Trip Highlights

It was a nice trip with great weather, as eight members gathered for a sunny morning walk along the reservoir.   On the trip we spotted all the local woodpeckers except the Northern Flicker and were treated to very nice looks at Red-breasted Nuthatches feeding on pinecones along with the more common White-breasted Nuthatches.  We spent much time trying to decipher the many "confusing fall warblers" that were flitting high in the trees.  A number remained a mystery, but we did get a Tennessee, a Blackpoll, a Black-and-White and a number of Pines.  Total species count was 27.  There were also tons of squirrels (Grays and Reds) and chipmunks.

The weather was great for this walk at Southwick WMA, partly sunny, temps 60s, warming to mid-70s by the end of the walk with calm winds.  Fourteen members joined and we identified a total of 35 species.  Best bird was Lincoln’s Sparrow, which might have gotten by us if it were not for Jim’s photograph to clinch the ID. Click below to view complete trip list.

Eleven participants gathered for today’s field trip and the weather was perfect. Our highlight bird was the Sandhill Crane, which we saw first in the squash field. Then they flew over us to the swampy area, where we relocated them later. We identified 44 species in total.  

Click below to view complete species list.

The morning started out grayish, with a slight breath of wind in the air.  Temperatures were normal for the time of year as ten enthusiastic birders began slowly ambling down the Bark Haul Trail at the Stebbins Refuge.  The ubiquitous Wood Duck, icon for the refuge, made its first appearance in the pond along the trail.  As we continued around the pond more familiar feathered friends were observed, including Northern Flicker, Cedar Waxwing, and Red-bellied Woodpecker.  Just before we turned back west, a Merlin was spotted high in a snag, then sped off over the pond.

Our first target bird was standing on a submerged log in the pond just east of the railroad tracks, keeping company with more ducks and a pair of Mute Swans.  This sometimes hard to locate visitor was the Common Gallinule, showing off its long legs and whitish side streak.  As it entered the water the delicateness of its pigeon-like head was contrasted to the nearby ducks.  Overhead, Tree Swallows and Chimney Swifts flew high, probably getting fuel for their journey south.  

As we made our way further down the trail our only warbler for the day, Common Yellowthroat, was observed.  A lone Solitary Sandpiper was seen feeding in the water near the intersection of the Bark Haul and West Road trails.  Venturing south on the West Road Trail we admired the various fall wildflowers on display.  As we turned east onto the Meadow Trail, a Pileated Woodpecker flew quite low over us, allowing a great view.  Next on tap would be our second target bird, but first a surprise came when we heard two Marsh Wrens vocalizing just off the boardwalk.  As we continued to listen, these two chatterboxes actually came closer to us!

In the pond north of the Boy Scout bridge our second target bird, Black-bellied Whistling-Duck, was just as obliging as the gallinule was.  Apparently sleeping on one pink leg, this rare but regular visitor from the south, was keeping company with other ducks, including two Blue-winged Teal.

On the way to our last stop we observed Mallards and Double-crested Cormorants loafing in the ponds along Pondside Road.  At the northernmost pond, we added Green-winged Teal to our day’s total.  Not a bad way to end an enjoyable morning of birding at Stebbins Refuge!

Click below to view complete species list.

There were approximately 20 observers today from the Allen and Hoffmann Bird Clubs. A BIG THANK YOU to everyone for all the help with spotting and identifying birds today in a surprisingly challenging sky.

The weather was variably cloudy, with cloud-cover decreasing until noon (50%>20%), then increased in the afternoon to 95% with a sprinkling of rain during the last hour. Haze prevailed throughout the watch (Mt Monadnock invisible). Wind was SW 2-7 mph until the last hour, when it became ESE barely 2 mph. Temperature ranged from 60-76 F.

It was a meager flight — no surprise with this wind. Harriers were the standouts with 6, one of which was a gray ghost. Other migrants included Sharp-shinned Hawk (5), Cooper’s Hawk (1), Broad-winged Hawk (3), American Kestrel (2) and Merlin (2).

Not counted as migrants: Black Vulture, 5 Turkey Vultures, adult Bald Eagle, 2 Red-shouldered Hawks, 2 Broad-wing Hawks (adult and immature), and a Red-tailed Hawk.

Non-raptor species identified included nine warblers: Black-and-white (2), Tennessee, American Redstart (2), Cape May (2 bright males, 1 first-fall female), Northern Parula (2), Chestnut-sided, Black-throated Blue (m), Palm, Black-throated Green. Other species spotted were Common Nighthawks (3), Ruby-throated Hummingbirds (2), Double-crested Cormorant, Downy Woodpecker, Hairy Woodpecker, Northern Flicker, Pileated Woodpecker, Eastern Phoebe, PHILADELPHIA VIREO, American Crows (3), Common Raven, Black-capped Chickadee, Red-breasted Nuthatch, White-breasted Nuthatch, House Wrens (2), Cedar Waxwings (15), Purple Finch, American Goldfinches (2), Savannah Sparrow, Song Sparrow. Monarch butterflies: 37.