Day 8 Two State and Two County Birds Middlesex and Essex County Massachusetts

Temperature mid 30's wind,10mph, snow cover 8 inches. Less on the coast. About .75 miles

Pat and i headed out to Sudbury to try to see the varied thrush. After gaining permission from the home owner, and post holing through the bank of snow from Tuesday's storm we stood at the side yard tree line and staked out the feeders. The home owner reported the bird usually fed on the ground and spent a lot of time in the White Pines waiting to feed. It only took 35 minutes for the bird to appear, on the ground, under the seed/nut/fruit log. The bird was skittish as reported, making a two to three second appearance without an opportunity for us to take photos. (State bird) I also observed RB Nuthatch another county bird. We observed a 10 minute interval in the middle of our vigil when the jays sounded an alarm, all the birds disappeared, except one downy woodpecker who remained frozen on the peanut butter feeder. The jays then again sounded the all clear and the birds returned. The thrush making its appearance about 10 minutes later. Nice Carolina Wren as well S80407431

We then headed for marble head orivate beach and a chance at the eared grebe. We spent quite a bit of time looking first well off shore near small islands where we could barely discern a grebe but could not ID due to distance. Then almost as we drove off, we caught sight of two grebes quite close in the cove, feeding in the surf. it took us quite a bit of time to convince ourselves that the eared grebe was not one of them.
We did photograph which further convinced us. Back to the car. At this season, parking is not a problem, and we again read the ebird reports which told us to look right. So much energy to the left, and looking right the eared grebe (county bird) was immediately visible with good scope views and lousy photos. The forward peak on the head, and more extensive dark on the face were both diagnostic, He was feeding by himself. Observed quite a few surf scoters which were the predominant duck. S80414877

Lunch at the charming small park at the tip of Marble Head neck, S80415954. Chandler Hovey Park, where a white wing scoter hung by the rocks by itself. Probable distress. Also some common eiders in interesting plumage.

We then had time to head up to Salisbury beach for another try at redpolls. We had been suspicious that we had seen them when we were there two days ago, but they were never clearly visible. This time we had better luck. A flock of about 25 (state bird) flew among the road side bushes on the approach road. Landing less than 10 feet from the car at times. Very restless, but would return even if I was standing in the road. Fairly good photos for us both. What a lovely bird. There were a few in the flock that were quite pale, but did not sit still for photos or study to call hoary. We did not stop to view the owl again although there were a few people with cameras at the site. S80423400

All in all, just an excellent day.

Posted on February 5, 2021 12:31 PM by mainebirder