MA - mini fall-out in Gill - 05/03

The morning dawned dull, foggy, slightly muggy and full of drizzle. Perhaps not very encouraging to most and I admit that I was still waking up when Susannah announced a male Rose-breasted Grosbeak on the feeders! Over the next 30 minutes, the yard produced several exciting year firsts including a singing Warbling Vireo and superb Magnolia Warbler, not to mention a Ruby-crowned Kinglet and our resident, singing Louisiana Waterthrush.

Conditions looked good for a quick visit to Barton Cove and sure enough, fresh birds were present including no less than 70 Double-crested Cormorants (!), two Bonaparte's Gulls and two breeding plumaged Common Loons. Numerous Baltimore Orioles, Gray Catbirds and Black-throated Green Warblers all over Gill were sure indications of a wider incursion of those species. 

All images taken in Gill, Franklin Co., MA, on May 3rd 2012.

 

Rose-breasted Grosbeak - male in the yard!

 

Magnolia Warbler - first of the year. 

 Ruby-crowned Kinglet - north-bound bird in full song. 

 Bonaparte's Gulls - Barton Cove, public boat ramp off Rt 2.

 Double-crested Cormorants - Barton Cove, public boat ramp off Rt 2. Most of the 70 birds present in this shot.

 Double-crested Cormorants - Barton Cove, public boat ramp off Rt2 but including this rather odd looking bird with very dull lores and gular, reminding me (for some reason) of the Pacific species, Brandt's Cormorant.