Scoter Day

I went out today in search of the 3 scoter species and some scaup. I hit the Wachusett Reservoir area. I didn't check on the Northern Wheatear as the last two days now have come up empty. She was eating a lot so hopefully she's cruising to Europe or Africa by now. On Mile Hill Rd in Boylston I scoped a small scoter flock. I was able to pull out a Black Scoter amongst the White-winged Scoters. There were also 2 Bonaparte's Gulls flying around as well as a Red-necked Grebe. As normal with in Worcester County Bonaparte's Gulls are normally specs around here. That would all change today. I then ran some errands and birded Quabog Pond in Brookfield. I immediately picked up with my naked eye 2 Gulls off by themselves. That was an instant clue to check on them. They were 2 more Bonaparte's Gulls. I threw out some crackers for the Ring-billed Gulls so my boys could watch. The frenzy brought in the Bonaparte's. I sat on a rock and they didn't mind jt heir picture taken. These are the best looks I've ever had away from the coast. Getting close to 200 species photographed. The Black Scoter put me at 201 on the year seen.


White-winged Scoter- Boylston #194

Black Scoter- Boylston #195

Upgrades--

Northern Wheatear

Common Loon

Belted Kingfisher

OH.....YES

I don't even know where to begin. Yesterday was just so awesome with the Wheatear and I was never expecting the next day to add another crazy bird! Nick Paulson called me early this morning and stated that he had a storm-petrel in Sterling. As birders, you know how crazy this is. I ended up there and after we all talked it was identified as a Leach's Storm-Petrel. This was a life bird for me in one of the last places I would of thought I'd of seen one. A great couple weeks in Worcester County! I did go back over to the North Dike for American Pipits. Saw lots of enthusiastic birders watching the Northern Wheatear. Some were put off when I said "i'm just here for the pipits" haha. I was able to photograph American Pipits today as well. Bring on the scoters now!!!


Leach's Storm-Petrel - Sterling #192

American Pipit- Sterling #193

Upgrades

Savannah Sparrow

Oh my!

I had a few minutes today to try and snag an American Pipit today. I am so glad that I went to Wachusett Reservoir. Sad news....didn't get a Pipit but instead found a Northern Wheatear. Even more exciting was the fact that I was able to get so many people on the bird  I love being able to give back to people that have helped me over the years. The bird was present for hours until dark. hopefully sticks around.  9 shy of 200. I'm excited.  Bird was hunting crickets and calling a bunch. So lucky!!

Northern Wheatear -Sterling #191

   

Upgrades

Swamp Sparrow 

White-crowned Sparrow 

Common Loon

Bald Eagle 

Sparrow 2fer

I'll start off my saying I finally got a Lincoln's Sparrow. The best looks I've ever had at one. I got a text from Tim Spahr that he had found a Clay-colored Sparrow in Westborough WMA. This was a county bird for me. Took about 30 min but the bird finally appeared with some Swamp Sparrows! He was fairly cooperative in the time I was there and Bob and Diane Abbot were able to get on  the bird as well so that was more awesome than just getting it for the county! Tim has been killing it this year! The Clay-colored wasn't a bird I was expecting on this years list! Just need to get some pipits! I will say that I am tired of stepping in dog shit at Westborough WMA. So if you are reading this and its your dog...dont be an asshole.



Clay-colored Sparrow- Westborough #189

Lincoln's Sparrow- Westborough #190

"Upgrades"

Red-shouldered Hawk!

I have been out daily trying to photograph a Lincoln's Sparrow. Everytime I go out I do find them yet unable to get them to stay up quick enough to switch from binoculars to camera. I cannot miss this bird. After this it will be American Pipit search followed by scoter season. Sterling Peat has been a great place to get pipits on the ground but it's not muddy like it usually is. Hope I don't misss them!!! While trying for the Lincoln's Sparrow at Heirloom Harvest CSA I heard a Red-shouldered Hawk calling. Got on the bird high up with a Cooper's Hawk. I was able to get a horrible shot of the bird but clearly can see the "windows on the wings" feature. I'll take it. Hopefully another opportunity will arise.


Red-shouldered Hawk- Westborough #188

Upgrades--


Blackpoll Warbler

Ruby-crowned Kinglet

3 Bird Search....

I got up early today in search of 3 birds. Philadelphia Vireo, Lincoln's Sparrow, and Connecticut Warbler. I have LISP and CONW on my year but no pictures. I came across a flock of Vireos. 2 Red-eyed, 3 Warbling, and a Philadelphia. It was nice to get it outta the way. I thought I was going to miss one this year however Tim Sparh had confidence in me and he was right! I tried like hell for a Lincoln's Sparrow at Westborough WMA. This is usually my go-to spot for them. I dipped there on them and on CONW. I did have a singing Blue-winged Warbler which i spent over an hour trying to find. It was in the woods and seemed rather high. the woodline bordered a squash field.

I then went over to Heirloom Harvest CSA to look for Lincoln's Sparrow as I've had them there while seeing the Dickcissels. I did see a LISP but I couldn't get any sort of record shot!!!!!!!! Dickcissels were a no-show.

Philadelphia Vireo- Westborough #187

Upgrades---

Common Yellowthroat

Dickcissel

Northern Parula

Bobolink

Dickcissel!!!

A couple days ago Nick Paulson found a couple DICKs at Heirloom Harvest CSA in Westborough. I went after striking out on a Yellow-breasted Chat and I then struck out on a Dickcissel. Today I was determined to try again and Nick joined me. We headed out to the fields. It was very quiet and I was losing hope. Then some Boblinks popped up and it became exciting. Then I spotted a Dickcissel but only had 2 second views and no pics. Spent about an hour there and came to the conclusion that there were at least 2. I believe there are 3. Got a backlit picture. Ill be headed there again tomorrow. I did also have Lincoln's Sparrow and Connecticut Warbler but I was unable to get a picture! Tomorrow Ill be at it again!!So close to 200...yet so far!


Dickcissel- Westborough #186