RESULTS of the Leader's Choice Field Trip

Saturday, Feb.13, 2010
Saturday's Leader's Choice field trip was a wonderful morning of birding. Seven people turned out, and so did the sun. With temps in the 30s, and little or no wind it was a very pleasant time. With no real rarities be reported we decided to head south to the coast in search of three specific birds; a pintail and green-winged teal reported in Back Cove, and a Yellow-throated Warbler frequenting a feeder in Falmouth.
Our first stop was Back Cove, where we were able to get the teal, resting among a group of black ducks. Unfortunately, since it wasn't active at the time, we had to content ourselves with less than optimal looks at this handsome duck... but at least we got him. We weren't so lucky with the pintail. But watching four male Bufflehead Ducks court a single female more than made up for the disappointment. It was hard to pull ourselves away from their commical behavior.
We were not able to pick up the Yellow-throated Warbler. But we weren't really expecting too, since the reports indicated that very early morning was the best time to see it.
Another highlight of the morning came at our last stop, Freeport Landing, where we had some unusually close looks at several Common Eiders in breeding plumage, revealing a hidden beauty that can't be enjoyed from a distance.
I think its fair to say a good time was had by all.

Dan Marquis - Leader & recorder