Trip Highlights

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.

The owl prowl attracted 20 members and they were not disappointed.  Passing clouds, winds of 10-12 mph, and temps in the low 50s did not deter the enthusiasm of members. Though a Cooper’s Hawk, Killdeer and Mourning Dove were counted, the focus was on owls.  Success - a Great Horned Owl was heard only, but two Barred Owls were seen and heard!

Broken clouds with calm winds and temps in the mid-60s was the weather for our walk at Ashley Ponds.  Eight members joined in and identified a total of 36 species.  Click below to view complete species list.

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.