Birding the South Shore's various birding areas was for most of the participants virgin territory as they normally stick to the North Shore. First stop was the Cumberland Fields where there was much action right off - Red-bellied Woodpecker by the cars, Wild Turkeys, several Ravens flying about, many Swamp Sparrows calling and the highlight was a Wht-cr Sparrow in the path. Besides these species, several N Harriers & some Red-tailed Hawks plus 1 Sharp-shinned Hawk & Red-shouldered Hawk were working the field - many Goldfinches & Song Sparrows were active. Another treat there was several Wilson's Snipe plus Killdeer in the flooded section of the fields.Burrage Pond was next with many Tree Swallows plus Rough-winged and Barn Swallows mixed inplus Bluebirds. As we approached the pond, there was an arial fight between an Osprey and a Bald Eagle [one of 3 immature eagles seen], plus Ring-necked Ducks, Green-w Teal, Gt Egret and Gt-blue Herons - the big miss was notspotting the Sandhill Cranes this time.Onward to Danial Webster WS were weenjoyed 12 Glossy Ibis suddenly dropped into the field for excellent looks, 1 Purple Martin but the wind & weather conditions kept the desired passerines out of sight - like always, Cowbirds, grackles, Red-wings and a Wild Turkey feasted at the feeders,After lunch, we traveled directly to the Manomet Banding facility to show them this important research property as well as scanning from the cliffs. From the cliffs, we had a Red-throated Loon below us, several breeding plumage Horned Grebes, Long-tailed Ducks, Surf & Wht-winged Scoters, Bufflehead, many Red-breasted Mergansers, C Eider, C Loons and wonderful side by side comparisons between Great & D-c Cormorants.Last stop was Manomet Point where you get a wonderful vista of the sea below -before the rain hit us, we enjoyed several N Gannets, a male Harlequin Duck, all 3 scoter species, many C Eiders, Red-thr & Common Loons, more breeding plumage Horned Grebes, Gt Cormorants, C Goldeneye - then the rained swept in quickly ending our day.In the end on this windy day with some showers, we found 78 species, had many special experiences as we explored several excellent birding locations.Always thanks to Dan Fournier, Leslie Bostrom and Lindsay Neubeck for all their field expertise and working so closely with the participants to make the day rewarding.
