Raven, Bald Eagles, 4/28/19

A Common Raven has been in our neighborhood for about a month; it was mobbed by Common Grackles in a pine tree on Trumbull Ave.  Possibly the Grackles have/had a nest in this tree.  They finally chased away the Raven, which is missing a few tail feathers.  The Bald Eagles, which seem to be coming into fully adult plumage but are probably sub-adults, were sen together (3 in all) at Waterview Landing on the edge of Wheeler Marsh at Milford Point.  According to residents there has been no sign of Bald Eagles nesting there this spring.

Very vocal Common Raven being harassed by Common Grackles, Milford Ct 4/28/19

Green Heron nest building, Mondo Ponds, 4/25/19

Green Heron nest building, Mondo Ponds, 4/25/19.  Pair nest building at far end of West Pond, the usual location for Green Heron nests here. A video:

Northern Shovelers, Short-biled Dowitchers, Milford Pt 4/25/19, Videos

Videos of a Northern Shoveler drake charging a rival, our FOY SB Dowitchers at Milford Point on 4/25/19.  There have been about 8 N. Shovelers in Wheeler Marsh (6 drakes, 2 hens) for at least 3 weeks.

Disputed Territory: AMOY and PIPL at Milford Point 4/25/19. Videos

As they have done for decades, once again both Piping Plover and American Oystercatchers are trying to nest on the main sandbar at Milford Point.  Often they get into territorial duels.  A few videos of a PIPL trying to chase and distract an Oystercatcher on 4/25/19.  Notice one of the AMOY is banded T-3.

PIPL, AMOY, Milford Point 4/11/19: AMOY with Bands

PIPL, AMOY, Milford Point 4/11/19: AMOY with Bands.  Banded AMOY were paired with AMOYs with bands.

AMOY, Milford Point, 4/11/19

AMOY, Milford Point, 4/11/19

AMOY, Milford Point, 4/11/19

AMOY, Milford Point, 4/11/19

AMOY, Milford Point, 4/11/19

AMOY, Milford Point, 4/11/19

AMOY, Milford Point, 4/11/19

Piping Plover, Milford Point 4/11/19

Piping Plover, Milford Point 4/11/19

Piping Plover, Milford Point 4/11/19

Piping Plover, Milford Point 4/11/19

Piping Plover, Milford Point 4/11/19

Black-bellied Plover, Milford Point 4/11/19, FOS

Black-bellied Plover, Milford Point 4/11/19, FOS

Surf Scot, Horned Grebe, Merwin Point, 4/10/19

Piping Plovers mating at Milford Point, 4/4/19

Piping Plovers mating at Milford Point, 4/4/19.  Video of a pair of Piping Plover mating on Cedar Beach at Milford Point.  Many pairs are present at Milford Point, and they're actively courting and mating now.  Male approaches female with goose-stepping, taps her flanks, mounts, tattoo on her back, finally mates, dismounts, then bite back/neck.  The usual routine for PIPL.

PIPL, Cedar Beach, Milford CT 4/4/19

burned buildings at Silver Sands State park

Killdeer at Silver Sands SP, also courting

hidden Pied-billed Grebe at Walker's Pond

Ring-necked Duck persisting by himself at Mondo Ponds

Slightly late American Tree Sparrow, Silver Sands SP