Quabbin Park and Lake Wallace

 

Ruby throated Hummingbird, Quabbin Park, June 16, 2013

Ruby throated Hummingbird, Quabbin Park, June 16, 2013

 

Yellow throated Vireo, Quabbin Park, June 16, 2013

 

Cedar Waxwings, Quabbin Park, June 16, 2013

 

Enfield lookout, Quabbin Park, June 16, 2013

 

Winsor Dam at dawn, Quabbin Park, June 16, 2013

 

I spent a few hours this morning around Quabbin Park and then over to Lake Wallace. Not surprisingly I didn't find anything unusual given the fact that it is mid June and most (if not all) species seen now are local breeders. Nonetheless it is still interesting to watch the activities of these birds as they raise the next generation.   I made stops at Winsor Dam, Enfield lookout, Hanks Meadow and Goodnough Dike plus the Route 9 marsh at Quabbin Park.

 

Great Blue Heron on nest, Lake Wallace, Belchertown, MA, June 16, 2013

 

Painted Turtles, Lake Wallace, Belchertown, MA, June 16, 2013

At Lake Wallace I had a few species of waterfowl including three adult female Hooded Mergansers (no young seen), three Wood Ducks (again, no young), Mallard with four quite large ducklings and several Canada Geese with young of various ages. The Great Blue Heron continues to sit on the lone nest and a nearby Green Heron added another wader species. At least two Virginia Rails continue to call from the marsh section of the lake.

The day clouded up quickly and occasional showers started up by late morning.

 

Chimney Swift, Amherst, MA, June 15, 2013

Last night I spent some time in Amherst with several other birders following up on a report of an unusual hummingbird seen at a private residence. Despite a lot of looking and waiting the suspect hummingbird never showed. The bird may have been an odd ruby throated hummingbird or perhaps something more exotic but we didn't have any luck finding it. The homeowner will keep her eyes out and if the bird shows up again she will let us know.