Sachuest Point Birding

Susan and I went to Sachuest Point, R.I. for the first time in hopes of seeing a reported Harlequin Duck flock, and I had a great shot at a pair.  Also saw Black Scoter, White-winged Scoter, Greater Scaup, Common Eider, Bufflehead, Northern Harrier, and a Snowy Owl.  We waited quite a while in hopes of seeing the resident Barn Owl (about 10 birders with "the big lens" were there as well, bur no luck. Here are the best photos of the day.  

White-winged Scoter

Susan facing the very cold day

Black Scoter

View to the East

View South

And here they are!  I don't see Harlequin every year. In fact this may be only the third time.

This is, evidently, St. George's School

Deer were prominent



The Northern Harrier.  I still have yet to photograph the male. But she is a beauty.

Sachuest Point, R.I. for the first time in hopes of seeing a reported Harlequin Duck flock, and I had a great shot at a pair.  Also saw Black Scoter, White-winged Scoter, Greater Scaup, Common Eider, Bufflehead, Northern Harrier, and a Snowy Owl.  We waited quite a while in hopes of seeing the resident Barn Owl (about 10 birders with "the big lens" were there as well, bur no luck. Here are the best photos of the day.

Overnight at the Museum of Science

I was the chaperone for Jackson and Oliver, who with a great group of friends had an overnight at the Museum of Science.  This meant sleeping bags, etc. but complete  access to the museum, a electric show with the Van der Graf generator, a Mugar movie (caves), and all in all a great and entertaining time.  We actually got some sleep!
Here are some photos of the event.

Waiting for Erin in the MOS garage, I stepped to the edge and got these shots of a very cold and frozen
Charles River

Temperature about 7 degrees

The orientation meeting

Exploring

The first class, how to build a structure on the moon

Ah, a place to sit for a bit, and watch

drawing and constructing a helicopter

Model of the space capsule

and the winning lunar structure.  The staff lady in charge said it was one of the best the had seen.

and on to the dominoes room

one of the more elaborate set-ups

and on to the Electricity show

the Van der Graf generator, the largest ever built

After every one beaded down, I got up at 4:30 and roamed the museum.
Quite deserted in some areas, and silent.
 

The city, 4:30 AM

My air mattress (thanks, Ken and Erin) and blanket were pitched under these wonderful fellows

Oliver at breakfast

Live animals exhibit

A glass snake (actually a member of the lizard family)

Final photos on the musical stairs