Massachusetts

Least Sandpiper,  Halibut Point,  Mass.       Despite the hurricane a week before we arrived, I did find some birds and wildlife,  although there did seem to be a lot more about the second week.   As I have said before I am usually on holiday with family so I have to grab the opportunity when I can,  but they did take me to some of the best reserves in the area,  actually fantastic reserves.   As soon as we arrived at Andrew and Michelles Appartment I spotted a family of Cedar Waxwings in the trees opposite,   where they stayed for about four days,  I wondered if they bred there.   The whole area around the appartment is like a reserve,  wonderful place.   Any one who knows New England knows that you can't see the houses for the trees.   The whole two weeks was practically blue skies and 80 degees,  and over that time we went to some great places and I managed to see some fantastic birds.   We even got to the top of the highest mountain in the northern Appalachians,  Mt Washington(by train).   So here are some of my photo's

Cedar Waxwings around the appartment

Juv Cedar Waxwings

Osprey fishing in a lake on our way out.

Coopers Hawk,  Georges Island, Boston Harbor.

Red-Tailed Hawk,  over Appartment.

Cedar waxwing

American Goldfinch, opposite appartment

Piping Plover, Plum Island,  Mass.

Turkey Vultures, Plum Island, Mass.

RSPB Rainham Marshes 7th sept 2011

I never get tired of seeing wheatears,  that glorious plumage,  whether male, female or juvenile.  Frantically feeding for the long journey to warmer climes.  We are off to Massachusetts tomorrow to try out Hurricans,  should be fun.  I hope the birds hang in there.

Ingrebourne Valley saturday am 27th august 2011

This young Wheatear was in the paddock this morning before the rain.   I went to the park to look for Redstarts,  still no luck.

Nice turd isn't it.

wednesday 24th august 2011

Yellow Wagtail Ingrebourne Valley, also saw first returning Spotted Flycatcher on the path from the top paddock towards the iron bridge not far down,   flying out from the first small copse flycatching  would you believe it.

Pieds

Avocets,  some of around 13 that were feeding on the river mud Aveley Bay.

Stow Maries Airfield monday 22nd august 2011

This is turning into a great conservation area.   There is a big finch flock there already.   Russell Savory is moving on with his plan for a number of habitats.   The wild flower and thistle meadows are amazing.  While I was driving round the path a couple of whinchats arrived and a Buzzard circled overhead.   On the edge of the airfield he has some pieces of corrigated dotted about under which I found about 7 Slow Worms.  A different and comfortable place. 

Ingrebourne Valley Friday 19th august 2011

Whinchat.   Whinchat and two Wheatears in the top paddock 7.45 am,  quite a way off towards the middle, but they did appear on the fence from time to time.  Russ had a Grasshopper Warbler in the corner of the small paddock and the farmers field,  8.30am.

Wheatear

Wheatear