September 30th, 2005. Bennett Meadow WMA, Northfield, MA. The last morning of September produced a good selection species at Bennett Meadow WMA, Northfield. Although there was no sign of the Henslow’s Sparrow found and reported by Mark Taylor two days ago, the area was full of bird activity and I enjoyed some excellent looks at Rusty Blackbirds, Purple Finches and a Merlin. The biggest surprises were a migrating Great Egret and a late, but unidentified empidonax flycatcher. Towards the end of the morning Mark Taylor showed up and recalled his Henslow’s Sparrow story, which I found very convincing. I guess I’ll just have to try harder to find one of my own! Selected highlights (07:25 - 12:00); GREAT EGRET - 1 flew south at 08:10hrs. Canada Goose - 4 Wood Duck - 7 Osprey - 1 flew SW at 08:50hrs. Merlin - 1 fem/juv. Exceptional views. Eastern Phoebe - 9 Willow/Alder Flycatcher - 1, stayed very low in willows near trail entrance, only 1 - 2 feet above ground level. Very skulking and didn’t call. American Pipit - 10+ Yellow-rumped Warbler - 15+. Blackpoll Warbler - 2 Magnolia Warbler - 1 Common Yellowthroat - 1 Ruby-crowned Kinglet - 2 Blue-headed Vireo - 3 Red-eyed Vireo - 1 Blue Jay - 75 flew SW (one flock of 55). Song Sparrow - 25+ Savannah Sparrow - 35+ Lincoln’s Sparrow - 8 Swamp Sparrow - 10+ Field Sparrow - 2 White-throated Sparrow - 33 Indigo Bunting - 2 Purple Finch - 25+. EVENING GROSBEAK - 1 flew SW at 08:40hrs. American Goldfinch - 15 Images taken using Canon Powershot A-95 through Swarovksi telescope and Leica 10x42 binoculars.

Merlin

Purple Finch - adult male.

Purple Finch - female type.

Great Egret - flying south over Bennett Meadow.

Rusty Blackbird.

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