More Pine Grosbeaks...including one at home

Pine Grosbeak, Winsor Dam, Quabbin Park, Nov 23, 2012

Pine Grosbeak, Winsor Dam, Quabbin Park, Nov 23, 2012

I spent the morning of what will probably be the last nice and somewhat warm day for awhile at Quabbin Park.  I arrived right around dawn and the fog was fairly thick at most spots.  The dam was totally obscured as were areas in the park where I typically get views of the water to check for waterfowl.  The view from Enfield lookout was partially obscured by fog but small areas of the reservoir could be viewed but the only bird on the water was a distant Common Loon.  I did have at least three Pine Grosbeaks flyover here but they did not appear to land nearby.  I then tried Hanks Meadow but no visibility.  I could hear ducks out on the water as well as loons calling but could see nothing.  I did have a Red Crossbill flyover here which I got a recording of in order to find out its specific type.  Also had four White winged Crossbills at various spots.  I then  headed over to Goodnough and Gate 52 but again visibility was limited.  The fog finally lifted a bit later in the morning and I got some views of the water which contained a dozen Horned Grebes and three Common Loons with most of these birds at Hanks Meadow.  I then headed back out past Goodnough and found another single Red Crossbill near the powerline cut.  This bird was distinctly different sounding from the bird earlier in the morning and I yet again obtained some recordings.  Route 9 marsh held seven Hooded Mergansers, a little over a dozen Mallards and 17 Canada Geese as well as at least three River Otters.

Pine Grosbeak, Winsor Dam, Quabbin Park, Nov 23, 2012

Pine Grosbeak, Winsor Dam, Quabbin Park, Nov 23, 2012

Pine Grosbeak, Winsor Dam, Quabbin Park, Nov 23, 2012

My final stop was a return back to Winsor Dam where I immediately heard Pine Grosbeaks again and discovered nine feeding in the largest crabapple tree near the headquarters building.  This species has certainly arrived in force the last few days.  Not much else of note here with just a single Common loon out on the nearly calm waters.

I spent the afternoon at home catching up on yard work and was justly rewarded with a new yard bird when at least one Pine Grosbeak flew over.  This brings my total for our two acres to 149 species!  There was also at least one Winter Wren around the house (and at times in the house as he came in the open garage to feed among the wood stacked inside).