Prescott Peninsula field surveys and a couple other stops this morning

Yellow throated Vireo carrying food, Prescott Peninsula, New Salem, MA, July 9, 2017

Purple Finch, Prescott Peninsula, New Salem, MA, July 9, 2017

Purple Finch, Prescott Peninsula, New Salem, MA, July 9, 2017

Red eyed Vireo, Prescott Peninsula, New Salem, MA, July 9, 2017

Ruby throated Hummingbird, Prescott Peninsula, New Salem, MA, July 9, 2017

Gray Catbird, Prescott Peninsula, New Salem, MA, July 9, 2017

Cedar Waxwing eating small stones, Prescott Peninsula, New Salem, MA, July 9, 2017

Moose, Prescott Peninsula, New Salem, MA, July 9, 2017

I conducted what will probably be my last field bird survey on the Prescott Peninsula this morning.  No big surprises but still some good stuff although some species have greatly curtailed their singing.  I was also on the lookout for any Red Crossbills that might be in the area but came up empty despite checking a few spots that have had them breeding in the recent past (there is a bit of an incursion occurring with this species in some nearby areas).  Among the highlights during my few hours on the peninsula was a Moose crossing one of the fields I was surveying as well as quite a bit of evidence of successful breeding among a number of species.  Overall a great morning to be out with sunny skies, cooler temps and low humidity.  Full list with additional photos here:  Prescott Peninsula 7-9-17

Green Heron, Lake Wallace, Belchertown, MA, July 9, 2017

Double crested Cormorant, Lake Wallace, Belchertown, MA, July 9, 2017

I also made a few more stops on my way home including Gate 8 road at Quabbin where I had an Acadian Flycatcher in its typical location and a stop at Lake Wallace where I ran across mostly the expected species.  It unfortunately appears the single active Great Blue Heron nest there may have failed as I have not seen an adult on the nest the last few times I have stopped and had previously seen some very tiny young in the nest but no sign of them today.