MA - Great Egret and other notes - 08/11

The last few days have seen a few birds of interest around the Gill/Greenfield area. Friday evening (08/09), after a day of solid rain, brought a nice incursion of hummingbirds to the yard. At least eight Ruby-throated could be seen at the feeders and the flowers in the yard, but there was also a one time, rather brief visit from a female/immature selasphorus (Rufous/Allen's). Although we waited for a while afterwards with the camera, the bird never re-appeared for portraits but it was certainly the first time that we've seen anything other than Ruby-throated Hummingbirds at our feeders.

On Saturday (08/10) there was a Great Egret on the Turner's Falls power canal, which despite being flushed frequently by passers-by, seemed content working both sides of the canal. This, perhaps, is only the third or fourth Great Egret that I've seen in the greater Barton Cove/Turner's Falls area.

Great Egret - Turner's Falls, Franklin Co., MA. August 9th, 2013.



Sunday morning (08/11) on Green River Road (Greenfield/Leyden) still had a few Louisiana Waterthrushes, mostly calling birds, but one was heard singing around sun rise. Three or so singing Winter Wrens present too, as well as numerous calling Veeries and Wood Thrushes. Over our yard in Gill, a calling Broad-winged Hawk heard and seen in mid-morning. In the afternoon, Matan's sharp eyes and senses found a Spring Peeper in the playground at Giving Tree School on Wood Ave, Gill.

Spring Peeper - Wood Ave, Gill, Franklin Co., MA. August 11th, MA.