This morning I briefly stopped by the power canal to get some shots of the Mallards and Black Ducks lurking under the northern bank. The ducks tend to hang out near the powerline cut but it wasn't long before my attention was drawn to things other than waterbirds when a party of three
Common Redpolls flew over calling. The shrubbery underneath the powerline was busy with Black-capped Chickadees, White-breasted Nutchatch, Tufted Titmouse, American Tree Sparrow, and some very smart Eastern Bluebirds. Above all, woodpecker activity was exceedingly busy with lots of drumming and a remarkable gliding display flight from a pair of Downy Woodpeckers, something which I've only seen on a handful of occasions. It was pretty close to a woodpecker bonanza with Hairy, Downy, Red-bellied and
Pileated all on view simultaneously. It could hardly get better.....but it did as a couple of
Hermit Thrushes and
Golden-crowned Kinglets also popped into view. I might also have heard a Winter Wren but decided to let that one go. Nice birds, nice morning, great place!
Hermit Thrush - Turners' Falls power canal, Franklin Co., MA. January 21st, 2014.
Two present giving 'chut' calls back and forth.
Golden-crowned Kinglets - Turners' Falls power canal, Franklin Co., MA. January 21st, 2014.
Pair consorting around together.
Pileated Woodpecker - Turners' Falls power canal, Franklin Co., MA. January 21st, 2014.
Currently almost daily in the power canal surroundings but usually heard, and not seen.
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