Stebbins Refuge

Eleven members gathered at Stebbins to enjoy a sunny, though cool and breezy, morning of birding. The ponds were still mostly iced over, but we found several species of waterfowl in smallish openings, including a surprising number of Ring-necked Ducks.  The estimate was well over 100, adding up the numbers from different locations across the refuge.  A few Green-winged Teal were spotted in the fields on West Road and three more were along the edge of the CT River. Hooded Mergansers and Wood Ducks, in pairs or singles, were spotted at several locations.  The usual songbirds were present, but the only early arrivals were the Common Grackle and the Red-winged Blackbird.  We picked up two Red-tailed Hawks and at least three Bald Eagles, one on the nest.

After some of us departed, others continued and birded out to the boardwalk. Their bonus birds for the extra effort were Great Blue Heron, American Goldfinch and Downy Woodpecker, bringing the total species count to 27 for the morning.  Spring is finally on its way!  Click below to view complete species list.