before the rains and after

A few recent observations from both before and after the torrential rains:

A family group of four Cedar Waxwings landed in the Pitch Pine by the pond and I could see that at least two of them were in juvenile plumage -- recognizably waxwings with a crest and black around the eye but streaky on the breast. These birds are, like the Goldfinches, notably late breeders so these are likely youngsters that were born in the area.

There have been Royal Terns on the creek, an Eastern Kingbird on the far edge of the marsh, Northern Waterthrush, Common Yellowthroats (several), and the dependable Spotted Sandpiper -- a spotted adult both times -- on the edge of the pond at low tide. Although the local Osprey -- there are two adults and two flying young -- are active around the creek, an Osprey flying strongly at medium height across the creek, over the marsh and then over the trees, was probably a migrant. Great Crested Flycatcher still active in the woods, mostly heard at dusk. Several big uproars among the gulls on the creek are unexplained; when the gulls start yelping, the noise spreads quickly but I can never see what is causing it.

Eric Salzman