Follett's Brook Wildlife Sanctuary, Newmarket

[Phil Brown]

I led an intrepid group of 16 birders along the trails and woods roads at the Follett's Brook (both the 'Kwaks' and 'Smith Sisters') Sanctuaries along Rt. 152 in Newmarket this morning. We ended the morning with 63 species between the two NH Audubon sanctuaries and the short road walk in between the two.

Highlights included excellent scope looks at r-b grosbeak, scarlet tanager, indigo bunting, baltimore oriole, and warblers including blue-winged and prairie (gravel pit on Smith Sisters). 10 species of warblers including only one definite migrant (a parula).

Multiple species of raptors in the sky in one field of view included American kestrel, red-shouldered hawk (pair), and red-tailed. Displaying and territorial Cooper's hawks (3).

Alder flycatcher singing from usual spot along Follett's Brook on Smith Sisters.

Lots of other non-bird highlights, too, including a nice look at a climbing porcupine.

My Birdathon team will be visiting these two sanctuaries tomorrow as part of a 10+ sanctuaries run in which we hope to find over 150 species of birds in all, from Sandwich to the Seacoast. You can still donate to mine or ANY Birdathon/Bloomathon team here:

http://www.firstgiving.com/39292/new-hampshire-audubon-2016-birdathon-bloomathon

Phil Brown

Hancock, NH