Some warblers on the west side of Quabbin

Ovenbird, Quabbin Gate 16, Aug 30, 2011

American Redstart, Quabbin Gate 11, Aug 30, 2011

I spent a few hours this morning at various gates on the west side of Quabbin.  I started at Gate 16 and then onto Gate 11 and then finally Gate 10.  Many quiet areas but there were a few warblers around with some individual birds as well as some in mixed species flocks.  The numbers and variety were low but some of the views were great.  It should really start to pick up this coming week.

Central Quabbin

I spent a few hours this morning finally getting back out to central Quabbin and was rewarded with several mixed species flocks.  I found a total of 13 species of warblers this morning with the highlights being a male Wilson's, a couple Canada's and a mix of other expected species.  The fall migration is just beginning and the next few weeks should be very interesting to see what is out there.

Some yard warblers



Yellow Warbler

I hope to get more posts on here as the fall season approaches.  I have been busy with the new dog and now recovery from surgery.  Not much to report from here right now beyond the few warbler species that continue to occur at the house.  The Yellow Warblers still occasionally sing and I have a family of Common Yellowthroats that chatter away along the stream.  Soon the Yellow Warblers will head out and the number of migrants around the yard will climb rapidly.

A new member of the family

 His first night at home, July 9, 2011

I have not been out birding too much lately as the heat has been so high and I have been spending time with our new dog, Wilson.  He came to us from down in West Virginia via a rescue group.  He is about 18 weeks now and is rapidly becoming a part of the family.  It has been sixteen months since we lost Kody and I think we have found the right dog to take over where Kody left off.  I certainly hope he becomes as much of a sidekick for me as Kody was.

Northern Parula at Quabbin in July.

Northern Parula, Magee Marsh, OH, May 2010

I ran across a Northern Parula at Quabbin Park this morning. The bird sang twice and then remained quiet. I believe this may be my first July record of this species in western Massachusetts. Although common in migration it does not breed anywhere nearby so it was a most unusual bird to find. Perhaps a late lingering bird or an early migrant...who knows? This was a nice consolation bird given that the Hooded Warbler that had been present in another area of Quabbin appears to have moved on. Overall the warbler diversity is still good with quite a bit of song but the songs seems to trail off early. At home a Louisiana Waterthrush continues to work the brook and give fleeting views.

Hooded Warbler continues at Quabbin

The Hooded Warbler at Quabbin continues to be present and singing as of yesterday at its usual location. This bird has been around for weeks and shows no sign of moving on. Still no sign of a mate but you never know.

More Ohio warblers

Blackpoll Warbler, Magee Marsh, OH, May 2011
American Redstart, Magee Marsh, OH, May 2011

Ovenbird, Magee Marsh, OH, May 2011
Prothonotary Warbler, Magee Marsh, OH, May 2011

A few more pictures from my May trip to Ohio. Enjoy.