Big influx of migrants yesterday and birds around the house today.

Cape May Warbler, Quabbin Park, MA, May 15, 2020

Ovenbird, Quabbin Park, MA, May 15, 2020

Ruby throated Hummingbird, Quabbin Park, MA, May 15, 2020

The wave of migrants finally arrived yesterday and continued into today. The weather yesterday was perfect for both the arrival of birds and for prolonged viewing as the night featured southerly winds with occasional showers and the morning featured low clouds and calm conditions through mid morning. I thought there was a chance of birds being forced down from the rain but that didn’t materialize here (the Berkshires had some waterbird grounded including Brant and scoters). With nothing at Winsor Dam at first light I decided I would spend my morning in Quabbin Park and I was not disappointed. The morning featured large numbers of migrants including loads of warblers and lots of others, totaling 102 species in the park alone. A really epic day for birding at Quabbin for sure despite not feeling great.

Black capped Chickadee collecting nest material..Wilson's fur, Home, Belchertown, MA, May 16, 2020

Yellow rumped Warbler with white head, Home, Belchertown, MA, May 16, 2020

Gray Catbird with leg bands, Home, Belchertown, MA, May 16, 2020

Wilson's Warbler photo bombing a Black capped Chickadee, Home, Belchertown, MA, May 16, 2020

Last night into today was the annual Mass Audubon bird a thon but with an odd twist due to the on going pandemic. This year the birds would count if found on foot or by bike only...for social distancing I guess. I took advantage of this and birded from the yard for most of the day and found around 60 species with highlights including Virginia Rail and 15 species of warbler including Tennessee, Wilson’s and Canada Warblers. The oddest warbler was a Yellow rumped Warbler with a white head...an unusual looking bird.  I also got to watch a chickadee picking up pieces of Wilson’s fur and carry it away to its nest. During a few other short walks I added a few other new species for me for the year in the county including a few rarities.