It was very foggy inland today, so George and I headed to Duxbury Beach, thinking the coast might be a better place for a nice walk. We were surprised to find the road on the Marshfield end of the beach was flooded, and the dirt road that I used last year to access the beach was completely underwater. We ended up driving through Duxbury, grabbing lunch, asking directions to the wooden bridge, parking there and walking across. It turned out to be a beautiful walk!
Red-Breasted Merganser (male)
Red-Breasted Merganser (female)
Common Merganser
Thanks to Alan M. of The Forbush Bird Club for the corrected identification. I am including his comments to help me remember the differences and learn for next time.
"The female Common Merganser has a very well defined white spot right under the chin and the reddish-brown of the head will be separated from the upper breast with a clearly defined line. In this bird, all of these things seem to blend together. There is also a hint of a small wispy crest not usually seen in a Common Merganser."
Buffleheads
Common Loon (from the bridge)
Long-Tailed Duck - a life bird and what a view! (from the bridge)
Duxbury Beach, looking north
and south
Powder Point Bridge
Last year, when I came to Duxbury Beach looking for the snowy owl, I drove across this old wooden bridge on the way home. This year, the bridge is closed for construction, but we were able to walk across it to access the beach. It enabled some nice close ups of waterfowl while the tides were changing.
American Tree Sparrow
White-Winged Scoter
View of the bridge
Ipswich Sparrow - a life bird!
Common Eiders
Canada Geese
Surf Scoter
Last but not least, we saw a Great Blue Heron in one of the water hazards at the Framingham Country Club on our way home.
What a great birding day!
No comments:
Post a Comment