Hardwick...NE Quabbin 8/4

It was unfortunate circumstances that brought me to the Quabbin region today, to pay respects to Chris Ellison who passed away very unexpectly last week. His love and admiration of the Quabbin Reservoir watershed maybe matched by a few, but not surpassed.

About 40 people, from near and far, attended a nice memorial at Chris' home in Hardwick Center. Some of his poetic essays, both birding and music related, were read by his sisters and a close friend. Others recalled their fondest memories and notable "Ellison-isums" that were both touching and hallarious.

Certainly some of you are familiar with Chris' well written , entertaining and lengthy essays from his trips afield, but for those of you that are not...do yourself a favor, take few minutes to read some of his writings HERE.

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After the memorial I took a walk into gate 35 to bird and reflect along the north east shoreline of Quabbin. Chris always attended the Forbush Bird Club's early November field trip at this gate, usually showing up about 2 hours early and had "everything scoped out" ahead of time!
Birding activity was fairly slow, the heat and humidity were oppressive but the scenery was still worth the sweat.

Looking south toward Mt. L and Zion.

None of the recent inland rarities (such as Common , Black and Caspian Tern or Whimbrel) found by Carrol and Lynch, over the past several weeks were seen, despite scanning the waters at length. A few distant juvenile Bald Eagles were soaring over Snell Island and a distant adult was perched on the Phragmities island. I was not able to get any decent eagle shots, but the Osprey below passed by before I noticed it, I gave a series of whistles...it answered...and circled back!

Chris we hope your flying high....

..and watching over The Quabbin.