Early this morning we got some snow which arrived just in time for Christmas. Once I got out of work this morning I headed over to Hadley to spend some time checking fields as the snow continued to fall and roads remained slippery. I started along Aqua Vitae Road where I had at least two Swamp Sparrows among the more expected species as well as a mixed flock of blackbirds and grackles. I then headed over to the Honey Pot with the main focus being relocating the Western Meadowlark that resurfaced several days ago after not being seen for a couple weeks. Although it took a bit of looking I eventually had it briefly as a couple Northern Harriers flushed it up from a grassy field. It then disappeared for a bit but eventually perched in the open, calling occasionally. Amazing the bird is still present and has not been picked off my a predator. The area was quite active with other notable species including at least three harriers, a Merlin, a Lapland Longspur in a large Horned Lark flock and a White crowned Sparrow (in a different area from where a couple have been seen lately). Once I got home I was greeted by a Red shouldered Hawk that has been hanging around for the last couple weeks. With the fresh snow I just had to take Wilson for a walk and let him run around and enjoy himself. The walk with Wilson did produce some birds with a Gray Catbird being the highlight. I also made a brief stop at Winsor Dam in the remote chance that the Steller's Sea Eagle had decided to make a stop (the eagle has not been seen since December 20th in southeast Massachusetts and was last seen heading northwest).
The banded Black capped Chickadees have been making a good showing now that I have finally put the feeders out. I have turned on the camera for a couple days and on the latest day I caught at least ten different banded individuals.
Larry, what kind of camera do you use for the feeders.
ReplyDeleteAnd what is it about Aussies and snow? Ours loves it too!
I use my last remaining working Wingscapes Birdcam Pro...my other two have stopped working and this one is having issues but they are the best camera I have found for close up captures at feeders or water features. When this one finally dies I will have to find something else as they don't make these any longer.
DeleteBoth of our Aussies have loved snow...Wilson brings it to another level...he loves to play in it, eat it and just be in it...no idea why but I do not have the same love for snow that he does!