Cerulean Warbler back at Quabbin Park

Cerulean Warbler, Quabbin Park, MA, May 5, 2025

Cerulean Warbler, Quabbin Park, MA, May 5, 2025

Cerulean Warbler, Quabbin Park, MA, May 5, 2025

Despite weather that was far from perfect with on and off rain (mainly on) and cooler temps with a slight breeze I still had a good warbler with a Cerulean Warbler back at Quabbin Park for another year.  I first had one there last year starting on May 6 and continuing through June with possibly up to three singing males (one of which sang a Northern Parula song...a topic I will be writing a paper about when I get around to it).  I highly suspect breeding is occurring at the location but have not been able to verify yet...perhaps this year will be the year? 

A quick review of the occurrence of Cerulean Warblers at Quabbin Park.  They once bred here somewhat consistently in the 1990's into the early 2000's and then disappeared.  The members of the small colony probably died out or were predated on either the wintering or breeding grounds or met an end during the long migration....impossible to say.  I have now had them on and off within the park for 15 years with them becoming more common for the last three years now in the same area (as mentioned above).  I have also had them in the area in years before now but never for more than a year in the same spot (and sometimes seen for just a day and likely moving through).  My records for the species within Quabbin Park are listed below.

May 22-June 4, 2010 in same area (one individual)

May 9-May 13, 2014 in same area (one individual)

May 13, 2016 single day occurrence not near suspected breeding area

May 17, 2017 single day occurrence not near suspected breeding area

May 2, 2021 single day occurrence in suspected breeding area

May 22-June 23, 2023 in same area (two individuals)

May 6-June 19, 2024 in same area (two individuals and possibly three)

May 5, 2025 in same area (one individual)

Northern Parula, Quabbin Park, MA, May 5, 2025

Blue winged Warbler, Quabbin Park, MA, May 5, 2025

Common Yellowthroat, Ware, MA, May 5, 2025

Besides the Cerulean Warbler I had a few warblers out and about in the rain.  Not a lot of variety given the weather and my limited time but still some good stuff.