[MASSBIRD] GMNWR Concord - Marshbird Survey - Belated

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Steve Arena

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Jun 17, 2013, 8:12:35 AM6/17/13
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On 6/9 and 6/13, in the capacity of USFWS volunteer, I surveyed the upper and lower pools of the GMNWR Concord impoundments. On 6/9 I did the lower pool and on 6/13, I did the upper pool. The surveys were a combination of canoeing and broadcasting from the dikes. The surveys start 1/2 hour before sunrise and each route is made up of a series of points where a standardized set of broadcast vocalizations are played. Birds are recorded in accordance with the guidelines and methods put forth by the USFWS. Below is a summary for both days. I have been asked not to give out specific locations of listed birds.
 
 
If folks can view one image, it is this one.  A baby Virginia Rail was running and hopping down the Lower Pool's dike.  It looked like the baby penguin from Happy Feet.  It may not be the best image, but it sure makes me smile each time I view it.   
LEAST BITTERN - 8 - The Least Bittern show at GMNWR is in full swing.  I observed 2 pairs in the lower pool and I observed 2 pairs in the upper pool.  One of the pairs in the lower pool are in the same vicinity as last year when I was fortunate to find a nest with young.  The 2 pairs in the upper pool were in sight at ONE TIME.  In response to a certain portion of the protocol's broadcast vocalization, 2 males and a female emerged from the cattails.  I second female joined them.  What ensued was not unlike a flash mob.  The four birds were chasing each other around, at some points chasing each other over the canoe.  Here are a few images:
Black-crowned Night-Heron - 2
Green Heron - 5
Great Blue Heron - 12
Virginia Rail - 40 - 32 adult, 8 young.  The high water has pushed the birds out of the cattails and onto the dikes and margins of the pools.  Here are a few images:
Sora - 1 
AMERICAN COOT - 1 (UP) - the second adult was not seen.  If birders see two adults, it would be great to know.  My suspicion is that one of the adults was on nest incubating .....
COMMON GALLINULE - 1 (UP).  Here are a few images. 
Wood Duck - 37 (21 adults and 16 chicks in three groups)
Hooded Merganser - 17 (8 adults, 9 chicks)
Willow Flycatcher - 12
Marsh Wren - 24
Swamp Sparrow - 18
 
The following is from the USFWS -
"As a reminder, the USFWS does not allow playing of marshbird calls or use of canoes at the Concord Impoundments without authorization. For more information about ongoing surveys, management, or volunteering at the Concord Impoundments, please contact the Refuge Biological Staff at 978-443-4661, x24 or x37"
Thanks for reading.
Steve
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Steve Arena
 
Westborough, MA   
 
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