Gloucester

The late spring snow has finally melted and the weather, although unsettled as usual for March in New England, has cooperated a bit to let us get out and explore. These photographs are from a recent visit to Gloucester, Massachusetts.

We spotted several large flocks of Canada Geese on the move and one smaller flock of Brant as they flew overhead on a gray March morning.

The wintering ducks are still around but will start moving inland and north soon. This is a pair of Common Goldeneye, female on the left and male on the right.

Spring means mating season and it definitely has started. This Common Goldeneye male was displaying for the nearby females.

This looks to be a successful pairing of Red-breasted Merganser that I photographed as they flew past.

Purple Sandpipers will be moving out soon. This flock was foraging on the rocks right at the edge of the water. The spray from waves doesn’t seem to bother them at all.

Some early migrants are being spotted and the birds are becoming more active. The longer days affect birds as well as humans. There is a lot of bird song being heard as they claim territory and attract mates. It will be great to see some of our summer visitors soon!