I finally got a nice day off to spend out looking for some good stuff. Good stuff was certainly out there to be found. Although the bird song has dropped off quite a bit there are still some vocal birds out there and alot of birds to be found with a little looking. A nice traveling group of a dozen Baltimore Orioles together at Quabbin park was nice as were the several juvenile warblers of a few species feeding with them. Although I only spent a short time at Quabbin Park it was nice to get back in there.
The highlights of the day spent with a DCR biologist surveying for loons included a total of 13 adult loons and three chicks as well as an adult still on an active nest. Also had two large groups of Common Merganser ducklings with a total of 33 little guys (and girls). Another great bird for the day was a Merlin that shot past us being pursued by Eastern Kingbirds. The Merlin took a swipe at something on a sandbar and then continued south. An early migrant? Another possible breeder in the area? Who knows?
Larry, your report sounds very interesting. This week is looking pretty soggy, but I'll grabe the next nice day to take a trip to Quabbin Park. What's the best route in the park?
ReplyDeleteI usually take the ride around the administration road stopping at various spots along the way for short walks. Depending on how much time I have I may make a few longer walks. Some spots are alot more productive then others but thats the case most everywhere!
ReplyDeleteGlad to have found your blog. Very nice to hear about the breeding success of the Common Loons you saw. It will be interesting to see if the loons who are currently nesting are successful with the continued soggy weather we are having. I will be crossing my fingers!
ReplyDeleteSeveral nest failed earlier in the season but there has finally been some success. Hopefully the one on the nest will be successful too.
ReplyDelete