MA - Harlequin still settled on the Millers River

 

Harlequin Duck (first-winter male) - Millers River, Erving, Franklin Co., MA. February 2nd, 2021.

First found by Anne Jemas on Jan 1st, 2021. 

Echoes of the Grand Tetons this morning as I walked along a mostly frozen Millers River, the faster flows exposing a narrow channel through otherwise snow covered ice. The latest Nor'easter dropped 6 - 8 inches of fresh sticky snow throughout much of Franklin County, more on the higher ground. Warmer temperatures made for a pleasant walk along the river and I had little trouble finding the long staying Harlequin Duck, the only duck present. The Harlequin looks settled, healthy and content and, having been there for over one month, I can certainly envision it spending the remainder of the winter on the Millers through to the end of February at least. 

Harlequin Duck (first-winter male) - Millers River, Erving, Franklin Co., MA. February 2nd, 2021.

Harlequin Duck (first-winter male) - Millers River, Erving, Franklin Co., MA. February 2nd, 2021.

Harlequin Duck (first-winter male) - Millers River, Erving, Franklin Co., MA. February 2nd, 2021.

The Harlequin is resting at the edge of the snow left of center.

Lesser Black-backed Gull Center) - sub-adult, Franklin Co., MA. February 2nd, 2021.

The continuing first-winter male Barrow's Goldeneye came into roost at the Turner's Falls power canal again this evening where a sub-adult Lesser Black-backed Gull joined the modest roost of about 300 gulls. 

Horned Larks - Pine Meadow Road, , Franklin Co., MA. February 2nd, 2021.