Post snowstorm birding over the weekend

American Tree Sparrow, Honey Pot, Hadley, Feb 7, 2016

Savannah Sparrows, Honey Pot, Hadley, Feb 7, 2016

Winsor Dam, Quabbin Park, MA, Feb 7, 2016

Red necked Grebe, Hank's Meadow, Quabbin Park, MA, Feb 7, 2016

I made an attempt to get over to Quabbin Park early in order to check out the waterfowl roost but the gates didn't open until too late in the morning.  Without any luck in getting into Quabbin Park itself I instead went to Winsor Dam where I had a gathering of around three hundred gulls with most being Ring billed Gulls with about a dozen Herring Gulls and two Great black backed Gulls.  With the gates still closed at Quabbin I decided to head over to Hadley and check the Honey Pot and a small part of the rail trail.  The Honey Pot had just over forty Horned Larks, 45+ American Tree Sparrows and at least 13 Savannah Sparrows.  A brief stop along the rail trail near the mall was unproductive.  With the calm conditions I decided to use my remaining time in the morning over at Quabbin looking for waterfowl.  On my way there I had a group of 32 Wild Turkeys at a house that feeds them on Bay Road in Belchertown (largest group I have had there in a while...I guess the snow pushed them in).  Quabbin Park produced 15 Common Mergansers, a calling Common Loon, a Red necked Grebe (a darker individual compared to the one I had yesterday at Winsor Dam...see below), a kingfisher and a flyby Snow Bunting.

American Tree Sparrow, Honey Pot, Hadley, Feb 6, 2016

Dark eyed Junco, Honey Pot, Hadley, Feb 6, 2016

Savannah Sparrow, Honey Pot, Hadley, Feb 6, 2016

Dawn in the East Meadows, Northampton, MA, Feb 6, 2016

Predawn, Honey Pot, Hadley, Feb 6, 2016

I spent the entire morning yesterday at various areas along the Connecticut River with most of my time spent in the East Meadows and the Honey Pot. I was not sure how accessible the areas would be after the snowfall on Friday but the area of Hadley/Northampton received only a few inches of snow so access was not really an issue. It was very cold (8 degrees before dawn) but it was thankfully not breezy. The cold temperatures created some ground level fog as well as lots of ice crystals on everything along the river which made for some spectacular views. The East Meadows were a bit tricky in spots due to some snow and ice and ruts but I still managed to hit a few spots that were not occupied by hunters. Flocks of Horned Larks were around as well as the typical sparrows plus a single Red winged Blackbird. The Honey Pot was a bit more active with a heard only White crowned Sparrow that sang a partial song a couple of times but was never seen (it was in the same area where the 'Gambel's' has been but I never got a look at the bird). More Horned Larks were around too as well as numbers of American Tree Sparrows plus at least eleven Savannah Sparrows. I spent some time along the rail trail near the mall looking for a Pine Warbler that Harvey had there a few days ago. He said it was associating with a flock of juncos and bluebirds but I was only able to find juncos and the warbler was not with them.

Cedar Waxwing, Winsor Dam, Quabbin Park, MA, Feb 6, 2016

Cedar Waxwing, Winsor Dam, Quabbin Park, MA, Feb 6, 2016

Cedar Waxwing, Winsor Dam, Quabbin Park, MA, Feb 6, 2016

Red necked Grebe, Winsor Dam, Quabbin Park, MA, Feb 6, 2016

I made a quick stop at Winsor Dam in the early afternoon and found a Red necked Grebe (#89) as well as all three species of mergansers including a female Red breasted Merganser. The fruiting trees also attracted a number of Cedar Waxwings and American Robins and they allowed for some close up photos...no Bohemian Waxwings with them but I certainly hoped for them.

The early through mid part of the upcoming week looks to feature at least the chance of snow with the potential for either just a few minor bursts of snow or a big storm. No one wants to commit to any concrete forecasts at this point...I assume because they flubbed the last storm so badly.

First snow storm of the season and a bit about the Yellow legged Gull at Barton's Cove

Snowy morning, Belchertown, MA, Feb 5, 2016

Winsor Dam, Quabbin Park, MA, Feb 5, 2016

Wilson in the snow, Ware, MA, Feb 5, 2016

Wilson in the snow, Ware, MA, Feb 5, 2016

We got our first real snow storm today (which of course was not forecast to be as bad as it was).  We ended up with at least 6" of snow and although I hated it, Wilson loved it!  We went for a few walks around the neighborhood before the snow let up and then made a quick ride over to the Swift River to take a short walk later in the day.

I had hoped the snow would let up early enough in the day to make a drive up to Turner's Falls to try for the probable Yellow legged Gull there but it was just too slippery so I stayed home with Wilson instead.  I won't get another chance to try for it until maybe early next week so hopefully it sticks around.  More about that bird below.

Ring billed Gulls floating by on piece of ice, Barton's Cove, Turners Falls, MA, Feb 4, 2016

Canada Goose with odd markings on neck, Barton's Cove, Turners Falls, MA, Feb 4, 2016

Canada Goose with odd markings on neck, Barton's Cove, Turners Falls, MA, Feb 4, 2016

Bufflehead, Barton's Cove, Turners Falls, MA, Feb 4, 2016

Herring Gull (clean looking individual that had me thinking yellow legged gull for a second), Barton's Cove, Turners Falls, MA, Feb 4, 2016

Merlin, Barton's Cove, Turners Falls, MA, Feb 4, 2016

I had to head north yesterday to pick Wilson after his ordeal at the hospital (more about that below) so I had just a few minutes to try to catch up with what appears to be a Yellow legged Gull that was found by James Smith a few days ago.  Trying to identify a true member of this species vs. a hybrid Lesser Black backed Gull x Herring Gull is very difficult but the consensus from gull experts both from this side of the pond as well as those from Europe seems to be pointing toward it being a genuine Yellow legged Gull.  There were at least fifty birders there looking for the gull to arrive to roost on the rapidly dwindling ice.  I had no luck with finding the bird while I was there but did manage a couple of unusual species including a male Bufflehead and a Merlin.  I had to leave to get Wilson and of course the bird came in about ten minutes after I left but I couldn't head back...oh well!
More about the bird can be found on James blog:
http://pioneerbirding.blogspot.com/2016/02/ma-interesting-yellow-legged-type-gull.html

Wilson resting after getting home from the hospital, Feb 4, 2016

Poor Wilson had to spend about a day and a half up at the animal hospital to get some tests done to try to figure out the root of his GI issues.  he also had to go without eating for two days.  We felt so bad for him so it was great to pick him up and bring him home....he slept like a rock!

January comes to an end

Mute Swan, Connecticut River, Hadley, MA, Jan 31, 2016

White tailed Deer, Connecticut River, Hadley, MA, Jan 31, 2016

Today I headed back over along the river with early, quick visits to the East Meadows and the Honey Pot in search of owls and managed just a single Great Horned Owl.  After my owl search I spent a few hours looking for waterfowl and sparrows along the river.  No really notable waterfowl at all besides perhaps a single Mute Swan in Hadley (a species I thankfully do not get often in this section of the river.  No sign of the Barrow's Goldeneye from a couple days ago, just some Common Goldeneye.  The best sparrow of the morning was the continued 'Gambel's' White crowned Sparrow that showed itself very briefly at the Honey Pot.  Also had a male Ring necked Pheasant at the Honey Pot once again.  Otherwise a fairly average morning for late January.  Overall the month has been warmer than normal with way below the average for snow with just a few minor storms.  There is no appreciable snow anywhere in the local area and only small bodies of water are frozen with the Quabbin Reservoir and the Connecticut River mostly ice free.  The forecast for the next week features temperatures well above normal (perhaps reaching the mid 50's) and some rain but no frigid temperatures or large snow storms on the horizon for the beginning of February...quite a change from the last few years!

Bald Eagles, Quabbin Gate 8, Pelham, MA, Jan 30, 2016

Wild Turkeys, Quabbin Gate 8, Pelham, MA, Jan 30, 2016

Looking south toward Quabbin Tower (Left) and Winsor Dam (center), Quabbin Gate 8, Pelham, MA, Jan 30, 2016

Yesterday I stayed around the Quabbin area starting off before dawn checking the waterfowl roost (numbers were less than Friday but it was a lighter earlier and a bit breezy.  I had no luck relocating either the Gadwall or American Wigeon in the Swift River despite checking a few spots.  I then made a long hike down the Gate 8 road out to the boat launch area.  As expected for a hike in the deep woods of Quabbin in the winter it was overall quiet with just a few pockets of birds with the most down at the end of the road near the water.  Nothing way out of the ordinary but a nice walk nonetheless.  It was odd to make this hike at the end of January and have no snow and only a little ice around.

I ended the month with a total of 88 species in Hampshire County which fell just short of beating my best January last year when I had 89 species.  Trying to maximize my species in the first month of the year was a nice way to encourage myself to get out and bird in what is normally a slow birding month.  To keep myself motivated I may try to see if I can get to 100 species earlier this year than in any previous year.  The date to beat is March 15, set in 2014.  Below are the last few years showing how many species I had in January and what date I reached the one hundred species mark.

Year                       January total                   Date for 100 species
2015                       89                                  March 25
2014                       81                                  March 15
2013                       85                                  March 16
2012                       60                                  March 31

Barrow's Goldeneye in Hadley and lots of other good stuff in the valley

Barrow's Goldeneye (with Common Goldeneye), Connecticut River, Hadley, MA, Jan 29, 2016

Barrow's Goldeneye (with Common Goldeneye), Connecticut River, Hadley, MA, Jan 29, 2016

Barrow's Goldeneye (with Common Goldeneye), Connecticut River, Hadley, MA, Jan 29, 2016

Savannah Sparrow, Honey Pot, Hadley, MA, Jan 29, 2016

White crowned Sparrows, East Meadows, Northampton, MA, Jan 29, 2016

Dark eyed Junco, East Meadows, Northampton, MA, Jan 29, 2016

Northern Cardinal, East Meadows, Northampton, MA, Jan 29, 2016

American Wigeon (with Mallards), Swift River, Ware, MA, Jan 29, 2016

White crowned Sparrow, East Meadows, Northampton, MA, Jan 29, 2016

Winsor Dam as a snow shower moves through, Quabbin Park, MA, Jan 29, 2016

I hit a variety of areas this morning but kept my time in the elements to a minimum as I continue to fight a cold that just seems to never end.  I started at Quabbin Park and then over to the East Meadows, the Honey Pot and the Connecticut River in Hadley before coming back home and getting Wilson and heading to trails along the Swift River. Many highlights with the best being a female Barrow's Goldeneye (#87) in the river (a tough species to find in the county).  Others included loads of waterfowl at Quabbin Park early, two White crowned Sparrows in the East Meadows (plus lots of other sparrows) and a Gadwall (#88) and American Wigeon along the Swift River.  I'm now just one species shy of tying my all time total for species in the county in the first month of the year.  I have included a number of eBird lists from the day below:

Quabbin Park
http://ebird.org/ebird/view/checklist?subID=S27186011

East Meadows
http://ebird.org/ebird/view/checklist?subID=S27187017

Honey Pot
http://ebird.org/ebird/view/checklist?subID=S27187646

CT River-Hadley
http://ebird.org/ebird/view/checklist?subID=S27191642

Swift River-Ware
http://ebird.org/ebird/view/checklist?subID=S27191589

American Kestrel, Hadley, MA, Jan 27, 2016 (phone photo through binoculars)

I did not have much of an opportunity to get out much but I nonetheless still found a few decent birds including a few that were new for the county this year. On Wednesday I had either a Long eared or Short eared Owl at the Honey Pot very early in the morning. The bird was flying past but the light was too bad and the view too brief to say for certain what it was. I also had just over a hundred Canada Geese (including one small individual), 16 Black Ducks and 137 Mallards in the river below the bridge. Later in the day I had three Common Grackles (#84) in a neighborhood in Northampton off Bridge Road. Later in the week I finally caught up with an American Kestrel (#85) as well as Ring necked Pheasant (#86) in Hadley on my way home.

'Gambel's' White crowned Sparrow relocated and lots of other stuff along the river this morning

'Gambel's' White crowned Sparrow, Honey Pot, Hadley, MA, Jan 24, 2016

Northern Harrier (one of three), Arcadia, Northampton, MA, Jan 24, 2016

Today I headed over to Arcadia predawn to try to catch up with the Short eared Owl over there once again and I got some decent looks as it hunted the fields around 6:30 before heading to roost.  I also had a couple Great Horned Owls calling but had no luck getting a screech owl to respond.  As it got a bit brighter the Northern Harriers came out to hunt the same fields and I had at least three around (a nice count for this species in January).  Other highlights there included a Hermit Thrush and a flyby Snow Bunting.

Bald Eagle, East Meadows, Northampton, MA, Jan 24, 2016

Northern Harrier, East Meadows, Northampton, MA, Jan 24, 2016

I then headed over to the East Meadows hoping to relocate the 'Ipswich' Savannah Sparrow that was present there in early January but I didn't have any luck finding it.  It may still be around as I had no luck finding any Savannah Sparrows and the 'Ipswich' was associating with them.  I had a few pockets of sparrows but nothing too unusual.  Highlights included a male Northern Harrier rocketing through, at least 85 Horned Larks and a couple Snow Buntings.

'Gambel's' White crowned Sparrow, Honey Pot, Hadley, MA, Jan 24, 2016

'Gambel's' White crowned Sparrow, Honey Pot, Hadley, MA, Jan 24, 2016

'Gambel's' White crowned Sparrow, Honey Pot, Hadley, MA, Jan 24, 2016

American Tree Sparrow, Honey Pot, Hadley, MA, Jan 24, 2016

After the East Meadows I headed across the river to Hadley and checked the river near Huntington Road and found a few Common Goldeneyes and some Common Mergansers plus a few hundred Canada Geese and lots of ice.  I then made a stop at the Honey Pot where I had another Northern Harrier, 55+ Horned Larks and best of all I was able to relocate the "Gambel's" White crowned Sparrow.  This unusual western subspecies was first found by James Smith back in early January and I first got to see it on January 8th.  It had not been seen again until today (as far as I know).  Glad to see it is still alive and kicking.

Canada Goose with white at base of bill, Meadow St, Amherst, MA, Jan 24, 2016

Canada Goose with white at base of bill,  Amherst, MA, Jan 24, 2016

I then moved north up through the fields of Hadley and Amherst and finally found a large group of geese (738) in one field which unfortunately contained just Canada Geese but did contain one unique individual white white at the base of the bill.  The best bird I had there was quite distant as it cruised away from me heading toward the river...a light morph Rough legged Hawk.  I was unable to relocate it but with so much good habitat it could be anywhere.  The Rough legged Hawk became species #83 for Hampshire County this year.  I also had another flock (65+) of Horned Larks moving around the fields.

The rest of the morning was spent at a few spots close to home but these stops didn't feature too much out of the ordinary but it was nice to be outside nonetheless enjoying sunny and temperatures near freezing.