Millbury Birding-Monday May 18th

It was a local day of birding for us today. The weather was terrible (again!) and I could only be out there for 1/2 a day because an emergency project came up at work so off I went. It's just as well I suppose as we will be out at Rutland State Park tomorrow and I need to rest up because believe it or not, I'm tired! This doesn't happen to me too often so when it does I listen because it would be a crime to get sick during the month of May. ;o)

Anyhow, the picture above was taken around the trails at Brierly Pond in Millbury. We have been seeing a lot of American Redstarts over the past couple of days and the picture above is of a female.

We decided to check up on the nesting Common Ravens to see what was going on and we saw at least two of the young in the nest, minus the parents. If you look closely at the picture above you will see the two tiny little heads.

Next it was off to Butler Farms to check for Bobolinks. We spotted this House Wren in the way toward the field.

It was its usually noisy self but great to see and be able to capture with a picture.

Next it was off to the fields where the Bobolinks attempt to nest every summer. The area is at a very high elevation that allowed us to see Mount Wachusset from where we were at despite the cloudy skies.

Washed out digiscope of the Bobolink (LIFER!). This picture does not do the bird justice as the top of its head is more yellow than it appears. They have a unique flight pattern that was fun to watch.

We went to another spot in town and saw another Scarlett Tanager. Such a beautiful bird to look at and it's great because this color makes them easier to spot than the ever elusive warblers.

Speaking of warblers, check out this Chestnut-sided. HA!! I know, I know the picture is lousy but the pose unique. I don't think I have ever seen anything like it. Perhaps is likes to forrage that way?? If I hadn't seen it move after that I would have mistaken it for dead or passed out drunk. Very weird.

A male American Redstart. I really like this bird but its call is confusing the heck out of me. It almost reminds of a Yellow Warblers call. Every time I hear it I mistaken it for something else.

Finally a Rose-breasted Grosbeak. Off to relax and catch up on some reading now. I am sitting here in SWEAT PANTS and am sick of the cold!! I thought May was supposed to be warm! Will post about Rutland tomorrow. Take care all!