Longmeadow and Agawam

Nine members gathered at Pynchon Point in Agawam to explore the trails, scan the river and shoreline, search the sandbar in Longmeadow, and bird from the viewing platform at Pondside.

At Pynchon Point, one early-arriving member caught sight of a Great Egret and others heard Ravens. Together we identified Carolina Wren, Baltimore Oriole, Chimney Swift, Great Blue Heron, Double-crested Cormorant, Common Merganser, Spotted Sandpiper, and more.

From there, we headed to the Bondi’s Island boat ramp, hoping to find the Red-necked Phalarope reported there the previous day. We had no luck with the phalarope, but we did find two Semipalmated Sandpipers and four Least Sandpipers.

Our next stop was the Longmeadow Sandbar, which is often especially productive near the end of summer, when low water levels expose the sandbar. It provides an important resting and refueling stop for shorebirds continuing their migration along the Connecticut River. We enjoyed nice views of Solitary and Spotted Sandpipers, Killdeer, and a distant Greater Yellowlegs.

The highlight was a huge flock of Bank Swallows, which took turns dancing low over the sandbar and resting in large groups on the exposed beach. We also identified a Red-shouldered Hawk by ear—or perhaps it was a Blue Jay offering a remarkably convincing imitation—as well as Great Blue Heron, American Black Duck, Hairy, Downy, and Red-bellied Woodpeckers, and several other species.

Although the official trip ended at the sandbar, some members continued to Pondside, where they added numerous Wood Ducks, a Mute Swan, a flyover Green Heron, and an Eastern Kingbird to the list. Another member extended the outing by exploring the refuge trails and found Cedar Waxwing, Rose-breasted Grosbeak, Common Yellowthroat, Ruby-throated Hummingbird, and Northern Flicker.

In all, we counted 51 species and enjoyed the cooler morning air, one another’s company, and the opportunity to play at being expert birders. Click below to view complete species list.