MA - random notes from Gill - 03/10

My last post before departing to Israel for two spring migration tours. The last few days in Gill have been distinctly balmy and spring-like. On the 8th, I noted a Pied-billed Grebe at Turner's Falls, the first I've seen there since the Christmas bird count in late December. Remarkably, this bird looked and behaved much like the same lingering individual present at that time. It's hard to imagine it spent the winter in our area but that's certainly what the bird's presence suggests. 

Other notes included at least three Kumlien's (Iceland) Gulls in a swirl of gulls flushed by a Bald Eagle at Barton Cove on the 8th. There was also Cackling Goose at the end of a stream of 200 Canada Geese over our house on Main Road in late afternoon on the 9th. At least 700 Canada Geese moved NE over our house that evening. 

 Pied-billed Grebe - Turner's Falls power canal, Franklin Co., MA. March 8th, 2013. 

Panasonic Lumix FZ7.

 Hooded Merganser - male, Barton Cove, Gill, Franklin Co., MA. March 8th, 2013. 

Panasonic Lumix FZ7.

Ring-necked Duck - male, Barton Cove, Gill, Franklin Co., MA. March 8th, 2013. 

Panasonic Lumix FZ7.