Quabbin Reservoir Walk

Eleven participants saw 25 species.  First, let it be known that our 3-hour walk started at 8 a.m. and end-ed at 1:45 p.m.  Only Tim, Terrie and I were left at the end; ticks popped up at our last wooded stop and the birders fled.   Nice day, nice company and treats provided by Beth Spirito and Lisa kept us fed and happy.  

Scott Surner had 4 Scoters at the Visitor's Center and got the black dots in our scopes; I did not include them in my list.  Common Loon was close, as was a Red-necked Grebe, Hooded Merganser, and Wood Ducks.   Beth found us 4 Rusty Blackbirds which were within 50 feet, providing an excellent study in plumages.  Hermit Thrush, Ruby-crowned Kinglet and Killdeer were other highlights.  No warblers and no Chickadees in the old orchard to hand feed.  My mistake in making such a promise.  Sparrows were sparse and I was surprised at the large number of Ring-billed gulls on the water.  For sanitation reasons, DCR will try to control this problem.  All in all, I'll come again to Quabbin for this walk, but won't promise anything.