Date: 3/26/26 3:54 pm From: '<cga......>' via NHBirds <nhbirds...> Subject: [NHBirds] Connecticut River - Wigeon / redhead???
With all the attention on the Connecticut River lately I thought it would be a good time to make my first trip out to that part of the state. Here's how I did.
North End River Rd - Plainfield Eurasian Wigeon found across from house number 449. The bird was sleeping on the west side of the river with a group of mallards and wood ducks. A bald eagle spooked the birds and they flew up stream. Eventually they made their way back to the same spot so I got some views of the bird swimming.
From river road I went to Wilder Dam on the advice of a fellow birder to find a female redhead. When I arrived I found a good sized group of ring necked ducks and the redhead was mixed in. Had I not known the redhead was in there I would have missed it. It fit in well with the ring necked, but I think I got the right one. A confirmation from an experienced birder would be appreciated. Thanks in advance.
I stopped at Ferry Landing and Lower Landing road on my way to Sawyer's Farm in Walpole. At Landing Road trail I saw FOY tree swallows but not much of anything else. Nothing out of the ordinary.
At Sawyer's Farm there were a nice selection of ducks. Black ducks, mallards and green winged teal. About 100 canada geese and 4 snow geese with a variety of plumage. And a FOY killdeer.
About 10 years ago Steve Mirick pointed out a red head and a eurasian wigeon to me on great bay. The birds were buried in a sea of scaup and other birds. I was new to birding, I was overwhelmed and I didn't really even see what he was looking at but at some point I just said, yup I see them, but I never really counted them for myself. Today I got both of them so they are both life birds for me - officially. However, it would be great if someone could confirm that redhead!
