An intrepid group of volunteers monitors the skies, trees and water in and around Kingston. They are the Monday Bird Survey Team. Typically, four to eight observers gather at 8:30 a.m. to go to regular spots to observe what birds are present and how they are behaving.

This effort is not for the faint of heart or those that like their outdoor activities warm and sunny. These knowledgeable souls go out rain or shine, throughout the year. Recording their observations, the survey team creates a record of how birds use our waterways and adjacent riparian habitat.

By consistently recording their findings, they also create a record of when migratory birds arrive and leave, adding to the natural history of our area. By having such information, and comparing it with other birders’ observations in our area, they can signal unusual sightings and alert others that they might see species rarely seen in our area, or at an unusual time.

Stillwaters started these bird observations in 2003. Initially, the bird presence data was recorded at Arness Park, the various lobes of the estuary, Stillwaters’ salt marsh, and Carpenter Lake.

One long-time resident that has greeted the Arness bird recorders is Elvis the belted kingfisher. It had always perched on the power line along the road near the culvert at the park. When the bridge project began and the power line went underground, there was concern that Elvis might not stick around. However, that concern was misplaced, Elvis can still be seen most days on the railing, scouting for his next meal.

Birds regularly found in the estuary have not changed since the bridge construction. Herons are regular visitors, taking advantage of the low tides to feed. At mid and high tides, many ducks arrive. During winter, this area is a wonderful place to observe Eurasian widgeons, Barrow’s golden eye, buffleheads, hooded mergansers, and greater yellowlegs.

The Arness Park shoreline on Appletree Cove is also a fabulous place to watch birds at any time of year. When the tide is low, the large expanse of mudflat hosts many herons, gulls, along with eagles and osprey above or swooping to steal some other bird’s hard-earned food. In winter, ducks congregate in Appletree Cove. The species can be similar to the ones found in the estuary or can feature horned grebe, surf scoters, double-breasted cormorants.

The estuary lobe that you view to your left as you drive on West Kingston Road toward the schools is a place to hear killdeer even before you see them. They nest in the marshy vegetation there. Other birds, such as the green-winged teals, mallards and many song birds, are found using the apple trees, wild rose bushes and the conifer alder mix along the road.

In the salt marsh, to your right on West Kingston Road, you can see eagles, herons, and on rare occasions a snowy owl and green heron.

These observations tell the story of our environment. With changes in water inundation patterns and sediments, food sources may be changing. The plant material and insects that find their way into the water’s edge may also be changing the menu for these birds.

This data is contributing to a national database so researchers worldwide know what is visiting Kingston.

We are on the map!

— Contact Betsy Cooper at betsycooper1@gmail.com