Friday, October 31, 2014

Birdwatching At The Nameless Campground

 This was the view from my lakeside tent site in the Berkshires. There are only 12 total sites at this particular state campsite. I chose it because walk-in only camping is available here during the off-season. I prefer walk-in camping when using a tent so that you can time your arrival with a suitable weather forecast.

The park has become much more popular through word of mouth since I last visited it some years ago so I don't want to reveal its location. I'll just say that it rhymes with peartown.
 Some of the other campers wondered how I was able to get the best tent site (11) which is only one of 2 directly on the pond. I went up on a Friday morning while it was still raining to claim the site. I spent the day birdwatching in between the rain drops and set up my tent in the afternoon after the rain had stopped.
 I walked a few miles along the state forest road searching for interesting habitat.
 I found this solitary Hooded Merganser on the water and had to think twice about what it was. I'm not used to seeing juvenile Hooded Mergansers without any of their tell-tale markings. I also found some adult Hooded Mergansers on my way home.

I find that I enjoy birding a lot while I'm on a camping trip. You're already in the nature mindset and have nothing other to worry about  except for eating and making a campfire! 

Note: One of the things I find helpful when going camping in an unfamiliar place is to use e-bird to find places in the area which have had sightings of species that I would like to see under the "explore data" section. I also e-mail local audubon or bird clubs for information.


4 comments:

FAB said...

Larry, you definitely bagged the prime spot. Super views of the autumnal landscape.

Linda said...

I absolutely love the beautiful reflections in your solitary bird photo. Another lovely series. Thank you so much for sharing.

Larry said...

Thanks for the comments-glad you liked the photos!It was a beautiful location to be during the Fall season.

Cathy said...

Always amazed with your photography . . .
And those raindrops around that sweet bluebird . Awwwwww . . . .