January 31, 2013

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...
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January 17, 2013

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.

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January 16, 2013

NOMO

Northern Mockingbird at the Arnold Arboretum
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January 15, 2013

GCKI

Golden-crowned Kinglet in the Arnold Arboretum yesterday
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January 14, 2013

Jamaica Pond

Through the scope at Jamaica Pond today:

Canvasback in the back, Redhead in the front.
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Northern Shoveler
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January 13, 2013

DA

Harlequin Duck from Halibut Point last week.
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Snow Buntings in Hadley
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American Pipit in Hadley
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January 9, 2013

Boston Peckers

A young not-so-red-headed Red-headed Woodpecker
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Downy in the reeds
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January 7, 2013

HOLAs in Hadley

Horned Larks from Aqua Vita Road this week.
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January 6, 2013

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
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Snow Bunting
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Vesper
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Vesper showing white in outer tail feathers nicely.
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