Gate 22 this morning

 

Dawn at gate 22, Aug 17, 2013

Bald Eagle on Osprey platform, Gate 22, Aug 17, 2013

Merlin (one of two), Gate 22, Aug 17, 2013

I headed up to Quabbin Gate 22 in New Salem before dawn to see if I could catch up with any of the egrets seen there over the last few days (Great and Snowy Egrets). I started the long walk down to the water just before six and arrived about a half hour later. The fog and early morning light made it difficult to see the islands really well but after quite a bit of time looking I'm fairly certain there were no egrets there this morning on the west side of the island. I did have some good stuff including two Merlins that were harassing the crows and I eventually had one perch in a tree at which point it was harassed by a hummingbird. The only shorebirds I had there included two each of Greater Yellowlegs and Spotted Sandpipers. Other notable birds at Gate 22 included a Northern Harrier and at least five Common Loons plus a Bald Eagle perched up on the Osprey platform the entire time I was down at the waters edge. I had a handful of passerines around but nothing too unusual.

 

Green Heron, Route 9 marsh, Aug 17, 2013

Double crested Cormorant and Ring billed Gull, Winsor Dam, Aug 17, 2013

I then headed back south and made a brief stop at Winsor Dam and the Route 9 marsh. Winsor Dam had a couple of Double crested Cormorants and the marsh had a few Wood Ducks and a Great Blue Heron and Green Heron.