Ruddy Duck at Lake Metacomet

Ruddy Duck, Lake Metacomet, Belchertown, MA, Oct 14, 2014

Ruddy Duck, Lake Metacomet, Belchertown, MA, Oct 14, 2014

Ruddy Duck, Lake Metacomet, Belchertown, MA, Oct 14, 2014

Great Blue Heron, Lake Metacomet, Belchertown, MA, Oct 14, 2014

Common Raven, Lake Metacomet, Belchertown, MA, Oct 14, 2014

After a warm front passed through last night we were treated to warm temperatures today (in the low 70’s) courtesy of southerly winds and this will likely continue through Thursday when a front passes through giving us a chance of some heavy rain and potentially severe weather.  With these conditions migrants from the north will be few and far between but perhaps the southerly winds will bring in something from the south?  I still tried to turn up something of interest at Winsor Dam this morning but the low clouds and occasional drizzle made it tough to view the water.  During the day I heard from Evan that he has had a Ruddy Duck at Lake Metacomet in Belchertown the last few days and I stopped by briefly to try to get a look.  I managed to pick up the bird fairly quickly but the glare off the water and the distance made viewing a bit tough but I still got some good looks.  The bird was actively feeding and didn't seem to be in much of a hurry to leave.  Other birds around included a Pied billed Grebe, a Great Blue Heron that landed just in front of me and a vocal Common Raven as well as several sparrows.  The Ruddy Duck becomes species #232 for Hampshire County this year...two new birds for the year in as many days in October is great as far as I'm concerned.