Cox Reservation - Island Road, Essex - April 22, 2011

A few stops along Island Road in Essex this week turned up several American Kestrel, stopping for some food and a brief rest before heading off to continue migrating to their breeding grounds. A half dozen Glossy Ibis were a treat to see as well.

A bit of time spent on the evening of the 22nd at the Cox Reservation along Eastern Ave. in Essex did not find me spending any quality time with the pair of Osprey that appear to have taken up residence on the nest platform placed along the marsh. They can be seen below in this very distant image (1/2 mile or more) as they had a bite to eat atop the poles in the top right.

Though they did eventually flyby the platform they appeared to be heading inland a bit to roost for the evening. Some of the other birds that passed by while I watched included 20 Great Egret heading to roost just off the coast at Kettle Island in Magnolia.

and a pair of Eastern Bluebirds that have taken over one of the many nest boxes for this years season. The female stopped long enough  for the image below.

Earlier in the week I was given a tour of the Merrimac Woods by Merrimac's very own Bonnie Buxton with the Broad-winged Hawk, seen below, being one of several highlights. Thanks Bonnie!