Berkshire Lakes

Our annual Berkshire Lakes trip took place on November 1 with 10 members participating.  As can be expected in early November, it was cold and windy, but mostly sunny.  We tallied 29 species, mostly waterfowl.  Land birds were probably quiet due to the wind, but one notable highlight was a kettle of Ravens harassing a Bald Eagle at the so-called "Teal Hole" of the Cheshire Reservoir.  Four other Ravens were seen in addition to the kettle.  Bald Eagles were another highlight.  We counted 7, including 5 from the fishing pier at Burbank Park.  

Waterfowl highlights included a Pintail and 4 Coot at Bull Hill on Pontoosuc, along with a late Great Egret.  Two Bufflehead were seen later on Pontoosuc; 6 Black Scoter on Onota; and 2 Long-tailed Ducks, 5 Ruddy Ducks and a Pied-billed Grebe on Richmond Pond.  

At Bull Hill Myles spied a smaller gull with bright red legs close up.  By the time all of us could get on it, it took off with the many other Ring-billed Gulls.  We debated and studied our guidebooks and resources, vacillating between Bonaparte's and Black-headed Gulls.  The latter would be unusual inland, but Bonaparte's could be expected.  When the gulls landed again close by, the smaller gull was in the water and we could not see the legs.  The bill, and size, seemed to indi-cate Bonaparte's.  We concluded that we had two Bonaparte's Gulls and that is what is on the trip list, despite the "gut feeling" of some of us that the first gull was Black-headed.  After the trip, Joseph forwarded a report of a Black-headed Gull seen the same day at Quabbin Reservoir, obviously not close to our Berkshire lakes, but, hmmmm.... Could we have also seen a Black-headed Gull?  The conclusion is that when in the field, you should expect the unexpected.  When you have the opportunity, take time to study the birds in front of you, taking note of all field marks and behaviors.  Because, you never know...

Click below to view species list.