First spotted the bird in the marsh grass about 100 yds north of the High Pines parking area roughly where during May a continuing pair seemed to be considering nesting (in prior years the seasonal astronomical high tides washed out previous nesting attempts). The pair was not seen for about 10 days until this individual appeared today. After a few minutes, it flew south about 300 yds to the High Pines peninsula and about 20 minutes later flew by me low and toward Gurnet still with the mussel in its bill. I was unable to relocate it.

Perhaps the pair has a nest somewhere in the Gurnet/Saquish area and this bird was bringing food to the nest-sitter. Otherwise I would think it would have simply eaten the mussel instead of carrying it about! In a a few weeks we may know more if fledglings appear in the area. I believe it would be a first for this general location - certainly in the last 15 years.