2018 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:

• 4/6/18 -- Spring Eagle Nesting Survey: MassWildlife would like to encourage birders to help seek out new eagle nests -- the Spring Eagle Nesting Survey is "on" and reports of eagles with sticks or eagle nest locations (especially new ones) would be very helpful. It's easier to spot nests before leaf-out. Reports should be sent to Andrew Vitz at andrew.vitz@state.ma.us.
• 11/21/18 -- Peregrines and Tom French on NOVA: NOVA will be airing a show on Peregrine falcons at 7:30 tonight. MassWildlife's Dr. Tom French was interviewed and worked on the script with the NOVA team this past spring and summer.

Note on posting photos: Due to changes in the web servers used for posting text and images, I will need to reduce the number of photos that are directly hosted on the Recent Central Mass Bird Sightings pages. Photos that are of artistic interest will no longer be hosted here, but I will still occasionally post a photo that is important for documenting rarities or special sightings. I would encourage birders who want to post photos to use a free online service such as flickr.com, and I will be able to make a direct link to such photos on my pages.

Bird Sightings:

12/31/18 -- Wachusett Country Club, West Boylston

This morning at 11:30 there were Pine Grosbeaks feeding in the fruit trees at the Wachusett Country Club on Prospect St. (phone report from Bob Abbott).

12/30/18 -- Greenhill Park, Worcester

I had 21 Common Redpolls at Greenhill Park today. (report from Bette Robo).

12/24/18 -- Wachusett Reservoir/Lancaster-Harvard

This Am we started with a quick look at WACHUSETT RESERVOIR, including Coachlace Pond: Common Loon (4); Canada Goose (115); Mallard (3); A Black Duck (1); Greater Scaup (36); Lesser Scaup (3); Common Goldeneye (57); Hooded Merganser (13); Common Merganser (34); Red-tailed Hawk (4).

Then we made a few stops from Sterling (Davis Farmland only), Lancaster, Harvard area: Canada Goose (637: geese are really building up at Davis Farmland. They are back where the corn maze was. People should watch this spot for some non-Canadas to show up); Cooper’s Hawk (1); Red-tailed Hawk (9); Wild Turkey (11); Rock Pigeon (119); Mourning Dove (53); Barred Owl (1 sitting in a small tree right on Still River Depot Road); Red-bellied Woodpecker (1); Yellow-bellied Sapsucker (1); Blue Jay (21); A Crow (11); Black-capped Chickadee (5); Tufted Titmouse (8); White-breasted Nuthatch (3); N Mockingbird (2); Northern Shrike (1: Bolton Flats: NB: entrance still flooded and hunters out in force); Tree Sparrow (11); Song Sparrow (4); White-throated Sparrow (8); Dark-eyed Junco (7); N Cardinal (6).House Finch (25); A Goldfinch (27).

NB: Yesterday (12/23) we drove around Petersham and then up to Royalston. We saw extremely few birds, and no jays. It is amazing how different the birds are in numbers and variety in towns east of the city.
(report from Mark Lynch/Sheila Carroll).

12/24/18 -- Wachusett Reservoir & vicinity

Birded wachusett area this morning, with these highlights:

South Bay: common goldeneye (46).

Thomas Basin: greater scaup (6). Mallard (2).

Coachlace Pond: Canada goose (150). Greater Scaup: (14, possibly more)

Nothing seen at Sterling Peat or West Washacum. )
(report from Paul Dufault).

12/22/18 -- Blackstone-Millville

Today in the BLACKSTONE-MILLVILLE area we had the following. Birding was great until the front passed at c.10:30AM.
Turkey Vulture (12); Canada Goose (16); Mallard (7); Red-tailed Hawk (4); Wild Turkey (39); Ring-billed Gull (8); Herring Gull (40); Lesser Black-backed Gull (1 1stW)

NB: the transfer station just over the line in Woonsocket RI is open once again. When we checked it first thing at dawn there were hundreds of gulls there: mostly Herring but several Great Black-backed too. These gulls travel up and down the river and we saw our gulls feeding on thrown out bread on the river in Blackstone a short time later. Later still, when we returned to that spot, there were NO gulls. In years past this transfer station has attracted Iceland (sometimes several at once), Glaucous, and Lesser Black-backed. These gulls then SOMETIMES wander up into Blackstone, but never for long. My guess is that they originate far downriver at Providence.

Mourning Dove (16); Downy Woodpecker (3); Hairy Woodpecker (2); N Flicker (2). Blue Jay (42); A Crow (36); Fish Crow (28);

These were all seen and heard from Franklin Roosevelt Park (behind the Blackstone Police Station) at 8AM as they flew purposely north in several small loose flocks. They were very vocal as they flew, all headed somewhere well north. No American Crows were with them. We checked other areas of Blackstone-Millville to the north, but never saw or heard another Fish crow all morning, though we saw American Crows all morning. BTW: It was amazing looking at the numbers of corvids in this part of the County contrasting them with the dearth of corvids west and north of Worcester city)

Black-capped Chickadee (12); Tufted Titmouse (11); White-breasted Nuthatch (8); Carolina Wren (2); E Bluebird (3); A Robin (6); Gray Catbird (1); Tree Sparrow (3); Song Sparrow (15); White-throated Sparrow (2); Dark-eyed Junco (11); N Cardinal (14); Red-winged Blackbird (1); Purple Finch (3); A Goldfinch (27).

Best sighting was of an E Painted Turtle in Fox Brook, my latest record in the state.
(report from Mark Lynch/Sheila Carroll).

12/19/18 -- Hodges Village Dam, Oxford

I spent some time observing a Bald Eagle here today, as I was hiking the trails around Hodges Village Pond. I also watched one soar around the pond during the summer. (report from Timothy Cormier).

12/18/18 -- Sturbridge CBC summary

Here is a copy of my summary of the Count results sent out to participants: Well, there are no two-ways about it: those were tough conditions for the 23rd annual Sturbridge Christmas Bird Count. Cold (19F-33F) and wind (measured up to 15-20mph) made for a tough day afield. The still water had been frozen and then partially unfrozen several times, pushing most water birds south. On the day of the count most still water was ice-covered, though rivers and streams were still at least partially open. The unusually wet late fall meant that the marsh vegetation was partially submerged and then ice-covered.

Still, 37 participants in 20 teams persevered. There were two dedicated feeder watchers. Time in the field ranged from 4AM-4:45PM. Owling was very tough, and some teams decided to try it in the afternoon (9.25 hours/81.2 miles). Despite the cold, Sturbridge CBCers spent 48 hours on foot! They also drove 787.3 miles by car spending 109.5 hours looking for birds in warmer conditions.

When all was tallied, we had 66 species, the second lowest total since the first year of the count (65 species in 1996) and 7630 individuals, again the second-lowest count since the first year of the count (1884 in 1996). Low counts or tied-for-low counts were had for the following species: Mallard, Sharp-shinned Hawk, Herring Gull, Mourning Dove, E Screech Owl, Great Horned Owl, N Flicker, Blue Jay, A Crow, Black-capped Chickadee, E Starling, Tree Sparrow, Dark-eyed Junco, House Finch, A Goldfinch. It would be tempting to attribute all those low counts to the daunting windy and cold weather and the fact that birders spent much less time outside, BUT that might not be the only reason. Certainly, the weather contributed to low counts of owls. But the extreme low counts of jays and crows was happening in the weeks following up to the count. One sector (Wells SP) reported “no corvids” of any kind. The count of only 72 jays was extremely low when you consider most other counts are triple digits or even quadruple digits. For weeks prior to the count day, inland birders have been remarking on the extreme low numbers of jays and crows, likely in part due to the poor food crops. Jays were noted migrating in fall in large flocks. Birders have also been noting low numbers of typical feeder birds. There are also fewer feeders. This is due in part because of predation by bears, and State Fish and Wildlife encouraging people to take feeders down so as not to encourage bears. The low Herring Gull count has to do with the closing of landfills and a decline in gull numbers over the years inland.

High Counts were had for Mute Swan, Bald Eagle, and Common Raven. All three species are birds whose breeding populations have been increasing inland. All 3 can now be found breeding in the city limits of Worcester.

Winter Finches put in an appearance, if a meager one and it was the second highest count of Evening Grosbeaks. The Brimfield team also saw some crossbills, but they were flying away and went un-identified. There was (1) redpoll and (1) siskin.

Other good (good because they are irregular in this circle) birds seen included Wood Ducks, Ring-necked Duck, Northern Harrier, Gray Catbird. There were several “one-offs”: one sector reporting the only individual or individuals of a species for the entire circle this year. This year’s count was definitely one in which every sector contributed something.

The two “Count Week” species were: a well photo-documented Black Vulture wafting over downtown Southbridge and a frustrating Baltimore Oriole that had been regular at a feeder (well photo-documented) until the day of the count. As was remarked by the two birders who kept going back to watch the feeder with no luck: staked-out rarities on a count are extremely frustrating. You end up spending a lot of time going back to check the area, sometimes with no results. A frustrating waste of time.
(report from Mark Lynch, Count compiler).

12/15/18 -- Worcester Christmas Count

Here are preliminary totals for the 2018 Worcester Christmas Count, held Dec 15, 2018:

Canada Goose - 1549
Mute Swan - 37
American Black Duck - 64
Mallard - 856
American Black Duck/Mallard Hybrid - 2
Northern Pintail - 4 (3 males + 1 female in Flint Pond, north of Route 20)
Ring-necked Duck - 18
Greater Scaup - 34 (32 were recorded in Coachlace, later on 34 were recorded in Wachusett)
Lesser Scaup - 1 (Coachlace)
Bufflehead - 7
Common Goldeneye - 119
Hooded Merganser - 182
Common Merganser - 134
Red-breasted Merganser - 4 (tied high; all females in Wachusett)
Ruffed Grouse - 4
Wild Turkey - 42
Common Loon - 15 (HIGH)
Horned Grebe - count week (Lake Quinsigamond)
Red-necked Grebe - 1 (7th record; Wachusett)
Great Blue Heron - 21
Bald Eagle - 5
Northern Harrier - 1 (5th record; near Ward Hill)
Sharp-shinned Hawk - 1
Cooper's Hawk - 9
Red-tailed Hawk - 38
R-shouldered/Red-tailed Hawk Hybrid - 1
Ring-billed Gull - 1618
Herring Gull - 76
Great Black-backed Gull - 13
Rock Pigeon - 160
Mourning Dove - 275
Eastern Screech-Owl - 5
Great Horned Owl - 13
Barred Owl - 6 (HIGH)
Northern Saw-whet Owl - 3
Belted Kingfisher - 10
Red-bellied Woodpecker - 40
Yellow-bellied Sapsucker - 5
Downy Woodpecker - 129
Hairy Woodpecker - 40
Northern Flicker - 3
Pileated Woodpecker - 12 (HIGH)
Merlin - 3 (HIGH)
Peregrine Falcon - 1 (perched on chimney on City Hall)
Blue Jay - 190
American Crow - 865
Fish Crow - 3
Common Raven - 8
Black-capped Chickadee - 705
Tufted Titmouse - 292
Red-breasted Nuthatch - 1
White-breasted Nuthatch - 184
Brown Creeper - 15
Carolina Wren - 16
Winter Wren - 3
Golden-crowned Kinglet - 9
Eastern Bluebird - 67
Hermit Thrush - 2
American Robin - 650
Gray Catbird - 1
Northern Mockingbird - 13
European Starling - 1937
Bohemian Waxwing - 1 (3rd record; Paxton Cemetery)
Cedar Waxwing - 135
Palm Warbler - 1 (4th record; Leicester Landfill; seen and heard)
American Tree Sparrow - 56
Field Sparrow - 1
Fox Sparrow - 2
Song Sparrow - 90
White-throated Sparrow - 46
Dark-eyed Junco - 279
Snow Bunting - 31
Northern Cardinal - 176
Brown-headed Cowbird - 20
Pine Grosbeak - 2 (two separate reports; flyover in Boylston and female in crabapples by Holden Reservoir #2)
Purple Finch - 2
House Finch - 137
Common Redpoll - 11
Common/Hoary Redpoll? - 1 (possible Hoary in group of Commons, but not seen well enough to confirm)
Pine Siskin - 2
American Goldfinch - 228
Evening Grosbeak - 1 (female in crabapples by Holden Reservoir #2
House Sparrow - 1081

(report from compiler John Liller).

12/14/18 -- South Quabbin

Today we spent some time in the SOUTH QUABBIN area including visiting the trout farm. Birds of all kinds were scarce, particularly landbirds. Common Loon (1); Red-necked Grebe (2, together, north of Goodnough Dike; seen from Ware-Enfield Rd); Great Blue Heron (trout farm); Hooded Merganser (1); Common Merganser (2 in res; 4 in aeration pond at trout farm); Red-tailed Hawk (1); Wild Turkey (5); Ring-billed Gull (19: most at trout farm). There were just a few chickadees and nuthatches; (2) Brown Creepers; a Carolina Wren at the Administration Building. A flock of (50+) waxwings were along Rt.9.

We drive a lot of back rods in Hardwick and saw VERY few birds except around a few feeders.

Best sighting was a Bobcat hunting along Rt.9 in Brookfield.
(report from Mark Lynch/Sheila Carroll).

12/14/18 -- Institute Park, Worcester

Highlights at 2 pm were 1 GB Heron, ~65 Canada Geese, 5 Hooded Mergansers, and 9 Common Mergansers. Not a single landbird was seen or heard. (report from Rick Quimby).

12/10/18 -- Wachusett Reservoir/Lancaster-Harvard

Today we birded a few areas east of the city. We started once again at COACHLACE POND, CLINTON. Most of the geese had departed, but we did still have: Canada Goose (165); Mute Swan (1); Greater Scaup (28).

DAVIS FARMLAND, STERLING: had next to nothing but 9 cowbirds among the starlings.

EAST WAUSHACUM was 60% ice covered: Canada Goose (70: they promptly left after we arrived); Mallard (2); Belted Kingfisher (1).

We then birded from Bolton Flats (Lancaster) to the Fruitlands (Harvard).NB: Bolton Flats is still pretty flooded. The Rt.117 parking area is accessed through a deep area of water and ice. We couldn’t do it in our car. You would need a very high carriage jeep or truck. Highlights: Canada Goose (254); Mallard (9); Red-tailed Hawk (9); Mourning Dove (28); Yellow-bellied Sapsucker (1); Pileated Woodpecker (1 mobbing a Red-tail); Blue Jay (28: after seeing NO jays the day before in the Ware River Watershed IBA, we were a bit surprised to see jays at every stop: but these seemed to be moving, heading south-west.); Common Raven (2 doing aerial displays from the Fruitlands overlook); N Mockingbird (3); NORTHERN SHRIKE (1 along Still River Depot Road); Tree Sparrow (12); Purple Finch (1); Common redpoll (9); A Goldfinch (10).

Finally at SOUTH BAY, Wachusett Reservoir there were (46) Common Goldeneye with (1) drake Ring-necked Duck.

NB: the deer hunt is in full swing at WACHUSETT RESERVOIR and if you hike anywhere in here, wear hunter’s orange. Although this is a “controlled” hunt, hunters are everywhere and in 2 days of birding all around the reservoir we never saw any DCR people checking for permits. This really seems like a poor place for a major organized hunt: it is a space widely used by non-hunters, and it doesn’t support that many deer. It’s not like you see HERDS everywhere. Yet DCR must know. The hunt continues ALL MONTH.
(report from Mark Lynch/Sheila Carroll).

12/9/18 -- Ware River IBA/Wachusett Reservoir

Every winter during deer hunting season, but on a SUNDAY when there is no hunting, we make a point of birding the WARE RIVER IBA dirt roads. For the hunting season DCR opens many roads normally gated during the breeding season and you can explore area you have not had easy access to. Typically the birding is tough: there aren’t many species inside forested lots in winter after all, but this gives up a peak of what to expect during the Quabbin CBC in our sector (inside Gate 40). Today we birded the WARE RIVER IBA. This year there were even fewer birds than normal. We never saw/heard a jay. The food crop is very poor. NB: if you are thinking of driving any of the formally gated roads be aware that they are very rutted this year because they were very muddy at the beginning of the season and have now frozen. Unless you have a high-carriage vehicle DON’T TRY THIS.

Here is what we managed to tally: Mallard (19); Red-tailed Hawk (1); Ring-billed Gull (1 overhead); Belted Kingfisher (1); Yellow-bellied Sapsucker (1); Downy Woodpecker (1); Hairy Woodpecker (2). Black-capped Chickadee (46); Tufted Titmouse (9); Red-breasted Nuthatch (4: no huge flight this year); White-breasted Nuthatch (8); Brown Creeper (1); Golden-crowned Kinglet (9); Hermit Thrush (1). No winter finches.

At MUSCHAPOAGE ROAD, RUTLAND: 4 cowbirds among the hundreds of stralings. The area looks great for flocks of larks or Snow Buntings, but we dipped. The reservoir is now 95% ice covered.

We then did a quick survey of WACHUSETT RESERVOIR including Coachlace (almost completely ice-covered, but the back is open). Common Loon (4); Red-necked Grebe (1: continues off the causeway); Mute Swan (1); Canada Goose (c.700: backside of Coachlace. These were tough to carefully survey, so there might be something other than Canadas in there); Greater Scaup (11); Common Goldeneye (26); Hooded Merganser (23); Common Merganser (11); Bald Eagle (1ad+1imm); Red-tailed Hawk X Red-shouldered Hawk (1: back in it’s usual spot next to Thomas Basin); Red-tailed Hawk (4); Ring-billed Gull (15)

NB: We bumped into Bette R. and she had larks and Snow Buntings along the dike.
(report from Mark Lynch/Sheila Carroll).

12/8/18 -- Lake Quinsigamond, Shrewsbury

Today at the northern end of Lake Quinsigamond on Holden Road there were lots of ducks: Mallards , Hooded Mergansers, Black Ducks, Mute Swans and one Male Northern Pintail. (report from Peter Morlock).

12/7/18 -- Longmeadow/Holland/Charlton

This morning we headed to Pondside, Longmeadow, in hopes of seeing the Baer’s Pochard [that had been reported]. Yes, I know the bird is most likely an escape, but this is a bird that is very tough to see in the wild, and we just wanted to see one. I want to thank James Smith for posting this sighting and helping with directions. We spent a few hours there and did NOT see the Pochard. But the water is icing over rapidly and large numbers of ducks were hidden in open areas on the far side of the pond among reeds and bushes. It is entirely possible the bird was in there. These birds were only sometimes visible. After the cold temps tonight, I expect most of what was open this AM, will be iced over tomorrow AM.

What we did see: Mute Swan (6); Canada Goose (112: most flying over to the river); Mallard (154); A Black Duck (12 minimum); Green-winged Teal (3: these spent most of the time among the cover at the back of the pond and only sailed out very occasionally); N Pintail (1f: acting like the teal); Red-tailed Hawk (1).

We then checked out Lake George (Wales) and found it 98% ice-covered and no waterfowl.

HAMILTON RESERVOIR (Holland) was about 70% ice-covered. We had: Hooded Merganser (52); Common Merganser (5); Ruddy Duck (18); Snow Bunting (flock of c.30 flew across the reservoir low).

ORLANDO’S PONDS, CHARLTON: Canada Goose (164); Mallard (2); A Black Duck (2).
---> If anyone sees the Baer’s, please post updates.
(report from Mark Lynch/Sheila Carroll).

12/7/18 -- Institute Park, Worcester

Highlights at 2 pm were 2 GB Herons, 13 Hooded Mergs, and 7 Common Mergs. (report from Rick Quimby).

12/6/18 -- Sterling Peat, Sterling

In the Birch trees at the West side of the pond, there were 4 Goldfinches and 6 Common Redpolls feeding on the catkins. (report from Peter Morlock).

12/4/18 -- Wachusett Meadows, Princeton

Today I saw 3 Evening Grosbeaks at the feeders by the headquarters. (report from Peter Morlock).

12/3/18 -- Whitin Reservoir, Douglas

Today at the reservoir there were 4 TUNDRA SWANs (2ad def.basic/2 juv/1st basic). These birds flew up from near the causeway when we arrived, circled several times and eventually put down by the dam. We drove over there and Sheila got some documenting photos. They are quite skittish and immediately swan to more remote areas of the reservoir.

Other birds included Greater Scaup (2); Bufflehead (3); C Goldeneye (12); Hooded Merganser (18); Common Merganser (48); Merlin (1 chasing a small landbird in flight, high).
(report from Mark Lynch/Sheila Carroll).

12/2/18 -- Gardner

Just back from CO and 8 E. grosbeaks at our feeders in the pouring rain this morning. (report from Dick Knowlton).

11/29/18 -- Institute Park, Worcester

At 3 pm there were 2 GB Herons, 23 Hooded Mergs, and 16 Common Mergs. (report from Rick Quimby).

11/28/18 -- Lincoln Village area, Worcester

Today there were 9 Pine Siskins at the feeders. (phone report from Dave Grant).

11/28/18 -- downtown Worcester

I had 2 Peregrine Falcons on the T&G building downtown today. (report from John Shea).

11/28/18 -- Worcester airport

This afternoon around 4:30 pm I had (70 Plus) Snow Bunting at Worcester Airport( Mulberry Street)
(report from Bob Abbott).

11/28/18 -- Quabog IBA

This morning we checked the major ponds of the QUABOG IBA. After the low temps of Thanksgiving, most of the ponds had iced over, but now, after recent rains, the larger ponds have re-opened. Quacumquasit/South Pond never froze. Marshes are still ice-covered. Water levels both on the ponds and river are still very high, though the road that runs alongside Lake Quabog is now open. By and large, most waterfowl move south when ponds freeze the first time, but mergansers seem to return as soon as water opens up.

Mute Swan (2); Canada Goose (27); Mallard (31); A Black Duck (1); Gadwall (pr); Hooded Merganser (33); Common Merganser (106); Red-tailed Hawk (4); Ring-billed Gull (64); Common Raven (1).
(report from Mark Lynch/Sheila Carroll).

11/24/18 -- Lincoln Village area, Worcester

Today there were 2 Fox Sparrows and 1 Common Redpoll at the feeders. (phone report from Dave Grant).

11/23/18 -- Brookfields/Petersham/Ware River IBA

This AM we started at the QUABOG IBA, checking the large ponds and rivers for waterfowl. The unseasonal cold temps the day before have produced a major icing of water bodies: most of Lakes Lashaway, Quabog (still posted “local traffic only” with the road blocked), and Wickabog were ice-covered. Lake Quacumquasit/South Pond was mostly open. This is always the last of the 4 major ponds/lakes in the Brookfield area to freeze. All small ponds were ice-covered. The Quabog River had lots of ice on it, but there were also areas of open water. Some streams and seeps were also open. Waterfowl numbers have dropped off from a week ago.: Canada Goose (265: 85 resting on ice at Lake Lashaway; 50 on ice at L. Quabog); Mallard (82); A Black Duck (5); Hooded Merganser (24); Bald Eagle (1ad+1imm); Red-tailed Hawk (1); Merlin (1); Ring-billed Gull (16). Passerines: mediocre variety; poor numbers.

THEN we drove up through Hardwick and Petersham checking water (almost all frozen) and feeders. Nothing special; no winter finches: Red-tailed Hawk (1); Pileated Woodpecker (1); Common Raven (1).

THEN we drove down COLDBROOK ROAD, beginning at Barre Falls Dam. NB: MANY hunters were out. There were also quite a number of dog-walkers and show-shoers hiking in the area none of which were wearing any “hunter’s orange”! I don’t know what these people are thinking, but they are taking their lives in their hands at this time of the year. Mallard (15); Pileated Woodpecker (1); Tufted Titmouse (7).

Finally at KETTLENROOK#3, Leicester: Bufflehead (1f).
(report from Mark Lynch/Sheila Carroll).

11/19/18 -- Gardner

There were 2 female and one male Evening Grosbeaks at our feeders this a.m. (gone in the afternoon). (report from Dick Knowlton).

11/18/18 -- Brookfields/Holland/Wales/Brimfield/Charlton/Spencer/Leicester

Today was a day for MERGANSERS

We started off birding the QUABOG IBA (Brookfields): Great Blue Heron (3); Canada Goose (59); Mallard (36); A Black Duck (4); Gadwall (pair); Ring-necked Duck (3); HOODED MERGANSERS (101); COMMON MERGANSER (412); N Harrier (1m eating some rodent atop a beaver lodge); Bald Eagle (2imm); Red-tailed Hawk (3); Ring-billed Gull (73); Herring Gull (1); Belted Kingfisher (2). The most interesting passerine was a Yellow-rumped Warbler.
**** NB: Lake Quabog/Shore Road is posted “No Through Traffic” because of the high water of the river and Lake Quabog. Several properties were flooded. The river is very high and flooding has extended well into the cattails.

HAMILTON RESERVOIR, HOLLAND: Wood Duck (1); Mallard (2); Bufflehead (1); HOODED MERGANSER (46); COMMON MERGANSER (16); Ruddy Duck (45); Bald Eagle (1ad).

LAKE GEORGE, WALES: Hooded Merganser (72); Common Merganser (24); Ring-billed Gull (5); Hermit Thrush (2).

BRIMFIELD (1 stop): Mallard (30); HOODED MERGANSER (3). (NB: while driving down Rt.20 in Sturbridge we had great views of a Sharp-shinned Hawk in a furious and high aerial chase of some small passerine.

ORLANDO’S PONDS, CHARLTON: Canada Goose (120); Mallard (10); Bufflehead (3); HOODED MERGANSER (17); COMMON MERGANSER (2); Ruddy Duck (8); Belted Kingfisher (1).

STILES RESERVOIR, SPENCER: Great Blue Heron (1); HOODED MERGANSER (1); COMMON MERGANSER (64); Ring-billed Gull (1); Herring Gull (1); Belted Kingfisher (1).

LEICESTER: Bufflehead (1f on Kettlebrook#2); Merlin (1 on Rt.56 airport overlook). Nb: Shallow marshes have iced over and some ponds had ice covered inlets. Winter is coming fast. Expect much more water to be ice-covered after Thursday.
(report from Mark Lynch/Sheila Carroll).

11/17/18 -- Ware River Watershed/Royalston/Petersham/Old Furnace/ Worcester Airport

Today we went out and did a little birding (in “the boot” mind you [see 11/10 post]) in western/northern County.

COLDBROOK ROAD, WARE RIVER IBA: We stopped in the lot off Rt.122 and had (5) EVENING GROSBEAKS and decided to bird the whole road. The only other winter finch we had was (1) Pine Siskin, but at the dam we had Canada Goose (5); Mallard (26); A Black Duck (5). Passerines were few, but we did have a raven.
***NB: Typically at this time of the year, several gates are opened for deer hunting that are normally shut. But because of the snow (we think) most of the gates remain closed as well as other roads that are normally open, are now gated. Some roads were open, but not plowed. Coldbrook Rd had been plowed (once) but is icy/muddy in places. Hunters were certainly about .WEAR YOUR ORANGE!

ROYALSTON: No winter finches that we could find, though we covered a lot of areas. We did have: Canada Goose (2); Hooded Merganser (3); Wild Turkey (2); Common Raven (2) as well as a sprinkling of permanent resident species.

WEST STREET PETERSHAM: The several feeders there had no winter finches, but we did have Wild Turkey (6); E Bluebird (8); A Robin (20); Fox Sparrow (1) among others.

OLD FURNACE (village of Hardwick): Red-tailed Hawk (1); Mourning Dove (80+); A Robin (80+); N Mockingbird (1); White-throated Sparrow (22); Dark-eyed Junco (59); Purple Finch (1).

WINNEMUSSET MEADOWS, New Braintree: Peregrine Falcon (1).

WORCESTER AIRPORT: Red-tailed Hawk (1); Horned Lark (100+); Savannah Sparrow (1).
(report from Mark Lynch/Sheila Carroll).

11/12/18 -- Holden/Petersham

This morning we checked out some water to the nw of Worcester: much of the water was covered with a thin layer of ice.

EAGLE LAKE, HOLDEN: nothing…zip.

QUINAPOXET RESERVOIR: Canada Goose (27); Mallard (2); Ring-necked Duck (1f).

MUSCHAPOAG ROAD AREA: N Goshawk (1); Red-tailed Hawk (2); Wild Turkey (52); A Crow (60+); E Starling (1500+).

We then checked several spots in PETERSHAM: Mallard (5); Green-winged Teal (2); Hooded Merganser (7); Red-tailed Hawk (2); Wild Turkey (13); Mourning Dove (16); Barred Owl (1); Hermit Thrush (4); A Robin (66); Purple Finch (1); Pine Siskin (6); A Goldfinch (20); Evening Grosbeak (1).

NB: Note that bow-hunting has started and we had several deer hunters in full camo. We wore hunter’s orange hats and vests. BE CAREFUL OUT THERE. Overall, sparrow numbers have dropped way off from 2 weeks back. The big numbers of juncos and White-throats are gone. Passerine numbers were scarce overall. Though SOME people are reporting Evening Grosbeaks at their feeders, they are not in any stretch of the imagination, widespread. We checked many feeders and our only Evening Grosbeak was a fly-over.
(report from Mark Lynch/Sheila Carroll).

11/11/18 -- Worcester/Auburn/Westboro

This morning we started by checking 4 cemeteries in the sw corner of WORCESTER: All Faith’s, Hope, Notre Dame, St. John’s. We were hoping to see the White-fronted Goose Sheryl had yesterday, but dipped on that. We did have: Great Blue Heron (3); Canada Goose (64); Wood Duck (2); Mallard (47); Hooded Merganser (29); Red-tailed Hawk (2); Red-bellied Woodpecker (3); Downy Woodpecker (5); Hairy Woodpecker (1); N Flicker (1). Passerines were typical, but we did have a Hermit Thrush at Hope.

We then headed to Eddy Pond, Auburn, but all that was there were Mute Swan (3); Bald Eagle (1ad).

At SuAsCo, Westboro: Pied-billed Grebe (1); Mute Swan (15); Canada Goose (12); Ring-necked Duck (5); Bufflehead (3); Hooded Merganser (1f hanging with the Bufflehead); Ring-billed Gull (1); Great Black-backed Gull (1ad).

CHAUNCY LAKE (Westboro): Mute Swan (9); Bufflehead (5); Ruddy Duck (2); Ring-billed Gull (14). Tree Sparrow (1 nearby).

BARTLETT POND : just Mute Swan (2).
(report from Mark Lynch/Sheila Carroll).

11/10/18 -- Quabog IBA, Brookfields

Today we did a short trip to the QUABOG IBA (Brookfields) mostly to check ponds. Because of my broken foot, I am still in “the boot” with crutches (if on uneven surfaces) and I will be for the next 7 weeks. Waterbird numbers and variety are down again. Part of the reason may be the recent weather (Lake Quabog is very high swamping the boat ramp), another reason may be hunting. We heard some rather close shots at times, so remember to wear orange. No sign of the Red-throated Loon at Quabog.

Mute Swan (2); Canada Goose (17); Mallard (30); A Black Duck (1); Ring-necked Duck (29); Hooded Merganser (26); Common Merganser (32); Bald Eagle (2: 1ad+1imm); Cooper’s Hawk (1); Red-tailed Hawk (1); Wild Turkey (21); Virginia Rail (1); Ring-billed Gull (36).
--->Passerines included (1) E Phoebe; (13) E Bluebirds); and (2) Fox Sparrows. Sparrow numbers overall were way down from a week ago. The only finches we had were (4) Purple Finch and (5) goldfinch.
(report from Mark Lynch/Sheila Carroll).

11/8/18 -- Broad Meadow Brook Wildlife Sanctuary, Worcester

At Broad Meadow Brook on the Troino Trail I had 8 Pine Siskins, and 1 Merlin eating something.

At the Flint Pond boat ramp in Shrewsbury, I had 6 Female Hooded Merganser (no males).
(report from John Shea).

11/6/18 -- Westminster

An immature Bald Eagle was observed on Meetinghouse Pond, Worcester Road, Westminster. It has been seen 2 days in a row now. (report from Susan LaBree).

10/31/18 -- Quabog IBA, Brookfields

Today we birded the QUABOG IBA and few adjacent areas in the Brookfields. Waterfowl continue to build up.

Pied-billed Grebe (4); Great Blue Heron (2); Canada Goose (538); Mute Swan (6); Wood Duck (3); A Wigeon (7); A Black Duck (9); Mallard (36); Green-winged Teal (4); Ring-necked Duck (24); Greater Scaup (3); Hooded Merganser (91); Common Merganser (158); Bald Eagle (2ad); Virginia Rail (1); Killdeer (3); Pectoral Sandpiper (2); Ring-billed Gull (40); Herring Gull (2); Mourning Dove (6); Belted Kingfisher (5); Red-bellied Woodpecker (2); Downy Woodpecker (3); Hairy Woodpecker (2); N Flicker (2); Pileated Woodpecker (1).

Passerine highlights: E Phoebe (3); Carolina Wren (3); E Bluebird (21); Yellow-rumped Warbler (11); Palm Warbler (1).
---> SPARROWS: Song (57); Swamp (39); White-throated (412); White-crowned (5); Dark-eyed Junco (136).
Red-winged Blackbird (30); Purple Finch (6); House Finch (8); Pine Siskin (5); A Goldfinch (18).
(report from Mark Lynch/Sheila Carroll).

10/30/18 -- Wachusett Reservoir IBA/Harvard

This morning we did a basic check of the WACHUSETT RESERVOIR IBA. We did NOT check STERLING PEAT, but did check the reservoir, the Waushacums, the Quag, Coachlace. NB: Notices have now been put up around the words at West Waushacum that the DCR has now opened up the entire area to all forms of HUNTING. I’m sure this means the Quag too. Totals:

Common Loon (13); Double-crested Cormorant (8); Mute Swan (5); Greater Scaup (33); Bufflehead (13); Common merganser (17); Ruddy Duck (3); Bald Eagle (1ad); Red-tailed Hawk (2); Belted Kingfisher (3); Common Raven (3); American Pipit (36); Yellow-rumped Warbler (20); Pine Siskin (3).

Plus: 1 White-tailed Deer (m); and 1 River Otter.

We then took a short jog to BARE HILL POND, HARVARD: Mute Swan (2); Canada Goose (259); Mallard (33); Hooded Merganser (1m); Red-tailed Hawk (1).
NB: Hunters were all over Bolton Flats.
(report from Mark Lynch/Sheila Carroll).

10/28/18 -- Otter River-Birch Hill Dam, Winchendon / South Royalston

Today we explored the large forested parcel between Winchendon and South Royalston (north Worcester County), from OTTER RIVER SP/LAKE DENISON to BIRCH HILL DAM ACE. This late in the season, we weren’t expecting much but we were hoping for some indication of the predicted winter finch irruption. Siskins and Purple Finches are being widely reported at feeders through the County, though erratically. Even Evening Grosbeaks have now been reported, for one day, in south County: 6 at a feeder in Southbridge (photo doc). The break in the road between the two ponds in South Royalston has been repaired, so you can explore the roads one way easily. The weather was overcast, damp, and chilly.

American Black Duck (5); Mallard (1f); Great Horned Owl (1 calling for 15+minutes); Barred Owl (1 calling); Belted Kingfisher (1);
---> WOODPECKERS: Red-bellied (2); Downy (2); Hairy (2); Pileated (3).
E Phoebe (1); Blue-headed Vireo (1); Blue Jay (only 2); C Raven (2); Black-capped Chickadee (27); Tufted Titmouse (7); White-breasted Nuthatch (7: NO RB Nuthatches were seen/or heard, though they breed here); Brown Creeper (1); Winter (2); Golden-crowned Kinglet (6); Ruby-crowned Kinglet (10); E Bluebird (3); Hermit Thrush (8); A Robin (37); Yellow-rumped Warbler (10); Palm Warbler (11).
---> SPARROWS: Song (55); Swamp (13); White-throated (76: no White-crowns!); Dark-eyed Junco (177).
Purple Finch (11); COMMON REDPOLL (1: unexpected. Flew out of a large wet and weedy field filled with sparrows and perched for good looks); Pine Siskin (8: overhead); A Goldfinch (13); Evening Grosbeak (4).

On the way back to Worcester we stopped by HARVARD POND in PETERSHAM and had: Green-winged Teal (1); Greater Yellowlegs (1); Pectoral Sandpiper (4); Merlin (1: perched in a dead tree the entire time we were there); Yellow-rumped Warbler (5).
(report from Mark Lynch/Sheila Carroll).

10/27/18 -- Quabog IBA/Wachusett Reservoir

Today during the nor’easter:

QUABOG IBA: we checked the four large ponds. Most birds (but not all) were at the north end of Wickabog. We could not find the teal previously reported. Totals: Great Blue Heron (1); Mute Swan (4); Canada Goose (82); Mallard (5); A Black Duck (18); C Goldeneye (4); Hooded Merganser (17); Ruddy Duck (1); Bald Eagle (1ad); Wild Turkey (14); Ring-billed Gull (14); Herring Gull (2); Savannah Sparrow (7 running around the Quabog lot).

Then we headed to WACHUSETT RESERVOIR. Here visibility was a real issue, as well as wind and hard rain. Common Loon (only 4); Double-crested Cormorant ( only 4: we could not see either platform where they typically gather); Mute Swan (2); Canada Goose (32); Greater Scaup (21: Coachlace: in close); Ring-billed Gull (36); Herring Gull (1).
(report from Mark Lynch/Sheila Carroll).

10/26/18 -- Millbury

I had 40 Grackles at my work place, on Silver Fox Drive in Millbury. (report from Susan LaBree).

10/26/18 -- Indian Lake, Worcester

At Indian Lake I had 45 Ring billed Gulls, 65 or so Common Mergansers (they were diving and hard to count), 1 Belted Kingfisher, and 41 Canada Geese. (report from John Shea).

10/26/18 -- Institute Park, Worcester

Highlights at noon were 2 GB Herons, 6 Hooded Mergansers, 1 E Phoebe, 3 Yellow-rumped Warblers, and 1 American Tree Sparrow (seen well among the Song Sparrows). (report from Rick Quimby).

10/25/18 -- Mill Pond, Westborough

I went to Mill Pond also known as Stump Pond in Westborough today, and saw 1 Pied billed Grebe, 2 D.C. Cormorant, 2 Great Blue Heron, 10 Canada Geese, 6 Mute Swan, 3 Common Goldeneye, 2 Red tail Hawks and 3 Killdeer. I also had a Pine Siskin at my feeder, new yard bird! (report from John Shea).

10/25/18 -- Gardner / Princeton

This afternoon a female Evening Grosbeak has been coming to our feeders (also photographed) here in Gardner, a first since we came here in 2010. Also inundated with white-throats (44), some white-crowns and 16 Pine siskins.

On 10/22 I had a verifiable report of a female E. grosbeak at feeders at Wachusett Meadow. Bird was seen by Joe Choinier and Alison O'Hare with her Monday bird class. The bird was photographed.
(report from Dick Knowlton).

10/22/18 -- Clinton/Sterling

Today at South Meadow Pond (Clinton) I saw 1 Hooded Merganser, 2 Ring neck Duck, 8 I think Greater Scaup or lesser they confuse me,7 Bufflehead and 2 Swans. At Muddy Pond, Sterling, there were 2 Pied Pilled Grebe,1 Hooded Merganser,7 Wood Ducks and 2 D.C.Comorant. (report from John Shea).

10/22/18 -- Northboro/Westboro

We had some time this afternoon and had the following:

BARTLETT POND, NORTHBORO: Mute Swan (2); Mallard (1); Green-winged Teal (7); Killdeer (6); Pectoral Sandpiper (5); Semipalmated Sandpiper (1); Yellow-rumped Warbler (20+); Palm Warbler (2); Orange-crowned Warbler (1) [NB: many of the warblers were flying out onto the mudflats and feeding among the plants there]; Rusty Blackbird (3).

CHAUNCY LAKE: Double-crested Cormorant (1); Ring-billed Gull (9).

SuAsCo: Pied-billed Grebe (4); Double-crested Cormorant (4); Canada Goose (6); Mute Swan (23); Mallard (38); A Black Duck (16); Blue-winged Teal (1); Bald Eagle (1ad perched on Osprey platform); Ruby-crowned Kinglet (1); Yellow-rumped Warbler (15+); Palm Warbler (2); Swamp Sparrow (2).

NB: the canoe launch off Arch Street looks like it has completely grown over. Not only that, the loosestrife here makes it very tough to see anything from the water edge. I had to scope from the top of the small hill, changing position often. Also, this end of the water looks like it is really starting to “weed-in”.
(report from Mark Lynch/Sheila Carroll).

10/21/18 -- Quabog IBA/Spencer/ Wachusett Reservoir/Worcester

Today we did some searching of County ponds for scoters.

QUABOG IBA: Common Loon (1); Double-crested Cormorant (1); Turkey Vulture (2); Canada Goose (266); Mute Swan (2); Wood Duck (13); A Black Duck (21); Mallard (8); Green-winged Teal (3); Ring-necked Duck (21); SURF SCOTER (1f: Lake Quabog); BLACK SCOTER (24: 7 on Lashaway; 17 on Wickabog); Bufflehead (18); Hooded Merganser (5); Bald Eagle (1ad); N Harrier (1); Wild Turkey (13); A Coot (2: Quabog River); Killdeer (3); Ring-billed Gull (16).

STYLES RESERVOIR, SPENCER: Double-crested Cormorant (5); BLACK SCOTER (14); Ring-billed Gull (4).

QUINAPOXET RESERVOIR, HOLDEN: Nothing!!!

WACHUSETT RESERVOIR: C Loon (14); Double-crested Cormorant (26); Mute Swan (2); Greater Scaup (16 on Coachlace); Turkey Vulture (3); Ring-billed Gull (21); American Pipit (7); Pine Siskin (1).

INDIAN LAKE, WORCESTER: Double-crested Cormorant (2); Great Blue Heron (2); Mute Swan (7: 4ad); Canada Goose (86); Common Merganser (22); Red-tailed Hawk (1); Ring-billed Gull (57); Herring Gull (3).

When we got home there was a single PINE SISKIN at our feeders.
(report from Mark Lynch/Sheila Carroll).

10/18/18 -- Gardner

There were 3 pine siskins at the feeders this afternoon. The first here since June 24 2015. (report from dick Knowlton).

10/17/18 -- Wachusett Reservoir

This afternoon we did a quick survey of WACHUSETT RESERVOIR.

Red-throated Loon (1); Common Loon (11); Double-crested Cormorant (45); Mute Swan (1); Canada Goose (12); Greater Scaup (17: Coachlace); Lesser Scaup (1); Bald Eagle (2ad); Red-tailed Hawk (1); Bonaparte’s Gull (3adW); Ring-billed Gull (29); Common Raven (1); Savannah Sparrow (6).

NB: We also headed to Bolton Flats. We are now into the pheasant hunting season and in mid-afternoon the Rt.117 parking lots was filled with hunters. Other hunters were parked around the periphery. Thiis spot will only be a good place to bird on Sundays.
(report from Mark Lynch/Sheila Carroll).

10/14/18 -- Quabog IBA

We birded the QUABOG IBA this morning. Waterfowl are just starting to migrate through and variety is starting to increase. It would be even higher if the major ponds weren’t at maximum capacity: you need some edge to attract dabblers and late shorebirds. We also had a big movement of WHITE-THROATED SPARROWS. Totals:

Horned Grebe (1: L Quabog); Great Blue Heron (4); Turkey Vulture (2); Canada Goose (622); Mute Swan (3); Wood Duck (24); Gadwall (5: 3m+2f); A Black Duck (4); Mallard (28); Green-winged Teal (9); Ring-necked Duck (15); Ruddy Duck (2: pair); Bald Eagle (2ad); Red-tailed Hawk (1); Wild Turkey (5); Killdeer (9); Ring-billed Gull (42); Mourning Dove (14); Belted Kingfisher (2); Yellow-bellied Sapsucker (1); Downy Woodpecker (5); N Flicker (3); Pileated Woodpecker (3). E Phoebe (3); Blue-headed Vireo (2); Blue Jay (23); A Crow (52: 1 caught and ate a Meadow Vole); Black-capped Chickadee (18); Tufted Titmouse (9); White-breasted Nuthatch (8); Carolina Wren (6); Marsh Wren (2); Ruby-crowned Kinglet (8); E Bluebird (9); Hermit Thrush (2); A Robin (86); Gray Catbird (16); Yellow-rumped Warbler (76); Palm Warbler (3); C Yellowthroat (4).
--->SPARROWS: Chipping (76); Song (151); Lincoln’s (1); Swamp (95); White-throated (731); White-crowned (3); Dark-eyed Junco(7)
N Cardinal (16); Red-winged Blackbird (130); Rusty Blackbird (2); Purple Finch (9); House Finch (26); Pine Siskin (1 fly-over); A Goldfinch (11).

We then headed back to the Stone Cow Brewery, Barre to see if the SAY’S PHOEBE was seen today . Birders already there had not seen it, and other birders who were there when they arrived did not see it, and for the 30 minutes we were there we did not see it (left c.1:30PM). New species for us for the spot were a flock of (7) Pectoral Sandpipers who landed in a field.
(report from Mark Lynch/Sheila Carroll).

10/13/18 -- Quaboag Pond, Brookfield

There was a Boneparte's Gull here this morning. (report from Peter Morlock).

10/7/18 -- Warren

Today we birded a few areas in WARREN and had the following:

Double-crested Cormorant (1); Canada Goose (44); Mute Swan (1); Wood Duck (6); Blue-winged Teal (3); Turkey Vulture (3); Sharp-shinned Hawk (1); Red-tailed Hawk (1); Virginia Rail (6); Mourning Dove (9); Belted Kingfisher (1); Downy Woodpecker (3); Hairy Woodpecker (3); N Flicker (13); E Phoebe (8); Blue-headed Vireo (4); Blue Jay (3); A Crow (6); C Raven (1); Black-capped Chickadee (18); White-breasted Nuthatch (3); House Wren (1); Ruby-crowned Kinglet (10); E Bluebird (19); A Robin (7); Gray Catbird (9); Cedar Waxwing (65); Yellow-rumped Warbler (31); Pine Warbler (3).
---> SPARROWS: Field (1); Savannah (2); Song (42); Lincoln’s (1); Swamp (49); White-throated (41); White-crowned (4imm); Dark-eyed Junco (3).
N Cardinal (9); Red-winged Blackbird (20); Purple Finch (6); House Finch (17).

Our best non-bird sighting was rescuing a small BROWN EARTH (DeKay’s) SNAKE from 2 bluebirds that were attacking it as it attempted to cross a road.
(report from Mark Lynch/Sheila Carroll).

10/6/18 -- Rutland / Oxford

Today at Rutland State Park, I had 4 Phoebe, 3 large flocks yellow-rumped warblers and 2 golden crowned kinglets among the winter birds.

On Oct 3 at 6:48 pm my colleague took a video of a barn owl with a snake in her driveway off Church Street in Oxford.
(report from Susan LaBree).

10/6/18 -- QUABOG IBA, Brookfields

Today we spent the gray and cool morning birding the QUABOG IBA (Brookfields) concentrating on ponds, Elm Hill MAS, and a few other stops. We had the following:

Pied-billed Grebe (1); Double-crested Cormorant (1); Great Blue Heron (1); Turkey Vulture (2); Canada Goose (142); Mute Swan (3); Wood Duck (16); A Black Duck (14); Mallard (29); Ring-necked Duck (pair) 9;

NB: we bumped into the Environmental Police. They told us that today was the beginning of the “Youth Duck Hunting” season, and that some kid shooting along the Quabog River had shot a BLUE-WINGED TEAL today)

Sharp-shinned Hawk (1); Cooper’s Hawk (2); Wild Turkey (6); Killdeer (9); Least Sandpiper (1); Wilson’s Snipe (1); Ring-billed Gull (13); Mourning Dove (7); Belted Kingfisher (2); Red-bellied Woodpecker (4); Yellow-bellied Sapsucker (2); Downy Woodpecker (3); Hairy Woodpecker (2); N Flicker (8); Pileated Woodpecker (1). E Phoebe (5); Blue Jay (32); A Crow (8); Black-capped Chickadee (5); Tufted Titmouse (4); Red-breasted Nuthatch (3); White-breasted Nuthatch (9); Carolina Wren (3); Marsh Wren (3); Ruby-crowned Kinglet (19); E Bluebird (20); A Robin (8); Gray Catbird (18); Cedar Waxwing (1imm).
--->WARBLERS: Orange-crowned (1: Elm Hill); Yellow-rumped (23); Pine (6: 3 still singing); Palm (9); C Yellowthroat (6).
--->SPARROWS: Chipping (34); Song (79); Lincoln’s (2); Swamp (110); White-throated (142); Dark-eyed Junco (9).
N Cardinal (12); Purple Finch (17).

THEN: we spent a few hours in NEW BRAINTREE seeing if we could find the 2 cranes photo'd yesterday. We dipped on the cranes but did add kestrel and Blue-headed Vireo to our day list.
(report from Mark Lynch/Sheila Carroll).

10/3/18 -- Lancaster/Clinton/Harvard

This morning we birded a few areas in eastern county:

STERLING AIRPORT: Killdeer (6); Common Raven (1).

LANCASTER: a few wet fields: Canada Goose (72); Mallard (135); A Black Duck (7); N Pintail (1f); Sharp-shinned Hawk (3); Greater Yellowlegs (1); Lesser Yellowlegs (1); Pectoral Sandpiper (10); N Flicker (11); Pileated Woodpecker (1).

OXBOW NWR, HARVARD: (mostly along Still River Depot Road): Sharp-shinned Hawk (1); E Screech Owl (1); N Flicker (4); E Phoebe (2); House Wren (1); Gray Catbird (36); Connecticut Warbler (1); E Towhee (1); Song Sparrow (22); Swamp Sparrow (38); Lincoln Sparrow (2); Purple Finch (1).

WACHUSETT RESERVOIR/COACHLACE POND/SOUTH MEADOW POND (poor visibility because of mist): Common Loon (20); Red-necked Grebe (1); Double-crested Cormorant (46); Great Blue Heron (1); Canada Goose (47); Mute Swan (4: 3ad+1imm); Wood Duck (1); Mallard (3); Greater Scaup (1m); Lesser Scaup (1f); Bald Eagle (1imm); Wild Turkey (1).
(report from Mark Lynch/Sheila Carroll).

10/1/18 -- Uxbridge Community Gardens

We had a few hours this morning, so we decided to check out the UXBRIDGE COMMUNIY GARDENS. We got there just after dawn and sparrows were all over, flying every which way. It was chaotic, but fun..sort of. WE did locate the CLAY-COLORED, and had three views of it, but the press of several accipiters made everything dive for cover in the big weed fields. By 9AM, sparrows were tough to find in the gardens. So my advice is: get there early.

Wood Duck (1m overhead); N Harrier (1); Sharp-shinned Hawk (3); Cooper’s Hawk (1); Red-tailed Hawk (1); Mourning Dove (3); Red-bellied Woodpecker (1); N Flicker (3); E Phoebe (1); House Wren (3+); Carolina Wren (1); A Crow (57); N Mockingbird (2); A Pipit (1 overhead);
---> SPARROWS: Chipping (9+); Clay-colored (1: we got our initial views in the last garden row next to the big weed field. Here it popped up in different places 3 times. At one point, it was chased by a Savvie and both perched up atop the tree on the edge of the weed field, offering decent views. It then flew back and down into the weed field.); Savannah (50+); Song (35+); Lincoln (4+); Swamp (10+).
Bobolink (11); House Finch (30+); Purple Finch (9: overhead); A Goldfinch (50+). No sign of the Grasshopper Sparrow, but this is one huge weedy area.

It was sad to see another stupid development being put in on this road. Question: has anyone attempted a regular hawkwatch from the Community Gardens? It looks like it could have some real potential.
(report from Mark Lynch/Sheila Carroll).

9/30/18 -- Wachusett Mountain, Princeton

Raptors migrating today, and season totals:

Species 		Day's Count 	Month Total 	Season Total
Black Vulture 		0 		4 		5
Turkey Vulture 		2 		6 		6
Osprey 			2 		84 		96
Bald Eagle 		4 		107 		112
Northern Harrier 	1 		10 		11
Sharp-shinned Hawk 	8 		209 		216
Cooper's Hawk 		6 		94 		94
Northern Goshawk 	0 		0 		0
Red-shouldered Hawk 	0 		7 		7
Broad-winged Hawk 	26 		4945 		5018
Red-tailed Hawk 	0 		7 		8
Rough-legged Hawk 	0 		0 		0
Golden Eagle 		0 		0 		0
American Kestrel 	2 		91 		91
Merlin 			1 		27 		28
Peregrine Falcon 	0 		14 		14
Unknown Accipiter 	0 		6 		6
Unknown Buteo 		2 		6 		6
Unknown Falcon	 	0 		3 		3
Unknown Eagle 		0 		0 		0
Unknown Raptor 		1 		46 		46

Total: 			55 		5666 		5767

(report from Rod Chase).

9/30/18 -- Ware River Watershed IBA

We spent the morning birding a few areas in the southern section of the WARE RIVER WATERSHED IBA. There were some nice small pockets of migrants.

Great Blue Heron (2); Turkey Vulture (1); Canada Goose (22); Wood Duck (27); Sharp-shinned Hawk (1imm); Red-shouldered Hawk (2); Red-tailed Hawk (1); Virginia Rail (2); Sora (1); Belted Kingfisher (1); Red-bellied Woodpecker (2); Yellow-bellied Sapsucker (2); Downy Woodpecker (4); Hairy Woodpecker (7); N Flicker (12); E Wood Peewee (1: late); E Phoebe (12); Blue-headed Vireo (9: all sorta singing a few times); Blue Jay (61); A Crow (5); Black-capped Chickadee (74); Tufted Titmouse (16); Red-breasted Nuthatch (3); White-breasted Nuthatch (22); House Wren (1); Hermit Thrush (14); A Robin (3); Gray Catbird (26); A Pipit (1 overhead).
---> WARBLERS: Tennessee (1); N Parula (2); Magnolia (1); Black-throated Blue (2f+1m); Yellow-rumped (51); Black-throated Green (1); Pine (25: 1 still singing); Palm (2); Blackpoll (16); Black and White (1); A Redstart (1); Connecticut (1); Mourning (1imm); C Yellowthroat (11).
---> SPARROWS: E Towhee (13); Chipping (48); Song (32); Lincoln’s (2); Swamp (65); White-throated (18).
N Cardinal (11); Purple Finch (1); A Goldfinch (3).

The best sighting of the morning was a large bull MOOSE that walk in on us and ambled by. Sheila got some very nice shots.
(report from Mark Lynch/Sheila Carroll).

9/24/18 -- Wachusett Mountain, Princeton

Raptors migrating today: Turkey Vulture 1 ; Osprey 4 ; Bald Eagle 5 ; Northern Harrier 1 ; Sharp-shinned Hawk 12 ; Cooper's Hawk 14 ; Red-shouldered Hawk 1 ; Broad-winged Hawk 44 ; American Kestrel 4 .

Raptor Observations: Early flights were at all levels. Due to the stronger winds and gusts they appeared NE and N but then rocketed to W or SW within 10 minutes. Catch them if you can! With lower wind speed in afternoon they were around longer. A slight and unusual exception was a Bald Eagle in our last hour who flapped constantly from NE to SSW and passing fairy close on N side of hill! (Did he miss a turn and was now trying to catch up with someone?) The Red-shouldered hawk at noon was close and then overhead for great views. Some pictures too tho' the lack of good light left darkish images :-( Locals: BE 5 (3 ad. 2 imm.); TV 8; RT 6. ML 1.
(report from Rod Chase).

9/24/18 -- Wachusett Reservoir

A late afternoon check of WACHUSETT RESERVOIR had the following: Common Loon (13); Red-necked Grebe (1); Double-crested Cormorant (60); Great Egret (1: Carville Basin); Canada Goose (1); Greater Scaup (1m: Coachlace); Bald Eagle (1ad); A Kestrel (1); W Turkey (5); Ring-billed Gull (12); Belted Kingfisher (1); Common Raven (1).
(report from Mark Lynch/Sheila Carroll).

9/23/18 -- Wachusett Mountain, Princeton

Raptors migrating today: Osprey 5 ; Bald Eagle 5 ; Sharp-shinned Hawk 5 ; Cooper's Hawk 1 ; Broad-winged Hawk 950 ; American Kestrel 2 ; Peregrine Falcon 2 .

Raptor Observations: The morning started slowly with lone birds low, flying beneath the mountain. Scattered birds with a few small kettles for the second hour. About 10:15 EST we began to see a number of small kettles of Wings, 6-62, first east and south of the mountain and then increasingly north and west, some at the limits of scope vision. For the next hour we had over 50 kettles (5+ hawks) of hawks, many close to or flying over the mountain, affording our best views of the year. By 11:15 the cloud shield had thickened and crept north past us. Observers donned heavier gear as we lost all filtered sunshine. Hawk movement plummeted, dropping off to nothing by 11:30. Our last migrants included one kettle of 8 that kettled low beneath the mountain, soared up to beneath the summit, peeled off and rekettled low again, and then gave up, dropping into the canopy. Another kettle of 6 north of us never got to the level of the observers and gave up, dropping down into the canopy. We did not see another migrant for 90 minutes. Besides great views of kettles, we had three Pegerines put on good shows as they passed the mountain, and saw at least 6 migrating Bald Eagles, most of which were adults. (Have had a very heavy migration of juveniles so far this year.) One highlight was seeing a dark morph adult Broad-winged Hawk close and well. A small kettle streamed low just over the tower. Gliding head-on in bad filtered light they all looked darkish underneath, but one bird flying directly low overhead had a dark body and wing linings seen in clear sunlight. This is one of only a few we've ever seen at Wachusett. I might have been the only person to see this bird well and called it out. (I've seen numbers both in Corpus Christi and Veracruz.) It glided west of us at eye level. One person might have been able to photograph it. (Pending.) Discussion was halted by the explosion of kettles passing for the next hour. We saw very little activity by locals. Up to 4 local Redtails were up rarely, with small numbers of Turkey Vultures and at least two non-migrating Bald Eagles. The lift was just not good, so no frolicking flights like we had yesterday. I'm inlcined to believe that with the widespread kettle activity, we missed counting at lest a few accipiters and kestrels, or they might have just been staying lower with the poor lift.
(report from Paul Roberts)

9/23/18 -- Mount Watatic, Ashburnham

Raptors migrating today: Osprey 6 ; Bald Eagle 5 ; Northern Harrier 2 ; Sharp-shinned Hawk 22 ; Cooper's Hawk 1 ; Broad-winged Hawk 1766 ; American Kestrel 1 .

Raptor Observations: Today's single-day count was the largest since 2015 at Mount Watatic, as Broad-winged Hawks passed by in huge numbers this afternoon. A massive hour (865 migrants) between 12-1pm ET was the single busiest I have personally observed in my hawkwatching experience. Making the huge numbers even more memorable was the fact that almost of all that hour's flight were naked eye visible, directly over the Watatic summit. At 12:25pm ET, from my back, I spied a single Broad-wing in my binoculars overhead. I dropped my glass to find that bird leading a massive stream of 250 naked-eye Broad-wings, passing SW directly above me out of nowhere. A huge flight continued in that same path for the next 30 minutes, with the largest single stream being 300 more BWs at 12:45pm ET. Two more massive groups kettled up to the NE at 3:30pm (165 BWs) and 4:10pm (220 BWs). With today's lighter winds, I could observe more kettling than yesterday's stiff breeze allowed. Several Bald Eagles, both adult and juvenile, were moving today and easily seen welll. A gang of a dozen Turkey Vultures were dipping in so close to the East Summit today that I heard their wing feathers brushing against leaves in the scrub trees. All in all, it was a fine way to close the window on "peak" Broad-winged Hawk season at Watatic this September. Non-migrant Raptors: 25 Turkey Vulture 2 Red-tailed Hawk 2 Red-shouldered Hawk (heard only)
(report from Brian Rusnica).

9/22/18 -- Wachusett Mountain, Princeton

Raptors migrating today: Turkey Vulture 3 ; Osprey 10 ; Bald Eagle 19 ; Northern Harrier 1 ; Sharp-shinned Hawk 37 ; Cooper's Hawk 14 ; Red-shouldered Hawk 2 ; Broad-winged Hawk 2782 ; Red-tailed Hawk 3 ; American Kestrel 30 ; Merlin 3 .

Raptor Observations: With the stronger morning winds the raptors came by us at all heights -- from below us to high above with routes going around both sides of the hill as well as high overhead! Unfortunately, the mid-afternoon drop in wind speed also reduced the flight numbers; but by then we were still thrilled by the mid- to late morning rush!
(report from Rod Chase).

9/22/18 -- Mount Watatic, Ashburnham

Raptors migrating today: Osprey 6 ; Bald Eagle 10 ; Northern Harrier 1 ; Sharp-shinned Hawk 33 ; Cooper's Hawk 4 ; Red-shouldered Hawk 2 ; Broad-winged Hawk 895 ; Red-tailed Hawk 1 ; American Kestrel 1 ; Merlin 1 .

Raptor Observations: The best day of the 2018 Season thus far, as we approach the end of the typical Broad-winged Hawk 'peak' window. Streams of Broad-wings were moving on both sides of the summit, low at first and eventually higher with several streams almost overhead. A few kettles formed but mostly we saw the Broad-wings take advantage of the strong, favorable NW winds by jetting past us in long streams. Largest groups were 45, 44, and 42 - but many dozen-strong streams aided our count. 4 Bald Eagles were observed migrating together at 10am ET. A strong count of Sharp-shinned Hawks was also recorded. 1 unidentified Buteo exhibited particularly lanky wings and an unusual tail pattern... we did not see enough to call it a particular vagrant, but we could have gone for a second, closer look at that individual. Non-migrant Raptors: 25 Turkey Vulture 7 Red-tailed Hawk 1 Red-shouldered Hawk 2 Bald Eagle
(report from Brian Rusnica).

9/22/18 -- Ware River Watershed IBA

Today we birded the SE section of the WARE RIVER WATERSHED IBA. It was another dismal day for fall passerine migration. This is shaping up to be one of my worst falls for song bird migration at this location since I started birding here many decades ago! Thankfully, we stopped to spend some time with the dedicated hawk watchers at Barre Falls Dam. They were having a good day with numbers and variety, and we got to experience some quality hawkwatching for a bit. Thank ye gods for this hardworking crew.

Totals: Great Blue Heron (2); GREAT EGRET (1 at White Hall Pond: a good sighting for this location); Double-crested Cormorant (1); Wood Duck (12); Mallard (2); Turkey Vulture (5); Osprey (4); Sharp-shinned Hawk (12); Cooper’s Hawk (3); Bald Eagle (3imm); Red-shouldered Hawk (1); Broad-winged Hawk (164); Red-tailed Hawk (4); A Kestrel (3); Merlin (3): (NB: obviously the hawkwatchers totals for the day are going to be larger as we were only there a short time); Killdeer (1); Belted Kingfisher (1); Barred Owl (1 road kill Rt.62); Hairy Woodpecker (2); N Flicker (3); E Phoebe (2); House Wren (1); Black-capped Chickadee (only 4); Tufted Titmouse (4); White-breasted Nuthatch (2); Blue Jay (131: most moving west/southwest); Common Raven (5); A Robin (3); Gray Catbird (18); Cedar Waxwing (41).
---> WARBLERS: Yellow-rumped (2); Blackpoll (1); C Yellowthroat (2) That was it!
E Towhee (13); Song Sparrow (7); Swamp Sparrow (9: 1 still singing); White-throated Sparrow (3); N Cardinal (2); Purple Finch (4); A Goldfinch (1).
(report from Mark Lynch/Sheila Carroll).

9/21/18 -- River Road, West Boylston

There was a nice mixed flock of warblers this afternoon at 5pm working the red pine and Norway spruces along River rd. I had 2 Cape Mays plus Prairie, Black-throated Green, Pine, and northern parula along with american redstart and a single blue-headed video. There were quite a few other birds flitting around at the tops of the trees that I was unable to identify. (report from Josh Gahagan).

9/20/18 -- Wachusett Mountain, Princeton

Raptors migrating today: Osprey 10 ; Bald Eagle 10 ; Sharp-shinned Hawk 21 ; Cooper's Hawk 10 ; Broad-winged Hawk 577; Red-tailed Hawk 1 ; American Kestrel 4; Merlin 2 ; Peregrine Falcon 1 .

Raptor Observations: Early flight from NE passed mostly on N side of the hill but as the push of raptors increased from !!am and thru to 1pm flight passed equally on north and south sides. Numbers dwindled after 1:30pm. BW number more than doubled our (paltry) count for this fall while 10 BE's was our 2nd highest day so far. Watch was 8 hours and most action was 11am-1pm.

Non-raptor Observations: Migrating: Monarchs: 6; Blue Jays 48. Local: Common Ravens 9; Common Yellow-throat 5; Yellow-Breasted Chat; Brown Thrasher; Juncos and Towhees, and, on the deck again: 1 White-footed mouse.
(report from Rod Chase).

9/20/18 -- Mount Watatic, Ashburnham

Raptors migrating today: Osprey 4 ; Bald Eagle 3 ; Northern Harrier 1 ; Sharp-shinned Hawk 20 ; Cooper's Hawk 2 ; Broad-winged Hawk 450 ; American Kestrel 1; Merlin 2 ; Peregrine Falcon 1 .

Raptor Observations: BW's were moving in the low clouds and light mist eatly, most vanishing into the clouds, not much late morning and then a burst during early afternoon slowing the last few hours. along with 40+/- TV's. A few non-migrant BE's and RT's

Non-raptor Observations: ~20 Canada Goose migrating, 100+ Monarchs per hour(15-20), 50+ migrating Cedar Waxwings, ~40 migrating Blue Jays, 20 +/- Ravening milling about the general area.
(report from Tom Pirro).

9/18/18 -- Wachusett Reservoir/Lancaster

This afternoon we started at WACHUSETT RESERVOIR: Common Loon (16); Red-necked Grebe (1); Double-crested Cormorant (45); Canada Goose (81); Wild Turkey (12); Killdeer (5); Mourning Dove (39); Belted Kingfisher (1).

Later in some wet fields in LANCASTER: Great Blue Heron (3); Wood Duck (1m); Mallard (2); Green-winged Teal (4); Sharp-shinned Hawk (1); Red-tailed Hawk (1); Semipalmated Plover (4); Killdeer (5); Solitary Sandpiper (2); Greater Yellowlegs (1); Pectoral Sandpiper (1); peep sp. “1” (didn’t call as it flew off before we could get it in the scope); Cedar Waxwing (16).
(report from Mark Lynch/Sheila Carroll).

9/17/18 -- Mount Watatic, Ashburnham

Raptors migrating today: Osprey 1 ; Bald Eagle 1 ; Northern Harrier 1; Sharp-shinned Hawk 15 ; Cooper's Hawk 3 ; Broad-winged Hawk 105 ; Merlin 2 .

Raptor Observations: A surprise burst of 85 Broad-winged Hawks just after noon ET carried the days count. In the SW breeze, a group of 35 'Wings passed in very low over the summit, while a second kettle of 30 materialized to the south east. A stream of 20 passed S in the distance a few moments later. Before and after that, very quiet. Small groups of Sharp-shinned Hawks appeared, struggling to make much southerly progress in the wind. Last bird of the day was a Merlin buzzing the decoy owl. Non-migrant Raptors 25 Turkey Vulture 5 Red-tailed Hawk

Non-raptor Observations: 25 Common Raven 5 Chimney Swift 15 Tree Swallow
(report from Brian Rusnica).

9/17/18 -- Ware River Watershed IBA

This morning we birded some of the southern part of the WARE RIVER WATERSHED IBA. It was a very poor morning for passerine migration, one my poorest mid-September counts…ever, particularly for this spot. The hawkwatchers at Barre Falls Dam were also having a tough day (no surprise with the weather system approaching) but they did have SOME migrating hawks.

Totals: Great Blue Heron (1); Black Vulture (1: we had this, with the hawkwatchers at Barre Falls Dam. I was unsurprised as it was far off in the direction of the Barre transfer station, where BVs are somewhat regular, sometimes in good numbers. But, it is one of the least observed raptors from this vantage point!); Turkey Vulture (6); Wood Duck (17); Mallard (5); Hooded Merganser (2); Northern Harrier (1); Sharp-shinned Hawk (5); Cooper’s Hawk (3); Broad-winged Hawk (3); Wild Turkey (11); Virginia Rail (3); Killdeer (1); Spotted Sandpiper (1); Mourning Dove (1); Belted Kingfisher (3); Hairy Woodpecker (5); N Flicker (6); E Wood Peewee (2: both still calling); E Phoebe (18); Red-eyed Vireo (2); Blue Jay (58: definite movement west); Common Raven (2); Black-capped Chickadee (22); Tufted Titmouse (3); White-breasted Nuthatch (7); Brown Creeper (2 singing); House Wren (2); A Robin (2); Gray Catbird (17).
---> WARBLERS: Yellow-rumped (2); Pine (19: most singing!); Yellowthroat (4). That was it!
E Towhee (20); Chipping Sparrow (52: most near the dam); Song Sparrow (3); Swamp Sparrow (7); N Cardinal (3); Purple Finch (4); A Goldfinch (2).

BEST NON-BIRD SIGHTING: A “teen” WOOD TURTLE we helped across a road; a nice display of FRINGED GENTIAN and even a better showing of BOTTLED/CLOSED GENTIAN (now past peak). NB: I have always wondered how Closed Gentian gets pollinated as the bloom is rather tightly closed. Sheila did some research and found that only “strong bees” can manage to get inside. Today we watched a “strong” bumblebee pry open several gentian blossoms with a lot of effort. It was like someone shucking an oyster.
(report from Mark Lynch/Sheila Carroll).

9/17/18 -- Institute Park, Worcester

Highlights at noon: 1 DCC Cormorant, 1 Green Heron, 6 Mute Swans, 2 Wood Ducks (imm), 2 Killdeer, and 3 Least Sandpipers. (report from Rick Quimby)

9/16/18 -- Wachusett Mountain, Princeton

Raptors migrating today: Black Vulture 4 ; Osprey 1 38 50 Bald Eagle 4 ; Northern Harrier 3 ; Sharp-shinned Hawk 7 ; Cooper's Hawk 3 ; Red-shouldered Hawk 1 ; Broad-winged Hawk 32 ; American Kestrel 5 ; Merlin 2 .

Raptor Observations: Nothing moving in the first hour except, near end, the 1st dozen TV's tested the first thermals in the NE and found them acceptable. Broadwings and kestrels, in small numbers, took the hint and easily worked past us in 9am hour. Next two hours stayed in the teens and noon hour had 9 birds; then only 9 raptors from 1-3pm. The 3pm hour was blank and 4pm hour had 2 distant UR's. Of note: 4 Black Vultures today; also 3 Harriers. Local raptors: TV 12; OS 2 BE 4 (2 adult, 2 imm.); BW 1; ML 2 (imm.)
(report from Rod Chase).

9/16/18 -- Mount Watatic, Ashburnham

Raptors migrating today: Osprey 8; Bald Eagle 1; Sharp-shinned Hawk 22; Cooper's Hawk 8 ; Broad-winged Hawk 221; Red-tailed Hawk 1 ; American Kestrel 12; Merlin 2 .

Raptor Observations: Best day of the season, but still generally underwhelming. Between 1-2pm ET we saw 150 raptors, anchored by several consecutive streams of Broad-wings high overhead, darting in front of the high cumulus and cirrus clouds. Before and after that, we had sporadic singles and doubles moving across the sky - just enough to keep the watchers interested. A huge group of local Turkey Vultures took off from the NE roost early in the day, 80+ birds. On the hike up, I finally got eyes on the Barred Owl I had been talking to the past few days. I enjoyed a long observation as it hunted a Red Squirrel near Nutting Hill. Non-migrant Raptors 80 Turkey Vulture; 3 Bald Eagle; 2 Broad-winged Hawk; 6 Red-tailed Hawk; 3 Red-shouldered Hawk; 1 Cooper's Hawk; 1 Barred Owl

Non-raptor Observations: 20 Common Raven ;1 Yellow-rumped Warbler; 1 Black-throated Green Warbler; 3 Red-breasted Nuthatch; 2 Chimney Swift; 2 Ruby-throated Hummingbird; 2 Dark-eyed Junco; 1 Pileated Woodpecker (heard only).
(report from Brian Rusnica).

9/16/18 -- Petersham

Today we birded just a few stops in PETERSHAM. This included the MAS property on border with Barre; a few powerline cut throughs, and Harvard Pond/Tom Swamp. NB: Tom Swamp Road is in terrible condition, particularly east of the causeway. There were huge, deep (feet) eroded ruts along the road (sometimes both sides) obviously caused by heavy rains. I have never seen this road in this bad a condition before. After Tuesday, this road will be a disaster. Today we ran into one really good pocket of migrants, and several minor ones. Flickers are moving, as were Black-throated Green Warblers and Scarlet Tanagers.

Totals: Double-crested Cormorant (1); Great Blue Heron (3); Turkey Vulture (4); Wood Duck (44); Mallard (1); Bald Eagle (1imm); Red-shouldered Hawk (3); Broad-winged Hawk (2); Wild Turkey (24); Barred Owl (2); Ruby-throated Hummingbird (1); Red-bellied Woodpecker (1); Yellow-bellied Sapsucker (7); Downy Woodpecker (7); Hairy Woodpecker (3); N Flicker (18); Pileated Woodpecker (1). E Wood Peewee (4: still calling); E Phoebe (17); Blue-headed Vireo (2: still singing); Red-eyed Vireo (6); Blue Jay (63: definite movement west seen to advantage at power lines); A Crow (2); C Raven (2); Black-capped Chickadee (51); Tufted Titmouse (5); Red-breasted Nuthatch (7); White-breasted Nuthatch (5); House Wren (4); E Bluebird (2); Hermit Thrush (2); A Robin (18); Gray Catbird (12)
---> WARBLERS: N Parula (7); Chestnut-sided (2); Magnolia (1); Yellow-rumped (6); Black-throated Green (15); Pine (22); Prairie (1); Blackpoll (1); Black and White (6); A Redstart (4); C Yellowthroat (14).
Scarlet Tanager (9); E Towhee (18); Chipping Sparrow (7); Song Sparrow (6); Lincoln’s Sparrow (1); Swamp Sparrow (11); N Cardinal (11); Rose-breasted Grosbeak (1); Purple Finch (2); A Goldfinch (10).
(report from Mark Lynch/Sheila Carroll).

9/15/18 -- Wachusett Mountain, Princeton

Raptors migrating today: Osprey 6 ; Bald Eagle 5 ; Sharp-shinned Hawk 21 ; Cooper's Hawk 7 ; Broad-winged Hawk 29 ; American Kestrel 1 ; Peregrine Falcon 3 .

Raptor Observations: Even without the winds most birds were having having no problem finding thermal lift. What's been missing is a supply of migrating raptors. There have been few big pushes to our north while the smaller batches have slipped west -- poibly blocked by the weather front stalled along the MA-VT border. Dear Weather Gods: Tear down that wall! Todays birds passed on both sides of the summit and frequently kept their distance and rode thermals up and into the thick cumulus. We did get some overhead looks but also many waay overhead and waay out there scope birds. Local raptors: TV 11; BE 4 (2 adult, 2 imm.); BW 2; ML 2 (imm.); PG 1

Non-raptor Observations: Monarchs 15. RT Hummingbird, Common Yellowthroat, Wilson's Warbler, Belted Kingfisher; 12 Common Ravens.
(report from Rod Chase).

9/15/18 -- Mount Watatic, Ashburnham

Raptors migrating today: Osprey 1 ; Bald Eagle 3 ; Northern Harrier 1 ; Sharp-shinned Hawk 10 ; Cooper's Hawk 1 ; Broad-winged Hawk 24 ; American Kestrel 5 ; Merlin 1 .

Raptor Observations: Another lost day looking for non-existent Broad-winged Hawks. A small number of Kestrels and Sharp-shinned Hawks were moving through again. Non-migrant Raptors: 16 Turkey Vulture; 3 Red-shouldered Hawk; 5 Red-tailed Hawk; 3 Bald Eagle; 1 Broad-winged Hawk; 1 Barred Owl (heard only)

Non-raptor Observations: 35 Common Raven; 1 Olive-sided Flycatcher (spotted by Dan Lounsbury); 1 Eastern Phoebe; 1 Yellow-rumped Warbler; 1 Ruby-throated Hummingbird; 3 Dark-eyed Junco ;1 Pileated Woodpecker (heard only)
(report from Brian Rusnica).

9/15/18 -- Winchendon / South Royalston

Today we birded the property between and including OTTER RIVER SP/LAKE DENNISON, Winchendon and BIRCH HILL DAM, South Royalston. The connecting road in South Royalston is still out, and it doesn’t look like it will be repaired any time soon. WE did some brief hawk watching from Birch Hill Dam and had a few raptors, despite the noon time. This spot has the potential to be a good hawk watch spot and needs to be checked through the season. But, be aware that the road to the dam is sometimes gated. If the gate IS open, you can drive right up to the dam, where there is parking, picnic tables and a fine view (much better than Barre Falls Dam).

Totals: Great Blue Heron (2); Turkey Vulture (3); Canada Goose (18); Wood Duck (25); Mallard (1); Osprey (2); Bald Eagle (1 imm); Sharp-shinned Hawk (3); Red-shouldered Hawk (1); Broad-winged Hawk (4); Wild Turkey (27); Mourning Dove (2); Yellow-bellied Sapsucker (4); Downy Woodpecker (3); Hairy Woodpecker (7); N Flicker (11); Pileated Woodpecker (1); E Phoebe (19); Blue-headed Vireo (5: still singing); Red-eyed Vireo (17); Blue Jay (36: some movement west); A Crow (7); C Raven (2); Black-capped Chickadee (89); t Titmouse (4); Red-breasted Nuthatch (53); White-breasted Nuthatch (10); House Wren (80); Golden-crowned Kinglet (1); Hermit Thrush (4); A Robin (3); Gray Catbird (16); Cedar Waxwing (21).
---> WARBLERS: N Parula (6); Magnolia (2); Yellow-rumped (16); Black-throated Green (4); Blackburnian (2); Pine (43); Bay-breasted (2); Black and White (7); A Redstart (1); C Yellowthroat (11)
E Towhee (21); Song Sparrow (10); Swamp Sparrow (8); White-throated Sparrow (1); Purple Finch (2); A Goldfinch (4).

Non-bird highlights included 2 rather non-chalant PORCUPINES.
(report from Mark Lynch/Sheila Carroll).

9/14/18 -- Wachusett Mountain, Princeton

Raptors migrating today: Osprey 10 ; Bald Eagle 6 ; Sharp-shinned Hawk 21 ; Cooper's Hawk 10 ; Broad-winged Hawk 215; American Kestrel 5 ; Peregrine Falcon 2 .

Raptor Observations: Movement from the N or NE stayed to north side of hill at the beginning but by noon there was action passing on both the north and south sides. As the thermals strengthened we had action at all altitudes. Stop and start: action was slow - fast- slow -fast, almost hour by hour until finishing with a bang in the first half of the last hour. Local raptors: TV 17; BE 2; CH 1; RT 9.
(report from Rod Chase).

9/14/18 -- Mount Watatic, Ashburnham

Raptors migrating today: Osprey 3 ; Bald Eagle 8 ; Sharp-shinned Hawk 27 ; Cooper's Hawk 2 ; Red-shouldered Hawk 1; Broad-winged Hawk 189 ; Red-tailed Hawk 1 ; American Kestrel 8.

Raptor Observations: The best day of the season, but still only modest numbers of Broad-winged Hawks moving through. The two largest groups of the year (25 birds each) showed up in kettles at 10am and 3pm. Plenty of high streams of a dozen or so birds were picked out of the high cumulus clouds, but surely a few were missed. Nice numbers of Sharp-shinned Hawks all day long, including a pair hunting Blue Jays when I arrived this morning. One of the more memorable moments of this (or any) hawkwatch came when a Barred Owl began hooting from the trees just below the summit. For the past 2 days, I'd been hearing a distant Barred Owl some 1000 feet below the summit, and gave a return hoot mostly for fun and as a party trick for day hikers. Today there seemed to be two owls below, and I was shocked at 4pm when one of them made it all the way up to the summit! I never got eyes on the bird, but we conversed back and forth for approximately 15 minutes, with the bird well under cover just a few hundred feet away. Neat! Non-migrant Raptors: 26 Turkey Vulture 6 Red-tailed Hawk 4 Red-shouldered Hawk 2 Bald Eagle 2 Barred Owl

Non-raptor Observations: 30 Common Raven 1 Ruby-throated Hummingbird 1 Pileated Woodpecker (heard only)
(report from Brian Rusnica).

9/14/18 -- Institute Park, Worcester

Highlights at 1 pm today: 1 DCC Cormorant, 2 Great Blue Herons (one displayed to the other and chased it away, whereupon the one chased away proceeded to catch and eat a nice fish in his new spot -- justice served!), 5 Mute Swans (most imm), 3 Wood Ducks (juv), 1 GREAT EGRET, 2 Killdeer, 2 Least Sandpiper, 1 Belted Kingfisher, 1 E. Phoebe, 1 Gray Catbird, 2 Song Sparrow.

And a most unusual (non-bird) sighting: a crayfish in the middle of the walking path near the shore, which displayed its claws to me as I walked by. It was crawling away from the pond. I've never seen this in all my years walking around the pond. I should make note of the fact that the pond is slowly filling in, and the water between the new small island (which didn't used to be there) and the near shore is now only a few inches deep. This is where the egret was walking, and is too shallow for many ducks. The places on the pond containing water deep enough for diving ducks has decreased considerably, and this will likely impact the number and variety of waterfowl species in the future.
(report from Rick Quimby).

9/14/18 -- New Braintree

At 9:45 this morning I saw 2 Sandhill Cranes flying east along Hardwick Road toward the Winnimusset Wildlife Mgmt Area. They landed in the back of a freshly cut corn field along Winnimusset Brook and were foraging as I watched them for several minutes. This the the second pair I've seen (possibly the same pair) in New Braintree this summer. (report from Jeff Smith).

9/13/18 -- Mount Watatic, Ashburnham

Raptors migrating today: Osprey 2; Bald Eagle 1 ; Northern Harrier 1; Sharp-shinned Hawk 9 ; Cooper's Hawk 2 ; Broad-winged Hawk 14 .

Raptor Observations: No significant Broad-winged Hawk movement yet again today. A handful of Sharp-shinned Hawks were moving, with two of them buzzing the decoy owl. Non-migrant Raptors: 1 Broad-winged Hawk; 3 Red-shouldered Hawk; 2 Red-tailed Hawk; 40 Turkey Vulture ;1 Barred Owl (heard only)

Non-raptor Observations: 10 Common Raven; 4 Ruby-throated Hummingbird; 4 Dark-eyed Junco; 2 Eastern Phoebe ;5 Chimney Swift; 1 Double-crested Cormorant
(report from Brian Rusnica).

9/12/18 -- Brookfields/Holden/Lancaster/Wachusett Reservoir

Today, in more or less constant rain, we checked some county ponds, lakes, and reservoirs. It was a bit of a slog.

QUABOG IBA: We checked Lake Quabog, South Pond, and Wickabog: totals: Common Loon (1imm); Double-crested Cormorant (2); Great Blue Heron (2); Green Heron (1); Mute Swan (2); Wood Duck (6); Mallard (8); Hooded Merganser (2 young birds); Red-tailed Hawk (1); Ring-billed Gull (24).

QUINAPOXET RESERVOIR: Common Loon (1); Double-crested Cormorant (1); Belted Kingfisher (1).

LANCASTER: DAVIS FARMS: Canada Goose (21); Wild Turkey (25); Savannah Sparrow (20+); Indigo Bunting (2).

WACHUSETT RESERVOIR: nb: by the time we hit this area, visibility became an issue. Common Loon (12); Double-crested Cormorant (48); Canada Goose (12); Mallard (9); Red-tailed Hawk (1); Wild Turkey (12); Killdeer (only 1 today at the high school playing fields); Ring-billed Gull (57); Belted Kingfisher (1); Savannah Sparrow (19: dike). No sign of the Red-necked Grebes.
(report from Mark Lynch/Sheila Carroll).

9/11/18 -- Lancaster/Wachusett Reservoir

We got in a few hours of birding this AM and had the following:

LANCASTER: Great Blue Heron (1); Canada Goose (31); Killdeer (6); Solitary Sandpiper (11).

WACHUSETT RESERVOIR: Common Loon (15); Red-necked Grebe (2); Double-crested Cormorant (76); Canada Goose (109); Wild Turkey (14); Killdeer (26: Clinton HS playing fields); Spotted Sandpiper (1); Ring-billed Gull (18); Belted Kingfisher (1); Barn Swallow (4: heading north, low over the water); Savannah Sparrow (12: in 1 loose flock on the dike); Brown-headed Cowbird (25+).
(report from Mark Lynch/Sheila Carroll).

9/9/18 -- Quabbin/Petersham/Wachusett Reservoir

We started out at Gate 8, Quabbin: Common Loon (3); Double-crested Cormorant (1); Common Merganser (3); Red-tailed Hawk (1imm); Bald Eagle (3imm). Very little in the way of passerines except 3 singing Pine Warblers. We did have ANOTHER “swimming squirrel”, again swimming from Prescott to the western shore. On our way out, we talked to the DCR person about it and he remarked that a number of boaters have reported seeing squirrels swimming out on Quabbin. One boater offered the squirrel and oar, it jumped up on it, and then scrambled into the boat, where it waited while the boater brought it to the shore. In a possibly related matter, the same DCR person reported that someone had caught a bass that had eaten a chipmunk! I have no idea what is going on with Gray Squirrels.

Then at HARVARD POND, PETERSHAM: Double-crested Cormorant (1); Wood Duck (13); Green-winged Teal (1); Bald Eagle (1imm); Red-shouldered Hawk (1); Broad-winged Hawk (2); Wild Turkey (17); Common Raven (1).

Finally, we hit WACHUSETT RESERVOIR, searching for the reported Neotropical Cormorant. We dipped but did have: Common Loon (8); Double-crested Cormorant (55); Canada Goose (122).
(report from Mark Lynch/Sheila Carroll).

9/9/18 -- Wachusett Mountain, Princeton

Raptors migrating today: Osprey 8 ; Bald Eagle 19 ; Northern Harrier 1 ; Sharp-shinned Hawk 12 ; Cooper's Hawk 7 ; Broad-winged Hawk 52 American Kestrel 12 Merlin 8 .
(report from Rod Chase).

9/9/18 -- Mount Watatic, Ashburnham

Black Vulture 1 ; Osprey 4 ; Bald Eagle 13 ; Sharp-shinned Hawk 10 ; Cooper's Hawk 3 ; Broad-winged Hawk 97 ; American Kestrel 7 ; Merlin 1 ; Peregrine Falcon 1 .

Raptor Observations: Slightly better total numbers today, but no large groups of Broad-winged Hawks were observed. Two groups of 12 were the largest gatherings we saw. The most significant sighting of the day was a Mt. Watatic first as far as I can tell - a single Black Vulture drifted high overhead, interacting with a large group of ravens before disappearing to the southeast. Fortunately, its slow trajectory allowed watchers several chances to confirm this confusing ID. Today was one of the larger Bald Eagle showings I've seen at Mt. Watatic - with 13 total eagles, many of them well seen right over the summit. Non-migrant Raptors 12 Turkey Vulture 4 Red-tailed Hawk 1 Broad-winged Hawk
(report from Brian Rusnica).

9/8/18 -- Wachusett Mountain, Princeton

Raptors migrating today: Osprey 7 ; Bald Eagle 4 ; Northern Harrier 2 ; Sharp-shinned Hawk 7 ; Broad-winged Hawk 27 ; American Kestrel 5 ; Merlin 4 ; Peregrine Falcon 1.
(report from Rod Chase).

9/2/18 -- Ware River Watershed IBA

Today we birded a southern loop of the Ware River Watershed IBA. Passerines were few and far between. Highlights:

Great Blue Heron (2); Turkey Vulture (6); Wood Duck (2); NORTHERN GOSHAWK (1imm); Broad-winged Hawk (2); Virginia Rail (4); Sora (1); COMMON NIGHTHAWK (while spending a little bit of time with the dedicated hawk watchers at Barre Falls Dam, one of them spotted a flock of (5) nighthawks overhead, circling up and heading NE. Time: c.11AM); Ruby-throated Hummingbird (2); Belted Kingfisher (1); N Flicker (9); Pileated Woodpecker (2); E Wood Peewee (15); E Phoebe (15); Blue-headed Vireo (2); Red-eyed Vireo (35); Common Raven (1); House Wren (2); Hermit Thrush (6); American Robin (31: most spot-breasted, scaly-backed juveniles).
----> WARBLERS: Chestnut-sided (5); Pine (3); Ovenbird (5: 1 group); C Yellowthroat (9).
E Towhee (13); Field Sparrow (1); Swamp Sparrow (22); Purple Finch (1).

Butterflies and odonates were typical; most interesting mammal: jumping-mouse species.
(report from Mark Lynch/Sheila Carroll).

9/1/18 -- Wachusett Mountain, Princeton

Raptors migrating today: Osprey 1 ; Sharp-shinned Hawk 1 ; Cooper's Hawk 2 ; Broad-winged Hawk 10 ; Peregrine Falcon 2 .
(report from Rod Chase).

9/1/18 -- Mount Watatic, Ashburnham

Raptors migrating today: Osprey 2 ; Bald Eagle 4 ; Sharp-shinned Hawk 2 ; Red-shouldered Hawk 1 ; Broad-winged Hawk 42 ; Peregrine Falcon 1 .

Raptor Observations: The first counting day for the Mount Watatic 2018 Fall season was surprisingly productive. A nice collection of both migrant and local buteos kept things interesting. A local Red-shouldered Hawk tangled with a trio of Broad-wings, resulting in many exhilarating stoops. Later, a Broad-wing tussled with a persistent Sharp-shinned Hawk right over the Summit. A trio of Bald Eagles (1 ad, 2 juvs) moving SE together were also an exciting observation! Today's most memorable moment was the brief but magnificent appearance of a local juvenile Northern Goshawk within naked eye of the East Summit. This is just my 2nd Watatic Goshawk in nearly 300 hours of observation over the last 4 years.
Photos here

Non-migrant Raptors: 15 Turkey Vultur,e 2 Red-shouldered Hawk, 2 Cooper's Hawk, 3 Red-tailed Hawk, 2 Broad-winged Hawk, 1 Northern Goshawk.
(report from Brian Rusnica).

8/31/18 -- Wachusett Mountain, Princeton

Raptors migrating today: Osprey 3 ; Bald Eagle 1 ; Sharp-shinned Hawk 1 ; Broad-winged Hawk 7 ; Red-tailed Hawk 1 ; Merlin 1 ;
(report from Rod Chase).

8/31/18 -- Quabbin Reservoir

We started at GATE 8, QUABBIN: Nothing unusual: Double-crested Cormorant (7); Mallard (1); Bald Eagle (1); Broad-winged Hawk (3); Ruffed Grouse (1); Ring-billed Gull (22); Ruby-throated Hummingbird (1); Belted Kingfisher (1); Red-bellied Woodpecker (1); Yellow-bellied Sapsucker (1); Hairy Woodpecker (2); N Flicker (2); Pileated Woodpecker (2); E Wood Peewee (4); E Phoebe (1); Yellow-throated Vireo (1); Red-eyed Vireo (7); Hermit Thrush (1); Cedar waxwing (4); Pine Warbler (1); C Yellowthroat (1); E Towhee (3).

Plus: Porcupine (1, young) and: best sighting of the day: watching a Gray Squirrel SWIM from the Prescott to the shore next to us! One of the weirdest sights I have seen as the top half of the tail was held straight out and remained fluffy.

Then at GATE 43, QUABBIN: Common Loon (3ad); Double-crested Cormorant (3); Great Blue Heron (1); Ring-billed Gull (4); E Wood Peewee (1); Red-eyed Vireo (5); Hermit Thrush (1).
(report from Mark Lynch/Sheila Carroll).

8/30/18 -- Wachusett Mountain, Princeton

Raptors migrating today: Black Vulture 1 ; Bald Eagle 2 ; Broad-winged Hawk 6 ;
(report from Rod Chase).

8/30/18 -- Institute Park, Worcester

At 1 pm highlights were 2 DC Cormorants, 1 Green Heron, 6 Mute Swan (2 ad, 4 im), ~70 Canada Geese, 2 Killdeer, 1 E. Kingbird, and 1 Cedar Waxwing. (report from Rick Quimby).

8/28/18 -- Rt.56 airport overlook, Leicester

Another good movement of nighthawks tonight seen from the Rt.56 overlook of the Worcester Airport (5PM-7PM): Canada Goose (32: on airport property, but well off the runway. Personnel drove up and fired a rifle wounding 1 bird and driving the rest off. The wounded bird was dispatched by rifle and bagged by the airport gunner); Cooper’s Hawk (1ad); Mourning Dove (4); COMMON NIGHTHAWK (276: all moving south/southwest with a purpose, not feeding. Some passed right overhead); Chimney Swift (22); Ruby-throated Hummingbird (1); Tree Swallow 99); Barn Swallow (24); Common Raven (2); Bobolink (44).
(report from Mark Lynch/Sheila Carroll).

8/28/18 -- South Royalston / Rutland

Today we returned to the draining marsh in the Birch Hill Dam (South Royalston) that we checked out on 8/26. On that day we had (4) Spotted Sandpipers and (1) Solitary Sandpiper there. Today, the herons and Wood Ducks were still there, but we found NO shorebirds!

On the way home we stopped by the NW section of Long Pond in Rutland State Park. In typical years, the muddy vegetation mats always have Least, Solitary and Spotted Sandpipers were. Over the years I have had yellowlegs and once a White-rumped Sandpiper. Today there was (1) Killdeer and nothing else. This is going to be a VERY tough summer/fall for shorebirds in the County.
(report from Mark Lynch/Sheila Carroll).

8/27/18 -- Wachusett Mountain, Princeton

Raptors migrating today: Osprey 4 ; Bald Eagle 2; Northern Harrier 1 ; Broad-winged Hawk 47 ;
(report from Rod Chase).

8/27/18 -- Rt. 56 (airport overlook) / Petersham

We stopped by Harvard Pond (Petersham) to look for shorebirds on the mud and vegetation mats, and had (2) Killdeer, (1) Solitary Sandpiper, and (2) Least Sandpipers. And that was it! Water levels at most ponds and reservoirs including Quinapoxet and Kettlebrook#4 are all still quite high and there is no edge for shorebirds.

Tonight we spent some time at the Rt.56 overlook of the airport in Leicester. At 5:30 we noticed a large, swirling mess of nighthawks to the northeast (from this vantage: well to the left of the hangar). They were pretty far out, but they continued to feed, moving left and right, up and down, in one large mass. I did my best and counted (minimally) 439 birds. This group stayed there, feeding. By 6:20 we decided to try to find out what area they were feeding above. It took some doing, but finally next to Cook’s Pond, we looked up to see a river of nighthawks heading into the city and over towards Coes Reservoir. This was one of the largest single flocks I have seen in the last few years.
(report from Mark Lynch/Sheila Carroll).

8/26/18 -- Salisbury St. & Town of Holden Line

There were 94 Common Nighthawks here from 7:45 pm- 8:20 pm. (report from Lisa & Simon Hennin).

8/26/18 -- Winchendon/South Royalston

Today we birded the parcel between Otter River State Park/Lake Dennison (Winchendon) and Birch Hill Dam (South Royalston). This area is criss-crossed with dirt roads through forest and over river and stream. Today you could not drive from Lake Dennison to Birch Hill Dam. There has been a major breach of Swamp Road. The breach is at the swamp east of Beaver Pond and the dike/causeway. It is a deep ditch, from which the water of the marsh is running. The gate is at the east end of Beaver Pond on the western end, and at the marsh on the east end. Birds, particularly passerines, were few and far between, particularly compared with yesterday’s list from the Ware River Watershed. We had NO Chestnut-sided Warblers and White-throated Sparrows, both of which breed here. Numbers and variety were, overall, poor. We tried everything, but at most locations there were just no birds. Even butterflies were in extremely low numbers and variety.

Total list: Double-crested Cormorant (1); Great Blue Heron (5); Green Heron (1); Wood Duck (20); Mallard (1); Broad-winged Hawk (3); A Kestrel (1imm); Ruffed Grouse (1); Wild Turkey (16); Solitary Sandpiper (1); Spotted Sandpiper (4); mourning Dove (5); Belted Kingfisher (2); Downy Woodpecker (1); Hairy Woodpecker (1); Pileated Woodpecker (2). E Phoebe (18); Blue-headed Vireo (7); Red-eyed Vireo (21); Blue Jay (22); A Crow (6); Common Raven (2); Black-capped Chickadee (34); Tufted Titmouse (2); Red-breasted Nuthatch (7); White-breasted Nuthatch (7); Brown Creeper (1); House Wren (4); E Bluebird (2); Hermit Thrush (5); A Robin (11); Gray Catbird (12); Cedar Waxwing (3).
---->WARBLERS: Yellow-rumped (2); Black-throated Green (4); Pine (49); Prairie (2); Black and White (1); C Yellowthroat (40).
E Towhee (9); Chipping Sparrow (14); Song Sparrow (31); Swamp Sparrow (17); A Goldfinch (7).

Among the mammals noted: (1) Long-tailed Weasel. There was also a really good showing of CLOSED GENTIAN.
(report from Mark Lynch/Sheila Carroll).

8/26/18 -- Mt. Wachusett summit, Princeton

I took advantage of the great weather to hike to the summit today. Given the SW winds, wasn't expecting many migrants. I saw several (5-6) Broadwing Hawks, but their behavior suggested they were locals. Many TVs, and a single Cooper's Hawk flew over low and went down quickly. It was also probably a local.

Other birds of note were several Chimney Swifts, a group of 4 Ravens playing at the summmit. At the lower levels, a few Red-eyed Vireos were still singing throughout the day , and on my way up one Black-throated Blue Warbler was singing (unexpected!).

Lots of hikers, families and dogs. But even when it's crowded, there still always seems to be plenty of space along the rails on the tower to look for raptors.
(report from Rick Quimby).

8/25/18 -- Norte Dame Cemetery, Worcester

At 6:56 pm there were 9 Common Nighthawks, and that was the only group. Also notable were Chimney Swift (1); Cedar Waxwing (2) @ Park Ave & Mill St. flyover.
(report from Lisa Hennin ).

8/25/18 -- Ware River Watershed IBA

Today we spent the morning birding the southern section of the WARE RIVER WATERSHED IBA. Passerines were in mixed species flocks, almost all species that breed in the area. By 9AM , much of the activity evaporated.

Green Heron (1); Turkey Vulture (1); Wood Duck (4); A Black Duck (3); Sharp-shinned Hawk (1); Red-shouldered Hawk (1); Broad-winged Hawk (1); Solitary Sandpiper (1); Mourning Dove (5); Barred Owl (1); Ruby-throated Hummingbird (5); Belted Kingfisher (1); Yellow-bellied Sapsucker (1); Downy Woodpecker (2); Hairy Woodpecker (10); N Flicker (6); Pileated Woodpecker (1).
---->FLYCATCHERS : Olive-sided (1); E Wood Peewee (13); “Traill’s-type” (1); Least (1); E Phoebe (26); E Kingbird (2).
---->VIREOS: Blue-headed (4); Warbling (5); Red-eyed (104)
Blue Jay (42); C Raven (1); Tree Swallow (35); Barn Swallow (9); Black-capped Chickadee (89); Tufted Titmouse (21); Red-breasted Nuthatch (28); White-breasted Nuthatch (27); House Wren (1); Blue-gray Gnatcatcher (5); A Robin (30); Gray Catbird (24); Cedar Waxwing (23).
---->WARBLERS: Yellow (1); Chestnut-sided (13); Cape May (2); Black-throated Green (2); Pine (48); Black and White (16); A Redstart (7); Ovenbird (4); C Yellowthroat (26)
Scarlet Tanager (3); E Towhee (17); Chipping Sparrow (22); Song Sparrow (8); Swamp Sparrow (17); Rose-breasted Grosbeak (2); Bobolink (6); Baltimore Oriole (3); Purple Finch (2); A Goldfinch (12).

Plus: large flights of darners, spread-wings, and meadowhawks. Best mammals; Cinerous Shrew (alive).
(report from Mark Lynch/Sheila Carroll).

8/24/18 -- Millbury

Today there was a flock of 46 chimney swifts feeding overhead. (report from Susan LaBree).

8/23/18 -- Wachusett Mountain, Princeton

Raptors migrating today: Osprey 2 ; Broad-winged Hawk 9 .
(report from Rod Chase).

8/20/18 -- Institute Park, Worcester

Highlights at noon were 2 DC Cormorant, 2 GB Heron, 6 Mute Swan (2 ad, 4 im), 1 Wood duck (f), 1 Osprey (flew low over pond, called), 1 Solitary Sandpiper , 1 Spotted Sandpiper, 1 Least Sandpiper, 5 N. Flicker (family group?), 2 Gray Catbirds (molting), and 3 Cedar Waxwings. (report from Rick Quimby).

8/16/18 -- Lancaster/Harvard/Wachusett Reservoir

Today we spent some more time trying to find fall shorebird habitat in Central Mass.

BOLTON FLATS is still very flooded, and a deep pool on the entrance road makes it dicey to drive a car into the lot. Not having wellies, we didn’t really bird the area, though birds could be in there AMONG the late summer tall growth. West of the WMA, on RT.117, there were several pools of water on a short grass field. Here we found: Great Blue Heron (1); Canada Goose (14); Mallard (2); Hooded Merganser (1imm); Red-tailed Hawk (2); Killdeer (1); SOLITARY SANDPIPER (16). NB: the land owners were setting up huge truck tires in the area and it was being criss-crossed by work vehicles. Some event looks like it is going to happen here this weekend. (motocross?). Most areas that were flooded ALSO had crops or tall weeds growing, making it tough to see anything. This goes for DEXTER DRUMLIN, which we also checked out from several angles.

At BARE HILL POND (Harvard) , like most lakes and ponds in Central MA), the water level was very high. No edge. No shorebirds.

We made a brief stop at OXBOW NWR and had a nice group of birds feeding in a large area of chokecherry including a “Traill’s-type” empid; (12) Cedar Waxwings, (4) gnatcatchers, a Blue-winged Warbler, and (2) Rose-breasted Grosbeak.

Finally, we did a brief scan of WACHUSETT RESERVOIR (from the dike, Gate 17, from the dam, South Bay, Thomas Basin, and the causeway. State boats were out on the water. We had (10) Common Loons, including an adult with 1 juvvie (not sure what happened to the other); (37 ) Double-crested Cormorants; (1) Great Blue Heron; (15) Mallards; (1ad) Bald Eagle; (2) Red-tailed Hawks; (3) Wild Turkeys; (62 ) Ring-billed Gulls; (1) kestrel. At the cemetery on Scar Hill Road we found a huge flock (80+) of CHIPPING SPARROWS, apparently moving through. At the Clinton HS soccer fields, there were NO Killdeer, which was unusual.

Water levels on the city reservoirs (Quinapoxet et) continue very high and therefore not attractive to shorebirds. Birders are encouraged to look for short grass fields with pools or even recently plowed or mown fields (for “grasspipers”).
(report from Mark Lynch/Sheila Carroll).

8/13/18 -- Connecticut River/Petersham

Highlights from this morning's trip to the Gill/Montague/Turner’s Falls areas:

BARTON COVE: Double-crested Cormorant (3); Great Blue Heron (2); Great Egret (2); Green Heron (2); Mute Swan (3+pr w/2yg); Canada Goose (67); Mallard (9); Ruby-throated Hummingbird (1); Belted Kingfisher (1).

ROD AND GUN CLUB: Double-crested Cormorant (1); Mute Swan (13); Canada Goose (8); Ruby-throated Hummingbird (2); Belted Kingfisher (2).

CANAL: Great Egret (3); Mallard (32); Hooded Merganser (1). No gulls at all 3 locations.

We checked out the sod farm in Northfield and found some nice pools but only large flocks of Tree and Barn Swallows.

On the way home we stopped by HARVARD POND, PETERSHAM: Great Blue Heron (2); Canada Goose (2); Wood Duck (9); A Black Duck (1); Killdeer (1); Solitary Sandpiper (1); Tree Swallow (c.140+).
(report from Mark Lynch/Sheila Carroll).

8/12/18 -- Wachusett Reservoir

We did a quick survey with several stops, including Thomas Basin, the causeway area, the dike, the dam, Gate 17.

Highlights: Common Loon (8+ pr/w 2 yg); Double-crested Cormorant (35); Great Blue Heron (1); Canada Goose (22); Wild Turkey (10); Turkey Vulture (2); Osprey (1); Red-tailed Hawk (2); A Kestrel (1m); Killdeer (26: Clinton HS fields); Ring-billed Gull (44); BLACK TERN (2: flying north together, stopping a few times to flit down to the water; annoyed by a Ring-billed at one point; nice views. Checking from the dam, we could not relocate the birds); Mourning Dove (23); Barred Owl (1); Tree Swallow (10+); Barn Swallow (30+).
(report from Mark Lynch/Sheila Carroll).

8/12/18 -- Notre Dame Cemetery, Worcester

I observed a juvenile Black-crowned Night-Heron in the marsh at Notre Dame Cemetery at 9:22 AM this morning. (report from Ed Kittredge)

8/11/18 -- Quabbin Gate 8

We spent several hours, with highlights: Common Loon (2); Double-crested Cormorant (2); Mallard (4); Common merganser (1f); Osprey (1: dove several times at perched eagle); Bald Eagle (2ad); Wild Turkey (1); Spotted Sandpiper (3); Ring-billed Gull (16); COMMON TERN (1: headed south and we lost track of it. Later we looked for it from the Administration Building and dipped); Ruby-throated Hummingbird (1); Yellow-bellied Sapsucker (2); Pileated Woodpecker (1); E Wood Peewee (5); E Phoebe (1); Tree Swallow (6+) Barn Swallow (6+); Yellow-throated Vireo (1); Blue-headed Vireo (1); Red-eyed Vireo (11); C Raven (2); Veery (2); Scarlet Tanager (2); Rose-breasted Grosbeak (1); Dickcissel (1 calling a number of times while flying sw overhead).
(report from Mark Lynch/Sheila Carroll).

8/5/18 -- Quabog IBA

Highlights from this morning:

QUABOG IBA: Great Blue Heron (1); Green Heron (1); Double-crested Cormorant (1); Canada Goose (24); Wood Duck (4); Mallard (20); Osprey (1); Bald Eagle (2); Virginia Rail (11); E Wood Peewee (3); E Phoebe (14); E Kingbird (29); Tree Swallow (402); Cliff Swallow (1); Barn Swallow (95)

• VIREOS: Yellow-throated (3); Warbling (5); Red-eyed (9)
  

Fish Crow (4); Marsh Wren (14); E Bluebird (4); Cedar Waxwing (10); Yellow Warbler (6); A Redstart (1); C Yellowthroat (8); Swamp Sparrow (19); Bobolink (21); Baltimore Oriole (3).

SOUTH QUABBIN: C Loon (2); GREAT EGRET (1: RT. 9 marsh); Canada Goose (2); Wood Duck (10); Solitary Sandpiper (1).

QUINAPOXET RESERVOIR, HOLDEN: C Loon (1ad); Great Egret (1); Canada Goose (28).
(report from Mark Lynch/Sheila Carroll).

8/4/18 -- Wachusett Reservoir

A quick survey of WACHUSETT RESERVOIR in between rain today (c.noon) had the following: Common Loon (7); Double-crested Cormorant (31); Canada Goose (26); Bald Eagle (1ad); Broad-winged Hawk (1); Red-tailed Hawk (1); Wild Turkey (12); Killdeer (36: Clinton HS playing fields); Ring-billed Gull (54).

There were a few swallows flying: N Rough-winged (1); Tree (23); Barn (5).
(report from Mark Lynch/Sheila Carroll).

7/29/18 -- Mt Wachusett, Princeton

Two hen turkeys with 11 poults, about 50 yards from the summit of Mt Wachusett. Poults were about one third of adults size. First time I have seen any on the mountain. Will duly fill out the MassWildlife turkey survey on line! (report from Marion Larson).

7/28/18 -- QUABOG IBA, Brookfields

This morning we birded just a few spots in the QUABOG IBA (Brookfields). Bird song is really dropping off and the first real signs of fall migration were apparent. Water levels at the 4 main ponds and along the river is still high. Highlights:

Great Blue Heron (4: none still in nests); Green Heron (1); Black Vulture (1); Turkey Vulture (11); Canada Goose (63); Wood Duck (11); Mallard (11); Osprey (2); Bald Eagle (1imm); Red-shouldered Hawk (1); Red-tailed Hawk (1); Wild Turkey (6); Virginia Rail (12); Ring-billed Gull (10); Mourning Dove (28); Yellow-billed Cuckoo (1); Chimney Swift (14); Belted Kingfisher (1); N Flicker (2).

• FLYCATCHERS: E Wood Peewee (6); Willow (9); E Phoebe (4); Great Crested (1); E Kingbird (39: many newly fledged birds).
• VIREOS: Yellow-throated (2); Warbling (6); Red-eyed (16).

Fish Crow (2); Tree Swallow (610+); Barn Swallow (100+: these were gathering in 3 different locations including hundreds perched in bushes along the river); Marsh Wren (16); E Bluebird (5); Cedar Waxwing (3); Yellow-Warbler (6); Pine Warbler (3); C Yellowthroat (13); Scarlet Tanager (2); Savannah Sparrow (2); Swamp Sparrow (61: a number of newly fledged young and many birds still singing); A Goldfinch (43).
(report from Mark Lynch/Sheila Carroll).

7/21/18 -- Ware River Watershed IBA

Today we birded a few areas in the southern half of the WARE RIVER WATERSHED IBA. Bird song is really winding down. Most Ovenbirds are not consistently singing, and most warblers are only singing at times. Vireos are still singing away, and empids are singing/calling AT TIMES. Tanagers are also still in full song.

Highlights: Great Blue Heron (3); Turkey Vulture (2); Wood Duck (11); Red-tailed Hawk (1); Virginia Rail (3); Yellow-billed Cuckoo (1); Ruby-throated Hummingbird (1); Yellow-bellied Sapsucker (1).

• FLYCATCHERS: E Wood Peewee (7); Alder (3); Least (4); E Phoebe (12); Great Crested (1); E Kingbird (6).
• VIREOS: Yellow-throated (4); Blue-headed (3); Red-eyed (93)

Common Raven (1); Tree Swallow (23); Bank Swallow (4); Barn Swallow (33. Nb: there was a modest movement of swallows along the river at dawn); Red-breasted Nuthatch (4); Brown Creeper (1); Winter Wren (2); Blue-gray Gnatcatcher (2); Veery (16) Hermit Thrush (18); Wood Thrush (2); Cedar Waxwing (4).

• WARBLERS: Yellow (10); Chestnut-sided (4); Black-throated Blue (7); Yellow-rumped (2); Black-throated Green (14); Pine (19); Black and White (1); Ovenbird (7); C Yellowthroat (38); Canada (1juv).

Scarlet Tanager (13); E Towhee (38); Swamp Sparrow (27); Rose-breasted Grosbeak (1); Indigo Bunting (5); Bobolink (14: flock of post-breeding birds in field); Baltimore Oriole (6).

Most interesting blooms seen: Fern-leaved False Foxglove and Stinging Nettles.
(report from Mark Lynch/Sheila Carroll).

7/15/18 -- QUABOG IBA, Brookfields

Today we spent a few hours birding the QUABOG IBA (Brookfields). Bird song has really diminished. Persistent singers like vireos are still in high song, but some warbler species like Ovenbirds are now mostly silent except at dawn. Highlights:

Great Blue Heron (4ad+4 young still in 2 nests and we watched as 3 young birds left another nest for the first time); Turkey Vulture (1); Canada Goose (28); Wood Duck (2 ducklings unattended); Mallard (13ad+1f w/3 ducklings); Bald Eagle (1); American Kestrel (1m); Ring-necked Pheasant (1m); Wild Turkey (9); Virginia Rail (9); Killdeer (2); Ring-billed Gull (3); Barred Owl (1); Belted Kingfisher (1).

• FLYCATCHERS: E Wood Peewee (8); Willow Flycatcher (4); E Phoebe (16); Great crested (3); E Kingbird (23: some young fledged).
• VIREOS: Yellow-throated (9); Warbling (15); Red-eyed (61).

Fish Crow (1); Carolina Wren (5); House Wren (21); Marsh Wren (14); Blue-gray Gnatcatcher (3); Veery (23).

• WARBLERS: Yellow (16); Pine (7); A Redstart (5); Ovenbird (2); C Yellowthroat (52).

Scarlet Tanager (11); Field Sparrow (3); Swamp Sparrow (43); Rose-breasted Grosbeak (6); Indigo Bunting (5); Baltimore Oriole 94); A Goldfinch (33).
(report from Mark Lynch/Sheila Carroll).

7/10/18 -- Wachusett Reservoir

A very quick tour around WACHUSETT RESERVOIR this morning had the following:

Common Loon (4+pair w/2 young); Double-crested Cormorant (14); Great Blue Heron (3); Canada Goose (38); Mallard (14); Hooded Merganser (1f w/2yg); Bald Eagle (1ad); Red-tailed Hawk (1); Spotted Sandpiper (2); Ring-billed Gull (18: mostly post-breeding adults).

ALSO: The aged Red-eared Slider was spotted again in gate 17. There was a good flight od American Coppers along the dike as well as a decent flight of certain dragonflies like Wandering Gliders and Calico Pennants.
(report from Mark Lynch/Sheila Carroll).

7/4/18 -- Hardwick

We spent the morning birding around HARDWICK, visiting various spots including the Gate 43 fishing area/boat launch (fee). We quit by 11:30AM as the heat got to be too much. Highlights:

Common Loon (pr w/2chicks+1ad); Great Blue Heron (1); Turkey Vulture (1); Canada Goose (5); Wood Duck (1m); Hooded Merganser (6yg, no sign of an adult female); Wild Turkey (3); Killdeer (6); Spotted Sandpiper (2); Ring-billed Gull (2); Black-billed Cuckoo (1); Ruby-throated Hummingbird (2); Yellow-bellied Sapsucker (2).

• Flycatchers/Vireos: E Wood Peewee (6); Least Flycatcher (7); E Phoebe (15); Great Crested Flycatcher (3); E Kingbird (15); Yellow-throated Vireo (10); Blue-headed Vireo (2); Warbling Vireo (9); Red-eyed Vireo (99)

Common Raven (1:being wailed on by 2 Red-winged Blackbirds); Tree Swallow (60+); Barn Swallow (23); Red-breasted Nuthatch (9); Winter Wren (6); E Bluebird (3); Veery (41); Wood Thrush (6).

• WARBLERS: Yellow (21); Chestnut-sided (19); Black-throated Blue (7); Black-throated Green (9); Blackburnian (1); Pine (23); Black and White (6); A Redstart (7); Ovenbird (37); Louisiana Waterthrush (1); C Yellowthroat (51); Canada (2).

Scarlet Tanager (15); E Towhee (11); Savannah Sparrow (10); Rose-breasted Grosbeak (3); Indigo Bunting (21); Bobolink (10); E Meadowlark (3); Baltimore Oriole (2).
(report from Mark Lynch/Sheila Carroll).

7/1/18 -- Petersham

We spent a hot and humid morning birding in PETERSHAM. We visited various Trustees of Reservations, Harvard Forest, Harvard Pond, a MAS property, various powerline breaks, and other locations. Highlights:

Common Loon (1 heard); American Bittern (1); Great Blue Heron (2+1ad w/3yg in nest); Green Heron (1); Canada Goose (1); Wood Duck (1f w/6yg+1f 2/2yg+1f w/3yg+1f w/4yg+7 juvenile birds+2 other adults); Hooded Merganser (2yg+1f w/2yg); Broad-winged Hawk (1); Red-tailed Hawk (1); Wild Turkey (5+1f w/6yg); Virginia Rail (1); Killdeer (1); Black-billed Cuckoo (1); Yellow-billed Cuckoo (1); Ruby-throated Hummingbird (1); Yellow-bellied Sapsucker (6); Pileated Woodpecker (1).

• FLYCATCHERS: E Wood Peewee (27); Least (14); E Phoebe (22); E Kingbird (4).
• VIREO: Yellow-throated (8); Blue-headed (12); Warbling (3); Red-eyed (174).

Common Raven (4); Red-breasted Nuthatch (6); Brown Creeper (3); Winter Wren (7); Blue-gray Gnatcatcher (5); Veery (26); Hermit Thrush (23); Wood Thrush (3); Cedar Waxwing (4).

• WARBLERS: Yellow (2); Chestnut-sided (33); Black-throated Blue (4); Yellow-rumped (2); Black-throated Green (20); Blackburnian (5); Pine (22); Prairie (7); Black and White (4); A Redstart (13); Worm-eating (1: pst); Ovenbird (97); Louisiana Waterthrush (3); C Yellowthroat (64); Canada (3).

Scarlet Tanager (19); E Towhee (30); Field Sparrow (4); Swamp Sparrow (8); Rose-breasted Grosbeak (8); Indigo Bunting (12).

Non-bird highlights included: hundreds of teeny American Toads; (6) Northern Pearly Eyes on some scat; a Banded Pennant, a life-dragonfly for us.

ALSO: a brief stop at the Barre Transfer Station found (46) Turkey Vulture ; (1) Sharp-shinned Hawk; (1) Yellow-billed Cuckoo.
(report from Mark Lynch/Sheila Carroll).

6/30/18 -- Brookfields

We got an early start and surveyed some of the areas in the QUABOG IBA (Brookfields). We never even got to Elm Hill MAS! Bird activity is in high gear as parents are feeding young. Highlights:

Least Bittern (1 calling from cattails); Great Blue Heron (6ad+13yg in 5 still active nests); Green Heron (1); Mallard (12); Bald Eagle (2 imm still in the nest at north end of Wickabog); Virginia Rail (16); Sora (1); Barred Owl (just a single bloody wing in the middle of a road); Belted Kingfisher (2); Pileated Woodpecker (1).

• FLYCATCHERS: E Wood Peewee (10); Willow (4); E Phoebe (9); Great Crested (3); E Kingbird (23).
• VIREOS: Yellow-throated (11); Warbling (26); Red-eyed (36).

Common Raven (1); N Rough-winged Swallow (2); Bank Swallow (4); House Wren (14); Marsh Wren (8); Blue-gray Gnatcatcher (2); Veery (16); Wood Thrush (6).

• WARBLERS: Yellow (21); Chestnut-sided (2); Pine (9); Black and White (2); A Redstart (5); Ovenbird (16); C Yellowthroat (49).

Scarlet Tanager (5); Swamp Sparrow (45); Rose-breasted Grosbeak (2); Indigo Bunting (1); Bobolink (13); Orchard Oriole (1); Baltimore Oriole (5).

At a pond in WARREN: Great Blue Heron (3); Wood Duck (1f w/13yg+1f w/11yg).
(report from Mark Lynch/Sheila Carroll).

6/29/18 -- Winchendon-South Royalston

Today we birded the OTTER STATE FOREST/BIRCH HILL DAM parcel that straddles the border between WINCHENDON and SOUTH ROYALSTON. List:

Double-crested Cormorant (1ad); Great Blue Heron (2); Turkey Vulture (2); Canada Goose (29); Wood Duck (1m); Broad-winged Hawk (5); Virginia Rail (1); Mourning Dove (4); BELTED KINGFISHER (1 dead, found hanging over the river, having gotten tangled up in discarded fishing line); Yellow-bellied Sapsucker (2); Hairy Woodpecker (2).

• FLYCATCHERS: E Wood Peewee (2); Least (4); E Phoebe (9); Great Crested Flycatcher (7); E Kingbird (8).
• VIREOS: Blue-headed (21); Warbling (2); Red-eyed (83).

Blue Jay (17); A Crow (3); Tree Swallow (4+ pair feeding 3 young in nesthole); N Rough-winged Swallow (1); Barn Swallow (2); Black-capped Chickadee (19); Tufted Titmouse (4); Red-breasted Nuthatch (8); White-breasted Nuthatch (3); Winter Wren (2); Veery (11); Hermit Thrush (18); Wood Thrush (3); A Robin (23); Gray Catbird (35); Cedar Waxwing (7).

• WARBLERS: Nashville (2); Yellow (15); Chestnut-sided (18); Black-throated Blue (6); Yellow-rumped (13); Black-throated Green (20); Blackburnian (1); Pine (34); Black and White (4); Ovenbird (72); C Yellowthroat (65).

Scarlet Tanager (2); E Towhee (21); Chipping Sparrow (23+ two nestling out of the nest and in the middle of a road-we moved them to the side); Song Sparrow (44); Swamp Sparrow (24); White-throated Sparrow (6); N Cardinal (2); Indigo Bunting (3); Red-winged Blackbird (56); Baltimore Oriole (2); Purple Finch (14); A Goldfinch (6).

Other vertebrate highlights included Banded Watersnake, Garter Snake; Gray Treefrog; White-tailed Deer. Odonate highlights included Black-shouldered Spinylegs and Dragonhunter; blooms included a nice show of Rose Pogonia (an orchid).
(report from Mark Lynch/Sheila Carroll).

6/29/18 -- Westboro

There appear to be a pair of bald eagles flying around the pond on Otis street in westboro. (report from Sean Casler).

6/21/18 -- Brookfields/Quabog ABA

Today we birded the BROOKFIELDS/THE QUABOG IBA. Bird Song is starting to drop off. The most intense song is first thing in the morning. Persistent singers like vireos, are still in song for most of the day. There is a lot of activity as adults bring food to rapidly growing young. Most (not all) young herons look like they will be ready to leave the nest soon. Its a great time to be out in the field. The only caveat is the caterpillar destruction. It is intense in some areas and I am now finding myself standing under a rain of frass every once in a while.

Highlights: Common Loon (adult pair at Lake Quacumquasit/South Pond); Great Blue Heron (8adults+15 young in 6 nests); Green Heron (1); Black Vulture (1) Turkey Vulture (5); Canada Goose (23 adults/semi-adults+ pair w/3 goslings+pair w/4 goslings); Mallard (11+1f w/2 teeny ducklings); Osprey (1); Bald Eagle (2 juv in nest); Red-shouldered Hawk (2); Broad-winged Hawk (2); Red-tailed Hawk (2); Wild Turkey (2); Virginia Rail (7); Sora (1); Yellow-billed Cuckoo (1); Hairy Woodpecker (3); N Flicker (4).

• Flycatchers: E Wood Peewee (8); Willow Flycatcher (3); E Phoebe (4); E Kingbird (13).
• VIREOS: Yellow-throated (8); Warbling (19); Red-eyed (42).
• WRENS: Carolina (2); House (6); Winter (1); Marsh (10).

E Bluebird (6); Veery (2); Hermit Thrush (2); Brown Thrasher (1).

• WARBLERS: Yellow (16); Chestnut-sided (2); Black-throated Green (1); Pine (14); A Redstart (7); Ovenbird (23); C Yellowthroat (27).

Scarlet Tanager (6); Swamp Sparrow (32); Rose-breasted Grosbeak (11); Indigo Bunting (4); Bobolink (15); Orchard Oriole (2); Baltimore Oriole (14); Purple Finch (2); A Goldfinch (11).

While at Wells State Park we witnessed a dead tree with a 10+ Giant Ichneumon Wasps ovipositing, which was a wild sight.
(report from Mark Lynch/Sheila Carroll).

6/18/18 -- Oakham

A ruffed grouse hen stood on a rock in my garden by the woods, clucking for her babies. Several buzzed towards her as she scuttled in the woods, clucking. (report from Kathy Van Schoick).

6/16/18 -- Central Mass Rail Trail, Barre

While pedaling on the Central Mass Rail Trail we saw a family of six ravens. The juveniles looked as large and well-feathered as the adults, but they were food begging. They made quite a racket. Saw one adult feeding a young one. This was near the Barre/Rutland line....the MWRA pump house was just across the Ware River. (report from Marion Larson and Scott Handler).

6/11/18 -- Petersham

Today we spent time in a few areas of PETERSHAM. Highlights included:

Great Blue Heron (5); Turkey Vulture (1); Wood Duck (1f w/9yg); Broad-winged Hawk (3); Red-tailed Hawk (3); Wild Turkey (1); Black-billed Cuckoo (3); Yellow-billed Cuckoo (4); Barred Owl (1); Ruby-throated Hummingbird (2); Yellow-bellied Sapsucker (12: including a pair exchanging places at nest hole); Pileated Woodpecker (3).

• FLYCATCHERS: E Wood Peewee (23); Alder (10); Least (24); E Phoebe (16: including 1ad with 4 nestlings); Great Crested (4); E Kingbird (9: 1 bird seen nest-building).
• VIREOS: Yellow-throated (5); Blue-headed (19); Warbling (5); Red-eyed (130).

Common Raven (3); Red-breasted Nuthatch (12); Brown Creeper (2); Winter Wren (4); E Bluebird (4); Veery (43: 1 bird watched carrying food to nest on ground); Hermit Thrush (22); Wood Thrush (6); Cedar Waxwing (10).

• WARBLERS: Nashville (1); Yellow (14); Chestnut-sided (31); Magnolia (1); Black-throated Blue (5); Yellow-rumped (4); Black-throated Green (29); Blackburnian (3); Pine (37); Prairie (8); Black and White (17); A Redstart (21); Worm-eating (1); Ovenbird (65); Northern Waterthrush (2); Louisiana Waterthrush (3); C Yellowthroat (39).

Scarlet Tanager (26); E Towhee (14); Field Sparrow (5); Swamp Sparrow (8); Rose-breasted Grosbeak (9); Indigo Bunting (11); Baltimore Oriole (11); Purple Finch (8).

Mammal highlights included White-tailed Deer; Short-tailed Weasel, and a Black Bear we watched for some time.
(report from Mark Lynch/Sheila Carroll).

6/9/18 -- New Braintree

While driving down Utley Road (Howland's Farm) in New Braintree tonight (7:20PM), there were 2 Sandill Cranes (male and female) feeding on the south side of the road in last years corn field. We watched them for 20 minutes and they were still feeding when left. (report from Jeff Smith).

5/28/18 -- WARE RIVER WATERSHED IBA

Today we spent the entire morning in areas of the WARE RIVER WATERSHED IBA. Initially we birded along the roads along the sw edge, but then other spots in the entire southern section. The weather was overcast with occasional showers. Most of the birds were migrant breeders, but we also had a nice selection of later season migrants. Highlights:

American Bittern (2); Great Blue Heron (11 and 5 active nests in 1 rookery); Black Vulture (2); Turkey Vulture (11: nb: these vultures were at the Barre Transfer Station); Canada Goose (1); Wood Duck (1m); Mallard (6); Hooded Merganser (1f); Red-shouldered Hawk (1); Red-tailed Hawk (2); Ruffed Grouse (1); Wild Turkey (5); Virginia Rail (6); Black-billed Cuckoo (4); Yellow-billed Cuckoo (1); Yellow-bellied Sapsucker (1); Pileated Woodpecker (2)

• FLYCATCHERS: Olive-sided (1); E Wood Peewee (15); Yellow-bellied (1); Alder (8); Willow (7); Least (19); E Phoebe (2); Great Crested (5); E Kingbird (11: pair seen nest-building).
• VIREOS: Yellow-throated (6); Blue-headed (7); Warbling (5); Red-eyed (91).

Common Raven (2+1ad w/2 just-fledged young); Red-breasted Nuthatch (9); Brown Creeper (3); Blue-gray Gnatcatcher (1); Veery (34); Hermit Thrush (3); Wood Thrush (5).

• WARBLERS: Blue-winged (3); N Parula (1); Yellow (18); Chestnut-sided (43); Black-throated Blue (8); Yellow-rumped (9); Black-throated Green (18); Blackburnian (3); Pine (27); Prairie (4); Blackpoll (10); Black and White (12); A Redstart (10); Ovenbird (126); Northern Waterthrush (2); Mourning (1); C Yellowthroat (34); Canada (2).

Scarlet Tanager (31); E Towhee (22); Rose-breasted Grosbeak (13); Indigo Bunting (11); Bobolink (31); Baltimore Oriole (17); Purple Finch (4).

Despite the overcast conditions we also had some spectacular displays of late spring wild flowers: Clintonia, Indian Cucumber, Columbine, Starflower, Bunchberry, Lady’s Slipper, and Canada Mayflower everywhere. No butterflies and only a handful of Chalk-fronted Skimmers.
(report from Mark Lynch/Sheila Carroll).

5/26/18 -- Wachusett Aqueduct, Clinton to Northborough

Today we hiked much of the Wachusett Aqueduct. We began at the Clinton Courthouse and wandered fruitlessly in the Rauscher Farm Area trying to figure out where to find the aqueduct, but finally came out on Rte 62, walked down the berm along the railroad track at the 5 corners by Foss Dam and then finally found the Wachusett Aqueduct and walked to Northborough, ending on some Sudbury Valley Trustees Land (Cedar Hill Reservation). 8+ miles in total, given a couple of hiccups in wayfinding. We didn't count individual birds, but we did hear or see nearly 50 species. Birding was secondary on this walk. Highlight was a Black-billed Cuckoo calling in an area just north of Rte 290--there's been cut in the forest there. The other highlight bird experience were fledgling Carolina Wrens that flew right at us and landed literally next to our feet! The parents were none too happy. Total species list: Canada Goose, Mallard, Wild Turkey, Great Blue Heron, Red-tailed Hawk, Turkey Vulture, Spotted Sandpiper, Black-billed Cuckoo, Mourning Dove, Northern Flicker, Pileated Woodpecker, Eastern Wood Pewee, Eastern Kingbird, Red-eyed Vireo, Blue Jay, American Crow, Tree Swallow, Barn Swallow, Chickadee, Tufted Titmouse, House Wren, Carolina Wren, Eastern Bluebird, Veery, Robin, Catbird, Mockingbird, Starling, Cedar Waxwing, Blue-winged Warbler, Yellow Warbler, Yellow-rumped Warbler, American Redstart, Ovenbird, Common Yellowthroat, Eastern Towhee, Tree Sparrow, Chipping Sparrow, White-throated Sparrow, Northern Cardinal, Rose-breasted Grosbeak, Indigo Bunting, Red-winged Blackbird, Common Grackle, Cowbird, Baltimore Oriole, Goldfinch, House Sparrow. We also observed 3 deer, butterflies and a number of blooming wildflowers including several good patches of Birds-foot Violet, Lady Slippers and Wild Columbine. (report from Marion Larson and Scott Handler)

5/23/18 -- Crystal Lake, Gardner

I got an email from a Gardner resident, Norman Beauregard, with a nice photo of 2 White-winged Scoters (m&f) on Crystal Lake this morning. (report from Tom Pirro).

5/23/18 -- Westborough

For 2 days this week some staff walking at the MacCallum Wildlife Management Area (formerly the Westborough WMA) have heard what Drew Vitz, the state ornithologist, thinks may be a Brewster's Warbler. Calls were downloaded on a cell phone but when she sent it to me I was unable to open it. The calls on the phone also attracted 2 blue-winged warblers on the second day (yesterday). The bird has been heard on the WMA near the boundary that is town property near the town barn and police firing range. Access this area by parking at the FHQ, walk over near the Chestnut Orchard plantation that is east of the FHQ building and on to the woods road going NORTH along the tree line. You will come to a T where there is a metal gate, turn left on the unmarked trail (east) and somewhere along that path before diving into the woods is where the bird was heard and recorded. No one has seen the bird yet --Drew and I are hoping some inspired birders will read this and make an attempt to find it! Years ago a Golden winged warbler was recorded here, Blue-wings commonly seen and heard every year....
(report from Marion Larson)

5/23/18 -- Hope Cemetery, Worcester

This morning we woke up to hear a SWAINSON'S THRUSH singing in the bush outside our window. So, hoping for a fall-out, we headed to HOPE CEMETERY for about an hour and half. Not many birds, but still some good sightings:

Double-crested Cormorant (1: overhead); Great Blue Heron (1: overhead); Canada Goose (4: overhead); Mallard (1m); Mourning Dove (10); Yellow-billed Cuckoo (1); Black-billed Cuckoo (3 minimal); Chimney Swift (8); Belted Kingfisher (1: nests in St. John's); Red-bellied Woodpecker (2); Downy Woodpecker (1); N Flicker (2). E Wood Peewee (3: pair seen nest building); E Kingbird (1); Warbling Vireo (8); Red-eyed Vireo (3); Blue Jay (3); Black-capped Chickadee (2); Tufted Titmouse (3); House Wren (3); Swainson's Thrush (2); A Robin (38); Gray Catbird (14); N Mockingbird (7: pair seen carrying food to nest); Cedar Waxwing (flock of 29).

• WARBLERS: Tennessee (2); N Parula (1); Yellow (7); Magnolia (1); Blackburnian (1); Blackpoll (12); Black and White (1f); A Redstart (3); C Yellowthroat (3).

Chipping Sparrow (15); Song Sparrow (3); N Cardinal (2); Rose-breasted Grosbeak (4); C Grackle (9); Brown-headed Cowbird (5); Orchard Oriole (pair+1 1st yr m); Baltimore Oriole (9); House Finch (3); A Goldfinch (4).

Plus: Raccoon (1 large)
(report from Mark Lynch/Sheila Carroll).

5/20-21 -- Winchendon-South Royalston/Ware River Watershed IBA

Here are some sightings from the last 2 days:

Sunday, May20 -- We started the day at the OTTER RIVER-BIRCH HILL DAM parcel (Winchendon-South Royalston). The weather was not great: overcast, dark, breezy. Highlights included: Great Blue Heron (1); Canada Goose (8+ pr w/4yg); Sharp-shinned Hawk (1: breeds); Broad-winged Hawk (1); Wild Turkey (1); Killdeer (2); Spotted Sandpiper (4); Belted Kingfisher (1); Pileated Woodpecker (2). FLYCATCHERS: E Wood Peewee (2); Alder (5); Least (19); E Phoebe (8); Great Crested Flycatcher (1); E Kingbird (8).

• VIREOS: Blue-headed (11); Warbling (9); Red-eyed (39)

Red-breasted Nuthatch (30)

• WRENS: Carolina (1); House (1); Winter (1).
• THRUSHES: Veery (14); Swainson?s (1); Hermit (9); Wood (2).
• WARBLERS (all breeders): Yellow (27); Chestnut-sided (32); Black-throated Blue (6); Yellow-rumped (8); Black-throated Green (21); Blackburnian (2); Pine (18); Prairie (3); Black and White (9); A Redstart (4); Ovenbird (88); Northern Waterthrush (5); C Yellowthroat (79); Canada (2).

Scarlet Tanager (6); Swamp Sparrow (11); White-throated Sparrow (21: breeder); Dark-eyed Junco (1); Rose-breasted Grosbeak (4); Baltimore Oriole (11); Purple Finch (9).

Heading back home the weather cleared for a bit so we headed to the WARE RIVER WATERSHED IBA, just the se corner of it, to look for butterflies and odonates. Some of the birds seen during this short stay in the afternoon included: American Bittern (1); Turkey Vulture (1: on the ground deep in the woods); Canada Goose (6ad+10yg); Mallard (2); Broad-winged Hawk (2); Black-billed Cuckoo (1); Belted Kingfisher (1);

• FLYCATCHERS: E Wood Peewee (1); Alder (1); Willow (12): Least (8); E Phoebe (3); Great Crested Flycatcher (5); E Kingbird (4).
• VIREOS: Yellow-throated (7); Warbling (3); Red-eyed (23). Red-breasted Nuthatch (4); Winter Wren (1); Veery (6).
• WARBLERS: Yellow (14); Chestnut-sided (13); Black-throated Blue (1); Black-throated Green (3); Pine (19); Prairie (3); A Redstart (7); Ovenbird (55); Northern Waterthrush (2); Mourning (1); C Yellowthroat (37); Canada (1).

Scarlet Tanager (5); Swamp Sparrow (12); Rose-breasted Grosbeak (9); Bobolink (10); Baltimore Oriole (10).

Among the odonate highlights was seeing 100+ teneral white-faces (Dot-tailed and Hudsonian) leaving the water and flying up into the forest.

MONDAY, MAY 21: We went back to the WARE RIVER WATERSHED IBA, this time birding completely different areas from the day before. Highlights: American Bittern (1); Great Blue Heron (14 birds and 9 active nests); Canada Goose (2); Wood Duck (1); Hooded Merganser (1f); Red-shouldered Hawk (1); Broad-winged Hawk (1); Red-tailed Hawk (1); Black-billed Cuckoo (1); Great Horned Owl (1); Barred Owl (2ad+1 juvvie); Pileated Woodpecker (3).

• FLYCATCHERS: Olive-sided (1); E Wood Peewee (2); Least (5); E Phoebe (4); Great Crested Flycatcher (9); E Kingbird (6).
• VIREOS: Blue-headed (6); Warbling (3); Red-eyed (126).

Common Raven (adult pair closely watching, and loudly vocalizing to, 2 just out of the nest young. These young birds could fly a bit, but mostly walked and bounced. 1 couldn't quite balance on a perch yet. Too much great behavior to write about here); Red-breasted Nuthatch (22); Brown Creeper (3); House Wren (4); Golden-crowned Kinglet (1); Veery (37); Hermit Thrush (3); Wood Thrush (9).

• WARBLERS: Blue-winged (2); Yellow (7); Chestnut-sided (40); Magnolia (1: breeds); Cape May (1); Black-throated Blue (11); Yellow-rumped (8); Black-throated Green (13); Blackburnian (6); Pine (27); Prairie (5); Blackpoll (2); Black and White (17); A Redstart (19); Ovenbird (102); Northern Waterthrush (1); Louisiana Waterthrush (1); MOURNING (3: see photo: my personal single location count for the County); C Yellowthroat (42); Canada (2).

Scarlet Tanager (28); E Towhee (26); Swamp Sparrow (22); Rose-breasted Grosbeak (4); Indigo Bunting (2); Bobolink (13); Baltimore Oriole (9); Purple Finch (6)
(report from Mark Lynch/Sheila Carroll).

5/19/18 -- Quabog IBA/Oxford

This morning we birded a few areas of the QUABOG IBA. Just a few migrants, mostly migrant breeders: Highlights:

Great Blue Heron (21 adult birds and 15 occupied nests); Turkey Vulture (1); Canada Goose (21adults+5yg); Mute Swan (1 still on nest); Mallard (5); Bald Eagle (1ad at nest); Red-tailed Hawk (2); Wild Turkey (1); Virginia Rail (6); Sora (1); Black-billed Cuckoo (1); Red-bellied Woodpecker (5); Yellow-bellied Sapsucker (1); Pileated Woodpecker (4); Willow Flycatcher (8); Least Flycatcher (5); E Phoebe (9); Great Crested Flycatcher (3); E Kingbird (12); Yellow-throated Vireo (12); Blue-headed Vireo (1); Warbling Vireo (24); Red-eyed Vireo (69); Fish Crow (2). SWALLOWS: Tree (69); N Rough-winged (4); Bank (2); Barn (38). Brown Creeper (1);

• WRENS: Carolina (2); House (11); Marsh (6).

Veery (19); Wood Thrush (9). Gray Catbird (64); Brown Thrasher (1).

• WARBLERS: Blue-winged (5); Yellow (36); Chestnut-sided (22); Yellow-rumped (1); Black-throated Green (3); Pine (7); Bay-breasted (1); Blackpoll (1); Black and White (3); A Redstart (26); Ovenbird (53); C Yellowthroat (61); Canada (1).

Scarlet Tanager (12); E Towhee (3);Savannah Sparrow (2); Swamp Sparrow (21); Rose-breasted Grosbeak (17); Indigo Bunting (4); Bobolink (40); Baltimore Oriole (23).

ALSO: The PROTHONATORY WARBLER found in Oxford by Justin Lawson this AM was still there at 4PM. Directions: On Rt.12, Oxford look for the North Cemetery (west side). Drive in here, BUT take immediate right (Central Ave). This is a short, dead end road that ends at a marsh. Park. You can walk either left, through a yellow gate along a broad path that runs along the south edge of the marsh, OR: straight along a narrower path. The warbler is seen often along the path that runs straight along the eastern edge of the marsh (Rt. 12 will be on your right). Walk out until you get to a bit of a clearing overlooking the marsh. The warbler is often seen and heard (loudly singing) in dead trees from this spot. BUT the bird also ranged along both south and north edges of the marsh and even up into tree in the cemetery. Give it time. If it is there, you will hear it eventually. DO NOT TAPE! These southern warblers have (rarely) attempted to nest in the state. There are plenty of other birds in the area: herons, waterfowl, warblers.
(report from Mark Lynch/Sheila Carroll).

5/18/18 -- Dodge Park, Worcester

In the late pm (~6 pm) I had an adult Black-billed Cuckoo here, feasting on catapillars. Curiously, when I got home I had a phone report from Dave Grant, who this morning had a Black-billed Cuckoo not far from there (as the "cuckoo flies") in the Lincoln Village area. (report from Rick Quimby).

5/18/18 -- Oakham

A Red headed woodpecker was seen at our birdfeeders last night and this morning. A first for me, stunning. (report from Kathy Van Schoick).

5/17/18 -- Bolton flats, Bolton

Highlights of the evening Forbush Bird Club trip to Bolton Flats from the Route 117 parking lot and the Pine Hill WMA. were:

American Bittern , Blue and Green-winged Teal and Willow Flycatcher north of the parking lot

American Woodcock, Whip-poor-will, Grasshopper and Vesper Sparrows at Pine Hill WMA.

Prior to the start of my trip there were 28 Least Sandpipers in the puddle south of Route 117.
(report from Bart Kamp).

5/17/18 -- Rutland

There were Bobolinks in the upper two fields on Hillside Rd. Rutland, near farm (prior name, Alta Vista Bison Farm). (report from Anne Greene).

5/17/18 -- Worcester cemeteries

This morning we birded the cemeteries in the sw corner of the city: Hope, All Faiths, Notre Dame. We did not check St. Johns. The weather was overcast with a few light showers. Initially there didn't seem to be much migration happening, but by mid-morning we had some nice movements at Hope.

Hope: Great Blue Heron (1); Green Heron (1); Turkey Vulture (1); Canada Goose (10ad+6yg); Wood Duck (7 males); Mallard (4); Killdeer (1); Ring-billed Gull (1: nb: during Birdathon we dipped on any gulls in all the County locations we birded); Mourning Dove (26); Black-billed Cuckoo (2); Common Nighthawk (2 migrating overhead); Chimney Swift (17); Ruby-throated Hummingbird (2); Red-bellied Woodpecker (2); Downy Woodpecker (1); N Flicker (3). E Wood Peewee (1); Least Flycatcher (1 calling); E Kingbird (3); Warbling Vireo (22); Red-eyed Vireo (2); Blue Jay (8); A Crow (2 attacking the raven) ; C Raven (1); Tree Swallow (4); N Rough-winged Swallow (3); Barn Swallow (4); Black-capped Chickadee (7); Tufted Titmouse (6); White-breasted Nuthatch (3); Carolina Wren (2); Veery (1); Swainson?s Thrush (1); A Robin (70+); Gray Catbird (19); N Mockingbird (8).

• WARBLERS: Blue-winged (1); Tennessee (3); N Parula (8); Yellow (12); Chestnut-sided (5); Magnolia (1); Cape May (2); Yellow-rumped (16); Bay-breasted (1); Blackpoll (6); A Redstart (2); C Yellowthroat (5); Wilson's (2)

Chipping Sparrow (18); Song Sparrow (13); Swamp Sparrow (2); N Cardinal (2); Rose-breasted Grosbeak (3); Bobolink (1m singing atop oak in Hope); Red-winged Blackbird (30+); C Grackle (35+); Brown-headed Cowbird (5); Orchard Oriole (4: 1 pair seen displaying and eventually mating+ another f+1 1st yr male); Baltimore Oriole (27); House Finch (4); A Goldfinch (5).
(report from Mark Lynch/Sheila Carroll).

5/11/18 -- Institute Park, Worcester

In two quick strolls through the park yesterday and today there were these FOY sightings:

5/10- 5pm x3 Common Yellowthroats

5/11- 6pm x2 Killdeer
(report from Bill Sowka).

5/11/18 -- Worcester

Late this afternoon a White-crowned Sparrow was "battling" with the English Sparrows for a place on the sunflower feeder's perch; he won. (report from Bart Kamp).

5/9/18 -- Broad Meadow Brook Wildlife Sanctuary, Worcester

Highlights this afternoon: Hooded Merganser 1 (female at Heron Pond); Wild Turkey 2; Great Blue Heron 1 (on nest at Heron Pond); Green Heron 1 (flushed at Heron Pond); Cooper's Hawk 1; Red-bellied Woodpecker 2; Hairy Woodpecker 2; Northern Flicker 1; Eastern Phoebe 1; Great Crested Flycatcher 1; Warbling Vireo 2; Northern Rough-winged Swallow 3 (at Heron Pond); House Wren 2; Gray Catbird 2; Common Yellowthroat 1; Yellow Warbler 3; Yellow-rumped Warbler 6; Field Sparrow 2; Song Sparrow 7; Eastern Towhee 2; Scarlet Tanager 1; Rose-breasted Grosbeak 5; Baltimore Oriole 7. (report from John Liller).

5/8/18 -- Institute Park, Worcester

Highlights from 5:30-6:30 pm were 3 Eastern Kingbirds, a beautiful male Yellow Warbler, a Baltimore Oriole, Northern Flicker, Mute Swan with 6 goslings, and the usual abundance of Red Winged Blackbirds and Warbling Vireos. (report from Bill Sowka).

5/7/18 -- Millbury

Prarie warbler is back! (report from Susan LaBree).

5/7/18 -- Institute Park, Worcester

Between 8-9am, there were Multiple Warbling Vireos, Multiple Baltimore Orioles, x1 Orchard Oriole (First Summer male with black throat), Black and White Warbler, Norther Parula.

Last evening 5/6 6pm male Redstart
(report from Bill Sowka).

5/6/18 -- Wachusett Reservior

Today there was a significant fallout of Common Loons on the Wachusett Reservior, with a minimum of 156 individuals. I first noted a few good size rafts from gate 40, then headed to gate 36 for a better vantage point. From gate 36 I counted 112, mainly in 3 rafts, with a scattering of individuals on the fridges. All these birds were east of "the narrows". Driving directly to causeway area on RTE 12 (gate 28) I counted another 44, all well west of the "narrows". All but a very few,3 or 4 birds, were in breeding plumage. I did not have the time to check South bay nor Scar Hill Bluffs. There were no grebes, scoters or Oldsquaw. Also, there was a Common Tern perched on a bouy seen from gate 40 and 36.
(report from Tom Pirro).

5/5/18 -- Oakham

There was a Whippoorwill calling at 9 p.m., a very rare event here. (report from Kathy Van Schoick).

5/5/18 -- Hodges Village Dam, Oxford

Highlights from a walk here from 11:30-1:30 were 1 Great Crested Flycatcher (seen and heard), 5 N. Rough-winged Swallows (close views perched and flying at top of dike), 1 House Wren, 1 Blue-gray Gnatcatcher, 2 E. Bluebirds, 1 Gray Catbird, 1 Brown Thrasher (singing), 3 Warbling Vireo, 3 N. Parula, 6+ Yellow-rumped Warblers, 6+ Pine Warblers, 1 Palm Warbler, 1 Blackpoll Warbler (close views), 2 Rose-breasted Grosbeak (m&f), 5+ E. Towhee, and 2 Baltimore Oriole. (report from Rick Quimby)

5/5/18 -- SW Worcester cemeteries

This morning we had only a few hours to bird, so we checked out the cemeteries in the sw corner of Worcester: HOPE, NOTRE DAME, ALL FAITHS (Leesville Pond), SAINT JOHNS. These can be great any time in May. Today was not a big day here, too windy, winds and weather not right for a fallout of migrants, but there were still some birds around.

Double-crested Cormorant (1); Great Blue Heron (1: fly-over); Green Heron (1); Canada Goose (7); Mute Swan (4: 2 on nests); Wood Duck (5); Mallard (2); Osprey (1: fly-over); Red-shouldered Hawk (1: fly-over); Killdeer (1); Mourning Dove (16); Chimney Swift (6); Belted Kingfisher (2: pair); Red-bellied Woodpecker (3); Downy Woodpecker (1); N Flicker (7). E Phoebe (3); E Kingbird (4); Warbling Vireo (12); Blue Jay (5); A Crow (4); Tree Swallow (9); N Rough-winged Swallow (3); Barn Swallow (2); Black-capped Chickadee (5); Tufted Titmouse (11); White-breasted Nuthatch (3); House Wren (2); A Robin (74); Gray Catbird (14); N Mockingbird (1).

WARBLERS: Nashville (1: Sheila got a nice shot); N Parula (13); Yellow (12); Chestnut-sided (2); Black-throated Blue (1); Yellow-rumped (18); Prairie (1); Palm (1); Black and White (3); A Redstart (5); Worm-eating (1: originally seen/heard in Hope near the edge of St. Johns and the river. It was somewhat with a group of redstarts. They all moved over to St. Johns. We rushed over there but couldn?t refind any of the birds, which seemed to move along the river and out); C Yelowthroat (2);

E Towhee (1); Chipping Sparrow (27); Field Sparrow (also moved from Hope to St. Johns, where it could be heard singing); Song Sparrow (12); Swamp Sparrow (4); White-throated Sparrow (12); N Cardinal (11); Rose-breasted Grosbeak (1); Red-winged Blackbird (37); C Grackle (20); Brown-headed Cowbird (15); Orchard Oriole (1m); Baltimore Oriole (26); House Finch (9); A Goldfinch (6).

PLUS: nice chorus of American Toads at Notre Dame.
(report from Mark Lynch/Sheila Carroll).

5/5/18 -- Institute Park, Worcester

Birds of note at 10am included Northern Parula x2; Yellow Warbler; Black and White Warbler x1; Pine Warbler x2; Multiple Baltimore Orioles; Warbling Vireo; Red Bellied Woodpecker; Red Tailed Hawk.
(all seen in north end of pond, near or in the cherry blossoms except for yellow warbler which was mid pond in the low lying pondside bushes). Fun morning!
(report from Bill Sowka).

5/4/18 -- Institute Park, Worcester

Highlights at 1 pm today: 2 Warbling Vireos, 3 Yellow-rumped Warblers, 2 Black-and-white Warblers, and 2 Baltimore Orioles (male & female). (report from Rick Quimby).

5/4/18 -- Quabog IBA, Brookfields

We started out birding the QUABOG IBA (Brookfields) this morning well before dawn. Throughout the morning there were periodic showers. It soon became obvious, even in the dark, that there had been a decent outfall of certain species.

List: Common Loon (1); Double-crested Cormorant (3); American Bittern (1); Great Blue Heron (11, 9 active nests); Green Heron (2); Canada Goose (29); Mute Swan (pr, 1 on nest); Wood Duck (8); A Black Duck (1); Mallard (21); Ring-necked Duck (4: 2pr); Hooded Merganser (2f); RED-BREASTED MERGANSER (3; 1m+2f); Bald Eagle (2; 1ad+1imm); Red-tailed Hawk (2). Wild Turkey (20); Virginia Rail (5); Sora (1); Killdeer (1); Solitary Sandpiper (1); Spotted Sandpiper (2); American Woodcock (4); BONAPARTE'S GULL (4: 1adS); Ring-billed Gull (1); Mourning Dove (29); E Screech Owl (1); Great Horned Owl (1); Barred Owl (1); Whip-Poor-Will (5); Red-bellied Woodpecker (7); Yellow-bellied Sapsucker (1); Downy Woodpecker (7); Hairy Woodpecker (2); N Flicker (9); Pileated Woodpecker (2). WILLOW FLYCATCHER (1; by far my earliest date for this species in central MA); Least Flycatcher (14); E Phoebe (16); E Kingbird (8);

VIREOS: Yellow-throated (5); Blue-headed (1); Warbling (23)

Blue Jay (23); A Crow (13); C Raven (1); Tree Swallow (86); N Rough-winged Swallow (2); Bank Swallow (5); Barn Swallow (45+); Black-capped Chickadee (46); Tufted Titmouse (47); White-breasted Nuthatch (6); Carolina Wren (5); House Wren (21); Blue-gray Gnatcatcher (8); E Bluebird (3); Veery (26); Hermit Thrush (3); Wood Thrush (31); A Robin (117); Gray Catbird (88); N Mockingbird (2); Brown Thrasher (1).

WARBLERS: Blue-winged (7); N Parula (6); Yellow (39); Chestnut-sided (6); Black-throated Blue (1); Yellow-rumped (88); Black-throated Green (3); Pine (14); Prairie (1); Black and White (15); A Redstart (10); Ovenbird (58); Northern Waterthrush (1); Louisiana Waterthrush (2); C Yellowthroat (58); HOODED (1f)

Scarlet Tanager (4).

SPARROWS: E Towhee (9); Chipping (75); Savannah (2); Song (47); Swamp (49); White-throated (5)

N Cardinal (49); Rose-breasted Grosbeak (8); Bobolink (8); Red-winged Blackbird (148); C Grackle (63); Brown-headed Cowbird (9); Baltimore Oriole (23); House Finch (18); A Goldfinch (19).

MAMMALS: included E Cottontail; River Otter; Muskrat; Beaver. Many E painted Turtles, (1) Spotted. Hundreds of Peepers and American Toads calling and (7) Gray Tree Frogs

The Only butterflies were a Cabbage White and (2) Spring Azures.
(report from Mark Lynch/Sheila Carroll).

5/4/18 -- Millbury

Today the Baltimore Orioles and Yellow Warblers are back (report from Susan LaBree).

5/3/18 -- Rutland

Two male Ruby-throated hummingbirds at feeder this a.m. , 1 male Oriole also seen (feeding at hummingbird feeder). (report from Anne Greene)

5/2/18 -- Sturbridge

FOY Ruby-throated hummingbird (male) at our feeder in Sturbridge. (report from Naomi Lacasse).

5/1/18 -- Barre

Male Ruby-throated Hummingbird at a feeder in Barre center at 5 pm today. (report from Steve Meredith).

5/1/18 -- Ware River IBA

Today we birded some of the southern half of the WARE RIVER WATERSHED IBA. List below:

American Bittern (1); Great Blue Heron (5-4 occupied nests in 1 rookery); Green Heron (1); Canada Goose (4); Wood Duck (18); Mallard (6: 1f on nest in marsh); Bufflehead (2); Broad-winged Hawk (2); Virginia Rail (6); Sora (1); Mourning Dove (3); Belted Kingfisher (1); Yellow-bellied Sapsucker (1); Downy Woodpecker (2); N Flicker (10); Pileated Woodpecker (2: we also had another fly right over Holden center en route). E Phoebe (10); Blue-headed Vireo (12); C Raven (1 very vocal bird hanging out near nest); Tree Swallow (24); Black-capped Chickadee (17); Tufted Titmouse (14); Red-breasted Nuthatch (4); White-breasted Nuthatch (3); Brown Creeper (6); Ruby-crowned Kinglet (5); E Bluebird (2); Hermit Thrush (6); A Robin (27).

• WARBLERS: Yellow-rumped (39); Pine (56); Palm (1); Black and White (12); Ovenbird (1); Northern Waterthrush (1); Louisiana Waterthrush (1).
• SPARROWS: E Towhee (36); Chipping (44); Song (19); Swamp (16); White-throated (1).

N cardinal (2); Red-winged Blackbird (36); C Grackle (40+); Brown-headed Cowbird (6); Purple Finch (12); A Goldfinch (19).

Trilliums and Bloodroot just about ready to bloom.
(report from Mark Lynch/Sheila Carroll).

5/1/18 -- Wampanoag WS, Gardner

Still almost no warblers except pine(2) and yellow-rumped(1), along with brown creeper(3), several blue jays and tree swallows (12 est.), eastern bluebird (pair), red-bellied woodpecker(1), broad-winged hawk(pair), hairy woodpecker(1), several chickadees. Most interesting and a first for us here- a beautiful RED-NECKED GREBE on Lake Wampanoag, very nearly in full breeding plumage. (report from Dick and Peg Knowlton).

4/30/18 --Devens, South Post, Lancaster

During the MassWildlife Outdoorswoman Turkey Hunt at Devens, I was stationed at one of the classrooms at the shooting ranges from 4:30AM - Noonish. Full moon turned into a nice pink-clouded sunrise, but then gray clouds took over and so did the rain. Temp at 4:30 was 36 degrees and only got up to 42 by noon; it was raw with some breeze from the west. Birds seen or heard at that area were the following: Woodcock (2), Whip-poor-will (2), Field Sparrow (FOY), Chipping Sparrows (15), Eastern Phoebe, Cowbird, Goldfinch, Great Blue Heron, Mockingbird, Turkeys (12), Eastern Bluebird (2), Pine Warbler, Palm Warbler, Chickadee, Red-bellied Woodpecker, Flicker, Wood Thrush, Canada Geese (2), Red-tailed Hawk (report from Marion Larson)

4/29/18 -- High Ridge WMA, Westminster/Gardner

On the Forbush Bird Club trip, highlights were: Great Blue Heron nesting colony with 15 occupied nests, nice views of Blue-headed Vireo, Brown Thrasher, and an early Boblink. Overall migration would seem to be slightly behind schedule, low wood warbler diversity and missing a few expected species for the date such as House Wren. Notable were Species seen and or heard by others, but not me were American Kestrel 1, and Eastern Towhee 1. trip total of 49 species.

Selected totals: Wood Duck 4; Hooded Merganser 3; Common Merganser (North American) 5; Common Loon 1 ...distant bird calling, likely in flight; Great Blue Heron (Blue form) 20 ..15 active nests; Broad-winged Hawk 1; Virginia Rail 1 calling kiddick...kiddick, later a few grunting calls; Yellow-bellied Sapsucker 1 heard only; Hairy Woodpecker (Eastern) 4; Pileated Woodpecker 2; Blue-headed Vireo 3 nice looks; Northern Rough-winged Swallow 4; Tree Swallow 35; Barn Swallow (American) 3; Brown Creeper 1; Ruby-crowned Kinglet 1; Eastern Bluebird 5; Hermit Thrush 2; Brown Thrasher 1; Louisiana Waterthrush 1; Pine Warbler 16; Yellow-rumped Warbler (Myrtle) 7; Field Sparrow 3; White-throated Sparrow 1; Song Sparrow 8; Swamp Sparrow 4; Bobolink 1.
(report from Tom Pirro).

4/29/18 -- Quabog IBA/Wachusett Reservoir

We started the day birding the QUABOG IBA in rain. Despite the rain, there were many fishing boats out on Lake Quabog and South Pond. Partial list:

Common Loon (6: 5 on Quabog; 1 on Lashaway); American Bittern (1); Great Blue Heron (9 occupied nests); Canada Goose (26: 4 on nests); Mute Swan (1 on nest); Wood Duck (19); Mallard (5); Ring-necked Ducks (6); LONG-TAILED DUCK (3: 1m+2f on Lashaway); Bufflehead (1); Osprey (1); Sharp-shinned Hawk (1); Red-shouldered Hawk (1); Red-tailed Hawk (3); Wild Turkey (26); Virginia Rail (6); Ring-billed Gull (2); Mourning Dove (20); Belted Kingfisher (1); Red-bellied Woodpecker (4); Downy Woodpecker (3); N Flicker (8); Pileated Woodpecker (1). E Phoebe (6); Tree Swallow (105); N Rough-winged Swallow (8); Bank Swallow (2); Barn Swallow (31); Carolina Wren (1); Ruby-crowned Kinglet (11); E Bluebird (3); N Mockingbird (5); Brown Thrasher (2); Yellow-rumped Warbler (31); Pine Warbler (7); Field Sparrow (1); Swamp Sparrow (62).

Then we headed to WACHUSETT RESERVOIR: Common Loon (16); Horned Grebe (14: we first saw these and the Bonies early on from the dike; then from the dam and finally from Mile Hill Road); Double-crested Cormorant (6); Great Blue Heron (1); Canada Goose (9); Mallard (4); Bufflehead (3); Common merganser (7); Bald Eagle (1ad+1imm); Bonaparte's Gull (7 adW); Ring-billed Gull (41).
(report from Mark Lynch/Sheila Carroll).

4/25/18 -- Bolton Flats

I visited the flooded Bolton Flats fields on the south side of Route 117 in Lancaster about 11:30 AM today hoping to find Bart Kamp's 1st winter Lesser Black-backed Gull. I did immediately find an immature Lesser Black-backed Gull. I initially assumed it was the same bird that Bart saw, but, after he saw my images, Bart called me and said that he, in fact, had seen an entirely different bird than I did. His bird was a more "standard" 1st winter bird whereas the bird I observed is an older bird, perhaps a 2nd winter bird. The bird I observed had some complete dark gray plumage on its upperparts (as observed while it was standing on the ground) and did not have an entirely black bill. So, be on the lookout for two immature Lesser Black-backed Gulls in the Bolton Flats area. (report from Ed Kittredge)

4/25/18 -- Bolton Flats

Highlights of a trip to the Route 117 area of Bolton Flat WMA; North side: water too deep to drive into parking lot, only 2 ducks, Green-winged Teal, 2 Virginia Rails and 3 Greater Yellowlegs. South side:Water too deep drive in and too deep for knee boots. Drove in at the small pull-off just east of the bridge. Was able to walk out to the middle of the field without flushing any birds. There were 20-25 Wood Ducks, 8 Mallards and among the 40-50 Ring-billed Gulls the was a first winter Lesser Black-backed Gull. (report from Bart Kamp).

4/24/18 -- Institute Park, Worcester

Highlights at noon: 1 Hooded Merganser (m), 1 Killdeer, 1 Spotted Sandpiper, 2 Ruby-crowned Kinglets (in same bush, displaying red crest), 3 Yellow-rumped Warblers, and 1 Pine Warbler. (report from Rick Quimby).

4/24/18 -- Institute Park, Worcester

Highlights from the last 2 days were Mute Swan, Cormorant, Chipping Sparrow, Eastern Phoebe, Northern Flicker, Palm Warbler. (report from Bill Sowka).

4/23/18 -- Quabog IBA

We spent this morning birding around the QUABOG IBA in the Brookfields.

Great Blue Heron (24 birds and 23 active nests); Canada Goose (26-2 on nests); Mute Swan (2-1 on nest); Wood Duck (13); A Black Duck (3); Mallard (29); Green-winged Teal (12); Ring-necked Duck (24); Bufflehead (11); Common Merganser (36); Black Vulture (1); Turkey Vulture (1); Osprey (1); Red-shouldered Hawk (1); Red-tailed Hawk (2); American Kestrel (1f); Wild Turkey (10); Virginia Rail (5); Killdeer (1); Ring-billed Gull (5); Herring Gull (1); Mourning Dove (11); Belted Kingfisher (1); Red-bellied Woodpecker (7); Yellow-bellied Sapsucker (1); Downy Woodpecker (8); Hairy Woodpecker (3); N Flicker (17); Pileated Woodpecker (2). E Phoebe (13); Blue-headed Vireo (1); Blue Jay (23); A Crow (12); FISH CROW (1: hanging out in the vicinity of the Lake Quabog boat launch/lot: VERY vocal and active); C Raven (2).

SWALLOWS: Tree (29); N Rough-winged (2); Cliff (1).

Black-capped Chickadee (26/pair excavating nest hole); Tufted Titmouse (33); White-breasted Nuthatch (4); Brown Creeper (1); Carolina Wren (5); Ruby-crowned Kinglet (23); Blue-gray Gnatcatcher (1); E Bluebird (2); A Robin (61); N Mockingbird (3); Brown Thrasher (1).

WARBLERS: Yellow-rumped (37); Pine (18); Palm (45); Louisiana Waterthrush (2 in Spencer).

SPARROWS: Chipping (53); Field (2); Song (68); Swamp (64); White-throated (27); Dark-eyed Junco (5).

N Cardinal (35); Red-winged Blackbird (125+); C Grackle (84); Brown-headed Cowbird (11); House Finch (28); A Goldfinch (16).

PLUS: our only butterfly was (1) Cabbage White. Among the many E Painted Turtles we also saw (1) Spotted Turtle and (2) Red-eared Sliders.

We stopped at one pond in WARREN and had: (6) Great Blue Heron; (36) Canada Geese; (2) Wood Duck; (4) Turkey Vulture; (2) Bald Eagles: 1 ad+1imm; (3) Hermit Thrush.
(report from Mark Lynch/Sheila Carroll).

4/20/18 -- Saint Johns Cemetery, Worcester

There is an occupied Red-tailed Hawk nest near the top of a spruce tree on the left side of the cemetery before you cross The Middle River bridge. Also this morning we watched a male Northern Harrier rise up, catch a thermal and head off to the north. For the 2nd time this week we had a Raven fly over the cemetery. (report from Brian Mulhearn)

4/20/18 -- Petersham/north Connecticut River area

Today we started with just a few stops in PETERSHAM: Canada Goose (14); Wood Duck (2); A Black Duck (2); Ring-necked Duck (7); Hooded Merganser (1m); Bufflehead (8); Common Merganser (7); Red-shouldered Hawk (1); Belted Kingfisher (1); Yellow-bellied Sapsucker (3); Belted Kingfisher (1); E Phoebe (4); Ruby-crowned Kinglet (1); Hermit Thrush (11); Tree Swallow (30); Pine Warbler (6); Rusty Blackbird (1).

ERVING: Turkey Vulture (8); Mallard (2); and a single large flock of 2 species: Ruby-crowned Kinglet (12) and Palm Warbler (10).

BARTON COVE: Common Loon (1); Double-crested Cormorant (2); Canada Goose (11); Bufflehead (1); Hooded Merganser (1m); Common Merganser (12).

CONTE CANAL: not much: Mallard (4); Bufflehead (6); Common Merganser (1); E Phoebe (2); Pine Warbler (5); Palm Warbler (13: working between the guard rail and the water offering nice photo possibilities).

TURNER'S FALLS ROD AND GUN CLUB: Common Loon (1); Mute Swan (10); Bufflehead (11); Common Merganser (16): at nearby airport: Turkey Vulture (1); American Kestrel (1).

MONTAGUE PLAINS: Common Raven (2); Pine Warbler (5); Field Sparrow (1); RED CROSSBILL (4).
(report from Mark Lynch/Sheila Carroll).

4/19/18 -- Uxbridge

A Great Egret was seen about 1:45pm today at J. Whitin Pond from Hartford Avenue E, near the intersection with Rte 122 in Uxbridge. (report from Beth Milke)

4/18/18 -- Quabog IBA

Today we birded the QUABOG IBA. It was cool/cold and breezy.

Common Loon (2); Great Blue Heron (13 individuals, 7 active nests); Turkey Vulture (3); Canada Goose (26); Mute Swan (1 on a nest in a marsh, close to being flooded out); Wood Duck (20); A Black Duck (2); Mallard (9); "Black X Mallard" (1); Ring-necked Duck (24); Bufflehead (6); Common Merganser (43); Osprey (3); Cooper's Hawk (1); Red-tailed Hawk (2); American Kestrel (2: 1m+1f); Wild Turkey (13); Killdeer (1); Ring-billed Gull (5); Mourning Dove (23); Belted Kingfisher (1); Red-bellied Woodpecker (3); Yellow-bellied Sapsucker (1); Hairy Woodpecker (2).

Select list of passerines seen: Eastern Phoebe (10); FISH CROW (1); Tree Swallow (604: almost all over the southern end of Lake Quacumquasit);

WARBLERS: Yellow-rumped (1); Pine (4);Palm (19); Louisiana Waterthrush (1). Savannah Sparrow (3).
(report from Mark Lynch/Sheila Carroll).

4/17/18 -- Westboro/Northboro/Southboro

This morning we birded a few ponds east of Worcester:

SUASCO, WESTBORO: Double-crested Cormorant (3); Mute Swan (8: 3 active nests); Canada Goose (7); Wood Duck (4); Mallard (3); Ring-necked Duck (27); Bufflehead (2); Osprey (pair at nest); Red-tailed Hawk (2); Tree Swallow (550+); Rudy-crowned Kinglet (7); Pine Warbler (2); Palm Warbler (9); Yellow-rumped Warbler (3).

CHAUNCY LAKE, WESTBORO: very little. NB: they are re-doing the entrance roads, so if you go here be prepared to drive following detour signs: Mute Swan (16: 1 on nest); Mallard (7); Turkey Vulture (1); Ring-billed Gull (7).

BARTLETT POND, NORTHBORO: Mute Swan (2: 1 n nest); Canada Goose (8: 1 on nest); Mallard (3); Ring-necked Duck (2); Tree Swallow (9). SUDBURY RESERVOIR, SOUTHBORO: NB: they are working on that soccer field and for now there is no access to the important trailhead there. Pied-billed Grebe (3); Double-crested Cormorant (34: 8 active nests); Great Blue Heron (8: 5 active nests); Mute Swan (8); Canada Goose (73); Wood Duck (2); Mallard (13); Ring-necked Duck (19); Bufflehead (4); Common Goldeneye (1); Common Merganser (8); Sharp-shinned Hawk (1); Red-tailed Hawk (2); Killdeer (2); Tree Swallow (35); Fish Crow (2).
(report from Mark Lynch/Sheila Carroll).

4/16/18 -- Worcester

There was an apparent "fallout" of 25-30 Chipping Sparrows in my backyard this morning. While as many as 10 were feeding on my platform feeder, another 15-20 were feeding on the ground under it. (report from Bart Kamp).

4/16/18 -- Wachusett Reservoir/Quabog IBA/Spencer

We spent some time this morning birding a few areas in the County. The weather was AWFUL: wind driven rain, sometimes downpours, slushy roads. We started in:

WACHUSETT RESERVOIR: (a quick check): Common Loon (2); Great Blue Heron (1); Double-crested Cormorant (6); Canada Goose (2); Ring-necked Duck (6); Greater Scaup (7); Bufflehead (5); BONAPARTE'S GULL (2 adS); Ring-billed Gull (21); Herring Gull (8); Great Black-backed Gull (1ad). SWALLOWS: Tree (240+); Barn (11); N Rough-winged (1). Savannah Sparrow (1).

QUABOG IBA (we focused on the larger ponds); Canada Goose (1); Wood Duck (9); A Black Duck (2); Mallard (6); Ring-necked Duck (4); Common Merganser (68); Osprey (1); BONAPARTE'S GULL (5: 4 adS+1 1stS: north end of Wickabog); Ring-billed Gull (17); Tree Swallow (250+); Barn Swallow (2). NB: Because of the wind and rain a tree crashed bringing wires down with it right across Rt.9, which was closed and we had to detour through Spencer to get home.

SPENCER: Canada Goose (1); Wood Duck (8); Mallard (4); Ring-necked Duck (22). NB: Robins were at many locations, often forced to forage out on the roads because of the slush.
(report from Mark Lynch/Sheila Carroll).

4/13/18 -- Quabog IBA

We birded the QUABOG IBA (Brookfields) this afternoon. Not the best time for bird song and it was overcast with some showers at time.

Common Loon (1); Great Blue Heron (12 birds and 8 active nests); Canada Goose (10: 1 on nest); Mute Swan (3: 1 on nest); Wood Duck (13); A Black Duck (2); Mallard (11); Green-winged Teal (7); Ring-necked Duck (44); Bufflehead (11); Common Merganser (83); Bald Eagle (1ad); Red-tailed Hawk (2); Killdeer (1); Lesser Yellowlegs (1); Ring-billed Gull (20); Herring Gull (1); Mourning Dove (6); E Screech Owl (1); Red-bellied Woodpecker (2); Downy Woodpecker (2); Hairy Woodpecker (1); N Flicker (9). E Phoebe (22); Blue Jay (6); A Crow (24); Tree Swallow (only 2!); Barn Swallow (1); Black-capped Chickadee (9); Tufted Titmouse (34); White-breasted Nuthatch (7); Carolina Wren (2); E Bluebird (5); A Robin (51); Pine Warbler (2); E Towhee (1); Chipping Sparrow (10); Field Sparrow (1); Song Sparrow (34); Swamp Sparrow (4); White-throated Sparrow (3); Dark-eyed Junco (3); N Cardinal (12); Red-winged Blackbird (80+); C Grackle (100+); Brown-headed Cowbird (2); House Finch (28); A Goldfinch (26).

PLUS: Spring Peeper (1000+); Green Frog (1); Wood Frog (5+); E Painted Turtle (20+).
(report from Mark Lynch/Sheila Carroll).

4/12/18 -- Barre Falls Hawk Watch, Barre Falls Dam

This year's first Broad-winged Hawk showed up right on time. Over the 18-year duration of the hawk watch, the average date for the first Broad-winged is April 12. The earliest record is April 5, 2002; the latest, April 17, 2016. Other raptors migrating today: Osprey (1); Red-tailed Hawk (2); Turkey Vulture (4). First-of-the-year non-raptors included Purple Finch (1 f) and Northern Flicker. The Barre Falls Common Ravens have been observed carrying food to their nest. (report from Donna Schilling)

4/12/18 -- Princeton

Highlights today: Louisiana Water Thrush, Eastern Phoebe, 2 Golden Crown Kinglets, Pileated Woodpecker. Also, along John Dee Road in Sterling - 1 Adult American Bald Eagle. (report from Susan LaBree).

4/12/18 -- Institute Park, Worcester

Highlights at noon from 20 total species were 2 Mute Swan (building nest in marsh near concert bandstand, in clear view -- odd place), 1 Gadwall (m), 1 E phoebe, 1 Pine Warbler (saw well, and singing), 3 Song Sparrows, and 1 Brown-headed Cowbird (m). (report from Rick Quimby).

4/11/18 -- Broad Meadow Brook Wildlife Sanctuary, Worcester

Highlights this afternoon along the Troiano-Powerlines-Heron Pond Loop and Sprague Lane from Frog Pond to Wilson Swamp.

Wood Duck (7); American Black Duck (2); RUFFED GROUSE (1 - flushed from edge of powerlines near kiosk where service road enters woods. The last known record of this species at BMB was a single report in April 2012. Prior to that, the species seemed to disappear in 2006, with breeding last confirmed in 2004.); Wild Turkey (2); Red-bellied Woodpecker (2); Hairy Woodpecker (1); Northern Flicker (4); Eastern Phoebe (5); Tree Swallow (10); Carolina Wren (1); Ruby-crowned Kinglet (1 - singing); Palm Warbler (1); Yellow-rumped Warbler (1); Field Sparrow (1); Dark-eyed Junco (8); White-throated Sparrow (3); Song Sparrow (11); Red-winged Blackbird (29); Common Grackle (28).
(report from John Liller).

4/10/18 -- Quaboag Pond, East Brookfield

Aside from the usual Mallard population, there are 1 pair male/female Ring necked ducks, and a male Bufflehead with 2 female Bufflehead hanging out this afternoon near the north shore of Quaboag Pond. The female Ring-necked, and the two female Bufflehead are diving together while the males stay close by but separate. (report from Sandra & Martin Bannish).

4/8/18 -- Ware River IBA/Holden/Rutland/Wachusett Reservoir

We started at the WARE RIVER WATERSHED IBA, birding a few spots as the gates are still closed: Great Blue Heron (4: 2 occupied nests); Canada Goose (6); Wood Duck (4); Mallard (5); A Black Duck (2); Ring-necked Duck (4); Hooded Merganser (6); Common Merganser (10); Turkey Vulture (10); Wild Turkey (5); N Flicker (2); E Phoebe (3); Golden-crowned Kinglet (6); E Towhee (1); Fox Sparrow (3 singing); Purple Finch (2).

MUSCHAPOAG ROAD, RUTLAND: Great Blue Heron (1); Canada Goose (42); Killdeer (1); American Kestrel (pair mating); A Robin (130+); Brown-headed Cowbird (7).

MAPLE SPRING POND, HOLDEN: Canada Goose (5); Mallard (2); Ring-necked Duck (57); Bufflehead (4); Hooded Merganser (4); E Phoebe (2).

QUINAPOXET RESERVOIR: Great Blue Heron (1); Canada Goose (5); Common Merganser (11).

WACHUSETT RESERVOIR: Common Loon (19); Double-crested Cormorant (1); Canada Goose (7); Greater Scaup (3); Bufflehead (5); Common Goldeneye (2); Common Merganser (30); Barred Owl (1); Pileated Woodpecker (2).
(report from Mark Lynch/Sheila Carroll).

4/7/18 -- Mendon

A male Merlin was perched in a tree in my yard today at 10 AM. It was watching birds at my feeder. (report from Bill Sartorelli).

4/7/18 -- Douglas/Sutton/Indian Lake

On the way back from Westport, we did some County birding today:

DOUGLAS: Common Loon (4); Great Blue Heron (1); Turkey Vulture (1); Mallard (8); Bufflehead (4); Common Merganser (28).

SUTTON: Canada Goose (10); Wood Duck (5); Mallard (9); Ring-necked Duck (48); Bufflehead (7); Common Merganser (1).

WORCESTER: INDIAN LAKE: Mute Swan (1); Canada Goose (16); Mallard (9); Northern Shoveler (pr); Lesser Scaup (4); Ring-necked Duck (10); Bufflehead (12); Hooded Merganser (pr); Common Merganser (9).
(report from Mark Lynch/Sheila Carroll).

4/6/18 -- Stump Pond, Sterling

Today there were 1 Osprey perched on the nest, 3 Ring-necked ducks, 2 dozen+ Tree Swallows (FOY), 2 mallards and 5 Canada geese seen as the flakes began to fall mid-day. (report from Marion Larson)

4/4/18 -- Quabog IBA

During a wet and cool (and sometimes misty) tour of the QUABOG IBA this morning, we had : Common Loon (1); Great Blue Heron (11 with 6 occupied nests in 1 rookery); Mute Swan (4); Canada Goose (19: 1 on a nest); Wood Duck (2); Mallard (8); A Black Duck (1); Ring-necked Duck (35); Greater Scaup (3); Lesser Scaup (2); Bufflehead (4); Hooded Merganser (1); Common Merganser (37); Red-tailed Hawk (3); Wild Turkey (6); Ring-billed Gull (flock of 14 in 1 farm field. Most seemed to have moved on to breeding areas); Belted Kingfisher (2); Downy Woodpecker (2); Hairy Woodpecker (3); N Flicker (4); Pileated Woodpecker (1).

Passerines included: Eastern Phoebe (11); Tree Swallow (30+); Carolina Wren (4); E Bluebird (7); Fox Sparrow (1); Song Sparrow (48); Swamp Sparrow (1 gathering nesting material in a small marsh where they do breed); White-throated Sparrow (8); Dark-eyed Junco (14).
(report from Mark Lynch/Sheila Carroll).

4/1/18 -- Worcester

In my yard this afternoon there was a Pine Warbler feeding on my suet. (report from Bart Kamp).

4/1/18 -- Lancaster/Harvard/Rutland

This morning we birded LANCASTER and HARVARD:

LANCASTER: Canada Goose (328); Mallard (24); Green-winged Teal (23); Common Merganser (6); Red-tailed Hawk (3); A Kestrel (1f); Killdeer (9); Belted Kingfisher (1); E Phoebe (5),

HARVARD: Great Blue Heron (5 birds, 2 occupied nests); Mute Swan (3); Canada Goose (6); Mallard (4); Ring-necked Duck (7); Bufflehead (2); Turkey Vulture (7); Sharp-shinned Hawk (1); Red-tailed Hawk (8); E Phebe (4); Tree Swallow (10); Common Raven (2).

Later in the evening, along a route through sections of RUTLAND: Killdeer (12); American Woodcock (22); Great Horned Owl (1); Barred Owl (2).
(report from Mark Lynch/Sheila Carroll).

3/31/18 -- New Braintree/Quabog IBA

We started the day birding around NEW BRAINTREE: Canada Goose (264); Wood Duck (3); Mallard (6); Red-tailed Hawk (1); Wild Turkey (25); E Phoebe (2); Golden-crowned Kinglet (3); A Robin (250+); Fox Sparrow (1); Red-winged Blackbird (285+); C Grackle (24); Brown-headed Cowbird (43).

Then in the QUABOG IBA: Great Blue Heron (8 birds and 6 active nests in just 1 rookery); Mute Swan (4); Canada Goose (37); Wood Duck (3); A Black Duck (5); Mallard (12); Green-winged Teal (3); Ring-necked Duck (53); Bufflehead (3); Common Goldeneye (3); Hooded Merganser (4); Common Merganser (44); Turkey Vulture (8); Bald Eagle (2imm); Red-tailed Hawk (1); (Ring-necked Pheasant (1m)) ; Killdeer (3); Ring-billed Gull (68); N Flicker (1); Pileated Woodpecker (1); E Phoebe (5); Tree Swallow (40+).
(report from Mark Lynch/Sheila Carroll).

3/28/18 -- Broad Meadow Brook Wildlife Sanctuary, Worcester

Highlights from a walk along the Troiano-Heron Pond-Powerline loop and also from Sprague Lane to Wilson Swamp: Wood Duck (21 - 11 in Wilson Swamp and 10 in Heron Pond; numerous pairs); Great Blue Heron (2 - both on nest in Heron Pond); Red-tailed Hawk (1 - soaring over the wet meadow; same or 2nd bird seen over powerlines); Red-bellied Woodpecker (3); Hairy Woodpecker (1); FISH CROW (1 - calling; with a group of American Crows); Carolina Wren (2); Golden-crowned Kinglet (1); Eastern Bluebird (1); American Robin (4); Song Sparrow (13); White-throated Sparrow (1); Dark-eyed Junco (6); Red-winged Blackbird (34 - all males); Common Grackle (37)

Also: 3 Garter Snakes together, 1 Mourning Cloak, and lots of fresh Beaver activity along the Troiano Brookside Trail. And when I reached the southern end of the wet meadow along Troiano, I heard something squeaking at me from the trunk of a tree. It was a Little Brown Bat.

Finally, when I got back to my house in Grafton, I heard 2 Barred Owls dueting.
(report from John Liller).

3/28/18 -- Quabog IBA

Observed today in the Quabog IBA were: Red-necked Grebe (1: Lake Quabog continuing bird); Great Blue Heron (19 individuals/14 occupied nests); Mute Swan (4); Canada Goose (34); Wood Duck (4); Mallard (14); A Black Duck (3); Ring-necked Duck (36); Bufflehead (5); Hooded Merganser (9); Common Merganser (123); Bald Eagle (1ad); Ring-billed Gull (87). Passerine highlights included: E Phoebe (1); Brown Creeper (2 singing birds); Carolina Wren (3).

Plus: RIVER OTTER (1 road kill on Rt.9)
(report from Mark Lynch/Sheila Carroll).

3/25/18 -- Wachusett Reservoir IBA/ Northboro/Southboro

We started birding the WACHUSETT RESERVOIR IBA, birding many of the adjacent ponds except for Sterling Peat: Common Loon (1 br); Mute Swan (5); Canada Goose (18); Wood Duck (23); Mallard (11); Lesser Scaup (1); Greater Scaup (17); Bufflehead (7); Common Goldeneye (52); Hooded Merganser (15); Common Merganser (42); Bald Eagle (1imm); Red-tailed Hawk (3).

BARTLETT POND, NORTHBORO: Mute Swan (2: 1 on nest); Canada Goose (9); Wood Duck (2); A Black Duck (2); Mallard (5); Ring-necked Duck (21); Bufflehead (1); Sharp-shinned Hawk (1).

LITTLE CHAUNCY POND, NORTHBORO: Great Blue Heron (2); Mute Swan (1: seen chasing geese off pond); Canada Goose (6); Wood Duck (1); Mallard (1); A Black Duck (1); Ring-necked Duck (100); Bufflehead (6); Hooded Merganser (2).

CHAUNCY LAKE, WESTBORO: Great Blue Heron (1); Canada Goose (15); Ring-necked Duck (6); Lesser Scaup (2); Common Goldeneye (9); Hooded Merganser (6); Common Merganser (17); Red-tailed Hawk (1).

SuAsCo, WESTBORO: Mute Swan (8); Mallard (2); Ring-necked Duck (22); Hooded Merganser (2).

VERNON HILL, WORCESTER: Red-tailed Hawk (1); Cedar Waxwing (30).
(report from Mark Lynch/Sheila Carroll).

3/24/18 -- Lake Quabog and the Brookfields

On the Forbush Bird Club trip, 40 species were recorded, including highlights of Red-necked Grebe 1 (Quabog), Great Blue Heron 3, Turkey Vulture 4, Mute Swan 2, Wood Duck 9, Black Duck 1, Ring-necked Duck 69, Bufflehead 4, Common Goldeneye 8, Hooded Merganser 14, Common Merganser 146, Red-breasted Merganser 2 (Lake Lashaway), Bald Eagle 2 imm., Red-tailed Hawk 2, Hairy Woodpecker 1, Eastern Bluebird 1, Robin 6(only), Song Sparrow 3, White-throated Sparrow 1, Dark-eyed Junco 3, Red-winged Blackbird 15, Common Grackle 10.

Comments: Despite a very nice day for birding, land birds were very quiet and scarce. More like a mid-winter day of birding. No sign of any spring migrants such as Tree Swallow, Phoebe, etc.
(report from Rodney Jenkins).

3/23/18 -- Auburn to Brookfields

We started off at EDDY POND, AUBURN: Mute Swan (2); Canada Goose (2); Mallard (5); Ring-necked Duck (55); Red-tailed Hawk (1). NB: we found a RED-HEADED WOODPECKER along South Street, an adult, but AND THIS IS IMPORTANT, there is NO, NADA, NYET, good place to park or pull over and there is traffic along this narrow road. We talked to a woman in a house near where we found it ans she said her husband had mentioned the bird for awhile, so it has been there. DO NOT TRY AND PULLOFF THIS ROAD, YOU WILL BE TRESSPASSING. The only thing I could recommend is that you could park at the boat launch at Eddy Pond (all the way down) and then walk a way back towards Rt. 20 but be aware, there are NO sidewalks.At one point it was on the ground!

THEN: ORLANDO'S FARM PONDS, CHARLTON: few birds: Canada Goose (76); Mallard (only 2!); Bufflehead (3m); Wild Turkey (55).

BEHIND ALSCO, STURBRIDGE: 10 occupied Great Blue Heron nests.

HAMILTON RESERVOIR, HOLLAND: Mallard (4); Bufflehead (4); Common Goldeneye (1m); Common Merganser (52).

LAKE GEORGE, WALES: Canada Goose (16); Ring-necked Duck (4); Hooded Merganser (3); Common Merganser (28); Red-shouldered Hawk (2).

SHERMAN POND, BRIMFIELD: Canada Goose (11); Mallard (2); Common Merganser (30).

WARREN: 1 small marsh: Canada Goose (8); Mallard (2); Hooded Merganser (2); Turkey Vulture (1).

QUABOG IBA: Red-necked Grebe (1br: Lake Quabog); Mute Swan (1); Canada Goose (74); Mallard (6); A Black Duck (8); Ring-necked Duck (67); Bufflehead (1); Common Goldeneye (9); Hooded Merganser (11); Common Merganser (160); Bald Eagle (2: 1ad+1imm); Wild Turkey (2).
(report from Mark Lynch/Sheila Carroll).

3/21/18 -- Wachusett Reaervoir/SuAsCo

This morning we did a circuit of WACHUSETT RESERVOIR: Common Loon (1 br pl); Mute Swan (1); Canada Goose (6); Wood Duck (21: Spruce Pond); Mallard (6); A Black Duck (4); Greater Scaup (12); Bufflehead (pair); Common Goldeneye (5); Hooded Merganser (6); Common Merganser (59); Red-breasted Merganser (3m); Red-tailed Hawk (1); Wild Turkey (11).

Then at SUASCO, WESTBORO: Mute Swan (14: 1 on nest); Canada Goose (20); Wood Duck (4); 0 A Black Duck (2); Ring-necked Duck (76); Hooded Merganser (4); Turkey Vulture (2).
(report from Mark Lynch/Sheila Carroll).

3/18 -- Worcester

We heard and observed 2 peregrine falcons engaging in some serious courtship behavior on a building corner across from Mechanics Hall at around 3PM this afternoon. (report from Marion Larson and Scott Handler)

3/17/18 -- Boylston

Saw a pair of Wood Ducks on the body of water located at the junction of Rte 140 and Rte 70 (Spruce Pond) at around 12:30PM, and a turkey vulture tilting about near Rte 290 and Rte 140. (report from Marion Larson)

3/17/18 -- South Quabbin/Quabog IBA

This morning we started off birding the SOUTH QUABBIN area. It was cold and very windy at some of the stops. Surprisingly, there were few birds on the main body of water and very few passerines. Mallard (4); Common Merganser (10); Turkey Vulture (6); Red-tailed Hawk (1); Ring-billed Gull (44). Song birds were just a handful of robins, juncos, Song Sparrows and (1) Tree Sparrow.

We then headed to the QUABOG IBA (Brookfields) and found lots of waterfowl, but most were on small rivers, streams and open swamps. Mute Swan (3); Canada Goose (260); Wood Duck (49); Mallard (76); A Black Duck (37); Ring-necked Duck (15); Bufflehead (5); Hooded Merganser (10); Common Merganser (106); Bald Eagle (1ad: this bird was on the ground at the edge of a cattail area worrying some small blackish thing. Blowing up photos we couldn't tell anything, it looked jet black and very odd, almost like a bat! Several times it walked into the cattails with whatever it was); Ring-billed Gull (136); Herring Gull (1).
(report from Mark Lynch/Sheila Carroll).

3/16/18 -- Wachusett Reservoir

This morning while walking our dogs along John Dee Rd / Waushacum St. along the Thomas Basin area of the reservoir, first a roosting turkey flew off over the water, and then an adult bald eagle launched from a pine. I observed the adult bald eagle then flying and circling with what appeared to be to be a juvenile bald eagle. (report from Jeff Pingeton).

3/15/18 -- Quabog IBA

This morning we birded a few of the ponds (most still open) in the QUABOG IBA. Access in some areas was hampered by the snow.: Canada Goose (51); Wood Duck (6); Mallard (38); A Black Duck (25); Ring-necked Duck (16); Bufflehead (3: 2m); Hooded Merganser (8); Common Merganser (106); Bald Eagle (2ad); Ring-billed Gull (47); Cedar Waxwing (30); Fox Sparrow (1). PLUS: a cooperative BOBCAT seen from Rt.9
(report from Mark Lynch/Sheila Carroll).

3/12/18 -- Auburn/Worcester

We started this morning at EDDY POND, AUBURN: Mute Swan (2); Ring-necked Duck (67); Hooded Merganser (7); Ring-billed Gull (3); Pileated Woodpecker (1).

LEESVILLE POND, WORCESTER/AUBURN: Mute Swan (pair; 1 on nest); Canada Goose (8); Wood Duck (12); Mallard (15); A Black Duck (4); Hooded Merganser (6); Common Merganser (10).

NOTRE DAME CEMETERY, WORCESTER: Mute Swan (1); Canada Goose (4); Mallard (2); A Tree Sparrow (4).

COES RESERVOIR: Great Blue Heron (1); Common Merganser (16); Ring-billed Gull (59); Herring Gull (3).
(report from Mark Lynch/Sheila Carroll).

3/8/18 -- Uxbridge

Fox Sparrow scratching seeds left in the snow-free area under an evergreen in the backyard this afternoon. (report from Beth Milke).

3/4/18 -- Oakham

First woodcock of the season heard displaying in the fields and over the house. (report from Kathy Van Schoick).

3/4/18 -- Lake Quinsigamond, Shrewsbury

There was a Bald Eagle on the nest on Lake Quinsigamond. Also on Flint Pond, there were 8 Common Merganser and 2 Common Goldeneye. (report from John Shea).

3/4/18 -- Quabog IBA/Barton Cove

Today we started birding in the QUABOG IBA (in the BROOKFIELDS). The ponds are ice-free, but species numbers and variety are a bit low. Water levels are very high, as is the river. We had: Mute Swan (3); Canada Goose (12); Wood Duck (12); Mallard (28); A Black Duck (2); Lesser Scaup (2); Ring-necked Duck (9); Hooded Merganser (8); Common Merganser (133); Red-tailed Hawk (2); Bald Eagle (1imm).

WE then headed to BARTON COVE in Gill. We did NOT bird the Rod and Gun Club, only from Riverview Rd. : Mute Swan (4); Canada Goose (265: including several large flock migrating high overhead and heading north); Mallard (12); A Black Duck (4); Greater Scaup (3); Ring-necked Duck (55); Redhead (1f: typically near the concentration of Ring-neckeds); Common Goldeneye (32); Hooded Merganser (15); Common Merganser (19); Turkey Vulture (1); Bald Eagle (2imm+1 ad on the nest); Peregrine Falcon (1). NB: there were lots of gulls, but we could only turn up the expected 3 common species.
(report from Mark Lynch/Sheila Carroll).

3/3/18 -- Oxford

On Depot Rd, we had an adult Bald Eagle fly right over our house, with a mouse in its talons. It then landed in a nearby tree and proceeded to eat the mouse for over 10 min, as our family watched. Quite thrilling! (report from Karin Moquin)

3/3/18 -- Broad Meadow Brook Sanctuary, Worcester

In mid afternoon I had an adult Bald Eagle flying low over the Tianno Brook trail (aka "the stretch"). Also, lots of signs of fresh beaver activity -- the high water level has gotten the beavers excited, and they have constructed a new dam (with no beaver spoiler cage), which has raised the water level on the upstream side. (report from Rick Quimby).

3/3/18 -- Wachusett Reservoir/Bolton Flats/Westboro

This morning we checked some ponds and lakes east of Worcester to see if the storm drove any interesting birds inland. The short answer is NO, at least at the places we checked. As a matter of fact, there were fewer birds than several days ago in a number of the ponds.

WACHUSETT RESERVOIR: Common Loon (1); Canada Goose (2); Mallard (4); Ring-necked Duck (3); Greater Scaup (7); Bufflehead (4); Common Goldeneye (17); Common Merganser (60); Bald Eagle (1imm).

BOLTON FLATS: VERY flooded and tough to get looks deep in the WMA. Mute Swan (2: apparently the nest got flooded over); Canada Goose (700+); Mallard (150+); A Black Duck (40+); Turkey Vulture (1); Red-tailed Hawk (3); Killdeer (1); Ring-billed Gull (230+); Red-winged Blackbird (3000+); C Grackle (1500+): NB: stupendous flocks crossing Rt.117 and putting down on the area south of Rt.117.

CHAUNCY LAKE: Mute Swan (2); Mallard (2); Bufflehead (6); Hooded Merganser (5); Common Merganser (2); Red-tailed Hawk (2).

SUASCO: Mute Swan (13); Canada Goose (12); Mallard (5); A Black Duck (2); Ring-necked Duck (8).

HAMILTON STREET, WORCESTER: Fish Crow (2).
(report from Mark Lynch/Sheila Carroll).

3/2/18 -- Barre

Today, bluebirds were exploring using nesting box in the North Common.

Also on 2/26, there was a large flock of redwing blackbirds (100-200) on Pleasant St.
(report from Steve Meredith).

3/1/18 -- River Bend Farm, Uxbridge

We heard at least 8 American Woodcocks calling along the left side of the field and in the scrub at the far end beginning at 5:45pm this evening. We left at 6pm and heard one Woodcock in flight. (report from Beth & Paul Milke)

3/1/18 -- Sterling

This evening around 6PM we stopped near Davis Farmland on Redstone Hill Road to listen for woodcocks. One flew overhead and we heard at least 2 birds flying, but did not hear any "PEENTS". These were the FOY for us. A killdeer was flying and calling as were several flocks of Canada geese. (report from Marion Larson and Scott Handler)

2/28/18 -- Westboro/Northboro/Southboro/Lancaster

Today we birded areas east of the city.

SUASCO, WESTBORO: Mute Swan (19); Canada Goose (13); Wood Duck (5); A Black Duck (2); Ring-necked Duck (39); Hooded Merganser (8); Killdeer (1); Great Black-backed Gull (2ad).

CHAUNCY LAKE, WESTBORO: (NB: lots of construction along the roads north of pond):Mute Swan (2); Bufflehead (1m); Common Merganser (5); Ring-billed Gull (19).

LITTLE CHAUNCY POND,NORTHBORO: Canada Goose (11); Wood Duck (4); Ring-necked Duck (21); Bufflehead (1m); Bald Eagle (ad pr); Red-winged Blackbird (1200+); Common Grackle (400+).

BARTLETT POND, NORTHBORO: Mute Swan (2); Canada Goose (17); Mallard (4); Ring-necked Duck (2); N Flicker (1).

SUDBURY RESERVOIR, SOUTHBORO: Mute Swan (2); Canada Goose (74: many in pairs); Mallard (12); Ring-necked Duck (78); Bufflehead (8m); C Goldeneye (9); Hooded Merganser (2); Common Merganser (94); Turkey Vulture (2); Red-tailed Hawk (4).

BOLTON FLATS, LANCASTER. Nb: We ended up getting to know a homeowner on the edge of the marsh and from his property we got an amazing view of the deep marshes. He told us that once he looked out and saw an bird trip trespassing on his property and he was furious and kicked them out. DON?T TRESSPASS! All the waterfowl were seen from here. Great Blue Heron (3); Mute Swan (pr: 1 n nest); Canada Goose (2000+: amazing number in marshes along Still River); Wood Duck (9); Mallard (14); A Black Duck (8); Green-winged Teal (20+); Ring-necked Duck (30); Bufflehead (2m); Red-tailed Hawk (2); Ring-billed Gull (flock of 212, almost all adS); Herring Gull (1); Red-winged Blackbird (1400+); C Grackle (400+).
(report from Mark Lynch/Sheila Carroll).

2/27/18 -- Gardner

A turkey vulture in the air over Gardner yesterday afternoon. (report from Dick Knowlton).

2/27/18 -- Institute Park, Worcester

Highlights at noon were 1 GB Heron, 2 Mute Swans, 1 Belted Kingfisher, 4 Red-winged Blackbirds (all male, calling and on territory), and 2 Common Grackles. Although I have recorded Red-winged Blackbirds as early as Feb 23 (in 2012), typically I don't see them until the first two weeks in March. This is the earliest I have ever observed them at Institute Park calling and setting up territories along the front shore of the pond. A refreshing sound to hear!

Also notable: there were absolutely no ducks on the pond, not even a single Mallard. Quite unusual.
(report from Rick Quimby).

2/27/18 -- Millbury

Eastern Phoebe is back today! (report from Susan LaBree).

2/26/18 -- South Quabbin/the Brookfields/Holden/Paxton

We started out today at SOUTH QUABBIN. Birding was slow but we did have: Turkey Vulture (1 there and another 28 roosting in Ware); Great Blue Heron (1); Canada Goose (26); Mallard (6); Common Merganser (56); Wild Turkey (42); Pileated Woodpecker (1); cute Porcupine (1).

Later at QUABOG IBA: Black Vulture (1); Mute Swan (3); Canada Goose (9); Wood Duck (2); Mallard (13); A Black Duck (16); Ring-necked Duck (6); Bufflehead (2m); Hooded Merganser (21); Common Merganser (43); Bald Eagle (3: 2ad+1imm); Red-tailed Hawk (2); Ring-necked Pheasant (1); Wild Turkey (40). Plus: a MINK.

Closer to Worcester, at Worcester County Memorial Park, PAXTON: Canada Goose (60); Greater White-fronted Goose (1).

EAGLE LAKE/MUDDY POND: Holden: Mute Swan (1); Canada Goose (52); Wood Duck (2); Mallard (6); A Black Duck (9); Ring-necked Duck (2).

We checked other farm fields in Rutland and had nothing.
(report from Mark Lynch/Sheila Carroll).

2/23/18 -- Oxford

A Red-shouldered Hawk flew over my yard in Oxford today, chased by a crow. (report from Robert Brady)

2/22/18 -- Gardner

Yesterday (2/21)) 3 common grackles at the feeders, and today approx. 70 red-wings in the yard. (report from Dick Knowlton).

2/20/18 -- Sterling

This morning I had a Northern Goshawk fly through our fairly dense wooded area in back of our property in Sterling. Was no more than 15 feet off the ground as it glided through. (report from Jeff Pingeton).

2/20/18 -- Wachusett Reservoir

This morning we did a circuit around WACHUSETT RESERVOIR. Though 85% of the surface is still ice-covered, there is a large open area just north of Scar Hill Bluffs. This area had all the interesting birds.

Canada Goose (241: Coachlace); Northern Pintail (flock of 38 sitting on edge of ice); Ring-necked Duck (26); Common Goldeneye (22); Common Merganser (8); RED-BREASTED MERGANSER (2 drakes, probably the same birds found by Bette Rob last week); Bald Eagle (5: 1 ad in nesting tree plus a loose group of 4 over the Clinton soccer fields. These were 2ad+1 subAd+1imm. They interacted a lot especially 1 of the adults and the immature, and there was lots of vocalizations); Red-tailed Hawk (3); Ring-billed Gull (45); Pileated Woodpecker (1). (report from Mark Lynch/Sheila Carroll).

2/20/18 -- Institute Park, Worcester

Highlights at 1 pm included 1 GB Heron, 4 Mute Swans (displaying), 2 Ring-necked Ducks, 3 Hooded Mergansers, 12 Common Mergansers, 1 Belted Kingfisher, and 1 Song Sparow (singing). (report from Rick Quimby).

2/17/18 -- Quabbin area

This morning we started at the SOUTH QUABBIN AREA. Not much happening: the reservoir is still mostly ice-covered. We did have (among other birds): Canada Goose (5); Mallard (7); Common Merganser (1); Bald Eagle (ad pr mating+1imm); Ring-billed Gull (56); Red-bellied Woodpecker (2).

PELHAM OVERLOOK (15 minutes): Bald Eagle (4: 2ad+2imm); Red-tailed Hawk (3); Common Raven (1).

NEW SALEM: Sharp-shinned Hawk (1); Bald Eagle (ad pr); Red-Tailed Hawk (4);Red-winged Blackbird (7m at feeder).

NEW BRAINTREE: Canada Goose (26); Mallard (17); Red-tailed Hawks (3). NB: Many of the Red-tails were ding display flights.
(report from Mark Lynch/Sheila Carroll).

2/16/18 -- Quabog IBA

This AM we birded the QUABOG IBA/Brookfields to check on the state of the ponds. The ponds are still 90%+ ice covered, though the ice is looking gray and many edges are watery. This didn't prevent ice fishermen from walking far out on Lake Quabog, which is starting to look a wee bit risky.

Highlights: Canada Goose (58); Mute Swan (2); Mallard (65); A Black Duck (23); "Mallard X Black" 2 drakes; Hooded Merganser (2: seemed low, but this species has already started to move into small ponds and waterways); Common Merganser (6); Red-tailed Hawk (4); Ruffed Grouse (1); Wild Turkey (58); Ring-billed Gull (32). Passerines were typical, but we did have 5 male Red-winged Blackbirds singing, The first wave!

One the way home on Park Avenue next to CVS: a cooperative perched MERLIN.
(report from Mark Lynch/Sheila Carroll).

2/16/18 -- Worcester

About a dozen Cedar Waxwings were feeding in trees at the entrance of Central Branch YMCA on Main Street this morning. (report from Robert Brady)

2/11/18 -- Gardner

There were 7 bluebirds at our feeders on 2/9 ( unusual for this location). Also the Northern Pintail (drake) continues in South Gardner (East Broadway and Waterview). (report from Dick Knowlton).

2/5/18 -- Coachlace Pond, Clinton

The two snow geese continue ( photo). I've been unsuccessful in determining if there's a regular schedule to their visits between Davis Farm and Coachlace Pond. I've seen reports from both throughout the day. Today I watched them depart Davis Farm at 1:50 and sleep at Coachlace from 2 until after 3 when I left. (report from Garry Kessler).

2/4/18 -- Quabog IBA/South Quabbin

This morning we started birding the QUABOG IBA, checking the ponds and different river overlooks. All the ponds were still ice-covered, but there was some open water at river in-flows (ex: Quabog) and out-flows (ex. Wickabog). The Quabog River still had some ice on it. We had Mute Swan (2); Mallard (34); "Mallard X Black Duck" (1); A Black Duck (2); Hooded Merganser (25); Bald Eagle (1ad); Red-tailed Hawk (2); Ring-billed Gull (17); Herring Gull (1); Red-bellied Woodpecker (3); Downy Woodpecker (4); Hairy Woodpecker (2). Passerines were few and far between, but we did have : Carolina Wren (2); A Robin (16); Common Raven (1); Brown Creeper (1); Cedar Waxwing (4); Dark-eyed Junco (54).

THEN we did the South Quabbin area and had: Mallard (5); Common Merganser (11); Bald Eagle (2ad+4imm); Red-tailed Hawk (1); Ring-billed Gull (47); Herring Gull (2); Common Raven (3); Tree Sparrow (3); Dark-eyed Junco (51).
(report from Mark Lynch/Sheila Carroll).

2/3/18 -- Blackstone MA./Woonsocket RI

This AM we went down to the BLACKSTONE MA/WOONSOCKET RI border to check on the winter vulture roost. This roost peaked several years back, with often double digit counts of Black Vultures and high double digit counts of Turkey Vultures. On cold winter mornings, both species of vulture were often first found roosting on houses on both sides of the state line, more often on the Rhode Island side. You have to drive down several of these streets to find the vultures cuddling up to the chimneys which were warm. Sometimes we found a flock of Black Vultures roosting overnight in the wooded lot on the slope of the Blackstone, MA high school. The vultures would often fly from the houses, to the series of factory building along the river (seen from Cold Spring Park, Woonsocket) and from here they would fly to the transfer station. Some folks would park in the Dunkin' Doughnuts (Blackstone, right next to the line) lot and wait for the Black Vultures to fly overhead. Several years back the transfer station in Woonsocket closed. This had been a big attraction not only to the vultures but to huge numbers of gulls, including "white-winged" species. This transfer station is right along the Blackstone River in Woonsocket, JUST over the line from MA on Canal Street. When this transfer station closed the number of vultures and gulls over wintering here dropped precipitously.

The transfer station has now re-opened. Today we found at least 26 TURKEY Vultures roosting on chimneys, all in Woonsocket. They then flew down to the factories, where they were difficult to spot. Here they were seen sunning and drinking water from rooftop puddles. While in the Dunkin' Doughnuts lot we had (3) BLACK Vultures fly overhead from the MA side and head to the factories. We had checked the woods near the high school and found nothing, so we have no idea where they were roosting.

At the transfer station we had no vultures (yet?) but did have 100+ Herring Gulls, 4 Great Black-backed Gulls and 1adW Lesser Black-backed Gull.

ALSO in the town of Blackstone MA: Canada Goose (11); Mallard (90+); A Black Duck (4); Red-tailed Hawk (2); Ring-billed Gull (17); Common Grackle (3).
(report from Mark Lynch/Sheila Carroll).

2/3/18 -- Worcester Airport

I was trying to find a Snowy Owl around Mulberry St. but there was too much construction activity going on. I then tried the Airport parking lot, and was rewarded (photo). (report from Peter Morlock).

2/1/18 -- Institute Park, Worcester

Highlights at noon were 1 GB Heron, 3 Hooded Mergansers, and 14 Common Mergansers. (report from Rick Quimby).

1/29/18 -- Lancaster/Wachusett Reservoir

Today we first checked out WACHUSETT RESERVOIR. It is still mostly ice covered and no birds on it other than a handful of gulls. The Quinapoxet River was mostly open, but the water had lots of sticks, branches and other flotsam. We had a Red Fox cross the ice as seen from Mile Hill Road. Nothing on Bart's Pond.

Later at DAVIS HILL FARM: Canada Goose (c.250+); Snow Goose (2); Red-tailed Hawk (4); Northern Shrike (1). NB: The geese were flying from the left most field to another field ,in back and mostly out of view. We talked to 2 workers there and they said the Snow Geese have been there every day.
(report from Mark Lynch/Sheila Carroll).

1/28/18 -- Worcester airport

I just had a Snowy Owl at Worcester Airport, seen from Mulberry St. on the fence after the construction . (report from John Shea).

1/27/18 -- Worcester airport

Snowy Owl at Route 56, Leicester field on airport side sighted at 12:30 pm. Dave Grant joined me around 3 pm to see it as well. Looks like 2nd year bird. (report from Susan LaBree).

1/27/18 -- South Quabbin

A quick tour around the SOUTH QUABBIN are this AM had : Mallard (10); Hooded Merganser (3); Common Merganser (19); Red-tailed Hawk (1); Bald Eagle (adult pair mating + 8 immatures all lined up on the edge of the ice); Ring-billed Gull (52); Herring Gull (2); Red-bellied Woodpecker (1). Passerines were few, but we did have E Bluebird (6); and (1) Winter Wren.

In HARDWICK: Red-tailed Hawk (2); Wild Turkey (4); and American Robin (70+) feeding on sumac.
(report from Mark Lynch/Sheila Carroll).

1/25/18 -- Bart's Pond, Clinton

Today there were 2 Snow Geese at Bart's pond today along with lots of Canada Geese and Mallards. (report from Peter Morlock).

1/19/18 -- Charlton

There were male and female blue birds at the feeders today, after brutally cold, wind, and snow. (report from Rick Howard).

1/18/18 -- North Brookfield

Today we had 3 Redwinged Blackbirds below our feeder, 2 males and 1 female. (report from Jeff Smith).

1/16/18 -- Ashburnham

Along rte 101, soaring over the river, there was a bald eagle. (report from Chris Eddy).

1/13/18 -- Sterling / Leominster

At around 10AM I saw 2 Snow Geese wandering in the corn fields with about 25 Canada geese at Davis Farm on Redstone Hill Road in Sterling. Later at around 1:30 or so, I cruised past St Cecilia's Church on Mechanic Street in Leominster and spied 1 Peregrine Falcon on one of the crosses of the church. (report from Marion Larson).

1/10/18 -- Gardner

I wandered up to Gardner (Waterview Dr.) to the very "cooperative" drake pintail there. This bird is "cooperative" because there is very little open water and someone(s) feeds the horde of mallards there.

photo 1

photo 2

photo 3

photo 4
(report from Garry Kessler).

1/10/18 -- Oxford

This afternoon there was a Carolina Wren at my backyard suet feeder in Oxford. It evidently survived the intense cold after Christmas. (report from Robert Brady).

1/10/18 -- Whitinsville

Three common mergansers around noon at the spillway below Hartford Avenue (accessed from the Tow Path at River Bend Farm), along with a Mallard pair. Also, a couple of Fish Crows hanging out between McDonald's & Burger King along Rte 122 in Whitinsville about 1:30pm. (report from Beth Milke)

1/10/18 -- Institute Park, Worcester

At noon there were 14 Mallards, 1 Common Merganser (f), and 1 Red-tailed Hawk (ad). (report from Rick Quimby).

1/9/18 -- Clinton

Today at Bart's Pond I saw 5 shovelers, 10 mallards, and one male hooded merganser. Also one otter. (report from Mike McNamara).

1/7/18 -- Quabog IBA/South Quabbin

On the way to bird South Quabbin, we stopped by the QUABOG IBA (Brookfields). We found open water in only 2 areas of the Quabog River and had: Mallard (20); Mallard X Black (1); A Black Duck (32); Hooded Merganser (3); Wild Turkey (27).

SOUTH QUABBIN: Most of the DCR park was closed (gates closed) because of icy road conditions. You can still drive into the Administration Building and check out the reservoir from that one vantage point. The surface of the reservoir is 90% ice covered, but there were a few large open areas of water. We also went to the State trout facility and had most of the birds there.: Great Blue Heron (1); Canada Goose (3); Mallard (21: most landing in the trout troughs); A Black Duck (1); Common Goldeneye (4); Common Merganser (42: a large dense flock way out on the reservoir flying around from one open area to another); Hooded Merganser (3); Bald Eagle (4: 2ad+2imm, all at the trout facility putting on quite a show); Ring-billed Gull (9).
(report from Mark Lynch/Sheila Carroll).

1/3/18 -- Thomas Basin, Wachusett Reservoir

Late this afternoon on the ice at Wachusett Reservoir, Thomas Basin, south of Route 140 were 5 Bald Eagles. One was feeding on a deer carcass, while 4 were watching. (report from Bart Kamp).

1/1/18 -- Wachusett Res/Lancaster/Harvard/Worcester Airport

Exploring on January 1:

WACHUSETT RESERVOIR: 90% ice covered, with a large open spot off causeway with nothing on it. Open water in river behind Wheetabix, but no ducks, which is odd. Fresh carcass had 2 Bald Eagles, 4 ravens and 3 coyotes, including a 3 legged one.

Quinapoxet River/Thomas Basin: Common/Hooded Mergs. BART'S POND; icing up, but had Canadas, Mallards, Blacks, and (1) drake Gadwall.

BOLTON FLATS/OXBOW NWR/UP TO DAVIS FARMLAND: 27 turkeys; 6 Red-tailed Hawks; 1 Red-shouldered; 1 Cooper's Hawk. Very little else.

WORCESTER AIRPORT: 5 Horned Larks; 10 Snow Buntings; biggest surprise was an adult GOLDEN EAGLE which flew over head, circled up and headed west.

Fox Sparrow continues at feeder.
(report from Mark Lynch/Sheila Carroll).

For previous sightings, see 2017 Archives or Archive Index