Observations from December 1, 2025, to February 28, 2026
Graphic by Merissa Zaltzberg
Notable Bird Facts:
In the endless struggle of Cooper’s vs Sharp-shinned hawk identification, a nifty mnemonic from Cojaro on Reddit: “Mean Muggin’ = Cooper’s, Looks frightened = Sharp-shinned.”
Most male birds don’t have wieners.
Northern cardinals usually live their entire lives within a mile of where they hatched.
Lifer at Britland Park in Fall River, Massachusetts on January 9, 2026. A pair swimming in the only remaining water at the park on January 19, 2026. AMCO01.
American Kestrel (Falco sparverius)
Lifer at Gooseberry Island, Westport, Massachusetts, on September 27, 2025. It took a while to identify because it had the sun concealing its color. It was quite small. Though, it was larger than the bat it was chasing along the shoreline. Eventually catching it with talons mid-air and took off.
Bald Eagle (Haliaeetus leucocephalus)
Not visible in the photo from the roof of the Lloyd Center, Dartmouth, Massachusett, but down on the ice two eagles were snacking on a duck. They remain active year round in the area.
Black-capped Chickadee (Poecile atricapillus)
A Chickadee [BCCH01] sharing a meal with a Downy Woodpecker.
Canada Goose (Branta canadensis)
Found some freak Canada Gooses this winter. First [CAGO01] on December 29, 2026, in Dartmouth, Massachusetts.
And another [CAGO02] in Fall River, Massachusetts on February 5, 2026.
Common Merganser (Mergus merganser)
Lifer at Britland Park in Fall River, Massachusetts on January 9, 2026. A female [COME01] with some lovely teeth shot at the park by Stephen Petto on January 19, 2026.
Watched her get chased by various gulls who were after her lunch [COME02].
Dark-eyed Junco (Junco hyemalis)
Wintering birds in the yard on January 29, 2026. [UDEJ01].
Eurasian Wigeon (Mareca penelope)
Lifer at Riverside Cemetery in Fairhaven, Massachusetts on January 8, 2026.
European Starling (Sturnus vulgaris)
One of the more interesting plumages [EUST01] on January 25, 2026 in Dartmouth, Massachusetts.
Hooded Merganser (Lophodytes cucullatus)
Steve got an absolutely incredible shot in Fall River on January 19, 2026. [HOME01].
HOME02.
Horned Grebe (Podiceps auritus)
Lifer at Gooseberry Island, Westport, Massachusetts on January 10, 2026.
Long-tailed Duck (Clangula hyemalis)
Lifer at Gooseberry Island, Westport, Massachusetts on January 10, 2026.
Northern Cardinal (Cardinalis cardinalis)
A vibrant male [NOCA02] ready for all the fun that spring brings in Dartmouth on February 27, 2026.
Redhead (Aythya americana)
Lifer at Sachuest Point National Wildlife Refuge in Middletown, Rhode Island on December 31, 2025.
Ring-necked Duck (Aythya collaris)
Lifer at Britland Park in Fall River, Massachusetts on January 9, 2026.
Sanderling (Calidris alba)
Flock at Gooseberry Island, Westport, Massachusetts stayed all winter. This photo [SAND01] was taken on January 10, 2026.
“The abbey at Singing Hills would say that if a record cannot be perfect, it should at least be present. Better for it to exist than for it to be perfect and only in your mind.” – The Empress of Salt and Fortune [2020]
Ass 18 Coen Brothers films were viewed in a concentrated period. None of their solo films were viewed. Reports are that those movies are horny and weird and not good. This effort originated because of the Blank Check Podcast’s “Pod Country for Old Cast” miniseries. Great commentary and great guests and great insight into these precise filmmakers. Another companion were Roger Ebert’s review of these movies. Illuminating look at the evolving taste of Hollywood over the decades. Only a few of their movies had been viewed previously, but two of which were always favorites. They remain so. Perhaps moreso now. Some of the films not previously viewed are now favorites. Out of 18 movies, not a single one of them is bad or worth skipping. Out of 18 movies, all were enjoyable, as this was experiment.
Below are the movies listed in order of favorability:
The Big Lebowski [1998]
No Country for Old Men [2007]
Inside Llewyn Davis [2013]
A Serious Man [2009]
Fargo [1996]
Hail, Caesar! [2016]
True Grit [2010]
O Brother, Where Art Thou? [2000]
The Man Who Wasn’t There [2001]
The Ladykilers [2004]
Intolerable Cruelty [2003]
Barton Fink [1991]
Blood Simple [1984]
Miller’s Crossing [1990]
Raising Arizona [1987]
Burn After Reading [2008]
Hudsucker Proxy [1994]
The Ballad of Buster Scruggs [2018]
Below are performances in Coen Brothers movies as main characters listed in order of favorability:
Jeff Bridges as The Dude in The Big Lebowski [1998]
Javier Bardem as Anton Chigurh in No Country for Old Men [2007]
Hailee Steinfeld as Mattie Ross in True Grit [2010]
Josh Brolin as Eddie Mannix in Hail, Caesar! [2016]
Billy Bob Thornton as Ed Crane in The Man Who Wasn’t There [2001]
Josh Brolin as Llewelyn Moss in No Country for Old Men [2007]
Oscar Issac as Llewyn Davis in Inside Llewyn Davis [2013]
Dan Hedaya as Julian Marty in Blood Simple [1984]
Frances McDormand as Marge Gunderson in Fargo (1996]
Tim Blake Nelson as Delmar O’Donnell in O Brother, Where Art Thou? [2000]
Steve Buscemi as Carl Showalter in Fargo [1996]
Michael Stuhlbarg as Larry Gopnik in A Serious Man [2009]
William H. Macy as Jerry Lundegaard in Fargo [1996]
Jeff Bridges as Rooster Cogburn in True Grit [2010]
Alden Ehrenreich as Hobie Doyle in Hail, Caesar! [2016]
Tilda Swinton as Katie Cox in Burn After Reading [2008]
Nicolas Cage as H.I. McDunnough in Raising Arizona [1987]
Tommy Lee Jones as Ed Tom Bell in No Country for Old Men [2007]
George Clooney as Miles in Intolerable Cruelty [2003]
John Turturro as Barton Fink in Barton Fink [1991]
Tom Hanks as Professor G.H. Dorr in The Ladykillers [2004]
George Clooney as Baird Whitlock in Hail, Caesar! [2016]
John Malkovich as Osborne Cox in Burn After Reading [2008]
Holly Hunter as Ed in Raising Arizona [1987]
George Clooney as Everett in O Brother, Where Art Thou? [2000]
George Clooney as Harry Pfarrer in Burn After Reading [2008]
John Turturro as Pete Hogwallop in O Brother, Where Art Thou? [2000]
Frances McDormand as Abby in Blood Simple [1984]
Gabriel Byrne as Tom Reagan in Miller’s Crossing [1990]
Peter Stormare as Gaear Grimsrud in Fargo [1996]
Catherine Zeta-Jones as Marylin in Intolerable Cruelty [2003]
Frances McDormand as Linda Litzke in Burn After Reading [2008]
Tim Robbins as Norville Barnes in The Hudsucker Proxy [1994]
John Getz as Ray in Blood Simple [1984]
Brad Pitt as Chad Feldheimer in Burn After Reading [2008]
Below are selected performances in Coen Brothers movies as side characters listed in order of favorability:
John Goodman as Walter Sobchak in The Big Lebowski [1998]
John Turturro as Jesus Quintana in The Big Lebowski [1998]
Richard Jenkins as Freddy Bender in Intolerable Cruelty [2003]
Gene Jones as Gas Station Proprietor in No Country for Old Men [2007]
Jon Polito as Johnny Caspar in Miller’s Crossing [1990]
Fred Melamed as Sy Ableman in A Serious Man [2009]
Carey Mulligan as Jean in Inside Llewyn Davis [2013]
Philip Seymour Hoffman as Brandt in The Big Lebowski [1998]
John Goodman as Roland Turner in Inside Llewyn Davis [2013]
Channing Tatum as Burt Gurney in Hail, Caesar! [2016]
Barry Pepper as Lucky Ned Pepper in True Grit [2010]
Kelly Macdonald as Carla Jean Moss in No Country for Old Men [2007]
J.R. Horne as Divorce Lawyer in Burn After Reading [2008]
Jennifer Jason Leigh as Amy Archer in Hudsucker Proxy [1994]
Julianne Moore as Maude Lebowski in The Big Lewbowski [1998]
David Huddleston as The Big Lebowski in The Big Lebowski [1998]
M. Emmet Walsh as Private Detective in Blood Simple [1984]
Tom Waits as Prospector in The Ballad of Buster Scruggs [2018]
Ralph Fiennes as Laurence Laurentz in Hail, Caesar! [2016]
Ben Gazzara as Jackie Treehorn in The Big Lewbowski [1998]
Garrett Hedlund as Johnny Five in Inside Llewyn Davis [2013]
Richard Jenkins as Ted in Burn After Reading [2008]
J.K. Simmons as Garth Pancake in the Ladykillers [2004]
Woody Harrelson as Carson Wells in No Country for Old Men [2007]
Jonah Hill as Joe Silverman in Hail, Caesar! [2016]
David Rasche as CIA Officer Palmer DeBakey Smith in Burn After Reading [2008]
Michael Badalucco as Frank in The Man Who Wasn’t There [2001]
Paul Newman as Sidney J. Mussburger in Hudsucker Proxy [1994]
George Wyner as Rabbi Nachtner in A Serious Man [2009]
David Krumholtz as Communist Writer in Hail, Caesar! [2016]
Larry Brandenburg as Stan Grossman in Fargo [1996]
Marcia Gay Harden as Verna in Miller’s Crossing [1990]
Josh Brolin as Tom Chaney in True Grit [2010]
Ernest Sarracino as Luigi the Tailor in Hudsucker Proxy [1994]
John McConnell as Woolworths Manager in O Brother, Where Are Thou? [2000]
Frances McDormand as Doris Crane in The Man Who Wasn’t There [2001]
Tony Shalhoub as Freddy Ridenschneider in The Man Who Wasn’t There [2001]
Richard Kind as Uncle Arthur in A Serious Man [2009]
John Goodman as Charlie Meadows in Barton Fink [1991]
Tony Shalhoub as Ben Geisler in Barton Fink [1991]
Steve Buscemi as Donny in The Big Lewbowski [1998]
John Carroll Lynch as Norm Gunderson in Fargo [1996]
Steve Park as Mike Yanagita in Fargo [1996]
John Turturro as Bernie Bernbaum in Miller’s Crossing [1990]
“Oh, she says, well, you’re not a poor man. You know, why don’t you go online and buy a hundred envelopes and put them in the closet? And so I pretend not to hear her. And go out to get an envelope because I’m going to have a hell of a good time in the process of buying one envelope. I meet a lot of people. And see some great looking babies. And a fire engine goes by. And I give them the thumbs up. And I’ll ask a woman what kind of dog that is. And, and I don’t know. The moral of the story is — we’re here on Earth to fart around,” [2005] by Kurt Vonnegut.
Lifer at UMass Dartmouth, Massachusetts on May 1, 2023.
American Goldfinch (Spinus tristis)
Lifer at McMansion, Dartmouth, Massachusetts, on May 5, 2024. Seen at home on May 11, 2025. AMGO01.
American Herring Gull (Larus smithsonianus)
Lifer at UMass Dartmouth, Massachusetts, on July 14, 2023.
American Oystercatcher (Haematopus palliatus)
Lifer at Allen’s Pond, Westport, Massachusetts, on May 26, 2024.
American Redstart (Setophaga ruticilla)
Lifer at Allen’s Pond, Westport, Massachusetts, on May 24, 2025.
American Robin (Turdus migratorius)
Lifer at UMass Dartmouth (CVPA), Massachusetts, on July 13, 2023.
Bald Eagle (Haliaeetus leucocephalus)
Full Nonquitt Marsh Bald Eagles 2025 Report. Lifer at Apponagansett Beach, Dartmouth, Massachusetts, on March 7, 2025. Juvenile eagle seen in Dartmouth on March 7, 2025. BAEA01.
Baltimore Oriole (Icterus galbula)
Lifer at McMansion, Dartmouth, Massachusetts, on May 5, 2024. Colorful soul seen at home on May 7, 2025. BAOR01.
Barn Swallow (Hirundo rustica)
Lifer at New Bedford Harbor, Massachusetts, on June 8, 2024.
Belted Kingfisher (Megaceryle alcyon)
Lifer at Apponagansett Beach, Dartmouth, Massachusetts, on December 2, 2023.
Black Scoter (Melanitta americana)
Lifer at Sachuest Point National Wildlife Refuge, Middletown, Rhode Island, on December 17, 2023.
Black Vulture (Coragyps atratus)
Lifer at McMansion, Dartmouth, Massachusetts, on October 5, 2023.
Black-capped Chickadee (Poecile atricapillus)
Lifer at Sleepy Hollow, New York, on March 16, 2024.
Blue Jay (Cyanocitta cristata)
Lifer at UMass Dartmouth (Entrance Pond), Massachusetts, on July 14, 2023.
Blue-winged Warbler (Vermivora cyanoptera)
Lifer at Nonquitt Marsh, Dartmouth, Massachusetts, on May 4, 2024.
Brant (Branta bernicla)
Lifer at Apponagansett Beach, Dartmouth, Massachusetts, on February 6, 2024.
Brown-headed Cowbird (Molothrus ater)
Lifer at Nonquitt Marsh, Dartmouth, Massachusetts, on May 4, 2024.
Bufflehead (Bucephala albeola)
Lifer at Apponagansett Beach, Dartmouth, Massachusetts, on November 30, 2023.
Canada Goose (Branta canadensis)
Lifer at UMass Dartmouth (Entrance Pond), Massachusetts, on July 23, 2023.
Carolina Wren (Thryothorus ludovicianus)
Lifer at McMansion, Dartmouth, Massachusetts, on August 21, 2023.
Chipping Sparrow (Spizella passerina)
Lifer at UMass Dartmouth (CVPA), Massachusetts, on July 13, 2023.
Clapper Rail (Rallus crepitans)
Lifer at Apponagansett Beach, Dartmouth, Massachusetts, on April 30, 2025.
Common Eider (Somateria mollissima)
Lifer at Sachuest Point National Wildlife Refuge, Middletown, Rhode Island, on December 17, 2023.
Common Goldeneye (Bucephala clangula)
Lifer at Norman Bird Sanctuary, Middletown, Rhode Island, on December 17, 2023.
Common Grackle (Quiscalus quiscula)
Lifer at UMass Dartmouth (Entrance), Massachusetts on July 14, 2023.
Common Loon (Gavia immer)
Lifer at Norman Bird Sanctuary, Middletown, Rhode Island, on December 17, 2023.
Common Tern (Sterna hirundo)
Lifer at Apponagansett Beach, Dartmouth, Massachusetts, on August 24, 2023.
Common Yellowthroat (Geothlypis trichas)
Lifer at Allen’s Pond, Westport, Massachusetts, on June 22, 2024.
Cooper’s Hawk (Astur cooperii)
Lifer at Padanaram Harbor, Dartmouth, Massachusetts, on September 24, 2023.
Dark-eyed Junco (Junco hyemalis)
Lifer at McMansion, Dartmouth, Massachusetts, on November 9, 2024.
Double-crested Cormorant (Nannopterum auritum)
Lifer at Allendale Golf Course, Dartmouth, Massachusetts, on August 7, 2023.
Downy Woodpecker (Dryobates pubescens)
Lifer at McMansion, Dartmouth, Massachusetts, on September 17, 2023.
Dunlin (Calidris alpina)
Lifer at Allen’s Pond, Westport, Massachusetts, on May 24, 2025.
Eastern Bluebird (Sialia sialis)
Lifer at Audubon Caratunk Wildlife Refuge, Seekonk, Massachusetts, on May 3, 2025. Seen in the neighborhood on May 30, 2025. EABL01.
Eastern Kingbird (Tyrannus tyrannus)
Lifer at Allen’s Pond, Westport, Massachusetts, on May 12, 2024.
Eastern Phoebe (Sayornis phoebe)
Lifer at Portland, Maine, on April 13, 2024.
Eastern Towhee (Pipilo erythrophthalmus)
Lifer at Audubon Caratunk Wildlife Refuge, Seekonk, Massachusetts, on May 3, 2025.
European Starling (Sturnus vulgaris)
Lifer at Star of the Sea Reserve, Dartmouth, Massachusetts, on May 26, 2024.
Gadwall (Mareca strepera)
Lifer at Allen’s Pond, Westport, Massachusetts, on May 26, 2024.
Glossy Ibis (Plegadis falcinellus)
Lifer at Nonquitt Marsh, Dartmouth, Massachusetts, on May 4, 2024. A beauty in Dartmouth on May 4, 2024. GLIB01.
Flocks seen around the area like these folks on June 5, 2024. GLIB02.
Gray Catbird (Dumetella carolinensis)
Lifer at McMansion, Dartmouth, Massachusetts, on August 18, 2023.
Great Black-backed Gull (Larus marinus)
Lifer at Sachuest Point National Wildlife Refuge, Middletown, Rhode Island, on December 17, 2023.
Great Blue Heron (Ardea herodias)
Lifer at UMass Dartmouth (Entrance Pond), Massachusetts, on July 13, 2023. Big wings raced to work on November 11, 2024. GBHE01.
Presumably then shape-shifted into a college student. GBHE02.
Great Cormorant (Phalacrocorax carbo)
Lifer at Sachuest Point National Wildlife Refuge, Middletown, Rhode Island, on February 18, 2024.
Great Crested Flycatcher (Myiarchus crinitus)
Lifer at Nonquitt Marsh, Dartmouth, Massachusetts, on May 4, 2024.
Great Egret (Ardea alba)
Lifer at Nonquitt Marsh, Dartmouth, Massachusetts, on September 2, 2023.
Great Horned Owl (Bubo virginianus)
Lifer at McMansion, Dartmouth, Massachusetts, on October 11, 2024. Not the best and sorry for the bright light [GHOW01] good sir who hooted outside the house on Valentine’s Day 2025.
Greater Scaup (Aythya marila)
Lifer at Apponagansett Beach on November 16, 2024.
Greater Yellowlegs (Tringa melanoleuca)
Lifer at Nonquitt Marsh, Dartmouth, Massachusetts, on May 4, 2024.
Green Heron (Butorides virescens)
Lifer at UMass Dartmouth (Entrance Pond), Massachusetts, on August 1, 2023.
Harlequin Duck (Histrionicus histrionicus)
Lifer at Sachuest Point National Wildlife Refuge, Middletown, Rhode Island, on December 17, 2023.
Hooded Merganser (Lophodytes cucullatus)
Lifer at Sachuest Point National Wildlife Refuge, Middletown, Rhode Island, on February 18, 2024.
House Finch (Haemorhous mexicanus)
Lifer at McMansion, Dartmouth, Massachusetts, on August 14, 2023, Massachusetts. A nice couple in the yard on May 21, 2025. HOFI01.
House Sparrow (Passer domesticus)
Lifer at McMansion, Dartmouth, Massachusetts, on December 22, 2023.
Killdeer (Charadrius vociferus)
Lifer at Round Hill Beach, Dartmouth, Massachusetts, on May 26, 2024.
Laughing Gull (Leucophaeus atricilla)
Lifer at Round Hill Beach, Dartmouth, Massachusetts, on August 1, 2024.
Least Tern (Sternula antillarum)
Lifer at Allen’s Pond, Westport, Massachusetts, on June 22, 2024.
Lesser Scaup (Aythya affinis)
Lifer at Sachuest Point National Wildlife Refuge, Middletown, Rhode Island, on December 17, 2023.
Mallard (Anas platyrhynchos)
Lifer at Norman Bird Sanctuary, Middletown, Rhode Island, on December 17, 2023.
Mourning Dove (Zenaida macroura)
Lifer at UMass Dartmouth (Tripp), Massachusetts, on July 18, 2023.
Mute Swan (Cygnus olor)
Lifer at Apponagansett Beach, Dartmouth, Massachusetts, on January 20, 2024.
Northern Cardinal (Cardinalis cardinalis)
Lifer at UMass Dartmouth, Massachusetts on July 19, 2023. Shouting on May 2, 2025. NOCA01.
Northern Flicker (Colaptes auratus)
Lifer at McMansion, Dartmouth, Massachusetts, on April 9, 2024. Nice bird destroying a home to make theirs on May 7, 2025. UNFL01.
Northern Harrier (Circus hudsonius)
Lifer at Allen’s Pond, Westport, Massachusetts, on May 26, 2025.
Northern Mockingbird (Mimus polyglottos)
Lifer at UMass Dartmouth (Foster), Dartmouth, Massachusetts, on October 12, 2023.
Lifer at Nonquitt Marsh, Dartmouth, Massachusetts, on May 4, 2024.
Pine Warbler (Setophaga pinus)
Lifer at UMass Dartmouth, Massachusetts, on July 13, 2023. PIWA01.
Purple Martin (Progne subis)
Lifer at Audubon Caratunk Wildlife Refuge, Seekonk, Massachusetts, on May 3, 2025.
Purple Sandpiper (Calidris maritima)
Lifer at Sachuest Point National Wildlife Refuge, Middletown, Rhode Island, on December 26, 2024.
Red-bellied Woodpecker (Melanerpes carolinus)
Lifer at Sleepy Hollow, New York, on March 16, 2024.
Red-breasted Merganser (Mergus serrator)
Lifer at Sachuest Point National Wildlife Refuge, Middletown, Rhode Island, on February 18, 2024.
Red-shouldered Hawk (Buteo lineatus)
Lifer at UMass Dartmouth (Entrance Pond), Massachusetts, onJuly 14, 2023.
Red-tailed Hawk (Buteo jamaicensis)
Lifer at UMass Dartmouth (CVPA), Massachusetts, on July 13, 2023. A beaut found in the neighborhood on February 20, 2025. RTHA01.
Red-winged Blackbird (Agelaius phoeniceus)
Lifer at UMass Dartmouth (CVPA), Massachusetts, July 13, 2023.
Ring-billed Gull (Larus delawarensis)
Lifer at McMansion, Dartmouth, Massachusetts, on February 17, 2024. A gathering over a freshly cut field in the neighborhood on October 5, 2024. RBGU01.
Rock Pigeon (Feral Pigeon) (Columba livia [Feral Pigeon])
Lifer at McMansion, Dartmouth, Massachusetts, on April 9, 2024.
Ruby-throated Hummingbird (Archilochus colubris)
Lifer at McMansion, Dartmouth, Massachusetts, on May 25, 2024.
Ruddy Duck (Oxyura jamaicensis)
Lifer at Norman Bird Sanctuary, Middletown, Rhode Island, on December 17, 2023.
Semipalmated Sandpiper (Calidris pusilla)
Lifer at Nonquitt Marsh, Dartmouth, Massachusetts, on September 2, 2023.
Snowy Egret (Egretta thula)
Lifer at Apponagansett Beach, Dartmouth, Massachusetts, on August 24, 2023.
Song Sparrow (Melospiza melodia)
Lifer at McMansion, Dartmouth, Massachusetts, on January 12, 2024. A very patriotic bird seen on July 1, 2024. SOSP01.
Surf Scoter (Melanitta perspicillata)
Lifer at Sachuest Point National Wildlife Refuge, Middletown, Rhode Island, on February 18, 2024.
Tree Swallow (Tachycineta bicolor)
Lifer at Round Hill Beach, Dartmouth, Massachusetts, on May 26, 2024.
Tufted Titmouse (Baeolophus bicolor)
Lifer at UMass Dartmouth (CVPA), Massachusetts, on July 13, 2023.
Turkey Vulture (Cathartes aura)
Lifer at UMass Dartmouth (Foster), Massachusetts on July 27, 2023.
White-breasted Nuthatch (Sitta carolinensis)
Lifer at McMansion, Dartmouth, Massachusetts, on August 12, 2023.
White-throated Sparrow (Zonotrichia albicollis)
Lifer at McMansion, Dartmouth, Massachusetts, on December 22, 2023.
White-winged Scoter (Melanitta deglandi)
Lifer at Norman Bird Sanctuary, Middletown, Rhode Island, on December 17, 2023.
Wild Turkey (Meleagris gallopavo)
Lifer at Tucker Road, Dartmouth, Massachusetts, on July 16, 2023. These birds want you dead on March 4, 2024, and every other day of the year. TURK01.
Always watching. Waiting. TURK02.
Willet (Tringa semipalmata)
Liferat Nonquitt Marsh, Dartmouth, Massachusetts, on May 4, 2024.
Observations from September 1 to November 31, 2025
Illustration by Stephen Petto
Notable Bird Facts:
There are currently 11,167 bird species as of October 31, 2025
Best time for heron watching is 3 hours before and after low tide.
Indian Peafowl (the Peacock) are used as farm sentry birds.
A turkey’s big droopy nose is called a Snood.
There’s a migration corridor in Veracruz, Mexico called “The River of Raptors”. Millions of birds of prey are funneled southward by the Gulf Coast. Some daily counts exceed a half million birds.
Lifer at the Lloyd Center, Dartmouth, Massachusetts, on November 29, 2025.
American Kestrel (Falco sparverius)
Lifer at Gooseberry Island, Westport, Massachusetts, on September 27, 2025. It took a while to identify because it had the sun concealing its color. It was quite small. Though, it was larger than the bat it was chasing along the shoreline. Eventually catching it with talons mid-air and took off.
Bald Eagle (Haliaeetus leucocephalus)
Full Nonquitt Marsh Bald Eagles 2025 Report. The first Eagle of Fall 2025 was the evening of September 2. It glid in lazily and was harassed by 11 Osprey after it landed across from the Observation Deck. They had a good argument. BAEA09.
The Eagle eventually was swayed and decided to leave by seaward way. Two days after 9/11 a Bald Eagle went seaward but looped at the beach and flew roughly 30 feet above the Observation Deck. Then on September 15 an Eagle landed on the tree across from the Deck. BAEA10.
It was quickly divebombed and screamed at by an Osprey. The next day, September 16, Steve with his big camera caught an Eagle lazily flew through the Marsh, did a lap, and headed Northwest. Eventually came back and sat on the sunken log before heading Northwest again. BAEA11.
BAEA12.
BAEA13.
Saw an Eagle at the Marsh on September 18, a Second Year Juvenile Bald Eagle on September 21, and a mature Eagle on September 22. The final sighting of the Fall was finally seeing both Eagles at once on October 11 at 5:20pm. When Steve and I arrived, one Bald Eagle was on Osprey nestpole. Another Eagle flew in from South, kept going North before eventually coming back to sit on a sunken rock near her mate. Both took off together and flew at the Observation Deck. Some incredible photos taken by Steve. BAEA14.
BAEA15.
Black-bellied Plover (Pluvialis squatarola)
Lifer at the Marsh, Dartmouth, Massachusetts, on September 6, 2025, but an absolutely stunning shot of a juvenile by Steve at Gooseberry Island, Westport, Massachusetts on September 28, 2025. BBPL01.
Then on September 28, 2025, at the Marsh, Dartmouth, Massachusetts, observed a splish splash taking a bath. BBPL02.
Cackling Goose (Branta hutchinsii)
Lifer at Buttonwood Park, New Bedford, Massachusetts, on November 30, 2025.
Common Raven (Corvus corax)
Lifer at the Marsh, Dartmouth, Massachusetts, on September 12, 2025.
Common Tern (Sterna hirundo)
A great shot [COTE01] by Steve on September 8, 2025, at Gooseberry Island, Westport, Massachusetts.
Cooper’s Hawk (Astur cooperii)
A nice shot from behind at the home of Champions, UMass Dartmouth, Massachusetts on October 30, 2025. COHA02.
Double-crested Cormorant (Nannopterum auritum)
In the late fall, Double-crested Cormorants dominate our shorelines. Photos by Steve at Gooseberry on September 8, 2025. DCCO01.
DCCO02.
DCCO03.
Found a small feeding frenzy with Cormorants and many types of gulls including Laughing Gulls (Leucophaeus atricilla) at Sachuest Point National Wildlife Refuge in Middletown, Rhode Island on October 10, 2025. DCCO04.
DCCO05.
DCCO06.
Downy Woodpecker (Picoides pubescens)
Photo [DOWO01] at the Lloyd Center, Dartmouth, Massachusetts.
Dunlin (Calidris alpina)
These long billed hunks were braving the cold alongside some puffy Sanderling (Calidris alba). DUNL01.
DUNL02.
Great Blue Heron (Ardea herodias)
Nice landing by a trio at the Marsh on September 30, 2025. GBHE05.
House Finch (Haemorhous mexicanus)
Great photo by Steve of a female finch at Gooseberry on September 8, 2025. HOFI03.
Mallard (Anas platyrhynchos)
What is apparently a domesticated Mallard hanging with a group of mallards in a small pond at UMass Dartmouth on November 24, and again on November 25, 2025. MALL01.
MALL02.
Northern Harrier (Circus hudsonius)
A bird that every so often literally pops up from the grass at the Marsh. Video [NOHA01] of one zooming across the Observation Deck on September 15, 2025.
At Sachuest on September 15, 2205, Steve got one circling overhead for quite a while. NOHA02.
Once again, Steve and I went out, this time to Ocean View Farm Reserve in Dartmouth, Massachusetts on the last day of Fall. I’d been before and saw a very active Northern Harrier. Thankfully she was back and Steve got some great shots. NOHA03.
NOHA04.
NOHA05.
Osprey (Pandion haliaetus)
Full Nonquitt Marsh Ospreys 2025 Report. September. September 1. Fall began with a bang. Twenty-seven Osprey. A 2025 record. There was non-stop circling and calling. Very active. On the evening of September 2, a Bald Eagle glided in lazily, and 11 Osprey took to the air, screaming. Two even dive-bombed the Eagle after it landed. Their argument heard. BAEA09.
September 3 brought 21 Osprey, a bird that frequently shifts their perches. Perhaps they’re so shifty because they can be ambushed by Common Ravens and more often, American Crows. OSPR08.
On September 6, 25 Ospreys were active, some carrying very large fish. Ospreys seem like relatively efficient hunters because they’re always carrying or standing on top of fish. A 2010 study, “Fishing behaviour of the Osprey Pandion haliaetus in an estuary in the northern Iberian Peninsula during autumn migration”, by Aitor Galarza, looked at “The fishing behaviour of the Osprey Pandion haliaetus in an estuary in the northern Iberian Peninsula during autumn stopover is described. All prey consisted of fish of the family Mugilidae (grey mullets) and overall fishing events lasted on average 6.3 min with a 68.8 % success rate (n = 61 fishing events). Adults were better fishers (92% of success) than young birds (40%). The occurrence of fishing events was independent of tidal period or tidal direction. However, fishing success was higher when the tide was rising.”
It’s a great looking bird. OSPR09.
The mass exodus really took place during the weekend of September 12. OSPR10.
While many winged southward, a few, presumably timid youths, stuck around. Some even went for a float. OSPR11.
On September 15, a Bald Eagle arrived and was immediately chased, dive-bombed, and screamed at by one of the 5 Osprey present—an intense, brief confrontation. There’s a noncommittal nature to Osprey Eagle in-flight interactions. They maintain a distance that’s close enough to be serious but not close enough to spark violence.
The gathering of the Nonquitt Marsh Osprey enters its drawn-out ending. Each day, there are a few fewer Osprey. Sometimes the Marsh can be very quiet, but on days with little wind, it can be quite noisy. Noisiest species, in no particular order other than the fact they’re all tied for first place for being annoying, are catbirds, willets, red-winged blackbirds, yellow legs of either leg length variety, but never Osprey. They’re all quite vocal, but it never grates.
On October 11, the last day I kept notes, there was one cold, lonely Osprey lingering. Go south, youngling.
The fall contains a massive gathering of Ospreys. Once they’re fledged and with so much good fish around, they really enjoy hanging out and socializing. With migration about over, their loud calls will be missed. The ones that shrillly introduced themselves to their compatriots as they glid into the Marsh off a sea breeze. They truly are a joy to watch. OSPR12.
Until the spring. Can’t come soon enough. OSPR13.
Red-shouldered Hawk (Buteo lineatus)
Sat down at Birdfeeder Bench at the Lloyd Center and within the first 50 seconds recognized the familiar patrons gorging themselves on the large collection of feeders resupplied each morning. Tufted Titmice, Black-capped Chickadees, Blue Jays, and White-breasted Nuthatches. But at second 51, out of nowhere a Red-shouldered Hawk attacked a bird in the bush/tree nearby, at eye line. And yet, somehow managed to not see the kill and she took off. When humans arrive, the birds quickly scatter but just as quickly re-appear to eat. Small wonder if she used my presence as a distraction. Thankfully captured it on Merlin so you can at least hear it. RSHA01.
Ring-billed Gull (Larus delawarensis)
Steve is good at taking pictures. Allen’s Pond in Westport, Massachusetts, on October 4, 2025. RBGU02.
Ruddy Turnstone (Arenaria interpres)
Lifer at Gooseberry Island, Westport, Massachusetts, on September 8, 2025. Photos by Steve at Gooseberry, on September 8, 2025. RUTU01.
Yelling at the homies. RUTU02.
Sanderling (Calidris alba)
Much smaller than expected. Lifer at Allen’s Pond, Westport, Massachusetts, on October 4, 2025.
Snow Goose x Brant Hybrid
Finally went on a wild goose chase with Ashley Ruderman-Looff and found the famous hybrid waiting in the parking lot at Fort Phoenix, Fairhaven, Massachusetts, on November 11, 2025. SNxBR01.
Ashley got a better shot of her with her Brant squad. SNxBR02.
According to Lauren Miller-Donnelly on eBird, “Well documented bird. Third year. Vocalizing and sounds different than the Brant.” From the Paskamansett Bird Club on eBird, “*Rare. Well documented hybrid. Third year it has been seen here, arriving in early November and leaving in early spring. Associating with the Brant flock.” From Lily Meorello on eBird, “***Very rare hybrid; continuing here for its third winter. Born summer 2023. Molt progression and other info.”
Snowy Egret (Egretta thula)
Often see Snowy Egrets and Great Egrets (Ardea alba) mixed together. But this flock is pure Snowy. Photos by Steve at the Marsh on September 16, 2025. SNEG01.
SNEG02.
Song Sparrow (Melospiza melodia)
A very high quality photo by Steve at Gooseberry on September 8, 2025. SOSP02.
Spotted Sandpiper (Actitis macularius)
Lifer at Gooseberry Island, Westport, Massachusetts, on September 8, 2025
Tree Swallow (Tachycineta bicolor)
I only captured a few of the Tree Swallows that swarmed Sachuest on October 10, 2025. I’ve never seen such big flocks. They’d fly right over and around you too. TRES01.
Tufted Titmouse (Baeolophus bicolor)
Photos from Birdfeeder Bench on November 23, 2025. ETTI01.
ETTI02.
Western Cattle-Egret (Ardea ibis)
Pretty late in the season. Cold bird. Lifer at Ocean View Farm, Dartmouth, Massachusetts, on November 11, 2025. WECE01.
White-breasted Nuthatch (Sitta carolinensis)
Photos from Birdfeeder Bench on November 23, 2025. WBNU01.
WBNU02
Bird-related Art
N/A.
Animalia superflua
White-tailed Deer (Odocoileus virginianus)
Kept seeing two babies and their mom around the neighborhood. Then in some sort of Freaky Friday (Wednesday, September 17, 2025) scenario, two pairs of two babies and their two moms. DEER02.
Birds Birds Birds 