Trip Highlights

A whopping number of birders, 25 in all, gathered to enjoy a total of 57 species in three hours of birding the refuge.   Highlights included Common Nighthawk sleeping on a branch of a Maple tree, Red-shouldered Hawk, two Willow Flycatchers, and two Canada Warblers (unfortunately only seen by a few in the group).   Only seven species of warbler were spotted, but other specialties made up for that disappointment.

Rainy weather canceled the walk up Mt. Holyoke though the leader and one intrepid birder showed up hoping to get glimpses of the Worm-eating and Cerulean Warblers.

Click below to view or download complete count results.

2017 May Count Results

Only a couple of members took advantage of a walk through Hillcrest Cemetery, finding a total of 22 species.   The usual neighborhood birds were spotted, as well as a Yellow-rumped Warber and Yellow-throated Vireo, Chimney Swifts, and a Red-tailed Hawk.   The highlight of the walk was the return of the Barn Swallows.

A good crowd of birders (~15) gathered at the Station Road entrance to the Norwottuck Rail Trail in Amherst to enjoy the birds of evening.   They were rewarded with a Black-billed Cuckoo, a Virginia Rail seen well walking back and forth in the marsh in an exposed area, Bobolinks out in the field, a Grackle sitting on her nest very close to the path, two Woodcock, two Swamp Sparrows, two Orchard Orioles, any many other birds to delight.