East Inlet to Scott’s Bog, Pittsburg, NH

[Darryl Parker]

It was a beautiful morning for birding:

https://ebird.org/checklist/S145908778

As I was observing at the head of East Inlet, another black F-150 pulled in behind me and asked what I was seeing. “Lots of warblers,” I said to which he replied “What kind?” I knew I’d met another birder. 

Turns out it was Tom Graham and Leslie Kramer. Leslie is the President of the Brookline Bird Club of which I am a member. We had a great conversation and they shared some good tips for this novice birder in general and for this area. 

It was at this entrance I logged a bay-breasted warbler and a Canada warbler, both lifers for me. There were another dozen or so species here. 

As soon as I crossed the bridge, the white winged crossbills made their appearance en masse darting around the spruce trees picking apart the cones. This was a life bird for me. I was able to get a few dozen photos of them over the next couple of miles and included some in the checklist. 

On the far side of Scott’s Bog, I found a wide spot in the road to focus on seeing the boreal chickadee, my last lifer of the day. They were in the area, but staying back in the woods. I pssshed pssshed pssshed and summoned two forth to investigate. I was able to get several good photos. One is destined for a Christmas card. I included that one in the checklist. 

I’m back at Lopstick Lodge this evening and have heard a barred owl call and the loons are regularly sounding off. The rain has moved through and there is a rainbow over the First Connecticut. 

Early tomorrow, I am off to Pondicherry for a first time visit. Maybe we will bump into each other. Look for a black F-150 with NHOMAD veteran plates. 

Happy birding.