Our very cold weather continues with a brief respite for a few days with highs that finally broke freezing (barely). The brutal cold certainly killed off some half hardy species trying to overwinter. Most open water has now frozen over with even Quabbin nearly frozen solid (something that has not happened in several years). The lack of open water has concentrated the remaining waterfowl still hanging in the area and has resulted in some unusual species and impressive counts of others. Unfortunately bird flu has started to impact the area and the most obvious victims so far has been waterfowl and the concentrating of the ducks and geese around will only spread it faster. I continue to have a great start to the year with an impressive 103 species in Hampshire County, my second highest total for the month ever with only 2021 beating it with a 105 species total. Although there are a few days left in the month this total will be where January ends for me here as I head to the tropics of Costa Rica...much more on that when I get back.
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