European Starling--A Gorgeous Bird To Hate

I read recently that the European Starling has only been in the United States since the 1890s, but that it proliferated to a point that some were predicting that it would completely wipe out most species. While that did not happen, the Starling is certainly a common bird everywhere we go.

If it wasn't so common, we might appreciate this bird more. It has attractive black feathering, with lots of white spotting. With a strong bill and feet, it can and does eat just about everything from birdfeeder food to garbage.

Often, a quiet bird walk will be interrupted by a series of chirps and calls that momentarily raise the bloodpressure, only to settle down once its creator is seen.

I spotted this Starling munching happily on some suet in our neighbor's yard.

Brant--An Understated Winter Goose

It has been a great winter for geese in the CT, RI area, with up to seven different species of goose in a 30 minute drive, mostly in Rhode Island. The Pink Footed Goose and the Barnacle Goose are two rarities that have been seen throughout the past two months.

However, when I have a few minutes to jump in the car at my work in Quincy, Massachusetts, I visit the beach to see what birds might be around. Invariably, during winter months, the beach off Squantum is home to several hundred Brant.

Brant is smaller than the common Canada Goose. But it has its charm with an attractive all black head, a bit on the small side, as well as a distinctive white ring at the side of his neck. While I haven't heard its call in Massachusetts, often I will hear it in West Haven, Connecticut.....a very interesting "roark" sound, very unlike the Canada.

A black bellied variety has been spotted this winter in other parts of Massachusetts, but so far only white bellies for me.

Favorite Local Birding Spots--Watrous Point, Essex

Paul and I often take a few minutes to pop into one of our local birding hotspots. Every once in a while, we will describe these spots for those looking for a little trip.

This morning, I visited Watrous Point Sanctuary on the border of Essex and Old Saybrook, Connecticut. This Nature Conservancy area is located on the Connecticut River, bordering South Cove in Essex. A combination of old hardwood and pine trees, it is a woodpecker haven. In a single trip, you can be sure to find Downy, Hairy, Red-Bellied, Flicker, and an occasional Pileated Woodpecker.

Recently, there has been some treework along one of the small road.paths, and the brushpiles are extensive, filled with many scavenging birds. Two Carolina Wrens were happily chasing each other through the woodpile.

A wonderful place for a stroll and your fill of woodpeckers

American Kestral Perched In Old Saybrook

Just about every weekend, I take the boys around Old Saybrook on a route we call "The Loop." I am not sure of the roads, but we end up passing by Knollwood Beach, Harvey's Beach, and The Causeway.

On the telephone wires near one of the beach bungalows I spotted a small bird sitting by itself. Pulling over and grabbing my camera, I took several great shots of a neatly attired American Kestral.

The Kestral had fluffy breast feathers spotted with gorgeous little circles. The double vertical lines on its face gave it a fierce look, like a small child putting on warpaint to play cowboys and indians. Nice bird to watch.