MA - Greater Scaup - 10/17

The immaculate fall days continue but the weather is almost too nice and too stable to produce any significant changes amongst migrants. Pleasant though these days may be, we do seem to be stuck in a rut and the next major cold front is more than welcome to pass through the Pioneer Valley! On the other hand, there are so many birds around at this time of year, even the shortest field trip will yield something of interest. This morning it was the smart little collection of migrant waterfowl just off Riverview Drive. The Greater Scaup from two days ago was still present and closely associating with a small flock of seven Ring-necked Ducks. Tuesday's Red-necked Grebe, however, seems to be long gone.

Earlier, I passed by the powerline on Mountain Road and found it reasonably 'birdy' once again with a Winter Wren, Blue-headed Vireo, six Ruby-crowned Kinglets and a couple of Field Sparrows being the pick.

 Ring-necked Ducks - four of seven, Barton Cove, Franklin Co., Gill, MA.

Digiscoped image using Canon Powershot G10.

 American Wigeon (rear) and Ring-necked Ducks - Barton Cove, Franklin Co., Gill, MA.

Digiscoped image using Canon Powershot G10.

 Barton Cove, Franklin Co., Gill, MA.

Even on an overcast morning, the autumnal colors come in their own.

Canon Powershot G10.

 Ring-necked Duck (rear) Greater Scaup (middle left) and Ruddy Ducks - Barton Cove, Franklin Co., Gill, MA. Four Ruddy Ducks were present this morning.

Digiscoped image using Canon Powershot G10.

Greater Scaup - female or first-winter with American Wigeon and Ruddy Duck,  

Barton Cove, Franklin Co., Gill, MA.

Digiscoped image using Canon Powershot G10.

Greater Scaup - female or first-winter with American Wigeon and Ruddy Duck,  

Barton Cove, Franklin Co., Gill, MA.

Digiscoped image using Canon Powershot G10.