Assisting with preps for a state big day

Spotted Sandpipers, Quabbin Park, MA, May 22, 2015

Spotted Sandpipers, Quabbin Park, MA, May 22, 2015

Northern Cardinal, Quabbin Park, MA, May 22, 2015

Red eyed Vireo, Quabbin Park, MA, May 22, 2015

Although I will not be taking part directly, I have been assisting in scouting out target species in the valley for a group trying to beat the state wide big day record (which they beat last year with a total of 195 species).  The goal this year is to not only beat the record but to top the 200 species mark....which is certainly possible but far from certain.  The group will start at midnight out in the Berkshires and then come through the valley before heading out to the coast and eventually down to the cape to finish the day.  The original plan was to run the route on Saturday but given the forecast for a cold start and windy weather on that day the new plan is to make the attempt on Sunday which should feature warmer temperatures, lighter winds and southerly winds the night before. A blog post from Ian regarding last years record setting big day can be found at the following link:
http://birdingacrosstheglobe.blogspot.com/2014/05/new-massachusetts-big-day-record-24-may.html

As part of the scouting I met up with Ian today to go over the Quabbin Park portion of their day as well as other nearby areas.  I spent a good part of the morning exploring Quabbin Park (a couple hours with Ian) and found a total of 93 species.  Still some migrants around but most birds appeared to be on territory.  Hopefully all the prep work by those taking part as well as those lending a hand will result in a fruitful day full of good birds and good luck.  I will update on what their final numbers end up being as soon as I hear from Ian.  Full lists from this morning at Winsor Dam and Quabbin Park below:

Quabbin Park
http://ebird.org/ebird/view/checklist?subID=S23575837

Winsor Dam
http://ebird.org/ebird/view/checklist?subID=S23573021
http://ebird.org/ebird/view/checklist?subID=S23575799