February 26 - Rarities in Connecticut

I was out today with Andy & Jennifer as we ventured back to the Nutmeg State for some rarities.  First up was the Pink-Footed Goose.  Although we did not see the bird at the recent spots, we did come across in at nearby Greenpackers Pond and had nice views of the bird from across this small pond.

Afterwards we headed south toward te coast, first stopping at Konold's Pond.  Here we located the reported Trumpeter Swans, and had some other good birds in Ravens, Ring-Necked Ducks, Bald Eagles.

We continued to the coast stopping in Southport, where we quickly found the Eurasian Wigeon.  The journey continued with a very brief stop at Sherwood Isle Park for the reported Snow Goose, which too was found quickly.

Our last stop was at Stanmford's Cove Island Park (home of November's 2010 Fork-Tailed Flycatcher) and were able to locate the Dickcissel that had been seen there.

February 18-20 - Cape Ann/Gloucester

For President's Weekend my wife & I went up to northeastern Massachusetts for a visit to Cape Ann. This island is composed of the towns of Gloucester & Rockport.  Unfortunately the prevailing winds were from the West & North, which are the wrong directions to bring in seabirds close to shore.  Nevertheless there were good birds to be seen, and in greater numbers than I would see closer to home.

The rarest bird I saw has to be the Spotted Towhee that has been reported for some time now in Rockport.
Other good birds seen were a couple dozen Red-Necked Grebes, a pair of male King Eiders, a male Barrow's Goldeneye, several Black Guillemots & a handful of Iceland Gulls.

I also enjoyed seeing over 100 of the beautiful Harlequin Ducks, Common Eider of which there were too many to count, a few Razorbills, Purple Sandpipers, and some Great Cormorants.

Here's one Common Eider showing off his green neck patch

February 11 - Harris's Sparrow again

I went out to Cabela's in Hamburg, PA with my wife today and was able to squeeze in a quick side-trip to see the Harris's Sparrow again.  Once again luck was good, as we saw the bird within about 10 minutes of arriving.

February 4 - Sullivan & Ulster County specialties

White-winged Crossbills

Rough-Legged Hawks

Short-Eared Owls