Quabbin HQ

Headed out to Quabbin Headquarters this morning to find a few migrants. First stop was Windsor Dam, not a lot there...(1) Double-crested Cormorant and a fly-by American Kestrel. My next stop was the Marsh along Rte. 9 - Green Herons, a Greater Yellowlegs and three Kingfishers putting on a nice display.

Finally made my way to the Frank Windsor Memorial where I encountered the ever elusive Yellow-billed Cuckoo. This is a bird that I rarely encounter in Western Mass, especially in the fall. This area around the Memorial and the road up to the tower proved to be the most productive locations of the morning.

Photos below.

Belted Kingfisher-

Belted Kingfishers - Not quite sure what was going on here? But they didn't seem to be getting along that well.

Eastern Wood-Pewee's- Seems late August into September is the best time of year to "SEE" and hear this birds.

Yellow-billed Cuckoo - This turned out to be the bird of the morning. For me, Cuckoo's are generally hard to come back here in Western Mass, especially the Yellow-billed. So finding one and getting a photo is a real bonus.

 

Bald Eagle-Imm.  This bird appeared over the Memorial area for just a few seconds before soaring out of sight.

Prairie Warbler - One of two birds found along the road to the tower. I located a total of ten species of warblers, all providing good looks.

Chestnut-sided Warbler - I love this fall plumage.

American Redstart- Indeed a beauitful male.

Below is the mornings list........

Location: Ware- Rte 9 Marsh –
Observation date: 9/5/10



Wood Duck 4
Green Heron 2
Greater Yellowlegs 1
Belted Kingfisher 3
Pileated Woodpecker 1
Eastern Wood-Pewee 1
Tree Swallow 5
Barn Swallow 2
Common Yellowthroat 1



Location: Quabbin Reservoir--Park HQ.- 9/5/10

Canada Goose
Double-crested Cormorant 1
Bald Eagle 2
Red-tailed Hawk 2
Mourning Dove 2
Yellow-billed Cuckoo 1
Ruby-throated Hummingbird 1
Red-bellied Woodpecker 2
Downy Woodpecker 3
Hairy Woodpecker 1
Northern Flicker (Yellow-shafted) 1
Eastern Wood-Pewee 6
Eastern Phoebe 2
Great Crested Flycatcher 1
Red-eyed Vireo 8
Blue Jay X
American Crow X
Tree Swallow 5
Black-capped Chickadee 16
Tufted Titmouse 6
Red-breasted Nuthatch 1
White-breasted Nuthatch 4
Gray Catbird 3
Northern Parula 2
Chestnut-sided Warbler 2
Magnolia Warbler 4
Pine Warbler 1
Prairie Warbler 2
Bay-breasted Warbler 1
Black-and-white Warbler 1
American Redstart 3
Common Yellowthroat 1
Wilson's Warbler 1
Eastern Towhee 5
Chipping Sparrow X
Scarlet Tanager 3
Northern Cardinal 2
American Goldfinch X


Cheers,

Scott