Recent Central Mass Bird Sightings

Sightings are listed in reverse chronological order. The email address of birders submitting reports, as well as other Central Massachusetts birding info can be found via the Central Mass Bird Update homepage.

Bird News:

• ONGOING -- Asian Longhorned Beetle Information
• 1/4/12-1/18/12 -- Midwinter Bald Eagle Survey -- The state Division of Fisheries & Wildlife is asking anyone who spots an eagle in Massachusetts from Jan. 4 to Jan. 18 to report it.
• 1/15/12 -- Forbush Bird Club members are reminded that annual bird sighting reports are due for 2011. Please send to Chuck Caron at caronenv@aol.com

Bird Sightings:

2/7/12 -- Shrewsbury

Today at 1:03 pm I had a Black Vulture fly over the parking lot where I work at UPS in Shrewsbury, which is at the intersection of Rt-20 and Rt-140. The bird flew over heading from east to west towards Worcester. Considering Bart had two later in Worcester, maybe one was the same. Also, in the past week my father or I have had one Turkey Vulture in three different towns Milford, Upton and Sutton. (report from Nickilas Paulson).

2/7/12 -- Zenith Drive, Worcester

While walking up my hill (Zenith Drive) at 4 PM this afternoon I observed two very large black birds fly over. They came from the southeast. When I reached the top of the hill soaring overhead were two BLACK VULTURES !! They slowly headed back towards the southeast; possibly to the Millbury vulture roost. (report from Bart Kamp).

2/5/12 -- Uxbridge/Northbridge

In Uxbridge, a dozen female Red-winged Blackbirds just flew into the yard to pick at seeds under the feeder. Also, two adult Bald Eagles continue to draw attention at ponds in Uxbridge and Northbridge. (report from Beth Milke)

2/5/12 -- Sutton/Worcester

Today at 2.45 at my feeders in Sutton I had both a male and female Yellow Bellied Sapsucker .Both were gone by the time I got a lens on my camera.

Yesterday (2/4) at 9.15 near Kelly Square Worcester I had one lone TurkeyVulture. Also 2/4 at Atlas Box and Crate on the North bound side of Rt. 146 about 2 miles South of Tony's Pizza, around 7.40 I had around 100 CederWaxwings . 
(report from Michael Joubert).

2/4/12 -- North Lake Quinsigamond at Holden Rd., Shrewsbury

There were 5 Gadwalls (2M, 3F) at this site this morning along with Mallards, Black Ducks and Hooded Mergansers. (report from Peter Morlock).

2/3/12 -- Institute Park, Worcester

HIghlights at noon were 1 GB Heron, 2 Mute Swan, 150+ Canada Geese, 1 Green-winged Teal (m), 1 Gadwall (m), 9 Hooded Merganser, 12 Common Merganser, and 1 Turkey Vulture. (report from Rick Quimby).

2/2/12 -- Leesville Pond, Worcester/Auburn

This morning at Leesville Pond there were 8 Common Mergansers, 25+ Hooded Mergansers, 1 Northern Pintail, 5 Green-wing Teal, 14 American Black Ducks, 140+ Mallards, 1 Black Duck x Mallard hybrid, 2 Mute Swans, 1 Coopers Hawk, 1Hairy Woodpecker, 1 Downy Woodpecker, 1 Gold-crowned Kinglet and 12 Juncos.

At Notre Dame Cemetery, Worcester, there was a Great Blue Heron, 2 Hooded Merganser (pair), 2 American Black Ducks, 8 Mallards, 1 Belted Kingfisher, 1 Downy Woodpecker, 1 Carolina Wren, and about a dozen Juncos.
(report from Brian Mulhearn)

1/31/12 -- Bolton Flats, Bolton

There was a flock of about 550 Red-winged Blackbirds and 300 Common Grackles in the vicinity of Bolton Flats on the south side of 117. (report from Kevin Bourinot).

1/30/12 -- West Millbury

At my feeders this morning I had 2 Brown-headed Cowbirds. (report from Alan Marble).

1/30/12 -- Institute Park, Worcester

Highlights at noon on Salisbury Pond were 2 Mute Swan, ~150 Canada Geese, 3 Green-winged Teal (2m, 1f), 1 Gadwall (m), 12 Hooded Merganser, and 14 Common Merganser. (report from Rick Quimby).

1/29/12 -- Worcester

Early this morning, around 1:00 AM, we heard a great horned owl hooting frantically outside our window, near Broadmeadow Brook Sanctuary. Apparently, it wanted to get "social" with the plastic owl tied to our roof. After much scuffling and banging, the plastic owl was tossed to the ground outside our bedroom window. (report from Joe Giumentaro).

1/27/12 -- Sutton

At 3.45 on Putnam Hill road Sutton near the bad curve at Tucker Pond I observed an adult Bald Eagle .It was perched overlooking the open water no doubt watching the Mallards that were there. (report from Michael Joubert).

1/26/12 -- Whalom Lake, Lunenburg

Hilights from Whalom Lake in Lunenburg, late this afternoon 4:00 to 5:15 -- the gull "roost" continued. However, with only one small patch of open water, near houses along the shore, about 2/3's of the total gull lifted off after congregating on the ice and headed east...Lake Nagog?  

Birds: Canada Goose 2 (one sick bird that has been in the same spot on the ice for over a week, this evening it moved very little and then proceeded to stand on one leg for an HOUR. The other CAGO was slumped over near a small inlet pipe apparently quite dead! Even mild winters cull the weak); American Black Duck 1; Mallard  ~75; Hooded Merganser 1 fly over male; Herring Gull ~500 (including one that hasn't moved since yesterday afternoon, but it was still holding its headup); Great Black-backed gull ~100; Iceland Gull 2 (1 2nd cycle, one adult).  

A few photos are on my blog. (report from Tom Pirro).

1/25/12 -- Leesville Pond, Worcester/Auburn

There was an adult Bald Eagle flying around the pond scaring the ducks and geese. Other high lights were, 3 Northern Pintails, 1 Pr. Common Merganser, 36 Hooded Mergansers, 12 Black Ducks, 1 Great Blue Heron, 1 Northern Mockingbird, 4 White-throated Sparrows, including this one eating a berry. (report from Brian Mulhearn)

1/24/12 -- Webster

At 2 PM today, I was driving on Route 16 in Webster when I noticed a large bird circling over the Commerce Insurance buildings. As I drove closer, I could see that it was a bald eagle. From its coloring, I'd say it was a third-year sub-adult. This was my 4th bald eagle sighting in less than a month! (report from Mary Sughrue-Yacino).

1/24/12 -- Institute Park, Worcester

Today at noon there were 1 GB Heron, 2 Mute Swan, 2 Green-winged Teal (2m, one in transitional plumage), 1 Gadwall (m), 4 Common Mergansers (3m, 1f), and 1 Belted Kingfisher (f). (report from Rick Quimby).

1/23/12 -- Institute Park, Worcester

At noon highlights were 1 GB Heron, 2 Mute Swan, and 3 Green-winged Teal. Each teal was a different plumage: 1 male, 1 female, and one in a transitional plumage with head like male, but sides like female. This latter showed a very faint vertical stripe on sides also. (report from Rick Quimby).

Note added: Garry Kessler took these photos (photo 1 |photo 2) at Salisbury Pond on 1/8/12, of a GW Teal that might be the same bird in transitional plumage that I saw today. This was one of two such male teal seen by Garry that day -- one in north Quinsig (seen also by Bruce Degraaf) and one at Institute Park.

1/22/12 -- Worcester Airport

Went up to visit with Fran's flock and was not disappointed. Found at least nine horned larks and 2-3 dozen snow buntings. The snow buntings were very skiddish, alighting only for a few minutes at a time. The larks were more cooperative, posing for this photo. On the way home stopped at Fish and Wildlife in Westboro and was treated to a view of a red fox hunting in the snow. (report from Garry Kessler).

1/21/12 -- Northboro

During the snow storm highlights at my feeders and bird bath were a White Crowned Sparrow and a Carolina Wren. (report from Henry Squillante).

1/21/12 -- Oakham

This morning during the snowfall, there was a single male Red-winged Blackbird at my bird feeder. (report from Josh Gahagan).

1/19/12 -- Whalom Lake, Lunenburg

This evening, Whalom Lake was about 95% iced over but a significant congregation of large gull were near the open water. I saw nothing other than the 3 "common" gull species, Mallards and Canada Geese:   Herring Gull 600-700; Great Black-backed Gull 141; Ring-billed Gull   less than 20.   I did not see the previously reported Lesser Black-backed, Iceland ("Kumlien's) or the Glaucous, all reported in the last few weeks, despite carefully scanning the flock for nearly an hour. The number of Great Black-backs were off for this evening; I do try to carefully count these, though that's not to say more birds didn't arrive after I left about 5:30. (report from Tom Pirro).

1/18/12 -- Lake Whalom, Lunenburg

I bumped into Bart Kamp late this afternoon, At Lake Whalom in Lunenburg, and we "picked" through the gulls. The lake was about 30-40% open, so roosting fowl and gulls continue!

Canada Goose ~100; Mallard 1250 +/- a rough count; American Black Duck ~15-20; Herring Gull 600; Great Black-backed Gull 160; Iceland Gull 2 (1 adult and 1 immature first cycle a darkish individual); Lesser Black-backed (1 immature first cycle).

Before I arrived Bart had seen at an adult Bald Eagle harrassing a lone goose on the ice (before the numbers of roosting birds arrived).
(report from Tom Pirro).

1/16/12 -- Hubbardston

A lone Snow Bunting was foraging in exposed dead grass alongside a quiet commercial building parking lot. Perhaps that means a flock nearby. . . (report from Wendy Howes)

1/16/12 -- Institute Park, Worcester

The water remains open in the usual place, near the back where the stream comes in. Present today at 1:30 were 2 Mute Swans, 2 Green-winged Teal (m/f), 1 Gadwall (m), and 10 Hooded Mergansers. (report from Rick Quimby).

1/14/12 -- Nelson Park, North Grafton

My friend and I were walking along the road next to Nelson Park in North Grafton, when a pair of bald eagles flew over us. One was larger and had adult plumage, and the other was slightly smaller and did not yet have adult plumage. (report from Mary Sughrue-Yacino).

1/15/12 -- West Millbury

Today was a good day to bird by looking out the windows at my feeders. I had a rare day with 5 woodpeckers: Red-bellied, Yellow-bellied Sapsucker, Downy, Hairy and Northern Flicker. All visited the suet on and off during the day. Sapsuckers used to be regulars here, but today's female was the first in over a year. All the usual suspects were there including Brown creeper, Carolina Wren and White-throated Sparrows . A Red-tailed Hawk sat in the Red Maple for a while eyeing a Gray Squirrel. Unfortunately he wasn't hungry enough. Checked all the American Goldfinches for Pine Siskins or Common Redpolls, but to no avail. (report from Alan Marble).

1/14/12 -- Worcester Airport

This morning there were 50 Snow Buntings along with the Horned Larks at the Worcester Airport. (report from Fran McMenemy).

1/14/12 -- North Lake Quinsigamond, Shrewsbury/Worcester

This morning I saw a duck that I couldn't ID. It was small like a Hooded Merganser. It was a diver, Blue/gray bill, Brown head down to the eye (Black) and Nape.The Earcoverts and Lores were white. The Throat and Breast were white. Light gray Flanks with darker gray Back. It seemed to be around the 6 or so Hooded Mergansers. Could this be a Hooded Merganser/Bufflehead Hybrid? Any help or comments (to me at morlockap@charter.net) would be appreciated. (report from Peter Morlock).

1/12/12 -- Worcester Airport

At noon, there were 30 Horned Larks in the parking lot South of the terminal at the Worcester Airport. (report from Fran McMenemy).

1/8/12 -- Shrewsbury/Worcester

At the north part of Lake Quinsigamond just off I-290, I was able to positively identify the puzzling Green-winged Teal that I first saw on January 1st, as the American subspecies.  On January 5 and again on the 7th, I found the bird feeding in the same area where I saw it on the 1st (north of Main Street, Shrewsbury, bridge).  The bird still has a way to go before its plumage fully fills-in, however, the vertical white bars on both sides are now clearly evident although it is most pronounced on the bird's right side which it seldom showed while I was there.  I have concluded from studying this bird that the darker-brown head coloring, especially on its forehead, seems to be a good indicator throughout the molting process of its ID, even if the vertical side bars have not yet emerged.  Here is a link to a gallery of photos taken of the Green-winged Teal showing its emerging markings and a few other birds that were present at the same spot. Here is a photo that shows the bird's right side where its marking is more pronounced.

With the help of Garry Kessler, I also found three American Green-winged Teal at Institute Park in Worcester, including a pair of adults and a juvenile with plumage similar to the Lake Quinsigamond bird.  The vertical white bar on the Institute Park bird is evident on one side but not the other.  Fortunately, I got some closeup shots of both sides of the bird showing its emerging plumage in detail.  Here are some links to the photos take at Institute Park: a series of three closeup photos of the Am. Green-winged Teal showing off its red Mohawk, and a series of two photos of the adult birds.

There was also an adult male Gadwall at Institute Park that provided some great photo opportunities in the late afternoon light, particularly today ( January 8th).  I was able to photograph the Gadwall under the varying winter lighting conditions that in some cases yielded some interesting, almost surrealistic water patterns.  I also took some photos of the bird after it crawled onto the ice -- in the water it appears so sleek and stream-lined, but what a blob when its on the ice! Here is a series of photos taken on January 7th, and a a photo showing the Gadwall out of the water. Here is a   series of photos taken on January 8th showing variations in the lighting of the water & the bird (some of the later photos in the gallery are my favorites).

As always, there were also lots of Mallards and Canada Geese present at Institute Park.  There was a wide variation in the sizes of the Canada Geese -- I photographed one of the smaller ones which based on its bill size appears to be a Lesser Canada Goose (comments are welcomed).  I also happened to notice the differences in the Mallards that were present.  The males in breeding plumage are easy to ID, however, I also noticed and photographed what appeared at first to be a female with a bright orange bill.  After reviewing my Sibley Guide I now think is probable a male in nonbreeding plumage, although it has an unmarked buffy throat that is indicative of a Mottled Duck.   It was so close, that I could only fit its head in the photo.

On January 7th I also visited the South Bay of Wachusett Reservoir in Boylston and was able to easily find three Barrow's Goldeneyes, two females and one male along with 13 Common Goldeneye.  I was able to get a few distant shots of the birds that show all three Barrow's.  The male and female swam close together much of the time I viewed them.  While I was there, the group flushed after a pair of Common Mergansers took off, with Common and Barrow's taking different flight plans. 

Lastly, for those interested, here's a link to a single photo of a partial leucistic House Finch that occasionally visits my yard in Shrewsbury.  It has a pink head with some white wing and back feathers.
(report from Bruce deGraaf).

1/8/12 -- Muddy Pond Conservation Area, Westminster

We saw one Turkey Vulture soaring over Muddy Pond Conservation Area in Westminster. (report from Wendy Howes & Alan Rawle)

1/8/12 -- Town Farm Rd, Sutton

Just before noon, there was a large flock of 71 Wild Turkeys feeding in the corn stubble field on Town Farm Road in Sutton. (report from Alan Marble).

1/8/12 -- Mumford river, Sutton

Around 6.45 on the Mumford River in Sutton I had a belted Kingfisher chasing a Coopers Hawk .About 6.50 I noticed a lot of Crows in the trees and flying around the area making a lot of noise. I tried to get close to see what they were interested in when a Common Raven flew out with the whole mob on it's tail.Around 7.15 farther down stream I came across a GreatBlueHeron perched high up in a tree along the river. Along the river I had a number of Mallards with 1 Black Duck and 1 Common Merganser. At my home feeders my female Yellowbellied Sapsucker is still around also have 1 PineSiskin showed up yesterday; aside from that, feeder birds in general have been very sparse. (report from Michael Joubert).

1/8/12 -- Whitinsville

I sighted a Pileated Wood Pecker today around 3:00, and also Thursday 1/5/12 in my backyard on Hill Street. Blue birds are at feeders everyday this winter. (report from Russ Falardeau).

1/8/12 -- Woonsocket, RI

This morning we watched the increasing vulture roost in Woonsocket RI, right on the MA border along Rt. 122. We have been monitoring Turkey Vultures throughout the Blackstone National Corridor for over a decade and had noted a gradual build up of over wintering TVs starting in the 1990s typically focused on the wastewater treatment facility and capped landfill on the Millbury/Worcester line along Rt. 146. Beginning some years back, vultures had begun to also over winter regularly near the factories north of Cold Spring Park, Woonsocket RI, just over the border from MA. This was in conjunction with good numbers of wintering gulls: Herring, Ring-billed and a good number of Great Black-backed. Over recent years we have now had Iceland Gull here several times here and Lesser Black-backed Gull once. Last winter, the vulture roost began to really build up in Woonsocket and on a very cold morning on 1/23/11 we recorded (19) vultures sitting on nearby chimneys, warming their bare parts.

This winter the roost has increased dramatically. We recorded (37) TURKEY Vultures on 12/3 along with (4) Black Vultures. They were viewed perched atop the factory buildings from Cold Spring Park, but even better from the other side of the river: From Rt. 122, take Singleton Street over the bridge to Canal Street. North of the junction of Canal and Singleton is a rough grassy patch, perfect for viewing the birds as they come and go. Where they are going to is to the NORTH SMITHFIELD TRANSFER STATION just north on Canal Street. Here the vultures are often found roosting in the trees and on the buildings and on the piles of trash in the building (open at one end). Gulls are also typically swarming here as well as hundreds of starlings and a Red-tailed or two , likely feeding on rats.

Today we recorded well over (60) Turkey Vultures and still had (4) Black Vultures, 1 at the transfer station, and three perched together on the factory. The birds disperse widely from this general area throughout the day, some flying north into Worcester County and some south deeper into Rhode Island. On 12/3, we had 3 of the 4 Black Vultures fly in from Massachusetts and Sheila got some dramatic close photos.

OK, it certainly is not an attractive area to bird, especially the transfer station, and the Blackstone River here has been channeled by the Army Corps of Engineers. Still, some wintering ducks can be seen in winter mostly Canada Geese and Common and Hooded Mergansers. And the patient birder can tick Black Vulture for both states in one sitting.
(report from Mark Lynch).

1/7/12 -- Wauchusett Reservoir, Boylston/West Boylston

This morning there were ~20 Common Goldeyes and 3 Barrows (1m, 2f) on South Bay in Boylston. Under the power lines south of the 140 causway in West Boylston there were 75 Scaup. (report from Jean Holm).

1/7/12 -- Brookfield

At 12:35 there was a Bald Eagle soaring in a NW direction, spotted at my location, town of Brookfield, corner of rt 148 and Mill St. near the Quaboag river. (report from Marvin St.Onge)

1/7/12 -- Lake Chauncy, Westboro

I saw 8 Mute Swans on Lake Chauncy in Westboro today. I was glad to see that some of the swans survived after reading about the 21 dead Mute Swans on Mill Pond in Westboro. I also spotted Loons and Mallard Ducks. (report from Henry Squillante).

1/6/12 -- Institute Park, Worcester

At noon there was more open water than yesterday, and more birds: 2 Mute Swan, 3 Green-winged Teal (2m 1f), 3 Black Duck, 1 Gadwall (m), and 2 Hooded Merganser (f). (report from Rick Quimby).

1/5/12 -- Dudley/Barre

This afternnon I saw the 2 adult Mute Swans  who have been living on Mosquito Pond in Dudley since last spring ,when thay had a young one. I haven't seen the cygnet since June.

On the way home from NH, on route 32 in Barre, just before the Petersham line, there were 7 Wild Turkeys, 6 by the side of the highway and 1 in the middle of the road. Not exactly exciting sightings but better than nothing while riding in a car. 
(report from Joan Zumpfe).

1/5/12 -- Institute Park, Worcester

At 2:00 pm highlights were 4 Mute Swans (2 standing on the ice) and 3 Black ducks. Only open water is in the back where the stream comes in, and there were no other "interesting" ducks. (report from Rick Quimby).

1/3/12 -- Lake Whalom, Lunenburg

An impressive waterfowl/large gull sp. roost continues on Whalom Lake, Lunenburg, this evening: Canada Goose 600 (rough est.), Mallard 1,000 (rough est.), Hooded Merganser ~20, Common Merganser 5-10, Great Blue Heron 1, Herring Gull ~500, Great Black-backed Gull 80, Ring-billed Gull ~10 very very few, Iceland "kumlien's" Gull 1 first cycle, a darkish bird, Glaucous Gull 1 first cycle. Most birds arrive after dusk and tonight most arrived WELL after dusk making it tough to ID and "pick though" the Mallards for oddities or out of season fowl. Fortunately the white-winged gulls arrived with reasonable light still showing. The lake remains 90% open, but one or two cold and calm nights will likely sent the the gulls to Wachusett Res. or points east. (report from Tom Pirro).

1/2/12 -- Wachusett Reservoir and vicinity

East Waushacum: 2 Mute Swans and 2 Common Loons

Coachlace Pond: 100 Canada Geese and 4 Hooded Mergansers

South Bay of Wachusett Reservoir (Boylston): 1 pair Barrow's Goldeneye with 18 Common Goldeneye and 2 Ring-necked Ducks

power lines near the route 140/12 causeway: 46-53 hard to count Greater Scaup, 1 Long-tailed Duck, 7 Common Mergansers and 2 soaring Bald Eagles.
(report from Bart Kamp).

1/1/12 -- Worcester

The Forbush Bird Club held its annual New Year's Day bird trip in Worcester, with highlights of a Red-tailed Hawk devouring a Chipmunk while perched on a telephone pole, a Merlin seen from Lake Park, a Hooded Merganser gulping down a fish and a Peregrine Falcon sitting on a window ledge just below the People's Bank sign on the old Mechanics Bank building. Here is the complete trip list. (report from Joan Zumpfe, photos from Joan Gallagher).

1/1/12 -- Wachusett Reservoir, Boylston

Our last stop on a day that started well before dawn (owling Ware River Watershed), was SOUTH BAY, WACHUSETT RESERVOIR (Boylston) on Rt. 140. We had GREAT looks at a drake and duck BARROW'S GOLDENEYE with 18 Common Goldeneyes, very close to the road. Nice way to end the day. Here is a photo taken by Sheila on 1/2/12. (report from Mark Lynch/Sheila Carroll).

1/1/12 -- Downtown Worcester

A Peregrine Falcon was perched on the bank sign overlooking the common. I think there was a band on it's right leg. I think this is a large Falcon, so maybe a female? (report from Brian Mulhearn)

1/1/12 -- Sutton

Around 3.30 while photographing at Shaw's farm right before Blackstone Golf course in Sutton I observed a Shrike dining on what appeared to be a Sparrow. (report from Michael Joubert).

1/1/12 -- Lake Quinsigamond, Shrewsbury/Worcester

Green-winged Teal ... American or Eurasian?

I spent a couple of hours this afternoon checking out Lake Quinsigmond in Shrewsbury/Worcester, targeting the female Barrow's Goldeneye that I had first found during the December 17th Worcester CBC and relocated on 12/22. Unfortunately there were no Goldeneye present on the lake today.

As consolation prizes though, I did find a male Wood Duck near the dam and also an unusually plumaged Green-winged Teal, Great Blue Heron, Gadwall, Hooded Mergansers, and Belted Kingfisher all just north of Main Street in Shrewsbury. The Green-winged Teal seemed to be in some form of transitional plumage, possibly from juvenile to adult. When I first viewed the bird, I thought it was a Eurasian Green-winged Teal (Common Teal) since it seemed to be missing the vertical white bar. However, after looking at the photos I'm uncertain of its ID and would appreciate comments.

Here is a series of photos that I took of the Green-winged Teal.
(report from Bruce deGraaf).

1/1/12 -- Institute Park, Worcester

At Institute Park in Salisbury Pond there were: 1 Great Blue Heron, 2 Mute Swans, 50 Canada Geese, 3 Mallards, 2 Black Ducks, 1 drake Gadwall, 2 Green-winged teal, 5 Hooded Mergansers and 6 Common Mergansers. (report from Bart Kamp).

1/1/12 -- Holden

My husband and I saw about a half dozen Blue Birds in our back yard today. We have two suet feeders. One blue bird was on that one, and the second suet feeder had a Downy Woodpecker on it. The remaining blue birds were feeding on the ground under the feeder with the woodpecker on it. It was quite a scene. This went on for about 10 minutes, until a squirrel came and all the birds took off. This is first sighting ever in the 16 years since we have lived at the house. I would describe the area as heavily wooded. We have not quite a half acre of open lawn. We were so very surprised and pleased. (report from Pamela Berg).

12/31/11 -- Uxbridge

While driving over the Blackstone River on Hartford Avenue in Uxbridge this afternoon, I saw a number of people taking pictures of something. Turns out there was an adult bald eagle flying around and perching in a tree on the water's edge. A nice bird to see on the last day of 2011! (report from Mary Sughrue-Yacino).

12/28/11 -- All Faith's Cemetery/Leesville Pond, Worcester/Auburn

I found what I think is a partially leucistic Canada Goose, with 150+ other Canadian Geese. Here is another view. Highlights here yesterday (12/27) were 1 Northern Pintail, 12 Green winged Teal, 6 American Black Duck, 1 American x Mallard hybrid, and 31 Hooded Mergansers. (report from Brian Mulhearn)

12/28/11 -- Sutton

A male Ring-necked Pheasant was foraging along Boston Road in front of Sutton Elementary School in Sutton at 8 am today. (report from Robert Brady).

12/27/11 -- Brierly's Pond, Millbury

This morning there was a Bald Eagle perched in a tree above the dirt parking area at Brierly's Pond. When it flew, it headed towards Lake Singletary. When I drove there, I found it perched in a tree near the boat ramp. The dozen Hooded Mergansers were very nervous and all took off. I have not seen the 4 American Coot at Singletary for the last 2 days. (report from Alan Marble).

12/27/11 -- downtown Worcester

Around 12:45 pm today, after walking the Worcester Common in search of the Peregrine Falcon, then crossing over to Salem Street, I began to follow a flurry of white feathers where I saw the Peregrine enjoying lunch atop the Worcester Public Library. Primary and secondary feathers from the prey were spiraling down onto the sidewalk. A side trip followed to Price Chopper Plaza at Route 20 and Greenwood Street yielded 100+ Ring-billed Gulls; in addition to those numbers a hundred plus more gulls flushed from the roof of Price Chopper, but eluded review as they quickly resettled on the roof. The four fake Great-Horned Owls on the roof don't seem to discourage the gulls. (report from Lisa Hennin).

12/26/11 -- Westminster Christmas Count

On Monday, December 26th the 41st Westminster CBC was held in our annual attempt to avoid having the lowest species total for the state. For the first time in several years the count was conducted without adverse weather conditions. Despite the very warm weather many, if not most, waterbodies froze over just prior to count day. As a result no unexpected ducks were tallied. In addition, absolutely no winter finches were reported. At least some are usually observed on this count, even in bad finch years. 54 species were tallied, slightly above the ten year average. Here is the detailed list of the 54 species recorded. (report from John Liller).

12/25/11 -- Rutland

Chris Purington observed a sharp shinned hawk catching a blue jay on her pond Christmas day, and her husband took a video of the entire capture sequence using his IPhone. (report from Kathy Van Schoick).

12/24/11 -- Millbury/Northbridge

Around 12.45 right before exit 8 146 in Millbury I observed a lone AmericanKestral.

Around 1.15 at Meadow Pond  in NorthBridge there was 12 to 13 RingNecked Ducks and a handfull of MuteSwans .
(report from Michael Joubert).

12/24/11 -- Sutton

Around 3.30 this morning at Atlas Box Sutton ( North bound side 146 just south of Tony's ) I observed some thing fly over the parking lot.I walked over to where it seemed to land and was rewarded with a GreatHorned Owl about 15 feet up a tree. (report from Michael Joubert).

12/22/11 -- Oxford/Sutton

Around 3.00 at the 200 sporstman club pond Oxford there was 1 BeltedKingfisher . Near the Market Basket Oxford in the swampy area there was a pair of WoodDucks.

At 3,15 on Webster Lake there was a small group of Ringnecked ducks with 2 pair of HoodedMergansers and 1 CommonGoldeneye drake.These birds were very close to shore.

At 3.45 Steven's Pond Sutton there were 3 WoodDucks 1 male 2 females and 1 GreatBlueHeron.At 3.50 on the Mumford River Manchaug by the Post office there was 1 CommomMerganser along with a dozen or so Mallards. At my {Manchaug)feeders the female YellowBelliedSapsucker continues to show occasionally.
(report from Michael Joubert).

12/22/11 -- Institute Park, Worcester

Highlights at 2:00 were 2 Mute Swan, 1 Gadwall (m), 11 Hooded Merganser, and 1 Belted Kingfisher (f). (report from Rick Quimby).

12/21/11 -- Westminster

Just before dawn this morning was a Bald Eagle, heading toward Round Meadow Pond. It was too dark to see whether it was an adult or immature. (report from Tom Pirro).

12/21/11 -- Hosmer St., West Boylston

There has been a pileated woodpecker in my front yard for a few months, and today there were 2! I'm pretty sure they are both males. Unfortunately they did not make an appearance for the Christmas count. (report from Jean Holm).

12/20/11 -- Bent Pond, Gardner

In spite of recent cold snaps a Great blue Heron continues to hang around the open water in a drawn down Bent Pond off Mill St. Today makes it my latest record for the North County. (report from Dick Knowlton).

12/19/11 -- Curtis Pond at Hadwen Park, Worcester

There has been a female Wood Duck here the last few weeks. Also, 1 Great Blue Heron, 2 Mute Swans, 1 Northern Pintail, 1 American Black Duck, 12 Hooded Mergansers, 2 Common Mergansers, 71 Mallards 1 Belted Kingfisher, and 1 Gold-crowned Kinglet. These ducks can also be viewed from the back of Notre Dame Cemetery . (report from Brian Mulhearn)

12/18/11 -- Salisbury Pond at Institute Park, Worcester

I went to look for the green-winged teal drake, to get a better photo. The pond was full of mallards, Canada geese (the smaller race), one with white on its neck and another with white on the top of the head and gulls. Hoodies still present, and also a drake gadwall. The GW teal (1m/1f) were present, toying with me in the cattails and shadows. Here's my latest attempt at a photo of the drake. There were also two muskrat being very possessive of the cattails, incessantly chasing the ducks out of their larder.
Also checked out Indian Pond, where there were Mallards, gulls, and a couple hoodies.
(report from Garry Kessler).

12/17/11 -- Worcester Christmas Count

The 60th Worcester Christmas Count took place on Saturday (12/17). Here is the detailed list of the 85 species recorded on count day, plus 1 during count week. (report from John Liller).

12/17/11 -- Rutland

At about 11:30AM today, I was scanning through some Canada Geese in Rutland when I came across a PINK-FOOTED GOOSE. This is the first record for Worcester County and I think it's only the sixth or seventh record in the state (if accepted). At first I thought it might be the same bird as the one reported in Lynn a week earlier, but the bill colors are very different. The bill of the bird in Lynn had black bill with a pink tip, while the bird I saw had a mostly pink bill.

Interestingly, while watching this bird a GREATER WHITE-FRONTED GOOSE flew in with another group of Canadas.

And here's the bad news: Unfortunately, this bird is located on private property and, although the landowner gave me permission to walk on the grounds, they were adamant about not having a crowd of people. It's not a birder-friendly area and definitely cannot support many cars. For this reason I am not posting the exact location. I'm posting this report soley to document the record and to make people aware that this bird was in the area. So, check all flocks of Canada Geese!

Photos can be seen on my blog
(report from Kevin Bourinot).

12/15/11 -- Lunenburg/Fitchburg Airport

Highlights from various points in Lunenburg and a stop at the Fitchburg Airport, all within the Groton-Oxbow CBC from 0940 to 1215 today:

Lunenburg: American Black Duck 2; Ring-necked Duck 7; Hooded Merganser 7; Common Merganse 2; Wild Turkey 14; American Coot 3 still lingering on Whalom Lake//down from 5 last week; Great Black-backed Gull 4; Belted Kingfisher 1; Red-bellied Woodpecker 2; Hairy Woodpecker 1; Brown Creeper 1; Carolina Wren 3; Winter Wren 1; Eastern Bluebird 5; American Robin 6; Chipping Sparrow 1 very surprised to find another late "Chippy" in north Worcester County; Song Sparrow 6; White-throated Sparrow 4; Dark-eyed Junco 50

Fitchburg Airport just before 1300: Snow Bunting 45; Lapland Longspur 1 w/SNBU.
(report from Tom Pirro).

12/15/11 -- Sutton

Around 1:45 I had a female Yellow Bellied Sapsucker stop at my suet feeder .
(report from Michael Joubert).

12/15/11 -- Institute Park, Worcester

Highlights at noon were 2 Mute Swan, 24 "real" Canada Geese (migrants with short necks), 2 Green-winged Teal (m/f), 1 Gadwall (m), 16 Hooded Merganser, 1 Belted Kingfisher, and 2 WT Sparrow. (report from Rick Quimby).

12/14/11 -- Sturbridge CBC

The 16th STURBRIDGE CBC was held on Wednesday December 14th. Towns included at least partly in the circle include the Brookfields, Sturbridge, Charlton, Southbridge, Spencer and Brimfield. Here is the detailed list of the species recorded. (report from Mark Lynch).

12/13/11 -- Baldwinville

From a few hours mid-day today in Baldwinville and area near Lake Dennison: Canada Goose 18; Sharp-shinned Hawk 1; Rock Pigeon 35; Mourning Dove 9; Red-bellied Woodpecker 2; Downy Woodpecker 3; Hairy Woodpecker 1; Blue Jay 18; American Crow 8; Black-capped Chickadee 43; Tufted Titmouse 2; Red-breasted Nuthatch 8; White-breasted Nuthatch 10; Brown Creeper 2; Carolina Wren 2; Golden-crowned Kinglet 2; American Robin 40; Northern Mockingbird 1; European Starling 20; American Tree Sparrow 2; Chipping Sparrow 1 a nice surprise up this way in December; Song Sparrow 1; White-throated Sparrow 20; Dark-eyed Junco 50; Northern Cardinal 10; Purple Finch 1; House Finch 16; American Goldfinch 18; House Sparrow 3.

Yesterday, 12/12 a Mourning Cloak butter fly on Newcomb Road in Westinster.
(report from Tom Pirro).

12/11/11 -- Wachusett Reservoir, Boylston

I first noticed some Common Goldeneyes on Wachusett Reservoir at South Bay on a 12/7 drive by. Today I counted 11 males and 4 females, all Common, no Barrows.. (report from Jean Holm).

12/11/11 -- Charlton and the Brookfields

SCOUTING A FEW AREAS IN THE STURBRIDGE CBC CIRCLE:

ORLANDO'S PONDS, CHARLTON: The farmer is still feeding the ducks here and apparently throwing some stuff out in his backyard in the farmhouse up on the hill as we had 100s of RING-BILLED GULLS swarming all over and behind the house. The pond had (c. 225++) Mallards; (c.300+) Ring-billed Gulls; only (c. 75+) Canada Goose (more may have left at dawn; (11+ AMERICAN BLACK DUCK); at least (+7) hybrid MallardXBlack and 3 GADWALLS (2f+1m)

LAKE QUABOG: (1) COMMON LOON, this took off while we were watching it, circling over the pond 7 times as it very gradually gained altitude and took off. The (A?) big flock of AMERICAN COOT are still there, but were far out and to the east and therefore difficult to count. We had somewhere like 110-120 +. Also there Common Mergansers (6); BUFFLEHEAD (1); Mallards (12);

LAKE LASHAWAY: (84) COMMON MERGANSERS; (8) MALLARDS; (15) Hooded Merganser and (1) PIED-BILLED GREBE.

LAKE WICKABOG: over 200+ Common Mergansers; (32) Hooded Merganser; and a GREAT BLACK-BACKED GULL.

WORCESTER AIRPORT: from the lot next to the terminal: (1) AMERICAN PIPIT seen and heard as it called continuously, flew low overhead and landed far out on the runway. Late for this species this far inland.
(report from Mark Lynch/Sheila Carroll).

12/10/11 -- Barre Falls Dam, Barre

Migrating raptors today:

-------------------------------------------------------------------
Species            Day's Count    Month Total   Season Total
------------------ ----------- -------------- --------------
Black Vulture                0              0              0
Turkey Vulture               0              4            254
Osprey                       0              0            165
Bald Eagle                   0              0             78
Northern Harrier             0              2             50
Sharp-shinned Hawk           1              5           1189
Cooper's Hawk                0              2            198
Northern Goshawk             0              0              4
Red-shouldered Hawk          0              5             41
Broad-winged Hawk            0              0           5902
Red-tailed Hawk              3             27            322
Rough-legged Hawk            0              0              0
Golden Eagle                 0              2              5
American Kestrel             0              0            158
Merlin                       0              1             49
Peregrine Falcon             0              0             15
Unknown Accipiter            0              2              2
Unknown Buteo                0              0              2
Unknown Falcon               0              0              0
Unknown Eagle                0              0              0
Unknown Raptor               0              2             33

Total:                       4             52           8467
----------------------------------------------------------------------

Raptor Observations: Not migrating, 1 Northern Goshawk, 4 Redtails.
Final report of the season. (report from Bart Kamp).

12/10/11 -- Mendon

Unusually warm weather has brought some unusual bird sightings to my backyard. Today there was a   red-winged blackbird on ground under thistle feeders. On Nov 4 a juvenile Baltimore Oriole was at the suet feeder. I've had daily visits by albino Goldfinch to my thistle feeder (white feathers, black wing bars, very pale yellow in head area). (report from Ann Vandersluis).

12/8/11 -- downtown Worcester

At noon today, there was a Peregrine Falcon sitting on the letters of the Peoples United Bank. It was seen from the Worcester Public Library parking lot. (report from Alan Marble).

12/6/11 -- Templeton

There was a handsome adult Northern Shrike in Templeton ( Elliot Hill area) late this afternoon; it made a few chases at the nearby mixed flock of robins and starlings -- each time coming up empty. (report from Tom Pirro).

12/6/11 -- Singletary Boat Ramp, Millbury

There are now 5 American Coot at the Singletary Boat Ramp in Millbury. There have been 1 or 2 there for the last few weeks. There were 3 Common Mergansers there as well. (report from Alan Marble).

12/5/11 -- Uxbridge

A turkey vulture was flying in the vicinity of River Bend Farm in Uxbridge Dec 4 and 5. (report from Beth Milke)

12/5/11 --Main St, Shrewsbury

There was a perched juvenile Red-tailed Hawk.(report from Brian Mulhearn)

12/3/11 -- Quaboag Lake, Brookfield

This morning I was surprised to find 90+ American Coot here. I thought that they had moved on. There was a White-winged Scoter there also. (report from Peter Morlock).

12/3/11 -- Hopedale/Mendon/Blackstone/Millville

This morning we birded in a few small towns in the BLACKSTONE NATIONAL CORRIDOR that are in the extreme SE corner of Worcester County. A few of the highlights: Birders note: deer hunting is in full swing and deer hunters were out in force in this rather residential area. Wear regulation hunters orange whenever outside during this season.

HOPEDALE: Hopedale Parklands: Mute Swan (2); Eastern Screech Owl (1); Red-bellied Woodpecker (1); N Flicker (2); Hermit Thrush (1); Eastern Towhee (1);

HOPEDALE: teeny Mill Pond: Mute Swan (2); Ring-necked Duck (65);

MENDON: Nipmuc Lake Common Loon (1); Great Blue Heron (1); Mallard (4); Bufflehead (8); Hooded Merganser (6); Common Merganser (3f);

BLACKSTONE-MILLVILLE: Canada Goose (28); Mallard (20); Hooded Merganser (4); E Screech Owl (1); Eastern Bluebird (2); Northern Mockingbird (4); Yellow-rumped Warbler (1); Field Sparrow (2); Tree Sparrow (6); Savannah Sparrow (1); Song Sparrow (10); Swamp Sparrow (4); Fox Sparrow (1);

WOONSOCKET RI, JUST SOUTH OF THE MA LINE: While birding in Blackstone-Millville MA, we noted very large numbers of vultures, flying south and going in to a roost just over the border atop a large old brick factory building next to Cold Spring Park, Woonsocket RI (also in the Blackstone National Corridor);. We counted (37); Turkey Vultures; (5); BLACK VULTURES (while there, we had 2 birds fly in very high from Worcester County); as well as large numbers of Herring Gulls (60+); and at least (15+); Great Black-backed Gulls (3); Hooded Mergansers and (5); Common Mergansers.
(report from Mark Lynch/Sheila Carroll).

12/1/11 -- Barre Falls Dam, Barre

Migrating raptors today:

-------------------------------------------------------------------
Species            Day's Count    Month Total   Season Total
------------------ ----------- -------------- --------------
Black Vulture                0              0              0
Turkey Vulture               4              4            254
Osprey                       0              0            165
Bald Eagle                   0              0             78
Northern Harrier             0              0             48
Sharp-shinned Hawk           1              1           1185
Cooper's Hawk                0              0            196
Northern Goshawk             0              0              4
Red-shouldered Hawk          3              3             39
Broad-winged Hawk            0              0           5902
Red-tailed Hawk             11             11            306
Rough-legged Hawk            0              0              0
Golden Eagle                 2              2              5
American Kestrel             0              0            158
Merlin                       1              1             49
Peregrine Falcon             0              0             15
Unknown Accipiter            0              0              0
Unknown Buteo                0              0              2
Unknown Falcon               0              0              0
Unknown Eagle                0              0              0
Unknown Raptor               1              1             32

Total:                      23             23           8438
----------------------------------------------------------------------

Raptor Observations: The Golden Eagles were together. Not migrating 2 adult Bald Eagles. (report from Bart Kamp).

11/30/11 -- Northbridge/Uxbridge/Grafton

A survey of ponds in the Northbridge/Uxbridge/Grafton area from 11:00 to 1:00 pm today: 4 out of 8 ponds visited head waterfowl present:

Arcade Pond, Northbridge: PIED-BILLED GREBE (3); Canada Goose

Whitins Pond, Northbridge: Ring-Necked Duck (37); Canada Goose(100)

Linwood Pond:, Northbridge: Hooded Merganser (3), DC Cormorant(1)

Lake Ripple, Grafton: Mute Swan (6), Canada Goose, (8) (report from Lisa Hennin).

11/30/11 -- Lake Dennison, Winchendon

There was only one bird on Lake Dennsion in Winchendon, Ma. late this afternoon, it was a Red-throated Loon. (report from Tom Pirro).

11/30/11 -- Worcester/Sterling

I did a little local birding today:

Indian Lake, Worcester: 250 Common merganser; 14 Hooded merganser; 1 Adult Bald Eagle - fly over; 2 Great Blue Heron

Wachusett Reservoir from the bridge at Route 12: 88 Greater Scaup, 1 King Fisher

West Waushakum Lake, Sterling: 8 Common Merganser; 1 Bufflehead (report from Susan LaBree).

11/30/11 -- Indian Lake, Worcester

Today at 3:50 PM we spotted a bald eagle perched in a tree at Indian Lake approximately 30 feet high. This was along side Grove Street just past Morgan Park (just before the Grove and Holden Street split). The eagle stayed in perch for approx. 20 minutes. The tree was overhanging the water but only 30 feet from the roadway. It flew away across the lake toward Shore Park on Shore Drive..

On 11/26/11 approx. 2PM: My son and I spotted a bald eagle passing by high over Assumption College sports fields (report from Meg Giarusso).

11/29/11 -- Coachlace Pond, Clinton

The duck hunters that Jean Holm reported at Coachlace Pd. in Clinton on Nov. 24, apparently caused the large flock of scaup to retreat to the Wachusett Reservoir, as reported on Nov.27. The scaup have returned again to Coachlace Pd. There were 78 Greater and 7 Lesser Scaup on Coachlace Pd. today. (report from Fran McMenemy).

11/29/11 -- Millbury/Sutton/Grafton

Today I spent from 10:00 am to 12:30 pm checking a few locations in the Blackstone River Corridor: 4 out of the 7 lakes & ponds I checked contained the following:

Brierly Pond/Millbury: 6 Mallards, 2 Canada Geese, 1 domestic Goose, 115 Ring-billed Gulls, 60 Herring Gulls, 16 Hooded Mergansers

Lake Singletary Boat Ramp: 1 American Coot

St. Philips Cemetery, Grafton: 4 Green Winged Teal, 3 American Black Duck, 4 Mallards, other birds of note: several Eastern Bluebirds

Fisherville Pond: 2 Mute Swans (report from Lisa Hennin).

11/29/11 -- Institute Park, Worcester

At noon, the osprey continues to frequent the pond. It is freshly plumaged and seems to be the same one that has been present for several weeks off and on. Today it was feeding on something high up in the dead tree across the pond from the main shore. Other birds of note were 2 GW Teal (m/f), 4 Hooded Mergansers, and 1 Belted Kingfisher. (report from Rick Quimby).

11/27/11 -- Salisbury Pond/Indian Lake, Worcester

At Institute Park, the hooded merganser drakes are doing their head bobbing for the females. Also seen: the osprey in the dead pine, a green-winged teal (f), ruby-crowned kinglet, mallards and mute swans.

At Indian Lake: I ran into Sue, and we saw hundreds of common mergs and a close flyby by an adult bald eagle.

At West Waushacum: a very distant raft of about 80 scaup which I mis-id'ed with Sue as ring-necks.

On Wachusett Reservoir: a distant raft of 33 golden-eye seen from the dike and a common loon in the inlet just south of the dam on Rte. 70.
(repor from Garry Kessler).

11/26/11 -- Institute Park, Worcester

There was an Osprey at Salisbury Pond today. I first saw it in a tree across the pond then watched it fish for 10 minutes with no success before it flew back to the same large dead pine tree. Also on the pond: 14-Hooded Merganser, 1 Common Merganser and 2 Mute Swans. (report from John Shea).

11/24/11 -- Lake Chauncey, Westboro

During the last week during my walks in Westboro at lake Chauncey I have observed 3 Rusty Blackbirds, a N. Mockingbird, Tree Sparrows, White throated Sparrows, Red Shouldered Hawk and Juncos. I had a flock of Turkeys feeding in my yard, Northboro, a few days ago, I also have seen the Carolina Wren at my feeders this week. (report from Henry Squillante).

11/24/11 -- various locations

We did our traditional Thanksgiving Day birding trip: staying local and trying to see a Wild Turkey. Here's a summary:

CHARLTON: ORLANDO'S PONDS: The usual melee of Mallards (300++);, Canada Geese (158++); and Ring-billed Gulls (500+); but also: Gadwall (pair: hanging with the big flock of Mallards and feeding with them, but amazingly tough to pick out among the chaos); American Black Duck (8); Lesser Scaup (4); Bufflehead (4); Hooded Merganser (2f); Ruddy Duck (2); Iceland Gull (1 1stW);

BROOKFIELD: LAKE QUABOG: Red-throated Loon (1); and nothing else! Duck hunters were out on the lake and as far as we could see, the huge flock of coot (180+); have moved on.

SOUTH QUABBIN/QUABBIN PARK (highlights): Red-throated Loon (1); Common Loon (1); Mallard (2); Long-tailed Duck (1m); Hooded Merganser (5); Bald Eagle (4imm+3 ad>the immatures appeared to be migrating); Northern Harrier (1m); Red-tailed Hawk (2); Red-bellied Woodpecker (1); Brown Creeper (1); E Bluebird (5); A Robin (21: good numbers everywhere we went today); CHIPPING SPARROW (1); late Tree Sparrow (1: the only 1 we had today); Dark-eyed Junco (9: good numbers everywhere we went today);

NEW SALEM (town center);: Bluebirds and the usual suspects, but no sign of the Western Kingbird. We weren't expecting it, just making sure.

NEW SALEM: Lover's Leap overlook Red-tailed Hawk (5: 4 appeared to be migrating);

BARRE: Canada Goose (16 migrating high overhead); Red-tailed Hawk (3: 2 appeared to be migrating); GOLDEN EAGLE (1ad: moving SW);

WORCESTER AIRPORT: Northern Harrier (1); Northern Shrike (1); Snow Bunting (100+);
NB: despite being in great habitat all day where we have found turkeys MANY times, we did not see a single turkey.
(report from Mark Lynch/Sheila Carroll).

11/24/11 -- Clinton

Today around 9 am there were only a four scaup on Coachlace Pond, perhaps due to duck hunters in a boat. But there was a flock of 20 snow buntings in the football field parking lot. (report from Jean Holm).

11/20/11 -- Westboro Wildlife Management Area

I took a late afternoon walk around the Westboro WMA. Oddly, there were no ducks to be seen on Lake Chauncey and only a single Mute Swan on Little Chauncey. Other birds seen were a large flock of Robins and a large flock of Red-winged Blackbirds, White-throated Sparrows, A. Tree Sparrows, White-crowned Sparrow, Juncos, Downy Woodpecker, N. Cardinal, Black-capped Chickadee, Mallards, and a N. Mockingbird. (report from Laura Lane).

11/20/11 -- Princeton

Today, on our way to Mt .Wachusett for a hike, Scott spotted a Great Blue Heron in Princeton, on a small pond just north of the intersection of Rte. 62 and Rte. 31 near the town center. No turkey vultures to be seen from the summit. (report from Marion Larson and Scott Handler).

11/20/11 -- Green Hill Park, Worcester

This morning I visited the Vietnam Veteran's memorial at Green Hill Park, a lovely but sad place. In the marshy area to the right there was a palm warbler. Also notable there were 4 hooded mergs in the pond. (report from Jean Holm).

11/20/11 -- Douglas

I had a male ring-necked pheasant hanging out under my feeders --a new yard bird for me! The nearest stocked hunting area is a few miles away; maybe this was an escapee. (report from Mary Sughrue-Yacino).

11/20/11 -- Bolton Flats, Bolton

At Bolton Flats there were 6 Tree Sparrows and 1 Swamp Sparrow. (phone report from Dave Grant).

11/19/11 -- Clinton/Sterling

There was one Common Goldeneye among the 80 Scaup at Coachlace Pond and another 4 on West Waushacum in Sterling. (report from Jean Holm).

11/18/11 -- Barre Falls Dam, Barre

Migrating raptors today: Sharp-shinned Hawk 1 ; Cooper's Hawk 1 ; Red-tailed Hawk 8 . Raptor Observations: Not migrating: 1 Northern Goshawk, 4-6 Redtails. Non-raptor Observations: (report from Bart Kamp).

11/13/11 -- Fair Plaza, Worcester /Town Farm Road, Sutton

I went to the Fair Plaza in Worcester this morning while it was still dark at 5:45 a.m. There were already a few crows in the parking lot "under the lights." Flocks of crows began to arrive in a steady stream, mostly from the northeast and continued until about 6:30. Many stopped in the parking lot and some continued over dispersing in southerly directions. I really couldn't count them as it was pretty dark at first, but conservatively, there were over a thousand, maybe a lot more. I did hear one Fish Crow in the mix.

I then birded the massive stubble corn fields owned by Whittiers off Town Farm Road in Sutton. I birded the back edge perimeter and also walked in the fields. Highlights included Common Raven, Hermit Thrush, 2 small flocks of American Pipits and 3 Rusty Blackbirds. I recorded 23 species in all. Note that this is a hunting area.
(report from Alan Marble).

11/13/11 -- Brookfield/Spencer/Leicester

Brookfield: LAKE QUABOG: Mute Swan (2); American Coot (flock of 180++) continue

West Brookfield: LAKE WICKABOG: Mallard (9); Hooded Merganser (28); Common Merganser (149); Red-shouldered Hawk (1)

SPENCER: LAKE WHITTEMORE: Canada Goose (34); Mallard (41); Common Merganser (8); Belted Kingfisher (1); Carolina Wren (1); Winter Wren (1); N Mockingbird (1).

WORCESTER AIRPORT: Northern Harrier (1m); Red-tailed Hawk (1); Horned Lark (5+); Common Raven (2); Eastern Bluebird (5); American Robin (70+); Northern Shrike (1: Mulberry Street: on fence); Cedar Waxwing (8); Dark-eyed Junco (30+); Lapland Longspur (1); Snow Bunting (50+).

LEICESTER: small cattail marsh Virginia Rail (2); Swamp Sparrow (1).
(report from Mark Lynch/Sheila Carroll).

11/13/11 -- Institute Park, Worcester

At 3:30, 2 Mute Swans, 2 GW Teal (1m, 1f), and 22 Hooded Merganser, 1 belted kingfisher, 1 osprey w/perch, 1 cardinal, 6 mallard (3m, 3f), 1f gadwall seen on 11/12 but not on 11/13. The GW teal were cooperative for photo on 11/12 but the sun was not. On 11/13 the teal were sleeping. Here are photos ( photo 1| photo 2) of the osprey. (report and photos from Garry Kessler).

11/13/11 -- Sandra Pond, Westborough

Mixed rafts of ring-necked ducks and buffleheads, 100+. (report from Garry Kessler).

11/12/11 -- Barre Falls Dam, Barre

Migrating raptors today: Sharp-shinned Hawk 2 ; Cooper's Hawk 1 ; Red-tailed Hawk 1 ; Golden Eagle 1 . Raptor Observations: Juvenile Golden Eagle. Not migrating: 3 Bald Eagles, 2 Northern Goshawks, 2 Redtails and 1 Cooper's Hawk. (report from Bart Kamp).

11/12/11 -- Indian Lake, Worcester

Today on Indian Lake I saw: 12 Ring- neck Ducks, 32 Hooded Merganser, 330 Common Merganser, 7 D.C. Cormorants and 1 Great Blue Heron. The Common Mergs.were hard to count, they were diving all the time and doing very well fishing. There were also about 400 Gulls mostly Ring-billed Gulls with some Herring Gulls.

At Leesville Pond I saw: 1 D.C.Cormorant, 1 Pied-billed Grebe, 67 Canada Geese, 3 Mute Swans, 2 Wood Ducks, 2 Black Ducks, 1 N. Pintail, 7 Green-winged Teal and 1 Hooded Merganser.
(report from John Shea).

11/12/11 -- New Salem

A WESTERN KINGBIRD was well seen by a number of birders today. The bird was first discovered by a birder from Peabody (sorry, I forgot the name) very close to 7AM perched atop a tree right along SOUTH MAIN STREET near the church, but as we arrived, it flew down to a field and horse paddock across the street from the Town Hall (ie: closer to Rt. 202). Here it spent a lot of time preening; chasing other birds, once coughed up a pellet. and flying down to ground presumably catching crickets of other insects. Look for a large area of bittersweet at the back parts of the field (at one point we were looking over the horse to see the bird) and check trees all around this area. This seems to be a favored area for the bird. It flew once back in the direction of the church, where it could not be found despite searching from several birders, but then was rediscovered back in this same horse paddock. Great views through a scope. but not really close enough for great photos We left the bird there c. 9:15. other birds in the area inlcuded many robins; bluebirds; and a small flock of pipits flew overhead. (report from Mark Lynch/Sheila Carroll).

11/11/11 -- Institute Park, Worcester

Highlights at noon were 1 Pied-billed Grebe, 2 Mute Swans, 1 Gadwall (f), 2 GW Teal, and 8 Hooded Merganser. (report from Rick Quimby).

11/11/11 -- Curtis Pond, Worcester

There was a Great Blue Heron fishing at the same location and time of day that it was four days ago. Also, a male Yellow-bellied Sapsucker.(report from Brian Mulhearn)

11/8/11 -- North East Quabbin Reservoir, Salem/Petersham

The following are hilights from sections of New Salem and Petersham from gate 35, following the road along then bush-wacking along the shoreline to the North Dana area over Soapstone Hill to gate 36, then back to the shoreline and on to Gate 35...11 miles on foot.  

Common Loon 24; Red-necked Grebe 2; Horned Grebe 34  the glass like water conditions aided in counting these small birds, the largest raft was 9 with 2 more of 5 each and an assortment of 2's and 3's. While on a remote point in North Dana I could hear 3 of these grebes calling back and forth; Long-tailed Duck 1; Ruffed Grouse 1; Bald Eagle 5; Sharp-shinned hawk 1 adult; American Woodcock 2 both flushed from stands of young white pine; Pileated Woodpecker 4; Golden-crowned Kinglet 23; Yellow-rumped Warbler 1; Brown creeper 4; Snow Bunting 15-20 on the phrag island in New Salem).  

There is still a good deal of tree damage along the road and paths.  

Also W-t Deer (along the shore of Mt. L), Fisher, Coyote (howling from Mt. L), River Otter.  
(report from Tom Pirro).

11/8/11 -- Gate 36 Wachusett Reservoir, Sterling

This morning I found 70+ Snow Buntings and 6 American Pipits feeding in the field along the dike. (report from Peter Morlock).

11/7/11 -- Curtis Pond, Worcester

There were 3 GB Herons, including this one swallowing a large fish, 14 Mallards, 22 Hooded Mergansers, 3 Mute Swans, 1 American Black Duck, 3 DC Cormorants, 1 Belted Kingfisher, 1 Carolina Wren, and 2 Gold-crowned Kinglets. (report from Brian Mulhearn)

11/6/11 -- Northboro/Westboro Area

Highlights of the Forbush Bird Club trip included a Long-tailed Duck at Solomon Pond, a late Killdeer at Bartlett Pond, a Bald Eagle at Lake Chauncey and a late Common Yellowthroat at Lake Chauncey. Here are details of the 36 species recorded. (report from Laura Lane).

11/6/11 -- All Faith's Cemetery, Worcester

Today there were 1 GB Heron, 450+ Canadian Geese, 2 Mute Swans, 3 Hooded Mergansers, 2 American Black Ducks, 1 American Wigeon, 2 Green winged Teal, 1 Mallard, 4 Wood Ducks, 1 DC Cormorant, 1 Carolina Wren.(report from Brian Mulhearn)

11/6/11 -- The Fair Plaza, Worcester

This morning at 7 a.m. I saw and heard a Fish Crow at the Fair Plaza at the intersection of Rt 20 and Greenwood St in Worcester. It was with about a half dozen American Crows and the usual big flock of Ring-billed Gulls. This is the same location where there were up to 8 Fish Crows last November. (report from Alan Marble).

11/5/11 -- Barre Falls Dam, Barre

At the hawk watch site today I observed a NORTHERN SHRIKE, in addition to a couple of Sharp-shinned Hawks, a Cooper's Hawk, and a Bald Eagle. (phone report from Dave Grant).

11/5/11 -- Sudbury & Wachusett Reservoirs, Sudbury/Clinton

From mid to late pm, I had

Sudbury Reservoir: 1 DC Cormorant, 1 GB Heron, 60+ Ring-necked Duck, 6 Common Goldeneye (5m, 1f), 2 Bufflehead (2f), and 5 Hooded Merganser

Wachusett Reservoir (Clinton): 4 Common Loon, 3 Horned Grebe, and 9 Bufflehead (in tight flock).
(report from Rick Quimby).

11/4/11 -- Barre Falls Dam, Barre

Migrating raptors today: Turkey Vulture 3 ; Northern Harrier 1 ; Sharp-shinned Hawk 7 ; Red-shouldered Hawk 1 ; Red-tailed Hawk 14 ; (report from Bart Kamp).

11/4/11 -- Wachusett Reservoir, Boylston/Sterling

Highlights from this morning:

Scar Hill Bluffs in Boylston: 2 White-winged Scoter and 46 Bufflehead

Mile Hill Rd. in Boylston: 57 Bufflehead

Coachlace Pond in Clinton: 54 Greater Scaup and 6 Lesser Scaup and 9 Bufflehead

Gate 39 in Sterling: 1 Cooper's Hawk

Gate 36 in Sterling: 2 Horned Grebes and 1 Common Loon
(report from Alan Marble).

11/4/11 -- Sutton

At 3.50 on Putnam Hill road Sutton there was an American Kestrel perched on a post near Tucker Pond. (report from Michael Joubert).

11/3/11 -- Louisa Lake, Milford

There was a lone Killdeer on the rocks below the spillway at Louisa Lake in Milford today. (report from Beth Milke)

11/2/11 -- Barre Falls Dam, Barre

Migrating raptors today: Turkey Vulture 6 ; Sharp-shinned Hawk 3 ; Cooper's Hawk 1 ; Red-shouldered Hawk 5 ; Red-tailed Hawk 1 . (report from Bart Kamp).

11/1/11 -- Barre Falls Dam, Barre

Migrating raptors today: Turkey Vulture 4 ; Northern Harrier 1 ; Sharp-shinned Hawk 4 ; Cooper's Hawk 7 ; Red-shouldered Hawk 4 ; Red-tailed Hawk 19 . (report from Bart Kamp).

For previous sightings, see October 2011 Archives or Archive Index