Warmth and cold and a very early Louisiana Waterthrush to start April

Palm Warbler 'yellow', Lake Wallace, Belchertown, MA, Apr 3, 2026

Louisiana Waterthrush, Lake Wallace, Belchertown, MA, Apr 3, 2026

Lesser Scaup with Ring necked Ducks, Lake Wallace, Belchertown, MA, Apr 3, 2026

Mourning Dove, Rail Trail, Amherst, MA, Apr 3, 2026

Red winged Blackbird, Rail Trail, Amherst, MA, Apr 3, 2026

Common Goldeneye, Quabbin Gate 5, Belchertown, MA, Apr 3, 2026

Wilson checking out a pair of Mallards, Belchertown, MA, Apr 3, 2026

Winsor Dam, Quabbin Park, MA, Apr 2, 2026

Black capped Chickadee excavating nest hole, Rail Trail, Amherst, MA, Apr 1, 2026

Pileated Woodpecker, Rail Trail, Amherst, MA, Apr 1, 2026

Wilson enjoying the warm weather, Belchertown, MA, Apr 1, 2026

Winsor Dam, Quabbin Park, MA, Apr 1, 2026

The first three days of April have continued our seesaw weather with warmth and then cold.  We had a record warm day on the first with highs in the low 70's and then a rainy, raw day yesterday with temps in the 30's and today was a mix with cold and damp conditions in the morning and then some 60's by the end of the day.  The biggest surprise for birds so far for the month was a record early Louisiana Waterthrush today.  I have also added a few new species for the year in the county since the first with Long tailed Ducks, Chipping Sparrows and Palm Warblers.  Waterfowl continues to be around in good variety with 14 species so far.