MA - Buffleheads and Surf Scoters - 11/04

Buffleheads - Turner's Falls power canal, Franklin Co., MA. November 4th, 2011.

Made a quick run down to Barton Cove this morning hoping for scoters, and I wasn't disappointed. Four Surf Scoters, including three handsome males were loafing around in the middle of the cove. Just as impressive were 10 newly arrived Buffleheads, with other diving ducks including a Lesser Scaup, 3 Common and 2 Hooded Mergansers and an unidentified aythya which may have been a Ring-necked Duck. By late afternoon, the Buffleheads had moved to the power canal in Turner's Falls affording excellent views. Otherwise, nothing unusual amongst the 500 or so Canada Geese this afternoon. I couldn't stay late enough for the blackbird roost so have nothing more to add on the Rusty/Brewer's Blackbird from Nov 2nd.

Surf Scoters - three males, the female being hidden in the center of the group. Barton Cove, Gill, Franklin Co., MA. November 4th, 2011. Fantastic birds, and always exciting to have 'sea ducks' on inland waters.

Despite a breezy evening, the local Great Horned Owls were dueting at 19:00 hrs, clearly audible from our yard. These birds have been very vocal of late and audible on most mornings and evenings, and sometimes throughout the night.

JPS