Peak of migration has arrived

Prairie Warbler, Quabbin Park, MA, May 14, 2023

Bay breasted Warbler, Skinner SP, Hadley, MA, May 14, 2023

Ovenbird, Skinner SP, Hadley, MA, May 14, 2023

Wood Thrush, Skinner SP, Hadley, MA, May 14, 2023

American Redstart, Skinner SP, Hadley, MA, May 14, 2023

Blackburnian Warbler, Skinner SP, Hadley, MA, May 14, 2023

Wild Turkey, Quabbin Park, MA, May 15, 2023

Hooded Mergansers, Quabbin Park, MA, May 15, 2023

Swainson's Thrush, Quabbin Park, MA, May 15, 2023

Common Loon, Quabbin Park, MA, May 15, 2023

Spotted Sandpipers, Quabbin Park, MA, May 15, 2023

Lincoln's Sparrow, Quabbin Park, MA, May 15, 2023

Prairie Warbler, Quabbin Park, MA, May 15, 2023

Blue winged Warbler, Quabbin Park, MA, May 15, 2023

Veery, Rail trail, Amherst, MA, May 15, 2023

Common Yellowthroat, Rail trail, Amherst, MA, May 15, 2023

Mourning Warbler, Hadley, MA, May 16, 2023

Hermit Thrush, Skinner SP, Hadley, MA, May 16, 2023

Eastern Towhee, Quabbin Park, MA, May 16, 2023

American Redstart, Quabbin Park, MA, May 16, 2023

American Redstart collecting nest material, Quabbin Park, MA, May 16, 2023

The last several days have brought in overall pleasant weather and some good migration conditions on multiple nights as the peak of migration arrives.  After a good day of birding on Global Big Day I spent a fair amount of time tracking down birds the last three days as my annual attempt to get a warbler big day in the county produced some great stuff. It is all about timing as you try to catch a big wave of migrants, hope for a lingering Palm Warbler, looking for early arriving Mourning Warblers and keep your fingers crossed for a rarity or two to show up. Lots more on the last three days of warbler searching at the following link: warbler big days.  Although my focus was warblers the last three days I also saw and heard a ton of other species, with each day exceeding a hundred species (My best day was yesterday with 117 species).  Many highlights with a very impressive thrush show, lots of warblers and more flycatcher diversity.  Again not a lot of time to spend writing up a detailed synopsis but I will attach a few representative photos from the last three days that should sum up the peak fairly well. There are still many birds that will come through over the next week.  Get out there if you can and enjoy it while it lasts as spring migration comes and goes so fast....turn off the Merlin app (or any other app), even for just awhile and actually listen, learn and enjoy the spectacle of bird migration.  The apps are great but it is worth just disconnecting from them for a bit.