Recent Central Mass Bird Sightings
Sightings are listed in reverse chronological order. Info on submitting reports,
as well as links to other online birding resources can be found via the
Central Mass Bird Update homepage.
Note on posting photos: Due to changes in the web servers
used for posting text and images, I will need to reduce the number of photos
that are directly hosted on the Recent Central Mass Bird Sightings
pages. Photos that are of artistic interest will no longer be hosted here,
but I will still occasionally post a photo that is important for
documenting rarities or special sightings. I would encourage birders
who want to post photos to use a free online service such as
flickr.com, and I will be able to make
a direct link to such photos on my pages.
Bird Sightings:
7/13/25 -- Warren
Today we birded a few spots in Warren. The weather was overcast for most of the morning. Song is really down, especially for migrant breeders, except for vireos. It’s that in-between period: between nesting and fall migration, and certain species can be tough to turn up even though they might still be in the area. Variety was poor, but numbers of certain species were high: Highlights:
Great Blue Heron (3: all nests empty); Green Heron (1); Canada Goose (12); Wood Duck (4); Black Vulture (1); Turkey Vulture (2); Osprey (2 still active nests each with 1ad feeding 2 young); Bald Eagle (1ad); Red-tailed Hawk (2); A Kestrel (1m); Wild Turkey (1ad w/4 very young birds); Virginia Rail (1); Belted Kingfisher (1); N Flicker (3 (see
Sheila’s shot);
Passerines:
E Wood Pewee (2); E Phoebe (5); E Kingbird (3 young birds together);
VIREOS: Yellow-throated (2); Warbling (1); Red-eyed (65).
Tree Swallow (22: out over marshes); Bank Swallow (1ad feeding juv on wire); Barn Swallow (39); House Wren (5); Veery (2); Wood Thrush (2); A Robin (118: many spotty young birds); Gray Catbird (57); Cedar Waxwing (4);
WARBLERS: Yellow (2); Pine (1); A Redstart (1); Ovenbird (3); C Yellowthroat (10).
Scarlet Tanager (1); E Towhee (14); Swamp Sparrow (5); Rose-breasted Grosbeak (1); Indigo Bunting (1); Bobolink (5); Red-winged Blackbird (176: post breeding flocks forming).
Plus: Short-tailed Shrew (1)
(report from Mark Lynch/Sheila Carroll).
7/12/25 -- Petersham
Today we birded around PETERSHAM, looking for post-breeding birds. Highlights:
Great Blue Heron (11: including 1 ready to leave bird in one nest and 3 ready to leave in another nest being fed by an adult (see
Sheila’s photo); Canada Goose (7); Wood Duck (7: no ducklings ); Mallard (7: 1 adF w/1yg and 1adF w/4yg); Hooded Merganser (3 young birds); Bald Eagle (1ad); Red-shouldered Hawk (1); Red-tailed Hawk (1); A Kestrel (1); Wild Turkey (4); Killdeer (2); Ring-billed Gull (1ad perched at dam on Connor’s Pond: this is the first time I have ever seen a gull at this spot); Belted Kingfisher (4); Yellow-bellied Sapsucker (6); N Flicker (4).
Passerines:
E Wood Pewee (4); E Phobe (8); Yellow-throated Vireo (3); Red-eyed Vireo (138); Tree Swallow (6); Barn Swallow (7); House Wren (3); Winter Wren (1); E Bluebird (7); Veery (17); Hermit Thrush (14); Wood Thrush (2); Gray Catbird (37); Cedar Waxwing (11).
WARBLERS: Chestnut-sided (4); Black-throated Green (4): Pine (7); A Redstart (1); Ovenbird (9); C Yellowthroat (18); Scarlet Tanager (6); E Towhee (6); Field Sparrow (1); Indigo Bunting (3); Bobolink (3 post breeders); Red-winged Blackbird (111: all over fields and swamps).
Butterflies included Great Spangled Fritillaries (all over) and Northern Pearly-eye (1)
(report from Mark Lynch/Sheila Carroll).
7/11/25 -- Ware River Watershed
Today we birded a few spots in the WARE RIVER WATERSHED IBA, just the southern areas. Song is dropping off (except for vireos) and warblers can be tough to turn up; and when you do find them they are either scruffy looking newly fledged birds (we saw newly fledged Yellow, Chestnut-sided, Pine, Black and White, Redstart, Ovenbird, and Yellowthroats), or molting scruffy adults (SEE
SHEILA’S PHOTO. Highlights:
Great Blue Heron (1); Sharp-shinned Hawk (1 imm: could have nested nearby); Killdeer (1); Chimney Swift (1); Yellow-bellied Sapsucker (1);E Wood Pewee (1); Least Flycatcher (3); E Phoebe (3); Great Crested Flycatcher (2); E Kingbird (7);
VIREOS: Yellow-throated (3); Blue-headed (2); Warbling (5); Red-eyed (87).
C Raven (3 young); Tree Swallow (7); Red-breasted Nuthatch (5); House Wren (11); E Bluebird (3imm); Veery (37); Hermit Thrush (6); Wood Thrush (5); Gray Catbird (37); Brown Thrasher (1); Cedar Waxwing (14).
WARBLERS: Yellow (6); Chestnut-sided (14); Pine (8); Black and White (1); A Redstart (7); Ovenbird (13); C Yellowthroat).
Scarlet Tanager (10); E Towhee (19); Swamp Sparrow (2); Rose-breasted Grosbeak (1).
Butterflies included Appalachian Brown and Striped Hairstreak.
(report from Mark Lynch/Sheila Carroll).
7/1/25 -- Greenbriar park, Oxford
Today we headed down to Greenbriar park in Oxford in hopes of seeing the Purple Martins that had nested there. We drove down the dirt road to the small ball field at end. The nest was in a broken field light on the right under the fake owl. We had a maximum of 5 martins at once, no adult males and looking at
Sheila’s shots, I am not sure we saw any adult females. They were very active and vocal, flying around several lights, perching in several lights, not just the one with the nest, and perching on the lights. Many times they left our view, presumably to hawk for food.
Purple Martins are very uncommon to rare as migrants in Worcester County, typically seen in spring migration or fall migration (which for swallows begins in mid-summer inland). I once had 3 immatures perched on an island in South Bay in summer, my maximum count in the County until yesterday. My handful of other records have been in spring. I do know martins have breed in North Smithfield, Rhode Island which we discovered while atlasing birds of the Blackstone National Corridor a few decades back. This active colony was wiped out by a very cold and wet/snowy spring.
***Purple Martins have, in the last few years, started nesting in the Connecticut River Valley in MA where historically they nested before (they do nest in Connecticut). Typically, they nest in declining numbers in SE MA and Cape Cod, and also around Plum Island and Newburyport. Hopefully, someone in Oxford will erect some actual martin nesting vessels, but not before next spring. Otherwise the nest holes will be taken over by House Sparrows.
We covered this area for the Breeding Bird Atlas II, and were very familiar with some places to check while we were there. Birds seen in the vicinity of Greenbriar included:
Green Heron (1); Canada Goose (6); Mallard (1f w/5yg); Osprey (2ad w/2 young in nest); Killdeer (2).
Passerines:
E Phoebe (1); Great Crested Flycatcher (1); Warbling Vireo (7); Barn Swallow (2); Veery (3); Gray Catbird (17); Baltimore Oriole (3); Orchard Oriole (1).
(report from Mark Lynch/Sheila Carroll).
6/27/2025 -- Petersham
Today we birded a few areas around PETERSHAM. Though there is still a lot of it, song is winding down. Lots of breeding and post-breeding behavior, and you are starting to see birds like
this (Sheila’s photo). Highlights:
Double-crested Cormorant (3); Great Blue Heron (8, including 1 nest with 2 almost fledged birds, another nest with 2 almost fledged birds, and another nest with 3 almost fledged birds); Canada Goose (8, 4 of which were goslings); Wood Duck (38, including 1f w/6ducklings and another f with 3 ducklings); Mallard (14, 13 of which were ducklings); Turkey Vulture (3); Broad-winged Hawk (1); Wild Turkey (1); Killdeer (1); Ruby-throated Hummingbird (1); Belted Kingfisher 2); Yellow-bellied Sapsucker (8); Pileated Woodpecker (4, 3 flying together across a field); A Kestrel (1m).
Passerines:
E Wood Pewee (9); Least Flycatcher (8); E Phoebe (10); Great Crested Flycatcher (4); E Kingbird (3);
VIREOS: Yellow-throated (7); Blue-headed (1); Warbling (3); Red-eyed (129).
C Raven (5: several young birds); Tree Swallow (31); Barn Swallow (14); House Wren (6); E Bluebird (4); Veery (23); Wood Thrush (3); Gray Catbird (43); Cedar Waxwing (4).
WARBLERS: Yellow (8); Chestnut-sided (11); Black-throated Green (3); Pine (7); Prairie (1); A Redstart (3); Ovenbird (61); N Waterthrush (1); C Yellowthroat (26).
Scarlet Tanager (12); E Towhee (9); Field Sparrow (1); Rose-breasted Grosbeak (3); Indigo Bunting (3); Bobolink (9);Baltimore Oriole (3); Purple Finch (1).
Many odes; middlin’ variety of butterflies (including American Lady and Viceroy); and 3 young raccoons.
(report from Mark Lynch/Sheila Carroll).
6/25/25 -- Hardwick
Today we birded just a few areas in HARDWICK, including the Gate 43 fishing/boating area. It was VERY hot and humid, and many birds stopped vocalizing after mid-morning (except Ovenbirds and vireos). Song is diminishing a bit and we are at just the beginning of the post breeding season for song birds. But, still lots of carrying food to the nest and young Red-wings are about. Highlights:
Common Loon (3ad, no young yet); Double-crested Cormorant (2); Canada Goose (19: the young of this year now look like smudgy adults); Turkey Vulture (3); Red-shouldered Hawk (1); Red-tailed Hawk (1); Wild Turkey (3); Killdeer (4: see Sheila’s shot); Black-billed Cuckoo (1); Yellow-bellied Sapsucker (2); N Flicker (2); Pileated Woodpecker (2).
Passerines:
E Wood Pewee (6); Least Flycatcher (15); E Phoebe (1).
VIREOS: Yellow-throated (4); Blue-headed (1); Warbling (4); Red-eyed (87).
C Raven (5: at least 3 fledged young); Tree Swallow (37); Barn Swallow (23); Red-breasted Nuthatch (1); House Wren (18); E Bluebird (3); Veery (27); Hermit Thrush (2); Wood Thrush (15); Gray Catbird (109); Cedar Waxwing (3).
WARBLERS: Yellow (5); Chestnut-sided (9); Yellow-rumped (1); Blackburnian (1); Pine (4); Prairie (2); Black and White (2); A Redstart (5); Ovenbird (81); C Yellowthroat (25); Canada (1).
(NB: we have been birding the County since the 70s and we are noting real declines in BREEDING numbers of many warblers including Nashville, Magnolia, Black-throated Green, Blackburnian, both the waterthrushes, and Canada. They are still seen often, but as migrants. It seems declines are most noticeable in southern parts of the County. Loss of habitat is a huge problem.)
Scarlet Tanager (7); E Towhee (33); Field Sparrow (2); Song Sparrow (38); Swamp Sparrow (7: still singing); Rose-breasted Grosbeak (1); Indigo Bunting (3); Baltimore Oriole (2).
PLUS: Sheila had lots of odes including Black-shouldered Spinylegs and Unicorn Clubtail. Butterflies were much fewer and less noteworthy.
(report from Mark Lynch/Sheila Carroll).
6/21/25 -- Ware River Watershed
Today we birded the Ware River Watershed southern sections (but not the Prison Camp area) starting before dawn and in fine weather. Leaves and branches were all over having been blown down the day before. Branches were getting caught under our car many times. It was a fine day to observe behavior and we stopped often to enjoy what was happening: watching a Veery glean small inverts from a road and nearby plants; listening to two Wood Thrush with adjacent territories singing . I could go on.
Highlights: Great Blue Heron (3); Wild Turkey (3); Whip-poor-will (2); Chimney Swift (2); Belted Kingfisher (1); Yellow-bellied Sapsucker (4); Pileated Woodpecker (2).
Passerines:
E Wood Pewee (11); Alder Flycatcher (2); Least Flycatcher (15); E Phoebe (7); Great Crested Flycatcher (2).
VIREOS: Yellow-throated (3); Blue-headed (2); Warbling (3); Red-eyed (70).
C Raven (group of 4, Sheila got some nice shots of an adult still feeding 2 fledged young);
SWALLOWS: Tree (7); N Rough-winged (6); Barn (31).
Brown Creeper (1); House Wren (8); Winter Wren (3); E Bluebird (2); Veery (41); Hermit Thrush (6); Wood Thrush (5); Gray catbird (61).
WARBLERS: Yellow (11,
photo); Chestnut-sided (13); Black-throated Blue (1); Yellow-rumped (1); Blackburnian (1); Pine (11); Prairie (2); Black and White (5); A Redstart (2); Ovenbird (130); Louisiana Waterthrush (1); C Yellowthroat (21).
Scarlet Tanager (21); E Towhee (18); Field Sparrow (1); Swamp Sparrow (3); Indigo Bunting (5); Bobolink (17).
PLUS: White-tailed Deer (1); Stinkpot (1); and lots of odes and butterflies (best butterfly was a Long Dash).
(report from Mark Lynch/Sheila Carroll).
6/20/25 -- Quabog IBA
Today, we birded the Quabog IBA despite the high winds. It was frustrating and tough, but it was interesting to find out what birds vocalized despite leaves and branches falling everywhere. If there was a slight lull, birds would sing or at least call. Highlights, such as they are: Great Blue Heron (1); Mute Swan (6: 3 pair. The pair at the north end of Wickaboag could be (not sure) in trouble with avian flu. They were laying in the reeds so low I thought they were garbage. Then one sort of raised it’s head and lay back down. Maybe it was just the wind, I hope, but swans have been nailed by the flu this year); Mallard (1); Turkey Vulture (3: really struggling in the wind); Bald Eagle (2 ad near the nest. We may have also had 2 young in the nest, but it seems late); Killdeer (1); N Flicker (2).
Passerines:
E Wood Pewee (1); Alder Flycatcher (1); E Phoebe (4); E Kingbird (2); Yellow-throated Vireo (5); Warbling Vireo (6); Red-eyed Vireo (21: I bet vireos sing even during a hurricane);
SWALLOWS: Tree (7); B Rough-winged (5); Bank (1); Barn (42).
Carolina Wren (4); House Wren (6); Marsh Wren (6); Veery (7); Gray Catbird (43)
WARBLERS: (not many) Yellow (4); Chestnut-sided (1); Black and White (1); A Redstart (1); Ovenbird (10); C Yellowthroat (9).
E Towhee (6); Song Sparrow (16: Sheila got her only bird
photo of the day of one singing when there was a momentary lull); Rose-breasted Grosbeak (3); Bobolink (18); Baltimore Oriole (4: seen when a grackle or crow was near their nest and they gave chase).
Plus: White-tailed Deer (1f w/2 fawns)
(report from Mark Lynch/Sheila Carroll).
6/19/25 -- Hennessey Conservation Area, Grafton
This morning, Kim and I took a walk at the Hennessey Conservation Area in Grafton. Highlights:
Chimney Swift 2;
Killdeer 1;
Green Heron 2;
Red-tailed Hawk 1;
Hairy Woodpecker 1;
Northern Flicker 1;
American Kestrel 1 (Flying near active nesting box);
Eastern Wood-Pewee 1;
Great Crested Flycatcher 1;
Eastern Kingbird 2;
Warbling Vireo 2;
Tree Swallow 6;
Barn Swallow 4;
Cedar Waxwing 4;
American Goldfinch 4;
Song Sparrow 4;
Swamp Sparrow 1;
Red-winged Blackbird 16;
Common Yellowthroat 2;
Yellow Warbler 3;
Rose-breasted Grosbeak 1.
(report from John Liller).
6/15/25 -- New Braintree and Coldbrook Road
Today we began by birding around NEW BRAINTREE. Highlights:
Great Blue Heron (2); Green Heron (1 at small farm pond); Mallard (1f); Common Merganser (1f: this was an interesting sighting. We were parked and 2 walkers passed us and flushed this duck out of a small stream hidden in a woodlot. The merg proceeded to quickly circle the area for several minutes and then eventually landing in the same area it took off from. To us, it seemed like a good possibility it had some young there. We did not check because we did not want to flush the poor bird again); Turkey Vulture (4); Red-tailed Hawk (1); Wild Turkey (7: we watched several dust bathing); Killdeer (3); Yellow-billed Cuckoo (1); Yellow-bellied Sapsucker (1); Pileated Woodpecker (1).
Passerines:
E Wood Pewee (3); Alder Flycatcher (1); Least Flycatcher (3); E Phoebe (10); Great Crested Flycatcher (1); E Kingbird (2); Yellow-throated Vireo (2); Warbling Vireo (1); Red-eyed Vireo (73); C Raven (3); Bank Swallow (8: new colony for us); Carolina Wren (7); House Wren (12); E Bluebird (9); Veery (18); Wood Thrush (8); Gray Catbird (75: very active searching for food).
WARBLERS: Blue-winged (3); Yellow (20); Chestnut-sided (9); Pine (2); Black and White (2: see
Sheila’s photo); A Redstart (2); Ovenbird (53); C Yellowthroat (25).
Scarlet Tanager (3); E Towhee (5); Rose-breasted Grosbeak (2); Indigo Bunting (4); Bobolink (23 seen/heard).
By noon, the sun was out, so on the way home we decided to just bird along Coldbrook Road in the Ware River Watershed. Early afternoon is not the best time to bird, and lots of people were out, particularly around Barre Falls Dam, but we saw many more butterflies and dragonflies. Birds included good numbers of Red-eyed Vireo (44) and Ovenbirds (43). New for the day were Red-shouldered Hawk (1); Blue-headed Vireo (2); Red-breasted Nuthatch (3); Black-throated Green Warbler (1); Purple Finch (2: 1 gritting right in the middle of the road).
(report from Mark Lynch/Sheila Carroll).
6/13/25 -- Winchendon & South Royalston
Today we birded (and butterflied and dragonflied) the parcel of land between and including Otter River SF (Winchendon) and Birch Hill ACE property in South Royalston. The dirt roads were a mixed bag with some not in great shape. Evergreen trees in the area are really having a problem, with many looking dead or dying. Birds were typical for the area, but numbers for some migrants were lower than in years past or absent all together.
Highlights: Great Blue Heron (5); Bald Eagle (1ad at Lake Dennison); Broad-winged Hawk (1); Killdeer (1); E Wood Pewee (1); Least Flycatcher (6: see
Sheila’s shot of one perched on phone line); E Phoebe (6); Great Crested Flycatcher (3); E Kingbird (1).
VIREOS: Blue-headed (5); Warbling (7); Red-eyed (61).
C Raven (1); Tree Swallow (12); Red-breasted Nuthatch (13); Brown Creeper (1); Carolina Wren (1); House Wren (3); Veery (14); Hermit Thrush (13); Gray Catbird (33).
WARBLERS: Yellow (3); Chestnut-sided (7); Black-throated Green (4); Pine (15); Prairie (1); Black and White (2); A Redstart (1); Ovenbird (99); C Yellowthroat (49).
Scarlet Tanager (7); E Towhee (15); Field Sparrow (2); Swamp Sparrow (7); Baltimore Oriole (1); Purple Finch (3).
Butterflies included Red-spotted Admiral (3); Little Wood Satyr (4) and VERY worn singles of Spring Azure and Hobomok Skipper. Dragonflies included Spangled Skimmers and the expected Chalk-fronteds.
(report from Mark Lynch/Sheila Carroll).
6/8/25 -- Ware River Watershed
Today we birded a few areas in the southern parts of the WARE RIVER IBA. We did NOT drive down Cold Brook Road: too many people out and about. Highlights included:
Double-crested Cormorant (3); Great Blue Heron (5); Canada Goose (2); Mute Swan (1); Wood Duck (1); Turkey Vulture (3); Red-tailed Hawk (1); Wild Turkey (&); Ruby-throated Hummingbird (1 on territory); Yellow-bellied Sapsucker (4).
Passerines:
E Wood Pewee (13); Least Flycatcher (9: NB: we are dipping on Alder Flycatchers in many spots where we have had them in previous years); E Phoebe (9); Great Crested Flycatcher (3); E Kingbird (4);
VIREOS: Yellow-throated (5); Blue-headed (1); Warbling (6); Red-eyed (73).
C Raven (1); Tree Swallow (10); Barn Swallow (2); Red-breasted Nuthatch (1); Carolina Wren (1); House Wren (7); E Bluebird (5); Veery (22); Hermit Thrush (15); Gray Catbird (55).
WARBLERS: Yellow (26); Chestnut-sided (17); Black-throated Blue (1); Yellow-rumped (2); Black-throated Green (3); Blackburnian (1); Pine (7); Prairie (2); Black and White (2); A Redstart (1); Ovenbird (67); Northern Waterthrush (1); Mourning (migrant in area where, in years past, we have also found late migrants); C Yellowthroat (23).
Scarlet Tanager (17); E Towhee (6); Rose-breasted Grosbeak (4); Indigo Bunting (3); Bobolink (14); Baltimore Oriole (7).
Plus: a nicely patterned watersnake; Many Eastern Swallowtails (52) and Red-spotted Admirals (22). Sheila had a nice variety of dragonflies, BUT our best sighting was… (see Sheila’s
photo)
(report from Mark Lynch/Sheila Carroll).
6/7/25 -- Evening in the Quabog IBA
Today we did an early evening trip to the Quabog IBA, to see what birds were still singing in the deepening dusk and dark. We started at Lake Quabog, were there was very little, though a handful of swallows, including 2 Bank, were hawking for insects and at times sitting on the parking area (see
Sheila’s shot of 2 Tree Swallows).
There were also a few Canada Geese and Mallards.
Other species seen or mostly heard included: Whip=poor-will (5: numbers are decreasing in the general area due to loss of habitat. We lost two spots to housing and solar fields); E Wood Pewee (2); Yellow-throated, Warbling, and Red-eyed Vireos; Veery (13); Wood Thrush (8); Ovenbird (10), Yellow (2), Chestnut-sided (1), and Common Yellowthroat (4) for warblers.
Also Rose-breasted Grosbeak (2); and Baltimore Oriole (3). No owls. Gray Treefrogs were in high breeding and in some spots we had a had time hearing anything but them.
(report from Mark Lynch/Sheila Carroll).
6/6/25 -- Gate 8 Quabbin and New Salem
This morning we started before dawn at Gate 8, Quabbin. First bird of the day was an Eastern Screech Owl in the city. En route we ran into a small, but intense storm, torrential rain and lots of cloud to ground lightening. Birds in Gate 8 seemed lower in number and not as varied in species. Highlights:
Common Loon (pair, 1 on nest: see Sheila’s
photo); Double-crested Cormorant (5); Canada Goose (7, 3 goslings); Wood Duck (1 drake); Bald Eagle (1ad); Spotted Sandpiper (3); Yellow-bellied Sapsucker (1); Pileated Woodpecker (1).
Passerines:
Least Flycatcher (1); E Kingbird (2); Yellow-throated Vireo (1); Red-eyed Vireo (18); Tree Swallow (20+); House Wren 2); Veery (6);
WARBLERS: Ovenbird (28); Pine (3); Yellow (2); Chestnut-sided (3); A Redstart (1); C Yellowthroat (6); Scarlet Tanager (4); E Towhee (6); Rose-breasted Grosbeak (1).
On the way back home we birded a few areas in New Salem. Highlights:
Wood Duck (2); Ruby-throated Hummingbird (1); Belted Kingfisher (2); Yellow-bellied Sapsucker (2);
E Pewee (3); E Phoebe (6); Great crested Flycatcher (1).
VIREOS: Blue-headed (2); Yellow-throated (5); Warbling (1); Red-eyed (64).
House Wren (10); Carolina Wren (1); Veery (5); Hermit Thrush (4); Wood Thrush (1); Cedar Waxwing (4);
WARBLERS: Ovenbird (48); A Redstart (6); Black and White (1); Yellow (2); Chestnut-sided (3); C Yellowthroat (9); Pine (6).
Scarlet Tanager (8); E Towhee (5); Indigo Bunting (1).
Plus: numbers of Tiger Swallowtails and Pearl Crescents and a chonky Snapping Turtle crossing a road.
(report from Mark Lynch/Sheila Carroll).
6/4/25 -- Ware River Watershed
Today we went out to the extreme northeast corner of the WARE RIVER WATERSHED (not the IBA, the watershed is much larger). We re-birded the areas in Princeton we tried to do on May 30 under the very windy conditions, and yes, we saw and heard more birds, though not that many more species. We also birded a small part of Hubbardston that is also in the watershed. Those numbers have been combined here. Highlights:
Common Loon (1 flew up and out of Lovewell Pond); Great Blue Heron (active rookery with 20 occupied nests); Canada Goose (11; 3 goslings); Turkey Vulture (1); Barred Owl (2); Ruby-throated Hummingbird (1); Yellow-bellied Sapsucker (4).
Passerines:
E Wood Pewee (8); E Phoebe (2); Great Crested Flycatcher (5); E Kingbird (1); Yellow-throated Vireo (2: 1 of these birds had a very atypical song and when we heard it, it sounded like a Blue-headed somewhat. But on seeing the bird (see Sheila’s
photo), it was a Yellow-throated!); Blue-headed Vireo (1); Warbling Vireo (4); Red-eyed Vireo (128); C Raven (1); Tree Swallow (17); Brown Creeper (1); House Wren (9); Veery (25); Hermit Thrush (1); Wood Thrush (2); Gray Catbird (35); Cedar Waxwing (3).
WARBLERS: Yellow (6); Chestnut-sided (12); Black-throated Blue (3); Yellow-rumped (1); Black-throated Green (2); Pine (4); Ovenbird (61); C Yellowthroat (16);
Scarlet Tanager (8); E Towhee (4); Swamp Sparrow (1); Rose-breasted Grosbeak (2); Bobolink (10); Baltimore Oriole (1).
Butterflies included another good flight of Eastern Swallowtails and we had a bobcat and deer.
(report from Mark Lynch/Sheila Carroll).
6/2/25 -- Warren
Today we birded a few areas in WARREN. Lots of nesting behavior, but only 2 “through migrants”, birds that don’t breed in the area and are migrating through. We found a road-killed bird (Can you ID this
bird?), and have found and ID’d many road-killed birds, including 3 species of owls.
Highlights: Great Blue Heron (7: including 1 nest with 3 young); Canada Goose (36: including 6 goslings); Wood Duck (1); Mallard (15: including 1f w/5 ducklings); Turkey Vulture (2); Osprey (4: 2 active nests); Red-shouldered Hawk (1); Red-tailed Hawk (2); Virginia Rail (6); Yellow-billed Cuckoo (1); Chimney Swift (18); Ruby-throated Hummingbird (1); Red-bellied Woodpecker (2); Yellow-bellied Sapsucker (3); N Flicker (4); Pileated Woodpecker (1).
Passerines:
Least Flycatcher (3); E Phoebe (5); Great Crested Flycatcher (1); E Kingbird (2);
VIREOS: Yellow-throated (5); Warbling (17); Red-eyed (52).
Tree Swallow (60); Barn Swallow (25); Carolina Wren (4); House Wren (6); Blue-gray Gnatcatcher (2); E Bluebird (2); Veery (13); Swainson’s Thrush (1); Wood Thrush (4); Gray Catbird (81).
WARBLERS: Blue-winged (3); Yellow (16); Chestnut-sided (5); Pine (2); Black and White (2); A Redstart (14); Ovenbird (53); C Yellowthroat (33); Wilson’s (1); Canada (1).
Scarlet Tanager (3); E Towhee (11); Swamp Sparrow (6); Rose-breasted Grosbeak (6); Indigo Bunting (1); Bobolink (13); Baltimore Oriole (9).
Plus: Red Fox (1); 5 species of butterflies including Little Wood Satyr (1) and 4 species of dragonflies including Dot-tailed Whiteface and Eastern Forktail.
(report from Mark Lynch/Sheila Carroll).
6/2/25 -- River Bend Farm, Uxbridge
Kim Kastler, Laura Lane, and I travelled to River Bend Farm in Uxbridge this morning and we recorded the following highlights:
Wild Turkey 2;
Chimney Swift 3;
Ruby-throated Hummingbird 1;
Killdeer 1;
Spotted Sandpiper 2;
Green Heron 1;
Great Blue Heron 1;
Osprey 1;
Red-bellied Woodpecker 1;
Pileated Woodpecker 1;
Northern Flicker 3;
Eastern Kingbird 2;
Warbling Vireo 6;
Tree Swallow 6;
Northern Rough-winged Swallow 2;
Blue-gray Gnatcatcher 1;
Northern House Wren 3;
Gray Catbird 10;
Northern Mockingbird 2;
Cedar Waxwing 11;
Song Sparrow 13;
Orchard Oriole 1;
Baltimore Oriole 6;
Red-winged Blackbird 10;
Brown-headed Cowbird 3;
Ovenbird 2;
Mourning Warbler 1 (We did not see it, but it sang for several minutes);
Common Yellowthroat 6;
American Redstart 1;
Yellow Warbler 7;
Rose-breasted Grosbeak 5.
(report from John Liller).
6/1/25 -- Princeton
Today we headed out to the northeast section of the WARE RIVER WATERSHED (not the IBA) to look for birds and dragonflies. BUT, it was VERY windy and partially overcast. So, obviously, we saw very, very little. Few birds and no dragonflies. Most of where we were was in Princeton, west from the western edge of Mount Wachusett.
Here are the few highlights: Great Blue Heron (rookery with 20 nests occupied. We also saw another heron struggling to down a large Bullfrog. See
Sheila’s shot); Mallard (1); Barred Owl (1 heard); Yellow-bellied Sapsucker (2); Pileated Woodpecker (2).
Passerines:
EWood Pewee (1); E Phoebe (4); Great Crested Flycatcher (3); Blue-headed Vireo (2); Red-eyed Vireo (51: this species would sing through a volcanic eruption); Veery (6); Hermit Thrush (4);
WARBLERS: Ovenbird (45: see note after Red-eyed Vireo); Black-throated Blue (1); Black-throated Green (2); Blackburnian (1); Chestnut-sided (3); Yellow (3); Common Yellowthroated (11);
Scarlet Tanager (6); E Towhee (2); Swamp Sparrow (4); Bobolink (6); Baltimore Oriole (1); Purple Finch (1).
We need to go back and re-do this entire area on a more calm day.
(report from Mark Lynch/Sheila Carroll).
6/1/25 -- Rail Trail, Sterling
Highlights from a 1 hr mid-morning walk from the north entrance in Sterling:
1 N. Flicker, 1 Willow Flycatcher, 2 Least Flycatchers, 1 House Wren, 2 E. Bluebirds (m/f, carrying nesting material to dead tree in marsh), 1 Gray Catbird,
3 Warbling Vireo, 1 Red-eyed Vireo, 1 Yellow Warbler, 3 Common Yellowthroat,
1 Wilson's Warbler (ID'd at home using Merlin app, from recording made while birding),
3 Swamp Sparrow, and 1 Baltimore Oriole.
I also got good looks at a Water Snake
(photo 1,
photo 2), basking on the trail, which slid off into the marsh when I got too close.
(report from Rick Quimby).
5/30/25 -- Northern Ware River Watershed
Today we birded (and odonated and butterflied) some areas in the northern area of the Ware River Watershed, centering around the Burnshirt River in small areas of the towns of Hubbardston, Templeton, and Phillipston. No signs of migration, just migrant breeders and not a great variety and number of most of them. We have birded this route a number of times and the number and variety of the species is low. Lots of good habitat and few birds. Highlights:
Great Blue Heron (2); Wood Duck (1f); Turkey Vulture (2); Broad-winged Hawk (1); Wild Turkey (7: 2 toms in frantic display); Belted Kingfisher (1); Red-bellied Woodpecker (4); Yellow-bellied Sapsucker (3); Pileated Woodpecker (2).
Passerines:
E Wood Pewee (6); Great Crested Flycatcher (1); E Kingbird (1); Warbling Vireo (3); Red-eyed Vireo (87); Tree Swallow (3); Red-breasted Nuthatch (1); House Wren (6); Winter Wren (1); E Bluebird (1); Veery (3); Wood Thrush (1); Gray Catbird (14).
WARBLERS: Yellow (2); Chestnut-sided (7); Black-throated Blue (4); Yellow-rumped (1); Black-throated Green (2); Pine (2); Ovenbird (31); Northern Waterthruh (1); C Yellowthroat (17).
Scarlet Tanager (8); E Towhee (7); Field Sparrow (1); Swamp Sparrow (2); Indigo Bunting (2); Bobolink (44: most in fields adjacent to the Malone property. It is always great to check these fields in spring. See
Sheila’s shot); Baltimore Oriole (3).
E Tiger Swallowtails were obvious and we had 20 at one puddle along the river. For dragonflies, the Chalk-fronted Corporeal were also seen in good numbers.
(report from Mark Lynch/Sheila Carroll).
5/28/25 -- Hardwick
Today we birded a few spots in HARDWICK. There are so many places to bird in Hardwick, you can only visit a few in any morning. We went to Quabbin, Muddy Brook WMA and another WMA in north Hardwick as well as a few spots we like. It was another day of lots of breeding migrants, but no “just passing through” migrants like Blackpolls, which we USED to see in spring in numbers. Also, certain species seem to be back on territory in smaller than previous numbers. Like Eastern Kingbirds. Yes, we saw “some” but many areas that in previous years had breeding kingbirds, had none. We neither saw nor heard any Black-throated Greens or Blues which was troubling for the habitats we visited. Tanagers were still in good numbers (see
Sheila’s shot) and we got to see pairs prospecting for a nesting location. We saw lots of breeding and nesting behavior, like a Black and White gathering nesting materials. Highlights:
Common Loon (2); Double-crested Cormorant (2); Great Blue Heron (1); Canada Goose (19, including 7 goslings); Wild Turkey (2); Killdeer (1: that really chased a Spotted); Spotted Sandpiper (4); Ruby-throated Hummingbird (1: at feeder); Yellow-bellied Sapsucker (5); Pileated Woodpecker (3); A Kestrel (1);
Passerines:
E Wood Pewee (9); Alder Flycatcher (2); Willow Flycatcher (1); Least Flycatcher (2: low); E Phoebe (1); Great Crested Flycatcher (5); E Kingbird (3); Yellow-throated Vireo (16); Warbling Vireo (8); Red-eyed Vireo (104); Tree Swallow (34); Barn Swallow (26); House Wren (9); E Bluebird (5); Veery (63); Hermit Thrush (9); Wood Thrush (3); Gray Catbird (71); Cedar Waxwing (4).
WARBLERS: Yellow (17); Chestnut-sided (21); Blackburnian (1); Pine (2); Prairie (2); Black and White (6); A Redstart (11); Ovenbird (119); C Yellowthroat (17).
Scarlet Tanager (9); E Towhee (21); Field Sparrow (3); Swamp Sparrow (2); Rose-breasted Grosbeak (9); Indigo Bunting (3); Bobolink (13); Baltimore Oriole (17).
Butterflies included: E Tiger Swallowtail; Cabbage White; Clouded Sulphur; Common Ringlet; Pearl Crescent.
(report from Mark Lynch/Sheila Carroll).
5/28/25 -- Hennessey Conservation Area, Grafton
I recorded these highlights at the Hennessey Conservation Area in Grafton this morning. We are definitely into nesting season, as the dawn chorus has become much shorter in duration.
Killdeer 1;
Great Blue Heron 1;
Red-bellied Woodpecker 1;
Hairy Woodpecker 1;
Northern Flicker 1;
Eastern Wood-Pewee 1;
Great Crested Flycatcher 4;
Eastern Kingbird 1;
Red-eyed Vireo 2;
Tree Swallow 6;
Gray Catbird 1;
Northern Mockingbird 1;
Eastern Bluebird 1;
Wood Thrush 1;
Chipping Sparrow 2;
Song Sparrow 9;
Swamp Sparrow 1;
Baltimore Oriole 2;
Red-winged Blackbird 12;
Brown-headed Cowbird 1;
Ovenbird 2;
Common Yellowthroat 2;
Yellow Warbler 3;
Pine Warbler 2;
Scarlet Tanager 1;
Rose-breasted Grosbeak 1.
(report from John Liller).
5/26/25 -- Great Meadow, Grafton
This morning, Kim and I checked out the Great Meadow in Grafton. Here are highlights:
Wood Duck 1;
Great Blue Heron 1;
Red-tailed Hawk 2;
Barred Owl 1 - Calling;
Red-bellied Woodpecker 3;
Hairy Woodpecker 1;
Pileated Woodpecker 1;
Willow Flycatcher 2;
Great Crested Flycatcher 1;
Eastern Kingbird 2;
Yellow-throated Vireo 1;
Warbling Vireo 1;
Tree Swallow 11;
Barn Swallow 4;
Brown Creeper 1;
Northern House Wren 2;
Carolina Wren 1;
Gray Catbird 6;
Veery 3;
Wood Thrush 1;
Cedar Waxwing 2;
Chipping Sparrow 3;
Song Sparrow 5;
Swamp Sparrow 4;
Eastern Towhee 6;
Baltimore Oriole 2;
Red-winged Blackbird 32;
Brown-headed Cowbird 2;
Ovenbird 6;
Northern Waterthrush 2;
Blue-winged Warbler 1;
Common Yellowthroat 6;
American Redstart 2;
Yellow Warbler 2;
Pine Warbler 1;
Canada Warbler 1;
Rose-breasted Grosbeak 1.
Afterwards, we took a quick trip to the Tufts Farm Fields to look for Bobolinks. Here are some of the birds we saw:
Wild Turkey 5 - Males displaying;
Red-tailed Hawk 2;
Eastern Kingbird 1;
Warbling Vireo 1;
Savannah Sparrow 1;
Bobolink 1;
Orchard Oriole 1;
Red-winged Blackbird X;
(report from John Liller).
5/25/25 -- Petersham
Today we birded around PETERSHAM. The morning started with a bang, it was sunny, and we had one of the best “waves” we have seen in several years. Lots of song too. We missed id’ing a good portion of the birds we could see moving through.. We also really did a number of our necks and upper backs as the birds were high up (for the most part) in mixed forest. We ended up having to lean back on the car. Then, suddenly it seemed, it got overcast, cool, and we only had breeding species and mostly the persistent singers of those: like Red-eyed Vireo and Ovenbirds. It also has to have been a morning for Scarlet Tanagers: first thing they seemed to be at every stop. Highlights:
Double-crested Cormorant (1); Great Blue Heron (5: 2 occupied nests and 1 nest with 1 or 2 young in it with an adult); Canada Goose (12); Wood Duck (31, including 1f w/2 ducklings and 1f w/14 ducklings); A Black Duck (1f); Hooded Merganser (1f: see
Sheila’s shot) ); Red-tailed Hawk (1); Ruffed Grouse (1 drumming); Virginia Rail (1); Killdeer (1); Solitary Sandpiper (1); Mourning Dove (8: 1 carrying long piece of grass likely for a nest); Barred Owl (1); Belted Kingfisher (1); Red-bellied Woodpecker (6); Yellow-bellied Sapsucker (4); Pileated Woodpecker (4).
Passerines:
E Wood Pewee (2); Least Flycatcher (4); E Phoebe (6); Great Crested Flycatcher (3); Warbling Vireo (3); Red-eyed Vireo (112); Tree Swallow (31); N Rough-winged Swallow (1); Barn Swallow (27); Red-breasted Nuthatch (1); House Wren (1); E Bluebird (7: including a pair bringing food to a nestbox with at least 1 young in it); Veery (10); Hermit Thrush (4); Wood Thrush (2); Gray Catbird (only 6);
WARBLERS: Tennessee (2); N Parula (4); Yellow (1); Chestnut-sided (13); Magnolia (3); Cape May (1); Black-throated Blue (2); Yellow-rumped (1); Black-throated Green (4); Blackburnian (2); Pine (3); Pine (3); Prairie (3); Bay-breasted (2); Black and White (2); A Redstart (3); Worm-eating (1); Ovenbird (97); Northern Waterthrush (2); Louisiana Waterthrush (1); Mourning Warbler (1: not part of the wave); C Yellowthroat (22); Canada (1).
Scarlet Tanager (26); E Towhee (4); Field Sparrow (1); Rose-breasted Grosbeak (3); Indigo Bunting (5); Bobolink (6); Baltimore Oriole (5); Purple Finch (1).
PLUS: River Otter (1). And at one point later the sun came out for all of about 15 minutes and we had a tiger Swallowtail and (2) Clouded Sulphurs.
(report from Mark Lynch/Sheila Carroll).
5/24/25 -- Ware River Watershed IBA
Today we birded around the southern areas of the WARE RIVER WATERSHED IBA. The weather was wet, sometimes rainy, overcast, and wind increased through the morning, but we persisted. Some gates that were open (like Tracy Road) were now gated because of flood control.
Highlights: American Bittern (1 pumping in hidden cattail marsh); Canada Goose (22, including 6 goslings); Mute Swan (2: not typical until now for this area); Mallard (9); Turkey Vulture (1); Red-shouldered Hawk (2); Broad-winged Hawk (1); Yellow-billed Cuckoo (1 persistent singer/caller); Chimney Swift (1: in with a large flock of swallows hawking for insects low over water in rain); Yellow-bellied Sapsucker (4); N Flicker (1); Pileated Woodpecker (4).
Passerines:
Alder Flycatcher (3); Willow Flycatcher (1: both “Traill’s” species breed here); Least Flycatcher (5); E Phoebe (1); Great Crested Flycatcher (6); E Kingbird (2); Blue-headed Vireo (2); Warbling Vireo (3); Red-eyed Vireo (75); Tree Swallow (18); N Rough-winged Swallow (1); Barn Swallow (40+: large group over water); Red-breasted Nuthatch (5); Brown Creeper (1); Carolina Wren (1); House Wren (6); E Bluebird (2); Veery (17); Hermit Thrush (1); Gray Catbird (52); Cedar Waxwing (6).
WARBLERS: Blue-winged (1); Tennessee (1); Yellow (8); Chestnut-sided (14); Magnolia (1: breeds in this parcel); Yellow-rumped (1); Black-throated Green (4); Pine (5); Prairie (3: see
Sheila’s photo); Bay-breasted (2); Black and White (2); A Redstart (2); Ovenbird (87); Northern Waterthrush (1); C Yellowthroat (32); Canada (1: breeds in this parcel).
Scarlet Tanager (9); E Towhee (26); Swamp Sparrow (1); Rose-breasted Grosbeak (3); Bobolink (2); Baltimore Oriole (9); Red Crossbill (1: calling fly-over).
(report from Mark Lynch/Sheila Carroll).
5/23/25 -- Wachusett Reservoir IBA
Today we covered the WACHUSETT RESERVOIR IBA to see if the large flock of White-winged Scoters that Neal found was still there. Th weather was very cool and cloudy Common Loon (5: 1 on West Waushacum); Double-crested Cormorant (7); Great Blue Heron (2); Canada Goose (42); Mallard (4 drakes);
WHITE-WINGED SCOTER (100+. Luckily, we ran into Neal who pointed out the distant location of the scoters, which when we saw them were in 2 large flocks. Neal had started the morning in Gate 8, and saw the flock, but they seemed at a distance still. We ran into him on the west side of the main body, and the scoters were STILL distant! It seems that no matter where you viewed the flock from, they appeared far out. This has happened to me a number of times, even on small water bodies like Lake Lashaway: birds seem far out from one vantage and obviously should be closer when viewed from the opposite shore, but when viewed from vantage 2, they are still far out. This likely has to do with how poor human perception of distance is out over water. Also, migratory flocks likely settle down on spots furthest from every shore. Well, they were still there, but far out.);
Wild Turkey (3); Osprey (2 on West Waushacum, none seen near or on the nest); Bald Eagle (1); Killdeer (2); Ring-billed Gull (38); Merlin (1). Passerines were all breeders in low numbers .
(report from Mark Lynch/Sheila Carroll).
5/21/25 -- Hennessey Conservation Area, Grafton
This morning there were plenty of migrant breeders, but no movement of regular migrants.
Highlights:
Ruby-throated Hummingbird 1;
Belted Kingfisher 1;
Pileated Woodpecker 1;
Eastern Wood-Pewee 1;
Alder Flycatcher 1 - clearly calling ("bew-fitz");
Great Crested Flycatcher 2;
Eastern Kingbird 1;
Yellow-throated Vireo 1
Warbling Vireo 1;
Red-eyed Vireo 2;
Tree Swallow 4;
Barn Swallow 2;
Northern House Wren 1;
Gray Catbird 4;
Wood Thrush 1;
Chipping Sparrow 2;
Song Sparrow 7;
Swamp Sparrow 1;
Orchard Oriole 1;
Baltimore Oriole 2;
Brown-headed Cowbird 2;
Ovenbird 2;
Common Yellowthroat 4;
American Redstart 1;
Yellow Warbler 6;
Rose-breasted Grosbeak 2.
(report from John Liller).
5/18/25 -- Charlton Middle School
Today we drove to CHARLTON MIDDLE SCHOOL to look for the reported PINK-FOOTED GOOSE. We arrived and no one was there. We found the A-fields and there were no geese. On the pond there were a few geese, but no Pink-footed. We explored the whole middle-school/Heritage School complex. No Pink-footed. We checked the pond several times, no luck.
As we were heading out, we checked the A-field one more time: tennis players, folks with a dog, but no goose. We again checked the lawns across the pond, and now there were even more geese on them than just 15 minutes before -- and the Pink-footed Goose was among them.
Sheila took some distant shots.
So if you come, give it some time and bring a scope. Don’t come while school is on, there will be too much going on. We did check along Bond Road, where the houses across the pond are, and we found the house that was hosting the goose, but we could not see the geese from the road. The whole area has great woodlots and we had several species of (likely) breeding warblers including Ovenbirds, Prairie, Blue-winged, as well as several grosbeaks and orioles, and other birds. It was very breezy at this time and there could have been many more species around. Good luck.
(report from Mark Lynch/Sheila Carroll).
5/18/25 -- Broad Meadow Brook Sanctuary, Worcester
Kim and I recorded these highlights at the Broad Meadow Brook Wildlife Sanctuary in Worcester this morning.
Wood Duck 2 - Pair;
Chimney Swift 1;
Great Blue Heron 4 - Nest with young;
Red-bellied Woodpecker 2;
Hairy Woodpecker 1;
Eastern Wood-Pewee 2;
Least Flycatcher 1;
Eastern Phoebe 2;
Great Crested Flycatcher 3;
Eastern Kingbird 1;
Warbling Vireo 3;
Red-eyed Vireo 4;
Tree Swallow 4;
Northern Rough-winged Swallow 2;
Northern House Wren 1;
Carolina Wren 2;
Gray Catbird 11;
House Finch 2;
American Goldfinch 9;
Chipping Sparrow 1;
Field Sparrow 1;
Song Sparrow 15;
Baltimore Oriole 5;
Red-winged Blackbird 26;
Brown-headed Cowbird 1;
Ovenbird 1;
Blue-winged Warbler 1;
Common Yellowthroat 12;
American Redstart 4;
Northern Parula 3;
Magnolia Warbler 2;
Yellow Warbler 10;
Chestnut-sided Warbler 1;
Blackpoll Warbler 1;
Scarlet Tanager 1;
Rose-breasted Grosbeak 3 - Pair.
(report from John Liller).
5/16/25 -- Wachusett Reservoir IBA
Today we birded around the WACHUSETT RESERVOIR IBA. Nothing too out of the ordinary and all passerines were breeders in the area. Highlights:
Common Loon (5: with 2ad still on West Waushacum. Keep a lookout for this pair to see if they breed); Double-crested Cormorant (12); Great Blue Heron (1); Canada Goose (15: including a pair w/5 goslings); Mallard (111 drakes); Osprey (1 perched next to the nest but the day before we saw 1 on the nest and 1 perched next to the nest. It is very tough to see into the nest); Broad-winged Hawk (1); Red=tailed Hawk (2); Wild Turkey (1); Spotted Sandpiper (3); Chimney Swift (5); Red-bellied Woodpecker (2).
Passerines:
E Wood Pewee (1); Great Crested Flycatcher (3); E Kingbird (4); Yellow-throated Vireo (5); Warbling Vireo (14); Red-eyed Vireo (26); Tree Swallow (18); Barn Swallow (2); House Wren (3); Wood Thrush (3); Gray Catbird (78: everywhere);
WARBLERS: Yellow (9); Chestnut-sided (1); Prairie (1); Ovenbird (13); C Yellowthroat (19).
Scarlet Tanager (2); E Towhee (1); Swamp Sparrow (2); Rose-breasted Grosbeak (6); Baltimore Oriole (19).
(report from Mark Lynch/Sheila Carroll).
5/13/25 -- CRA Holden Baseball Field, Holden
Notable this morning at CRA Holden Baseball Field: Orchard Oriole and Golden Crowned Kinglet.
Other highlights included Mute Swans, Yellow Warbler, Yellow-rumped Warbler, Nashville Warbler, Warbling Vireo,
Rose-breasted Grosbeak, Tree Swallows, and Red Tailed Hawk.
(report from Susan LaBree).
5/13/25 -- Hennessey Conservation Area, Grafton
Today's highlights at the Hennessey Conservation Area in Grafton:
Killdeer 1 (Distraction display);
Green Heron 1;
Turkey Vulture 2;
Belted Kingfisher 1;
Red-bellied Woodpecker 2;
Great Crested Flycatcher 1;
Eastern Kingbird 6;
Warbling Vireo 1;
Red-eyed Vireo 2;
Tree Swallow 6;
Barn Swallow 2;
Blue-gray Gnatcatcher 1;
Northern House Wren 2;
Carolina Wren 1;
Gray Catbird 2;
Northern Mockingbird 1;
Eastern Bluebird 1;
Wood Thrush 1;
American Goldfinch 3;
Chipping Sparrow 3;
Savannah Sparrow 2;
Song Sparrow 2;
Swamp Sparrow 1;
Eastern Towhee 1;
Orchard Oriole 1 (singing);
Baltimore Oriole 4;
Ovenbird 3;
Blue-winged Warbler 1;
Common Yellowthroat 6;
Yellow Warbler 1;
Rose-breasted Grosbeak 2.
(report from John Liller).
5/11/25 -- Warren
Today we birded around WARREN. Lots of birds, but almost all were breeding species. So NO parula BT Greens or Blues et. Highlights:
Great Blue Heron (5: 3 were STANDING on 3 nests); Canada Goose (21: including pair w/2 very small young); Wood Duck (2); Mallard (2); Turkey Vulture (11); Osprey (4: 2 occupied nests); Bald Eagle (1ad); Red-tailed Hawk (2); Wild Turkey (2); Virginia Rail (5); Spotted Sandpiper (1); Black-billed Cuckoo (1: see one of
Sheila’s shots); Chimney Swift (3); Ruby-throated Hummingbird (1); Yellow-bellied Sapsucker (5).
Passerines:
E Wood Pewee (2); Least Flycatcher (1); E Phoebe (2); Great Crested Flycatcher (3)
VIREOS: Yellow-throated (3); Blue-headed (1); Warbling (18); Red-eyed (27).
SWALLOWS: Tree (41); N Rough-winged (1); Barn (36).
House Wren (8); E Bluebird (1); Veery (11); Wood Thrush (16); Gray Catbird (37).
WARBLERS: Blue-winged (3); Nashville (1); Yellow (11); Chestnut-sided (13); Prairie (1); Black and White (2); A Redstart (12); Worm-eating (1); Ovenbird (82); C Yellowthroat (33).
Scarlet Tanager (13); Savannah Sparrow (2); Swamp Sparrow (3); Rose-breasted Grosbeak (19); Bobolink (9); Orchard Oriole (1); Baltimore Oriole (38).
(report from Mark Lynch/Sheila Carroll).
5/10/25 -- Wachusett Reservoir IBA and Bolton Flats
Today, after the rain stopped, we birded a very few spots in the WACHUSETT RESERVOIR IBA.
Highlights: Common Loon (4: 2 on East Waushacum); Double-crested Cormorant (13: all on East Washacum); Wood Duck (1); Canada Goose (8); Mallard (3); White-winged Scoter (9: 7 adM: flock at East Waushacum); Turkey Vulture (1); Red-tailed Hawk (1); Virginia Rail (1); Sora (1); Killdeer (2); Ring-billed Gull (32); Brown Thrasher (1: see
Sheila’s shot: we were most excited by the thrasher because, compared to decades back, we just don’t that many anymore).
We also made a quick trip to Bolton Flats and Lancaster, birding from the roads. The main fields were very flooded): Canada Goose (58: including a pair mating); Snow Goose (2); Mute Swan (2); Wood Duck (4); A Black Duck (1); Mallard (30); Wild Turkey (1); Turkey Vulture (1); Killdeer (13); Solitary Sandpiper (12); Spotted Sandpiper (3); Greater Yellowlegs (2); Least Sandpiper (2); Pectoral Sandpiper (1).
(report from Mark Lynch/Sheila Carroll).
5/7/25 -- Hennessey Conservation Area, Grafton
I recorded these highlights at the Hennessey Conservation Area in Grafton this morning:
Killdeer 1;
Turkey Vulture 2;
Red-bellied Woodpecker 1;
Northern Flicker 2;
falcon sp. 2 (Zipped by together over me just above tree level. All I could get was a silhouette, as I was looking against a bright white sky and had no time to get my bins on them. They definitely had the jizz of falcons, and their size made me think “Peregrine.” But without a good look, I will leave them as “falcon sp.”);
Great Crested Flycatcher 1;
Eastern Kingbird 2;
Warbling Vireo 1;
Common Raven 1;
Tree Swallow 6;
Northern House Wren 1;
Carolina Wren 1;
Gray Catbird 5;
Northern Mockingbird 1;
Eastern Bluebird 1;
Wood Thrush 1;
House Finch 2;
American Goldfinch 1;
Chipping Sparrow 2;
Song Sparrow 3;
Baltimore Oriole 2;
Red-winged Blackbird 12;
Brown-headed Cowbird 1;
Ovenbird 1;
Common Yellowthroat 3;
American Redstart 1;
Yellow Warbler 2;
Pine Warbler 1.
(report from John Liller).
5/7/25 -- Ware River Watershed
Today we birded around the WARE RIVER WATERSHED, just a few areas. Lots of migrant breeders. Highlights:
Great Blue Heron (1: we didn’t check out the rookery); Canada Goose (10); A Black Duck (2); Mallard (6); Red-shouldered Hawk (3); Broad-winged Hawk (1); Ruffed Grouse (1); Virginia Rail (1); Spotted Sandpiper (2); Ruby-throated Hummingbird (1); Belted Kingfisher (1); Yellow-bellied Sapsucker (5); N Flicker (3); Pileated Woodpecker (1).
Passerines:
Least Flycatcher (16); E Phoebe (2); Great Crested Flycatcher (7);
VIREOS: Yellow-throated (3); Blue-headed (2); Warbling (4); Red-eyed (31).
Common Raven (1 young: see
Sheila’s shot);
SWALLOWS: Tree (17); N Rough-winged (4); Barn (32).
Red-breasted Nuthatch (5); House Wren (8); Winter Wren (3); E Bluebird (5); Veery (1); Hermit Thrush (10); Wood Thrush (3); Gray Catbird (60);
WARBLERS: Blue-winged (1); N Parula (1); Yellow (14); Chestnut-sided (24); Yellow-rumped (7); Black-throated Green (8); Pine (15); Prairie (1); Black and White (7); A Redstart (2); Ovenbird (142); Louisiana Waterthrush (2); C Yellowthroat (36).
Scarlet Tanager (4); E Towhee (20); Field Sparrow (1); Swamp Sparrow (10); White-throated Sparrow (1); Rose-breasted Grosbeak (6); Indigo Bunting (1); Baltimore Oriole (18).
PLUS: Butterflies included Tiger Swallowtail; Cabbage White; Spring Azure, American Lady; Juvenal’s Duskwing; Blooms included: Fringed Polygala; Sessile Bellwort; Dwarf Ginseng; Wood Anemone; Marsh Marigold; Starflower; Sheep Laurel; Purple Trillium (almost past); Mayflower.
Red Efts on the roads.
(report from Mark Lynch/Sheila Carroll).
5/4/25 -- Worcester State University, Worcester
Notable birds behind the baseball fields at the University this morning included
Baltimore Oriole, Yellow-rumped Warbler, Indigo Bunting, Yellow Warbler, Pine Warbler, White-throated Sparrow, Dark-eyed Junco, Tennessee Warbler, Field Sparrow, Warbling Vireo, Blue-gray Gnatcatcher, Wood Thrush, House Wren, Carolina Wren, Rose-breasted Grosbeak, Cedar Waxwing, Wilson’s Warbler, Cape May Warbler, Oven Bird and Chimney Swift.
(report from Susan LaBree).
5/4/25 -- Rail Trail, Sterling
In mid-morning, I spent 1 hr on the northern section of the Rail Trail (from Sterling center),
which starts off lined with trees and surrounded by marsh, and then enters a section of forest. Highlights were typical of that habitat, and included 1 Red-bellied Woodpecker, 3 Warbling Vireo,
3 Yellow Warbler, 1 Pine Warbler, 3 Common Yellowthroat, 1 Rose-breasted Grosbeak, and 2 Baltimore Oriole.
(report from Rick Quimby).
5/4/25 -- Great Meadow Conservation Area, Grafton
I recorded these highlights at the Great Meadow Conservation Area in Grafton this morning:
Wood Duck 3;
Virginia Rail 1 (heard the Kiddik call);
Sora 1 - heard the Whinny call (This is a good location for rails.);
Red-bellied Woodpecker 2;
Eastern Phoebe 1;
Great Crested Flycatcher 2;
Eastern Kingbird 1;
Warbling Vireo 2;
Tree Swallow 2;
Brown Creeper 1;
Blue-gray Gnatcatcher 1;
Northern House Wren 1;
Carolina Wren 1;
Gray Catbird 7;
Veery 1;
House Finch 2;
American Goldfinch 3;
Chipping Sparrow 3;
White-throated Sparrow 1;
Song Sparrow 4;
Swamp Sparrow 7;
Eastern Towhee 2;
Baltimore Oriole 2;
Brown-headed Cowbird 4;
Ovenbird 6;
Northern Waterthrush 1;
Common Yellowthroat 5;
Yellow Warbler 7;
Pine Warbler 1;
Rose-breasted Grosbeak 2.
(report from John Liller).
5/3/25 -- Petersham
Today we birded a few areas in PETERSHAM. Initially we had some real down pours, but it cleared and it turned out to be a good morning. Highlights:
Great Blue Heron (2, 1 on a nest); Canada Goose (6); Wood Duck (3); Mallard (2); Ring-necked Duck (1f); Common Merganser (pair); Broad-winged Hawk (1); Red-tailed Hawk (1); American Woodcock (1 rhumba-ing across the road in front of our car); Belted Kingfisher (2); Red-bellied Woodpecker (6); Yellow-bellied Sapsucker (4); N Flicker (4); Pileated Woodpecker (1); A Kestrel (2).
Passerines:
Least Flycatcher (9); E Phoebe (6); Great Crested Flycatcher (1); E Kingbird (1).
VIREOS: Yellow-throated (6); Blue-headed (1); Warbling (5); Red-eyed (3).
Common Raven (3); Tree Swallow (19); N Rough-winged Swallow (4: see
Sheila’s photo); Barn Swallow (4); Red-breasted Nuthatch (1); Carolina Wren (8); House Wren (9); Winter Wren (10); Ruby-crowned Kinglet (1); E Bluebird (1); E Bluebird (1); Veery (1); Hermit Thrush (10); Gray Catbird (21).
WARBLERS: Nashville (1); N Parula (1); Chestnut-sided (4); Yellow-rumped (4); Black-throated Green (5); Blackburnian (1); Pine (9); Prairie (1); Black and White (9); A Redstart (4); OVENBIRD (161: we kept a very careful count. They were singing everywhere at every stop); Northern Waterthrush (3); Louisiana Waterthrush (5); C Yellowthroat (17).
Scarlet Tanager (5); E Towhee (13); Chipping Sparrow (16); Swamp Sparrow (just 1); White-throated Sparrow (4); Rose-breasted Grosbeak (5); Bobolink (3: seems early); Baltimore Oriole (19); Purple Finch (3).
PLUS: Cabbage White; Clouded Sulphur; Spring Azure; Spring Peepers; American Toads; Pickerel Frogs; Green Frogs.
(report from Mark Lynch/Sheila Carroll).
5/2/25 -- Wachusett Reservoir IBA
Today we headed out to the WACHUSETT RESERVOIR IBA early in morning. We headed straight for the dam overlook only to find the entire reservoir socked in with fog and very little visibility. So, we headed to other spots in the IBA and had some luck with passerine migrants, though it remained misty and overcast wherever we went. Except for ovenbirds and orioles, bird song was only sporadic. We returned to the reservoir by 10: 30 only to find it still foggy, so we headed home. Highlights:
Common Loon (1: on East Waushacum); Double-crested Cormorant (9); Great Blue Heron (1); Canada Goose (11); Mute Swan (2); Osprey (1); Red-tailed Hawk (3); Wild Turkey (2); Barred Owl (1 calling ); Red-bellied Woodpecker (6); Yellow-bellied Sapsucker (2); N Flicker (5); Pileated Woodpecker (2).
Passerines:
E Phoebe (1); Warbling Vireo (4); Tree wallow (68); N Rough-winged Swallow (2: breeders); Bank Swallow (1); Barn Swallow (21); House Wren (12); E Bluebird (3); Wood Thrush (2 singing away); Gray Catbird (16).
WARBLERS: Blue-winged (3); N Parula (1); Yellow (1); Yellow-rumped (3); Black-throated Green (1); Pine (1: low); Prairie (1); Black and White (1); A Redstart (1); Ovenbird (15).
E Towhee (16); Chipping Sparrow (17); Field Sparrow (1); Rose-breasted Grosbeak (8); Orchard Oriole (1); Baltimore Oriole (27); Purple Finch (2).
Plus: Red Fox (1)
(report from Mark Lynch/Sheila Carroll).
5/1/25 -- Hodges Village Dam, Oxford
Highlights from 26 species recorded in a 2 hour afternoon walk here were 1 Great Blue Heron, 1 Osprey, 2 Red-bellied Woodpeckers, 1 Hairy Woodpecker, ~25 Tree Swallows, 1 Gray Catbird,
1 Warbling Vireo, 2 Blue-winged Warblers, 1 Yellow-rumped Warbler, 5 Pine Warblers, 2 Rose-breasted Grosbeaks, 3 Eastern
Towhee, 1 Brown-headed Cowbird, and 3 Baltimore Orioles.
(report from Rick Quimby).
4/29/25 -- North Brookfield
There were 3 black vultures seen over North Brookfield today around noon.
(report from Jeff Smith).
4/28/25 -- Warren
We birded around WARREN this morning. Highlights:
Great Blue Heron (8: 4 active nests); Canada Goose (51: including a pair w/6 young); Wood Duck (3); Mallard (4); Trkey Vulture (5); Osprey (1 on nest, another perched next to another nest. Because of the angle, we could not see if a bird was ON that nest); Bald Eagle (2); Red-shouldered Hawk (1); Broad-winged Hawk (1); Virginia Rail (1); Red-bellied Woodpecker (4); Yellow-bellied Sapsucker (3); N Flicker (6); Pileated Woodpecker (2).
Passerines:
E Phoebe (10); E Kingbird (1); Blue-headed Vireo (1); Warbling Vireo (2); Fish Crow (1); C Raven (1); Tree Swallow (75+); Barn Swallow (2); Blue-gray Gnatcatcher (1); E Bluebird (3); Gray Catbird (2).
WARBLERS: Yellow (1); Yellow-rumped (10); Pine (2); Black and White (1); Ovenbird (9: see
Sheila’s photo); Louisiana Waterthrush (1); C Yellowthroat (1).
E Towhee (8); Field Sparrow (1); Swamp Sparrow (6); Rose-breasted Grosbeak (3); Purple Finc (2).
Butterflies:
Cabbage White (20); Spring Azure (1).
(report from Mark Lynch/Sheila Carroll).
4/27/25 -- Worcester Cemeteries
Today we birded 4 cemeteries in the SW corner of Worcester: Notre Dame, Hope, All Faiths, and St. Johns, and the adjacent Curtis Pond. The wind was a hindrance, as well as the cloudy skies. Waterfowl were only Canada Goose (28); Mute Swan (11: including 10 on Curtis where just a few weeks ago there had been a die-off of swans due to avian flu); Mallard (7). The only raptors were (2) Osprey and (1) Red-tailed Hawk. We did have (5) Red-bellied Woodpeckers and (3) flickers. (2) kingfishers were nice to see.
Passerines included lots of robins and Chipping Sparrows, but the only warblers were (1) Pine and (8) Yellow-rumps. Swallows are still on the move and we had (2) Northern Rough-winged, (5) Barn, and (45+) Tree. Warbling Vireos (4) were good to hear. Orioles included (1) Orchard and (6) Baltimores:
see Sheila’s pic. Photography was tough because of the wind.
(report from Mark Lynch/Sheila Carroll).
4/25/25 -- Ware River Watershed
Today we birded a few spots in the WARE RIVER WATERSHED IBA. We were faced with showers and plain rain for the first hour or so, but eventually it let up and by late morning the sun was out. Foliage is about a week behind Worcester city. Birds were few and far between, but we had a few FOY. Highlights:
Canada Goose (9); Wood Duck (6); Mallard (2); Ring-necked Duck (4); Broad-winged Hawk (1);
Yellow-bellied Sapsucker (6); N Flicker (5); Pileated Woodpecker (2).
Passerines:
Least Flycatcher (2); E Phoebe (4); Blue-headed Vireo (5); C Raven (1); Tree Swallow (43); N Rough-winged Swallow (2); Red-breasted Nuthatch (9); House Wren (1); Winter Wren (2); Ruby-crowned Kinglet (4); E Bluebird (4); Hermit Thrush (10); Pine Warbler (32); Ovenbird (2); Louisiana Waterthrush (1); E Towhee (18+ 1 in our backyard); Chipping Sparrow (40); Field Sparrow (3); Swamp Sparrow (4); Dark-eyed Junco (4); Purple Finch (5).
Plus: Pickerel and Green Frogs; Peepers; Purple Trillium and Hobblebush blooms. At home: Rose-breasted Grosbeak.
(report from Mark Lynch/Sheila Carroll).
4/24/25 -- Hope Cemetery, Worcester
Highlights from 19 species recorded in a 1 hour afternoon walk here were 1 Bald Eagle (im), 2 Cooper's Hawk (soaring together), 1 Red-bellied Woodpecker, 1 E. Phoebe,
8 Yellow-rumped Warblers,
1 Eastern Towhee, and 6 Chipping Sparrows.
(report from Rick Quimby).
4/23/25 -- North Brookfield
This evening around 8:10 PM one whip-poor-will was heard in a gravel pit on Hines Bridge Road in North Brookfield.
(report from Jeff Smith).
4/23/25 -- Hardwick
Today we birded around HARDWICK, including in Gate 43 of Quabbin. We were surprised how low the water was in Quabbin. The foliage appeared to be about a week behind that of the city of Worcester. Highlights:
Common Loon (3); Great Blue Heron (1); Canada Goose (3); Wood Duck (3: including a pair high up in trees looking for a nest hole); Mallard (4); Ring-necked Duck (10); Hooded Merganser (5: all females (see
Sheila’s shot of 1); Turkey Vulture (7); Osprey (1); Bald Eagle (1 sub adult); Red-tailed Hawk (1); Wild Turkey (4: all individuals); Belted Kingfisher (1)Red-bellied Woodpecker (3); Yellow-bellied Sapsucker (9); N Flicker (3); Pileated Woodpecker (1); American Kestrel (4).
Passerines:
E Phoebe (7); Blue-headed Vireo (2 and another in New Braintree); C Raven (2); Tree Swallow (42); Brown Creeper (2); Carolina Wren (1); Ruby-crowned Kinglet (14); E Bluebird (3); Hermit Thrush (5); Yellow-rumped Warbler (3); Pine Warbler (17); Louisiana Waterthrush (2); E Towhee (11); Chipping Sparrow (12); Field Sparrow (4); Swamp Sparrow (4); Purple Finch (2).
Plus: a nice showing of Marsh Marigolds and in New Braintree: finally my first butterflies of the season: 2 Cabbage Whites.
(report from Mark Lynch/Sheila Carroll).
4/22/25 -- Wachusett Reservoir IBA
First thing in the morning, we set off to the reservoir to see if anything had put down because of the rain. We were confronted by fog and difficult long distance viewing. So we birded Mt Vernon Cemetery, picking up our FOY Baltimore Oriole, Field Sparrows. And juncos. Eventually we headed to River Road , the Waushacums, and finally the fog slowly began to dissipate.
Highlights: Common Loon (13);Double-crested Cormorant (12); Great Blue Heron (1); Canada Goose (21); Mute Swan (1); A Black Duck (5); Mallard (13); Ring-necked Duck (3); Lesser Scaup (3); Common Merganser (pair); Osprey (1); N Harrier (1f); Red-tailed Hawk (1); Wild Turkey (1); Virginia Rail (2); BONAPARTE’S GULL (102: careful count. From the north end of the dike, Sheila, through fog, spotted a gull flock far out and saw that at least some of them had black heads. We hastily rushed over the dam overlook as the fog was lifting. Far out between Cemetery Island and behind Cunningham Ledge was a large, strung out flock of gulls. As I scoped them, I realized most of them were Bonaparte’s Gulls and carefully counted 102. A few Ring-billeds were with them, and 1 Black Tern. We watched them for a while. They started to drift to the right (from our view) and consolidate, though they flew up every once in a while and their numbers decreased after a large flight, though we could never make out where they went. I have seen large flocks of Bonies in the County but this is the largest. My largest Bonie flocks have all been spring records. Certainly a weather related event. NB: see Sheila’s poor and distant
record shot. One of several, of just a PART of the flock); Belted Kingfisher (1); Red-bellied Woodpecker (4); N Flicker (4).
Passerines:
E Phoebe (only 1 tallied); Tree Swallow (36); Barn Swallow (5+); House Wren (1); Ruby-crowned Kinglet (2); N Mockingbird (7: in high song); Pine Warbler (6); Chipping Sparrow (12); Field Sparrow (4); Savannah Sparrow (2); Song Sparrow (13); Swamp Sparrow (8); White-throated Sparrow (9); Dark-eyed Junco (16); Baltimore Oriole (1).
(report from Mark Lynch/Sheila Carroll).
4/21/25 -- Great Meadow, Grafton
I recorded the following highlights this morning at the Great Meadow Conservation Area in Grafton:
Wood Duck 2;
Ring-necked Duck 2;
Red-bellied Woodpecker 6;
Hairy Woodpecker 1;
Northern Flicker 1;
Blue Jay 14 (including a group of 7 birds doing a courtship dance, full of rocking and vocals);
Ruby-crowned Kinglet 5;
Brown Creeper 1;
Carolina Wren 1;
House Finch 1;
Chipping Sparrow 1;
White-throated Sparrow 3;
Song Sparrow 2;
Swamp Sparrow 3;
Eastern Towhee 2;
Brown-headed Cowbird 1;
Palm Warbler 2;
Pine Warbler 1;
Yellow-rumped Warbler 2.
(report from John Liller).
4/20/25 -- Broadmeadow Brook Sanctuary, Worcester
Highlights from an afternoon walk from the Visitors Center were 1 Cooper's Hawk (flying over), 1 Red-bellied
Woodpecker, 1 Hairy Woodpecker, 1 E. Phoebe, 1 E. Bluebird (perching on nest box attached
to pole along power line), 2 Palm Warblers, 1 Eastern Towhee, 1 Song Sparrow,
and 1 Brown-headed Cowbird.
(report from Rick Quimby).
4/19/25 -- Ware River Watershed
Today we birded around the WARE RIVER IBA. It was warm, but most of the morning was overcast. Highlights: Wood Duck (pair); Turkey Vulture (2); Yellow-bellied Sapsucker (6); E Phoebe (5); Red-breasted Nuthatch (4); Tree Swallow (16); Winter Wren (4 singing); Golden-crowned Kinglet (1); Ruby-crowned Kinglet (2); E Bluebird (4); Hermit Thrush (1).
WARBLERS: Pine (24); Palm (6); Yellow-rumped (5); Louisiana Waterthrush (1)
Chipping Sparrow (2); Field Sparrow (3 singing); Swamp Sparrow (2); Evening Grosbeak (1 overhead. NB: this species has bred here rarely in years past).
Plus: White-tailed Deer (4).
(report from Mark Lynch/Sheila Carroll).
4/18/25 -- Warren
Today we birded around WARREN. The weather was good. Highlights: Great Blue Heron (7 with 3 occupied nests); Canada Goose (65: a number of birds on nests atop beaver lodges); Wood Duck (pair); Mallard (10); Ring-necked Duck (24); Bufflehead (pair); Turkey Vulture (3); Osprey (1 on nest, another pair building a nest); Red-shouldered Hawk (1); Broad-winged Hawk (1); Red-tailed Hawk (1); Wild Turkey (3); Virginia Rail (1); Belted Kingfisher (1); Red-bellied Woodpecker (5); Yellow-bellied Sapsucker (8); N Flicker (3); A Kestrel (1).
Passerines:
E Phoebe (14); Tree Swallow (67: a number checking out nesting cavities in dead trees); Barn Swallow (3); Carolina Wren (13); Ruby-crowned Kinglet (1); E Bluebird (3);
WARBLERS: Yellow-rumped (2); Pine (6); Palm (9: see
Sheila’s photo); Louisiana Waterthrush (1 in Spencer). E Towhee (1); Chipping Sparrow (6: most have still not yet returned); Field (2); Swamp Sparrow (4 singing). Plus plenty of Eastern Painted Turtles.
(report from Mark Lynch/Sheila Carroll).
4/18/25 -- Gate 27, Wachusett Reservoir
I walked from Gate 27 out to Lamson Cove this afternoon, and had the following
highlights:
2 Bufflehead (m+f), 1 Common Merganser (f), 1 Belted Kingfisher (f), 1 Hairy Woodpecker,
1 N. Flicker, 1 Brown Creeper, 2 Pine Warblers, and 1 Field Sparrow.
(report from Rick Quimby).
4/18/25 -- Hennesey Conservation Area, Grafton
I recorded the following highlights at the Hennesey Conservation Area in Grafton this morning.
Red-tailed Hawk 1;
Red-bellied Woodpecker 2;
Northern Flicker 1;
Tree Swallow 4;
Ruby-crowned Kinglet 3;
Carolina Wren 1;
Eastern Bluebird 2;
Hermit Thrush 2;
Cedar Waxwing 2;
Chipping Sparrow 3;
Song Sparrow 4;
Pine Warbler 1.
(report from John Liller).
4/16/25 -- Hodges Village Dam, Oxford
I walked in from the Rocky Hill Rd entrance around 3:30 pm, and had the following
highlights:
8 Common Mergansers (1m, 7f), 1 Osprey (watched it trying to pull a fish out of the water, only
succeeding in getting it onto a log in the water), 1 Red-bellied Woodpecker, 2 Hairy
Woodpeckers, 2 N. Flickers, 1 C. Raven, 1 Ruby-crowned Kinglet (seen in bushes, doing a quiet
version of its song), 1 Pine Warbler, 6 Palm Warblers (group of 5 staying close together, that followed me down a bushy trail), and 1 White-throated Sparrow.
(report from Rick Quimby).
4/15/25 -- Quabog IBA
Today we birded around the QUABOG IBA. Mild spring day, the sun even came out for a bit, but mostly it was overcast. Pied-billed Grebe (1); Double-crested Cormorant (2); Great Blue Heron (2: 1 on a nest); Canada Goose (26); Mute Swan (6); Wood Duck (12); Mallard (42); Blue-winged Teal (1); Ring-necked Duck (92); Bufflehead (16); Hooded Merganser (4); Common Merganser (11); Turkey Vulture (3); Osprey (2); Bald Eagle (1ad on nest); Red-tailed Hawk (2); Wild Turkey (6); Virginia Rail (1); Ring-billed Gull (6); Caspian Tern (1 on mud bar, north end of Wickabog. See Sheila’s photo. We watched it for awhile and left it there); Mourning Dove (15); Red-bellied Woodpecker (10); Yellow-bellied Sapsucker (2); N Flicker (3); Pileated Woodpecker (1).
Passerines:
E Phoebe (19); Blue Jay (11); A Crow (16); C Raven (1); Tree Swallow (14: 2 nests in dead stubs); Black-capped Chickadee (2); Tufted Titmouse (56: their calls/song were everywhere); White-breasted Nuthatch (7); Brown Creeper (1); Carolina Wren (8); E Bluebird (5); A Robin (44: we watched 1 constructing their nest in the crotch of a large deciduous tree);
WARBLERS: Yellow-rumped (1); Pine (5); Palm (2); Louisiana Waterthrush (1).
Eastern Towhee (1); Chipping Sparrow (6); Song Sparrow (36); Swamp Sparrow (5 singing); White-throated Sparrow (7); Dark-eyed Junco (1); N Cardinal (33); Red-winged Blackbird (162); C Grackles (87); House Finch (16); A Goldfinch (7).
PLUS: hundeds of Eastern Painted Turtles and peepers; (3) Muskrats; and a fine showing of Coltsfoot and Bloodroot.
(report from Mark Lynch/Sheila Carroll).
4/15/25 -- West Brookfield-Lake Wickaboag
Had a Caspian Tern hanging out at Lake Wickaboag today. Was seen standing at the edge of the mudflat at the north end of the Lake this morning and around noon was hunting and diving over the Lake in the same vicinity.
(report from Phil Guerin).
4/14/25 -- Merriam Road Conservation Area, Grafton
Kim and I recorded the following highlights this morning at the Merriam Road Conservation Area in Grafton:
Wood Duck 2;
Green-winged Teal 3;
Belted Kingfisher 1;
Red-bellied Woodpecker 2;
Northern Flicker 1;
Eastern Phoebe 3;
Tree Swallow 6;
Carolina Wren 1;
Eastern Bluebird 2;
House Finch 1;
American Goldfinch 5;
Song Sparrow 3;
Red-winged Blackbird 16;
Brown-headed Cowbird 2;
Common Grackle 14;
Palm Warbler 1.
(report from John Liller).
4/13/25 -- Rail Trail, Sterling
In a short mid-morning walk down the Rail Trail from Sterling center, highlights were:
1 Red-bellied Woodpecker, 1 N. Flicker, 1 E. Phoebe, and 2 Swamp Sparrows (both singing, one
seen well near rail trail in marsh).
(report from Rick Quimby).
4/11/25 -- Wachusett Reservoir IBA
There was a report of a fall out at South Quabbin, so we checked out Wachusett Reservoir IBA to see if there had been a fall out there. Short-answer: NO, just the number and variety you would expect at this time of the year:
Common Loon (14); Horned Grebe (1); Double-crested Cormorant (11); Great Blue Heron (3); Canada Goose (14); Mute Swan (3); Wood Duck (7); Mallard (7); Green-winged Teal (8); Ring-necked Duck (22); Greater Scaup (5); Lesser Scaup (12); Bufflehead (7); Common Goldeneye (2); Common Merganser (11); Osprey (2 at nest); American Kestrel (1f).
There was a large gathering of swallows at many of the water bodies: Tree (1100+); N Rough-winged (3+); Barn (7).
(report from Mark Lynch/Sheila Carroll).
4/10/25 -- Grafton Meadow Conservation Area, Grafton
Highlights at the Grafton Meadow Conservation Area this morning:
Wood Duck 1;
Red-bellied Woodpecker 3;
Eastern Phoebe 1;
Golden-crowned Kinglet 2;
Brown Creeper 5 (they were actively singing);
Carolina Wren 1;
American Goldfinch 7;
Dark-eyed Junco 2;
Song Sparrow 2;
Red-winged Blackbird 14;
Brown-headed Cowbird 2;
Common Grackle 5.
(report from John Liller).
4/9/25 -- Petersham
Today we birded around PETERSHAM. It was cold (it didn’t get above freezing until late morning, with ice on small pools) and breezy. Landbirds were very scarce. We saw only (1) Tree Swallow and (3!) Red-winged Blackbirds.
Highlights:
Pied-billed Grebe (1); Great Blue Heron (3, 1 on a nest); Canada Goose (3); Wood Duck (6); A Black Duck (2); Mallard (9); Green-winged Teal (3: 2m+1f); Ring-necked Duck (55); Bufflehead (9); Hooded Merganser (9); Common Merganser (16: we got to see the interesting pre-mating behavior mentioned last week); Turkey Vulture (1); Red-tailed Hawk (1); Ruffed Grouse (1); Red-bellied Woodpecker (3); Yellow-bellied Sapsucker (2); Pileated Woodpecker (1); American Kestrel (1f).
Passerines:
E Phoebe (2); C Raven (4); Tree Swallow (1); Red-breasted Nuthatch (2); Pine Warbler (2); Dark-eyed Junco (22); Evening Grosbeak (1). Plus: River Otter (1); Red Fox (1).
(report from Mark Lynch/Sheila Carroll).
4/6/25 -- The Quag, Sterling
At 10:00 this morning I made a brief stop at the Quag along Rt. 12, and there were
3 Wood Ducks (2m, 1f), 13 Ring-necked Ducks,
and 4 Bufflehead.
(report from Rick Quimby).
4/5/25 -- Wachusett Reservoir IBA
Today we birded around the WACHUSETT RESERVOIR IBA. The weather was overcast and cool. AND it opening day for fishing at the reservoir. The roads and parking areas of the reservoir were crowded with cars. IN some places it was difficult to find a spot to pull over. A number of cars were parked illegally and we saw the Environmental Police and the Watershed Rangers out and about. Not a great day to bird the reservoir. There were kayaks out on Coachlace.
Highlights: Common Loon (5); Pied-billed Grebe (1); Double-crested Cormorant (4); Canada Goose (28); Mute Swan (4); Wood Duck (2); A Black Duck (5); Mallard (9); Green-winged Teal (5); Ring-necked Duck (21); Greater Scaup/scaup sp. (14); Bufflehead (8); C Goldeneye (10); Common Merganser (8); Osprey (pair at nest); Red-tailed Hawk (1); Wild Turkey (1); Killdeer (2); Ring-billed Gull (3); Belted Kingfisher (1); N Flicker (5).
Passerines:
E Phoebe (3); Tree Swallow (88); N Mockingbird (9: in spring, when they are vigorously singing, they are much easier to turn up); Chipping Sparrow (3); Dark-eyed Junco (34); Brown-headed Cowbird (5).
Driving to the reservoir along West Boylston Street we had a perched Peregrine Falcon.
(report from Mark Lynch/Sheila Carroll).
4/4/25 -- New Braintree
Today we birded around NEW BRAINTREE. It was quiet for the most part. No swallows. Highlights:
Canada Goose (9); Wood Duck (3): Common Goldeneye (1m: New Braintree has no large bodies of water just a small river, many streams, some great marshes, and some small ponds. Goldeneye was a first for us for New Braintree. The plumage was interesting.
Photo by Sheila.); Hooded Merganser (1f); Wild Turkey (3); Turkey Vulture (4); Red-shouldered Hawk (3); Red-tailed Hawk (4); Belted Kingfisher (1); Yellow-bellied Sapsucker (1); N Flicker (6); Pileated Woodpecker (1).
Passerines:
E Phoebe (18); C Raven (3); Red-breasted Nuthatch (3); Brown Creeper (2); Golden-crowned Kinglet (2).
(report from Mark Lynch/Sheila Carroll).
4/4/25 -- Broadmeadow Brook Sanctuary, Worcester
In the afternoon I walked the trails from Dunkirk Ave to the Sprague trail highlights, on a
fine "shirtsleeve weather" day. Highlights were: 8 Canada Geese (2 fighting quite
fiercely over a mating opportunity), 2 Hooded Mergansers (m&f), 3 Red-bellied Woodpeckers,
1 Yellow-bellied Sapsucker, 6 Downy Woodpeckers, 3 Hairy Woodpeckers, 5 N. Flickers (two doing
the typical spastic bill display), and 1 Pileated Woodpecer (drilling near the top of a powerline
pole!) -- a six woodpecker day.
Passerines: 4 Eastern Phoebe, 1 E Bluebird (f, bringing sticks to box along the
powerline trail), and ~20 Dark-eyed Juncos (many singing). This is a good time of year to study
the distinctive bell-like trill of the Junco, as it gets ready to move back north.
(report from Rick Quimby).
4/2/25 -- Quabog IBA
Today we birded around the QUABOG IBA in cool/cold but clear weather. Waterfowl are still moving through and landbirds are eeking in. Highlights:
Canada Goose (98); Mute Swan (2); Wood Duck (14); A Black Duck (7); Mallard (20); Green-winged Teal (13); Ring-necked Duck (131); Greater Scaup/scaup sp (14); Lesser Scaup (10); Bufflehead (33); Common Goldeneye (6); Common Merganser (106: see note below); Red-breasted Merganser (1f); Turkey Vulture (2); Osprey (2: we watched one dive and catch a fish along the river); Bald Eagle (1ad); Red-shouldered Hawk (1); Red-tailed Hawk (2); Virginia Rail (1); Killdeer (2); Wilson’s Snipe (5 at 1 puddle in a cornfield: see
Sheila’s shot); Belted Kingfisher (1); Red-bellied Woodpecker (5).
Passerines:
E Phoebe (8); Fish Crow (2); Tree Swallow (51); N Rough-winged Swallow (1); Barn Swallow (2); E Bluebird (15); Chipping Sparrow (3).
Note on mating Mergansers:
We got to see this twice today on Lashaway. At first we couldn't figure out what was happening: a female Common Merganser was lying flat on the water, neck straight out , bill JUST above the water. The drake swam round and round her many times. She did not move. It was their mating behavior. From Cornell's Birds of the World: "Copulate on the water; either sex may initiate by giving the drinking display. Female usually initiates the copulatory sequence by assuming a Prone Position on the water. Male responds by circling the female, who turns in his direction as he displays (includes ceremonial Drinking, Bill Dip, often with Water Twitch, Dorsal Preening, Behind-Wing Preening, and Upward Shake). Eventually, male (in a normal posture or with neck slightly extended) swims toward the female and mounts." The contact took just moments, after which the female sat up, flapped wings and swam away.
Photo by Sheila Carroll.
(report from Mark Lynch/Sheila Carroll).
4/2/25 -- Hodges Village Dam, Oxford
A short mid afternoon visit here yielded highlights of 3 Green-winged Teal, 10 Am. Black Ducks,
6 Common Mergansers, 1 E. Phoebe, 1 Carolina Wren, and 2 E. Bluebirds.
The most interesting sighting was actually a Mink, seen well along the bank of the French river. At first it looked like part of a log, but then
started moving and bounding along, at times into the stream to get around an obstruction, and then back onto the river bank. Unusual to be seen during the day,
so this was a real treat.
(report from Rick Quimby).
3/30/25 -- Worcester cemeteries
Early this afternoon we birded the 4 cemeteries in the SW corner of Worcester: All Faiths, Hope, St. Johns and Notre Dame. Typically we bird these in the early morning, and there were many more people there by afternoon. The Blue-winged Teals and Pied-billed Grebe were still where John Shea reported them. NB: you will need a scope. Highlights: Pied-billed Grebe (1); Canada Goose (83: small flocks over all the cemeteries, grazing); Mute Swan (2); Wood Duck (16); A Black Duck (2); Mallard (14); Blue-winged Teal (pair); Common Merganser (1m); Red-tailed Hawk (2); N Flicker (2).
Passerines:
Eastern Phoebe (2); Brown-headed Cowbird (120+: at Hope we had what we first we thought was a very large flock of starlings feeding on the ground. Upon inspection we found that many of them were cowbirds. Sheila got a
close pic of several. The entire flock was very skittish.
Plus: at Hope, a biker entered popping a long and very loud “wheelie”, continued to do wheelies and then stopped by a grave to pay his respects. That was a first. There was a boat on Leesville.
(report from Mark Lynch/Sheila Carroll).
3/29/25 -- Wachusett Reservoir IBA
Today we birded around the WACHUSETT RESERVOIR IBA. The weather was raw and damp. Another good day for waterfowl: Highlights:
Double-crested Cormorant (10: see
Sheila’s shot); Great Blue Heron (3: no active nests seen today); Canada Goose (31); Mute Swan (3); Wood Duck (10); American Wigeon (pair); A Black Duck (6); Mallard (33); Green-winged Teal (41: at several locations); Ring-necked Duck (32); Greater Scaup (16); Lesser Scaup (4); Bufflehead (33); C Goldeneye (29); Hooded Merganser (1f); Common Merganser (31); Turkey Vulture (1); Osprey (1 perched next to nest); Red-tailed Hawk (2); Killdeer (1); Red-bellied Woodpecker (3); N Flicker (5).
Passerines:
Tree Swallow (7); Song Sparrow (19); Dark-eyed Junco (18); Brown-headed Cowbird (25: 1 flock).
Plus: River Otter (1).
(report from Mark Lynch/Sheila Carroll).
3/27/25 -- Winnimuset Refuge, New Braintree
There were 8 Sandhill Cranes tonight (6:25 PM) at the Winnimuset Refuge in New Braintree.
(report from Jeff Smith).
3/26/25 -- Greenbriar Rec Area, Oxford
A short late afternoon visit here yielded highlights of 2 Hooded Merganser (m&f),
2 Osprey (on the nest platform, bringing sticks to nest -- you can watch their progress
on the
Oxford
Osprey nest webcam, and here is a
screenshot of the webcam I took when
I got back home), 2 Killdeer, 1 N. Flicker, ~15 Tree Swallows, 5 BC Chickadees
(came right up to me in a group only feet away, as if looking for a handout!), 6 Song
Sparrows, ~15 Dark-eyed Juncos, 4 Red-winged Blackbirds, and ~20 C. Grackles. A beaver dam
has flooded some trails here, and the bridge over the French River is no longer there, so
access to the Hodges Dam trails from here is not currently available.
(report from Rick Quimby).
3/26/25 -- Quabog IBA
This morning we birded around the QUABOG IBA. Highlights:
Canada Goose (40: many now in pairs); Mute Swan (pair); Wood Duck (7: 3 pairs+1); A Black Duck (8); Mallard (71); Ring-necked Duck (73); Greater Scaup (9); Lesser Scaup (pair: see Sheila’s shot); Bufflehead (61); Hooded Merganser (5); Common Merganser (167); Turkey Vulture (1); Bald Eagle (1ad perched near nest); Red-tailed Hawk (3); Wild Turkey (1); Killdeer (3); Ring-billed Gull (19); Belted Kingfisher (1); Red-bellied Woodpecker (8: including a pair at a nest hole: 1 in the hole, the other checking on the other).
Passerines:
E Phoebe (4); Fish Crow (4); Tree Swallow (5); Barn Swallow (1); E Towhee (1).
Plus: White-tailed Deer (1) and Spring peeper (just 1 !!!!)
(report from Mark Lynch/Sheila Carroll).
3/23/25 -- Wauschacum Pond & The Quag, Sterling
In mid morning I checked for birds from the Rail Trail off Gates Rd. It was cold and windy along
exposed sections, especially over the footbridge, feeling like winter conditions. Landbirds were few, but
did include a very cold-looking E. Phoebe, who clearly wasn't finding any flying insects to eat. In sheltered
parts of the pond and quag, there were 2 Canada Geese (short-necked type), 12 Ring-necked Ducks, and
8 Bufflehead.
Yesterday (3/22) at Broad Meadow Brook Sanctuary there was a Pine Warbler singing (rather early for this,
but perhaps brought up north by recent strong southerly winds).
(report from Rick Quimby).
3/22/25 -- Petersham
This morning we birded around PETERSHAM. Waterfowl were on the move, but landbirds were few and far between. Highlights: Great Blue Heron (3: 2 at a nest, plus another. SEE
SHEILA’S SHOT); Canada Goose (9); Wood Duck (10); A Black Duck (13); Mallard (8); Green-winged Teal (2); Ring-necked Duck (71); Bufflehead (11); Hooded Merganser (28); Common Merganser (26); Turkey Vulture (2); Red-tailed Hawk (1); Red-bellied Woodpecker (5); Yellow-bellied Sapsucker (1); Pileated Woodpecker (4);
E Phoebe (1); C Raven (3); Tree Swallow (4); Purple Finch (1).
Plus: coyotes howling and (8+ ) Wood Frogs quacking.
(report from Mark Lynch/Sheila Carroll).
3/19/25 & 3/20/25 -- Warren / Wachusett Reservoir IBA
On 3/19 we birded around WARREN in fine spring weather. Highlights: Great Blue Heron (3 standing on nests+1 hunting); Canada Goose (14: almost all in pairs); Wood Duck (4); A Black Duck (5); Mallard (21); Green-winged Teal (5); Ring-necked Duck (44); Hooded Merganser (pair); Common Merganser (17); Turkey Vulture (6); Osprey (1 perched next to nest); Bald Eagle (2 very different looking imm); Red-shouldered Hawk (1); Red-tailed Hawk (1); Red-bellied Woodpecker (1).
Passerines:
E Phoebe (1); C Raven (2); Brown Creeper (1); Carolina Wren (4); E Bluebird (11); Song Sparrow (37); Dark-eyed Junco (13); Red-winged Blackbird (150+); C Grackle (72).
PLUS: E Painted Turtle (4 FOY).
On 3/20 we birded the WACHUSETT RESERVOIR IBA and had a fine variety of waterfowl. Though most of the ponds were ice-free, there were inlets on the reservoir that were still icy. The weather was misty, damp, cool. Highlights: Double-crested Cormorant (2ad); Canada Goose (6); Wood Duck (pair); Gadwall (3m); Mallard (12); Green-winged Teal (2); Ring-necked Duck (26); Greater Scaup (17); Lesser Scaup (8); Bufflehead (17); C Goldeneye (16); Hooded Merganser (pair); Common Merganser (61); Ruddy Duck (1); Bald Eagle (1ad perched next to what had been a traditional Osprey nest (see
Sheila’s photo.) Last year the pair of Ospreys were noted attending the nest as well as the 4 great blue heron nests nearby. Then, abruptly, we check the nests out and the Osprey and heron nests were abandoned! We have no idea why.); Red-tailed Hawk (1); Virginia Rail (1); Killdeer (5); Ring-billed Gull (24); Herring Gull (5); Great Black-backed Gull (2ad); Pileated Woodpecker (1).
Passerines were in low numbers and typical though we had 60+ Tree Swallows at Sterling Peat/Muddy Pond.
(report from Mark Lynch/Sheila Carroll).
3/20/25 -- New Braintree
Today at 11:30 AM there were 4 sandhill cranes in the corn field at Utley Road and Route 67 in New Braintree.
(report from Jeff Smith).
3/16/25 -- New Braintree
Today we birded around NEW BRAINTREE. The weather was not great: foggy at first and darkly overcast and breezy later. Not much happening. No sign of the cranes despite 2 visits to Utley Road.
Great Blue Heron (1); Canada Goose (213); Wood Duck (4); A Black Duck (3); Mallard (6); Wild Turkey (95: including 1 flock of 89. See
Sheila’s photo of just part of the flock); Turkey Vulture (2); Red-tailed Hawk (1); Killdeer (3); Red-bellied Woodpecker (8); Pileated Woodpecker (1).
Passerines were, for the most part, typical in modest numbers. Highlights: C Raven (2); Tree Swallow (1); Red-breasted Nuthatch (1: a small breeding population is here); E Bluebird (11); A Robin (665); Fox Sparrow (1: we had 2 others at our feeders).
En route back home, we had a Red-shouldered Hawk carrying nesting material.
A stop on Muschapoage Road in Rutland had 2 Killdeer and a small number of Canada Geese.
(report from Mark Lynch/Sheila Carroll).
3/15/25 -- Quabog IBA
Today we started well before dawn to listen for woodcock, and search for any owls, and then bird the pond in the Quabog IBAs. The early morning chorus was very early springy. For the first part of the morning it was 32F and foggy, but cleared up nicely afterward. The ponds are still 70-80% ice-covered, but this is a sweet spot for birders. The ice is too soft for ice-fishermen, and there is not enough room for boats, so waterfowl can use the small areas of open water without disturbance. On many of the ponds the open areas were off the shore or where streams or rivers entered.
Canada Goose (119); Mute Swan (5); Wood Duck (7); A Black Duck (26: all in pairs); Mallard (69); N Pintail (3: 2m and 1f together. See
Sheila’s shot); Ring-necked Duck (78); Lesser Scaup (1m); Bufflehead (7 all m); Hooded Merganser (58); Common Merganser (159); Turkey Vulture (1); Bald Eagle (2 ad: 1 hunting; 1 on nest); Red-shouldered Hawk (1); Wild Turkey (8); Virginia Rail (1: early migrant of overwinterer?); Killdeer (12); A Woodcock (8); Ring-billed Gull (44); Herring Gull (1); Mourning Dove (24); Great Horned Owl (2); Barred Owl (1); N Saw-whet Owl (1); Belted Kingfisher (1); Red-bellied Woodpecker (11); Downy Woodpecker (3).
Passerine highlights: Fish Crow (21, in 2 vocal flocks heading south); Carolina Wren (20); E Bluebird (16); E Towhee (1); Fox Sparrow (1 singing); N Cardinal (60): Rusty Blackbird (3).
Also: 1 Red Fox.
(report from Mark Lynch/Sheila Carroll).
3/15/25 -- Gate 34, Wachusett Reservoir
A mid afternoon hike yielded typical winter passerines, along with 1 Bald Eagle (ad), which flew to
the top of a pine on the small island just off Tahanto Point. Also, 2 Barred Owls were calling on
Greenhelge Point.
(report from Rick Quimby).
3/14/25 -- Northbridge
This morning we birded around NORTHBRIDGE, including Whitinsville -- an unincorporated village IN Northbridge. We found the
Redheads and some other ducks too:
Canada Goose (3); Mute Swan (7); Wood Duck (pair); Mallard (23); Redhead; Ring-necked Duck (64); Bufflehead (3m); Hooded Merganser (19); Common Merganser (25); Wild Turkey (1); .
(report from Mark Lynch/Sheila Carroll).
3/13/25 -- Hennessey Conservation Area, Grafton
Thanks to a tip from Bette Robo about shovelers and gadwall, I took a quick trip down the street to the Hennessey Conservation Area on Adams Road. I recorded the following:
Canada Goose 4;
Wood Duck 3;
Northern Shoveler 2 (Pair);
Mallard 12;
Northern Pintail 2 (Pair);
Eastern Bluebird 1;
American Robin 1;
Red-winged Blackbird 15.
I did not see the Gadwall, but I did not bring my scope.
(report from John Liller).
3/13/25 -- Meadow Pond, Whitinsville
Today I made a trip to Meadow Pond in Whitinsville (address: 279 Douglas Road) to check out the Redhead pair that was recently reported, and was not disappointed. Highlights were:
REDHEAD 2 (pair);
Ring-necked Duck 30;
Common Goldeneye 3;
Common Grackle 10.
(report from John Liller).
3/10/25 -- Adams Road, Grafton
This evening, I checked out the Hennessey property, on Adams Road in Grafton, for woodcocks. I stayed only by the parking area, as the trail down into the property is very muddy due to recent work. I heard the "peent" call on-and-off for about 10 minutes, and then I heard the fluttering sound a couple of times. I had no visuals.
Note:
This is a very easy area to find displaying woodcocks, and you can even find them without leaving the parking area, which is right along Adams Road. The only bad thing is that the noise from the turnpike can be quite loud.
(report from John Liller).
3/9/25 -- Southboro-Westboro
We started at SUDBURY RESERVOIR, Southboro, which is still 98% ice-covered: Mute Swan (1); Canada Goose (210: all in flocks on grass); Mallard (25); Hooded Merganser (4);Common Merganser (3); Red-tailed Hawk (1). Passerines were typical, but song is on the increase. Highlight was a Fox Sparrow. No sign of the nesting eagles.
CHAUNCY POND: 98% ice-covered. All we had were 6 Ring-billed Gulls.
SUASCO, WESTBORO: Here there were actually some waterfowl, BUT they were in 2 distant corners, one seen from the boat launch, and the other from the Arch Street overlook. You will need a scope: Mute Swan (10: nb: there may have been 4 dead swans. They were laying down on ice, not moving and their feathers blowing); Canada Goose (45); A Black Duck (2); Mallard (29); Ring-necked Duck (77); Bufflehead (1m); Common Goldeneye (3); Hooded Merganser (14); Common Merganser (6).
TUFTS VETERNARY SCHOOL GROUNDS: Wild Turkey (9).
HOME: The Fox Sparrow continues.
(report from Mark Lynch/Sheila Carroll).
3/8/25 -- Wachusett Reservoir
Today we started birding WACHUSETT RESERVOIR. AS the morning wore on, the wind just ramped up until it got crazy. The reservoir is still 98% ice-covered, but small areas are opening up. River Road and Thomas Basin had very few waterfowl (compared to before) and has iced up again. Highlights: A Black Duck (2); Mallard (9); Ring-necked Duck (5); C Goldeneye (8); Hooded Merganser (6); Common Merganser (22).
Later, at Bolton Flats and nearby areas: Canada Goose (811 minimum. We pulled in one field overlook and just watched for 45 minutes a large goose flock that came and went as the winds kicked in. Also there were numbers of ducks); Wood Duck (17); American Wigeon (pair); A Black Duck (2); Mallard (118); N Pintail (pair); Hooded Merganser (15); Bald Eagle (1ad); Red-tailed Hawk (1); Killdeer (1); A Robin (160+); at another field we studied a large (2000+) mixed flock of Red-wings and grackles, looking for cowbirds or a Yellow-headed (it has happened) See
Sheila’s shot).
(report from Mark Lynch/Sheila Carroll).
3/5/25 -- Quabog IBA
Today we birded around the QUABOG IBA. The first hour or so, it was raining, and we thought the morning would be a wash out. But the rain eased eventually and it was just very cloudy with some showers. All the ponds are still mostly ice-covered, but the ice is looking grey, and there were only a handful of ice-fishermen out. Canada Goose (31); Mute Swan (4); Wood Duck (pair); A Black Duck (2); Mallard (213); Ring-necked Duck (5); Hooded Merganser (26); Common Merganser (21); Turkey Vulture (5); Bald Eagle (1ad on nest); Red-tailed Hawk (1); Killdeer (3: See
Sheila’s photo of our first. The 3 birds were in three very separate areas); Ring-billed Gull (29); Red-bellied Woodpecker (5); N Flicker (2); Merlin (1).
Select passerines: Horned Lark (90+); Carolina Wren (4); E Bluebird (6); A Robin (119); Lapland Longspur (1); A Tree Sparrow (5); Red-winged Blackbird (347: some in small flocks, some seeming to be on territory); Rusty Blackbird (3); C Grackle (32).
We returned home to fin a Fox Sparrow at our feeder.
(report from Mark Lynch/Sheila Carroll).
2/26/25 -- Wachusett Reservoir IBA and Lancaster
We started birding the WACHUSETT RESERVOIR IBA. Most of the ponds and the reservoir itself are still ice-covered but open spots in some places are expanding. The number of waterfowl at River Road has really decreased. Common Loon (1); Mallard (33); Ring-necked Duck (6); Common Goldeneye (11); Hooded Merganser (4); Common Merganser (5: see Sheila’s shot: all were female); Bald Eagle (1 ad actively hunting Thomas Basin); E Bluebird (6); A Robin (37: a good number hopping over a snow covered field); Red-winged Blackbird (18); Common Grackle (3).
We then headed to Lancaster and Harvard and had very little. There was nothing at Dexter Drumlin. The flock of geese we had were feeding in a small cornfield: Canada Goose (160); Common Merganser (11); Turkey Vulture (1).
(report from Mark Lynch/Sheila Carroll).
2/23/25 -- Southbridge
Today we started birding the Quabog IBA. All the ponds are mostly ice-covered and even long stretches of the river was ice-covered. The most ducks were found in a small open area where the Quabog outflow hit Lake Quacumquasit (South Pond). This flock was a confusing mix of Mallards and domestic ducks. Highlights: Mute Swan (2); Mallard (107); Hooded Merganser (pair); Common Merganser (3). Passerines were in low numbers and typical except for a flock of 20 goldfinches.
We then went to Southbridge. The water, including the Quinnebaug River, was mostly ice-covered. We couldn’t find the feeder where the 2 Pine Warblers were visiting. Birds of any kind were tough to turn up. We had 2 Mallards, 4 Red-tailed Hawks, pairs reforming, 1 hawk that had us check field guides for a bit (see if you can ID it: see
Sheila’s photo); a raven, a handful of robins, and not much else.
(report from Mark Lynch/Sheila Carroll).
2/22/25 -- New Braintree
Today we did a close-by “birding challenge” that we have done for the last several winters. We bird New Braintree in winter to see if we can see 20 or more species. This is not easy. New Braintree is great spring to fall, but a tough place to turn up birds in late winter, especially with snow on the ground. There are few reliable feeders. Lots of hills and farmland all of which were covered in inches of glistening ice-covered snow. Few places to park or pull off (even the parking area for Winimusset Meadows had not been plowed out. Pull offs we often use at other seasons were non existent, covered by plowed snow and ice. Walking any distance was treacherous due the ice. At least it wasn’t that windy. We ended up with 25 species. Birds you would think would be “easy”, weren’t. We had only 1 Mourning Dove and 2 Rock Pigeons perched on the side of a barn as we were leaving. That last ice/snow storm seems to have driven many birds out. But we found sparrows in OK numbers where the plows had scraped down to the grass and leaves on the side of the roads. American Tree (22); Dark-eyed Junco (126); Song (10); White-throat (3) and Fox (1: a real unexpected find). We also had (4) Red-tailed Hawks and an adult Bald Eagle. A single N Flicker was a decent find that morning. Worst miss was likely no Hairy Woodpecker.
(report from Mark Lynch/Sheila Carroll).
2/15/25 -- Worcester-Rutland
Today we did some local birding.
In Worcester, we started at Coes Pond, where there were a large number of Canada Geese at the far end with some Mallards. There were also 4 dead geese. We reported these to Fish and Wildlife, in case they were victims of avian flu. Several Fish Crows were also present.
Then we birded the 4 nearby cemeteries in the sw corner of the city: Notre Dame, All Faiths, Hope, and St. John. Most of the water was frozen, but there were: Canada Geese (169); Mallard (5); Hooded Merganser (pair); Common Merganser (7 in Middle River: see
Sheila’s shot); Red-tailed Hawk (1). Passerines were scarce and typical. Cardinals were singing away.
At Worcester Airport: (7) Horned Larks along Mulberry Street, none at the terminal side. Plus (2) Tree Sparrows.
We ended up at Muschapauge Road (Rutland) and had a nice lark/bunting show (at least 50 larks and 20 Snow Buntings). At one point a bunch of the larks flew out and landed in the road right in front of us. We searched for a longspur and dipped. We also searched for a cowbird among the throngs of starlings, and also dipped. Also present: (10) Tree Sparrows.
(report from Mark Lynch/Sheila Carroll).
2/15/25 -- Gate 28, Wachusett Reservoir
I hiked in for a short distance on snowshoes in the afternoon. There was some open water on the reservoir,
but no waterfowl. There were typical winter landbirds, with highlights of 1 Bald Eagle (2nd year plumage,
perched on power line pole, then circling around giving great views), 15 Am Crows flying south across the water,
1 C. Raven (heard only), and 3 Eastern Bluebirds. Actually the most interesting sighting was non-avian: I came
across some racoon tracks that were well preserved when wet snow had turned to ice, and followed these for some
distance before they diverged off into the woods.
(report from Rick Quimby).
2/14/25 -- Wachusett Reservoir IBA
This morning we birded around the WACHUSETT RESERVOIR IBA. The Stillwater River and some of the water at Thomas Basin was still partly open and most of the ducks were there. That said, we also found small streams and other open water spots and found Mallards and even Ring-necked Ducks in these tiny scraps of open water (see
Sheila’s photo). But most of the ponds and the reservoir were ice covered. This includes Sterling Peat, The Quag, and both Waushacums. The whole area was icy and the back roads and pull-offs not that well cleared.
Canada Goose (29); Mute Swan (7); Gadwall (1m); Mallard (94); Ring-necked Duck (26); Common Goldeneye (7); Red-tailed Hawk (1).
Landbirds included a raven, robins, tree sparrows, juncos, and Song Sparrows.
(report from Mark Lynch/Sheila Carroll).
1/24/25 - 1/25/25 -- Worcester/Wachusett Reservoir/Rutland/Northboro/Southboro/Westboro/Grafton
On Jan 24 we started with an adult Bald Eagle on Park Ave, Worcester behind the old WPI tennis courts. This bird (or birds: people have reported 2) have been in this vicinity for some time with some people suggesting they are nesting. There is a large nest-like structure in a collection of pines, but this is not the time eagles nest and it’s in a bad place: over very busy Park Ave. This could be the nest of the Red-tailed Hawks, which do nest here.
COES POND, WORCESTER: (27) Canada Geese in the far end; and Fish Crow (9).
WORCESTER AIRPORT: (19) Horned Larks but at the terminal side. Nothing along Mulberry or Rt.56 except a Red-tailed Hawk.
MUSCHAPAUGE ROAD, RUTLAND: No larks despite several swings back and forth. Only 3 species of sparrows: Tree (2); Song (3); Savannah (3).
RIVER ROAD/THOMAS BASIN, WACHUSETT RESERVOIR: Likely the best waterfowl show currently in the County. People have posted on this before and this day all those birds were there: scaup, Ring-necked Ducks, N Pintail pair: see Sheila’s photo of the drake); Gadwall (1m: a female could be here); many Common Goldeneye, some in interesting molts; Hooded and Common Mergansers; and 2 Ruddy Duck. And an amazing concentration of Mallards. From the dam we had (3) Bald Eagles out on the ice. It looked like they were working on a prey item.
SOUTH MEADOW POND: only a tiny bit of water open, but in that were Mute Swan (1) and Mallard (17). Open water is at a premium at this time of the year, especially this year. Any bit of open water can host some waterfowl. Look along rivers, streams, and where rivers run into ponds.
On Jan 25, we checked some water bodies and had the following:
NORTHBORO, along a small section of the Assabet River: Canada Goose (76); Mallard (65); A Black Duck (2); Hooded Merganser (1).
SUDBURY RESERVOIR, SOUTHBORO: Almost completely ice-covered. We did have (2) Canada Goose flying overhead.
CHAUNCY POND, WESTBORO: Ice fishing all over, but at one point we had (80+) Canada Geese fly over, really searching for a place to land. A small part of this flock put down on the snow and ice among the ice-fishermen.
SUASCO, WESTBORO: Ice fishermen-a-palooza, not waterfowl.
TUFTS VET SCHOOL, WESTBORO: Wild Turkeys (20).
(report from Mark Lynch/Sheila Carroll).
1/18/25 -- Blackstone-Millville
Today we birded the small adjacent County towns of Blackstone and Millville, on the border with Woonsocket, RI, mostly to look for roosting Black and Turkey Vultures along the small area along that MA and RI area. It ended up we had flying vultures of both species all morning in Blackstone, most heading NE into Bellingham, though some Black Vultures were noted circling very high and disappearing. The weather was darkly overcast. Most water was ice-covered, but sections of the Blackstone River were open. This will change over the next 3 days. Highlights:
Black Vulture (17 minimally : See
Sheila’s shot of one roost); Turkey Vulture (37 minimally); Canada Goose (115); Mute Swan (4); A Black Duck (1); Mallard (148); Common Merganser (29); Bald Eagle (1ad); Sharp-shinned Hawk (2); Cooper’s Hawk (1); Red-shouldered Hawk (2); Red-tailed Hawk (3); Mourning Dove (22); E Screech Owl (1); Red-bellied Woodpecker (5); N Flicker (1); Fish Crow (3); Carolina Wren (23); E Bluebird (14); A Robin (7); Gray Catbird (1); E Towhee (1); A Tree Sparrow (3); Savannah Sparrow (1); Song Sparrow (24); White-throated Sparrow (6); Dark-eyed Junco (77); Red-winged Blackbird (12); C Grackle (3).
(report from Mark Lynch/Sheila Carroll).
9/17/25 -- New Braintree
This morning we birded around NEW BRAINTREE:
Highlights: Red-tailed Hawk (4); Sandhill Crane (2 on Utley Road where they have been reported before. They were there first thing in the morning and we watched them
(see photo) at a distance for awhile. We returned mid-morning and they were gone); Red-bellied Woodpecker (2); Yellow-bellied Sapsucker (1); N Flicker (1); Pileated Woodpecker (1).
Passerines:
E Bluebird (flock of 8); A Robin (58); A Tree Sparrow (27); Dark-eyed Junco (70); White-throated Sparrow (6); Song Sparrow (4); Red-winged Blackbird (1); A Goldfinch (flock of 9).
(report from Mark Lynch/Sheila Carroll).
1/13/25 -- Rail Trail, North Brookfield
Seen today along the rail trail was one Hermit Thrush.
(report from Jeff Smith).
1/12/25 -- Quabog IBA, Brookfields
Today we birded the ponds of the Quabog IBA in the Brookfields. Lakes Quabog, Lashaway, and Wickabog were all mostly ice-covered. Even the river was ice-covered in places. There was a large number of waterfowl (mostly Mallards and Hoodies) at Quacumquasit/South Pond). Highlights: Great Blue Heron (1); Canada Goose (135);Mute Swan (5); A Black Duck (5); Mallard (166); Hooded Merganser (238: 2 to 1 females vs drakes); Common Merganser (7); Ruddy Duck (1: see Sheila’s photo -- it was in with all the Mallards); Red-shoulderd Hawk (1); Red-tailed Hawk (2); Belted Kingfisher (1); Yellow-bellied Sapsucker (1); Brown Creeper (2).
On the way we drove through New Braintree and had: Hooded Merganser (pair); Sharp-shinned Hawk (1); Northern Harrier (1 m); Red-tailed Hawk (2).
(report from Mark Lynch/Sheila Carroll).
1/10/25 -- Northboro-Westboro-downtown Worcester
Today we did some light birding before work we had to do. Highlights:
We started by stopping at just a very few pocket spots in NORTHBORO: Canada Goose (173); Mute Swan (2: at Bartlett which was 90% ice covered); Mallard (87+ 4 Black X Mallard drakes); A Black Duck (8); Hooded Merganser (3); Red-tailed Hawk (4: 2 pair); E Screech Owl (2); Winter Wren (1); A Tree Sparrow (5).
CHAUNCY LAKE (85% ice covered): Canada Goose (143(; Mute Swan (4); Mallard (6); Bald Eagle (1ad); Great Black-backed Gull (1ad).
SUASCO: (90% ice covered: birds were in two small openings in ice, 1 from Arch Street, 1from Mill Road); Canada Goose (65); Mute Swan (21); Mallard (2); Ring-necked Duck (29); Hooded Merganser (5); Sharp-shinned Hawk (1); Red-tailed Hawk (1).
On the way home in downtown Worcester: Peregrine Falcon (1ad).
(report from Mark Lynch/Sheila Carroll).
1/10/25 -- Utley Road Cutoff, New Braintree
Today there were 2 Sandhill Cranes spotted in a cutover corn field on Utley Road Cutoff in New Braintree, near the intersection of route 67.
(report from Phil Guerin).
1/8/25 -- Lake Wickaboag, West Brookfield
Yesterday (1/7/25) I saw 2 adult Bald Eagles feasting on a Mute Swan on the ice at the north end of Lake Wickaboag in West Brookfield. Easily visible from Wickaboag Valley Road. Not sure if the eagles delivered the coupe de grace or if the swan was already demised from sickness, illness or starvation. The area where the swan is located was open water about one week ago and 5 Mute Swans were present at that time. One Bald Eagle was observed today, 1/8/25, at the swan and was present until 4:45 PM.
(report from Phil Guerin).
1/5/25 -- South Bay/Chauncy Lake/SuAsCo
This morning we started at SOUTH BAY, Wachusett Reservoir, birding from along Rt.140. This is one of the best spots in the County to HOPE to find Barrow’s Goldeneye, males or females. In recent years they have not been as regular as in years past. To date almost all records are typically in December to freeze-up, which is happening now. This morning, the goldeneyes were in various flocks scattered through the area, many times not visible except by searching through the young trees. At times they were very close to the road. A scope is best, though we actually first picked out a Barrow's Goldeneye with bins. And as should be obvious, please be careful. Traffic consistently speeds along here, so pull well off the road and be extra careful walking across the road. BTW: the other place that used to be good for Barrow’s was the Sudbury Reservoir in Southboro, though in the last few years it has not showed up there. Besides the Barrow’s in and among the c.120+ Common Goldeneye, there were scaup of both species, Ring-necked Ducks, Hooded Mergansers and (1) Common Merganser. At least 3 Common Loons were visible at the time we were there.
We then went to Chauncy Lake in Westboro. By then, the wind had picked up making scoping uncomfortable: Canada Goose (2); Mute Swan (4); A Black Duck (2); Mallard (85); Bufflehead (2); Hooded Merganser (87); Common Merganser (174: at one point most of these birds flew up surrounded by a mess o’ Ring-billed Gulls and it was a spectacle); Ring-billed Gull (102); Herring Gull (3). Wherever there are large flocks of Common Mergs, watch for numbers of Ring-billed Gulls kleptoparasitizing them.
Finally we hit SuAsCo (Westboro): Mute Swan (21); Canada Goose (24); Mallard (70); A Black Duck (12); Ring-necked Duck (75); Hooded Merganser (14); Red-tailed Hawk (2).
(report from Mark Lynch/Sheila Carroll).
1/3/25 -- Lake Quinsigamond-Flint Pond, Shrewsbury
Today we birded the Lake Quinsigamond/Flint Pond complex. This area is not easy to cover because much of the area is lined with private houses. There are some parks and boat launches, but many of our stops were looking between houses. I think this area is really worthwhile until freeze-up. Years ago (decades) when everything was ice-covered, there was always a patch of open water in back of a house on the western shore. The only way to see the waterfowl there was to walk behind Maironis Banquet Facility of the eastern shore. It was amazing what would show up here including Redhead and coot. Flint Pond may be the most consistent place in the County for shovelers and pintail. Today it was still mostly open, but inlets and other spots were ice covered. Our totals were:
Great Blue Heron (4); Mute Swan (10); Canada Goose (361); Gadwall (pair); A Black Duck (3); Mallard (203); N Shoveler (1f); C Goldeneye (8); Hooded Merganser (12); Common Merganser (10); Bald Eagle (2ad); Red-tailed Hawk (1).
(report from Mark Lynch/Sheila Carroll).
12/26/24 -- Wachusett Reservoir
Today we birded several areas including WACHUSETT RESERVOIR. Though the edges and bays may be icing up, there is still lots of open water and LOTS of waterfowl. Today it was calm, and the water on the reservoir was like glass. If you do bird the reservoir be sure to bring a scope and be sure to visit both South Bay and Thomas Basin (and the outflow of the Quinapoxet River).
Common Loon (6); Mute Swan (20); Canada Goose (233); Gadwall (1 drake: see
Sheila’s photo); A Black Duck (18); Mallard (186); “scaup species” (c. 70+: large flock seen briefly flying at a long distance); Long-tailed Duck (2); Common Goldeneye (170); Barrow’s Goldeneye (1m: seen from South Bay. When we first checked earlier in the morning, we did not see it. When we returned after noon, we saw it well in great light); Hooded Merganser (117); Common Merganser (4); Sharp-shinned Hawk (1); Red-tailed Hawk (2); Belted Kingfisher (2).
We made a detour to Dexter Drumlin (Lancaster) and easily found (2) Snow Geese among what may have been (1000) Canadas.
(report from Mark Lynch/Sheila Carroll).
12/14/24 -- Worcester Christmas Bird Count
Here is the complete list from
Worcester's 2024 Christmas Bird Count.
(report from John Liller).
12/16/24 -- Woodbury Pond, Sutton
At 10:30am this morning, my wife and I saw and heard a Juvenile Light Morph Rough Legged Hawk at the area formerly known as Woodbury (aka Millers) Pond in Sutton, Ma. It is currently a grassy wetland which surrounds Coldspring brook, because of a dam failure.
We observed it from Boston Rd. Initially the bird was on the ground. After a few minutes, it flew up to a pine tree to the right. As it flew, audible calls were heard.
(report from Marc and Andrea Ragaini).
12/13/24 -- Flint Pond, Shrewsbury
Kim and I checked out Flint Pond in Shrewsbury this morning, both from Edgemere and from Creeper Hill Road. Highlights:
EDGEMERE
Mute Swan 2;
Northern Pintail 14 (huge group of both males and females feeding);
Hooded Merganser 74;
Common Merganser 58;
Belted Kingfisher 1
CREEPER HILL ROAD
Northern Pintail 3 (all males);
Hooded Merganser 16;
Great Blue Heron 5;
(report from John Liller).
12/12/24 -- Worcester Area
This morning, I did some scouting for my sector of the Worcester Christmas Count. Here are some highlights:
LEESVILLE POND (mostly open)
Hooded Merganser 15
CURTIS POND
Mute Swan 1;
Common Merganser 3
COES RESERVOIR
Mute Swan 4;
Hooded Merganser 2;
Bald Eagle 1 adult;
Fish Crow 1 (this is one of the best locations to find this species in Worcester)
note: I did not get the Wood Ducks that John Shea found;
PATCH RESERVOIR
Mute Swan 2
DOWNTOWN WORCESTER
note: I did not get the Peregrine, but Kim saw one when she went by the police station, so it is at least a Count Week bird
(report from John Liller).
12/7/24 - 12/8/24 -- Wachusett Reservoir IBA and Lake Quinsigamond/Flint Pond 12/7-12/8
On Dec. 7 we birded the WACHUSETT RESERVOIR IBA in the wind and cold. Small bodies of water were iced over, as well as the Quinapoxet River and Thomas Basin. Many birds were tucked into the lee shoreline. Common Loon (1); Double-crested Cormorant (2imm seen from South Bay); Great Blue Heron (2); Canada Goose (1062); Mute Swan (6); Wood Duck pair at the Quag); A Black Duck (31); Mallard (140); Lesser Scaup (1); Greater Scaup/scaup sp. (112); Long-tailed Duck (pair: from South Bay); Bufflehead (22); Hooded Merganser (114); Common Merganser (107); Red-tailed Hawk (4); Snow Bunting (1); Field Sparrow (1: in flock of juncos).
On Dec. 8 we birded the Lake Quinsigamond/Flint Pond complex. We did not bird from the Irish Dam: someone was already parked there blasting their radio. We had Mute Swan (33); Canada Goose (36); A Black Duck (38); Mallard (81); Gadwall (1f); N Pintail (6 drakes); C Goldeneye (3); Hooded Merganser(26); Common Merganser (45); Bald Eagle (1ad); Killdeer (4: north end of Quinsig); Swamp Sparrow (1).
(report from Mark Lynch/Sheila Carroll).
12/1/24 -- West Wauschacum Pond, Sterling
I birded West Wauschacum pond, the Quag, and rail trail in mid-morning. Highlights were:
3 Common Goldeneye, 2 Bufflehead, 8 Hooded Mergansers, 1 Red-bellied Woodpecker,
1 Carolina Wren (singing), 1 Winter Wren (seen well close to rail trail), and 3 E. Bluebirds.
(report from Rick Quimby).
11/27/24 -- City of Worcester
Today we decided to bird the 4 cemeteries in the sw corner of Worcester. On the way, we had an adult Bald Eagle perched above the old tennis courts off Park Ave across from WPI. When we got home, we heard from someone who lives nearby that a pair of eagles has been hanging around the area, so watch for them. All the water at the cemeteries had some thin ice on them.
At the cemeteries we had: Canada Goose (11); Mute Swan (1); A Black Duck (3); Mallard (29); Green-winged Teal (5: together at All Faiths); Hooded Merganser (22); Red-tailed Hawk (4); Ring-billed Gull (1); Belted Kingfisher (1); Red-bellied Woodpecker (3); Yellow-bellied Sapsucker (1: while scanning the skies from the highest point in Hope, a sapsucker flew in and perched in a nearby tree, and then flew off towards the river. Sheila managed to get 1 poor shot: see her photo);
Downy Woodpecker (1); Hairy Woodpecker (3); N Flicker (2).
Passerines were typical for this time of year with many jays (21); a raven; robins feeding in a fruiting tree (30) and many juncos (67) among the birds seen.
At COES: Great Blue Heron (91); Mute Swan (2); Mallard (6); Hooded Merganser (6); Common Merganser (99); Ruddy Duck (2); Ring-billed Gull (52); Herring Gull (1); Belted Kingfisher (1).
(report from Mark Lynch/Sheila Carroll).
11/24/24 -- Wachusett Reservoir IBA
Today we birded the WACHUSETT RESERVOIR IBA in blustery winds and cold. There were white caps on the main body of the reservoir:
Common Loon (3); Double-crested Cormorant (1 at Thomas Basin. See
Sheila’s photo. Is this bird missing its left leg?); Mute Swan (14); Canada Goose (210); Mallard (76); Greater Scaup/scaup sp (249); Lesser Scaup (3); Ring-necked Duck (1m); Bufflehead (11); Common Goldeneye (11); Hooded Merganser (20); Common Merganser (6); Wild Turkey (17); Bald Eagle (1imm); Red-tailed Hawk (3); N Flicker (3); Common Raven (1).
(report from Mark Lynch/Sheila Carroll).
11/20/24 -- Quabog IBA
Today we birded around the QUABOG IBA. There was low water at a number of the ponds, particularly Lake Lashaway. Again: be aware that we are in hunting season. Waterfowl hunters were out on Lake Quabog. Wear that Hunter’s Orange. First thing in the AM there was a large concentration of Common Mergansers and Ruddy Ducks at Lashaway. When we headed home in the early afternoon, most of those ducks had moved on.
Red-throated Loon (1); Canada Goose (120); Mute Swan (8); A Black Duck (39); Mallard (133); Green-winged Teal (7); Ring-necked Duck (2m); Hooded Merganser (26); Common Merganser (313); Ruddy Duck (165: see
Sheila’s shot of 1 close bird); Wild Turkey (17); Bald Eagle (2ad); Red-tailed Hawk (2); Ring-billed Gull (108: large numbers concentrated around Common Mergs: kleptoparasitism); Merlin (1).
Passerines were in low number but we did have (2) American Pipit and (1) Fox Sparrow.
(report from Mark Lynch/Sheila Carroll).
11/20/24 -- Worcester area ponds
Kim Kastler and I checked out some ponds close to home this morning. Highlights:
FLINT POND - EDGEMERE - SHREWSBURY:
Mute Swan 3;
Bufflehead 1;
Hooded Merganser 14;
Carolina Wren 1
FLINT POND - CREEPER HILL ROAD - GRAFTON (joined by John Shea):
Northern Shoveler 3 (2 males and 1 female);
Gadwall 4 (2 males and 2 females);
American Black Duck 6;
Northern Pintail 3 (2 males and 1 female);
Hooded Merganser 4;
Bald Eagle 1 Adult;
Red-bellied Woodpecker 1;
Northern Flicker 1;
Carolina Wren 2;
Dark-eyed Junco 2;
Song Sparrow 3
SUDBURY RESERVOIR - SOUTHBOROUGH
Mute Swan 5;
Greater/Lesser Scaup 2 (could not distinguish species because they were distant and in poor lighting);
Bufflehead 8;
Ruddy Duck 37;
Common Raven 1 Calling;
White-throated Sparrow 3;
Song Sparrow 1
CHAUNCY LAKE - WESTBOROUGH:
Ruddy Duck 2
LITTLE CHAUNCY LAKE - NORTHBOROUGH
Mute Swan 6;
Ring-necked Duck 35 (actual count);
Pied-billed Grebe 1
NICHOLS RESERVOIR - MILL ROAD - WESTBOROUGH:
Mute Swan 5 (2 adults and 3 young; no "Trumpeter");
Pied-billed Grebe 1;
Song Sparrow 1
(report from John Liller).
11/17/24 -- Holden-Paxton-Worcester
Today we started by birding a few places in HOLDEN. Mute Swan (4); Canada Goose (7); A Black Duck (44); Mallard (38); Hooded Merganser (12); Common Merganser (14); Virginia Rail (2); N Flicker (1). The only passerine highlight was (2) Golden-crowned Kinglets at Eagle Lake (Sheila got a series of poor
photos because the birds were always moving and flitting).
KETTLEBROOK#4 has low water but only hosted Common Merganser (19) and (4) Ring-billed Gulls.
At COES RESERVOIR: Great Blue Heron (2); Mute Swan (2); Hooded Merganser (3); Common Merganser (56); Fish Crow (10+).
(report from Mark Lynch/Sheila Carroll).
11/16/24 -- North Lake Quinsigamond / Wachusett Reservoir IBA
This morning we started birding around the area of North Lake Quinsigamond: Great Blue Heron (1); Canada Goose (56); Mallard (113); A Black Duck (7); Green-winged Teal (1); Hooded Merganser (69); Killdeer (3: see
Sheila’s shot of 1 of them).
Then on to a few spots in the Wachusett Reservoir IBA: Common Loon (2); Mute Swan (6); Canada Goose (110); A Black Duck (6); Mallard (75); Greater Scaup/”scaup sp.” (248); Lesser Scaup (6); Bufflehead (5); Common Merganser (10); Ruddy Duck (5); Black Vulture (3: heading home on Worcester Street a Black Vulture flew low over the car and into some trees. We turned the car around and drove back and found (3) Black Vultures zooming low being harassed/chased a raven. Before Sheila could get her camera back out they flew out of sight); Red-tailed Hawk (1); Ring-billed Gull (4). Passerines were not our focus and what we did see was typical for the date, but we did have a Pine Warbler near South Bay.
(report from Mark Lynch/Sheila Carroll).
11/15/24 -- Sudbury Reservoir, Southboro
This morning we birded around Sudbury Reservoir in Southboro. The water levels are low. We had the following:
Horned Grebe (1); Canada Goose (317); Mute Swan (12); A Black Duck (3); Mallard (53); Ring-necked Duck (406); Bufflehead (2); C Goldeneye (11); Hooded Merganser (3); Common Merganser (2); Ruddy Duck (60); Sharp-shinned Hawk (1); Red-shouldered Hawk (1); Red-tailed Hawk (1); Ring-billed Gull (1). Passerines were typical in expected numbers.
(report from Mark Lynch/Sheila Carroll).
11/9/24-11/10/24 -- Northboro, Westboro, New Braintree
On Nov 9:
BARTLETT POND, NORTHBORO: Lots of waterfowl first thing, but they were very nervous and some took off: Mute Swan (2); Mallard (66); A Black Duck (4); Green-winged Teal (21); Ring-necked Duck (19); Killdeer (6).
LITTLE CHAUNCY, NORTHBORO: Mute Swan (6); Mallard (1 fly-over); N Flicker (1); Carolina Wren (1); Ruby-crowned Kinglet (1); A Robin (51); Tree Sparrow (1); Fox Sparrow (1); Swamp Sparrow (1); White-throated Sparrow (4); Song Sparrow (2); Red-winged Blackbird (4); C Grackle (4);
CHAUNCY LAKE, WESTBORO: Pied-billed Grebe (1); Canada Goose (2); Mallard (5); A Black Duck (1); Bufflehead (5: 3f+2m); Ring-billed Gull (8).
SUASCO, WESTBORO: Pied-billed Grebe (3); Great Blue Heron (1); Mute Swan (34); Mallard (5); Ring-necked Duck (14); Ring-billed Gull (1).
On Nov 10:
NEW BRAINTREE: Highlights: Canada Goose (26 overhead); A Black Duck (1); Mallard (7); Turkey Vulture (5); Red-shouldered Hawk (1 in nearby Oakham: see
Sheila’s shot); Red-bellied Woodpecker (7); N Flicker (2); Carolina Wren (9); Winter Wren (1); E Bluebird (23); Hermit Thrush (3); A Robin (130); Gray Catbird (1); Cedar Waxwing (28); Snow Bunting (5); Tree Sparrow (20); Fox Sparrow (1); Song Sparrow (19); Swamp Sparrow (1); White-throated Sparrow (42); Dark-eyed Junco (239); Red-winged Blackbird.
(report from Mark Lynch/Sheila Carroll).
11/9/24 -- Broad Meadow Brook Sanctuary, Worcester
I walked the entire sancuary, from the "stretch" (Troiano Brookside trail)
to power line trail
to Sprague trail and back along Lady Slipper trail. I was pleased to see that
the rock bridge over the brook on the Sprague trail is now open again. Birds
were few, as expected in November, with almost all seen along the stretch.
Best bird was right at the beginning (north end) of the stretch, where a
Cooper's Hawk (imm) was perched about 2 feet off the ground on the other side of the brook. It stood watching me, while I looked at it in my binos, and remained there
as I started moving along down the path. Other birds of note were 1 Red-tailed Hawk,
1 Red-bellied Woodpecker, 1 Hermit Thrush, and 4 White-throated Sparrows, all
seen near the southern end of the stretch.
(report from Rick Quimby).
11/8/24 -- Ware River Watershed
Today we birded a few spots in the WARE RIVER WATERSHED. We started by driving Coldbrook Road north from Rt. 122, then checked a few ponds in the NE section of the watershed. Not many birds, but we did have: Canada Goose (9); A Black Duck (1); Ring-necked Duck (97 in one small pond); Turkey Vulture (2); Pileated Woodpecker (1). Passerines were in short supply, but we did have : Golden-crowned Kinglet (6 together in 1 loose flock); E Bluebird (17); A Robin (17: eating all the berries); Hermit Thrush (7); Gray Catbird (1); Pine Warbler (1); Dark-eyed Junco (66); Red-winged Blackbird (c. 60 in 1 flock).
(report from Mark Lynch/Sheila Carroll).
11/7/24 -- Gate 27, Wachusett Reservoir
I took a late afternoon walk in past the Lilly Ponds and to Lamson Cove.
Highlights were 1 Common Loon (calling), 2 Hooded Mergansers (in the ponds),
1 Bald Eagle (adult, circling and hunting near shore), and 1 imm. N. Goshawk
(Seen while standing still, taking a break at a water overlook just past
Lamson cove -- as I watched the eagle hunting, I "sensed", rather than saw or
heard, something on my right. As I turned and looked, there was a bird perched at
eye level about 30 feet from me, that by size I thought was probably a Red-tailed
Hawk. But it was a very large accipitor, heavily streaked on the breast and belly,
and was watching me. Slowly raising my binos, I was able to study it for half
a minute or so, and then took my eyes off it to adjust my binos. When I looked
again, it was gone. Absolutely silent, both coming and going. Quite
phantom-like).
(report from Rick Quimby).
11/3/24 -- Mount Watatic, Ashburnham
I was expecting a typical quiet start to the morning that is typical for late-season hawkwatching but I had a good variety, right out of the gate in the first hour. The American Goshawk was very much a highlight and got me excited and motivated for the rest of the day. Bald Eagles and Red-tailed Hawks were the most frequently seen birds of the day with a good handful of each representing the overall count of migrants for the day. The other highlights of the day, albeit not migrants, was one of the latest Black Vultures for the hawkwatch and double feature of Red Crossbill and White-winged Crossbill. It might not be a big flight year for finches but there's still some to be found. Also notable was the constant stream of American Crows moving southward during the day. Wachusett Mountain has been reporting consistent numbers of crows moving through as well. I suspect that a good number of these crows are joining the evening roost in Fitchburg.
Todals:
Turkey Vulture 6;
Bald Eagle 15 ;
Sharp-shinned Hawk 4 ;
Cooper's Hawk 8 ;
American Goshawk 1 ;
Red-shouldered Hawk 5 ;
Red-tailed Hawk 8 ;
(report from Jon Skinner).
11/3/24 -- Douglas/Webster/Dudley
This morning we birded a few spots in southern Worcester County: highlights:
DOUGLAS: a few ponds only: Common Loon (1); Canada Goose (84); Mute Swan (6); Bald Eagle (2imm); Red-bellied Woodpecker (7); Ruby-crowned Kinglet (4); Hermit Thrush (5).
WEBSTER LAKE: Canada Goose (23); Ring-billed Gull (125+); SNOW BUNTING (4: see
Sheila’s photo of one of them).
DUDLEY: Canada Goose (169: including 1 very dark all over); Mallard (66); A Black Duck (18); Green-winged Teal (4); Ring-necked Duck (24); Bufflehead (2f); Hooded Merganser (2m); Turkey Vulture (1); Killdeer (1); Wilson’s Snipe (1); Belted Kingfisher (1); Snow Bunting (1); Rusty Blackbird (5).
CHARLTON: Canada Goose (78); Ruddy Duck (4); Killdeer (1).
(report from Mark Lynch/Sheila Carroll).
11/2/24 -- Petersham
This afternoon we took a drive out to Harvard Pond, Petersham. We saw the large, non-Mute Swan at a distance. It certainly appears like it could be a Trumpeter but: (1) it was far to the back-left part of the pond. Even with a scope (and you will need one) I had a partially obscure view at a distance, so I can’t 100% absolutely positively rule out Tundra, but I’ll take Trumpeter for now. (2) The problem with this species in the County is the discovery of the captive breeding birds in Mendon, which put all the south County sightings over the last several years in the “origin questionable” column. They do breed now in some more eastern areas (still west of us) , and these birds could show up here. The problem with all extra limital waterfowl is origin: wild or captive? This is not always easy to determine.
We ended up birding three ponds in Petersham:
Trumpeter Swan (1); Wood Duck (11); A Black Duck (18); Green-winged Teal (2); Ring-necked Duck (24). SNOW BUNTING (3)
On ethe way home we stopped by the cemetery in Paxton and check on the weird goose. It was lying down a lot but
Sheila got a few shots. It looks like it could be an immature Snow Goose or a hybrid, but is an interesting bird. While there we also has an adult Peregrine, a sapsucker, and lots of robins and waxwings.
(report from Mark Lynch/Sheila Carroll).
10/27/24 -- Quabog IBA
Today we birded around the Quabog IBA. It was a good day for looking for waterbirds with large numbers of Wood Ducks and Ring-necked Ducks at 2 small marshy ponds, a nice showing of Bufflehead and Ruddy Ducks at Lake Quabog, where there were a few shorebirds.
Red-throated Loon (1: still the same bird or another migrant?); Pied-billed Grebe (3: 2 keeping close to a group of Mallards); Great Blue Heron (3); Canada Goose (82); Mute Swan (3); Wood Duck (96 !); American Wigeon (3); A Black Duck (37); Mallard (52); Ring-necked Duck (73); “scaup species” (14: too far out on Lake Quabog to be sure whether Greater of Lesser); Bufflehead (37); Hooded Merganser (8); Common Merganser (41); Ruddy Duck (12); Sharp-shinned Hawk (1); Red-tailed Hawk (1); Peregrine Falcon (1); A Coot (4: see
shot by Sheila of 2 of the birds); Killdeer (3); Pectoral Sandpiper (1); Wilson’s Snipe (1: NB: Eagle-eyed Rodney Jenkins found a shorebird in a corner of Quabog and we all got on it. It was a snipe. Rodkey left for work but Sheila and I stayed on the bird for some time, even trying to get better views down the road, but no luck. Eventually it became clear there were several bird there, as listed above. At one point all the gulls suddenly took off and with them all the shorebirds); Ring-billed Gull (40); Belted Kingfisher (3); Red-bellied Woodpecker (3); Yellow-bellied Sapsucker (1).
Song birds were typical for this time of the year. Highlights included E Bluebird (12); Hermit Thrush (3); Palm Warbler (5);
SPARROWS: Chipping (5); Savannah (2); Song (22); Swamp (4); White-throated (48); Dark-eyed Junco (174).
Red-winged Blackbird (108); Purple Finch (1).
(report from Mark Lynch/Sheila Carroll).
10/24/24 -- Gate 25, Wachusett Reservoir
I took a late afternoon walk from Gate 25 out to the overlook just past Horseshoe Cove.
Most of the birds were in the open grassy/bushy area under the powerlines just inside
the gate. Highlights were 1 Common Loon, 3 Scaup sp (seen from the overlook, but
too far to ID properly), 1 Ruby-crowned Kinglet, 1 Vesper Sparrow, 6 Song Sparrows,
1 Swamp Sparrow, 5 White-throated Sparrows, and 2 House Finches. (report from Rick Quimby).
10/22/24 -- Spencer
Today we birded around SPENCER, concentrating on bodies of water. Bottom line: there was not many water birds around. Part of the reason is that with the warm weather, boats are still very much on the water still. Highlights (such as they are):
Double-crested Cormorant (1); Canada Goose (2); Wood Duck (4); Mallard (3); A Black Duck (15); Ring-necked Duck (5); Cooper’s Hawk (1); Red-tailed Hawk (2); Wild Turkey (8); Virginia Rail (1); Yellow-bellied Sapsucker (2); Red=bellied Woodpecker (5); N Flicker (1).
Passerines:
E Bluebird (4); Hermit Thrush (5); Yellow-rumped Warbler (9); E Towhee (6); Chipping Sparrow (6); Fox Sparrow (1); Song Sparrow (9); White-throated Sparrow (45); Dark-eyed Junco (52); Red-winged Blackbird (4 males singing); Rusty Blackbird (1); A Goldfinch (102+: There was a flock of at least 100+ feeding in the deep weeds next to the parking area at the Sibley Farm property first thing (SEE
Sheila’s shot). It was cool to see. We kept searching through them and all we saw that was NOT a goldfinch was a Yellow-rump and a Song Sparrow.
Back in Worcester, there was a Clouded Sulphur and the 2 Great Egrets still at Elm Park.
(report from Mark Lynch/Sheila Carroll).
10/21/24 -- Broad Meadow Brook Sanctuary, Worcester
My wife, Kim Kastler, and I walked the "Route 2 Loop" this morning at the Broad Meadow Brook Wildlife Sanctuary in Worcester. (The "Route 2 Loop" consists of the Troiano Brookside Trail and the Cardinal Trail, including a side trip to the Green Heron Pond.) Lots of sparrows in the marsh, but many went unidentified as they were diving in and out of the vegetation, so they were difficult to pin down.
Highlights:
Red-bellied Woodpecker 4;
Hairy Woodpecker 2;
Eastern Phoebe 1 (Calling and pumping tail; feeding off insects over the Green Heron Pond);
Common Raven 1;
Ruby-crowned Kinglet 3;
Carolina Wren 4;
American Robin 5;
Cedar Waxwing 26 (Young birds as well as adults in 2 groups, all eating berries);
House Finch 4;
American Goldfinch 5;
White-throated Sparrow 28;
Song Sparrow 10;
Swamp Sparrow 3;
Palm Warbler 2;
Yellow-rumped Warbler 16.
(report from John Liller)
10/20/24 -- Wauschacum Pond, Sterling
A short mid-morning walk in from the southern terminus of the rail trail yielded 2 Common
Loons, 1 Great Blue Heron, 1 Ring-necked Duck, 1 Ruddy Duck (f seen close to shore), 1 Hairy Woodpecker,
1 Gray Catbird, and 8 Yellow-rumped Warblers. There were some non-yellow-rumps high up in the pines
along the shore, but I couln't ID them from the bottom view only. (report from Rick Quimby).
10/20/24 -- Warren
Today we birded around WARREN. Highlights: Canada Goose (38); Wood Duck (2); Mallard (8); Turkey Vulture (1); Red-tailed Hawk (4); Virginia Rail (2); Red-bellied Woodpecker (10: with the bumper crop of fallen acorns, this species is very vocal and storing acorns all over); Yellow-bellied Sapsucker (3).
Passerines:
E Phoebe (3: still a few hanging in there); Carolina Wren (10); Winter Wren (1: singing); Marsh Wren (1); Ruby-crowned Kinglet (6); E Bluebird (12); Hermit Thrush (5); Gray Catbird (1); Orange-crowned Warbler (1); Yellow-rumped Warbler (36); C Yellowthroat (1).
SPARROWS: Chipping (7); Field (1: this sparrow was found amidst a large flock of White-throats. Sometimes the White-throats would chase it, but it always returned. It kept feeding on these long species of grass, flying up towards the grass’ head, and therefore bending the grass over. SEE
SHEILA’S SHOT); Song (38); Swamp (26); Lincoln (1); Dark-eyed Junco (72).
Red-winged Blackbird (23, 1 bird was singing constantly).
(report from Mark Lynch/Sheila Carroll).
10/17/24 -- Hardwick
Today we birded a few spots around Hardwick, including Gate 43 boat launch, Muddy Brook WMA, and other areas. The starting temps were below freezing, but it quickly warmed up. Low water at Quabbin continues, meaning there was lots of edge and therefore shorebirds. It was also a good day for eagles.
Highlights: Common Loon (6); Double-crested Cormorant (3); Canada Goose (18); A Black Duck (8); Common Merganser (14: they hung around nearby); Bald Eagle (3ad+3imm all sitting near each other on a shore. It looks like there was some prey item they were working on, but we couldn’t make out what); Red-tailed Hawk (1); Golden Eagle (1 imm flew over and was chased off by a Bald); Wild Turkey (11); Black-bellied Plover (3: took off and flew out of sight); Killdeer (5); Greater Yellowlegs (2); Ring-billed Gull (4: one was trying to kleptoparasitize the mergs); Belted Kingfisher (2); Red-bellied Woodpecker (3); Pileated Woodpecker (2).
Passerines:
E Phoebe (2); Blue-headed Vireo (1); C Raven (2); Carolina Wren (2); House Wren (1); Ruby-crowned Kinglet (5); Hermit Thrush (6); Yellow-rumped Warbler (13); Palm Warbler (28: good numbers feeding along a dirt road: see
Sheila’s shot); C Yellowthroat (1);
SPARROWS: Chipping (27); Savannah (3); Fox (1: my first of fall); Song (46); Swamp (3); White-throated (39); Dark-eyed Junco (240: large numbers in several locations);
Rusty Blackbird (1); C Grackle (1); House Sparrow (3f: at the Gate 43 boat launch, deep in Quabbin, these 3 birds dropped ut of the sky and landed on the cabin of a pick up truck, stayed for a few minutes and took off . Not a species to expect well inside Quabbin).
Plus: Still a few Clouded Sulphurs, a few Painted Turtles sunning; and a large coyote and 2 deer.
(report from Mark Lynch/Sheila Carroll).
10/11/24 -- SW cemeteries, Worcester
This morning we birded the 4 cemeteries in the sw corner of Worcester: Hope; Notre Dame; All Faiths; and St. Johns. Highlights included: Great Blue Heron (2); Great Egret (1: All Faiths, still 2 at Elm Park); Canada Goose (157: at all cemeteries); Mute Swan (5); Wood Duck (4); Mallard (26); Sharp-shinned Hawk (1); Yellow-bellied Sapsucker (1); E Phoebe (1); C Raven (1); Blue-headed Vireo (2: see
Sheila’s photo); Gray Catbird (1); Yellow-rumped Warbler (13); Palm Warbler (1); SPARROWS: Chipping (5); Song (8); Savannah (3); Dark-eyed Junco (2); White-throated (11); White-crowned (1imm: Hope).
(report from Mark Lynch/Sheila Carroll).
10/9/24 & 10/10/24 -- Gate 43 and Gate 8, Quabbin Reservoir
On 10/9 we visited Gate 43, Quabbin. Highlights included : Common Loon (2); Double-crested Cormorant (2); Canada Goose (24); Mallard (20); Common Merganser (flock of 22); Sharp-shinned Hawk (1); Bald Eagle (1ad); there was a decent exposed edge and we had the folloing shorebirds: Killdeer (4); Greater Yellowlegs (3); Lesser Yellowlegs (1); Spotted Sandpiper (1); Ring-billed Gull (4); Belted Kingfisher (1). Fall migrant passerines are usually good at this location, but all we had was (1) Ruby-crowned Kinglet. Elsewhere in Hardwick we had small numbers of migrant passerines including (2) phoebe; (2) Field Sparrow; but (113) White-throated Sparrows.
On 10/10 we visited Gate 8, Quabbin. Highlights included Common Loon (4); Double-crested Cormorant (4); Turkey Vulture (1); Bald Eagle (2ad: we had another adult eagle from Lover’s Leap, New Salem); Wild Turkey (1); C Raven (2); Yellow-rumped Warbler (4); Field Sparrow (1: my first for Gate 8, see
Sheila’s photo); Dark-eyed Junco (45: open area near bathrooms); White-throated Sparrow (13).
On the way home, a stop at Harvard Pond, Petersham had only 13 Wood Ducks; A small pond behind a small cemetery had: Great Egret (1); Canada Goose (6); Wood Duck (1); Mallard (4); Green-winged Teal (2); Belted Kingfisher (1); Dark-eyed Junco (14).
(report from Mark Lynch/Sheila Carroll).
10/6/24 -- Warren
Today we birded around WARREN. The most exciting sighting was witnessing a very large congregation of White-throated Sparrows
(photo of one), moving over a hill and down the other side in groups of 4 to 10.
Highlights: Great Blue Heron (3); Great Egret (2); Canada Goose (40); Sharp-shinned Hawk (2); Virginia Rail (1); Red-bellied Woodpecker (3); N Flicker (10).
Passerines:
E Phoebe (10); C Raven (1); Carolina Wren (14); House Wren (1); Ruby-crowned Kinglet (10); Hermit Thrush (6); A Robin (143); Gray Catbird (17);
WARBLERS: Yellow-rumped (27); Pine (1); Palm (2); C Yellowthroat (4).
Sparrows: E Towhee (12); Chipping (26); Song (16); Swamp (14); White-throated (231); Dark-eyed Junco (4).
Best non bird Sighting: Short-tailed Shrew (1).
(report from Mark Lynch/Sheila Carroll).
10/5/24 -- Ware River Watershed
Today we attempted to bird a few spots in the Ware River IBA. Things have changed. All the roads that had been gated for the first time this year are now open for people to hunt. BUT they are not open to the casual visitor. You need a special permit to drive these roads. Sheila did some research and though the permit seems to have no cost, you do need a hunting license to get one. We started out at the Prison Camp, accessed via Intervale Road. There were a number of people there first thing in the morning including dogwalkers and one idiot who was blasting music. Since gating off so many of the roads, people are concentrated in the few areas still open. Also: much plant growth had been cut in the Prison Camp Area and in the vicinity of Barre Falls Dam, making the place less attractive to certain breeders and migrants. We also visited Barre Falls Dam and birded along Coldbrook Road. There was a riot of sparrows along the river, but little elsewhere.
Highlights: Hooded Merganser (1f flying); Turkey Vulture (2); Sharp-shinned Hawk (1 harassing 2 Pileated Woodpeckers); N Goshawk (1ad); Red-shouldered Hawk (1); N Flicker (2); Pileated Woodpecker (6).
Passerines:
E Phoebe (1); Blue-headed Vireo (1); Carolina Wren (5); House Wren (2); Winter Wren (1); Golden-crowned Kinglet (1); Ruby-crowned Kinglet (4); E Bluebird (8); Hermit Thrush (10); Gray Catbird (9); Yellow-rumped Warbler (8); Palm Warbler (2); C Yellowthroat (4).
SPARROWS:
E Towhee (5); Sparrows: Chipping (9); Song (74); Lincoln’s (5: see
Sheila’s photo); Swamp (72); White-throated (98); Dark-eyed Junco (4).
Purple Finch (2); Red Crossbill (1 flyover).
(report from Mark Lynch/Sheila Carroll).
10/4/24 -- Quabog IBA
Started out slow, but good numbers of landbirds were seen later in the morning. It was quite foggy over the water, so we actually did the big ponds twice. NB: Lake Quabog had a nice muddy edge, and we expected to see some common shorebirds, but found nothing. Highlights:
Common Loon (1 on Wickabog); Great Blue Heron (6); Great Egret (3); Canada Goose (159); Wood Duck (5); Mallard (45); A Black Duck (5); Bald Eagle (1imm); Sharp-shinned Hawk (1); Red-shouldered Hawk (1); Red-tailed Hawk (2); Wild Turkey (6); Virginia Rail (1); Killdeer (2); Ring-billed Gull (55); Barred Owl (1); Belted Kingfisher (2); Red-bellied Woodpecker (6); N Flicker (7) .
Passerines:
E Phoebe (13); Blue-headed Vireo (3); Carolina Wren (10); House Wren (6); Ruby-crowned Kinglet (19); E Bluebird (24); Hermit Thrush (2); Gray Catbird (12); Nashville Warbler (1: we puzzled over this bird a bit. A dull buff eye-ring (in this shot it looks white, but in other photos buff); no wingbars; bright yellow from under bill to under-tail; a wash of greenish over wings. We studied some of Sheila’s shots (SEE
EXAMPLE), and finally decided it was that and not a Mourning.); Yellow-rumped Warbler (49); Pine Warbler (1); C Yellowthroat (7);
SPARROWS: E Towhee (4); Chipping (72); Song (14); Swamp (8); White-throated (34); Dark-eyed Junco (4);
Red-winged Blackbird (20+).
(report from Mark Lynch/Sheila Carroll).
9/29/24 -- Wachusett Reservoir IBA
Today we birded the WACHUSETT RESERVOIR IBA. Highlights (such as they are):
Common Loon (37: including a strung out flock of 22 at the reservoir); Double-crested Cormorant (42); Great Blue Heron (2); Great Egret (1: South Meadow Pond); Canada Goose (3); Mute Swan (2); Wood Duck (4); Mallard (42); Osprey (1); Red-tailed Hawk (1); Virginia Rail (1).
Passerines included: E Phoebe (6); E Bluebird (5); Gray Catbird (3); E Towhee (1); Chipping Sparrow (78); Dark-eyed Junco (2: our first in the County for this fall. See
Sheila’s photo).
(report from Mark Lynch/Sheila Carroll).
9/29/24 -- Mt. Watatic, Ashburnham
Our final count of peak Broad-winged Hawk season did feature a couple of subtle highlights. After a relatively slow morning, observer Dan Lounsbury picked a kettle of 15 Broad-wings out of the overcast cloud layers to our east. This was our only organized action for Broad-wings, and likely the final kettle that will be seen this year at Watatic. Caitlin Callahan picked out a juvenile Red-shouldered Hawk cruising by below the horizon, allowing for a great look at the seldom-seen topsides of the pale crescents at the primary tips of this hawk. We spent a good deal of the day trying to determine if distant Bald Eagles were actually moving towards us or not. Unlike yesterday, most of these birds did not make the count as migrants. Non-migrant Raptors: 75 Turkey Vulture 8 Bald Eagle 1 Red-tailed Hawk
Season summary:
Today marks the end of our planned season of contiguous coverage of peak Broad-winged Hawk migration at Mount Watatic. From here on out, we'll have just sporadic/spontaneous coverage likely centered on optimal wind conditions. As with many other northeastern hawkwatch sites, we saw just a fraction of our typical migration numbers, due to the dearth of Broad-winged Hawks moving past our mountain. The 2024 Fall season count currently stands as the lowest in the history of the watch, and the first season with less than 1,000 Broad-wings since 1988. Likely a combination of inconveniently-timed and surprisingly long-lived weather patterns created conditions that drew Broad-wings farther West than usual as they passed Massachusetts. We also likely missed a few hundred birds during the second week of September before we could start coverage. Our hope is that our poor counts in New England do not reflect a significant population issue with the species; rather just bad luck for the hawkwatchers in these parts. That being said, we really only had a below-average season for one species. Many others had seasonal counts that met or were well above expectation. 122 American Kestrels is the best count since 2001. 28 Northern Harriers is the best count since 2002. 5 Black Vultures establishes a new Watatic record. All things being equal, it was fascinating that the damage from this abnormal count was limited to just the Broad-wings.
A lot of hawkwatching is about putting in hours and paying dues in hopes of catching big flights. In 2023, the Broad-wings paid out wonderfully with many big days for the observers and visitors who trekked up Watatic. In 2024, we certainly regressed to the mean and spent far more time paying dues than seeing kettles. Ultimately it was a challenging September, but I appreciate the opportunity and privilege to be able to connect with the natural splendor and the local community that makes Watatic such a special place. Many memories were made even amongst the low counts - I'll certainly always remember American Kestrels picking dragonflies out of the sky over the east summit on our warmest, most stagnant days. Or the many Sharp-shinned Hawks that peppered the Eastern horizon, regardless of the wind direction or cloud cover. Or the fifth straight season of more than 100 Bald Eagles, providing nearly endless opportunities to study ages and plumage.
If you count any raptors at Mount Watatic the rest of the Fall, please email me your sightings at 14hawks8owls@gmail.com. As we approach October and November, many excellent species begin to peak their migration, highlighted by accipiters, Red-tailed and Red-shouldered Hawks. Migrant Bald Eagles have been plentiful in later months as well. You also have an increased chance at wonderful rarities like Northern Goshawk, Golden Eagle and Rough-legged Hawk in these colder months. I encourage folks to explore Watatic during the late Fall, especially on days with NW winds! To support hawkwatching in Massachusetts, please consider membership with Eastern Mass Hawk Watch. We're an all-volunteer organization whose mission is to promote the study, conservation and preservation of hawks locally and on a continental scale by monitoring migration in Massachusetts. For more information, please visit massbird.org/emhw/. My thanks to everyone who joined us on the mountain this year!
(report from Brian Rusnica).
9/28/24 -- New Braintree
Today we birded around New Braintree. Overall, it was a very slow day for migrants and we had a handful of one species of warbler. Many spots where we have had numbers of sparrows and warblers in fall migration had nothing! It was extraordinary. Highlights:
Canada Goose (126); Wood Duck (8); Mallard (4); Turkey Vulture (2); Osprey (1); Bald Eagle (1ad); Red-tailed Hawk (3); A Kestrel (1: NB: none of the hawks looked like they were migrating); Wild Turkey (16); N Flicker (9); Pileated Woodpecker (1).
Passerines:
E Phoebe (10); Blue Headed Vireo (2 still singing); Carolina Wren (7); Blue-gray Gnatcatcher (1: best bird of the day: my latest in the year sighting of this species in the County); E Bluebird (12); Gray Catbird (4); A Pipit (6: thanks to Sheila’s sharp-eyes); Cedar waxwing (15); Palm Warbler (6: all in one spot); E Towhee (4); Chipping Sparrow (54); Savannah Sparrow (26); Lincoln Sparrow (2); Swamp Sparrow (3: see
Sheila’s shot); White-throated Sparrow (3).
(report from Mark Lynch/Sheila Carroll).
9/26/24 -- Sterling
This morning we had a pair of immature bald eagles sitting in a huge pine trees out in our front yard. One of them flew over my back field with a mouthful of stripped pine branches, and they might be building a nest on the Stillwater River close by.
(report from Roy Backstrom).
9/25/24 -- Petersham
Today we birded a few spots in Petersham. The morning did not look promising: dark, overcast, gloomy. It ended up an interesting day. Highlights:
Great Blue Heron (2); Great Egret (1: in a small grassy beaver pond. This has been my best fall ever for this species in the County); Green Heron (1 imm); Canada Goose (16); Wood Duck (208: fine count for fall); Mallard (2); Hooded Merganser (2 f or imm); Bald Eagle (1imm); Cooper’s Hawk (1 ad); Red-shouldered Hawk (2); Wild Turkey (35); Belted Kingfisher (2); N Flicker (11).
Passerines:
E Phoebe (11); C Raven (1); Carolina Wren (1); House Wren (3); Winter Wren (1); Ruby-crowned Kinglet (12: all in a loose flock along some powerlines); Gray Catbird (5); American Pipit (6: feeding on some muddy islands in a small pond); Yellow-rumped Warbler (35 minimum: moving flock in 1 spot); Palm Warbler (11: with the Yellow Rumps); C Yellowthroat (6); E Towhee (6); Song Sparrow (15); Lincoln Sparrow (3); White-throated Sparrow (92: mostly in one area of brushy fields); Rusty Blackbird (2: feeding near the pipits: see
Sheila’s photo).
Plus: despite the weather: Eastern Tailed Blue (1)
(report from Mark Lynch/Sheila Carroll).
9/20/24 -- Wachusett Reservoir IBA
We did a brief survey of the WACHUSETT RESERVOIR IBA this morning, concentrating on water birds. There were boats out on the reservoir. We tallied: Common Loon (9); Double-crested Cormorant (24); Great Blue Heron (2: NB: we had 1 heron at East Waushacum standing on a dock. Later, at home, looking at Sheila’s photos it looks like the bird has something wrapped around it’s bill, but it’s tough to tell. (see
Sheila’s photo). If you live nearby keep an eye out for this bird.); Canada Goose (62); Mute Swan (2); Wood Duck (15); Mallard (42); Osprey (1); Sharp-shinned Hawk (2: harassing crows); Wild Turkey (6); Killdeer (14); Ring-billed Gull (3); Mourning Dove (16); Belted Kingfisher (2).
(report from Mark Lynch/Sheila Carroll).
9/18/24 -- Ware River Watershed IBA
Today we birded the Ware River Watershed, including the prison camp, Barre Falls Dam, and Coldbrook Road. It was another poor migration day with good numbers of a few species, all of which breed in the area.
Highlights: Double-crested Cormorant (1); Great Blue Heron (3); Canada Goose (3); Wood Duck (9); Red-shouldered Hawk (1); Wild Turkey (3); Belted Kingfisher (1); Yellow-bellied Sapsucker (4); N Flicker (4);
Passerines:
E Phoebe (24); Red-eyed Vireo (4); Carolina Wren (2); House Wren (17: at many of our stops. Though a common breeder/migrant, this is a high count for forested lots. See
Sheila’s shot); Hermit Thrush (6); Gray Catbird (48: good numbers along the Ware River);
WARBLERS: Tennessee (1: a migrant!); Pine (21); Black and White (1); C Yellowthroat (16): That’s it!
Scarlet Tanager (4); E Towhee (13); Chipping Sparrow (12); Song Sparrow (14); Swamp Sparrow (12); White-throated Sparrow (1).
Plus: Stinkpot (2)
(report from Mark Lynch/Sheila Carroll).
9/17/24 -- Broad Meadow Brook Sanctuary, Worcester
This morning, I did my annual Big Sit on the Troiano Trail at Broad Meadow Brook in Worcester. I followed the standard protocol for a Big Sit, except that I could not do it on a weekend this year. There was no noticeable movement of landbirds or raptors, as all species recorded either breed on or near the Sanctuary. (Maybe that was my penance for doing it on a weekday.)
Mallard 3
Mourning Dove 1
Turkey Vulture 1
Accipiter sp. 1 (flying quickly northward just above the meadow)
Red-shouldered Hawk 1 (resident bird calling when I first got there)
Red-tailed Hawk 1
Red-bellied Woodpecker 1
Downy Woodpecker 2
Hairy Woodpecker 2
Northern Flicker 1
Eastern Phoebe 2
Blue Jay 14
American Crow 1
Black-capped Chickadee 2
Tufted Titmouse 2
White-breasted Nuthatch 1
Carolina Wren 3
Gray Catbird 6
Eastern Bluebird 5
American Robin 34
American Goldfinch 6
Song Sparrow 11
Swamp Sparrow 3
Eastern Towhee 1
Common Grackle 2
Common Yellowthroat 3
Yellow Warbler 2
Scarlet Tanager 1 (calling)
Northern Cardinal 2
Species: 29 (including the one indeterminate one)
(report from John Liller).
9/15/24 -- Templeton-Phillipston-Hubbardston
Today we birded the northwest sections of the Ware River Watershed, mostly along and near the Burnshirt River. Again, another day with not much passerine movement.
Highlights: Great Blue Heron (1); Great Egret (1); Wood Duck (28); Mallard (8); Blue-winged Teal (1); Green-winged Teal (3); Osprey (1); Northern Harrier (2); Red-shouldered Hawk (3); A Kestrel (1); Wild Turkey (28: see
Sheila’s shot of some of them); Killdeer (2); Spotted Sandpiper (1); Ruby-throated Hummingbird (1); Belted Kingfisher (1); Yellow-bellied Sapsucker (2); Pileated Woodpecker (2).
Passerines:
E Phoebe (10); Blue-headed Vireo (2); Red-eyed Vireo (1); C Raven (2); Carolina Wren (3); House Wren (3); Ruby-crowned Kinglet (1); Hermit Thrush (3); Gray Catbird (14);
WARBLERS: N Parula (2); Pine (7); Black and White (3); Connecticut (1); C Yellowthroat (4).
E Towhee (1); Chipping Sparrow (23).
(report from Mark Lynch/Sheila Carroll).
9/14/24 -- Quabog IBA
Today we birded around the Quabog IBA. It was a poor day for migrants and we only had 1 species of warbler. Highlights: Common Loon (1: L Quabog); Pied-billed Grebe (1); Great Blue Heron (1); Great Egret (1); Canada Goose (108); Wood Duck (3); A Black Duck (3); Mallard (23); Turkey Vulture (1); Bald Eagle (1ad perched overlooking a corn field); Sharp-shinned Hawk (1); Red-tailed Hawk (2); A Kestrel (2: see
Sheila’s shot. These 2 came in to harass the eagle, then each other, and then they were harassed by the Sharpie); Wild Turkey (1); Killdeer (4); Belted Kingfisher (4); Red-bellied Woodpecker (5); N Flicker (6).
Passerines:
E Phoebe (28); C Raven (2); Carolina Wren (6); House Wren (1); E Bluebird (6); Gray Catbird (23); Pine Warbler (26: large flock at a cemetery); Scarlet Tanager (1); E Towhee (2); Chipping Sparrow (78); Rose-breasted Grosbeak (1).
(report from Mark Lynch/Sheila Carroll).
9/11/24-9/12/24 -- Ware River Watershed IBA
TWO MORNINGS IN THE WARE RIVER WATERSHED IBA: 9-11 and 9-12 we spent in the Ware River Watershed.
On 9/11 we birded the Prison Camp area and Gilbert/Granger Roads. Highlights: Sharp-shinned Hawk (2); Cooper’s Hawk (1); Ruby-throated Hummingbird (3); Yellow-bellied Sapsucker (2); N Flicker (13).
E Phoebe (66); Red-eyed Vireo (3); C Raven (1); House Wren (14); E Bluebird (2); Hermit Thrush (2); Gray Catbird (58); Cedar Waxwing (14).
WARBLERS: Chestnut-sided (1); Magnolia (1);Pine (26); Prairie (1); Blackpoll (1); Black and White (1); Ovenbird (1); Connecticut (1); C Yellowthroat (6).
Scarlet Tanager (3); E Towhee (15); Chipping Sparrow (49); Swamp Sparrow (2); White-throated Sparrow (1); Indigo Bunting (2).
On 9/12 we birded Barre Falls Dam, Coldbrook Road and a few spots along Rt.122. First thing in the morning we hit Barre Falls and were confronted with one of the best movements of birds we have seen in years. They were moving quickly towards the river and out of sight. Sheila was frustrated by how fast and flitting they were, but still managed some good shots. They were chasing each other. Many vireos were singing. We stayed in one spot for well over and hour. We missed many birds, but noted what we could. By 9:30, the birds had moved on and we found very few birds along Coldbrook Road.
Highlights:
Great Blue Heron (4); Canada Goose (8); Wood Duck (3); Belted Kingfisher (1); Yellow-bellied Sapsucker (3); Hairy Woodpecker (5); N Flicker (3); Pileated Woodpecker (2).
E Wood Pewee (1 still singing); E Phoebe (43: as we were driving down the entrance road the first thing and we saw were 8 phoebes perched on the guard rail);
VIREOS: Yellow-throated (8 singing); Blue-headed (4); Warbling (1); Philadelphia (2); Red-eyed (17: at one point I saw three Red-eyes all on one small branch lined up beak to tail); All these are minimal counts, especially the Red-eyes) NB: See
Sheila’s shot of one of the Yellow-throated Vireos.
Carolina Wren (3); House Wren (9); E Bluebird (9); Gray Catbird (37); Cedar Waxwing (2).
WARBLERS: N Parula (7); Chestnut-sided (1); Magnolia (2); Black-throated Green (2); Pine (21); Prairie (1); Bay-breasted (1); Blackpoll (7); Black and White 4); C Yellowthroat (3).
Scarlet Tanger (16: probably the most tanagers I have ever seen in small area. ); E Towhee (9); Chipping Sparrow (43); Rose-breasted Grosbeak (1).
(report from Mark Lynch/Sheila Carroll).
9/10/24 -- Tower Hill, Boylston
A mid-day walk at the Tower Hill Botanical Gardens yielded a few migrants as well as
local breeders. Highlights were 1 Red-breasted Nuthatch, 1 Swainson's Thrush (seen well and
studied for 5 min as it perched motionless, at the edge of the woods -- I left it still
perched there), 1 Gray Catbird, 1
Black-and-white Warbler, and 1 Common Yellowthroat.
(report from Rick Quimby).
9/7/24 -- Warren
Today we birded around WARREN. There were good numbers of a few common species. Here are the highlights:
Great Blue Heron (3); Great Egret (3 all together in 1 pond: this has been a good year for this species in the County); Wood Duck (8); Mallard (2); Green-winged Teal (3); Turkey Vulture (2); Red-shouldered Hawk (2); Broad-winged Hawk (2: appeared to be migrating); Red-tailed Hawk (2); Virginia Rail (1); Ruby-throated Hummingbird (1); Belted Kingfisher (1); Pileated Woodpecker (3).
Passerines:
Olive-sided Flycatcher (1); E Wood Pewee (2); E Phoebe (28); Yellow-throated Vireo (8); Warbling Vireo (9); Red-eyed Vireo (15); Black-capped Chickadee (60); White-breasted Nuthatch (18); Carolina Wren (11); House Wren (8); E Bluebird (31); Gray Catbird (39).
WARBLERS: Blue-winged (1); Chestnut-sided (2); Black-throated Green (2); Pine (6); Blackpoll (2); Black and White (1); A Redstart (3); C Yellowthroat (4).
Scarlet Tanager (4: all in one area, see
Sheila’s photo); E Towhee (9); Chipping Sparrow (63).
(report from Mark Lynch/Sheila Carroll).
9/4/24 -- Hardwick
Today we birded just a few spots in HARDWICK, including the Gate 43 fishing area in Quabbin. Passerines were a bit of a disappointment and we witnessed little migration.
Highlights:
Common Loon (5); Double-crested Cormorant (6); Great Blue Heron (1); Great Egret (1); Wood Duck (17); Mallard (6); Bald Eagle (1ad); Red-shouldered Hawk (1); Red-tailed Hawk (1); Wild Turkey (23); Killdeer (4); Greater Yellowlegs (5: see one of
Sheila’s photos. Note the reflection of the Great Egret); Solitary Sandpiper (9); Spotted Sandpiper (2); Least Sandpiper (4); Ring-billed Gull (1); Ruby-throated Hummingbird (4);Yellow-bellied Sapsucker (1).
Passerines:
E Wood Pewee (2); E Phoebe (14); Red-eyed Vireo (9); C Raven (3); Red-breasted Nuthatch (2); House Wren (4); E Bluebird (11); Hermit Thrush (1); Gray Catbird (16); Cedar Waxwing (6).
WARBLERS: Yellow (1); Pine (4); Prairie (1); C Yellowthroat (14).
E Towhee (8); Field Sparrow (7); Swamp Sparrow (1); Red-winged Blackbird (25: single flock); Purple Finch (1).
Best sighting: 3 bear cubs crossing the road in New Braintree. No sign of an adult.
(report from Mark Lynch/Sheila Carroll).
9/2/24 -- New Braintree
This morning we birded several stops in New Braintree. We came across a few mixed species flocks, but all of species that breed here. There were high numbers of a few species. Highlights:
Great Blue Heron (2); Turkey Vulture (11); Sharp-shinned Hawk (1); Red-tailed Hawk (2); A Kestrel (2); Sandhill Crane (5: all together in a field off West Street. SEE:
Sheila’s distant shot. She has better, closer pics of 1 or 2, but in order to get all 5 in one shot, she had to zoom back); Ruby-throated Hummingbird (1); Belted Kingfisher (1);
Passerines:
E Phoebe (43); E Kingbird (11); Yellow-throated Vireo (2); Warbling Vireo (3); Red-eyed Vireo (13); C Raven (7); House Wren (1); E Bluebird (44); Gray Catbird (16); Cedar Waxwing (23);
WARBLERS: Chestnut-sided (1); Black-throated Blue (1); Pine (40); Black and White (1); A Redstart (4); Ovenbird (2); C Yellowthroat (4).
Scarlet Tanager (1); Chipping Sparrow (77).
(report from Mark Lynch/Sheila Carroll).
8/29/24 -- Hodges Village Dam, Oxford
In a late afternoon walk along the French River from Rocky Hill Rd to the dam, highlights
were: 2 Great Blue Heron, 1 Great Egret, 1 Red-bellied Woodpecker, 1 Hairy Woodpecker,
3 Eastern Wood-Pewee (only 1 singing, the rest seen only), 1 Eastern Phoebe, 1 Common Raven (flying over and calling), 1 Carolina Wren,
1 Eastern Bluebird, 1 Yellow Warbler, 1 Pine Warbler, 2 Northern Waterthrush, 1 Common Yellowthroat.
(report from Rick Quimby).
8/29/24 -- Ware River Watershed IBA
This morning we birded a few areas in the WARE RIVER WATERSHED IBA, mostly along the East Branch of the Ware River.
There were movements of kingbirds, hummers, and other species.
Highlights: Great Blue Heron (3); Wood Duck (13); A Black Duck (1); Ruby-throated Hummingbird (14); Belted Kingfisher (3); Yellow-bellied Sapsucker (3).
Passerines:
Olive-sided Flycatcher (1: see
Sheila’s photo); E Wood Pewee (2); E Phoebe (28); E Kingbird (13); Red-eyed Vireo (16); C Raven (1);
House Wren (9); E Bluebird (6); Gray Catbird (40);
WARBLERS: N Parula (1); Yellow (1); Black-throated Green (1); Blackburnian (3); Pine (62); Prairie (2); Black and White (4); C Yellowthroat (12).
E Towhee (2); Chipping Sparrow (28); Swamp Sparrow (2); Indigo Bunting (2); Baltimore Oriole (11).
Bonus: 2 Stinkpots. A Great Egret is at Elm Park.
(report from Mark Lynch/Sheila Carroll).
8/24/24 -- Petersham
Today we birded around a few ponds in Petersham, looking for Wood Ducks and a few shorebirds. Highlights: Double-crested Cormorant (2); Great Blue Heron (3); Green Heron (2: 1 juv, 1 ad); Wood Duck (72); Mallard (11); Turkey Vulture (2); N Goshawk (1 juv. We studied this bird perched and in flight); Red-shouldered Hawk (1); Red-tailed Hawk (1); Wild Turkey (4); Virginia Rail (1: this is a tough bird for us in Petersham. But we were at one small pond with cattails and it was just calling away); Solitary Sandpiper (12: see Sheila’s
photo of 4 next to a Wood Duck); Spotted Sandpiper (2); Least Sandpiper (13); Ruby-throated Hummingbird (8: at 1 small cemetery, we watched a hummer attracted to a red stripe on an American flag); Belted Kingfisher (6); Yellow-bellied Sapsucker (5); Hairy Woodpecker (5); Pileated Woodpecker (1).
Passerines:
E Wood Pewee (6); E Phoebe (10); Yellow-throated Vireo (2); Blue-headed Vireo (2); Red-eyed Vireo (76); C Raven (1); Tree Swallow (1); Barn Swallow (31); Carolina Wren (4); Gray Catbird (16).
WARBLERS: Chestnut-sided (3); Black-throated Green (1); Pine (3); Prairie (2); Black and White (1); A Redstart (1); C Yellowthroat (9),
E Towhee (16); Chipping Sparrow (22); Baltimore Oriole (7).
Plus: (1) Red Fox and a good number of Red Squirrels.
(report from Mark Lynch/Sheila Carroll).
8/23/24 -- Ware River Watershed IBA
Today we did a low impact birding trip to a few areas in the southern parts of the Ware Riber Watershed IBA. We came across 3 interesting mixed species flocks. These were very frustrating, as birds were flitting around and moved through quickly. We missed id-ing a number of birds in these flocks. Illustrating this is the poor
photo by Sheila. We got home and she found that she had photo’d a Blackburnian Warbler, our only one of the trip. The third “group” was made of mostly Pine Warblers, with some flycatchers. All the passerine bird species but one breed in the IBA. Song was vireos, pewees, and a few Pine Warblers.
Highlights:
Double-crested Cormorat (1); Great Blue Heron (1); Wood Duck (7); Osprey (1); Broad-winged Hawk (1); Killdeer (1); Ruby-throated Hummingbird (6); Belted Kingfisher (1); N Flicker (1).
Passerines:
E Wood Pewee (9); Yellow-bellied Flycatcher (1); E Phoebe (16); Yellow-throated Vireo (2); Blue-headed Vireo (1); Red-eyed Vireo (37); Red-breasted Nuthatch (2); Carolina Wren (1); House Wren (3); Hermit Thrush (2); Gray Catbird (18).
WARBLERS: Chestnut-sided (7); Yellow-rumped (1); Blackburnian (1: see Sheila’s poor photo: total luck. She was photoing any movement she saw); Pine (46); Black and White (13); A Redstart (1); C Yellowthroat (11); Canada (1).
Scarlet Tanager (2); E Towhee (6); Baltimore Oriole (2); Red-crossbill (2 fly-overs).
Butterflies included(2) Zabulon Skippers and (5) Peck’s Skippers.
(report from Mark Lynch/Sheila Carroll).
8/18/24 -- Wachusett Reservoir IBA
Today we birded around the WACHUSETT RESERVOIR IBA. Dark, overcast skies with some light showers. Highlights:
C Loon (1ad w/1 young); Double-crested Cormorant (41); Great Blue Heron 91); Canada Goose (1); Wood Duck (16: see
Sheila’s shot); Mallard (18); Osprey (2); Bald Eagle (1ad); Broad-winged Hawk (1); Red-tailed Hawk (1); Wild Turkey (1); Virginia Rail (1); Killdeer (30: at Sterling Airport); Laughing Gull (1juv still present at reservoir seen looking south toward Greenhalge Point to small island favored by roosting gulls. It does move); Ring-billed Gull (37); Barn Swallow (19).
(report from Mark Lynch/Sheila Carroll).
8/17/24 -- Warren
Today we birded around WARREN under mostly overcast skies. Highlights:
Great Blue Heron (1); Great Egret (1); Wood Duck (4); Mallard (9); Turkey Vulture (5); Osprey (1 still hanging out next to nest); Red-shouldered Hawk (1); Broad-winged Hawk (2); Red-tailed Hawk (3); Wild Turkey (19); Virginia Rail (1); Ruby-throated Hummingbird (6); Belted Kingfisher (2); N Flicker (1).
Passerines:
E Wood Pewee (2: still vocalizing); E Phoebe (13); E Kingbird (1); Red-eyed Vireo (16); Tree Swallow (1); Barn Swallow (135); White-breasted Nuthatch (15); Carolina Wren (6); House Wren (3); E Bluebird (6); Gray Catbird (22); Cedar Waxwing (11).
WARBLERS: Chestnut-sided (1); Prairie (1); Black and White (1); A Redstart (11: see
Sheila’s photo); Worm-eating (1); C Yellowthroat (4).
E Towhee (7); Swamp Sparrow (1); Baltimore Oriole (3).
Rose-breasted Grosbeak (1).
(report from Mark Lynch/Sheila Carroll).
8/14/24 -- Ware River Watershed IBA
Today we birded a few areas in southern sections of the WARE RIVER WATERSHED IBA. Note: some of the absolute best areas to witness fall migration are now gated and can only be reached via long hikes. Many of the passerines we saw were in mixed species flocks coalescing around growing flocks of chickadees. If you hear chickadees at this time of the year in forests, stop and spish and you MAY find a few other species tagging along. Song is almost gone except for vireos. Many warblers we saw didn’t even utter a “chip”. Highlights:
Double-crested Cormorant (1); Great Blue Heron (2); Osprey (1); Red-tailed Hawk (2); Yellow-billed Cuckoo (1); Ruby-throated Hummingbird (3); Yellow-bellied Sapsucker (2); Pileated Woodpecker (2).
Passerines:
E Wood Pewee (4: still vocalizing); E Phoebe (21); E Kingbird (2); Yellow-throated Vireo (1); Blue-headed Vireo (3); Red-eyed Vireo (52); C Raven (1: see
Sheila’s shot); Barn Swallow (11); Black-capped Chickadee (46); Red-breasted Nuthatch (7); White-breasted Nuthatch (19: a number of young birds); Brown Creeper (1); Carolina Wren (1); House Wren (6); Blue-gray Gnatcatcher (1); E Bluebird (8); Veery (1); Hermit Thrush (2); Gray Catbird (23); Cedar Waxwing (4).
WARBLERS: Chestnut-sided (1); Black-throated Blue (2); Pine (1 singing); Prairie (2); Black and White (10); A Redstart (2); Ovenbird (7: none singing); C Yellowthroat (6).
Scarlet Tanager (1); E Towhee (23); Field Sparrow (1).
Plus lots of dragonflies and butterflies including (18) Red-spotted Admirals, (46) C Ringlets in 1 small field; and a Zabulon Skipper.
(report from Mark Lynch/Sheila Carroll).
8/11/24 -- Rail Trail, Sterling
In mid-morning, starting from southern terminus and walking to the bridge with water overlooks,
I had a Great Blue Heron, 1 Great Egret, 1 Osprey, 4 E Wood Pewees (2 seen close to trail),
1 E Phoebe, and 1 C Raven. (report from Rick Quimby).
8/10/24 -- Wachusett Reservoir IBA
Today we birded a few areas in the WACHUSETT RESERVOIR IBA.
Common Loon (10: including two different adults each with 1 young); Double-crested Cormorant (35); Great Blue Heron (3); Mute Swan (6); Canada Goose (39); Wood Duck (2); Mallard (19); Common Merganser (2); Turkey Vulture (1); Red-tailed Hawk (4); Killdeer (25-18 at Sterling Airport); Ring-billed Gull (19); Mourning Dove (52); Chimney Swift (2 flying around near the dam); Ruby-throated Hummingbird (1);
Passerines:
E Pewee (2); E Phoebe (5); E Kingbird (1); C Raven (2); Tree Swallow (2); Barn Swallow (11); Baltimore Oriole (1m: see
Sheila’s shot).
Plus: 2 Zabulon Skippers.
(report from Mark Lynch/Sheila Carroll).
8/9/24 -- Quabog IBA
Today we birded around the QUABOG IBA to see if any southern birds had come up, terns had put down, etc. We also checked out Doane Pond in North Brookfield. This has some of the only exposed mud in the Brookfields and has attracted some shorebirds. The water has been lowered and it seems there is work being done on the small dam. We spent about 45 minutes just at this spot, checking the area from 3 different vantage points and saw some new birds at each viewing. Mostly there were Killdeer, but other common species were present too. We also saw birds flying low over the water to the northern areas of the pond and out of sight. We also saw birds flying in from the north. Warning: this area is on a busy road, and folks speed here, so if you stop, pull completely off the road. All shorebirds on this list are from that location.
Double-crested Cormorant (2); Great Blue Heron (3); Great Egret (2 along the Quabog River. NB: in the last week we have seen two egrets at three locations: Elm Park, Worcester; Eagle Lake, Holden, Quabog River, Brookfield. See
Sheila’s shot of the birds along the Quabog ); Canada Goose (8); Wood Duck (6); Mallard (50); Turkey Vulture (2); Osprey (2); Red-tailed Hawk (2); Wild Turkey (4); Virginia Rail (2); Semipalmated Plover (1); Killdeer (11); Greater Yellowlegs (1); Solitary Sandpiper (2); Spotted Sandpiper (5); Least Sandpiper (2); Ring-billed Gull (23: all at Lake Quabog);
Passerines:
E Phoebe (11); E Kingbird (2); Purple Martin (1 at Lake Quabog); Tree Swallow (9); Barn Swallow (52); Carolina Wren (5); House Wren (2); Marsh Wren (4); C Yellowthroat (2).
(report from Mark Lynch/Sheila Carroll).
8/8/24 -- Holden-Rutland-Leicester
We started the morning in fog and mist, with clearing later:
EAGLE LAKE/STUMP POND, HOLDEN: Great Blue Heron (2); Great Egret (2); Canada Goose (16); Wood Duck (33); Mallard (8); E Wood Pewee (2); E Phoebe (2); E Kingbird (2); Tree Swallow (5); Barn Swallow (54). NB: Though the water is lower, the amount of emergent vegetation is tall and dense making looking for shorebirds tough.
ALTA VISTA FARM: A Kestrel (4 together); Peregrine Falcon (1imm).
MUSCHAPAUGE ROAD: A Kestrel (1); Chipping Sparrow (40).
QUINAPAUXET RESERVOIR: Great Blue Heron (2); Canada Goose (9); Mallard (18); Spotted Sandpiper (1); Barn Swallow (6); House Wren (3); Indigo Bunting (1). NB: there is a small edge showing, which may be lost to this weekend’s rains.
RT. 56 LEICESTER-WORCESTER AIRPORT: Wil Turkey (3); Killdeer (2); A Kestrel (7: see
Sheila’s shot of one); E Kingbird (3); Barn Swallow ).
(report from Mark Lynch/Sheila Carroll).
8/4/24 -- Rail Trail, Sterling
In mid morning I took a short walk from the northern terminus of the rail trail south to the
bridge where there are views overlooking the Quag and West Waushacum Pond. Highlights were
2 Common Loons (West Waushacum Pond), 1 GB Heron (shore of the Quag), 1 Great Egret (shore of the Quag),
1 Mute Swan (in the Quag), 3 E Wood-Pewees (heard), 1 N. Waterthrush (in marshy area near northern
terminus, calling and seen well near trail), Swamp Sparrow (heard singing in marsh).
(report from Rick Quimby).
8/2/24 -- Warren
Today we birded around WARREN till it just got too hot and humid. Lots of newly fledged birds around, or birds about to leave the nest. Highlights:
Great Blue Heron (2: none in nests); Great Egret (1); Green Heron (1); Canada Goose (2); Wood Duck (3); Mallard (1); Turkey Vulture (1); Osprey (1ad calling across the street from the three “ready to leave the nest” noisy young.)Virginia Rail (2); Sora (1); Spotted Sandpiper (3); Ruby-throated Hummingbird (5); Belted Kingfisher (3); Yellow-bellied Sapsucker (1).
E Wood Pewee (5); E Phoebe (12); E Kingbird (5)
VIREOS: Yellow-throated (5); Warbling (2); Red-eyed (35).
C Raven (1); Barn Swallow (40+ perched on wires outside of breeding barn); Carolina Wren (20); House Wren (7); Veery (2); Wood Thrush (3); Gray Catbird (23).
WARBLERS: Blue-winged (1: see
Sheila’s photo); A Redstart (4); Ovenbird (1); C Yellowthroat (13).
Scarlet Tanager (2m); E Towhee (3); Field Sparrow (1); Swamp Sparrow (12 still singing); Rose-breasted Grosbeak (3); A Goldfinch (19).
PLUS: Snapping Turtle (1 huge specimen crawling over a beaver dam); (1 Red Eft: we don’t see many of them here); several Zabulon Skippers.
(report from Mark Lynch/Sheila Carroll).
7/27/24 -- Ware River Watershed IBA
This morning we birded (and looked at butterflies and odonates) just a few spots in the southern section of the WARE RIVER WATERSHED IBA. We did not visit the Prison Camp area. The best birding was during the first 2 hours, and then it dropped off. Song has continued to drop off dramatically. Many birds were no longer “on territory”. There were several stretches with few or no birds. Highlights:
Great Blue Heron (2); Canada Goose (6); Mallard (1); Ruby-throated Hummingbird (1); Belted Kingfisher (4); Yellow-bellied Sapsucker (2).
E Wood Pewee (6); E Kingbird (7).
VIREOS: Yellow-throated (3); Warbling (2); Red-eyed (61).
C Raven (1); Tree Swallow (20); Barn Swallow (24); Red-breasted Nuthatch (3); Carolina Wren (4); House Wren (1); Winter Wren (3); Veery (3); Hermit Thrush (3); Hermit Thrush (4); Gray Catbird (24).
WARBLERS: Blue-winged (1); Chestnut-sided (1); Black-throated Blue (1); Black and White (1); A Redstart (1); Ovenbird (1); C Yellowthroat (9).
Scarlet Tanager (4); E Towhee (2); Swamp Sparrow (1); Rose-breasted Grosbeak (1imm: see
Sheila’s photo).
Plus: before we get out in the morning we had to catch and release a Big Brown Bat (Eptesicus fuscus) that had gotten into the house.
(report from Mark Lynch/Sheila Carroll).
7/26/24 -- Wachusett Reservoir IBA
This morning we birded around the WACHUSETT RESERVOIR IBA. The weather was great. Highlights:
Common Loon (1ad+1ad w/chick); Double-crested Cormorant (11); Great Blue Heron (4); Great Egret (1: Muddy Pond: see
Sheila’s shot); Green Heron (1); Canada Goose (99); Mute Swan (1); Wood Duck (10); Mallard (21); Turkey Vulture (3); Osprey (1); Bald Eagle (1ad); Red-tailed Hawk (1); Virginia Rail (3); Common Gallinule (1: Muddy Pond: we did have this bird fly across the pond and we lost track of it); Black-bellied Plover (1: small sandbar, reservoir); Killdeer (2); Bonaparte’s Gull (5: 3 w/black heads); N Flicker (3).
E Phoebe (1); E Kingbird (1); Red-eyed Vireo (6); C Raven (1); Tree Swallow (3); Barn Swallow (27); Carolina Wren (9); House Wren (2); E Bluebird (4); Veery (2); Gray Catbird (22); Yellow Warbler (2); Pine Warbler (1); C Yellowthroat (2); Scarlet Tanager (1); E Towhee (2); Chipping Sparrow (26); Swamp Sparrow (5); Baltimore Oriole (1f/imm).
Plus: a very nice showing of Cicada Killer wasps.
(report from Mark Lynch/Sheila Carroll).
7/21/24 -- New Braintree
Today we birded a few spots in NEW BRAINTREE. Song was mostly restricted to vireos and some flycatchers and thrushes. We saw several “just fledged” birds.
Great Blue Heron (2); Wood Duck (9); Black Vulture (1); Turkey Vulture (4); Red-shouldered Hawk (1); Red-tailed Hawk (1); Killdeer (1); Yellow-bellied Sapsucker (2); N Flicker (3); A Kestrel (2).
Passerines:
E Wood Pewee (2); Alder Flycatcher (4); Willow Flycatcher (5); E Phoebe (3); Great Crested Flycatcher (1); E Kingbird (3); Red-eyed Vireo (37); C Raven (8); Barn Swallow (99); Carolina Wren (13); House Wren (6); E Bluebird (6); Veery (2); Wood Thrush (7); Gray Catbird (53).
WARBLERS: Blue-winged (3); Yellow (2); Black and White (5: all but 1 were immatures. SEE
SHEILA’S PHOTO); A Redstart (4); Ovenbird (2: by and large this species has stopped most singing); C Yellowthroat (22).
Scarlet Tanager (3); E Towhee (10); Swamp Sparrow (6); Indigo Bunting (8 including 4 immatures); Baltimore Oriole (1 adM); A Goldfinch (23).
(report from Mark Lynch/Sheila Carroll).
7/19/24 -- Erving
Today we birded around ERVING. Bird song has really fallen off, but vireos are still singing. We are starting to see small mixed species flocks and just fledged birds. Highlights:
Canada Goose (1); Sharp-shinned Hawk (1ad at Laurel Lake); Broad-winged Hawk (1); Spotted Sandpiper (2); Ruby-throated Hummingbird (1); Yellow-bellied Sapsucker (2); Pileated Woodpecker (1).
Passerines:
E Wood Pewee (1); Alder Flycatcher (2); E Phoebe (9); Great Crested Flycatcher (1); E Kingbird (5); Blue-headed Vireo (3); Red-eyed Vireo (82); C Raven (2); Barn Swallow (10+ all young birds. See
Sheila’s shot); Red-breasted Nuthatch (2); Brown Creeper (4: together in a loose group); House Wren (5); Winter Wren (6); E Bluebird (5); Veery (4); Hermit Thrush (6); Cedar Waxwing (2).
WARBLERS: Black-throated Blue (1); Black-throated Green (4); Blackburnian (1); Pine (5); Ovenbird (1); Northern Waterthrush (1); C Yellowthroat (6).
Scarlet Tanager (9); Swamp Sparrow (3); Rose-breasted Grosbeak (1imm);
Plus: Martha’s Pennant.
(report from Mark Lynch/Sheila Carroll).
7/18/24 -- Institute Park, Worcester
A quick late morning walk yielded 1 Great Blue Heron, 2 Mute Swan,
1 Osprey (circled over pond for some time), 1 Killdeer, 1 RT Hummer,
1 E Phoebe, 1 E Kingbird, 1 Gray Catbird, 1 Yellow Warbler, 2 Song Sparrows,
1 Red-winged Blackbird (f, feeding in the duck weed on the pond).
(report from Rick Quimby).
7/14/24 -- Quabog IBA
Today we birded around the QUABOG IBA, mostly in the Brookfields. The larger ponds are filled now with boaters and swimmers. Lake Quabog in particular was crowded. Till the end of summer, it’s probably best to bird these ponds on a weekday and early.
American Bittern (1); Great Blue Heron (1); Canada Goose (28: included 1ad w/4yg); Mallard (3); Red-tailed Hawk (2); Wild Turkey (3); Virginia Rail (1); Barred Owl (1: flew right in front of the car while we were driving, very low); Ruby-throated Hummingbird (1); Belted Kingfisher (1); Yellow-bellied Sapsucker (4imm: see
Sheila’s photo. At first we weren’t quite sure what we were looking at.)
PASSERINE HIGHLIGHTS: E Wood Pewee (4); Willow Flycatcher (2); E Phoebe (7); E Kingbird (6).
VIREOS: Yellow-throated (4); Blue-headed (1); Warbling (2); Red-eyed (61).
C Raven (1); Tree Swallow (2 perched with a group of Barn Swallows); Barn Swallow (39); Red-breasted Nuthatch (2); Carolina Wren (10); House Wren (10); Marsh Wren (7); E Bluebird (11); Veery (9); Wood Thrush (4); Gray Catbird (77).
WARBLERS: Yellow (2); Pine (3); Prairie (1); A Redstart (1); Ovenbird (3); C Yellowthroat (25).
Scarlet Tanager (6); E Towhee (5); Swamp Sparrow (9); Rose-breasted Grosbeak (2); Indigo Bunting (3); Baltimore Oriole (1).
Plus: Nice showing of butterflies and dragonflies, and a doe with a small spotted fawn.
(report from Mark Lynch/Sheila Carroll).
7/12/24 -- Ware River Watershed
Today we birded (and butterflied and dragonflied) just a few spots in the southern part of the WARE RIVER WATERSHED. Here are some highlights:
Great Blue Heron (1); Canada Goose (2); Turkey Vulture (1); Bald Eagle (1ad); Broad-winged Hawk (2); Yellow-billed on the edge. (1); Yellow-bellied Sapsucker (2)
Passerines:
E Wood Pewee (4); Alder Flycatcher (2); E Phoebe (7); Great Crested Flyycatcher (2); E Kingbird (1); Yellow-throated Vireo (1); Warbling Vireo (3); Red-eyed Vireo (96); Barn Swallow (14 perched on the ground); Red-breasted Nuthatch (3); Carolina Wren (2); House Wren (2); Veery (12); Hermit Thrush (); Gray Catbird (23).
WARBLERS: Chestnut-sided (2); Black-throated Green (2); Pine (7); Black and White (3 newly fledged birds together); A Redstart (1); ovenbird (44); C Yellowthroat (9); Canada (1).
Scarlet Tanager (4); E Towhee (9); Swamp Sparrow (6); Rose-breasted Grosbeak (2); Baltimore Oriole (1); Purple Finch (1).
PLUS: 4 domestic ducks just walking back and forth on a paved road chowing down on weeds. We had to wait a while to get them off to the side so we could drive on (see
Sheila’s photo). A large Northern Watersnake that was trying to cross the road. So, I got out my walking stick to help this hefty reptile across the road. (btw: the reason I did not pick it up was not a fear of being bitten (I would, but no biggie) But I wanted to avoid getting squirted by their extremely noxious gunk from their cloaca/vent). It fought my stick , biting it hard, and refused to go across the road, and eventually slithered back to the original side of the road. Oh, well, we tried.
(report from Mark Lynch/Sheila Carroll).
7/9/24 -- Royalston
Today we birded a few areas around ROYALSTON, a beautiful town with lots of forested habitat. We hit just a few areas. The weather was showers, high humidity, and cloudy for most of the morning.
Great Blue Heron (1); Canada Goose (9); Wood Duck (3); Turkey Vulture (1); Bald Eagle (1ad in Templeton); Broad-winged Hawk (1); Yellow-bellied Sapsucker (1); A Kestrel (1).
Passerine highlights: E Wood Pewee (3);E Phoebe (11: while breaking for lunch, Sheila and I enjoyed watching a pair rushing food to a nest up under the main entrance of the Phineas S. Newton Library. See Sheila’s photo);
Blue-headed Vireo (4); Red-eyed Vireo (114); C Raven (2);
SWALLOWS: Tree (7++); N Rough-winged (7); Bank (1); Barn (161: NB: when we arrived at Birch Hill Dam, South Royalston, we noticed a large group of swallows perched on some phone lines. Most were Barns and I did a careful count. Remember, breeding swallows mostly start moving out of the County in mid-summer, though migrants pass through in September.); Red-breasted Nuthatch (3); Carolina Wren (2: long time (ie: “old”) birders will remember that Carolina Wren weren’t breeders in the County till the 1990s. Now they are found in every town in the County. ); Winter Wren (5); House Wren (12); Veery (18); Hermit Thrush (6); Gray Catbird (43); Cedar Waxwing (2).
WARBLERS: Chestnut-sided (2); Black-throated Blue (1); Black-throated Green (2); Blackburnian (1); Pine (3); Ovenbird (17); Louisiana Waterthrush (1); C Yellowthroat (13).
Scarlet Tanager (2); E Towhee (4); Evening Grosbeak (2).
This was a birds/odonate/butterfly trip. Butterfly highlights included an Appalachian Brown and a Question Mark, both well photographed by Sheila and a Banded Whiteface.
PLUS: This past night c.12:30AM, 2 BARRED OWLS were extremely vocal outside our home IN the city of Worcester.
(report from Mark Lynch/Sheila Carroll).
7/7/24 -- Warren
Today we birded WARREN in hot and humid weather. Most of the activity was in the first half of the morning:
Great Blue Heron (7 “about leave” young in 3 nests); Canada Goose (36); Wood Duck (1); Turkey Vulture (2); Osprey (1ad with 3 young in nest); Red-tailed Hawk (1); Virginia Rail (3); Chimney Swift (7); Ruby-throated Hummingbird (2); Belted Kingfisher (1); Yellow-bellied Sapsucker (3); N Flicker (1); A Kestrel (3 immature birds in 1 area and 1 seen but not aged/sexed);
Passerine highlights: E Wood Pewee (1); Willow Flycatcher (2); E Phoebe (6); Great Crested Flycatcher (2); E Kingbird (3);
VIREOS: Yellow-throated (2); Warbling (10); Red-eyed (65).
SWALLOWS: Tree (12); Bank (colony of c.20+ nests/c24 birds seen. SEE
SHEILA’S SHOT (1 of many)); Barn (24).
Carolina Wren (11); House Wren (5); E Bluebird (3); Veery (26); Wood Thrush (33); Gray Catbird (116).
WARBLERS: Yellow (5); Chestnut-sided (2); Black-throated Green (1); A Redstart (6); Ovenbird (14); C Yellowthroat (33).
Scarlet Tanager (1); E Towhee (6); Swamp Sparrow (11); Rose-breasted Grosbeak (4).
(report from Mark Lynch/Sheila Carroll).
7/5/24 -- Ware River Watershed
Today we birded a few areas in the southern areas of the WARE RIVER WATERSHED. The weather was dark, gloomy, and humid. Bird song has started to drop off, but persistent singers like vireos and Ovenbirds are still singing away. Nesting behavior is still in full swing. Some early nesters have fledged young, other species are still frantically looking for food for the growing young still in the nest.
Great Blue Heron (2: nb: we did not check out the rookery as the trail was too damp and “mosquito-ey”); Broad-winged Hawk (1 wet adult); Wild Turkey (2); Barred Owl (2); Ruby-throated Hummingbird (2: while Sheila was shooting a Canada Lilly, a hummer (
photo) zipped in for what seemed half a heart beat and left. It’s not a great shot, but what a photo-bomb!); Yellow-bellied Sapsucker (3); N Flicker (2); Pileated Woodpecker (1).
Passerine highlights: E Wood Pewee (2); Alder Flycatcher (2); Least Flycatcher (3); E Phoebe (6); Great Crested Flycatcher (2); E Kingbird (3).
VIREOS: Yellow-throated (1); Blue-headed (1); Red-eyed (89).
Tree Swallow (2); House Wren (9); Winter Wren (5); E Bluebird (1); Veery (43); Hermit Thrush (4); Wood Thrush (3); Gray Catbird (61).
WARBLERS: Yellow (5); Chestnut-sided (11); Yellow-rumped (2); Blackburnian (1); Pine (19); Black and White (1); A Redstart (1); Ovenbird (56); C Yellowthroat (41).
Scarlet Tanager (14); E Towhee (22); Field Sparrow (3); Swamp Sparrow (4); Rose-breasted Grosbeak (2); Indigo Bunting (3); Bobolink (13).
Plus: in 1 spot we counted 14 blooming plants of Purple fringed Orchis.
(report from Mark Lynch/Sheila Carroll).
6/30/24 -- Wachusett Reservoir IBA
Today we did some morning birding before the rain at the WACHUSETT RESERVOIR IBA. The weather was hot and very humid. Boats were out on most of the ponds, not much was actually on the reservoir:
(Common Loon: possibly 1 in one of the nesting platforms, but we were looking from an odd angle at a distance and could not be sure. We did not count it); Double-crested Cormorant (9); Great Blue Heron (1 at the reservoir. Earlier we had 2 flying low right over West Boylston Street near Quinsigamond College. Is there a rookery nearby?); Canada Goose (37); Mute Swan (3); Wood Duck (1f w/2yg); Mallard (2); Turkey Vulture (1); Osprey (1 perched on branch next to old nest. Try as we might, we could not see a bird in the nest, but you never know); Red-tailed Hawk (1); Wild Turkey (2); Virginia Rail (3); Killdeer (3: 2 young from different broods. See
Sheila’s photo); Ring-billed Gull (4); N Flicker (2).
Passerine highlights: E Wood Pewee (1); E Phoebe (5); E Kingbird (5); Warbling Vireo (1); Red-eyed Vireo (20); C Raven (1); Tree Swallow (42); Barn Swallow (41); Carolina Wren (3); House Wren (7); E Bluebird (7, 4 of which were spotted young); Veery (2); Wood Thrush (2); Gray Catbird (46); N Mockingbird (11);
WARBLERS: Yellow (3); Chestnut-sided (1); Pine (4); Pine (4); Black and White (1); Ovenbird (11); C Yellowthroat (11).
Scarlet Tanager (3); E Towhee (6); Field Sparrow (1); Grasshopper Sparrow (1); Rose-breasted Grosbeak (3).
Plus: large numbers of Cabbage White at the res: 83.
(report from Mark Lynch/Sheila Carroll).
6/28/24 -- Hardwick
Today we birded just a few spots in Hardwick. You could easily spend 2 days birding all the various spots and habitats found here. The weather was wonderful: sunny, cool (well, compared to last week), not humid at all, just a bit breezy. The breeding season continues, and song is just starting to taper off. We birded Gate 43 fishing access area, Muddy Brook WMA, and other spots. The newly paved road in Gate 43 is a bit alarming, with a steep drop-off on either side. If you are hiking in and hear a car coming, good luck getting off the road. One concerning thing is the changing status of several farms in the town.
Common Loon (2ad, not a pair); Great Blue Heron (1); Canada Goose (2); Wood Duck (1); Broad-winged Hawk (1); Killdeer (5 at Gate 43: we saw 2ad and 3 still fuzzy adult patterned young. They were running around the parking area and we had to be very careful to avoid running over these birds. Most of the cars with boats were not being careful at all. See
Sheila’s shot of one young); Spotted Sandpiper (no sign of young); Ring- billed gull (1); Mourning Dove (11); Ruby-throated Hummingbird (2); Belted Kingfisher (1); Red-bellied Woodpecker (1); Yellow-bellied Sapsucker (3); N Flicker (6).
Passerine highlights: Least Flycatcher (7); E Phoebe (3); Great Crested Flycatcher (1); E Kingbird (1); Yellow-throated Vireo (2); Blue-headed Vireo (2); Warbling Vireo (4); Red-eyed Vireo (88); C Raven (2); Tree Swallow (36+); N Rough-winged Swallow (2); Barn Swallow (45+); Carolina Wren (1); House Wren (19); Veery (14); Wood Thrush (4); Gray Catbird (67); N Mocking bird (2).
WARBLERS: Blue-winged (1); Yellow (6); Chestnut-sided (2); Black-throated Blue (1); Pine (2); A Redstart (2); Ovenbird (49); C Yellowthroat (18).
Scarlet Tanager (5); E Towhee (16); Field Sparrow (4); Bobolink (24+).
(report from Mark Lynch/Sheila Carroll).
6/22/24 -- Petersham
Today we birded a few areas in PETERSHAM. The weather was weird: fog first thing, then dark overcast skies. There was lots of nesting behavior, with birds with young or bringing food to nests. Highlights:
Great Blue Heron (5 ad individuals in various spots and 2 adults at a nest with at least 3 yng); Canada Goose (2); Wood Duck (25); Mallard (1); Osprey (1: waiting by a beaver pond in a forest, not a typical place for this species); Red-shouldered Hawk (1); Red-tailed Hawk (1); American Kestrel (2); Wild Turkey (3 individual birds plus 2adults w/10 very tiny young); Belted Kingfisher (3); Pileated Woodpecker (1).
Passerines:
E Wood Pewee (5); Least Flycatcher (8); E Phoebe (6); Great Crested Flycatcher (3); E Kingbird (1); Yellow-throated Vireo (11); Blue-headed Vireo (5); Warbling Vireo (2); Red-eyed Vireo (123); C Raven (2); Tree Swallow (25+); Barn Swallow (11); Carolina Wren (1); House Wren (11); Winter Wren (3); E Bluebird (4); Veery (28); Hermit Thrush (10); Gray Catbird (32); Cedar Waxwing (1).
WARBLERS: Yellow (3); Chestnut-sided (8); Black-throated Blue (3); Black-throated Green (3); Pine (7); Prairie (4: we watched 1 bringing food to a hidden nest); Black and White (3); A Redstart (6: we watched a pair for a while as the female repeatedly gathered nest materials while the male was very close. This is a late date to be building a nest, so we wondered: was she repairing a nest? Was a first nest washed away? Or we they just starting to build a nest? See Sheila’s poor, but identifiable
shot of the female gathering nest material.); Ovenbird (79); C Yellowthroat (73); Canada (1).
Scarlet Tanager (16); E Towhee (18); Field Sparrow (3); Rose-breasted Grosbeak (2); Bobolink (8+); Purple Finch (1).
Plus: our best sighting was not a bird but a pair of spectacular Elderberry Longhorns mating. Sheila got some great shots.
(report from Mark Lynch/Sheila Carroll).
6/20/24 -- Ware River Watershed IBA
This morning we got out early and did some birding in the Ware River Watershed IBA before it got too hot. NB: On that morning Coldbrook Road at the dam end was closed, but from Rt. 122 end it was open EXCEPT it was blocked by a pod of State Police troopers and dogs. I have no idea what was going on, but we did not bird along that road. We also did not bird around the Prison Camp. Some young birds were close to fledging, many were in the nests tended by adults. Highlights:
Great Blue Heron: 1 rookery=5 nests; 11 young; 3 adults. See
Sheila’s shot); Wood Duck (2); Broad-winged Hawk (1); Wild Turkey (2); Yellow-billed Cuckoo (1: very vocal); Barred Owl (1); Ruby-throated Hummingbird (1); Yellow-bellied Sapsucker (2); Pileated Woodpecker (1).
Passerines:
E Wood Pewee (3); Alder Flycatcher (2); Willow Flycatcher (1); Least Flycatcher (4); E Phoebe (4);Great Crested Flycatcher (4); E Kingbird (2); Blue-headed Vireo (2); Red-eyed Vireo (79); Tree Swallow (6); House Wren (1); Winter Wren (2); E Bluebird (9); Veery (41); Hermit Thrush (8); Wood Thrush (1); Gray Catbird (29).
WARBLERS: Yellow (4); Chestnut-sided (8); Black-throated Green (2); Blackburnian (2); Pine (5); Prairie (1); Black and White (6); A Redstart (3); Ovenbird (58); Common Yellowthroat (18); Canada (2).
Scarlet Tanager (5); E Towhee (18); Field Sparrow (3); Swamp Sparrow (9); Rose-breasted Grosbeak (3); Indigo Bunting (3); Bobolink (15); Baltimore Oriole (3).
PLUS: Lots of Partridgeberry in bloom, some orchids about to bloom; we had 30+ Least Skippers in 1 small area; Odes included Double-spotted Spiketail; and 2 species of Emeralds.
(report from Mark Lynch/Sheila Carroll).
6/15/24 -- New Braintree
Today we birded around NEW BRAINTREE. Although the weather was sunny, it was also quite breezy to windy, making birding tough. I am sure we missed a number of birds because of those conditions. Overall, it was a typical species list for the area for early summer.
Wood Duck (1); Mallard (1); Turkey Vulture (4); Red-tailed Hawk (1)’ Wild Turkey (1); Mourning Dove (9); Yellow-bellied Sapsucker (1); Downy Woodpecker (3); Hairy Woodpecker (1); N Flicker (2); Pileated Woodpecker (1).
Passerine highlights: E Wood Pewee (6); Willow Flycatcher (2); Alder Flycatcher (1); Least Flycatcher (1); E Phoebe (2); E Kingbird (2); Yellow-throated Vireo (6); Warbling Vireo (1);Red-eyed Vireo (54);
C Raven (8: at least 1 “family group”); Tree Swallow (6); N Rough-winged Swallow (1); Barn Swallow (31); Red-breasted Nuthatch (2); Carolina Wren (4); House Wren (17); E Bluebird (19); Veery (5); Wood Thrush (17); Gray Catbird (48); N Mockingbird (4); Cedar Waxwing (8).
WARBLERS: Blue-winged (2); Yellow (12); Chestnut-sided (11); Pine (6); A Redstart (5); Ovenbird (36); C Yellowthroat (18).
Scarlet Tanager (3); E Towhee (4); Savannah Sparrow (4: I was hoping for a better count of this species , but the wind was keeping grassland species down. Luckily Sheila got a shot of 1: see
photo); Swamp Sparrow (6); Indigo Bunting (5: very tough to photo in wind); Bobolink (17);Red-winged Blackbird (100); Baltimore Oriole (5); A Goldfinch (11).
Butterflies included (3) Spicebush Swallowtails and dragonflies included Belted White-face. Sheila got some great shots of an Ebony Jewelwing laying eggs underwater.
(report from Mark Lynch/Sheila Carroll).
6/7/24 -- Gate 8, Quabbin and New Salem
We birded gate 8, Quabbin today. Highlights: Common Loon (pair); Double-crested Cormorant (2); Common Merganser (3 f); Ruddy Duck (1: very late); Spotted Sandpiper (4: an amazing and rather constant displaying of these 4 birds: frantically following each other flying and running through vegetation, LOTS of vocalization, lots of posturing including rearing up with wings drooped; wings spread; it was Spotted chaos the entire time we were there. At one point they were all in a DCR boat! They displayed right in front of us, but were constantly on the move and all together. SEE
SHEILA'S SHOT); Barred Owl (1); Ruby-throated Hummingbird (1); Belted Kingfisher (1); Yellow-bellied Sapsucker (3); Pileated Woodpecker (1).
Passerines were in low numbers and lower-than-typical variety: E Wood Pewee (1); E Phoebe (4); Red-eyed Vireo (19); Blue-headed Vireo (1);Yellow-throated Vireo (1); Tree Swallow (16 minimum); Winter Wren (1); House Wren (1); Veery (5); Hermit Thrush (2); E Bluebird (pair at nestbox); C Yellowthroat (5); Pine Warbler (1); Ovenbird (18); A Redstart (2); E Towhee (3); Scarlet Tanager (5); Baltimore Oriole (4).
Plus lots of Red-spotted Admirals (51+2 “White Admiral”) and a very damaged Long Dash.
Later we birded just a bit around New Salem and had “new for the day”: Wood Duck (1f w/7yg); Hooded Merganser (1f); Turkey Vulture (1); Alder Flycatcher (1); Least Flycatcher (6); Wood Thrush (2); Chestnut-sided Warbler (7); Canada Warbler (1); Prairie Warbler (1); Black and White Warbler (1).
Plus: (21) Red-spotted Admirals.
(report from Mark Lynch/Sheila Carroll).
6/1/24 -- Quabog IBA (at night)
We did a little night birding in the QUABOG IBA (evening of 6-1). Our goal were WHIP-POOR-WILLS, so we did hit all the spots for bittern and rails. Highlights were: (7) Whip-Poor-Wills in several locations, plus: (5) Mallards at Lake Quabog; (3) Woodcock; (1) Sora. It's amazing how many songbirds sing or call after the sunsets and we had E Wood Pewee, E Phoebe, Red-eyed Vireo, Veery, Wood Thrush, and a number of warbler species including Louisiana Waterthrush. Lots of frogs calling including a large number of Gray Tree
(report from Mark Lynch/Sheila Carroll).
5/31/24 -- Ware River Watershed
This morning we birded (and odonated, and butterfly-ed) just a few spots in southern areas of the WARE RIVER WATERSHED. We did not bird around the Prison Camp. Highlights:
Canada Goose (9); Broad-winged Hawk (1); Wild Turkey (1); Yellow-bellied Sapsucker (3); N Flicker (2).
passerines:
E Wood Pewee (10); Least Flycatcher (1); E Phoebe (7); Great Crested Flycatcher (3); E Kingbird (2); Yellow-throated Vireo (1); Blue-headed Vireo (5); Red-eyed Vireo (75); Common Raven (2: see
Sheila's photo of a young bird); N Rough-winged Swallow (2); Red-breasted Nuthatch (12); Winter Wren (2); Veery (30); Hermit Thrush (5); Wood Thrush (1); Cedar Waxwing (8).
WARBLERS: Blue-winged (1); Yellow (2); Chestnut-sided (13); Black-throated Blue (3); Black-throated Green (2); Blackburnian (1); Pine (6); Prairie (3); Black and White (1); Ovenbird (102); Mourning (1); C Yellowthroat (22); Canada (2).
Scarlet Tanager (5+ 1 road killed male); E Towhee (5); Rose-breasted Grosbeak (1); Bobolink (2); Baltimore Oriole (1); Purple Finch (2).
Plus: loads of odes and butterflies (including (46) Tiger Swallowtails). Plus 1 "black" Gray Squirrel.
(report from Mark Lynch/Sheila Carroll).
5/27/24 -- Wachusett Reservoir
This morning we attempted to bird around WACHUSETT RESERVOIR and a few other areas of the IBA. Obviously visibility was a major problem especially on the main body of the reservoir. The mist/fog was dense. We kept track of a few migrant breeders, but most of them weren't singing. Here's our list:
Double crested Cormorant (2); Green Heron (1: no Great Blues on their former nests); Mute Swan (1); Mallard (2); Osprey (pair, adding material to one of the heron nests. They appear to have abandoned their former nests of several years. Looking at their old nest closely, it looks like one side of it is sliding down); Wild Turkey (3); Virginia Rail (1); Sora (1); Killdeer (3ad+2 newly fledged birds. Truthfully we could't tell if they could fly or not. In
Sheila's shots it really looks like they need to grow into their bill and there are still some downy feathers).
We had a few passerine migrant breeders: Warbling Viroe (5); Red-eyed Vireo (3); Gray Catbird (11);A Redstart (1); Yellow Warbler (3); C Yellowthroat (6); Prairie Warber (1); Rose-breasted Grosbeak (2); Baltimore Oriole (4). Plus a woodchuck.
(report from Mark Lynch/Sheila Carroll).
5/25/24 -- Hubbardston-Templeton
Today we birded, odonated, and butterflied an area of HUBBARDSTON and adjacent TEMPLETON that is in the Ware River Watershed. Areas included (but were not limited to) along the Burnshirt River, the Malone Homestead and adjacent fields, and the Hubbardston State Forest. Highlights:
Great Blue Heron (4); Wood Duck (8); Mallard (5); Turkey Vulture (3); Red-shouldered Hawk (1); Broad-winged Hawk (1); Red-tailed Hawk (1); Killdeer (1); Yellow-bellied Sapsucker (7); Pileated Woodpecker (1).
Passerines:
E Wood Pewee (4); E Phoebe (6); Great Crested Flycatcher (4); E Kingbird (7); Red-eyed Vireo (74); C Raven (1); Tree Swallow (12); Barn Swallow (5); House Wren (9); Winter Wren (1);E Bluebird (4); Veery (13); Wood Thrush (5); Gray Catbird (29); Cedar Waxwing (11).
WARBLERS: Yellow (4); Chestnut-sided (5); Black-throated Blue (2); Pine (2); Bay-breasted (1); A Redstart (2); Worm-eating (1: a real surprise. In the right habitat, but not really expected this far north in the County. Vigorously singing, but when we returned hours later, we could not refind it); Ovenbird (31); Northern Waterthrush (2); C Yellowthroat (13); Canada (1).
Scarlet Tanager (5); E Towhee (6); Swamp Sparrow (4); Indigo Bunting (1); Bobolink (28 minimum: a great show of males singing and displaying. SEE
SHEILA'S photo); Purple Finch.
(report from Mark Lynch/Sheila Carroll).
5/21/24 -- Douglas State Forest
I saw a Canada Warbler on the Coffee House Loop Trail and heard 2 others on the Cedar Swamp Trail this morning. (report from Robert Brady)
5/20/24 -- Petersham
Highlights of a morning walk at Harvard Forest included a Bay-breasted Warbler and a flock of 5 Pine Siskins. (report from Robert Brady)
5/19/24 -- Wachusett Reservoir IBA
This morning we birded around the WACHUSETT RESERVOIR IBA in cool, damp, overcast, misty conditions. Highlights:
Common Loon (7); Double-crested Cormorant (12); Great Blue Heron (0: there WERE 4 active nests, but when we arrived to see how they were doing, there were now no Great Blues in their nests and none "around". There were, however 2 Ospreys at a heron nest. There WAS an Osprey nest further back in the marsh, but they seem to have abandoned that and were now at a heron nest. Everyone was in place a week ago, but now this: (see
Sheila's shot) Obviously something happened.); Green Heron (1); Canada Goose (23); Mute Swan (3); Wood Duck (4 drakes); Mallard (8); Common Merganser (1f); Osprey (4); Red-tailed Hawk (1); Virginia Rail (3); Black-bellied Plover (1); Killdeer (2: we saw a raven atop the high school where Killdeer nest. It had something in its mouth and was being yelled at by a Killdeer); Spotted Sandpiper (1); Black Tern (1 breeding plumage. Seen from dam looking south towards between Cunningham Ledge and Cemetery Island. We watched it for over 30 minutes and others got on it).
Passerine highlights: E Wood Pewee (2); E Phoebe (2); Great Crested Flycatcher (2); E Kingbird (3); Warbling Vireo (17); Red-eyed Vireo (34); C Raven (3);
SWALLOWS: swarming over water: Tree (80+); N Rough-winged (4); Cliff (1); Barn (52).
House Wren (4); Wood Thrush (6); Gray Catbird (27).
WARBLERS: Yellow (8); Chestnut-sided (1); Black-throated Green (1); Pine (3); Bay-breasted (1); Black and White (2); A Redstart (3); Ovenbird (13); Northern Waterthrush (1); C Yellowthroat (10).
Scarlet Tanager (4); E Towhee (6); Field Sparrow (1); Rose-breasted Grosbeak (11); Bobolink (3); Baltimore Oriole (19).
(report from Mark Lynch/Sheila Carroll).
5/18/24 -- Gates 31-40, Quabbin Reservoir
The Forbush Bird Club trip at Quabbin was very nice. Six birders in attendance. We saw/heard over 70 species. Trip is posted on E-bird. Learned a few more warbler songs and calls -- hoping to remember them! Weather held until the afternoon, but rain turned out to be mostly mild sprinkles. Thanks Tom Pirro for leading this trip.
Highlights of the trip included a female Common Merganser with 12 merglings (is that a word?!) Almost all were stacked on her back as she swam across a LOONG stretch of open water on the reservoir, lots of Red Crossbills, a Yellow-throated Vireo on a nest, nice looks at Common Loons and 2 Bald Eagles.
Bonus Mammals: Nice views of 2 black bears, one following another (at a distance) through the forest then one started down the road toward us, until it realized our presence then it turned back and continued along through the forest by another route. with the larger bear following.
We also spotted 2 deer (does) on the shoreline of a swamp -- no fawns to be seen.
(report from Marion Larson & Scott Handler)
5/14/24 -- Warren
Today we birded around WARREN. Lots of birds but 99% of them were species that breed in the area. That said, there was lots of breeding behavior to watch. Highlights:
Great Blue Heron (11 with 5 occupied nests and in one nest we just make out 3 young); Canada Goose (19); wood Duck (1m); Hooded Merganser (1f); Turkey Vulture (12); Osprey (pair with 1 sitting tight on nest); Bald Eagle (1ad); Cooper's Hawk (1 attacked by raven); Broad-winged Hawk (2); Red-tailed Hawk (2); Virginia Rail (2); Spotted Sandpiper (1); Least Sandpiper (2); Ruby-throated Hummingbird (2: we got to closely watch 1 male (see Sheila's photo) perform the amazing display flight); Yellow-bellied Sapsucker (4).
Passerines:
Willow Flycatcher (1); Least Flycatcher (2); E Phoebe (6); Great Crested Flycatcher (4); E Kingbird (7); Yellow-throated Vireo (10); Warbling Vireo (21); Red-eyed Vireo (62); Fish Crow (1); C Raven (1);
Tree Swallow (24); Barn Swallow (39); Carolina Wren (7); House Wren (16); Veery (12); Wood Thrush (34); Gray Catbird (129).
WARBLERS: Blue-winged (7); Yellow (23); Chestnut-sided (26); Magnolia (1); Blackpoll (2); Black and White (6); A Redstart (19); Ovenbird (107); Northern Waterthrush (1); Louisiana Waterthrush (1); C Yellowthroat (51).
Field Sparrow (4); Rose-breasted Grosbeak (22); Scarlet Tanager (22); Bobolink (31); Orchard Oriole (1); Baltimore Oriole (19).
In Spencer: a few stops: A Kestrel (1); E Wood Pewee (1); Louisiana Waterthrush (1); Cape May Warbler (1); Red Crossbill (2).
Plus: Porcupine (1) and Northern Watersnake (1). Sheila saw some interesting dragonflies including Dot-tailed Whiteface, Springtime Darner, and River Cruiser.
(report from Mark Lynch/Sheila Carroll).
5/11/24 -- Wachuett Meadows Sanctuary, Princeton
In the afternoon I walked both the southern portion (Pasture trail) and northern portion (Brown loop trail). Highlights:
1 Osprey, 2 Red-bellied Woodpecker, 2 Yellow-bellied Sapsucker (mating near caretaker's cabin),
1 N. flicker, 1 E. Phoebe, 10 Tree Swallows, 1 Barn Swallow, 1 E. Bluebird, 2 Hermit Thrush
(near glacial boulder), 1 Wood Thrush, 2 Gray Catbird, 1 Magnolia Warbler, 2 Yellow-rumped Warbler,
1 Black-throated Green Warbler, 1 Pine Warbler, 5+ Ovenbirds, 1 Common Yellowthroat, 1 Rose-breasted Grosbeak, 1 Eastern Towhee, and 1 Baltimore Oriole (m).
(report from Rick Quimby).
5/10/24 -- Institute Park, Worcester
Highlights in late afternoon were 2 DC Cormorants, 16 Canada Geese (7 ad, 9 im), 1 Killdeer,
2 Spotted Sandpipers, 1 Red-bellied Woodpecker, 1 N. Flicker, 2 Gray Catbirds, 2 Cedar Waxwings,
5 Warbling Vireo, 2 Yellow Warbler, 2 Yellow-rumped Warbler, 2 Black-and-white Warbler , 1 Am Redstart,
1 White-throated Sparrow, and 2 Baltimore Oriole (m & f, still constructing nest).
(report from Rick Quimby).
5/9/24 -- City of Worcester: the southwestern cemeteries
We only had a few hours before work, so we headed to a few cemeteries in the sw corner of Worcester. It was breezy, even windy at times, which is not typically great conditions for viewing migrants. We did see some nice waves, but they were moving quickly, often somewhat low. Song was sporadic. Photography was tough because of the wind.
Highlights:
Mute Swan (pair, 1 on nest); Canada Goose (36, 4 goslings); Wood Duck (2); Mallard (6 drakes); Red-tailed Hawk (1); Killdeer (1); Chimney Swift (30); N Flicker (2).
Passerines:
Great Crested Flycatcher (1); E Kingbird (1); Yellow-throated Vireo (1); Warbling Vireo (15); Tree Swallow (6); N Rough-winged Swallow (6); Gray Catbird (12); N Mockingbird (10).
WARBLERS: Ovenbird (1); Nashville (1); Tennessee (1); Black-throated Green (1); Black and White (2); Chestnut-sided (1); Yellow (4); N Parula (3); Magnolia (1); Bay-breasted (1); Yellow-rumped (64); Wilson's (2: see
Sheila's photo of one of them).
Scarlet Tanager (2); Baltimore Oriole (14); Orchard Oriole (3).
Plus: among the 50+ E Painted Turtles, there was a large turtle which looked like a very old Red-eared Slider.
(report from Mark Lynch/Sheila Carroll).
5/9/24 -- Institute Park, Worcester
A late afternoon walk had the following highlights: 1 DC Cormorant (flyover), 4 adult Canada Geese
with 9 goslings total (4 with one pair, 5 with the other pair -- these two families were staying quite
close together in the main path along the front side of the pond, and walkers seemed to be quite
considerate in going around them), 2 adult Mute swans with 4 cygnets in tow (coming right up to the shore
near the apartments, giving photographers wonderful shots), 1 Cooper's Hawk, 2 Killdeer (one calling from
the roof of the fire station), 2 Solitary Sandpipers, 5 Chimney Swifts, 1 N. Flicker, 1 E. Kingbird,
3 Gray Catbirds, 3 Warbling Vireo, 2 Yellow Warbler, 1 American Redstart, 1 Rose-breasted Grosbeak (m),
2 White-throated Sparrow, 2 Baltimore Oriole (m & f, with f starting nest construction).
(report from Rick Quimby).
5/7/24 -- Hope & Notre Dam cemetery, Worcester
In a mid-morning walk, mostly at Hope and a brief time at Notre Dam, highlights were:
Two Chimney Swift, 1 Gray Catbird, 1 N. Mockingbird, 5 Warbling Vireo, 3 N. Parula, 2 Yellow Warbler,
1 Black-throated Blue Warbler, 5 Yellow-rumped Warbler, 2 Black-throated Green Warbler,
3 White-throated Sparrow, and 4 Baltimore Oriole.
(report from Rick Quimby).
5/4/24 -- Warren
Today we had a nice day birding in WARREN. We were here just a few days back and what a contrast in the number and variety of birds. Numbers of Ovenbirds, Rose-breasted Grosbeaks and Baltimore Orioles were passing through, and a variety of other migrants. And, for once, the weather was actually pleasant. Highlights:
Double-crested Cormorant (2ad); A Bittern (1); Great Blue Heron (8: 5 occupied nests); Canada Goose (6); Mallard (5); Turkey Vulture (13: including 3 on a road feasting on a watersnake); Osprey (1); Red-tailed Hawk (1); Wild Turkey (1); Virginia Rail (5); Killdeer (1); Lesser Yellowlegs (1); Solitary Sandpiper (7: see Sheila's photo); Spotted Sandpiper (1); Least Sandpiper (1); Chimney Swift (6); Ruby-throated Hummingbird (2); Red-bellied Woodpecker (6); Yellow-bellied Sapsucker (3); N Flicker (3); Pileated Woodpecker (1).
Passerines:
Least Flycatcher (5); E Phoebe (5); Great Crested Flycatcher (1); E Kingbird (4); Blue-headed Vireo (4); Warbling Vireo (23); Red-eyed Vireo (3); C Raven (2); Tree Swallow (48); N Rough-winged Swallow (4); Barn Swallow (6); Carolina Wren (17); House Wren (9); Ruby-crowned Kinglet (1); Blue-gray Gnatcatcher (2); E Bluebird (7); Hermit Thrush (1); Wood Thrush (5); Gray Catbird (47).
WARBLERS: Blue-winged (3); N Parula (2); Yellow (19); Chestnut-sided (4); Black-throated Blue (1); Yellow-rumped (14); Black-throated Green (1); Pine (8); Black and White (9); A Redstart (3); Worm-eating (1); Ovenbird (67); C Yellowthroat (12).
E Towhee (9); Chipping Sparrow (27); Swamp Sparrow (11); Rose-breasted Grosbeak (17); Bobolink (4); Orchard Oriole (1m); Baltimore Oriole (29).
Plus: 8 species of butterflies; FOY tree frog; a black gray squirrel, and 2 White-tailed Deer.
(report from Mark Lynch/Sheila Carroll).
5/3/24 -- Ware River Watershed
Today we returned to the WARE RIVER WATERSHED IBA to continue to check where the DCR has new permanent gates . This time we spent most (not all) of our time along the western edge along roads like Gilbert and Granger roads. Gilbert has a new gate just as the road begins to rise. Granger has a gate (which has been used before, but has been open in summer) just past the cliff house. It was an dark, cloudy morning which likely affected song. We saw 1 good �wave�. Highlights:
Great Blue Heron (9; 5 active nests); Mute Swan (2: right along Rt.122); Wood Duck (4); Mallard (1); Turkey Vulture (1); Yellow-bellied Sapsucker (2); N Flicker (3); Pileated Flycatcher (3).
Passerines:
Least Flycatcher (2); E Phoebe (4); Great Crested Flycatcher (1); Blue-headed Vireo (8); Tree Swallow (11); Red-breasted Nuthatch (9); Winter Wren (2 singing); E Bluebird (4); Hermit Thrush (3); Gray Catbird (6).
WARBLERS: Nashville (1); N Parula (1); Black-throated Blue (2); Yellow-rumped (48); Black-throated Green (5: see
Sheila's photo); Pine (12); Palm (6); Black and White (2); Ovenbird (68); Northern Waterthrush (1); C Yellowthroat (2).
E Towhee (12); Swamp Sparrow (3); Red-crossbill (2).
Plus: MANY toads singing and our first Gray Tree Frog of the season. And Sheila finally saw her first ode of the season: Hudsonian Whiteface.
(report from Mark Lynch/Sheila Carroll).
5/1/24 -- Ware River Watershed IBA
This morning we birded the southern portion of the WARE RIVER IBA under gloomy overcast skies. The dirt roads are a mixture of closed and open (that is new)
Whitehall Road is CLOSED. Pine Plains Road is CLOSED. Prison Camp Road is CLOSED from Whitehall Pond to just before the Prison Camp. The Prison Camp can be accessed from Intervale Road (paved) over the small bridge over Ware River to the Prison Camp. The new gate will be immediately on your left. You can follow the dirt road north to under the power lines to the bridge , which is now gated. Reuban Walker Road is CLOSED. Coldbrook Road is OPEN from Rt.122 to Barre Falls Dam. Tracy Road from the parking are around to Rt. 62 is OPEN.
Birds: Great Blue Heron (2); Canada Goose (4); Mute Swan (2); Wood Duck (2); Mallard (2); Ring-necked Duck (pair); Cooper's Hawk (1); Barred Owl (2 possibly 3, extremely vocal and duetting. See
Sheila's shot); Red-bellied Woodpecker (1); Yellow-bellied Sapsucker (3); N Flicker (1); Pileated Woodpecker (2).
Passerine highlights: Least Flycatcher (2); E Phoebe (6); Yellow-throated Vireo (1); Blue-headed Vireo (12); Warbling Vireo (1); C Raven (1); Tree Swallow (24); Red-breasted Nuthatch (15); Winter Wren (2 singing); Golden-crowned Kinglet (5); Ruby-crowned Kinglet (11); Hermit Thrush (5); Gray Catbird (1).
WARBLERS: Yellow (2); Black-throated Blue (1m); Yellow-rumped (32); Black-throated Green (2); Pine (19); Palm (5); Black and White (3); Ovenbird (41); Louisiana Waterthrush (2); C Yellowthroat (1).
E Towhee (11); Field Sparrow (1); White-throated Sparrow (12); Rose-breasted Grosbeak (1); Purple Finch (2); Red Crossbill (4); A Goldfinch (16).
Plus: nice showing of Wood Anemone, Bloodroot (past prime) and most of the Purple Trillium seemed past prime too.
(report from Mark Lynch/Sheila Carroll).
5/1/24 -- Institute Park, Worcester
Highlights this afternoon were 1 Double-crested Cormorant (ad), 6 Mute Swans (there are now 4 cygnets with 2 parents -- I watched as the mom got off the nest, while 3 young birds made their way down to the water, and then a 4th young bird came out of its mom's feathers to jump in the water. Good photo ops now for photographers!), 10 Canada Geese (family of 4 chicks with 2 ad), 1 Osprey, 1 Killdeer, 1 Spotted Sandpiper, 1 House Wren, 1 Blue-gray Gnatcatcher, 3 Warbling Vireos, 1 Yellow-rumped Warbler, 1 Black-and-white Warbler, and 1 Baltimore Oriole (f).
(report from Rick Quimby).
4/29/24 -- Institute Park, Worcester
Highlights from an afternoon walk included 1 Double-crested Cormorant (a), 2 Mute Swans (still on nest), 5 Canada Geese (3 goslings with 2 ad), 1 N. Flicker, 2 Warbling Vireos (FOY), 1 Yellow-rumped Warbler, 1 Chipping Sparrow, and 1 Baltimore Oriole (m).
(report from Rick Quimby).
4/28/24 -- Warren
This morning we birded around WARREN under overcast skies and periodic showers. Highlights:
Great Blue Heron ((7: 4 occupied nests); A Bittern (1); Canada Goose (20: 3 on nests); Wood Duck (6); Mallard (5); Ring-necked Duck (pair); Hooded Merganser (3: 2m+1f together); Turkey Vulture (10); Osprey (1 on nest); Virginia Rail (4); Belted Kingfisher (3); Red-bellied Woodpecker (3); Yellow-bellied Sapsucker (3); N Flicker (5); Pileated Woodpecker (1).
Passerines:
E Phoebe (6); Warbling Vireo (3); Blue-headed Vireo (3); C Raven (1); Tree Swallow (63); Barn Swallow (4); Winter Wren (1 singing) Carolina Wren (13); Blue-gray Gnatcatcher (pair: see
Sheila's shot); Gray Catbird (1); Yellow-rumped Warbler (1); Pine Warbler (9); E Towhee (16); Chipping Sparrow (21); Field Sparrow (2); Swamp Sparrow (13); Rose-breasted Grosbeak (1m singing); Pine Siskin (5).
Plus: 2 Porcupines in the same small tree.
(report from Mark Lynch/Sheila Carrol).
4/26/24 -- Worcester cemeteries and Worcester Airport environs
This morning we began by birding three of the cemeteries in the south west corner of Worcester: HOPE, NOTRE DAME, and ALL FAITHS. Highlights:
Great Blue Heron (2); Mute Swan (1); Canada Goose (53); Wood Duck (6); Mallard (10); Common Merganser (2f at All Faith's); Turkey Vulture (1); Killdeer (1); N Flicker (3)
Fish Crow (3); Tree Swallow (only 1); Pine Warbler (1); Yellow-rumped Warbler (moving flock of 20+ see
Sheila's photo); Chipping Sparrow (17).
NB: as we were driving to the cemeteries we came to a detour: a truck got wedged under the railroad bridge on Webster Street.
Then in the area between Rt. 56 and the Worcester Airport: Canada Goose (3); Mallard (1); Broad-winged Hawk (1); Wild Turkey (4); SANDHILL CRANE (2 out on the airport seen from Mulberry Street. They were flushed out of sight by a commercial flight and though we worked on them for the next half hour, we never refound them); Yellow-bellied Sapsucker (1); A Kestrel (2); E Phoebe (2); Blue-headed Vireo (1); Pine Warbler (2); Louisiana Waterthrush (1); Savannah Sparrow (1).
(report from Mark Lynch/Sheila Carroll).
4/25/24 -- Wachusett Reservoir IBA
Today we birded around the WACHUSETT RESERVOIR IBA and hit most of the spots. Highlights:
Common Loon (5); Double-crested Cormorant (14); Great Blue Heron (5, 4 active nests); Mute Swan (7); Canada Goose (10: 1 on nest); Wood Duck (2m); Mallard (4); Common Merganser (11); Wild Turkey (2); Turkey Vulture (1); Osprey (1 on nest); Cooper's Hawk (1); Red-shouldered Hawk (1); Red-tailed Hawk (1); Virginia Rail (3); Killdeer (2); Belted Kingfisher (2); N Flicker (4).
Passerines:
E Phoebe (3); Blue-headed Vireo (1); C Raven (1); Tree Swallow (87); Bank Swallow (1); Barn Swallow (); Ruby-crowned Kinglet (11; Pine Warbler (6); E Towhee (2); Chipping Sparrow (37); Field Sparrow (1); Swamp Sparrow (2 singing).
(report from Mark Lynch/Sheila Carroll).
4/24/24 -- Institute Park, Worcester
In a short early afternoon walk, there were 21 species, with highlights of 1 Double-crested Cormorant (ad), 2 Mute Swan (1 still on nest -- it has been there since at least March 20), 5 Canada Geese (1 on nest, only about 10 feet from the Mute Swan nest!), 1 Killdeer, 1 Eastern Phoebe, 3 Ruby-crowned Kinglet (seen and heard singing), 1 Yellow-rumped Warbler, 2 Chipping Sparrows, 1 White-throated Sparrow (singing), 3 Brown-headed Cowbirds (2 m diplaying in front of 1 f), and 5 House Finches (seems like there are more of them this year).
(report from Rick Quimby).
4/24/24 -- North Brookfield
Today,
2 black vultures and 1 Baltimore Oriole were seen in North Brookfield.
(report from Jeff Smith).
4/23/24 -- Hardwick
Today we birded a few spots in HARDWICK. This included Quabbin Gate 43. NB: GATE 43 will be closed MAY 6 and likely for the following three weeks as work is done on the entrance road. Other road closures that required detours were Ravine Road in New Braintree and North Road to Jackson Road in Hardwick.
Highlights: Common Loon (7 ad in a loose group); Great Blue Heron (2); Canada Goose (7); Wood Duck (3); Mallard (3); Ring-necked Duck (9); Bufflehead (pair); Common Merganser (1 f); Turkey Vulture (7); Bald Eagle (1ad+1imm); Broad-winged Hawk (1); Red-tailed Hawk (6); Wild Turkey (4); Killdeer (1); Greater Yellowlegs (1 overhead calling. The water levels at Quabbin are quite high with little shoreline); Belted Kingfisher (1); Yellow-bellied Sapsucker (3); N Flicker (4).
Passerines:
E Phoebe (7); E Kingbird (1); Blue-headed Vireo (1); C Raven (3); Tree Swallow (19); N Rough-winged Swallow (2); Winter Wren (1); Carolina Wren (1); Ruby-crowned Kinglet (16); Pine Warbler (9); Palm Warbler (2); Yellow-rumped Warbler (13); E Towhee (7); Field Sparrow (3); Savannah Sparrow (9: loose group at Gate 43 boat launch. See
Sheila's shot); Swamp Sparrow (8); Brown-headed Cowbird (14); Red Crossbill (2).
Plus: Butterflies: Spring Azure; American Lady; and Mourning Cloak. Plus tons of mayflies.
(report from Mark Lynch/Sheila Carroll).
4/19/24 -- Petersham
Today we birded around PETERSHAM under mostly cloudy skies. Spring migrants are eeking in and song is increasing, but it is still early. Highlights:
Great Blue Heron (2 birds on 2 nests); Canada Goose (6, 3 on nests on beaver lodges ); Wood Duck (8); A Black Duck (1); Mallard (6); Ring-necked Duck (85); Bufflehead (6); Hooded Merganser (4: 3f+1m); Common Merganser (15); Turkey Vulture (6); Osprey (1); Sharp-shinned Hawk (2); Red-shouldered Hawk (1); Broad-winged Hawk (2); Red-tailed Hawk (6); Ruffed Grouse (1); Wild Turkey (6); Belted Kingfisher (2); Red-bellied Woodpecker (3); Yellow-bellied Sapsucker (8); N Flicker (5); Pileated Woodpecker (1).
Passerines:
E Phoebe (11); Blue-headed Vireo (2); C Raven (3); Tree Swallow ( only 3); Red-breasted Nuthatch (4); Winter Wren (6); Ruby-crowned Kinglet (1); Hermit Thrush (3 singing); Pine Warbler (23); Louisiana Waterthrush (2); E Towhee (5); Chipping Sparrow ( 3); Field Sparrow (2: great to hear their song again. SEE
SHEILA'S PHOTO); Red-winged Blackbird (214: large flocks still passing through); Purple Finch (1f); Pine Siskin (11); Red Crossbill (10).
(report from Mark Lynch/Sheila Carroll).
4/19/24 -- Institute Park, Worcester
In a short afternoon walk highlights were 1 Double-crested Cormorant (ad), 2 Mute Swans (1 still on nest),
1 Osprey (perched for a long time on the island), and 1 Chipping Sparrow (calling, FOY here).
(report from Rick Quimby).
4/15/24 -- Broad Meadow Brook Sanctuary, Worcester
I took a mid-afternoon walk from the Dunkirk St entrance, and had these highlights:
3 Great-Blue Herons (1 on each of two nests, and the third originally with his mate on one of the nests,
and then flying off to a nearby perch), 2 Bald Eagles (1 ad, 1 im, flying/soaring over the meadow along
the "stretch"), 1 Killdeer, 1 Red-bellied Woodpecker (I was directly underneath the bird, with good views
of the red on the underbelly), 1 N. Flicker, 3 E. Phoebe, 1 Blue-headed Vireo, 2 Palm Warblers, 1
Brown-headed Cowbird.
(report from Rick Quimby).
4/14/24 -- New Braintree
Today we birded around NEW BRAINTREE. Highlights: Canada Goose (7); Black Vulture (1); Turkey Vulture (2); Red-tailed Hawk (2); Killdeer (1); Yellow-bellied Sapsucker (1); N Flicker (2); A Kestrel (1);
E Phoebe (13); C Raven (9); Tree Swallow (only 7); Red-breasted Nuthatch (3); Winter Wren (1 singing); Carolina Wren (8); Ruby-crowned Kinglet (1); Golden-crowned Kinglet (1); E Bluebird (8); Brown Thrasher (1); Pine Warbler (3); E Towhee (4: all staying hidden in tangles. SEE
SHEILA'S PHOTO: this is how we saw them); Chipping Sparrow (6); Swamp Sparrow (3 singing); Red-winged Blackbird (125+: flocks still moving through); Brown-headed Cowbird (4); Pine Siskin (10+)
Plus: Mourning Cloak and Marsh Marigolds.
(report from Mark Lynch/Sheila Carroll).
4/14/24 -- Gate 27, Wachusett Reservoir
In a late morning walk past the Lily Ponds and on to Lamson Cove I had 14 Ring-necked Ducks (7m, 7f in pairs),
1 Red-bellied Woodpecker, 1 E. Phoebe, 1 E. Bluebird, 2 Pine Warblers, and 1 Brown-headed Cowbird.
(report from Rick Quimby).
4/13/24 -- Warren
Today we birded around WARREN in not quite ideal conditions: dark cloudy skies, lots of showers, and breezy conditions. Bird life was typical for early spring.
Great Blue Hern (8, with 5 active nests); Canada Goose (16: at least 2 on nests); Wood Duck (7. We watched 1 female searching potential nest holes. She would fly down from her perch up in a tree, and stick her head in a hole to check it out. We left after 15+ minutes. See
Sheila's photo); Mallard (5); Ring-necked Duck (6); Wild Turkey (1); Turkey Vulture (7); Osprey (5: 1 was near the nest, but we could not see any activity. It is possible there was a bird on the nest, sitting tight and low because of the weather); Virginia Rail (4); Mourning Dove (13); Belted Kingfisher (2); Red-bellied Woodpecker (5); Yellow-bellied Sapsucker (1); Downy Woodpecker (5); N Flicker (5); A Kestrel (1).
Passerine highlights: E Phoebe (10); Tree Swallow (87); Barn Swallow (3); E Bluebird (5); Gray Catbird (1); Yellow-rumped Warbler (1); Pine Warbler (3m); E Towhee (1); Chipping Sparrow (6); Song Sparrow (19); White-throated Sparrow (14); Dark-eyed Junco (9): NB: in one spot we were able to hear 3 somewhat similar trilling species: Pine Warbler, Chipping Sparrow, and junco.
In Spencer: (3) Louisiana Waterthrush
(report from Mark Lynch/Sheila Carroll).
4/10/24 -- North Brookfield
There were
2 Rusty Blackbirds spotted along the North Brookfield Rail Trail. They were foraging on the ground in a heavily overgrown swale. (report from Jeff Smith).
4/10/24 -- Green Hill Park, Worcester
This morning my son waded into the large pond at Green Hill Park to rescue this
Common Merganser caught on a fishing line. She is all set.
We see pairs of them in the spring and fall.
(report from Elizabeth Noone)
4/8/24 -- Worcester Academy, Worcester
An adult Bald Eagle flew over Worcester Academy at 3:30 this afternoon, heading towards Lake Quinsig, right during the maximum moments of the eclipse.
(report from John Liller).
4/7/24 -- Northboro, Westboro, Wachusett Reservoir
This morning we started at BARTLETT POND, NORTHBORO: Mute Swan (2:1 on nest); Canada Goose (9); Wood Duck (4); Green-winged Teal (6); Ring-necked Duck (26); Tree Swallow (1).
NB: nearby in Northboro we came across a raucous flock of (12) Fish Crows flying all around.
CHAUNCY LAKE, WESTBORO: Pied-billed Grebe (2: see 1 of
Sheila's shots); Mute Swan (31); Canada Goose (10); Mallard (2); Lesser Scaup (9); Ring-necked Duck (10); Bufflehead (4); Killdeer (3); Ring-billed Gull (5; E Phoebe (1).
SUASCO, WESTBORO: Mute Swan (2, 1 on nest); Canada Goose (1); Wood Duck (2); Mallard (2); Green-winged Teal (2); Ring-necked Duck (33); Common Merganser (7); Ruddy Duck (8); Turkey Vulture (1); Osprey (2: one on each of the 2 nests); Red-tailed Hawk (1); Tree Swallow (80+).
NB: The Mill Street side was crowded with fishermen's cars. We initially couldn't find any parking and had to come back. Boats were out in all areas.
WACHUSETT RESERVOIR IBA NB: we concentrated on the main body of the reservoir and only visited a few other water bodies like Coachlace. Common Loon (5); Double-crested Cormorant (4); Great Blue Heron (4: 3 on 3 nests); Mute Swan (3); Canada Goose (4); Wood Duck (2); Mallard (4); Lesser Scaup (2); Common Merganser (6); Turkey Vulture (5); Osprey (2 at nest); Cooper's Hawk (3); Bald Eagle (2); Red-tailed Hawk (2); Tree Swallow (50: all over Coachlace).
NB: there were cars parked everywhere and fishermen all along the shore. Was this opening weekend for fishing?
(report from Mark Lynch/Sheila Carroll).
4/6/24 -- Quabog IBA, Brookfields
This morning we birded the QUABOG IBA in the Brookfields. Very breezy, cool, but with very little snow still on the ground. Water levels were very high. We had low numbers in modest variety. Most of the waterbirds were on smaller bodies.
Great Blue Heron (1); Mute Swan (2); Canada Goose (33: 3 on nests.); Wood Duck (2); A Black Duck (pair); Mallard (6); Ring-necked Duck (51);Bufflehead (10); Common Merganser (23); Turkey Vulture (5); Ring-billed Gulls (19); Belted Kingfisher (2).
Passerines were in low numbers. Many of the Red-wings have been flooded off their territories. We only had (1) phoebe and (5) Tree Swallows. We did have 4 Fish Crow, which were very vocal ( see Sheila's
photo). The most common songbird was (no surprise) robins. I attempted to keep count and totaled (460).
(report from Mark Lynch/Sheila Carroll).
3/31/24 -- Petersham
This morning we birded around PETERSHAM.
Great Blue Heron (1 working on nest); Canada Goose (14; 4 on nests); Wood Duck (10); A Black Duck (33); Mallard (10); Blue-winged Teal (1m); Green-winged Teal (11); Ring-necked Duck (128); Bufflehead (23); Hooded Merganser (10: only 1 drake); Common Merganser (8); Black Vulture (1); Turkey Vulture (7); Red-shouldered Hawk (1); Wild Turkey (2); Killdeer (1); Mourning Dove (3); Red-bellied Woodpecker (2); Downy Woodpecker (1).
Passerine highlights: E Phoebe (6); C Raven (1); Tree Swallow (12); Brown Creeper (1); Red-winged Blackbird (Migrating group of 5+; they were gone from several cattail marshes); Pine Siskin (21: small numbers in several locations. SEE Sheila's
photo); Red Crossbill (22: including 5 immatures. Sheila got a few shots. These were on the ground bathing in a stream).
Plus: Peepers; Wood Frogs; a few E Painted Turtles. The only bunny was a road kill.
(report from Mark Lynch/Sheila Carroll).
3/31/24 -- Gate 35, Wachusett Reservoir
In the afternoon I walked the wood roads out to and around Greenhalge Point, checking the waters
all around. On the water I found 2 close-in Common Loons, and 1 Common Merganser fly-by. Landbirds were
typical, and included 1 E. Phoebe, 1 E. Bluebird, 1 singing Song Sparrow, and a couple of Hairy Woodpeckers that were
chasing around with loud vocalizations (not sure if it was mating or territorial behavior).
(report from Rick Qumby).
3/30/24 -- Wachusett Reservoir IBA
This morning we birded the WACHUSETT RESERVOIR IBA. Sunny, but quite breezy. Common Loon (5: none in breeding plumage); Double-crested Cormorant (2); Great Blue Heron (1: none at nests); Canada Goose (15); Wood Duck (11); Mallard (9); Ring-necked Duck (55); Greater Scaup (15); Bufflehead (11); C Goldeneye (6); Common Merganser (28); Turkey Vulture (1); Osprey (1 working on nest); Bald Eagle (1ad); Red-tailed Hawk (5); Virginia Rail (1); Killdeer (7); Ring-billed Gull (10); N Flicker (6: 1 excavating a nest hole).
Passerines were mostly typical, but we did have: E Phoebe (1); E Bluebird (3); E Towhee (1).
(report from Mark Lynch/Sheila Carroll).
3/24/24 -- Auburn
This afternoon we checked on some breeding raptors in AUBURN. At Dark Brook Reservoir we had a pair of Bald Eagles sitting next to each other, BUT across the water from the traditional nest. Have they abandoned the nest or is something else going on? (see Sheila's
distant shot).
At the Home Depot, Rt.20, we had an Osprey fly into the next in the microwave tower. There was only a handful of waterfowl. NB: Trees on the top of hills were still ice covered.
(report from Mark Lynch/Sheila Carroll).
3/24/24 -- Gate 25, Wachusett Reservoir
In an afternoon walk along the wood roads from Gate 25 I had highlights of 1 E. Phoebe, and
2 Bufflehead (m&f) in Horseshoe Cove. The male was diving, while the female stayed mostly on
the surface as I watched for a while behind a thick blind of saplings.
(report from Rick Quimby).
3/22/24 -- Hardwick
This morning we birded a few areas in HARDWICK. We did not hike in any Quabbin gates. The temps never got above the mid-20s and skim ice was on at least parts of the small ponds. Canada Goose (10); Wood Duck (8); Mallard (7); Ring-necked Duck (9); Bufflehead (2); Hooded Merganser (6); Common Merganser (2); Red-tailed Hawk (1); Wild Turkey (2); Red-bellied Woodpecker (2); Hairy Woodpecker (2); N Flicker (1); A Kestrel (1).
Passerines were in low numbers and variety. There were small flocks of juncos and White-throats and (33) Song Sparrows. We had no Tree Swallows. Highlights: E Phoebe (4); Carolina Wren (2); E Bluebird (8); Fox Sparrow (1); Red-crossbill (2: see Sheila's
photo: we watched this pair gritting on a dirt road for over 15 minutes. They would perch in bushes or a phone line, first one then the other would then fly down. All the while they were quietly calling to each other.).
On the way home in New Braintree we had: Canada Goose (130); Turkey Vulture (3); and Sandhill Crane (2: see Sheila's shot)
(report from Mark Lynch/Sheila Carroll).
3/20/24 -- Quabog IBA, Brookfields
This morning we birded around the QUABOG IBA in the Brookfields. The weather was cool-cold with increasing wind. The 4 large lakes had few birds on them and the most variety and numbers were on smaller bodies. Common Loon (1); Canada Goose (23); Mute Swan (1); Wood Duck (6); A Black Duck (9); Mallard (9); Green-winged Teal (7); Ring-necked Duck (49); Bufflehead (9); C Goldeneye (1m); Hooded Merganser (4); Common Merganser (4); Bald Eagle (1ad on nest); Cooper's Hawk (1); Red-tailed Hawk (6); Ring-billed Gull (13); Red-bellied Woodpecker (3); Yellow-bellied Sapsucker (1m); N Flicker (1); Pileated Woodpecker (1).
Passerine highlights: Fish Crow (3); Tree Swallow (57: over the river); Brown Creeper (1); Carolina Wren (10); E Bluebird (3); Song Sparrow (42 singing); Red-winged Blackbird (430: many males on territory but also flocks moving).
One the way home we had a male kestrel perched on a nesting box in Spencer.
(report from Mark Lynch/Sheila Carroll).
3/20/24 -- Institute Park, Worcester
In a very short (15 min) walk at 2:00 this afternoon I found 2 Mute Swans (1 on nest!), 1 E. Phoebe, and
2 House Finches (m&f). (report from Rick Quimby).
3/20/24 -- Park Ave, Worcester
As I was driving in to WPI, northbound on Park Ave and starting to pass
the football field on my right I saw a huge bird glide right-to-left
into the white pines between Jeppsen and Hughes houses on Drury Lane.
I thought it was a turkey vulture at first but then saw the white head
and brilliant tail as the bird flared to land somewhere out of sight.
I tried to see the bird as I passed Drury Lane off left, but saw
nothing; then I had to take turn into the garage.
(report from Michael Voorhis).
3/19/24 -- Indian Lake, Worcester
Today at 5:15 p.m. I spotted a bald eagle in flight while chasing a smaller bird across Indian Lake.
The eagle flew above traffic at a low height allowing for an easy identification. It swooped and soared showing its glorious shape, form, and markings. Such a gift!
(report from Christine Fallstrom).
3/16/24 -- Wachusett Meadows Sanctuary, Princeton
I took an afternoon walk through the southern half of the sanctuary. Lots of Red-winged Blackbirds and
Grackles near the parking area, and a Red-bellied Woodpecker near the visitor's center. Heading south to
the meadow trails, there were spring peepers and wood frogs calling, and in the first meadow, 1
E. Phoebe (FOY), and 1 E. Bluebird.
(report from Rick Quimby).
3/15/24 -- SuAsCo+ Chauncy Pond, Westboro
This morning we started at SuAsCo. WE dipped on the Trumpeter Swan despite returning 3 times to recheck. Other birders there also had no luck. We did have from both sides:
Mute Swan (31: 1 on nest); Canada Goose (7); A Black Duck (4); American Wigeon (1m); Green-winged Teal (2); Mallard (12); Ring-necked Duck (76); Greater Scaup (6); Bufflehead (1); Ruddy Duck (11); Osprey (1 at nest platform); C Raven (pair at nest); Tree Swallow (c.200+).
Later at Chauncy Pond: Mute Swan (11); Mallard (11); A Black Duck (21); Gadwall (5); Ring-necked Duck (36); Bufflehead (3); Common Merganser (5); Tree Swallow (4).
(report from Mark Lynch/Sheila Carroll).
3/12/24 -- Gate 27, Wachusett Reservoir
An afternoon walk on this breezy day past the Lilly ponds to Lamson cove yielded few birds, but there was a
tight flock of 8 Common Goldeneye (1m, 7f) in the sheltered area of Lamson cove.
(report from Rick Quimby).
3/6/24 -- Ware River IBA
Because all the gates are still closed, this morning (3-6) we birded around the periphery of the southern section of the WARE RIVER WATERSHED IBA. Few birds, but we got a few of our targets: Highlights: Canada Goose (6); Mallard (2); Common Merganser (16); Cooper's Hawk (1); Red-tailed Hawk (2); Pileated Woodpecker (1).
C Raven (2); Carolina Wren (3); Golden-crowned Kinglet (10 minimum: single flock, feeding on the ground); E Bluebird (4); Red-winged Blackbird (33); C Grackle (7); Red Crossbill (19: several pairs, but also a flock feeding on birch and alder catkins. See Sheila's
photo); Purple Finch (1); Pine Siskin (53).
(report from Mark Lynch/Sheila Carroll).
3/5/24 -- Lincoln St, Worcester
In the late morning, on the side opposite Lincoln Plaza, there was a Fish Crow calling from the top
of a telephone pole. Distinctive short nasally call, and I noticed that the bill looked quite short.
(report from Rick Qumby).
3/4/24 -- Gate 32, Wachusett Reservoir
In the afternoon I hiked in from Gate 32, making a loop past both Lamson and Kendall coves. Typical
winter landbirds (including 2 Golden-crowned Kinlets), and there were 21 Common Mergansers (6 at Lamson cove
and 15 at Kendall cove).
(report from Rick Qumby).
3/2/24 -- Indian Lake, Worcester
This morning at Indian Lake I had a Bald Eagle carrying a huge branch/limb fly over as I was traveling on Rte 122A near Chester St. The bird was in silhouette and the fact I was driving prevented aging of the bird.
(report from Lisa Hennin).
3/1/24 -- Hennessey Conservation Area, Grafton
Recorded today at the Hennessey Conservation Area:
Canada Goose 10 ;
Wood Duck 1 ;
Mallard 18 ;
AMERICAN WOODCOCK 3-4 displaying ;
Carolina Wren 1 ;
American Robin 4 ;
Red-winged Blackbird 8 ;
Common Grackle 28 ;
blackbird sp. 60.
(report from John Liller).
2/21/24 -- Wachusett Reservoir
This morning we birded around WACHUSETT RESERVOIR. At that point in time c.85% or more of the surface was ice-covered, though some areas looked like it would melt by afternoon. The Quinapoxet River was ice-covered, so we did not see a Barrow's there and all the other Goldeneye we saw were �Common�. A modest flock of ducks east of the Fletcher St causeway were too far out to make out what they were with a scope. Closer ducks were all Common Mergansers, Ring-necks, and Common Goldeneyes. It got worse later in the morning with heat distortion. Maybe from Scar Hill Bluffs?
We did see: Common Loon (9, including 5 in a hole in the ice seen from the dam. Sheila could only manage a distant poor
photo, but you will get the gist. We first noticed that some loons every winter seem to get trapped in the ice and informed DCR about it. They knew about it and was monitoring the situation, but there was little they could do. Common Loons need lots of space to take off, so it's always concerning to see so many in a small open area. But the temps should be getting milder the next few days, so they should be OK. Years back, we watched eagles perched t the edge of the ice opeings looking like they were waiting for the loons to die. );
Canada Goose (144); Mute Swan (1); Mallard (21); Ring-necked Duck (4); Common Goldeneye (33); Hooded Merganser (5); Common Merganser (44); Bald Eagle (2imm); Red-tailed Hawk (1). Gulls: there was a large flock of gulls out by Cunningham Ledge. They were too far out to clearly see what many were, but closer gulls included: Ring-billed (45); Herring (64+); Great Black-backed (17+). In a nearby marsh, (3) Red-winged Blackbird males were on territory and singing.
(report from Mark Lynch/Sheila Carroll).
2/18/24 -- Gate 33, Wachusett Reservoir
Walking in from gate 33 there were the usual winter birds, including 2 Golden-crowned Kinglets. At
Kendall cove, there were 4 Common Goldeneyes (f), and 1 Common Loon.
(report from Rick Quimby).
2/12/24 -- Gate 27, Wachusett Reservoir
I took a pre-storm afternoon walk into Gate 27 past the Lilly Ponds and on to Lamson Cove. Highlights
were 2 Hooded Mergansers (on one of the ponds), 11 Common Mergansers (in Lamson Cove), 2 Cooper's Hawks,
1 Carolina Wren, 3 Field Sparrows (a nice surprise), 2 Song Sparrows, and 1 C. Grackle.
(report from Rick Quimby).
2/11/24 -- Petersham
Today we birded around PETERSHAM. Still Water was 98% iced over, but streams were running.
Mallard (12 in small opening in ice on Harvard Pond); Hooded Merganser (3 in stream); Ruffed Grouse (1); Raven (1); Tree Sparrow (8); White-throated Sparrow (20+); Dark-eyed Junco (115); Red Crossbill (2); Pine Siskin (50+: see 1 of Sheila's shots)
Plus: a River Otter we watched sometime pop up through small holes in the ice on a pond, feasting on fish.
On the way home at Winnimusset Meadows there was a pair of adult Bald Eagles perched almost next to each other in a tree.
(report from Mark Lynch/Sheila Carroll).
2/10/24 -- Southboro
Today we birded the SUDBURY RESERVOIR in SOUTHBORO. The water was still c.60% ice-covered. Mute Swan (4); Canada Goose (282); Mallard (3); A Black Duck (1); Ring-necked Duck (70); Greater Scaup (11); C Goldeneye (21); Hooded Merganser (11); Common Merganser (39); Sharp-shinned Hawk (1); Bald Eagle (1ad perched next to nest); Red-tailed Hawk (2); Ring-billed Gull (2).
Plus: we watched a poor Red Fox hunting which had a horrible case of mange really affecting its face.
Later we dropped by Lancaster to look (again) for the cranes. We dipped, but we did have a really huge flock of Red-winged Blackbirds moving along the Nashua River: after 1200 we stopped counting.
NB: RE: Dexter Drumlin. This day we had a man with three large unleashed dogs running over the flats. Most of the geese had left leaving about 40. We have also now consistently seen people with unleashed dogs on the drumlin even though it is clearly signed.
(report from Mark Lynch/Sheila Carroll).
2/7/24 -- Lancaster-Harvard-Wachusett Reservoir
Today we birded several areas: We searched around LANCASTER for the cranes, but dipped. We did have Great Blue Heron (2); Canada Goose (c.300); Mute Swan (2); Hooded Merganser (2); Bald Eagle (1ad); Red-tailed Hawk (1); Wild Turkey (16); Red-winged Blackbird (125+).
A short trip to HARVARD had: C Raven (2); Fox Sparrow (1); Red-winged Blackbird (42: plus a large flock in some small trees, flying down to drink: 300++); C Grackle (15: in and among the large flock of Red-winged).
WACHUSETT RESERVOIR: C Loon (2); Mallard (8); A Black Duck (2); Ring-necked Duck (69); Greater Scaup (91+); Lesser Scaup (3); Bufflehead (3); Common Goldeneye (104); Barrow's Goldeneye (1f); Hooded Merganser (14); Common Merganser (2); Red-tailed Hawk (3); Red-tailed X Red-shouldered hybrid (1 in the usual area).
(report from Mark Lynch/Sheila Carroll).
2/4/24 -- Gate 25, Wachusett Reservoir
In the late afternoon I walked in gate 25 to Horseshoe Cove, where I saw two Bald Eagles take off
from trees on the bluff and fly across the reservoir to the opposite shore, landing in trees. I got good views of
them both, and they were in first year (juv) plumage.
(report from Rick Quimby).
2/3/24 -- New Braintree
This morning we birded a few spots in NEW BRAINTREE. Birds of any kind were few and far between: Highlights only:
Mallard (8); A Black Duck (4); Bald Eagle (1ad perched right on Rt67, chased off by a crow. See
photo by Sheila); Red-tailed Hawk (1).
Common Raven (12); Brown Creeper (1); Golden-crowned Kinglet (3); Snow Bunting (flock of 70+); Song Sparrow (3). West Brookfield: Merlin (1).
(report from Mark Lynch/Sheila Carroll).
2/2/24 -- Worcester
Today at 12:24pm there was a Bald Eagle circling around the I-190 off ramp to W Boylston St, and the
I-290 on ramp from W Boylston St. It was circling so low that it stopped traffic from continuing in that area.
(report from Sheila Loughnane).
1/27/24 -- Wachusett Reservoir IBA
This morning we birded the WACHUSETT RESERVOIR IBA. Many of the ponds were ice covered.
Common Loon (6); Mallard (2); Greater Scaup/scaup sp (208: on the main body of the reservoir east of the causeway); Bufflehead (8); Common Goldeneye (67); Hooded Merganser (13); Common Merganser (15); Red-tailed Hawk (3); Ring-billed Gull (19); Herring Gull (5); Great Black-backed Gull (19 all adW in a tight flock on East Waushacum); Yellow-bellied Sapsucker (1).
Passerine highlights: Common Raven (1); Winter Wren (1); A Robin (65: 1 flock feeding on crab apples); Snow Bunting (15: off reservoir dike); Tree Sparrow (2: see
photo by Sheila Carroll); Cardinal (11: males and females in one small feeding area of bushes); Pine Siskin (10+).
(report from Mark Lynch/Sheila Carroll).
1/25/24 -- Brookfields
Today we birded the QUABOG IBA. Open water was scarce and morning fog was an issue in several spots.
Canada Goose (80: all overhead); Mute Swan (5); Mallard (42); Hooded Merganser (1); Sharp-shinned Hawk (1); Cooper's Hawk (1); Bald Eagle (2ad); Red-tailed Hawk (2); Wild Turkey (7); Ring-billed Gull (11); Iceland Gull (1 2ndW: at Lake Quabog. SEE
SHEILA'S PHOTO. The bird not there when we returned a short time after we saw it); Herring Gull (1 1stW);
PASSERINE HIGHLIGHTS: Winter Wren (1); Carolina Wren (2); E Bluebird (18); Pine Warbler (1); Dark-eyed Junco (70+).
(report from Mark Lynch/Sheila Carroll).
1/25/24 -- Elm Park, Worcester
This morning I saw a bald eagle in flight in the vicinity of Elm Park in Worcester. I've never seen one in the city before. I see there were a couple of recent sightings in the area.
(report from Elizabeth Noone).
1/21/24 -- Worcester-Shrewsbury
Today we birded around the Lake Quinsigamond-Flint Pond waters. The area is now a patchwork of open water and ice. We dipped on the Gadwalls (that had been reported).
Canada Goose (362); Mute Swan (5); Mallard (98); A Black Duck (10); Hooded Merganser (12); Common Merganser (42); Great Blue Heron (2); Bald Eagle (2ad+1imm); Red-tailed Hawk (1); Ring-billed Gull (5); Belted Kingfisher (1).
Passerines included (2) ravens and (91) A Robins (see
Sheila's shot).
(report from Mark Lynch/Sheila Carroll).
1/13/24 -- Worcester-Rutland-Holden
This afternoon, after most of the rain had stopped (or so we thought), we headed out:
INDIAN LAKE, WORCESTER: Bald Eagle (1ad, perched); c.40 Ring-billed Gulls. NB: mostly ice covered, though much of the ice was under water.
MUSCHAPAUGE ROAD, RUTLAND: Our birding here came to abrupt halt as a very rainy front passed over, but before the rain we did have: Red-tailed Hawk (1); Wild Turkey (31); Savannah Sparrow (3). Anne Greene (who was also there) reported seeing some Horned Larke. But the hard rain made it impossible for us to find them.
EAGLE LAKE, HOLDEN: Some open water. There was a nice knot of ducks: Mute Swan (4); A Black Duck (23); Mallard (18); Green-winged Teal (2); Peregrine Falcon (1ad: looking over a future meal? Sheila got some
nice shots despite poor lighting).
WORCESTER AIRPORT: Not much: Horned Larke: flock of 16; Eastern Bluebird (4)
(report from Mark Lynch/Sheila Carroll).
1/6/24 -- Gate 27, Wachusett Reservoir
I walked in Gate 27 going by the Lily ponds and on to Lamson Cove, enjoying the last walk on bare ground
before the coming snow. Highlights were 1 Great Blue Heron, 6 Hooded Mergansers, 85 Common Mergansers,
1 Belted Kingfisher, and 4 Song Sparrows. The Common Mergs were in a tight flock in Lamson Cove, and I
watched them carefully through the trees so as not to flush them. Seeing birds like this "hidden away"
in a sheltered cove is one of the pleasures of hiking on the reservoir wooded roads, but of course this comes
at the expense of not getting the "big picture" of what is on the reservoir.
(report from Rick Quimby).
1/6/24 -- Blackstone-Millville
Today we birded the towns of Blackstone/Millville.
Highlights: Canada Goose (39); Mute Swan (2); Hooded Merganser (11); Common Merganser (1); Black Vulture (25: minimal count. First thing we found a flock on the Woonsocket/Blackstone line feasting on some carrion. They then dispersed mostly north and east into MA. See
Sheila's shot, one of many); Turkey Vulture (24: minimal count: this species did not join the BVs, Throughout the morning they dispersed north and east and they were typically in view where ever we went in the 2 towns. ); Cooper's Hawk (1); Red-shouldered Hawk (4); Red-tailed Hawk (7); Ring-billed Gull (7); E Screech Owl (1); N Flicker (3).
Brown Creeper (1); Carolina Wren (12); E Bluebird (2); Gray Catbird (1); E Towhee (1); Song Sparrow (21); Dark-eyed Junco (69); Red Crossbill (1: fly-over. The most unexpected bird of the day).
(report from Mark Lynch/Sheila Carroll).
1/3/24 -� Wachusett Reservoir Area
Today we birded around the Reservoir and associated nearby waterbodies. The day was sunny and clear in the morning, about 31 degrees first thing and up to 38 or so by afternoon as dark clouds began to gather around 1 pm as we were finishing up.
Gate 36 (North Dike and Rainbow Bay), Sterling � Common Loon (4); Hooded Merganser (8); Common Merganser (1); Common Goldeneye (12); Bufflehead (6); Kingfisher(1); Horned Larks (45) � searched in vain among the larks for buntings etc.; Raven (1); Song Sparrow (2). Met Bob Abbott, Forbush Bird member on the dike and traded sightings.
Gate 39, Clinton � Common Merganser (7); Common Goldeneye (13); Bufflehead (7); Great Blue Heron (1); Blue Jay (2); Bluebirds (8); Crow (5); Junco (2). South Meadow Pond, S. Meadow Rd, Clinton � Mute Swan (1); Greater Scaup (206); Lesser Scaup (4); Hooded Merganser (12); Canada Goose (50); Mallard (4); Carolina Wren (1); Crow (4); Red-tailed Hawk (1).
Coachlace Pond, New Harbor Rd, Clinton � Canada Goose (15); Greater Scaup (1); Hooded Merganser (7); Mallard (2); Bufflehead (6); House Sparrow (2). No birds in Lancaster Mill Pond or views from Dam.
Gate 14, Dover Point, Scar Hill Road, Boylston � Common Goldeneye (41); Black Duck (73) � A raft of birds we could see up in the Narrows area with Mallards (10) mixed in. Hooded Merganser (12), Common Loon (2); American Bald Eagle (immature) flew very close to us and then out in a westerly direction towards the distant Stone Church. Pileated Woodpecker (1); Junco (2). NOTE: We haven't been here for a couple of years, many No Parking signs near gate and up and down the road. Parked in cemetary. When leaving the area, we were advised by town employee not to park in cemetary unless on cemetary business.
Gate 17, Rte 140, Boylston � Very quiet-- Common Merganser (4); Common Goldeneye (10) Stone Church, Rte 140, W. Boylston � Canada Goose (80) Thompson Basin, Quinapoxet River mouth area, River Road and Stillwater River , West Boylston (Oakdale) � Common Goldeneye (5); Hooded Merganser (10); Bufflehead (4); Common Loon (1); Canada Goose (15); Mallard (4).
We finished up with Muddy Pond in Sterling with 4 Hooded Mergansers. Much of the pond is open water at the moment, with ice on the shoreline edges, same for the Quag of W. Waushacum Lake in town. Searched in vain for turkeys and redwing blackbirds on Bean Road, Rte 12 in Sterling and Fairbanks Street in W. Boylston. Only a Northern Mockingbird (1).
(report from Marion Larson/Scott Handler)
1/1/24 -- Ware River Watershed-Rutland-Holden-Wachusett Reservoir IBA
We started the year birding the way we have over the decades, with some dedicated owling, hearing Great Horned (2); Barred (3); and Saw-whet (4). At dawn we were birding the dirt roads in the WARE RIVER WATERSHED IBA: Highlights included: Mallard (5); Mourning Dove (flock of 50+ feeding on the ground in the Barre Falls Dam campground); Yellow-bellied Sapsucker (1); C Raven (1); Red-breasted Nuthatch (6); Brown Creeper (3); Winter Wren (2); Carolina Wren (1); Golden-crowned Kinglet (8); Hermit Thrush (1); Dark-eyed Junco (40); Purple Finch (1 overhead calling); Red Crossbill (18+: small #s in many locations); Pine Siskin (flock of 10+).
MUSCHOPAUGE ROAD, RUTLAND: Golden-crowned Kinglet (2); Horned Lark (huge flock of 110+). Spending some time searching through them we found a Lapland Longspur. Savannah Sparrow (1 :see
Sheila's photo); by searching through the massive flocks of starlings we found: Red-winged Blackbird (3) and Brown-headed Cowbird (28). Best sighting: a Black Bear running along the reservoir field edge.
QUINAPOXET RESERVOIR: very little, but we did have A Black Duck 2) and Hooded Merganser (2).
We then birded the WACHUSETT RESERVOIR IBA: Highlights: Common Loon (7); Double-crested Cormorant (1: a real surprise); Mute Swan (1); Canada Goose (72); Mallard (17); Greater Scaup+�scaup sp.� (314); Lesser Scaup (4+); Bufflehead (3); C Goldeneye (27); Hooded Merganser (27); Common Merganser (305); Red-tailed Hawk (5).
(report from Mark Lynch/Sheila Carroll).
12/31/23 -- New Braintree
This morning we did some low impact birding in NEW BRAINTREE. Nothing startling, but a few nice groups of passerines. Highlights:
Mallard (4); Hooded Merganser (3: NB: New Braintree is not a great place for waterbirds in winter); Red-tailed Hawk (8); Yellow-bellied Sapsucker (1).
Common Raven (1); Winter Wren (4); Carolina Wren (3); Golden-crowned Kinglet (4); E Bluebird (27: including some perching on giant marshmallows: See
Sheila's shot); Hermit Thrush (5); Horned Lark (3); Tree Sparrow (5); White-throated Sparrow (21); Dark-eyed Junco (104).
(report from Mark Lynch/Sheila Carroll).
12/26/23 -- Wachusett Reservoir IBA
This morning we birded the WACHUSETT RESERVOIR IBA.
Common Loon (4); Red-necked Grebe (1: main body of reservoir, seen from dam); Canada Goose (287); Mallard (4); Greater Scaup/scaup sp (211: all the ones I could ID were Greater); Lesser Scaup (1); Ring-necked Duck (3); Long-tailed Duck (1f); Bufflehead (10); Common Goldeneye (60); Hooded Merganser (9); Common Merganser (109); Sharp-shinned Hawk (1); Bald Eagle (1 imm); Red-tailed Hawk (3); Rough-legged Hawk (1 lt: flew just over tree-top level while we were scoping E Waushacum, heading generally in the direction of Davis Farmland. We went to Davis Farmland and did not refind it. People at Bolton Flats or Dextre Drumlin should search for it). Ring-billed Gull (76); Mourning Dove (29); Merlin (1).
(report from Mark Lynch/Sheila Carroll).
12/23/23 -- Brookfields, Rutland, Holden, Paxton
Our mission this AM was to look at some larks in the County, and we birded a few other spots along the way. The ponds are really starting to ice over.
LAKE LASHAWAY (and vicinity): Canada Goose (316); Mallard (46); Hooded Merganser (7); Common Merganser (6); Wild Turkey (5); Red-tailed Hawk (1).
EAST BROOKFIELD FLATS: Canada Goose (4); Horned Lark (300+) [we studied this large, spread out flock for some time through a scope. See Sheila's not great
photo of a few birds] ; Lapland Longspur (1); Tree Sparrow (4); Dark-eyed Junco (10).
LAKE QUABOG: Canada Goose (22); Ring-billed Gull (49); Herring Gull (2).
WORCESTER MEMORIAL PARK, PAXTON: Canada Goose (105).
GROVE CEMETERY, HOLDEN: Canada Goose (34 overhead); Song Sparrow (6); Dark-eyed Junco (40).
MUSCHAPAUOGE ROAD: Canada Goose (120); Horned Lark (30); Red-winged Blackbird (60); E Starling (700+).
QUINAPOXET RESERVOIR: Mute Swan (2); C Goldeneye (1); Hooded Merganser (4); Red-tailed Hawk (1).
(report from Mark Lynch/Sheila Carroll).
12/23/23 -- Broad Meadow Brook Sanctuary, Worcester
During a late afternoon walk here, there were few notable birds except for a flock of 6 Tree Sparrows
along the power line trail. (report from Rick Quimby).
12/22/23 -- Gate 33, Wachusett Reservoir
Walking in from gate 33, down to Kendall Cove, I heard what seemed to be Red Crossbills in the tops
of a group of pine trees near the shore. Never got a good look at them, but I made a sound recording.
Later analysis with the Merlin app confirmed the ID. Not sure how many, but one was the loudest, with a few
calling from further away. (report from Rick Quimby).
12/16/23 -- Worcester Christmas Bird Count
Highlights from Worcester's 2023 Christmas Bird Count:
Counting "Scaup" species as a species, since no one identified either of the two species themselves,
we recorded a total of 86 species, which was 2 short of the record, as well as 4 count week species
so far. Some species of note:
WHITE-WINGED SCOTER - recorded on Wachusett Reservoir on count day; photos taken (8th record, last in 2017)
LONG-TAILED DUCK - recorded on Wachusett Reservoir on Thursday; photos taken (3 records for count day and 1
other for count week)
COMMON LOON - new record (19 - old record was 15 in 2018)
WILSON'S SNIPE - flushed near Worcester Airport on count day (there have been 17 previous records, the last being in 2010)
GREAT HORNED OWL - new record (24 - old record was 23 in 2021)
YELLOW-BELLIED SAPSUCKER - new record (10 - old record was 7 in 2013)
CROWS - I was lucky and found the roosting location for the crows this year. I heard at least 3 Fish Crows
in the flock of over 2000 American Crows. Another Fish Crow was recorded at Broad Meadow Brook, tying the
record set in 2018 with 4 total.
HORNED LARK - new record (129 - old record was 117 in 2010)
WINTER WREN - new record (17 - old record was 8 in 2012)
GOLDEN-CROWNED KINGLET - new record (104 - old record was 89 in 1998)
ORANGE-CROWNED WARBLER - recorded at Broad Meadow Brook on Thursday; photos taken (only one previous record,
a count day bird in 1996)
COMMON GRACKLE - A huge flock was seen at the Worcester Airport. Easily a new record (860 - old record
was 66 in 2000)
RED-WINGED BLACKBIRD - new record (222 - old record was 147 in 2009)
One additional note: This is the second record for PINE WARBLER, which actually surprised me,
especially since there were quite a few on Sturbridge this year. The only previous record was in 2012.
Here are the complete results for the
2023 count.
(report from John Liller).
12/10/23 -- Wachusett Reservoir IBA / Indian Lake, Worcester
Today we had:
WACHUSETT RESERVOIR IBA:
Common Loon (4); Canada Goose (53); Mute Swan (3); Mallard (14); Greater Scaup (8: the big scaup flock on Coachlace was not there this AM); Bufflehead (8); C Goldeneye (60: the South Bay goldeneye flock is starting to build: see Sheila's photo); Hooded Merganser (32); Common Merganser (10); Bald Eagle (1ad).
INDIAN LAKE, city of WORCESTER: Great Blue Heron (1); Mallard (9); Common Goldeneye (2); Hooded Merganser (6); Common Merganser (12).
(report from Mark Lynch/Sheila Carroll).
12/9/23 -- Westboro, Northboro, Southboro
Today we birded a few waterbodies east of Worcester:
SUASCO, WESTBORO: 80% ice covered: Mute Swan (56); Canada Goose (92); A Black Duck (5); Mallard (18); Hooded Merganser (43).
CHAUNCY POND, WESTBORO: Mute Swan (9); Canada Goose (27); Mallard (69); Greater Scaup (1f); Hooded Merganser (28); Common Merganser (2).
BARTLETT POND, NORTHBORO: 90% ice covered Mute Swan (6); Canada Goose (40); Mallard (2).
SUDBURY RESERVOIR, SOUTHBORO: Great Blue Heron (1); Mute Swan (1); Canada Goose (494); Mallard (10); Ring-necked Duck (14); Bufflehead (1m); C Goldeneye (2); Hooded Merganser (32); Common Merganser (107); Ruddy Duck (65); Bald Eagle (1ad: see
Sheila's photo); Red-tailed Hawk (2).
(report from Mark Lynch/Sheila Carroll).
12/7/23 -- Institute Park, Worcester
At noon today, there were typical early winter birds, with the pond iced over in parts.
Complete list:
2 Am. Black Ducks, 25 Mallards, 18 Hooded Mergansers, 1 Red-Bellied Woodpecker, 2 BC Chickadees,
1 Am. Robin, 1 N. Cardinal, 2 White-throated Sparrows, ~15 Dark-eyed Juncos, and 2 Am. Goldfinches.
(report from Rick Quimby).
12/2/23 -- Brookfields
Today we birded the ponds of the QUABOG IBA (Brookfields). Small water bodies were iced over, at least in parts, but the large ponds were open. The weather was overcast, dark, cold and damp.
Common Loon (1); Great Blue Heron (1); Canada Goose (28); A Black Duck (13); Mallard (79); Greater Scaup (2); Lesser Scaup (1); Hooded Merganser (157); Common Merganser (826); Sharp-shinned Hawk (1); Red-tailed Hawk (1); Ring-billed Gull (242); Herring Gull (9) NB: wherever there are large numbers of mergs in migration, you will often find good numbers of gulls kleptoparasitizing them); N Flicker (1).
Passerines weren't a focus but we did have: Cedar Waxwing (c.40: single flock); Song Sparrow (11); White-throated Sparrow (27); Dark-eyed Junco (47); Red-winged Blackbird (flock of c.60); Common Grackle (c.1000+: huge flock along the water between Lake Quabog and Lake Quacumquasit. See
Sheila's photo of just a teeny fragment of this enormous flock moving through forest); Brown-headed Cowbird (25).
(report from Mark Lynch/Sheila Carroll).
12/1/23 -- City of Worcester
This morning we got out a bit and birded COES RESERVOIR AND POND. Thin ice covered over 50% of the water. We dipped on the Orange Crowned, but did have the following. NB: a homeless person has set up a tent between the two bodies.
Common Loon (1 imm. This is an uncommon migrant here. See
Sheila's shot); Mute Swan (1); Mallard (4); Hooded Merganser (32); Common Merganser (18); Ruddy Duck (1); Osprey (1: a genuine surprise and my first December Osprey for the County); Red-tailed Hawk (1); Fish Crow (12).
We also birded Notre Dame, Hope, and All Faith's Cemeteries. The usual landbirds as well as Mute Swan (2); Canada Goose (160); Mallard (14); Hooded Merganser (11); Red-tailed Hawk (1).
(report from Mark Lynch/Sheila Carroll).
11/26/23 -- Ware River Watershed / Coes Pond, Worcester
Today we birded along the dirt roads of the Ware River Watershed IBA. Since it is �deer season� many of the roads that are normally gated, are now open. But be forewarned: they are not maintained and many of them should not be attempted unless you have a high carriage vehicle. Also, since it is �deer season�, it is advised to not bird here except on Sundays when there is no hunting, and even then wear orange. Deer season is until the end of December. There were VERY few landbirds in the deep forest, which is not surprising for this time of the year. As a matter of fact we had NO birds at all for the first hour. Dog walkers, joggers, and drivers seemed to be everywhere. Much of the water is now ice-covered.
Highlights only: Canada Goose (2); Hooded Merganser (4); Ring-necked Pheasant (1 cock: NB: These birds are native to China and are exotic imports to our country. these are not �countable� as they are game release birds, stocked by Fish and Wildlife. Many of the birds stocked seem to have no survival skills and I could have hit this one (see
Sheila's photo) with a stick easily. Doesn't seem to be much of a sport); Red-tailed Hawk (1); Belted Kingfisher (1).
Common Raven (1); Red-breasted Nuthatch (6); Golden-crowned Kinglet (19); E Bluebird (3); Hermit Thrush (2); Dark-eyed Junco (44); Red Crossbill (4: seen and heard). Plus: River Otter (1).
On the way to the forest we birded Coes Pond/Reservoir in Worcester: Great Blue Heron (1); Canada Goose (28); Mallard (4); Hooded Merganser (27); Common Merganser (28); Ruddy Duck (3); Belted Kingfisher (1); Fish Crow (2) .
(report from Mark Lynch/Sheila Carrol).
11/21/23 -- Holden
In holden today, there was a leucistic red bellied wood pecker.
(report from Nancy Mckenna).
11/19/23 -- New Braintree
Today we birded around New Braintree. Birding was slow, but we had a few pockets of birds.
Mallard (3); Red-tailed Hawk (2); Red-bellied Woodpecker (1); Yellow-bellied Sapsucker (1); Hairy Woodpecker (1).
Passerines were few and included: C Raven (2); E Bluebird (23); Hermit Thrush (1); N Mockingbird (2); A Tree Sparrow (16: see
Sheila's shot); Dark Eyed Junco (91); White-throated Sparrow (9); Song Sparrow (3).
(report from Mark Lynch/Sheila Carroll).
11/17/23 -- Brookfields
Today we birded the QUABOG IBA (Brookfields). The morning became very windy but the temps thankfully were seasonable.
Great Blue Heron (1); Canada Goose (202); Mute Swan (5); A Black Duck (44); Mallard (89); N Pintail (pair); Green-winged Teal (10); Greater Scaup (1m); Bufflehead (1m); Hooded Merganser (8); Common Merganser (149); Red-tailed Hawk (7); Ring-billed Gull (51); Yellow-bellied Sapsucker (1); N Flicker (2); Pileated Woodpecker (1); Peregrine Falcon (1ad).
Passerines were thin, but included Dark-eyed Junco (38); and a HUGE flock (c.1000) of grackles and Red-wings.
On the way home at Worcester Airport we had (4) Snow Buntings.
(report from Mark Lynch/Sheila Carroll).
11/11/23 -- Petersham
This morning we birded the ponds of PETERSHAM. There was some thin ice along the edges of several of the ponds. Hunters were out in several locations.
Canada Goose (26); Wood Duck (5); Mallard (38); A Black Duck (113); Blue-winged Teal (1); Green-winged Teal (6); Ring-necked Duck (126); Bufflehead (2m); Hooded Merganser (46); Red-tailed Hawk (1).
Passerines were few at the ponds . Highlights: C Raven (1); Brown Creeper (1); Golden-crowned Kinglet (2); Hermit Thrush (2); Dark-eyed Junco (41); Red-winged Blackbird (flock of 70+ flying overhead and 1 male singing in cattails like it was spring).
PLUS: Long-tailed Weasel (1); River Otter (6).
(report from Mark Lynch/Sheila Carroll).
11/8/23 -- Lake Wickabog, West Brookfield
This afternoon we dropped by the north end of LAKE WICKABOG to check on waterbirds after picking up birdseed. The Dunlin and Pectoral are still there but very tough to spot among the plant growth lumps. We couldn't even find them under all the birds flew up and we caught them in the air and watched them land and even then it took us a while to refind them. A scope is a must.
Other birds in the area: Mute Swan (3); Canada Goose (4); Mallard (2); A Black Duck (2); Green-winged Teal (10); Hooded Merganser 24); Common Merganser (11); and (21) Ring-billed Gull (21). No sign of a Bonaparte's, but keep checking as they turn up here uncommonly if conditions are good.
(report from Mark Lynch/Sheila Carrol).
11/5/23 -- Wachusett Reservoir IBA
Today we birded the WACHUSETT RESERVOIR IBA. The reservoir was chock full of people, many fishermen, cyclists, and walkers. The dam was packed.
Common Loon (8); Double-crested Cormorant (1); Great Blue Heron (1); Canada Goose (6); Mute Swan (6); Wood Duck (1); Mallard (58); Greater Scaup/�scaup sp.� (116: distant flocks); Lesser Scaup (7); White-winged Scoter (3: 2m+1f); Bufflehead (1f); Hooded Merganser (8); Common Merganser (4); Ruddy Duck (4); Turkey Vulture (1); Bald Eagle (1ad); Sharp-shinned Hawk (1); Red-tailed Hawk (4); Killdeer (1); Ring-billed Gull (18); Belted Kingfisher (1).
Passerines were thin but we did manage (1) Ruby-crowned Kinglet; (1) Yellow-rumped Warbler; (2) Swamp Sparrow; and (26) Dark-eyed Junco.
(report from Mark Lynch/Sheila Carroll).
11/3/23 -- Quabog IBA
Today we birded the QUABOG IBA, sticking to ponds. The winds really kicked up by mid-morning making things feel much colder and also making using a scope much harder.
Common Loon (1); Great Blue Heron (2); Canada Goose (51); A Black Duck (8); Mallard (32); N Pintail (1m); Green-winged Teal (5); Bufflehead (4); Hooded Merganser (14); Common Merganser (23); Sharp-shinned Hawk (1); Red-tailed Hawk (3); Dunlin (1); Ring-billed Gull (35); N Flicker (1).
Passerines were tough to come by, but some of what we saw/heard: Cedar Waxwing (8); Yellow-rumped Warbler (1); Chipping Sparrow (8); Red-winged Blackbird (34); Rusty Blackbird (2).
(report from Mark Lynch/Sheila Carroll).
11/1/23 -- Holden-Leicester-Worcester
This morning we birded some local spots.
MUSCHAPOAUGE RD, Rutland: Canada Goose (huge flock of 400+ that flew from a back field, where we could hear them but not see them, to the reservoir); Cooper's Hawk (1); Red-tailed Hawk (2); Killdeer (1).
QUINAPOXET RESERVOIR: nothing on the water, but we across a small flock of landbirds: Belted Kingfisher (1); Pileated Woodpecker (1); Golden-crowned Kinglet (1); Yellow-rumped Warbler (2); Dark-eyed Junco (21); A Goldfinch (5).
MAPLE SPRING POND, Holden: Mute Swan (6).
EAGLE LAKE (in snow squall), Holden: Mute Swan (4); Wood Duck (4); A Black Duck (7); Mallard (29);
N Pintail (1m).
WAITE POND, Leicester: Mute Swan (2); Canada Goose (9); Mallard (22); Ring-necked Duck (92).
LEESVILLE POND, ALL FAITHS CEMETERY: Double-crested Cormorant (1); Mute Swan (3); A Wigeon (5); Mallard (31); Green-winged Teal (2); Hooded Merganser (14). BTW: we bumped into John Shea, who had the Great Egret yesterday, but did not have it today and neither did we. It could still be in the area.
COES POND-RESERVOIR (Worcester): Great Blue Heron (1); Mute Swan (2); A Black Duck (1); Mallard (11); Ruddy Duck (8).
(report from Mark Lynch/Sheila Carroll).
10/31/23 -- Massasoit Rd, Worcester
As I drove to Worcester Academy this morning, I had a Black Vulture being chased by a group of crows over the Rice Square School on Massasoit Rd in Worcester.
(report from John Liller).
10/28/23 -- Rutland
This morning we started birding at the southern sections of the WARE RIVER WATERSHED. We soon realized that the state hunting season was in full swing and hunters were in many locations and guns were being fired closeby. There are a number of hunting seasons going on from now till the end of December. PLEASE CONSULT THE MASSACHUSETTS STATE HUNTING WEBSITE TO GET ALL THE INFO.
I strongly advise wearing a good amount of �hunter's orange� if you plan to be in field and forest environments. We are not hunters, but we own a number of hats, vests, and coats in hunter's orange to be safe. There is NO HUNTING in Massachusetts on SUNDAY, but even on Sundays I wear orange if I am going to be in wildlife management areas.
Though we spent a very short period of time in the area we did manage to see Wood Duck (6: in ponds next to Rt.122); a House Wren. (2) Hermit Thrush; and a flock of 100+ Red-winged Blackbirds overhead.
We then birded Muschopauge Road in Rutland and had no sparrows! But we did have : Canada Goose (350+: these flew in from some location and landed in the reservoir); Bald Eagle (1 sub adult); American Golden Plover (1); Peregrine Falcon (1 bird that was very cooperative. It didn't fly even though 2 military helicopters flew low over it. See Sheila's
photograph).
(report from Mark Lynch/Sheila Carroll).
10/26/23 -- Wachusett Reservoir IBA
This morning we birded in the WACHUSETT RESERVOIR IBA, visiting spots like Sterling Peat, The Quag, The Waushacums, South Meadow Pond, Coachlace Pond, the reservoir, and other locations within the IBA. The weather was great.
Common Loon (17); Double-crested Cormorant (24); Great Blue Heron (1); Canada Goose (20); Mute Swan (9); Mallard (24); Ring-necked Duck (11); Greater Scaup (36); Lesser Scaup (12); White-winged Scoter (1m); Bufflehead (1m); Common Merganser (8 f); Ruddy Duck (3); Red-shouldered Hawk (1); Red-tailed Hawk (2); Virginia Rail (1); Ring-billed Gull (67); Belted Kingfisher (4); Red-bellied Woodpecker (3); Downy Woodpecker (3); Hairy Woodpecker (1); Peregrine Falcon (1ad seen harassing gulls).
Passerines weren't really our focus but we did also see/hear: Carolina Wren (7); Ruby-crowned Kinglet (5); Am. Robin (120); Gray Catbird (1); Lapland Longspur (1); Dark-eyed Junco (4).
Plus: Many meadowhawks and several darners; Cabbage White (6) and Clouded Sulphur (4). But the best sighting was helping a STINKPOT across the road at West Waushacum. (see Sheila's
photo)
(report from Mark Lynch/Sheila Carroll).
10/21/23 -- Northboro-Westboro
This morning we did just a bit of birding in NORTHBORO and WESTBORO.
BARTLETT POND, NORTHBORO: Pied-billed Grebe (2); Great Blue Heron (1); Mute Swan (6); Canada Goose (20); American Wigeon (7); Mallard (21); A Black Duck (1); Green-winged Teal (5); Pectoral Sandpiper (1); There were migrants in the area including Blue-headed vireo, kinglets, pipits, Yellow-rumped Warbler. Best sighting was birding with old friend Neil Dowling who knows this pond like no one else.
CHAUNCY LAKE, WESTBORO: Great Blue Heron, Double-crested Cormorant (1); Mute Swan (17); Mallard (17); Cooper's Hawk (1); Ring-billed Gull (6).
SuAsCo, WESTBORO: it had begun to rain and we only got the boat launch side done well. By the time we got to Arch Street, it was pouring. Pied-billed Grebe (4); Double-crested Cormorant (3); Mute Swan (9); Canada Goose (5); Osprey (1).
(report from Mark Lynch/Sheila Carroll).
10/19/23 -- Warren
Today we birded around WARREN. Species variety was typical for well-inland in mid-October. We had movements of robins, waxwings, Yellow-rumps, and White-throats. Highlights:
Pied-billed Grebe (1); Great Blue Heron (1); Wood Duck (2); Mallard (2); Turkey Vulture (7); N Harrier (1); Sharp-shinned Hawk (1); Sora (1); Belted Kingfisher (1); Red-bellied Woodpecker (8); N Flicker (5).
Ruby-crowned Kinglet (34); E Bluebird (14); Hermit Thrush (9); A Robin (358: small flocks flying near tree top level); Cedar Waxwing (150); Yellow-rumped Warbler (49:
photo by Sheila Carroll).
SPARROWS: Chipping (9); Song (19); White-throated (108); Dark-eyed Junco (20).
Red-winged Blackbird (1 in marsh singing spring song).
Loads of odea: many Autumn Meadowhawks, but also Spotted Spreadwings, and Shadow Darners. Butterflies were scarcer: Cabbage White (1); Clouded Sulphur (1).
Painted Turtles still sunning and Sheila helped 1 across the road.
(report from Mark Lynch/Sheila Carroll).
10/18/23 -- Holden
Today we decided to bird in HOLDEN just for the heck of it. There are a number of birding destinations in the town that we visit at times, but we have never just birded in the town. We visited several cemeteries, Eagle Lake, Muddy Pond, Quinapoxet Reservoir (nothing there), several other ponds, and the Holden DCR land along the Quinapoxet River. We also birded along Muschapauge Road in Rutland, which is �Holden-adjacent� and the following totals combine both locations.
Canada Goose (333: exact count); Mute Swan (2); Wood Duck (18); A Black Duck (6); Mallard (28); Sharp-shinned Hawk (1); Red-tailed Hawk (3); Wild Turkey (9); Virginia Rail (3); Sora (1); Killdeer (21: including a flock of 18 that we saw fly down into a field. These were then relentlessly harassed by crows. ); Mourning Dove (21); Red-bellied Woodpecker (4); Yellow-bellied Sapsucker (1); Downy Woodpecker (3); Hairy Woodpecker (2); N Flicker (1).
Passerine highlights: Blue-headed Vireo (1); C Raven (1); Ruby-crowned Kinglet (4); E Bluebird (7); Yellow-rumped Warbler (26); Palm Warbler (1); C Yellowthroat (1); E Towhee (2).
SPARROWS: Chipping (105: flocks in several locations); Field (5); Savannah (45); Song (22); Lincoln's (1); Swamp (2); Dark-eyed Junco (29);
N Cardinal (13); Dickcissel (1); Red-winged Blackbird (42).
Nonbirds: we watched a pair of Red Foxes cavorting in a forest lot and still (15+) Spring Peepers doing fall calls.
(report from Mark Lynch/Sheila Carroll).
10/18/23 -- Oxford
I saw 3 Black Vultures feeding on roadkill on Old Webster Road this afternoon. (report from Robert Brady).
10/11/23 -- New Braintree
This morning we birded just a few spots in NEW BRAINTREE. Passerines were in discrete pockets.
Canada Goose (90); Bald Eagle (1ad); Red-shouldered Hawk (1); Red-tailed Hawk (3); Sandhill Crane (3: 2ad+1imm); Red-bellied Woodpecker (5); Downy Woodpecker (2); Hairy Woodpecker (3); N Flicker (4); Pileated Woodpecker (1).
Passerine highlights: E Phoebe (24); Blue-headed Vireo (1); C Raven (12: flock); House Wren (3); Ruby-crowned Kinglet (16); E Bluebird (25); Hermit Thrush (1); Gray Catbird (11); Cedar Waxwing (10); Orange-crowned Warbler (1); Yellow-rumped Warbler (26); C Yellowthroat (3); Scarlet Tanager (2);
SPARROWS: E Towhee (4); Chipping (48); Savannah (12); Song (36); Lincoln's (1); Swamp (12); White-throated (16).
Red-winged Blackbird (30); A Goldfinch (12).
When the sun finally came out Cabbage Whites, Clouded Sulphurs and meadowhawks were flying.
(report from Mark Lynch/Sheila Carroll).
10/10/23 -- Hardwick
This morning we birded a few places in HARDWICK including the Gate 43 boat launch area. Landbirds were in low numbers and variety as it has been for us for most of this fall. There have been some unprecedented calamities this year for fall migrants. Read this account of a building's toll on birds in one night:
link to one article about it
Highlights: Common Loon (4); Double-crested Cormorant (5); Great Blue Heron (2); Green Heron (1: getting late); Wood Duck (3); Common Merganser (3); Bald Eagle (1imm); Barred Owl (1); Belted Kingfisher (1); A Kestrel (1).
Passerines:
Blue-headed Vireo (1); C Raven (1); Ruby-crowned Kinglet (8); Palm Warbler (2); Yellow-rumped Warbler (7); C Yellowthroat (3); E Towhee (6); Field Sparrow (6); Song Sparrow (17); Lincoln Sparrow (1); Swamp Sparrow (4); White-throated Sparrow (12); Dark-eyed Junco (5).
On the way home in New Braintree we had (3) Sandhill Cranes (see Sheila's
photo) and (2) adult Bald Eagles.
(report from Mark Lynch/Sheila Carroll).
10/7/23 -- Wachusett Reservoir IBA
This morning we birded a few spots in the WACHUSETT RESERVOIR IBA.
Common Loon (7); Double-crested Cormorant (44); Mute Swan (5); Canada Goose (23); Mallard (52); Greater Scaup (5); Sharp-shinned Hawk (1); Killdeer (20: loose flock, see
photo by Sheila Carroll); Ring-billed Gull (46); Belted Kingfisher (1).
(report from Mark Lynch/Sheila Carroll).
10/5/23 -- Ware River Watershed IBA
This morning we birded a few of the dirt roads in the southern section of the WARE RIVER IBA. Numbers and variety were low. People walking dogs were everywhere.
Double-crested Cormorant (1); Wood Duck (6); Ruffed Grouse (1); Belted Kingfisher (1); Downy Woodpecker (1); Hairy Woodpecker (1).
Passerine highlights: E Phoebe (6); Blue-headed Vireo (12: all of them singing); Ruby-crowned Kinglet (13); Golden-crowned Kinglet (1); Hermit Thrush (3: including 2 young birds. See
photo by Sheila Carroll); Gray Catbird (6: numbers are dwindling); Pine Warbler (2); Palm Warbler (7); Yellow-rumped Warbler (17); C Yellowthroat (1);
SPARROWS: Song (30); Swamp (7); Lincoln (3); White-throated (12); E Towhee (9)
(report from Mark Lynch/Sheila Carroll).
10/1/23 -- Warren
This morning we birded a few spots in WARREN. Species numbers and variety was surprisingly low except for robins and waxwings.
Great Blue Heron (4); Canada Goose (9); Wood Duck (1); Turkey Vulture (8); Osprey (1);Sharp-shinned Hawk (1);Red-shouldered Hawk (1); Red-tailed Hawk (3); Virginia Rail (2); Sora (1); Red-bellied Woodpecker (3); Downy Woodpecker (3); N Flicker (6); Pileated Woodpecker (3); Merlin (1).
Passerine highlights: E Phoebe (4: low); C Raven (1); Brown Creeper (1); Carolina Wren (2); House Wren (2); Ruby-crowned Kinglet (8); E Bluebird (1); Hermit Thrush (1); A Robin (65); Gray Catbird (11); Cedar Waxwing (single feeding flock of 32, all immatures: see Sheila Carroll's
photo); Orange-crowned Warbler (1); C Yellowthroat (2); E Towhee (8); White-throated Sparrow (6); Red-winged Blackbird (60+ all in 1 marsh).
(report from Mark Lynch/Sheila Carroll).
9/25/23 -- Ware River Watershed
This morning we birded a loop in the southern section of the WARE RIVER WATERSHED. In several areas DCR had edge trimming going on. Migrants were few and far between. When we got home, I read on the cover of the NY Times about the unprecedented outfall of North American migrants along the western shores of Ireland and Britain including Blackburnian Warbler, N Parula, several Baltimore Orioles, and 10 Cliff Swallows (!). They do get some N Am migrants every year, but typically later, and usually things like Red-eyed Vireo. Ornithologist Lees attributes the unusual out fall to Hurricane Lee which may have pushed �tens of thousands� of migrants out to sea. A small number of these made it to Britain. Here today, there were few migrants. The forests were mostly quiet, though a handful of Pine Warblers sang a few times.
Great Blue Heron (1); Great Egret (1: still at the Prison Camp marshes); Canada Goose (2); Wood Duck (14); Virginia Rail (6); Killdeer (1); Belted Kingfisher (2); Downy Woodpecker (4); Hairy Woodpecker (3); N Flicker (12); Pileated Woodpecker (1).
Passerine highlights: E Phoebe (26); Red-breasted Nuthatch (6); Golden-crowned Kinglet (2); Ruby-crowned Kinglet (12); E Bluebird (2); Hermit Thrush (3); Gray Catbird (16).
WARBLERS: Yellow-rumped (10); Pine (13); Palm (2 -- see
photo by Sheila Carroll); Blackpoll (3); C Yellowthroat (4);
E Towhee (19); Song Sparrow (11); Swamp Sparrow (3).
The best sighting of the day was a STINKPOT up on a tree, which they are prone to do. I see them very uncommonly.
(report from Mark Lynch/Sheila Carroll).
9/24/23 -- Wachusett Reservoir IBA
We birded the WACHUSETT RESERVOIR IBA this morning in gloom and dampness. It started to rain by 10:30.
Common Loon (9); Double-crested Cormorant (45); Great Blue Heron (1); Canada Goose (172); Mute Swan (2); Wood Duck (2); Mallard (33); Common Merganser (1); Osprey (2); Virginia Rail (2); Killdeer (27); Ring-billed Gull (11); Ruby-throated Hummingbird (1); Belted Kingfisher (2); A Kestrel (1).
Passerines weren't our focus, but we did have a Marsh Wren and (19) Pine Warblers. While we were at Sterling Airport counting geese, suddenly a flock of Pines flew in from behind us and began to land on the ground near us, the fence, and even atop plane wings! They seemed to be gleaning small insects and spiders. They were all brightly plumaged. There was no vocalizations They quickly left flying across the runway and into the forest. See Sheila's
photo.
(report from Mark Lynch/Sheila Carroll).
9/23/23 -- Quabog IBA
This morning we birded the ponds of the QUABOG IBA. The weather was cool and overcast. The rain started c.10:30. Double-crested Cormorant (3); Great Blue Heron (3); Great Egret (1); Canada Goose (45); Mute Swan (4); Wood Duck (1);Gadwall (1f); A Black Duck (3); Mallard (223); Green-winged Teal (2); Common Merganser (flock of 6: see photo by Sheila Carroll); Osprey (1); Bald Eagle (1); Killdeer (1); Ring-billed Gull (43); Belted Kingfisher (2).
(report from Mark Lynch/Sheila Carroll).
9/21/23 -- Ware River Watershed IBA
This morning we birded along a few roads of the WARE RIVER IBA. The weather was cool (at first) with a cloudless sky. We had two good migrant groups of passerines, but often it was quiet with few birds. NB: Coldbrook Road was gated at the southern end.
Great Blue Heron (4); Canada Goose (4); Wood Duck (23); Turkey Vulture (2); Killdeer (1); Belted Kingfisher (1); Yellow-bellied Sapsucker (2); Hairy Woodpecker (1); N Flicker (13); Pileated Woodpecker (2).
Passerine highlights: E Phoebe (31); Blue-headed Vireo (13: two sang for a bit); Red-eyed Vireo (1); Brown Creeper (1); Carolina Wren (2: along the periphery); House Wren (4); E Bluebird (9); Hermit Thrush (10); Gray Catbird (16).
WARBLERS: Tennessee (1); N Parula (3); Yellow-rumped (1); Black-throated Green (1); Pine (32); Palm (6); Bay-breasted (1); Blackpoll (2); Black and White (4); c yellowthroat (16).
Scarlet Tanager (1); Chipping Sparrow (25); E Towhee (10).
Dragonflies included many Autumn Meadowhawks.
(report from Mark Lynch/Sheila Carroll).
9/17/23 -- Broad Meadow Brook Wildlife Sanctuary, Worcester
Highlights of 32 species recorded this morning during a Half-Day Big Sit at the Broad Meadow Brook Wildlife Sanctuary. I dedicated this Big Sit to my friend and fellow Worcester County birder Paul Meleski, who recently passed away.
The conditions were wonderful for birding, though not necessarily for finding birds. The sky was completely clear, except when a few clouds popped up in the one thermal late in the morning.
Sharp-shinned Hawk 1;
Bald Eagle 1 (Adult - beautiful in the sunny blue skies);
Red-shouldered Hawk 1;
Broad-winged Hawk 2;
Red-bellied Woodpecker 3;
Hairy Woodpecker 2;
Northern Flicker 3;
Eastern Phoebe 1;
Common Raven 1;
Carolina Wren 2;
European Starling 1500 (huge flock leaving the phragmites at 6:30);
Gray Catbird 6;
American Robin 2;
Cedar Waxwing 6;
American Goldfinch 22;
Song Sparrow 6;
Lincoln's Sparrow 1;
Swamp Sparrow 4;
Eastern Towhee 2;
Common Grackle 200 (flock leaving the phragmites at 6:30);
Common Yellowthroat 2;
Yellow Warbler 3;
Rose-breasted Grosbeak 1.
(report from John Liller).
9/16/23 -- Wachusett Reservoir IBA
This morning we birded the WACHUSETT RESERVOIR IBA in the hope there might be some storm driven bird or too. No such luck. But we did have:
Common Loon (9); Double-crested Cormorant (51); Great Blue Heron (3); Canada Goose (138); Wood Duck (13); Mallard (44); Ring-necked Duck (1m at the Quag); Common Merganser (1f-type); Red-tailed Hawk (4); Killdeer (51: most on the high school playing fields. See
photo by Sheila Carroll); Ring-billed Gull (34); Belted Kingfisher (3).
Then on to BARTLETT POND, NORTHBORO : Double-crested Cormorant (1); Mute Swan (6); Canada Goose (6); Mallard (6)).
CHAUNCY LAKE, WESTBORO : Double-crested Cormorant (1); Mute Swan (13); Mallard (78: they are being fed here); Killdeer (1).
SUASCO, Westboro: Double-crested Cormorant (22); Mute Swan (11: 5ad+6yng); Mallard (12).
TUFTS, Grafton: A. Kestrel (1f).
(report from Mark Lynch/Sheila Carroll).
9/15/23 -- Petersham
This morning we birded a few spots in PETERSHAM. Passerines were very few and very far between.
Double-crested Cormorant (4); Great Blue Heron (4); Green Heron (1); Wood Duck (79); Mallard (3); Green-winged Teal (2); Wild Turkey (23); Solitary Sandpiper (2); Belted Kingfisher (3); Hairy Woodpecker (1); N Flicker (1).
E Phoebe (10); Red-eyed Vireo (2); C Raven (1); Gray Catbird (3); C Yellowthroat (1: our sole warbler!); Chipping Sparrow (34); Red Crossbill (flock of 5: see
Sheila's shot). Originally they were all on the ground on the edge of a small marsh. Note the plumage. Immature male?
(report from Mark Lynch/Sheila Carroll).
9/13/23 -- Ware River Watershed IBA
This morning we spent a little time birding the WARE RIVER WATERSHED IBA southern areas before rain came in. It was overcast and dark. Birding was slow and the greatest variety of birds was at the Prison Camp area.
Great Blue Heron (2); Green Heron (1); Wood Duck (9); Belted Kingfisher (1); N Flicker (4).
Passerines:
E Phoebe (18); Yellow-throated Vireo (1 still singing); Philadelphia Vireo (1); Red-eyed Vireo (7); Common Raven (1); House Wren (1); Gray Catbird (16); Cedar Waxwing (7); Common Yellowthroat (7); Blackburnian Warbler (1); Black and White Warbler (1); Pine Warbler (4); E Towhee (3).
On the way home, a quick stoop at Eagle Lake/Muddy Pond, Holden had:
Green Heron (1); Wood Duck (17); Mallard (16); Blue-winged Teal (2).
(report from Mark Lynch/Sheila Carroll).
9/10/23 -- New Braintree
This morning we birded just a few areas in NEW BRAINTREE in fog, mist, overcast and eventually partially cloudy skies. We worked a few known (to us) migration spots. There were significant movements of flickers and bluebirds as well as the expected array of unusual plumages of migrants (see
photo by SHEILA CARROLL).
Canada Goose (23); Turkey Vulture (8); Red-tailed Hawk (2); Wild Turkey (51); Ruby-throated Hummingbird (1); Downy Woodpecker (3); N Flicker (44); A Kestrel (1); Merlin (1).
Passerine highlights: E Phoebe (16); Red-eyed Vireo(13); C Raven (14); Carolina Wren (2); House Wren (4); E Bluebird (67); Gray Catbird (52); Cedar Waxwing (22).
WARBLERS: N Parula (2); Chestnut-sided (3); Magnolia (1); Black-throated Green (4); Pine (3); Blackpoll (2); Black and White (5); A Redstart (9); Ovenbird (1); Connecticut (1); C Yellowthroat (17).
E Towhee (8); Chipping Sparrow (81); Indigo Bunting (4).
Plus: Short-tailed Shrew (1).
Later we hit 3 ponds in the Quabog IBA and had geese (126); Wood Duck (4); Mallards (62); Cooper's Hawk and Bald Eagle.
(report from Mark Lynch/Sheila Carroll).
9/3/23 -- Ware River Watershed
Today we birded a few spots in the southern areas of the WARE RIVER WATERSHED. Progress was slow because (1) there were birds, (2) they were tough to see in the forested environments, (3) we were also looking at dragonflies and butterflies. We had a few multi-species flocks and as usual missed a number of the species. Birds come in to spishing or screech owling, often stay hidden among leaf clumps, and flit away rather quickly. You are lucky to get a quick glimpse. Sheila got a few shots of some birds that we really only finally ID'd at home
(SEE PHOTO).
You can test your fall warbler skills on this (not too hard at all). The major thrust of fall passerine migration hasn't begun, but every day will bring in new birds.
Great Blue Heron (2); Wood Duck (18); Mallard (1); N Goshawk (ad); Broad-winged Hawk (1); Killdeer (1); Spotted Sandpiper (1); Ruby-throated Hummingbird (1); Belted Kingfisher (3); N Flicker (2); Pileated Woodpecker (1).
Passerine highlights: E Wood Pewee (3); E Phoebe (11); Yellow-throated Vireo (1); Red-eyed Vireo (27); Red-breasted Nuthatch (4); House Wren (2); E Bluebird (1); Hermit Thrush (7); Gray Catbird (11); Cedar Waxwing (6).
WARBLERS: Black-throated Blue (1); Yellow-rumped (3); Black-throated Green (1); Pine (16); Prairie (1); Black and White (2); A Redstart (3); C Yellowthroat (8).
Scarlet Tanager (2); E Towhee (14); Baltimore Oriole (2 f/imm together); Red Crossbill (2).
Plus: Closed Gentian; most common butterflies: Clouded Sulphur (57) and Red-spotted Admiral (16: including 1 �white Admiral.�. Dragonflies: meadowhawks were every where as were Slaty Skimmers.
(report from Mark Lynch/Sheila Carroll).
9/2/23 -- Warren
This morning we birded a few spots in WARREN (Worcester County). We came across 2 mixed species groups, but other than that things were a bit slow. AS is typical with these flocks here, they were in forested areas and many birds were high up and/or back a few layers of trees and therefore went un-id'd.
Great Blue Heron (4); Wood Duck (2); Black Vulture (2); Turkey Vulture (6); Red-tailed Hawk (1);
Virginia Rail (3); Solitary Sandpiper (1); Ruby-throated Hummingbird (3); Belted Kingfisher (2); Yellow-bellied Sapsucker (1); N Flicker (6); Pileated Woodpecker (1); Merlin (1).
Passerine highlights: Yellow-bellied Flycatcher (1); Least Flycatcher (2); empid sp (1); E Phoebe (13); Yellow-throated Vireo (1: still singing); Warbling Vireo (2); Red-eyed Vireo (15); C Raven (2); House Wren (4); Blue-gray Gnatcatcher (1); E Bluebird (9); Gray Catbird (28); Cedar Waxwing (36: many young birds).
WARBLERS: Chestnut-sided (1); Magnolia (1); Black and White (2); A Redstart (6); Ovenbird (1); C Yellowthroat (9);
Scarlet Tanager (2); E Towhee (6); Swamp Sparrow (7); Rose-breasted Grosbeak (1 imm male); Red-winged Blackbird (26).
(report from Mark Lynch/Sheila Carroll).
8/27/23 -- North Ware River Watershed
This morning we did some odonate-ing and birding in the northern areas of the WARE RIVER WATERSHED (small parts of Hubbardston-Philipstown-Templeton). It was breezy at times and it was mostly cloudy. Birds:
Great Blue Heron (2); Wood Duck (19-including 1f w/3 small ducklings); Mallard (1); Hooded Merganser (1f-type); Turkey Vulture (5); Solitary Sandpiper (1); Spotted Sandpiper (1).
Passerine highlights: E Wood Pewee (10: still calling); E Phoebe (18); Red-eyed Vireo (18); C Raven (1); Carolina Wren (1); House Wren (3); Cedar Waxwing (14);
WARBLERS: Chestnut-sided (1); Black-throated Green (2); Pine (9); Black and White (1); A Redstart (1); C Yellowthroat (2).
Chipping Sparrow (38); Baltimore Oriole (5: 1 loose flock); Red Crossbill (3: all males (see
Sheila's shot, 2 on one side of the upper Burnshirt River, 1 on the other. They all stayed high up, perching on bare snags).
(report from Mark Lynch/Sheila Carroll).
8/26/23 -- Gates 36-39, Wachusett Reservoir
In mid-afternoon I walked along the shoreline from Gate 36 to Gate 39. I had 5 Common Loons (4 ad, 1 imm -- these were all in the narow channel
between the shore and Cemetery Island), 1 DC Cormorant, 70 Canada Geese (came flying in over me and put down right off shore at
Gate 39), 2 E. Phoebe, 1 C. Raven, 1 Yellow-rumped Warbler, and 5 Song Sparrows. (report from Rick Quimby).
8/26/23 -- Wachusett Reservoir IBA
This morning we birded the WACHUSETT RESERVOIR IBA. We had 1 modest mixed migrant species flock and actually had a small variety of shorebirds spread over several locations.
Common Loon (15: including 1 ad pair w/2yg and another adult pair with 1 young. This latter family's young was getting some color on the bill. We enjoyed watching the young loon actively diving with the adults likely learning the techniques of fish catching); Double-crested Cormorant (48); Great Blue Heron (4); Great Egret (1 seen from the dam emerging from around the north end of Cemetery Island and eventually flying to Cunningham Ledge); Canada Goose (7); Mute Swan (2); Wood Duck (20); Mallard (31); Osprey (2: 1 ready to be out on its own immature still at the nest with an adult constantly calling from a distance); Red-tailed Hawk (3); Wild Turkey (1ad w/5yg); Killdeer (4); Solitary Sandpiper (1); Spotted Sandpiper (1); Least Sandpiper (1); Pectoral Sandpiper (1); Bonaparte's Gull (4); Ring-billed Gull (34); Mourning Dove (27); Ruby-throated Hummingbird (1); Red-bellied Woodpecker (1); Downy Woodpecker (2); Hairy Woodpecker (1); N Flicker (4); A Kestrel (1).
Passerine highlights: E Wood Pewee (3); E Phoebe (6); Red-eyed Vireo (9); Barn Swallow (37); House Wren (2); Marsh Wren (1); Blue-gray Gnatcatcher (2); E Bluebird (6); Gray Catbird (22); Cedar Waxwing (2); Cape May Warbler (1); A Redstart (5); C Yellowthroat (1); E Towhee (4); Chipping Sparrow (29); Red-winged Blackbird (4); Baltimore Oriole (1).
Plus: at Sterling Peat Sheila found a VERY active Yellow-jacket nest, though the hole they were flying in and out of was large, big enough for a Short-tailed Shrew.
(report from Mark Lynch/Sheila Carroll).
8/24/23 -- Ware River Watershed IBA
Today we birded some of the roads in the southern section of the WARE RIVER WATERSHED IBA. Note that road repairs are still on-going, so graders and even dump trucks are on roads like Coldbrook. Warblers and other passerines are starting to be in multi-species flocks. Typically, there are long stretches of road with few birds until you come across one of these flocks in the forest. We had 1 such flock today. We initially spotted birds flying across a narrow stretch of road and pulled up and started spishing and screech-owling. Birds were starting to come and it was exciting birding�and then a truck came down the road opposite and we had to jump back in the car and Sheila had to drive backwards until we found a place to pull over. The truck passed and we returned to the spot, and the bird group had moved on. Oh, well. BTW: this is an interesting time to bird: post-breeding and pre-full blown fall migration. Many birds, especially Pine Warblers, are in ratty plumage (mid-molt), sometimes making field ID a challenge. (see one of Sheila's
photos ).
Double-crested Cormorant (2); Great Blue Heron (2); Wood Duck (5); Mallard (1); Broad-winged Hawk (1); Spotted Sandpiper (1); Pileated Woodpecker (1).
Passerine highlights: E Wood Pewee (6:still calling); Yellow-bellied Flycatcher (1); E Phoebe (5); E Kingbird (1); Red-eyed Vireo (12: a few still singing at times); House Wren (2); Veery (1); Gray Catbird (7).
WARBLERS: C Yellowthroat (6); Pine (11); Prairie (1); A Redstart (7); Black and White (3); Yellow-rumped (1 ad male); Black-throated Green (1).
E Towhee (11); Rose-breasted Grosbeak (1).
PLUS: Lots of odonates including many Autumn Meadowhawks; most common butterfly was Red-spotted Admiral (15). We had (1) E Garter Snake ad (3) Northern Watersnakes. The weirdest bloom we came across was one flower of Live Forever.
(report from Mark Lynch/Sheila Carroll).
8/23/23 -- Warren
This morning we birded a few spots in WARREN. Other than the Yellow-bellied Flycatcher and yellowlegs, all birds were species that breed in the general area.
Great Blue Heron (8); Canada Goose (1); Wood Duck (1f w/6yng); Mallard (2); Turkey Vulture (1); Osprey (1); Cooper's Hawk (1); Red-tailed Hawk (1); Wild Turkey (2); Virginia Rail (2); Killdeer (2); Greater Yellowlegs (1); Mourning Dove (13); Ruby-throated Hummingbird (7:lovin' the jewelweed); Belted Kingfisher (2); Yellow-bellied Sapsucker (2); Downy Woodpecker (2); N Flicker (1); Pileated Woodpecker (1).
passerines:
E Wood Pewee (6: still calling); Yellow-bellied Flycatcher (1); �empid sp� (1: looked like a Traills type); E Phoebe (40); Red-eyed Vireo (11); Blue Jay (9); A Crow (8); C Raven (1); Barn Swallow (36); Black-capped Chickadee (26); T Titmouse (9); White-breasted Nuthatch (4); Carolina Wren (8); House Wren (7); E Bluebird (27); Veery (5); Wood Thrush (1); A Robin (7); Gray Catbird (43); Cedar Waxwing (10); A Redstart (5); Worm-eating Warbler (1); C Yellowthroat (13); E Towhee (6); Chipping Sparrow (31); Song Sparrow (6); N Cardinal (8); Bobolink (4); Baltimore Oriole (2); Purple Finch (1); House Finch (6); A Goldfinch (7).
(report from Mark Lynch/Sheila Carroll).
8/20/23 -- Sturbridge
Between 7:10 - 8:00 PM, we observed 12 Common Nighthawks migrating over our home (near the Quinebaug River), the majority flying in a southerly direction. Chimney Swift activity always seems to ramp up prior to their arrival.
(report from Naomi and Larry Lacasse).
8/19/23 -- Petersham
This morning we did some low impact birding in PETERSHAM, concentrating on ponds. The weather was cool and darkly overcast. We had 1 nice mixed species group of warblers, but we could only id a small % of them as they stayed high in the trees and were horribly lit by the gray skies.
Great Blue Heron (2); Wood Duck (72: including 1f w/8 small ducklings); Broad-winged Hawk (2); Killdeer (1); Semipalmated Plover (1); Solitary Sandpiper (3); Morning Dove (6); Barred Owl (1); Chimney Swift (2); Ruby-throated Hummingbird (2); Belted Kingfisher (1); Yellow-bellied Sapsucker (1); N Flicker (3).
Passerine highlights: E Wood Pewee (4); E Phoebe (11); Blue-headed Vireo (5); Red-eyed Vireo (9: all singing); C Raven (1); Tree Swallow (2); Barn Swallow (50+); Cliff Swallow (2); Red-breasted Nuthatch (4); House Wren (1); Winter Wren (2); Hermit Thrush (7); Gray Catbird (3).
WARBLERS: Black-throated Green (2); Blackburnian (1); Pine (4: still singing); A Redstart (3); C Yellowthroat
(2)
Chipping Sparrow (5); Song Sparrow (8); Baltimore Oriole (1); Red Crossbill (10: we had these in 3 very separate locations and even had some on the ground drinking water. See
photo by Sheila Carroll).
PLUS: we got sneezed/coughed at (or at least that what it sounded like) by 3 River Otters.
(report from Mark Lynch/Sheila Carroll).
8/17/23 -- Quabog IBA, Brookfields
This morning, still under the sway of Covid, we did some very low-impact birding in the QUABOG IBA (Brookfields). Water levels are still high.
Double-crested Cormorant (4); Great Blue Heron (1); Canada Goose (64: all but 1 in grassy fields); Wood Duck (10); Mallard (46); Turkey Vulture (1); Osprey (3: South Pond); Bald Eagle (1); Cooper's Hawk (1); Wild Turkey (2); Sanderling (1: L Quabog. Post-breeding ad? See
photo by Sheila Carroll); Least Sandpiper (1 juv: at one point it was feeding in and among a flock of House Sparrows); Ring-billed Gull (13); Herring Gull (1); Mourning Dove (16); Red-bellied Woodpecker (1); Downy Woodpecker (1); N Flicker (1).
passerines:
Very little song and few passerines. Highlights: E Wood Pewee (3); E Phoebe (8); E Kingbird (1); Fish Crow (2); Tree Swallow (2); Barn Swallow (29); House Wren (1); Blue-gray Gnatcatcher (2); Gray Catbird (5); Ceder Waxwing (3); C Yellowthroat (1); Savannah Sparrow (7); C Grackle (51).
(report from Mark Lynch/Sheila Carroll).
8/15/23 -- Wachusett Reservoir
This afternoon we birded WACHUSETT RESERVOIR, despite both of us having Covid. Be aware that Covid is definitely back and is going around. We talked to no one, kept isolated, and had masks. Weather was overcast with some misting.
Common Loon (11: including 1ad w/2yg+2ad w/2yng+1 unattended yng); Double-crested Cormorant (27); Great Blue Heron (1); Mallard (23); Bald Eagle (1ad); Red-tailed Hawk (2); Killdeer (30: Clinton HS fields); Least Sandpiper (1: puddle in parking lot of Clinton HS); Ring-billed Gull (17); Mourning Dove (31); Barred Owl (1); Belted Kingfisher (2); Peregrine Falcon (1ad).
Eastern Kingbird (3: including 1 viciously attacking a Common Raven.)
In the morning we drove up to Worcester Airport in torrential rain to check to see if anything had put down on the runway. From the terminal side. Nothing. Mulberry street is closed for construction.
(report from Mark Lynch/Sheila Carroll).
8/3/23 -- Wachusett Reservoir IBA
This morning we got out for the first time in a few days after both of us being sick. We birded a few areas in the WACHUSETT RESERVOIR IBA. Highlights: Common Loon (3ad+1ad w/2yg); Double-crested Cormorant (12); Great Blue Heron (1); Canada Goose (70); Mute Swan (3); Mallard (21); Osprey (1ad trying to lure a fledged young off the nest with a fish); Bald Eagle (1ad); Red-tailed Hawk (2); Wild Turkey (1); Virginia Rail (3); Killdeer (5); Bonaparte's Gull (2: 1 of which put on a nice show seen from the dam); Ring-billed Gull (11); Belted Kingfisher (2).
Plus: 1 young White-tailed Deer running around the HS soccer fields.
(report from Mark Lynch/Sheila Carroll).
8/1/23 -- East Lake Waushacum, Sterling
While kayaking in the mid-afternoon, we spotted 3 eagles (2 adults, 1 juvenile), 3 red-tailed hawks (2 adults, 1 juvenile), an osprey, great blue heron, spotted sandpiper,
kingfisher, 3 cedar waxwings, 7 Canada geese, at least a dozen mallards. We also saw at least 5 green herons,
most likely a family group fluttering about the island in the lake.
(report from M. Larson, S. Handler, B. and D. Davis).
7/30/23 -- Warren
This morning we birded in WARREN. Song was spare, and even when we did see a bird, many of them did not utter a chip. The weather was wonderful.
Great Blue Heron (10: 1 still standing in a nest); Canada Goose (20); Mallard (5imm); Turkey Vulture (1); Osprey (2imm still at the nest); Red-shouldered Hawk (1); Red-tailed Hawk (1); Virginia Rail (4); Killdeer (1); Spotted Sandpiper (1); Ruby-throated Hummingbird (4: 1 had a noticeable flush of rufous on its sides and gave us pause but it was a Ruby-throat.. See
photo by Sheila Carroll.); N Flicker (8); A Kestrel (3 minimum).
E Wood Pewee (2); E Phoebe (7); Great Crested Flycatcher (1); E Kingbird (3); Warbling Vireo (2); red-eyed Vireo (36); Barn Swallow (11); E Bluebird (1); Gray Catbird (23: still noisy); Chestnut-sided Warbler (1); Pine Warbler (3); A Redstart (2); Ovenbird (2); C Yellowthroat (6); Scarlet Tanager (3); E Towhee (22); Swamp Sparrow (8: still singing); Rose-breasted Grosbeak (2imm); Baltimore Oriole (1f); A Goldfinch (15).
PLUS: Mink and Red Fox.
(report from Mark Lynch/Sheila Carroll).
7/28/23 -- Ware River Watershed
This morning we spent a few hours in the southern section of the Ware River Watershed IBA. NB: The dirt road from Intervale Road to the Prison Camp is really washed out and eroded and now blocked. Mosquitoes first thing were intense. Song has really dropped off. It was a good morning for Hermit Thrushes (still singing) and towhees. Highlights only:
Great Blue Heron (3); Wood Duck (1); Canada Goose (4); Broad-winged Hawk (2); Hairy Woodpecker (1); Yellow-bellied Sapsucker (4); N Flicker (9).
E Wood Pewee (4); Alder Flycatcher (1); E Phoebe (3); Great Crested Flycatcher (6); E Kingbird (2); Warbling Vireo (2); Red-eyed Vireo (35: still singing, but the number of singing birds has decreased); Red-breasted Nuthatch (3); House Wren (2); Hermit Thrush (22); Gray Catbird (21).
WARBLERS: Pine (8); C Yellowthroat (5); Prairie (3); Black-throated Blue (1); Black and White (1).
Scarlet Tanager (4); E Towhee (31); Rose-breasted Grosbeak (1); Red-crossbill (2).
Plus: huge Snapping Turtle (1)
(report from Mark Lynch/Sheila Carroll).
7/26/23 -- Quabog IBA, Brookfields
Today we birded the QUABOG IBA (Brookfields). Water levels at the ponds are high. Song has really dropped off. Highlights:
Double-crested Cormorant (2); Great Blue Heron (5); Great Egret (1: initially right at the parking lot/boat launch of Lake Quabog. Eventually it moved off, hunting along the shore. See photo by Sheila Carroll); Canada Goose (79); Wood Duck (5); Mallard (20); Turkey Vulture (5); Osprey (5: with 4 together at South Pond); Bald Eagle (1ad); Broad-winged Hawk (1); Red-tailed Hawk (1); Wild Turkey (18); Virginia Rail (4); Ring-billed Gull (16); Black Tern (1 at Quabog. First thing in the AM it flew across the pond and then we lost it. We kept waiting for it to return, but no luck. We even returned later in the AM to check again and could not find it); Chimney Swift (6); Ruby-throated Hummingbird (1: Sheila was about to take a nice shot of an Indigo Bunting when this hummer buzzed the bunting and chased it off); Pileated Woodpecker (2); A Kestrel (1m).
passerines:
E Wood Pewee (4); E Phoebe (3); E Kingbird (8); Warbling Vireo (4); Red-eyed Vireo (33); Tree Swallow (4); Barn Swallow (41); Carolina Wren (5); House Wren (7); Marsh Wren (8); Blue-gray Gnatcatcher (1); Gray Catbird (22); Chestnut-sided Warbler (1); Ovenbird (1); C Yellowthroat (2); Scarlet Tanager (1); Swamp Sparrow (8); Indigo Bunting (1m); Red-winged Blackbird (88).
(report from Mark Lynch/Sheila Carroll).
7/24/23 -- Hardwick
Today we birded around Hardwick. The road through the Muddy Brook WMA was being repaired complete with graders, steamrollers et.
Highlights:
Common Loon (5ad, no sign of young); Great Blue Heron (1); Green Heron (1); Canada Goose (16); Wood Duck (9); Bald Eagle (1ad); Broad-winged Hawk (1); Red-tailed Hawk (1); Wild Turkey (2); Spotted Sandpiper (2); Ruby-throated Hummingbird (4); Belted Kingfisher (2); Yellow-bellied Sapsucker (5); Pileated Woodpecker (1); American Kestrel (1m).
E Wood Pewee (10); E Phoebe (5); E Kingbird (2); Blue-headed Vireo (1); Warbling Vireo (3); Red-eyed Vireo (103); C Raven (3); Tree Swallow (1); Barn Swallow (3); Carolina Wren (1); House Wren (14); Winter Wren (1); Blue-gray Gnatcatcher (1); E Bluebird (8); Veery (6); Hermit Thrush (3); Wood Thrush (1); gray Catbird (38).
WARBLERS: Pine (5); Prairie (1); A Redstart (1); Ovenbird (1); C Yellowthroat (7).
Scarlet Tanager (1); E Towhee (23); Field Sparrow (3); Swamp Sparrow (2); Baltimore Oriole (1m); Red-crossbill (1).
Plus; 11 species of butterflies, a River Otter, and a HUGE Snapping Turtle just swimmin' along.
On the way home we found the 4 Great Egrets at Long Pond, Rutland right on Rt.122. They weren't there this AM.
(report from Mark Lynch/Sheila Carroll).
7/23/23 -- Ware River Watershed
Today we birded and dragonfly-ed a few of the southern sections of the WARE RIVER WATERSHED IBA. A number of roads are now gated including Gilbert Road, and both ends of Coldbrook Road. This is likely due to all the rain. Sections of some of the roads that are open are in rough shape, and we were glad we had a high carriage vehicle and even then it was rough going in spots. Bird song has really dropped off, most notably the Ovenbirds. This is a phenomena we noticed during the Breeding Bird Atlas II: by the end of July it is tough to find an Ovenbird, until fall migration starts in earnest. They seem to shut up and lay low. Red-eyed Vireos are still singing away, and we had some occasional song from species like Pine Warbler.
Highlights:
Great Blue Heron (1); Green Heron (1); Canada Goose (15); Broad-winged Hawk (1: hunting for snakes and frogs along a road. See Sheila's
photo);
Spotted Sandpiper (1); Belted Kingfisher (1); Yellow-bellied Sapsucker (1); N Flicker (1); Pileated Woodpecker (4: traveling through the forest together: family group?); E Wood Pewee (6); Alder Flycatcher (2: still calling a bit); E Phoebe (3); Great Crested Flycatcher (2); Blue-headed Vireo (1); Warbling Vireo (1); Red-eyed Vireo (92); C Raven (2); Tree Swallow (1); Red-brested Nuthatch (4); White-breasted Nuthatch (14: the young have fledged); Veery (9); Hermit Thrush (11); Gray Catbird (17); Cedar Waxwing (1).
WARBLERS: Chestnut-sided (1); Black-throated Blue (3); Black-throated Green (2); Blackburnian (1); Pine (11); Prairie (1); C Yellowthroat (13).
Scarlet Tanager (3); E Towhee (27); Swamp Sparrow (3); Rose-breasted Grosbeak (2imm); Bobolink (1); Red-crossbill (2).
PLUS: 9 species of butterfly, including (2) Red Admiral. Odonates were well-represented with Blue Dashers all over and Sheila found an Eastern Least Clubtail.
(report from Mark Lynch/Sheila Carroll).
7/20/23 -- Wachusett Reservoir IBA
Today we birded the WACHUSETT RESERVOIR IBA. NB: East Waushacum has a summer camp on-going at the beach, making it a place full of kids having a good time, but not a good place to bird. Water levels, unsurprisingly, are high. Highlights:
Common Loon (11, including 1ad feeding 1 still dark and fuzzy-looking young); Double-crested Cormorant (10); Great Blue Heron (3, including 1 �ready to leave the nest� young STILL in the nest); Green Heron (2); Canada Goose (38); Mute Swan (4); wood Duck (1f w/4yg); Mallard (12); Osprey (3 yg w/1 ad still at nest. See
photo by Sheila Carroll); Virginia Rail (3); Killdeer (2); Greater Yellowlegs (1 fly-over calling); Ring-billed Gull (22); Mourning Dove (19); Belted Kingfisher (1); N Flicker (2).
E Wood Pewee (2); E Phoebe (1); E Kingbird (12); Red-eyed Vireo (9); Tree Swallow (7); Carolina Wren (2); House Wren (9); E Bluebird (6); Gray Catbird (39); N Mockingbird (9); C Yellowthroat (5); Chipping Sparrow (7); Field Sparrow (1); Savannah Sparrow (3); Song Sparrow (19); Swamp Sparrow (6); Bobolink (6); E Meadowlark (3).
Lots of dragonflies many Blue Dasher; many E Pondhawk; many Slaty Skimmer, and several Prince Basketails. Butterflies were only a few of the most common species.
(report from Mark Lynch/Sheila Carroll).
7/19/23 -- Worcester city-Leicester
Today we birded a few spots in and near the city of WORCESTER, mainly looking for post-breeding night herons. Just a few decades ago, it was a yearly occurrence to find Black-crowned Night Herons in places like Leesville Pond. Not so in the last decade. NB: road constriction and detours seem to be everywhere. Give yourself extra time if you are going to bird anywhere in the city. Highlights:
COES POND/RESERVOIR: Green Heron (1); Canada Goose (49); Mallard (5); Common Merganser (1m, still here); Chimney Swift (5+); Band Swallow (15). NB: the swifts and swallows were feeding in the spillway.
ALL FAITHS/HOPE/NOTRE DAME CEMETERIES: Green Heron (1); Canada Goose (38); Mute Swan (1); Wood Duck (1); Mallard (2); Virginia Rail (2); Killdeer (1); Chimney Swift (31); Belted Kingfisher (2); N Flicker (12).
E Phoebe (2); E Kingbird (3); Red-eyed Vireo (2); Warbling Vireo (8); N Rough-winged Swallow (3immature): see
photo by Sheila Carroll. N Mockingbird (2); Gray Catbird (10); Cedar Waxwing (3); Brown-headed Cowbird (42: a large loose flock feeding on the ground with starlings).
WORCESTER AIRPORT-RT. 56 OVERLOOK : Wild Turkey (1f w/at least 3 very small young. These were in deep weeds so it was very tough seeing the young); Turkey Vulture (1); Killdeer (4); Ruby-throated Hummingbird (1); E Wood Pewee (1); E Kingbird (3: 1ad feeding perched young); Red-eyed Vireo (3); House Wren (4); Pine Warbler (1); Chestnut-sided Warbler (1); C Yellowthroat (2); Savannah Sparrow (4); E Towhee (9); Indigo Bunting (1m); Bobolink (2).
(report from Mark Lynch/Sheila Carroll).
7/15/23 -- Warren
Today we birded a few spots in WARREN (Worcester County). Bird song continues to fall off, but there are still lots of nesting and post-nesting behavior to see. Dragonflies are all over. Highlights:
Great Blue Heron (7 with 2 �ready to leave� young birds still standing in nest); Green Heron (2); Wood Duck (1f w/4 very teeny young. Second brood?); Mallard (1f); Turkey Vulture (2); Osprey (1ad tending at least 2 young in nest); Red-tailed Hawk (1); Virginia Rail (2: I suspect that the flooding has displaces a number of them); Barred Owl (1); Ruby-throated Hummingbird (1); Belted Kingfisher (7: including 4 that kept knocking each other off a bare branch); Yellow-bellied Sapsucker (1); A Kestrel (1).
passerines:
E Wood Pewee (3); E Phoebe (1); Great Crested Flycatcher (1); E Kingbird (8); Yellow-throated Vireo (6); Warbling Vireo (9); Red-eyed Vireo (66); Barn Swallow (12); Carolina Wren (3); House Wren (1); Veery (2); Gray Catbird (56); Cedar Waxwing (4).
warblers:
Pine Warbler (1); A Redstart (4); Ovenbird (6); Louisiana Waterthrush (1); C Yellowthroat (22).
Scarlet Tanager (3); E Towhee (4); Swamp Sparrow (11); Rose-breasted Grosbeak (2); Baltimore Oriole (1).
(report from Mark Lynch/Sheila Carroll).
7/12/23 -- Gate 8, Quabbin Reservoir
This morning we birded GATE 8, QUABBIN. Common Loon (pair w/2 very recently hatched young+2 other adults); Double-crested Cormorant (2); Great Blue Heron (1); Mallard (6); Spotted Sandpiper (2); Ring-billed Gull (21); Ruby-throated Hummingbird (2); Yellow-bellied Sapsucker (1); Downy Woodpecker (1).
Other than vireos, songbird song was poor. Highlights: E Wood Pewee (1); E Phoebe (1); Blue-headed Vireo (1); Red-eyed Vireo (24); Tree Swallow (3 pairs still tending young in nest box); Barn Swallow (1 migrant); House Wren (2); Winter Wren (1); E Bluebird (2); Wood Thrush (3); Ovenbird (8); Common Yellowthroat (4); Black-throated Blue Warbler (1); Pine Warbler (1); E Towhee (2); Scarlet Tanager (6); Red Crossbill (2).
On the way home outside Ware: Black Vulture (3); Turkey Vulture (2); Red-tailed Hawk (1).
(report from Mark Lynch/Sheila Carroll).
7/8/23 -- Petersham
Today we hit a few spots in PETERSHAM. Bird song continues its decline and young birds of certain species have fledged. But there is still lots of breeding behavior to watch.
Great Blue Heron (5); Canada Goose (2); Wood Duck (22); Mallard (3); Turkey Vulture (2); Killdeer (1); Spotted Sandpiper (1). NB: at Harvard Pond we had a tight flock of small shorebirds fly back and forth rapidly. I could not hear them call. My impression was that they were Least Sandpipers, but it seems early for the first wave. Keep an eye out.
Mourning Dove (14); Ruby-throated Hummingbird (6: all at feeders); Yellow-bellied Sapsucker (5); Hairy Woodpecker (1).
Passerine highlights: E Wood Pewee (8); Least Flycatcher (1); E Phoebe (10); E Kingbird (3); Yellow-throated Vireo (3); Blue-headed Vireo (6); Red-eyed Vireo (94); C Raven (3); Tree Swallow (30+); Barn Swallow (45+); Red-breasted Nuthatch (5); House Wren (3); Winter Wren (5); Veery (12); Hermit Thrush (19); Wood Thrush (1); Gray Catbird (28).
WARBLERS: Chestnut-sided (9); Black-throated Blue (4); Black-throated Green (6); Blackburnian (3); Pine (11); Black and White (1); A Redstart (1); Ovenbird (42); C Yellowthroat (18).
Scarlet Tanager (11); E Towhee (5); Field Sparrow (2); Swamp Sparrow (2); A Goldfinch (8).
(report from Mark Lynch/Sheila Carroll).
7/5/23 -- Hubbardston
Today we birded and mostly dragonfly-ed areas in and around the HUBBARDSTON parts of the Ware River Watershed. Our focus was odonates, so we only tallied birds from the locations we visited looking for dragonflies. Highlights: Common Loon (ad pair w/2yg); Great Blue Heron (2); Canada Goose (14); Wood Duck (12); Hooded Merganser (1f); N Goshawk (1ad); Red-shouldered Hawk (1); Broad-winged Hawk (1); Virginia Rail (1); Belted Kingfisher (1); N Flicker (2).
E Wood Pewee (11); Least Flycatcher (3); E Phoebe (10); Great Crested Flycatcher (2); E Kingbird (1); Blue-headed Vireo (2); Red-eyed Vireo (141); C Raven (2); Tree Swallow (30+); Barn Swallow (10+) NB: all swallows were together over the river); Red-breasted Nuthatch (3);House Wren (6); E Bluebird (2); Veery (23); Hermit Thrush (4); Gray Catbird (39); Cedar Waxwing (4).
WARBLERS: Chestnut-sided (2); Black-throated Blue (2); Black-throated Green (2); Pine (17); Prairie (1); Ovenbird (30); C Yellowthroat (35).
Scarlet Tanager (14); E Towhee (6); Swamp Sparrow (21); Rose-breasted Grosbeak (1); A Goldfinch (9)
One of the oddest sightings that morning was this: we pulled into the parking lot of a WMA. The area all around the lot was COVERED with large flat webs of some spider species. There must have been 60+ in our area and they continued into the forest, 3 hours later we pulled into the same lot and ALL the webs were completely gone, not a trace!
(report from Mark Lynch/Sheila Carroll).
6/30/23 -- Ware River Watershed IBA
This morning we birded (and butterfly-ed and dragonfly-ed) some of the forested areas of the south and western sections of the WARE RIVER WATERSHED IBA. Birdsong is just starting to wind down. Some species, like swallows, have fledged their young. Highlights only:
Turkey Vulture (1); Broad-winged Hawk (2); Wild Turkey (1); Ruby-throated Hummingbird (1); Yellow-bellied Sapsucker (7); Pileated Woodpecker (1).
Alder Flycatcher (1); E Phoebe (6); Great Crested Flycatcher (1); E Kingbird (1); Yellow-throated Vireo (1); Blue-headed Vireo (1); Red-eyed Vireo (106); Common Raven (5: really noisy family); Red-breasted Nuthatch (11); Veery (43); Hermit Thrush (5); Wood Thrush (6); Cedar Waxwing (6).
WARBLERS: Blue-winged (1); Yellow (3); Chestnut-sided (5); Black-throated Blue (3); Black-throated Green (2); Pine (27: including several fledged young); Prairie (4); Black and White (2); A Redstart (2); Ovenbird (104); Louisiana Waterthrush (1); C Yellowthroat (29); Canada (1).
Scarlet Tanager (3); E Towhee (17); Rose-breasted Grosbeak (3); Indigo Bunting (1); Bobolink (9); Red Crossbill (3).
Plus: some nice blooms including white and pink fringed orchis and rattlesnake plantain. One of the most interesting butterfly sightings was seeing 70+ European Skippers swarming all over a small dirt clearing and landing on the ground. The dirt patch was about the size of a car, at the edge of forest. They were landing and lapping the area, likely getting minerals. We have never seen this dense a concentration of skippers like this before.
(report from Mark Lynch/Sheila Carroll).
6/30/23 -- Broad Meadow Brook Sanctuary, Worcester
During a mid-day walk, there were only typical birds, but one special sighting.
Along the powerline trail, I heard a faint song of E. Towee ahead of me, so slowed
down and looked for it. I saw motion in a tangle of branches just off the trail, so
stood motionless about 30' from that tangle. After a few minutes, a Towhee sure enough
appeared, and I continued to remain completely motionless for several more minutes.
Gradually, the bird got used to my presense, and worked its way up to the top where
I got wonderful and extended views of the bird from all angles. It was a bird making
its transition from juvenile to adult plumage, with heavy streaking on the throat area,
and brown hood pattern typical of females, except that the brown did not extend onto the
throat. There was also some streaking on the crown. Good looks at the mandibles revealed
a slight yellowish tinge on the lower, but more solid gray on the upper. On the flanks,
there was a thin rufous band starting to develop. There was the typical white pocket
showing on the folded wing, with faint remnants of whitish wing bars.
This is nothing rare, but it was a real treat seeing this transitional plumage.
(report from Rick Quimby).
6/25/23 -- Quabog IBA
Highlights from this morning's birding around the QUABOG IBA. Boats were all over the larger ponds. Some birds are fledging.
Great Blue Heron (2); Canada Goose (21); Wood Duck (9); Mallard (16); Greater Scaup (1 odd drake at Lake Quabog. See Sheila's
photo. That white wing patch is odd); Osprey (4 in air together over Quacumquasit); Bald Eagle (the three just fledged young sitting on branches next to nest); Virginia Rail (2); Killdeer (2); Chimney Swift (2); Belted Kingfisher (1); N Flicker (3); Pileated Woodpecker (1).
E Wood Pewee (5); Willow Flycatcher (1); E Phoebe (5); E Kingbird (1); Yellow-throated Vireo (4); Warbling Vireo (12); Red-eyed Vireo (44); Fish Crow (1); C Raven (3 at road-killed squirrel); Tree Swallow (19); N Rough-winged Swallow (9); Barn Swallow (66); Carolina Wren (3); House Wren (16); Marsh Wren (8); Blue-gray Gnatcatcher (1); E Bluebird (5); Veery (8); Wood Thrush (3); Gray Catbird (108: seeming everywhere);
WARBLERS: Yellow (6); Chestnut-sided (3); Pine (4); Ovenbird (38); C Yellowthroat (24).
Scarlet Tanager (5); E Towhee (9); Savannah Sparrow (2); Swamp Sparrow (11); Rose-breasted Grosbeak (3); Indigo Bunting (3); Bobolink (8).
PLUS: White Tailed Deer (1); Snapping Turtle (2 large); leps included my first Great Spangled Fritillary of the year and American Lady.
(report from Mark Lynch/Sheila Carroll).
6/23/23 -- Erving
Highlights from a trip to ERVING and a narrow adjacent piece of Northfield:
Turkey Vulture (1); Mallard (1); Red-shouldered Hawk (1); Ruffed Grouse (1); Yellow-bellied Sapsucker (3); Pileated Woodpecker (2).
E Wood Pewee (8); E Phoebe (11); Great Crested Flycatcher (1); E Kingbird (4); Blue-headed Vireo (14); Red-eyed Vireo (108); Red-breasted Nuthatch (7); House Wren (3); Winter Wren (7); Veery (32).
WARBLERS: Yellow (1); Chestnut-sided (2); Black-throated Blue (10); Black-throated Green (7); Blackburnian (1); Pine (5); Black and White (3); Ovenbird (32); C Yellowthroat (15); Canada (1).
Scarlet Tanager (9); Swamp Sparrow (3); Indigo Bunting (1); Purple Finch (2).
Plus: An amazing showing of Mountain Laurel. Catch it while you can with a drive through the State Park. Plus: woodchuck and mink.
(report from Mark Lynch/Sheila Carroll).
6/21/23 -- Orange WMA and Harvard Pond, Petersham
This morning we birded around the ORANGE WMA and neighboring areas. Landbirds were scarce, possibly because of the deeply overcast weather, Highlights: Double Crested Cormorant (15 and 9 active nests); Great Blue Heron (20 and 10 active nests); Canada Goose (12); Wood Duck (11); Hooded Merganser (2 imm or f); Belted Kingfisher (1); Pileated Woodpecker (1).
E Wood Pewee (3); Alder Flycatcher (5); Great Crested Flycatcher (3); E Kingbird (2); Warbling Vireo (3); Red-eyed Vireo (53); Tree Swallow (15+); House Wren (7); Carolina Wren (1); Veery (4); Cedar Waxwing (1). NB: warblers were low in numbers and variety; the exception was Ovenbird (26); Scarlet Tanager (6); Indigo Bunting (3); Baltimore Oriole (2).
On the way home the sun broke through the clouds so we made a quick stop at Harvard Pond, PETERSHAM: Great Blue Heron (2); Canada Goose (2ad w/2 goslings); Wood Duck (8+1f with 2 very young ducklings); A Black Duck (1f w/6yng); Broad-winged Hawk (1); Spotted Sandpiper (1); Yellow-bellied Sapsucker (1).
(report from Mark Lynch/Sheila Carroll).
6/18/23 -- New Braintree
This morning we birded around NEW BRAINTREE. The weather was not great. Overcast, dark, damp, and breezy. Bird numbers and variety was low, likely because of the poor weather. Thank ye gods for persistent singers like vireos and Ovenbirds. Highlights:
Great Blue Heron (1); Red-tailed Hawk (4); Ruby-throated Hummingbird (1); Belted Kingfisher (1); Red-bellied Woodpecker (1); Yellow-bellied Sapsucker (1); Hairy Woodpecker (1); N Flicker (1); A Kestrel (1 f perched atop nest box).
E Wood Pewee (6); Alder Flycatcher (2); Willow Flycatcher (3); Least Flycatcher (2); E Phoebe (8); Great Crested Flycatcher (1); E Kingbird (4); Yellow-throated Vireo (2); Warbling Vireo (4); Red-eyed Vireo (45); C Raven (8); N Rough-winged Swallow (4); Red-breasted Nuthatch (4); House Wren (12); E Bluebird (2); Veery (13); Wood Thrush (5); Gray Catbird (87); N Mockingbird (1).
WARBLERS: Yellow (11); Chestnut-sided (2); Pine (2); Black and White (1); A Redstart (3); Ovenbird (31); C Yellowthroat (19)
Scarlet Tanager (1); E Towhee (9); Savannah Sparrow (3); Swamp Sparrow (5); Rose-breasted Grosbeak (2); Indigo Bunting (1); Bobolink (16); Baltimore Oriole (1).
Plus: Black Bear (1).
(report from Mark Lynch/Sheila Carroll).
6/16/23 -- Petersham
Today, we only birded for just a few hours in a few spots in PETERSHAM. Highlights: Great Blue Heron (7, including 2 �looking ready to leave� young in a nest);Canada Goose (1); Wood Duck (17); Turkey Vulture (4); Red-shouldered Hawk (1); Broad-winged Hawk (1); Ruffed Grouse (1 drumming); mourning Dove (7); Barred Owl (1); Yellow-bellied Sapsucker (6).
Flycatchers:
E Wood Pewee (5); Least Flycatcher (8); E Phoebe (3); Great Crested Flycatcher (5); E Kingbird (1).
VIREOS: Yellow-throated (3); Warbling (3); Red-eyed (94).
C Raven (1); Tree Swallow (21); Red-breasted Nuthatch (6); Brown Creeper (1); House Wren (5); E Bluebird (4); Veery (6); Hermit Thrush (3); Gray Catbird (16).
WARBLERS: Yellow (9); Chestnut-sided (10); Black-throated Green (3); Blackburnian (2); Pine (7); Black and White (1); A Redstart (1); Ovenbird (41); C Yellowthroat (13).
Scarlet Tanager (6); Swamp Sparrow (1); Indigo Bunting (3); Baltimore Oriole (3).
Butterflies included small numbers of Little Wood Satyr and Red-spotted Purples among others.
(report from Mark Lynch/Sheila Carroll).
6/15/23 -- Ware River Watershed IBA
Today we birded/butterfly-ied/dragonfly-ied some of the southern sections of the WARE RIVER WATERSHED IBA. Because of the time of the year, there was so much to see and search for, that though we birded till early afternoon, we covered only a few areas. Though some bird numbers may seem high, we have monitored this parcel for decades, and there are declines. Some species that used to breed here locally in small numbers are gone from locations where they used to breed.. This includes Nashville, Magnolia, and Canada Warblers. Declines are noticeable in species like Black-throated Green and Blackburnian Warblers, and Blue Headed Vireos. These declines have not been sudden, but have been tracked for the last several years. The possible reasons for these declines are varied, but it is interesting to note.
Great Blue Heron (2); Hooded Mergansers (2f or immatures); Turkey Vulture (6); Red-shouldered Hawk (3); Mourning Dove (5); Barred Owl (1); Ruby-throated Hummingbird (1); Red-bellied Woodpecker (1); Yellow-bellied Sapsucker (6); Hairy Woodpecker (2); Pileated Woodpecker (1).
Passerine highlights: E Wood Pewee (5); Least Flycatcher (2); E Phoebe (3); Great Crested Flycatcher (8); E Kingbird (1).
VIREOS: Yellow-throated (4); Warbling (2); Red-eyed (87).
Tree Swallow (10); Red-breasted Nuthatch (11); Brown Creeper (2); House Wren (1); Winter Wren (1); E Bluebird (2); Veery (34); Hermit Thrush (1); Gray Catbird (23).
WARBLERS: Yellow (7); Chestnut-sided (9); Black-throated Blue (1); Yellow-rumped (2); Black-throated Green (2); Blackburnian (3: at one point a male landed on the road right in front of our car. It was gleaning something, As soon as Sheila opened her door to try to get a pic, it flew off); Pine (25); prairie (5); Black and White (2); A Redstart (1); Ovenbird (117); C Yellowthroat (25).
Scarlet Tanager (13); E Towhee (31); Swamp Sparrow (4); Rose-breasted Grosbeak (2); Bobolink (6); Baltimore Oriole (1); Purple Finch (3).
Butterflies included numbers of Little Wood Satyrs and Red-spotted Purples. Sheila had some nice odes including Amber-winged Spreadwing and a good flight of Eastern Pondhawks. Blooms included Jack-In-The-Pulpits and Bunchberry among others. The mosquitoes were amazing.
(report from Mark Lynch/Sheila Carroll).
6/11/23 -- Hubbardston
This morning we birded and dragonfly-ed in the NE section of the Ware River Watershed, mostly in HUBBARDSTON. Species variety (birds) was middlin' but this is the breeding season, so there was lots to watch.
Great Blue Heron (1); Canada Goose (11); Wood Duck (13, including 1f w/8yg); A Black Duck (1m); Turkey Vulture (2); Red-shouldered Hawk (1); Broad-winged Hawk (2); Mourning Dove (6); Barred Owl (1); Ruby-throated Hummingbird (1); Belted Kingfisher (1); Red-bellied Woodpecker (2); Yellow-bellied Sapsucker (3); Downy Woodpecker (1); Pileated Woodpecker (1).
Passerine highlights: E Wood Peewee (7); Alder Flycatcher (2); E Phoebe (6); Great Crested Flycatcher (4); E Kingbird (6).
VIREOS: Blue-headed (5); Warbling (11); Red-eyed (167: we watched a pair constructing a nest for 30 minutes. It was only c.6 feet off the ground. See
photo by Sheila Carroll);
Red-breasted Nuthatch (7); Carolina Wren (2); House Wren (6); E Bluebird (4); Veery (16).
WARBLERS: Yellow (9); Chestnut-sided (8); Black-throated Green (2); Blackburnian (1); Pine (11); Prairie (2); Blackpoll (1); Ovenbird (34); C Yellowthroat (29).
Scarlet Tanager (8); E Towhee (5); Swamp Sparrow (8); Rose-breasted Grosbeak (2); Baltimore Oriole (6).
Butterflies included 16 Red-spotted Admirals, 1 White.
(report from Mark Lynch/Sheila Carroll).
6/11/23 -- Mt. Wachusett, Princeton
Highlights on a 2-hr mid-day hike up to the summit: 1 Broad-winged Hawk (calling, heard
only -- this one at much lower elevation than 5/27 report); 1 Yellow-bellied Sapsucker,
1 Pileated Woodpecker, 1 Eastern Wood-Pewee, 1 Common Raven, 1 Red-breasted Nuthatch,
1 Winter Wren, 1 Wood Thrush, 1 Blue-headed Vireo (same location as in 5/27 report), 15+
Red-eyed Vireos, 1 Chestnut-sided Warbler, 2 Black-throated Green Warblers, 1 Prairie Warbler,
1 Blackpoll Warbler (singing, high elevations along Jack Frost trail), 15+ Ovenbirds,
3 Scarlet Tanager (singing), and 1 Baltimore Oriole (lower elevations, going to nest).
(report from Rick Quimby).
6/10/23 -- Warren
This morning we birded around WARREN. No signs of mgrations, but many migrant breeders and lots of nesting activity.
Great Blue Heron (10: including 5 yg in 2 active nests); Canada Goose (pair w/4 goslings); Mallard (pair and 1f w/5 very young ducklings); Hooded Merganser (1f); Turkey Vulture (3); Osprey (pair at nest, but we did not see any sign of young. We watched 1 catch a large, beefy pickerel-like fish. ); Broad-winged Hawk (2); Red-tailed Hawk (1); Wild Turkey (1); Virginia Rail (6); chimney Swift (3); Belted Kingfisher (1); Red-bellied Woodpecker (2); Downy Woodpecker (1); Hairy Woodpecker (1); N Flicker (3); Pileated Woodpecker (1).
Passerine highlights: E Wood Peewee (5); Willow Flycatcher (2); Least Flycatcher (1: low); E Phoebe (11); Great Crested Flycatcher (1); E Kingbird (5).
VIREO: Yellow-throated (10); Warbling (11); Red-eyed (67).
C Raven (3); Tree Swallow (70+); N Rough-winged Swallow (3); Barn Swallow (33); Carolina Wren (6); House Wren (7); E Bluebird (2); Veery (27); Wood Thrush (4); Gray Catbird (115); Cedar Waxwing (7).
WARBLERS: Yellow (21); Chestnut-sided (15); Black-throated Green (1); Black and White (4); A Redstart (16); Worm-eating (1: likely breeder); Ovenbird (54); Northern Waterthrush (2); Louisiana Waterthrush (1); C Yellowthroat (27).
Scarlet Tanager (10); E Towhee (8); Savannah Sparrow (2); Swamp Sparrow (7); Rose-breasted Grosbeak (6); Indigo Bunting (2); Bobolink (9); Baltimore Oriole (10); Purple Finch (1).
Plus: Herps included a Ribbon Snake; Butterflies included (7) Red-spotted Admirals; Odes included (2) Harlequin Darners; Mammals included a White-tailed Deer.
(report from Mark Lynch/Sheila Carroll).
6/8/23 -- Ware River Watershed
This morning we spent a few hours birding the southern section of the WARE RIVER WATERSHED. Overcast, dark, and drizzly at time, the birding was slow. Highlights only: Double-crested Cormorant (1imm); American Bittern (1); Great Blue Heron (1); Canada Goose (2); Wood Duck (1m); Mallard (1); Red-tailed Hawk (1); Wild Turkey (1); Virginia Rail (2); Belted Kingfisher (1).
E Wood Peewee (3); Alder Flycatcher (6); Willow Flycatcher (3); Least Flycatcher (8); E Phoebe (2); Great Crested Flycatcher (7); E Kingbird (4).
VIREOS: Yellow-throated (3); Warbling (10); Red-eyed (77).
C Raven (1); House Wren (11); Veery (28); Hermit Thrush (5); Gray Catbird (37).
WARBLERS: Yellow (11); Chestnut-sided (8); Black-throated Blue (2); Yellow-rumped (1); Pine (11); Prairie (1); Black and White (1); Ovenbird (41); Northern Waterthrush (1); C Yellowthroat (24).
Scarlet Tanager (3); E Towhee (23); Swamp Sparrow (12); Bobolink (6); Baltimore Oriole (6); Purple Finch (3).
(report from Mark Lynch/Sheila Carroll).
6/3/23 -- Gate 8, Quabbin
Today we birded in Gate 8, Quabbin (Pelham). We had a pair of Common Loons looking like they were searching for a nesting spot (see
photo
by Sheila Carroll); Double-crested Cormorant (3); Mallard (2); Common Merganser (2f); Spotted Sandpiper (3: we watched a pair mating for some time); Ring-billed Gull (4). Passerines were typical for the location at this time of year, though in lower than typical numbers and variety. The gloomy dank weather may have been a factor. WE didn't hear the Acadian Flycatcher, despite spending time at their previous location. Highlights: E Wood Peewee (1); Great Crested Flycatcher (1); E Kingbird (1); Warbling Vireo (2); Red-eyed Vireo (23); Tree Swallow (30+ most feeding far out over the water. Several of the next boxes were empty); Barn Swallow (1); Winter Wren (1); House Wren (3); Veery (9); Ovenbird (23); C Yellowthroat (4); Louisiana Waterthrush (2); Chestnut-sided Warbler (3); Pine Warbler (1); Black-throated Blue Warbler (1); Scarlet Tanager (6).
We also had a large Snapping Turtle finish laying eggs along the road and head back to the water.
(report from Mark Lynch/Sheila Carroll).
5/31/23 -- Erving
This morning we saw May off by birding the ERVING area. I love the State Forest here. NB: most of the Mountain Laurel hadn't come out yet.
Mallard (2); Turkey Vulture (1); Red-shouldered Hawk (1); Broad-winged Hawk (1); Red-tailed Hawk (2); Ruby-throated Hummingbird (1); Red-bellied Woodpecker (1); Yellow-bellied Sapsucker (5); Pileated Woodpecker (1).
Passerines: highlights only: Olive-sided Flycatcher (1: apparently still moving through); E Wood Peewee (9); Alder Flycatcher (2); Least Flycatcher (6); E Phoebe (13); Great Crested Flycatcher (1); E Kingbird (1);
VIREOS: Yellow-throated (2); Blue-headed (11); Warbling (8); Red-eyed (160).
Red-breasted Nuthatch (12); House Wren (3); Winter Wen (3); Veery (18).
WARBLERS: Yellow (2); Chestnut-sided (9); Black-throated Blue (9); Yellow-rumped (2); Black-throated Green (9); Blackburnian (2); Pine (3); Black and White (1); Ovenbird (58); Northern Waterthrush (1); Louisiana Waterthrush (6); C Yellowthroat (13); Canada (2).
Scarlet Tanager (21); Swamp Sparrow (4); Rose-breasted Grosbeak (2); Indigo Bunting (1); Baltimore Oriole (7).
PLUS: River Otters (3); White-tailed Deer (1). Butterflies: only 4 common species, with Tiger Swallowtails being the most common (17). Sheila had a good dragonfly day and she is still sorting out photos.
(report from Mark Lynch/Sheila Carroll).
5/27/23 -- Mt. Wachusett, Princeton
Highlights from an afternoon hike up to the summit and down a different trail were 1 Broad-winged Hawk (calling several times from the trees just below the summit, but not sighted), 1 Yellow-belled Sapsucker, 1 E. Phoebe, 1 Red-breasted Nuthatch, 1 Blue-headed
Vireo (hemlock forest not far from summit), Red-eyed Vireo (~15), Black-throated Blue Warbler (1 m, seen and heard well on Jack
Frost trail, lower elevations), Black-throated Green Warbler (2 singing higher elevations), Ovenbird (~12), Scarlet Tananger
(2m and 1f). (report from Rick Quimby).
5/27/23 -- Warren
Today we birded/dragonflied/butterflied the SW County town of WARREN. Birds: Great Blue Heron (7: 1 occupied nest with 2 fully feathered young); Canada Goose (4ad+2goslings); Mallard (pair); Turkey Vulture (3); Osprey (pair at nest, but we could not see any young); Red-tailed Hawk (2); Virginia Rail (2); Chimney Swift (6); Ruby-throated Hummingbird (3); Red-bellied Woodpecker (2); Yellow-bellied Sapsucker (4).
Passerine highlights: Olive-sided Flycatcher (1); E Wood Peewee (8); Willow Flycatcher (1); Least Flycatcher (5); E Phoebe (11); Great Crested Flycatcher (3); E Kingbird (6).
VIREOS: Yellow-throated (11); Warbling (23); Red-eyed (87).
Tree Swallow (46); N Rough-winged Swallow (4: breeding under a small bridge); Barn Swallow (8); Carolina Wren (7); House Wren (18);Marsh Wren (2); Veery (27); Wood Thrush (6); Gray Catbird (61); Brown Thrasher (1).
WARBLERS: Yellow (16); Chestnut-sided (17); Prairie (1); Black and White (2); A Redstart (16); Ovenbird (61); Louisiana Waterthrush (2); C Yellowthroat (52).
Scarlet Tanager (7); E Towhee (10); Swamp Sparrow (13); Rose-breasted Grosbeak (9); Indigo Bunting (1); Bobolink (24); Baltimore Oriole (7); Purple Finch (2).
NB: Only 6 species of butterflies were found including 2 Red Admirals. There were lots of odonates including our FOY Ebony Jewelwings and a Delta-spotted Spiketail.
(report from Mark Lynch/Sheila Carroll).
5/26/23 -- Ware River Watershed
This morning we birded/ode-ed/butterflied just a few of the southern roads in the WARE RIVER WATERSHED IBA. In some of the areas most of the oaks seem to be having a hard time leafing out and the upper branches look almost bare. This affected breeding birds, especially Red-eyed Vireos who could not be heard in areas where there were lots of bare trees. Whether this is due to damage from last year's caterpillars or an invasive I don't know, but it is concerning. Very young oaks are fully leafed out, but mature trees are almost bare or only have scraggly leaves. Maples are fine. This morning we had 99% breeding birds, no sign of migration. A number of breeding species are no shows so far (like Nashville which breeds very locally) or in lower than typical numbers. The only species in higher than expected numbers were Great Crested Flycatcher. Highlights: Canada Goose (8: 4 goslings); Wood Duck (2); Osprey (1: fly-over); Turkey Vulture (1); Broad-winged Hawk (1); Virginia Rail (1); Yellow-bellied Sapsucker (3); Pileated Woodpecker (2).
Flycatchers:
Olive-sided Flycatcher (1); E Wood Peewee (4); Alder Flycatcher (1: low); Least Flycatcher (4); E Phoebe (5); Great Crested Flycatcher (11); E Kingbird (2);
VIREOS: Blue-headed (1); Warbling (3); Red-eyed (39).
Red-breasted Nuthatch (2); Brown Creeper (1); House Wren (2); Veery (18); Hermit Thrush (5).
WARBLERS: Blue-winged (1); Yellow (3); Chestnut-sided (14); Yellow-rumped (2); Black-throated Green (5); Blackburnian (1); Pine (14); Prairie (4); Black and White (4); Ovenbird (94); C Yellowthroat (28).
Scarlet Tanager (10); E Towhee (21); Field Sparrow (1); Swamp Sparrow (4); Rose-breasted Grosbeak (1); Bobolink (2); Baltimore Oriole (2); Purple Finch (4).
Plus: we watched a beaver repairing a large dam.
(report from Mark Lynch/Sheila Carroll).
5/25/23 -- Burnshirt River Watershed
Today we birded around the northern areas of the WARE RIVER WATERSHED, mainly near the Burnshirt and its tributaries. These include parts of the towns of Phillipston and Templeton. Though we were focused on odonates, we certainly tracked all the birds. It was very breezy and cool making birding and odeing tough at times.
Bird Highlights: American Bittern (1); great Blue Heron (2); Canada Goose (4ad+5 gosling); Wood Duck (13); Red-shouldered Hawk (1); Broad-winged Hawk (1); Ruffed Grouse (1); Yellow-bellied Sapsucker (2); Pileated Woodpecker (2).
E Wood Peewee (2); Least Flycatcher (1); E Phoebe (3); Great Crested Flycatcher (1); E Kingbird (2).
VIREOS: Blue-headed (1); Warbling (2); Red-eyed (97).
Tree Swallow (17); Red-breasted Nuthatch (2); Carolina Wren (2); House Wren (5); E Bluebird (2); Veery (12); Hermit Thrush (2).Pine (4); Black and White (2); Ovenbird
WARBLERS: Yellow (2); Chestnut-sided (7); Black-throated Blue (2); Yellow-rumped (1); Blackburnian (2);
Pine (4); Black and White (2); Ovenbird (51); Northern Waterthrush (1); C Yellowthroat (15); Canada (1).
Scarlet Tanager (12); E Towhee (2); Swamp Sparrow (3); Rose-breasted Grosbeak (2); Bobolink (9).
(report from Mark Lynch/Sheila Carroll).
5/23/23 -- Hardwick
Today we spent birding in a few areas of HARDWICK, including the boat launch fishing Gate 43 in Quabbin, Muddy Brook WMA; and Mandel Hill. A bit of migration going on, but most birds were migrant breeders.
Common Loon (6: including one on nest); American Bittern (1); Canada Goose (21ad+5yg); Wood Duck (3); Mallard (1); Red-tailed Hawk (1); Ruffed Grouse (1); Wild Turkey (5: 2 toms in full display); Killdeer (2); Spotted Sandpiper (2); Least Sandpiper (1: see photo by Sheila Carroll); Mourning Dove (13); Ruby-throated Hummingbird (3); Red-bellied Woodpecker (1); Yellow-bellied Sapsucker (10); Hairy Woodpecker (1); N Flicker (1); Pileated Woodpecker (1); A Kestrel (2).
Passerine highlights: E Wood Peewee (6); Yellow-bellied Flycatcher (1); Alder Flycatcher (2); Least Flycatcher (14); E Phoebe (13); Great Crested Flycatcher (7); E Kingbird (1).
VIREOS: Yellow-throated (7); Warbling (16); Red-eyed (115: we watched several in high display with lots of chasing and extreme tail spreading).
Common Raven (1).
SWALLOWS: Tree (39); N Rough-winged (1); Bank (1); Barn (2).
House Wren (9); Veery (38); Hermit Thrush (4); Wood Thrush (5).
WARBLERS: Blue-winged (3); Yellow (32); Chestnut-sided (31); Black throated Blue (3); Yellow-rumped (1); Black-throated Green (1); Pine (4); Prairie (1); Bay-breasted (1); Blackpoll (2); Black and White (4); A Redstart (7); Ovenbird (118); Mourning (2); C Yellowthroat (39); Canada (1).
Scarlet Tanager (15); E Towhee (26); Field Sparrow (7); Savannah Sparrow (2); Swamp Sparrow (6); Rose-breasted Grosbeak (12); Indigo Bunting (3); Bobolink (7); E Meadowlark (1); Baltimore Oriole (6).
We also had 8 species of butterflies and Sheila shot several dragonflies as they emerged from their exuvia. Best bloom was Wild Lupine.
(report from Mark Lynch/Sheila Carroll).
5/20/23 -- Quabog IBA
This morning we got a few hours of birding in the QUABOG IBA before it started to rain (c.10:45AM). Birdsong was spotty at best. There was no sign of migration, only migrant breeders on territory. The Asparagus Festival in West Brookfield was ON!
Great Blue Heron (9: we could find only 1 occupied nest); Canada Goose (44 ad + 17 goslings); Mute Swan (2); Wood Duck (2m); Mallard (5); Lesser Scaup (1m); Hooded Merganser (1f); Turkey Vulture (1); Bald Eagle (2 ad+ we could only see 2 yg in the nest, but viewing from across the lake is not too great so the third yg could very well have been in there); Sharp-shinned Hawk (1); Virginia Rail (7); Killdeer (3); Mourning Dove (10); Chimney Swift (3); Ruby-throated Hummingbird (1f); Red-bellied Woodpecker (2); Downy Woodpecker (2); Hairy Woodpecker (1); Pileated Woodpecker (2); A Kestrel (1).
Passerine highlights: E Wood Peewee (1); Alder Flycatcher (1); Willow Flycatcher (1); E Phoebe (7); Great Crested Flycatcher (1); E Kingbird (3); Warbling Vireo (11); Red-eyed Vireo (23); Fish Crow (1); Tree Swallow (24); N Rough-winged Swallow (3); Bank Swallow (4); Barn Swallow (32); Carolina Wren (7); House Wren (13); Marsh Wren (16); E Bluebird (3); Wood Thrush (2); Brown Thrasher (1).
WARBLERS: Blue-winged (1); Yellow (25); Chestnut-sided (6); Pine (3); black and White (1); Ovenbird (15); C Yellowthroat (24).
anager (4); E Towhee (9); Savannah Sparrow (2); Swamp Sparrow (24); Rose-breasted Grosbeak (4); Indigo Bunting (1); Bobolink (21); Baltimore Oriole (19).
(report from Mark Lynch/Sheila Carroll).
5/18/23 -- Ware River IBA
This morning and early afternoon we birded southern roads in the WARE RIVER IBA. Starting temps were in the high 30s, but slowly it warmed to 50. For the first 2 hours birding was slow and there was very little birdsong other than vireos and Ovenbirds. Most birds were near water, especially along the river. Most birds we saw/heard were breeders and there were only a few that were just migrants. I hope more birds will be passing through this next week. The forest is VERY dry and I wouldn't be surprised to find the gates closed in the future unless we get a decent rain.
Pied-billed Grebe (1ad: potential breeder in fine breeding habitat); Great Blue Heron (16: 9 occupied nests and 5 yg barely visible. There were likely more young in the nests); Canada Goose (pr w/3 goslings); Common Merganser (1f: potential breeder); Turkey Vulture (1); Red-shouldered Hawk (1); Broad-winged Hawk (1); Red-tailed Hawk (1); Virginia Rail (2); Solitary Sandpiper (2); Spotted Sandpiper (1); Yellow-bellied Sapsucker (2); N Flicker (1).
Passerine highlights: Alder Flycatcher (3); Willow Flycatcher (1); Least Flycatcher (15); E Phoebe (10); Great Crested Flycatcher (8); E Kingbird (5).
VIREO: Blue-headed (2); Warbling (5); Red-eyed (41).
C Raven (4); Tree Swallow (17: we watched 2 mating. The female perched high in a bare pine, positioned herself and the male flew down and copulated c.20 times, flying up each time in between); Red-breasted Nuthatch (3); House Wren (2); Winter Wren (1); E Bluebird (5); Veery (19); Hermit Thrush (4); Wood Thrush (3); Gray Catbird (28).
WARBLERS: Tennessee (1); Nashville (1: breeds); N Parula (7); Yellow (3); Chestnut-sided (9); Magnolia (1); Black-throated Blue (2); Yellow-rumped (2); Black-throated Green (3); Blackburnian (1); Pine (13); Prairie (1); Blackpoll (2); Black and White (5); A Redstart (4); Ovenbird (70); Louisiana Waterthrush (1); C Yellowthroat (15); Wilson's (1).
Scarlet Tanager (5); E Towhee (8); Swamp Sparrow (3); Bobolink (18); Baltimore Oriole (7); Purple Finch (3).
Plus a number and variety odes and butterflies and (1) Red Fox.
(report from Mark Lynch/Sheila Carroll).
5/12/23-5/13/23 -- Quabog and Quabbin IBAs
Our Mass Audubon BIRDATHON 2023 results: QUABOG IBA (5/12, evening) and QUABBIN IBA (5/13, day). We followed basically the same route birding for Broad Meadow Brook MAS for the last several years.
FRIDAY EVENING: I was feeling very punk and almost canned the effort (lower tract problems) but soldiered on thanks to Sheila's supportive efforts. We bird the Quabog IBA about once a week through the year (we nominated the area) so we had scouted the area pretty well. Almost no migrant warblers, though we did managed 2 Louisiana Waterthrush. An American Black Duck was a good find thanks to Sheila. Though common as muck in migration, Black Ducks have plummeted as breeders in recent decades (see the difference in the maps for Breeding Bird Atlas 1 and 2. Marsh birds included (4) Virginia Rail and (1) Sora over several stops .An American Bittern was a good find, but no real surprise. One may have over-wintered! The Marsh Wrens are back too. The nesting Bald Eagles at Wickabog were nice, but we could only make out, with a scope, 1 young. That day, Fish and Wildlife had weighed and banded 3 birds from that nest. A real spectacle were the hundreds of swallows at Lake Quabog as evening proceeded. Many Tree and a few Barns kept landing on the parking lot. Hard scoping on flying birds and listening for calls revealed Bank (their nearby colony has been obliterated to build houses); Rough Winged and after a bit, (1) Cliff. But the real surprise was the Purple Martin that called and flew above the fray heading north. A Common Nighthawk flew over the pond. This was expected, though numbers have plummeted in recent years. My first for this IBA and totally unexpected, not even on our radar. Darkness and we ticked Woodcock (several), Barred and Great Horned Owls, and Whip-poor-wills. Tired, drive home.
SATURDAY: Up at 3AM and drive out to Gate 8, Quabbin, one of the 3 Fishing Gates. Permit needed. At 5:30 AM, there was a waiting line of cars many with boats in tow. DCR doesn't start to allow folks on the water till 6AM. But this gave us time to enjoy a fine dawn chorus. Setting up a scope at the water's edge we enjoyed a wild display of 4 Spotted Sandpipers right in front of us. The water had (4) Common Loons, a raft of cormorants, and (2) Common Mergs. At one point I picked up a group of 3 Lesser Yellowlegs flying very low over the water and tracked them across my whole field of view. As interesting a sighting were the 4 young Russian women who decided to have an early morning picnic right next to us. They spoke almost no English and communicated via a Google app. They took tons of selfies in the spring dresses holding stuffed animals, melons, and dried flowers. A first sighting for me at Quabbin.
Then we birded our way out the 2 mile entrance road picking up lots of migrants (we had 22 species of warblers in the 24-hour period) and birded north around Quabbin: Pelham, Shutesbury, New Salem, Petersham and Hardwick. Even on poor migration days, species like Winter Wren, Canada, Black throated Blue and Green, Blackburnian, Nashville Warblers, and the waterthrushes all breed in the area. We got to know this area well during BBA 2, and we had some real nice sightings in some hidden spots. We had a fly-over Evening Grosbeak close to an area where we have found them breeding in previous years. Along a 75 yard long section of a dirt road we found minimally (9) confiding Swainson's Thrushes hopping about. We also had other Swainson's through the morning including 1 singing at Gate 8. It was a great morning for woodland thrushes and we saw a number of Veery and Hermit Thrushes. At Harvard Pond we had (5) Solitary Sandpipers. River Otters cavorted about in another pond. We found several Field Sparrows and Prairie Warblers in the Muddy Brook WMA. Our last new species of the day were Northern Mockingbird in Old Furnace and American Kestrel at Mandel Hill. For a total for the effort of 119 species. Worst misses: Downy Woodpecker ( ! ) and Broad-winged Hawk.
(report from Mark Lynch/Sheila Carroll).
5/11/23 -- Ware River Watershed
This morning we birded a long loop (11 miles) in the southern sections of the WARE RIVER WATERSHED IBA. There were a good number of birds of a few species. All the species we saw/heard breed, or are suspected of breeding, in the area. Yesterday while birding the cemeteries of the city of Worcester, we had species like Magnolia and Parula (many) that we did not find today. No sign of birds moving,
American Bittern (1); Great Blue Heron (2); Canada Goose (11, including a pair w/5 goslings); Wood Duck (4); Mallard (1f); N Goshawk (1ad); Red-shouldered Hawk (2); Broad-winged Hawk (3); Wild Turkey (1); Mourning Dove (6); Belted Kingfisher (2); N Flicker (2); Pileated Woodpecker (1).
E Wood Peewee (1: most unusual bird of the morning. Early); Least Flycatcher (11); E Phoebe (2); Great Crested Flycatcher (4); E Kingbird (3).
VIREOS: Yellow-throated (2); Blue-headed (12); Warbling (6); Red-eyed (13).
Blue Jay (25); C Raven (1); Tree Swallow (11); Black-capped Chickadee (4); Tufted Titmouse (11); Red-breasted Nuthatch (11); White-breasted Nuthatch (1); House Wren (3); Veery (2); Hermit Thrush (6); A Robin (24); Gray Catbird (19).
WARBLERS: Yellow (14); Chestnut-sided (19); Black-throated Blue (2); Yellow-rumped (2); Black-throated Green (5); Blackburnian (1); Pine (22); Prairie (4); Black and White (5); Ovenbird (118); Northern Waterthrush (3); C Yellowthroat (21).
Scarlet Tanager (5); E Towhee (17); Chipping Sparrow (9); Song Sparrow (9); Swamp Sparrow (3); N Cardinal (2); Rose-breasted Grosbeak (1); Red-winged Blackbird (68); C Grackle (14); Brown-headed Cowbird (2); Baltimore Oriole (8); Purple Finch (9); Red Crossbill (2); A Goldfinch (7).
It was also a good day for certain species of butterflies: Cabbage White (2); Tiger Swallowtail (2); Spring Azure (44); Pine Elfin (37); Juvenal's Duskywing (27). Odonates included a Ringed Bog Haunter.
Plus: E Garter Snake (1).
(report from Mark Lynch/Sheila Carroll).
5/9/23 -- Worcester Cemeteries
I joined the Forbush Bird Club trip this morning, led by Susan LaBree, to the 3 southern cemeteries in Worcester (Notre Dam, Hope, and All-Faiths). The following are my own observations (some numbers
approximate), and not an official Forbush bird report.
Highlights of the 38 species recorded included 5 Wood Ducks, 5 Killdeer (we got to see 3 chicks with their parents, at one point hiding under one of the adults!), 6 Chimney Swifts, 1 Red-bellied Woodpecker,
2 N. Flickers, 1 E. Kingbird (All-Faith's), 1 Carolina Wren, 2 Gray Catbirds, ~10 Warbling Vireos, 3+
N. Parula, 2 Yellow Warbler, 2 Yellow-rumped Warbler, 2 Black-and-white Warbler, 1 Common Yellowthroat,
1 Rose-breated Grosbeak (f), 1 E. Towhee, 5 Brown-headed Cowbird, and 3 Baltimore Oriole.
(report from Rick Quimby).
5/7/23 -- Petersham
Today we spent the morning and early afternoon birding a few locations in PETERSHAM.
Great Blue Heron (7: 2 active nests); Canada Goose (10); Wood Duck (23); Mallard (7); Hooded Merganser (1f); Red-shouldered Hawk (2); Red-tailed Hawk (1); Killdeer (1); Solitary Sandpiper (1); Spotted Sandpiper (2); Mourning Dove (4); Belted Kingfisher (4); Yellow-bellied Sapsucker (8: 1m flew to the ground right in front of the car while it was moving. Sheila quickly put on the brakes, and it flew to a nearby tree seemingly from under our car.); Downy Woodpecker (1); Hairy Woodpecker (2); N Flicker (3); Pileated Woodpecker (4).
PASSERINE HIGHLIGHTS: Least Flycatcher (3); E Phoebe (10); Blue-headed Vireo (11); Warbling Vireo (1); Red-eyed Vireo (2); C Raven (2); Tree Swallow (53); Barn Swallow (5); Red-breasted Nuthatch (2); Brown Creeper (4); Carolina Wren (1); House Wren (6); Winter Wren (1); Golden-crowned Kinglet (1: Women's SF where they have bred in years past); Hermit Thrush (1); gray Catbird (2).
WARBLERS: Yellow (6); Chestnut-sided (1); Yellow-rumped (2); Black-throated Green (16); Pine (14); Prairie (1); Black and White (4); Ovenbird (81); Northern Waterthrush (4); Louisiana Waterthrush (4); C Yellowthroat (1).
E Towhee (7); Swamp Sparrow (5); Baltimore Oriole (5);purple Finch (3).
Butterflies included Pine Elfin (3); Spring Azure (8). Odonates included Aurora Damsel (2).
(report from Mark Lynch/Sheila Carroll).
5/6/23 -- South Royalston-Winchendon
This morning we birded along the dirt roads that run between Otter River SF/WMA and Birch Hill ACE (Winchendon-South Royalston). There was a lot of tree damage from earlier storms . Hunters were out in some areas. Birds were a mixed bag, some decent numbers of early migrants, but still many species not found or in smaller than expected numbers.
A Bittern (1); Great Blue Heron (3); Canada Goose (19, including pair w/4 goslings); Wood Duck (1); Mallard (1); Osprey (2); Broad-winged Hawk (1); Red-tailed Hawk (2); Wild Turkey (1); Solitary Sandpiper (2); Spotted Sandpiper (3); Mourning Dove (4); Belted Kingfisher (1); Yellow-bellied Sapsucker (1); Hairy Woodpecker (1); N Flicker (6); Pileated Flicker (1), A Kestrel (1).
Passerine highlights: Least Flycatcher (4); E Phoebe (11); Blue-headed Vireo (7); C Raven (2); Barn Swallow (3); Tree Swallow (10); House Wren (4); Ruby-crowned Kinglet (3); Blue-gray Gnatcatcher (3); Hermit Thrush (1); Gray Catbird (4).
WARBLERS: Yellow (3); Yellow-rumped (8); Black-throated Green (4); Pine (14); Prairie (1); Palm (1); Black and White (5); Ovenbird (27); Louisiana Waterthrush (1); C Yellowthroat (1).
SPARROWS: E Towhee (7); Chipping (18); Field (1); Song (16); Swamp (5).
Purple Finch (2).
No dragonflies, Butterflies: Pine Elfin (1); Spring Azure (9); Mourning Cloak (1).
(report from Mark Lynch/Sheila Carroll).
5/4/23 -- Wachusett Reservoir IBA
We only had a few hours this morning so we did a basic tour of the WACHUSETT RESERVOIR IBA. The weather was gray, cool, with a few showers.
Red-throated Loon (1: main body of res); Common Loon (7: we had a loon on both Waushacums, and on the Stillwater River); Double-crested Cormorant (4); Great Blue Heron (5 w/3 occupied nests); Mute Swan (9); Canada Goose (6); Wood Duck (7); Mallard (2); Bufflehead (14: 8f+1m on East Waushacum and 5f on Coachlace); Black Vulture (3); Osprey (pair w/nest); Red-shouldered Hawk (1); Red-tailed Hawk (1); Virginia Rail (6: very vocal); Killdeer (2); Belted Kingfisher (1); N Flicker (1); Pileated Woodpecker (1).
Warbling Vireo (2); Blue-headed Vireo (1); House Wren (2); Yellow Warbler (1); Pine Warbler (10); Ovenbird (1); Field Sparrow (1); Baltimore Oriole (1).
SWALLOWS: Several hundreds of swallows were present over most bodies of water. Many were too far out to ID, but where they were close enough I scoped and scoped and ended with the following: Tree (197+); Barn (51+); N Rough-winged (1 near where they nest); Bank (3); Cliff (2). BTW: each body of water had a different mix of species.
(report from Mark Lynch/Sheila Carroll).
5/3/23 -- Institute Park, Worcester
Not feeling much like spring yet in the park, but at least the birds think it is. In addition to the
many grackles and blackbirds, there were some FOY today: 3 Warbling Vireos and 1 Yellow Warbler. There have been the usual
squabbles between geese and swans, although this year the geese are fighting back, agressivley trying to
keep the swans away from their (the geese's) nest.
(report from Rick Quimby).
5/3/23 -- Warren
We birded WARREN this morning. The weather ranged from partly cloudy to overcast and showers.
Double-crested Cormorant (1); Great Blue Heron (2; 1 on nest); Canada Goose (10); Mallard (5); Hooded Merganser (1m); Turkey Vulture (14); Osprey (pair w/nest); Red-tailed Hawk (5); Virginia Rail (4); Mourning Dove (6); Yellow-bellied Sapsucker (4); Downy Woodpecker (1); Hairy Woodpecker (7); Pileated Woodpecker (2).
E Phoebe (4); Yellow-throated Vireo (1); Warbling Vireo (2); Blue Jay (17); A Crow (4); C Raven (1); Tree Swallow (47); N Rough-winged Swallow (1); Black-capped Chickadee (14); Tufted Titmouse (30); Carolina Wren (4); House Wren (4); Blue-gray Gnatcatcher (1); E Bluebird (3); A Robin (71); Gray Catbird (6).
WARBLERS: Blue-winged (1); Yellow (6); Chestnut-sided (1); Yellow-rumped (4); Black-throated Green (1); Pine (3); Black and White (1); Ovenbird (20); Louisiana Waterthrush (1).
Sparrows: E Towhee (26); Chipping (22); Savannah (1); Song (28); Swamp (5).
N Cardinal (23); Rose-breasted Grosbeak (2); Red-winged Blackbird (138); C Grackle (41); Orchard Oriole (1); Baltimore (1); Purple Finch (4); House Finch (15); A Goldfinch (9).
Plus: Beavers; Muskrat; and great views of a Bobcat.
(report from Mark Lynch/Sheila Carroll).
4/30/23 -- City cemeteries, Worcester
This morning we birded the 4 cemeteries in the sw corner of WORCESTER. The weather was wet, drizzly, misty, cool. There was a raw feel to the weather. We had no idea what we could find, if anything.
Double-crested Cormorant (2); Great Blue Heron (3: this begs the question: where is the nearest rookery to this area?); Mute Swan (1); Canada Goose (13); Wood Duck (8); Mallard (13); Osprey (1); Sharp-shinned Hawk (1); Virginia Rail (2); Killdeer (2); Mourning Dove (13); Belted Kingfisher (1); N Flicker (2).
Passerines:
Warbling Vireo (1); Blue Jay (7); A Crow (1); Tree Swallow (6); Carolina Wren (2); House Wren (1); Tufted Titmouse (6); White-breasted Nuthatch (1); A Robin (118); Yellow Warbler (2); Yellow-rumped Warbler (12); Chipping Sparrow (34); Song Sparrow (17); Swamp Sparrow (1); White-throated Sparrow (3); N Cardinal (6); Red-winged Blackbird (34); C Grackle (25); Brown headed Cowbird (2); Orchard Oriole (1).
WE then took a side trip to Worcester Airport: Canada Goose (2); Wild Turkey (1); Turkey Vulture (1); Killdeer (2); A Kestrel (1); E Bluebird (2); E Towhee (1); Savannah Sparrow (2); Red-winged Blackbird (3); E Meadowlark (1).
(report from Mark Lynch/Sheila Carroll).
4/29/23 -- Great Meadow, Grafton
Highlights this morning:
Wood Duck 1;
Red-bellied Woodpecker 3;
Downy Woodpecker 3;
Hairy Woodpecker 1;
Northern Flicker 3;
Eastern Phoebe 1;
Brown Creeper 1;
House Wren 1;
Carolina Wren 1;
Gray Catbird 1;
Chipping Sparrow 2;
Song Sparrow 5;
Eastern Towhee 2;
Red-winged Blackbird 23;
Brown-headed Cowbird 2;
Northern Waterthrush 2;
Blue-winged Warbler 1;
Yellow Warbler 2;
Rose-breasted Grosbeak 2.
(report from John Liller).
4/28/23 -- Hardwick
This morning we birded a few spots in HARDWICK including Gate 43, Quabbin (foggy, and jammed with fishermen putting their boats in); Muddy River WMA (forestry projects on-going); and other locations. Highlights:
Great Blue Heron (1); Canada Goose (11); Wood Duck (8); Mallard (2); Bufflehead (1f); Hooded Merganser (pair); Common Merganser (1m); Turkey Vulture (4); Red-shouldered Hawk (3); Red-tailed Hawk (1); Wild Turkey (7); Spotted Sandpiper (1); Mourning Dove (14); Ruby-throated Hummingbird (1 at feeder); Belted Kingfisher (1); Yellow-bellied Sapsucker (14); Downy Woodpecker (1); Hairy Woodpecker (1); N Flicker (7); Pileated Woodpecker (4).
E Phoebe (9); Blue-headed Vireo (9); Tree Swallow (45); Red-breasted Nuthatch (4); Brown Creeper (2); Carolina Wren (4); House Wren (8); Winter Wren (1); Ruby-crowned Kinglet (4); Hermit Thrush (3).
WARBLERS: Yellow (1); Yellow-rumped (8); Black-throated Green (2); Pine (14); Black and White (4); Ovenbird (1); Louisiana Waterthrush (2).
E Towhee (33); SPARROWS: Chipping (25); Field (5); Savannah (2); Song (13); Swamp (3).
Purple Finch (1).
Butterflies: Spring Azure (2); Mourning Cloak (1). No dragonflies.
(report from Mark Lynch/Sheila Carroll).
4/26/23 -- New Braintree and the Brookfields
Today we birded NEW BRAINTREE and then the BROOKFIELDS. It was amazing the see the difference in the foliage out between the two areas. Birding was a bit slow, but there were a few nice birds. The following are the combined totals and highlights only from the two areas:
Great Blue Heron (3 with at least 2 occupied nests); Canada Goose (47); Mute Swan (pair); Wood Duck (6); Mallard (14); Ring-necked Duck (pair); Hooded Merganser (pair); Common Merganser (1m); Turkey Vulture (8); Bald Eagle (4: including 1ad tending nest. Watching carefully through a scope, we could make out what appeared to be 2 young); Red-tailed Hawk (6); Wild Turkey (8: all single birds); Sandhill Crane (2: Winnimusset Meadows); Killdeer (3); Belted Kingfisher (1); Red-bellied Woodpecker (7); Yellow-bellied Sapsucker (3); N Flicker (10); A Kestrel (1f).
E Phoebe (16); Fish Crow (2); C Raven (10); Tree Swallow (18); N Rough-winged Swallow (2); Barn Swallow (3); Carolina Wren (4); Ruby-crowned Kinglet (2); Hermit Thrush (1);
WARBLERS: Yellow (1); Yellow-rumped (2); Pine (9); Palm (3).
E Towhee (11); Field Sparrow (1); Savannah Sparrow (4); Swamp Sparrow (6); Purple Finch (1).
Only (2) Cabbage Whites; no dragonflies. Mammals included (1) Woodchuck. Herps included hundreds of E Painted Turtles and (1) Banded Water Snake. There was a fine display of Marsh Marigolds.
(report from Mark Lynch/Sheila Carroll).
4/24/23 -- Institute Park, Worcester
Highlights in mid afternoon were 2 Tree Swallows, 2 Ruby-crowned Kinglets,
1 Yellow-rumped Warbler, and 1 E. Towhee. (report from Rick Quimby).
4/22/23 -- Great Meadow, Grafton
Highlights at the Great Meadow in Grafton this morning:
Wood Duck 1;
Wild Turkey 1;
Red-bellied Woodpecker 4;
Northern Flicker 2;
Eastern Phoebe 1;
Ruby-crowned Kinglet 1;
Carolina Wren 1;
Eastern Bluebird 1;
Hermit Thrush 2;
Chipping Sparrow 2;
Dark-eyed Junco 1;
Song Sparrow 6;
Swamp Sparrow 3;
Eastern Towhee 2;
Red-winged Blackbird 18;
Brown-headed Cowbird 2;
Northern Waterthrush 1.
(report from John Liller).
4/22/23 -- Worcester cemeteries
This morning we birded the four cemeteries in the SE corner of the city of Worcester: Hope, Notre Dame, All Faiths, and St. Johns. The weather was overcast and cool, almost raw. It's still too early for an big waves of migrants, but it is always interesting what you can turn up in these cemeteries in the city.
Double-crested Cormorant (2); Great Blue Heron (1); Canada Goose (13-1 on nest); Mute Swan (1 on nest. The mate was likely close by); Wood Duck (6); Mallard (13); Turkey Vulture (2); Red-tailed Hawk (1); Killdeer (1); Mourning Dove (5); Belted Kingfisher (2); Red-bellied Woodpecker (1); Downy Woodpecker (4); N Flicker (7).
Blue Jay (3); American Crow (2); Fish Crow (1); Black-capped Chickadee (2); Tufted Titmouse (9); Carolina Wren (5); Ruby-crowned Kinglet (4); A Robin (117); Gray Catbird (1); N Mockingbird (3); Yellow-rumped Warbler (61+1 dead at corner of Mill Street and Webster Street)
[photo]
SPARROWS: Chipping (29); Savannah (13: every spring there is a modest outfall of this grassland sparrow in these cemeteries); Song (19); Swamp (3); White-throated (5); Dark-eyed Junco (5).
N Cardinal (10); Red-winged Blackbird (55); C Grackle (23); Brown-headed Cowbird (2); House Finch (2).
(report from Mark Lynch/Sheila Carroll).
4/21/23 -- Ware River Watershed IBA
This morning into early afternoon we birded the southern areas of the WARE RIVER WATERSHED IBA. Foliage is about a week behind the city of Worcester.
Great Blue Heron (2); Canada Goose (9); Wood Duck (5); Mallard (7); Hooded Merganser (pair); Turkey Vulture (3); Red-shouldered Hawk (2); Broad-winged Hawk (1); Virginia Rail (2); Yellow-bellied Sapsucker (6); Downy Woodpecker (1); Hairy Woodpecker (1); N Flicker (1); Pileated Woodpecker (1).
E Phoebe (12); Blue-headed Vireo (8); Blue Jay (20); A Crow (4); C Raven (2); Tree Swallow (19); Black-capped Chickadee (9); Tufted Titmouse (12); Red-breasted Nuthatch (9); Brown Creeper (4); Winter Wren (1); Ruby-crowned Kinglet (7); Hermit Thrush (4); A Robin (9).
WARBLERS: Yellow-rumped (9); Black-throated Green (1); Pine (35); Palm (7); Black and White (1).
E Towhee (1); Song Sparrow (11); Swamp Sparrow (6); White-throated Sparrow (2); Red-winged Blackbird (29); Purple Finch (13); A Goldfinch (5); Evening Grosbeak (1).
PLUS: Green Darner (1); Pine Elfin (11); Spring Azure (3); Mourning Cloak (1). Nice showing of Bloodroot; Marsh Marigold; Purple Trillium; and Wood Anemone.
(report from Mark Lynch/Sheila Carroll).
4/19/23 -- Institute Park, Worcester
Highlights in a mid-morning walk were 2 Killdeer, 1 Tree Swallow, 2 N.
Rough-winged Swallows, 1 Yellow-rumped Warbler, 1 Pine Warbler, and 4 Song Sparrows.
(report from Rick Quimby).
4/16/23 -- North Brookfield
Whip-poor-wills were heard in the gravel pit next to the 5 Mile River here in North Brookfield tonight. I also had an albino goldfinch at the feeder yesterday (4/15).
(report from Jeff Smith).
4/16/23 -- Wachusett Reservoir
This morning we birded in the WACHUSETTT RESERVOIR IBA. It was overcast, gloomy, and at times misty in places making long-distance scoping not always possible. We are definitely in the denouement phase of water bird migration. Common Loon (7); Double-crested Cormorant (24); Great Blue Heron (5-3 occupied nests); Canada Goose (18); Mute Swan (4); Wood Duck (5); Mallard (6); Greater Scaup (10); Lesser Scaup (1f hanging with Common Mergansers); Bufflehead (5); Common Merganser (13); Osprey (pair mating in nest); Red-tailed Hawk (1); Wild Turkey (3); Virginia Rail (2); Killdeer (2); Ring-billed Gull (8); Herring Gull (2); Mourning Dove (11); Red-bellied Woodpecker (1); Downy Woodpecker (1); Hairy Woodpecker (1); N Flicker (4); Pileated Woodpecker (1); A Kestrel (1).
Passerines were in low numbers and poor variety likely because of the weather. High-lights: E Phoebe (3); Common Raven (1); Tree Swallow (46); Barn Swallow (1); Carolina Wren (6); Ruby-crowned Kinglet (1); E Bluebird (6); Pine Warbler (16); Louisiana Waterthrush (1); Field Sparrow (1); Swamp Sparrow (6).
The only non-bird vert we saw was a muskrat.
(report from Mark Lynch/Sheila Carroll).
4/15/23 -- Quabog IBA
This morning we birded several locations in the QUABOG IBA. Lake Quabog and Quacumquasit/South Pond were crowded with fishermen both in boats and along the shore. If you are going to bird these locations, get there at dawn. Great Blue Heron (5, 3 occupied nests); Canada Goose (64-2 on nests); Mute Swan (2); Wood Duck (6); A Black Duck (5); Mallard (10); Green-winged Teal (15); Ring-necked Duck (14); Long-tailed Duck (1 breeding plumaged drake at Quabog); Common Merganser (31); Turkey Vulture (2 on Rt 9 eating a road-killed Snapping Turtle); Bald Eagle (4-including pair at nest); Red-shouldered Hawk (1); Red-tailed Hawk (1); Wild Turkey (14); Virginia Rail (1); Killdeer (2); Spotted Sandpiper (1: Lashaway along Rt. 9); Ring-billed Gull (3); Mourning Dove (3); Red-bellied Woodpecker (2); Yellow-bellied Sapsucker (5); Downy Woodpecker (4); N Flicker (9); A Kestrel (2).
Passerine highlights: E Phoebe (16); Fish Crow (2); C Raven (1); Tree Swallow (17); Brown Creeper (1); Carolina Wren (11); Ruby-crowned Kinglet (1); E Bluebird (6); Hermit Thrush (1);
WARBLERS: Yellow-rumped (4); Pine (21); Palm (2); Louisiana Waterthrush (2).
Chipping Sparrow (30); Field Sparrow (4); Savannah Sparrow (1); Song Sparrow (51); Swamp Sparrow (6); White-throated Sparrow (1); Dark-eyed Junco (7).
Behavior: we watched a pair of cardinals carefully choosing their nesting materials, each sex searching in a different area, but close to each other.
PLUS: Spotted Turtle (1); and a nice showing of Bloodroot at Elm Hill MAS.
(report from Mark Lynch/Sheila Carroll).
4/15/23 -- Wachusett Meadows Sanctuary, Princeton
On a mid to late afternoon walk, highlights were:
1 Great Blue Heron, 2 Turkey Vulture, 4 Red-tailed Hawk (calling and interacting over upper meadow), 1 American Kestrel (flew over wet meadow, then perched on snag), 2 Northern Flicker (one chasing a YB Sapsucker around a stump with holes near parking lot), 1 Red-bellied Woodpecker, 1 Yellow-bellied Sapsucker (being chased by N Flicker), 1 Pileated Woodpecker, 3 Tree Swallow, 1 Common Raven, 1 Winter Wren (singing), and 5 Pine Warblers.
(report from Rick Quimby)
4/14/23 -- Petersham
This morning we birded a few places in PETERSHAM including Women's SF, Harvard Pond, Tom Swamp, the MAS property, and most of the ponds. Great Blue Heron (3-2 on 2 nests); Canada Goose (8-2 on nests); Wood Duck (14); A Black Duck (5); Mallard (6); Green-winged teal (4); Ring-necked Duck (66); Bufflehead (4); Hooded Merganser (4); Red-shouldered Hawk (1); Red-tailed Hawk (1); Wild Turkey (5); Killdeer (4); Greater Yellowlegs (1); Mourning Dove (3); Belted Kingfisher (2); Red-bellied Woodpecker (1); Yellow-bellied Sapsucker (13); Hairy Woodpecker (3); N Flicker (11); Pileated Woodpecker (5).
Passerine highlights: E Phoebe (21); Blue-headed Vireo (7); C Raven (1); Tree Swallow (32); Red-breasted Nuthatch (14); Brown Creeper (5); Winter Wren (7); Ruby-crowned Kinglet (8); Hermit Thrush (4); Pine Warbler (42); Palm Warbler (5); Northern Waterthrush (1); Louisiana Waterthrush (7); Swamp Sparrow (3 singing); Dark-eyed Junco (70+); Purple Finch (12).
Plus: River Otter (3); Spring Azure (3); Green Darner (5+).
(report from Mark Lynch/Sheila Carroll).
4/13/23 -- Institute Park, Worcester
A walk from 5:30-6:30 pm around the pond and into Rural cemetery yielded these highlights:
1 Great-blue Heron, 2 Mute Swans (nesting), 2 Killdeer, 1 E. Phoebe (cemetery), 2 Palm Warblers, 1 E. Towhee,
2 Chipping Sparrows, 1 Field Sparrow, and 2 Song Sparrows. (report from Rick Quimby).
4/11/23 -- Warren
This morning we birded around WARREN.
Pied-billed Grebe (2); Great Blue Heron (8-1 on nest); Canada Goose (69-3 on nests); Wood Duck (6); A Black Duck (2); Mallard (18); Hooded Mergansers (1m+pair); Turkey Vulture (5); Osprey (2, 1 perched nest to nest); Sharp-shinned Hawk (1); Red-tailed Hawk (1); Virginia Rail (1); Mourning Dove (8); Belted Kingfisher (2); Red-bellied Woodpecker (1); Yellow-bellied Sapsucker (3); Hairy Woodpecker (1); N Flicker (7); Pileated Woodpecker (1).
Passerine highlights: E Phoebe (8); C Raven (1); Tree Swallow (85); Ruby-crowned Kinglet (5); E Bluebird (5); Pine Warbler (3); Palm Warbler (13); E Towhee (1); Dark-eyed Junco (11); Red-winged Blackbird (155). Plus: Porcupine (1) and our first dragonfly of the year, a Green Darner..
En route to Warren, in Spencer: Louisiana Waterthrush (2).
(report from Mark Lynch/Sheila Carroll).
4/9/23 -- Hardwick-New Braintree
HARDWICK, morning, just a few stops: Highlights: Canada Goose (2); Wood Duck (4); A Black Duck (4); Mallard (5); Ring-necked Duck (5); Common Merganser (20); Turkey Vulture (4); Red-tailed Hawk (3); Belted Kingfisher (2); Yellow-bellied Sapsucker (10); N Flicker (5); Pileated Woodpecker (1); A Kestrel (3).
E Phoebe (20); Tree Swallow (78); Brown Creeper (3 singing); Carolina Wren (6); Winter Wren (1); Golden-crowned Kinglet (2); Pine Warbler (7); Louisiana Waterthrush (1); E Towhee (1); Chipping Sparrow (16); Field Sparrow (2); Song Sparrow (42);Dark-eyed Junco (57).
Then we briefly visited NEW BRAINTREE: Canada Goose (49); Wood Duck (3); A Black Duck (7); Mallard (2); Bald Eagle (3ad; a pair has been hanging out at Winnimusset Meadows WMA for several weeks, but no sign of nesting); Red-tailed Hawk (4); N Flicker (2); A Kestrel (2).
E Phoebe (5); Brown Creeper (2); E Bluebird (3); Pine Warbler (4); Chipping Sparrow (3); E Meadowlark (1).
(report from Mark Lynch/Sheila Carroll).
4/8/23 -- Quabog IBA
This morning (4/8) we birded the QUABOG IBA. Great Blue Heron (6: 3 on nests); Canada Goose (19); Mute Swan (1); Wood Duck (5); A Black Duck (6); Mallard (22); Green-winged Teal (14); Ring-necked Duck (29); Bufflehead (14); Hooded Merganser (1m); Common Merganser (8: all f); Turkey Vulture (4); Osprey (5); Bald Eagle (3: 1ad on nest+2 imm); Red-tailed Hawk (1); Killdeer (1); Ring-billed Gull (7); Mourning Dove (7, 1 carrying nesting material); Belted Kingfisher (3); Red-bellied Woodpecker (2).
PASSERINE HIGHLIGHTS: E Phoebe (13); C Raven (3); Tree Swallow (61); Brown Creeper (2: 1 singing); E Bluebird (4); Pine Warbler (9); Palm Warbler (7: all in 1 group); E Towhee (1); Chipping Sparrow (3); Swamp Sparrow (1).
Plus: beavers and 1 porcupine feeding intensely on clover in a field mid-morning.
(report from Mark Lynch/Sheila Carroll).
4/8/2023 -- Pierpont Meadow Audubon Sanctuary, Dudley
Highlights of an afternoon walk included an adult male American Kestrel, a Ring-necked Duck, and a Ruby-crowned Kinglet. (report from Robert Brady).
4/7/23 -- Shrewsbury-Wachusett Reservoir-Westboro
This morning we birded Flint Pond to check on recent reports of Trumpeter Swans. We checked several areas and found very few waterfowl and no rare swans.
We then checked Wachusett Reservoir (as well as Meadow Pond and Coachlace) and had the following:
Common Loon (2 non-br); Double-crested Cormorant (1); Great Blue Heron (2); Mute Swan (2); Canada Goose (6); Ring-necked Duck (19); Lesser Scaup (9); Greater Scaup (49); Bufflehead (1); Common Merganser (15); Cooper's Hawk (1); Pileated Woodpecker (1); A Kestrel (1); Tree Swallow (7); Pine Warbler (2).
CHAUNCY LAKE, WESTBORO had very little other than (4) Mute Swans and (6) Ring-billed Gulls.
SUASCO, WESTBORO: Double-crested Cormorant (1); Mute Swan (20 with 2 on nests); Canada Goose (2); Wood Duck (4); Mallard (2); Ring-necked Duck (37); Bufflehead (3); Osprey (3: 2 on 2 different nests); Red-tailed Hawk (1); Tree Swallow (100+)
(report from Mark Lynch/Sheila Carroll).
4/6/23 -- Quabog IBA in the evening
This evening we birded the QUABOG IBA. WE managed about 45 minutes of enough light to id waterfowl, then darkness. Rain came in around 8PM.
Mute Swan (2); Canada Goose (8); Wood Duck (1); Mallard (11); A Black Duck (4); Common Merganser (71); Bald Eagle (1ad on nest); Red-tailed Hawk (1); Killdeer (2); Woodcock (12); Bonaparte's Gull (5: flew in with a small flock of Ring-billed Gulls, landed on water of Lake Quabog, but seemed restless and the whole flock kept putting up and resettling. We left them there); Ring-billed Gull (8); Barred Owl (1); E Phoebe (2); Pine Warbler (1); Savannah Sparrow (1). Plus: White-tailed Deer (5); Spring Peepers (one thousand-estimate. Wildly loud in some areas); Wood Frogs (30+).
(report from Mark Lynch/Sheila Carroll).
4/5/23 -- Rutland-Barre
Tonight we drove a route we've done before in RUTLAND and HOLDEN. We had (2) Killdeer; (9) American Woodcock; (1) Great Horned Owl;( 1) Barred Owl. Thousands of peepers, no Wood Frogs. The weather deteriorated through the night and the woodcock shut up.
(report from Mark Lynch/Sheila Carroll).
4/2/23 -- Gate 27, Wachusett Reservoir
This afternoon I hiked in from Gate 27 past the Lilly Ponds and out to Lamson Cove. Passerines were few and none notable. I had 1 Common Loon, 2 Wood Ducks (both male, in marshy area along Lamson brook), and 7 Common Goldeneye (1m, 6f) in Lamson Cove, which was sheltered from the wind. There were also Wood Frogs calling from a small pond along the Lilly Ponds trail, and Peepers calling from the marshy area that had the Wood Ducks.
(report from Rick Quimby).
4/2/23 -- Wachusett Reservoir IBA
This morning we birded around the WACHUSETT RESERVOIR IBA. The weather was cold and windy and white caps were on sections of the reservoir, making birding challenging.
Common Loon (3); Double-crested Cormorant (9); Great Blue Heron (2: including 1 repairing nest); Mute Swan (7); Canada Goose (6); Wood Duck (pair); Mallard (6); Ring-necked Duck (47); Greater Scaup (36); Bufflehead (23); Common Goldeneye (1); Common Merganser (17); Bald Eagle (1ad); Red-tailed Hawk (1); Red-bellied Woodpecker (1); N Flicker (1).
Passerines were typical for this area for this time of the year. Highlights included: E Phoebe (2); Red-breasted Nuthatch (1); Tree Swallow (7); Winter Wren (1); Pine Warbler (1); Brown-headed Cowbird (12); Purple Finch (1).
Plus: White-tailed Deer (2).
(report from Mark Lynch/Sheila Carroll).
3/31/2023 -- Buffumville Reservoir, Charlton
I saw a Pied-billed Grebe in the southern part of Buffumville Reservoir in Charlton this morning.
(report from Robert Brady).
3/31/23 -- Brookfields, Quabog IBA
This morning we birded the ponds in the QUABOG IBA (Brookfields). The weather was cool (starting in the 20s) but sunny with the wind picking up later in the morning.:
Common Loon (1); Pied-billed Grebe (1); American Bittern (1); Great Blue Heron (6: 3 on nests); Canada Goose (15: 2 on nests); Mute Swan (2); Wood Duck (9: 1 f seen entering a nest box); A Black Duck (12); Mallard (48); Green-winged Teal (19); Ring-necked Duck (83); Lesser Scaup (pair); Bufflehead (39); Common Merganser (14); Ruddy Duck (4); Turkey Vulture (3); Osprey (1); Bald Eagle (1ad on nest); Red-tailed Hawk (2); Wild Turkey (12); Killdeer (2); Ring-billed Gull (11); Mourning Dove (9); Belted Kingfisher (1); Red-bellied Woodpecker (3); Hairy Woodpecker (1).
Passerine highlights: E Phoebe (4); Tree Swallow (6); E Bluebird (2: at nest box).
Plus: a group of 10 White-tailed Deer and a few calling Spring Peepers.
(report from Mark Lynch/Sheila Carroll).
3/29/23 -- Hubbardston-Phillipston
We spent the morning checking a few water bodies in the northern areas of the WARE RIVER WATERSHED. More snow on the ground than down in central and southern County and a few ponds still had some ice on them.
HUBBARDSTON: Common Loon (1); Great Blue Heron (1); Canada Goose (13); Mallard (9); Ring-necked Duck (47); Bufflehead (27); Common Goldeneye (5); Hooded Merganser (18); Red-tailed Hawk (pair); Pileated Woodpecker (1).
Passerine highlights: E Phoebe (7); Tree Swallow (6: all on one small pond); Dark-eyed Junco (42: some singing).
PHILLIPSTON: just a few stops: Canada Goose (2); Wood Duck (4); A Black Duck (4); Riing-necked Duck (8); Bufflehead (2); Hooded Merganser (23); Common Merganser (17); Red-shouldered Hawk (1).
On the way home we stopped by HARVARD POND, PETERSHAM: Canada Goose (4); Wood Duck (7); A Black Duck (4); Mallard (4); Green-winged Teal (3); Bufflehead (6); Hooded Merganser (8); Belted Kingfisher (1).
(report from Mark Lynch/Sheila Carroll).
3/26/23 -- Blackstone-Millville+Northbridge+Grafton
This morning we birded around the adjacent towns of BLACKSTONE and MILLVILLE.
Mute Swan (2); Canada Goose (33); Mallard (14); Ring-necked Duck (7); Common Merganser (2); Black Vulture (9); Turkey Vulture (3); Red-tailed Hawk (1); Red-bellied Woodpecker (2); N Flicker (3).
Passerine highlights: E Phoebe (15); Fish Crow (4); C Raven (1 on nest); Tree Swallow (10 feeding around 1 small wooded marsh); Carolina Wren (14); E Bluebird (4); Song Sparrow (67); Swamp Sparrow (2).
PLUS: E Painted Turtles, many peepers,(45+) Wood Frogs, and (1) Red Fox.
RIVERDLAE, NORTHBRIDGE: Canada Goose (37); Trumpeter Swan (3); A Black Duck (2); Ring-necked Duck (170).
ST. PHILLIPS CEMETERY, GRAFTON: Great Blue Heron (3 on 3 nests); Canada Goose (4); Wood Duck (10); Hooded Merganser (2); Tree Swallow (5).
(report from Mark Lynch/Sheila Carroll).
3/24/23 -- Northboro-Southboro-Westboro
This morning we started at BARTLETT POND, NORTHBORO: Very little here but we did have Mute Swan (2: 1 on nest); A Black Duck (2).
SUDBURY RESERVOIR, SOUTHBORO: Snow Goose (6: 3 dark. Among Canadas in Fay School soccer fields on Parkerville Road. Possibly same group that was on Chauncy Lake a while back. Over the decades we have had Snow Geese here several times, Ross' Goose (once) and Greater White-fronted (once), but 98% of the time it's just Canadas); Mallard (4); Ring-necked Duck (166); Bufflehead (14); Common Goldeneye (4); Hooded Merganser (1); Common Merganser (21); Bald Eagle (adult pair on nest); Red-tailed Hawk (5); Yellow-bellied Sapsucker (1).
Passerines were typical. We also had a number of Spring Peepers calling and a Woodchuck.
CHAUNCY LAKE, WESTBORO: Mute Swan (19); Canada Goose (10); Mallard (12); Bufflehead (1); Common Merganser (3).
SUASCO, WESTBORO: Mute Swan (28-2 on nests); Canada Goose (2); Mallard (2); A Black Duck (2); Ring-necked Duck (113); Bufflehead (6); Common Merganser (9); Osprey (pair at nest); Eastern Phoebe (1).
(report from Mark Lynch/Sheila Carroll).
3/22/23 -- Warren
This morning we birded around WARREN. Some of hill tops were still covered with snow.
Great Blue Heron (8); Canada Goose (92); Wood Duck (4); A Black Duck (19); Mallard (23); Blue-winged Teal (1); Green-winged Teal (8); Hooded Merganser (3); Common Merganser (18); Black Vulture (1); Turkey Vulture (10); Osprey (2: 1 defending it's nest area and chasing a Red-tail well off); Red-tailed Hawk (6); Virginia Rail (1); Killdeer (1); Mourning Dove (9); Red-bellied Woodpecker (2); Pileated Woodpecker (1); American Kestrel (1m).
Passerine highlights: C Raven (1); Tree Swallow (1); E Bluebird (5); Fox Sparrow (2: seen and heard singing a number of times)Song Sparrow (31); Dark-eyed Junco (12).
Plus: several E Painted Turtles and (1) sleeping porcupine.
(report from Mark Lynch/Sheila Carroll).
3/22/23 -- Grafton
I had at least 4 American Woodcock displaying at the Hennessey Conservation Area on Adams Road in Grafton this evening.
(report from John Liller).
3/18/23 -- North Brookfield
A pair of Black Vultures were observed in North Brookfield today.
(report from Jeff Smith).
3/18/23 -- Dudley
This morning in DUDLEY, we visited just a few ponds. Canada Goose (7); Mallard (7); A Black duck (4); Ring-necked Duck (126); Hooded Mergansers (30: a few inspecting Wood Duck boxes); Common Merganser (96); Killdeer (1); Barred Owl (1); Belted Kingfisher (2); Pileated Woodpecker (1).
Passerine highlights: Red-breasted Nuthatch (2); Tree Swallow (1); A Robin (540); Brown-headed Cowbird (flock of 30+).
We stopped by Dark Brook Reservoir in Auburn to check on the eagle nest. The nest has been added to, and it's huge, but we couldn't see any eagles. The angle and size of the nest is such that if an eagle is on it, and settled low, it may not be visible from our vantage point.
(report from Mark Lynch/Sheila Carroll).
3/17/23 -- Quabog IBA
This morning in the QUABOG IBA we had:
Great Blue Heron (1 at nest); Canada Goose (155); Mute Swan (5); A Black Duck (11) Mallard (4); Green-winged Teak (3m); Ring-necked Dick (123); Bufflehead (12); C Goldeneye (9); Hooded Merganser (21); Common Merganser (62); Turkey Vulture (4); Bald Eagle (1imm+1ad on nest); Cooper's Hawk (1); Red-tailed Hawk (2); Wild Turkey (14); Killdeer (9); Ring-billed Gull (16); Mourning Dove (15); Belted Kingfisher (2); Red-bellied Woodpecker (2).
Passerine highlights: Fish Crow (2); C Raven (2); Tree Swallow (2 zipping low over Quabog); Brown Creeper (1); Carolina Wren (5); E Bluebird (4); Song Sparrow (33); Red-winged Blackbird (136); C Grackle (40).
(report from Mark Lynch/Sheila Carroll).
3/12/23 -- Northboro-Westboro
This morning:
BARTLETT POND, NORTHBORO: Mute Swan (2); Canada Goose (52); Wood Duck (2); Mallard (6); A Black Duck (2); Ring-necked Duck (51).
LITTLE CHAUNCY, NORTHBORO: Two fishermen out in a boat, so little on the pond: Canada Goose (2); Bufflehead (2); Red-tailed Hawk (1).
CHAUNCY LAKE, WESTBORO: Mute Swan (3); Canada Goose (55); Mallard (13); Bufflehead (2); Hooded Merganser (31); Common Merganser (11); Ruddy Duck (4: 3f+1m:).
SUASCO, WESTBORO: Mute Swan (50: it's wild to think that there was a time, not that long ago, that there were NO Mutes breeding in the County and they were considered rare visitors. I remember a time in the 80s when 1 showed up at Thomas Basina area and of course most County birders sought it out. ); Canada Goose (9); Ring-necked Duck (179); Bufflehead (2); Hooded Merganser (9); Common Merganser (8); Red-tailed Hawk (2).
(report from Mark Lynch/Sheila Carroll).
3/11/12 -- Wachusett Reservoir
Late this afternoon we did a circumnavigation of WACHUSETT RESERVOIR including Meadow Pond and Coachlace. Common Loon (7); Mute Swan (12); Canada Goose (8); Mallard (10); Greater Scaup (49); Lesser Scaup (1); Bufflehead (13); Common Goldeneye (37); Hooded Merganser (7); Common Merganser (19); Red-tailed Hawk (pair). Gulls included: Ring-billed (62); Herring (50); Lesser Black-backed (1ad); Greater Black-backed (12). No sign of the recent drake Canvasback.
(report from Mark Lynch/Sheila Carroll).
3/10/23 -- Sterling
A WILD Friday morning for us in Sterling....Starting with a reliable report about a ruffed grouse flushing several days in the past week in the Muddy Pond area...hmmm!
Bartlett Pond -- All open water. Great Blue Heron (FOY for me, Scott saw one flying over Rte 190 in Leominster yesterday) 3 killdeer (FOY) flying overhead calling, mallard, red wing blackbirds, song sparrow 10 feet away singing. Highlight was non-bird related--an otter repeatedly fishing in the pond and an irritated large adult beaver swimming sometimes within 30 yards of us, diving and slapping its tail. Osprey nest is totally gone, not surprising given the windy storms we had this "winter".
Muddy Pond/Sterling Peat -- All open water, very high water levels. 14 Ring-neck ducks, 3 Bufflehead, 4 Mallards, 4 Canada geese, 1 redwing blackbird, pair of hooded mergansers, and then (non-bird sighting) 2 Otters swimming across the pond! We followed the shoreline from the beaver pond to the point where the pond is most narrow. VERY high water, so different from August and September of 2022! No sign of grouse, no tracks or droppings seen in the snow that is still on the ground in much of the area.
Beaver pond marsh below Muddy Pond -- No wood ducks or other birds, but there was a painted turtle (FOY) basking on a log.
Davis Farm -- FOY American kestrel perched on wire near jct. of Rugg Rd and Redstone Hill Rd! Also, at least 5 different red tailed hawks sighted on Redstone Hill Road and Rugg Road.
(report from Marion Larson and Scott Handler)
3/8/23 -- Muddy Pond area, Sterling
Down hill from Muddy Pond heading towards Dana Hill Road and across the street is a beaver pond where I observed 3 wood ducks (2 drakes, 1 hen--FOY) and a pair of Canada geese. Anybody got a name for this little waterbody?
(report from Marion Larson).
3/7/23 -- Eagle Lake, Holden
Flocks of Tree Swallows and Northern Rough-Winged Swallows were at Eagle Lake in Holden this windy chilly morning. (report from Scott Matthews)
3/6/23 -- North Brookfield
Today we had a Black Vulture circle overhead for a few minutes. Also, a male Baltimore Oriole continues to visit our grape jelly feeder daily (since October).
(report from Jeff Smith).
3/5/23 -- Clinton/Lancaster/Sterling
Did a little birding this morning on the greater Clinton area of Wachusett Reservoir, with a mission of finding the reported Canvasback.
First up, S. Meadow Pond, Clinton: Open water on the boat ramp side, mostly ice with a little open water on the other side. 7 Crows on the icy side, 3 Bufflehead and 7 Common Mergansers on the other side.
Gate 39 on the Reservoir: the wind was whipping up whitecaps -- 4 Mute Swans, 1 Common Loon, 8 Crows, 113 Ring-billed Gulls, 2 Common Mergansers, 1 Blue Jay, 1 Titmouse.
Gate 40 near the Clinton Middle School gave us views of most of the above birds and much stronger winds! Had to stand by the scope to keep the tremor down. Two Common Mergansers flew by and a second Loon was not far off the shoreline from the stone bench we were sitting on. Heard 1 Northern Cardinal singing.
Coachlace Pond, Clinton -- Viewing the far end of the pond from the Duck Harbor park of New Harbor Road. We see the Canvasback swimming and diving with about 37 Scaup (spp.)! Also 3 Bufflehead, about 24 Common Mergansers, 5 Ring-billed Gulls, 1 Carolina Wren, 1 Northern Mockingbird, 10 House Sparrows, 1 Northern Cardinal and 1 Tufted Titmouse.
Lancaster/Sterling -- One pair of Hooded Mergansers, and a pair of Mallards on an artificial "farm pond" at a residence near the junction of Rte. 62 and Redstone Hill Road in Lancaster. Red-tail Hawk soaring over the corn fields near junction of Rugg Rd and Redstone Hill Rd in Sterling.
(report from Marion Larson and Scott Handler)
3/5/23 -- Gate 36, Wachusett Reservoir
In a late afternoon walk into Gate 36 I had 2 Common Loons, 8 Bufflehead, 14 Common Goldeneye,
and 2 Common Mergansers. Also heard a Red-winged Blackbird calling from the wet area
across the road. (report from Rick Quimby)
3/5/23 -- Northboro-Westboro
This afternoon we had:
BARTLETT POND, NORTHBORO: Canada Goose (12); Ring-necked Duck (8).
CHAUNCY LAKE, WESTBORO: Mute Swan (2); Canada Goose (39); Mallard (11); Ring-necked Duck (8); Hooded Merganser (83); Common Merganser (164); Red-tailed Hawk (1); Peregrine Falcon (1ad).
SUASCO, WESTBORO: Mute Swan (32); Canada Goose (9); A Black Duck (3); Ring-necked Duck (123); Bufflehead (pair); C Goldeneye (2).
FLINT POND BOAT RAMP, SHREWSBURY: N Pintail pair continues.
(report from Mark Lynch/Sheila Carroll)
3/5/23 -- North Brookfield
A total of 9 Snow Buntings were spotted this morning while feeding at the plowed North Brookfield High School parking lot. (report from Jeff Smith)
3/4/23 -- Sterling
We heard 2 woodcocks doing their flight thing (but no peenting) near Davis Farm in Sterling. Flights started about 25 minutes after sundown. Marion saw 1 bird another skimming across corn fields. The other flew overhead. (report from Marion Larson and Scott Handler)
3/3/23 -- New Braintree and Quabog IBA
This morning we started in NEW BRAINTREE, birding several spot: Canada Goose (2); Turkey Vulture (5); Bald Eagle (adult pair in tree at Winnimusset Meadows); Red-shouldered Hawk (1); Red-tailed Hawk 10); Barred Owl (2: both sitting out, low, in the sun, near houses). Passerines were typical for this time of year and included: C Raven (4); E Bluebird (8); A Robin (31); Tree Sparrow (8); Red-winged Blackbird (62); Brown-headed Cowbird (30).
Then we birded the QUABOG IBA. Quabog Pond: 65% ice covered; Lake Lashaway 85% ice covered; Quacumquasit :mostly ice-free; Lake Wickabog: 80% ice covered: American Bittern (1, along river); Mute Swan (2); Canada Goose (39); Mallard (24); A Black Duck (7); Ring-necked Duck (5); Bufflehead (5); Hooded Merganser (26); Common Merganser (27); Bald Eagle (1ad on nest, looking like it was tidying it up; then an adult chasing an immature); Red-tailed Hawk (4); Wild Turkey (4); Killdeer (2); Ring-billed Gull (39).
(report from Mark Lynch/Sheila Carroll)
3/1/23 -- Wachusett Reservoir
This morning we did a quick circumnavigation of WACHUSETT RESERVOIR. Beautiful morning. Common Loons (9); Canada Goose (110); Mute Swan (9); A Black Duck (4); Mallard (54); Greater Scaup/scaup sp. (66); Bufflehead (22); Common Goldeneye (125); Hooded Merganser (30); Common Merganser (18); Bald Eagle (1imm); Cooper's Hawk (1); Red-tailed Hawk (3); Ring-billed Gull (14); Rusty Blackbird (2).
(report from Mark Lynch/Sheila Carroll).
2/26/23 -- Wachusett Reservoir
This morning we birded the WACHUSETT RESERVOIR IBA. Truth is, most of the water bodies other than the reservoir, were ice-covered. That included: Sterling Peat (Muddy Pond); both of the Waushacums, the Quag, and Coachlace. South Meadow Pond had a sliver of open water that had Hoodies and Mallards. The reservoir was about 35% of more ice-covered. We had the following: Common Loon (8); Canada Goose (413: we were scoping a large % of these from the dam when a sudden snow squall came up really affecting visibility); Mute Swan (7); Mallard (41); Green-winged Teal (2); Greater Scaup/scaup sp. (46); Bufflehead (23); Common Goldeneye (13); Hooded Merganser (24); Common Merganser (40); Red-tailed Hawk (1); Ring-billed Gull (57); Herring Gull (30); Great Black-backed Gull (7); Mourning Dove (19); A Robin (191); Red-winged Blackbird (16).
NORTH END OF LAKE QUINSIGAMOND, SHREWSBURY: Canada Goose (155); Mallard (4); Hooded Merganser (6); Sharp-shinned Hawk (1); Killdeer (1); C Raven (1); Red-winged Blackbird (10+).
(report from Mark Lynch/Sheila Carroll).
2/22/23 -- Leicester-Worcester
This morning we only had a few hours so we stayed close to home.
In the Rt.56-WORCESTER AIRPORT area we found the following waterfowl at Kettlebrook#2 and Waite Pond , but the fields around airport had only crows:
Mute Swan (2); Canada Goose (31); Mallard (13); Ring-necked Duck (pair); Hooded Merganser (9); Common Merganser (10); Red-shouldered Hawk (1);
COES RESERVOIR, WORCESTER: very little waterfowl: Mute Swan (2); Canada Goose (8); Ring-billed Gull (1).
THE CEMETERIES IN SW CORNER OF WORCESTER: Great Blue Heron (1); Mute Swan (2); Canada Goose (33); Mallard (23); A Black Duck (6); Green-winged Teal (4: 3drakes+1f: these were very vocal and in high display. We spent some time watching them: thanks Ed Kittridge); Common Merganser (pair); Red-tailed Hawk (1). Passerines were few and far between, except at Notre Dame where a number of Red-winged Blackbirds were singing away.
(report from Mark Lynch/Sheila Carroll).
2/21/23 -- Worcester
There was an early pair of Eastern Phoebes today in Nicks Woods in Worcester.
(report from Scott Matthews).
2/19/23 -- Worcester/Shrewsbury/Wachusett Reservoir
Today we started out birding the LAKE QUINSIGAMOND/FLINT POND COMPLEX (Worcester/Shrewsbury). There was low water levels at the north and south ends. Common Loon (3: loons are uncommon on Lake Quinsigamond, so 3 is noteworthy); Mute Swan (21); Canada Goose (68); Mallard (54); Common Merganser (1f); Cooper's Hawk (1); Red-tailed Hawk (3); Killdeer (4); Ring-billed Gull (107); Herring Gull (4); Iceland Gull (1imm); Mourning Dove (17). Red-winged Blackbird (30); C Grackle (4).
NEWTON POND, SHREWSBURY: Mute Swan (2: 1 relentlessly chasing geese); Canada Goose (5); Hooded Merganser (14); Red-tailed Hawk (1); Ring-billed Gull (1: harassing the Hoodies).
WACHUSETT RESERVOIR: Common Loon (9); Mute Swan (6); Canada Goose (1); Mallard (17); Common Goldeneye (6); Hooded Merganser (8); Common Merganser (6); Red-tailed Hawk (1); Ring-billed Gull (13).
(report from Mark Lynch/Sheila Carroll).
2/19/23 -- Gate 32, Wachusett Reservoir
On a hike down to the reservoir from gate 32, passerines were typical but sparce. Highlight was
a flock of 13 Common Goldeneye not too far from shore. Nothing else seen on the water from several
vantage points. (report from Rick Quimby)
2/18/23 -- Quabog IBA
This morning we birded the water bodies of the QUABOG IBA (Brookfields). Ponds were mostly open. Canada Goose (61); Mute Swan (4); Wood Duck (4: 2 pair); A Black Duck (7); Mallard (55); Ring-necked Duck (1m); Bufflehead (7); Hooded Merganser (28); Common Merganser (487); Red-breasted Merganser (1f); Bald Eagle (2: 1ad+1imm); Red-tailed Hawk (3); Wild Turkey (42); Ring-billed Gull (52); Herring Gull (3); Mourning Dove (7); Red-bellied Woodpecker (2); Downy Woodpecker (2).
Passerines were typical for February, but there was more song than the month before. We did have (34) Red-winged Blackbirds and (2) Common Grackles.
(report from Mark Lynch/Sheila Carroll).
2/12/23 -- Southbridge
This morning we birded a few spots in SOUTHBRIDGE. Nothing startling, but a nice variety of birds:
Canada Goose (17); Mallard (10); Hooded Merganser (1); Common Merganser (7); Cooper's Hawk (1); Red-shouldered Hawk (1); Red-tailed Hawk (8);Mourning Dove (5); Belted Kingfisher (1); Red-bellied Woodpecker (6); Yellow-bellied Sapsucker (1); Downy Woodpecker (6); Hairy Woodpecker (1); N Flicker (2).
Blue Jay (9); A Crow (10); C Raven (2); Black-capped Chickadee (21); Tufted Titmouse (25); White-breasted Nuthatch (4); Carolina Wren (2); E Bluebird (25); A Robin (48); N Mockingbird (2); Dark-eyed Junco (62); Song Sparrow (7); Swamp Sparrow (1); N Cardinal (24); Red-winged Blackbird (5: all males, all singing in suitable breeding habitat); House Finch (9).
(report from Mark Lynch/Sheila Carroll).
2/11/23 -- Royalston, Petersham
This morning we headed up to ROYALSTON to look for Evening Grosbeaks. When we got to Royalston Common, we checked out the house on Fitzwilliam Road just a bit north off the common. There was already a group of birders standing in the road there, so we waited further up the road a bit till they dispersed. But they remained for awhile, so we tried out several other locations where we have had grosbeaks before including all the way down to South Royalston. We had good success, seeing 45 grosbeaks (minimum) with some fine views. We never returned to the Commons spot.
As is typical for this town in winter, birds were pretty thin, but among the birds we spotted was a Pileated Woodpecker, several bluebirds, and a few robins.
On the way to Royalston in PETERSHAM we had a single flock of 66 Wild Turkeys in a field, one of the largest flocks I have seen in Massachusetts.
(report from Mark Lynch/Sheila Carroll).
2/9/23 -- Rutland, Holden, city of Worcester
This morning we visited a few spots near Worcester. Highlights:
MUSCHAPOAGE ROAD, RUTLAND: Canada Goose (44); Red-tailed Hawk (1); Barred Owl (1); E Bluebird (4).
HOLDEN: Canada Goose (73).
WORCESTER AIRPORT: N Harrier (1m).
THE CEMETERIES IN SW CITY OF WORCESTER: Mute Swan (2); Canada Goose (2); Mallard (53); A Black Duck (5); Hooded Merganser (10); Turkey Vulture (3); Red-tailed Hawk (1); Belted Kingfisher (1); Red-bellied Woodpecker (2); Downy Woodpecker (2); Hairy Woodpecker (1). Most common passerine was junco (33).
(report from Mark Lynch/Sheila Carroll).
2/1/23 -- Blackstone-Millville
This morning we birded around the small towns of BLACKSTONE AND MILLVILLE that form the southeast corner of Worcester County. Bird numbers were, for the most part, down. Part of the reason may be that the wild food crop was very poor. Gull numbers were also way down. These towns are very built up with just a few woodlots and �preserved� areas. So, it was depressing to find today that a number of those remaining woodlots are now being built on. Water features include a long stretch of the Blackstone River and one good sized, but difficult to access, pond. Mute Swan (3); Canada Goose (27); Mallard (68); Hooded Merganser (3); Common Merganser (5); Black Vulture (6); Turkey Vulture (29: nb: early morning in the cold months, look for vultures perched on the roofs of houses along the Blackstone-Woonsocket border. They typically perch on chimneys to stay warm. But be discreet! Home owners are not too fond of their houses being roosts for carrion eating birds. We had 1 Black Vulture actually sitting on the small landing right against the front door of 1 house. If they opened the door they would have to step over the vulture to leave the house. After morning, the vultures disperse throughout, most flying north of the area and also east. ); Red-tailed Hawk (3); Ring-billed Gull (5); Herring Gull (15); Red-bellied Woodpecker (4); Downy Woodpecker (3); Hairy Woodpecker (1); N Flicker (3).
Passerine highlights: Fish Crow (2: we arrived too late for any early morning flight); Common Raven (5: we had 1 carrying nesting material to one of the two known raven nest locations in the area); Carolina Wren (7); E Bluebird (8); N Mockingbird (2); E Towhee (1); Song Sparrow (8); Swamp Sparrow (1); Dark-eyed Junco (29).
On the way home we made a brief stop at RIVERDALE, NORTHBRIDGE: The 4 Trumpeter Swans were far up-river, maybe because (6) Mute Swans were in the area bullying each other and the pair of Bald Eagles were sitting next to each other. Loads of Mallards and Black Ducks, and 1 Wood Duck as well, were on the scene.
Water is starting to seriously ice-over and by Saturday's very cold blast, many of the areas that were �open� today, will be iced.
(report from Mark Lynch/Sheila Carroll).
1/31/23 --Shrewsbury-Wachusett Reservoir
This afternoon we started in the north Quinsigamond area (SHREWSBURY): Canada Goose (91); Mallard (11); C Goldeneye (1); Red-tailed Hawk (2); Killdeer (1).
Newton Pond, SHREWSBURY: Hooded Merganser (49); Common Merganser (4); Ring-billed Gull (14).
WACHUSETT RESERVOIR (a quick circumnavigation): Common Loon (3); Mute Swan (1); Canada Goose (4); Greater Scaup (31); Lesser Scaup (3); Bufflehead (9); Common Goldeneye (81); Hooded Merganser (3); Common Merganser (69); Red-tailed Hawk (1).
(report from Mark Lynch/Sheila Carroll).
1/29/23 -- Grafton/Northbridge/Whitinsville
Birding highlights:
FISHERVILLE POND - Grafton: Canada Goose 180; Mute Swan 2; Great Blue Heron 1
RIVERDALE STREET - Northbridge: Mute Swan 6; Trumpeter Swan 4 - still present; Bald Eagle 2; Carolina Wren 1
WHITINS POND - Whitinsville: Canada Goose 44; Mute Swan 39 - Counted every one.; Red-bellied Woodpecker 1
(report from John Liller).
1/28/23 -- New Braintree
This morning we birded around the town of NEW BRAINTREE. This is a hilly town, with lots of fields but very little open still water . There was not a lot of snow on the ground. We were hoping for some flocks of larks or Snow Buntings as there is a lot of good habitat for those species, but we dipped. Birds in general were few and far between. We had no Rock Pigeons or even Mourning Doves. We had to search to find House Sparrows.
Totals: Canada Goose (5); Red-tailed Hawk (6); Red-bellied Woodpecker (2); Hairy Woodpecker (1); Blue Jay (10); A Crow (130: many feeding in a scrubby field. Soy beans?); C Raven (7); Carolina Wren (1); Black-capped Chickadee (21); Tufted Titmouse (11); Red-breasted Nuthatch (2); White-breasted Nuthatch (3); E Bluebird (19); Hermit Thrush (1); A Robin (37); N Mockingbird (1); E Starling (1100); Tree Sparrow (8); Song Sparrow (1); Dark-eyed Junco (28); N Cardinal (2); Red-winged blackbird (1m in large flock of starlings); House Finch (10); A Goldfinch (12); House Sparrow (28).
(report from Mark Lynch/Sheila Carroll).
1/27/23 -- Quabog IBA
This morning we checked out the water bodies in the QUABOG IBA (the Brookfields). Not much snow on the ground there. All the big ponds/lakes had some thin ice , but all of them had lots of open water. Waterfowl numbers and variety was low. This may be because they had been mostly ice-covered before the rains and birds moved on. Mergansers were the dominant ducks. Mergs are great at moving into water bodies as soon as they open up, even partially, and move out when ponds are starting to freeze up again. We had NO Canada Geese, which we thought was odd.
Water bodies highlights::
Mute Swan (2); Mallard (22); Hooded Merganser (18); Common Merganser (41); Red-shouldered Hawk (1); Red-tailed Hawk (9); Ring-billed Gull (25); Herring Gull (1).
Landbirding highlights:
Landbirding was slow except at the East Brookfield Flats. Highlights: N Flicker (1); Fish Crow (2); C Raven (2); Horned Lark (130+: we had this huge flock along the back edge of the fields. It flew around several times and then disappeared, either to some part not visible, or left entirely); Lapland Longspur (1); Snow Bunting (flock of 60+: a very nervous flock, they would land and then fly up in a few seconds. They landed close to us a number of times and I was able to get decent scope views, but they were very restless); Tree Sparrow (18); Red-winged Blackbird (1m); Common Grackle (1).
(report from Mark Lynch/Sheila Carroll).
1/26/23 -- Rutland-Paxton-Leicester-Worcester
This afternoon we headed to Muschopauge Rd in Rutland. Approaching by Millbrook, we found a single cooperative Snow Bunting right on the side of the road by the field. Other than that, we had almost nothing further on except several hundred starlings and 1 somewhat pale Red-tailed Hawk. There were no geese at Worcester Memorial Cemetery in Paxton and nothing but crows from Rt.56 to the airport. Further along, on Coes Pond and Reservoir (Worcester) there were a handful of geese, 2 swans and 1 Common Merganser. BTW: LOTS of tree damage in Rutland and Paxton, mostly very large branches, but also entire trees.
(report from Mark Lynch/Sheila Carroll).
1/22/23 -- Southboro-Westboro
This morning we started birding the SUBUDY RESERVOIR WATERSHED in SOUTHBORO: Lots of open water, low numbers of waterfowl: Mute Swan (4); Canada Goose (139); Mallard (3); Lesser Scaup/scaup sp (9); Redhead (pair: not off White Bagely Road, but in a section of the reservoir next to Rt.85); Common Goldeneye (2); Hooded Merganser (39); Common Merganser (111); Bald Eagle (1ad); Red-tailed Hawk (3). Other birds included a Northern Flicker and a catbird.
SUASCO, WESTBORO: Mute Swan (29); Canada Goose (26); Mallard (1); Ring-necked Duck (4); Common Goldeneye (2); Hooded Merganser (18); C Raven (2).
CHAUNCY LAKE, WESTBORO: Common Loon (1); Malllard (16); Hooded Merganser (19); Common Merganser (1); Red-tailed Hawk (1); plus gulls that include Ring-billed, Herring, and Great Black-backed.
(report from Mark Lynch/Sheila Carroll).
1/21/23 -- Shrewsbury-Wachusett Reservoir IBA
This morning we got some birding in:
NORTH END OF LAKE QUINSIGAMOND: Mute Swan (1); Canada Goose (128); Red-tailed Hawk (1); Killdeer (2); Ring-billed Gull (1); Merlin (1).
NEWTON POND, SHREWSBURY: Mute Swan (2); Mallard (10); Hooded Merganser (126); Red-tailed Hawk (1); Ring-billed Gull (5).
WACHUSETT RESERVOIR IBA: Sterling Peat (open, but very little there); The Quag (ice covered); West Waushacum (95% ice covered); East Waushacum (60% ice covered); Coachlace (mostly open); Wachusett Reservoir (mostly open, only some ice on small bays/inlets): Common Loon (3); Canada Goose (161); Mallard (13); Ring-necked Duck (4); Greater Scaup (39); Lesser Scaup (2); Bufflehead (7); Common Goldeneye (62); Hooded Merganser (24); Common Merganser (10); Red-tailed Hawk (6); Ring-billed Gull (1); Winter Wren (1); A Robin (60+).
(report from Mark Lynch/Sheila Carroll).
1/11/23 -- Worcester/Shrewsbury/Westboro/Northboro/Wachusett Reservoir
This AM we started at LAKE QUINSIGAMOND (Worcester/Shrewsbury), just south of the Rt.9 bridge.
Canada Goose (50); Wood Duck (1f); Mallard (60+); Redhead (5: finally caught up with this group); Hooded Merganser (6); Ring-billed Gull (15).
SUASCO, WESTBORO (2 overlooks): Canada Goose (19); Mute Swan (33); Mallard (20); A Black Duck (8); Ring-necked Duck (3m); Hooded Merganser (4); Red-tailed Hawk (2).
CHAUNCY LAKE (Westboro): Mute Swan (2); Mallard (53); A Black Duck (2); Ring-necked Duck (4); Hooded Merganser (93); Common Merganser (294); Red-breasted Merganser (1f); Bald Eagle (1ad); Red-tailed Hawk (1); Ring-billed Gull (30+: kleptoparasitizing the mergs whenever they fed) Herring Gull (4+).
LITTLE CHAUNCY (Northboro). Totally iced-over but still had (2) Mute Swans.
BARTLETT POND (Northboro): 95% iced-over: Canada Goose (16); Mute Swan (2).
SOUTH BAY, WACHUSETT RESERVOIR: Mute Swan (2); Greater Scaup/scaup sp (46); Lesser Scaup (2); C Goldeneye (47); Common Merganser (6).
NEWTON POND (Shrewsbury): Mute Swan (2); Hooded Merganser (28); Ring-billed Gull (1: kleptoparasitizing the mergs).
LAKE QUINSIGAMOND (northern area): Mallard (11); Killdeer (3).
(report from Mark Lynch/Sheila Carroll).
1/9/23 -- Northbridge
This afternoon at ~2:30 PM we finally caught up with the 4 TRUMPETER SWANS in Northbridge. They were easily seen among the water plants up-river (the Blackstone) from Riverdale. Note that this a working company and all useable parking spots are for the people who work here. This is a short, dead end road. There were also c.60 Mallards along the shore (I couldn't see the Pintail). At Meadow Pond, there were over 50 Mute Swans, along with Canada Geese and Mallards. School Street, on the other side of the river would offer views of the swans too, but there are very few places to pull over.
(report from Mark Lynch/Sheila Carroll).
1/8/23 -- Wachusett Reservoir- Lancaster, Sterling
We started around 10:30 a.m. at Wachusett Reservoir, finished in Lancaster and Sterling by 3 p.m.
WACHUSETT RESERVOIR (including Coachlace Pond in Clinton). The main body was still open though some inlets were ice-covered as was Thomas Basin. Little to no wind, many glassy water surfaces.
North Dike (gate 36, 37) we spotted 5 Common Loons, 30+ Horned Larks on the Dike, an adult bald eagle flying over us 2 Common Goldeneyes, 8 Hooded Mergansers, 7 Buffleheads and about a dozen Northern Juncos. No Snow Buntings to be seen. At Gate 39 a huge flock of Canada Geese (800 est) 2 more Loons and 2 Ring-billed Gulls.
Coachlace Pond, Clinton( 2/3 ice skimmed) from both the Clinton Waterworks Station and the small park in the �Harbor� area yielded a Mute Swan, 28 more Ring-billed Gulls, Cardinal, Northern Mockingbird, Goldfinches, Mallards, White-breasted Nuthatch, Robins, 8 Hooded Mergansers, and about 32 Canada Geese.
South Bay, Wachusett Reservoir (Gate 17 north near MassWildlife office) was glassy. We saw 6 Common Mergansers, another loon, blue jay, 2 hooded mergansers, mockingbird, 36 Common Goldeneyes and 40 Greater Scaup. The light was fantastic, showcasing the green iridescense on the Scaup. Goldeneyes were throwing their heads back.
Quinapoxet River � Very quiet, a couple of Hooded Mergansers in the river, across the street about a dozen Goldeneye.
LANCASTER: At Dexter Drumlin much less water in the area compared to last week, but the fields were green. Surprisingly no bird activity to speak of, including cranes. We checked the fields near the Center Bridge and Neck Roads�only a Red-tailed hawk, juncos, crows and blue jays. On Langen Road in one of the fields a flock of 40 turkeys poking about.
STERLING-Redstone Hill Rd and Wiles Road: 3 Red-tailed hawks, 30 Rock Doves
(report from Marion Larson & Scott Handler)
1/7/23 -- Wachusett Reservoir/Lake Quinsigamond/Flint Pond
This morning we did a quick tour around WACHUSETT RESERVOIR, including COACHLACE. All Coachlace had was a large flock of gulls that included unusually large numbers of Herring and Great Black-backed.
Totals:
Common Loon (4: we watched one struggling to get down a good-sized bass); Canada Goose (57); Mute Swan (2); Mallard (1); Greater Scaup/scaup sp. (39); Lesser Scaup (3); Ring-necked Duck (9); Bufflehead (16); Common Goldeneye (63); Hooded Merganser (10); Common Merganser I2); Red-tailed Hawk (2); Bald Eagle (1ad); Ring-billed Gull (18); Herring Gull (114); Great Black-backed Gull (33).
Then we did a point count at the Lake Quinsigamond/Flint Pond complex (Worcester-Shrewsbury). We checked for the Redhead and Wood Duck south of the Rt.9 bridge from both shores and dipped. There was a kayaker in the area, so they may have flushed the birds out, BUT there were dramatically fewer birds than on January 1. This area had much more open water than on January 1.
Totals: Double-crested Cormorant (1imm); Great Blue Heron (1); mute Swan (4); Canada Goose (43); Mallard (166); A Black Duck (12); N Pintail (pair); C Goldeneye (12); Hooded Merganser (8); Common Merganser (57); Killdeer (5); Ring-billed Gull (66); Herring Gull (5); Great Black-backed Gull (1).
(report from Mark Lynch/Sheila Carroll).
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