Trip Highlights

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.

The walk this morning took place from the new parking lot off West Road with 6 participants.  We walked the periphery of the farm fields and to the Longmeadow Sandbar with the hope of finding migrating sparrows, warblers, and shorebirds.  The sparrows and warblers didn't show, but we did have shorebirds - Least, Semipalmated, Spotted, and Solitary Sandpipers, as well as Semipalmated Plovers.  Ruby-throated Hummingbirds seemed to be moving as we had three working the Jewel Weed. Three raptors - Bald Eagle, Osprey, and Red-tailed Hawk - were among the 30 species seen and were added to the Allen Bird Club 250 Quest.  A very pleasant morning.

Eight Allen Bird Club members showed up for the Saturday morning walk. We had humid temps in the low 70's and overcast skies. We decided to start our trip in the direction towards the Boy Scout Boardwalk in hopes of getting looks at the Black-bellied Whistling-Duck. As we started out, we spotted a Merlin and a Red-shouldered Hawk, a good start to the walk. Thanks to April for spotting the Black-bellied Whistling-Duck and Bambi with her scope to allow everyone great views from the boardwalk. The remainder of the walk was relatively quiet with a total of 44 species, not much warbler activity. As we ended the trip, I informed the group that I had observed the resident Bald Eagles flying over to West Road carrying nesting material. We decided to go over there to see if we could find the nest site, and with a little bit of luck we did! Let's hope they build this nest a lot stronger than the previous nest. The nest is in the middle of the corn fields and will be visible when the leaves fall.

Click below to view complete list of species.

On a sunny early September morning eight inquisitive birders entered the trails of the Fannie Stebbins Refuge in search of what birds would present themselves. The weather was cool to start, trails were dry up to the boardwalk, and the temperature warmed as the morning progressed.  Along the way to the boardwalk typical denizens appeared including vireos, warbling and red eyed, woodpeckers and of course many Wood Ducks.  Three warbler species Common Yellowthroat, American Redstart and Black-and-white were espied by all. In total there were 36 species seen and/or heard. The highlight for most was the view of the Black-bellied Whistling-Duck which was located on the eastern side of the tracks on the northern side marshes just beyond the boardwalk.  

As always, the walk was a success, and enjoyment was had by all.