Monday, October 27, 2014

MA - fall morning in Gill - 10/27

This morning I spent a very pleasant ninety minutes exploring the nature trail in the grounds of Gill Elementary School. The temperature was cool (below 50 F) with a brisk WNW breeze. Diversity was down from my attempt at a Big Sit on October 12th, as might be expected with the departure of migrant warblers, vireos and sparrows. The weedy fields had also been ploughed over providing feeding for a decent sized flock of 51 American Pipits. Otherwise, it was a morning to enjoy the common woodland birds of which there are plenty in the heavily wooded parts on the nature trail.

Thirty four species recorded in total with highlights including Sharp-shinned Hawk, Belted Kingfisher (in flight along the stream), and continuing large numbers of Pine Siskins and Purple Finches. Full ebird list here;
http://ebird.org/ebird/view/checklist?subID=S20351593
and a few pics from the morning;

Sharp-shinned Hawk - juvenile, Gill Elementary School Nature Trail, Franklin Co., MA. October 27th, 2014.


 Pine SiskinsGill Elementary School Nature Trail, Franklin Co., MA. October 27th, 2014.


Black-capped Chickadee - Gill Elementary School Nature Trail, Franklin Co., MA. October 27th, 2014.


 Downy Woodpecker - male, Gill Elementary School Nature Trail, Franklin Co., MA. October 27th, 2014.


Brown Creeper -Gill Elementary School Nature Trail, Franklin Co., MA. October 27th, 2014.
One of my favorites of the morning, this one showing especially well. 

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