Field surveys on Prescott Peninsula

Moose, Prescott Peninsula, New Salem, MA, Jun 12, 2022

Moose, Prescott Peninsula, New Salem, MA, Jun 12, 2022

Sunrise, Pelham Overlook, Pelham, MA, Jun 12, 2022

Waugh fields, Prescott Peninsula, New Salem, MA, Jun 12, 2022

Black and White Warbler, Prescott Peninsula, New Salem, MA, Jun 12, 2022

Pine Warbler, Prescott Peninsula, New Salem, MA, Jun 12, 2022

Chestnut sided Warbler, Prescott Peninsula, New Salem, MA, Jun 12, 2022

Wild Turkey, Prescott Peninsula, New Salem, MA, Jun 12, 2022

Least Flycatcher, Prescott Peninsula, New Salem, MA, Jun 12, 2022

White tailed Deer, Prescott Peninsula, New Salem, MA, Jun 12, 2022

Common Yellowthroat, Prescott Peninsula, New Salem, MA, Jun 12, 2022

I made the trip up to the restricted access Prescott Peninsula to conduct some field bird surveys as well as scout the route of my second Eastern Whip Poor Will survey.  I arrived at the top of the peninsula a bit before 5:30am and then started surveying the handful of fields that still exist in the area.  The vast majority of the peninsula has reverted to forest after the creation of the reservoir and the disincorporation of the four towns (including Prescott) by the state back in the 1930's.  I have conducted field surveys for Quabbin for the last several years and some of this info guides the management of the fields. Most of the largest fields are located on the north end of the peninsula and these fields hold the largest selection of field specialist species.  No big surprises for species in the fields but certainly quite a bit of evidence of breeding.  I spent about three hours conducting the surveys and checking the route for my upcoming whip poor will survey and along the way I ran across 60+ species of birds plus a large bull Moose, White tailed Deer and a large number of small mammals.

Eastern Cottontail bunny, Home, Belchertown, MA, Jun 12, 2022

While back and home and working around the yard I came across a very small bunny (probably just out of the nest) that I nearly stepped on before I noticed it.  It just sat there motionless and would not move.  I took a couple photos and then quickly moved away.  A check about a half hour later found that the little guy had disappeared to a less exposed location.