Pacific slope Flycatcher continues into November

Pacific slope Flycatcher, Hadley, MA, Nov 2, 2019

Pacific slope Flycatcher, Hadley, MA, Nov 2, 2019

Pacific slope Flycatcher, Hadley, MA, Nov 2, 2019

Pacific slope Flycatcher, Hadley, MA, Nov 2, 2019

Blue headed Vireo, Hadley, MA, Nov 2, 2019

Although I was not sure the Pacific slope Flycatcher would still be around following the strong winds, heavy rain from Thursday into Friday and cold morning temps today, it turned up again this morning.  I was just finishing up birding at Arcadia (more on that below) and noticed a post saying the flycatcher was back once again.  Given the beautiful sunny conditions I figured I would give it one more try in order to get some better looks and photos.  I arrived and there were a number of birders on site and a few had heard it call earlier and a few others got brief looks at it but it was not currently being seen or heard.  I spent the next 45 minutes or so looking for it without success and then it popped back into view again for a short time, changing its perch frequently.  At one point it stopped moving for a few minutes and preened (unfortunately it was largely obscured from view during that time)...it didn't call once the entire time I was there. This morning was the best overall for me in regards to good looks and photos of the bird during my numerous visits.  It was still being seen when I left and I ran into a number of new birders arriving on my way out and I believe they all also got to see the bird.  I heard from Dave after I left that he witnessed it eating privet berries so perhaps it will survive the upcoming cold snap.  Amazing that the bird has stayed put for at least the last week and a half.  List with more photos here.

Yellow rumped Warbler 'myrtle', Arcadia, Northampton, MA, Nov 2, 2019

Yellow rumped Warbler 'myrtle', Arcadia, Northampton, MA, Nov 2, 2019

American Robin, Arcadia, Northampton, MA, Nov 2, 2019

Cedar Waxwings, Arcadia, Northampton, MA, Nov 2, 2019

Northern Harrier, Arcadia, Northampton, MA, Nov 2, 2019

Before catching up with the flycatcher I spent some time at Arcadia where I found a total of 53 species over the course of just under three hours.  Highlights included a couple Northern Harriers, a late Eastern Phoebe, loads of Cedar Waxwings, a flyby Pine Siskin with a group of goldfinches, a dozen Rusty Blackbirds, half a dozen species of sparrows (overall numbers of sparrows were way down), a late Common Yellowthroat and at least 24 Yellow rumped Warblers.

Bonaparte's Gull, Winsor Dam, Quabbin Park, MA, Nov 1, 2019

Following the storm yesterday I hoped to find some waterfowl moving on strong westerly winds but the best I could find were half a dozen Long tailed Ducks that zipped past Winsor Dam.  The only other notable bird around the dam on the blustery morning was a Bonaparte's Gull.