GYR-Yes

Finally, after a number of attempts and four or five hours today, the Gyrfalcon in Hadley was relocated and I got to see it.  It was first seen in the trees along the edge of a farm field, but soon took off and landed in a nearby cornfield, where it remained for 40 or so minutes.  Unfortunately I could not get any closer and conditions were not great for pictures through the scope.  But, pics or it didn't happen, so here it is...

Post 701

PI

At Plum Island today I had close to 50 species, which I thought wasn't too bad for a mid-winter day of birding.  Highlights included the continuing Western Grebe, a Eurasian Wigeon, a couple of Canvasbacks and six species of raptors.

This Kestrel and Kingfisher were hanging out in the same spot, doing similar things. Both were birds I was not really expecting to see today.

NOMO

Northern Mockingbird at the Arnold Arboretum

GCKI

Golden-crowned Kinglet in the Arnold Arboretum yesterday

Jamaica Pond

Through the scope at Jamaica Pond today:

Canvasback in the back, Redhead in the front.


Northern Shoveler

DA

Harlequin Duck from Halibut Point last week.


Snow Buntings in Hadley


American Pipit in Hadley

Boston Peckers

A young not-so-red-headed Red-headed Woodpecker






Downy in the reeds

AVR 3

Vesper

Savannah

Snow Bunting

HOLAs in Hadley

Horned Larks from Aqua Vita Road this week.












 

No GYR

Today and yesterday I went out searching for the Gyrfalcon that has been seen in Hadley the last couple of weeks.  Though a few people think they had glimpses, I'm a bit skeptical as there were Merlin, Peregrines, Harriers, Red-taileds, and Rough-legs around, and people tend to see what they want.  But hey, I'm still jealous.

I did however see some great songbirds along Aqua Vita Road where someone had spread seed along the road.  Lots of Snow Buntings, Horned Larks, and Savannah Sparrows, along with a Clay-colored and Vesper Sparrow.

Savannah




Snow Bunting




Vesper


Vesper showing white in outer tail feathers nicely.