Fresh Pond

Parked at Alewife and walked over to Fresh Pond for some birding with Ross.

A bit disappointing on the duck front.  Some hooded mergansers and a ring necked duck.  

But there were a lot of birds.  Tons of goldfinches, several nice white throated sparrow, and a great view of a golden crowned kinglet.

Ice House Pond

The hooded mergansers are still hanging out at the Ice House Pond (across from Bagels Plus).  Three females and one male were hanging around Saturday.  Also heard, then saw, a belted kingfisher.

Salisbury beach state reservation and Great Meadows

 Went up to Salisbury Beach on Saturday looking for snow buntings.  Struck out on that front, but with the help of some local experts, did get to see a snowy owl.

From the Google:

Snowy owls arriving in Massachusetts tend to seek local habitats that mimic the Arctic tundra where they spend most of their lives. Popular sightings include Westport, New Bedford, Nantucket, Orleans, Duxbury Beach, and of course, Plum Island.

• Snowy owls are the largest North American owls, and they’re among the largest owls in the world. They are 20” – 28” in length, with a wing span of 54” – 66”, and weigh 3.25lb – 6.5lb.

Gui, Whale, and I went to Great Meadows Sunday morning.  In addition to some very nice bluebirds, we also saw American Coots and Wigeons.