Last day of April...and nest box update

Yellow Warbler, Quabbin Park, MA, April 30, 2012

Yellow Warbler, Quabbin Park, MA, April 30, 2012

Pine Warbler, Quabbin Park, MA, April 30, 2012

Yellow-rumped Warbler, Quabbin Park, MA, April 30, 2012

Common Loons, Quabbin Park, MA, April 30, 2012

The last day of April dawned cold and clear with a temperature in the 20's.  Thankfully the wind backed off today so it did not feel nearly as cold.  Eventually the temperatures made it into the 60's.  Although the winds last night were not great for a big push there were still more birds that did show up.  I had three first of year birds today including Chimney Swift, Merlin (way overdue for me) and the most surprising- a Yellow-throated Vireo.  The date of the vireo is the earliest I have ever had one here.  The bird was with a mixed species flock along the shoreline near Goodnough Dike.  It was feeding in the tops of some oak trees.  I got great looks in good light but before I could get a photo the bird flew further down the shore.  I followed it for a few hundred feet and then lost it before I could get close again.  I didn't add any new warbler species today but did manage to find all the species I had previously seen so far this year including the Blackburnian.  Lots of other good stuff around today too.  I spent over an hour at Winsor Dam late AM trying for some raptors.  The only obvious migrants were Ospreys flying quite high heading northeast.  The Merlin I saw was actually fairly low and heading west.  During my vigil at the dam I also had the only Chimney Swift of the day as one lone bird moved through heading northeast.  Tomorrow should bring in a real good push of birds if the winds stay south and the rain doesn't shut down migration too early.

Hooded Merganser chicks in nest box, April 30, 2012

The Hooded Merganser eggs have hatched and the birds are probably only a few days away from fledging out of the new nest box.  This was the only one of the three boxes used this season so far but the birds appear to have been successful.

Weekend birding-sunny, cool, windy

Pileated Woodpecker, Rail trail-Amherst, MA, April 29, 2012

Pileated Woodpecker, Rail trail-Amherst, MA, April 29, 2012

Pileated Woodpecker, Rail trail-Amherst, MA, April 29, 2012

As April rapidly comes to a close the cooler than normal conditions continue.  Yesterday the temperature stayed in the 50’s with a strong wind.  Today the temperature started out in the 20’s and warmed only into the upper 50's again.  Record setting cold morning temperatures for late April with coldest night likely to be tonight with lows in the low 20's possible.  Given the conditions of northerly winds and cool temperatures there was little obvious migration taking place.  The conditions to our south and west continue to point toward an increase in migration but the conditions here will remain unfavorable to a big push of migrants until perhaps Monday into Tuesday.  Once the migration conditions improve there should be a big influx of both numbers and variety.  Even without a big push there are still migrants that move through with the following new species seen over the weekend: Yellow Warbler and Rose-breasted Grosbeak.

I stayed around the local area visiting Quabbin Park and Reed Conservation area on Saturday and made the trip over to Amherst to the rail trail at dawn and then headed back over to Quabbin Park and then Covey WMA on Sunday.  Sunday was a more productive day with the winds staying a bit calmer for longer in the morning.  I had a little pulse of raptors moving at Quabbin Park mid morning at Quabbin with 13 Broad-wings, an Osprey, a Northern Harrier and three each of Bald Eagle and Turkey Vulture.  On Sunday I had my first eight warbler species day of the season including my first Yellow Warbler as well as the continuing Blackburnian, several each of Black and White and Black-throated Green, the Louisiana Waterthrush at the house plus many each of Pine, Palm and Yellow-rumped Warblers.  Other birds of note included three Eastern Meadowlarks along the rail trail as well as a few vocal Brown Thrashers plus a very cooperative Pileated Woodpecker.  Overall a good weekend despite the less than warm temperatures.

Yellow-rumped Warbler, Rail trail-Amherst, MA, April 29, 2012

Pine Warbler, Rail trail-Amherst, MA, April 29, 2012

Yellow-rumped Warbler, Rail trail-Amherst, MA, April 29, 2012

Yellow-rumped Warbler, Rail trail-Amherst, MA, April 29, 2012

Birthday birding

Palm Warbler (yellow), Gate 9-Quabbin, April 25, 2012

Yellow-rumped Warbler (Myrtle), Gate 9-Quabbin, April 25, 2012

Black and White Warbler, Gate 9-Quabbin, April 25, 2012

Song Sparrow, Gate 9-Quabbin, April 25, 2012

Black capped Chickadee, Gate 9-Quabbin, April 25, 2012

I took the day off from work today for my birthday and spent the morning exploring various areas around Quabbin trying to find some new arrivals.  I did not find any new species for this migration season but still had some good birds.  I was really hoping to find a southern warbler (Yellow-throated, Prothonotary, etc) that was carried north by the southern winds of last week and the storm over the weekend.  Despite my best efforts I had no luck finding any.  The day started out at a chilly 35 and warmed up to the mid 50's before the breeze really kicked in and cooled it down a bit again.  I started the day Quabbin Park.  I had a few loons and eagles in the usual spots.  The Blackburnian Warbler present near Goodnough Dike was still there this morning.  The number of Chipping Sparrows, Eastern Towhees and Yellow-rumped Warblers continue to go up.  I also ran across a pair of very vocal Cooper's Hawks copulating just off the road.  The male was then breaking off sticks and carrying them into the nest site.  I next headed for Quabbin Gate 9 (more accurately the large marsh opposite Gate 9).  I ran into a nice large group of warbler here with several coming in quite close for good looks.  After walking as far as I could there I headed up to Gate 12 and walked down about a half mile.  Quite a few woodpeckers in the area as well as a calling Broad-winged Hawk low over the trees.  I then headed down to Gate 8 and drove down to the end.  It was quite quiet here so I didn't stay too long.  A couple other quick stops didn't produce any birds of note.  I stopped briefly at home and picked up Wilson and he headed to Covey WMA for a long walk around the area.  Some good birds but nothing out of the ordinary.  During the afternoon I had a few Broad-wings streaming north very high up but little else.

Arizona trip continued

Broad-billed Hummingbird on nest

I just returned from a weeklong trip out to Arizona spending time around Tucson.  Yet another successful and interesting trip out west.  The total for the trip included a total of 155 species of birds, 17 new species in Arizona (total now at 205 for the state) and two life birds: Black-capped Gnatcatcher and Flammulated Owl.

Lucy's Warbler, Tucson, AZ, April 7, 2012

Curve-billed Thrasher, Tucson, AZ, April 8, 2012

Hooded Oriole males fighting in front of female, Tucson, April 7, 2012 (taken through window)

Black-tailed Gnatcatcher, Saguaro NP, April 8, 2012

Black and White Warbler, Tanque Verde Wash, Tucson, AZ, April 8, 2012

Cassin's Vireo, Tanque Verde Wash, Tucson, AZ, April 8, 2012

The first full day in Arizona I spent by making a predawn trip up to Mount Lemmon to try for some owls and nightjars.   I made it up as far as Rose Canyon and had Great Horned Owls, Whiskered Screech Owls and Common Poorwills.  I spent a little time around Rose Canyon looking for upper elevation birds before escaping the hordes of people out for their early morning Easter outings.  I made my way back down the mountain to Tanque Verde Wash and spent a couple hours there.  Highlights included a pair of Harris Hawks, Gray Hawks and a variety of migrant passerines including an unusual Black and White Warbler.  After mid morning I made it back to the rental house and then we headed out to explore the east unit of Saguaro National Park before it got too hot.  By midday the temperatures had reached around 90 so we headed back to find some shade.

Cinnamon Teal, Patagonia Lake SP, April 9, 2012

Rufous Hummingbird, Paton's yard, Patagonia, AZ, April 9, 2012

Violet-crowned Hummingbird, Paton's yard, Patagonia, AZ, April 9, 2012

Vermilion Flycatcher nest, Patagonia Lake SP, April 9, 2012

On April 9^th we took a trip down to Patagonia Lake State Park to try and catch up with a reported Black-capped Gnatcatcher that has been seen along one of the washes there.  We arrived a little before 7:30 and headed out on the trail around the pond.  The pond held a variety of waterfowl including a flock of 13 Lesser Scaup with a male Redhead in among them plus a couple Eared Grebes, Cinnamon and Green-winged Teal, Mallards and loads of American Coots.  The trail along the lake with its various washes were quite active and we found a couple Vermilion Flycatcher nests, many migrant birds working through the trees and after a bit of looking, a vocal Black-capped Gnatcatcher which provided my first life bird of the trip.  After a few hours at Patagonia Lake we headed to Patagonia-Sonoita Creek Preserve which we quickly discovered to our dismay was closed for the day.  I didn’t check on it before hand so I couldn’t be too upset about it.  We quickly changed our plans and stopped at the famous Paton’s yard a little earlier than expected.  It has been years since I have been there and it was much as I remember it.  As usual the hummingbird (and other bird) show did not disappoint with numerous species constantly coming into the feeders including Violet-crowned (this is the most regular spot in the US for the species), Broad-billed, Black-chinned, Rufous, and Anna’s  Hummingbirds.  In addition there was a nice selection of other birds such as White-throated Sparrows, Lazuli Buntings, Lark Sparrows, Great Egret and many others.  A truly special place that thankfully remains open to the public.  After an hour plus of watching the activity we headed back north stopping at one of the local wineries before heading back to Tucson.

Cooper's Hawk with nest material, Sweetwater Wetlands, April 10, 2012

Ruddy Duck, Sweetwater Wetlands, April 10, 2012

American Avocets, Sweetwater Wetlands, April 10, 2012

Northern Shovelers in flight, Sweetwater Wetlands, April 10, 2012

 The morning of our fourth day found us heading west through Tucson to the Sweetwater Wetlands area.  I got dropped off here and spent the entire morning exploring the various ponds, hedgerows and recharge basins.  As usual a great variety of birds were present with a great selection of waterfowl including Gadwall, 140+ Northern Shovelers, Pied-billed Grebe, Mallards, American Coots, Common Gallinule and Cinnamon, Blue-wined and Green-winged Teal.  The trees around the various ponds held some migrants but not as many warblers as I have had in the past.  The recharge basins were very active with Sora, American Avocet, Black-necked Stilts, Long-billed Dowitchers, a Solitary Sandpiper, peeps, White-faced Ibis, Great Blue Heron and a variety of swallow species including a Tree, Violet-green, Barn, Northern-rough winged and Bank.  I found quite a few birds here I have never had before in Arizona.  The temperature reached near 90 by midday as we headed back east.

Great Horned Owl nest with adult and two owlets, Tanque Verde Wash, April 9, 2012

Despite the heat I decided to take an afternoon walk along Tanque Verde wash and see what I might find.  There was not a lot of activity but still some birds moving around and vocalizing.  The surprise was a Great Horned Owl that called.  I eventually came across the nest high in a cottonwood.  There was an adult with two owlets in the nest.

Sunset from Mt Lemmon, April 9, 2012

In the evening we took a trip up Mount Lemmon as far as Windy Point to watch the sunset.  It is a beautiful spot to watch the sunset over the west end of the Catalina’s.  While waiting for the sun to set there were a pair of Peregrine Falcons that buzzed through the mountains as well as kiting Red-tailed Hawk and a Merlin that was heading north just after the sun had set.  Once it got dark we headed down to the Middle Bear picnic area where I had my second life bird of the trip, a Flammulated Owl.

On the 11^th of April I stayed around the local area of the east end of Tucson visiting Aqua Caliente Park, Tanque Verde Wash and Saguaro National Park again.  By late morning it once again had gotten quite warm with temperatures near 90 and a strong wind blowing.   As usual Aqua Caliente Park was fairly birdy before crowds arrived but got quiet later on.  Not too much of note today bird wise.

Broad-billed Hummingbird, Florida Canyon, April 12, 2012

White-throated Swifts, Florida Canyon, April 12, 2012

Golden Eagle soaring distantly over hills, Florida Canyon, April 12, 2012

On April 12 we headed south to the Madera Canyon area to spend the night at the Chuparosa Inn.  Before heading into Madera Canyon we made a stop at Florida Canyon to try to find the Rufous-capped Warblers that have been seen in the area.  I was surprised to find the parking lot quite full when we arrived.  I ran across several birders along the trail and no one had any luck.  Unfortunately there were several photographers and birders present that had used tapes to try and lure the birds in but instead seem to have scared the birds off (or at least forced them to be silent).  Although strictly against the rules in this area and certainly unethical given the unusual nature of the bird in the United States it didn’t stop them.  I searched high and low for the bird but had no luck.  There were other nice birds in Florida Canyon including Rufous capped Sparrow, a high flying Golden Eagle, White-throated Swifts, various flycatchers, warblers and hummingbirds.  We next travelled into Madera Canyon proper taking various walks in the canyon on yet another warm and sunny day.  Stops included the Proctor road area, Madera Canyon picnic area, Santa Rita Lodge, Madera Kubo and eventually the Chuparosa Inn.  The evening produced a few owls around the Chuparosa Inn including Elf and Whiskered Screech Owls.

Painted Redstart, Madera Canyon, April 13, 2012

Scott's Oriole, Madera Canyon, April 13, 2012

I started my morning in Madera Canyon before dawn visiting various spots in the canyon from Proctor Road up through the Mt. Wrightson parking area.  I managed to find five species of owls including Great Horned, Western Screech, Whiskered Screech, Elf and Northern Pygmy Owls plus Mexican Whip-Poor-Wills and Common Poorwills before the sun rose.  The day started out at a frosty 38 degrees and eventually warmed into the 80’s.  After dawn I headed up the Carrie Nation trail up past the Vault Mine trail to look for Elegant Trogons.  I had at least two vocal individuals with one fairly low down the canyon but over the top of the ridge and the other about .25 miles past the intersection with the Vault Mine trail.  I never got a good look at the birds but they were quite vocal at times.  After coming back down canyon I walked a few other sections of the trail along Madera Creek and spent a few minutes checking the feeders at the Santa Rita Lodge and Madera Kubo before heading back to the Chuparosa Inn before checking out and heading back over the Florida Canyon to try my luck one more time.  I didn’t expect much given the fact it was early afternoon and had warmed up considerably.  No luck again with the warbler but there were still some birds out and about.  We then made the drive back north to Tucson.

The last day in Tucson dawned cloudy, cool and rainy.  I tried a walk at Saguaro NP but got rained out.  The temperature never made it out of the 40’s and it continued to be rainy and windy.  Oddly the weather back some was some 20 degrees warmer for the day so it made it a bit easier to leave and head home.

Additional photos from the trip can be found at my Flickr site.  I will continue to add more photos as I have time.  Here is the link to the site:

http://www.flickr.com/photos/54277284@N05/sets/72157629468744500/

The rain arrives

Although yesterday turned out to be nicer than predicted with early AM clouds giving way to sun and temperatures in the mid-70's today turned out to be as predicted with early low clouds turning to drizzle and then rain with temperatures not making it out of the 40's.  Yesterday I met up with Ian Davies and we birded several areas including areas around UMASS, the Amherst rail trail, Mitch's Way in Hadley and a brief stop at the bottom of Skinner SP.  Not much in the way of new birds around but some increase in the number of previously seen migrants.  Before meeting up with Ian yesterday morning I stopped briefly at Winsor Dam and had two Bonaparte's Gulls as well as a calling Common Loon, a Brown Thrasher and eight Common Mergansers.  Today I headed back through Quabbin Park and Covey WMA before the rain.  At Winsor Dam the only bird of note was a breeding plumage Red-necked Grebe.  Within Quabbin Park itself the previously discovered Blackburnian Warbler continues singing in the same area.  There were good numbers of Black and White, Yellow-rumped and Pine Warblers around as well as Eastern Towhees and Chipping Sparrows in good numbers.  The windy conditions kept some of the birds down a bit I'm sure.  At Covey WMA I tried to find some rails and/or bitterns but had no luck.  Again some nice numbers of recent arrivals but nothing obviously new from the previous few days.  The forecast is for the rain to continue heavy through tomorrow with flooding possible.  Amazing the change from one day to the next.  At least it is warm enough to be rain and not snow which would be a repeat of the October snow storm as many trees around have got leaves on them already.

Blackburian Warbler and Bonaparte's Gulls and many others at Quabbin Park

Bonaparte's Gull, Quabbin Park, MA, April 20, 2012

Bonaparte's Gulls, Quabbin Park, MA, April 20, 2012

Bonaparte's Gull, Quabbin Park, MA, April 20, 2012

I started this morning right around six at Winsor Dam before heading into Quabbin Park.  Out on the water was a Common Loon and a group of gulls.  Once I got the scope on the gulls I noticed three smaller gulls near the Ring-billed Gulls which turned out to be Bonaparte's Gulls.  Not completely unexpected but some years I don't see any.  There was also a very vocal Brown Thrasher near the parking lot as well as three swallow species including Northern-rough winged.  A flyby Osprey as well as Bald Eagles bringing food to the nest finished off the noteworthy sightings from here.  After several minutes the gulls took flight and headed southwest not to be seen again.  I then headed through Quabbin Park itself.

Blackburnian Warbler, Quabbin Park, MA, April 20, 2012

Blackburnian Warbler, Quabbin Park, MA, April 20, 2012

As I went through Quabbin park I ran across a male Blackburnian Warbler near the entrance to Goodnough Dike. I heard it singing over and over but it took quite a bit of time to track it down and get some marginal ID photos of it. A very early date for this species here in Massachusetts. Also had four other warbler species (including a Pine Warbler carrying nest material) so managed five total for the day.  Other highlights included a couple cormorants, 11 Yellow-bellied Sapsuckers, five Blue-headed Vireos, a Winter Wren singing, a couple singing Hermit Thrush's, 19 Eastern Towhees, four Blue-gray Gnatcatchers, lots of Chipping Sparrows and a Purple Finch.  Certainly a large influx of birds last night.

Amherst rail trail

I decided to catch up on migration around here this morning by meeting up with Ian Davies and Evan Dalton on the rail trail in Amherst to see what new migrants came in last night on some southerly winds.  The day started off a bit foggy and cool with a temperature around 36 at dawn.  Before they arrived around 6am I had a Hermit Thrush on the trail as well as many White-throated Sparrows.  We walked from Mill Lane down nearly to Station Road.  We heard a Northern Waterthrush up toward Mill Lane, a vocal and cooperative Black and White Warbler, a couple Blue-gray Gnatcatcher, an American Woodcock just off the trail preening, and a distant Blue-headed Vireo.  On the way out we also had a calling Brown Thrasher.  Nothing too unusual but a few new birds certainly had come in.

Arizona Part 1 -Tucson area, Mt Lemmon, Saguaro NP

Gambel's Quail, Tucson, AZ, April 7, 2012

I just returned from a week long trip out to Arizona spending time around Tucson.  Yet another successful and interesting trip out west.  The total for the trip included a total of 155 species of birds, 17 new species in Arizona (total now at 205 for the state) and two life birds: Black-capped Gnatcatcher and Flammulated Owl.

Fighting Hooded Orioles, Tucson, AZ, April 7, 2012

Hooded Oriole, Tucson, AZ, April 7, 2012

Red-tailed Hawk, Tucson, AZ, April 7, 2012

Mourning Dove, Tucson, AZ, April 7, 2012

After arriving midday I spent the day around our house rental finding several birds right at the house.  Nothing too unusual but the vocal and active Hooded Oriole provided some great entertainment.

Yellow-eyed Junco, Mt Lemmon, April 8, 2012

Cassin's Vireo, Tanque Verde Wash, Tucson, AZ, April 8, 2012

Black-tailed Gnatcatcher, Saguaro NP, AZ, April 8, 2012

Black and White Warbler, Tanque Verde Wash, Tucson, AZ, April 8, 2012

Curve-billed Thrasher, Tucson, AZ, April 8, 2012

The first full day in Arizona I spent by making a pre dawn trip up to Mount Lemmon to try for some owls and nightjars.   I made it up as far as Rose Canyon and had Great Horned Owls, Whiskered Screech Owls and Common Poorwills.  I spent a little time around Rose Canyon looking for upper elevation birds before escaping the hordes of people out for their early morning Easter outings.  There was a selection of typical higher elevation birds including a leg tagged yellow-eyed Junco.  I made my way back down the mountain to Tanque Verde Wash and spent a couple hours there.  Highlights included a pair of Harris Hawks, Gray Hawks and a variety of migrant passerines including an unusual Black and White Warbler.  After mid morning I made it back to the rental house and then we headed out to explore the east unit of Saguaro National Park before it got too hot.  By midday the temperatures had reached around 90 so we headed back to find some shade.