The first week of November has come to an end and although it started off cold with lows down in the 20's and highs in the 40's it eventually warmed a bit by the end of the period. I was fighting the tail end of a cold to start the new month plus I had multiple busy days at work so did not get out birding as much as I would have liked. Nonetheless I got out some and found a number of lingering species including a very late Wilson's Warbler. I only got out a little on the 1st to take Wilson for a walk before the arrival of some rain and snow but did find a few good species including a late Eastern Towhee. Wilson was certainly happy to see at least a little snow.
A chilly morning started off the second day of the month and I made a number of stops and the highlights included a Eastern Phoebe, a Blue headed Vireo, another late Eastern Towhee, a Clay colored Sparrow and a number of Turkey Vultures. Although quite chilly the brilliant sun took the edge off.
Work on Friday kept birding to a minimum as it was just too dark to go far in the morning before heading in. Once I was free from work on Saturday morning I made my first attempt to locate the Wilson's Warbler that has been hanging out at the botanic garden at Mount Holyoke College. I had no luck finding the warbler but the cool temps and the early morning visit probably kept the bird less active. I had some better luck finding late warblers at UMASS with at least two (possibly three) Common Yellowthroats around the campus pond.
I had a little more light in the morning on Sunday thanks to the return to standard time and I took advantage by spending some time at Silvio Conte NWR-Fort River and turned up three Northern Harriers (including one vocalizing a bit) and an Eastern Meadowlark plus the collection of starlings at the location mimicking a number of species.
After getting out of work on Monday morning I tried again for the Wilson's Warbler in South Hadley and this time I had more success after about 45 minutes of looking. It was great to see the bird still around and looking quite content. I made a few other stops on my home and added a few more notable species including several Turkey Vultures, a continued Eastern Meadowlark and a Palm Warbler.
To end out the week I started along the rail trail in Ware and despite the breezy conditions and no sun (and a little rain at the end) I found a continued late Eastern Towhee and some other expected species. I made a few other brief stops and struck out on finding anything unusual. Eventually the day got sunny (at least at times) and the temps topped off in the mid 60's...not a bad way to end the first week of November. Still waiting the big arrival of waterfowl.
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