Trip Highlights

On an overcast day with a threat of rain, 12 hearty birders souls weren't dampened. Upon entering the trail, we were delighted to encounter an Alder Flycatcher sounding off in the marsh. This was a first of the year identification for many. As we traveled along, conditions of the trail were acceptable considering the heavy amount of rain previously received in the area. Due to weather conditions warbler counts were low but this didn't lessen the enjoyment being had. At "Warbler corner" we once again were lucky to hear a Black-billed Cuckoo sounding off in the distance. Working our way towards the stand of pines, we encountered a female Wood duck with eight newborn ducklings. Further down the path, we had the opportunity to view a Barred Owl high up in the trees. Both expected sandpipers (Spotted and Solitary) were also seen. In total 47 different species were accounted for. All in all, it was yet another great morning of birding.

The water in the river was high, making the possibility of spotting any water birds near impossible. From the deck in the park nearby, we spotted a Bald Eagle feeding two eaglets in the nest. Then at the boat launch south of South Hadley center, we got Spotted Sandpiper. There were lots of House Sparrows and European Starlings found in our search for more native birds.

A large group of 15 members gathered for the Mother’s Day Walk at Robinson.  The birds were not cooperative and much of the identification was by ear, but the group managed to get 56 species in total, including 14 warbler species.  Everybody saw the best warbler species of the day, a Wilson’s Warbler.  Then at the river, everyone got the Bald Eagle sitting on a nest at eye level, less than 100 feet away.  It was good to have the company of John Hutchison, the long-time leader of this annual event.

Four members walked 3 miles at Mt Tom this morning, despite rain in the forecast. The total bird species count was 35, with several excellent sightings.  See complete list below.

Canada Goose  8 - Andrea

Mourning Dove  1

Great Blue Heron  1 - Jim saw the trailing legs.

Black Vulture  1 - Seen by all, silver wingtips.

Turkey Vulture  5

Bald Eagle  3 - Stationary above the mountain.

Red-tailed Hawk  1

Yellow-bellied Sapsucker  1

Red-bellied Woodpecker  1

Downy Woodpecker  1

Pileated Woodpecker  1

Peregrine Falcon  3 - Seen and heard by all. Two flew left away from the cliff face while one remained, calling. Known nesting area.

Eastern Phoebe  1

Great Crested Flycatcher  2

Red-eyed Vireo  3

Blue Jay  5

Common Raven  1

Black-capped Chickadee  3 - One carrying nesting material.

Tufted Titmouse  3

Gray Catbird  1

Wood Thrush  5

American Robin  4

House Sparrow  2

White-throated Sparrow  1

Eastern Towhee  4

Red-winged Blackbird  1

Brown-headed Cowbird  1

Ovenbird  1

Worm-eating Warbler  1 - Heard only.

Black-and-white Warbler  2

Black-throated Blue Warbler  1

Black-throated Green Warbler  1

Scarlet Tanager  2

Northern Cardinal  3

Rose-breasted Grosbeak  3

Rain hampered our walk, but a few members stayed on to enjoy the songs of Veery, Red-winged Blackbirds and Grackles. Though there were no ducks in sight, we did see muskrats and lovely Painted Trillium to brighten the walk.