Northern Saw-whet Owl, Hampshire College, Amherst, MA, Dec 2, 2012 |
Dark eyed Junco, Hampshire College, Amherst, MA, Dec 2, 2012 |
I then headed back through the fog to Quabbin stopping at Winsor Dam to see if I could once again catch up with Pine Grosbeaks there. I immediately found them feeding on the ground and in the crab apple trees. As the fog made viewing the water nearly impossible I spent some time just admiring the grosbeaks. As I stood there watching them several dropped in around me and walked right up to me. One even came and and walked over my feet as I stood there...amazing to see! Pine Grosbeaks can be so much fun to watch as they are usually so oblivious to people. There were birds out on the water as I could hear Mallards, Ring billed Gulls and loons but only the loon was ever visible in the dense fog.
I also took a walk with Wilson along the Jabish Canal but the birds were very few and far between there.
A return trip to Winsor Dam in the early afternoon found the fog starting to lift but the grosbeaks gone. There were a handful of birds out on the water including a couple Common Loons, four Hooded Mergansers, four Black Ducks and a Mallard. A flyby adult Bald Eagle also made a short appearance.
Pileated Woodpecker, Belchertown, MA, Dec 2, 2012 |
Hi Larry, I Have been reading your blog for some time. Enjoy reading your Quabbin encounters. I also was at Quabbin Park both Saturday and Sunday staying till mid morning.
ReplyDeleteThis weekend I reached 500 miles hiking the roads and trails of Quabbin Reservoir. You can veiw my wildlife encounters @ http://hikingcamerawildlife.smugmug.com/
What type of camera and lens are you using?
I am sure we have crossed paths. I typically have a pack on carrying my camera on a monopod.
If you happen to see me I would enjoy meeting you
Jim
I'm sure we have crossed paths a few times. That is quite a milestone...congrats. Some amazing stuff over those 500 miles I'm sure.
ReplyDeleteI'm using a Canon 7D with a 300 prime lens with a 1.4x converter for most photos. Some photos are through the scope using my iPhone or just the iPhone itself.
I'll check out your site and keep my eye out for you while I'm out and about.
Larry
Larry,
ReplyDeleteYou've had some great birds in Hampshire County this year, perhaps the county will give up 4 more for an even 230! Though adding 4 to your already impressive list will prove tough, you can't have any easy ones left!
Tom,
ReplyDeleteIndeed it has been a great year. I would love to add 4 more but that will be tough! I missed on some easy ones over the course of the year (American Bittern and Black Vulture for example). Still have a few weeks, so who knows?