Trip Highlights

Five people participated in this walk at Laughing Brook (Hampden) and Hollow Road (Hampden and Wilbraham).  The morning was cool, mid to upper 50's, and overcast.  We covered about 2 to 2 1/2 miles.  A total of 44 species were observed and/or heard.  

Highlights included a good look at one Yellow-bellied Sapsucker, hearing one Alder Flycatcher, a small flock of about 19 Cedar Waxwings, one male House Finch with 3 begging young, hearing a number of Veeries and getting a good look at one.  Warblers were also spotted, including two Blue-winged, one Prairie, one Common Yellowthroat and a few Yellow Warblers to round out the group.  Notable on the trip was the lack of Wood Thrushes, none heard or seen, and the lack of Bobolinks.  Two of us extended the trip by going to South Road in Hampden to observe 4 Bobolinks.

There were 5 participants at the Skinner State Park walk and we recorded 28 species.  As what seems to be a pattern on this walk, the morning was damp, misty and slow (both walking and birding).  We heard things including a Worm-Eating Warbler and a very vocal Raven, but didn't see much.  It was getting foggier and dark when we met John Green and company near the big S curve, but passed them to reach the Summit House.  It was now 11 a.m., the dense fog cleared and the sun came out.  Then the miracle of birding occurred.

Standing on the deck of the Summit House, a pair of Indigo Buntings, a Scarlet Tanager and a pair of Great Crested Flycatchers cruised back and forth.  The lighting was excellent and we were level or above the birds.  Tim then spotted the Worm-eating Warbler below us and then at eye level.  We left to see if John Green had the Cerulean, only to have the pair of Worm-eating Warblers stop us at the parking area along with a Yellow-throated Vireo.  As we wandered down past the parking area, we were motioned by John's group to hurry.  The female Cerulean was seen just above our heads and the male was calling.  We hung around as the bird continued to sing and it finally came into view.  Gone were all the misgivings about missing the targeted birds.  Guess that's the way birding is, but it sure feels good to have such a finale.

Click below to view or download complete count results.

2018 May Count Results

There were 13 people on the walk and we recorded 45 species.  The fields were muddy from the prior day's rain and the road crossing was flooded more than usual.  

We recorded 7 warblers - great views of the Canada Warbler and a Magnolia Warbler, plus a Wilson's.  We walked the Eliot Trail, which was a first for many, and had Wood Thrushes and a Swainson's Thrush there.  A Solitary Sandpiper probed a muddy pool, a Willow Flycatcher was in the Withgott Meadow (!) and a pair of Orchard Orioles hung around the tracks.  Bluebirds are nesting in the bird boxes in the large fields, ignoring the ongoing tree plantings and a Great Crested Flycatcher cruised the area.  It was a fun morning and good companionship.

Twelve participants spent 3 hours covering about a half mile of the Norwottuck Rail Trail starting at the Station Rd entrance.  

Birds seen or heard included Great Blue Heron 1, Canada Geese 4 adults with 5 goslings, Turkey Vulture 1, Woodcock 2, Nighthawks 2, Chimney Swifts 3, Downy 1 and Hairy 1 Woodpecker, Barn 2 and Tree 2 Swallows, Blue Jay 2, Bluebirds 2, Robins 6, Woodthrush 1, Brown Thrasher 1, Catbird 4, and Warbling Vireo 1.  Warblers, one of each, included Yellow, Common Yellowthroat, Black-and-white, Northern Waterthrush.  There were Red-winged Blackbirds 6, Grackles 4, Cowbird 1, Bobolink 3, Swamp and Song Sparrows 2 of each, Rose-breasted Grosbeak 2, and Baltimore Oriole 4.