Date: 4/22/25 6:56 pm From: GLENN D'ENTREMONT <gdentremont1...> Subject: [MASSBIRD] Visiting an old friend
I visited an old friend on Sunday based on a report of a Louisiana Waterthrush in the area. This place has had this species for a long time, but there were years in the 80's/90's which it was not reported.
My old friend hasn't changed much, but looks older. Lots of downed trees, though. I met my old friend from a tip from a south shore birder who gave very good directions and the LOWA was present.
I started to see my old friend more often in those days walking down the driveway which accessed four residences. No one bothered me and I did not bother them. But my old friend always greeted me and showed me a good time, rarely disappointing. Like the immature Goshawk which was guarding its Ruffed Grouse meal. Pileated Woodpecker was regular before they became available across the south shore. There was the spring a Hooded Warbler set up a territory along the thickets at the pond.
I visited my old friend when a needed a lift, when I needed a friend to get lost with and enjoy the sights and sounds.
Unfortunately, the scar left when a street was cut into the area just southwest of the pond changed the make up and some things disappeared. Like to aforementioned LOWA.
Still, I walked with my old friend noting the aging stone bridge which 100 years ago must have been quite majestic being seen from all directions with horse drawn carriages going over the stream, but is now blocked off, surrounded by trees, to keep people from potentially hurting themselves; likely riding horses. The cedar/hemlock grove which was dense is now about 60 feet tall and can see through them.
It is obvious the owners are managing the area as there are piles of wood debris over the place. The Red Pine stand is nude and barren with the once stately trees either on the ground or leaning on each other. The two streams are still flowing, rapidly, and thus the reason I went to see my old friend.
Up to this point I encountered Pine Warblers, Red-bellied Woddpeckers, one BH Vireo, right now the omnipresent Ruby-crowned Kinglets & Hermit Thrushes. Whtie-throated Sparrows singing. No Winter Wren, though. The now likely nesting Cooper's Hawk is new.
But a surprise. It is April 20 and two Yellow-bellied Sapsuckers were drumming to each other and there was the sound they make when having a territorial squabble. To my knowledge they do not nest in the Blue Hills let alone in my old friend.
So now I am at the spot I expect to encounter the waterthrush. I am walking toward Unquity Road and can see how the road I am on continues across Unquity. No waterthrush, though.
I hear two down slurred whistles. Just barely. But........that's the start of what I am listening for! It is not with my old friend, but across the street. The brook continues that way and as I make my way the sound gets louder and the full LOWA song becomes clear. I get as close as the road lets me and as is normal with the ventriloqual LOWA one can not locate it. Eventually it flies off, unseen, harsh chip noting all the way....across Unquity, back to where it belongs; with my old friend.
Glenn
Glenn d'Entremont: <gdentremont1...> Stoughton, MA
