The Sage Thrasher that was first discovered in December in Hatfield continues at least through this morning when I made the half mile icy walk in to the spot and found the bird fairly quickly. There have been just a few reports of the bird for the last few weeks as snow made access to the area quite difficult. The thrasher seemed healthy and quite content in its favored location despite all the recent snow and cold weather. Unless a predator manages to capture it I don't see any reason it will not make it through the entire winter as it has already endured some very cold and snowy weather. What happens to the bird once spring begins to arrive is anyone's guess but it will be hard pressed to make a journey back west where it belongs but who knows?
I have gotten out a bit on a few days over the last week or so between lots of time at work but many areas were tough to access due to snow and many areas of previously open water have now frozen over (including the Quabbin Reservoir). I have caught with some other continued rarities for the month including the Red headed Woodpecker in Northampton plus a few other unusual species including Black Vultures and Pine Grosbeaks (as well as a few species of owls). I also came across a partially leucistic American Robin among a large flock of the species in South Hadley. With all the snow Wilson has been super excited to go play in it and eat as much of it as he possibly can.
As the nesting season for waterfowl is rapidly approaching I took some time to get the three duck boxes ready for another season. One of the box has been used as a roosting location of a Northern Flicker for the winter and the box had lots of feathers in it. Fingers crossed for another successful season of nesting for Hooded Mergansers (and perhaps Wood Ducks).
Wilson is adorable. An Aussie? I am enjoying reading your blog. Thank you for posting. I am a newer birder trying to make more time to find the quiet with my crazy busy life it has been a challenge for the last few years. I love to pair birding with photography.
ReplyDeleteWilson is indeed an aussie. Glad you enjoy the blog. Nothing better than birding to relax from a busy life.
DeleteWe also have an aussie, but sadly we cannot take him birding. He's great at finding them....not do great at not chasing them.
ReplyDeleteAs it seems you've been birding for a while, are there any clubs around. I am using ebird and merlin but would love a local club. Any suggestions?
Not much gets past an aussie!
DeleteI assume you are in the local area. There are a number of bird clubs...Hampshire Bird Club (Hampshire and Franklin County), Allen Bird Club (Hampden County), Hoffman Bird Club (Berkshires) and others..plus there is Mass Audubon...all offer programs (curtailed a bit due to Covid now). I would also suggest some local Facebook groups such as the Western Mass Birders group.
Thank you! I am a Mass Audubon member. I have not taken a course yet but they look amazing.
DeleteAnd you guessed correct. I am local. Honeypot is one of my favorite spots. That is how I found this blog!
I will check out Hampshire Bird Club. And of course keep reading your blog.
Sounds like a good plan! Perhaps I will see you out there sometime.
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