Quick stop at Quabbin Park

Horned Grebes, Quabbin Park, Nov 18, 2013

Greater and Lesser Scaup, Quabbin Park, Nov 18, 2013

Greater and Lesser Scaup, Quabbin Park, Nov 18, 2013

Greater and Lesser Scaup, Quabbin Park, Nov 18, 2013

Winsor Dam just as the rain is ending, Nov 18, 2013

A very unusual day today with temperatures starting off in the upper 50’s this morning and warming into the mid 60’s with a strong southwest wind following some heavy rain last night that lingered into the morning.  The winds are forecast to switch to west and then northwest overnight into tomorrow which should move some birds.  The southern winds may have displaced some western/southern species so looking out for something unusual could pay off.  The Cave Swallows have not really shown up in large numbers this season in the east as of yet but you never know what the latest winds will bring.  The northwest winds should get additional waterfowl on the move and I will be looking for some species in particular such as Tundra Swan.  Time will tell if I have any luck.  I will be out looking tomorrow braving the strong winds and cold temperatures in the hopes of finding something interesting  This morning I had a little time before work so made a swing through Quabbin Park where I found a few species of waterfowl including two Greater Scaup along with a Lesser Scaup at Winsor Dam, nine Common Mergansers, a couple Mallards, ten Canada Geese, five Common Loons and 11 Horned Grebes.  I also had 14 Wild Turkeys, at least four Bald Eagles and a late Ruby crowned Kinglet at Gate 52.