Nature Provides Diversions for Fall, 2020

 

​The COVID-19 pandemic continued.  Predominantly mild temperatures, albeit punctuated from time to time with short-lived cold snaps and one late October snowstorm, were welcome as nature-watchers and outdoor-lovers made the most of the season.  Birds and other animals, many of them on the move in this migratory period, provided a pleasant distraction.

A male Northern Parula (Setophaga americana), passing through Rutland on his way south, shows off his important field marks for photographer Anne Greene.

Difficult to find keeping still enough for a photo is Ruby-crowned Kinglet (Regulus calendula), a species that migrates through central Massachusetts in early spring and late fall. The red "crown" feathers on the males are not always apparent. This 18 October bird shows a bit of red, which will become more vivid in the breeding season. Photo by Doug Wipf.

Palm Warblers ( Setophaga palmarum) like this one found on 8 October by Doug Wipf, breed primarily in boreal forests across Canada. The tropical-sounding name came about because a (wintering) specimen was found on a Caribbean island, and the species was thus associated with a place with plentiful palm trees.

Red-tailed Hawk in a red maple, early October. Note the dark patagial mark at the leading edge of the underwing, which starts near the back of the head and ends at the "wrist." This dark mark is a great ID help, since no other eastern North American hawk shows this mark. Photo by Ted Purcell.

Typically moving through our region in early November, Fox Sparrows (Passerella iliaca) are often found vigorously scratching in leaf litter on the ground, especially near dense vegetation or brush piles, in search of seeds and insects. Photographed on 8 November in Hardwick by Alan Rawle.

Nodding ladies'-tresses (Spiranthes cernua) is a fairly-common fall-blooming orchid found in woods or pond edges with acid soils. Photo by Anne Greene.

Swamp Sparrows ( Melospiza georgiana) disperse from their nesting locations in cattail marshes and wet, brushy areas as they prepare to head to the southern U.S. or parts of Mexico for the winter. On 9 October Ted Purcell photographed this individual in Rutland, not too far from where it likely spent the summer.

​As predicted, the region experienced an irruption of several boreal species
that were moving about in search of winter food sources.

Pine Siskins (Spinus pinus) in Hardwick 31 October. Photos by Alan Rawle.

Red-breasted Nuthatch (Sitta canadensis). Photo by Alan Rawle.

This Common Redpoll, a lone female or immature individual, was found in Hardwick on 6 December. Photo by Alan Rawle.

Evening Grosbeak 2 November, Hardwick. Photo by Alan Rawle.

Pine Siskin, 17 October, Rutland. Photo by Doug Wipf.

A small, photogenic flock of Pine Grosbeaks feasted on crabapples at Mass Audubon's Wachusett Meadow Sanctuary in Princeton for several weeks and were admired by many. Doug Wipf photographed an adult male and one female or immature male on 20 November. Immature males usually are indistinguishable from females until their second year.

Purple Finch (Haemorhous purpureus), Hardwick.

Immature Red Crossbill (Loxia curvirostra) in Hardwick, September. This species was moving into the area as early as August, seeking out the seeds of various coniferous cones. Photo by Alan Rawle.

Two female or immature Evening Grosbeaks (Coccothraustes vespertinus) 26 November in Hardwick. These and several others fed on staghorn sumac berries as well as sunflower seeds at the feeder. Photo by Alan Rawle.

Male Red Crossbill foraging for grit on a Hardwick road, 4 September. Photo by Alan Rawle.

Night-time visitors via backyard trail cam.  Captured by Doug Wipf in Rutland.

This Black Bear is pretty certain there used to be a birdfeeder around here someplace. . .

This Gray Fox, a regular visitor, is finding something it likes in this location, and evidently getting accustomed to the camera.

Waxing moon, approaching 30 November full moon. Photos taken on 28 November by Alan Rawle.