Some unusual sightings the last couple days

Clay colored Sparrow, Orchard Arboretum, Amherst, MA, May 20, 2020 

Clay colored Sparrow, Orchard Arboretum, Amherst, MA, May 20, 2020 

Clay colored Sparrow, Orchard Arboretum, Amherst, MA, May 20, 2020 

Common Raven with white throat, Orchard Arboretum, Amherst, MA, May 20, 2020 

Black and White Warbler with unusual coloration, Rail Trail, Amherst, MA, May 19, 2020 

Wilson's Warbler, Rail Trail, Amherst, MA, May 19, 2020

The last several days have brought in lots of new migrants with the peak of diversity occurring now. A typical morning produces at least a hundred species without an extreme amount of effort at this time of year. There have also been a number of unusual species the last few days including a Least Bittern at an undisclosed location and a Clay colored Sparrow seen and heard in Amherst (found by Mary today).  Unusual plumaged birds have also shown up the last few days with an oddly colored Black and White Warbler yesterday and a Common Raven with a white throat today.

Pied billed Grebe chicks, Belchertown, MA, May 20, 2020

Pied billed Grebe chicks, Belchertown, MA, May 20, 2020

Gray Catbird nest with egg, Home, Belchertown, MA, May 19, 2020

Eastern Phoebe nest with eggs, Home, Belchertown, MA, May 19, 2020

Tree Swallow nest with egg, Home, Belchertown, MA, May 19, 2020

Breeding is also well under way for a number of species, both around the house and elsewhere. The most notable find by far was evidence of successful breeding by Pied billed Grebes (a state listed endangered species and a very rare breeder). I suspected they might breed this year but it was only confirmed recently. The yard has multiple species with active nests and the remaining nest of Hooded Mergansers should fledge any day.