MA - Black Vultures in downtown Greenfield!

 Black and Turkey Vultures - Federal Street, Greenfield, Franklin Co., MA. February 28th, 2018.

The last day of the month brought warm sunshine and a notable increase to the flock of Ring-necked Ducks at Barton Cove with an absolute minimum of 35 present, most of which were males, plus three male Bufflehead and a continuing drake Northern Pintail. Common and Hooded Mergansers, and Common Goldeneye were also plentiful in the same area. But the highlight of the morning came by virtue of a visit to the Docs in downtown Greenfield. I happened to be on Federal Street just as a major roost of Turkey and Black Vultures dispersed to  head out for foraging. A tight flock of five Black Vultures slipped away to the south-west low above the roof tops and, feeling a little miffed that I'd missed a nice photo opp, I was more than happy to find more vultures at roost in a tall spruce close by.  As they dispersed three more Black Vultures showed in that group! Although I've recorded Black Vulture in every month in Franklin county with the exception of December and January, eight birds is by far the largest concentration that I've found locally.

 Black and Turkey Vultures - Federal Street, Greenfield, Franklin Co., MA. February 28th, 2018. A rather heavy crop.

Black Vultures - Federal Street, Greenfield, Franklin Co., MA. February 28th, 2018. 

Black Vultures - Federal Street, Greenfield, Franklin Co., MA. February 28th, 2018. 

Turkey Vultures arrived locally last week with three on Federal Street on Feb 21st and another at Gill center on Feb 25th. Among the passerines, further indications of spring included widespread arrivals of Red-winged Blackbirds and Common Grackles from Feb 18th and a rather impressive concentration of 1600 American Robins in Bascom Hollow, Gill on the 23rd. Earlier in the month a huge flock of around 275 Cedar Waxwings descended on downtown Turner's Falls to devour the crab apple crop along Avenue A and the surrounding streets affording exceptionally close views.

Cedar Waxwing - Avenue A, Turner's Falls, Franklin Co., MA. February 14th, 2018.

Cedar Waxwing - Avenue A, Turner's Falls, Franklin Co., MA. February 14th, 2018.

Golden-crowned Kinglet - Charlemont. Franklin Co., MA. February 4th, 2018.

MA - a busy afternoon in Gill

What should have been a brief scan of Barton Cove this afternoon ended up being a two hour vigil as birds of interest just kept cropping up every time I thought about leaving. About 600 gulls gathered on the ice off Riverview though, sadly, most of them were quite distant but at least some of the individuals looked like new arrivals with 6 Iceland Gulls (5 first-cycle and an adult) and a Glaucous Gull (first-cycle). The latter, as much as I could tell given the distance, looked like a new bird and not the long-staying individual with the damaged right right leg which I last saw on Feb 24th.

Ring-necked Ducks - Barton Cove, Gill, Franklin Co., MA. February 27th, 2018.

Ring-necked Duck numbers were up with 10 males together off Riverview Drive though no sign of yesterday's Greater Scaup. Four Northern Pintail (2 male, 2 female) were also present along with a pair of Gadwall. As evening approached, 5 Wood Ducks flew over which I think may be my first locally since the Christmas Bird Count on Dec 31st. And, speaking of Wood Ducks, a good friend of mine photographed this wonderful Bobcat stalking Wood Ducks close to the banks of the Connecticut River today!

Bobcat - site undisclosed, Franklin Co., MA. February 27th, 2018.

Image appears with permission.

MA - more gulls and some spring migration

Glaucous Gull - first-cycle, Turner's Falls, Franklin Co., MA. February 20th, 2018.

Continuing bird with damaged let first seen on February 15th. 

The last two weeks of February have seen continuing high numbers of gulls in the greater Turner's Falls area with gatherings of staging birds often split between the power canal, Unity Park, Barton Cove and the campground area, so the potential for as many as four separate flocks! Though frustrating at times, the overall numbers have been impressive peaking at around 950 gulls on the 20th. The basic composition has remained the same since mid-month with up to eight Iceland Gulls (including 2 adults) and a Glaucous Gull (first-cycle) continuing through to the 24th, along with the regular wintering adult Lesser Black-backed Gull. A further unidentified dark-mantled gull appeared on the 18th for just one afternoon and, with a mantle tone intermediate between adult Herring and Lesser Black-backed Gulls, could well have been a hybrid between those two species.

unidentified gull (right of center) - adult , Turner's Falls, Franklin Co., MA. February 18th, 2018.

Quite dark mantled but not quite dark enough for graellsii Lesser Black-backed Gull. 

Here with two Iceland Gulls (second-cycle and adult). 

Three drake Lesser Scaup appeared at Unity Park on the 18th, the first migrant waterfowl of note but somewhat overshadowed by a high-flying flock of 29 Northern Pintail over Unity Park on the 21st. As much as I can recall, that is by far, the largest flock of Northern Pintail that I've ever seen in the Turner's Falls area. The pintails arrived on an incredibly warm southern system that brought 70 degree temperatures to Franklin County and large numbers of Canada Geese to Turner's Falls with over 850 of the latter dropping into Barton Cove. The last few days of the month saw up to seven Ring-necked Ducks and a Greater Scaup join the Common Goldeneye, Common and Hooded Mergansers already present, giving local waterfowl diversity a much needed boost.

Lesser Scaup - males, Turner's Falls, Franklin Co., MA. February 18th, 2018. 

Northern Pintail - single flock of 29, Turner's Falls, Franklin Co., MA. February 21st, 2018.

An impressive sight to say the least, appearing out of the fog on a very warm morning. 

Spectacular ice flows at Barton Cove,/Turner's Falls, Franklin Co., MA. February 22nd, 2018.

Canada Geese - arriving from the south, Turner's Falls, Franklin Co., MA. February 20th, 2018.

Iceland Gulls - first-cycle and two adults, Turner's Falls, Franklin Co., MA. February 24th, 2018.

Lesser Black-backed Gull - adult, Turner's Falls, Franklin Co., MA. February 20th, 2018.

This lone bird continues to be a feature within the local gull flock. 

Iceland Gull - first-cycle, Turner's Falls, Franklin Co., MA. February 20th, 2018.

Iceland Gulls - first-cycle at center, second-cycle at rear, Turner's Falls, Franklin Co., MA. February 18th, 2018.

Iceland Gull - first-cycle, Turner's Falls, Franklin Co., MA. February 20th, 2018.

Bald Eagle - adult, Turner's Falls, Franklin Co., MA. February 18th, 2018.

Present and very active with at least three pairs settling down to breeding. 

MA - more on the Turner's Falls gulls

Iceland Gull (center) - adult (kumlieni),Turner's Falls power canal, Franklin Co., MA. February 17th, 2018. 

A beautiful clean-headed, dark-eyed adult - a new arrival to the gull show at Turner's. 

On Saturday February 17th I returned to the Turner's Falls power canal where I ran into Eric Huston birding with his parents who were visiting from Fort Collins. We enjoyed mild 'pre-storm' conditions, complete cloud cover and little wind. The gulls looked settled on the ice with smaller numbers trickling in from the NW throughout the evening. The volume of birds present was much reduced from the 15th, with only about 450 birds resting on the ice but again the variety was good with the following notables;

Lesser Black-backed Gull - 1, adult continuing.

Glaucous Gull - 1, first-cycle with a damaged right leg, continuing from the 15th.

Iceland Gull (kumlieni) - adult ( lower right), with first-cycle Glaucous Gull ( extreme left).  Turner's Falls power canal, Franklin Co., MA. February 17th, 2018. 

Iceland Gull (kumlieni) - 8, composed of 5 first-cycle, 2 second-cycle and 1 adult. The adult was a new arrival but neither of the adults present on the 15th could be found this evening.

Iceland Gull (kumlieni) - second-cycle (center). Turner's Falls power canal, Franklin Co., MA. February 17th, 2018. 

Initially I took this bird to be third-cycle but a after a couple of quick references, I'm now sure it's a second-cycle. . 

Also of note, a small but interesting passage of Canada Geese heading north without showing any interest in dropping into the power canal suggesting the start of a light migration.

MA - gull migration at Turner's Falls

Glaucous Gull - first-cycle, Turner's Falls power canal, Franklin Co., MA. February 15th, 2018.

With adult Iceland Gull (kumlieni) right of center. 

Since returning from California in late January, I've barely done any local birding but have been keeping an eye on the gatherings of north bound gulls staging at Turner's Falls. The numbers and diversity has been excellent for a small inland site with six species present daily during the first two weeks of February. Despite relatively large numbers (600+) to sort through, some individuals have been readily identifiable by distinctive plumage characteristics such as a recurring dark brownish first-cycle Iceland Gull (kumlieni) present for over two weeks, a first-cycle Glaucous Gull present for around two weeks, and the continuing, wintering adult Lesser Black-backed Gull. The numbers of Iceland Gulls showing up to roost has also been impressive with 6 - 8 individuals present on all the afternoons that I've checked.

Glaucous Gull - first-cycle, Turner's Falls power canal, Franklin Co., MA. February 15th, 2018.

Iceland Gulls (center) - two second-cycles, Turner's Falls power canal, Franklin Co., MA. February 15th, 2018.

Iceland Gull (center) - dark first-cycle bird, Turner's Falls power canal, Franklin Co., MA. February 15th, 2018.

Iceland Gull  - first-cycle, Turner's Falls power canal, Franklin Co., MA. February 6th, 2018.

Thursday February 15th was a little different. It was a mild, balmy afternoon with complete cloud cover and little wind. The birds were resting on the ice on the power canal close to the road. I had just 30 minutes to sort through an impressive, swollen concentration of gulls numbering upwards of 850 birds. The bulk of the flock was composed of Herring, Great Black-backed and Ring-billed Gulls in that order with many vocalizing and giving 'long calls', but the flock was also riddled with white-winged gulls and by the time that I had to leave I'd tallied the following additional species;


Iceland Gull (kumlieni) -12, composed of 2 adults, 1 third-cycle, 3 second-cycle, 6 first-cycle.


Glaucous Gull - 3, composed of 1 second-cycle, 2 first-cycles (one continuing from early Feb).


Lesser Black-backed Gull - 2, 1 adult (continuing throughout most of the winter), and 1 first-cycle.

MA - Turner's Falls sector of the Greenfield CBC

Connecticut River at Montague City/East Deerfield, Franklin Co., MA. December 31st, 2017. 
A beautiful morning despite the freezing conditions. The mist hampered our search for goldeneyes but wasn't enough to stop Brian picking out the only Wood Duck of the day, a nice male. 

Sunday December 31st was extremely cold with temperatures ranging from minus 12 deg Fahrenheit (before dawn) to a high of about 15 deg Fahrenheit during the day. Despite the cold, the Greenfield Christmas Bird Count went ahead as planned and I was delighted to cover the Turner's Falls sector once again after missing out for the previous two years. The 'wee' hours were spent alone looking for owls and I came up with an impressive tally of nine Eastern Screech-Owls and then went on to meet Brian Kane and David Sibley at the power canal at first light. The atmosphere was eerily quiet throughout much of the day with few folks venturing out, even by car, and it felt like we had most of Turner's Falls to ourselves! 

Although I usually mention the highlights first, I would have to admit that the complete absence of Canada Goose and Ring-billed Gull for the overall list was a major disappointment, especially since both species had been present the evening before the count. But my field companions worked hard and together we amassed 46 species, well beyond my expectations for such a frigid day. Slightly less expected species included Wood Duck (male), Hermit Thrush (Rod  and Gun club) and Winter Wren (power canal) along with fairly high numbers for certain species - 120 Common Goldeneyes (power canal), 67 Common Mergansers (power canal), 9 Bald Eagles, 7 Red-tailed Hawks, 11 Eastern Screech-Owls (two more added during the daytime), 6 Pileated Woodpeckers, 17 White-breasted Nuthatches, 14 Horned Larks, 9 Golden-crowned Kinglets and 11 White-throated Sparrows.

Overall, a solid result for a day that held little promise with all of Barton Cove and most of the Turner's Falls power canal completely frozen restricting our opportunities for water birds. I'm very grateful to Brian Kane and David Sibley for helping out and making the day so enjoyable. 

Common Goldeneyes appearing out of the mist on the Connecticut River at Montague City, Franklin Co., MA. December 31st, 2017.

Common Goldeneyes on the Connecticut River at Montague City, Franklin Co., MA. December 31st, 2017.

Looking down on the flock from the bridge on the Canalside Rail Trail. In the afternoon after the mist had cleared.

Bald Eagle - adult, Turner's Falls Rod and Gun club, Franklin Co., MA. December 31st, 2017.

Bald Eagle - adult and sub-adult, Turner's Falls Rod and Gun club, Franklin Co., MA. December 31st, 2017.

Bald Eagle - immature, from the bridge at Montague City, Franklin Co., MA. December 31st, 2017.

Cooper's Hawk - adult, Turner's Falls power canal, Franklin Co., MA. December 31st, 2017.

Another great spot by Brian Kane as we drove over the 11th street bridge. We think the prey item was a Feral Pigeon. 

Golden-crowned Kinglet - Turner's Falls, Franklin Co., MA. December 31st, 2017.

White-breasted Nuthatch - Depot Street, Turner's Falls, Franklin Co., MA. December 31st, 2017.

A remarkable day for this species with 17 counted, equaling our tally for Black-capped Chickadee.

Winter Wren - Turner's Falls power canal, Franklin Co., MA. December 31st, 2017.

One of the day's highlights, found in late afternoon and the 45th species for the day. 

White-throated Sparrow - Depot Street powerline cut, Turner's Falls, Franklin Co., MA. December 31st, 2017.

Eastern Screech-Owl - male, red phase, Turner's Falls, Franklin Co., MA. December 31st, 2017.
A very impressive tally of 11 screech-owls for the count, and under difficult conditions. Makes me wonder how many are really out there?

MA - Northampton CBC Sector 8 - Hadley

Hadley Cove area at dawn, Hampshire Co., MA. December 17th, 2017. 

A beautiful hoar-frosted morning with our day starting at a chilly 9 degrees Fahrenheit. 

Last Sunday, December 17th, I was fortunate (once again) to join Scott Surner for the Hadley sector of the annual Northampton Christmas bird count. Brian Kane and JoAnne Russo joined the crew and after a fairly slow start we rallied to record 55 confirmed species for the day. For the most part it was a chilly day, though this year the weather remained favorable throughout. Of course, we had our share of niggling near-misses with Vesper Sparrow and Common Redpoll on the Aqua Vitae Road, and Barred Owl and Great Blue Heron off River Drive all of which fell just short being confirmed, and somehow Common Raven managed to elude us all day though I had one pursuing Feral Pigeons in the Hadley Honey Pot just two days later!

The day was really about the excellent bird finding from all of our team really beginning with a Lapland Longspur picked up by Brian in the Hadley Honey Pot. After that, we had a nice run of scarcer species with Merlin, Gray Catbird, Winter Wren and American Pipit all in the Honey Pot, a calling Red-shouldered Hawk off River Drive, and Snow Goose and Field Sparrow at the end of Meadow Street (restricted access). Locally high tallies for the day included five each of Belted Kingfisher and Pileated Woodpecker, and no less than three Eastern Screech-Owls!

Bird of the day would have to be American Tree Sparrow which greeted us in numbers at just about every stop we made. It was a fabulous day, and gracious thanks go to Scott, Brian and JoAnne for making it so enjoyable.

Red Fox - Hadley Cove, Hampshire Co., MA. December 17th, 2017. 

The first good spot of the day, JoAnne found this one in a backyard at dawn. 

Scott Surner and JoAnne Russo - Aqua Vitae Road, Hadley, Hampshire Co., MA. December 17th, 2017. 

Trying hard to pin down a Common Redpoll heard by me and seen briefly by JoAnne. 

Lapland Longpsur with Horned Larks - Hadley Honey pot, Hampshire Co., MA. December 17th, 2017. 

This bird marked a turning point in our the day. Remarkably, it was the only Lapland Longspur seen during the entire Northampton Count.

Gray Catbird - Hadley Honey pot, Hampshire Co., MA. December 17th, 2017. 

Showed well to all of our team, and one of only four to be recorded on the overall Northampton count.

Winter Wren - Hadley Honey pot, Hampshire Co., MA. December 17th, 2017. 

First picked up on call by Scott Surner, this turned out to be one of just two recorded for the whole count.

Pileated Woodpecker - Hadley Cove, Hampshire Co., MA. December 17th, 2017. 

First one of five seen/heard during the day. An excellent showing of this species for our sector along the Connecticut River.

Northern Harrier (juvenile) - Hadley Honey pot, Hampshire Co., MA. December 17th, 2017. 

The only harrier of the day for us.

Brian Kane - Hadley Honey pot, Hampshire Co., MA. December 17th, 2017. 

Working the fields for sparrows - fully committed! 

Black-capped Chickadee - Hadley Honey pot, Hampshire Co., MA. December 17th, 2017. 

I noticed this one taking Sumac fruit when I had a quiet moment away from my field companions.

Snow Buntings - Hadley Honey pot, Hampshire Co., MA. December 17th, 2017. 

A good day for this species with over 80 seen.

Merlin (male) - Hadley Honey pot, Hampshire Co., MA. December 17th, 2017. 

Red-shouldered Hawk (juvenile) - River Drive, Hadley , Hampshire Co., MA. December 17th, 2017. 

We had good views of this calling bird only realizing afterwards that it was mobbing something below it - Scott and JoAnne noticed 'something' slipping away underneath the hawk that was probably a Barred Owl! One of seven Red-shouldered Hawks recorded on the Northampton count, a surprisingly good tally and a new count high. 

Field Sparrow - Meadow Street, Hadley, Hampshire Co., MA. December 17th, 2017. 
A great spot by Scott and the last good bird of the day. 
Like the longspur, it turned out to be the only one recorded on the entire Northampton count. 

American Tree Sparrow - Hadley Honey pot, Hampshire Co., MA. December 17th, 2017.