A Spring Census

Many Monday mornings I accompany the bird census crew as they wander the refuge inventorying the avian wildlife. For me this is more of a birding activity than a photography activity as it helps develop my birding skills. (It is also a little difficult to juggle the long lens & tripod and binoculars. You never know whether you should be trying to capture a photo or study a bird.) I do often bring a camera with a shorter lens, but it's usually bird girst and then capture record shots.

Here are some moments from today's census at the refuge.


The Wood Ducks are plentiful. While still skittish love is in the air, so you can get some good views before they swim off.


There are currently 100-200 Tree Swallows at the refuge. I think this photographer has "too much lens" to try to capture all of them.


I wish their flight pattern was more predictable, so it would be easier to photograph them in flight. On occasion one heads straight at you which is easier.


With that many close together there are bound to be some disputes


It appears that geese also enjoy having their neck nibbled on during the act.


Ringed-neck Ducks practicing marching for the upcoming Patriot's Day parade...close, but not quite right


The single Purple Martin first identified by David Swain continues at the refuge


You definitely know it's not a swallow from the underside


It is official spring is here, because the warblers are here. This Yellow-rumped Warbler was near the impoundment outflow near the boat ramp.


It was a good day for ducks. Here a male Blue-winged Teal heads for a landing


Not as clear, but a good look at the colors


Another sign of spring we've started to see reptiles


and Amphibians too.

Everything is Just Ducky at Great Meadows

As you wander around Great Meadows you will encounter a number of different species of ducks.  They are pretty spectacular all decked out in their spring breeding plumage.

There seems to be an direct relationship between how colorful the duck is and how skittish they are.  Ring-necked ducks are pretty mello and laid back.  They are often seen cruising in small groups, especially in the lower impoundment.


Male Ringed-neck


Female Ringed-neck



Click on the image to see a larger version to see where they get their name


Ring-necks in flight


Female stretching


Thankfully he's fast, lest she drown


On the other hand, the pretty boy Wood Ducks are some of the most skittish ducks at Great Meadows.  On rare occasions you will see them in open water close to shore.  More commonly, you will hear them flying away as they see you before you see them.  Keep your eyes pealed for them swimming in among the reeds.  Don't be surprised if you do see one sitting in a tree.


Male Wood Duck


Side by side comparison of male & female Wood Ducks

Ducks are divided into divers and dabblers.  Among the diving ducks that you will regularly see at Great Meadows are:


Male Goldeneyes


Male Bufflehead


Male & Female Bufflehead

Our most common dabbling duck is the mallard. They are the Rodney Dangerfield of ducks ... they get no respect, at least around here where they are so plentiful. Elsewhere birders would find the male's iridescent green head quite attractive.


Male Mallard


I forgot I had taken this shot, until I got home and was reviewing the photos. I like how it looks like the female Mallard is shaking off the water like a dog

One of my personal favorites is the Hooded Merganser. Both the male and females have fancy head crests. The male's is black & white design, while the female's is a plain but pretty cinnamon color. Since they are diving ducks these crests are often wet back, but keep a watch out for when they display the full crest.

These is a pair that can often be seen near the observation deck. They appear to be getting somewhat habituated to people, so they have been swimming closer to shore....of course that may also be because they feed in shallower water.

Hopefully they will decide to raise a family here this year. Since they are cavity nesters pay attention to our many dead trees, or perhaps they will set up housekeeping in one of the many duck boxes.

Male & Female Hooded Merganser


Male Merganser showing off


Though they are somewhat habituated to people, they really don't like it when you approach them too rapidly / closely or talk too loudly which unfortunately two people did while I was photographing them. Thankfully I kept my eye to the camera and got a couple of flight shots as they left to find a calmer, quieter spot.

Updated: To replace accidentally double posted photo with the correct photo.

A Confusing Season

It is that strange transitional season at Great Meadows. Winter is slowly loosing its grip, but is not going out without a struggle. Spring has sent the advance team, but has not yet arrived.

There are large patches of wide open water on the impoundments, but the edges and along the river are still surrounded with ice.  The water levels are high and constantly fluctuating as the storms fill the Concord river which overflows its banks filling the impoundments.


Muskrats flooded out of their lodge


In spite of temperatures in the teens and another snow storm on the way, a wide ranging collection of waterfowl can be found at the refuge. This week's census identified:

• Canada Geese
• Wood Duck
• American Wigeon
• Mallard
• Northern Shoveler
• Green-winged Teal
• Ring-necked Ducks
• Bufflehead
• Common Goldeneye
• Hooded Merganser

I managed to capture some record shots of a few of the less common visitors.

American Wigeon moves on  Northern Shoveler exploring along the river  Startled Northern Shoveler takes flight Male Hooded Merganser
Along the Dike Trail you will be greeting by returning migratory birds including   Grackles     Red-winged Blackbirds On such a cold morning, you find yourself jealous when you encounter an animal that has found a protected spot out of the wind, relaxing and soak up the sun, while waiting for spring to make its arrival.