October 12th, 2005. South Quabbin, MA.
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Lapland Longspur Calacrius lapponicus. (1, possibly 2).
| From Winsor Dam (09:30 - 11:30hrs);
BLACK-LEGGED KITTIWAKE
- 1 adult flew south down the far (western) side of the reservoir,
cruised around for a short while and then headed back north into the
teeth of a cold northern wind. Seen at 10:22 - 10:30hrs. Behaved
much more like a true pelagic gull than those seen yesterday (and
apparently today) in Northampton, gliding low over the whitecaps and
then towering high into the wind, before a starting another long glide.
Amazing.
LAPLAND LONGSPUR
-1, possibly 2, seen and heard along the dam wall with Savannah
Sparrows and American Pipits. Usually very tricky to see, but
occasionally perched on the wall itself. My third inland observation of
the fall so far, the first being one in the East Meadows, Northampton
on September 28th. Nice to get one actually down and close though,
somehow just much more satisfying.
Other birds of interest;
Canada Goose - 45 flew south in two flocks.
American Black Duck - 16 flew south (plus one Malled with them).
Osprey - 4 flew south.
Peregrine - 1 south.
Sharp-shinned Hawk - 3 south.
Northern Flicker - 4 singles flew south.
PINE SISKIN - 1 flew south at 10:07hrs.
Savannah Sparrow - 100+
American Pipit - 45+.
Common Raven - 2
No obvious signs of any scoters whilst I was there.
From the ‘Blueberry Patch’;
Double-crested Cormorant - 1
Savannah Sparrow - 10+
White-throated Sparrow - 2
Lots of visible White-tailed Deer on the drive loop through the park.
| | Images taken using Canon Powershot through Swarovski telescope. |
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