Saturday, May 9, 2009

South Quabbin-Sat-May 9th 2009

We went birding at South Quabbin in Warre and Belchertown, MA today. Alan counted 50 species of birds including 12 warblers which isn't too bad considering it was dismal outside for May.


One thing is for certain and that is photographing birds has become SO MUCH more difficult. I am telling you I spend most of my time taking pictures of these small birds that are fluttering about and I really don't know what they are half the time unless they sit still for a few seconds so I can get a good look at them. They are so quick that I try and take a picture so I can review that vs the bird who is behaving like Kramer after consuming a pot of black coffee.

Anyhow, despite the obstacles S Quabbin was a lot of fun and rich with warblers including Ovenbirds, Redstarts and other hyper birds I couldn't get a decent photo of. The picture above is that of Prairie Warbler. Lifer!!! We spent 10 minutes or so trying to get these birds to sit still for one minute while I got a half decent photo. Dozens of people strolled by us with coolers in hand to picnic looking at us and wondering who the weirdos were taking pictures of picker bushes. HA!

A lousy shot of an absolutely gorgeous warbler called the Northern Parula. Such a striking bird with the blue on top. I am so used to the majority of the warblers I have seen thus far having primary yellow plumage so it was a real treat to see one with primary blue.


Another new warbler for me which is the Magnolia Warbler. LIFER!! Look at the streaking on its chest. It reminds me of a crayon mark. Such a stunning bird who spent a lot of time on the apple tree with dozens of other birds. I actually thought all of these birds were eating the flowers until my birding friend told me they were eating the bugs inside of the flower buds. HA! I am learning folks but it continues to be a struggle.


There is still evidence of nesting everywhere we go. Here are a pair of Tree Swallows who are beyond annoyed that we were near their nest box. I took a quick photo and we ventured elsewhere to not disturb them anymore.

Please cross your fingers for me for tomorrow. We are off to Mount Auburn in Cambridge, MA for warbler waves. I hope they are easier to see AND photograph than the ones I have seen the past week or so.

Peace and get out there and bird!



16 comments:

Anonymous said...

What interesting birds this evening. Love the one with the crayon markings! How stunning! Have fun tomorrow.

Kelly said...

...great photo of the Prairie Warbler, and right now, my favorite warbler is the Northern Parula (it was the Nashville, but I think they have packed up and left our area). I noticed also that today was the first day the leaves have become a major obstacle in photographing the warblers. Just a week ago, there were so many more peep holes! You got a lot of great birds today! Happy Mother's Day also.

NCmountainwoman said...

Fingers crossed here.

You are REALLY becoming a birder! The photographs are wonderful. Girl, you ROCK!

Ginnymo said...

Great photos of those little birds!! That yellow one is very different. I finally saw my yellow one yesterday! The Goldfinches..I was happy!!
Happy Mother's Day Kim!!

Alan Pulley said...

Wow, congrats on all the lifers Kim!! Good luck tomorrow as well!

Nick S said...

Congrats on the lifer Kim :-) Glad you captured the moments !!

Dawn Fine said...

Very nice photos Kim..
The apple tree was a great backdrop for those beautiful birds..
I also saw a magnolia warbler today..but had no luck getting a photo..
like you say..it is sooooo hard to take a picture when they flit about like Kramer...tee hee....
i keep trying.
Good luck at Mt. Auburn..I have been there before..Nice place to bird.

Rick (Ratty) said...

These are some of the prettiest birds I've seen yet. The prairie warbler is great. The magnolia warbler is my favorite of them all here. I love the streaks on its chest.

A New England Life said...

You're always coming up with new photo's of birds I haven't seen Kim! Good for you!

Btw, I like your new photo ; )

Dawn Fine said...

Kim
You probably left already..I wanted to show you that Chris of Picus Blog was at Mt. Auburn Yesterday and saw LOTS of good birds.
http://www.picusblog.com/
So u are in for a treat!
Oh..you changed your profile picture..
You look such the birder!

Mary said...

How many warblers have you seen now? I would like to go warbler watching with you, because I seldom see one. Lovely photos!

Deborah Godin said...

It's always a race this time of year to see as many birds as possible before the trees get too leafed out!

Steve said...

12 warblers in a day. I got 4 today and I though I was doing well! That Prarie looks like a little tiger with wings!

Anonymous said...

You always have a nice collection of bird photos and such a diverse assortment too. I admire people who can get out and about with others and snap away.

My Birds Blog

MaineBirder said...

12 Warbler species and some lifers too boot... Conrats!

Good luck today and Happy Mothers Day!

Larry T said...

Quabbin is such a great place. I spend alot (probably too much!) time there and it always rewards a visit.

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