Nesting Red headed Woodpeckers and loads of Red Crossbills in Montague

Red headed Woodpecker, Montague Sand Plains, Montague, MA, Jun 24, 2026

Red headed Woodpecker, Montague Sand Plains, Montague, MA, Jun 24, 2026

Red headed Woodpecker, Montague Sand Plains, Montague, MA, Jun 24, 2026

Red headed Woodpecker, Montague Sand Plains, Montague, MA, Jun 24, 2026

Red headed Woodpecker, Montague Sand Plains, Montague, MA, Jun 24, 2026

Red Crossbills Type 12, Montague Sand Plains, Montague, MA, Jun 24, 2026

Common Ravens, Montague Sand Plains, Montague, MA, Jun 24, 2026

Sunrise, Montague Sand Plains, Montague, MA, Jun 24, 2026

I did some more guiding this morning for a birder from India with the main goal being seeing a Red headed Woodpecker.  Initially we were going to try for the one that showed up at Quabbin Park on June 20th.  Although I had it the following day and it was very cooperative, subsequent visits the next two mornings failed to turn it up.  With the Quabbin Park bird far from certain we made the decision to make the drive up to the Montague Sand Plains instead where there have been multiple individuals for several weeks.  I seldom head up there but it is a very unique habitat in this area and a fantastic birding spot.  We arrived a bit after sunrise and were greeted by a family of very vocal Common Ravens and then started our walk out through the sand plains.  Beyond the usual species expected here in numbers (such as Field Sparrows, Eastern Towhees and Prairie Warblers) we had multiple flyover groups of Red Crossbills.  The vast majority were Type 12 but we did have at least one that almost certainly was a Type 4 (sadly my attempted recording failed to capture it so it will have to remain as unconfirmed).  Thanks to some fantastic directions we were able to find the Red headed Woodpecker at a nest site.  We were able to watch from a distance the largely silent birds move around the area and come out of the nest where they are very likely sitting on eggs (Red headed Woodpecker is a very rare breeding species here so having them likely nesting is quite notable).  After watching the Red headed Woodpeckers for a bit, as well as an active Northern Flicker nest nearby, we continued our walk and eventually had a couple Red Crossbills actual land so we could see them perched in a pine.  On our return walk we once again stopped briefly in the area of the nest and got to see the changing of the guard at the nest hole...very cool to see.

Eastern Whip Poor Will surveys and guiding for a visitor from India

 

Porcupine, Prescott Peninsula, New Salem, MA, Jun 5, 2025

Goodnough Dike at sunset, Quabbin Park, MA, Jun 4, 2025

I conducted my first Eastern Whip Poor Will surveys on Wednesday night.  The first route consists of six stops within Quabbin Park and then four more going south of Quabbin.  It was a very successful survey with Eastern Whip Poor Wills heard at all but the last stop with a total of 16 individuals at survey stops and another nine heard between stops.  It was a perfect night for the survey despite a lot of mosquitoes.  Other highlights of the route included a Great Horned Owl perched on the wall of the dike and at least three Porcupines.

My second survey occurred last night on the restricted access Prescott Peninsula.  It was a warm evening with loads of mosquitoes.  When I arrived at the first stop at the lower end of the peninsula I was greeted by a Porcupine in almost the same tree I had a family of Black Bears greet me a few years ago.  Certainly quite lucky with seeing Porcupines on these surveys this year!  Although the high clouds shielded the moon a bit the light was still enough to see fairly well throughout and should have been good for the birds but I had a very low count overall with just three Eastern Whip Poor Wills at survey points plus one in-between stops.  All were in the first three stops at the lower end of the peninsula.  The habitat at the more northern stops seems to have gotten better for the species but there were none to be found.  Although the count of Eastern Whip Poor Wills was less than I hoped I did have Barred Owls at two stops including at least one juvenile calling with an adult nearby.

Indigo Bunting, Skinner SP, Hadley/South Hadley, MA, Jun 4, 2025

Common Raven, Skinner SP, Hadley/South Hadley, MA, Jun 4, 2025

Ovenbird, Skinner SP, Hadley/South Hadley, MA, Jun 4, 2025

Cerulean Warbler with leg bands, Skinner SP, Hadley/South Hadley, MA, Jun 4, 2025

Wood Ducks, Lake Wallace, Belchertown, MA, Jun 3, 2025

Chestnut sided Warbler, Quabbin Park, MA, Jun 3, 2025

Red winged Blackbird feeding young at nest, Rail Trail, Amherst, MA, Jun 2, 2025

Short tailed Weasel, Rail Trail, Amherst, MA, Jun 2, 2025

Semipalmated Plover, East Meadows, Northampton, MA, Jun 2, 2025

Semipalmated Sandpiper, East Meadows, Northampton, MA, Jun 2, 2025

I was able to guide for a visitor from India for a few hours for three mornings earlier this week and thankfully the weather cooperated quite well despite some cool morning starts.  I had to shift my other commitments around a bit and keep the birding to just a few hours in the morning but it was great to show someone all the great stuff we have around the area despite not being in a major birding area.  This was the second time I guided for her with the first time being last fall.  We covered a variety of areas from the farm fields along the river where we had a decent selection of shorebirds to Quabbin Park and Skinner State Park for a wide variety of forest birds plus a few other brief stops.  Overall we had 98 species with many of those being life birds for her.  We also had some fantastic mammals sightings with a close encounter with a Short tailed Weasel, Black Bear and a selection of other more common stuff.

Some unusual sightings the last couple days

Clay colored Sparrow, Orchard Arboretum, Amherst, MA, May 20, 2020 

Clay colored Sparrow, Orchard Arboretum, Amherst, MA, May 20, 2020 

Clay colored Sparrow, Orchard Arboretum, Amherst, MA, May 20, 2020 

Common Raven with white throat, Orchard Arboretum, Amherst, MA, May 20, 2020 

Black and White Warbler with unusual coloration, Rail Trail, Amherst, MA, May 19, 2020 

Wilson's Warbler, Rail Trail, Amherst, MA, May 19, 2020

The last several days have brought in lots of new migrants with the peak of diversity occurring now. A typical morning produces at least a hundred species without an extreme amount of effort at this time of year. There have also been a number of unusual species the last few days including a Least Bittern at an undisclosed location and a Clay colored Sparrow seen and heard in Amherst (found by Mary today).  Unusual plumaged birds have also shown up the last few days with an oddly colored Black and White Warbler yesterday and a Common Raven with a white throat today.

Pied billed Grebe chicks, Belchertown, MA, May 20, 2020

Pied billed Grebe chicks, Belchertown, MA, May 20, 2020

Gray Catbird nest with egg, Home, Belchertown, MA, May 19, 2020

Eastern Phoebe nest with eggs, Home, Belchertown, MA, May 19, 2020

Tree Swallow nest with egg, Home, Belchertown, MA, May 19, 2020

Breeding is also well under way for a number of species, both around the house and elsewhere. The most notable find by far was evidence of successful breeding by Pied billed Grebes (a state listed endangered species and a very rare breeder). I suspected they might breed this year but it was only confirmed recently. The yard has multiple species with active nests and the remaining nest of Hooded Mergansers should fledge any day.

Breeding Bird Survey route completed for another year

Bobolink, Monson, MA, Jun 9, 2019

Wood Duck walking through a freshly plowed field (nowhere near any water), Monson, MA, Jun 9, 2019

Common Ravens, Palmer, MA, Jun 9, 2019

I completed my annual Breeding Bird Survey route today under perfect conditions with sunny skies, low humidity, no breeze and temperatures starting off in the high 40's and topping off near 60 by the end of the route.  The route starts in Belchertown and continues south to the Connecticut line with three minute stops every half mile.  This is now my tenth year conducting the survey and this one turned out to have the highest diversity yet with a total of 83 species with 1273 individuals (more details on previous years at the bottom of the post).

The ten most abundant species are listed in the table below (% of sightings for all stops)

Red eyed Vireo                           80%
American Robin                         72%
Chipping Sparrow                      70%
Northern Cardinal                      60%
Gray Catbird                              56%
Ovenbird                                    50%
Common Yellowthroat               46%
Mourning Dove                          46%
American Redstart                     42%
House Wren                               40%

Among the 83 species were a number notable sightings including Fish Crows, an Osprey, a Red shouldered Hawk, multiple Black billed and Yellow billed Cuckoos, Willow Flycatchers and 13 species of warbler including a late Blackpoll Warbler, a Nashville Warbler and two Canada Warblers.  Of those mentioned above five are new for the route..at least as long as I have been conducting it (the five new species are Blackpoll Warbler, Osprey, Fish Crow, Nashville Warbler and Willow Flycatcher).  I have now seen a total of 105 species while conducting the route since taking it over in 2010.  Total number of species seen for each year I have conducted the survey below:

year                 # of species

2010                 71

2011                 64

2012                 56

2013                 67

2014                 70

2015                 75

2016                 78

2017                 73

2018                 71

2019                 83

CATTLE EGRET in Hadley plus a Cape May Warbler and a huge group of Common Ravens

Cape May Warbler, UMASS, Amherst, MA, May 7, 2017

Cape May Warbler, UMASS, Amherst, MA, May 7, 2017

Yellow rumped Warbler, UMASS, Amherst, MA, May 7, 2017

Black throated Green Warbler, UMASS, Amherst, MA, May 7, 2017

Common Ravens (part of group of 67), UMASS, Amherst, MA, May 7, 2017

Although I didn't have high hopes in finding lots of stuff this morning given the weather conditions of cool temperatures and a steady breeze I was pleasantly surprised.  I started off at Orchard Hill at UMASS and although it began rather slow it eventually got active.  The first notable sighting began when I heard some Common Ravens calling and looked up and noticed a group of several moving north to south which quickly grew and grew as more and more birds streamed by.  My total ended up at at least 67 individuals!  Easily the largest group of raven I have ever had here in spring (or even fall for that matter when larger groups are more likely to occur).  I have no idea where they came from or where they were going.  The big question is why there would be such a large group of this species when they should be paired off and nesting.  Perhaps it was all juvenile birds that were not ready to breed...very interesting.  As I was making my last pass through the top of the ridge on the way back to my car I could hear a few Yellow rumped Warblers and Northern Parulas calling so I got closer to investigate them and found a large mixed species flock that contained lots of good stuff with the highlight being a stunning male Cape May Warbler.  Although it never strayed far from the very tops of the trees it still provided some great looks and vocalized quite a bit.  Scott arrived and I was able to get him on the bird right away.  It was nice to see Orchard Hill produce some good stuff again.  The Cape May Warbler stayed in view for 25+ minutes and only moved down the ridge and out of site just before I left (and Joe arrived after getting my message)....hopefully he relocated it.  I also hit a few more spots on campus but I didn't find too much and the skies looked threatening and eventually produced some rain.  Full lists:
http://ebird.org/ebird/view/checklist/S36613506
http://ebird.org/ebird/view/checklist/S36614172

American Redstart, Quabbin Park, MA, May 7, 2017

Winsor Dam, Quabbin Park, MA, May 7, 2017

As the rain stopped on my way home and the clouds parted a bit allowing for the occasional break of sun I headed through Quabbin Park to see what I could find.  I didn't hit as many spots as I typically do and the cool temperatures breeze made it a little bit tough to get loads of birds.  Nothing too out of the ordinary but I did find my first Swainson's Thrush of the season plus the continued hybird Blue winged x Golden winged Warbler.  Full list with more photos here:  http://ebird.org/ebird/view/checklist/S36616184

Cattle Egret, East Hadley Rd, Hadley, MA, May 7, 2017

Cattle Egret, East Hadley Rd, Hadley, MA, May 7, 2017

Cattle Egret, East Hadley Rd, Hadley, MA, May 7, 2017

I was doing some projects around the house in the middle of the afternoon and was about to go outside and cut the grass for the first time this season when my phone rang and changed those plans.  Scott was calling to tell me about a Cattle Egret in Hadley that apparently was found late mid/late morning and was still there.  I immediately headed that way and thankfully the bird was still present when I arrived.  I got some great scope views and a few photos and video before I drove down the road toward the bird where I got a few more photos in passing on the very busy East Hadley Road.  The bird looked quite content and was actively feeding the entire time I watched it.  The egret was a new bird for my Hampshire County list becoming species #292.  Hard to believe I managed to get two new county birds in less than a week (Painted Bunting on May 2)...I have not had so many new county birds since Hurricane Irene!  Full album with additional photos and video here:  https://www.flickr.com/photos/54277284@N05/albums/72157681657658510

Yellow rumped Warblers, Home, Belchertown, MA, May 4, 2017

Gray Catbird, Home, Belchertown, MA, May 7, 2017

Pine Warbler (female), Home, Belchertown, MA, May 7, 2017

Ruby throated Hummingbird, Home, Belchertown, MA, May 7, 2017

Mouse, Home, Belchertown, MA, May 5, 2017

I also checked the various motion cameras around the yard and found some interesting sightings on them with more warblers, another hummingbird as well as my first Gray Catbird capture of the season (no bands on this bird).  Still no luck capturing the Hooded Mergansers at the nest boxes but a mouse was out and about at 3:35am.

PACIFIC LOON at Winsor Dam!

Pacific Loon, Winsor Dam, Quabbin Park, MA, Nov 11, 2015

Pacific Loon, Winsor Dam, Quabbin Park, MA, Nov 11, 2015

Pacific Loon, Winsor Dam, Quabbin Park, MA, Nov 11, 2015

Pacific Loon, Winsor Dam, Quabbin Park, MA, Nov 11, 2015

Pacific Loon, Winsor Dam, Quabbin Park, MA, Nov 11, 2015

The forecast for today called for some strong northerly winds with a bit of rain this morning and with that in mind I headed over to Winsor Dam to see if the winds would blow in any waterfowl.  I arrived about 6:15 and the winds were quite busy out of the north with occasional rain. I set up the scope and started scanning and almost immediately came across a small, dark loon fighting through the waves.  After just a few seconds of looking I knew it was something good and as it turned and gave me a profile look I noted several field marks (small rounded head, short bill, dark back, well defined white/black demarcation line on neck and darkish face) that immediately pointed to Pacific Loon!  An absolutely crazy bird to have at Quabbin and one I hoped to find one day (see an earlier post concerning the subject here:  http://quabbinbirdingandbeyond.blogspot.com/2013/10/waterfowl-and-others-to-be-on-lookout.html.  I studied the bird for several minutes and got a few looks at the hint of a chin strap.  I  attempted some digiscoped shots but the light was just too faint to allow my phone to get an definitive photos.  As I was watching the bird it flushed off the water (thanks to a Bald Eagle) and started gaining altitude as it circled around and headed off to the southeast.  I figured the bird was gone for sure.  I then spent more time scanning and had a number of Common Loons moving by as well as a single group of half a dozen Long tailed Ducks.  A bit after seven I once again found what appeared to be the bird further out when where I had it earlier but the better light allowed for some distant shots through the scope.  Although the view was more distant the field marks were still there.  I again watched the bird for several minutes before taking my eyes off it for a little while during which it either left the area or moved beyond the ability to see it among the waves and rain.  My phone started giving me trouble (which it continued to do for the rest of the day).  I made several return trips to the dam during the rest of the morning into the afternoon with no luck relocating the bird until later in the afternoon when I once again found it even further out than before.  Once again I got a few more shots through the phone before it stopped working again.  The photos once again showed the field marks of the bird.  The loon becomes species #236 for the year which now ties my previous record from last year (a very good year so far as I was not even trying to break my old record).  More photos can be found at the following link: https://www.flickr.com/photos/54277284@N05/albums/72157661111463675

The only other western Massachusetts records I could find for Pacific Loon (from Seth and James article in Bird Observer) include one found in spring in Holyoke (1937) and four records at the lakes in Pittsfield spanning the dates of Oct 30-Dec 2 with most records from the early part of November (1938, 1943, 1964 and 1985).  I could find no records for Hampshire County so it appears to be a first county record if accepted.  Oddly two year ago to the day I found another first county record at Winsor Dam when a female King Eider passed through.  I guess November 11th is a good day to look for unusual waterfowl at Winsor Dam.

Long tailed Ducks, Winsor Dam, Quabbin Park, MA, Nov 11, 2015

Common Loon, Winsor Dam, Quabbin Park, MA, Nov 11, 2015

Common Raven, Winsor Dam, Quabbin Park, MA, Nov 11, 2015

Bald Eagle, Winsor Dam, Quabbin Park, MA, Nov 11, 2015

Oddly there was little other movement of waterfowl at Winsor Dam beyond the loons with just a half dozen Long tailed Ducks, singles of Surf and Black Scoter and a Black Duck (not a complaint just odd given the weather conditions and the time of year)  A few raptors were also up and about and moving around.  I made brief stops at other nearby spots too looking for waterfowl but didn't have much luck

Yesterday I woke up early so I headed over to Arcadia before work to try my luck at catching up with a Short eared Owl that Dave M. saw a couple days ago.  Luckily the clouds kept it dark long enough to make it over there before it got too light and the owls went to roost for the day.  I arrived a bit before six and after a few minutes of looking spotted a Short eared Owl coursing over the freshly cut fields out near the old trolley line. The owl became species #235 for Hampshire County for the year.  I heard this evening that two owls were present hunting over the fields so may try to catch up with them again if I get a chance.