tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-31237208822472419872024-03-18T12:24:54.885-07:00Quabbin birding and beyondMy observations and sightings in nature.Larryhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15173127478266831293noreply@blogger.comBlogger1767125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3123720882247241987.post-13755400874997548672024-03-18T12:24:00.000-07:002024-03-18T12:24:13.842-07:00Trip to Arenal area of Costa Rica produces my 2000th species (Sunbittern) plus lots of others -March 5-12th<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/53588344425_ec7b0ef854_w_d.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="267" data-original-width="400" height="267" src="https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/53588344425_ec7b0ef854_w_d.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: x-small;">Sunbittern (species #2000 for me), Arenal Observatory Lodge, Costa Rica, Mar 6, 2024</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/53594099835_783d97217d_w_d.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="300" data-original-width="400" height="300" src="https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/53594099835_783d97217d_w_d.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: x-small;">Arenal volcano, Arenal Observatory Lodge, Costa Rica, Mar 7, 2024</span></div><br /></div>After a two year hiatus from Costa Rica after our favorite destination there (Rio Magnolia Lodge) closed abruptly after being sold, we had plans to finally make an early flight down on Monday morning the 4th out of Hartford to San Jose to start our 15th trip to Costa Rica. It was such an early flight we stayed overnight at the hotel at the airport. When we got up at 3:30am we then found out our flight was delayed until late morning, which meant we would not be making our connecting flight to San Jose. We then spent a few hours trying to come up with other options to get down to Costa Rica but the only option ended up involving a flight down to Florida where we would have to spend the night before taking a late morning flight to San Jose. Not a great start to the vacation but not much we could do about it. Our last trip down there was <a href="https://quabbinbirdingandbeyond.blogspot.com/2022/01/costa-rica-part-1-january-10-20.html">January 2022</a> to Rio Magnolia Lodge and then I got to stay in the country after getting Covid and not being allowed to leave for <a href="https://quabbinbirdingandbeyond.blogspot.com/2022/01/costa-rica-part-2-january-20-27.html">another week</a>.<div><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/53585897886_3aa6317497_w_d.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="267" data-original-width="400" height="267" src="https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/53585897886_3aa6317497_w_d.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: x-small;">Montezuma Oropendola, Arenal Observatory Lodge, Costa Rica, Mar 5, 2024</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/53586224049_077f074c25_w_d.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="267" data-original-width="400" height="267" src="https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/53586224049_077f074c25_w_d.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: x-small;">Bananaquit, Arenal Observatory Lodge, Costa Rica, Mar 5, 2024</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/53586119208_cf2b16b202_w_d.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="267" data-original-width="400" height="267" src="https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/53586119208_cf2b16b202_w_d.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: x-small;">Chestnut sided Warbler, Arenal Observatory Lodge, Costa Rica, Mar 5, 2024</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/53586343960_6432da253c_w_d.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="300" data-original-width="400" height="300" src="https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/53586343960_6432da253c_w_d.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: x-small;">Arenal volcano, Arenal Observatory Lodge, Costa Rica, Mar 5, 2024</span></div><div><br /></div><div>We eventually made it to San Jose around midday and then made the three hour plus trip up to Arenal Observatory Lodge where we arrived around four. I added one life species on the way with a small group of White throated Magpie Jays in La Fortuna. After getting unpacked we enjoyed some birds right from our <a href="https://ebird.org/checklist/S163842952">small deck</a> including a breeding colony of Montezuma Oropendolas. A short walk to dinner provided some more species within the well maintained gardens and the way back produced a Striped Owl (another new species #1999). Thankfully we made it back to our room before a little overnight rain started. </div><div><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/53588345680_acb890fe50_w_d.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="267" data-original-width="400" height="267" src="https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/53588345680_acb890fe50_w_d.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: x-small;">Sunbittern (species #2000 for me), Arenal Observatory Lodge, Costa Rica, Mar 6, 2024</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/53587896931_1a21d4282a_w_d.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="267" data-original-width="400" height="267" src="https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/53587896931_1a21d4282a_w_d.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: x-small;">Sunbittern (species #2000 for me), Arenal Observatory Lodge, Costa Rica, Mar 6, 2024</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/53587881926_598b4b35fa_w_d.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="300" data-original-width="400" height="300" src="https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/53587881926_598b4b35fa_w_d.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: x-small;">Arenal volcano, Arenal Observatory Lodge, Costa Rica, Mar 6, 2024</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/53587027412_3464462c29_w_d.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="267" data-original-width="400" height="267" src="https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/53587027412_3464462c29_w_d.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: x-small;">Collared Aracari, Arenal Observatory Lodge, Costa Rica, Mar 6, 2024</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/53588215654_400721837f_w_d.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="267" data-original-width="400" height="267" src="https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/53588215654_400721837f_w_d.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: x-small;">Montezuma Oropendola, Arenal Observatory Lodge, Costa Rica, Mar 6, 2024</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/53588340035_85c380b673_w_d.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="267" data-original-width="400" height="267" src="https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/53588340035_85c380b673_w_d.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: x-small;">White necked Jacobin, Arenal Observatory Lodge, Costa Rica, Mar 6, 2024</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/53588339240_6e0cc67138_w_d.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="267" data-original-width="400" height="267" src="https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/53588339240_6e0cc67138_w_d.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: x-small;">Scarlet-rumped Tanager (Passerini's), Arenal Observatory Lodge, Costa Rica, Mar 6, 2024</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/53588103538_5fcdee7186_w_d.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="267" data-original-width="400" height="267" src="https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/53588103538_5fcdee7186_w_d.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: x-small;">Cape May Warbler, Arenal Observatory Lodge, Costa Rica, Mar 6, 2024</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/53588210484_cd52b4f008_w_d.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="267" data-original-width="400" height="267" src="https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/53588210484_cd52b4f008_w_d.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: x-small;">Coatis, Arenal Observatory Lodge, Costa Rica, Mar 6, 2024</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/53588334615_78fbb6cedc_w_d.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="267" data-original-width="400" height="267" src="https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/53588334615_78fbb6cedc_w_d.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: x-small;">Violet headed Hummingbird building nest, Arenal Observatory Lodge, Costa Rica, Mar 6, 2024</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/53588208394_db50aba276_w_d.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="267" data-original-width="400" height="267" src="https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/53588208394_db50aba276_w_d.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: x-small;">Great Currasow, Arenal Observatory Lodge, Costa Rica, Mar 6, 2024</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/53587017232_a3eb9b4a21_w_d.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="267" data-original-width="400" height="267" src="https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/53587017232_a3eb9b4a21_w_d.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: x-small;">Spotted Woodcreeper, Arenal Observatory Lodge, Costa Rica, Mar 6, 2024</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/53588098413_3ebeb7f15c_w_d.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="267" data-original-width="400" height="267" src="https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/53588098413_3ebeb7f15c_w_d.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: x-small;">Emerald Tanagers, Arenal Observatory Lodge, Costa Rica, Mar 6, 2024</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/53587015822_c772272f12_w_d.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="267" data-original-width="400" height="267" src="https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/53587015822_c772272f12_w_d.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: x-small;">Ornate Hawk Eagle with a Melodious Blackbird, Arenal Observatory Lodge, Costa Rica, Mar 6, 2024</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/53588204264_2d2cb5aaa4_w_d.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="267" data-original-width="400" height="267" src="https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/53588204264_2d2cb5aaa4_w_d.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: x-small;">Ornate Hawk Eagle, Arenal Observatory Lodge, Costa Rica, Mar 6, 2024</span></div><div><br /></div><div>Wednesday I was up <a href="https://ebird.org/checklist/S163909365">before dawn</a> to start checking out the various trails at the lodge. I decided to head out through some secondary forest and then onto some open field areas before it got too hot. The views of the volcano were spectacular for the entire day. As I walked through the different habitats I added a number of species for the trip with the best of the day waiting until I arrived at a fast moving stream fairly early on. As soon as I arrived and scanned the water I noticed a Sunbittern working along the shore, actively feeding. The Sunbittern became species number 2000 for me and I was quite happy to have such an elegant species get me to that milestone. As I walked further I was on the lookout for mixed species flocks and I ran across just one decent group with other areas fairly quiet. Nonetheless all the looking paid dividends (as it always goes in the tropics) with multiple hummingbird bird nests being found and a few close encounters with Great Currasows. I also added a few new species to my Costa Rica list (beyond the Sunbittern) with Sephia capped Flycatcher, a rare for the area Cape May Warbler and Hepatic Tanager. Late in the afternoon while sitting out on our deck we heard a ruckus from a number of birds and then saw an Ornate Hawk Eagle pop into view. It changed perches a few times and drove all the local birds mad before it finally flew away with a few species giving chase…a nice way to end an afternoon of sitting outside.
I ended the day with a total of <a href="https://ebird.org/tripreport/213509">93 species</a>.</div><div><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/53593987219_6b474fc6f9_w_d.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="267" data-original-width="400" height="267" src="https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/53593987219_6b474fc6f9_w_d.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: x-small;">Orange chinned Parakeet, Arenal Observatory Lodge, Costa Rica, Mar 7, 2024</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/53592787002_d37205f846_w_d.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="267" data-original-width="400" height="267" src="https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/53592787002_d37205f846_w_d.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: x-small;">Red legged Honeycreeper, Arenal Observatory Lodge, Costa Rica, Mar 7, 2024</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/53593987939_8dfdf74a8d_w_d.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="267" data-original-width="400" height="267" src="https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/53593987939_8dfdf74a8d_w_d.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: x-small;">Spotted Woodcreeper, Arenal Observatory Lodge, Costa Rica, Mar 7, 2024</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/53592794637_1cea624e6f_w_d.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="267" data-original-width="400" height="267" src="https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/53592794637_1cea624e6f_w_d.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: x-small;">Golden crowned Warbler, Arenal Observatory Lodge, Costa Rica, Mar 7, 2024</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/53593669011_6cef35aac9_w_d.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="267" data-original-width="400" height="267" src="https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/53593669011_6cef35aac9_w_d.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: x-small;">Clay colored Thrush, Arenal Observatory Lodge, Costa Rica, Mar 7, 2024</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/53592787807_cba8ba2e96_w_d.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="267" data-original-width="400" height="267" src="https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/53592787807_cba8ba2e96_w_d.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: x-small;">Great Curassow, Arenal Observatory Lodge, Costa Rica, Mar 7, 2024</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/53593980674_69a31d0d2f_w_d.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="267" data-original-width="400" height="267" src="https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/53593980674_69a31d0d2f_w_d.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: x-small;">Montezuma Oropendola, Arenal Observatory Lodge, Costa Rica, Mar 7, 2024</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/53593981719_08c2214383_w_d.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="267" data-original-width="400" height="267" src="https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/53593981719_08c2214383_w_d.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: x-small;">Carmiol's Tanager, Arenal Observatory Lodge, Costa Rica, Mar 7, 2024</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/53592784092_6034ec0430_w_d.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="267" data-original-width="400" height="267" src="https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/53592784092_6034ec0430_w_d.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: x-small;">Golden winged Warbler, Arenal Observatory Lodge, Costa Rica, Mar 7, 2024</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/53592789447_03fa0824d1_w_d.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="267" data-original-width="400" height="267" src="https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/53592789447_03fa0824d1_w_d.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: x-small;">Howler Monkey with baby, Arenal Observatory Lodge, Costa Rica, Mar 7, 2024</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/53594110965_c1cb82398b_w_d.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="267" data-original-width="400" height="267" src="https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/53594110965_c1cb82398b_w_d.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: x-small;">Howler Monkey, Arenal Observatory Lodge, Costa Rica, Mar 7, 2024</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/53593667906_2c24042030_w_d.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="267" data-original-width="400" height="267" src="https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/53593667906_2c24042030_w_d.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: x-small;">Buff rumped Warbler, Arenal Observatory Lodge, Costa Rica, Mar 7, 2024</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/53593858928_a3d5304bca_w_d.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="267" data-original-width="400" height="267" src="https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/53593858928_a3d5304bca_w_d.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: x-small;">Great Kiskadee with nest material, Arenal Observatory Lodge, Costa Rica, Mar 7, 2024</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/53593974539_5fd6f31d82_w_d.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="267" data-original-width="400" height="267" src="https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/53593974539_5fd6f31d82_w_d.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: x-small;">Northern Waterthrush, Arenal Observatory Lodge, Costa Rica, Mar 7, 2024</span></div><div><br /></div><div>The second full day at the lodge found me heading out before dawn once again. I decided to try a few new trails for the walk before breakfast. I headed straight out to the far end of the property to hit some edges of the primary forest plus some pasture areas before ending in some secondary forest. It was a productive walk with a number of new species for the trip and better looks at some species I had seen/heard the day before. A few mixed flocks added some excitement and I certainly missed a number of species as the groups moved rapidly through the jungle. I managed a total of around eighty species for the walk before breakfast including one new species for my Costa Rica list with a Black and Yellow Tanager. After breakfast we headed out on a few trails and almost immediately came across a troop of Howler Monkeys. Always fun to watch as they bounce from tree to tree. A bit further down the trail I noticed some movement low down and got great looks at lifer #2001 with a few Occelated Antbirds at the edge of an army ant swarm (plus Spotted Antbird, which was new for me in the country). Unfortunately the antbirds were not cooperative for photos. I stayed on the trails until after lunch and continued to add more species including my fourth new Costa Rica species for the day with a Scaly throated Foliage Gleaner. Most of the afternoon was spent around the deck at the room which continued to produce new species for the trip. Overall I found a total of <a href="https://ebird.org/tripreport/213510">114 species</a> for the day with one lifer. </div><div><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/53594283425_1f13499540_w_d.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="267" data-original-width="400" height="267" src="https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/53594283425_1f13499540_w_d.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: x-small;">Emerald Tanager, Arenal Observatory Lodge, Costa Rica, Mar 8, 2024</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/53594286770_5a66d62708_w_d.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="267" data-original-width="400" height="267" src="https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/53594286770_5a66d62708_w_d.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: x-small;">Black headed Nightingale Thrush, Arenal Observatory Lodge, Costa Rica, Mar 8, 2024</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/53594043928_47e296e099_w_d.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="267" data-original-width="400" height="267" src="https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/53594043928_47e296e099_w_d.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: x-small;">Red lored Parrots, Arenal Observatory Lodge, Costa Rica, Mar 8, 2024</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/53594160799_e1da932d4c_w_d.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="267" data-original-width="400" height="267" src="https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/53594160799_e1da932d4c_w_d.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: x-small;">Yellow faced Grassquit, Arenal Observatory Lodge, Costa Rica, Mar 8, 2024</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/53593839386_4ac70d476a_w_d.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="267" data-original-width="400" height="267" src="https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/53593839386_4ac70d476a_w_d.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: x-small;">Yellow throated Toucan, Arenal Observatory Lodge, Costa Rica, Mar 8, 2024</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/53594281810_0d07a79a0d_w_d.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="267" data-original-width="400" height="267" src="https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/53594281810_0d07a79a0d_w_d.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: x-small;">Gray headed Chachalaca, Arenal Observatory Lodge, Costa Rica, Mar 8, 2024</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/53594156869_f16e953b1a_w_d.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="267" data-original-width="400" height="267" src="https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/53594156869_f16e953b1a_w_d.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: x-small;">Laughing Falcon, Arenal Observatory Lodge, Costa Rica, Mar 8, 2024</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/53593835461_9a7824829f_w_d.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="267" data-original-width="400" height="267" src="https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/53593835461_9a7824829f_w_d.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: x-small;">Rufous tailed Jacamar, Arenal Observatory Lodge, Costa Rica, Mar 8, 2024</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/53594154819_9d0042a229_w_d.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="267" data-original-width="400" height="267" src="https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/53594154819_9d0042a229_w_d.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: x-small;">Pale billed Woodpecker, Arenal Observatory Lodge, Costa Rica, Mar 8, 2024</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/53594278155_2e44a6c166_w_d.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="267" data-original-width="400" height="267" src="https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/53594278155_2e44a6c166_w_d.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: x-small;">Long tailed Tyrant, Arenal Observatory Lodge, Costa Rica, Mar 8, 2024</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/53594035628_8acafd9965_w_d.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="267" data-original-width="400" height="267" src="https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/53594035628_8acafd9965_w_d.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: x-small;">Hepatic Tanager, Arenal Observatory Lodge, Costa Rica, Mar 8, 2024</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/53593831896_26705efcee_w_d.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="267" data-original-width="400" height="267" src="https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/53593831896_26705efcee_w_d.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: x-small;">Dusky capped Flycatcher, Arenal Observatory Lodge, Costa Rica, Mar 8, 2024</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/53594151414_71353de8a3_w_d.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="267" data-original-width="400" height="267" src="https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/53594151414_71353de8a3_w_d.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: x-small;">White necked Jacobin, Arenal Observatory Lodge, Costa Rica, Mar 8, 2024</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/53594033543_1dbdcd8ef5_w_d.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="267" data-original-width="400" height="267" src="https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/53594033543_1dbdcd8ef5_w_d.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: x-small;">Slaty capped Flycatcher, Arenal Observatory Lodge, Costa Rica, Mar 8, 2024</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/53594274805_1fc0f596f2_w_d.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="267" data-original-width="400" height="267" src="https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/53594274805_1fc0f596f2_w_d.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: x-small;">Black crested Coquette, Arenal Observatory Lodge, Costa Rica, Mar 8, 2024</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/53593829241_5c916ff450_w_d.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="267" data-original-width="400" height="267" src="https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/53593829241_5c916ff450_w_d.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: x-small;">King Vulture, Arenal Observatory Lodge, Costa Rica, Mar 8, 2024</span></div><div><br /></div><div>The last full day at the lodge I tried to maximize the number of species for the day by covering a few new areas as well as hitting previously visited areas. I’m happy to say I did indeed maximize species for the day with a total of <a href="https://ebird.org/tripreport/213511">139</a> species for the day. I got up before dawn in the hopes of tracking down owls and had a couple Black and White Owls calling. Unlike the previous couple mornings in was overcast and I was afraid it might rain but it never did and the mainly overcast conditions early on made in more tolerable to be out in the open areas. Once my owling was done I headed out to the far end of the property to hit some primary forest edges before heading back for breakfast at eight. It was a very productive two and a half hours plus with a hundred species just during that time period. After a short break for breakfast I was back out on the trails and the sun made an appearance from time to time which heated things up quick. The breeze made it a bit more tolerable but also made it tough to see movement at times. Nonetheless it was a very productive second part to my morning out with several new species for the trip. I finally ended after noon time and then mainly stayed right around our room. </div><div><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/53594359928_8afe243d1a_w_d.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="267" data-original-width="400" height="267" src="https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/53594359928_8afe243d1a_w_d.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: x-small;">Scarlet thighed Dacnis, Arenal Observatory Lodge, Costa Rica, Mar 9, 2024</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/53593284337_3bb198d80d_w_d.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="267" data-original-width="400" height="267" src="https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/53593284337_3bb198d80d_w_d.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: x-small;">Keel billed Toucan, Arenal Observatory Lodge, Costa Rica, Mar 9, 2024</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/53593282907_f734e799c8_w_d.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="267" data-original-width="400" height="267" src="https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/53593282907_f734e799c8_w_d.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: x-small;">Tropical Parula, Arenal Observatory Lodge, Costa Rica, Mar 9, 2024</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/53594477874_02d41628a5_w_d.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="267" data-original-width="400" height="267" src="https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/53594477874_02d41628a5_w_d.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: x-small;">Crested Guan, Arenal Observatory Lodge, Costa Rica, Mar 9, 2024</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/53594156716_c7d0482bb4_w_d.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="267" data-original-width="400" height="267" src="https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/53594156716_c7d0482bb4_w_d.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: x-small;">Masked Tityra, Arenal Observatory Lodge, Costa Rica, Mar 9, 2024</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/53594603005_958471342e_w_d.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="267" data-original-width="400" height="267" src="https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/53594603005_958471342e_w_d.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: x-small;">Hepatic Tanager, Arenal Observatory Lodge, Costa Rica, Mar 9, 2024</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/53594601980_9c5410f50f_w_d.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="267" data-original-width="400" height="267" src="https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/53594601980_9c5410f50f_w_d.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: x-small;">Summer Tanager, Arenal Observatory Lodge, Costa Rica, Mar 9, 2024</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/53594475749_57969e5911_w_d.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="267" data-original-width="400" height="267" src="https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/53594475749_57969e5911_w_d.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: x-small;">Black crested Coquette, Arenal Observatory Lodge, Costa Rica, Mar 9, 2024</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/53594475324_89366b984c_w_d.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="267" data-original-width="400" height="267" src="https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/53594475324_89366b984c_w_d.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: x-small;">Black crested Coquette, Arenal Observatory Lodge, Costa Rica, Mar 9, 2024</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/53594153001_632da8a733_w_d.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="267" data-original-width="400" height="267" src="https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/53594153001_632da8a733_w_d.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: x-small;">Cinnamon bellied Saltator, Hotel Laguna Arenal, Nuevo Arenal, Costa Rica, Mar 9, 2024</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/53594358898_3c96dc261a_w_d.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="300" data-original-width="400" height="300" src="https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/53594358898_3c96dc261a_w_d.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: x-small;">Sunset on Lake Arenal, Hotel Laguna Arenal, Nuevo Arenal, Costa Rica, Mar 9, 2024</span></div><div><br /></div><div>Saturday was our last scheduled morning at the lodge and I tried to make the most of it. For some odd reason my old iPhone I was using as my alarm clock changed to an hour early so I inadvertently ended up waking up at 4AM and only noticed it was so early after I got up and moving. I was already up so I figured I would do some <a href="https://ebird.org/checklist/S164227682">owling</a> and added a couple of Spectacled Owls plus a Black and White Owl as well as a number of pauraques. Once it got <a href="https://ebird.org/checklist/S164227693">light enough</a> to see I hit more trails at the far end of the lodge property and yet again had a number of new species for the trip. I had to hustle back to make it for breakfast at eight. Once breakfast was done I made a more leisurely walk on the <a href="https://ebird.org/checklist/S164227713">trail</a> near the waterfall. The heat of the day curtailed some activity but there were still plenty of birds to see and photograph.</div><div><br /></div><div>We had to check out of our room around noon but the lodge was nice enough to hold our luggage until we left around 1:30. We had an enjoyable lunch and then spent some time observing the feeders once again. We then made the roughly 45 minute trip to our new lodging along the lake. This is when the day took a bad turn. Our new spot did not turn out to be what we expected. It was loud, had a bunch of outdoor cats around, the expected on site restaurant was closed and the list went on and on. We choose the spot based on good reviews and the description on their website and we made a big mistake as none of these turned out to be true. The only good part of the location was a great look at the lake. It was not a place we wanted to stay so we had to do a lot of last minute rearranging to find a new place and secure transport…I won’t bother with even more details but suffice it to say it was stressful and I would not recommend <a href="https://www.lagunaarenal.com/">Hotel Laguna Arenal</a> to anyone. We tried to see if Arenal Observatory Lodge had any availability but it was booked solid. We finally found a place in Nuevo Arenal and got there around sunset. Despite all the setbacks for the day I still managed a respectable <a href="https://ebird.org/tripreport/213512">135 species</a> for the day.</div><div><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/53595414978_ace0d8d735_w_d.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="267" data-original-width="400" height="267" src="https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/53595414978_ace0d8d735_w_d.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: x-small;">Black headed Saltators, Villa Decary, Nuevo Arenal, Costa Rica, Mar 10, 2024</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/53595657585_1b7ec3155a_w_d.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="267" data-original-width="400" height="267" src="https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/53595657585_1b7ec3155a_w_d.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: x-small;">Black cowled Oriole, Villa Decary, Nuevo Arenal, Costa Rica, Mar 10, 2024</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/53595657425_f2125ccd9a_w_d.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="267" data-original-width="400" height="267" src="https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/53595657425_f2125ccd9a_w_d.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: x-small;">Black and White Warbler, Villa Decary, Nuevo Arenal, Costa Rica, Mar 10, 2024</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/53594332267_9dcf3e03be_w_d.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="267" data-original-width="400" height="267" src="https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/53594332267_9dcf3e03be_w_d.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: x-small;">Streak headed Woodcreeper, Villa Decary, Nuevo Arenal, Costa Rica, Mar 10, 2024</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/53595525219_65d1f83274_w_d.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="267" data-original-width="400" height="267" src="https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/53595525219_65d1f83274_w_d.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: x-small;">Ochre bellied Flycatcher, Villa Decary, Nuevo Arenal, Costa Rica, Mar 10, 2024</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/53595412168_2cdd5942d3_w_d.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="267" data-original-width="400" height="267" src="https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/53595412168_2cdd5942d3_w_d.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: x-small;">Montezuma Oropendola, Arenal Observatory Lodge, Costa Rica, Mar 10, 2024</span></div><div><br /></div><div>After a less than restful night I got up and walked along the road near our lodging and actually had a fairly decent showing of species with a total of <a href="https://ebird.org/checklist/S164314887">62 species</a> in about an hour and a half. Nothing too unusual and nothing new for my Costa Rica list. As our lodging was in Guanacaste province (the only province I had not birded before in Costa Rica) I was able to add a lot of new species for the province…totaling 83 species by the time we left. After I got back to the lodging we had a discussion on what do to next. The lodging we were stayed on the night before was acceptable but there was not much to do there without a car and the advertised trails on site had not been maintained in awhile and were not accessible. We discussed a few options and tried again to see if the observatory lodge had any openings. There was nothing showing on their website so we decided to call and luckily there was an opening for the night. We booked it and then tried to figure out how to get there. With a bit of work we secured transportation and arrived there around noon and walked a bit as we waited for our room to be ready for check in. When we left the day before I did not figure on returning to the lodge. I walked a bit before lunch and then a little more after. It was another warm day with some clouds, which made it a little more comfortable. </div><div><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/53596016390_e6d13606d9_w_d.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="267" data-original-width="400" height="267" src="https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/53596016390_e6d13606d9_w_d.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: x-small;">Green Honeycreeper, Arenal Observatory Lodge, Costa Rica, Mar 11, 2024</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/53595775523_c1332749b6_w_d.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="267" data-original-width="400" height="267" src="https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/53595775523_c1332749b6_w_d.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: x-small;">Variable Seedeater, Arenal Observatory Lodge, Costa Rica, Mar 11, 2024</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/53595775673_d807416b4f_w_d.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="267" data-original-width="400" height="267" src="https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/53595775673_d807416b4f_w_d.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: x-small;">Cape May Warbler, Arenal Observatory Lodge, Costa Rica, Mar 11, 2024</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/53595776268_4d92e2a17e_w_d.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="267" data-original-width="400" height="267" src="https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/53595776268_4d92e2a17e_w_d.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: x-small;">Streak headed Woodcreeper, Arenal Observatory Lodge, Costa Rica, Mar 11, 2024</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/53595774033_73fbd06da9_w_d.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="267" data-original-width="400" height="267" src="https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/53595774033_73fbd06da9_w_d.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: x-small;">Gartered Trogon, Arenal Observatory Lodge, Costa Rica, Mar 11, 2024</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/53594698347_7cf16a0eb1_w_d.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="267" data-original-width="400" height="267" src="https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/53594698347_7cf16a0eb1_w_d.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: x-small;">Summer Tanager, Arenal Observatory Lodge, Costa Rica, Mar 11, 2024</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/53594693557_6306de4112_w_d.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="267" data-original-width="400" height="267" src="https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/53594693557_6306de4112_w_d.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: x-small;">Stripe throated Hermit, Arenal Observatory Lodge, Costa Rica, Mar 11, 2024</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/53595890094_e1d8da3964_w_d.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="267" data-original-width="400" height="267" src="https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/53595890094_e1d8da3964_w_d.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: x-small;">White crowned Parrots, Arenal Observatory Lodge, Costa Rica, Mar 11, 2024</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/53595571861_a2479332f7_w_d.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="267" data-original-width="400" height="267" src="https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/53595571861_a2479332f7_w_d.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: x-small;">Emerald Tanager, Arenal Observatory Lodge, Costa Rica, Mar 11, 2024</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/53595884309_a1a116439a_w_d.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="400" data-original-width="300" height="400" src="https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/53595884309_a1a116439a_w_d.jpg" width="300" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: x-small;">Wasp with spider kill, Arenal Observatory Lodge, Costa Rica, Mar 11, 2024</span></div><div><br /></div><div>With an extra morning at the lodge I did my best to make the most of it. The wind that kicked up the night before continued into the morning and the overcast conditions looked threatening for rain which materialized from time to time during my pre breakfast walk. Given the conditions I did not have high hopes in tracking down any owls early on. Luck was on my side nonetheless and I had two Crested Owls calling, giving me my last life bird of the trip (#2002). I then walked multiple trails and certainly turned up birds but not in the same number as previous mornings due to the less than stellar conditions for finding birds. After enjoining another breakfast I had plans to go back out on the trails in the hopes of finding the Crested Owls roosting. The weather initially had other plans as downpours started and continued for almost an hour before relenting. The worst of the rain was over by then although it spit and threatened for the rest of our time there. I finally was able to make it back down to try to find the owls without having any luck. We finally wrapped up our time at the lodge at 2:30 when we got picked up for the three plus hour drive back to San Jose where we spent the night before an early flight home. </div><div> </div><div>Now for a review of the numbers for the trip. I found a total of five life species (White throated Magpie Jay, Striped Owl, Sunbittern, Occelated Antbird and Crested Owl). I added 16 new species to my Costa Rica list, which brought my total in the country to 554. I found a total of 214 species for the trip, which is fairly decent in my book without having a guide at any point. I had 18 species of warblers, with one new for me in the country (Cape May Warbler). More on warblers for the trip can be found at the following link: <a href="https://warblerpursuit.blogspot.com/2024/03/costa-rica-trip-to-arenal-area-march-5.html">Costa Rica warblers March 2024</a></div><div><br /></div><div>Full album of photos at the following link: <a href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/54277284@N05/albums/72177720315420417">Costa Rica March 2024</a></div>Larryhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15173127478266831293noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3123720882247241987.post-34529997986130776532024-03-17T10:04:00.000-07:002024-03-17T10:07:09.311-07:00Say's Phoebe continues plus a few more new species for the year and an oddly plumaged American Robin<p> </p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/53588760432_519ea0f538_w_d.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="267" data-original-width="400" height="267" src="https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/53588760432_519ea0f538_w_d.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: x-small;">American Robin with leucism, Winsor Dam, Quabbin Park, MA, Mar 14, 2024</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/53589950374_8b14d0c288_w_d.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="267" data-original-width="400" height="267" src="https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/53589950374_8b14d0c288_w_d.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: x-small;">American Robin with leucism, Winsor Dam, Quabbin Park, MA, Mar 14, 2024</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/53589837918_3f4d215458_w_d.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="267" data-original-width="400" height="267" src="https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/53589837918_3f4d215458_w_d.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: x-small;">American Robin with leucism, Winsor Dam, Quabbin Park, MA, Mar 14, 2024</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/53589949094_1ebd868dfd_w_d.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="267" data-original-width="400" height="267" src="https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/53589949094_1ebd868dfd_w_d.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: x-small;">American Robin with leucism, Winsor Dam, Quabbin Park, MA, Mar 14, 2024</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/53589633526_6081c2ce7e_w_d.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="267" data-original-width="400" height="267" src="https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/53589633526_6081c2ce7e_w_d.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: x-small;">Common Mergansers, Winsor Dam, Quabbin Park, MA, Mar 14, 2024</span></div></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/53588759057_0e7261914f_w_d.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="267" data-original-width="400" height="267" src="https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/53588759057_0e7261914f_w_d.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: x-small;">Pine Siskin, Home, Belchertown, MA, Mar 14, 2024</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div>On my day off on Friday I stayed around the local area with visits to multiple locations including <a href="https://ebird.org/checklist/S164914548">Quabbin Park</a>, <a href="https://ebird.org/checklist/S164914582">Beaver Lake</a> and <a href="https://ebird.org/checklist/S164914610">Winsor Dam</a>. I had hopes to find some unusual waterfowl but came up largely empty on that quest. Nonetheless there were still notable species around with continued numbers of Red Crossbills and Pine Siskins at multiple locations as well as a brief look at the Say's Phoebe at the dam, a couple Eastern Towhees in the park and one singing Pine Warbler. One of the more interesting birds of the morning was a partially leucistic American Robin in among several hundred typical robins. It mainly had white feathers on its right side and it was a very interesting looking individual, especially in flight. <p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/53592485927_a1a518a937_w_d.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="300" data-original-width="400" height="300" src="https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/53592485927_a1a518a937_w_d.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: x-small;">Say's Phoebe, Winsor Dam, Quabbin Park, MA, Mar 17, 2024</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/53593805745_c93e3d0939_w_d.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="300" data-original-width="400" height="300" src="https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/53593805745_c93e3d0939_w_d.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: x-small;">Say's Phoebe, Winsor Dam, Quabbin Park, MA, Mar 17, 2024</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/53593564533_ee2362c28e_w_d.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="300" data-original-width="400" height="300" src="https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/53593564533_ee2362c28e_w_d.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: x-small;">Say's Phoebe, Winsor Dam, Quabbin Park, MA, Mar 17, 2024</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div>I fought through the beginning of a cold at work on Saturday and when I got out this morning I didn't venture far from the warm car. I first made a stop at <a href="https://ebird.org/checklist/S165126718">Great Pond</a> where I had brief look at a male Blue winged Teal among the Green winged Teal plus a Lesser Scaup, Wilson's Snipe, at least one Rusty Blackbird and a singing White crowned Sparrow. I then drove down through fields in Hadley and Amherst looking for flocks of geese and finding none. My last stop before home was to Winsor Dam where I found the continued Say's Phoebe on the backside of the admin building actively catching insects and calling a little. He surprisingly made it through the entire winter at the location, first arriving on December 10th. ...this marks three months since I first saw it on <a href="https://quabbinbirdingandbeyond.blogspot.com/2023/12/says-phoebe-continues-at-quabbin-for-me.html">December 17th</a> after I returned from a trip to <a href="https://quabbinbirdingandbeyond.blogspot.com/2023/12/southern-brazil-trip-december-8th-12th.html">Brazil</a> and <a href="https://quabbinbirdingandbeyond.blogspot.com/2023/12/panama-in-southern-canal-zone-and-cerro.html">Panama</a>.<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/53589627876_6108429657_w_d.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="225" data-original-width="400" height="225" src="https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/53589627876_6108429657_w_d.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: x-small;">Black capped Chickadee, Home, Belchertown, MA, Mar 13, 2024</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/53589944124_2609a9f4f2_w_d.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="225" data-original-width="400" height="225" src="https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/53589944124_2609a9f4f2_w_d.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: x-small;">Northern Cardinal, Home, Belchertown, MA, Mar 14, 2024</span></div><p>With the water feature now open for business for another season I had several captures in the first couple days with a Black capped Chickadee being the first species of the year. I have got half a dozen bird species captured so far as well a single mammal...certainly many more stuff to come.</p><p><br /></p>Larryhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15173127478266831293noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3123720882247241987.post-14291420095510608862024-03-14T10:49:00.000-07:002024-03-18T05:21:22.237-07:00More early arriving migrants and eggs in the duck boxes<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/53587617581_f35af6af33_w_d.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="300" data-original-width="400" height="300" src="https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/53587617581_f35af6af33_w_d.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: x-small;">Tree Swallows, Lake Wallace, Belchertown, MA, Mar 14, 2024</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/53587832038_5363b8341d_w_d.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="267" data-original-width="400" height="267" src="https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/53587832038_5363b8341d_w_d.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: x-small;">Great Blue Heron, Rail trail, Amherst, MA, Mar 14, 2024</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/53586750377_f1b1de0bf4_w_d.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="267" data-original-width="400" height="267" src="https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/53586750377_f1b1de0bf4_w_d.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: x-small;">Fox Sparrow, Rail trail, Amherst, MA, Mar 14, 2024</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/53586750752_8885d2155f_w_d.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="400" data-original-width="300" height="400" src="https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/53586750752_8885d2155f_w_d.jpg" width="300" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: x-small;">Wilson enjoying a warm walk, Belchertown, MA, Mar 14, 2024</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/53584616467_b7d1341a72_w_d.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="300" data-original-width="400" height="300" src="https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/53584616467_b7d1341a72_w_d.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: x-small;">Winsor Dam, Quabbin Park, MA, Mar 13, 2024</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/53586038638_8a8e8a8863_w_d.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="300" data-original-width="400" height="300" src="https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/53586038638_8a8e8a8863_w_d.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: x-small;">Eggs in duck box #3, Home, Belchertown, MA, Mar 13, 2024</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/53586261950_6c354d001a_w_d.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="300" data-original-width="400" height="300" src="https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/53586261950_6c354d001a_w_d.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: x-small;">Eggs in duck box #1, Home, Belchertown, MA, Mar 13, 2024</span></div><p>Recently back from a trip to Costa Rica (lots more on that in an upcoming post) and I headed out the last couple days to catch up with the vanguard of migrants starting to push in. Although I didn't find anything new yesterday I had better luck today with four new species for the year for me in the county with Lesser Scaup, Pied billed Grebe, Virginia Rail and Tree Swallow. The last two days have had well above normal temps with highs in the mid 60's (not quite recording breaking but very nice for the date). Around the house I got the water feature up and running for the year and checked the three duck boxes and found eggs in two of the three so far.</p>Larryhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15173127478266831293noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3123720882247241987.post-56575729267713687232024-03-03T11:59:00.000-08:002024-03-03T11:59:33.114-08:00Productive start to March<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/53562074060_ef1a17b56f_w_d.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="267" data-original-width="400" height="267" src="https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/53562074060_ef1a17b56f_w_d.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: x-small;">Pine Warblers, Winsor Dam, Quabbin Park, MA, Mar 1, 2024</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/53561825318_9b74e4dd0e_w_d.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="267" data-original-width="400" height="267" src="https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/53561825318_9b74e4dd0e_w_d.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: x-small;">Pine Warbler, Winsor Dam, Quabbin Park, MA, Mar 1, 2024</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/53561826158_d2fc34dd1d_w_d.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="267" data-original-width="400" height="267" src="https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/53561826158_d2fc34dd1d_w_d.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: x-small;">Eastern Bluebird, Winsor Dam, Quabbin Park, MA, Mar 1, 2024</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/53560770852_be82f50c10_w_d.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="267" data-original-width="400" height="267" src="https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/53560770852_be82f50c10_w_d.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: x-small;">Bald Eagles, Winsor Dam, Quabbin Park, MA, Mar 1, 2024</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/53561826683_fc907d9a80_w_d.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="267" data-original-width="400" height="267" src="https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/53561826683_fc907d9a80_w_d.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: x-small;">Song Sparrow, Arcadia, Northampton, MA, Mar 1, 2024</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/53561629416_59b7062183_w_d.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="267" data-original-width="400" height="267" src="https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/53561629416_59b7062183_w_d.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: x-small;">Northern Mockingbird, Arcadia, Northampton, MA, Mar 1, 2024</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/53560771337_6936ee03c9_w_d.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="267" data-original-width="400" height="267" src="https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/53560771337_6936ee03c9_w_d.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: x-small;">Downy Woodpecker, Arcadia, Northampton, MA, Mar 1, 2024</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/53561102497_371ba363c7_w_d.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="300" data-original-width="400" height="300" src="https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/53561102497_371ba363c7_w_d.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: x-small;">Say's Phoebe, Winsor Dam, Quabbin Park, MA, Mar 1, 2024</span></div></div></div><p>March has started off on a productive note with 72 species in Hampshire County in the first three days (a really good start even with working on one of those three days). On the first I headed out after work with the goal being to find a warbler or two and I was lucky enough to find <a href="https://warblerpursuit.blogspot.com/2024/03/pine-warblers-and-yellow-rumped-warbler.html">two species</a> (Yellow rumped Warbler and Pine Warbler) and extended my unbroken streak to 83 months with at least one species of warbler in Hampshire County (and 24 consecutive months with two species of warbler in the county). Beyond the warblers on the first I had a nice showing of waterfowl, both species of vulture, Red Crossbill and Chipping Sparrow. I made a return trip to Winsor Dam late in the afternoon and found the Say's Phoebe had returned. The phoebe now continues into its fourth month at the dam (originally found on Dec 10th). </p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/53565665968_1b14047dbb_w_d.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="267" data-original-width="400" height="267" src="https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/53565665968_1b14047dbb_w_d.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: x-small;">Yellow rumped Warbler 'myrtle', Arcadia, Northampton, MA, Mar 3, 2024</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/53565666408_fa0a814d0e_w_d.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="267" data-original-width="400" height="267" src="https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/53565666408_fa0a814d0e_w_d.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: x-small;">Ruby crowned Kinglet, Arcadia, Northampton, MA, Mar 3, 2024</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/53565664113_a465f2e578_w_d.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="300" data-original-width="400" height="300" src="https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/53565664113_a465f2e578_w_d.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: x-small;">Cackling Goose, Arcadia, Northampton, MA, Mar 3, 2024</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/53565664128_644a36d981_w_d.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="300" data-original-width="400" height="300" src="https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/53565664128_644a36d981_w_d.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: x-small;">Canada Goose with white spots on head and neck, Arcadia, Northampton, MA, Mar 3, 2024</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/53565912335_7d44cf0bed_w_d.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="267" data-original-width="400" height="267" src="https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/53565912335_7d44cf0bed_w_d.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: x-small;">Say's Phoebe, Winsor Dam, Quabbin Park, MA, Mar 3, 2024</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/53565477596_a2948bcf52_w_d.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="267" data-original-width="400" height="267" src="https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/53565477596_a2948bcf52_w_d.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: x-small;">Pine Warbler, Winsor Dam, Quabbin Park, MA, Mar 3, 2024</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/53565793344_5716a88f2c_w_d.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="267" data-original-width="400" height="267" src="https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/53565793344_5716a88f2c_w_d.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: x-small;">Pine Warbler, Belchertown, MA, Mar 3, 2024</span></div><p>I had to work on the 2nd but on the third I was out again trying to track down a Yellow rumped Warbler to get some photos of and I had good luck with that goal at <a href="https://ebird.org/checklist/S163595110">Arcadia</a> where I had four individuals. Arcadia also produced some other good stuff among some 43 species including a Cackling Goose, a Ruby crowned Kinglet and some Rusty Blackbirds. I checked a few fields in Hadley and Amherst in search of unusual geese and found only groups of Canada Geese. I eventually made it over to <a href="https://ebird.org/checklist/S163595220">Winsor Dam</a> where I once again had the Say's Phoebe and four Pine Warblers (I also had more Pine Warblers yet again at another location in Belchertown). Although the weather for the month has been above normal temperature wise it is still not warm enough for me so I'm off to warmer locations soon...more on that to come.</p>Larryhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15173127478266831293noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3123720882247241987.post-7981250511345878512024-02-28T13:08:00.000-08:002024-03-01T10:42:05.296-08:00February comes to an end<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/53545618636_f17220145b_w_d.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="267" data-original-width="400" height="267" src="https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/53545618636_f17220145b_w_d.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: x-small;">Cedar Waxwing, Arcadia, Northampton, MA, Feb 22, 2024</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/53546055060_29366fbb89_w_d.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="267" data-original-width="400" height="267" src="https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/53546055060_29366fbb89_w_d.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: x-small;">Yellow rumped Warbler 'myrtle', Arcadia, Northampton, MA, Feb 22, 2024</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/53544747497_f7fde1b582_w_d.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="267" data-original-width="400" height="267" src="https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/53544747497_f7fde1b582_w_d.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: x-small;">American Robin with partial leucism, Arcadia, Northampton, MA, Feb 22, 2024</span></div><p>February has now about come to an end and I will take a look at what I was able to find the last several days. On Thursday the 22nd I stopped by <a href="https://ebird.org/checklist/S162561175">Arcadia</a> after another long shift at work and had some waterfowl, a partially leucistic American Robin, some close looks at Cedar Waxwings and a couple Yellow rumped Warblers. A couple other stops during the morning were fairly quiet with the most notable species being more Red Crossbills.</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/53548665412_36234dbf58_w_d.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="300" data-original-width="400" height="300" src="https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/53548665412_36234dbf58_w_d.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: x-small;">Turkey Vultures, Hadley, MA, Feb 24, 2024</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/53549532791_4243bbb57d_w_d.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="300" data-original-width="400" height="300" src="https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/53549532791_4243bbb57d_w_d.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: x-small;">Black Vultures, Turkey Vultures and Common Grackles, Hadley, MA, Feb 24, 2024</span></div><p>After work on a windy Saturday morning I checked a few spots on my way home with several species of waterfowl along the river on my first stop. A field in Hadley featured a very large mixed flock (8000+) of Common Grackles, Red winged Blackbirds, European Starlings and Brown headed Cowbirds with the majority being Common Grackles. I tried to find a Yellow headed Blackbird in among the hordes without any luck. Other notables around the field included my first Killdeer of the year, an Eastern Meadowlark, five Black Vultures and 28 Turkey Vultures. A stop off at Winsor Dam failed to turn up either Pine Warblers or the recently relocated Say's Phoebe with the most notable sighting being a couple Red Crossbills.</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/53552340111_33d8765c9d_w_d.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="267" data-original-width="400" height="267" src="https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/53552340111_33d8765c9d_w_d.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: x-small;">Pine Warbler, Winsor Dam, Quabbin Park, MA, Feb 25, 2024</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/53552340171_960cffec37_w_d.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="267" data-original-width="400" height="267" src="https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/53552340171_960cffec37_w_d.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: x-small;">Yellow bellied Sapsucker, Winsor Dam, Quabbin Park, MA, Feb 25, 2024</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/53552788970_1c07d12aa3_w_d.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="267" data-original-width="400" height="267" src="https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/53552788970_1c07d12aa3_w_d.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: x-small;">Eastern Bluebird, Winsor Dam, Quabbin Park, MA, Feb 25, 2024</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/53552679794_ef8b98c333_w_d.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="300" data-original-width="400" height="300" src="https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/53552679794_ef8b98c333_w_d.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: x-small;">Winsor Dam, Quabbin Park, MA, Feb 25, 2024</span></div><p>Sunday I had just a short period of time in the morning before having to travel up the the Berkshires for some family obligations. It was one of the coldest mornings of the winter season with a temp around 10. I decided to my time at Quabbin with a visit to <a href="https://ebird.org/checklist/S162942462">Quabbin Park</a> and then <a href="https://ebird.org/checklist/S162942494">Winsor Dam</a>. Quabbin Park featured a Common Loon, five Red Crossbills and a couple Eastern Towhees. Winsor Dam had more loons and Red Crossbills plus five Pine Warblers.</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/53553340967_5883f83777_w_d.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="267" data-original-width="400" height="267" src="https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/53553340967_5883f83777_w_d.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: x-small;">Say's Phoebe, Winsor Dam, Quabbin Park, MA, Feb 26, 2024</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/53554645190_aee4fac6f1_w_d.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="267" data-original-width="400" height="267" src="https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/53554645190_aee4fac6f1_w_d.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: x-small;">Pine Warblers, Winsor Dam, Quabbin Park, MA, Feb 26, 2024</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/53554198956_be319c5e91_w_d.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="267" data-original-width="400" height="267" src="https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/53554198956_be319c5e91_w_d.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: x-small;">Ring necked Ducks, Winsor Dam, Quabbin Park, MA, Feb 26, 2024</span></div></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/53554194601_c55b79ce88_w_d.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="267" data-original-width="400" height="267" src="https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/53554194601_c55b79ce88_w_d.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: x-small;">Pine Warbler, Lake Wallace, Belchertown, MA, Feb 26, 2024</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/53554194986_c1a61f007c_w_d.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="267" data-original-width="400" height="267" src="https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/53554194986_c1a61f007c_w_d.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: x-small;">Hooded Mergansers, Lake Wallace, Belchertown, MA, Feb 26, 2024</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/53554394078_4f977879ce_w_d.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="267" data-original-width="400" height="267" src="https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/53554394078_4f977879ce_w_d.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: x-small;">Eastern Phoebe, Lake Wallace, Belchertown, MA, Feb 26, 2024</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/53554194181_a084424ae2_w_d.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="267" data-original-width="400" height="267" src="https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/53554194181_a084424ae2_w_d.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: x-small;">White throated Sparrow, Lake Wallace, Belchertown, MA, Feb 26, 2024</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/53554390118_0ecf990aa1_w_d.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="267" data-original-width="400" height="267" src="https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/53554390118_0ecf990aa1_w_d.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: x-small;">Pine Warbler, South Cemetery, Belchertown, MA, Feb 26, 2024</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/53553336722_1355658199_w_d.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="267" data-original-width="400" height="267" src="https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/53553336722_1355658199_w_d.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: x-small;">Chipping Sparrow, South Cemetery, Belchertown, MA, Feb 26, 2024</span></div><p>Monday was another sunny day with a cool start, although not as cold as the previous day. It warmed up nicely by the end of the day with highs in the low/mid 50's. The big story for Monday was <a href="https://warblerpursuit.blogspot.com/2024/02/pine-warblers-at-multiple-locations-in.html">Pine Warblers</a> with at least eleven at three different spots in Belchertown with seven at <a href="https://ebird.org/checklist/S163015828">Winsor Dam</a>, one at <a href="https://ebird.org/checklist/S163015858">Lake Wallace</a> and three at a <a href="https://ebird.org/checklist/S163015902">cemetery in Belchertown</a>. I can't understate how unusual it is to have any Pine Warblers in the area in the winter, much less double digit counts. The Say's Phoebe also made its presence known again at the dam and I added a Eastern Phoebe at Lake Wallace, making it a two phoebe day. I also added three Chipping Sparrows for the day. More on the Pine Warblers for the day at the following <a href="https://warblerpursuit.blogspot.com/2024/02/pine-warblers-at-multiple-locations-in.html">link.</a></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/53556459494_f69358f1ce_w_d.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="300" data-original-width="400" height="300" src="https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/53556459494_f69358f1ce_w_d.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: x-small;">Common Goldeneye, Holyoke Dam, South Hadley, MA, Feb 27, 2024</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/53556320953_869dedfa17_w_d.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="300" data-original-width="400" height="300" src="https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/53556320953_869dedfa17_w_d.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: x-small;">Common Loon, Winsor Dam, Quabbin Park, MA, Feb 27, 2024</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/53556321333_b066b432bb_w_d.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="267" data-original-width="400" height="267" src="https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/53556321333_b066b432bb_w_d.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: x-small;">Say's Phoebe, Winsor Dam, Quabbin Park, MA, Feb 27, 2024</span></div><p>On Tuesday I headed out to check a few spots along the river in Hadley and South Hadley for possible Yellow rumped Warblers and found none. There were other birds around for sure and eventually the temps reached a record breaking high around 60...very nice for late February. I then headed back over to <a href="https://ebird.org/checklist/S163118375">Winsor Dam</a> where I had several notable species (the Say's Phoebe, Pine Warblers, Red Crossbills and a couple Common Loons). Most other stops didn't feature anything too unusual. </p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/53558362374_7bd451219d_w_d.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="267" data-original-width="400" height="267" src="https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/53558362374_7bd451219d_w_d.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: x-small;">Common Goldeneyes, Winsor Dam, Quabbin Park, MA, Feb 28, 2024</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/53558027741_76bde9122d_w_d.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="267" data-original-width="400" height="267" src="https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/53558027741_76bde9122d_w_d.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: x-small;">Common Goldeneyes, Winsor Dam, Quabbin Park, MA, Feb 28, 2024</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/53558223058_f117472f4a_w_d.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="267" data-original-width="400" height="267" src="https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/53558223058_f117472f4a_w_d.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: x-small;">Pine Warbler, Winsor Dam, Quabbin Park, MA, Feb 28, 2024</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/53558359599_ec947f8c85_w_d.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="300" data-original-width="400" height="300" src="https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/53558359599_ec947f8c85_w_d.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: x-small;">Say's Phoebe, Winsor Dam, Quabbin Park, MA, Feb 28, 2024</span></div><p>My last free day to bird for the month was today and it was a rainy, windy and warm day to start and I stayed close to home with multiple visits to <a href="https://ebird.org/checklist/S163196448">Winsor Dam</a> where I had some waterfowl brought in by the weather including a female Northern Shoveler flying past with some Mallards and a dozen Common Goldeneyes that put on some nice displaying. The Say's Phoebe, Pine Warblers and Red Crossbills also continued to show at the dam.</p><p>I ended the month with a total of 96 species, which is above a typical February here and is the third highest total I have had for a February in the county...my best was <a href="https://quabbinbirdingandbeyond.blogspot.com/2022/02/a-record-scattering-february-comes-to.html">2022</a> with 108 species and second best was <a href="https://quabbinbirdingandbeyond.blogspot.com/2021/02/end-of-february-brings-some-slightly.html">2021</a> with 97 species.</p>Larryhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15173127478266831293noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3123720882247241987.post-91499012040728458142024-02-20T13:13:00.000-08:002024-02-20T13:13:23.012-08:00At least half a dozen Pine Warblers continue at Winsor Dam plus other sightings from the last several days<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/53541654841_f67af3e702_w_d.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="267" data-original-width="400" height="267" src="https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/53541654841_f67af3e702_w_d.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: x-small;">Pine Warblers, Winsor Dam, Quabbin Park, MA, Feb 20, 2024</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/53541978249_1f25bc40f1_w_d.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="267" data-original-width="400" height="267" src="https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/53541978249_1f25bc40f1_w_d.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: x-small;">Pine Warbler, Winsor Dam, Quabbin Park, MA, Feb 20, 2024</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/53541836393_7a44d4da75_w_d.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="267" data-original-width="400" height="267" src="https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/53541836393_7a44d4da75_w_d.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: x-small;">American Robins, Winsor Dam, Quabbin Park, MA, Feb 20, 2024</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/53539733841_8046be2bce_w_d.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="267" data-original-width="400" height="267" src="https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/53539733841_8046be2bce_w_d.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: x-small;">Pine Warblers, Winsor Dam, Quabbin Park, MA, Feb 20, 2024</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/53540152690_898bcecf8b_w_d.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="267" data-original-width="400" height="267" src="https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/53540152690_898bcecf8b_w_d.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: x-small;">Red tailed Hawk, Winsor Dam, Quabbin Park, MA, Feb 19, 2024</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/53540056514_10a6f4cc1a_w_d.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="267" data-original-width="400" height="267" src="https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/53540056514_10a6f4cc1a_w_d.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: x-small;">Eastern Bluebird, Winsor Dam, Quabbin Park, MA, Feb 19, 2024</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/53540059819_87765f65e3_w_d.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="267" data-original-width="400" height="267" src="https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/53540059819_87765f65e3_w_d.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: x-small;">Turkey Vultures and Black Vultures, Moody Bridge Rd, Hadley, MA, Feb 19, 2024</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/53537541759_fd9b57f0e8_w_d.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="267" data-original-width="400" height="267" src="https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/53537541759_fd9b57f0e8_w_d.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: x-small;">Song Sparrow, Hampshire College, Amherst, MA, Feb 18, 2024</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/53535366918_3e34c3a191_w_d.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="267" data-original-width="400" height="267" src="https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/53535366918_3e34c3a191_w_d.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: x-small;">Pine Warbler, Winsor Dam, Quabbin Park, MA, Feb 17, 2024</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/53534302962_183f0b2aa6_w_d.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="267" data-original-width="400" height="267" src="https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/53534302962_183f0b2aa6_w_d.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: x-small;">Pine Siskin, Winsor Dam, Quabbin Park, MA, Feb 17, 2024</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/53535609315_784f1c0d28_w_d.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="267" data-original-width="400" height="267" src="https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/53535609315_784f1c0d28_w_d.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: x-small;">Golden crowned Kinglet, Winsor Dam, Quabbin Park, MA, Feb 17, 2024</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/53533582629_c1523d8957_w_d.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="400" data-original-width="300" height="400" src="https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/53533582629_c1523d8957_w_d.jpg" width="300" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: x-small;">Wilson after a haircut, Home, Belchertown, MA, Feb 16, 2024</span></div></div><p>I have spent the last several days when I was free mainly keeping a close tab on the continued group of overwintering <a href="https://warblerpursuit.blogspot.com/2024/02/continued-pine-warblers-at-winsor-dam.html">Pine Warblers</a> at Winsor Dam and although the numbers have varied from day to day, there are at least a half a dozen individuals that continue through today. Lots more details and photos at the above link in regards to the warblers. Besides the warblers I have found a number of other notable species both at the dam and at other locations plus the species one would expect here in February, although the waterfowl numbers continue to be low. Hopefully the numbers will pick up as February ends and March begins. </p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/53533689730_154c1b7657_w_d.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="300" data-original-width="400" height="300" src="https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/53533689730_154c1b7657_w_d.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: x-small;">Fresh shavings in duck box #1, Home, Belchertown, MA, Feb 16, 2024</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/53541976824_aafac97b4d_w_d.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="225" data-original-width="400" height="225" src="https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/53541976824_aafac97b4d_w_d.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: x-small;">Hairy Woodpecker and Downy Woodpecker, Home, Belchertown, MA, Feb 18, 2024</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/53541976839_210d8c7406_w_d.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="225" data-original-width="400" height="225" src="https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/53541976839_210d8c7406_w_d.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: x-small;">Black capped Chickadee with leg bands, Home, Belchertown, MA, Feb 17, 2024</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/53542080520_b172cd5bc9_w_d.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="225" data-original-width="400" height="225" src="https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/53542080520_b172cd5bc9_w_d.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: x-small;">Eastern Bluebirds, Home, Belchertown, MA, Feb 17, 2024</span></div><p>I also got around to checking all the duck boxes at the house to prep them for the upcoming nesting season. The camera I set up on the suet feeder captured a number of species including a continued banded Black capped Chickadee. </p>Larryhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15173127478266831293noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3123720882247241987.post-52711868624121724112024-02-14T11:23:00.000-08:002024-02-14T11:23:37.961-08:00Record warmth and then some snow for the second week of February with multiple continued rarities<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/53517306613_d094f64e2c_w_d.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="267" data-original-width="400" height="267" src="https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/53517306613_d094f64e2c_w_d.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: x-small;">Yellow rumped Warbler 'myrtle', Arcadia, Northampton, MA, Feb 8, 2024</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/53517137411_1a85ecdf1d_w_d.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="300" data-original-width="400" height="300" src="https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/53517137411_1a85ecdf1d_w_d.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: x-small;">Pale/leucistic Canada Goose, Arcadia, Northampton, MA, Feb 8, 2024</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/53517305543_a5bfd2e94a_w_d.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="267" data-original-width="400" height="267" src="https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/53517305543_a5bfd2e94a_w_d.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: x-small;">Red Crossbill (with Pine Siskins), Winsor Dam, Quabbin Park, MA, Feb 8, 2024</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/53517454819_34e2848f58_w_d.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="267" data-original-width="400" height="267" src="https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/53517454819_34e2848f58_w_d.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: x-small;">Pine Warbler, Winsor Dam, Quabbin Park, MA, Feb 8, 2024</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/53517454544_a7b2065a69_w_d.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="267" data-original-width="400" height="267" src="https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/53517454544_a7b2065a69_w_d.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: x-small;">Eastern Bluebird, Winsor Dam, Quabbin Park, MA, Feb 8, 2024</span></div><p>The second week of February was a bit of a roller-coaster weather wise with sunny conditions for most of the period with progressively warmer temps that eventually set a record with a high in the upper 50's on Saturday and then a much hyped "major" snow storm on Tuesday that dropped less than two inches of snow at the house and nothing just a little further west. No complaints from me as the forecast just hours before the arrival of the storm called for a foot of snow. Areas to the south certainly got hit with snow and once the storm moved out strong northerly winds made it really feel like mid February.</p><p>I started off the second week after getting out of work the 8th and trying some new spots for overwintering <a href="https://warblerpursuit.blogspot.com/2024/02/two-warbler-species-this-morning.html">Yellow rumped Warblers</a> and found one fairly quickly at Arcadia. I had heard the species early in the month as a flyover without any photo so was glad to find one that was more cooperative for photos. I also had the continued <a href="https://quabbinbirdingandbeyond.blogspot.com/2023/11/paleleucistic-canada-goose-returns-for.html">pale Canada Goose</a> that has now spent time in the area for four winters. After finding a Yellow rumped Warbler so quick for the morning I decided to head to <a href="https://ebird.org/checklist/S160949888">Winsor Dam</a> to see if I could track down any of the Pine Warblers there to make it a two warbler species day and I had success with that endeavor. I also added a flyover Evening Grosbeak and a few Red Crossbills.</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/53519361733_56c5283b2a_w_d.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="267" data-original-width="400" height="267" src="https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/53519361733_56c5283b2a_w_d.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: x-small;">White throated Sparrow, Rail trail, Ware, MA, Feb 9, 2024</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/53519508384_d8ef523e99_w_d.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="267" data-original-width="400" height="267" src="https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/53519508384_d8ef523e99_w_d.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: x-small;">Eastern Towhees, Quabbin Park, MA, Feb 9, 2024</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/53519620290_d5f3a92b2b_w_d.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="300" data-original-width="400" height="300" src="https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/53519620290_d5f3a92b2b_w_d.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: x-small;">Common Loon, Quabbin Park, MA, Feb 9, 2024</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/53519192561_b58b160a26_w_d.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="267" data-original-width="400" height="267" src="https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/53519192561_b58b160a26_w_d.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: x-small;">Say's Phoebe, Winsor Dam, Quabbin Park, MA, Feb 9, 2024</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/53519507309_dc94650dc7_w_d.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="267" data-original-width="400" height="267" src="https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/53519507309_dc94650dc7_w_d.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: x-small;">Pine Warbler, Winsor Dam, Quabbin Park, MA, Feb 9, 2024</span></div><p>On Friday the 9th I started my morning along the <a href="https://ebird.org/checklist/S161028659">rail trail</a> in Ware where I had several Red Crossbills (I believe multiple Type's but waiting to hear back from Tim) as well as a high number of White throated Sparrows. I then made a few stops within <a href="https://ebird.org/checklist/S161028702">Quabbin Park</a> and found several notable species including eight Common Loons, more Red Crossbills, a Fox Sparrow and three Eastern Towhees. Then it was on again to <a href="https://ebird.org/checklist/S161028714">Winsor Dam</a> to check on the Say's Phoebe and Pine Warblers and I was happy to get both with at least five Pine Warblers present as well as even more Red Crossbills.</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/53525637073_520af183c3_w_d.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="267" data-original-width="400" height="267" src="https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/53525637073_520af183c3_w_d.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: x-small;">Pine Warbler, Winsor Dam, Quabbin Park, MA, Feb 10, 2024</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/53525780214_1ca83fb6b2_w_d.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="267" data-original-width="400" height="267" src="https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/53525780214_1ca83fb6b2_w_d.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: x-small;">Pine Warblers, Winsor Dam, Quabbin Park, MA, Feb 10, 2024</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/53525636823_788702a493_w_d.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="267" data-original-width="400" height="267" src="https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/53525636823_788702a493_w_d.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: x-small;">Say's Phoebe, Winsor Dam, Quabbin Park, MA, Feb 10, 2024</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/53525459796_cb8873fbed_w_d.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="267" data-original-width="400" height="267" src="https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/53525459796_cb8873fbed_w_d.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: x-small;">Common Mergansers, Winsor Dam, Quabbin Park, MA, Feb 10, 2024</span></div><p>Saturday started off foggy and stayed that way for the first few hours of the morning. I stayed somewhat local making a number of stops with the most productive and longest being back again to <a href="https://ebird.org/checklist/S161100164">Winsor Dam</a> where I had the Say's Phoebe and multiple Pine Warblers as well as a Hermit Thrush that actually sang a partial song a few times and loads of Pine Siskins and some Red Crossbills (the dam had just been so incredible this winter that I find it hard to pull myself away). </p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/53523373159_04f4f8ea4d_w_d.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="267" data-original-width="400" height="267" src="https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/53523373159_04f4f8ea4d_w_d.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: x-small;">Black Vultures, East Hadley Rd, Hadley, MA, Feb 11, 2024</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/53522159597_e0862da439_w_d.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="267" data-original-width="400" height="267" src="https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/53522159597_e0862da439_w_d.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: x-small;">Turkey Vulture, East Hadley Rd, Hadley, MA, Feb 11, 2024</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/53523373699_270b181db3_w_d.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="267" data-original-width="400" height="267" src="https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/53523373699_270b181db3_w_d.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: x-small;">Beaver, Rail trail, Amherst, MA, Feb 11, 2024</span></div></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/53523055576_bee02b50fd_w_d.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="267" data-original-width="400" height="267" src="https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/53523055576_bee02b50fd_w_d.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: x-small;">Pine Warbler, Winsor Dam, Quabbin Park, MA, Feb 11, 2024</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/53523369769_7e37d3e522_w_d.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="267" data-original-width="400" height="267" src="https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/53523369769_7e37d3e522_w_d.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: x-small;">Pine Warbler (with Eastern Bluebirds), Winsor Dam, Quabbin Park, MA, Feb 11, 2024</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/53522157812_dbd4980788_w_d.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="267" data-original-width="400" height="267" src="https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/53522157812_dbd4980788_w_d.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: x-small;">Say's Phoebe, Winsor Dam, Quabbin Park, MA, Feb 11, 2024</span></div></div></div><p>For Sunday I ventured over to the Amherst/Hadley area where I tried in vain to find an overwintering Common Yellowthroat (a tough species to find in winter for sure). With no luck finding a yellowthroat I then spent some time checking farm fields for geese, mixed blackbird/grackle flocks and raptors. My best luck turned out to be with vultures when I had at least eight Black Vultures and ten Turkey Vultures lifting off from a roost in Hadley...a great number for either species in the early part of February. I also had to make a stop at <a href="https://ebird.org/checklist/S161237697">Winsor Dam</a> on my way home to check on the phoebe and Pine Warblers and found all of them quite easily. </p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/53525419944_e07479e491_w_d.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="267" data-original-width="400" height="267" src="https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/53525419944_e07479e491_w_d.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: x-small;">Gray Catbird, Rail trail, Ware, MA, Feb 12, 2024</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/53525278208_1d235dc6a0_w_d.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="267" data-original-width="400" height="267" src="https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/53525278208_1d235dc6a0_w_d.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: x-small;">Field Sparrow, Rail trail, Ware, MA, Feb 12, 2024</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/53524205907_b38cd98660_w_d.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="267" data-original-width="400" height="267" src="https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/53524205907_b38cd98660_w_d.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: x-small;">Purple Finches, Rail trail, Ware, MA, Feb 12, 2024</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/53525419634_47e4cf7654_w_d.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="267" data-original-width="400" height="267" src="https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/53525419634_47e4cf7654_w_d.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: x-small;">Pine Warbler, Winsor Dam, Quabbin Park, MA, Feb 12, 2024</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/53525277198_ffeb0b9a19_w_d.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="267" data-original-width="400" height="267" src="https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/53525277198_ffeb0b9a19_w_d.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: x-small;">Say's Phoebe, Winsor Dam, Quabbin Park, MA, Feb 12, 2024</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/53525101066_a8029ccb93_w_d.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="267" data-original-width="400" height="267" src="https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/53525101066_a8029ccb93_w_d.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: x-small;">Pine Siskin, Winsor Dam, Quabbin Park, MA, Feb 12, 2024</span></div></div><p>On Monday the 12th I started off predawn at <a href="https://ebird.org/checklist/S161322002">Winsor Dam</a> where I had nearly three hundred gulls with most being Ring billed Gulls. There was one intriguing gull I had in view for just a few seconds before the entire group was flushed and the gull in question headed off with the hordes to the southeast and was not seen again. I then headed to the <a href="https://ebird.org/checklist/S161332060">rail trail</a> in Ware to look for a Gray Catbird that has been reported in the area. I not only found the catbird (adding another species for the year in the county) but also a Field Sparrow. I then (of course) headed back to <a href="https://ebird.org/checklist/S161332238">Winsor Dam</a> where I once again had the Say's Phoebe right away (literally the first species I saw). Red Crossbills were also flying around the area and calling. The Pine Warblers were present (with at least three around) but very tough to find as they mainly hid in the grass. It took lots of looking to find them and photo ops were tough to come by.</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/53529613914_7725bdb476_w_d.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="267" data-original-width="400" height="267" src="https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/53529613914_7725bdb476_w_d.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: x-small;">Pine Warbler, Winsor Dam, Quabbin Park, MA, Feb 14, 2024</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/53529298426_d55fd4f81a_w_d.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="267" data-original-width="400" height="267" src="https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/53529298426_d55fd4f81a_w_d.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: x-small;">Eastern Bluebird, Winsor Dam, Quabbin Park, MA, Feb 14, 2024</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/53529730305_c8c5b83338_w_d.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="267" data-original-width="400" height="267" src="https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/53529730305_c8c5b83338_w_d.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: x-small;">Pine Siskin, Winsor Dam, Quabbin Park, MA, Feb 14, 2024</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/53529728175_2c67e71ff0_w_d.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="300" data-original-width="400" height="300" src="https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/53529728175_2c67e71ff0_w_d.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: x-small;">Pine Warbler, Winsor Dam, Quabbin Park, MA, Feb 14, 2024</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/53529613369_b6ea369684_w_d.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="400" data-original-width="300" height="400" src="https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/53529613369_b6ea369684_w_d.jpg" width="300" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: x-small;">Wilson on a cold, windy walk, Belchertown, MA, Feb 14, 2024</span></div></div><p>Yesterday I had to work so no real birding for that day. After getting out of work on a very windy and cold morning today I had just a short time before I had to get home to take a class. I decided to head over to <a href="https://ebird.org/checklist/S161499309">Winsor Dam</a> and despite the windy conditions I found a couple of Pine Warblers continuing, feeding in pines today. Once I finished up my class I took Wilson for a walk and we made a brief stop at the dam again and yet again found a couple Pine Warblers (no sign of the Say's Phoebe during either of my visits).</p><p>So far February has been quite productive with 81 species for me in the county, which is my second highest total for February ever. Not quite up to my record setting February back in <a href="https://quabbinbirdingandbeyond.blogspot.com/2022/02/a-record-setting-pace-for-february-by.html">2022 when I had 92 species</a> by this point but very respectable. </p>Larryhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15173127478266831293noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3123720882247241987.post-89873637867237916242024-02-06T13:29:00.000-08:002024-02-06T13:29:08.824-08:00The first week or so in February produces at least seven Pine Warblers, the continued Say's Phoebe and reaching a hundred species in Hampshire County for the year<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/53503487605_c9223ed1be_w_d.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="267" data-original-width="400" height="267" src="https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/53503487605_c9223ed1be_w_d.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: x-small;">Say's Phoebe, Winsor Dam, Quabbin Park, MA, Feb 1, 2024</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/53503212923_aaa4dcac6b_w_d.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="267" data-original-width="400" height="267" src="https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/53503212923_aaa4dcac6b_w_d.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: x-small;">Red Crossbill, Winsor Dam, Quabbin Park, MA, Feb 1, 2024</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/53502176657_836f631c75_w_d.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="300" data-original-width="400" height="300" src="https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/53502176657_836f631c75_w_d.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: x-small;">Horned Grebe, Quabbin Park, MA, Feb 1, 2024</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/53502177552_a96b4ccfe9_w_d.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="267" data-original-width="400" height="267" src="https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/53502177552_a96b4ccfe9_w_d.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: x-small;">Ruby crowned Kinglet, Hadley, MA, Feb 1, 2024</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/53503212483_33e4760b26_w_d.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="300" data-original-width="400" height="300" src="https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/53503212483_33e4760b26_w_d.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: x-small;">Pale/leucistic Canada Goose, Hadley, MA, Feb 1, 2024</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/53503875392_0ec43b0d18_w_d.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="300" data-original-width="400" height="300" src="https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/53503875392_0ec43b0d18_w_d.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: x-small;">Swamp Sparrow, Belchertown Land Trust Trail, Belchertown, MA, Feb 2, 2024</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/53507335159_54dddc90f7_w_d.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="267" data-original-width="400" height="267" src="https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/53507335159_54dddc90f7_w_d.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: x-small;">Fox Sparrow, Quabbin Park, MA, Feb 3, 2024</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/53506134157_b353cb53db_w_d.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="267" data-original-width="400" height="267" src="https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/53506134157_b353cb53db_w_d.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: x-small;">Eastern Towhee, Quabbin Park, MA, Feb 3, 2024</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/53507020786_63340544b8_w_d.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="267" data-original-width="400" height="267" src="https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/53507020786_63340544b8_w_d.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: x-small;">Pine Warbler, Winsor Dam, Quabbin Park, MA, Feb 3, 2024</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/53509182483_b2989eeff7_w_d.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="267" data-original-width="400" height="267" src="https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/53509182483_b2989eeff7_w_d.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: x-small;">Say's Phoebe, Winsor Dam, Quabbin Park, MA, Feb 4, 2024</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/53513460894_618a31ec8f_w_d.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="267" data-original-width="400" height="267" src="https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/53513460894_618a31ec8f_w_d.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: x-small;">Bald Eagle, Winsor Dam, Quabbin Park, MA, Feb 6, 2024</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/53513142256_bc27971c8d_w_d.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="267" data-original-width="400" height="267" src="https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/53513142256_bc27971c8d_w_d.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: x-small;">Pine Warbler, Winsor Dam, Quabbin Park, MA, Feb 6, 2024</span></div><p>I have had a good start to the month of February with a number of unusual species around including <a href="https://warblerpursuit.blogspot.com/2024/02/pine-warblers-today-and-yellow-rumped.html">two species of warblers</a>, the continued Say's Phoebe and many others that eventually got me to one hundred species for the year so far in Hampshire County. Being slightly obsessed with warblers the big story for me would certainly be the overwintering Pine Warblers at Winsor Dam that total at least <a href="https://warblerpursuit.blogspot.com/2024/02/at-least-seven-pine-warblers-at-winsor.html">seven individuals</a> as of this morning. A number of birders came out to see the Say's Phoebe once again and from what I could tell many of them succeeded. Beyond the Pine Warblers and Say's Phoebe I have found a few decent species to begin February with the continued <a href="https://quabbinbirdingandbeyond.blogspot.com/2023/11/paleleucistic-canada-goose-returns-for.html">pale Canada Goose</a>, American Wigeon, Horned Grebe, Common Loon, Iceland Gull, Ruby crowned Kinglet, Red Crossbill, Fox Sparrow, Swamp Sparrow and Eastern Towhee. Reaching the first hundred species for the year in the county is always a milestone and although a bit ahead of the average this year I'm behind my record setting pace that I set in 2021 when I reached the hundred mark in late January. This does place this year in the top three for reaching the century mark with number two being 2023 when I reach the mark on February 5th. As linked above there is a lot more details on the Pine Warblers (with more photos) at the following link: <a href="https://warblerpursuit.blogspot.com/2024/02/at-least-seven-pine-warblers-at-winsor.html">Pine Warblers in February</a>.</p>Larryhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15173127478266831293noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3123720882247241987.post-90870799085588614282024-01-31T15:44:00.000-08:002024-01-31T15:44:24.772-08:00Trip to southern Florida -Jan 20-27<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/53501376799_723806c9bd_w_d.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="267" data-original-width="400" height="267" src="https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/53501376799_723806c9bd_w_d.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: x-small;">Prairie Warbler with leg band, Bill Baggs Cape Florida SP, Key Biscayne, FL, Jan 26, 2024</span></div><div><br /></div>After my time in the <a href="https://quabbinbirdingandbeyond.blogspot.com/2024/01/abaco-in-bahamas-jan-16-20-produces.html">Bahamas</a> I took a short flight over to Miami to meet up with Sherri and continue the vacation with a few days in the Florida Keys followed by a few more days on Key Biscayne. After leaving from one of the smallest airports I have ever flown out of I had one of the shortest flights on a jet I have ever had with just a little over a half hour of flying time. After meeting up in Miami, getting some food and driving south we made it to Tavernier and our lodging for the next four nights. On the way down a stop off for food south of Miami proved fruitful with the sighting of three Mitred Parakeets, an established exotic and a new life species for me, number 1996. Not much birding otherwise as we got settled in on a warm, breezy day. <div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/53500908246_5190161518_w_d.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="267" data-original-width="400" height="267" src="https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/53500908246_5190161518_w_d.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: x-small;">Black throated Green Warbler, Dagny Johnson Key Largo Hammocks State Botanical Park, Key Largo, FL, Jan 21, 2024</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/53501060798_18c55d77a5_w_d.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="267" data-original-width="400" height="267" src="https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/53501060798_18c55d77a5_w_d.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: x-small;">Yellow throated Vireo, Dagny Johnson Key Largo Hammocks State Botanical Park, Key Largo, FL, Jan 21, 2024</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/53500907211_57fca4035e_w_d.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="267" data-original-width="400" height="267" src="https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/53500907211_57fca4035e_w_d.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: x-small;">Red breasted Merganser, Old Settlers Park, Tavernier, FL, Jan 21, 2024</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/53501060213_89ecd1d8cd_w_d.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="267" data-original-width="400" height="267" src="https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/53501060213_89ecd1d8cd_w_d.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: x-small;">Magnolia Warbler, Old Settlers Park, Tavernier, FL, Jan 21, 2024</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/53501327320_bdbde32059_w_d.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="267" data-original-width="400" height="267" src="https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/53501327320_bdbde32059_w_d.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: x-small;">Blue headed Vireo, Old Settlers Park, Tavernier, FL, Jan 21, 2024</span></div><div><br /></div><div>Sunday was another breezy day and quite cool to start (mid 50’s so not terrible and a whole lot better than home where the temps were in the single digits with a strong wind). I drove north and arrived before sunrise at <a href="https://ebird.org/checklist/S159447785">Dagny Johnson Key Largo Hammock Botanical SP</a>. Although the area had lots of reports of good birds and the habitat looked great and was extensive, the bird activity was very low. I spent over two hours in the hopes I would eventually find some birds with very little luck. I then decided to head back south to check out a very small park in Tavernier called <a href="https://ebird.org/checklist/S159447820">Old Settlers Park</a>. Although a tiny place it proved to have much more activity and I had about the same number of species there as I had at my first stop and covered just a fraction of the same amount of territory. I had seven species of warblers (including a Magnolia Warbler), a couple vireo species and others. Always amazing what small parks can hold for birds. By late morning we decided to try John Pennekamp Coral Reef SP and this place was even more devoid of birds than my morning stop at the location just north. Perhaps the lateness of the visit and the crowds kept activity low. I had just eight species in an hour! The remainder of the day was spent outside at our lodging enjoying the warm weather. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/53501241899_ea7243d1d0_w_d.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="267" data-original-width="400" height="267" src="https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/53501241899_ea7243d1d0_w_d.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: x-small;">Yellow rumped Warbler 'myrtle', Old Settlers Park, Tavernier, FL, Jan 22, 2024</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/53500937166_ee8ee40bdc_w_d.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="267" data-original-width="400" height="267" src="https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/53500937166_ee8ee40bdc_w_d.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: x-small;">Julia, Dagny Johnson Key Largo Hammocks State Botanical Park, Key Largo, FL, Jan 22, 2024</span></div><div><br /></div><div>On Monday I headed a short distance south to a small park in Islamorada called Plantation Hammock Preserve. Again some decent habitat and again nearly devoid of birds. The continued windy conditions certainly didn’t help. After nearly an hour there I left there and headed back to Old Settlers Park that was fairly productive the day before. It was certainly less active than the day before but there were still some birds around. I then headed back to our lodging for a short time and then we headed up to Dagny Johnson Key Largo Hammocks State Botanical Park and walked a variety of trails and found the park to be very quiet once again. By midday we headed back to our lodging to head out onto Florida Bay with kayaks. </div><div><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/53501135538_3977db7d7a_w_d.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="267" data-original-width="400" height="267" src="https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/53501135538_3977db7d7a_w_d.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: x-small;">Little Blue Heron, Florida Keys Wild Bird Rehabilitation Center, Tavernier, FL, Jan 23, 2024</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/53501284519_3ae8acc696_w_d.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="267" data-original-width="400" height="267" src="https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/53501284519_3ae8acc696_w_d.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: x-small;">White Ibis, Florida Keys Wild Bird Rehabilitation Center, Tavernier, FL, Jan 23, 2024</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/53500979966_d39d66f1c9_w_d.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="267" data-original-width="400" height="267" src="https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/53500979966_d39d66f1c9_w_d.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: x-small;">Palm Warbler 'western', Old Settlers Park, Tavernier, FL, Jan 23, 2024</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/53501141663_3521e842f6_w_d.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="267" data-original-width="400" height="267" src="https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/53501141663_3521e842f6_w_d.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: x-small;">Royal Tern, Long Key SP, Layton, FL, Jan 23, 2024</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/53501410000_beede10537_w_d.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="267" data-original-width="400" height="267" src="https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/53501410000_beede10537_w_d.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: x-small;">Little Blue Heron, Long Key SP, Layton, FL, Jan 23, 2024</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/53501142168_0b6e04b32a_w_d.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="267" data-original-width="400" height="267" src="https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/53501142168_0b6e04b32a_w_d.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: x-small;">Yellow crowned Night Heron, Long Key SP, Layton, FL, Jan 23, 2024</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/53501141278_105279480f_w_d.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="267" data-original-width="400" height="267" src="https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/53501141278_105279480f_w_d.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: x-small;">Prairie Warbler, Long Key SP, Layton, FL, Jan 23, 2024</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/53501292734_d9271c691a_w_d.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="267" data-original-width="400" height="267" src="https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/53501292734_d9271c691a_w_d.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: x-small;">Great Crested Flycatcher, Long Key SP, Layton, FL, Jan 23, 2024</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/53501292899_4d3f0defb1_w_d.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="267" data-original-width="400" height="267" src="https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/53501292899_4d3f0defb1_w_d.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: x-small;">Dragonfly species, Long Key SP, Layton, FL, Jan 23, 2024</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/53501141563_115d1eb757_w_d.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="300" data-original-width="400" height="300" src="https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/53501141563_115d1eb757_w_d.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: x-small;">Beach, Long Key SP, Layton, FL, Jan 23, 2024</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: x-small;"><br /></span></div><div>The rinse and repeat days of windy weather continued on Tuesday albeit with a bit warmer temps. I headed out before dawn trying a few nearby spots without finding anything too noteworthy. We then headed further south to <a href="https://ebird.org/checklist/S159635574">Long Key SP</a> which was also fairly quiet but did feature a few pockets of birds with a few new species for the trip. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/53500127317_8c793f6d21_w_d.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="267" data-original-width="400" height="267" src="https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/53500127317_8c793f6d21_w_d.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: x-small;">Northern Cardinal, Dagny Johnson Key Largo Hammocks State Botanical Park, Key Largo, FL, Jan 24, 2024</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/53501165793_fb0ce12bbb_w_d.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="267" data-original-width="400" height="267" src="https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/53501165793_fb0ce12bbb_w_d.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: x-small;">Piping Plovers, Virginia Key Ecosystem Restoration Area, Miami, FL, Jan 24, 2024</span></div></div><div><br /></div><div>Wednesday was our day to leave the keys and travel north to stay on the peninsula of Key Biscayne (near Miami) for three nights. It was yet another windy day pretty much from start to finish although it seemed to be slightly less strong. I had a few hours available in the morning and made a few stops including Plantation Hammock Preserve, Old Settlers Park and Dagny Johnson Key Largo Hammocks State Botanical Park. The first two were quiet with nothing too noteworthy. The last stop was a little more productive when I had a decent mixed flock containing at least seven species of warblers, including my first Yellow Warbler I have actually had in Florida. I then headed back to pack up and start the drive north. We made one stop along the way to walk and we chose Navy Wells Pineland Preserve where we walked for about half an hour and had some typical species. As we made the long stop and go trip through the greater Miami area I was actually able to add a life bird with a Red whiskered Bulbul (another established exotic in the area)….species number 1997. We also made a short stop at Virginia Key Beach after going over the causeway where I added a few more species for the trip. </div><div><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/53500137242_354b407f60_w_d.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="267" data-original-width="400" height="267" src="https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/53500137242_354b407f60_w_d.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: x-small;">Orange crowned Warbler, Bill Baggs Cape Florida SP, Key Biscayne, FL, Jan 25, 2024</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/53501444240_bd2976f6f7_w_d.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="267" data-original-width="400" height="267" src="https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/53501444240_bd2976f6f7_w_d.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: x-small;">Gray Catbird, Bill Baggs Cape Florida SP, Key Biscayne, FL, Jan 25, 2024</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/53501326284_439d4d55a5_w_d.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="267" data-original-width="400" height="267" src="https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/53501326284_439d4d55a5_w_d.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: x-small;">Yellow throated Warbler, Bill Baggs Cape Florida SP, Key Biscayne, FL, Jan 25, 2024</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/53501024001_98517cd57a_w_d.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="267" data-original-width="400" height="267" src="https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/53501024001_98517cd57a_w_d.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: x-small;">Prairie Warbler, Bill Baggs Cape Florida SP, Key Biscayne, FL, Jan 25, 2024</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/53501025441_5440cb6040_w_d.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="267" data-original-width="400" height="267" src="https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/53501025441_5440cb6040_w_d.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: x-small;">Great Crested Flycatcher, Bill Baggs Cape Florida SP, Key Biscayne, FL, Jan 25, 2024</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div>On Thursday the 25th I spent most of the day at <a href="https://ebird.org/checklist/S159777195">Bill Baggs Cape Florida SP</a> which was a just down the street from our Airbnb. Unfortunately the gates don’t open until 8AM so I had to try to find other locations to bird and had little luck finding any that were open. Once the gates opened I headed out on the trails and ran across a number of mixed species flocks. Blue gray Gnatcatchers were around in good numbers with nearly thirty present. I also had eight species of warblers including my first Orange crowned Warbler of the trip. I walked several miles between my morning stop and my afternoon stop and had nearly thirty species overall. The wind was a bit less once one got away from the beach. </div><div><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/53501376354_aaa574c4cd_w_d.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="267" data-original-width="400" height="267" src="https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/53501376354_aaa574c4cd_w_d.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: x-small;">Blue Gray Gnatcatcher, Bill Baggs Cape Florida SP, Key Biscayne, FL, Jan 26, 2024</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/53501224493_a09b4a205a_w_d.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="267" data-original-width="400" height="267" src="https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/53501224493_a09b4a205a_w_d.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: x-small;">Palm Warbler 'western', Bill Baggs Cape Florida SP, Key Biscayne, FL, Jan 26, 2024</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/53500184822_55561a2ca6_w_d.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="300" data-original-width="400" height="300" src="https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/53500184822_55561a2ca6_w_d.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: x-small;">Sunrise, Crandon Park, FL, Jan 26, 2024</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div>On the last full day I once again headed to <a href="https://ebird.org/checklist/S159831750">Bill Baggs Cape Florida SP</a> after I caught the sunrise at Crandon Park. I had a distant look at a shearwater from the beach at Crandon Park that was almost certainly an Audubon’s Shearwater. Once in Bill Baggs there was less warbler diversity during my morning trip but more species overall including a couple new ones for the trip. After a break for lunch we headed back to the park in the heat of the day to take another walk. As expected the activity was quite a bit lower so nothing unusual.
Total of 86 species in Florida for the trip which is rather low. I added three new Florida species on the trip, bringing my total to 240. </div><div><br /></div><div>More on the warblers of the trip at the following <a href="https://warblerpursuit.blogspot.com/2024/01/warblers-on-trip-to-southern-florida.html">link</a>.</div>Larryhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15173127478266831293noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3123720882247241987.post-31842306724106535302024-01-31T12:49:00.000-08:002024-01-31T15:47:00.986-08:00Say's Phoebe continues to end January<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/53499968692_13ba7e9a1c_w_d.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="300" data-original-width="400" height="300" src="https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/53499968692_13ba7e9a1c_w_d.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: x-small;">Say's Phoebe, Winsor Dam, Quabbin Park, MA, Jan 31, 2024</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/53501158964_02befbffa9_w_d.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="267" data-original-width="400" height="267" src="https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/53501158964_02befbffa9_w_d.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: x-small;">Say's Phoebe, Winsor Dam, Quabbin Park, MA, Jan 31, 2024</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/53501275885_5f1c6d4f8d_w_d.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="267" data-original-width="400" height="267" src="https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/53501275885_5f1c6d4f8d_w_d.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: x-small;">Say's Phoebe, Winsor Dam, Quabbin Park, MA, Jan 31, 2024</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/53500854666_0d09cd361d_w_d.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="300" data-original-width="400" height="300" src="https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/53500854666_0d09cd361d_w_d.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: x-small;">Pale/leucistic Canada Goose, East Meadows, Northampton, MA, Jan 31, 2024</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/53499968967_a8bfd62d54_w_d.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="400" data-original-width="300" height="400" src="https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/53499968967_a8bfd62d54_w_d.jpg" width="300" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: x-small;">Wilson with a stick, Belchertown, MA, Jan 31, 2024</span></div></div><p>The big surprise today as I finished out the month of January with a little birding after work was the return of the Say's Phoebe at <a href="https://ebird.org/checklist/S160281865">Winsor Dam</a>. The bird has now been present on and off (mainly off lately) since December 10th, when it was first discovered by Mary. During the month of January it has only been reported on the 2nd when Brian and I had it along the dam and then again on the 10th when I had found it again. I truly wonder where it spends its time when not along the dam or at the admin building. Today's sighting was totally unexpected with all the recent cold weather and snow. I was standing with another birder checking out the reservoir when we heard the distinct call of the phoebe and then watched it fly over the building. It was out of view for a few minutes and then reappeared and grabbed a stinkbug that it quickly ate. We watched it for several minutes and marveled at its toughness to still be around. Before making it to Quabbin I stopped in the <a href="https://ebird.org/checklist/S160281871">East Meadows</a> to mainly scan the river for waterfowl and had three American Wigeons and the continued <a href="https://quabbinbirdingandbeyond.blogspot.com/2023/11/paleleucistic-canada-goose-returns-for.html">pale Canada Goose</a>, that is now on its fourth winter in the area. The wigeons were new for me for the year in the county and I ended the month with 98 species. I'm sure I could have reached a hundred if I was not away for a week and half down in the <a href="https://quabbinbirdingandbeyond.blogspot.com/2024/01/abaco-in-bahamas-jan-16-20-produces.html">Bahamas</a> and <a href="https://quabbinbirdingandbeyond.blogspot.com/2024/01/trip-to-southern-florida-jan-20-27.html">Florida</a>.</p>Larryhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15173127478266831293noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3123720882247241987.post-51467669322940309822024-01-29T17:20:00.000-08:002024-01-31T15:39:24.325-08:00Abaco in the Bahamas Jan 16-20 produces great birds including Kirtland's Warblers<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/53496887183_df20aa6f3c_w_d.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="267" data-original-width="400" height="267" src="https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/53496887183_df20aa6f3c_w_d.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: x-small;">Kirtland's Warbler, Abaco National Park, Abaco, Bahamas, Jan 19, 2024</span></div><div><br /></div>I took a trip down to Abaco in the Bahamas on January 16 and spent the next four days there mainly looking for a few resident warblers as well as overwintering migrants (with the most unusual overwintering species being Kirtland's Warbler). This was my third time in the Bahamas with my first being a short visit to Nassau on a cruise in 2003 and the next being a trip to Grand Bahama in February 2017 (posts from that trip...<a href="https://quabbinbirdingandbeyond.blogspot.com/2017/02/trip-to-florida-and-grand-bahama-part-2.html">part 1</a> and <a href="https://quabbinbirdingandbeyond.blogspot.com/2017/02/trip-to-florida-and-grand-bahama-part-3.html">part 2</a>). I happily found all my targets and had a great time...more details below. To see more on warblers check out the attached link: <a href="https://warblerpursuit.blogspot.com/2024/01/kirtlands-warblers-and-others-on-trip.html">Warblers on Abaco</a>.<div><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/53496722084_4d32a5fdc7_w_d.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="267" data-original-width="400" height="267" src="https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/53496722084_4d32a5fdc7_w_d.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: x-small;">Prairie Warbler, Murphy town, Abaco, Jan 16, 2024</span></div><div><br /></div><div>The forecast for the day I was leaving changed at the last minute and the snow moved in earlier than predicted just a half day before which resulted in some delays in Hartford on my way to Atlanta and then onto Marsh Harbor. Thankfully I picked a flight that had a couple hour layover so I still made the second leg of the journey with a few minutes to spare. After a few more weather delays in Atlanta (thanks to a frozen door on the jetway and the need to get the plane deiced) I made it to Abaco. I picked up my rental, headed to the supermarket and then onto my Airbnb. I wanted to stay south of Marsh Harbor but a cancellation a few weeks ago at my original lodging I had to settle for a spot in town. I birded a little in the neighborhood and turned up a few overwintering species. Although a bit breezy it was at least warm with temps in the 70’s.<div><div><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/53496742779_9c51e57cbb_w_d.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="267" data-original-width="400" height="267" src="https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/53496742779_9c51e57cbb_w_d.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: x-small;">Bahama Yellowthroat, Abaco National Park, Abaco, Bahamas, Jan 17, 2024</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/53496604278_a12e655164_w_d.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="267" data-original-width="400" height="267" src="https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/53496604278_a12e655164_w_d.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: x-small;">Olive capped Warbler, Abaco National Park, Abaco, Bahamas, Jan 17, 2024</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/53495562712_136346ede6_w_d.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="267" data-original-width="400" height="267" src="https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/53495562712_136346ede6_w_d.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: x-small;">Cuban Pewee, Abaco National Park, Abaco, Bahamas, Jan 17, 2024</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/53495548087_c6f79cd337_w_d.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="300" data-original-width="400" height="300" src="https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/53495548087_c6f79cd337_w_d.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: x-small;">Pine lands at dawn, Abaco National Park, Abaco, Bahamas, Jan 17, 2024</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/53496461261_5d60715076_w_d.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="300" data-original-width="400" height="300" src="https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/53496461261_5d60715076_w_d.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: x-small;">The Toyota POS, Abaco National Park, Abaco, Bahamas, Jan 17, 2024</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/53496750849_ecf54e3176_w_d.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="267" data-original-width="400" height="267" src="https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/53496750849_ecf54e3176_w_d.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: x-small;">Atala Hairstreak, Abaco National Park, Abaco, Bahamas, Jan 17, 2024</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/53496592608_69be8d387e_w_d.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="267" data-original-width="400" height="267" src="https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/53496592608_69be8d387e_w_d.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: x-small;">Cuban Parrots (Bahama subspecies), Crossing Rocks, Abaco, Bahamas, Jan 17, 2024</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/53496588588_c9b0950e77_w_d.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="267" data-original-width="400" height="267" src="https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/53496588588_c9b0950e77_w_d.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: x-small;">Western Spindalis (Bahamas Green-backed), Bahama Palm Shores, Abaco, Bahamas, Jan 17, 2024</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/53496738559_cdd715889d_w_d.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="267" data-original-width="400" height="267" src="https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/53496738559_cdd715889d_w_d.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: x-small;">Yellow throated Warbler, Bahama Palm Shores, Abaco, Bahamas, Jan 17, 2024</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/53496741699_37a4c01db1_w_d.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="267" data-original-width="400" height="267" src="https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/53496741699_37a4c01db1_w_d.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: x-small;">Thick billed Vireo, Bahama Palm Shores, Abaco, Bahamas, Jan 17, 2024</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/53496438331_2eb9c7d94c_w_d.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="267" data-original-width="400" height="267" src="https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/53496438331_2eb9c7d94c_w_d.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: x-small;">Black faced Grassquit, Bahama Palm Shores, Abaco, Bahamas, Jan 17, 2024</span></div><div><br /></div><div>My plans for the first full day on the island was to get up well before dawn and drive almost an hour south to <a href="https://ebird.org/checklist/S159149915">Abaco National Park</a>. As I headed out the door a little before five it was obvious it had rained hard at some point overnight. The drive south on the wet roads with puddles was less than relaxing and I had to deal with a little additional rain from time to time. I did add a Chuck Wills Widow on the way (my first new Bahamas species for the trip). I arrived at the entrance to the park a bit before six and waited for it to get light enough to see to start my walk for a few miles south on the dirt road. If I had a better vehicle with more clearance it would have been easier to get further south but I was stuck with what I had for a vehicle. One of the first birds I heard for the morning were a couple of Bahama Yellowthroats. I got some recordings and a few looks but no chance for any photos (I did get much better looks and some photos a bit later in the morning). I spent the next three hours walking the road and only had to deal with a few passing showers as I turned up about twenty species, including several Cuban Parrots (Bahama subspecies) and nine species of warblers. I made brief visit to the very end of the island at Sandy Point, which was quite windy and fairly barren of bird life. I then spent the next four plus hours slowly working my way back north to my lodging with multiple stops along the way. I added several species for the day along the way (including two new species for my Bahamas list with West Indian Woodpecker and Western Cattle Egret) and finished the day with 39 species.</div><div><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/53497103575_c01f2f978f_w_d.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="267" data-original-width="400" height="267" src="https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/53497103575_c01f2f978f_w_d.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: x-small;">Bahama Woodstar, Abaco, Bahamas, Jan 18, 2024</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/53496980874_7f6efe8dd1_w_d.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="267" data-original-width="400" height="267" src="https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/53496980874_7f6efe8dd1_w_d.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: x-small;">Red legged Thrush, Abaco, Bahamas, Jan 18, 2024</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/53497103310_283ce44680_w_d.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="267" data-original-width="400" height="267" src="https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/53497103310_283ce44680_w_d.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: x-small;">Bahama Yellowthroat, Abaco, Bahamas, Jan 18, 2024</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/53495789942_20a7f55a45_w_d.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="267" data-original-width="400" height="267" src="https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/53495789942_20a7f55a45_w_d.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: x-small;">Cuban Emerald, Abaco, Bahamas, Jan 18, 2024</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/53495789567_45a04e5aab_w_d.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="267" data-original-width="400" height="267" src="https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/53495789567_45a04e5aab_w_d.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: x-small;">Bananaquit, Abaco, Bahamas, Jan 18, 2024</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/53495788952_cf3a8b901e_w_d.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="267" data-original-width="400" height="267" src="https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/53495788952_cf3a8b901e_w_d.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: x-small;">Ovenbird, Robert's Nursery, Abaco, Bahamas, Jan 18, 2024</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/53496978799_cd735981f4_w_d.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="267" data-original-width="400" height="267" src="https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/53496978799_cd735981f4_w_d.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: x-small;">Yellow throated Vireo, Robert's Nursery, Abaco, Bahamas, Jan 18, 2024</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/53495788037_7bb7b4b21a_w_d.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="267" data-original-width="400" height="267" src="https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/53495788037_7bb7b4b21a_w_d.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: x-small;">American Redstart, Robert's Nursery, Abaco, Bahamas, Jan 18, 2024</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/53497130985_c67d19d97b_w_d.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="267" data-original-width="400" height="267" src="https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/53497130985_c67d19d97b_w_d.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: x-small;">Common Ground Doves, Columbus Cay Eco Park, Abaco, Bahamas, Jan 18, 2024</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/53497130330_3628e36ed7_w_d.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="267" data-original-width="400" height="267" src="https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/53497130330_3628e36ed7_w_d.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: x-small;">Northern Waterthrush, Columbus Cay Eco Park, Abaco, Bahamas, Jan 18, 2024</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/53495821377_7106954ae2_w_d.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="267" data-original-width="400" height="267" src="https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/53495821377_7106954ae2_w_d.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: x-small;">Lincoln's Sparrow, Treasure Cay, Abaco, Bahamas, Jan 18, 2024</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/53497139055_cecaf79949_w_d.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="267" data-original-width="400" height="267" src="https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/53497139055_cecaf79949_w_d.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: x-small;">Black faced Grassquit, Murphy Town, Abaco, Bahamas, Jan 18, 2024</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/53496868193_2de7ddebf0_w_d.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="267" data-original-width="400" height="267" src="https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/53496868193_2de7ddebf0_w_d.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: x-small;">Magnificent Frigatebird, Murphy Town, Abaco, Bahamas, Jan 18, 2024</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/53495824542_9dbccd2ba5_w_d.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="267" data-original-width="400" height="267" src="https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/53495824542_9dbccd2ba5_w_d.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: x-small;">La Sagra's Flycatcher, Murphy Town, Abaco, Bahamas, Jan 18, 2024</span></div></div><div><br /></div><div>For my second full day on the island I decided to head north all the way to Treasure Cay and see what the north end of the island had to offer. The morning started off overcast and breezy and eventually some drizzle started up. I was able to get in a few walks before a more steady rain began and added two new species to my Bahamas list with Tricolored Heron and Eastern Phoebe. As the rain continued to fall I made a few more stops but did not venture far from the car. These stops were also productive with some shorebirds and waterfowl. By around 9:30 the rain stopped and I was able to take some longer walks in the area of Treasure Cay. Among the highlights was the first life bird of the trip with distant views of a couple Bahama Swallows (life bird #1994). I also added a few more species to my Bahama list including a rare Lincoln’s Sparrow plus Yellow throated Vireo, Willet and Baltimore Oriole. I made it back to my lodging in the early afternoon and the sun actually stayed out for a good part of the rest of the day. Overall I found a total of 52 species for day. </div><div><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/53497152600_a59d9c1ac5_w_d.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="300" data-original-width="400" height="300" src="https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/53497152600_a59d9c1ac5_w_d.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: x-small;">Dawn over Pinelands, Abaco National Park, Abaco, Bahamas, Jan 19, 2024</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/53496889323_ebfe6509f0_w_d.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="267" data-original-width="400" height="267" src="https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/53496889323_ebfe6509f0_w_d.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: x-small;">Bahama Swallow, Abaco National Park, Abaco, Bahamas, Jan 19, 2024</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/53495845217_7f5ab86226_w_d.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="267" data-original-width="400" height="267" src="https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/53495845217_7f5ab86226_w_d.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: x-small;">West Indian Woodpecker, Abaco National Park, Abaco, Bahamas, Jan 19, 2024</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/53496735346_495477befe_w_d.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="267" data-original-width="400" height="267" src="https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/53496735346_495477befe_w_d.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: x-small;">Loggerhead Kingbird, Abaco National Park, Abaco, Bahamas, Jan 19, 2024</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/53496735081_77b588e5c1_w_d.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="267" data-original-width="400" height="267" src="https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/53496735081_77b588e5c1_w_d.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: x-small;">Black throated Green Warbler, Abaco National Park, Abaco, Bahamas, Jan 19, 2024</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/53496884373_3d37e3444c_w_d.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="267" data-original-width="400" height="267" src="https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/53496884373_3d37e3444c_w_d.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: x-small;">Bahama Warbler, Abaco National Park, Abaco, Bahamas, Jan 19, 2024</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/53497031534_1dea4fd0fe_w_d.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="267" data-original-width="400" height="267" src="https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/53497031534_1dea4fd0fe_w_d.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: x-small;">Olive capped Warbler, Abaco National Park, Abaco, Bahamas, Jan 19, 2024</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/53496731031_b860a3a6b9_w_d.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="267" data-original-width="400" height="267" src="https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/53496731031_b860a3a6b9_w_d.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: x-small;">Western Spindalis (Bahamas Green-backed), Abaco National Park, Abaco, Bahamas, Jan 19, 2024</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/53496733621_e79c0a0838_w_d.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="267" data-original-width="400" height="267" src="https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/53496733621_e79c0a0838_w_d.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: x-small;">Kirtland's Warbler, Abaco National Park, Abaco, Bahamas, Jan 19, 2024</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/53496734226_56833a3056_w_d.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="267" data-original-width="400" height="267" src="https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/53496734226_56833a3056_w_d.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: x-small;">Kirtland's Warbler, Abaco National Park, Abaco, Bahamas, Jan 19, 2024</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/53495843612_18dc049c24_w_d.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="267" data-original-width="400" height="267" src="https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/53495843612_18dc049c24_w_d.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: x-small;">Kirtland's Warbler, Abaco National Park, Abaco, Bahamas, Jan 19, 2024</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div>My plans for the last full day on Abaco was to make the drive back down to Abaco National Park before dawn and then walk south to the end to get out of the pine lands and into an area that might host an overwintering Kirtland’s Warbler. It would be a long shot chance for sure that would require at least a ten mile hike one way. I was out the door early on a very humid morning that featured some low fog in spots that made the journey more adventurous. I got a caution light on the car when I was perhaps 2/3 of the way but after stopping and trying to figure it out I started the car back up and the light went out. I almost turned back at that point but decided to press on. I made it to the park a little after six and drove in perhaps two miles over rough dirt roads and then stopped and started the hike down with all my gear and lots of water (which was still not enough). I walked steadily down with not much stopping along the way to look for birds with most tallied along the way as heard only. The best bird by far on the way down was a distantly calling Key West Quail Dove, which became species 1995 for me. I eventually made it out of the pine lands after a little over four hours of walking and about ten miles distance. I then walked another hour or so in the blazing sun in the area I hoped would have a Kirtland’s Warbler. I made it to within sight of the lighthouse and then turned back with no luck. I knew I still had to retrace all my steps back to the car and I didn’t want to arrive back too late in case the car had issues getting me back north to my lodging. As I started my walk back I heard a loud chip that sounded unlike others I have heard and after a few moments I got fleeting looks at a Kirtland’s Warbler! I then spent the next 15 minutes or so trying to get some photos and recordings and at that point I noticed there were two Kirtland’s Warblers and not just one. Although I had the species way back when on their breeding grounds in Michigan when I made a day long drive to get them when I was in Ohio I had never gotten photos of them before. I then made the long slog back to the car where I arrived tired, thirsty and with some blisters after walking over 23 miles total…almost a marathon but worth the pain and effort for sure. The chances of coming across an overwintering Kirtland’s Warbler in the vast habitat was quite small so I felt incredibly lucky. I made a couple more brief stops on my way home and added some species for the trip as well as new Bahama species for me…getting me to 99 species ever in the Bahamas and a total of 41 species for the day.</div><div><br /></div><div>I had a few hours available on my last morning before making the short flight to Miami. I decided to not push my luck with the crappy car by driving anywhere so I walked around the neighborhood. Nothing out of the ordinary but I did add my 100th species to my Bahama list with a couple of Limpkins.</div><div><br /></div><div>During my short time in the Bahamas I found a total of 74 species with two of the those being life birds for me (Bahama Swallow and Key West Quail Dove). I had 18 new species I was able to add to my Bahama list, bringing that total to a nice and even 100 species.</div></div></div><div><br /></div><div>All photos from trip at the following <a href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/54277284@N05/albums/72177720314437811">link.</a></div>Larryhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15173127478266831293noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3123720882247241987.post-24694896966870796682024-01-11T11:20:00.000-08:002024-01-11T11:20:55.575-08:00First snow and then rain with a few rarities around<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/53452011650_bfce9d7f83_w_d.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="300" data-original-width="400" height="300" src="https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/53452011650_bfce9d7f83_w_d.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: x-small;">Jabish Brook after the snow, Belchertown, MA, Jan 8, 2024</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/53451594601_eb2ee102f5_w_d.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="300" data-original-width="400" height="300" src="https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/53451594601_eb2ee102f5_w_d.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: x-small;">Jabish Brook after the snow, Belchertown, MA, Jan 8, 2024</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/53450669072_7e175d085f_w_d.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="300" data-original-width="400" height="300" src="https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/53450669072_7e175d085f_w_d.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: x-small;">Winsor Dam, Quabbin Park, MA, Jan 8, 2024</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/53451593736_32520cf6ff_w_d.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="400" data-original-width="300" height="400" src="https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/53451593736_32520cf6ff_w_d.jpg" width="300" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: x-small;">Wilson exploring in the snow, Belchertown, MA, Jan 8, 2024</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/53451718278_16cb36b090_w_d.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="400" data-original-width="300" height="400" src="https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/53451718278_16cb36b090_w_d.jpg" width="300" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: x-small;">Wilson in the snow, Home, Jan 7, 2024</span></div><p>We got our first big snow storm in awhile from late Saturday and well into the day on Sunday with close to a foot of snow. Although I detest the snow Wilson just loves it so I guess it was not all bad. After driving through the storm to get home after work I stayed home all of Sunday. On Monday I had plans to check various fields in Hadley and Amherst to see what the snow concentrated for birds but my plans were quickly derailed when I got a flat tire and then spent most of the morning trying to see if I could get it repaired only to find out it would need to be replaced so with only a spare to drive around on I decided to head for home and limit my driving.</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/53456210994_00100c294c_w_d.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="300" data-original-width="400" height="300" src="https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/53456210994_00100c294c_w_d.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: x-small;">Northern Shrike, Honey Pot, Hadley, MA, Jan 9, 2024</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/53456309930_03ff8b0113_w_d.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="300" data-original-width="400" height="300" src="https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/53456309930_03ff8b0113_w_d.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: x-small;">Horned Larks and Snow Buntings, Honey Pot, Hadley, MA, Jan 9, 2024</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/53456022548_6bfb36033f_w_d.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="300" data-original-width="400" height="300" src="https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/53456022548_6bfb36033f_w_d.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: x-small;">Lapland Longspur, Honey Pot, Hadley, MA, Jan 9, 2024</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/53456309355_cdea7d668e_w_d.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="300" data-original-width="400" height="300" src="https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/53456309355_cdea7d668e_w_d.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: x-small;">Horned Lark, Honey Pot, Hadley, MA, Jan 9, 2024</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/53456211549_ac8e3ccb07_w_d.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="300" data-original-width="400" height="300" src="https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/53456211549_ac8e3ccb07_w_d.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: x-small;">Winsor Dam, Quabbin Park, MA, Jan 9, 2024</span></div><p>Tuesday I had to head to Northampton to get my tire replaced and then spend a few hours at a class at work. I managed to get a little birding in on the way and despite my limited time the birding was quite productive with four new species for the year including a couple of flyby Northern Pintails at first light at Winsor Dam and then a trio of rarities at the <a href="https://ebird.org/checklist/S158513717">Honey Pot</a> including Northern Shrike, Lapland Longspur and Vesper Sparrow. The number of Horned Larks and Snow Buntings was quite impressive as they wheeled around constantly only to settle for a brief period before taking off again.</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/53454983022_d232960c80_w_d.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="300" data-original-width="400" height="300" src="https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/53454983022_d232960c80_w_d.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: x-small;">Say's Phoebe, Winsor Dam, Quabbin Park, MA, Jan 10, 2024</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/53456318460_a80be6569f_w_d.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="300" data-original-width="400" height="300" src="https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/53456318460_a80be6569f_w_d.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: x-small;">Say's Phoebe, Winsor Dam, Quabbin Park, MA, Jan 10, 2024</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/53455908161_b9565d8c1f_w_d.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="267" data-original-width="400" height="267" src="https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/53455908161_b9565d8c1f_w_d.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: x-small;">White throated Sparrow, Winsor Dam, Quabbin Park, MA, Jan 10, 2024</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/53456032613_49786a063f_w_d.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="267" data-original-width="400" height="267" src="https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/53456032613_49786a063f_w_d.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: x-small;">Pine Siskin, Winsor Dam, Quabbin Park, MA, Jan 10, 2024</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/53456220629_f675b9f81a_w_d.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="300" data-original-width="400" height="300" src="https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/53456220629_f675b9f81a_w_d.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: x-small;">Rainbow, Winsor Dam, Quabbin Park, MA, Jan 10, 2024</span></div><p>Our next storm arrived Tuesday evening and into Wednesday and this storm brought warmer temps, strong winds and heavy rain. The rain beat the hell out of the snow pack with lots of areas of bare ground that just the day before had nearly a foot of snow. I had a class to take again in the morning so could only get out a little early and then again later. The morning didn't produce much but the late morning was much better when I stopped briefly at <a href="https://ebird.org/checklist/S158589101">Winsor Dam</a> before taking Wilson for a walk. As I was scanning the water for birds I heard a call that sounded like a Say's Phoebe and I turned around to see it perched on one of the chimneys on the admin building. Truly amazing it made it through the recent storms and cold temps...a hardy bird for sure. As I was leaving I had brief looks at an Eastern Phoebe before it flew down Blue Meadow Road into a restricted access area. Two phoebes on January 10th in Hampshire County is mind-blowing! I returned to the dam a bit later in the afternoon and failed to relocate either phoebe. The mystery of where these phoebes spend most of their time continues.</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/53458002709_3f65651e6a_w_d.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="267" data-original-width="400" height="267" src="https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/53458002709_3f65651e6a_w_d.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: x-small;">American Kestrel, North Hadley, MA, Jan 11, 2024</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/53458097150_eaf4b86732_w_d.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="300" data-original-width="400" height="300" src="https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/53458097150_eaf4b86732_w_d.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: x-small;">Merlin, East Hadley Rd, Hadley, MA, Jan 11, 2024</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/53457692291_72b27f2a0a_w_d.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="300" data-original-width="400" height="300" src="https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/53457692291_72b27f2a0a_w_d.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: x-small;">Brown headed Cowbirds, East Hadley Rd, Hadley, MA, Jan 11, 2024</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/53456766572_e50c2dcd3e_w_d.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="267" data-original-width="400" height="267" src="https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/53456766572_e50c2dcd3e_w_d.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: x-small;">Red winged Blackbirds, Hickory Ridge Conservation Area, Amherst, MA, Jan 11, 2024</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/53457692706_15988ebdc4_w_d.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="267" data-original-width="400" height="267" src="https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/53457692706_15988ebdc4_w_d.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: x-small;">Eastern Bluebirds, Winsor Dam, Quabbin Park, MA, Jan 11, 2024</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/53458002194_4d600c9aef_w_d.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="267" data-original-width="400" height="267" src="https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/53458002194_4d600c9aef_w_d.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: x-small;">Pine Warbler, Winsor Dam, Quabbin Park, MA, Jan 11, 2024</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div>I headed out on a somewhat breezy morning to try to add a few more species for the year with the focus being on raptors and vultures (American Kestrel, Rough legged Hawk and both species of vultures) and perhaps some waterfowl. I did manage to find an American Kestrel but missed the others. I started at UMASS and then hit multiple fields in Hadley and Amherst before headed back toward home with a stop at Quabbin. Highlights in the Hadley/Amherst area included an Eastern Meadowlark and continued flocks of Brown headed Cowbirds and Red winged Blackbirds. After my time checking fields I made a stop at Winsor Dam and walked around for a bit to try to relocate either phoebe species or a Pine Warbler. Although I missed on finding the phoebes I did have at least one <a href="https://warblerpursuit.blogspot.com/2024/01/at-least-one-pine-warbler-continues-at.html">Pine Warbler</a> that was once again travelling with a mixed flock containing some Eastern Bluebirds. I now stand at 92 species for the year in Hampshire County, which puts me one ahead of my best ever start to the year by this date. As I'm off to warmer locations soon I'm not sure I will break my best January record of 105 species in <a href="https://quabbinbirdingandbeyond.blogspot.com/2021/01/january-ends-on-very-cold-note-but.html">2021</a> but I hope to get close.Larryhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15173127478266831293noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3123720882247241987.post-46417906366635316292024-01-05T15:45:00.000-08:002024-01-05T15:45:56.416-08:00Three Pine Warblers today plus a few more new species for the year<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/53443883822_a244ccfcce_w_d.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="267" data-original-width="400" height="267" src="https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/53443883822_a244ccfcce_w_d.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: x-small;">Pine Warblers, Winsor Dam, Quabbin Park, MA, Jan 5, 2024</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/53445133229_da8d52b7c1_w_d.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="267" data-original-width="400" height="267" src="https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/53445133229_da8d52b7c1_w_d.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: x-small;">Pine Warbler, Winsor Dam, Quabbin Park, MA, Jan 5, 2024</span></div><p>After so many attempts at the end of last year and into the new year trying to relocate at least one Pine Warbler at <a href="https://ebird.org/checklist/S158168892">Winsor Dam</a> I finally had some great luck today when I found at least three travelling with a mixed species flock. I have looked for the species at least for a bit every day I had free since the beginning of 2024 and this is the first time I have found them again. I last had one on December 28th (just in time to add it to the count week for the <a href="https://quabbinbirdingandbeyond.blogspot.com/2023/12/quabbin-cbc-today.html">Quabbin CBC</a>). The Pine Warblers become the second warbler species for me in the county after finding some <a href="https://warblerpursuit.blogspot.com/2024/01/yellow-rumped-warblers-to-start-off-new.html">Yellow rumped Warblers</a> to start the new year. More photos and info on the Pine Warblers at the following <a href="https://warblerpursuit.blogspot.com/2024/01/at-least-three-pine-warblers-continue.html">link</a>.</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/53444815791_858417cefd_w_d.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="267" data-original-width="400" height="267" src="https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/53444815791_858417cefd_w_d.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: x-small;">Common Mergansers, Arcadia, Northampton, MA, Jan 5, 2024</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/53445224610_ed36d8ca1d_w_d.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="267" data-original-width="400" height="267" src="https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/53445224610_ed36d8ca1d_w_d.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: x-small;">Pileated Woodpecker, Arcadia, Northampton, MA, Jan 5, 2024</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/53444946013_280bf8f0c8_w_d.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="300" data-original-width="400" height="300" src="https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/53444946013_280bf8f0c8_w_d.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: x-small;">Gadwall (with American Black Ducks and Canada Goose), Lower Mill Pond, Easthampton, MA, Jan 5, 2024</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/53443882882_782f619c6b_w_d.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="300" data-original-width="400" height="300" src="https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/53443882882_782f619c6b_w_d.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: x-small;">American Black Ducks, Lower Mill Pond, Easthampton, MA, Jan 5, 2024</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/53445131734_c6fe34794e_w_d.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="300" data-original-width="400" height="300" src="https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/53445131734_c6fe34794e_w_d.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: x-small;">Ring necked Duck, Lower Mill Pond, Easthampton, MA, Jan 5, 2024</span></div><p>Before I headed toward home and Quabbin I made a few stops in Northampton and Easthampton and turned up a few unusual species including Gadwall and Ring necked Duck and also added an American Pipit in Hadley.</p><p>The forecast points to our first substantial snow storm arriving Saturday and continuing into Sunday with perhaps a foot of snow. I can't get back to the tropics quick enough!</p>Larryhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15173127478266831293noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3123720882247241987.post-79196263887023502892024-01-03T14:54:00.000-08:002024-01-03T14:54:02.822-08:00Great start to the new year with multiple lingering species plus a continued Say's Phoebe<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/53435291842_f3ddcb1328_w_d.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="267" data-original-width="400" height="267" src="https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/53435291842_f3ddcb1328_w_d.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: x-small;">Eastern Screech Owl, Hatfield, MA, Jan 1, 2024</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/53436638575_8efd76cc48_w_d.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="267" data-original-width="400" height="267" src="https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/53436638575_8efd76cc48_w_d.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: x-small;">White crowned Sparrow, Great Pond, Hatfield, MA, Jan 1, 2024</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/53436210756_96c3db0aaa_w_d.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="267" data-original-width="400" height="267" src="https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/53436210756_96c3db0aaa_w_d.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: x-small;">Yellow rumped Warbler 'myrtle', Hadley, MA, Jan 1, 2024</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/53436209731_44fe47aa36_w_d.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="267" data-original-width="400" height="267" src="https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/53436209731_44fe47aa36_w_d.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: x-small;">Ruby crowned Kinglet, Hadley, MA, Jan 1, 2024</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/53436637005_0801d359aa_w_d.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="267" data-original-width="400" height="267" src="https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/53436637005_0801d359aa_w_d.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: x-small;">Pine Siskins, Hickory Ridge Conservation Area, Amherst, MA, Jan 1, 2024</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/53436209761_2c21e8de04_w_d.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="267" data-original-width="400" height="267" src="https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/53436209761_2c21e8de04_w_d.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: x-small;">Red winged Blackbirds, Winsor Dam, Quabbin Park, MA, Jan 1, 2024</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/53435288952_e8526dd786_w_d.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="300" data-original-width="400" height="300" src="https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/53435288952_e8526dd786_w_d.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: x-small;">Ring necked Ducks, Beaver Lake, Ware, MA, Jan 1, 2024</span></div><p>I began 2024 by heading out well before dawn to try to track down owls. The weather was fairly cooperative with temps around freezing, light winds and no snow to contend with. I started at Quabbin where I had both Northern Saw Whet Owls and Great Horned Owls and then headed across the river to <a href="https://ebird.org/checklist/S157779798">Hatfield</a> where I eventually had three owl species and finished the morning with all four expected owl species. I then spent a little time at <a href="https://ebird.org/checklist/S157779764">Great Pond</a> looking for waterfowl (which there was little of) and sparrows where I had half a dozen species including a couple White crowned Sparrows and a Swamp Sparrow. With the morning slowly warming up I then decided to focus on <a href="https://warblerpursuit.blogspot.com/2024/01/yellow-rumped-warblers-to-start-off-new.html">warblers</a> and headed over to Hadley where I found at least four Yellow rumped Warblers and extended my streak of at least one warbler species in the county to 81 consecutive months. I also had multiple Ruby crowned Kinglets and half a dozen species of woodpeckers. I then worked my way east with multiple stops along the way including <a href="https://ebird.org/checklist/S157779675">Hickory Ridge Conservation Area</a> and <a href="https://ebird.org/checklist/S157779653">Lake Wallace</a> before arriving at <a href="https://ebird.org/checklist/S157779626">Winsor Dam</a> in an unsuccessful attempt to track down any of the rarities that have been around the dam recently including Say's Phoebe, Eastern Phoebe and Pine Warblers. After the dam I made a few more stops and turned up some more unusual species including Ring necked Ducks (thanks Mary) and Red Crossbills. Throughout the day multiple locations featured flocks of Red winged Blackbirds, Common Grackles and Brown headed Cowbirds...an unusual occurrence for the date but given the warmer than normal temps and lack of snow not really surprising. I was running out of steam by midday so headed for home. My first day total came to 65 species which was just behind my best ever single first day of the year in the county back in 2021 when I had 67 species.</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/53438898743_0be1685494_w_d.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="267" data-original-width="400" height="267" src="https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/53438898743_0be1685494_w_d.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: x-small;">Northern Saw whet Owl, Quabbin Park, MA, Jan 2, 2024</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/53439081324_845b7e8eb3_w_d.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="267" data-original-width="400" height="267" src="https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/53439081324_845b7e8eb3_w_d.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: x-small;">Swamp Sparrow, Hadley malls, Hadley, MA, Jan 2, 2024</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/53438764706_08691ca614_w_d.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="267" data-original-width="400" height="267" src="https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/53438764706_08691ca614_w_d.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: x-small;">Northern Harrier, Hadley malls, Hadley, MA, Jan 2, 2024</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/53438764756_dd8cb84929_w_d.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="267" data-original-width="400" height="267" src="https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/53438764756_dd8cb84929_w_d.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: x-small;">Swamp Sparrow, Rail trail, Amherst, MA, Jan 2, 2024</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/53439177930_7afa178200_w_d.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="267" data-original-width="400" height="267" src="https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/53439177930_7afa178200_w_d.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: x-small;">Red breasted Nuthatch, Winsor Dam, Quabbin Park, MA, Jan 2, 2024</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/53438897248_1e01c5612a_w_d.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="267" data-original-width="400" height="267" src="https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/53438897248_1e01c5612a_w_d.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: x-small;">Say's Phoebe, Winsor Dam, Quabbin Park, MA, Jan 2, 2024</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/53438763936_10c34ffb37_w_d.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="267" data-original-width="400" height="267" src="https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/53438763936_10c34ffb37_w_d.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: x-small;">Say's Phoebe, Winsor Dam, Quabbin Park, MA, Jan 2, 2024</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/53438763696_a06e5b3e1b_w_d.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="267" data-original-width="400" height="267" src="https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/53438763696_a06e5b3e1b_w_d.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: x-small;">Say's Phoebe, Winsor Dam, Quabbin Park, MA, Jan 2, 2024</span></div><p>On the second I was once again out early looking for owls and I was very happy to come across a cooperative Northern Saw Whet Owl that I was able to get photos of. I almost forgot how tiny they are when I saw it...not much bigger than a eastern white pine pinecone. After my stops for owls I headed over to the Hadley/Amherst area with the focus being on trying turn up a late Common Yellowthroat (I failed on that quest) and adding any other species for the year I had not yet seen. I hit a small marsh at the <a href="https://ebird.org/checklist/S157872145">Hadley malls</a> where I had at least two Swamp Sparrows and a Northern Harrier that flew over a few times. I then checked UMASS in the hopes of finding some unusual geese but only found several hundred Canada Geese. My next stoop was the <a href="https://ebird.org/checklist/S157872592">rail trail</a> where I found another four Swamp Sparrows. Without any luck finding a yellowthroat I headed back over to the Quabbin area to focus on perhaps tracking down a continued Pine Warbler and/or the Say's Phoebe. Although I found a number of new species I had no luck finding any warblers and the phoebe (at least initially). As I was the <a href="https://ebird.org/checklist/S157872477">dam</a> I ran into Brian and we discussed the Say's Phoebe a bit and possible locations it might be spending its time. The bird has become very intermittent after being seen most every day from its initial discovery on December 10th until December 22nd. It was then not seen again until the afternoon of Dec 30th when it showed up for the <a href="https://quabbinbirdingandbeyond.blogspot.com/2023/12/quabbin-cbc-today.html">Quabbin CBC</a> (along with an Eastern Phoebe). I have looked for it on multiple days without any luck and have checked many nearby areas. I wished Brian good luck and left the dam only to get a text a few minutes later from him telling me he found the Say's Phoebe along the dam. I quickly headed back and got the bird for the new year. It fed along the dam until flushed by walkers and then it settled back at the admin building on top of one of the chimneys. Truly amazing the bird has stayed around this long (the longest staying Say's Phoebe ever in the state by a long shot). I really wonder where it is that it spends its time when not along the dam or the admin building. I then went home and got Wilson and we headed out for a walk and found a few more new species for the year and brought my total up to 72 species in the county for the year.</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/53440429331_04f0ed0a97_w_d.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="267" data-original-width="400" height="267" src="https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/53440429331_04f0ed0a97_w_d.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: x-small;">Fox Sparrow, Swift River, Ware, MA, Jan 3, 2024</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/53440429396_d082d780e1_w_d.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="267" data-original-width="400" height="267" src="https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/53440429396_d082d780e1_w_d.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: x-small;">White throated Sparrow, Swift River, Ware, MA, Jan 3, 2024</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/53440842195_a69ee9e07c_w_d.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="267" data-original-width="400" height="267" src="https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/53440842195_a69ee9e07c_w_d.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: x-small;">Hermit Thrush, Swift River, Ware, MA, Jan 3, 2024</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/53440429921_7882583e8e_w_d.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="267" data-original-width="400" height="267" src="https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/53440429921_7882583e8e_w_d.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: x-small;">Purple Finch, Swift River, Ware, MA, Jan 3, 2024</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/53439504797_158d3da783_w_d.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="267" data-original-width="400" height="267" src="https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/53439504797_158d3da783_w_d.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: x-small;">Pine Siskins, Swift River, Ware, MA, Jan 3, 2024</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/53440746394_fab4387a14_w_d.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="267" data-original-width="400" height="267" src="https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/53440746394_fab4387a14_w_d.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: x-small;">Mallards, Quabbin Park, MA, Jan 3, 2024</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/53440566708_12380eeb23_w_d.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="267" data-original-width="400" height="267" src="https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/53440566708_12380eeb23_w_d.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: x-small;">Common Mergansers, Arcadia, Northampton, MA, Jan 3, 2024</span></div><p>I spent the third day of the new year (and my last day before returning to work) out exploring various spots to find new species for the new year. I was undecided on where to go for the morning initially and finally decided on heading to the dam in Holyoke and then onto <a href="https://ebird.org/checklist/S157959328">Arcadia</a>. I added a few species during those stops and then headed back over toward Quabbin to try again to track down Pine Warblers and perhaps relocate one of the phoebes. Although I failed to find a Pine Warbler once again I did run across several Red Crossbills (all the ones I was able to get recordings of turned out to be Type 12). I then came home and got Wilson and we took a walk along the Swift River in Ware and I added a couple more species for the year with Purple Finch and Fox Sparrow. A return trip to <a href="https://ebird.org/checklist/S157977747">Winsor Dam</a> around sunset featured loads of gulls with the most unusual among them being a Iceland Gull. I now stand at 79 species for the year in the county in the first three days, which is the highest total I have ever had for the first three days of a year here. My previous best start to a year was back in 2021 when I had 74 species by this point. That year was also the only time I broke the hundred species mark in January here when I had an amazing <a href="https://quabbinbirdingandbeyond.blogspot.com/2021/01/january-ends-on-very-cold-note-but.html">105 species</a> by the end of the month. I'm not expecting to beat that record as I will be heading out of the area again mid month to warmer locations.</p><p>The forecast over the next several days looks to feature a cool down and then a snow storm for Saturday into Sunday. I suppose we are overdue for our first real snow but I'm not looking forward to it at all...Wilson will be the only happy one at the house if we get snow.</p>Larryhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15173127478266831293noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3123720882247241987.post-73780330745688955122023-12-31T12:10:00.000-08:002023-12-31T14:23:32.526-08:002023 end of year summary<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/52905488011_7e93b1a365_w_d.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="267" data-original-width="400" height="267" src="https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/52905488011_7e93b1a365_w_d.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: x-small;">Blackpoll Warbler, Quabbin Park, MA, May 17, 2023</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/52643658463_3f27584115_w_d.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="267" data-original-width="400" height="267" src="https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/52643658463_3f27584115_w_d.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: x-small;">Fulvous Whistling Ducks, Lake Apopka North Shore, FL, Jan 15, 2023</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/52791261693_71406c7e65_w_d.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="267" data-original-width="400" height="267" src="https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/52791261693_71406c7e65_w_d.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: x-small;">Trinidad Motmot, Main Ridge Forest Reserve, Tobago, Mar 20, 2023</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/52790506207_56f085a48c_w_d.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="267" data-original-width="400" height="267" src="https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/52790506207_56f085a48c_w_d.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: x-small;">Pearl Kites, Aranguez, Trinidad, Mar 21, 2023</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/52791675408_ea9904757e_w_d.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="267" data-original-width="400" height="267" src="https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/52791675408_ea9904757e_w_d.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: x-small;">Whistling Warbler, Montreal Nature Trails, St. Vincent, Mar 22, 2023</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/52794018908_a9ef410a4f_w_d.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="267" data-original-width="400" height="267" src="https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/52794018908_a9ef410a4f_w_d.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: x-small;">Plumbeous Warbler, Road to Morne Diablotin NP, Dominica, Mar 24, 2023</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/52793665901_578082ebf2_w_d.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="267" data-original-width="400" height="267" src="https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/52793665901_578082ebf2_w_d.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: x-small;">Green throated Carib, Pigeon Island NP, St. Lucia, Mar 24, 2023</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/52788989125_8ee3b6287d_w_d.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="267" data-original-width="400" height="267" src="https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/52788989125_8ee3b6287d_w_d.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: x-small;">Osprey, Everglades NP, Flamingo, FL, Mar 27, 2023</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/53057224862_29bbdcbac4_w_d.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="267" data-original-width="400" height="267" src="https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/53057224862_29bbdcbac4_w_d.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: x-small;">American Redstart, Rocky Branch Trail, Shenandoah NP, VA, Jul 17, 2023</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/53098102584_67de0e399e_w_d.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="300" data-original-width="400" height="300" src="https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/53098102584_67de0e399e_w_d.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: x-small;">Long billed Dowitcher, East Meadows, Northampton, MA, Aug 6, 2023</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/53413417562_917a423c72_w_d.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="267" data-original-width="400" height="267" src="https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/53413417562_917a423c72_w_d.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: x-small;">Toco Toucan, Boa Esperança do Sul, Brazil, Dec 11, 2023</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/53418550971_a45bb0f7fb_w_d.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="267" data-original-width="400" height="267" src="https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/53418550971_a45bb0f7fb_w_d.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: x-small;">Rufous winged Tanager, Cerro Jefe, Panama, Dec 15, 2023</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/53404121700_780b85e1f9_w_d.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="267" data-original-width="400" height="267" src="https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/53404121700_780b85e1f9_w_d.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: x-small;">Say's Phoebe, Winsor Dam, Quabbin Park, MA, Dec 17, 2023</span></div></div><p>Hard to believe but yet another year has now come to an end. I made a few trips away from the area including a January trip to <a href="https://quabbinbirdingandbeyond.blogspot.com/2023/01/florida-vacation-to-orlando-area-and.html">mid Florida</a>, a cruise to the <a href="https://quabbinbirdingandbeyond.blogspot.com/2023/04/cruise-to-southern-lesser-antilles-and.html">southern Caribbean</a> in mid March with stops before and after the trip to <a href="https://quabbinbirdingandbeyond.blogspot.com/2023/04/stops-in-florida-on-way-to-and-way-back.html">south Florida</a>, a short summer trip in July to <a href="https://quabbinbirdingandbeyond.blogspot.com/2023/07/brief-trip-to-corner-of-west-virginia.html">Virginia, West Virginia, Maryland and Pennsylvania</a> in place of our original trip to Colorado and a long awaited trip in December to southern <a href="https://quabbinbirdingandbeyond.blogspot.com/2023/12/southern-brazil-trip-december-8th-12th.html">Brazil</a> and then a stop in <a href="https://quabbinbirdingandbeyond.blogspot.com/2023/12/panama-in-southern-canal-zone-and-cerro.html">Panama</a> on my way back. I visited a total of eight countries on trips with five of those being new for me (Trinidad & Tobago, Dominica, St. Vincent and the Grenadines, Brazil and Panama). When not travelling the vast majority of my time was spent exploring around Hampshire County.</p><p>Overall for the year I added 280 new species bringing my life total to 1993 with the breakdown in new species by location as follows: Trinidad & Tobago-29 species, St. Vincent-1 species, Grenada-1 species, Dominica-4 species, St. Lucia-1 species, Florida-1 species, Brazil-213 species and Panama-29 species.</p><p>My trips for warblers yielded 45 species for the year with seven of those being new warbler species for me. More on the warblers for the year (with loads of photos) can be found at <a href="https://warblerpursuit.blogspot.com/2023/12/year-end-review-2023.html">warblers 2023 review</a>.</p><p>I added two new species to my Hampshire County list with a <a href="https://quabbinbirdingandbeyond.blogspot.com/2023/08/long-billed-dowitcher-in-east.html">Long billed Dowitcher</a> in August and a <a href="https://quabbinbirdingandbeyond.blogspot.com/2023/12/says-phoebe-continues-at-quabbin-for-me.html">Say's Phoebe</a> that stayed around long enough for me to see it when I got back from my Brazil/Panama trip in December, bringing my county list to 306.</p><p>I continue to use eBird to keep track of sightings and add to the database and this year I submitted 5226 checklists and tallied 787 species.</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/52602822831_b44a9808a9_w_d.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="267" data-original-width="400" height="267" src="https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/52602822831_b44a9808a9_w_d.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: x-small;">Yellow rumped Warbler 'myrtle', East Meadows, Northampton, MA, Jan 2, 2023</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/52609564633_42a0fdcb95_w_d.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="300" data-original-width="400" height="300" src="https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/52609564633_42a0fdcb95_w_d.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: x-small;">Pale/leucistic Canada Goose, Hadley, MA, Jan 5, 2023</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/52609492375_015e43e120_w_d.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="267" data-original-width="400" height="267" src="https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/52609492375_015e43e120_w_d.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: x-small;">Common Yellowthroat, Rail trail, Amherst, MA, Jan 5, 2023</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/52613438850_9a86d48d9c_w_d.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="300" data-original-width="400" height="300" src="https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/52613438850_9a86d48d9c_w_d.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: x-small;">Greater Scaup, Hadley Falls Canal Park, South Hadley, MA, Jan 6, 2023</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/52613577058_751bc53765_w_d.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="267" data-original-width="400" height="267" src="https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/52613577058_751bc53765_w_d.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: x-small;">Mallard in a tree, UMASS, Amherst, MA, Jan 7, 2023</span></div><p>Although I had to work on the first of the year I was out the next day to start catching up on birds including finding a warbler for the month (a <a href="http://warblerpursuit.blogspot.com/2023/01/a-yellow-rumped-warbler-for-new-year.html">Yellow rumped Warbler</a>) extending my streak of consecutive months with a warbler in the county to 69. The new year unfortunately brought me another bout of covid but thankfully this one was not too bad either and I ended the <a href="http://quabbinbirdingandbeyond.blogspot.com/2023/01/the-productive-first-week-of-new-year.html">first week</a> of the year with an impressive collection of rarities and lingering species.</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/52615055412_c5cb6e833c_w_d.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="267" data-original-width="400" height="267" src="https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/52615055412_c5cb6e833c_w_d.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: x-small;">Swamp Sparrow, UMASS, Amherst, MA, Jan 8, 2023</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/52619506271_57a0748cdc_w_d.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="267" data-original-width="400" height="267" src="https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/52619506271_57a0748cdc_w_d.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: x-small;">Greater White fronted Goose, Mt Holyoke College, South Hadley, MA, Jan 10, 2023</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/52619939260_16ac1656b6_w_d.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="267" data-original-width="400" height="267" src="https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/52619939260_16ac1656b6_w_d.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: x-small;">Yellow rumped Warbler 'myrtle', Mitch's Way, Hadley, MA, Jan 10, 2023</span></div><p>As the <a href="http://quabbinbirdingandbeyond.blogspot.com/2023/01/more-unusual-species-around-over-last.html">second week</a> of January came around I found several other new species for the year with multiple lingering species. I was on pace to have a great monthly total for the county at that point with 91 species so far.</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/52642681812_6b889d013a_w_d.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="267" data-original-width="400" height="267" src="https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/52642681812_6b889d013a_w_d.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: x-small;">Little Blue Heron, Lake Apopka North Shore, FL, Jan 15, 2023</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/52643657903_8a93e755b7_w_d.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="267" data-original-width="400" height="267" src="https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/52643657903_8a93e755b7_w_d.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: x-small;">Vermilion Flycatcher, Lake Apopka North Shore, FL, Jan 15, 2023</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/52643658463_3f27584115_w_d.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="267" data-original-width="400" height="267" src="https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/52643658463_3f27584115_w_d.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: x-small;">Fulvous Whistling Ducks, Lake Apopka North Shore, FL, Jan 15, 2023</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/52644468640_477c01e0c6_w_d.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="267" data-original-width="400" height="267" src="https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/52644468640_477c01e0c6_w_d.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: x-small;">Blue-winged x Cinnamon Teal hybrid, Lake Apopka North Shore, FL, Jan 16, 2023</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/52644495270_2110469254_w_d.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="267" data-original-width="400" height="267" src="https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/52644495270_2110469254_w_d.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: x-small;">Snail Kite, LeRoy Wright Rec Area, Cocoa, FL, Jan 17, 2023</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/52644052176_8b3ce151a2_w_d.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="267" data-original-width="400" height="267" src="https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/52644052176_8b3ce151a2_w_d.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: x-small;">Common Yellowthroat, Orlando Wetlands Park, Christmas, FL, Jan 17, 2023</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/52644493940_27f5d5e9af_w_d.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="267" data-original-width="400" height="267" src="https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/52644493940_27f5d5e9af_w_d.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: x-small;">Short tailed Hawk, Orlando Wetlands Park, Christmas, FL, Jan 17, 2023</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/52645079080_e275ac5449_w_d.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="267" data-original-width="400" height="267" src="https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/52645079080_e275ac5449_w_d.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: x-small;">Bonaparte's Gull, Round Island Conservation Area, Vero Beach, FL, Jan 18, 2023</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/52645167663_2701761da7_w_d.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="400" data-original-width="267" height="400" src="https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/52645167663_2701761da7_w_d.jpg" width="267" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: x-small;">Snowy Egret, Tricolored Heron and White Ibis, Round Island Conservation Area, Vero Beach, FL, Jan 20, 2023</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/52645167203_a80a35c7ee_w_d.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="267" data-original-width="400" height="267" src="https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/52645167203_a80a35c7ee_w_d.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: x-small;">Yellow throated Warbler, Fort Pierce Inlet SP, Fort Pierce, FL, Jan 20, 2023</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/52645163780_b5f318ed45_w_d.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="267" data-original-width="400" height="267" src="https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/52645163780_b5f318ed45_w_d.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: x-small;">River Otter, Peaceful Waters Sanctuary, Wellington, FL, Jan 21, 2023</span></div><p>The middle of the month found me making my first away from the area for the year with the destination being <a href="http://quabbinbirdingandbeyond.blogspot.com/2023/01/florida-vacation-to-orlando-area-and.html">Florida</a> with the first few days of the trip in the Orlando area and the remainder the coast near Fort Pierce. I ended the trip with 147 species with eight of those new for me in Florida. I also found a few unusual species over the course of about a week. It was certainly nice to get away to some warmth, even if only for a short time. Warblers for the trip can be found at the following: <a href="http://warblerpursuit.blogspot.com/2023/01/florida-warblers-on-trip-to-orlando.html">Florida warblers</a></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/52651103015_0bd936fe01_w_d.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="267" data-original-width="400" height="267" src="https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/52651103015_0bd936fe01_w_d.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: x-small;">Barred Owl, Home, Belchertown, MA, Jan 22, 2023</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/52651102675_a1eb71aae6_w_d.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="400" data-original-width="300" height="400" src="https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/52651102675_a1eb71aae6_w_d.jpg" width="300" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: x-small;">Wilson in the snow, Belchertown Land Trust Trail, Belchertown, MA, Jan 24, 2023</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/52651107535_39cdc49726_w_d.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="300" data-original-width="400" height="300" src="https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/52651107535_39cdc49726_w_d.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: x-small;">Pale/leucistic Canada Goose, Arcadia, Northampton, MA, Jan 26, 2023</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/52655051148_5465e980dc_w_d.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="267" data-original-width="400" height="267" src="https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/52655051148_5465e980dc_w_d.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: x-small;">Common Yellowthroat, Slobody Farm Conservation Area, Amherst, MA, Jan 28, 2023</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/52656228732_d1dc7454f4_w_d.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="300" data-original-width="400" height="300" src="https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/52656228732_d1dc7454f4_w_d.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: x-small;">Ross's Goose, UMASS, Amherst, MA, Jan 29, 2023</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/52659448490_2e3af072a4_w_d.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="300" data-original-width="400" height="300" src="https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/52659448490_2e3af072a4_w_d.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: x-small;">Hooded Mergansers and Bufflehead, Snow Pond, Ware, MA, Jan 30, 2023</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="text-align: left;"><br /></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: justify;"><span style="text-align: left;">After my return from Florida I spent the </span><a href="http://quabbinbirdingandbeyond.blogspot.com/2023/01/the-last-week-plus-of-january.html" style="text-align: left;">last week plus</a><span style="text-align: left;"> trying to find new species for the year and having some success. It was overall warmer than normal with just a little bit of snow. Highlights included a very late </span><a href="http://warblerpursuit.blogspot.com/2023/01/an-even-later-date-for-common.html" style="text-align: left;">Common Yellowthroat</a><span style="text-align: left;"> and </span><a href="http://quabbinbirdingandbeyond.blogspot.com/2023/01/rosss-goose-in-amherst-and-hadley.html" style="text-align: left;">Ross's Goose</a><span style="text-align: left;"> on the 29th and a decent selection of waterfowl plus other lingering species. </span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/52663381196_8e0c86c893_w_d.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="267" data-original-width="400" height="267" src="https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/52663381196_8e0c86c893_w_d.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: x-small;">Yellow rumped Warbler 'myrtle', Mitch's Way, Hadley, MA, Feb 1, 2023</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/52663665984_ce54f4cd58_w_d.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="267" data-original-width="400" height="267" src="https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/52663665984_ce54f4cd58_w_d.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: x-small;">Red Squirrel, Mitch's Way, Hadley, MA, Feb 1, 2023</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/52673627920_eb421c1270_w_d.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="300" data-original-width="400" height="300" src="https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/52673627920_eb421c1270_w_d.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: x-small;">Ring necked Duck, Winsor Dam, Quabbin Park, MA, Feb 5, 2023</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/52674751717_e61c2a3cc5_w_d.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="267" data-original-width="400" height="267" src="https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/52674751717_e61c2a3cc5_w_d.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: x-small;">Red shouldered Hawk, Wentworth Farm Conservation Area, Amherst, MA, Feb 7, 2023</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/52675692340_cd0c1703fc_w_d.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="267" data-original-width="400" height="267" src="https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/52675692340_cd0c1703fc_w_d.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: x-small;">Eastern Bluebird, Wentworth Farm Conservation Area, Amherst, MA, Feb 7, 2023</span></div><p>I started off February with finding <a href="http://warblerpursuit.blogspot.com/2023/02/common-yellowthroat-and-yellow-rumped.html">two warblers</a> and continuing my streak of consecutive months with a warbler in the county to 70! The warmer than typical weather of the winter took a vacation for a couple days in early February when we had record breaking cold, which hit some of the lingering half hearty species hard. By the end of the <a href="http://quabbinbirdingandbeyond.blogspot.com/2023/02/the-first-week-of-february.html">first week of February</a> I had added multiple new species of waterfowl and reached the 100 species mark for the year in the county. I also got a new camera (Canon R7) so I was out trying to learn it and having some success.</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/52679138021_e9edb00307_w_d.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="300" data-original-width="400" height="300" src="https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/52679138021_e9edb00307_w_d.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: x-small;">Sunrise over the Connecticut River, East Meadows, Northampton, MA, Feb 9, 2023</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/52679638073_6f7c1081ac_w_d.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="267" data-original-width="400" height="267" src="https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/52679638073_6f7c1081ac_w_d.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: x-small;">American Robin with elongated bill, East Meadows, Northampton, MA, Feb 9, 2023</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/52679137881_a7b299c776_w_d.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="300" data-original-width="400" height="300" src="https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/52679137881_a7b299c776_w_d.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: x-small;">Lesser Scaup, Winsor Dam, Quabbin Park, MA, Feb 9, 2023</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/52682946045_b198736ba2_w_d.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="300" data-original-width="400" height="300" src="https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/52682946045_b198736ba2_w_d.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: x-small;">Feeders after a bear visit, Home, Belchertown, MA, Feb 11, 2023</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/52689707638_4d303309ea_w_d.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="300" data-original-width="400" height="300" src="https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/52689707638_4d303309ea_w_d.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: x-small;">Black Bear on his way to destroy feeders, Home, Belchertown, MA, Feb 11, 2023</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/52689716848_a810e20656_w_d.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="300" data-original-width="400" height="300" src="https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/52689716848_a810e20656_w_d.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: x-small;">Gadwall, Quabbin Park, MA, Feb 14, 2023</span></div><p>The <a href="http://quabbinbirdingandbeyond.blogspot.com/2023/02/continued-warmth-and-lack-of-snow-for.html">second week</a> of the month continued to feature above normal temps overall with no snow. The variety of waterfowl continued to increase thanks to the above mentioned conditions and lack of much ice. Vultures also continued to increase during this week with double digit counts of Turkey Vultures. The warm weather also produced a Black Bear that raided the feeders on the 11th...never thought I would ever deal with bears in mid February here! </p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/52692868024_e51672e94c_w_d.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="300" data-original-width="400" height="300" src="https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/52692868024_e51672e94c_w_d.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: x-small;">Winsor Dam, Quabbin Park, MA, Feb 16, 2023</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/52703124329_8ba9937858_w_d.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="267" data-original-width="400" height="267" src="https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/52703124329_8ba9937858_w_d.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: x-small;">Horned Larks, Honey Pot, Hadley, MA, Feb 21, 2023</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/52703357848_6dd01c0c23_w_d.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="267" data-original-width="400" height="267" src="https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/52703357848_6dd01c0c23_w_d.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: x-small;">Common Grackles (with a few other species mixed in), Meadow St fields, Amherst, MA, Feb 21, 2023</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/52703357733_13745f2cc0_w_d.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="267" data-original-width="400" height="267" src="https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/52703357733_13745f2cc0_w_d.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: x-small;">Black capped Chickadee with leg bands, male banded in 2019, Home, Belchertown, MA, Feb 21, 2023</span></div><p>We got a little snow to end out the third week of February as the pattern changed to a cooler and stormier pattern. The best species of the week was a <a href="http://quabbinbirdingandbeyond.blogspot.com/2023/02/yellow-headed-blackbird-today-plus-some.html">Yellow headed Blackbird</a> in among a large mixed flock of grackles, blackbirds and cowbirds. Sadly I didn't get a photo of the bird but my views were distant so not too surprised about that. I also spent some time at home checking out the hordes of Black capped Chickadees coming to the feeder including several banded individuals (one being a male originally banded in June 2019).</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/52704942606_4004199d3d_w_d.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="267" data-original-width="400" height="267" src="https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/52704942606_4004199d3d_w_d.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: x-small;">Eastern Phoebe, Hadley DPW, Hadley, MA, Feb 22, 2023</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/52704942466_306aed2805_w_d.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="267" data-original-width="400" height="267" src="https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/52704942466_306aed2805_w_d.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: x-small;">Black Vulture, Moody Bridge Rd, Hadley, MA, Feb 22, 2023</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/52708285042_3ee6fbff47_w_d.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="300" data-original-width="400" height="300" src="https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/52708285042_3ee6fbff47_w_d.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: x-small;">Ring necked Ducks, Beaver Lake, Ware, MA, Feb 24, 2023</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/52718527444_3177d3a7d2_w_d.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="400" data-original-width="300" height="400" src="https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/52718527444_3177d3a7d2_w_d.jpg" width="300" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: x-small;">Wilson in the snow, Home, Belchertown, MA, Feb 28, 2023</span></div></div><p>The <a href="http://quabbinbirdingandbeyond.blogspot.com/2023/02/the-last-week-of-february.html">last week of February</a> continued to be cold overall with a few bouts of snow. A numbering of lingering species continued and waterfowl continued to slowly increase in diversity. Wilson was glad to see more snow. </p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/52720296739_796e31453f_w_d.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="267" data-original-width="400" height="267" src="https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/52720296739_796e31453f_w_d.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: x-small;">Lapland Longspur, East Meadows, Northampton, MA, Mar 1, 2023</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/52723689181_24a215da5c_w_d.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="267" data-original-width="400" height="267" src="https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/52723689181_24a215da5c_w_d.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: x-small;">Double crested Cormorant, UMASS, Amherst, MA, Mar 3, 2023</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/52732038837_42199fbda5_w_d.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="267" data-original-width="400" height="267" src="https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/52732038837_42199fbda5_w_d.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: x-small;">Northern Pintail, Hadley, MA, Mar 7, 2023</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/52732971575_b7fc3373ca_w_d.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="300" data-original-width="400" height="300" src="https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/52732971575_b7fc3373ca_w_d.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: x-small;">Green-winged Teal (Eurasian x American) intergrade, Great Pond, Hatfield, MA, Mar 7, 2023</span></div><p>The cold and snow continued into the <a href="http://quabbinbirdingandbeyond.blogspot.com/2023/03/the-first-week-of-february-comes-to-end.html">first week</a> of March and brought in a good influx of waterfowl with quite a few Green winged Teal (including an intergrade) and the increased numbers of Northern Pintails.</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/52739187475_2f80cdd32a_w_d.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="300" data-original-width="400" height="300" src="https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/52739187475_2f80cdd32a_w_d.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: x-small;">Canvasback and Lesser Scaup, Arcadia, Northampton, MA, Mar 8, 2023</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/52739027024_689054d5c0_w_d.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="300" data-original-width="400" height="300" src="https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/52739027024_689054d5c0_w_d.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: x-small;">Pale Canada Goose, Arcadia, Northampton, MA, Mar 8, 2023</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/52739194505_fce88836eb_w_d.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="267" data-original-width="400" height="267" src="https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/52739194505_fce88836eb_w_d.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: x-small;">American Robin, Mitch's Way, Hadley, MA, Mar 10, 2023</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/52739268528_f514688f3e_w_d.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="267" data-original-width="400" height="267" src="https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/52739268528_f514688f3e_w_d.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: x-small;">Snow Goose with Canada Goose, Mitch's Way, Hadley, MA, Mar 10, 2023</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/52742300727_aeb0f9e66f_w_d.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="300" data-original-width="400" height="300" src="https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/52742300727_aeb0f9e66f_w_d.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: x-small;">American Coot, Fitzgerald Lake, Northampton, MA, Mar 12, 2023</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/52749814059_ac1e6d1d84_w_d.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="300" data-original-width="400" height="300" src="https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/52749814059_ac1e6d1d84_w_d.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: x-small;">Killdeer, Meadow St fields, Amherst, MA, Mar 15, 2023</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/52753699885_bc70fe51f9_w_d.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="300" data-original-width="400" height="300" src="https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/52753699885_bc70fe51f9_w_d.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: x-small;">Egg is duck box #2, Home, Belchertown, MA, Mar 17, 2023</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/52752756522_a231b5e418_w_d.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="300" data-original-width="400" height="300" src="https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/52752756522_a231b5e418_w_d.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: x-small;">American Wigeon, Lake Wallace, Belchertown, MA, Mar 17, 2023</span></div><p>Some unusual waterfowl showed up early/mid in March including a <a href="http://quabbinbirdingandbeyond.blogspot.com/2023/03/canvasback-and-other-waterfowl-last-few.html">Canvasback</a>, scaup, <a href="http://quabbinbirdingandbeyond.blogspot.com/2023/03/american-coot-and-decent-numbers-of.html">American Coot</a> plus the continued pale Canada Goose. By the <a href="http://quabbinbirdingandbeyond.blogspot.com/2023/03/middle-of-march.html">middle of the month</a> one of our biggest snow storms of the year arrived and the first egg in the duck boxes appeared.</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/52779873801_d193631330_w_d.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="267" data-original-width="400" height="267" src="https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/52779873801_d193631330_w_d.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: x-small;">Sora, Green Cay Wetlands, Boynton Beach, FL, Mar 18, 2023</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/52788601481_601449e8df_w_d.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="267" data-original-width="400" height="267" src="https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/52788601481_601449e8df_w_d.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: x-small;">White eyed Vireo, Gumbo Limbo Trail, Everglades NP, FL, Mar 27, 2023</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/52788832754_bed486ff2f_w_d.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="267" data-original-width="400" height="267" src="https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/52788832754_bed486ff2f_w_d.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: x-small;">Osprey, Everglades NP, Flamingo, FL, Mar 27, 2023</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/52788832074_a9e3828ffb_w_d.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="267" data-original-width="400" height="267" src="https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/52788832074_a9e3828ffb_w_d.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: x-small;">Shiny Cowbird, Everglades NP, Flamingo, FL, Mar 27, 2023</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/52788043057_0424a57228_w_d.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="267" data-original-width="400" height="267" src="https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/52788043057_0424a57228_w_d.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: x-small;">Swallow tailed Kite, Everglades NP, FL, Mar 27, 2023</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/52789225248_2e711a0364_w_d.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="267" data-original-width="400" height="267" src="https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/52789225248_2e711a0364_w_d.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: x-small;">Ovenbird, Bill Baggs Cape Florida SP, FL, Mar 28, 2023</span></div><p>We travelled to warmer climates just after the mid month mark with the big getaway being a cruise out of Barbados. We made brief stops in <a href="http://quabbinbirdingandbeyond.blogspot.com/2023/04/stops-in-florida-on-way-to-and-way-back.html">Florida</a> on the way down and the way back and I added a few more species to my Florida list (plus a lifer Common Myna).</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/52790810381_afcf6976bf_w_d.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="267" data-original-width="400" height="267" src="https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/52790810381_afcf6976bf_w_d.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: x-small;">Trinidad Motmot, Main Ridge Forest Reserve, Tobago, Mar 20, 2023</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/52791264883_6ba0e47d70_w_d.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="267" data-original-width="400" height="267" src="https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/52791264883_6ba0e47d70_w_d.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: x-small;">White tailed Sabrewing, Main Ridge Forest Reserve, Tobago, Mar 20, 2023</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/52791263108_6ba7728740_w_d.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="267" data-original-width="400" height="267" src="https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/52791263108_6ba7728740_w_d.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: x-small;">Venezuelan Flycatcher, Main Ridge Forest Reserve, Tobago, Mar 20, 2023</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/52791508448_01cf4cd91e_w_d.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="267" data-original-width="400" height="267" src="https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/52791508448_01cf4cd91e_w_d.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: x-small;">Yellow hooded Blackbird, Caroni Rice Fields, Trinidad, Mar 21, 2023</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/52791451075_707897f8c5_w_d.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="267" data-original-width="400" height="267" src="https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/52791451075_707897f8c5_w_d.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: x-small;">Pied Water Tyrant, Sewage Ponds, Tunapuna-Piarco, Trinidad, Mar 21, 2023</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/52791449660_bf3be12e0b_w_d.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="267" data-original-width="400" height="267" src="https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/52791449660_bf3be12e0b_w_d.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: x-small;">Scarlet Ibis, Caroni Bird Sanctuary, Trinidad, Mar 21, 2023</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/52791617120_455944e8c8_w_d.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="267" data-original-width="400" height="267" src="https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/52791617120_455944e8c8_w_d.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: x-small;">Whistling Warbler, Montreal Nature Trails, St. Vincent, Mar 22, 2023</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/52791223291_b08212c84b_w_d.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="267" data-original-width="400" height="267" src="https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/52791223291_b08212c84b_w_d.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: x-small;">St. Vincent Parrots, East side of island, St. Vincent, Mar 22, 2023</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/52790670502_f05f7ac2d0_w_d.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="267" data-original-width="400" height="267" src="https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/52790670502_f05f7ac2d0_w_d.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: x-small;">Grenada Flycatcher, Montreal Nature Trails, St. Vincent, Mar 22, 2023</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/52793731964_0f66293278_w_d.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="267" data-original-width="400" height="267" src="https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/52793731964_0f66293278_w_d.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: x-small;">Red footed Boobies, At sea off Grenada, Mar 23, 2023</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/52793814139_2e56c0ff18_w_d.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="267" data-original-width="400" height="267" src="https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/52793814139_2e56c0ff18_w_d.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: x-small;">Plumbeous Warbler, Road to Morne Diablotin NP, Dominica, Mar 24, 2023</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/52793012317_b6a57b2c92_w_d.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="267" data-original-width="400" height="267" src="https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/52793012317_b6a57b2c92_w_d.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: x-small;">Blue headed Hummingbird, Morne Diablotin NP, Dominica, Mar 24, 2023</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/52793010602_94cceda676_w_d.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="267" data-original-width="400" height="267" src="https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/52793010602_94cceda676_w_d.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: x-small;">Red necked Parrot, Morne Diablotin NP, Dominica, Mar 24, 2023</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/52793666816_5974a0b342_w_d.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="267" data-original-width="400" height="267" src="https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/52793666816_5974a0b342_w_d.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: x-small;">Lesser Antillean Bullfinch, Pigeon Island NP, St. Lucia, Mar 24, 2023</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/52793906749_ab9c446023_w_d.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="267" data-original-width="400" height="267" src="https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/52793906749_ab9c446023_w_d.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: x-small;">Scaly breasted Thrasher, Pigeon Island NP, St. Lucia, Mar 24, 2023</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/52793107657_d69c52bf6b_w_d.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="267" data-original-width="400" height="267" src="https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/52793107657_d69c52bf6b_w_d.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: x-small;">Gray Trembler, Pigeon Island NP, St. Lucia, Mar 24, 2023</span></div><p>A very productive cruise to the <a href="http://quabbinbirdingandbeyond.blogspot.com/2023/04/cruise-to-southern-lesser-antilles-and.html">southern Caribbean</a> visited the islands of Trinidad & Tobago, St. Vincent, Grenada, Dominica and St. Lucia and provided me with three new <a href="http://warblerpursuit.blogspot.com/2023/04/multiple-new-warblers-on-southern.html">warbler species</a> and a total of 37 life birds. It was a fantastic getaway to warm and tropical locations with great birds. Full album with photos at the following <a href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/54277284@N05/albums/72177720307220246">link</a>.</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/52780308673_62d1c007aa_w_d.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="300" data-original-width="400" height="300" src="https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/52780308673_62d1c007aa_w_d.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: x-small;">Great Egret, Great Pond, Hatfield, MA, Mar 29, 2023</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/52784388978_56612ab75c_w_d.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="300" data-original-width="400" height="300" src="https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/52784388978_56612ab75c_w_d.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: x-small;">Intergrade Green winged Teal (American Green winged teal x Eurasian Green winged Teal aka Common Teal), Great Pond, Hatfield, MA, Mar 31, 2023</span></div><p>I was out a bit at the <a href="http://quabbinbirdingandbeyond.blogspot.com/2023/03/a-few-late-month-species-for-me-today.html">end of the month</a> after returning home and added a few new arrivals including an early Great Egret, hordes of Green winged Teal (including an intergrade), Greater Yellowlegs, Pine Warbler and others.</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/52790580231_2d67efd948_w_d.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="300" data-original-width="400" height="300" src="https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/52790580231_2d67efd948_w_d.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: x-small;">Eurasian Green winged Teal (Common Teal), Meadow St fields, Amherst, MA, Apr 3, 2023</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/52798742015_3eb480b928_w_d.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="300" data-original-width="400" height="300" src="https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/52798742015_3eb480b928_w_d.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: x-small;">Pectoral Sandpiper, Meadow St fields, Amherst, MA, Apr 6, 2023</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/52798794713_b67f6127ee_w_d.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="300" data-original-width="400" height="300" src="https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/52798794713_b67f6127ee_w_d.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: x-small;">Lesser Yellowlegs, Silvio Conte NWR-Fort River, Hadley, MA, Apr 6, 2023</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/52798351056_9ec8032a8e_w_d.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="267" data-original-width="400" height="267" src="https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/52798351056_9ec8032a8e_w_d.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: x-small;">Louisiana Waterthrush, Hadley, MA, Apr 6, 2023</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/52800556285_eff19a2d5b_w_d.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="300" data-original-width="400" height="300" src="https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/52800556285_eff19a2d5b_w_d.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: x-small;">Wilson's Snipe, Dufresne Recreation Area, Granby, MA, Apr 7, 2023</span></div></div></div><p>To add to the above mentioned intergrade I had a seemingly pure <a href="http://quabbinbirdingandbeyond.blogspot.com/2023/04/eurasian-green-winged-teal-aka-common.html">Eurasian Green winged Teal</a> (Common Teal) on the 3rd. The remainder of the <a href="http://quabbinbirdingandbeyond.blogspot.com/2023/04/more-new-arrivals-with-some-early.html">first week</a> of April brought in some unusual gulls and ducks, early shorebirds and an early <a href="http://warblerpursuit.blogspot.com/2023/04/early-louisiana-waterthrush-and-others.html">Louisiana Waterthrush</a>.</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/52810158906_644a50a714_w_d.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="267" data-original-width="400" height="267" src="https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/52810158906_644a50a714_w_d.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: x-small;">Canada Goose on nest, Rail trail, Amherst, MA, Apr 11, 2023</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/52815522460_46c4846a92_w_d.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="267" data-original-width="400" height="267" src="https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/52815522460_46c4846a92_w_d.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: x-small;">Ruby crowned Kinglet, Lake Wallace, Belchertown, MA, Apr 12, 2023</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/52817458016_30fb704530_w_d.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="300" data-original-width="400" height="300" src="https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/52817458016_30fb704530_w_d.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: x-small;">Winsor Dam, Quabbin Park, MA, Apr 14, 2023</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/52816897037_6bc1424acd_w_d.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="267" data-original-width="400" height="267" src="https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/52816897037_6bc1424acd_w_d.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: x-small;">Common Grackle, Lake Wallace, Belchertown, MA, Apr 14, 2023</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/52817651489_73fdc6822b_w_d.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="267" data-original-width="400" height="267" src="https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/52817651489_73fdc6822b_w_d.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: x-small;">Palm Warbler 'yellow', Lake Wallace, Belchertown, MA, Apr 14, 2023</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/52810157826_b7d0fac767_w_d.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="300" data-original-width="400" height="300" src="https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/52810157826_b7d0fac767_w_d.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: x-small;">Eggs in duck box #3, Home, Belchertown, MA, Apr 11, 2023</span></div><p>The <a href="http://quabbinbirdingandbeyond.blogspot.com/2023/04/a-warm-second-week-of-april.html">second week</a> of April was dry and overall unseasonable warm with a couple recording setting days of heat. Although there was nothing extremely rare around there were a number of early arrivals and increased numbers of early season migrants and some birds already on nests. My three <a href="http://quabbinbirdingandbeyond.blogspot.com/2023/04/duck-box-update-and-other-captures-on.html">duck boxes</a> at the house all had eggs in them by the second week. </p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/52828057925_5a5c61d6be_w_d.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="267" data-original-width="400" height="267" src="https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/52828057925_5a5c61d6be_w_d.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: x-small;">Broad winged Hawk, Silvio Conte NWR-Fort River, Hadley, MA, Apr 18, 2023</span></div><p>When I got out of work on the 18th and headed over to do some birding in Hadley I didn't think I would end the morning with my highest count ever for <a href="http://quabbinbirdingandbeyond.blogspot.com/2023/04/best-spring-day-for-broad-winged-hawks.html">Broad winged Hawks</a> in the spring but I did and ended with over a thousand individuals.</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/52831921472_02cb9277cf_w_d.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="267" data-original-width="400" height="267" src="https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/52831921472_02cb9277cf_w_d.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: x-small;">Yellow throated Warbler, Mt Toby State Forest, Sunderland, MA, Apr 20, 2023</span></div><p>A rare warbler for western mass showed up to end the third week with the arrival of a <a href="http://quabbinbirdingandbeyond.blogspot.com/2023/04/yellow-throated-warbler-in-sunderland.html">Yellow throated Warbler</a> in Sunderland (plus another that showed up in Hampden County the same day)...sadly not in Hampshire County but I was glad to see it nonetheless.</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/52835296479_0930803bc7_w_d.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="267" data-original-width="400" height="267" src="https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/52835296479_0930803bc7_w_d.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: x-small;">Yellow Warbler, Rail trail, Amherst, MA, Apr 21, 2023</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/52835561343_a25c816943_w_d.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="267" data-original-width="400" height="267" src="https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/52835561343_a25c816943_w_d.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: x-small;">House Wren with leg bands, Home, Belchertown, MA, Apr 21, 2023</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/52843488704_5f5a4e3886_w_d.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="267" data-original-width="400" height="267" src="https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/52843488704_5f5a4e3886_w_d.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: x-small;">Chipping Sparrow, Quabbin Park, MA, Apr 22, 2023</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/52848599906_3ce89860c3_w_d.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="267" data-original-width="400" height="267" src="https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/52848599906_3ce89860c3_w_d.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: x-small;">Eastern Bluebird, Silvio Conte NWR-Fort River, Hadley, MA, Apr 26, 2023</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/52851853620_0c9aaec9eb_w_d.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="267" data-original-width="400" height="267" src="https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/52851853620_0c9aaec9eb_w_d.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: x-small;">Merlin, Quabbin Park, MA, Apr 27, 2023</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/52851458446_6b53e1bfed_w_d.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="267" data-original-width="400" height="267" src="https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/52851458446_6b53e1bfed_w_d.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: x-small;">Eastern Towhee, Quabbin Park, MA, Apr 27, 2023</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/52854143049_5d3b1595b3_w_d.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="267" data-original-width="400" height="267" src="https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/52854143049_5d3b1595b3_w_d.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: x-small;">Ovenbird, Skinner SP, Hadley, MA, Apr 28, 2023</span></div><p>By the end of the <a href="http://quabbinbirdingandbeyond.blogspot.com/2023/04/yellow-warbler-trail-amherst-ma-apr-21.html">third week</a> of April I had a few record early (or nearly record early) warblers arrive plus had a banded House Wren return to the yard for another year. The weather then changed to much cooler than normal conditions with many bouts of rain and terrible migration conditions through the <a href="http://quabbinbirdingandbeyond.blogspot.com/2023/04/the-fourth-week-of-april-update.html">fourth week</a> of the month and then into May. Despite the bad migration conditions some stuff still made it through but the numbers and variety were low given the time of year. Nonetheless there were still good birds including a pair of Merlin that appeared to be breeding at Quabbin Park.</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/52865229756_63ebb82335_w_d.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="267" data-original-width="400" height="267" src="https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/52865229756_63ebb82335_w_d.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: x-small;">Dunlin, East Meadows, Northampton, MA, May 2, 2023</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/52865228526_b6707ac6e2_w_d.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="267" data-original-width="400" height="267" src="https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/52865228526_b6707ac6e2_w_d.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: x-small;">Black and White Warbler, Quabbin Park, MA, May 2, 2023</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/52865664128_cd63da68d8_w_d.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="267" data-original-width="400" height="267" src="https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/52865664128_cd63da68d8_w_d.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: x-small;">Barn Swallows, Tree Swallows and Northern Rough winged Swallows, Winsor Dam, Quabbin Park, MA, May 2, 2023</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/52869784217_4f403aa00e_w_d.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="267" data-original-width="400" height="267" src="https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/52869784217_4f403aa00e_w_d.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: x-small;">White throated Sparrow, Quabbin Park, MA, May 4, 2023</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/52869784842_a44f29e152_w_d.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="267" data-original-width="400" height="267" src="https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/52869784842_a44f29e152_w_d.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: x-small;">Yellow Warbler, Quabbin Park, MA, May 4, 2023</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/52872370987_0346d28568_w_d.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="267" data-original-width="400" height="267" src="https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/52872370987_0346d28568_w_d.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: x-small;">Blue gray Gnatcatcher, Quabbin Park, MA, May 5, 2023</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/52875051037_c707eae410_w_d.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="267" data-original-width="400" height="267" src="https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/52875051037_c707eae410_w_d.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: x-small;">Blue winged x Golden winged Warbler hybrid, Rail trail, Amherst, MA, May 6, 2023</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/52878024741_90faaa33b4_w_d.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="267" data-original-width="400" height="267" src="https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/52878024741_90faaa33b4_w_d.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><span style="font-size: x-small;">Worm eating Warbler, Skinner SP, Hadley, MA, May 7, 2023</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/52878184399_c0af380a36_w_d.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="267" data-original-width="400" height="267" src="https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/52878184399_c0af380a36_w_d.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: x-small;">Cerulean Warbler, Skinner SP, Hadley, MA, May 7, 2023</span></div><p>The first five days of May featured the same conditions we ended April with cooler than average temps, occasional rain and subpar migration conditions. These types of conditions can produce some birds put down by the weather and the highlights included a breeding plumage <a href="http://quabbinbirdingandbeyond.blogspot.com/2023/05/dunlin-and-some-other-shorebirds-as.html">Dunlin</a> and some other less rare shorebirds plus a big show of swallows at Quabbin over multiple days. By the end <a href="http://quabbinbirdingandbeyond.blogspot.com/2023/05/end-of-first-week-of-may.html">first week</a> of the month the weather pattern broke a bit and more birds arrived.</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/52882207683_307c82016e_w_d.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="267" data-original-width="400" height="267" src="https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/52882207683_307c82016e_w_d.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: x-small;">White throated Sparrow, Quabbin Park, MA, May 8, 2023</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/52881763361_42e1300a21_w_d.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="267" data-original-width="400" height="267" src="https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/52881763361_42e1300a21_w_d.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: x-small;">Northern Parula, Quabbin Park, MA, May 8, 2023</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/52886620957_6b9f1e1b8b_w_d.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="267" data-original-width="400" height="267" src="https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/52886620957_6b9f1e1b8b_w_d.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: x-small;">Fisher, Skinner SP, Hadley, MA, May 10, 2023</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/52889972666_1050b6751c_w_d.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="267" data-original-width="400" height="267" src="https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/52889972666_1050b6751c_w_d.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: x-small;">Worm eating Warbler, Mount Tom State Reservation, Easthampton, MA, May 11, 2023</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/52889971441_98dcd7a8d2_w_d.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="267" data-original-width="400" height="267" src="https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/52889971441_98dcd7a8d2_w_d.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: x-small;">Barn Swallow collecting nest material, Southampton WMA, Southampton, MA, May 11, 2023</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/52890355875_9ddcbf1d6e_w_d.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="267" data-original-width="400" height="267" src="https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/52890355875_9ddcbf1d6e_w_d.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: x-small;">Purple Martin, Silvio Conte NWR-Fort River, Hadley, MA, May 11, 2023</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/52890354840_a6ff4111a8_w_d.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="267" data-original-width="400" height="267" src="https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/52890354840_a6ff4111a8_w_d.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: x-small;">Cape May Warbler, Quabbin Park, MA, May 11, 2023</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/52892341047_306f2de2df_w_d.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="267" data-original-width="400" height="267" src="https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/52892341047_306f2de2df_w_d.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: x-small;">Lawrence's Warbler, Quabbin Park, MA, May 12, 2023</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/52895352583_fd2f6c0744_w_d.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="300" data-original-width="400" height="300" src="https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/52895352583_fd2f6c0744_w_d.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: x-small;">Remains after fledging in duck box #2, Home, Belchertown, MA, May 13, 2023</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/52895207739_07eeee385d_w_d.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="267" data-original-width="400" height="267" src="https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/52895207739_07eeee385d_w_d.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><span style="font-size: x-small;">Swainson's Thrush, Skinner SP, Hadley, MA, May 13, 2023</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/52895207239_2e533755df_w_d.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="267" data-original-width="400" height="267" src="https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/52895207239_2e533755df_w_d.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: x-small;">Barred Owl, Quabbin Park, MA, May 13, 2023</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/52897943976_6c9f16b312_w_d.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="267" data-original-width="400" height="267" src="https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/52897943976_6c9f16b312_w_d.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: x-small;">Bay breasted Warbler, Skinner SP, Hadley, MA, May 14, 2023</span></div></div><p>By the middle of the second week some other notable species showed up including a <a href="http://quabbinbirdingandbeyond.blogspot.com/2023/05/a-number-of-migrants-last-few-days.html">Purple Martin</a> and <a href="http://warblerpursuit.blogspot.com/2023/05/lawrences-warbler-today.html">Lawrence's Warbler</a> plus loads of expected migrants as the peak of migration began. The second weekend of the month brought the annual <a href="http://quabbinbirdingandbeyond.blogspot.com/2023/05/global-big-day.html">Global Big Day</a>.</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/52901116688_b2df21efd3_w_d.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="267" data-original-width="400" height="267" src="https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/52901116688_b2df21efd3_w_d.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: x-small;">Veery, Rail trail, Amherst, MA, May 15, 2023</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/52900832134_b561c695bf_w_d.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="267" data-original-width="400" height="267" src="https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/52900832134_b561c695bf_w_d.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: x-small;">Common Loon, Quabbin Park, MA, May 15, 2023</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/52900671896_228c1d5f8a_w_d.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="267" data-original-width="400" height="267" src="https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/52900671896_228c1d5f8a_w_d.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: x-small;">Prairie Warbler, Quabbin Park, MA, May 15, 2023</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/52900833774_365c5a1888_w_d.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="267" data-original-width="400" height="267" src="https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/52900833774_365c5a1888_w_d.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: x-small;">Blue winged Warbler, Quabbin Park, MA, May 15, 2023</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/52903126611_767aa30aaf_w_d.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="267" data-original-width="400" height="267" src="https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/52903126611_767aa30aaf_w_d.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: x-small;">American Redstart, Quabbin Park, MA, May 16, 2023</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/52905876565_df3c3e4856_w_d.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="267" data-original-width="400" height="267" src="https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/52905876565_df3c3e4856_w_d.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: x-small;">Brewster's Warbler, Rail trail, Amherst, MA, May 17, 2023</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/52905945018_c1646c1b7c_w_d.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="267" data-original-width="400" height="267" src="https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/52905945018_c1646c1b7c_w_d.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: x-small;">Yellow Warbler, Sweet Alice Conservation Area. Amherst, MA, May 17, 2023</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/52904915732_17899fa7a2_w_d.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="267" data-original-width="400" height="267" src="https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/52904915732_17899fa7a2_w_d.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: x-small;">Blackpoll Warbler, Quabbin Park, MA, May 17, 2023</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/52908067274_c26ed0a223_w_d.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="267" data-original-width="400" height="267" src="https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/52908067274_c26ed0a223_w_d.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: x-small;">Merlin, Quabbin Park, MA, May 18, 2023</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/52907342077_28aab9b713_w_d.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="267" data-original-width="400" height="267" src="https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/52907342077_28aab9b713_w_d.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: x-small;">Wilson's Warbler, Quabbin Park, MA, May 18, 2023</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/52908366638_0b75596cb7_w_d.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="300" data-original-width="400" height="300" src="https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/52908366638_0b75596cb7_w_d.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: x-small;">Common Nighthawk, Home, Belchertown, MA, May 18, 2023</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/52909917832_77543f67c4_w_d.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="267" data-original-width="400" height="267" src="https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/52909917832_77543f67c4_w_d.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: x-small;">Cerulean Warbler, Skinner SP, Hadley, MA, May 19, 2023</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/52912915384_c3b1b9fc75_w_d.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="267" data-original-width="400" height="267" src="https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/52912915384_c3b1b9fc75_w_d.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: x-small;">Chestnut sided Warbler, Quabbin Park, MA, May 20, 2023</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/52914773369_e704303eef_w_d.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="300" data-original-width="400" height="300" src="https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/52914773369_e704303eef_w_d.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: x-small;">Black Scoter, Winsor Dam, Quabbin Park, MA, May 20, 2023</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/52915207508_f686b1095a_w_d.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="267" data-original-width="400" height="267" src="https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/52915207508_f686b1095a_w_d.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: x-small;">Great crested Flycatcher, Quabbin Park, MA, May 21, 2023</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/52914751626_0a5e816c45_w_d.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="267" data-original-width="400" height="267" src="https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/52914751626_0a5e816c45_w_d.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: x-small;">Mourning Warbler, Quabbin Park, MA, May 21, 2023</span></div><p>The <a href="http://quabbinbirdingandbeyond.blogspot.com/2023/05/the-third-week-of-may-comes-to-end-with.html">third week</a> of May brought in the <a href="http://quabbinbirdingandbeyond.blogspot.com/2023/05/peak-of-migration-has-arrived.html">peak of migration</a> with a handful of notable species among the hordes of expected species. I also had a few <a href="http://warblerpursuit.blogspot.com/2023/05/three-days-of-trying-to-see-maximum.html">warbler big days</a> mid month. There is honestly too much to mention so I will let the photos tell the story.</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/52918161158_2f1495b56f_w_d.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="267" data-original-width="400" height="267" src="https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/52918161158_2f1495b56f_w_d.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: x-small;">Downy Woodpecker, Rail trail, Amherst, MA, May 22, 2023</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/52919913397_d1cea32d90_w_d.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="267" data-original-width="400" height="267" src="https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/52919913397_d1cea32d90_w_d.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: x-small;">Common Grackle carrying food, Rail trail, Amherst, MA, May 23, 2023</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/52923096349_a50eb00aa3_w_d.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="300" data-original-width="400" height="300" src="https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/52923096349_a50eb00aa3_w_d.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: x-small;">Bobcat, Home, Belchertown, MA, May 9, 2023</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/52923096819_02421db13b_w_d.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="267" data-original-width="400" height="267" src="https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/52923096819_02421db13b_w_d.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: x-small;">Wild Turkey with poults, Quabbin Park, MA, May 24, 2023</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/52927051327_ac52d85f00_w_d.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="267" data-original-width="400" height="267" src="https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/52927051327_ac52d85f00_w_d.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: x-small;">American Redstart on nest, Quabbin Park, MA, May 26, 2023</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/52938118996_58250b73c4_w_d.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="300" data-original-width="400" height="300" src="https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/52938118996_58250b73c4_w_d.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: x-small;">Wilson enjoying some sun therapy, Home, May 30, 2023</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/52938568923_2ed8ee8653_w_d.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="267" data-original-width="400" height="267" src="https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/52938568923_2ed8ee8653_w_d.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: x-small;">Cerulean Warbler, Quabbin Park, MA, May 30, 2023</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/52940877011_e65b430592_w_d.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="267" data-original-width="400" height="267" src="https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/52940877011_e65b430592_w_d.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: x-small;">Black throated Blue Warbler with unusual plumage, Quabbin Park, MA, May 31, 2023</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/52941025274_dab4485ee8_w_d.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="267" data-original-width="400" height="267" src="https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/52941025274_dab4485ee8_w_d.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: x-small;">Osprey, Quabbin Park, MA, May 31, 2023</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/52941339578_54a4188209_w_d.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="267" data-original-width="400" height="267" src="https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/52941339578_54a4188209_w_d.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: x-small;">Lawrence's Warbler, Quabbin Park, MA, May 31, 2023</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/52940277537_4452a034c1_w_d.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="267" data-original-width="400" height="267" src="https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/52940277537_4452a034c1_w_d.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: x-small;">Red eyed Vireo, Quabbin Park, MA, May 31, 2023</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/52940927771_1dd3c779b9_w_d.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="300" data-original-width="400" height="300" src="https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/52940927771_1dd3c779b9_w_d.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: x-small;">Smoky sunset, Quabbin Park, MA, May 30, 2023</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/52943748148_e8b1865794_w_d.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="267" data-original-width="400" height="267" src="https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/52943748148_e8b1865794_w_d.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: x-small;">Black Bear, Prescott Peninsula, New Salem, MA, May 31, 2023</span></div></div><p>By the <a href="http://quabbinbirdingandbeyond.blogspot.com/2023/05/end-of-may.html">end of May</a> I had tallied a rather low count of 166 species in the county. This is likely due to a major concentration on my part for <a href="http://warblerpursuit.blogspot.com/2023/05/may-comes-to-end-with-unusually.html">warblers</a> all month and a rather lackluster showing of rarities overall with little weather to bring migrants down. Nonetheless another great May to be out there enjoying migration. The only real negative part of the month was Wilson tearing ligaments in his knee that would require surgery.</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/52943746783_6550aa08f8_w_d.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="267" data-original-width="400" height="267" src="https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/52943746783_6550aa08f8_w_d.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: x-small;">Ruby throated Hummingbird, Quabbin Park, MA, Jun 1, 2023</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/52943285266_4ecff45808_w_d.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="267" data-original-width="400" height="267" src="https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/52943285266_4ecff45808_w_d.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: x-small;">Yellow Warbler, Quabbin Park, MA, Jun 1, 2023</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/52948154105_1beefd6db8_w_d.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="267" data-original-width="400" height="267" src="https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/52948154105_1beefd6db8_w_d.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: x-small;">Cerulean Warbler, Quabbin Park, MA, Jun 3, 2023</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/52955909104_8446e55668_w_d.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="267" data-original-width="400" height="267" src="https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/52955909104_8446e55668_w_d.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: x-small;">Eastern Towhee, Quabbin Park, MA, Jun 6, 2023</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/52955771616_b1006b0ce4_w_d.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="267" data-original-width="400" height="267" src="https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/52955771616_b1006b0ce4_w_d.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: x-small;">Blue winged x Golden winged Warbler hybrid, Rail trail, Ware, MA, Jun 6, 2023</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/52958146399_2f080f8c88_w_d.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="267" data-original-width="400" height="267" src="https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/52958146399_2f080f8c88_w_d.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: x-small;">Blackburnian Warbler, Cadwell Memorial Forest, Pelham, MA, Jun 7, 2023</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/52957401627_aedd64f721_w_d.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="267" data-original-width="400" height="267" src="https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/52957401627_aedd64f721_w_d.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: x-small;">American Robin building nest, Rail trail, Amherst, MA, Jun 7, 2023</span></div><p>The <a href="http://quabbinbirdingandbeyond.blogspot.com/2023/06/the-first-week-of-june.html">first week of June</a> brought the end of spring migration and the beginning of various breeding bird surveys. </p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/52978359812_1a6ee1e223_w_d.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="300" data-original-width="400" height="300" src="https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/52978359812_1a6ee1e223_w_d.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: x-small;">Purple Martin, Silvio Conte NWR-Fort River, Hadley, MA, Jun 16, 2023</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/52978964541_fe8a464efa_w_d.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="267" data-original-width="400" height="267" src="https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/52978964541_fe8a464efa_w_d.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: x-small;">Sora, Silvio Conte NWR-Fort River, Hadley, MA, Jun 16, 2023</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/52977434285_345ae07d2b_w_d.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="267" data-original-width="400" height="267" src="https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/52977434285_345ae07d2b_w_d.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: x-small;">American Redstarts in nest, Quabbin Park, MA, Jun 15, 2023</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/52974947648_332e51ed5d_w_d.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="267" data-original-width="400" height="267" src="https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/52974947648_332e51ed5d_w_d.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: x-small;">Hooded Warbler, Westfield, MA, Jun 14, 2023</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/52972338779_45fcec72e1_w_d.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="300" data-original-width="400" height="300" src="https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/52972338779_45fcec72e1_w_d.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: x-small;">Wilson finding another comfortable spot, Home, Belchertown, MA, Jun 13, 2023</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/52962911828_3806e58de6_w_d.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="267" data-original-width="400" height="267" src="https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/52962911828_3806e58de6_w_d.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: x-small;">Song Sparrow, Home, Belchertown, MA, Jun 9, 2023</span></div><p>By <a href="http://quabbinbirdingandbeyond.blogspot.com/2023/06/mid-june-update.html">mid June</a> the breeding season was well underway and I kept mainly close to home as Wilson recovered from his surgery. There were a number of noteworthy birds around including Purple Martins that showed on multiple days in the same location they bred last year. I also watched a full breeding cycle of a pair of <a href="http://warblerpursuit.blogspot.com/2023/06/american-redstart-nesting-cycle-at.html">American Redstarts</a> at Quabbin Park.</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/52986709429_42e0a02b5c_w_d.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="267" data-original-width="400" height="267" src="https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/52986709429_42e0a02b5c_w_d.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: x-small;">Lawrence's Warbler, Quabbin Park, MA, Jun 19, 2023</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/52986567811_65a31c117c_w_d.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="400" data-original-width="300" height="400" src="https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/52986567811_65a31c117c_w_d.jpg" width="300" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: x-small;">Wilson in the sun, Home, Belchertown, MA, Jun 19, 2023</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/52992147978_900ac0978f_w_d.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="300" data-original-width="400" height="300" src="https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/52992147978_900ac0978f_w_d.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: x-small;">House Wren with leg bands, Home, Belchertown, MA, Jun 21, 2023</span></div><p>By the <a href="http://quabbinbirdingandbeyond.blogspot.com/2023/06/the-third-weekish-of-june.html">third week</a> or so of June I was getting out a bit but mainly stayed close to home to be close to Wilson as he continued his recovery. I had a few notable warblers including a rediscovery of the <a href="http://warblerpursuit.blogspot.com/2023/06/lawrences-warbler-continues-at-quabbin.html">Lawrence's Warbler</a> at Quabbin Park as well as a continued <a href="http://warblerpursuit.blogspot.com/2023/06/cerulean-warbler-singing-parula-like.html">Cerulean Warblers</a> (also at Quabbin Park) including one singing a parula like song. </p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/52996732630_ae5e3960d1_w_d.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="267" data-original-width="400" height="267" src="https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/52996732630_ae5e3960d1_w_d.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: x-small;">Eastern Towhee juvenile, Quabbin Park, MA, Jun 23, 2023</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/52995766582_b642d44996_w_d.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="267" data-original-width="400" height="267" src="https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/52995766582_b642d44996_w_d.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: x-small;">American Redstart, Quabbin Park, MA, Jun 23, 2023</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/52996366951_c132966e04_w_d.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="267" data-original-width="400" height="267" src="https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/52996366951_c132966e04_w_d.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: x-small;">Ruffed Grouse, Quabbin Park, MA, Jun 23, 2023</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/53000552167_5c13fcd4e6_w_d.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="300" data-original-width="400" height="300" src="https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/53000552167_5c13fcd4e6_w_d.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: x-small;">Fields at Belchertown BBS stop 29, Monson, MA, Jun 25, 2023</span></div><p>During the fourth week of June I had some good birding days including morning where I had a very tame <a href="http://quabbinbirdingandbeyond.blogspot.com/2023/06/close-encounter-with-ruffed-grouse.html">Ruffed Grouse</a> join me for a walk at Quabbin Park and my 14th running of my <a href="http://quabbinbirdingandbeyond.blogspot.com/2023/06/breeding-bird-survey-route-today.html">breeding bird survey</a> as well as other sightings. </p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/53010996229_741af9a46a_w_d.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="267" data-original-width="400" height="267" src="https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/53010996229_741af9a46a_w_d.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: x-small;">Yellow Warbler, Rail trail, Amherst, MA, Jul 29, 2023</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/53013483785_5568ceae3c_w_d.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="267" data-original-width="400" height="267" src="https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/53013483785_5568ceae3c_w_d.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: x-small;">American Redstarts, Quabbin Park, MA, Jun 30, 2023</span></div><p>June <a href="http://quabbinbirdingandbeyond.blogspot.com/2023/06/june-comes-to-end-with-summer-like-feel.html">ended</a> with a summer like feel and turned out to be one of my lowest total for species I have had in the county in June in quite awhile. Nonetheless I was still out birding as much as I could and the influx of Red Crossbills into the area was already starting.</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/53025488748_9d4f681352_w_d.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="267" data-original-width="400" height="267" src="https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/53025488748_9d4f681352_w_d.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: x-small;">Hermit Thrush fledgling, Skinner SP, Hadley, MA, Jul 5, 2023</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/53025001311_0c8bb7d142_w_d.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="267" data-original-width="400" height="267" src="https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/53025001311_0c8bb7d142_w_d.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: x-small;">Cerulean Warbler, Skinner SP, Hadley, MA, Jul 5, 2023</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/53030158058_555b7feaff_w_d.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="400" data-original-width="300" height="400" src="https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/53030158058_555b7feaff_w_d.jpg" width="300" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: x-small;">Wilson with some cool goggles, Jul 5, 2023</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/53025390530_125a55a26f_w_d.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="300" data-original-width="400" height="300" src="https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/53025390530_125a55a26f_w_d.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: x-small;">High water at the Holyoke Dam, South Hadley, MA, Jul 5, 2023</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/53020063585_6f638ace88_w_d.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="267" data-original-width="400" height="267" src="https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/53020063585_6f638ace88_w_d.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: x-small;">Common Yellowthroat, Pelham, MA, Jul 3, 2023</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/53034755643_f1404d9955_w_d.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="300" data-original-width="400" height="300" src="https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/53034755643_f1404d9955_w_d.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: x-small;">Red Crossbill, Home, Belchertown, MA, Jul 9, 2023</span></div></div><p>July <a href="http://quabbinbirdingandbeyond.blogspot.com/2023/07/a-humid-hot-and-wet-start-to-july-with.html">started off with hot and humid and wet conditions</a> and lots of breeding activity. A noticeable increase in <a href="http://quabbinbirdingandbeyond.blogspot.com/2023/07/red-crossbill-influx-last-few-weeks.html">Red Crossbills</a> also continued during this time period (and increasingly steadily after). </p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/53038954771_6c4da880bf_w_d.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="267" data-original-width="400" height="267" src="https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/53038954771_6c4da880bf_w_d.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: x-small;">Black Bear, Prescott Peninsula, New Salem, MA, Jul 11, 2023</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/53039444823_1894d42e7e_w_d.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="267" data-original-width="400" height="267" src="https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/53039444823_1894d42e7e_w_d.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: x-small;">Common Yellowthroat, Prescott Peninsula, New Salem, MA, Jul 11, 2023</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/53042835927_892f649647_w_d.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="300" data-original-width="400" height="300" src="https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/53042835927_892f649647_w_d.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: x-small;">Flooding in meadows up to red barn, East Meadows, Northampton, MA, Jul 12. 2023</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/53043598479_cee75c698e_w_d.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="300" data-original-width="400" height="300" src="https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/53043598479_cee75c698e_w_d.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: x-small;">Sora, Silvio Conte NWR-Fort River, Hadley, MA, Jul 13, 2023</span></div><p>I conducted a few bird surveys going into the second week of July including a trip to the <a href="http://quabbinbirdingandbeyond.blogspot.com/2023/07/prescott-peninsula-surveys-this-morning.html">Prescott Peninsula</a> where I had some good birds plus a close encounter with a Black Bear. The raining weather for the month really ramped up and resulted in record breaking flooding for the month with lots of damage to crops along the river.</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/53058264908_075dfea539_w_d.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="300" data-original-width="400" height="300" src="https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/53058264908_075dfea539_w_d.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: x-small;">Burnside's Bridge, Antietam National Battlefield, Sharpsburg, MD, Jul 14, 2023</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/53057972379_dd8f6b7df3_w_d.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="267" data-original-width="400" height="267" src="https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/53057972379_dd8f6b7df3_w_d.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: x-small;">Yellow throated Warbler, Chesapeake and Ohio Canal, Sharpsburg, MD, Jul 15, 2023</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/53058192120_82333d3e94_w_d.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="300" data-original-width="400" height="300" src="https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/53058192120_82333d3e94_w_d.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: x-small;">Smoky view of mountains, Shenandoah NP, VA, Jul 17, 2023</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/53058195260_2a94fc1b15_w_d.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="267" data-original-width="400" height="267" src="https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/53058195260_2a94fc1b15_w_d.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: x-small;">American Redstart, Fox Hollow Trail, Shenandoah NP, VA, Jul 17, 2023</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/53057813596_4bace8421e_w_d.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="267" data-original-width="400" height="267" src="https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/53057813596_4bace8421e_w_d.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: x-small;">Hooded Warbler, Fox Hollow Trail, Shenandoah NP, VA, Jul 17, 2023</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/53057993834_096c7cdfc9_w_d.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="267" data-original-width="400" height="267" src="https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/53057993834_096c7cdfc9_w_d.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: x-small;">Indigo Bunting, Fox Hollow Trail, Shenandoah NP, VA, Jul 17, 2023</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/53058008749_f825c20200_w_d.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="300" data-original-width="400" height="300" src="https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/53058008749_f825c20200_w_d.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: x-small;">Potomac River in the fog, Chesapeake and Ohio Canal, Sharpsburg, MD, Jul 18, 2023</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/53058309333_b86b8f2a2a_w_d.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="267" data-original-width="400" height="267" src="https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/53058309333_b86b8f2a2a_w_d.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: x-small;">Prothonotary Warbler, Chesapeake and Ohio Canal, Sharpsburg, MD, Jul 18, 2023</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/53058308948_0aee5b48a1_w_d.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="300" data-original-width="400" height="300" src="https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/53058308948_0aee5b48a1_w_d.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: x-small;">View from Henry Hill, Manassas National Battlefield, Manassas, VA, Jul 18, 2023</span></div><p>During the middle of the month we took a short trip down to the <a href="http://quabbinbirdingandbeyond.blogspot.com/2023/07/brief-trip-to-corner-of-west-virginia.html">Virginia, Maryland and West Virginia</a> area. This was a replacement trip for the trip to western Colorado that we planned to take but had to change after Wilson need surgery. Although a short trip it was fun with a combination of nature and history. More on warblers for the trip can be found at the following <a href="http://warblerpursuit.blogspot.com/2023/07/warblers-on-short-trip-to-virginia-west.html">link</a>.</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/53061972231_33fcaaa729_w_d.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="267" data-original-width="400" height="267" src="https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/53061972231_33fcaaa729_w_d.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: x-small;">Least Sandpiper, East Meadows, Northampton, MA, Jul 21, 2023</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/53062152754_f79d3d4ff1_w_d.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="300" data-original-width="400" height="300" src="https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/53062152754_f79d3d4ff1_w_d.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: x-small;">Greater Yellowlegs, East Meadows, Northampton, MA, Jul 21, 2023</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/53066544314_b7a9486fa6_w_d.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="300" data-original-width="400" height="300" src="https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/53066544314_b7a9486fa6_w_d.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: x-small;">Lesser Yellowlegs with Killdeer, Arcadia, Easthampton, MA, Jul 23, 2023</span></div><p>Once we were back home from vacation I caught with a bunch of <a href="http://quabbinbirdingandbeyond.blogspot.com/2023/07/shorebirds-in-late-july-following.html">shorebirds</a> taking advantage of the great habitat created by the flooding from earlier in the month. </p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/53069036913_d63c87bce9_w_d.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="267" data-original-width="400" height="267" src="https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/53069036913_d63c87bce9_w_d.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: x-small;">Red Crossbill, Quabbin Park, MA, Jul 24, 2023</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/53068730504_8b49ae888a_w_d.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="267" data-original-width="400" height="267" src="https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/53068730504_8b49ae888a_w_d.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: x-small;">Blue winged Warbler, Ware, MA, Jul 24, 2023</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/53071248724_ebbd950fb3_w_d.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="267" data-original-width="400" height="267" src="https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/53071248724_ebbd950fb3_w_d.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: x-small;">Hermit Thrush fledgling, Quabbin Park, MA, Jul 25, 2023</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/53084766929_b550947156_w_d.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="300" data-original-width="400" height="300" src="https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/53084766929_b550947156_w_d.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: x-small;">Green Heron, Lake Wallace, Belchertown, MA, Jul 31, 2023</span></div><p>As the month was coming to an end the Red Crossbill invasion ramped up even more and produced my first ever <a href="http://quabbinbirdingandbeyond.blogspot.com/2023/07/more-red-crossbills-including-my-first.html">Type 4</a> I have had here. By the <a href="http://quabbinbirdingandbeyond.blogspot.com/2023/07/july-comes-to-end.html">end of July</a> I had my second highest total ever for species in the county (just one behind my best every July <a href="http://quabbinbirdingandbeyond.blogspot.com/2022/07/a-record-breaking-july-for-me-in.html">last year</a>.</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/53087464838_c5db709040_w_d.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="300" data-original-width="400" height="300" src="https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/53087464838_c5db709040_w_d.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: x-small;">View of East Meadows from summit, Skinner SP, Hadley, MA, Aug 1, 2023</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/53087377635_13cba398a4_w_d.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="267" data-original-width="400" height="267" src="https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/53087377635_13cba398a4_w_d.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: x-small;">Cerulean Warbler, Skinner SP, Hadley, MA, Aug 1, 2023</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/53087376090_4008c81d38_w_d.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="267" data-original-width="400" height="267" src="https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/53087376090_4008c81d38_w_d.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: x-small;">Canada Warbler, Pelham, MA, Aug 1, 2023</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/53091578074_9c891076d8_w_d.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="400" data-original-width="300" height="400" src="https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/53091578074_9c891076d8_w_d.jpg" width="300" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: x-small;">Wilson checking out a turkey, Belchertown, MA, Aug 3, 2023</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/53090832517_d9da4e0ae7_w_d.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="267" data-original-width="400" height="267" src="https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/53090832517_d9da4e0ae7_w_d.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: x-small;">Tennessee Warbler, Silvio Conte NWR-Fort River, Hadley, MA, Aug 3, 2023</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/53091886628_34ff6a5f86_w_d.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="267" data-original-width="400" height="267" src="https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/53091886628_34ff6a5f86_w_d.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: x-small;">Common Yellowthroat, Silvio Conte NWR-Fort River, Hadley, MA, Aug 3, 2023</span></div></div><p>I <a href="http://quabbinbirdingandbeyond.blogspot.com/2023/08/the-first-two-days-of-august-with-lots.html">began August</a> with my main focus being <a href="http://warblerpursuit.blogspot.com/2023/08/warblers-to-start-august.html">warblers</a> and I had some good luck with several lingering species. I even managed to find a few <a href="http://warblerpursuit.blogspot.com/2023/08/record-early-tennessee-warblers-and.html">record early</a> warblers on the 3rd.</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/53097921371_1365306e5b_w_d.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="300" data-original-width="400" height="300" src="https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/53097921371_1365306e5b_w_d.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: x-small;">Long billed Dowitcher, East Meadows, Northampton, MA, Aug 6, 2023</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/53097924261_8f95d2c2ec_w_d.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="267" data-original-width="400" height="267" src="https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/53097924261_8f95d2c2ec_w_d.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: x-small;">Northern Harrier, East Meadows, Northampton, MA, Aug 6, 2023</span></div><p>Just before the end of the first week of August I added a new species to my Hampshire County list with the arrival of a <a href="http://quabbinbirdingandbeyond.blogspot.com/2023/08/long-billed-dowitcher-in-east.html">Long billed Dowitcher</a> (species #305) in the ever productive East Meadows. The dowitcher was the first new species for me in the county for the year with the last new species being the <a href="http://quabbinbirdingandbeyond.blogspot.com/2022/12/smiths-longspur-in-hadley.html">Smith's Longspur</a> in December last year.</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/53102720351_de6e567648_w_d.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="300" data-original-width="400" height="300" src="https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/53102720351_de6e567648_w_d.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: x-small;">House Wren at nest, Home, Belchertown, MA, Aug 8, 2023</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/53103224723_e8427a13eb_w_d.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="300" data-original-width="400" height="300" src="https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/53103224723_e8427a13eb_w_d.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: x-small;">Blue Grosbeak, Honey Pot, Hadley, MA, Aug 8, 2023</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/53107347059_a70d903880_w_d.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="267" data-original-width="400" height="267" src="https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/53107347059_a70d903880_w_d.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: x-small;">Dickcissel, Honey Pot, Hadley, MA, Aug 9, 2023</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/53109408941_73434556e4_w_d.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="267" data-original-width="400" height="267" src="https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/53109408941_73434556e4_w_d.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: x-small;">Gray Catbird, Ware, MA, Aug 11, 2023</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/53109914968_c82ac4f7f3_w_d.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="267" data-original-width="400" height="267" src="https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/53109914968_c82ac4f7f3_w_d.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: x-small;">Prairie Warbler, Rail trail, Ware, MA, Aug 11, 2023</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/53111921281_d11d600086_w_d.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="267" data-original-width="400" height="267" src="https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/53111921281_d11d600086_w_d.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: x-small;">White tailed Deer, Prescott Peninsula, New Salem, MA, Aug 12, 2023</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/53115645702_44ee80374d_w_d.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="300" data-original-width="400" height="300" src="https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/53115645702_44ee80374d_w_d.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: x-small;">Winsor Dam, Quabbin Park, MA, Aug 13, 2023</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/53116649950_dd1db62c74_w_d.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="300" data-original-width="400" height="300" src="https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/53116649950_dd1db62c74_w_d.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: x-small;">Least Sandpipers, East Meadows, Northampton, MA, Aug 14, 2023</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/53121399094_e500665a71_w_d.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="300" data-original-width="400" height="300" src="https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/53121399094_e500665a71_w_d.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: x-small;">Bobcat, East Meadows, Northampton, MA, Aug 16, 2023</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/53121200181_564d8bb21a_w_d.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="300" data-original-width="400" height="300" src="https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/53121200181_564d8bb21a_w_d.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><span style="font-size: x-small;">Blue winged Teal, East Meadows, Northampton, MA, Aug 16, 2023</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/53124231343_c6b581c40a_w_d.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="267" data-original-width="400" height="267" src="https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/53124231343_c6b581c40a_w_d.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: x-small;">Red Crossbill Type 12, Quabbin Gate 49, Ware, MA, Aug 17, 2023</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/53124965687_6e18475a01_w_d.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="300" data-original-width="400" height="300" src="https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/53124965687_6e18475a01_w_d.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><span style="font-size: x-small;">Wilson back home after a check up, Aug 18, 2023</span><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: x-small;"><br /></span></div></div>By the <a href="http://quabbinbirdingandbeyond.blogspot.com/2023/08/mid-august-continues-my-record-pace-for.html">middle of the month</a> I had added a number of unusual species including Blue Grosbeak and Dickcissel as well as some early/unusual waterfowl and shorebirds. I was way ahead of a typical August and continued on my record setting pace for the month. I had more <a href="http://quabbinbirdingandbeyond.blogspot.com/2023/08/more-shorebirds-and-red-crossbills.html">Red Crossbills and shorebirds</a> plus some waterfowl with each passing day.<div><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/53128079431_5f214db1ab_w_d.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="300" data-original-width="400" height="300" src="https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/53128079431_5f214db1ab_w_d.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: x-small;">Sandhill Cranes, East Meadows, Northampton, MA, Aug 19, 2023</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/53128078926_e31d8bfe9d_w_d.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="300" data-original-width="400" height="300" src="https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/53128078926_e31d8bfe9d_w_d.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: x-small;">Blue Grosbeak, Honey Pot, Hadley, MA, Aug 19, 2023</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/53130986248_68be472c31_w_d.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="267" data-original-width="400" height="267" src="https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/53130986248_68be472c31_w_d.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: x-small;">Bay breasted Warbler, Quabbin Park, MA, Aug 20, 2023</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/53130713894_2097879515_w_d.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="267" data-original-width="400" height="267" src="https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/53130713894_2097879515_w_d.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: x-small;">Worm eating Warbler, Ware, MA, Aug 20, 2023</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/53134377087_0ec9ab42bf_w_d.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="300" data-original-width="400" height="300" src="https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/53134377087_0ec9ab42bf_w_d.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: x-small;">Pectoral Sandpiper, East Meadows, Northampton, MA, Aug 22, 2023</span></div><div><br /></div><div>By the <a href="http://quabbinbirdingandbeyond.blogspot.com/2023/08/record-setting-pace-for-august-continues.html">end of the third week</a> and into the beginning of the fourth week of August I continued to find some unusual species and the shorebirds continued in numbers in Northampton. I also had more early arriving warblers from up north as well as a <a href="http://warblerpursuit.blogspot.com/2023/08/record-late-worm-eating-warbler-plus.html">record late</a> Worm eating Warbler.<br /><div><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/53137521025_0851376320_w_d.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="267" data-original-width="400" height="267" src="https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/53137521025_0851376320_w_d.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: x-small;">Prairie Warbler, Quabbin Park, MA, Aug 23, 2023</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/53138593052_0674850655_w_d.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="267" data-original-width="400" height="267" src="https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/53138593052_0674850655_w_d.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: x-small;">Yellow bellied Flycatcher, Quabbin Park, MA, Aug 24, 2023</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/53139603330_73062c0f0e_w_d.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="267" data-original-width="400" height="267" src="https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/53139603330_73062c0f0e_w_d.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: x-small;">Cape May Warbler, Quabbin Park, MA, Aug 24, 2023</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/53141526339_ffbe243153_w_d.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="400" data-original-width="300" height="400" src="https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/53141526339_ffbe243153_w_d.jpg" width="300" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: x-small;">Velvet Ant, Home, Belchertown, MA, Aug 24, 2023</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/53143340926_0db915f5b4_w_d.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="300" data-original-width="400" height="300" src="https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/53143340926_0db915f5b4_w_d.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: x-small;">Short billed Dowitcher, East Meadows, Northampton, MA, Aug 26, 2023</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/53143824608_27bc4f8c85_w_d.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="300" data-original-width="400" height="300" src="https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/53143824608_27bc4f8c85_w_d.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: x-small;">Baird's Sandpiper, East Meadows, Northampton, MA, Aug 26, 2023</span></div><div><br /></div><div>Some rainy weather into the third week of the month brought down more <a href="http://quabbinbirdingandbeyond.blogspot.com/2023/08/rainy-weather-brings-in-shorebirds-today.html">shorebirds</a> including a <a href="http://quabbinbirdingandbeyond.blogspot.com/2023/08/bairds-sandpiper-today-adds-to.html">Baird's Sandpiper</a>. The number of mixed species flocks also increased and I had some good days for warblers with even more early arrivals.</div><div><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/53145813735_6b77228262_w_d.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="267" data-original-width="400" height="267" src="https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/53145813735_6b77228262_w_d.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: x-small;">Black throated Green Warbler, Quabbin Park, MA, Aug 27, 2023</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/53148635204_759478d064_w_d.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="267" data-original-width="400" height="267" src="https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/53148635204_759478d064_w_d.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: x-small;">Common Nighthawk, Home, Belchertown, MA, Aug 28, 2023</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/53149344750_fde6002507_w_d.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="267" data-original-width="400" height="267" src="https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/53149344750_fde6002507_w_d.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: x-small;">Red Crossbills, Pelham, MA, Aug 28, 2023</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/53152379152_f1e0a15c7b_w_d.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="300" data-original-width="400" height="300" src="https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/53152379152_f1e0a15c7b_w_d.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: x-small;">Semipalmated Sandpiper, East Meadows, Northampton, MA, Aug 29, 2023</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/53157411836_9a32190b2a_w_d.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="225" data-original-width="400" height="225" src="https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/53157411836_9a32190b2a_w_d.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: x-small;">Raccoons, Home, Belchertown, MA, Aug 31, 2023</span></div><div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div>By the <a href="http://quabbinbirdingandbeyond.blogspot.com/2023/08/record-setting-august-in-county-with.html">end of the month</a> I had shattered my old record for a high count of species in the county with an amazing total of 166 species! A number of rarities and lots of shorebirds figured prominently into the overall total. <br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/53157900218_b11ed7c903_w_d.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="267" data-original-width="400" height="267" src="https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/53157900218_b11ed7c903_w_d.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: x-small;">Viceroy, Silvio Conte NWR-Fort River, Hadley, MA, Sep 1, 2023</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/53159847569_77171877d5_w_d.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="267" data-original-width="400" height="267" src="https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/53159847569_77171877d5_w_d.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: x-small;">House Wren, Quabbin Park, MA, Sep 2, 2023</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/53160068410_30d4926fb0_w_d.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="267" data-original-width="400" height="267" src="https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/53160068410_30d4926fb0_w_d.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: x-small;">Red Crossbill, Quabbin Gate 11 Pelham, MA, Sep 2, 2023</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/53165291303_bebd2d6383_w_d.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="267" data-original-width="400" height="267" src="https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/53165291303_bebd2d6383_w_d.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: x-small;">Striped Skunk with extensive white back, Arcadia, Northampton, MA, Sep 4, 2023</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/53171340294_0a45d8d907_w_d.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="300" data-original-width="400" height="300" src="https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/53171340294_0a45d8d907_w_d.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: x-small;">White rumped Sandpiper, Connecticut River, Hadley, MA, Sep 7, 2023</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/53170556177_ab1f4345c7_w_d.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="300" data-original-width="400" height="300" src="https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/53170556177_ab1f4345c7_w_d.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: x-small;">Winsor Dam, Quabbin Park, MA, Sep 6, 2023</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div>I <a href="http://quabbinbirdingandbeyond.blogspot.com/2023/09/the-beginning-of-september-and-look-at.html">started off</a> the month of September with a number of unusual species and some <a href="http://warblerpursuit.blogspot.com/2023/09/warblers-for-beginning-of-september.html">warblers</a>. By the end of the <a href="http://quabbinbirdingandbeyond.blogspot.com/2023/09/white-rumped-sandpipers-to-finish-out.html">first week</a> I had added a number of unusual species as we endured a heat wave. </div><div><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/53172938667_1da08e03c7_w_d.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="267" data-original-width="400" height="267" src="https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/53172938667_1da08e03c7_w_d.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: x-small;">Northern Parula, Quabbin Park, MA, Sep 8, 2023</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/53176089910_7a727e5292_w_d.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="267" data-original-width="400" height="267" src="https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/53176089910_7a727e5292_w_d.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: x-small;">House Wren, Great Pond, Hatfield, MA, Sep 9, 2023</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/53176088640_2cf61f7f6b_w_d.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="267" data-original-width="400" height="267" src="https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/53176088640_2cf61f7f6b_w_d.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: x-small;">Tufted Titmouse, Hadley, MA, Sep 9, 2023</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/53178776058_06765e34e2_w_d.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="300" data-original-width="400" height="300" src="https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/53178776058_06765e34e2_w_d.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: x-small;">Black bellied Plover, East Meadows, Northampton, MA, Sep 10, 2023</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/53180905359_8f8d2e80f1_w_d.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="300" data-original-width="400" height="300" src="https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/53180905359_8f8d2e80f1_w_d.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: x-small;">Baird's Sandpiper, Honey Pot, Hadley, MA, Sep 11, 2023</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/53180906364_34c2e4653a_w_d.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="267" data-original-width="400" height="267" src="https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/53180906364_34c2e4653a_w_d.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: x-small;">Connecticut Warbler, East Meadows, Northampton, MA, Sep 11, 2023</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/53183803518_e65f96b028_w_d.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="300" data-original-width="400" height="300" src="https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/53183803518_e65f96b028_w_d.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: x-small;">American Golden Plover, Honey Pot, Hadley, MA, Sep 12, 2023</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/53183494554_175413f022_w_d.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="267" data-original-width="400" height="267" src="https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/53183494554_175413f022_w_d.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: x-small;">Tennessee Warbler, Quabbin Gate 8, Pelham, MA, Sep 12, 2023</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/53188767432_42f14cf2db_w_d.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="267" data-original-width="400" height="267" src="https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/53188767432_42f14cf2db_w_d.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: x-small;">Black Bear, Arcadia, Northampton, MA, Sep 15, 2023</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/53188765552_1bdfcbfc14_w_d.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="267" data-original-width="400" height="267" src="https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/53188765552_1bdfcbfc14_w_d.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: x-small;">Lincoln's Sparrow, Arcadia, Northampton, MA, Sep 15, 2023</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/53196846810_66572749f0_w_d.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="300" data-original-width="400" height="300" src="https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/53196846810_66572749f0_w_d.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: x-small;">American Golden Plover, North Hadley, MA, Sep 18, 2023</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/53199583068_5eb9cbdf83_w_d.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="267" data-original-width="400" height="267" src="https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/53199583068_5eb9cbdf83_w_d.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: x-small;">Pileated Woodpecker, Quabbin Park, MA, Sep 19, 2023</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: x-small;"><br /></span></div></div><div>More unusual shorebirds showed up on the 11th but I missed them by minutes but as a consolation I had my first <a href="http://quabbinbirdingandbeyond.blogspot.com/2023/09/a-fruitless-search-for-stilt-sandpiper.html">Connecticut Warbler</a> of the year. By the <a href="http://quabbinbirdingandbeyond.blogspot.com/2023/09/mid-september-birds-and-look-at.html">middle of the month</a> the diversity of passerine migrants were reaching a maximum and I had some great luck with a variety of rarities. I added more <a href="https://quabbinbirdingandbeyond.blogspot.com/2023/09/more-shorebirds-in-rain-yesterday-and.html">shorebirds</a> just past the mid month mark.</div><div><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/53205272297_d657d7270a_w_d.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="267" data-original-width="400" height="267" src="https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/53205272297_d657d7270a_w_d.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: x-small;">Broad winged Hawks, Arcadia, Northampton, MA, Sep 22, 2023</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/53202130594_c7483deb5e_w_d.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="267" data-original-width="400" height="267" src="https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/53202130594_c7483deb5e_w_d.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: x-small;">Red shouldered Hawk, Arcadia, Northampton, MA, Sep 20, 2023</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/53202171560_767af2ecf2_w_d.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="267" data-original-width="400" height="267" src="https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/53202171560_767af2ecf2_w_d.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: x-small;">Lincoln's Sparrow, Arcadia, Northampton, MA, Sep 20, 2023</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/53202138899_5eb22d7068_w_d.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="267" data-original-width="400" height="267" src="https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/53202138899_5eb22d7068_w_d.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: x-small;">Connecticut Warbler, Arcadia, Northampton, MA, Sep 20, 2023</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/53201832016_2166848b27_w_d.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="267" data-original-width="400" height="267" src="https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/53201832016_2166848b27_w_d.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: x-small;">Nashville Warbler, Arcadia, Northampton, MA, Sep 20, 2023</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/53203176547_5bf62675e7_w_d.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="267" data-original-width="400" height="267" src="https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/53203176547_5bf62675e7_w_d.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: x-small;">Black and White Warbler, UMASS demonstration forest, Belchertown, MA, Sep 21, 2023</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/53206156861_bdd8c00d14_w_d.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="267" data-original-width="400" height="267" src="https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/53206156861_bdd8c00d14_w_d.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: x-small;">Downy Woodpecker, Arcadia, Northampton, MA, Sep 22, 2023</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/53205273362_2acf5e6717_w_d.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="267" data-original-width="400" height="267" src="https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/53205273362_2acf5e6717_w_d.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: x-small;">Philadelphia Vireo, Arcadia, Northampton, MA, Sep 22, 2023</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/53206456768_45d5ee0334_w_d.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="267" data-original-width="400" height="267" src="https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/53206456768_45d5ee0334_w_d.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: x-small;">Orange crowned Warbler, Arcadia, Northampton, MA, Sep 22, 2023</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/53208497215_8bc8558cce_w_d.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="267" data-original-width="400" height="267" src="https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/53208497215_8bc8558cce_w_d.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: x-small;">Tennessee Warblers, Arcadia, Northampton, MA, Sep 23, 2023</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/53207989966_edc01db2e2_w_d.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="267" data-original-width="400" height="267" src="https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/53207989966_edc01db2e2_w_d.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: x-small;">Sandhill Cranes, Arcadia, Easthampton, MA, Sep 23, 2023</span></div><div><br /></div><div>Activity continued to be fairly high through the third week of the month and into the fourth week and it culminated with my biggest <a href="https://quabbinbirdingandbeyond.blogspot.com/2023/09/big-broad-winged-hawk-flight.html">Broad winged Hawk</a> flight I have ever had in the county with over 2200 hawks passing by in just over an hour. During this period I spent <a href="https://quabbinbirdingandbeyond.blogspot.com/2023/09/four-mornings-at-arcadia-at-peak-of.html">four consecutive mornings at Arcadia</a> as fall migration peaked. </div><div><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/53222896730_4933983784_w_d.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="300" data-original-width="400" height="300" src="https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/53222896730_4933983784_w_d.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: x-small;">Surf Scoters, Winsor Dam, Quabbin Park, MA, Sep 29, 2023</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/53220328298_bb16cb8ce3_w_d.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="267" data-original-width="400" height="267" src="https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/53220328298_bb16cb8ce3_w_d.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: x-small;">Cape May Warbler, Arcadia, Northampton, MA, Sep 28, 2023</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/53217224662_d818e1e75b_w_d.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="267" data-original-width="400" height="267" src="https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/53217224662_d818e1e75b_w_d.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: x-small;">Common Yellowthroat, Arcadia, Northampton, MA, Sep 27, 2023</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/53218486434_9d2d2989fd_w_d.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="267" data-original-width="400" height="267" src="https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/53218486434_9d2d2989fd_w_d.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: x-small;">Swamp Sparrow, Arcadia, Northampton, MA, Sep 27, 2023</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/53218411328_c3529b3cb5_w_d.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="300" data-original-width="400" height="300" src="https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/53218411328_c3529b3cb5_w_d.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: x-small;">Wilson out enjoying the start of foliage season, Belchertown, Sep 27, 2023</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/53215594666_c4ed6db33c_w_d.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="267" data-original-width="400" height="267" src="https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/53215594666_c4ed6db33c_w_d.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: x-small;">Veery, Rail trail, Ware, MA, Sep 26, 2023</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/53214718747_49d8b55f71_w_d.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="267" data-original-width="400" height="267" src="https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/53214718747_49d8b55f71_w_d.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: x-small;">Rose breasted Grosbeak, Rail trail, Ware, MA, Sep 26, 2023</span></div><div><br /></div><div>By the <a href="https://quabbinbirdingandbeyond.blogspot.com/2023/09/a-nearly-recording-setting-september.html">end of the month</a> I had a nearly setting total with 170 species (just shy of my record of 171 set <a href="https://quabbinbirdingandbeyond.blogspot.com/2021/09/another-record-setting-september-comes.html">last year</a>). Even without setting my overall species record for the month I did manage to break my max for warbler species for September with an amazing <a href="https://warblerpursuit.blogspot.com/2023/09/record-setting-september-in-hampshire.html">28 species</a>. Unfortunately the tumor on Wilson's front right leg finally ruptured and we had to bring him to a surgeon to come up with a plan to remove it. </div><div><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/53233031660_2dd0733183_w_d.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="267" data-original-width="400" height="267" src="https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/53233031660_2dd0733183_w_d.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: x-small;">Pink Footed Geese, UMASS, Amherst, MA, Oct 3, 2023</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/53232909689_d8eed6f2ef_w_d.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="267" data-original-width="400" height="267" src="https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/53232909689_d8eed6f2ef_w_d.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: x-small;">American Redstart, UMASS Demonstration Forest, Belchertown, MA, Oct 3, 2023</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/53234439486_431ba13641_w_d.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="267" data-original-width="400" height="267" src="https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/53234439486_431ba13641_w_d.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: x-small;">Rose breasted Grosbeak, Rail trail, Ware, MA, Oct 4, 2023</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/53234439041_17a14ee3e8_w_d.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="267" data-original-width="400" height="267" src="https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/53234439041_17a14ee3e8_w_d.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: x-small;">Ruby crowned Kinglet, UMASS demonstration forest, Belchertown, MA, Oct 4, 2023</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/53237189124_26d36cb3ea_w_d.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="267" data-original-width="400" height="267" src="https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/53237189124_26d36cb3ea_w_d.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: x-small;">Black throated Green Warbler, UMASS Demonstration Forest, Belchertown, MA, Oct 5, 2023</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/53239282468_032d2d2e9a_w_d.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="300" data-original-width="400" height="300" src="https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/53239282468_032d2d2e9a_w_d.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: x-small;">Bobcat, Honey Pot, Hadley, MA, Oct 6, 2023</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/53239282723_e7ffb04a66_w_d.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="400" data-original-width="300" height="400" src="https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/53239282723_e7ffb04a66_w_d.jpg" width="300" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: x-small;">Wilson coming home after surgery, Oct 5, 2023</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/53241230020_c605992a16_w_d.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="300" data-original-width="400" height="300" src="https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/53241230020_c605992a16_w_d.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: x-small;">Green Heron, Lake Wallace, Belchertown, MA, Oct 7, 2023</span></div></div><div><br /></div><div>October started off with a bang with <a href="https://quabbinbirdingandbeyond.blogspot.com/2023/10/3-pink-footed-geese-in-amherst.html">three Pink footed Geese</a> that showed up at the UMASS campus pond and continued through the month. There were other good stuff to finish out the <a href="https://quabbinbirdingandbeyond.blogspot.com/2023/10/the-first-week-of-october.html">first week</a> of the month including a decent number of <a href="https://warblerpursuit.blogspot.com/2023/10/warblers-for-first-week-of-october.html">warblers</a>. Wilson's surgery also got moved up (thankfully) from our initial date late in the month. </div><div><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/53258357975_7309160844_w_d.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="267" data-original-width="400" height="267" src="https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/53258357975_7309160844_w_d.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: x-small;">Wild Turkey, Arcadia, Northampton, MA, Oct 14, 2023</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/53255610906_44097ab50e_w_d.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="267" data-original-width="400" height="267" src="https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/53255610906_44097ab50e_w_d.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: x-small;">White eyed Vireo, Rail trail, Ware, MA, Oct 13, 2023</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/53255901433_8bc4abacb7_w_d.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="267" data-original-width="400" height="267" src="https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/53255901433_8bc4abacb7_w_d.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: x-small;">Field Sparrow, Rail trail, Ware, MA, Oct 13, 2023</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/53256098055_1b682d0bc4_w_d.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="267" data-original-width="400" height="267" src="https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/53256098055_1b682d0bc4_w_d.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: x-small;">Blue headed Vireo, Ware, MA, Oct 13, 2023</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/53253884924_efed23cc79_w_d.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="267" data-original-width="400" height="267" src="https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/53253884924_efed23cc79_w_d.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: x-small;">Northern Parula, UMASS demonstration forest, Belchertown, MA, Oct 12, 2023</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/53254025680_455c65b426_w_d.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="267" data-original-width="400" height="267" src="https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/53254025680_455c65b426_w_d.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: x-small;">Cape May Warbler, UMASS demonstration forest, Belchertown, MA, Oct 12, 2023</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/53250392872_ece1e04c88_w_d.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="267" data-original-width="400" height="267" src="https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/53250392872_ece1e04c88_w_d.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: x-small;">Black and White Warbler, Silvio Conte NWR-Fort River, Hadley, MA, Oct 11, 2023</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/53246976953_7c13be25e2_w_d.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="267" data-original-width="400" height="267" src="https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/53246976953_7c13be25e2_w_d.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: x-small;">Wilson's Warbler, Arcadia, Easthampton, MA, Oct 9, 2023</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/53245805247_76b27a3fcd_w_d.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="267" data-original-width="400" height="267" src="https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/53245805247_76b27a3fcd_w_d.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: x-small;">Rose breasted Grosbeak, Arcadia, Easthampton, MA, Oct 9, 2023</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/53246678896_ca0473fd68_w_d.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="267" data-original-width="400" height="267" src="https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/53246678896_ca0473fd68_w_d.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: x-small;">Song Sparrow, Silvio Conte NWR-Fort River, Hadley, MA, Oct 9, 2023</span></div><div><br /></div><div>To end out the second week of October there was a huge nocturnal flight of migrants with millions of birds flying past the area. There were a number of unusual species including a <a href="https://quabbinbirdingandbeyond.blogspot.com/2023/10/white-eyed-vireo-and-clay-colored.html">White eyed Vireo</a> and Clay colored Sparrow. </div><div><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/53265634116_34f2551516_w_d.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="267" data-original-width="400" height="267" src="https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/53265634116_34f2551516_w_d.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Ruby crowned Kinglet, UMASS Demonstration Forest, Belchertown, MA, Oct 17, 2023</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/53265919598_ea8ff13ec3_w_d.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="267" data-original-width="400" height="267" src="https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/53265919598_ea8ff13ec3_w_d.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Pine Siskin, Great Pond, Hatfield, MA, Oct 17, 2023</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/53270328301_9c565a7f8e_w_d.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="267" data-original-width="400" height="267" src="https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/53270328301_9c565a7f8e_w_d.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Winter Wren, UMASS Demonstration Forest, Belchertown, MA, Oct 19, 2023</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/53272800809_9e8231d3e5_w_d.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="267" data-original-width="400" height="267" src="https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/53272800809_9e8231d3e5_w_d.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">House Wren, Wentworth Farm Conservation Area, Amherst, MA, Oct 20, 2023</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/53271552787_9817d76afe_w_d.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="267" data-original-width="400" height="267" src="https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/53271552787_9817d76afe_w_d.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Common Yellowthroat, Wentworth Farm Conservation Area, Amherst, MA, Oct 20, 2023</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/53277416744_3a80499a33_w_d.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="267" data-original-width="400" height="267" src="https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/53277416744_3a80499a33_w_d.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: x-small;">Pine Warbler, UMASS Demonstration Forest, Belchertown, MA, Oct 22, 2023</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/53280879815_fe312a4f01_w_d.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="267" data-original-width="400" height="267" src="https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/53280879815_fe312a4f01_w_d.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"> <span style="font-size: x-small;">Eastern Towhee, Rail trail, Ware, MA, Oct 23, 2023</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div>The middle of the month featured large number of both <a href="https://quabbinbirdingandbeyond.blogspot.com/2023/10/record-numbers-of-ruby-crowned-kinglets.html">kinglet species</a> and Winter Wrens. A number of <a href="https://quabbinbirdingandbeyond.blogspot.com/2023/10/a-few-lingering-species-around-before.html">lingering species</a> continued through the third week of the month and into the fourth week plus an ever increasing number of Pine Siskins. </div><div><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/53285998445_844cbe1c57_w_d.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="267" data-original-width="400" height="267" src="https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/53285998445_844cbe1c57_w_d.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: x-small;">Canada Goose with nearly complete black face, Arcadia, Northampton, MA, Oct 25, 2023</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/53289462137_7fc7b2eb76_w_d.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="267" data-original-width="400" height="267" src="https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/53289462137_7fc7b2eb76_w_d.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: x-small;">Palm Warbler 'yellow', UMASS Demonstration Forest, Belchertown, MA, Oct 27, 2023</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/53293294973_969be45c80_w_d.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="400" data-original-width="300" height="400" src="https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/53293294973_969be45c80_w_d.jpg" width="300" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: x-small;">Wilson on his first walk after surgery, Belchertown Land Trust Trail, Belchertown, MA, Oct 27, 2023</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/53293516425_5f3178333c_w_d.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="267" data-original-width="400" height="267" src="https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/53293516425_5f3178333c_w_d.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: x-small;">Bobcat, Belchertown Land Trust Trail, Belchertown, MA, Oct 28, 2023</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/53297365017_093e2b0eaf_w_d.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="267" data-original-width="400" height="267" src="https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/53297365017_093e2b0eaf_w_d.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: x-small;">Common Loons, Winsor Dam, Quabbin Park, MA, Oct 30, 2023</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/53301116893_15e3364d5f_w_d.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="267" data-original-width="400" height="267" src="https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/53301116893_15e3364d5f_w_d.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: x-small;">Gray Catbird, Rail trail, Amherst, MA, Oct 31, 2023</span></div><div><br /></div><div>The <a href="https://quabbinbirdingandbeyond.blogspot.com/2023/10/the-last-several-days-of-october-with.html">end of the month</a> brought some record warmth and then a big cool down heading into November. There were a number of lingering species around but oddly a real lack of waterfowl migration overall. Thankfully the end of the month featured the three week mark of the surgery to remove the rupture tumor on Wilson's foot so we could start taking walk again.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/53305493621_ff2812ae0b_w_d.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="267" data-original-width="400" height="267" src="https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/53305493621_ff2812ae0b_w_d.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: x-small;">Eastern Towhee, Rail trail, Ware, MA, Nov 1, 2023</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/53305866769_623d8286ff_w_d.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="267" data-original-width="400" height="267" src="https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/53305866769_623d8286ff_w_d.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: x-small;">Blue headed Vireo, Belchertown, MA, Nov 2, 2023</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/53309571940_c9289c34ac_w_d.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="267" data-original-width="400" height="267" src="https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/53309571940_c9289c34ac_w_d.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: x-small;">Song Sparrow, UMASS, Amherst, MA, Nov 4, 2023</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/53313424567_246aacec43_w_d.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="267" data-original-width="400" height="267" src="https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/53313424567_246aacec43_w_d.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: x-small;">Wilson's Warbler, Mount Holyoke College, South Hadley, MA, Nov 6, 2023</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/53319233053_c793408a8c_w_d.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="267" data-original-width="400" height="267" src="https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/53319233053_c793408a8c_w_d.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: x-small;">Eastern Phoebe, Hickory Ridge Conservation Area, Amherst, MA, Nov 8, 2023</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/53327922981_8f0556cef9_w_d.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="267" data-original-width="400" height="267" src="https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/53327922981_8f0556cef9_w_d.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: x-small;">Black Vultures, Hickory Ridge Conservation Area, Amherst, MA, Nov 12, 2023</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/53330581800_21f256b671_w_d.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="267" data-original-width="400" height="267" src="https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/53330581800_21f256b671_w_d.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: x-small;">Ruby crowned Kinglet, Great Pond, Hatfield, MA, Nov 13, 2023</span></div><div><br /></div><div>The <a href="https://quabbinbirdingandbeyond.blogspot.com/2023/11/several-lingering-species-during-first.html">first week</a> of November featured a number of lingering species plus increased numbers of Pine Siskins. Many of these lingering species continued into the <a href="https://quabbinbirdingandbeyond.blogspot.com/2023/11/tufted-duck-in-hampden-county-to-end.html">second week</a> of the month and I ventured briefly out of the county down to Holyoke to see the continued Tufted Duck. </div><div><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/53336871270_0757ac08aa_w_d.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="267" data-original-width="400" height="267" src="https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/53336871270_0757ac08aa_w_d.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: x-small;">Western Cattle Egret, East Meadows, Northampton, MA, Nov 16, 2023</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/53336406311_72d1bda804_w_d.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="267" data-original-width="400" height="267" src="https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/53336406311_72d1bda804_w_d.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: x-small;">Nashville Warbler, Great Pond, Hatfield, MA, Nov 16, 2023</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/53336406691_e21c34f6ff_w_d.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="267" data-original-width="400" height="267" src="https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/53336406691_e21c34f6ff_w_d.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: x-small;">Wilson's Warbler, Mount Holyoke College, South Hadley, MA, Nov 16, 2023</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/53344942221_1886e5c0d8_w_d.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="267" data-original-width="400" height="267" src="https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/53344942221_1886e5c0d8_w_d.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: x-small;">Cedar Waxwing, Arcadia, Northampton, MA, Nov 20, 2023</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/53344942296_0a508e0a0f_w_d.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="300" data-original-width="400" height="300" src="https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/53344942296_0a508e0a0f_w_d.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: x-small;">Pale/Leucistic Canada Goose, Smith College, Northampton, MA, Nov 20, 2023</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/53347639808_5b6c88a5a0_w_d.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="267" data-original-width="400" height="267" src="https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/53347639808_5b6c88a5a0_w_d.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: x-small;">Field Sparrow, Hickory Ridge Conservation Area, Amherst, MA, Nov 21, 2023</span></div><div><br /></div><div>The mid month mark brought a <a href="https://quabbinbirdingandbeyond.blogspot.com/2023/11/western-cattle-egret-and-four-species.html">Western Cattle Egret</a> and a <a href="https://warblerpursuit.blogspot.com/2023/11/four-species-of-warbler-on-big-warbler.html">four warbler species</a> day. The pale/leucistic Canada Goose arrived for a fourth winter to round out the end of the <a href="https://quabbinbirdingandbeyond.blogspot.com/2023/11/paleleucistic-canada-goose-returns-for.html">third week</a>.</div><div><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/53351728653_599d78e8d4_w_d.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="267" data-original-width="400" height="267" src="https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/53351728653_599d78e8d4_w_d.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: x-small;">American Robin, Mount Holyoke College, South Hadley, MA, Nov 23, 2023</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/53351955305_80db456421_w_d.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="267" data-original-width="400" height="267" src="https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/53351955305_80db456421_w_d.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: x-small;">Pine Siskin, Winsor Dam, Quabbin Park, MA, Nov 23, 2023</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/53351955670_871383ef9d_w_d.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="267" data-original-width="400" height="267" src="https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/53351955670_871383ef9d_w_d.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><span style="font-size: x-small;">Pine Warbler, Winsor Dam, Quabbin Park, MA, Nov 23, 2023</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/53353901584_ab3f3bef64_w_d.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="267" data-original-width="400" height="267" src="https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/53353901584_ab3f3bef64_w_d.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: x-small;">Northern Shovelers, Winsor Dam, Quabbin Park, MA, Nov 24, 2023</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/53358620624_7a0c10aeff_w_d.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="267" data-original-width="400" height="267" src="https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/53358620624_7a0c10aeff_w_d.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: x-small;">Dark eyed Junco, Mitch's Way, Hadley, MA, Nov 26, 2023</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/53357412172_b26138fd2e_w_d.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="267" data-original-width="400" height="267" src="https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/53357412172_b26138fd2e_w_d.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: x-small;">Nashville Warbler, Great Pond, Hatfield, MA, Nov 26, 2023</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/53365096345_4432e76d73_w_d.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="300" data-original-width="400" height="300" src="https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/53365096345_4432e76d73_w_d.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: x-small;">Bobcat, Home, Belchertown, Nov 7, 2023</span></div></div><div><br /></div><div>As the month came to an end I finally had some decent waterfowl at Winsor Dam on the <a href="https://quabbinbirdingandbeyond.blogspot.com/2023/11/high-count-of-northern-shoveler-at.html">24th</a> and more lingering species to <a href="https://quabbinbirdingandbeyond.blogspot.com/2023/11/november-comes-to-end.html">round out the month</a>.</div><div><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/53369252931_55bbfca940_w_d.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="267" data-original-width="400" height="267" src="https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/53369252931_55bbfca940_w_d.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: x-small;">Yellow rumped Warblers 'myrtle', Mitch's Way, Hadley, MA, Dec 1, 2023</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/53368351677_c0bd7f3361_w_d.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="267" data-original-width="400" height="267" src="https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/53368351677_c0bd7f3361_w_d.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: x-small;">Ruby crowned Kinglet, Great Pond, Hatfield, MA, Dec 1, 2023</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/53369250901_689d663681_w_d.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="267" data-original-width="400" height="267" src="https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/53369250901_689d663681_w_d.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: x-small;">Pine Warbler, Winsor Dam, Quabbin Park, MA, Dec 1, 2023</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/53375550721_3bdd150537_w_d.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="267" data-original-width="400" height="267" src="https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/53375550721_3bdd150537_w_d.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: x-small;">Marsh Wren, Fitzgerald Lake Conservation Area, Northampton, MA, Dec 4, 2023</span></div><div><br /></div><div>I started off the first couple days of the last month of the year catching up with several <a href="https://quabbinbirdingandbeyond.blogspot.com/2023/12/the-first-couple-days-of-december.html">lingering species</a> including two <a href="https://warblerpursuit.blogspot.com/2023/12/a-couple-warbler-species-to-start.html">species of warblers</a>. I added more lingering species toward the end of the first week including a couple <a href="https://quabbinbirdingandbeyond.blogspot.com/2023/12/marsh-wrens-this-morning.html">Marsh Wrens</a>.</div><div><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/53408681068_0771401c88_w_d.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="267" data-original-width="400" height="267" src="https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/53408681068_0771401c88_w_d.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: x-small;">Red and White Crake, Intervales State Park, Ribeirão Grande, Brazil, Dec 8, 2023</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/53407587782_de3537a27c_w_d.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="267" data-original-width="400" height="267" src="https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/53407587782_de3537a27c_w_d.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: x-small;">White browed Warbler, Intervales State Park, Ribeirão Grande, Brazil, Dec 8, 2023</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/53409908677_2a31f21258_w_d.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="267" data-original-width="400" height="267" src="https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/53409908677_2a31f21258_w_d.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: x-small;">Brazilian Tanager, Ribeirão Grande--Restaurante da Neide, Brazil, Dec 9, 2023</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/53410819756_0903dd565c_w_d.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="267" data-original-width="400" height="267" src="https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/53410819756_0903dd565c_w_d.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: x-small;">Purple crowned Plovercrest, Intervales State Park, Ribeirão Grande, Brazil, Dec 9, 2023</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/53410816046_7db3676382_w_d.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="267" data-original-width="400" height="267" src="https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/53410816046_7db3676382_w_d.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: x-small;">Black capped Screech Owl, Intervales State Park, Ribeirão Grande, Brazil, Dec 9, 2023</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/53412306701_2f5a14c38e_w_d.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="267" data-original-width="400" height="267" src="https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/53412306701_2f5a14c38e_w_d.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: x-small;">Helmeted Woodpecker, Intervales State Park, Ribeirão Grande, Brazil, Dec 10, 2023</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/53412475393_301dff5d58_w_d.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="267" data-original-width="400" height="267" src="https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/53412475393_301dff5d58_w_d.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: x-small;">Eared Pygmy-Tyrant, Intervales State Park, Ribeirão Grande, Brazil, Dec 10, 2023</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/53414516223_33b29b81e8_w_d.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="267" data-original-width="400" height="267" src="https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/53414516223_33b29b81e8_w_d.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: x-small;">White striped Warbler, Acesso Duas Águas, Bocaina, Brazil, Dec 11, 2023</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/53414509093_532103d277_w_d.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="267" data-original-width="400" height="267" src="https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/53414509093_532103d277_w_d.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: x-small;">Red legged Seriema, Boa Esperança do Sul, Brazil, Dec 11, 2023</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/53414312786_599fb32d73_w_d.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="267" data-original-width="400" height="267" src="https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/53414312786_599fb32d73_w_d.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: x-small;">Giant Snipe, Rio Jacaré Pipira, Dourado, Brazil, Dec 11, 2023</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/53416722224_5229fecc20_w_d.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="267" data-original-width="400" height="267" src="https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/53416722224_5229fecc20_w_d.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: x-small;">White wedged Piculet, São Carlos-Cerrado da linha férrea do Broa, Brazil, Dec 12, 2023</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/53416732129_9ba0b6d75f_w_d.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="267" data-original-width="400" height="267" src="https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/53416732129_9ba0b6d75f_w_d.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: x-small;">White rumped Tanagers, São Carlos-Cerrado da linha férrea do Broa, Brazil, Dec 12, 2023</span></div><div><br /></div><div>I finally made a long anticipated trip down to the southern <a href="https://quabbinbirdingandbeyond.blogspot.com/2023/12/southern-brazil-trip-december-8th-12th.html">Brazil</a> with the main goal being <a href="https://warblerpursuit.blogspot.com/2023/12/five-new-warbler-species-on-trip-to.html">five new species of warbler</a>. I got all the warblers as well as tons of other species including a total of 213 new species during my short stay. It was great to be in a totally new area in the tropics to the south and west of Sao Paulo. </div><div><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/53417496022_a46fb5f17b_w_d.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="267" data-original-width="400" height="267" src="https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/53417496022_a46fb5f17b_w_d.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: x-small;">Lesser Kiskadee, Gamboa Rainforest Resort Marina, Gamboa, Panama, Dec 13, 2023</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/53418800769_3dfa1afce9_w_d.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="267" data-original-width="400" height="267" src="https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/53418800769_3dfa1afce9_w_d.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: x-small;">Tody Motmot, Maipo Trail, Cerro Azul, Panama, Dec 14, 2023</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/53418474966_7ac48e4b12_w_d.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="267" data-original-width="400" height="267" src="https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/53418474966_7ac48e4b12_w_d.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: x-small;">Yellow eared Toucanet, Cerro Jefe, Panama, Dec 14, 2023</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/53418795914_1e1ca2ce86_w_d.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="267" data-original-width="400" height="267" src="https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/53418795914_1e1ca2ce86_w_d.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: x-small;">Stripe cheeked Woodpecker, Cerro Azul, Panama, Dec 14, 2023</span></div><div><br /></div><div>On my way back from Brazil I made a few day stop in <a href="https://quabbinbirdingandbeyond.blogspot.com/2023/12/panama-in-southern-canal-zone-and-cerro.html">Panama</a> and although I didn't find any new warblers I did add a number of new species as I explored the south part of the canal zone and the Cerro Azul area. The warblers I did find included a few unusual for the area...more on that here: <a href="https://warblerpursuit.blogspot.com/2023/12/warblers-during-trip-to-southern-canal.html">Panama warblers</a>.</div><div><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/53410965835_4deebeff26_w_d.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="267" data-original-width="400" height="267" src="https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/53410965835_4deebeff26_w_d.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: x-small;">Say's Phoebe, Winsor Dam, Quabbin Park, MA, Dec 20, 2023</span></div><div><br /></div><div>While I was in Brazil a second county record of <a href="https://quabbinbirdingandbeyond.blogspot.com/2023/12/says-phoebe-continues-at-quabbin-for-me.html">Say's Phoebe</a> showed up at Winsor Dam and it was nice enough to stay until I got back so I could add a second new Hampshire County species for the year (bringing me to 306 ever in the county).</div><div><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/53432014323_833c911269_w_d.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="267" data-original-width="400" height="267" src="https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/53432014323_833c911269_w_d.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: x-small;">Red Crossbill, Winsor Dam, Quabbin Park, MA, Dec 30, 2023</span></div><div><br /></div><div>I ended the year trying to pin down as many lingering species and rarities that I could so I will have a decent idea of where they might be once the new year starts. I also assisted for a bit with the <a href="https://quabbinbirdingandbeyond.blogspot.com/2023/12/quabbin-cbc-today.html">Quabbin CBC</a>.</div><div><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/53433794151_e60cac8422_w_d.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="400" data-original-width="300" height="400" src="https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/53433794151_e60cac8422_w_d.jpg" width="300" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: x-small;">Wilson on the trail, Dec 23, 2023</span></div><div><br /></div><div>Thankful to have Wilson back to his old self to end out the year after a couple of stressful surgeries for him. He anxiously awaits the arrival of snow for the new year (me not so much)</div><div><br /></div><div><p>What will the new year bring for birds? Who knows for sure. I will be taking a number of trips out of the area with the following planned so far: A January trip to Great Abaco followed by some time in south Florida, a March trip to Costa Rica and a summer trip somewhere for our 20th anniversary. I'm toying with the idea of a trip to Bolivia but that is not a certainty at all at this point.</p><p>To anyone who wants to spend lots of time going through tons of photos I'll attach links to previous end of year summaries below...enjoy.</p><p><a href="https://quabbinbirdingandbeyond.blogspot.com/2022/12/end-of-year-summary-for-2022.html">2022</a><br /></p><p><a href="https://quabbinbirdingandbeyond.blogspot.com/2021/12/the-annual-year-end-review.html">2021</a><br /></p><p><a href="https://quabbinbirdingandbeyond.blogspot.com/2020/09/end-of-year-summary.html">2020</a><br /></p><p><a href="https://quabbinbirdingandbeyond.blogspot.com/2019/12/another-end-of-year-wrap-up.html">2019</a><br /></p><p><a href="https://quabbinbirdingandbeyond.blogspot.com/2018/12/end-of-year-wrap-up-and-my-highest.html">2018</a><br /></p><p><a href="https://quabbinbirdingandbeyond.blogspot.com/2017/12/end-of-year-wrap-up.html">2017</a><br /></p><p><a href="https://quabbinbirdingandbeyond.blogspot.com/2015/12/the-highlights-of-year-as-2015-comes-to.html">2015</a><br /></p></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div></div>Larryhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15173127478266831293noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3123720882247241987.post-88083226179762978272023-12-30T16:09:00.000-08:002023-12-30T16:09:16.251-08:00Quabbin CBC today<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/53432014323_833c911269_w_d.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="267" data-original-width="400" height="267" src="https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/53432014323_833c911269_w_d.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: x-small;">Red Crossbill, Winsor Dam, Quabbin Park, MA, Dec 30, 2023</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/53432190294_34ee08174a_w_d.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="267" data-original-width="400" height="267" src="https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/53432190294_34ee08174a_w_d.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: x-small;">Dark eyed Junco, Winsor Dam, Quabbin Park, MA, Dec 30, 2023</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/53431863946_97f819b4a2_w_d.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="267" data-original-width="400" height="267" src="https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/53431863946_97f819b4a2_w_d.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: x-small;">White throated Sparrow, Winsor Dam, Quabbin Park, MA, Dec 30, 2023</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/53432294240_8f3b25361e_w_d.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="267" data-original-width="400" height="267" src="https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/53432294240_8f3b25361e_w_d.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: x-small;">Red tailed Hawk, Winsor Dam, Quabbin Park, MA, Dec 30, 2023</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/53432014618_20c906f97b_w_d.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="267" data-original-width="400" height="267" src="https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/53432014618_20c906f97b_w_d.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: x-small;">Pine Siskins, Winsor Dam, Quabbin Park, MA, Dec 30, 2023</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/53432013973_473f69d7b9_w_d.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="267" data-original-width="400" height="267" src="https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/53432013973_473f69d7b9_w_d.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: x-small;">Red winged Blackbirds, Winsor Dam, Quabbin Park, MA, Dec 30, 2023</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/53432189354_5872f15642_w_d.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="300" data-original-width="400" height="300" src="https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/53432189354_5872f15642_w_d.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: x-small;">Reservoir view, Quabbin Park, MA, Dec 30, 2023</span></div><p>After another exhausting shift at work I got out and immediately headed over to the area around Winsor Dam at Quabbin Park to assist for a time with the annual Quabbin Christmas Bird Count (CBC). There have been a number of unusual in the area I help cover including <a href="https://quabbinbirdingandbeyond.blogspot.com/2023/12/says-phoebe-continues-at-quabbin-for-me.html">Say's Phoebe</a>, Eastern Phoebe and <a href="https://warblerpursuit.blogspot.com/2023/12/pine-warblers-and-yellow-rumped.html">Pine Warblers</a>. The Say's Phoebe had not been seen since December 22nd despite multiple people (including myself) looking. The Eastern Phoebe was even more sporadic with just a few sightings in December with the last one also being on the 22nd. I had at least one Pine Warbler as recently as two days ago. I briefly saw David and his group when I arrived and after a brief talk with David I decided to cover the area around the <a href="https://ebird.org/checklist/S157501304">admin building</a> mainly looking for any of the Pine Warbler and possibly the Say's Phoebe. I spent about an hour and a half in the light rain and didn't find any of the above mentioned species. I still had some good stuff including a scaup species that flew by, a couple Red Crossbills, nearly 80 Dark eyed Juncos and a good number of White throated Sparrows. I then decided to explore the permit only area along <a href="https://ebird.org/checklist/S157501315">Blue Meadow Road.</a> Again no luck with any of the above three target species but I did have at least four Red Crossbills, 22 Pine Siskins, 79 White throated Sparrows and 84 Red winged Blackbirds. I poked around the dam a little more before leaving without finding anything new. I ended my couple hours there with a total of 33 species (full trip list <a href="https://ebird.org/tripreport/188213">here</a>). Later in the day both phoebe species were rediscovered in the area and it really makes me wonder where they have been hiding and how long they will remain as we continue to move into winter with the arrival of the new year.</p>Larryhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15173127478266831293noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3123720882247241987.post-79542001059331052932023-12-24T13:13:00.000-08:002023-12-24T13:17:06.308-08:00Panama trip to the southern canal zone and Cerro Azul -Dec 13-16<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/53418743959_043bef8e46_w_d.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="267" data-original-width="400" height="267" src="https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/53418743959_043bef8e46_w_d.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: x-small;">Rufescent Tiger Heron, Ammo Dump Ponds, Gamboa, Panama, Dec 13, 2023</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/53418420386_373c252fa7_w_d.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="267" data-original-width="400" height="267" src="https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/53418420386_373c252fa7_w_d.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: x-small;">White bellied Antbird, Pipeline Road, Gamboa, Panama, Dec 13, 2023</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/53418848690_9eaaf2e9a5_w_d.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="267" data-original-width="400" height="267" src="https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/53418848690_9eaaf2e9a5_w_d.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: x-small;">Spot crowned Antvireo, Pipeline Road, Gamboa, Panama, Dec 13, 2023</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/53418419936_756363fba3_w_d.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="267" data-original-width="400" height="267" src="https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/53418419936_756363fba3_w_d.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: x-small;">Black breasted Puffbird, Pipeline Road, Gamboa, Panama, Dec 13, 2023</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/53418584598_210b79fecf_w_d.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="267" data-original-width="400" height="267" src="https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/53418584598_210b79fecf_w_d.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: x-small;">Green Shrike Vireo, Pipeline Road, Gamboa, Panama, Dec 13, 2023</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/53418853095_9f43137650_w_d.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="267" data-original-width="400" height="267" src="https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/53418853095_9f43137650_w_d.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: x-small;">Bay breasted Warbler, Pipeline Road, Gamboa, Panama, Dec 13, 2023</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/53418852750_e0b92ce044_w_d.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="267" data-original-width="400" height="267" src="https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/53418852750_e0b92ce044_w_d.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: x-small;">Black crowned Antshrike, Pipeline Road, Gamboa, Panama, Dec 13, 2023</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/53418417716_68efb28c38_w_d.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="267" data-original-width="400" height="267" src="https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/53418417716_68efb28c38_w_d.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: x-small;">White shouldered Tanager, Pipeline Road, Gamboa, Panama, Dec 13, 2023</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/53417498627_67e6ab4bb9_w_d.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="267" data-original-width="400" height="267" src="https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/53417498627_67e6ab4bb9_w_d.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: x-small;">Rufous Motmot, Pipeline Road, Gamboa, Panama, Dec 13, 2023</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/53418581188_d409dc79fa_w_d.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="267" data-original-width="400" height="267" src="https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/53418581188_d409dc79fa_w_d.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: x-small;">Spotted Antbird, Pipeline Road, Gamboa, Panama, Dec 13, 2023</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/53418849825_bcce28de36_w_d.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="267" data-original-width="400" height="267" src="https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/53418849825_bcce28de36_w_d.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: x-small;">Fulvous vented Euphonia, Pipeline Road, Gamboa, Panama, Dec 13, 2023</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/53418578978_bfc0aa23ce_w_d.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="267" data-original-width="400" height="267" src="https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/53418578978_bfc0aa23ce_w_d.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: x-small;">Red capped Manakin, Pipeline Road, Gamboa, Panama, Dec 13, 2023</span></div><div><br /></div>After my time in <a href="https://quabbinbirdingandbeyond.blogspot.com/2023/12/southern-brazil-trip-december-8th-12th.html">Brazil</a> I decided to break up the trip home with a few day stop in Panama in the area of the lower canal and Cerro Azul. I had never been to Panama before and my target list contained a bunch of species with the big hope of finding a Tacarcuna Warbler on Cerro Azul. This was a lofty goal and one I was unlikely to realize but I wanted to try nonetheless (more on warblers for the trip at the following link: <a href="https://warblerpursuit.blogspot.com/2023/12/warblers-during-trip-to-southern-canal.html">Panama warblers</a>). Tacarcuna Warbler is one of two very range restricted warbler species that occur almost exclusively in the depths of the Darian Peninsula on the Panama/Colombia border (the other warbler there is the Pirre Warbler). Historically there are a few reports of Tacarcuna Warbler from a few mountains further north, with one of the mountains being Cerro Azul. I took a red eye flight from São Paulo to Panama City and got little to any sleep. Thankfully the flight actually arrived into Panama City a little early and I was through immigration around 6:30am. I met my guide from <a href="https://www.whitehawkbirding.com/">Whitehawk Birding</a>, Edwin, for the next few days and we headed through the traffic of the city on our way to Gamboa and the famous Pipeline Road. On our way we made a stop at the <a href="https://ebird.org/checklist/S156243014">Ammo Dump Ponds</a> and added Rufescent Tiger Heron as a lifer there. We then arrived at the <a href="https://ebird.org/checklist/S156243024">entrance</a> to the Pipeline Road and added a half dozen lifers including Black breasted Puffbird and Brown capped Tyrannulet. We also had good looks at other species including my best ever view of a Green Shrike Vireo plus several others (great numbers of overwintering Bay breasted Warblers were neat to see). Once on the Pipeline Road (list <a href="https://ebird.org/checklist/S156249491">#1</a> and <a href="https://ebird.org/checklist/S156249472">#2</a>) we walked awhile along the road (reminding me of my many walks along the road at Rio Magnolia Lodge in Costa Rica). Despite the heat, a bit of a breeze and my total lack of sleep, the stop was well worth it with eight new life birds. By the time we finished along the road it was past noon so we headed to nearby Gatun Lake to have lunch outside and added a final lifer for the day with a pair Lesser Kiskadees. I was totally beat so called it a day and headed to my Airbnb condo. Managed a total of 17 life birds for the roughly half day effort. <div><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/53417560402_b7dafb44ed_w_d.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="267" data-original-width="400" height="267" src="https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/53417560402_b7dafb44ed_w_d.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: x-small;">Tody Motmot, Maipo Trail, Cerro Azul, Panama, Dec 14, 2023</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/53418800024_318a653c51_w_d.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="267" data-original-width="400" height="267" src="https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/53418800024_318a653c51_w_d.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: x-small;">Bicolored Antbird, Maipo Trail, Cerro Azul, Panama, Dec 14, 2023</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/53418911565_447e205283_w_d.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="267" data-original-width="400" height="267" src="https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/53418911565_447e205283_w_d.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: x-small;">Plain colored Tanager, Cerro Azul, Panama, Dec 14, 2023</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/53418799144_960a5e6632_w_d.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="267" data-original-width="400" height="267" src="https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/53418799144_960a5e6632_w_d.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: x-small;">Yellow throated Warbler, Cerro Azul, Panama, Dec 14, 2023</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/53418641123_eed8a2e7d0_w_d.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="267" data-original-width="400" height="267" src="https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/53418641123_eed8a2e7d0_w_d.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: x-small;">Crimson backed Tanager, Cerro Azul, Panama, Dec 14, 2023</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/53418474966_7ac48e4b12_w_d.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="267" data-original-width="400" height="267" src="https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/53418474966_7ac48e4b12_w_d.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: x-small;">Yellow eared Toucanet, Cerro Jefe, Panama, Dec 14, 2023</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/53418797219_757975ebfa_w_d.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="267" data-original-width="400" height="267" src="https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/53418797219_757975ebfa_w_d.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: x-small;">Violet capped Hummingbird, Cerro Jefe, Panama, Dec 14, 2023</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/53418637698_41532ae122_w_d.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="267" data-original-width="400" height="267" src="https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/53418637698_41532ae122_w_d.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: x-small;">Bay headed Tanager, Cerro Azul, Panama, Dec 14, 2023</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/53418638068_6211ca8d4d_w_d.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="267" data-original-width="400" height="267" src="https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/53418638068_6211ca8d4d_w_d.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: x-small;">Stripe cheeked Woodpecker, Cerro Azul, Panama, Dec 14, 2023</span></div><div><br /></div><div>The first full day in Panama found us headed to Cerro Azul in a long shot chance of finding the Tacarcuna Warbler. I got picked up at 5:30 and we made the drive up to the mountain where we arrived around seven and started birding. Unfortunately it was quite windy for most of the day which made tracking down stuff a bit difficult at times. Not surprisingly we had no luck with the warbler. However we still found some good birds including a Tody Motmot, a new species for me and one that guide had not had on Cerro Azul before. Many areas were quiet but we did find a few mixed flocks that contained a nice selection of both resident species and migrants. Other highlights included a Yellow eared Toucanet that showed well in the scope and Stripe cheeked Woodpecker that eventually showed up after a lot of effort. We ended our day in mid afternoon and had 65 species with five life birds for me. </div><div><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/53418989490_fb226ea4bf_w_d.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="267" data-original-width="400" height="267" src="https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/53418989490_fb226ea4bf_w_d.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: x-small;">Tawny capped Euphonia, Cerro Jefe, Panama, Dec 15, 2023</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/53417635737_bf1d47ffbc_w_d.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="267" data-original-width="400" height="267" src="https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/53417635737_bf1d47ffbc_w_d.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: x-small;">Speckled Tanager, Cerro Jefe, Panama, Dec 15, 2023</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/53418553066_9e8d140d27_w_d.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="267" data-original-width="400" height="267" src="https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/53418553066_9e8d140d27_w_d.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: x-small;">Bronze tailed Plumeleteer, Cerro Jefe, Panama, Dec 15, 2023</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/53418550971_a45bb0f7fb_w_d.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="267" data-original-width="400" height="267" src="https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/53418550971_a45bb0f7fb_w_d.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: x-small;">Rufous winged Tanager, Cerro Jefe, Panama, Dec 15, 2023</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/53418549846_1a7405bba1_w_d.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="267" data-original-width="400" height="267" src="https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/53418549846_1a7405bba1_w_d.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: x-small;">White winged Becard, Manglares de Juan Díaz, Panama City, Panama, Dec 15, 2023</span></div><div><br /></div><div>The final day of birding in Panama found us heading back up to Cerro Azul once again. We stopped at a small river (<a href="https://ebird.org/checklist/S156385814">Rio Mono</a>) on the way up the mountain and found a few new species for the trip. The winds from the day before continued today but they didn’t seem quite as bad overall. We went high up the mountain and walked a different <a href="https://ebird.org/checklist/S156385833">dirt road</a> before plunging off into the jungle for a little bushwhacking trying to track down the warbler as well as other species. No luck with the warbler but we did have a small mixed flock near the end of the walk in the jungle that contained a pair of Black and Yellow Tanagers. A bit further down the mountain we turned up a couple of Rufous winged Tanagers…two life tanager species is a good way to start the day. After a few more brief stops we decided to head down to the coast to look for a few more new species in one of the few remaining patches of mangroves and we had success in the blistering heat with Lance tailed Manakin and Straight billed Woodcreeper. I finished my time with the guide in early afternoon and then spent some time checking out the habitat around my Airbnb and had more good luck there with a couple more life birds, bringing me to a half of dozen for the day. I had an early flight out from Panama City to Miami on my way home and managed to add one more life bird with a few Cattle Tyrants at the airport, which brought my total of new species during my time in Panama to 29. Overall I had 178 species for my short stay in Panama. My total species for the two trips combined came to 458 species with 242 new species bringing my life total to 1993.
</div>Larryhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15173127478266831293noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3123720882247241987.post-12760303804390147612023-12-23T11:53:00.000-08:002023-12-24T13:42:20.171-08:00Southern Brazil trip December 8th-12th <div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/53408851504_3b5e742e8c_w_d.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="267" data-original-width="400" height="267" src="https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/53408851504_3b5e742e8c_w_d.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: x-small;">Golden crowned Warbler (white bellied), Road to Intervales State Park, Ribeirão Grande, Brazil, Dec 8, 2023</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/53407594782_63d2c4984d_w_d.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="267" data-original-width="400" height="267" src="https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/53407594782_63d2c4984d_w_d.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: x-small;">Smooth billed Ani, Road to Intervales State Park, Ribeirão Grande, Brazil, Dec 8, 2023</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/53408850209_a1d0bef23f_w_d.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="267" data-original-width="400" height="267" src="https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/53408850209_a1d0bef23f_w_d.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: x-small;">Golden rumped Euphonia, Road to Intervales State Park, Ribeirão Grande, Brazil, Dec 8, 2023</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/53407593257_85cfa6c038_w_d.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="267" data-original-width="400" height="267" src="https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/53407593257_85cfa6c038_w_d.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: x-small;">Bare necked Ibis, Road to Intervales State Park, Ribeirão Grande, Brazil, Dec 8, 2023</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/53408694063_92a8bb25f1_w_d.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="267" data-original-width="400" height="267" src="https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/53408694063_92a8bb25f1_w_d.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: x-small;">Campo Flicker, Road to Intervales State Park, Ribeirão Grande, Brazil, Dec 8, 2023</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/53408848589_8fc4081774_w_d.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="267" data-original-width="400" height="267" src="https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/53408848589_8fc4081774_w_d.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: x-small;">Southern Yellowthroat, Road to Intervales State Park, Ribeirão Grande, Brazil, Dec 8, 2023</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/53408692783_c2eca7c36a_w_d.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="267" data-original-width="400" height="267" src="https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/53408692783_c2eca7c36a_w_d.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: x-small;">Pallid Spinetail, Road to Intervales State Park, Ribeirão Grande, Brazil, Dec 8, 2023</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/53408514301_67eff473c6_w_d.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="267" data-original-width="400" height="267" src="https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/53408514301_67eff473c6_w_d.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: x-small;">Plain Parakeet, Road to Intervales State Park, Ribeirão Grande, Brazil, Dec 8, 2023</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/53408513471_4db5368c4c_w_d.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="267" data-original-width="400" height="267" src="https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/53408513471_4db5368c4c_w_d.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: x-small;">Sharp tailed Streamcreeper, Road to Intervales State Park, Ribeirão Grande, Brazil, Dec 8, 2023</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/53408513221_d6e45d93ab_w_d.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="267" data-original-width="400" height="267" src="https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/53408513221_d6e45d93ab_w_d.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: x-small;">Half collared Sparrow, Road to Intervales State Park, Ribeirão Grande, Brazil, Dec 8, 2023</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/53407587017_0e63f14e7d_w_d.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="267" data-original-width="400" height="267" src="https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/53407587017_0e63f14e7d_w_d.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: x-small;">Hooded Berryeater, Intervales State Park, Ribeirão Grande, Brazil, Dec 8, 2023</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/53408946610_7f81c33a93_w_d.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="267" data-original-width="400" height="267" src="https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/53408946610_7f81c33a93_w_d.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: x-small;">Surucua Trogon (Red-bellied), Intervales State Park, Ribeirão Grande, Brazil, Dec 8, 2023</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/53408944085_f3d272069b_w_d.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="267" data-original-width="400" height="267" src="https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/53408944085_f3d272069b_w_d.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: x-small;">Picazuro Pigeon, Intervales State Park, Ribeirão Grande, Brazil, Dec 8, 2023</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/53408684398_d9eb9bc600_w_d.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="267" data-original-width="400" height="267" src="https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/53408684398_d9eb9bc600_w_d.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: x-small;">Saffron Finch, Intervales State Park, Ribeirão Grande, Brazil, Dec 8, 2023</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/53408681068_0771401c88_w_d.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="267" data-original-width="400" height="267" src="https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/53408681068_0771401c88_w_d.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: x-small;">Red and White Crake, Intervales State Park, Ribeirão Grande, Brazil, Dec 8, 2023</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/53408942290_ed856e22ef_w_d.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="267" data-original-width="400" height="267" src="https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/53408942290_ed856e22ef_w_d.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: x-small;">Sooty Tyrannulet, Intervales State Park, Ribeirão Grande, Brazil, Dec 8, 2023</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/53407581272_26803b7ba1_w_d.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="267" data-original-width="400" height="267" src="https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/53407581272_26803b7ba1_w_d.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: x-small;">Gray hooded Attila, Intervales State Park, Ribeirão Grande, Brazil, Dec 8, 2023</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/53408508226_56de107d3c_w_d.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="267" data-original-width="400" height="267" src="https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/53408508226_56de107d3c_w_d.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: x-small;">Riverbank Warbler (Southern), Intervales State Park, Ribeirão Grande, Brazil, Dec 8, 2023</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/53407589522_0d3b6c9d4b_w_d.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="267" data-original-width="400" height="267" src="https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/53407589522_0d3b6c9d4b_w_d.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: x-small;">White browed Warbler, Intervales State Park, Ribeirão Grande, Brazil, Dec 8, 2023</span></div></div><div><br /></div>A long awaited trip to Brazil began with a flight down to Miami the night before a very long flight to São Paulo. I finally made it down and to the hotel around 9PM and then tried to get some sleep.
The main targets of the trip were <a href="https://warblerpursuit.blogspot.com/2023/12/five-new-warbler-species-on-trip-to.html">five species of warblers</a> that would be new for me including Southern Yellowthroat, White striped Warbler, Flavescent Warbler, White browed Warbler and Riverbank Warbler. The first full day in Brazil began early and found me and my guide, Felipe (from <a href="https://brazilbirdingexperts.com/">Brazil Birding Experts</a>), meeting up around 6 to start the long drive to Intervales State Park to the southwest of São Paulo. Traffic was a nightmare getting through the sprawling city of São Paulo and the trip ended up lasting about an hour longer than planned. I was certainly thankful to not be driving. We started birding late morning on the entry road into the park with multiple stops along the way to walk portions of the road. We had some great luck along the way with a variety of new species including my first Southern Yellowthroat. We finally made it to the entrance of the park and stopped off for a late lunch at the only restaurant around. Once we got finish with lunch and dropped off our belongings at the lodge in the <a href="https://ebird.org/checklist/S156112056">park</a> we headed out again in the middle of the afternoon. We walked for a bit over three hours covering a variety of habitats from forest to marshy areas. The first couple hours were spent along one of the roads in the park and we found a great selection of birds including two more of my target species with White browed Warbler and Riverbank Warbler….that gave me three out of my five targets on the first day! I added loads of other new species for the day and had beautiful looks at a number of them including a Red and White Crake that was truly amazing to see so well. The weather deteriorated as the afternoon wore on with ever increasing amounts of drizzle. After a quick break we headed out to look and listen for nightjars and owls and had some good luck with a Short tailed Nightjar and two species of owls (Long tufted Screech Owl and Rusty barred Owl). By the end of the first day I had 59 lifers for the trip. <div><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/53411006623_0d28d84e81_w_d.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="267" data-original-width="400" height="267" src="https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/53411006623_0d28d84e81_w_d.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: x-small;">Green headed Tanager, Ribeirão Grande--Restaurante da Neide, Brazil, Dec 9, 2023</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/53409909842_d8e05c2e34_w_d.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="267" data-original-width="400" height="267" src="https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/53409909842_d8e05c2e34_w_d.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: x-small;">Gray throated Warbling Finch, Ribeirão Grande--Restaurante da Neide, Brazil, Dec 9, 2023</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/53411163174_6cb09cec15_w_d.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="267" data-original-width="400" height="267" src="https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/53411163174_6cb09cec15_w_d.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: x-small;">Golden chevroned Tanager, Ribeirão Grande--Restaurante da Neide, Brazil, Dec 9, 2023</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/53409908677_2a31f21258_w_d.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="267" data-original-width="400" height="267" src="https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/53409908677_2a31f21258_w_d.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: x-small;">Brazilian Tanager, Ribeirão Grande--Restaurante da Neide, Brazil, Dec 9, 2023</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/53409908222_3f10aa0eb4_w_d.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="267" data-original-width="400" height="267" src="https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/53409908222_3f10aa0eb4_w_d.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: x-small;">Black fronted Piping Guan, Intervales State Park, Ribeirão Grande, Brazil, Dec 9, 2023</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/53409907412_82537158a8_w_d.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="267" data-original-width="400" height="267" src="https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/53409907412_82537158a8_w_d.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: x-small;">Ochre rumped Antbird, Intervales State Park, Ribeirão Grande, Brazil, Dec 9, 2023</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/53411004078_9e6bb418ac_w_d.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="267" data-original-width="400" height="267" src="https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/53411004078_9e6bb418ac_w_d.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: x-small;">Saffron Toucanet, Intervales State Park, Ribeirão Grande, Brazil, Dec 9, 2023</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/53411272325_e58b435b60_w_d.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="267" data-original-width="400" height="267" src="https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/53411272325_e58b435b60_w_d.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: x-small;">Rufous capped Motmots, Intervales State Park, Ribeirão Grande, Brazil, Dec 9, 2023</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/53411271895_44ea6654c9_w_d.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="267" data-original-width="400" height="267" src="https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/53411271895_44ea6654c9_w_d.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: x-small;">Sooty Swift on nest, Intervales State Park, Ribeirão Grande, Brazil, Dec 9, 2023</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/53410823176_dbdbc207de_w_d.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="267" data-original-width="400" height="267" src="https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/53410823176_dbdbc207de_w_d.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: x-small;">Black crowned Tityra, Intervales State Park, Ribeirão Grande, Brazil, Dec 9, 2023</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/53411001613_713ff0f706_w_d.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="267" data-original-width="400" height="267" src="https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/53411001613_713ff0f706_w_d.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: x-small;">Bare throated Bellbird, Intervales State Park, Ribeirão Grande, Brazil, Dec 9, 2023</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/53411270135_016c35cb50_w_d.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="267" data-original-width="400" height="267" src="https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/53411270135_016c35cb50_w_d.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: x-small;">Euler's Flycatcher, Intervales State Park, Ribeirão Grande, Brazil, Dec 9, 2023</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/53411156279_c1f53404c1_w_d.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="267" data-original-width="400" height="267" src="https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/53411156279_c1f53404c1_w_d.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: x-small;">Dusky throated Hermit, Intervales State Park, Ribeirão Grande, Brazil, Dec 9, 2023</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/53411155639_7a8852ddc6_w_d.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="267" data-original-width="400" height="267" src="https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/53411155639_7a8852ddc6_w_d.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: x-small;">Dusky legged Guan, Intervales State Park, Ribeirão Grande, Brazil, Dec 9, 2023</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/53409900647_479f1e5d94_w_d.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="267" data-original-width="400" height="267" src="https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/53409900647_479f1e5d94_w_d.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: x-small;">Purple crowned Plovercrest, Intervales State Park, Ribeirão Grande, Brazil, Dec 9, 2023</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/53410997618_814e6b6c4a_w_d.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="267" data-original-width="400" height="267" src="https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/53410997618_814e6b6c4a_w_d.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: x-small;">Serra do Mar Tyrant Manakin, Intervales State Park, Ribeirão Grande, Brazil, Dec 9, 2023</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/53411152409_cede803f6b_w_d.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="267" data-original-width="400" height="267" src="https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/53411152409_cede803f6b_w_d.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: x-small;">Squamate Antbird, Intervales State Park, Ribeirão Grande, Brazil, Dec 9, 2023</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/53411151329_ba5253901d_w_d.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="267" data-original-width="400" height="267" src="https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/53411151329_ba5253901d_w_d.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: x-small;">Red ruffed Fruitcrow, Intervales State Park, Ribeirão Grande, Brazil, Dec 9, 2023</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/53411263975_dd14320b30_w_d.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="267" data-original-width="400" height="267" src="https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/53411263975_dd14320b30_w_d.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: x-small;">Black capped Screech Owl, Intervales State Park, Ribeirão Grande, Brazil, Dec 9, 2023</span></div><div><br /></div><div>Saturday the 9th we spent the entire morning and into the early afternoon in <a href="https://ebird.org/checklist/S156112104">Intervales State Park</a> where we walked a few miles along one of the dirt roads and had nearly sixty species. Before making the trek in the park we had an early breakfast at the <a href="https://ebird.org/checklist/S156112082">restaurant</a> and enjoyed several species coming into the banana feeder including multiple species of tanagers. The weather was not the best with drizzle and light rain the entire time and cooler temps than the day before. Nonetheless it was a very productive in the park with many notables encounters included point blank looks at a Solitary Tinamou feeding within a few feet of us to start off our journey in the park. Other great species included Black fronted Piping Guan, Sooty Swifts on nests, multiple species of toucanets, toucans and woodpeckers, a variety of antvireos, antbirds, antwrens, antthrushes and foliage gleaners. We also added multiple flycatcher and tanager species. We ended our time in the park just after noon and then had lunch and a little break in the early afternoon before heading out along the entry road to the park once again. We visited two hummingbird leks and got fantastic, up close looks as the males sang and moved around trying to attract a mate. In the evening we went after a couple more owl species and got them both. Overall the second day added 66 more new species for me. </div><div><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/53412755355_9178515f3c_w_d.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="267" data-original-width="400" height="267" src="https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/53412755355_9178515f3c_w_d.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: x-small;">White breasted Tapaculo, Intervales State Park, Ribeirão Grande, Brazil, Dec 10, 2023</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/53412755080_9059d010e6_w_d.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="267" data-original-width="400" height="267" src="https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/53412755080_9059d010e6_w_d.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: x-small;">Ochre faced Tody-Flycatcher, Intervales State Park, Ribeirão Grande, Brazil, Dec 10, 2023</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/53411392372_40f08727e8_w_d.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="267" data-original-width="400" height="267" src="https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/53411392372_40f08727e8_w_d.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: x-small;">Dusky tailed Antbird, Intervales State Park, Ribeirão Grande, Brazil, Dec 10, 2023</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/53412747190_d9cb09639f_w_d.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="267" data-original-width="400" height="267" src="https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/53412747190_d9cb09639f_w_d.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: x-small;">Surucua Trogon (Red-bellied), Intervales State Park, Ribeirão Grande, Brazil, Dec 10, 2023</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/53412753295_f8c06344d1_w_d.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="267" data-original-width="400" height="267" src="https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/53412753295_f8c06344d1_w_d.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: x-small;">Mouse colored Tapaculo, Intervales State Park, Ribeirão Grande, Brazil, Dec 10, 2023</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/53411390022_f313537683_w_d.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="267" data-original-width="400" height="267" src="https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/53411390022_f313537683_w_d.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: x-small;">Star throated Antwren, Intervales State Park, Ribeirão Grande, Brazil, Dec 10, 2023</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/53412479448_c705b65763_w_d.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="267" data-original-width="400" height="267" src="https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/53412479448_c705b65763_w_d.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: x-small;">Rufous capped Antthrush, Intervales State Park, Ribeirão Grande, Brazil, Dec 10, 2023</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/53411388632_9910bf1114_w_d.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="267" data-original-width="400" height="267" src="https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/53411388632_9910bf1114_w_d.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: x-small;">Helmeted Woodpecker, Intervales State Park, Ribeirão Grande, Brazil, Dec 10, 2023</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/53412636044_1c1fdc08b2_w_d.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="267" data-original-width="400" height="267" src="https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/53412636044_1c1fdc08b2_w_d.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: x-small;">Atlantic Black throated Trogon, Intervales State Park, Ribeirão Grande, Brazil, Dec 10, 2023</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/53412749050_af7c4bf8ef_w_d.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="267" data-original-width="400" height="267" src="https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/53412749050_af7c4bf8ef_w_d.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: x-small;">Least Pygmy Owl, Intervales State Park, Ribeirão Grande, Brazil, Dec 10, 2023</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/53411385867_fe401b9003_w_d.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="267" data-original-width="400" height="267" src="https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/53411385867_fe401b9003_w_d.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: x-small;">White-necked Thrush (Rufous-flanked), Intervales State Park, Ribeirão Grande, Brazil, Dec 10, 2023</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/53412303416_ae00a14531_w_d.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="267" data-original-width="400" height="267" src="https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/53412303416_ae00a14531_w_d.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: x-small;">Bare throated Bellbird, Intervales State Park, Ribeirão Grande, Brazil, Dec 10, 2023</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/53412748150_ff704cd0b9_w_d.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="267" data-original-width="400" height="267" src="https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/53412748150_ff704cd0b9_w_d.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: x-small;">Eared Pygmy-Tyrant, Intervales State Park, Ribeirão Grande, Brazil, Dec 10, 2023</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/53412633844_371fa60e51_w_d.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="267" data-original-width="400" height="267" src="https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/53412633844_371fa60e51_w_d.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: x-small;">White eared Puffbird, Estrada Municipal Um, Capao Bonito, Brazil, Dec 10, 2023</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/53411384882_6d74fc1b41_w_d.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="267" data-original-width="400" height="267" src="https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/53411384882_6d74fc1b41_w_d.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: x-small;">Guira Cuckoo, Santa Eliza Eco Resort, Ribeirão Bonito, Brazil, Dec 10, 2023</span></div><div><br /></div><div>The last day in Intervales SP began early again with a wake up time of 4:45. After an early breakfast we were out again exploring a different set of roads and trails. One of our first stops was to check out a location where a White breasted Tapaculo was singing away in the hollow of a tree, which amplified its song. We then spent the next four and a half hours walking a few miles down a <a href="https://ebird.org/checklist/S156112282">dirt tracks</a> and we had 65 species with multiple life birds. The rarest among them was a pair of Helmeted Woodpeckers that are quite unusual to find and a species the guide had not seen in the park before. Among the mainly other highlights were such lifers as Brazilian Ruby, Least Pygmy Owl, Star throated Antwren, Mouse colored Tapaculo, Pin tailed Manakin, Yellow Olive Flatbill, Black goggled Tanagerand Black throated Grosbeak. We finally exited the park around noon and then a quick lunch and then we were on the road again with the destination being <a href="https://ebird.org/checklist/S156112348">Dourado</a> off to the north, a several hour drive. We arrived a bit before six and added a few species for the trip just around the lodging with a total number of lifers for the day adding up to 26.</div><div><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/53414516223_33b29b81e8_w_d.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="267" data-original-width="400" height="267" src="https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/53414516223_33b29b81e8_w_d.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: x-small;">White striped Warbler, Acesso Duas Águas, Bocaina, Brazil, Dec 11, 2023</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/53414352566_0042d30852_w_d.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="267" data-original-width="400" height="267" src="https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/53414352566_0042d30852_w_d.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: x-small;">Streamer tailed Tyrants, Acesso Duas Águas, Bocaina, Brazil, Dec 11, 2023</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/53414787090_254cbed20c_w_d.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="267" data-original-width="400" height="267" src="https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/53414787090_254cbed20c_w_d.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: x-small;">Large billed Antwren, Acesso Duas Águas, Bocaina, Brazil, Dec 11, 2023</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/53414513043_6309aa29eb_w_d.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="267" data-original-width="400" height="267" src="https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/53414513043_6309aa29eb_w_d.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: x-small;">Peach fronted Parakeet, Boa Esperança do Sul, Brazil, Dec 11, 2023</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/53414511738_5cdafd29a1_w_d.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="267" data-original-width="400" height="267" src="https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/53414511738_5cdafd29a1_w_d.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: x-small;">Cobalt rumped Parrotlets, Boa Esperança do Sul, Brazil, Dec 11, 2023</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/53414341916_c9d304c589_w_d.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="267" data-original-width="400" height="267" src="https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/53414341916_c9d304c589_w_d.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: x-small;">Red legged Seriema, Boa Esperança do Sul, Brazil, Dec 11, 2023</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/53414508223_4226c6dc29_w_d.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="267" data-original-width="400" height="267" src="https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/53414508223_4226c6dc29_w_d.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><span style="font-size: x-small;">Plush crested Jay, Boa Esperança do Sul, Brazil, Dec 11, 2023</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/53413421952_c0dd976dea_w_d.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="267" data-original-width="400" height="267" src="https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/53413421952_c0dd976dea_w_d.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: x-small;">Turquoise fronted Parrot, Boa Esperança do Sul, Brazil, Dec 11, 2023</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/53414339181_c3c247ae4e_w_d.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="267" data-original-width="400" height="267" src="https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/53414339181_c3c247ae4e_w_d.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: x-small;">White browed Meadowlark, Boa Esperança do Sul, Brazil, Dec 11, 2023</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/53414668299_60b89003af_w_d.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="267" data-original-width="400" height="267" src="https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/53414668299_60b89003af_w_d.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: x-small;">Greater Thornbird, Boa Esperança do Sul, Brazil, Dec 11, 2023</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/53414336881_3d09cbd28c_w_d.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="267" data-original-width="400" height="267" src="https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/53414336881_3d09cbd28c_w_d.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: x-small;">Helmeted Manakin, Boa Esperança do Sul, Brazil, Dec 11, 2023</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/53413417562_917a423c72_w_d.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="267" data-original-width="400" height="267" src="https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/53413417562_917a423c72_w_d.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: x-small;">Toco Toucan, Boa Esperança do Sul, Brazil, Dec 11, 2023</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/53413411532_8f20a8a138_w_d.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="267" data-original-width="400" height="267" src="https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/53413411532_8f20a8a138_w_d.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: x-small;">Flavescent Warbler, Rio Jacaré Pipira, Dourado, Brazil, Dec 11, 2023</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/53414770355_cf0a4f6a98_w_d.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="267" data-original-width="400" height="267" src="https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/53414770355_cf0a4f6a98_w_d.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: x-small;">Crescent chested Puffbird, Rio Jacaré Pipira, Dourado, Brazil, Dec 11, 2023</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/53414768355_3a51e2de55_w_d.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="267" data-original-width="400" height="267" src="https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/53414768355_3a51e2de55_w_d.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: x-small;">Greater Ani, Rio Jacaré Pipira, Dourado, Brazil, Dec 11, 2023</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/53414767490_881597bde0_w_d.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="267" data-original-width="400" height="267" src="https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/53414767490_881597bde0_w_d.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: x-small;">Saffron billed Sparrow, Rio Jacaré Pipira, Dourado, Brazil, Dec 11, 2023</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/53413409567_173b665346_w_d.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="267" data-original-width="400" height="267" src="https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/53413409567_173b665346_w_d.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: x-small;">Golden crowned Warbler (White-bellied), Rio Jacaré Pipira, Dourado, Brazil, Dec 11, 2023</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/53414657464_0a3d9392f3_w_d.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="267" data-original-width="400" height="267" src="https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/53414657464_0a3d9392f3_w_d.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: x-small;">Planalto Slaty Antshrike, Rio Jacaré Pipira, Dourado, Brazil, Dec 11, 2023</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/53414656689_0a77c79a83_w_d.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="267" data-original-width="400" height="267" src="https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/53414656689_0a77c79a83_w_d.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: x-small;">Rufous tailed Jacamar, Rio Jacaré Pipira, Dourado, Brazil, Dec 11, 2023</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/53414656474_3f32172a3f_w_d.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="267" data-original-width="400" height="267" src="https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/53414656474_3f32172a3f_w_d.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: x-small;">Narrow billed Woodcreeper, Rio Jacaré Pipira, Dourado, Brazil, Dec 11, 2023</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/53414764545_f6f16ef21e_w_d.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="267" data-original-width="400" height="267" src="https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/53414764545_f6f16ef21e_w_d.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: x-small;">Rusty backed Spinetail, Rio Jacaré Pipira, Dourado, Brazil, Dec 11, 2023</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/53414322726_0e74be3f61_w_d.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="267" data-original-width="400" height="267" src="https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/53414322726_0e74be3f61_w_d.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: x-small;">Curl crested Jay, Santa Eliza Eco Resort, Ribeirão Bonito, Brazil, Dec 11, 2023</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/53414652884_9d2dbd7a19_w_d.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="267" data-original-width="400" height="267" src="https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/53414652884_9d2dbd7a19_w_d.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: x-small;">Burrowing Owl, Santa Eliza Eco Resort, Ribeirão Bonito, Brazil, Dec 11, 2023</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/53414321306_a8a7a1b796_w_d.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="267" data-original-width="400" height="267" src="https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/53414321306_a8a7a1b796_w_d.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: x-small;">Whistling Heron, Dourado, Brazil, Dec 11, 2023</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/53413401822_e890dcbe70_w_d.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="267" data-original-width="400" height="267" src="https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/53413401822_e890dcbe70_w_d.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: x-small;">Gray eyed Greenlet, Parque do Lago, Dourado, Brazil, Dec 11, 2023</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/53414318586_717c7716ac_w_d.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="267" data-original-width="400" height="267" src="https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/53414318586_717c7716ac_w_d.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: x-small;">Black bellied Antwren, Parque do Lago, Dourado, Brazil, Dec 11, 2023</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/53414317666_b9f18177f1_w_d.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="267" data-original-width="400" height="267" src="https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/53414317666_b9f18177f1_w_d.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: x-small;">Green winged Saltator, Parque do Lago, Dourado, Brazil, Dec 11, 2023</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/53413398932_c22bebd552_w_d.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="267" data-original-width="400" height="267" src="https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/53413398932_c22bebd552_w_d.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: x-small;">White tailed Goldenthroat, Rio Jacaré Pipira, Dourado, Brazil, Dec 11, 2023</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/53414316201_16cbbaa075_w_d.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="267" data-original-width="400" height="267" src="https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/53414316201_16cbbaa075_w_d.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: x-small;">Wedge tailed Grass Finch, Rio Jacaré Pipira, Dourado, Brazil, Dec 11, 2023</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/53414644704_9881eeea0f_w_d.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="267" data-original-width="400" height="267" src="https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/53414644704_9881eeea0f_w_d.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: x-small;">Giant Snipe, Rio Jacaré Pipira, Dourado, Brazil, Dec 11, 2023</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: x-small;"><br /></span></div></div><div>Our full day in Dourado involved an early start where we met a local guide with the main targets being the two remaining warbler species for the trip. The first target for the day was White striped Warbler, a Brazilian endemic and the toughest of the five warbler species to find in the areas I would visit for this trip. Our first stop came up empty for the warbler but we did add a few life birds for me so certainly not a waste. At the <a href="https://ebird.org/checklist/S156139751">second location</a> we hit pay dirt and had great looks of the bird over several minutes of watching it. We then made multiple stops while working through the large sugarcane fields in the area, checking out both fields, a small marsh and various edge habitats. As expected we added numerous species for me. It was then time to hunt down the last target species for the trip, Flavescent Warbler. When we arrived at the spot along the <a href="https://ebird.org/checklist/S156139805">Rio Jacare</a> the warbler was singing and we then spent a bit of time trying (and succeeding) in getting some photos. After the final target was in the bag we walked <a href="https://ebird.org/checklist/S156139812">along the river</a> for a bit and dealt with mosquitoes but were rewarded with several new species plus the white bellied subspecies of Golden crowned Warbler. The morning alone produced 34 life birds for me. We returned to the lodging late morning and then waited for lunch to be served at 12:30. The early part of the afternoon was spent around the lodging before we headed out to check new locations a bit after three. We made a few stops with short walks at targeted areas looking for new species and finding several. Our final stop in the afternoon was to a marshy/dense grass area in search of even more new species including White tailed Goldenthroat, Ash throated Crake, Giant Snipe and some nightjars. We got of most what we were after and only got slightly wet feet in the process. It was another long day with dinner at 8:30. By the end of the day I had added 43 lifers.</div><div><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/53416576513_15fae221c2_w_d.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="267" data-original-width="400" height="267" src="https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/53416576513_15fae221c2_w_d.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: x-small;">White rumped Tanagers, São Carlos-Cerrado da linha férrea do Broa, Brazil, Dec 12, 2023</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/53416403426_7cd8af86fb_w_d.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="267" data-original-width="400" height="267" src="https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/53416403426_7cd8af86fb_w_d.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: x-small;">White banded Tanager, São Carlos-Cerrado da linha férrea do Broa, Brazil, Dec 12, 2023</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/53416835085_b8f661637d_w_d.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="267" data-original-width="400" height="267" src="https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/53416835085_b8f661637d_w_d.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: x-small;">White wedged Piculet, São Carlos-Cerrado da linha férrea do Broa, Brazil, Dec 12, 2023</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/53416836385_86eb077036_w_d.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="267" data-original-width="400" height="267" src="https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/53416836385_86eb077036_w_d.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: x-small;">Pearly bellied Seedeater, São Carlos-Cerrado da linha férrea do Broa, Brazil, Dec 12, 2023</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/53416839150_1895a9b2ac_w_d.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="267" data-original-width="400" height="267" src="https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/53416839150_1895a9b2ac_w_d.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: x-small;">White faced Whistling Duck, São Carlos-Cerrado da linha férrea do Broa, Brazil, Dec 12, 2023</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/53416572838_6bc2f9342c_w_d.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="267" data-original-width="400" height="267" src="https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/53416572838_6bc2f9342c_w_d.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: x-small;">Suiriri Flycatcher, São Carlos-Cerrado da linha férrea do Broa, Brazil, Dec 12, 2023</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/53415487112_6ba82dd46d_w_d.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="267" data-original-width="400" height="267" src="https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/53415487112_6ba82dd46d_w_d.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: x-small;">Black throated Saltator, São Carlos-Cerrado da linha férrea do Broa, Brazil, Dec 12, 2023</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/53415482687_57c107dc80_w_d.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="267" data-original-width="400" height="267" src="https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/53415482687_57c107dc80_w_d.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: x-small;">Bare faced Ibis, São Carlos-Cerrado da linha férrea do Broa, Brazil, Dec 12, 2023</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/53416570153_bf4bfcff2b_w_d.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="267" data-original-width="400" height="267" src="https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/53416570153_bf4bfcff2b_w_d.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: x-small;">Horned Screamers, São Carlos-Cerrado da linha férrea do Broa, Brazil, Dec 12, 2023</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/53416721514_04d00662a0_w_d.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="267" data-original-width="400" height="267" src="https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/53416721514_04d00662a0_w_d.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: x-small;">Pale breasted Spinetail, São Carlos-Cerrado da linha férrea do Broa, Brazil, Dec 12, 2023</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/53416392766_4d8013399e_w_d.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="267" data-original-width="400" height="267" src="https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/53416392766_4d8013399e_w_d.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: x-small;">Burnished buff Tanager, Dourado, Brazil, Dec 12, 2023</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/53416393896_d52529ca04_w_d.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="267" data-original-width="400" height="267" src="https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/53416393896_d52529ca04_w_d.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: x-small;">Rufous Casiornis, Dourado, Brazil, Dec 12, 2023</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/53416830820_4f383052fc_w_d.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="267" data-original-width="400" height="267" src="https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/53416830820_4f383052fc_w_d.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: x-small;">Hangnest Tody Tyrant, Dourado, Brazil, Dec 12, 2023</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/53416720459_228ba4aed6_w_d.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="267" data-original-width="400" height="267" src="https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/53416720459_228ba4aed6_w_d.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: x-small;">Buff breasted Wren, Estrada Rio Jacaré, Dourado, Brazil, Dec 12, 2023</span></div><div><br /></div><div>With all the species we found in the Dourado on the 11th the guide came up with a new plan to visit a location about 45 minutes away that would give us a better chance to add more species than if we stayed just around the Dourado area. Unfortunately this meant an even earlier departure time so we were on the road before five. We arrived in the <a href="https://ebird.org/checklist/S156192762">area</a> a bit after six and explored the savannah like habitat for almost two hours with lots of off trail walking. We eventually ended at a small lake and wetland, which produced several new species for me beyond the several we got on the walk in. Many highlights with a sample of new species including Horned Screamer, White faced Whistling Duck, White vented Violetear, Bare faced Ibis, White wedged Piculet, White banded Tanager, White rumped Tanager, Pearly bellied Seedeater and Red crested Finch. We then made the drive back to the Dourado area and made our final stop of the morning in a series of fields and hedgerows and baked in the ever increasing heat. It was yet again worth the stop and more new species popped up at various spots along the walk and I got photos of most. It was then time to end the birding for the trip with a return to the lodging for a quick shower and lunch and then a several hour drive back to São Paulo and a drop off at the airport and then a several hour wait for my red eye flight to Panama. The final day was productive for sure with 19 more new species. More photos and details on the warblers at the following link: <a href="https://warblerpursuit.blogspot.com/2023/12/five-new-warbler-species-on-trip-to.html">Brazil warblers</a> plus a link to all the photos from the trip at the following: <a href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/54277284@N05/albums/72177720313502688">Brazil Dec 2023</a>.</div><div><br /></div><div>I ended my time in Brazil with a total of 312 species with 213 of those being life birds. I brought my life list up to 1964 in just five days…not bad at all. Among the life birds were 33 Brazil endemics.</div>Larryhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15173127478266831293noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3123720882247241987.post-16273269168010422722023-12-17T09:32:00.000-08:002023-12-17T09:32:07.431-08:00SAY'S PHOEBE continues at Quabbin for me today<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/53404010349_31f220ae06_w_d.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="267" data-original-width="400" height="267" src="https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/53404010349_31f220ae06_w_d.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: x-small;">Say's Phoebe, Winsor Dam, Quabbin Park, MA, Dec 17, 2023</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/53404010384_8eddccef32_w_d.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="267" data-original-width="400" height="267" src="https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/53404010384_8eddccef32_w_d.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: x-small;">Say's Phoebe, Winsor Dam, Quabbin Park, MA, Dec 17, 2023</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/53404121260_f68b4e2438_w_d.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="267" data-original-width="400" height="267" src="https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/53404121260_f68b4e2438_w_d.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: x-small;">Say's Phoebe, Winsor Dam, Quabbin Park, MA, Dec 17, 2023</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/53404121640_db53059cd5_w_d.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="267" data-original-width="400" height="267" src="https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/53404121640_db53059cd5_w_d.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: x-small;">Say's Phoebe, Winsor Dam, Quabbin Park, MA, Dec 17, 2023</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/53402761392_6c932981ec_w_d.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="267" data-original-width="400" height="267" src="https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/53402761392_6c932981ec_w_d.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: x-small;">Say's Phoebe, Winsor Dam, Quabbin Park, MA, Dec 17, 2023</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/53404011334_d59806969e_w_d.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="267" data-original-width="400" height="267" src="https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/53404011334_d59806969e_w_d.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: x-small;">Say's Phoebe, Winsor Dam, Quabbin Park, MA, Dec 17, 2023</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/53403688261_36e2a9a98a_w_d.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="267" data-original-width="400" height="267" src="https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/53403688261_36e2a9a98a_w_d.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: x-small;">Say's Phoebe, Winsor Dam, Quabbin Park, MA, Dec 17, 2023</span></div><div><br /></div>After a long trip home yesterday from Panama via Miami with an excessively long layover made worse by not being able to get out of the airport in Miami for several hours as the weather there was rainy the entire time, I finally made it home again. Lots more to come regarding my recent trip to Brazil and Panama with a shit ton of photos in the near future. This post is instead about a mega rarity, a Say's Phoebe, that was found by Mary at Winsor Dam on December 10th while I was in Brazil. This was only the second record ever for Hampshire County and a species that I have never seen before. I saw reports day after day as loads of people from near and far saw the bird at one of my favorite birding spots. I really did not expect the bird to stick around but milder than normal weather provided it with conditions that kept bugs around and the bird fed and stayed. I hoped to find the bird still present when I rolled out of bed after a few hours sleep and headed over to the <a href="https://ebird.org/checklist/S156531715">dam</a>. I arrived to find Mary already there scanning the water without too much of note to be seen. We then started walking around the administration building and the dam itself, joined by a few other birders. A little after eight the bird showed up in trees near the admin building along the water and then moved out along the dam. Given the overcast conditions I didn't get any great photos. It is unusual for me to add new Hampshire County species so it was nice to see the bird still around and it became Hampshire County species #306 for me. It also became the 256th species I have seen at Quabbin and the 219th species at Winsor Dam. This was only the second new species I added to my Hampshire County this year, with the other being a <a href="https://quabbinbirdingandbeyond.blogspot.com/2023/08/long-billed-dowitcher-in-east.html">Long billed Dowitcher</a> back in early August. It will be interesting to see how long it stays in the area.Larryhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15173127478266831293noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3123720882247241987.post-43523567851231435202023-12-04T10:53:00.000-08:002023-12-04T10:53:32.022-08:00Marsh Wrens this morning<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/53375550936_e444b9d807_w_d.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="267" data-original-width="400" height="267" src="https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/53375550936_e444b9d807_w_d.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: x-small;">Marsh Wren, Fitzgerald Lake Conservation Area, Northampton, MA, Dec 4, 2023</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/53375731273_d17551754d_w_d.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="267" data-original-width="400" height="267" src="https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/53375731273_d17551754d_w_d.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: x-small;">Marsh Wren, Fitzgerald Lake Conservation Area, Northampton, MA, Dec 4, 2023</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/53375551296_a50fe5f83a_w_d.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="267" data-original-width="400" height="267" src="https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/53375551296_a50fe5f83a_w_d.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: x-small;">Marsh Wren, Fitzgerald Lake Conservation Area, Northampton, MA, Dec 4, 2023</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/53375872199_d79984d9b4_w_d.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="267" data-original-width="400" height="267" src="https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/53375872199_d79984d9b4_w_d.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: x-small;">Swamp Sparrow, Fitzgerald Lake Conservation Area, Northampton, MA, Dec 4, 2023</span></div><p>While I was once again out looking in various marshes the last couple morning for any lingering Common Yellowthroats I have uncovered a good assortment of birds with the highlight by far being at least two Marsh Wrens at <a href="https://ebird.org/checklist/S155741304">Fitzgerald Lake Conservation Area</a> this morning...quite unusual in December here for sure. I have also found multiple groups of both Winter Wrens and Swamp Sparrows plus another wren of some type that I was never able to pin down to species. Sadly no luck in finding a Common Yellowthroat but I have not given up on finding one before the month ends.</p>Larryhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15173127478266831293noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3123720882247241987.post-10201002213480494272023-12-02T15:50:00.000-08:002023-12-02T15:50:08.517-08:00The first couple days of December produces two warbler species plus other good stuff<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/53368351677_c0bd7f3361_w_d.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="267" data-original-width="400" height="267" src="https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/53368351677_c0bd7f3361_w_d.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: x-small;">Ruby crowned Kinglet, Great Pond, Hatfield, MA, Dec 1, 2023</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/53369566029_351e1a051f_w_d.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="267" data-original-width="400" height="267" src="https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/53369566029_351e1a051f_w_d.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: x-small;">White throated Sparrow, Great Pond, Hatfield, MA, Dec 1, 2023</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/53369253371_c494275b30_w_d.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="267" data-original-width="400" height="267" src="https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/53369253371_c494275b30_w_d.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: x-small;">White crowned Sparrows, Great Pond, Hatfield, MA, Dec 1, 2023</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/53369447998_8d91f8d1d8_w_d.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="267" data-original-width="400" height="267" src="https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/53369447998_8d91f8d1d8_w_d.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: x-small;">White crowned Sparrow 'Gambel's', Great Pond, Hatfield, MA, Dec 1, 2023</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/53369562409_5f1e91a03c_w_d.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="300" data-original-width="400" height="300" src="https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/53369562409_5f1e91a03c_w_d.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: x-small;">American Black Ducks, Great Pond, Hatfield, MA, Dec 1, 2023</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/53369703025_f32e7c17ff_w_d.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="267" data-original-width="400" height="267" src="https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/53369703025_f32e7c17ff_w_d.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: x-small;">Eastern Coyote, Great Pond, Hatfield, MA, Dec 1, 2023</span></div><p>I spent the first couple days of December mainly trying to track down lingering <a href="https://warblerpursuit.blogspot.com/2023/12/a-couple-warbler-species-to-start.html">warbler species</a> and had some success. I started my morning at <a href="https://ebird.org/checklist/S155542906">Great Pond</a> in a vain search for the Nashville Warbler I had there as recently as November 26th. Even without the warbler the location featured a few late species including a Ruby crowned Kinglet and three White crowned Sparrows plus over a hundred American Black Ducks. I also had a nice look at a dark Eastern Coyote first thing in the morning. </p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/53369252931_55bbfca940_w_d.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="267" data-original-width="400" height="267" src="https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/53369252931_55bbfca940_w_d.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: x-small;">Yellow rumped Warblers 'myrtle', Mitch's Way, Hadley, MA, Dec 1, 2023</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/53368350857_c00a253c63_w_d.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="267" data-original-width="400" height="267" src="https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/53368350857_c00a253c63_w_d.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: x-small;">Ruby crowned Kinglet, Mitch's Way, Hadley, MA, Dec 1, 2023</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/53368350692_c249aa2983_w_d.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="267" data-original-width="400" height="267" src="https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/53368350692_c249aa2983_w_d.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: x-small;">Yellow bellied Sapsucker, Mitch's Way, Hadley, MA, Dec 1, 2023</span></div><p>I then headed south along the river to Hadley in search of Yellow rumped Warblers and happily I found at least four hanging out. This brought my streak of having at least one warbler in Hampshire County to 80 straight months. I also found another Ruby crowned Kinglet somewhat near a couple of the Yellow rumped Warblers. </p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/53369700970_72c4c22534_w_d.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="267" data-original-width="400" height="267" src="https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/53369700970_72c4c22534_w_d.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: x-small;">Pine Warbler, Winsor Dam, Quabbin Park, MA, Dec 1, 2023</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/53369563814_1d34cd2126_w_d.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="267" data-original-width="400" height="267" src="https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/53369563814_1d34cd2126_w_d.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: x-small;">Pine Warbler, Winsor Dam, Quabbin Park, MA, Dec 1, 2023</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/53369250291_e08f07104b_w_d.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="267" data-original-width="400" height="267" src="https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/53369250291_e08f07104b_w_d.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: x-small;">Pine Warbler, Winsor Dam, Quabbin Park, MA, Dec 1, 2023</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/53369445418_b87a5e3f65_w_d.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="267" data-original-width="400" height="267" src="https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/53369445418_b87a5e3f65_w_d.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: x-small;">Brown Creeper, Winsor Dam, Quabbin Park, MA, Dec 1, 2023</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/53369565134_e3ebdf0411_w_d.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="267" data-original-width="400" height="267" src="https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/53369565134_e3ebdf0411_w_d.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: x-small;">Pine Siskin, Winsor Dam, Quabbin Park, MA, Dec 1, 2023</span></div><p>My final stop on the first was to <a href="https://ebird.org/checklist/S155542921">Winsor Dam</a> with the target being a Pine Warbler. I not only quickly found a Pine Warbler I actually found at least eight present...an unprecedented number of individuals around for the species this late in the season. There are many years where I have no Pine Warblers in December so to have so many around is fantastic. It will certainly be interesting to see how long at least some of them stay into the month. </p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/53370469887_910f464eb0_w_d.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="267" data-original-width="400" height="267" src="https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/53370469887_910f464eb0_w_d.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: x-small;">Swamp Sparrow, Rail trail, Amherst, MA, Dec 2, 2023</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/53370470002_5c33767712_w_d.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="267" data-original-width="400" height="267" src="https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/53370470002_5c33767712_w_d.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: x-small;">American Tree Sparrow, Rail trail, Amherst, MA, Dec 2, 2023</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/53371566553_49a65655a3_w_d.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="267" data-original-width="400" height="267" src="https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/53371566553_49a65655a3_w_d.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: x-small;">Winter Wren, Rail trail, Amherst, MA, Dec 2, 2023</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/53371566398_bcf8ec0913_w_d.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="267" data-original-width="400" height="267" src="https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/53371566398_bcf8ec0913_w_d.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: x-small;">Dark eyed Junco with eye issue, Winsor Dam, Quabbin Park, MA, Dec 2, 2023</span></div><p>On the second day of the month I headed out with the goal of finding a late Common Yellowthroat. Sadly I failed in that mission despite checking multiple areas that have held them late into the season in past years. Even without finding a yellowthroat I had multiple good birds over the course of the morning. I started off at Silvio Conte NWR-Fort River and had multiple Eastern Screech Owls and a late Eastern Towhee. I then hit a few other spots in Hadley and Amherst with the highlights including several Swamp Sparrows and a flyover Red Crossbills as well as a Winter Wren trying to be a Marsh Wren in the middle of a large marsh. I also made a stop at Winsor Dam to finish out the morning and found no Pine Warblers at all (after finding at least eight present the day before). I did have loads of Dark eyed Juncos with one suffering some issue with one of its eyes. By the end of the day on the second I had recorded 68 species in the county for the month...a really good start for sure.</p>Larryhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15173127478266831293noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3123720882247241987.post-25847604749543765162023-11-30T09:55:00.000-08:002023-11-30T13:22:59.119-08:00November comes to an end<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/53358746160_b705cdc04b_w_d.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="267" data-original-width="400" height="267" src="https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/53358746160_b705cdc04b_w_d.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: x-small;">Nashville Warbler, Great Pond, Hatfield, MA, Nov 26, 2023</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/53358620434_c1715f5a30_w_d.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="267" data-original-width="400" height="267" src="https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/53358620434_c1715f5a30_w_d.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: x-small;">Horned Larks, Great Pond, Hatfield, MA, Nov 26, 2023</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/53358620609_ddd780cf3d_w_d.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="267" data-original-width="400" height="267" src="https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/53358620609_ddd780cf3d_w_d.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: x-small;">Dark eyed Junco, Mitch's Way, Hadley, MA, Nov 26, 2023</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/53357412837_8b97f39217_w_d.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="267" data-original-width="400" height="267" src="https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/53357412837_8b97f39217_w_d.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: x-small;">Yellow rumped Warbler 'myrtle', Winsor Dam, Quabbin Park, MA, Nov 26, 2023</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/53357412872_1c1483ae4b_w_d.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="267" data-original-width="400" height="267" src="https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/53357412872_1c1483ae4b_w_d.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: x-small;">Pine Siskins, Winsor Dam, Quabbin Park, MA, Nov 26, 2023</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/53362740603_7a5b9966b9_w_d.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="267" data-original-width="400" height="267" src="https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/53362740603_7a5b9966b9_w_d.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: x-small;">Pine Warbler, Winsor Dam, Quabbin Park, MA, Nov 28, 2023</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/53362531961_132fbfec56_w_d.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="267" data-original-width="400" height="267" src="https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/53362531961_132fbfec56_w_d.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: x-small;">Eastern Bluebird, Winsor Dam, Quabbin Park, MA, Nov 28, 2023</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/53364964864_1a2f3e34aa_w_d.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="267" data-original-width="400" height="267" src="https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/53364964864_1a2f3e34aa_w_d.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: x-small;">Black capped Chickadee, Winsor Dam, Quabbin Park, MA, Nov 29, 2023</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/53367094355_90e3e580bf_w_d.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="267" data-original-width="400" height="267" src="https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/53367094355_90e3e580bf_w_d.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: x-small;">Pine Warbler, Winsor Dam, Quabbin Park, MA, Nov 30, 2023</span></div></div><p>The end of November has arrived and the last few days have certainly felt more winter like with cold temps and windy conditions. Thankfully our snow so far has been no more than a couple light dustings. I have mainly concentrated on <a href="https://warblerpursuit.blogspot.com/2023/11/warblers-at-end-of-november.html">late warblers</a> when I have had a chance to get out and there are a still a number around with a Nashville Warbler in Hatfield as late as the 26th, multiple Pine Warblers at Winsor Dam through the end of the month and Yellow rumped Warblers in a few spots. The Wilson's Warbler I last saw on the <a href="https://warblerpursuit.blogspot.com/2023/11/four-species-of-warbler-on-big-warbler.html">16th</a> appears to have moved on or succumbed to the cold. Beyond warblers I have had ever increasing numbers of Pine Siskins plus a few other notable species including some Red Crossbills. I'm hopeful at least some of the warblers will stick around to start off the month of December and the true arrival of winter. </p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/53364848188_6aa0b1f597_w_d.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="300" data-original-width="400" height="300" src="https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/53364848188_6aa0b1f597_w_d.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: x-small;">White tailed Deer, Home, Belchertown, Nov 11, 2023</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/53364645771_ef3b7374c6_w_d.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="300" data-original-width="400" height="300" src="https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/53364645771_ef3b7374c6_w_d.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: x-small;">Beaver, Home, Belchertown, Nov 8, 2023</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/53365096345_4432e76d73_w_d.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="300" data-original-width="400" height="300" src="https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/53365096345_4432e76d73_w_d.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: x-small;">Bobcat, Home, Belchertown, Nov 7, 2023</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/53365096510_b41270c473_w_d.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="300" data-original-width="400" height="300" src="https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/53365096510_b41270c473_w_d.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: x-small;">Raccoons, Home, Belchertown, Oct 28, 2023</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/53364848648_13063ef015_w_d.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="300" data-original-width="400" height="300" src="https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/53364848648_13063ef015_w_d.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: x-small;">Gray Fox, Home, Belchertown, Oct 20, 2023</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/53364646356_515ec224cb_w_d.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="300" data-original-width="400" height="300" src="https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/53364646356_515ec224cb_w_d.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: x-small;">Red tailed Hawk, Home, Belchertown, Oct 15, 2023</span></div></div><p>I checked the game camera along the Jabish Brook and had loads of captures with lots of highlights including Bobcat, Gray Fox, White tailed Deer, Racoons, Beaver and a Red tailed Hawk (plus other stuff). </p>Larryhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15173127478266831293noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3123720882247241987.post-76773721125383048272023-11-24T13:24:00.000-08:002023-11-24T13:34:00.177-08:00High count of Northern Shoveler at Winsor Dam (plus other good stuff)<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/53352704072_2c286838cd_w_d.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="267" data-original-width="400" height="267" src="https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/53352704072_2c286838cd_w_d.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: x-small;">Northern Shovelers, Winsor Dam, Quabbin Park, MA, Nov 24, 2023</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/53354026225_fe6c761ed4_w_d.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="267" data-original-width="400" height="267" src="https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/53354026225_fe6c761ed4_w_d.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: x-small;">Northern Shovelers, Winsor Dam, Quabbin Park, MA, Nov 24, 2023</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/53352703687_bac36c0f89_w_d.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="267" data-original-width="400" height="267" src="https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/53352703687_bac36c0f89_w_d.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: x-small;">Northern Pintails (with two Mallards and an American Black Duck), Winsor Dam, Quabbin Park, MA, Nov 24, 2023</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/53352704147_a9c6e894da_w_d.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="267" data-original-width="400" height="267" src="https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/53352704147_a9c6e894da_w_d.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: x-small;">Pine Warblers, Winsor Dam, Quabbin Park, MA, Nov 24, 2023</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/53353575056_1f61a702a5_w_d.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="267" data-original-width="400" height="267" src="https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/53353575056_1f61a702a5_w_d.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: x-small;">Black capped Chickadee, Winsor Dam, Quabbin Park, MA, Nov 24, 2023</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/53352703907_b5601d4c1f_w_d.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="267" data-original-width="400" height="267" src="https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/53352703907_b5601d4c1f_w_d.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: x-small;">Tufted Titmouse, Winsor Dam, Quabbin Park, MA, Nov 24, 2023</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/53354026290_8fe66f6ec4_w_d.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="300" data-original-width="400" height="300" src="https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/53354026290_8fe66f6ec4_w_d.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: x-small;">Red winged Blackbirds, Winsor Dam, Quabbin Park, MA, Nov 24, 2023</span></div><p>Although not a blockbuster morning for diversity of waterfowl at <a href="https://ebird.org/checklist/S155102650">Winsor Dam</a> I did manage to get my largest group ever of Northern Shovelers in Hampshire County when a group of eight flew past heading south plus I also had a group of 13 Northern Pintails also flying south (with a couple of Mallards and an American Black Duck joining them). My previous high count for Northern Shoveler was back in early <a href="https://quabbinbirdingandbeyond.blogspot.com/2015/04/more-waterfowl-in-valley-including.html">April 2015</a>, when I had six in Hadley. I almost missed these birds as my original plan was not to spend too much time at the dam again after spending an hour there <a href="https://quabbinbirdingandbeyond.blogspot.com/2023/11/some-lingering-species-on-thanksgiving.html">yesterday</a> (mainly checking up on the continuing group of Pine Warblers). I started my morning at the <a href="https://ebird.org/checklist/S155102576">dam</a> but the selection of waterfowl was quite sparse with the highlight being a dozen Common Loons scattered across the reservoir so I headed to another spot in Quabbin Park. Without too much activity at that stop and wanting to stay local and not drive far I quickly headed back to the dam and figured I would once again concentrate on tracking down the Pine Warblers. I quickly found at least five feeding in the tops of the cone laden Eastern White Pines, along with a number of other species enjoying the great cone crop. I then walked around the area of the dam and admin building with a couple brief stops to scan the waters of the reservoir. I ended up spending two hours there and was quite happy with my choice of staying close to home....although finding a Ancient Murrelet or Dovekie would have really been nice!</p>Larryhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15173127478266831293noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3123720882247241987.post-23199823861539074082023-11-23T15:09:00.000-08:002023-11-23T15:09:48.988-08:00Some lingering species on Thanksgiving<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/53351955670_871383ef9d_w_d.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="267" data-original-width="400" height="267" src="https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/53351955670_871383ef9d_w_d.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: x-small;">Pine Warbler, Winsor Dam, Quabbin Park, MA, Nov 23, 2023</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/53351506646_134a844ca3_w_d.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="267" data-original-width="400" height="267" src="https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/53351506646_134a844ca3_w_d.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: x-small;">Pine Warbler, Winsor Dam, Quabbin Park, MA, Nov 23, 2023</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/53351826129_8bd98b3520_w_d.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="267" data-original-width="400" height="267" src="https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/53351826129_8bd98b3520_w_d.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: x-small;">Pine Warbler, Winsor Dam, Quabbin Park, MA, Nov 23, 2023</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/53351955380_86b03ccf7b_w_d.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="267" data-original-width="400" height="267" src="https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/53351955380_86b03ccf7b_w_d.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: x-small;">Pine Siskin, Winsor Dam, Quabbin Park, MA, Nov 23, 2023</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/53350629972_f34b96f68f_w_d.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="267" data-original-width="400" height="267" src="https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/53350629972_f34b96f68f_w_d.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: x-small;">Bald Eagle, Winsor Dam, Quabbin Park, MA, Nov 23, 2023</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/53350628147_8e1dfb609d_w_d.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="300" data-original-width="400" height="300" src="https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/53350628147_8e1dfb609d_w_d.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: x-small;">Winsor Dam, Quabbin Park, MA, Nov 23, 2023</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/53351826324_76735d5852_w_d.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="267" data-original-width="400" height="267" src="https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/53351826324_76735d5852_w_d.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: x-small;">Ruby crowned Kinglet, Mount Holyoke College, South Hadley, MA, Nov 23, 2023</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/53351728653_599d78e8d4_w_d.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="267" data-original-width="400" height="267" src="https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/53351728653_599d78e8d4_w_d.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: x-small;">American Robin, Mount Holyoke College, South Hadley, MA, Nov 23, 2023</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/53351826559_1c4e7ddd30_w_d.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="267" data-original-width="400" height="267" src="https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/53351826559_1c4e7ddd30_w_d.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: x-small;">Northern Flicker, Mount Holyoke College, South Hadley, MA, Nov 23, 2023</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/53350630592_9964b0903f_w_d.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="267" data-original-width="400" height="267" src="https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/53350630592_9964b0903f_w_d.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: x-small;">Carolina Wren, Mount Holyoke College, South Hadley, MA, Nov 23, 2023</span></div><p>I had a few hours free to start this Thanksgiving and decided to spend them looking for some lingering warblers (and perhaps some other species). I started before dawn at Winsor Dam making a quick check for waterfowl and finding almost none (just a handful of loons...waterfowl numbers continue to be low for the fall). I then had to decide where to go next and I settled on <a href="https://ebird.org/checklist/S155044063">Mount Holyoke College</a> to see if the Wilson's Warbler was still around. I knew it was unlikely the bird would be active so early as it was still in the 30's but I tried nonetheless. I checked all of its favored areas multiple times and came up empty as far as warblers go. I did have a decent selection of other species including at least one (possibly two) Ruby crowned Kinglet. Hopefully the warbler is still around and was just not active while I was there. As it was a bit before nine when I finished at the college I still had a bit more time so headed over to <a href="https://ebird.org/checklist/S155044067">Winsor Dam</a> to look for the group of <a href="https://warblerpursuit.blogspot.com/2023/11/pine-warblers-continue-at-winsor-dam.html">Pine Warblers</a> I have had there as recently as yesterday (despite the cold and rainy weather). I hoped to track down more than the two I had there yesterday and had some good luck. I eventually found the mixed flock with the Pine Warblers and had at least five individuals present. The numbers of Pine Siskins were also impressive with nearly fifty around and showing well.</p>Larryhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15173127478266831293noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3123720882247241987.post-11710890194972949882023-11-20T16:02:00.000-08:002023-11-20T16:02:46.856-08:00Pale/leucistic Canada Goose returns for a fourth winter<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/53344065337_f1f1d5a159_w_d.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="267" data-original-width="400" height="267" src="https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/53344065337_f1f1d5a159_w_d.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: x-small;">Pale/Leucistic Canada Goose, Smith College, Northampton, MA, Nov 20, 2023</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/53344942796_de4673ac3e_w_d.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="300" data-original-width="400" height="300" src="https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/53344942796_de4673ac3e_w_d.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: x-small;">Pale/Leucistic Canada Goose, Smith College, Northampton, MA, Nov 20, 2023</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/53344942296_0a508e0a0f_w_d.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="300" data-original-width="400" height="300" src="https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/53344942296_0a508e0a0f_w_d.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: x-small;">Pale/Leucistic Canada Goose, Smith College, Northampton, MA, Nov 20, 2023</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/53344942451_f92b05a511_w_d.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="300" data-original-width="400" height="300" src="https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/53344942451_f92b05a511_w_d.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: x-small;">Pale/Leucistic Canada Goose, Smith College, Northampton, MA, Nov 20, 2023</span></div><p>I came across a pale Canada Goose this morning at Paradise Pond at Smith College and I presume it to be the same unique individual returning for the fourth winter to the local area. I first found this bird on <a href="https://ebird.org/checklist/S78763162">January 6th</a> of 2021 at Arcadia and then caught up with it again a week or so later at the <a href="https://quabbinbirdingandbeyond.blogspot.com/2021/01/several-unusual-species-continue.html">UMASS campus pond</a> in a snow storm and it continued in the area through January and then I lost track of it. The following fall it arrived in late November and it stayed around throughout the winter of 2021-2022. It arrived back in the area for the winter of 2022-2023 in late December and stayed until the early part of March. It is now back in the area for the fourth winter season in a row. It really is a neat looking individual and will hopefully stay around. Would love to know where the bird spends its summer.</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/50807480333_7c73ba98da_w_d.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="300" data-original-width="400" height="300" src="https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/50807480333_7c73ba98da_w_d.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: x-small;">Pale/Leucistic Canada Goose, Arcadia, Northampton, MA, Jan 6, 2021</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/50835997746_c07146cabd_w_d.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="300" data-original-width="400" height="300" src="https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/50835997746_c07146cabd_w_d.jpg" width="400" /></a></div></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: x-small;">Pale/Leucistic Canada Goose, UMASS, Amherst, MA, Jan 14, 2021</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/50839117577_1a0652e147_w_d.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="300" data-original-width="400" height="300" src="https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/50839117577_1a0652e147_w_d.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: x-small;">Pale/Leucistic Canada Goose, UMASS, Amherst, MA, Jan 15, 2021</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/51710872622_25321514a1_w_d.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="267" data-original-width="400" height="267" src="https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/51710872622_25321514a1_w_d.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: x-small;">Pale/leucistic Canada Goose, East Meadows, Northampton, MA, Nov 28, 2021</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/51765979769_9757db38da_w_d.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="300" data-original-width="400" height="300" src="https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/51765979769_9757db38da_w_d.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: x-small;">Pale/leucistic Canada Goose, UMASS, Amherst, MA, Dec 20, 2021</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/51884698647_3beab74ae6_w_d.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="300" data-original-width="400" height="300" src="https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/51884698647_3beab74ae6_w_d.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: x-small;">Pale/leucistic Canada Goose, East Meadows, Northampton, MA, Feb 16, 2022</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/52596954058_f505abca24_w_d.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="300" data-original-width="400" height="300" src="https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/52596954058_f505abca24_w_d.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: x-small;">Pale/leucistic Canada Goose, UMASS, Amherst, MA, Dec 30, 2022</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/52609564633_42a0fdcb95_w_d.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="300" data-original-width="400" height="300" src="https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/52609564633_42a0fdcb95_w_d.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: x-small;">Pale/leucistic Canada Goose, Hadley, MA, Jan 5, 2023</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/52650664671_b3667888ed_w_d.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="300" data-original-width="400" height="300" src="https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/52650664671_b3667888ed_w_d.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: x-small;">Pale/leucistic Canada Goose, Arcadia, Northampton, MA, Jan 26, 2023</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/52661543689_55e0995a26_w_d.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="300" data-original-width="400" height="300" src="https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/52661543689_55e0995a26_w_d.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: x-small;">Pale/leucistic Canada Goose, Arcadia, Northampton, MA, Jan 31, 2023</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/52682946165_60ba7309e9_w_d.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="300" data-original-width="400" height="300" src="https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/52682946165_60ba7309e9_w_d.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: x-small;">Pale/leucistic Canada Goose, Arcadia, Northampton, MA, Feb 11, 2023</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/52739027024_689054d5c0_w_d.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="300" data-original-width="400" height="300" src="https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/52739027024_689054d5c0_w_d.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: x-small;">Pale/leucistic Canada Goose, Arcadia, Northampton, MA, Mar 8, 2023</span></div></div></div><p>Here is a sample of some photos I have captured of this individual the last few years at various spots in the valley as it travels around with typical looking Canada Geese.</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/53344942646_5a46cfdb1a_w_d.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="300" data-original-width="400" height="300" src="https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/53344942646_5a46cfdb1a_w_d.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: x-small;">Cackling Goose, Smith College, Northampton, MA, Nov 20, 2023</span></div><p>Although I did not see the Pink footed Geese among the few hundred Canada Geese at Smith College this morning I did find a Cackling Goose that showed fairly well.</p>Larryhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15173127478266831293noreply@blogger.com0