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.

***************SPECIAL NOTICE***************:

Since the spring of 1998 I have been maintaining these bird sightings for central Massachusetts. They have been hosted on a web server at WPI, where I have been a physics professor for 42 years. I'm retiring from WPI this summer, and will no longer be able to use the WPI server for these birding pages. Although many birders prefer nowadays to just use ebird for posting bird sightings, there are some who continue to find it beneficial for a currated, narrative-based list of recent and archived bird sightings for central massachusetts. Therefore, I will be continuing these birding pages, as long as there is interest, but with a different web service for hosting the website. I've set it up so the change should be transparent to users, with only the web address changing. Please use the following web link for all future postings. All previous postings are still maintained as before from this new starting link. My email address will remain in effect after I retire, so you can contact me at rsquimby@wpi.edu if you have questions.
Good Birding!

New website link is centralmassbirds.com

Note: the listing below will remain static on the wpi web server, and will likely become unavailable after 6/30/2024.

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).

5/14/24 -- 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).

For previous sightings, see 2022 Archives or Archive Index