Various stops around the valley, TS Erika starts to fizzle and the fourth anniversary of Irene

Common Yellowthroat, Honey Pot, Hadley, MA, Aug 28, 2015

Bobolink, Honey Pot, Hadley, MA, Aug 28, 2015

Song Sparrow, Honey Pot, Hadley, MA, Aug 28, 2015

Merlin, Honey Pot, Hadley, MA, Aug 28, 2015

Olive sided Flycatcher, Jabish Canal, Belchertown, MA, Aug 28, 2015

East Meadows at dawn, Northampton, MA, Aug 28, 2015

House Wren, Honey Pot, Hadley, MA, Aug 28, 2015

I spent this morning covering a wide variety of areas starting before dawn at Winsor Dam where I had at least two calling Eastern Whip Poor Wills and ending along the Jabish Canal with two Olive sided Flycatchers. Between these stops I had lots of other stuff but nothing too unexpected. The early morning fog made viewing a bit difficult as I checked the Honey Pot and East Meadows for shorebirds but eventually the fog burned off (I still didn't have much luck with shorebirds even after the fog burned off). Full lists from the various stops are attached below:

Winsor Dam: http://ebird.org/ebird/view/checklist?subID=S24791875
Honey Pot: http://ebird.org/ebird/view/checklist?subID=S24786048
East Meadows: http://ebird.org/ebird/view/checklist?subID=S24787481
Arcadia:  http://ebird.org/ebird/view/checklist?subID=S24786245
Lower Mill Pond: http://ebird.org/ebird/view/checklist?subID=S24786942
Honey Pot: http://ebird.org/ebird/view/checklist?subID=S24786938
CT River in Hadley: http://ebird.org/ebird/view/checklist?subID=S24787104
Moody Bridge Rd Hadley: http://ebird.org/ebird/view/checklist?subID=S24787404
Lake Wallace: http://ebird.org/ebird/view/checklist?subID=S24787500
Jabish Canal trail: http://ebird.org/ebird/view/checklist?subID=S24790630

It now appears that Tropical Storm Erika has taken a more southern track then originally forecast and will move over Hispaniola which will weaken the storm and possibly dissipate it. The storm is not expected to reach hurricane strength now but should still produce some wind and rains for Florida. What happens after it reaches Florida is another question. There is still a chance of it getting back over water and strengthening again but who knows at this point? 

Sooty Tern, Winsor Dam, Aug 28, 2011

Sooty Tern, Winsor Dam, Aug 28, 2011

Today also marks the fourth anniversary of the arrival of Hurricane/Tropical Storm Irene to western Massachusetts. It was likely a once in a lifetime storm that brought a bounty of unusual birds with it. Easily one of my most memorable birding days in western Massachusetts. I have attached the list from that epic day.

 

Winsor Dam on August 28, 2011:  http://ebird.org/ebird/view/checklist?subID=S8750565