Pair of Mourning Warblers at Quabbin Park

Mourning Warbler, Quabbin Park, MA, July 10, 2017

Mourning Warbler, Quabbin Park, MA, July 10, 2017

Mourning Warbler, Quabbin Park, MA, July 10, 2017

Mourning Warbler (female), Quabbin Park, MA, July 10, 2017

Mourning Warbler (female), Quabbin Park, MA, July 10, 2017

Mourning Warbler (female), Quabbin Park, MA, July 10, 2017

I spent a decent part of the early morning around Quabbin Park with my main goal being checking up on the Mourning Warbler that has been in the same area for over a week (and likely much longer).  I arrived at the location and after several minutes I heard the male calling occasionally.  As the male continued to call I noticed another bird working its way though the tangles and when I got a look at it I found a female Mourning Warbler!  I watched her for several minutes and got a few marginal photos before she eventually disappeared, not be be seen again.  Hopefully she was heading to a nest in the area, which appears to be a very likely scenario at this point.  After listening to all the recordings I have made this spring I believe the male that is present is the same one I had in the same general area back in late June.  Probable breeding of this species at such a low elevation (600' or so) and this far south and east in the state appears to be without precedent.  Hopefully I will get to get 100% confirmation on breeding at some point in the near future.  Full list with additional photos and audio here: Quabbin Park eBird list

American Robin with leg bands and GPS tag, home, Belchertown, MA, July 10, 2017

American Robin juveniles, home, Belchertown, MA, July 10, 2017

Meanwhile back at home the motion camera continues to capture some great stuff including my first ones of one of the American Robins caught a few days ago (American Robins with GPS tags).  The female looks none the worse for wear and the GPS tag is now well hidden.  The water feature really seems to be a hit with the robins, especially the young ones.