Trip Highlights

Ten members joined in the fun of this annual trek at Ashley Ponds in hopes of sighting early spring arrivals.  They were rewarded with a total of 56 species.  Click below to view complete list.

Though forecasters predicted rain for the morning, thankfully they were wrong (again).  A Rose-breasted Grosbeak greeted us with its beautiful song soon after the walk began.  Green Herons were migrating in and we were treated to a flyover early in the walk and later spotted two more perched in trees on separate ponds.  For a short time it was like the "old days" as we bumped into a large feeding flock of Blue-headed Vireos, Yellow-rumped Warblers, Palm Warblers, and Ruby-crowned Kinglets.  Along Bark Haul Trail and West Rd Trail to the back culvert, the regulars made themselves known as we heard and/or saw Black-capped Chickadees, Carolina Wren, Northern Cardinals, and Tufted Titmice.  After checking out the new beaver dam and resulting pond, we returned to Pondside where swallows and Chimney Swifts were hawking insects.  Here we found many Tree Swallows, a few Rough-winged Swallows, and a single Barn Swallow.  A female Ring-necked Duck was feeding with the Mute Swans and Canada Geese.  There were also Double-crested Cormorants and Wood Ducks. A final stop by the Bald Eagle's nest gave us scope views of the female on the nest with occasional glimpses of an eaglet.  The male eagle stood regally across the pond.  Last bird for the trip was a newly arrived Warbling Vireo claiming his territory.  We had 6 participants that contributed to a total of 38 species.  There were also two new people that joined us.  One asked to see a Red-bellied Woodpecker and with the groups help, the request was granted - one of the joys of having club trips.  And a special thanks to Joanna, visiting from California, who kept the list.

Our Family and Beginner Bird Walk in Forest Park today was a joy-filled romp packed with discoveries. We had 17 people in all and saw 35 species. Our junior birders renamed the Wood Duck "Rainbow Head" and the Canada Goose "Mr. Bossy Pants." Every bit of this fun was thanks to members and friends of the Allen Bird Club. Feeling grateful for our wonderful, growing community of birders.

We changed the meet up location to Esselon Café in Hadley for breakfast.  That option worked out well, allowing us to take a quick drive through the Honeypot before heading upriver.  The weather was mostly cloudy in the mid-40s, with winds increasing to 14 mph and some light rain.  

The Honeypot gave us a Harrier, a Great Blue Heron, 6 TVs, 2 Bald Eagles, a Redtail and some land birds.  

At Barton’s Cove (various locations) we got looks at C. Merganser, DC Cormorant, Fish Crow, 5 Bald Eagles at one time, Tree Swallows, and other common birds.  

The Turners Falls Rod and Gun Club had a dozen C. Mergansers, 2 Mute Swans, a Kingfisher and 2 Phoebes. Nearby, the feeders at the top of the hill added a Pine Siskin, several other songbirds, and a flyby Sharp-shinned Hawk.  The Turners Falls Airport proved to be worth a stop, as we found a pair of Bluebirds, 2 Killdeer, 2 Kestrels, and a Chipping Sparrow.  Unity Park added 2 more Fish Crows and 13 Cedar Waxwings, but no Bohemian. The gate was open at the power canal and we got nice looks at a Pine Warbler, with another calling nearby.  Also there were 2 Ring-necked Ducks, an Eagle, a Raven, and a few other songbirds, but no Screech Owl in the old cavity.  

While at the campground of Barton’s Cove earlier in the day, we bumped into a birder named Zeke.  He gave us directions to a Barred Owl spot, so when we finished at the Power Canal, we headed to Highland Park in Greenfield.  We did not get the Barred Owl but did get large flocks of singing Goldfinch and Pine Siskins, visible Brown Creepers, 2 Palm and 3 Pine Warblers and a half dozen Rough-winged Swallows, so all was not lost.

Ten members joined in to enjoy the evening sky dance of the American Woodcock. This event was originally scheduled for March 28, but poor weather forced a delay. This day the temps were in the 40s and the wind was light at 5-7 mph from the north. In addition to getting 5 Woodcock, we also counted 3 Canada Geese, 6 Mute Swan, 4 Wood Duck, 2 Mallard, 2 Black Duck, 1 Virginia Rail, 2 Robin, and 2 Song Sparrows.