Birding North Central Massachusetts... and beyond

Superbowl of Birding IX 1/28/2012

2012-01-29T17:04:00.004-05:00

Our team "The Burger Kinglets" (Including Dan Berard, Kevin Bourinot, Chuck Caron, Rodney Jenkins and myself) enjoyed another fun-filled day of birding Essex county during the Superbowl of Birding 2012. This was the first time without Captain Paul Meleski (another commitment) but were fortunate Kevin could join us. Due to recent massbird reports and some scouting from Nahant/Lynn and Swampscott, we expanded last year's route to including this southern section of the county, "banking" on offsetting the extra travel time with some high scoring birds.

We began Owling in Ipswich, were we picked up Eastern Screech Owl and later added Great Horned in Essex, but could not find Barred nor Saw-whet Owl. The next stop was Flax Pond in Lynn where key species such as Hooded Merganser, Amercian Coot and Ruddy Duck were easiy found then moved onto Swampscott. Here a mixed flock of Lesser and Greater Scaup where just offshore and a few Bonepart's Gulls (which has always presented a problem for us during this event). Lynn Beach produced a Red-throated Loon, all 3 Scoter species and Purple Sandpiper.

Early morning owling in Essex.

Rodney maintains carrying good vehicular speed reduces the effect of pot holes!

Dawn in Swampscott.

On Nahant we headed to Forty Steps Cove, were a female Northern Shoveler had been present for much of January, the cove was empty except for more common species. Off to Bailey Hill and the nearby golf course, we could not find the previously reported Snow Goose nor the Ameican Pipit, but at the base of the hill (east side) a Yellow-breatsed Chat put on a nice show, upon leaving Bailey Hill a group of Canada Geese flew onto the golf course, a Snow Goose was with them! Coming out of Nahant we couldn't find the previously reported American Kestrel from the causeway, nor could we find shorebirds on the beaches. Now for the long drive out to Cape Ann :(

Perhaps my most gradifying bird of the day, only the 2nd Yellow-breasted Chat
sighting for me! My only other sighting was in my parent's yard in 1984 (in Leominster), when I'd
first begun to bird. Little did I know it would be 28 years until I'd see another!

On the way to Cape Ann we added Blue Jay and Red-tailed Hawk. Typically Blue Jay is not worth a mention, but later in the day we find out 4 teams missed Blue Jay. Jay numbers are "down" this winter and we'd only have a few all day! At Gloucester's Jodrey Pier we scored on Iceland and Glaucous Gull, Peregrine Falcon and Double-crested Cormorant. At Eastern Point we added, Gadwall, Black Guillemot, a single Northern Gannett and Razorbill. In some nearby thickets Hermit Thrush and Northern Flicker (flying overhead) were good additions. Niles Pond had more Iceland Gulls, Ruddy Ducks and American Coot; new species added were Northern Pintail and Ring-necked Duck.
Most frustrating was a large Gull, that Dan spotted across Brace Cove that gave the impression of a Slaty-backed Gull. It was distant, sleeping, facing straight on and content to be and STAY were it was...on a normal birding day one would simply wait the bird out...but time-lines are essential during a 12 hour birding competition and "robbing from Peter to pay Paul" can be very costly with missed species (and points) later on...we HAD to press on! (Later a Slaty-backed Gull was reported from Gloucester Harbor, Ouch). Three soaring Turkey Vutures over rte 128 while leaving Cape Ann helped ease the "Slaty-backed pain"...a little.

Hermit Thrush in an Eastern Point Thicket, Gloucester.

A rather plump and content looking Harbor Seal at Brace Cove, Gloucester

Along Atlantic Ave., in Gloucester, a King Eider was spotted way offshore, then we headed for Rockport where Harlequin Ducks were easily found from the Granite Pier. Near Loblolly Cove a Northern Shoveler, that was so easily found last week was a no-show, but a nearby feeding station had a Dicksessel that the majority of the team saw before a Cooper's Hawk scattered the feeder birds. We stopped were a rare Spotted Towhee had been discovered a few days before, while it had been seen earlier in the day it had slipped back into a thicket. We had the feeling waiting could be a "fatal time trap" so we moved on.
Key species added along Comonno Point Rd. were Yellow-rumped Warbler and a croaking raven from the Point was a nice surprise. A key afternoon stop was for a Townsend's Warbler that Jim Berry had been hosting at his feeding station, in Ipswich. Lady luck was with us on arrival, as Cedar Waxwings were present nearby, unfortunately we discovered the Townsend's Warbler had just left....after waiting 10 minutes this pretty female returned, not only was this a 5 point bird for the team, but a lifebird for me. Thank You Jim! On Labor-in-vain Road, Ipswich, a Swamp Sparrow was present but a yellow-bellied Sapsucker that had been seen on Thursday would not and did not respond to our screech owl imitations or spishing.

Female Townsed's Warbler in Ipswich, Ma.

We were heading toward the Newburyport area with a fine total of 81 species, in Rowley we added Northern Harrier at Stackyard Road. At the Chain Bridge in Amesbury we picked up Common Merganser, Bald Eagle and Great Blue Heron in "short order". Off to Salisbury for backbirds, it took a "bit" but we did score Brown-headed Cowbird and Red-winged Blackbird.
Now onto out final leg, Plum Island, after a few stops a distant raptor was spotted and with a little scope work we'd added Northern Rough-legged Hawk. Within seconds Dan spotted a Snowy Owl in flight and it perched atop a post on the salt marsh for us all to view. We dashed to the end of Plum Island and scoped Stage Island Pool to add high scoring Redhead Ducks. Our last full stop was Hellcat Marsh, Rodney found a very distant Short-eared Owl, unfornately no one else got this bird before in dove into the marsh, a consellation was "flyby" Horned Larks, our final additonal species of the day.

Rod "the foot" Jenkins once again did a great job of "approximately" legal driving, hauling the team over the route.

We headed for the compilation with a fine total of 92 species, 4 better than our team's previous high of 88 back in 2007; and 197 points, 6 better than our 191 points also in 2007. We had crossed path's with Strickland Wheelock's team a few times during the day and with brief exchanges we knew they'd scored some key species and gotten bonus points on 3 species (3 points each). When the final result was annouced "Strick's" team had 202 points to our 197....as Maxwell Smart would say..."it was that close"! Our total of 92 species turned out to be the highest species total of the day, earning us the Director's Award.

Thanks to Kevin, Dan, Chuck and Rod for another great Superbowl. Massachustt's Audubon's Bill Gette, Dave Larson and staff (of Joppa Flats) once again put on a great event...many thanks!

Our total list (with points):
Red-throated Loon ...2
Common Loon...1
Horned Grebe ...1
Red-necked Grebe...2
Northern Gannet...2
Great Cormorant...1
Double-crested Cormorant...4
Great Blue Heron...3
Turkey Vulture...5
Snow Goose...4
Canada Goose...1
Brant Branta...3
Mute Swan...1
Gadwall ...2
American Black Duck...1
Mallard ...1
Northern Pintail...3
Redhead...5
Ring-necked Duck ...4
Greater Scaup...2
Lesser Scaup...3
King Eider...4
Common Eider...1
Harlequin Duck...2
Surf Scoter...1
White-winged Scoter .... 1
Black Scoter ...2
Oldsquaw...1
Bufflehead...1
Common Goldeneye...1
Hooded Merganser ...2
Red-breasted Merganser...1
Common Merganser...1
Ruddy Duck...4
Bald Eagle...2
Northern Harrier...1
Cooper's Hawk ...3
Red-tailed Hawk...1
Rough-legged Hawk... 3
Peregrine Falcon...3
Wild Turkey...3
American Coot...4
Purple Sandpiper...2
Bonaparte's Gull...3
Ring-billed Gull...1
Herring Gull ...1
Iceland Gull...2
Glaucous Gull...3
Great Black-backed Gull...1
Razorbill...3
Black Guillemot...2
Rock Dove...1
Mourning Dove...1
Eastern Screech-Owl ...2
Great Horned Owl ...3
Snowy Owl ...3
Belted Kingfisher...3
Red-bellied Woodpecker...3
Downy Woodpecker...1
Hairy Woodpecker...2
Northern Flicker...3
Blue Jay...1
American Crow...1
Common Raven...4
Horned Lark...2
Black-capped Chickadee...1
Tufted Titmouse... 1
White-breasted Nuthatch...1
Brown Creeper...3
Carolina Wren...2
Golden-crowned Kinglet ...2
Eastern Bluebird...3
Hermit Thrush ...3
American Robin...1
Northern Mockingbird....1
European Starling...1
Cedar Waxwing ...2
Yellow-rumped Warbler ...3
Yellow-breasted ... 5
American Tree Sparrow ...1
Song Sparrow...1
Swamp Sparrow...3
White-throated Sparrow...1
Dark-eyed Junco...1
Northern Cardinal...1
Dickcissel...5
Red-winged Blackbird...3
Brown-headed Cowbird... 3
House Finch ...1
American Goldfinch...1
House Sparrow....1
Townsend's Warbler.... 5

Lunenburg (Whalom Lake) 1/26

2012-01-26T22:10:00.001-05:00

This winter's relatively mild weather has allowed portions of Whalom Lake in Lunenburg, Ma. to relatively remain ice free. Singnificant numbers of waterfowl and gulls have been congragating, during late afternoon/early evening to roost. Numbers of puddle ducks, mainly Mallards have topped out at about 1500, these are difficult to count as Mallards usually arrive well after sunset. Generally there is a much smaller number of Black Ducks and earlier in the month at least 1 Green-winged Teal. Canada Goose numbers had been in the order of 600 +/-.

On the Gull side of the equation: Great Black-backed Gulls max. count was 160, Herring at ~600-700, but Ring-billed Gulls have numbered very few (usually less than 20 this winter). "Ringers" hang out near the lake during the day, looking for handouts, but appear to vacate the area when the "big boys" arrive. Less common gull species have also made an appearance, with an adult Lesser Black-backed Gull on 12/18/2011 (the Groton CBC) and a 1st winter bird on 1/18 (first spotted by Bart Kamp a few day before). A 1st winter Glaucous Gull showed on 1/3, but not since; and at least 3 different Iceland Gulls have made appeances during January; including an adult, 2nd winter and a darker 1st winter bird.

This evening, 1/26, the lake was nearly frozen, except for a small patch nearshore, less than 100 Mallards arrived after sunset, 2 Canada Geese were present (1 sick and dying another appeared dead near a small inlet pipe), also was a Herring Gull that hadn't move since yesterday (but was still holding its head up). About 500 gulls arrived, but after about 15-20 minutes about 75% of the birds picked up and headed east, so perhaps this gull roost is about done for the winter, with lake frozen.

This sickly Canada Goose was moving a little when I arrived, but afterwards held this exact pose for a least an hour, literally on its "last leg". On the 18th Bart Kamp watched a Bald Eagle make a few passes on this goose, but the eagle moved on without finishing the goose off.

Above, an apparent 2nd winter Iceland Gull with Herring and Great Black-back Gulls.

The Great Black-backed Gull to the left had dirty markings on its head, they were not symetrical and the dirty markings apeared to be just that, "dirt". The other side of the birds head and chest were clean, perhaps a result of scavaging.

Athol CBC (Baldwinville/Birch Hill) 12/17

2011-12-21T23:24:00.005-05:00

Coverage of the Baldwinville/ Winchendon section of the Athol Christmas Bird Count began at 5am on Saturday with a clear sky and "dead calm". The weather was cold enough so the dirt roads of Otter River State Forest and Birch Hill Wildlife Managment Area were firm enough for 2-wheele drive travel. The first 3 stops got no responses for Saw-whet Owl, but one answered my calls from a stand of young White Pine a few stops later, another returned a call. Nothing else responded before dawn, but this was a fine start.

The back roads of Birch hill WMA

Gail and Jay joined me for the morning portion of the count and we walked the edge of the "back bay" marsh and several village streets in our section. We did well on Canada Geese and a few Mallards along the river, unfortunately the number of sparrows were "off" along the marsh's edge this year. Slowly, we began to gather a decent list of the regulars, and also added new species for this portion of the count (an over due one that), Red-bellied Woodpecker. Purple Finches (5) were also a nice addition. Most years there is a Northern Mockingbird in the neighborhood and some years I have to nearly go "door to door" to find it, about 9am one perched atop a large spruce tree, later another was found. "Mockers" are not common up this way, so it was good to get these tallied early in the day.

The "mocker" dropping from its perch.

Of course a some of the so called "undesirables" were added to the list, a 150+ European Starlings, a small flock of Rock Pigeons, House Finches and House Sparrows..call them the "filthy four", actually this year it was the "filthy five" as 4 Ring-necked Pheasants were tallied late in the day.
While scouting a few days before I had found a Chipping Sparrow in the area, we tried 2 times in the morning, after Gail and Jay departed I tried twice more...nothing.... ditto for a few Carolina Wren spots. Finally at 3:30, on the 5th visit, the "little chippy" popped out of the thicket. Of course these 4 re-visits to score the "chippy", cost addition stops at additonal survey areas....always a delema whether to try for an uncommon scouted species or just run the route.

A handsome male Red-breasted Nuthatch, 14 for the day.

Not even photo documentation got this guy on the list!

Every one knows where these came from....but they go on the list.

"I say...I say... boy you help get us outta here and we're as listable as those clowns above".

One of two Common Mergansers found on the back side of birch hill dam.

When it was all said and done the total species count was 33 (yes...including the Ring-necked Pheasants) which was above the average of 30 species for this area as was the 876 individuals over an average of 724. The number of introduced individuals was 260 vs. an avg of 212, but was the highest since 1998. When I began covering this section of the count in 1993 there was a higher number of Rock Pigeons and European Starlings, perhaps the dismantling of the Temple-Stuart manufacturing complex provides less roosting "habitat" for these two species.

Canada Goose	209
Mallard	2
Common Merganser	2
Ring-necked Pheasant	4
Sharp-shinned Hawk	1
Rock Pigeon	14
Mourning Dove	9
Northern Saw-whet Owl	2
Red-bellied Woodpecker	3
Downy Woodpecker	10
Hairy Woodpecker	6
Blue Jay	63
American Crow	6
Black-capped Chickadee	64
Tufted Titmouse	11
Red-breasted Nuthatch	14
White-breasted Nuthatch	16
Brown Creeper	2
American Robin	44
Northern Mockingbird	2
European Starling	160
Cedar Waxwing	11
American Tree Sparrow	13
Chipping Sparrow	1
Song Sparrow	3
White-throated Sparrow	13
Dark-eyed Junco	53
Northern Cardinal	12
Purple Finch	5
House Finch	13
American Goldfinch	28
House Sparrow	73

Golden-crowned Kinglet 7

Essex County 12/3

2011-12-05T17:43:00.002-05:00

Karin and I drove up to West Newbury, Salisbury and Rowely on Saturday 12/3. The first stop was the Cherry Hill Reservoir area. The Cassin's Kingbird, that has been frequenting the reservoir area, was the first target. Upon arrival five birders were seen across the wet field, each busy looking through their optics in the same direction. A certain sign the target bird was currently in view, after a quick dash across the field I was afforded nice views of the bird.

Best of the Cassin's Kingbird, it was about 100 meters away, note the gray breast and white throat/chin area.

On the water was a drake Canvasback, which showed nicely along with several Ruddy Ducks, Common Mergansers, a few Buffleheads and Common Goldeneye.

A handsome Canvasback, it seems this species' numbers in Massachusetts, have declined in recent years.

On the way home we "swung" through Rowely and were fortunate the previously reported Sandhill Cranes were in view. The pair stayed in close proximety to each other, strutting through shallow water of a wetland right off rte 1A.

Sandhill Crane sightings have increased in recent years, with a pair recently breeding in western Massachusett and more than one pair breeding in Maine, seems I recall of breedig season reports from New Hampshire or Vermont (or both).

Tully Trail Epic 11/21

2011-11-28T21:02:00.001-05:00

On Monday I decided hike, sight-see and bird (a little) along the Tully Trail in the North Quabbin Region, the complete loop would travel through portions of Royalston, Warwick and Orange. While there are no large hills or mountains, there would prove to be plenty of up and down to go with the milage. At the Tully Lake Trustees parking lot, there was some finch activity American Goldfinch, a few Purple Finches and Pine Sisikins passing overhead. After birding a few minutes, I headed off in a counter clockwise direction.

The path began on a cart road, flat and level.

Nice water scenes on the water way between Tully Lake and Long Pond

Looking north on Long Pond

Soon after reaching Long Pond the trail follows the north side of Spirt Falls and to the ridge line leading to
Jacob's Hill and a nice vista over Long Pond, viewing west toward Tully Mountain and Mt. Grace.

There was good water flow at Spirit Falls

Looking toward Tully Mountain over Long Pond .

The north end of Long Pond and Mount Grace in the distance, I scanned hard in hopes of seeing a moose at the water's edge, none was found.

Once leaving Jacob's Hill, the trail lead down a power line cut where the first Evening Grosbeak of the day flew high overhead calling loudly. Also of note were 2 Northern Ravens and Red-tailed Hawks. One of the Northern Ravens harrassed a Red-tail, clearing showing the larger size of the raven over the "tail".

Another nice view of the north end of Long Pond.

For the next several miles the tail had easy grades with stream crossings aided by some nice bridge work, there was a brief walk along Warwick Road and the easy grades continued until reaching the Royalston Falls Reservation. Here began some modest climbing but there were plenty of pretty views into the ravine of Falls Brook and interesting rock formations.

This bridge work made the stream crossing easy, not far from this point I'd spish in a flock of 10 Pine Siskins.

I left the trail a few times to explore the ravine, before reaching the Royalston Falls.

An alternate view of the falls.

A "classic" view of Royalston Falls

This pool with a small waterfall inlet was a few hundred yards upstream from the main falls. Looked like a good summer swimming hole.

Soon above the pool the trail joins the Metacomet-Monadnock Trail (aka the M-M Trail) and there is a nice shelter, for hikers, overlooking the brook and trail bridge. It was well constructed and appeared fairly clean. Within a 1/2 mile of the shelter is Newton Cemetery, where I stopped for a lunch break and tea.

The shelter

Newton Cemetery.

After lunch I realized I'd done way too much sight-seeing, birding and goofing around and had many miles to go and a limited amount of daylight. The Massachusetts AMC guide claims the Tully Trail is 18.4 miles, while the Trustees of Reservations claims it is 22. Either way it was going to be a long afternoon and I would have to pickup the pace. In some places the trail was a bit difficult to follow as it appeared lightly traveled and had a new "coat" of freshly fallen leaves...so a close eye had to kept on the yellow flashes. Eventually the trail follows Bliss Hill Road then bears west on a nice cart road for a few miles. I heard a small flock of Evening Grosbeaks pass overhead along this road.

This cart road on the west side of Bliss Hill Road made for good traveling.

After a few miles on the road I noticed the yellow flashes dissappeared, but there was some yellow ribbon along the cart road. I was a bit uneasy about this, but yellow ribbon had been used for trail marking along the powerline cut several miles back. I kept pace along the road but soon realized, on the GPS map, I was heading to the wrong side Sheomet Lake. I headed back and after about 3/4 mile (1.5 Miles RT) I found the clearly marked turn that I'd walked past.

Once I got back on track I noticed this neat foundation.

Once back on track I eventually passed over Bliss Hill then onto Fish Brook Wildlife Management Area and Butterworth Ridge, afterwards the trail follows Butterworth and Tully-Warwick Roads for a good distance before turning back off road and onto the trail leading to the Tully Mountain Summit.

There were patches where the trail was tough to follow, but for the most part it was well marked if not well traveled.

While Tully Mountain is modest in height (~1165') it was still going to be a 550-600 foot climb which looked imposing after 20 miles. While the sun had set, following the trail markings was nearly "doable" without the head lamp. After a brief rest at the ledges I looked over the map and decided on the shortest route down, ~1/2 mile to Mountain Road.

A 1 second time exposure from Tully Mountain, looking toward Athol.

Once reaching Mountian Road I took the last 3miles to the car by road instead trying to negotiate the dark and unknown trail. Other than sore feet that was uneventful.

The GPS read 24.2 miles when I reached the Parking lot.

I would suspect the 18.4 miles listed in the Mass. AMC guide to be short, perhaps some changes have been made to the trail since that publication. The Trustees milage of 22 miles makes sense as I had the 1.5 mile additional when I missed the a turn and had a few other short errors and some early goofing around. The road milage, I finished with, was very close to the distance staying on the trail would have covered.

Quabbin 11/8

2011-11-15T23:00:00.001-05:00

A recent hike into the North East watershed of Quabbin reservoir was very rewarding. Beginning at gate 35 and I traveled south along the east shore on what was known as North Main Street. After about 3 miles I bush whacked off road along the shoreline (the North Dana area) and back toward Soapstone Hill on to gate 36 then traveling west back to the shoreline and traveled back to gate 35.

Under a powerline cut was a stand of Winter Berry, which attracted a dozen American Robins, also in this area was a Red-bellied Woodpecker, Dark-eyed Juncos and an assorment of Tufted Titmice, Black-capped Chickadees, White-breasted Nuthatches and Golden-crowned Kinglets.

Abundant Winter Berry

Along the road was a good deal tree damage from the recent blizzard, I imagine the DCR crews will be busy clearing off the roads over the next few weeks. While walking the road I flushed a Bald Eagle from the tree tops a few times. As typical for this area, I would see at least five of this species over the course of the day.

Just a few downed branches early on.

Some areas had more extensive damage than others.

Weight must have been evenly distributied on this tree and the trunk split down the middle!

Weather predictions had called for a calm day, I could not recall the water ever being this calm at the Quabbin. The glassy conditions made for nice scenery and photos. Below are just a sampling of the remarkable calmness.

While I would see no mergansers of any species all day there were at least 21 Common Loons, several Ring-billed Gulls, 2 Red-necked Grebes, a single Long-tailed Duck (formerly known as Oldsquaw) and the 34 Horned Grebes I counted was the highest inland total I've ever counted. There was one raft of 9, two of five and and assorted groups of 2 and 3. While on a remote point in the North Dana section of the hike I could hear a few Horned Grebes calling back and forth, something I had never heard before!

A small raft of 5 Horned Grebes

I had heard these two birds calling along the North Dana shore!

This single Long-tailed Duck dove frequently, apparently feeding.

While bush whacking the shoreline I had to cut into the woods in places, as the water level was high, I flushed two American Woodcock and a Ruffed Grouse. Near the shoreline I came across a Snapping Turtle shell and skull, saw 2 White Tailed Deer along the NE shore of Mt. "L" and heard a pack of Coyotes howling from the south end!

Almost made it to shore!

A handsome "Chippy" along a stone wall.

In the North Dana area I found, and left unmolested, various artifacts from "days past". One appeared to be the remnants of an old vehicle, some pails, broken stoneware (below) and the base of an old observation tower. I understand there was a tower in this area that was used during WW II when the military used the area to drop "dummy" bomb, for practice.

Broken Stoneware

Pail

Square pail.

A nice stop for lunch!

All was calm, and no boats made the trip all the more special.

The view looking South East.

The view from atop Soapstone Hill.

A digi-bin shot of a Bald Eagle in the distance.

Toward the day's end, looking South West.

Bird list and count
Canada Goose 12
Long-tailed Duck 1
Common Loon 21
Horned Grebe 34
Red-necked Grebe 2
Bald Eagle 5
Sharp-shinned Hawk 1
American Woodcock 2
Ring-billed Gull 30
Red-bellied Woodpecker 1
Downy Woodpecker 3
Pileated Woodpecker 4
Blue Jay 11
Raven 1
American Crow 9
Black-capped Chickadee 22
Tufted Titmouse 18
Red-breasted Nuthatch 2
White-breasted Nuthatch 9
Brown Creeper 4
Winter Wren 1
Golden-crowned Kinglet 21
American Robin 14
Yellow-rumped Warbler 1
American Tree Sparrow 2
Dark-eyed Junco 12
American Goldfinch 9

Other Wildlife included White-tailed Deer (including several scraps), Fisher, Beaver, Coyotes (Howling), River Otter, Gray and Red Squirrels, Eastern Chipmunk and blooming Witch hazel.

Cape Ann (Halibut SP) 10/9

2011-10-10T22:13:00.000-04:00

Yesterday I birded Halibut State Park before visiting my son in Marblehead, there was a fair amount of activity but nothing too remarkable, the complete list is below. I declined to stop at Goodharbor Beach as the parking lot looked like a Zoo when I passed at 11AM, didn't feel dealing with the tourist riff raff in the crowded parking lot....so I missed the Lark Bunting.

Swainson's Thrush from May 2010, near the parking lot at Halibut State park.

Species Count

Surf Scoter 10
White-winged Scoter 6
Common Loon 1
Double-crested Cormorant 1
Cooper's Hawk 1
Herring Gull 100
Great Black-backed Gull 10
Mourning Dove 2
Eastern Screech-Owl 1
Yellow-bellied Sapsucker 3
Downy Woodpecker 8
Hairy Woodpecker 1
Northern Flicker 3
Eastern Phoebe 2
Red-eyed Vireo 11
Blue Jay 25
American Crow 5
Black-capped Chickadee 12
Tufted Titmouse 4
White-breasted Nuthatch 4
Carolina Wren 4
House Wren 1
Golden-crowned Kinglet 2
Ruby-crowned Kinglet 2
Swainson's Thrush 2
Hermit Thrush 13
American Robin 30
Gray Catbird 13
Brown Thrasher 1
European Starling 150
American Pipit 1
Cedar Waxwing 20
Blackpoll Warbler 1
Yellow-rumped Warbler 19
Eastern Towhee 5
Chipping Sparrow 1
Field Sparrow 2
Song Sparrow 2
White-throated Sparrow 48
White-crowned Sparrow 1
Scarlet Tanager 3
Northern Cardinal 6
Baltimore Oriole 2
House Finch 4
American Goldfinch 2
House Sparrow 10

Fitchburg Airport "Storm birds" 8/28

2011-08-28T21:37:00.003-04:00

I stopped by Fitchburg Airport Sunday afternoon during the storm, hoping the bad weather might have grounded some migrant shorebirds. I was really hoping for American Golden Plover. Soon after arriving I noted 20+ Black-bellied Plovers and a single American Golden Plover mixed in. Continuing to scan I turned up a few Greater Yellowlegs, 2 Short-billed Dowitchers and 10 Sanderlings! While rescanning the plovers I soon realized there was over 50 Black-bellieds and 3 longer billed shorebirds in the grass. The 3 quickly flew and dropped back into the grass, they showed black underwings...a quick recheck ... Hudsonian Godwits!

I called a few birders and while on the phone with Kevin B. a gull like bird approached, I "glassed" it and promptly told Kevin a @%#$*( Jaeger. I tossed the phone in grass and took a few digi-bin shots... My impression was that of a Parasitic Jaeger: It was brownish and barred underneath, with little contrast between the under wing and tail barring and the body, short central tail feather projection and whitish at the base of the primaries....from my limited experience with Jaeger it did not have the "heft" of Pomarine nor the daintness of a Long-tailed.
The poor photos are below only reveil a silluette.

Perhaps the best shot.

A "wing on" shot

Another side view.

Below are a few shots of the Red Knots, a total of 8 were present, I would agree these are very poor but none of the birds were close.

Red Knots, some retaining their red coloration.

Another shot of Red Knots.

And another with Black Bellied Plover to the lower right

Below a shot of the Husonian Godwits in flight, taken with a cannon A590 through a Zeiss 8 x42 FL binocular.

Husonian Godwits in flight after circling the airport.

This was a very impressive showing of shorebirds at an inland locale, there were some peeps that had to go unidentified, a few larger looking peeps may have well been Baird's, but the distance was too great. The highlights follow:
Balck-bellied Plover .. 64
American Golden Plover .. 7
Semipalmated Plover .. 2
Killdeer .. 2
Greater Yellowlegs .. 4
Lesser Yellowlegs .. 3
Hudsonian Godwit .. 3
Red Knot .. 8
Sanderling .. 10
Ruddy Turnstone .. 12
Least Sandpiper .. 3
Semipalmated Sandpiper .. 20
Short-billed Dowitcher .. 2
Parasitic Jaeger .. 1 (feedback on photos welcomed)
Lesser Black-backed Gull .. 1 adult

Nighthawk Migration

2011-08-22T20:24:00.005-04:00

Mid August signifies the onset of Common Nighthawk migration, I have gotten out during a few recent evenings to tally these long distant migrants on their way to South America. A Common Nighthawk passing over High Ridge Wildlife Management Area, in Westminster, Ma.An American Kestrel perched on an apple tree near the Nighthawk watch site.
I've yet to hit a big count but tallied 24 on 8/17 and 54 on 8/22, with peak numbers expected over the next week or two. More information on a regional wide effort can be found at the SuAsCo/Nashua Rivers & Beyond Nighthawk Survey .

Sterling Peat 8/10

2011-08-11T11:01:00.007-04:00

I recently stopped by Muddy Pond in Sterling, aka Sterling Peat. The water level was fairly low, but the shorebirds were present in small numbers. Less than 10 Least Sandpipers, a Lesser Yellowlegs, and few Spotted Sandpipers and of course Killdeer. What appears to be a family group of Green Herons showed nicely, with 1 adult and 4 hatch year birds present.

The adult Green Heron.

This juvenile was a bit closer. This Least Sandpiper was bathing.

There was no Great Egret nor the adult Little Blue Heron that was present a month ago.

A few bird shots

2011-07-28T14:48:00.008-04:00

I haven't posted much on birds recently, so rather than changing the name of the blog, figured I should post a few bird photos. This female Belted Kingfisher showed nicely this morning in the Ware River Watershed area. On a distant snag.

Surveying the water below.
A stretch...

another pose..

Also, nearby was an Acadian Flycatcher, found recently by Bart Kamp and company.

Another "non-birding" NH Death March 7/19

2011-07-26T12:39:00.018-04:00

The destination of this hike was Mount Isolation, just south of Mt. Washington and the chosen route would begin at Pinkham Notch, on the Tuckerman Ravine Trail (0.3 Miles), then the Boott Spur Trail (2.9) to the Davis Path (3.3 southbound) to Mt. Isolation returning via the Davis Path (2.7) to the Glen Boulder Trail (2.8) and finishing on the Direttissima Trail (1.0) back to Pinkham. With nice weather, I would have the opportunity to spend a significant amount of time above tree line.

Looking toward Mt. Washington and into Huntington Ravine from the Boott Spur Trail.

I heard only 1 Boreal Chickadee all day and it was early on at about 2700', warblers heard where Blackburnian, Yellow-rumped, Black-throated Green, B-T Blue, Magnolia and once reaching ~2800' Blackpoll Warblers. Winter Wrens, Swainson's Thrushes, Golden-crowned Kinglets, White-throated Sparrows and Juncos were also common at times. I'd hear call notes from 5 Bicknell's Thrushes over the course of the day, 1 on the Boott Spur Trail, 2 on Davis Path (near Isolation) and 2 on the Glen Boulder Trail.

A peek across into the Wildcat/Carter Range.

Wildcat/Carter Range from a higher vantage point.

You should be able figure this one out.

While it was warm on the trail, once breaking tree line, a nice 15-20 MPH breeze helped cool things off and with clear skies the time above tree line couldn't have been better. Looking across the Gulf of Slides to the Glen Boulder.

Having never hiked the Washington area from the east side, the views of Tuckerman Ravine were a first for me. There even appeared to be a little bit of snow remaining. Tuckerman Ravine and Mt. Washington, a little snow still in the ravine (white spot to the left), the white spot high on the far wall (right) is large piece of Quartz.

A framed shot of the Washington summit from the Boott Spur Trail.

The Boot Spur Trail connects with the Davis Path at about 5500', Mt. Isolation (4003' elevation) is 3.3 miles to the south ... the good news its all down hill, except for having to "roller-coaster" over North Isolation at ~4300' and then to Isolation at 4003' .

Mt. Washington, Tuckerman Ravine and the upper north wall of Huntington Ravine (to back right), from the Boott Spur.

as above but a winder angle.

Davis Path trail and carins sound bound to Mt. Isolation .

I'd started early and got to the Isolation summit before 11AM and had the place to myself until I left at 11:30. From reading previous hiking reports I expected (hoped) a Gray Jay would show up looking for hand outs, but that was not the case. The views from this remote summit are spectacular, and I was thankful it was such a nice day.

Looking north Mt. Monroe, the bump on the right, Mt. Washington blanketed by the cloud, Boott Spur to the right.

For the return trip I would have to re-climb North Isolation and then continue on the Davis Path and climb back to about 5200' and pickup the Glen Boulder Trail. Only having previously seen the Glen Boulder from rte 16, this gave an opportunity for a close up of this massive rock balancing precariously on mountain side.

Another Washington shot.

Looking south on the return trip from the Davis Path.

The Glen Bounder Trail/Davis Path Junction, looking to Slide Peak.

Another fine view of the Wildcat/Carter Range, rte 16 snakes below..

Looking into Gulf of Slides, perhaps an avalanche knocked these trees over on valley floor.

It seemed to be taking a long to reach the boulder, but I was asured by a pair of hikers it hadn't rolled off the "hill". Glen Boulder can be seen from Rte 16, below note the person (in White) sitting to the right of it.

A closer view, the hiking sticks are for "scale" and were not holding the rock in place.

One more distant shot.

I very very happy to reach the Direttissima Trail, which marked a little more than a mile to go. I'd been out of water for the previous 1.5 miles and had a sore knee. The trail looks level on the map, and for the most part it is, but even the smaller ups and downs had become a chore. The parking lot was a welcome sight and after "tanking up" on some water I was looking forward to large chocolate milk shake.

Mt. Jefferson (Castle trail) 6/27

2011-07-06T15:42:00.018-04:00

On June 27 th Karin and I hiked the Castle Trail to the summit of Mt. Jefferson, this encompassed a 10 mile round trip with 4,200 feet of elevation gain, some tedious rock scrambles, a damp/slick trail below tree line, warm calm weather above tree line which included a swarm of hornets on the summit and great views.

A rough sketch of our route, annotated (red line) via google earth clicking on the picture will provide a more detailed look.

The first 1.3 miles were easy going on a smooth trail, with the exception of crossing the Israel River, which went smoothly for us as the water was not too high.

Further into the hike trail became rough, and with recent rainy weather there were many slippery roots and moss covered rocks to contend with. Which always presents a greater issue on the decent...

Steeper climbing after passing the intersection with the Link Trail.

Just over 3 miles in we encountered our first scramble, to the sides we had a few hand and foot holds and made the accent without incident.

Once clearing the above scramble we reached a nice vista.

Not having hiked this trail before, I thought we'd "topped" the first "castle" but that was not the case... as Robert Plant once sang "scrambled on".

The first Castle from just above the first scramble, and the rim of Castle Ravine to the left.

The view south west toward the Pemi Wilderness, I heard a Bicknell's Thrush call from this area. The scenery was even more impressive once atop the castles, with views toward the Pemi Wilderness and Mt. Waumbek and the Pilot Range.

Karin making good progress above tree line, The Castles, large rock outcrops are below along the ridge stand some 20 feet high. The trail tavels right over them in a few spots, making for a dramtic hike.
A close up of a "castle".

The view back down the "Castellated Ridge" as its known, with the Pilot Range including Mt. Waumbek and Star King on the horizon.

Alpine Azalea above tree line.

Still a long rocky trek to the summit at 5712'

The weather was warm and calm near the summit, allowing a swarm of hornets to move about freely! We touched the summit marker and moved away quickly for a snack before becoming the snack. View north to Mt. Adams as another hiker works his way through the rock pile.

Mt. Washington, the Great Gulf , Mt. Clay (front and center), Mt Monroe (right Horizon), the Lake of the Clouds AMC hut is between Washington and Monroe.

Working our way back.

Approaching the ridge.

Looking deep into the Castle Ravine a new slide could be seen, from an apparent avalanche a few Winters ago.

Yet another photo of the ridge, Bowman Mountain is the flat topped hill well below and the Pilot Range on the Horizon.

We found this Moose Jaw at 4200 feet elevation.

The view from the trail head in Bowman, it was very special to end the hike being able to

see our "ridge walk" route. A few deer passed close by.

Tired feet, enjoying some "Grape Soda", Crosby, Stills and Nash and view up the Castllated Ridge to Mt. Jefferson.

We'd seen the above truck in Tamworth on the trip north, and snapped this shot on the way back, this struck us as being obscenely funny.........even more hilarious was finding this while "gassing up" on rte 1 in Saugus, Ma.

...

We found this "guy", about 10' tall in Saugus, Ma. , would appear to be worth perhaps 500 bucks?

Mt. Hunger (Ashburnham) 6/21

2011-06-22T06:41:00.010-04:00

Last evening would be the first time I hike to an eastern ledge near the top of Mt. Hunger. I'd been told there is a fine north/north east view over Stodge Meadow Pond toward Mt. Watatic and the Wapack Range.
I started the hike from Holt Road, in Ashburnham, where the trail (the Mid-state Trail) runs adjacent to a large distrurbed area (looks like housing development that might be on hold) before traveling through deciduous forest.

The Mid-State Trail, south bound off Holt Road.

The distance to the ledge is approximately a mile and the elevation gain is very modest, about 300 feet...the view is a big payoff for the effort! Stodge Meadow Pond from Mt. Hunger, Mt. Watatic to the left, North Pack and Pack just to the right of Watatic, Timberlost Farm is just to the left of the lake.

I scanned the lake for a while looking for loons and finally a pair swam far enough toward the pond's center for a view. As you can see from the photo above there are two islands that might be able to support a nest, however I don't recall ever hearing of a successful nesting of the species. The two dots in the forground of the pond are Common Loons.
Mountain Laurel is abundant in the area.

A bird list from the trip:
Common Loon ...2
Pileated Woodpecker ...1
Great Crested Flycatcher ...1
Red-eyed Vireo ...1
Blue Jay ...3
American Crow ...4
Black-capped Chickadee ...1
Veery ...2
Hermit Thrush ...4
American Robin ...3
Gray Catbird ...1
Chestnut-sided Warbler ...1
Black-throated Green Warbler... 4
Pine Warbler ...1
Black-and-white Warbler ...3
Ovenbird ...1
Common Yellowthroat ...3
Canada Warbler ...1
Eastern Towhee ...1
Dark-eyed Junco ...5
Scarlet Tanager ...2

Wachusett Mountain 6/13

2011-06-14T16:37:00.009-04:00

I took a quick hike to the summit of Wachusett Mountain on Monday evening, June 13th. The route via the Bolton Pond , Semuhenna, West Side and the Old Indian Trails to the summit, returning by a slightly different route using more of the Old Indian Trail and shaving of a bit of distance. The best birds I heard in route were Louisiana Waterthrush, Dark-eyed Juncos, Hermit Thrushes, Black-throated Green Warblers, B-T Blue Warblers, Indigo Bunting near the ski slopes and a young Red-tailed Hawk calling.
Below are a few photos from the trip, though none of birds:

Bolton Pond
Lucky I saw before I stepped!

Balance Rock

Some summit shots of the construction site...

The Old Tower is still standing.

The site is fenced off, but it appears hikers can still enjoy the surround area of the summit and picnic tables too.

A hole has been installed!

...

Taken from inbetween the links of the fence.

The actual summit, the high point, was still accessable...so a hike is not "compromised"...you can still "touch" the highest point in Worcester County.

Many are looking forward to seeing the project completed and the "new summit"!

Mts. Pemigewassett and Garfield (White Mtn National Forest) 6/3 + 4

2011-06-07T09:42:00.012-04:00

Karin and I headed north for some camping and hiking in the Franconia Notch area of New Hampshire's White Mountain National Forest. After setting up camp at Waterest Campground , in Woodstock; we headed out for a modest hike up Mt. Pemigewassett (aka Indian Head). This modest 3.5 mile round trip hike ends on the 2500' summit which affords nice views of Mt. Moosilauke, North Woodstock, the Loon Mtn/Lincoln area (all to the south) and an obstructed view of the Franconia Ridge to the northeast. The cloudy day brightened and we had the summit/ledge area to ourselves for the 45 minutes we stayed atop Indian Head.
The view southwest toward Mt. Moosilauke just left of center.

To the east is Mt. Liberty and Flume (obstructed).

Mt. Lafayette to the northeast.

I93, Rte 3 and North Woodstock to the south

The view west toward the Kinsman Mtns., a Yellow-bellied Flycatcher was calling from the stand of spruces right of center.

The ledge near the summit.

On Saturday we took a more aggressive hike up Mt. Garfield, standing at 4500' and a 10 mile round trip with 3000' of elevation gain. I'd read and been told this peak has spectacular 360 degree views and the day's weather and visibility appeared to be perfect. As far as birding goes this would be a listening only endeavor. The 3000' gain takes place relatively evenly over the 5 mile one-way hike, along the Gardfield Trail, so the grades were not overly difficult, perfect for the first "major" hike of the season. I heard Winter Wrens, Swainson's Thrushes, and lots of Black-throated Green, B-t Blue, Blackburnian Warblers early on.

A stream crossing that posed no issue, however the issue was black flies.

Once above 3000' feet Blackpoll Warblers were dominant, a few Boreal Chickadees called out, a single Yellow-bellied Flycatcher, Dark-eyed Juncos and a few Yellow-rumped Warblers were heard.

Open fir stand beyond the 3000' elevation mark.

This looked like a good area for Black-backed Woodpecker but none were heard, though we did not linger at all.

Once near the summit the terrain along the Garfield Ridge Trail became steeper but before we knew it, we'd arrived at the summit! While the photos below speak better than words, they don't quite add up to the whole experience!

A spectacular view to the Franconia Ridge, Mts. Lafayette, Lincoln and Liberty (far left), from a few hundred feet below the summit I heard a single shrill "veer" call of a Bicknell's Thrush (always a prize).

South Twin Mtn (left), Galehead (for ground), the heart of the Pemigewassett Wildness and "the Bonds" to the right.

Owl's Head Mtn below center with Flume and Liberty on the right horizon.

Another shot of Owl's Head and Flume.

There was once a fire tower on the Garfield Summit, perhaps watchmen caught napping on the job had to "walk the plank"?

The tiger stripe pattern along the western flank of North Twin was quite remarkable, it appeared to be a pattern of dead and live trees.

I always get a laugh while reading the AMC White Mountain Guide (28th edition), because time after time it mentions views from various points as being "among the best in the White Mountains". Of course there are many spectacular vistas in "The Whites" , from high remote peaks, lower hill tops and road side stops.....and this day Garfield was among the very best!

Worcester County Tour 5/28

2011-05-30T19:32:00.011-04:00

Chuck, Paul and I birded from 2:15Am to 9Pm on Saturday for a Worcester County big day effort. While none of us had ever done a Worcester County "specific" big day before, we have enough long term knowledge of the area to "throw together" a decent route. Perhaps we will do a few more of these in the years to come and refine the process, perhaps others will do the same?

Wetland off Turnpike Road in Royalston.
Our first birds were Song Sparrow, Eastern Whip-poor-will and Barred Owl at Birch Hill Dam in South Royalston. We came up empty on a few other owling spots in the area, and continued on to Turnpike Road in Royaston, which abuts Priest Brook and some nice open marshy space. Key prizes in this area included American Bittern, Ruffed Grouse, Alder Flycatcher (many) and a nice assortment of warblers including Magnolia, Black-throated Green (and Blue), Nashville, Blackburnian and Northern Waterthrush along with Veery and Hermit Thrush. Next we headed to Royalston hoping for Evening Grosbeak and perhaps Pine Siskin, while we missed those; Blackpoll Warbler, Ruby-throated Hummingbird, Yellow-bellied Sapsucker and Least Flycatcher were tallied.
Female Hooded Merganser in a backyard nest box, our only "hoodie" of the day!

Prospect Hill Road in Royalston, if Paul heads any further north he'll be in New Hampshire!

In route to the Gardner Airport we pickup Savannah Sparrow at the old Fernald School and a flyover female Common Merganser was a real bonus! At the airport our target Horned Lark was spotted on a runway, Prairie Warblers and Field Sparrows were heard but we missed Dark-eyed Junco. Onto the Ware River Water Shed, another key area were a very grudging Golden-crowned Kinglet finally sang, we added Blue-gray Gnatcatcher, Canada and Blue-winged Warblers and Eastern Bluebird to name a few.

The Rte 56 overlook of the Worcester Airport yielded an Eastern Meadowlark, but no American Kestrel, two species that have declined in our area over the past few decades. After a "healthy" lunch at Hot Dog Annies we continued south into Chalton's "Water's Edge" were Louisiana Waterthrush, Wood Thrush and Indigo Bunting were added then a Yellow-throated Vireo at Oxford's "Greenbriar" and the off to Uxbridge for a Worm-eating Warbler. We missed both the Worm-eating Warbler and Orchard Oriole there but added Ring-billed Gull and a lingering Solitary Sandpiper.

We decided to avoid downtown Worcester for the nesting Peregrine Falcons and headed for Westboro's nesting Osprey and Mute Swans (which we still didn't have yet). On the way we picked up Grasshopper Sparrow and Northern Mockingbird in Sutton and a Great Black-backed Gull in Milbury, this a surprise as very few linger in Worcester County after their breeding season commences. In Westboro we'd get the Osprey and Mute Swans quickly, but a Herring Gull was a nice surprise, we'd only get one Herring and Black-backed Gull for the day!

We were now headed back north to Wachusett Reservoir were Bald Eagle, Common Loon, Spotted Sandpiper and a "bonus" Bonepart's Gull were added. Our total stood at 114 species, but daylight was getting short, but we still had Pine Hill Road in Lancaster and Bolton Flats were we expected to add a few species such as shorebirds, marsh birds and perhaps a surprise or two. We hit the Pine Hill Road WMA but the territorial Vesper Sparrows were not singing, so we quickly headed for Bolton Flats with the expectation of returning to Pine Hill right at dusk.

At Bolton we quickly added Bank Swallow, Amercian Black Duck, Northern Shoveler (a bonus) and Blue-winged Teal (another bonus)! A few Greater Yellowlegs, 1 Least Sandpiper, 2 Semipalmated Plovers and a calling Virginia Rail were added shortly after then we waded through some deeper water and found the Red-necked Phalarope that bart Kamp had mentioned (see previous post). Despite being on a big day effort we lingered to enjoy the handsome phalarope and shortly after picked up a Lesser Yellowlegs and lastly a Marsh Wren. The previously reported Common Moorhen nor the Sora called while we were present and as darkness was approaching we headed back to Pine Hill Road, only a short distance away.

The wind had subsided in the past few hours and listening conditions were perfect, the only noise we had to contend with were the buzzing blood-thirsty mosquitoes! Soon we heard American Woodcock calling, then Vesper Sparrow, soon the whip-poor-wills started up, further in Grasshopper Sparrows joined the chorus and not to be undone at least 2 Barred Owls called in the distance and our last new bird of the day would be a distant Great-horned Owl that answered a our imitation!

We'd "pack it in" about 9PM with 128 species for the day, we had looked for something in the 125 to 135 range, so we were very pleased with the effort and remain optimistic that higher totals are within reach with a little more route refinement and scouting of more key and uncommon species.

Our list for the day:
Common Loon
Double-crested Cormorant
American Bittern
Great Blue Heron
Turkey Vulture
Canada Goose
Mute Swan
Wood Duck
American Black Duck
Mallard
Blue-winged Teal
Northern Shoveler
Hooded Merganser
Common Merganser
Osprey
Bald Eagle
Broad-winged Hawk
Red-tailed Hawk
Grouse, Ruffed
Wild Turkey
Virginia Rail
Semipalmated Plover
Killdeer
GreaterYellowlegs
Lesser Yellowlegs
SolitarySandpiper
Spotted Sandpiper
Least Sandpiper
Red-necked Phalarope
American Woodcock
Bonaparte’s Gull
Ring-billed Gull
Herring Gull
Great Black-backed Gull
Rock Dove
Mourning Dove
Great Horned Owl
Barred Owl
Eastern Whip-poor-will
Chimney Swift
Ruby-throated Hummingbird
Belted Kingfisher
Red-bellied Woodpecker
Yellow-bellied Sapsucker
Downy Woodpecker
Hairy Woodpecker
Northern Flicker
Pileated Woodpecker
Eastern Wood-Pewee
Alder Flycatcher
Willow Flycatcher
Least Flycatcher
Eastern Phoebe
Great Crested Flycatcher
Eastern Kingbird
Blue-headed Vireo
Yellow-throated Vireo
Warbling Vireo
Red-eyed Vireo
Blue Jay
American Crow
Common Raven
Horned Horned
Tree Swallow
Northern Rough-winged Swallow
Bank Swallow
Barn Swallow
Black-capped Chickadee
Tufted Titmouse
Red-breasted Nuthatch
White-breasted Nuthatch
Brown Creeper
Carolina Wren
House Wren
Marsh Wren
Golden-crowned Kinglet
Blue-gray Gnatcatcher
Eastern Bluebird
Veery
Hermit Thrush
Wood Thrush
American Robin
Gray Catbird
Northern Mockingbird
European Starling
Cedar Waxwing
Blue-winged Warbler
Nashville Warbler
Yellow Warbler
Chestnut-sided Warbler
Magnolia Warbler
Black-throated Blue Warbler
Yellow-rumped Warbler
Black-throated Green Warbler
Blackburnian Warbler
Pine Warbler
Prairie Warbler
Blackpoll Warbler
Black-and-white Warbler
Redstart, American Warbler
Ovenbird
Northern Waterthrush
Louisiana Waterthrush
Common Yellowthroat
Canada Warbler
Scarlet Tanager
Eastern Towhee
Chipping Sparrow
Field Sparrow
Vesper Sparrow
Savannah Sparrow
Grasshopper Sparrow
Song Sparrow
Swamp Sparrow
White-throated Sparrow
Northern Cardina
Rose-breasted Grosbeak
Indigo Bunting
Bobolink
Red-winged Blackbird
Eastern Meadowlark
Common Grackle
Brown-headed Cowbird
Baltimore Oriole
Purple Finch
House Finch
American Goldfinch
House Sparrow

Red-necked Phalarope (Bolton Flats 5/28)

2011-05-29T09:55:00.007-04:00

Chuck Caron, Paul Meleski and I were concluding our Worcester County big day effort, at Bolton Flats last evening and crossed paths with Bart Kamp, as he was heading back to his car. What I thought a bit odd was he was not carrying a scope. The Mystery was soon solved, he'd left his scope in the field to get his phone (in his car), to notify a few local birders of a Red-necked Phalarope in the muddy corn fields. We continued in, and soon had the handsome phalarope in sight.
A few digi-scope shots:
Working between the corn stubble.

It moved into the open a bit...

Looking away

This was a Worcester County life bird for me and my 3rd species of phalarope for the county. Including the Wilson's, in Sterling, last summer and the "storm driven" Reds from mid May 2006, which included a "wreck" (a relative term) of 11 on Wachusett Reservoir on 5/13/2006.

Mt Watatic, Bolton and Wachusett Reservoir...

2011-05-25T21:59:00.005-04:00

Karin and I took a hike up Mt. Watatic Sunday, while the weather was dreary the rain held off and the short hike was very pleasant. Many of the spruce trees near the summit held a heavy load of new cones, so perhaps these might attract some crossbills, once they mature in the fall. abundant Red Spruce cones.

A close up...
Blueberry were flowering...time to pick in about 6 weeks!

Painted Trillium

A Willet was reported from Bolton Flats and while common on our coastal marshes, such as Plum Island they are exceedingly rare inland! Superbowl of Birding team mate, Rod Jenkins found it and to boot....he heard a King Rail at the same time!

I made a visit during the week, while I did not see the Willet nor hear the King Rail, there were other nice birds in the muddy fields. 14 Semipalmated Plovers, 5 Greater Yellowlegs, 3 Spotted Sandpipers, 22 Least Sandpipers and 2 Short-billed Dowitchers (originally found by Alan Marble) made a nice assortment of inland shorebirds.

One of 14 Semi Plovers ...

A very handsome Short-billed Dowitcher.

I hoped for a tern species at Wachusett Reservoir, Bart Kamp had two Black Terns recently, but none were to be seen. A large raft of tightly "packed" waterfowl in the distance turned out to be Brant! I estimated about 100, certainly one of the largest spring occurances of this species on record, for Worcester County! Bart Kamp had also seen them a little earlier and the birds took flight and set down again, while in flight he was able to get an accurate count of 133. Paul Meleski had seen the same group of birds and estimated 70-80, but they were so close together it was impossible to get an exact count.

A long range digi-scope photo of Brant on Wachusett Reservoir.

A few other "good" birds on Wachusett were a Horned Grebe (in breeding plumage) and 14 White-winged Scoters.

Female Rose-breasted Grosbeak digi-scoped from the deck at home.

Horned Grebe (Westminster) 5/10

2011-05-10T22:01:00.010-04:00

While scanning Round Meadow Pond, in Westminster, for swallows late this afternoon, I notice a Horned Grebe in breeding plumage. It is not too often I have seen this species in breeding plumage at such close range. Some of the digi-scoped photos are below.

Also skimming the water were Barn (~10), Tree (~20), Northern Rough-winged (~5) and Bank Swallows (~40). Yesterday was the general arrival for Bank Swallows in my local patch, as I'd seen none (this year) before despite looking intently, but about 30 were feeding over the pond.

and a last shot of this little gem, compair with their none-breeding plumage from early November of 2009 at Quabbin Reservoir!

Also of note, one of the Bald Eagle pair (with a slight dark mask) was present this evening, a neighbor stopped by to let me know they were viewing the bird from their deck.

Lancaster/Bolton/Oxbow 5/7

2011-05-08T18:04:00.012-04:00

I "hit" 3 key Worcester County birding habitats on Saturday morning: The "Lancaster Wild Life Management Area" (essentially an old sandpit) at the end of Pine Hill Road in Lancaster is a great spot for "scrub-shrub" like birds. An Eastern Whip-poor-will was calling at the gate when I arrived at 5AM and soon after walking into a more open area, along the dirt road, I could hear Field Sparrows calling, Eastern Towhees and way off in the distant an American Bittern. At first I thought the bittern was calling from an adjacent wetland to the west, but realized it must have been on Bolton Flats, 0.8 miles away (by measuring on a map).

Soon afterward, I would hear a Vesper Sparrow singing on territory and a few hundred yards was another. At the edge of a grassy area a Grasshopper Sparrow was singing and teed up on a sign post. There is great Grasshopper Sparrow habitat nearby, on the Devens military base (South Post), which is an active training area, fortunately at least a few Grasshopper Sparrows have defected to civilian territories. This bird had a metal band on its left leg, though no numbers could be read.

Arriving at Bolton Flats at 6AM, two American Bitterns could be heard calling and the spring shorebird show was nice with 9 species present including Killdeer (10+), Greater (18) and Lesser Yellowlegs (5), Solitary (15), Spotted (5), Least (2), Pectoral Sandpipers (3), Dunlin (4) and Wilson's Snipe (8).

A cryptic Wilson's Snipe
3 of 4 Dunlin and a Pectoral Sandpiper

One of many Solitary Sandpipers.

On the Marsh bird side of the equation, in addition to the bitterns was a Virgina Rail, in full view and two Marsh Wrens. I did not hear the previously reported Sora, but the two Green Herons flying overhead were my first of the year.

Virginia Rail.

Pectoral Sandpiper, from behind.

Another nice surprise was a Blackpoll Warbler, I usually don't expect them until about the 15th, so I was happy to "get one" a week earlier than normal. Blackpoll Warbler on Bolton Flats

Oxbow National Wildlife Refuge was fairly active with vireos with Yellow-throated (3), Red-eye Vireo (1), Blue-headed (1) and Warbling (7). A male Orchard Oriole was a nice addition to the 10+ Baltimores. While I walked the trail there were good numbers of Rose-breasted Grosbeak, Gray Catbird, Great-crested Flycatcher, and a dozen species of wood warblers including:

Nashville Warbler ...2
Yellow Warbler ...12
Northern Parula ...7
Chestnut-sided ...Warbler 1
Pine Warbler ...2
Blackburnian Warbler ...1
Yellow-rumped Warbler ...20+
Blackpoll Warbler ...1
Black and White Warbler ...7
American Redstart ...4
Ovenbird ...5
Common Yellowthroat ...15
Many digi-bin photo attempts turn out like the one above... a Green Heron

This gem stood out among the birds at Oxbow.

On the way home drove past the west side of Wachusett Mountain in Princeton

I see these turbines, on the flank of Wachusett Mountain, fairly often but never turning in unison at they were mid-day on Saturday.

Praire Warbler

Blackburian Warbler, every one oooh's and aaauh's about the males, but this female was looking pretty spiffy!

The Lancaster/Bolton Flats/Oxbow area produced 100 species and an aditional 10 were added on the drive back to Westminster, via Wachusett Reservoir and the west side of Princeton, ending in the early afternoon with a very welcomed nap.

Forbush Annual East Quabbin Trip 5/1

2011-05-03T06:18:00.011-04:00

11 members of the Forbush Bird Club enjoyed perfect spring weather, this past Sunday, while "touring" East Quabbin, in the area that was once part of the townships of Greenwich and Dana.
Beaver ponds in the back woods of Quabbin are always a highlight, we had nice looks at Hooded Mergansers, a drake Common Merg., Wood Ducks, Eastern Kingbirds, Tree Swallows, Yellow Warblers, Least Flycatchers and diplaying Red-winged Blackbirds, but no Yellow-throated or Warbling Vireos this on this year's trip.
A secluded beaver pond, well inside of gate 45.
Red-winged Blackbird in full display.
14 species of wood warblers were seen and/or heard but the only vireo species was Blue-headed, we missed Baltimore Oriole for the first time in several years. a handsome Blue-headed Vireo (formerly known as Solitary Vireo).
A few Least Flycatchers were present, such as the bird above.
One of two Porcupines that were certainly crowd pleasers, a bit slower than warblers allowed protracted viewing!
While watching one of the Porcupines, two immature Bald Eagles passed over head one just above the other. They "locked" talons and began a spectacular descent spiraling downward toward the earth, after "pin-wheeling" about 6 revolutions they separated, and moved off in different directions.
Bald Eagles locked together.
... just after breaking apart.

This Chestnut-sided Warbler showed nicely.

A non avian highlight is lunch at Dana Common, we usually linger on the common for about 45 minutes for lunch, conversation and birding. A few American Redstarts were found here, we only had a few during the day. Our trip is a bit on the early side of May, so we miss or only encounter a few of species such as Red-eyed vireo and American Redstart. By late-May these two species will be among the most abunbant species in the east Quabbin, likely neither would ever be out of hearing range.

Club members enjoy luch on Dana Common.

Toward the end of the day we had a nice surprise of 4 breeding plumaged Horned Grebes, while this species is an uncommon but annual "pass-through" migrant in Central Massachusetts, seeing them in breeding plumage made it even more special! Another nice bonus was two female Red-breasted Mergansers just before leaving the water's edge near gate 35. These like the Horned Grebes are easily found on coastal Massachusetts during the winter, but they are also very uncoommon away from the coast.

A happy "clan", after great weather, birding and company!

The complete trip list:

Canada Goose ...16
Wood Duck ...5
American Black Duck ...2
Mallard ...4
Green-winged Teal (American) ...7
Hooded Merganser ...4
Red-breasted Merganser ...2
Common Merganser ...1
Ruffed Grouse ...3
Common Loon ...6
Horned Grebe ...4
Double-crested Cormorant ...1
Great Blue Heron ...3
Turkey Vulture ...12
Bald Eagle ...5
Northern Harrier ...1
Broad-winged Hawk ...2
Red-tailed Hawk ...1
Merlin ...1
Ring-billed Gull ...3
Mourning Dove ...4
Red-bellied Woodpecker ...1
Yellow-bellied Sapsucker ...13
Downy Woodpecker 2
Northern Flicker (Yellow-shafted) ...3
Pileated Woodpecker ...6
Least Flycatcher ...5
Eastern Phoebe ...3
Eastern Kingbird ...2
Blue-headed Vireo ...6
Blue Jay ...12
American Crow ...14
Tree Swallow ...53
Black-capped Chickadee ...12
Tufted Titmouse ...4
Red-breasted Nuthatch ...3
White-breasted Nuthatch ...3
Brown Creeper ...3
House Wren ...1
Blue-gray Gnatcatcher ...4
Ruby-crowned Kinglet ...1
American Robin ...15
Gray Catbird ...3
Northern Parula ...1
Yellow Warbler ...6
Chestnut-sided Warbler ...10
Magnolia Warbler ...1
Black-throated Blue Warbler ...12
Yellow-rumped Warbler (Myrtle) ...40
Black-throated Green Warbler ...10
Blackburnian Warbler ...3
Pine Warbler ...42
Palm Warbler (Yellow) ...3
Black-and-white Warbler ...10
American Redstart ...3
Ovenbird ...15
Common Yellowthroat ...6
Eastern Towhee ...39
Chipping Sparrow ...26
Song Sparrow ...6
Swamp Sparrow ...3
White-throated Sparrow ...10
Dark-eyed Junco (Slate-colored) ...6
Scarlet Tanager ...1
Northern Cardinal ...2
Rose-breasted Grosbeak ...3
Red-winged Blackbird ...12
Common Grackle ...10
Brown-headed Cowbird ...16
Purple Finch ...2
American Goldfinch ...4

Round Meadow Pond 4/26

2011-04-26T21:54:00.014-04:00

On my way to the post office this noon I notice an adult Bald Eagle passing low over Round Meadow Pond, in Westminster. I stopped and got the scope on the bird once it landed, managing a few long distance digi-scope shots....a sequence of shots while it "bathed" are below.

I have seen Bald Eagle(s) on the following dates during April:
4/3 1 adult
4/11 1 juvenile (likely 2010 bird)
4/12 2 adults perched a hundred feet away
4/21 1 adult
4/26 1 adult

***a few additional dates :

4/27 2 adults

4/29 2 adults

5/2 2 adults
*************
The possibility of a pair either nesting or prospecting in the area must be considered. There plenty of bodies of water nearby including to support a pair; Round Meadow Pond, Wyman's Pond, Wachusett Lake (not the Res.), Mare Meadow Reservoir, Bickford Pond, NoTown Reservoir...to name a few. BTW, many of the lakes and reservoirs were formed many years ago to "feed" the paper mills in Fitchburg.

Recent Neighborhood "patch" Birds

2011-04-25T19:12:00.006-04:00

As May approaches its always fun to watch the new arrivals return and pass through the yard and "neighborhood patch". The female Yellow-bellied Sapsucker was digi-scoped from the back deck. Yellow-bellied Sapsucker (Female)

Field Sparrows have returned to nearby sandpit, about 1/2miles from home, Brown Thrasher and Pairie Warblers will not be far behind. Singing Field Sparrow

My first of year Black and White Warbler was seen on 4/20 and I heard another from my deck on the 21st. Rear view of a Black and White Warbler

The American Robin (below) has begun its territorial dispute, with itself, for the 3rd consecutive year....knocking on the glass door every moring. Here its takes a break while I used the deck for morning coffee and birding. American Robin, taking a break from battling with its reflection.

I had yet to see or hear a White-throated Sparrow in the neighborhood this year, but after being awaya few days and returning on the 20th, my first walk yielded over 30 White-throats! One of my favorite bird songs can be heard from home at sunrise each moring, until they clear out in a week or two. Juncos were still in "strong" with over 100 tallied on a 2 mile walk. White-throated Sparrow

I saw 6 Hermit Thrush while during a local walk on 4/22, a digi-bin photo of one of the more cooperative ones is below. Hermit Thrush

While not "super early" for a Black-throated Green Warbler, 4/22 seems a little on the early side, this bird did not sing but came into view while I spished. Black-throated Green Warbler

A little further down the trail this Louisiana Waterthrush (below) reacted nicely to spishing, Like the BT Green above this bird did not sing at all....nor did a Blue-headed Vireo I saw nearby. Louisiana Waterthrush

Off Battle Road, during the 4/22 walk were about 60 Yellow-rumped Warblers and 15 Palm Warblers (below) both these species were singing strong! "Yellow" Palm Warbler

I noticed this "white-tailed" Chickadee in the yard on the 20th a few times since, I did not see this bird during the winter. "white-tailed" Black-capped Chickadee

Saturday afternoon 4/23 this male Eastern Bluebird was in the back yard, last year a pair nested in my neighbor's nest box.
Eastern Bluebird

Sterling Peat 4/5

2011-04-05T17:35:00.014-04:00

I birded Muddy Pond at "Sterling Peat" this morning, where I found a nice group of ~225 Ring-necked Ducks, a few Common Goldeneyes, Green-winged Teal (10), Pied-billed Grebe (2), Belted Kingfisher, Wilson's Snipe (10), Eastern Phoebe (3) and dozen or so Tree Swallows.

A nice surprise was a Horned Grebe in a transitional plumage that was a bit "foriegn" to me. But, based on this bird's relatively straight and "heavy" bill, along with head shape would seem to fit Horned Grebe rather than a rare Eared. Ita was was fairly close in size to the nearby Pied-billed Grebes that were present. A few digi-scope shots, poor ones at that, are below (with Ringed-necked Ducks): An "ear-ee" looking photo..the bird was looking away making the bill look rather small. The back of its head

A nice profile, soing its head shape and straight bill...

..another similar to the one above, its bill does appear to be straight like a Horned and NOT "up-swept" like an Eared.

It is some what unusual to see Horned Grebes on such a small body of water, such as Muddy Pond. But, I have seen this species a few times on Crystal Lake and Wright's Reservior in Gardner and once on the Mount Wachusett Community College campus pond! Today's bird stuck to the shore line (the far shore at that) and moved in and out of some vegetation.

Neighborhood American Woodcocks 3/27

2011-03-27T19:56:00.017-04:00

Paul Meleski and I birded Bolton Flats, Delaney WMA, Sterling Peat and then took a short walk in my neighborhood today. The recent fridged conditions seems to have put the breaks on migration, but we had an enjoyable day afield. But, my personal hilights were just a few hundred yards down the road from my apartment. Amercian Woodcock are easy enough find in the correct habitat, but having a good look in full daylight is another matter. We found one on the lawn of a nearby residence, and when I returned with the scope, for a few digi-scope shots, I found an additional woodcock. Below are some shots I got this afternoon:

This American Woodcock was in the open, and while about 50 yards away was cooperative and easy to photograph. The second bird (below), while closer, was a different story and it always had the upper hand in a little game of "cat and mouse", never allowing an unobstructed view! I took perhaps 200 shots of this bird and ALWAYS there was a stick or piece of brush in the way. But, perhaps that is more fitting and natural for this species (of course.....I am rationalizing!). facing away ..showing large eyes set close to the back of its head. A "peek-a-boo" shot. Nearly in the open... A flank shot. Even this woodcock was feeling the effects of this blustery day. In this same yard we found 8 Fox Sparrows, a leusistic House Finch and across the street was a lesistic House Sparrow. A leusistic House Sparrow.... ...leusistic House Finch.

Waxwings 3/5 and 3/6

2011-03-06T12:42:00.011-05:00

There was a nice flock of approx. 260 Cedar Waxwings at Turner's Falls on 3/5, despite carefull scanning I could not find a Bohemian in the mix.
Below are few digi-scope shots from the "Turner's" Cedar Waxwings.

A nice portrait...

...who's next?....

...a precarious reach....

...got it..

...down the hatch...

Here are few other "good" birds from the Turner's Falls area on Saturday:

The above Redhead was with Rng-necked Ducks, seen from the Turner's Falls Rod and Gun Club.
This Merlin was at Unity Park, in Turner's Falls, it frightened many robins, waxwings and even put up 100+ Ring-billed Gulls.

The above Glaucous Gull, a 1st year type, was one of two present on the river.

This 1st year Iceland Gull spent some time at close range.

Sunday morning I read a report from Nick Paulson, who had found a flock of 85 Bohemian Waxwings at the High Ridge Wildlife Management Area, in Westminster, just a few miles from home. I headed over after morning coffee and the flock, today about 70, flew in from the west about 9AM. The light was poor and it began to drizzle, but I did manage some digi-scope shots of these handsome birds.

A portion of the flock of 70 Bohemian Waxwings at High Ridge WMA.

...zoomed in a bit closer...

and one in flight.

Hedgehog Mountain, NH (snowshoe trek 2/26)

2011-02-28T08:11:00.019-05:00

During early October 2009, I had seen some beautiful open ledges from an outlook near the summit of Mt. Passaconaway, in the Sandwich Range of the White Mountain National Forest. Despite being 1500' lower than Mt. Passaconaway, the Hedgehog ledges appeared to offer excellent views from a different perspective. Karin and I had been itching to do some snowshoeing up north this winter and this loop hike (below), at just under 5 miles, fit our itinerary nicely.

The drive, out of Lincoln, along the Kancamagus Highway was pretty, as always, a Pileated Woodpecker flew overhead perhaps giving a good omen, we soon arrived at the trailhead at 9:45 AM. Nine inches of newly fallen snow set the stage for pristine snowshoe, we chose to cover the UNH Trail, to Hedgehog Mtn., in a clockwise direction. The elevation gain along the early portion of the trip was modest and the wintery scene through the forest was all one could hope for. Early on, traveling through a stand of White Pines.

A unique looking Yellow Birch, perhaps it had grown beside another long since fallen comrade?

open views through the forest and glacial boulders.

About a mile and a half in was a nice vista, with views toward the northeast where Bear Mountain stood out. The sky was clear, but it was overcast to the north and a stiff wind was blowing out of the northwest. The forest provided shelter from the wind and a steady pace would keep us plenty warm, but it was unlikely we'd linger on the summit today.

Looking north east toward Bear Mountain, from the first vista on our clockwise route.

After about 2 miles, we reached the east ledges of Hedgehog and were afforded great views of Mt. Chocorua and the eastern Sandwich Range. Mount Chocorua and "the sisters" in the distance.

Zoomed in on the Chocorua from the east ledges.

Karin making way toward the ledges of Hedgehog Mtn.

I believe these are the Moat Mountains, just west of North Conway.

Mt. Passaconaway stands at just over 4000 feet, 1500 feet higher than Hedgehog's summit.

The summit of Hedgehog Mountain, from east ledges.

Along the ledges the trail was a bit difficult to follow, but with a little zigging and zagging we found our way, always keeping a cautious distance from the ledge face. The trail then dropped into the forest for a half mile before a steep climb to the summit.

Newly fallen snow atop previous snowshoe tracks leading through a hemlock stand.

These ferns, still green, were curled up and awaiting spring.

There was was a vigorous quarter mile climb, with a few steep scambles, before we made it to the summit. From atop, views to the north, east and south were enjoyed for a few mintues until that cold/stiff north west wind encouraged us to head down.

A pose with Chocorua in the background.

Looking North, hump-backed Mt. Carrigan is just to the right of center.

A closer "zoom" of Mt. Carrigan, Mt. Lowell is to the far right.
The view east to the Tripyramids, South, Middle and North...all 4,000 footers, but the south peak lacks 160' of prominence and therefore is not considered an "official" 4,000' peak.

The 2 mile trip back decending through the fresh powder was a joy, we made it back just after 2PM. The whole loop took just over 4 hours, including several quick stops to take pictures, enjoy scenry and make minor adjustments to clothing and gear. We had plenty of time to beat the ski crowd back to The Woodstock Inn for Pemi Ale and burger before heading south.

Hairy Woodpecker Displays 2/10

2011-02-11T10:36:00.009-05:00

Two female Hairy Woodpeckers were engaged in an early season territorial/mate "face off", a behavior described as "bill-waving" which usually takes place between birds of the same sex during a "conflict". There is an excellent writeup on this behavior in Donald Stokes' Bird Behavior (volume I) .
I had first heard their calls and noticed the two birds face to face about a 100 feet away and snapped a few digi-bin photos.

A photo through the binocular.

The scenario took place over several minutes so there was plenty of time to get the scope from the car, and take some digi-scope shots for a closer perspective.

The birds would alternate raising their heads ... the right bird...

...then the left...back and forth almost like a game of tennis...

...some wing spreading...

....the left hand bird on "the charge....

...then a retreat....

...its tail fanned a bit...

...and a "frozen" still-pose.

After about 15 minutes the both birds moved on, I am not sure who today's winner was, but likely the drama will continue.

Snowshoeing Norcross to Elliot Hill 2/8

2011-02-08T16:25:00.011-05:00

Elliot Hill on the Templeton/Royalston border, has been on my mind as a hawkwatch site for the past 15 years. However, I have never stepped foot atop the hill, let alone conducted a hawkwatch. Today I took the first step and made a 4 1/2 mile round trip snowshoe trek from Norcross Hill to Elliot Hill by following the edges of fields and bush whacking through the woods.

While driving up Norcross Hill Road I spotted ~45 Snow Buntings, perched in an apple tree near a backyard feeding station.

A digi-scope image of a portion of the approx. 45 Snow Buntings on Norcross Hill Road.

After a brief bush whack through a forested area, I snowshoed the edge of a large field were I flushed a dozen Wild Turkey. In all there were about 50 to 75 present, many flushing from high in the white pines once I was back in the woods. The "patterns" in the snow are all Wild Turkey tracks.

After another woodland bush whack I got a view of the farm house, across a field, a little way up Elliot Hill. The view toward Elliot Hill, its top (to the left) obscurred by falling snow.
The snow had a firm crust with 3-4" of newly fallen snow on top, most of the time the crust would support my weight. Without snowshoes, I would have sunk at least thigh deep in most places. The walk up Elliot Hill enjoyable as the tree line sheltered me from the stiff NW wind that was beginning to intensify.
The view back toward Church Hill.
A relatively new wind turbine near Narragansett Regional High School in Templeton (center), Wachusett Mountain is to the left.
Looking NE across the field.
A forlorn juniper and ominous clouds, atop of Elliot Hill

The view SE toward Wachusett Mountain, the steady snow was subsiding but snow squalls continued.
The view North toward Monadnock as wind gusts picked up.

Mt. Monadnock was obscurred by low clouds, but one can see its base near the center of the above photo.

The view from the hill top was excellent, with open viewing from the NW, NE and to the S, perfect for a fall hawkwatch! The farm (part of the Templeton Developement Center) at the bottom of the hill did recently graze cattle in the fields, I am not sure if they still do in the summer and fall months. After enjoying the a new "perscpective" of North Central Mass. scenery and a cup of hot tea, I made my way back.

Another view toward Elliot Hill on the way back, with better visibilty. I had followed the left (west) side of the field near the tree line on my way to and from the hill top.
Springtails (Collembola) were abundant on top of the snow in the forest.

Approaching the parking area on Norcross Hill.

Superbowl VIII 1/29/2011

2011-01-30T19:16:00.026-05:00

Dan Berard, Chuck Caron, Rod Jenkins, Paul Meleski and I participated in Mass Audubon's (Joppa Flats) Superbowl of Birding, under the team name the "Burger Kinglets".

Paul and Dan play in the snow at Catherdral Rocks.

We made one major modification to our traditional route, Nahant was deleted. Their had seemed to be few reports of high scoring species from Nahant and we hoped to makeup any Nahant losses elsewhere with a more compact route. A rough overview of our route was Flax Pond Lynn, Essex(owling), Rockport, Gloucester, Essex, Ipswich, Rowley, Newbury, Newburyport, Plum Island, Salisbury and Amesbury.

We got a previously reported, and scouted, Northern Shoveler at 4:50AM on Flax Pond and stayed on it until the clock struck 5AM, the two teams at the location both received bonus points for simultaneously calling this 5 point species. Ambient neighborhood lights were enough to ID the species needed without the aid of a flashlight or high powered spot light. Also, previous to 5AM an Eastern Screech Owl began calling and fortunately it returned our screech owl imitation after 5AM. We left Flax Pond in Lynn a fine shape.

Our first owling stop along Harlow Road in Essex yielded a Northern Saw-whet Owl, that called nicely under perfect listening conditions. Only two team mates heard a Great Horned call from the same spot, it wouldn't call again, so we moved on. Fortunately we stopped again along Rte 1A and one was calling by the time the last door was shut....how long would these fortunes last?

We hit Andrew's Point next getting Harlequin Duck, Purple Sandpiper, Red-throated Loon, Red-necked Grebe along with other ocean birds. Around the corner Cathedral Rocks we scored on Razorbill and headed off the Halibut Point. We tried (but didn't expect) for a previously reported Dickcessel, missed it, however a small flock of White-winged Crossbills passed over calling and we added Cedar Waxing. Our fortunes kept pace on the drive to the Loblolly Cove we stopped twice to ID perched accipitors, the first a Sharp-shinned, the next a Cooper's, we would see 2 more "shins" and another "Coop" later on!

At Loblolly we'd get the Barrow's Goldeneye, from Atlantic Drive we got the King Eider and Sanderlings inbetween! On Eastern Point a nice adult Iceland Gull arrived just as we pulled in (with 2 other teams), Brace Cove got us "Jack" but the Peregrine was on the Gloucester City Hall weather vein. Gloucester harbor yielded Greater Scaup and Mute Swan but NO Thick-billed Murre. Checking the I-phone later we'd found not only did others get the Thick-billed Murre, but a Common was found and a Dovekie! Ouch!

We had high expectations for Comono Point Road, in Essex, but missed Red-breasted Nuthatch, Brown Creeper, Winter Wren and Golden-crowned Kinglet that Chuck and Rod had on Wednesday. But on the point we added Dunlin, about 50 were present, on the drive out a Swamp Sparrow added a little consolation! But, at least Rod and Chuck had TWO....guaranteed...GUARANTEED... White-crowned Sparrows from another location in Essex...ya right. Rod was still contentious on the ride home they were there. But, all was right in our world when we picked up Turkey Vuture about 15 minutes later, scoring another 3 pt. bouns!
In Ipswich, we picked up momentum with Northern Flicker, Brown Creeeper, Winter Wren and Eastern Towhee, all at one stop! Further on in Ipswich we got Horned Lark near Aguila Road. A Snow Goose that was near Ipswich Center on Wednesday was NOT there, but there was plenty of Snow. Labor-in-Vain Road turn out to be "Labor-not so-in-Vain Road" by producing Yellow-bellied Sapsucker and Hermith Thrush.
Brown Creeper in Ipswich

Horrible digi-bin shot of a female Eastern Towhee.

Yellow-bellied Sapsucker off Labor-in-Vain Road.

Sunshine Farm, on Rte 1A, in Newbury produced Horned Lark, Snow Bunting and Lapland Longspurs. We'd "hit" Plum Island with 80 species and 168 points, however Parker River NWR was "dead", but at least we added Rough-legged Hawk.

At the Salisbury State boat ramp we missed Savannah Sparrow , added 2 Lesser Scaup (apart from nearby Greaters) but Northern Harrier (who apparently hadn't packed the snowshoes) looked like it would be a big miss! Along Mudnock Road, in Salisbury, we added Brown-headed Cowbird and Red-winged Blackbird and it was now down to crunch time, with only about an hour left to cover a few stops along the Merrimac River. Nothing new at Cashman Park and Savoy Street...it was now looking like we'd not only dip on Northern Harrier but Bald Eagle too...oh my! Perhaps an eagle would be roosting near the Chain Bridge?

A Great Blue Heron was quickly found at the Chain Bridge, and the last 20 minutes were used to scan for an eagle. At about 4:47PM Dan spotted an adult Bald Eagle, perched across the river, and we all enjoyed our last addition with another team "Eagle Eyes".
End of the day from the Chain Bridge area.
Once again, we had a great effort, more fun and even more laughs, while totaling 86 species, 185 points....and for the first time our route, time management, luck and strong team work was good enough for the Joppa Cup.

Our complete list:
Species....points

Common Loon.....1
Red-throated Loon....2
Horned Grebe....1
Red-necked Grebe.....2
Great Cormorant.....1
Great Blue Heron.....3
Turkey Vulture.....8
Canada Goose.....1
Mute Swan.....1
Gadwall.....2
American Black Duck.....1
Mallard.....1
Northern Shoveler.....8
Greater Scaup.....2
Lesser Scaup.....3
King Eider.....4
Common Eider.....1
Harlequin Duck.....2
Surf Scoter.....1
White-winged Scoter.....1
Black Scoter.....2
Oldsquaw.....1
Bufflehead.....1
Common Goldeneye.....1
Barrow's Goldeneye.....3
Hooded Merganser.....2
Red-breasted Merganser.....1
Common Merganser.....1
Ruddy Duck.....4
Bald Eagle.....2
Sharp-shinned Hawk.....3
Cooper's Hawk.....3
Red-tailed Hawk.....1
Rough-legged Hawk.....3
Peregrine Falcon.....3
American Coot.....4
Sanderling.....3
Purple Sandpiper.....2
Dunlin.....3
Ring-billed Gull.....1
Herring Gull.....1
Iceland Gull.....2
Great Black-backed Gull.....1
Razorbill.....3
Black Guillemot.....2
Rock Dove.....1
Mourning Dove.....1
Eastern Screech-Owl.....2
Great Horned Owl.....3
Northern Saw-whet Owl.....4
Red-bellied Woodpecker.....3
Downy Woodpecker.....1
Hairy Woodpecker.....2
Northern Flicker.....3
Yellow-bellied Sapsucker.....5
Blue Jay.....1
American Crow.....1
Horned Lark.....2
Black-capped Chickadee.....1
Tufted Titmouse.....1
White-breasted Nuthatch.....1
Brown Creeper.....3
Carolina Wren.....2
Winter Wren.....4
Eastern Bluebird.....3
Hermit Thrush.....3
American Robin.....1
Northern Mockingbird.....1
European Starling.....1
Cedar Waxwing.....2
Yellow-rumped Warbler.....3
Eastern Towhee.....4
American Tree Sparrow.....1
Song Sparrow.....1
Swamp Sparrow.....3
White-throated Sparrow.....1
Dark-eyed Junco .....1
Lapland Longspur..... 3
Snow Bunting.....3
Northern Cardinal.....1
Red-winged Blackbird.....3
Brown-headed Cowbird.....3
House Finch.....1
White-winged Crossbill.....4
American Goldfinch.....1
House Sparrow.....1

The Lark Sparrow continues at Devens 1/27

2011-01-27T13:05:00.008-05:00

I was fortunate to veiw (and hear) the Lark Sparrow, initially found by Kevin Bourinot at Devens, this morning. After checking a few feeders in the neighborhood, I heard an odd sparrow like song, that sounded like it might some distance away. It turned out the Lark Sparrow was singing a muffled and incomplete version of its song, not 10 feet away in a forsithia right in front of me ! I was able to digi-bin a few shots.............
an obstructed view.
a better angle of the Lark Sparrow.

Below is a view of this species normal range, more information can be found at WHAT BIRD , including this map below:

Map retreived on 1/27/2011 from Whatbird.com

This was both a Massachusetts state and Worcester County bird for me...so Thank You Kevin!

Essex County 1/15

2011-01-16T08:31:00.014-05:00

Chuck Caron and I hit some "high spots" in Essex County on Saturday, starting at Salisbury State Park and ending on Cape Ann. The temp was zero when we left Westminster but there was no wind. A nice scene along the Merrimac River in Amesbury.
Most of the Canada Geese along the Merrimac were still sleeping when we arrived near the mouth of the river. Long-tailed Ducks, White-winged Scoters, Common Goldeneye, Buffleheads and Red-breasted Mergansers were plentiful.
These geese were still frosted over....
Gulls are very opportunistic, these two Herring Gulls in Salisbury, had found a brilliant solution to combat the early morning fridged temperature.
This handsome Red-tailed Hawk, along the entrance to Salisbury State Park, was enjoying the early sun.
At the Salisbury State Boat Ramp were a few Horned Larks, an American Pipit, and a Savannah Sparrow of the Ipswich race was seen well. A adult Bald Eagle was harrassing a few White-winged Scoters. Near the jetty was a Razorbill, Purple Sandpipers and a hundred+ Common Eider.
An Ipswich" Savannah Sparrow at the Salisbury Boat ramp.

At Cashman Park, on the Newburyport side of the river, was yet another American Pipit, but other than Mallards, Canada Geese and Ringed-billed Gulls there was little else. Joppa Flats had approximately 1500 Canada Geese, but we could NOT find a previously reported Greater White-fronted Goose.

The road on Parker River NWR was plowed to the very end, a Hermit Thrush near Hellcat was seen, we missed a Brown Thrasher that had been seen earlier, had a brief look at a Northern Shrike as it left its perch and a nice Rough-legged Hawk (light form) near Cross Farm Hill.

The overlook at Emmerson Rocks, lot 7, was productive with a few Snow Buntings, Horned Lark, another Savannah Sparrow (Ipswich from), a Northern Pintail and a young Peregrine Falcon that landed on the beach in front of us.

Savannah Sparrow (Ipswich form) near Emmerson Rocks.

This young Peregrine Falcon landed right out front....

...did a little hopping around before leaving. (I am seeking information on this banded bird and will report back when I get information)... I got a very quick response back for Massachusetts Natural Heritage: "14/X black over green, 2206-81828 is a juvenile male that was banded on May 24, 2010 in the nest box in Lawrence, MA. There was a full clutch of 4 chicks, 2 males and 2 females. "

Also here is a link to the banding "event" of the above Peregrine:

http://goodmed.zenfolio.com/p843972477

Several hundred American Black Ducks and about 80 Dunlin were along an exposed mud flat between the pines and Cross Farm Hill. On the drive out we had a good look at a Wilson's Snipe that a half dozen people were photographing at the North Pool overlook.

We headed off to Cape Ann for the afternoon, in route a Turkey Vulture soared over rte 1A. Jodrey Pier seemed to have very few gulls, but we did have a good view of an adult Iceland Gull and a Black Guillemot among the more common birds. At Eastern Point were a few more Iceland Gulls, a first cycle and second cycle, while at Brace Cove Chuck spotted a Glaucous Gull in flight with great Black-backed Gulls, this bird appeared be an adult to 3rd cycle bird.

Linda Ferraresso had directed us to the location of a Dickcissel at Halibut Point. Within 15 minutes of arrival we "had" the bird with time to spare for a trip to Andrew's Point were we enjoyed Harlequin Ducks, a Razorbill and a few Red-necked Grebes.
Harlequin Ducks, always a treat, at Andrew's Point.

Barred Owls 1/11 Westminster

2011-01-11T12:27:00.004-05:00

My local patch has been fairly active with Barred Owls, over the past week I have sighted at least one on 3 occasions. During a walk this morning I flush one, while the one below flew toward me, in response to my screech owl imitation. After perching briefly it moved back into the forest.
Barred Owl, just before moving into the forest.

Otherwise the walk was rather quiet, with only a few Pine Siskins. Sunday, 1/9, an adult Lesser Black-backed Gull was down the street, on Round Meadow Pond, with Greater Black-backed and Herring Gulls.
At a nearby farm, were a few "non-avian" new arrivals as last year's swine have been moved .... inside :(
Enjoying the great outdoors....at least for the next 10 months.

Redpolls 1/6

2011-01-07T10:40:00.007-05:00

I have only had a few redpolls at the feeder this winter, so I traveled up to Royalston in search of winter finches. At one feeding station, along a rual road a flock of about 40 were present. I looked carefully with the scope on the outside chance a Hoary Redpoll might be present, but none of the bird I "glassed" were even close. Even so, it was enjoyable and I also heard a few Evening Grosbeaks fly past overhead.

Front and back and back views.

Perched in a Maple.

A nice red breasted individual.
Curious

15-20 Pine Siskins are still coming to my feeders at home, but don;t tend to stay too long, while i walked out to the deck I heard a few Eastern Bluebirds nearby.

Westminster CBC 12/26

2010-12-28T20:04:00.006-05:00

Ernie Leblanc joined me, to help out with covering the Gardner portion of this year's Westminster Christmas Bird Count. I began before sunrise to try for owls for an hour or so, and completely struck out! After meeting at Mount Wachusett Community College at 6:45AM our first stop was Chapel Street, to try our luck for the Townsend's Solitaire. I had not been there to check since finding it on 12/23, but other birders did see it on 12/24 but no reports had been received from 12/25.One of the new wind turbines at MWCC.

We birded that area from 7:00AM until about 8:15, and saw no sign of the bird. However we did have a few other nice birds for the count, such as Carolina Wren, 3 Common Redpolls, a Raven and a Flicker. After hitting a few more spots we returned briefly and Jeff Johnstone and company had arrived. Ernie and I continued on to cover our territory and "annexed" Jeff and friends into covering for the solitaire. While that prize bird never resurfaced, despite considerable effort by us and others, that spot turned up a few good birds. One being the flicker, very uncommon on this count and later John Williams had an immature Bald Eagle pass overhead, a first (and over due) for the Westminster CBC.

Carolina Wren at Jackson Park in Gardner.

Over the course of the morning we managed 10 more Common Redpolls, a Pine Siskin, 39 Wild Turkeys and a dozen Cedar Waxings. To get better coverage of the area, Enrie and I split our effort during the afternoon, within 45 minutes Enrie called me after finding 175 Cedar Waxwings and a single Bohemian Waxwing (not a solitaire but a real prize!). Karin had joined me for the afternoon so we headed right over and by the time we arrived another Bohemian had joined in. These were my first Bohemian Waxwings for the year and another (and likely my last) "year bird" for Worcester County!

Cedar Waxwing from 12/28 at High Ridge WMA in Westminster.

The afternoon was a little slow on the birding front, but at least the storm held off until after dark. I finished the last 40 mintues on Chapel Street hoping that solitaire might show itself again, it did not and likely has moved along or at least changed it habits for the time being.

Mourning Dove off Overlook Road, in Westminster 12/28.

The list from our section of the count only:

Black Duck... 4
Mallard... 30
Wild Turkey... 39
Cooper's Hawk ...1
Red-tailed Hawk... 2
R.B. Gull ...18
Herring Gull... 5
Rock Pigeon... 55
Mourning Dove ...27
Common Flicker...1

Downy Woodpecker... 21
Hairy Woodpecker... 5
Blue Jay ...31
Am. Crow ...20
C. Raven ...3
BC Chickadee ...143
T. Titmouse ...13
RB Nuthatch ...4
WB Nuthatch... 26
B. Creeper... 4
Carolina Wren... 3
Am. Robin ...10
N. Mockingbird... 1
E. Starling... 47
Bohemian Waxwing... 2
C. Waxwing... 190
Tree Sparrow... 7
Song Sparrow ...2
WT Sparrow... 3
DE Junco... 42
N. Cardinal ...11
House Finch... 22
C. Redpoll... 36
Pine Siskin ...1
Am. Goldfinch ...18
House Sparrow... 39

Townsend's Solitaire (Gardner, Ma.) 12/23

2010-12-23T13:41:00.004-05:00

I was very fortunate, today, to find a Townsend's Solitaire in Gardner, Ma. just after lunch! I was coming back from an interview and didn't expect to bird much and left the camera at home. Fortunately, I did have my cell phone and got Chcuk Caron, who headed over. Unfortunately the bird had disappeared and it took some time before Chuck saw it perched low in the brush on the far side of the field.

With Chuck's camera I was able to get the following:

Side view with pesky vine in the way.

More front on with view of stubby bill and eye ring.

Profile....

The bird was a the intersection of Carter and Chapel St. in Gardner, a few hundered yards west of the junction of Rte 140 and Rte 101.

Groton CBC 12/19

2010-12-20T20:58:00.014-05:00

This was only the 2nd or 3rd time I have done the Groton CBC, but I am familar with the area as I had worked near Groton center for over 20 years. Many a lunch break was spent birding nearby locales, so while I had no recent scouting, I was hoping past history would be enough to make a decent contribution to the count.

I tried owling a bit before dawn but came up empty using recordings ...NOTE: the Barred Owl recording I was using has a Chuck-will's-widow calling in the background.... That can't help the cause :). However, just before sunrise on Fitch Bridge Road, under perfect listening conditions a pair of great Horned Owls could be heard dueting to the south; a single Great-horned was calling to north!
A beautiful start to the day, a stately Hickory, Venus to the right and 3 great Horned Owls were calling in the background!
Many Dark-eyed Juncos were flitting about before daylight as I walked the edge of the fields, the first "good" daytime birds were a flock of blackbirds, 22 Red-wings and a single Rusty Blackbird among them!

A digi-bin shot of the Rusty Blackbird in poor light.

Just after viewing the blackbirds, two small finches passed overhead, their indentity given away by their dry "rattle"chi-chi-chi-, Common Redpolls! Eastern Bluebirds and American Robins were also present, both these species would be seen thoughout the day.

These two Red-tailed Hawks were perched near the Rte 119 bridge, on the Groton side of the Nashua River.

Part of the group of 33 Rock Pigeons (aka "bridge falcons") were in the tree beside the two Red-tails.

While imitating a screech owl call, at the Groton boat ramp, a Pileated Woodpecker arrived from a distance...loudly calling...then a 2nd. One even "sat tight" long enough for me get the scope out, the camera and take sevral shots.

Pileated Woodpecker (always a spectaclar sighting) at the Groton Boat ramp off Rte 119.
Other woodpecker were fairly cooperative as well, Downy, Hairy, Red-bellied and even a few Northern Flickers. A five woodpecker CBC, and still several hours to go! Off Broad Meadow Road was nice flock of American Tree Sparrows and single a Field Sparrow made for another nice bonus.

Field Sparrow..blank face, no breast spot, pink bill and a beautiful white eye ring.
While scanning the fields at Gibbet Hill I found many Canada Geese but nothing more exotic was mixed in. Typically any medium sized black and gray bird, perched atop multiflora rose is a Mockingbird, but birders hope it'll be a shrike. There was a "mocker" on one rose thicket and 50 yards was a spiffy Northern Shrike..checked in scope and photographed!

A two shrike weekend!

Northern Shrike at Gibbet Hill.

Northern Mockingbird from another location during the day.

I had almost forgotten about Floyd Hill Road, a narrow little dead end road, that in past years has been very birdy! Fortunately things hadn't changed much, after "spishing away" a few minutes two female Purple Finches arrived, lots of Chickadees, Titmice, White-breasted Nuthatches, Goldfinches, Robins everywhere along with Hairy, Downy and Red-bellied Woodpeckers.

One of two female Purple Finches.
A Pileated Woodpecker began to call took flight in the distance, a Red-tailed Hawk landed nearby and spooked it off... further up the road I heard heavy rapping there were two Pileateds, each working a tree (I assume one of these was the previously spooked bird). They were also very cooperative as I walk under one of those trees it was raining tree bark.

A digi-bin shot of one of the Floyd Hill pileateds.

But like an old Billy Mays infomercial...wait there is more....a few hundred feet up the road a smallish dusky looking woodpecker flew into my screech owl imitation.... Yellow-bellied Sapsucker. This species was nearly unheard of in winter a few years ago in Massachusetts, while still unusual they are becoming more frequent, particulaly to the south and coast. But Groton is neither, so this was a nice bonus...and my 6th woodpecker species of the day!

A shot of the Yellow-bellied Sapsucker.

I enjoyed a nice sunset overlooking Surrenden Farm while I tallied the day's numbers.

The day's list, click to enlarge:
Page 1

Page 2

Athol CBC 12/18

2010-12-20T13:13:00.016-05:00

Jonathan Center and I covered the Baldwinville section of the Athol Christmas Bird Count this past Saturday. I began solo, before dawn, owling for a few hours with the payoff being one Northern Saw-whet Owl, a pack of howling coyotes and a beautiful star lite sky!

Jonathan and I met up at 7am and began birding along the Otter River, both American Tree and Song Sparrows were plentiful and an uncommon winter Swamp Sparrow. It was only the 2nd time I've had Swamp Sparrow in this section of the count.It had been cold the past several nights and the slower sections of river were frozen.

An American Tree Sparrow in flight, this species "won" top honors (in our section)for individuals counted with 95.

Near the end of Pleasant street we found both Winter and Carolina Wren, Cedar Waxwings, White-throated Sparrows and a small flock of Canada Geese (7 ) passed overhead. While Canada Geese would appear to be no "great shakes", during a colder winters they nearly absent from this part of Massachusetts. With recent cold conditions....this was a true bonus.

All gray and black birds "Teed up" on tree tops are scrutinized for Northern Shrike, but this was obviously a Mockingbird (below)....but this species is not very common in these parts. Usually there are one or two in the village, but they can be overlooked, but two made onto this year's ledger.

Northern Mockingbird

Another nice addition was 2 Ruffed Grouse, one flushed while walking the woods and the other flushed from a thicket adjacent to the woods, while we scanned a feeding station. But, an embarassing miss for the morning was Mourning Dove, but we would return to the village to look again after we covered the Lake Dennison area.

It was too cold for swimming, actually one ice fisherman was on the lake, perhaps the nuthatch was looking to partake in the "above" portion of the signage!

Another Swamp Sparrow was added near Lake Dennison and a big surprise was a Great Blue Heron that flushed from a grove of pine tree beside the frozen lake! Toward Birch Hill Dam, we checked for waterfowl along this faster moving section of river and after walking and scanning for an hour we only had a single mallard to show for the effort. While I was complaining, aloud, a Northern Shrike flew past, and landed low in brush at the edge of a clear cut.

Northern Shrike (Juvenile), just left of center.

Frozen Beaver Pond to the south east of Birch hill Dam.

After the shrike, our only new addition to the list would be the previously missed Mourning Dove, we added 9 upon returning to the village at the end of the day.

Below is the complete list from the day (click on the image to enlarge):

Barred Owl DOR 12/17

2010-12-17T16:15:00.006-05:00

Barred Owl Rte Gardner

While traveling east bound on Rte, in Gardner, today I noticed a dead bird on the side of the road. Upon stopping I discovered it was a Barred Owl. I recall the winter of 2007/2008 was a bad year for road kill Barred Owls. Birders were finding dead birds with a great deal of frequency. I recall in a few days time, during early March 2008, finding 3 along Rte 2 between Westminster and Gardner and seeing another further east, where it was not safe to stop.

a "head on " view
My three ended up with Natural Heritage and were eventually forwarded to Tufts U. for further study. It seemed likely that winter, there was a major influx of northern birds. My understanding, from speaking with Natural Heritage during a followup conversation, the birds had not staved to dead but likely were hunting near the roads and highways and were struck by traffic. Hopefully this coming season will not be a repeat!

Needle sharp talons!

Feeder Birds.....

2010-12-10T09:06:00.009-05:00

While Pine Siskins continue to dominate the numbers of birds visiting the feeders on the deck, some of the year in year out "staple" birds have provided some nice photo opportunities. Here are a few recent photos of Black-capped Chickadee and Tufted Titmouse.

Black-capped Chickadee near the back deck.

Working over a black oil sunflower seed.

Tufted Titmouse with handsome "posture".

Buffeted by a stiff wind. Working a seed and hanging on.

Another cold gust of wind from behind made for a unique "pose" while exposing it's ear hole!

Below is a graph of Black-capped Chickadee and Tufted Titmouse per party hour from Massachusetts over the past 50 years. Its hard to believe the Tufted Titmouse was nearly non-existant in Massachuetts 50 years ago.

Retrived December 9, 2010 from http://web4.audubon.org/bird/cbc/hr/index.html

Pine Siskins 12/2

2010-12-02T09:27:00.004-05:00

Pine Siskins continue to "show" strong at the feeding stations in my neighborhood, this morning a total of 30 decended on the deck. Thus far, the highest count I have seen this fall. Hopefully Common redpolls will soon follow. I have seen reports of redpolls from further north, and have read of a poor birch seed crop in parts of Canada...maybe by the first Christmas Bird Counts?

A recent backyard siskin.

Another nice surprise was a Northern Flicker that passed through the wood lot out back, generally an uncommon species this late in the fall.

Northern Cardinal (Female) and Gr. W-F Goose

2010-11-30T09:08:00.010-05:00

An illuminated bill!

A few days ago I snapped a few shots of a female cardinal on the back deck. It was windy and her crest was being blown about, which made for one particular comical "pose".

Full "portrait".
a cropped "head shot".

There has been a Greater White-fronted Goose in Milbury for the past few weeks, yesterday I traveled down that way and was fortunate to have some nice views before it and its associates (Canada Geese) took flight.
" floating" with Canadas....
..."on the run"...

...nearly airborn".

Also, was an "oddball" goose, I thought perhaps a hybrid but others have thought a leucistic Canada. After viewing another birder's photo I am inclined to agree. It is a free flying bird that comes and goes with the flock of 175+ Canadas to roost each evening and leave in the morning for feeding grounds.

"My" shot is below.

Any other opinions of the above goose are always welcomed

MWCC Wind Turbine hits the sky in Gardner 11/23

2010-11-23T17:54:00.008-05:00

Taken from Crystal Lake Cemetery.
I stopped by Mount Wachusett Community College, to pick some transcripts today, and saw one of the wind turbines being erected. A total of 2 turbines will be erected near the college, they are very similar in size to the pair just west of Mount Wachuestt and the single turbine at Narragansett Regional High School, in Templeton, Ma.

Here is link to a little more of this MWCC initiative.

Its nice to see efforts utilizing non petroleum based energy and I realize the effort isn't just about dollars and cents. However, I do wonder how fiscally viable these types of projects will be in the long run. Of course us bird people often are concerned about bird strike mortality, but there are certainly considerations of wildlife mortality from petro based energy. One such being the high concentration of methylmercury in the Common Loon population in the northeast USA.

Here are a few digiscope shots of the "head" of turbine #1 being lifted, taken from across Crystal Lake.

While looking through the scope I could make out a persons head in between the head and stanchion (the dark blob in middle of the space).

I understand Ashburnham is planning to install a similar sized wind turbine on Blood Hill, 2 miles south east of Mount Watatic in the near future.

Central Mass Waterfowl 11/21

2010-11-21T21:52:00.004-05:00

A Redhead was reported from Coachlace Pond in Clinton yesterday and I was fortunate it was still present this morning. Good early morning light provided a good opportunity to get a few digiscope shots. Also present were over 60 scaup, a few Common Goldeneyes and Hooded Mergansers.
Female Redhead with Greater Scaup on Coachlace Pond in Clinton.

There was a nice assortment of waterfowl on Lake Wickabaug in West Brookfield. It nothing that might compare to yesterday's fallout of Tundra Swans at Quabbin Park and a small Pond in Brimfield, but very respectful!

Canada Goose ....12
American Black Duck... 6
Mallard ...20
Lesser Scaup ...1
White-winged Scoter... 1 female
Black Scoter 14 all females
Hooded Merganser 37
Common Merganser 175
Red-breasted Merganser 1 female
Great Blue Heron 1
Ring-billed Gull 110
Herring Gull (American) 6
Great Black-backed Gull 6

Here is a distant shot of the White-winged Scoter.

There was also good numbers of waterfowl on Quaboag Pond topped by about 130 Common Mergansers, 6 Lesser Scaup and a distant soaring Bald Eagle.

I checked a small section of Pattapaug Pond, Gate 41 at Quabbin, which also had some nice birds, the highlights there were 4 Gadwall, 26 Black Ducks, 7 Ring-necked Ducks and 14 Hooded Mergansers.

Gadwall digiscope from about 400 meters.

The 29 Tundra Swans report from Sherman Pond in Brimfield had moved on, as did the 19 from Quabbin Park. Perhaps the clear sky and full moon last night, provided an opportunity for those birds to work the night shift. Many times out place waterfowl will move on very quickly from inland lakes and ponds.

Cardinal

2010-11-17T18:27:00.008-05:00

I can't remember ever posting a photo of a Northern Cardinal on this blog, perhaps I have, but I am too lazy to review all my posts, beginning in April of 2007. One landed near my feeding station this afternoon and I happened get a few shots:

Looking for predators?

A profile...

Perplexed?

Nearly a full body shot...

You can see the house in the bird's eye

Looking like Mr. Magoo.

Finally the whole bird.

I shot these through my scope and the shutter speed was fairly low, I snapped the photo below as the bird flew...looking almost like it would leave its feet behind.

A "clear" Black-capped Chickadee "on the run".

Mt. Watatic 11/1/2010

2010-11-01T18:52:00.007-04:00

Another Golden Eagle passed Mt. Watatic this morning about 10 minutes after I had my gear setup. As it was, this was the closest raptor I would see all day and not another "golden" was to be had.

The Oak leaf moves in for the kill!

Golden Eagle as it soars away in the thermal it was riding....the white patches on the base of the flight feathers show nicely, while bird on the 29th had very limited white wing patches.

Golden Eagle over Mt. Watatic.....if only they all "showed" so nicely.

A few Snow Buntings fed in the grassy areas near the east and main summit.

Migrant raptors:

Bald Eagle 1 adult

Sharp-shinned Hawk 5

Cooper's Hawk 1

Red-shouldered Hawk 7

Red-tailed Hawk 49

Golden Eagle 1 juvenile

Also:

Brant a flock of 70 headed south

White-winged Crossbill 1 ---heard well as I was leaving, it called from in the spruces (lacking a good cone crop this year) and then i heard it as it moved on south. Perhpas this is a prelude of more to come?

Wampanoag Audubon Sanctuary 10/30

2010-10-30T18:08:00.006-04:00

I hawkwatched from 10AM to just after 1PM today, at the Wampanoag MAS in Gardner,and despite the strong southwest wind averaging ~15MPH, there was a fair movement of hawks. The flight was more or less in slow motion, as these determined raptors had to fight a tough head wind. Of course this allowed for prolonged views and it kept them fairly low.

A Northern Goshawk, a handsome adult, passed low overhead, though it did not look to be a migrant, as it passed from west to east, eventually dropping into the trees. These few fuzzy shots do not justify the view "in person".

The "gos" overhead...

...soaring..
headed east...
Just after the "gos" passed a juvenile Bald Eagle came into view, from the northeast passing closely over headed southwest.
This photo, nearly the same "pose" as yesterday's Golden Eagle from Mt. Watatic, note the larger headed and billed Bald's head protrudes so much more than the Golden for 10/29.
You don't get'em much closer than this...

Red-tail hawks...no surprise in late October...were the most numerous hawk species today.

One of 25 Red-tailes that passed, not bad considering the tough head wind.

While making a "pit stop" near the adjacent forest, I noticed this "odd-ball" leucistic Black-capped Chickadee. I have come across more than 1/2 dozen of odd plumaged chickadees over the years.

Note the pink feet!

Mottled black and white head....

..an eyestripe... must be trick or treating as a Mountain Chickadee this year!?

The hawk total from today:

Turkey Vulture 2

Bald Eagle 2 (1 Juv. and 1 Adult)

Sharp-shinned Hawk 5

Red-Shouldered Hawk 1

Red-Tailed Hawk 25

also, not migrating an Osprey thats been hanging out at Lake Wampanoag for the past few weeks and the Goshawk.

Pine Siskin 5, American Crow 194 migrating and of course many robins!

Mt. Watatic 10/29

2010-10-29T14:50:00.014-04:00

I spent a few hours hawkwatching on Mt. Watatic this morning and the first bird was an unidentified eagle off the Wapack Ridge and then it disappear below the horizon. It seemed to have more fluid wing beats than a Bald Eagle when it flapped.....otherwise it gave away little as to its true indentity. But, after 10 mintues the bird never resurfaced and it appeared this one, perhaps a Golden Eagle had "escaped", log entery 1 "UE". Another 5 or 10 minutes passed and I spotted raven not too far out over the main summitt....and beside it....was a Golden (a juvenile)! It soared briefly with the raven and quickly "set its wings" to make a long glide to the southwest.
A few "record" shots, poor ones at that.

its golden nape is visible here and a bit of its "two-toned" tail.
Its white tail with strongly demarcated dark terminal band shows a little better in this shot.

I am not sure if this was the "lost bird" from a few mintues before...but its doubtfull I'll loose any sleep over it.

Rain showers moving in from the west.

Total migrate raptor for the moring:
Osprey 1
Sharp-shinned Hawk 3
Cooper's Hawk 1
Red-shouldered hawk 3
Red-tailed Hawk 4
Peregrine Falcon 1
Golden Eagle 1

Recent Worcester County Hilights

2010-10-27T14:03:00.010-04:00

A Raven just off the "ledge" of Mt. Watatic, one of 17 that circled and frolicked about on the afternoon of 10/23.

The full moon was impressive as it rose over Sterling, Ma. during the evening of 10/23, this just after watching literally thousands of American Robins arriving to roost in the area immediately surrounding Muddy Pond!

Just a "tiny" snapshot of the robins arriving ...what you can not see is all the birds behind them, below them, above them, behind me..... and they just kept on coming! The magnitude of the flight is best observed in the morning at dawn, as they leave the roost. A systematic attempt at estimating the birds on 11/26 put the total over 50,000 robins. Similar large roosts have been witnessed on Cape Cod and even larger roosts of robins occur down south, where some reports have exceeded a million robins.

These Sterling birds are roosting in mainly deciduous trees and shrubs but some white pines are nearby. I would suspect the roost may begin to breakup over the next few weeks or they may simply move to the near by conifers...should they not cleanout the food supply! Regardless of the exact number this is an impressive sight!

This handsome Pectoral Sandpiper dropped in beside me, allowing me to run back to the car, grab the scope and digi-scope these shots against the red scrubby foliage.

Same bird.

This Woodchuck posed nicely at Bolton Flats on Sunday the 24th.

A few Northern harriers have been coursing over the field of Bolton, this juvenile was just over the corn stalks to the north of Rte 117

The "tail end" of a large flock of passing Common Grackles at Bolton Flats.

Sterling Peat is not the only locale with a large roost of birds, on Sunday evening Chuck and I counted nearly 30,000 blackbirds (predominately Common Grackles) flying passed Bolton Flats headed to roost. We also tallied at least 1,000 American Robins, so even though it would seem every robin in Worcester County is roosting in Sterling, that is not the case! Back in the 1960's, reports from "The Chickadee" mention a blackbird (mainly Common Grackles) roost that existed in Oxford, Ma. of a million birds.

While many rarities have also turned up in the state, these large autumn roosts of common birds are equally impressive.

Wachusett Reservoir and Bolton Flats 10/12

2010-10-13T15:55:00.008-04:00

I visited Wachusett Reservoir on the morning 10/12 hoping that perhaps some Black Scoters and other waterfowl. While no scoters of any type were present, there were 21 Common Loons, 2 Red-necked Grebes and 2 Horned Grebes...leading the way for water birds. The Horned Grebes were out in the middle and too distant to even bother lifting the camera, but a few loons and one of the Red-necks were cooperative.

Common Loon with forehead "raised".

Another COLO, this one was a local breeder....

While preening it showed off one of its "sporty" leg bands, my spreadsheet with the state's banding data show this is a female that was banded on Washusett Reservoir in 2000, 10 years ago! Also note, there is a Quabbin bird that was banded in 2003 with orange bands on the left leg too, but each of these has different colors on the right side.

This Red-necked Grebe appeared suspended!

The flat sounding "check" notes of many Yellow-rumped Warblers in the nearby wood lots could be heard, we are still in the peak of this species passing through the area. Common resident species such as Tufted Titmouse and Blue Jays showed well too.

Tufted Titmouse foraging in the oaks.

This Blue Jay posed nicely.

An American Coots was a nice surprise on nearby South Meadow Pond along with 50+ Mallards, 1 American Wigeon, a Green-winged Teal and a dozen Ring-necked Duck. Greater Scaup numbers on Coachlace Pond grew from 2 last week to 21 yesterday.

Later I headed over to Bolton Flats to see how the sparrow-fest was progressing, and it was! While I did not find any rarities, there were good numbers of Swamp, Song and White throated Sparrows of which I counted over a 100 of each...though keeping trackin the weedy habitat is diffiecult to say the least, but you should get the idea! Mixed in were a few White-crowned, Savanah, only one Lincoln's and a few Juncos.

The farmer was beginning to cut the corn stalks, he did manage to get stuck in a wet depression, but he managed to work the rig out with some skill and finess. This activity kept the Red-winged Blackbirds on the move, approx. 1,000 were roving the area.

Good numbers of Yellow-rumped Warblers, a dozen plus Palm Warbler (2 westerns were in the mix), a Blackpoll and Common Yellowthroat. 14 Tree Swallows were a nice sight, perhaps the last I'll see of this species for the year (at least in Worcester County) and many Ruby-crowned Kinglets, a few American Pipits and migrating hawks and Canada Geese high overhead.

Savanah Sparrow.

Swamp Sparrow

a leusistic Song Sparrow, I seem to find at least one leusistic version of this species nearly every year.

A normal Song Sparrow.

An immature White-crowned Sparrow, looking rather reagle next to a song sparrow.

A nice surpise were 2 Yellow-billed Cuckoos in the same tree at close range, the light was bad but I managed one photo through the binocular. There have been many reports in the last week on MASSBIRD.

Yellow-billed Cuckoo.

A few other noteable species were Blue-headed Vireo, House Wren, Marsh Wren and two Northern Harriers.

Some nice fall colors along the path on the south side of rte 117.

Fitchburg Airport 10/1

2010-10-01T13:37:00.004-04:00

I made a quick stop by the Fitchburg Airport this morning, 10/1, and was fortunate to find 3 American Golden-Plovers. A very deep and loud "shot" went off (either from a contruction site or a noise deterrent to scare the crows from the runway) and put up 14 Killdeer and the "goldens". In flight they all circled the airport for about 15 minutes before settling back in the grass. I got one fuzzy digi-scope shot ...

American Golden Plovers at Fitchburg Airport

Also, noteable were 2 handsome Coyotes walking the edge of the runway.

The Peregrine Falcon, below, was near Wachusett Reservior just before the heavy wind and rains began. It passed me point blank but I didn't get a shot off until it moved away.
A digi-bin shot of a juv. Peregrine Falcon

Mid September Mount Watatic

2010-10-01T12:51:00.013-04:00

Here are some images from the Mount Watatic Hawkwatch, in Ashburnham, Ma., from the middle of September. The results from mid- september can be found at Hawkcount.org

Looking toward the east summit watch site from the summit cairn.

Steve Hoffman, 3rd from the left, founder of Hawkwatch International and the guest speaker for this year's Eastern Mass Hawkwatch meeting joined us on Sept. 11.

Paul scanning to the east

Preetinder photographing

Its doubtfull there many birds in the sky when every one is looking in a different direction.
" Aurrrr....rogue kettle off ye west flank of Pack...look quick ... so ya don't catch ye scurvy"

Broad-winged hawk in good light.

heading away...

nice tail!

Yes, Broad-wings will soar with a slight dihedrel, certain conditions of strong thermal lift.

Note the "left over" juvenile plumage on the outer tail feathers of this Broad-wing.

Close in Sharp-shin (juv.)

..same "shin" another angle ..note full crop

Distant Bald Eale passing below the summit

Osprey overhead

Juvenile Red-tailed Hawk

Stilt Sandpiper and Little Blue Heron (Sterling Ma.)

2010-09-13T13:59:00.012-04:00

Within the last week, two more "good birds" have made appearances at Muddy Pond, at Sterling Peat. On Sept. 5th Bart Kamp (with Donna Schilling and Dave Grant, I believe) found 5 Stilt Sandpipers, which stayed for a few days. One lingered long enough for me to see upon my return from a hiking trip.

Showing a little leg and its slightly decurved bill.

and feeding.

Brad Blodget had found a Little Blue Heron about 3 weeks back, and it (I presume the same bird, but there is no way to be certain) resurfaced a few days ago. Word got out and I was fortunate see it and return to get a few digi-scope shots.

On the hunt...

Like an old Batman episode...POW!

Bingo...a small sunfish..

"Reflecting" after a good meal!

It seems like every day or two another Great Egret joins in on the fun, the count today was up to TEN.

TEN great Egrets (the Little Blue was not in this photo) and a Great Blue Heron in back.

Two more "goodies" for Sterling Peat 9/2

2010-09-02T13:01:00.006-04:00

Ian Davies messaged me late this morning to say he and Jessica Johnson had two good birds at Sterling Peat, a Baird's Sandpiper and Buff-breasted Sandpiper. I snapped a few shots.....Thank You Ian and Jessica! The Baird's

The Buff-breasted Sandpiper on the "hunt"....

...Digging in!

Also of note were SIX Great Egrets feeding in the shallows, an excellent count for Worcester County.

"Sterling Peat" Birds August 2010

2010-09-01T08:11:00.010-04:00

The low water level at Muddy Pond in Sterling, AKA Sterling Peat, has attracted a nice assortment of wading birds over month of August. A number of different birders visiting the site during this period of low water, shows that persistant coverage of even a small area of unique habitat will prove to be productive.

An adult Great Blue Heron.

A juvenile Great Blue.

Great Egrets have been present, 5 were present on 8/31!

A juvenile Green Heron, "releasing" its sharp call note.

This adult Green Heron was patiently awaiting a meal.

Glossy Ibis are considered "rare but regular" in Central Massachusett, usually only a few reports are received each year and typically in spring. This bird was present in Sterling for 4 or 5 days and was enjoyed by many local birders.

Here it had just grabbed a "bite", a small crawfish.

Some shorebirds that were present during the month are below.

Killdeer numbered as high as 27 on the 31st.

Lesser Yellowlegs.

Greater Yellowlegs.

Solitary Sandpiper.

Least Sandpiper.

Two Semipalmated Sandpipers, with Least Sandpiper.

A rare inland Wilson's Phalarope.

The Wilson's with a Lesser yellowlegs.

Toward the end of the month, Common Nighthawks were present in numbers near Sterling Peat, on the 29th I had a nice count of just under 800 nighthawks from Merril Road (about a mile south of Muddy Pond). Here are a few digi-bin shots below.

Note these two birds (one center, the other "partial" above right) feeding just over a residential backyard. I don't think the homeowners who were outside, even notice the dozen or so birds feeding just over their heads.

A few other species that I didn't capture on "film" were Spotted Sandpiper, Semipalmated Plover, Black-bellied Plover (a fly-over) and the Little Blue Heron that Brad Blodget found late in the month that hasn't been seen since, as of this date.

White Moutains, NH (The "Bonds") 8/20-21

2010-08-26T08:45:00.015-04:00

More times than not, when I have asked hikers what their favorite hike (and views) in New Hampshire's White Mountains is, the answer has often been "The Bonds". These 3 peaks (Mts. Bondcliff, Bond and West Bond) are in the heart of the Pemigewasset Wilderness, on the north side of the Kancmagus Highway. Last Friday Karin and I decided make the journey and hoofed it in 11+ miles, stayed at the Guyot Campsite/Shelter area, and returned on Saturday.

The classic pose on Bondcliff (West Bond is in the background), the photographer (Carl from Pa.) had just told us of a co-worker's relative, who'd fallen to her death when she took one step too far back during a photo opp. in Egypt. Not what we needed to hear before stepping out on the ledge!

This hike begins on the Lincoln Woods/Wilderness Trails (off the Kancamagus Highway) then onto the Bondcliff Trail. The first 5 miles follows an old railroad bed, which was once used for logging. This section, along the rail bed, is easy and follows the East Branch of the Pemigewasset River for much of its length.

A view up the E. Branch of "The Pemi" river, I believe thats our destination in the distance.

The next 4 to 5 miles, along the Bondcliff Trail, gain elevation at a steady rate, several stream crossings (that posed no issues, but would in high water conditions), some mud here and there and a steep (but managable) "scamble" just before breaking above treeline and reaching the summit area of Bondcliff. With clear crisp weather, the views were indeed ..... remarkable...in all directions!

Looking SW toward Loon Mountian ski area, the E. Branch of the "Pemi" cuts a rocky ribbon through the forest far below.

The view east toward Mts. Flume, Liberty and the south section of the Franconia Ridge.

West toward Mt. Carrigan

North toward Mt Bond, the nest 1+ mile is above tree line, the trail can be seen as a narrow ribbon along the exposed ridge.

Looking WNW Mts. Flume, Liberty, Lincoln and Lafayette (from L to R), with Owl's Head below center. Its called Owl's Head, but to me it looks like a giant sleeping six legged reptile (its head to the left, legs, back and tail to the right).

The view NE toward the presidential range, with Mt. Washington just left of center.

After hiking along the ridge we continued onto the Guyot Shelter/Camp site, and after a bit of confusion as to the proper protocal we ended up staying in the shelter. There was a nice group of hikers (and dogs), some we'd already met on the summit of Bond and Bondcliff, and we a good time visiting and getting to know them.

I had a relatively sleepless night, note to self "move ear pluges closer to the top of the priority list", as one hiker's snoring may have registered on some geologist's rictor scale.

On Saturday morning we hiked to West Bond and enjoyed more spectacular views, it was nice to know we'd follow the previous day's route back. The views while passing back over Bond and Bondcliff would offer a slightly different perspective as we'd have the morning sun vs. the previous day's mid-day sun.

From West Bond looking north to South Twin Mountain.

This stand loose Balsam Fir let in the sun rays, often the Balsam is very thick and nearly

impenetrable to both sunlight and hikers.

The view from Bond down to Bondcliff and open ridge that connects the two mountains.

Mt. Garfield to the north west, was looking spectacular!

Some "alpine" vegetation, the trails are marked well to help prevent hikers from tramping these plants.

This growth was most interesting, I believe its some type of coral fungus.

After hiking back below tree line the hike out seemed longer than the hike in, while the distance was the same and down hill, the cumlative effect of our over night packs was having its effect, particulaly on the feet. The thoughts of "Pemi Ale' at the Woodstock Inn helped us keep a brisk pace despite the aching feet!

For a more detailed perspective of the hike to Bondcliff, check Steve D. Smith's account HERE. Steve owns a book/map store in Lincoln, NH ("The Mountain Wanderer) that caters to Hiking and other outdoor activities, his store is always worth a visit whether to browse books or ask for advice.

Sterling Peat 8/18 (Wilson's Phalarope)

2010-08-18T14:19:00.010-04:00

While running an errand early this afternoon, I stopped by Sterling Peat where low water has been attracting shorebirds. I was pleasantly surprised to find a basic plumaged Wilson's Phalarope among the bunch.

On the water

Near Lesser Yellowlegs, there were a 1/2 dozen Lesser Yellowlegs and they tended to harrass the phalarope frequently.

Preening

a plain pose
an acrobatic digi-bin shot as it flew toward me.

The previous evening I had a very poor look at shorebird over Wachusett Reservoir which seemed to spend a good deal of time over the water, coursing about. The thought of Northern Phalarope had crossed my mind and I left with the feeling a "big one" had gotten away. That certainly maybe why I had Red-necked on the brain today....IF it had been a phalarpe at all....

***Origianlly I report this as a Red-necked Phalarope, of course it is indeed a Wilson's ...as soon as I realized the error the phone rang and the emails came through...saying "Hey Tom".

Franconia Ridge (NH) 8/7

2010-08-12T08:59:00.021-04:00

Karin and I hiked a favorite "loop" in the White Mountains this past weekend, that being the Franconia Ridge, high above Franconia Notch. We made a steep accent up the Falling Waters Trail at a steady pace, but taking time to enjoy the scenic water falls in route.

This small waterfall is within a 1/2 mile of the trailhead....

...this one just a bit further up the trail.

Despite the temperatures being in the low 40's (f) overnight and still remaining very cool for August, it didn't take long to work up a good sweat! But, after just under 3 miles of steady climbing that "sweat equity" began to pay dividends, as the next 2 miles of trail are above tree line along the spectacular Franconia Ridge, which passes over Mts. Lincoln (5069') and Lafayette (5260').

The view of Cannon Mtn., just as we broke above the tree line.

Looking west at the peaks of South Kinsman Mtn (left) and North Kinsman (center) and Lonesome Lake (about dead center).

Looking northwest down onto Cannon Mtn. , I 93 can be seen left just below center.

Looking east, the Presidental Range (far horizon), "The Bonds" (next middle ridge line) and the north "slope" of Owl's Head (the low closest ridge).

The view south from Mt. Lincoln, the trail "follows" the ridge, the two cone shaped peaks are Mts. Flume (L) and Liberty (R), you can see a little of the upper slopes of Loon Mtn. Ski area between the two.

Not only is this area extremely popular for hikers, but sailplanes can been seen riding the ridge lift and thermals off these mountains.

Still hooked on, but soon to be set free.

The plane below cruised by below eye level, at close range too close in fact to get a digi-bin shot, but a I got a few shots once the aircraft was further out.

Of course the magnification of digi-bin shot makes this glider look as if its more precariously positioned than it really was.

It appears if these folks may soon meet accidentally but, the sail plane was soon soaring over the summit in a thermal (below).

Hikers and pilot enjoying the summit of Mt. Lafayette.

While the pilots work their sailplanes with skill and precision, they are no match for the Raven. The above bird nearly landed on our heads, so we were told be a near by hiker, the ski slopes of Cannon Mountain are way below.

To complete the "loop" one hikes down the Bridle Path Trail from Lafayette back to the trailhead to complete the "loop" which is just under 9.0 miles. The AMC Green leaf Hut is just off the Bridle Path Trail and is well worth a visit for fresh water or a snack. This loop can be hiked from either direction.

A multi-dimensional view, the Kinsmans (2 peaks to the left), Lonesome Lake below the Kinsmans, Cannon Mtn (and its spectacular cliffs to the right) and the Bridle Path follows the ridge line in the foreground.

Lichen growing on the foundation of Greenleaf Hut.

A nice sunset , back at the Water Rest Campground at the days end.

Hardwick...NE Quabbin 8/4

2010-08-04T21:33:00.012-04:00

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.

................

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.