Least Bittern, Rail trail, Amherst, MA, May 17, 2024
Least Bittern, Rail trail, Amherst, MA, May 17, 2024
Least Bittern, Rail trail, Amherst, MA, May 17, 2024
Least Bittern, Rail trail, Amherst, MA, May 17, 2024
Although I have been concentrating on finding warblers at the handful of areas I have been walking a lot the last few weeks, I also have my eyes out for everything else. There have been a few recent reports of a Least Bittern along the rail trail and although I have walked by the area several times and listened and looked I had no luck until today. I arrived in the area and started scanning the reeds with no luck for a few minutes and I figured it was probably too late in the morning or the bird was not around. As I was getting ready to continue my walk I heard the bittern calling (its a low call that is easily lost among the chatter of everything else in a wetland). I then really intently started scanning and after a few minutes I had the bittern perched up about a foot in the reeds where it stayed for a few minutes before disappearing. I thought there might have been two individuals calling but it may have been the same bird just moving around a bit. Least Bittern is a rare species in the county and a tough one to actually see. These were probably some of the best looks I have ever gotten of the species around here. They have bred in the same general area for a few years so hopefully they will do so again.
Blue Jay carrying nest material, Rail trail, Amherst, MA, May 17, 2024
Blue Jay building nest, Rail trail, Amherst, MA, May 17, 2024
Rose breasted Grosbeak, Rail trail, Amherst, MA, May 17, 2024
American Redstart building nest, Quabbin Park, MA, May 17, 2024
Chestnut sided Warbler, Quabbin Park, MA, May 17, 2024
Ovenbird looking very irritated by the arrival of another Ovenbird, Quabbin Park, MA, May 17, 2024
Red eyed Vireo, Quabbin Park, MA, May 17, 2024
Ruby throated Hummingbird, Quabbin Park, MA, May 17, 2024
Although migration conditions have been poor the last few nights as we continue to get northerly winds I still made the most of seeing what species are around and getting down to nesting for the season. I came across several species collecting nest material and building nests. It was just nice to have a sunny and calm morning after a few raining ones...good for mental and physical health for sure.
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