Early to mid-October

Yellow-rumped and Palm Warblers are still fairly common, in the hill towns of Worcester County, and there are certainly still likely numbers of Pine Warblers in the appropriate habitats. Many other warbler species have moved on but in the past few days I did see a Blackpoll Warbler in the yard and a few Common Yellowthroats in my local travels.

Yellow-rumped Warbler  "Myrtle" in Templeton, 1 of about 30 individuals.

Palm Warbler "Yellow" form in Gardner.

Common Yellowthroat in Gardner

A Hermit Thrush  in Winchendon

Many species of waterfowl have returned on their southbound migration and some joining the local Mallards and Canada Geese. It will not be long before Common Mergansers and Goldeneye will be wide spread. The American Wigeon, below, was a nice find on a small "puddle" of a pond in Templeton, it was consorting with Mallards and Wood Ducks.

A hen Am. Wigeon in Templeton

Bent's Pond, in South Gardner, is a good spot for waterfowl, herons and sometimes shorebirds (if the water is low). While I was waiting for a train to pass, the crossing in South Gardner, on the 13th I looked over the birds, but there was nothing of note except for few of Mallards. A few swam through the reflections of swamp and sugar maples (on the far shore) which created some nice images.

hen Mallard on the reflection of autumn colors off Bent's Pond

a drake Mallard stretched its wings with perfect timing on Bent's Pond.