Shelduck searching, NOT YET as of
         11:15am
From: Donald Wilkinson <singingbirder(AT)yahoo.com>
Date: 7 Dec 2009 11:16am

After an hour long search with Linda Pivacek from 10:15-11:15 am, we did not
find the bird yet.

Best, Don

Donald Wilkinson
Nahant MA 01908
singingbirder(AT)yahoo.com
http://donaldwilkinson.com/
http://donwilkinsonbirdingtours.com/

--- On Mon, 12/7/09, Marshall Iliff <miliff(AT)aol.com> wrote:

> From: Marshall Iliff <miliff(AT)aol.com>
> Subject: [MASSBIRD] Common Shelduck searching -- Massbirders should
coordinate!
> To: "'Massbird'" <massbird(AT)theworld.com>
> Date: Monday, December 7, 2009, 10:33 AM
> 
> 
> 
>  
>  
> 
> 
> 
> 
> 
> 
>  
> 
> 
> 
> Massbird, 
> 
>  Â  
> 
> The report of a Common Shelduck
> from Nahant is very exciting for
> several reasons. First, like Jeremiah, I think this could
> very well be a
> natural vagrant. The location (coastal), habitat (extensive
> mudflats/rocky
> shoreline), time of year, and overall situation all seem
> great. The
> Newfoundland record just weeks ago (of a hatch-year bird)
> strengthens the case
> significantly. Â Finally, Jeremiah did not mention the
> two records (from Oct in
> Essex and from Dec on Marthaâ€™s Vineyard) mentioned by
> Veit and Petersenâ€™s 1993
> Birds of Massachusetts, but they considered those birds
> natural vagrants. Yes,
> this species is kept in captivity, but with four records of
> Oct-Dec shelducks
> along the immediate coast and in appropriate habitat, it is
> perhaps time to
> reconsider the ABA/AOU policy that these are not acceptable
> vagrants. 
> 
>  Â  
> 
> Given this, I think Massbirders
> should really mobilize to
> relocate this bird. We want to know: 1) a confirmed
> IDâ€”although the description
> sounded good for shelduck, for a bird this rare photos
> would be ideal; 2) its
> age (hatch-years birds have a white trailing edge to
> secondaries, so in-flight
> photos). I think the case for natural vagrancy would be
> stronger if this were a
> hatch-year (immature) bird; 3) its foot/plumage condition.
> Bands or clipped
> hallux (rear toe) could indicate captive origin.
> 
> 
>  Â  
> 
> Matt Garvey and I search from
> 7:00-9:00 this morning but the
> tide was low so the bird could have been anywhere over the
> hundreds of acres of
> mudflats in the area (the preferred habitat for shelducks,
> which feeds
> primarily on clams and mussels). Linda Pivacek and Jeremiah
> Trimble were searching
> from 9:00 on. Iâ€™ll return to the original location
> around 2:00 pm to check if
> it returns. I urge other birds to check Revere Beach, Lynn
> Beach, Short Beach,
> or even places like Wollaston Beach. Anywhere with tidal
> flats attractive to
> Brant or American black Ducks could be productive. Even
> Cape Cod locations like
> Barnstable Harbor and First Encounter Beach might be worth
> checking. If this
> bird continued south (the Newfoundland bird stayed just 15
> minutes) , it might
> wrap around Cape Cod since it seems likely to stick to the
> coast.  
> 
>  Â  
> 
> Letâ€™s all be on high
> alert. If anyone if looking for the bird
> this afternoon and would like to coordinate, my cell phone
> is 617-385-8352. 
> 
>  Â  
> 
> Good luck to all who
> search! 
> 
>  Â  
> 
> Best, 
> 
>  Â  
> 
> Marshall Iliff 
> 
>  Â  
> 
>  Â  
> 
> 
> 
> From:
> massbird-approval(AT)world.std.com
> [mailto:massbird-approval(AT)world.std.com] On
> Behalf Of Jeremiah Trimble
> 
> Sent: Sunday, December 06, 2009 4:42 PM
> 
> To: Jim M
> 
> Cc: Massbird
> 
> Subject: Re: [MASSBIRD] Common shelduck in
> Nahant 
> 
> 
> 
>  Â  
> 
> Dear MASSBIRDERS, 
> 
> 
> 
> Jim's report is very intriguing
> and I want to make sure that
> Massachusetts birders consider this report with great
> interest. Â It is
> always difficult to assess the natural occurrence of
> out-of-range waterfowl.
> Â However, this species has been on the radars of many
> birding folks as a
> potential true vagrant to northeastern North America.
> Â In addition, this
> species has increased dramatically over the last decade in
> Iceland, a good
> jumping off point to North America. 
> 
> 
> 
> 
> 
>  Â  
> 
> 
> 
> 
> 
> Most significantly, only 2 weeks ago,
> an immature male
> Common Shelduck was observed and photographed at Quidi Vidi
> Lake in St. John's
> Newfoundland. Â At a good location for an arriving
> vagrant and at a good
> time of year, this bird was considered by many folks there
> to be a natural
> vagrant. Â  
> 
> 
> 
> 
> 
>  Â  
> 
> 
> 
> 
> 
> It would be very worthwhile to get out
> into the field and
> try to document this bird reported by Jim. Â Please
> send all reports to
> MASSBIRD and anyone who sees this bird please be sure to
> submit details and
> photographs to the Massachusetts Avian Records Committee.
> Â Such reports can
> be sent to myself or Matt Garvey. 
> 
> 
> 
> 
> 
>  Â  
> 
> 
> 
> 
> 
> Good birding, 
> 
> 
> 
> 
> 
> Jeremiah Trimble 
> 
> 
> 
> 
> 
> Cambridge, MA 
> 
> 
> 
> 
> 
>  Â  
> 
> 
> 
> 
> 
>  Â  
> 
> 
> 
> 
> 
>  Â  
> 
> 
> 
> On Sun, Dec 6, 2009 at 3:27 PM, Jim M
> <jamesjr_54(AT)yahoo.com>
> wrote: 
> 
> Among
> the 200+ buffleheads
> today 12/6 at Short Beach in Little Nahant I spotted a
> large duck with dark
> head, orange bill, chestnut/gray "vest," black
> wings and white back.
> Long white neck. Dabbling, not diving. Meets the
> description of the Common
> Shelduck, from what I can discover. I moved from the beach
> (it was high tide
> with strong 3-5 foot waves held up by a stiff 30-mph
> off-shore wind) to the
> public access walkway off of Little Nahant Road for a
> better look and had great
> looks for 30 minutes. Bird was still there when I left at
> 2:15-ish. Bird was at
> the North end of the beach, about 50 yards from the south
> shore of litttle
> Nahant, about 100 yards offshore from the beach.
> 
> 
> 
> Jim Malone
> 
> 781-261-0187
> 
> "The welfare of each Â  Â  Â  Â 
> Â  Â  Â 
> Â  Â  of us is dependent fundamentally upon the
> welfare of all of
> Â  Â  Â  Â  Â  Â  Â  Â 
> Â  us."- Teddy
> Roosevelt, 1903
> 
> www.myspace.com/themerj
> 
> 
> 
> 
> 
> 
> 
>  
> 
> 
> 
> 
> 
> 
> 
> 
> 
> -- 
> 
> Jeremiah Trimble 
> 
> Curatorial Associate - Ornithology
> 
> Museum of Comparative Zoology
> 
> Harvard University 
> 
> 26 Oxford Street 
> 
> Cambridge, MA 02138 
> 
> phone: 617-495-2471 
> 
> fax: 617-495-5667 
> 
> email: jtrimble(AT)oeb.harvard.edu
>  
> 
> 
> 
> 
> 
>  
> 
> 
>

[ << | >> | ^^ ]

Subject: Re: Scarcity of birds
From: Timothy Spahr <tspahr(AT)cfa.harvard.edu>
Date: 7 Dec 2009 11:30am

Hi Dick, Massbirders:

While I cannot guarantee this is the issue,
birds generally prefer wild food sources,
and if these are abundant, you will have fewer
visitors at your feeders.  Cornell has a note
regarding this on their web page:

http://www.birds.cornell.edu/pfw/Members/MembersFAQ.htm#NoBirds

I'll note the weather was rather warm and snow-free until
this week, and it may simply be that there's plenty of
food around for now.

For the record, I will not match last year's totals for
a long time.  I had 75+ Pine Siskins every
day last winter, including some redpolls, and 40-50
goldfinches.  Things will be much lighter this year,
I am sure!

Good birding

Tim Spahr
Marlborough
tspahr(AT)cfa.harvard.edu

On Mon, 7 Dec 2009, Jan and Dick Sherwood wrote:

> Birds at my feeder are very scarce.  Instead of a maxium of
> 8 birds (Goldfinch) and a maxium of 12 species, I now have
> 3 and 3, respectively.  Any ideas why?
> Dick Sherwood
> 508-992-4274

[ << | >> | ^^ ]

Subject: Fw: eBird Report - Cape Ann--Halibut Point SP ,
         12/5/09
From: "John Hoye & Audrey McCarthy" <lt.jaeger(AT)verizon.net>
Date: 7 Dec 2009 11:44am

   Seen on saturday December 5th
        John Hoiye, wayland ma
----- Original Message ----- 
From: <do-not-reply(AT)ebird.org>
To: <Lt.jaeger(AT)verizon.net>
Sent: Monday, December 07, 2009 7:30 AM
Subject: eBird Report - Cape Ann--Halibut Point SP , 12/5/09

> 
> 
> Location:     Cape Ann--Halibut Point SP
> Observation date:     12/5/09
> Notes:     much fruit
> Number of species:     14
> 
> Herring Gull (American) - Larus argentatus smithsonianus     1
> Downy Woodpecker - Picoides pubescens     2
> Blue Jay - Cyanocitta cristata     4
> American Crow - Corvus brachyrhynchos     2
> Black-capped Chickadee - Poecile atricapillus     3
> Tufted Titmouse - Baeolophus bicolor     1
> White-breasted Nuthatch - Sitta carolinensis     4
> Hermit Thrush - Catharus guttatus     2
> American Robin - Turdus migratorius     2
> Cedar Waxwing - Bombycilla cedrorum     60
> Yellow-rumped Warbler (Myrtle) - Dendroica coronata coronata     2
> White-throated Sparrow - Zonotrichia albicollis     4
> Northern Cardinal - Cardinalis cardinalis     3
> American Goldfinch - Carduelis tristis     3
> 
> This report was generated automatically by eBird v2(http://ebird.org)
>

[ << | >> | ^^ ]

Subject: Fw: eBird Report - Cape Ann--Good Harbor Beach ,
         12/5/09
From: "John Hoye & Audrey McCarthy" <lt.jaeger(AT)verizon.net>
Date: 7 Dec 2009 11:46am

Massbird
    Bird seen on Saturday December 5th from Salt island Rd  and the king was 
on Salt Island
      John Hoye wayland ma
----- Original Message ----- 
From: <do-not-reply(AT)ebird.org>
To: <Lt.jaeger(AT)verizon.net>
Sent: Monday, December 07, 2009 7:41 AM
Subject: eBird Report - Cape Ann--Good Harbor Beach , 12/5/09

>
>
> Location:     Cape Ann--Good Harbor Beach
> Observation date:     12/5/09
> Number of species:     4
>
> King Eider - Somateria spectabilis     1
> Common Eider (Atlantic) - Somateria mollissima dresseri     1
> Herring Gull (American) - Larus argentatus smithsonianus     1
> Great Black-backed Gull - Larus marinus     1
>
> This report was generated automatically by eBird v2(http://ebird.org)
>

[ << | >> | ^^ ]

Subject: Rusty Blackbirds - Wayland
From: "Greg Dysart" <dysart(AT)volume3.com>
Date: 7 Dec 2009 11:30am

There are Rusty Blackbirds in Wayland on Water Row and River Road near
Route 27.
I saw 3 this past weekend amongst a large flock of approx 200 Blackbirds
late in the afternoon.

I posted a few photos at
http://dysart.zenfolio.com/blackbirds

A previous post did not get thru to Massbird – don’t know why.

I’m also still seeing Falcons in the Central Square area and hope one or
more might stick around for the Xmas Count coming up the 20th.

Record pictures of the Kestrels may be seen at
http://dysart.zenfolio.com/falcons
This past month and as recently as last Wed, I keep seeing Falcons from
Bishop Allen Drive and closer to MIT on Windsor Street near School Street

Greg Dysart
http://dysart.zenfolio.com/

[ << | >> | ^^ ]

Subject: Fw: eBird Report - Bass Rocks , 12/6/09
From: "John Hoye & Audrey McCarthy" <lt.jaeger(AT)verizon.net>
Date: 7 Dec 2009 11:48am

The Guillemots were seen from Atlantic Avenue
      John Hoye, wayland Ma
----- Original Message ----- 
From: <do-not-reply(AT)ebird.org>
To: <Lt.jaeger(AT)verizon.net>
Sent: Monday, December 07, 2009 8:14 AM
Subject: eBird Report - Bass Rocks , 12/6/09

> 
> 
> Location:     Bass Rocks
> Observation date:     12/6/09
> Number of species:     10
> 
> Common Eider (Atlantic) - Somateria mollissima dresseri     6
> White-winged Scoter - Melanitta fusca     12
> Black Scoter - Melanitta nigra     3
> Long-tailed Duck - Clangula hyemalis     1
> Bufflehead - Bucephala albeola     32
> Common Loon - Gavia immer     2
> Northern Gannet - Morus bassanus     12
> Herring Gull (American) - Larus argentatus smithsonianus     200
> Great Black-backed Gull - Larus marinus     10
> Black Guillemot - Cepphus grylle     5
> 
> This report was generated automatically by eBird v2(http://ebird.org)
>

[ << | >> | ^^ ]

Subject: Fw: eBird Report - John Kieran Sanctuary,
         Rockport , 12/6/09
From: "John Hoye & Audrey McCarthy" <lt.jaeger(AT)verizon.net>
Date: 7 Dec 2009 11:50am

Lucky to find a Chat
       JohnHoye, wayland ma
----- Original Message ----- 
From: <do-not-reply(AT)ebird.org>
To: <Lt.jaeger(AT)verizon.net>
Sent: Monday, December 07, 2009 8:29 AM
Subject: eBird Report - John Kieran Sanctuary, Rockport , 12/6/09

> 
> 
> Location:     John Kieran Sanctuary, Rockport
> Observation date:     12/6/09
> Number of species:     4
> 
> American Robin - Turdus migratorius     1
> Yellow-breasted Chat - Icteria virens     1
> White-throated Sparrow - Zonotrichia albicollis     3
> Northern Cardinal - Cardinalis cardinalis     2
> 
> This report was generated automatically by eBird v2(http://ebird.org)
>

[ << | >> | ^^ ]

Subject: Fw: eBird Report - Brace Cove , 12/6/09
From: "John Hoye & Audrey McCarthy" <lt.jaeger(AT)verizon.net>
Date: 7 Dec 2009 11:50am

Many bonaparte gulls feeding at edge near high tide
      John Hoye, wayland ma
----- Original Message ----- 
From: <do-not-reply(AT)ebird.org>
To: <Lt.jaeger(AT)verizon.net>
Sent: Monday, December 07, 2009 8:19 AM
Subject: eBird Report - Brace Cove , 12/6/09

> 
> 
> Location:     Brace Cove
> Observation date:     12/6/09
> Number of species:     7
> 
> Mallard - Anas platyrhynchos     10
> Bonaparte's Gull - Chroicocephalus philadelphia     120
> Ring-billed Gull - Larus delawarensis     30
> Herring Gull (American) - Larus argentatus smithsonianus     150
> Iceland Gull (Kumlien's) - Larus glaucoides kumlieni     1
> Great Black-backed Gull - Larus marinus     50
> American Tree Sparrow - Spizella arborea     1
> 
> This report was generated automatically by eBird v2(http://ebird.org)
>

[ << | >> | ^^ ]

Subject: Re: Scarcity of birds
From: Cherrie Corey <cherrie.corey(AT)verizon.net>
Date: 7 Dec 2009 11:50am

----INCLUDING text/plain MIME SECTION----

We have been commenting on the unusual abundance of fruits and seeds 
in the fields and hedgerows this year.  But even with this first 
lingering snow cover and colder temps, there have been surprisingly 
few birds at our feeders yesterday and today.  It does make you 
wonder!  Predators perhaps?

Cherrie Corey
Concord

At 10:29 AM -0500 12/7/09, Jan and Dick Sherwood wrote:
>Birds at my feeder are very scarce.  Instead of a maxium of
>8 birds (Goldfinch) and a maxium of 12 species, I now have
>3 and 3, respectively.  Any ideas why?
>Dick Sherwood
>508-992-4274

----DELETED text/html MIME SECTION----

[ << | >> | ^^ ]

Subject: MEW GULL, Gloucester 12/7
From: Bird Watchers Supply & Gift <birdwsg(AT)comcast.net>
Date: 7 Dec 2009 12:02pm

Phil Brown called at 11:50am to report that the MEW GULL is feeding along the
wrack line at Brace's Cove in Gloucester.

Steve Grinley
Bird Watcher's Supply & Gift and Nature Shop at Joppa Flats
Newburyport, MA USA
REPLY TO: BirdWSG(AT)verizon.net
978-462-0775
www.birdwatcherssupplyandgift.com

[ << | >> | ^^ ]

Subject: eBird Report - Great Meadows NWR--Concord Unit ,
         12/7/09
From: Alan Bragg <alan.ruth.bragg(AT)gmail.com>
Date: 7 Dec 2009 1:08pm

--00163623a77e0c7879047a274bfb
Content-Type: text/plain; charset=ISO-8859-1

Location:     Great Meadows NWR--Concord Unit
Observation date:     12/7/09
Notes:     Great Meadows Bird Survey by NWR Volunteers: Alan Bragg & Will
Martens
Number of species:     27

Canada Goose     300
Mute Swan     6
American Wigeon     11
American Black Duck     8
Mallard     8
Green-winged Teal     60
Ring-necked Duck     7
Bufflehead     6
Common Goldeneye     3
Hooded Merganser     7
Ruddy Duck     5
Red-tailed Hawk     1
American Coot     30
Mourning Dove     2
Red-bellied Woodpecker     1
Downy Woodpecker     5
Blue Jay     3
American Crow     4
Black-capped Chickadee     17
Tufted Titmouse     5
White-breasted Nuthatch     8
Golden-crowned Kinglet     1
Eastern Bluebird     11
American Robin     10
American Tree Sparrow     2
Song Sparrow     17
Red-winged Blackbird     6

This report was generated automatically by eBird v2(http://ebird.org)
Alan Bragg
Bedford MA

--00163623a77e0c7879047a274bfb
Content-Type: text/html; charset=ISO-8859-1
Content-Transfer-Encoding: quoted-printable

Location: =A0 =A0 Great Meadows NWR--Concord Unit<br><div class=3D"gmail_qu=
ote">
Observation date: =A0 =A0 12/7/09<br>
Notes: =A0 =A0 Great Meadows Bird Survey by NWR Volunteers: Alan Bragg &=
; Will Martens<br>
Number of species: =A0 =A0 27<br>
<br>
Canada Goose =A0 =A0 300<br>
Mute Swan =A0 =A0 6<br>
American Wigeon =A0 =A0 11<br>
American Black Duck =A0 =A0 8<br>
Mallard =A0 =A0 8<br>
Green-winged Teal =A0 =A0 60<br>
Ring-necked Duck =A0 =A0 7<br>
Bufflehead =A0 =A0 6<br>
Common Goldeneye =A0 =A0 3<br>
Hooded Merganser =A0 =A0 7<br>
Ruddy Duck =A0 =A0 5<br>
Red-tailed Hawk =A0 =A0 1<br>
American Coot =A0 =A0 30<br>
Mourning Dove =A0 =A0 2<br>
Red-bellied Woodpecker =A0 =A0 1<br>
Downy Woodpecker =A0 =A0 5<br>
Blue Jay =A0 =A0 3<br>
American Crow =A0 =A0 4<br>
Black-capped Chickadee =A0 =A0 17<br>
Tufted Titmouse =A0 =A0 5<br>
White-breasted Nuthatch =A0 =A0 8<br>
Golden-crowned Kinglet =A0 =A0 1<br>
Eastern Bluebird =A0 =A0 11<br>
American Robin =A0 =A0 10<br>
American Tree Sparrow =A0 =A0 2<br>
Song Sparrow =A0 =A0 17<br>
Red-winged Blackbird =A0 =A0 6<br>
<br>
This report was generated automatically by eBird v2(<a href=3D"http://ebird=
.org" target=3D"_blank">http://ebird.org</a>)<br>Alan Bragg<br>Bedford MA<b=
r>
</div><br>

--00163623a77e0c7879047a274bfb--

[ << | >> | ^^ ]

Subject: Re: Common Shelduck
From: Paul Champlin <skua99(AT)hotmail.com>
Date: 7 Dec 2009 1:14pm

----INCLUDING text/plain MIME SECTION----

Hi Folks=2C

Not sure if it was posted at the time but Myer Bornstein photographed a She=
lduck at cumbies about a month ago. Here's a link to his photo:
http://www.flickr.com/photos/photobee1/4073306530/in/set-72157622950004924

Best!
Paul=2C
Westport
 		 	   		 =20
_________________________________________________________________
Windows Live Hotmail gives you a free=2Cexclusive  gift.
http://www.microsoft.com/windows/windowslive/hotmail_bl1/hotmail_bl1.aspx?o=
cid=3DPID23879::T:WLMTAGL:ON:WL:en-ww:WM_IMHM_7:092009=

----DELETED text/html MIME SECTION----

[ << | >> | ^^ ]

Subject: Re: Re: Common Shelduck
From: Jeremiah Trimble <jtrimble(AT)oeb.harvard.edu>
Date: 7 Dec 2009 1:52pm

--0016e6d7f07a204151047a27ed0e
Content-Type: text/plain; charset=ISO-8859-1

Hello All,
To be clear, the bird that was reported by Jim Malone at Nahant yesterday
was a Common Shelduck (Tadorna tadorna).  The bird that Myer Bornstein
photographed at Cumberland Farms in Middleboro was a Ruddy Shelduck (Tadorna
ferruginea).

Best,
Jeremiah Trimble
Cambridge, MA

On Mon, Dec 7, 2009 at 1:09 PM, Paul Champlin <skua99(AT)hotmail.com> wrote:

>  Hi Folks,
>
> Not sure if it was posted at the time but Myer Bornstein photographed a
Shelduck at cumbies about a month ago. Here's a link to his photo:
> http://www.flickr.com/photos/photobee1/4073306530/in/set-72157622950004924
>
> Best!
> Paul,
> Westport
>
>
> ------------------------------
> Windows Live Hotmail gives you a free,exclusive gift. Click here to
>
download.<http://www.microsoft.com/windows/windowslive/hotmail_bl1/hotmail_bl1.aspx?ocid=PID23879::T:WLMTAGL:ON:WL:en-ww:WM_IMHM_7:092009>
>

-- 
Jeremiah Trimble
Curatorial Associate - Ornithology
Museum of Comparative Zoology
Harvard University
26 Oxford Street
Cambridge, MA 02138
phone: 617-495-2471
fax: 617-495-5667
email: jtrimble(AT)oeb.harvard.edu

--0016e6d7f07a204151047a27ed0e
Content-Type: text/html; charset=ISO-8859-1
Content-Transfer-Encoding: quoted-printable

Hello All,<div>To be clear, the bird that was reported by Jim Malone at Nah=
ant yesterday was a Common Shelduck (Tadorna tadorna). =A0The bird that Mye=
r Bornstein photographed at Cumberland Farms in Middleboro was a Ruddy Shel=
duck (Tadorna ferruginea).</div>
<div><br></div><div>Best,</div><div>Jeremiah Trimble</div><div>Cambridge, M=
A<br><br><div class=3D"gmail_quote">On Mon, Dec 7, 2009 at 1:09 PM, Paul Ch=
amplin <span dir=3D"ltr"><<a href=3D"mailto:skua99(AT)hotmail.com">skua99@h=
otmail.com</a>></span> wrote:<br>
<blockquote class=3D"gmail_quote" style=3D"margin:0 0 0 .8ex;border-left:1p=
x #ccc solid;padding-left:1ex;">

<div>
<pre>Hi Folks,<br><br>Not sure if it was posted at the time but Myer Bornst=
ein photographed a Shelduck at cumbies about a month ago. Here's a link=
 to his photo:<br><a href=3D"http://www.flickr.com/photos/photobee1/4073306=
530/in/set-72157622950004924" target=3D"_blank">http://www.flickr.com/photo=
s/photobee1/4073306530/in/set-72157622950004924</a><br>
<br>Best!<br>Paul,<br>Westport<br></pre><div class=3D"hm"> 		 	   		  <br><=
hr>Windows Live Hotmail gives you a free,exclusive  gift. <a href=3D"http:/=
/www.microsoft.com/windows/windowslive/hotmail_bl1/hotmail_bl1.aspx?ocid=3D=
PID23879::T:WLMTAGL:ON:WL:en-ww:WM_IMHM_7:092009" target=3D"_blank">Click h=
ere to download.</a></div>
</div>
</blockquote></div><br><br clear=3D"all"><br>-- <br>Jeremiah Trimble <br>Cu=
ratorial Associate - Ornithology<br>Museum of Comparative Zoology<br>Harvar=
d University <br>26 Oxford Street <br>Cambridge, MA 02138 <br>phone: 617-49=
5-2471 <br>
fax: 617-495-5667 <br>email: <a href=3D"mailto:jtrimble(AT)oeb.harvard.edu">jt=
rimble(AT)oeb.harvard.edu</a> <br><br>
</div>

--0016e6d7f07a204151047a27ed0e--

[ << | >> | ^^ ]

Subject: Common Shelduck-YES
From: Bird Watchers Supply & Gift <birdwsg(AT)comcast.net>
Date: 7 Dec 2009 3:32pm

David Jones just called to report the Common Shelduck seen off the Lynnway near
the Swampscott line.  He did get some photos, and , as we spoke, the bird flew a
 short distance south toward Nahant.

Steve Grinley
Bird Watcher's Supply & Gift and Nature Shop at Joppa Flats
Newburyport, MA USA
REPLY TO: BirdWSG(AT)verizon.net
978-462-0775
www.birdwatcherssupplyandgift.com

[ << | >> | ^^ ]

Subject: Common Shelduck-YES on the Lynn/Saugus Line
From: Jeremiah Trimble <jtrimble(AT)oeb.harvard.edu>
Date: 7 Dec 2009 3:46pm

--0016e6d7eb68b6bf24047a2986b3
Content-Type: text/plain; charset=ISO-8859-1

Massbirders,
Another update on the Common Shelduck!  Marshall Iliff just called to say
that the bird was found again on Lynn/Swampscott line where the outflow
creek is.  It is just off the shoreline.
Cheers,
Jeremiah Trimble
Cambridge, MA

On Mon, Dec 7, 2009 at 3:31 PM, Bird Watchers Supply & Gift <
birdwsg(AT)comcast.net> wrote:

> David Jones just called to report the Common Shelduck seen off the Lynnway
> near the Swampscott line.  He did get some photos, and , as we spoke, the
> bird flew a short distance south toward Nahant.
>
> Steve Grinley
> Bird Watcher's Supply & Gift and Nature Shop at Joppa Flats
> Newburyport, MA USA
> REPLY TO: BirdWSG(AT)verizon.net
> 978-462-0775
> www.birdwatcherssupplyandgift.com
>

-- 
Jeremiah Trimble
Curatorial Associate - Ornithology
Museum of Comparative Zoology
Harvard University
26 Oxford Street
Cambridge, MA 02138
phone: 617-495-2471
fax: 617-495-5667
email: jtrimble(AT)oeb.harvard.edu

--0016e6d7eb68b6bf24047a2986b3
Content-Type: text/html; charset=ISO-8859-1
Content-Transfer-Encoding: quoted-printable

Massbirders,<div>Another update on the Common Shelduck! =A0Marshall Iliff j=
ust called to say that the bird was found again on Lynn/Swampscott line whe=
re the outflow creek is. =A0It is just off the shoreline.</div><div>Cheers,=
</div>
<div>Jeremiah Trimble</div><div>Cambridge, MA</div><div><br><div class=3D"g=
mail_quote">On Mon, Dec 7, 2009 at 3:31 PM, Bird Watchers Supply & Gift=
 <span dir=3D"ltr"><<a href=3D"mailto:birdwsg(AT)comcast.net">birdwsg@comca=
st.net</a>></span> wrote:<br>
<blockquote class=3D"gmail_quote" style=3D"margin:0 0 0 .8ex;border-left:1p=
x #ccc solid;padding-left:1ex;">David Jones just called to report the Commo=
n Shelduck seen off the Lynnway near the Swampscott line. =A0He did get som=
e photos, and , as we spoke, the bird flew a short distance south toward Na=
hant.<br>

<br>
Steve Grinley<br>
Bird Watcher's Supply & Gift and Nature Shop at Joppa Flats<br>
Newburyport, MA USA<br>
REPLY TO: <a href=3D"mailto:BirdWSG(AT)verizon.net">BirdWSG(AT)verizon.net</a><br=
>
978-462-0775<br>
<a href=3D"http://www.birdwatcherssupplyandgift.com" target=3D"_blank">www.=
birdwatcherssupplyandgift.com</a><br>
</blockquote></div><br><br clear=3D"all"><br>-- <br>Jeremiah Trimble <br>Cu=
ratorial Associate - Ornithology<br>Museum of Comparative Zoology<br>Harvar=
d University <br>26 Oxford Street <br>Cambridge, MA 02138 <br>phone: 617-49=
5-2471 <br>
fax: 617-495-5667 <br>email: <a href=3D"mailto:jtrimble(AT)oeb.harvard.edu">jt=
rimble(AT)oeb.harvard.edu</a> <br><br>
</div>

--0016e6d7eb68b6bf24047a2986b3--

[ << | >> | ^^ ]

Subject: Antidote for cold gray weather, Florida bird
         pictures
From: "Henry Mauer" <henry_mauer(AT)comcast.net>
Date: 7 Dec 2009 4:31pm

Use the link below to connect to my photo albums.  There are 4 albums from a 
November trip to Florida:  birds, non-birds, banded birds and action shots 
of a Turkey Vulture trying to steal a fish from an Osprey.  Be sure to view 
fullscreen and use the pause button and the right arrow to go at your own 
pace.  Definitely MassBird related since some of the birds could have been 
resident here during the breeding season.  If anyone is interested in 
directions to any of the places I visited, feel free to contact me offline.

Henry Mauer
Wayland, MA

http://www.picasaweb.google.com/knifeedge55

[ << | >> | ^^ ]

Subject: Cumberland Farms fields -12/7  Lark Bunting,
         Lincoln's Sparrow
From: james sweeney <assawompsett(AT)yahoo.com>
Date: 7 Dec 2009 4:31pm

Hello Massbirders,

     I birded the Cumberland Farms fields in Middleboro/Halifax from 9:00am to
11:30 am today.  I covered the main road from the River St. entrance, the manure
 pit area, the Rt. 105 side of the fields, Wood St., and Fuller St.  The
highlights of this trip were the continuing Lark Bunting and a Lincoln's Sparrow
 in the hedge row between the manure pit area and the model plane area.  I also
observed the Gambel's White-crowned Sparrow again in the hedge row along the
road near the abandoned house that runs east/west and then north/south.  I was
also very surprised to see three American Kestrels.  Two birds were observed
near the River St. entrance and one bird was observed on the Rt. 105 side of the
 fields.  The following is a complete list of all birds observed:

Northern Harrier                (3)
Red-shouldered Hawk             (1, juvenile)
Red-tailed Hawk                 (5)
American Kestrel                (3)
Killdeer                        (5)
Ring-billed Gull                (300)
Herring Gull                    (10)
Mourning Dove                   (6)
Hairy Woodpecker                (2)
Northern Flicker                (3)
Blue Jay                        (4)
Horned Lark                     (40)
American Robin                  (60)
Northern Mockingbird            (2)
European Starling               (75)
American Pipit                  (20)
American Tree Sparrow           (65)
Savannah Sparrow                (45)
Song Sparrow                    (30)
Lincoln's Sparrow               (1, This bird was seen well and provided 
                                    unobstructed views)
Swamp Sparrow                   (3)
White-throated Sparrow          (2)
Gambel's White-crowned Sparrow  (1)
Lark Bunting                    (1)
Northern Cardinal               (5)
Red-winged Blackbird            (20)
Brown-headed Cowbird            (14)
House Finch                     (5)
American Goldfinch              (15)

Jim Sweeney
assawompsett A yahoo . com
East Bridgewater, Ma

[ << | >> | ^^ ]

Subject: Shelduck visible at night! At least for now.
From: Marshall Iliff <miliff(AT)aol.com>
Date: 7 Dec 2009 4:48pm

MASSBIRD,

For those hoping to tick this shelduck, which is an unbanded first- 
winter with at least its left hallux intact, is visible in the  
fluorescent glow of the streelights. Given that it is 40 ft offshore  
and contentedly feeding, I'd try for it at least until the tide goes  
low again.

...all depends on how badly you want it, but for a second/fifth US  
record, I'd try for the nocturnal view if it were me!

Best,

Marshall Iliff

Sent from my iPhone

[ << | >> | ^^ ]

Subject: Awsome Day
From: Conor McDonnell <weaselmcdonnell22(AT)gmail.com>
Date: 7 Dec 2009 4:50pm

--0015174c1cd024604d047a2a6988
Content-Type: text/plain; charset=ISO-8859-1

Harwich, MA

Today I woke and went down stairs And I looked
out my glass door and I saw a bird I didnt pay much attention
 to it. Then I saw a blue jay on the top of a pine
tree in my backyard all of a sudden the blue jay dove
into the middle of the tree, The bird I saw earlier was a sharp
shinned hawk and it was chasing the blue jay. The blue jay got away
making a loud screeching sound, the sharpie tried at some feeder birds
and I didnt see him after that.

Conor McDonnell

--0015174c1cd024604d047a2a6988
Content-Type: text/html; charset=ISO-8859-1
Content-Transfer-Encoding: quoted-printable

<div>Harwich, MA</div>
<div>=A0</div>
<div>=A0</div>
<div><br><br>Today I woke and went down stairs And=A0I looked</div>
<div>out my glass door and I saw a bird I didnt pay much attention=A0=A0</d=
iv>
<div>=A0to it. Then I saw a blue jay on the top of a pine</div>
<div>tree in my backyard all of a sudden the blue jay dove </div>
<div>into the middle of the tree, The bird I saw earlier was a sharp </div>
<div>shinned hawk and it was chasing the blue jay. The blue jay got away=A0=
</div>
<div>making a=A0loud screeching sound, the sharpie tried at some feeder bir=
ds=A0</div>
<div>and=A0I didnt see him after that.=A0=A0=A0=A0=A0=A0=A0=A0</div>
<div>=A0</div>
<div>=A0</div>
<div>=A0</div>
<div>Conor McDonnell=A0=A0=A0=A0=A0=A0=A0=A0=A0=A0=A0=A0=A0=A0=A0=A0=A0=A0=
=A0=A0=A0=A0<br></div>

--0015174c1cd024604d047a2a6988--

[ << | >> | ^^ ]

Subject: Shelduck photos from this afternoon
From: dbjones1899(AT)earthlink.net
Date: 7 Dec 2009 7:11pm

Hello MASSBIRDers,

Photos of this afternoon's Shelduck on Lynn Shore Drive are at 

http://www.pbase.com/clamflats/essex_bay_rarities

Seems to be a 1st winter bird without bands. 

David Jones
Essex, Mass.
dbjones1899(AT)earthlink.net

[ << | >> | ^^ ]

Subject: Mew Gull photos - Brace's Cove, Gloucester -
         December 07, 2009
From: Phil Brown <nebirdsplus(AT)comcast.net>
Date: 7 Dec 2009 7:35pm

My 4th attempt to locate the MEW GULL found by Rick Heil on Thanksgiving 
day was successful. It was preening & feeding in Brace's Cove on Eastern 
Point in Gloucester on an incoming tide with several Ring-billed Gulls 
at noon.

Photos can be seen at:

http://www.nebirdsplus.com/Mew_Gull.htm

It was a quiet day in the harbor with very few gulls though many were 
bathing in Niles Pond.

A pair of PEREGRINE FALCONS were perched on the City Hall tower.

Enjoy,
Phil Brown
Essex, MA 01929
nebirdsplus(AT)comcast.net

[ << | >> | ^^ ]

Subject: Tufted Duck continues at Turner Reservoir 12/7
From: Kathleen Bartels <kab2769(AT)ymail.com>
Date: 7 Dec 2009 7:43pm

----INCLUDING text/plain MIME SECTION----

Tufted duck seen 12/7 at 9:00 am among greater scaup and ruddy ducks. Same =
location as previous post, in cove bounded by Rte 152 and Arcade Avenue. Sp=
ent most of its time napping, but did lift its head when a swan passed near=
by, allowing me to photograph the eye, beak, and tuft.
A better image than the other day here:
http://www.flickr.com/photos/31519389@N04/4167110251/
=A0
Kathy Bartels
Rehoboth, MA
=A0
=A0=0A=0A=0A      
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[ << | >> | ^^ ]

Subject: Re: Common Shelduck (Ruddy Shellduck)
From: Paul Champlin <skua99(AT)hotmail.com>
Date: 7 Dec 2009 9:24pm

----INCLUDING text/plain MIME SECTION----

Oops!

Sorry folks. I see the word "Shelduck" and I immediately think of origin pr=
oblems... so don't bother paying too close of attention. I saw folks were i=
nterested and knew of Meyr's bird so spun off a post.

There was an Orange-crowned Warbler at the pull off immediately north of th=
e Rt.88 bridge in Westport=2C MA today at about 1:30. It chipped a few time=
s and then popped up into the sparse thicket on the embankment.

Paul
Westport
 		 	   		 =20
_________________________________________________________________
Windows Live Hotmail is faster and more secure than ever.
http://www.microsoft.com/windows/windowslive/hotmail_bl1/hotmail_bl1.aspx?o=
cid=3DPID23879::T:WLMTAGL:ON:WL:en-ww:WM_IMHM_1:092009=

----DELETED text/html MIME SECTION----

[ << | >> | ^^ ]

Subject: CT Report 12/07/2009 Tundra Swans
From: Roy Harvey <rmharvey(AT)snet.net>
Date: 7 Dec 2009 10:03pm

 From Brenda Inskeep & Jim Dugan:
12/07/09 - Stamford, Shippan Pt -- 8:30AM, 2 TUNDRA SWANS flying west,
directly overhead less than 80' up. also 2 NORTHERN GANNET.

 From Hank Golet:
12/07/09 - Old Lyme, Griswold Point -- 2 SNOW BUNTING, 1 IPSWICH
SAVANNAH SPARROW.
Brighton Road/Old Lyme Beach Club area -- 8 COMMON EIDER.

 From Brian Webster with Charlie Barnard:
12/07/09 - Bridgeport, Seaside Park -- 25 American Pipits on the
grassy lawn towards the west end.

 From Paul Cianfaglione:
12/06/09 - Canton, Nepaug Reservoir -- 1 RUFFED GROUSE.

 From Angela Dimmitt
12/06/09 - New Milford yard - two female PURPLE FINCHES.

**********************************************************************
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needs of the active CT birder.  Any other use requires written
authorization from the board of directors of the COA.
**********************************************************************

Visit the COA web site at http://www.ctbirding.org

Reports should be sent to CTBirdReport(AT)ftml.net.  Reports should
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[ << | >> | ^^ ]

Subject: Re: Scarcity of birds
From: opihi(AT)mindspring.com
Date: 7 Dec 2009 11:00pm

<head><style>body{font-family:
Geneva,Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;font-size:10pt;font-family:arial,sans-serif;background-color:#ffffff;color:black;}p{margin:0px}</style><title>Re: [MASSBIRD] Scarcity of
birds</title></head><body id="compText">Hi MassBirders,<br><br>I am in my first
winter in the new home, so do not have a baseline for comparison, but my feeders
 seem about as busy as one would expect. The local chickadee-titmouse-WB
Nuthatch gang swings by a few times a day for sunflower seeds, WT Sparrows and
Carolina Wren visit less often, and Downy and Hairy Woodpeckers switch off on
the suet.<br><br>Good birding,<br><br>Josh Rose<br>Amherst MA<br><br><blockquote
 style="border-left: 2px solid rgb(0, 0, 255); padding-left: 5px; margin-left:
0px;">-----Original Message-----
<br>From: Cherrie Corey <cherrie.corey(AT)verizon.net>
<br>Sent: Dec 7, 2009 11:42 AM
<br>To: Jan and Dick Sherwood <sherwood63(AT)comcast.net>, Massbird(AT)theworld.com
<br>Subject: Re: [MASSBIRD] Scarcity of birds

<br><br>
<zzzhtml><zzzhead><style type="text/css"><ZZZ!--
blockquote, dl, ul, ol, li { padding-top: 0 ; padding-bottom: 0 }
 --></style></zzzhead><zzzbody>
<div>We have been commenting on the unusual abundance of fruits and
seeds in the fields and hedgerows this year.  But even with this
first lingering snow cover and colder temps, there have been
surprisingly few birds at our feeders yesterday and today.  It
does make you wonder!  Predators perhaps?</div>
<div><br></div>
<div>Cherrie Corey</div>
<div>Concord</div>
<div><br></div>
<div>At 10:29 AM -0500 12/7/09, Jan and Dick Sherwood wrote:</div>
<blockquote type="cite" cite=""><font size="-1">Birds at my feeder are
very scarce.  Instead of a maxium of</font></blockquote>
<blockquote type="cite" cite=""><font size="-1">8 birds (Goldfinch) and a
maxium of 12 species, I now have</font></blockquote>
<blockquote type="cite" cite=""><font size="-1">3 and 3, respectively. 
Any ideas why?</font></blockquote>
<blockquote type="cite" cite=""><font size="-1">Dick
Sherwood</font></blockquote>
<blockquote type="cite" cite=""><font
size="-1">508-992-4274</font></blockquote>
<div><br></div>
</zzzbody>
</zzzhtml></sherwood63(AT)comcast.net></cherrie.corey(AT)verizon.net></blockquote></body>

The Virtual Birder

MASSBIRD for Monday, December 7, 2009

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Last Updated: Tuesday, December 8, 2009 9:15pm MT

The Virtual Birder

MASSBIRD for Monday, December 7, 2009

Send feedback on these pages to: BMail@greatblue.com B-Mail Message Content Disclaimer Layout Copyright © 1999-2001 Great Blue Media Works Last Updated: Tuesday, December 8, 2009 9:15pm MT

Send feedback on these pages to: BMail@greatblue.com
B-Mail Message Content Disclaimer
Layout Copyright © 1999-2001 Great Blue Media Works
Last Updated: Tuesday, December 8, 2009 9:15pm MT