Janice Zepko
This hotline trip headed to Plum Island and Salisbury Beach State Reservation, with eleven members braving the weather to enjoy some coastal birding. The weather forecast was for sunny skies, high temps in the upper 30s and NW winds blowing all day. What we encountered was just some sun and brisk NW winds, which grew stronger by the end of the day. We were able to identify around 50 species with some excellent views of a few target birds as our reward!
Highlights:
Lot 1 - 4 Harriers, a Northern Gannet and a dozen Long-tailed Ducks
Salt Pannes - 80+ Pintail Ducks, 4 Green-winged Teal and 2 Bald Eagles
Warden’s - a flock of over 30 Snow Buntings and 4 Tree Sparrows
Hellcat Dike - an American Bittern giving great views, a Northern Shoveler and a Peregrine Falcon
Pines – 5 Yellow-rumped Warblers, 2 Ravens, 15 Green-winged Teal, a Hooded Merg and Hermit Thrush
Salisbury – a Long-eared Owl and 2 Harriers
See complete list below.