After much family time over recent weeks here in the US, a couple of hours birding. We're in Greenfield in the north of the Pioneer Valley (western Massachusetts) presently, having a special week with brother (in-law) Ned and our beyond wonderful nieces Oona and Poe; Ned also likes a spot of birding, and we arranged to hook up with his friend Scott for an early session in Florence, Northampton.
Male American Redstart - check out that cloacal protuberance!
Black-and-white Warblers
Belted Kingfisher ad Green Heron
Downy Woodpecker
Scott's place backs on to prime piece of protected, wild lakeside with trails snaking through quality mixed woodland and around the large, iris- and lily-covered waterbody, and we had a productive, bird-filled couple of hours post-dawn. Highlights included a decent showing of warblers (starting to form post-breeding flocks), many Wood Ducks and plenty of Green Herons (above) and Belted Kingfishers among a decent cast of species.
Male American Redstart - check out that cloacal protuberance!
Black-and-white Warblers 
Belted Kingfisher ad Green Heron
Downy Woodpecker
