WIR 7/31-8/6

Wednesday 7/31: Big flock of House Finches at Meriam’s was as exciting as it got.

Thursday 8/1: Eagle and not too much else at Forest Grove.

Friday 8/2: Red-shoulder was making a racket at College Pond. All the usuals, not much else.

Saturday 8/3: Decided to do the coastal loop today as the chance of showers inland was higher. Started with a scan of the marsh at BBN, which had more of the usual. Next stop Earhart. Walked the new path to the casino and had 9(!) Snowy Egrets but no terns or shorebirds. Continued to Belle Isle, which was quiet. Lots of peep and Semipalmated Plovers at the Key and even more at Winthrop Beach along with a few Black-bellied.

Sunday 8/4: Did the western swing finally. Hotter than forecast… Started at Fitchburg Res which had a BT Blue but no obvious loons. Alder still singing on Bennett Rd. Surprised at Watatic to find a bunch of Martha’s Pennants, think that’s #108 for the county. Also 4 Aeshna, a Louisiana Waterthrush (that plus the Alder singing on the road in were both my first in August), etc. Went to Rocky Hill after. No luck with Kirk’s Scarlet Bluet but did add Osprey, Field Sparrow, YB Cuckoo, and Pileated to my Groton list.

Monday 8/5: Nice visible Virginia Rails at Great Meadows but that was about it.

Tuesday 8/6: No sign of the Little Blue Will found yesterday at Elm Brook so continued to Gainging Ground and Hanscom. Field Sparrow was a needed commute bird, a couple Blue-wings, a Black-and-white, and a Redstart among other things. Pulled in at Elm Brook again and the bird was right in the open.