Late fall roundup

Not so many migrant sparrows this fall, as observed at Nahanton Park and elsewhere in Eastern Massachusetts. An exception: a good showing by Field Sparrows. But there were some good birds around anyway.  Several Orange-crowned Warblers were around (Oct 10, continuing for Linda's BBC walk on Oct 14, and much later, Nov 23), and also on Nov 23 I caught a glimpse of a very late Blue-winged Warbler at the back of the upper garden. 

On Nov 4 a very late flock of 4 Chipping Sparrows appeared on Duane's lawn. 

Eastern Bluebirds were around the upper garden from Nov 19 till today at least, when there were three.

And today there was a Yellow-breasted Chat near the bat-house at the lower garden! - the first I've seen here since 2015, and by far the latest in the fall.  

Bee Hives at Nahanton

Beekeeper Vasyl replacing food source for bees

One of Nahanton Parks excellent photographers Barbara S. was at the park a few weeks ago and was able to meet and photograph beekeeper Vasyl as he tended to his hives.

The honey was extracted in August but Vasyl needs to replace the bees food source that he took, so at intervals he inserts a sugary liquid to keep them happy through the cold seasons.

So next time you are at the park, check out the hives. The gardens are mutually beneficial to the gardeners and the bees!

Honey Bee

Another point of interest is that Katherine Howard and Jon Regosin from the Newton Conservators are working on a de-thatching project in Woodcock meadow on the east side in order to encourage germination of other species plant species who cannot grow because the thatch layer of little bluestem is too thick. They are creating 3 small test plots to see how the "scraping" method works before a potential larger project later on. The little bluestem will not be killed in the process as they have deep roots.
 

Please consider becoming a member of the Friends of Nahanton Park.

http://www.nahantonpark.org/