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Birds and butterflies in the Horseneck Beach State Reservation area to include Gooseberry Island and Allen’s Pond Sanctuary in the month of August.

Gooseberry Island which is part of Horseneck Beach State Reservation at different times of the year teems with birds. A popular area for many different types of activities such as fishing, swimming and beach strolling. It is also a good place for bird watching but I would avoid Gooseberry during the summer weekends particularly on a nice day as the small parking lot fills quickly. If you do venture to Gooseberry and the parking lot is full, at the opposite end (east) is Allen’s Pond Sanctuary which is another place for bird and butterfly watching and has extensive trails as well.

At both places, it is part of the Monarch Butterfly migratory route and depending on the year, bushes can be seen filled with Monarchs.

Although there are many more species of birds here are a few observed and photographed in mid to late August. (Click on photo for larger version)

Police formation between Faneuil Hall and Quincy Market building

A flower from my Aunt Mary’s garden.

Allen’s Pond was alive with birds. I was surprised to see so many Great Egrets and Snowy Egrets in one spot, although they were far away. A first sighting for me was the Bonaparte’s Gull. There were also numerous Cormorants, some Terns and one Great Blue Heron in the distance.

I am most certain I observed a lone Glossy Ibis which I flushed while walking to the waters edge.

I noticed the gulls skimming the water and catching minnows. I moved closer and that’s when I saw it. Under a bush by the waters edge. A small blue plastic box surrounded by rocks and one rock on top of it.

The underside of the box was lettering stating it was a “Shore Birds Letter Box”. I examined the contents of the box and it contained a small notebook, marker and stamp pad. It was almost like a guest list with greetings from those that found it. I will email the depositor of the box and let them know I found it. An interesting find.

(Click on photo for larger view)
This Red-tailed Hawk zipped behind me into suns light. I assume it was hunting rodents on the island.

Gooseberry Island was teeming with birds this week in August. I walked down the main road en route to the islands end and spotted a hawk on the ground. It flew along the roadway and landed beyond the bend of the path just beyond my line of sight. It appeared it was eating something. However, each time I inspected its landing spot and there was nothing to indicate it was feeding. I approached slowly but it kept a very close eye on me and kept a large distance between us. I am sure it is a Red-tailed Hawk.

(Click on photo for larger image and caption)

My friend encouraged me to submit the above photo to National Geographic “Your Shot”. I did and if I am fortunate maybe it will appear in “The Daily Dozen”.

By submitting a photo, National Geographic gives you a web page to display up to 100 photos under “My Shot”. What is My Shot? From National Geographic , “My Shot is your chance to have your own National Geographic Web page where you can display your best photographs.” As a result, I am reviewing my photographs and will place some my favorite and best photos at My Shot.

Some of Favorite Photos are at National Geographics My Shot HERE and more are at their own web page HERE. I hope you enjoy them.

Thanks for the visit.