Date: 8/26/25 3:58 pm From: '<raqbirds...>' via NHBirds <nhbirds...> Subject: [NHBirds] Snowy Egret, Grtr 'legs, Semi Plover along Merrimack River
Tom McShane (Plymouth) and I paddled the Merrimack River today from Gerrish in upper Boscawen to the Penacook Boat Launch (at least 11 miles) with modest quantities but excellent quality. The river is very low with extensive sandbars and mudflats from Brookfield Farm, Canterbury, all the way to Penacook. It is a beautiful paddle too.
It seemed that numerous birds pulled out on the recent cold front with zero Kingbirds, Swifts, and few swallows.
Highlights:
SNOWY EGRET- immature bird, rare inland.Great EgretKilldeer- at least 24Semipalmated Plover- three, uncommon.Greater Yellowlegs- twoSpotted Sandpiper- a dozenSolitary Sandpiper- only threeLeast Sandpiper- seven, seemed low considering all the habitat (my August record along this stretch of river is 80+).
Other fun tallies- Bald Eagle- at least six, probably more, Green Heron- two, Double-crested Cormorant- six, and Belted Kingfisher- at least seven.
Bob QuinnWebster, NH
"Whatever befalls the earth befalls the sons and daughters of the earth." Chief Seattle
