Swamp Sparrow - Barton Cove, October 15th, 2009.A raw day, dawning with a heavy frost around Amherst/Hadley, then becoming overcast ensuring that the day never really warmed up. This coupled with a bitter north breeze gave a real wintry feel to the day. Some of the higher regions around the 'valley' even got snow flurries!
Late this afternoon, I made a very quick run up to Turner's Falls finding that the power canal had some 300 resting Canada Geese, though nothing unusual amongst them. Also present about 150 Mallard (more arriving as I left), 3 female-type Green-winged Teal, and an American Wigeon which flew south having the circled the canal once. A late Tree Swallow also went through, headed NW. Most intriguing was the sight of 17 Common Ravens together, sparring and playing on the wind as I looked south towards Mount Toby. Could be the largest single gathering of Ravens that I've seen in Massachusetts.
Green-winged Teal. Turner's Falls power canal, October 15th, 2009.
Late this afternoon, I made a very quick run up to Turner's Falls finding that the power canal had some 300 resting Canada Geese, though nothing unusual amongst them. Also present about 150 Mallard (more arriving as I left), 3 female-type Green-winged Teal, and an American Wigeon which flew south having the circled the canal once. A late Tree Swallow also went through, headed NW. Most intriguing was the sight of 17 Common Ravens together, sparring and playing on the wind as I looked south towards Mount Toby. Could be the largest single gathering of Ravens that I've seen in Massachusetts.
Green-winged Teal. Turner's Falls power canal, October 15th, 2009.At Barton Cove, Song, Swamp, White-crowned and White-throated Sparrows all foraging near Unity Park.
Closer to home, the nicest birds of the day were two Ruby-crowned Kinglets in front of the apartment in mid-morning.
(An American Woodcock flew low over North-East Street, Amherst before first light on the 14th.)
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