2019 Central Mass Bird Sightings

Sightings are listed in reverse chronological order. Info on submitting reports, as well as links to other online birding resources can be found via the Central Mass Bird Update homepage.

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

Bird Sightings:

12/31/19 -- North Brookfield

Update on the sighting of a female Baltimore Oriole from December 2. She has been a daily visitor since December 2 through today, at my sunflower bird feeder. (report from Jeff Smith).

12/29/19 -- Wachusett Reservoir

A quick trip around WACHUSETT RESERVOIR today yielded: Common Loon (5); Canada Goose (70); Greater Scaup (53); Ring-necked Duck (5); Bufflehead (4: 2m+2f); C Goldeneye (144); Hooded Merganser (4); Common Merganser (7); Bald Eagle (1imm); Red-tailed Hawk (3).

At COES POND (nb: not Coes Reservoir): Great Blue Heron (1); Mute Swan (2); Hooded Merganser (11).
(report from Mark Lynch/Sheila Carrol).

12/27/19 -- Worcester area ponds

This morning we checked some water bodies east of Worcester:

BARTLETT POND, NORTHBORO: 99% ice covered. Ice fishermen.

LITTLE CHAUNCY POND, NORTHBORO: 99% ice covered. Ice Fishermen.

CHAUNCY LAKE, WESTBORO: 90% ice covered: Mute Swan (13 in small area of open water); Canada Goose (27 on ice); Ring-billed Gull (2).

SUASCO, WESTBORO: 98% ice covered. Ice fishermen. Mallard (1) in water inflow at Arch Street.

SUDBURY RESERVOIR WATERSHED, SOUTHBORO: 97% ice covered. Canada Goose (53: in small adjacent field)

INDIAN LAKE, WORCESTER: 87% ice covered. Mallard (34); Bald Eagle (1ad); Ring-billed Gull (41); Herring Gull (4).
(report from Mark Lynch/Sheila Carroll)

12/24/19 -- Blackstone

This morning in the town of Blackstone: Canada Goose (99); Mallard (22); Black Vulture (flock of 7, circling low over Blackstone Gorge vicinity); Turkey Vulture (2) [NB: JUST over the border in Woonsocket, perched on people’s rooftops we had Black Vulture (3) and Turkey Vulture (49)]; American Crow (7); Fish Crow (51: loose flock moving north with purpose and calling); Carolina Wren (3); N Mockingbird (4); Dark-eyed Junco (39).
(report from Mark Lynch/Sheila Carrol).

12/15/19 -- Quabog IBA/Holland

Today I did some scouting of a few of the water bodies in the Sturbridge CBC circle.

QUABOG IBA: Quabog River open and had Hoodies, Black Ducks, and Geese; Lake Lashaway: 80% open, Mallards at north end river inflow; Lake Quacumquasit: 95% open, huge flock of Hooded Mergs and a few Commons and Mallards; Lake Quabog: 80% open, Common and Hooded Mergansers; C Goldeneye; Canada Geese, 3 Bald Eagles, lots of gulls including 4 adW Great Black Backed. Totals for IBA: Canada Goose (57); Mallard (11); A Black Duck (12); C Goldeneye (1f); Hooded Merganser (76); Common Merganser (53); Bald Eagle (2ad+1imm sitting on ice at Quabog); Red-tailed Hawk (1); Ring-billed Gull (34); Herring Gull (1); Great Black Backed Gull (4adW).

We then hit HAMILTON RESERVOIR, HOLLAND: Mallard (16); LONG-TAILED DUCK (1m); Hooded Merganser (2); Bald Eagle (2 subad); Ring-billed Gull (5).

ORLANDO’S PONDS, Charlton: both ice-covered and not a bird there!
(report from Mark Lynch/Sheila Carrol).

12/15/19 -- Lake Whalom, Lunenburg

Between 11:00 AM and 1:00 PM today at Lake Whalom in Lunenburg today there was 1 Juvenile Glaucous Gull and 1 Juvenile Lesser Black-backed Gull. Gulls were coming and going while I was there. Neither bird was there when I left. I used Sibley's guide to age the birds. (report from Bart Kamp).

12/14/19 -- Worcester CBC

Here are the totals from yesterday's Worcester Christmas Count. The number of species and individuals are lower due to the poor weather conditions (rain in the morning and fog in the afternoon). Remember that count week for the count runs through Tuesday (12/17), so keep your eyes out in the Worcester area and let me know if you find anything not listed.

Canada Goose - 265
Mute Swan - 10
American Black Duck - 17
Mallard - 344
Ring-necked Duck - 13
Greater Scaup - count week
Bufflehead - 3
Common Goldeneye - 104
Hooded Merganser - 145
Common Merganser - 39
Ruffed Grouse - 3
Wild Turkey - 133
Common Loon - 6
Great Blue Heron - 4
Bald Eagle - 2 adults
Sharp-shinned Hawk - 3
Cooper's Hawk - 7
Red-tailed Hawk - 23
Ring-billed Gull - 373
Herring Gull - 9
Great Black-backed Gull - 1
Rock Pigeon - 131
Mourning Dove - 198
Eastern Screech-Owl - 3
Great Horned Owl - 3
Barred Owl - 4
Northern Saw-whet Owl - count week
Belted Kingfisher - 7
Red-bellied Woodpecker - 31
Yellow-bellied Sapsucker - 1
Downy Woodpecker - 105
Hairy Woodpecker - 22
Northern Flicker - 7
Pileated Woodpecker - 5
Merlin - 1
Peregrine Falcon - 2
Blue Jay - 532
American Crow - 257
Common Raven - 5
Black-capped Chickadee - 752
Tufted Titmouse - 348
Red-breasted Nuthatch - 3
White-breasted Nuthatch - 169
Brown Creeper - 12
Carolina Wren - 31
Winter Wren - 3
Golden-crowned Kinglet - 46
Ruby-crowned Kinglet - 1
Eastern Bluebird - 52
American Robin - 202
Northern Mockingbird - 9
European Starling - 1190
Cedar Waxwing - 67
American Tree Sparrow - 10
Chipping Sparrow - 1
Field Sparrow - 2
Song Sparrow - 136
Swamp Sparrow - 4
White-throated Sparrow - 80
Dark-eyed Junco - 805
Northern Cardinal - 163
EASTERN MEADOWLARK - 1 (Worcester Airport)
Purple Finch - 2
House Finch - 133
American Goldfinch - 144
House Sparrow - 644

64 species + 2 count week

(report from John Liller).

12/7/19 -- Quabog IBA, Brookfields

We did a brief tour of the ponds and river overlooks of the Quabog IBA today . Three of the large ponds are now iced over, but Quacumquasit (South Pond) was almost completely open. But there were decent numbers of waterfowl in the river in and outflows at each pond. The snow made counting from some vantage points very difficult. Mute Swan (1); Canada Goose (260); Mallard (52); A Black Duck (7); Hooded Merganser (86); Common Merganser (1m); Bald Eagle (1imm); Red-tailed Hawk (1); Ring-billed Gull (14).
(report from Mark Lynch/Sheila Carrol).

12/2/19 -- North Brookfield

At 8:15 am there was 1 female Baltimore Oriole at the bird feeder/sunflower seeds. Stuck around for about 10 minutes. (report from Jeff Smith).

12/1/19 -- Hardwick/Ware/Brookfield

Highlights from a morning birding around Hardwick included: (49) Mourning Doves; (1) N Flicker; (1) Hermit Thrush; (18) E Bluebirds; (2) Chipping Sparrows (Sheila got some decent shots); (51) White-throats; (77) Juncos; (4) Rusty Blackbirds.

Then at The new Frohloff Farm Rail Trail in Ware: Canada Goose (26); Winter Wren (1); C Yellowthroat (f-imm); (5) Field Sparrows, together in a loose group.

Finally, on the way home, Lake Quabog in Brookfield was 95% ice- covered but in the open water: A Black Duck (37); Hooded Merganser (44); Common Merganser (361). Flocks of the Common mergs were starting to fly out while we were there
(report from Mark Lynch/Sheila Carrol).

11/30/19 -- Holland/Wales/Brookfields/Douglas/Northbridge/Mendon/Milford/Worcester

Today we birded a few water areas in south-ish County:

LAKE MANCHAUG (SUTTON/DOUGLAS): Canada Goose (180); Mallard (37); Hooded Merganser (26).

WHITIN RESERVOIR, DOUGLAS: Bufflehead (6); C Goldeneye (7); Hooded Merganser (2); Common Merganser (3); Ring-billed Gull (2).

WALLUM LAKE: nada, zip, aleph null set.

NORTHBRIDGE (a few ponds): Mute Swan (37); Canada Goose (39); Mallard (34); A Black Duck (11); Ring-necked Duck (pair); Hooded Merganser (24); Ring-billed Gull (4); Herring Gull (1).

NIPMUC POND, MENDON: Canada Goose (18); Ring-billed Gull (1).

MILFORD POND, MILFORD: Mute Swan (6); Canada Goose (28); Mallard (14); A Black Duck (1); Hooded Merganser (3); Bald Eagle (1ad); Red-tailed Hawk (2).

THE LAKE QUINSIGAMOND-FLINT POND COMPLEX, Worcester-Shrewsbury: Great Blue Heron (1); Mute Swan (4); Canada Goose (35); Mallard (204); A Black Duck (43); N Pintail (1); Green-winged Teal (7); C Goldeneye (12); Hooded Merganser (33); Common Merganser (37); Ring-billed Gull (37); Herring Gull (3). John Liller+Kim (2). Best sighting all morning.

YESTERDAY (11/29):

HAMILTON RESERVOIR, HOLLAND: Canada Goose (13); Mallard (7); Hooded Merganser (66); Ruddy Duck (12); Ring-billed Gull (4).

LAKE GEORGE, WALES: Canada Goose (1); Mallard (75); A Black Duck (1); Hooded Merganser (31); Ring-billed Gull (1).

QUABOG IBA: Great Blue Heron (1); Mute Swan (3); Canada Goose (321); Mallard (108); A Black Duck (10); Hooded Merganser (57); Common Merganser (278); Bald Eagle (1imm); Red-tailed Hawk (1); Wild Turkey (1); Ring-billed Gull (141).

SPENCER: Ring-necked Pheasant (3m feeding right on road).
(report from Mark Lynch/Sheila Carrol).

11/30/19 -- Worcester Ponds

My wife, Kim Kastler, and I did our 1st Annual Thanksgiving Week Worcester Pond Survey this morning. Here is what we recorded:

LEESVILLE POND: American Black Duck (2); Mallard (175); Hooded Merganser (30); Great Blue Heron (1); Belted Kingfisher (1);

NOTRE DAME CEMETERY (very little activity): Mallard (6); Great Blue Heron (1);

CURTIS POND: Hooded Merganser (10); Ring-billed Gull (1);

COES RESERVOIR: Mute Swan (1); Mallard (6); Hooded Merganser (2); Common Merganser (28); Double-crested Cormorant (1); Ring-billed Gull (4); Bald Eagle (1 - 3rd year?); Red-tailed Hawk (1);

SALISBURY POND: Mute Swan (2); American Black Duck (5); Mallard (8); Hooded Merganser (65); Common Merganser (4);

INDIAN LAKE (lighting was difficult): Canada goose (81); Mute Swan (9); Mallard (10); Hooded Merganser (2); Common Merganser (87+); Ring-billed Gull (240+); Bald Eagle (1 - adult);

LAKE QUINSIGAMOND: Canada Goose (61); Common Goldeneye (20 - well south of Lake Park; lighting made identification difficult); Common Merganser (1); Common Loon (1); Ring-billed Gull (2);

FLINT POND (only from the boat ramp; did not have time to check on Creeper Hill Rd): Mallard (18); Hooded Merganser (12); Common Merganser (19); Ring-billed Gull (4); Mark Lynch and Sheila Carroll (2 - we had a nice visit)
(report from John Liller).

11/27/19 -- The Brookfields/Spencer

A survey of ponds today had the following:

QUABOG IBA: Great Blue Heron (3); Canada Goose (267); Mute Swan (4); A Black Duck (19); Mallard (133); Green-winged Teal (2); Hooded Merganser (131); Common Merganser (396); Ruddy Duck (2); Bald Eagle (1ad); Red-tailed Hawk (4); Ring-necked Pheasant (group of 12 under a feeder. This is why we don’t count them. They are all dumb birds released during hunting season); Wild Turkey (10); Ring-billed Gull (153: many kleptoparasitizing the mergs); Herring Gull (3); Belted Kingfisher (1).

STILES RESERVOIR, SPENCER: Red-throated Loon (1); Double-crested Cormorant (2); Mallard (4); Hooded Merganser (49); Common Merganser (184); Ring-billed Gull (24).
(report from Mark Lynch/Sheila Carroll).

11/23/19 -- Wachusett Reservoir IBA/Harvard/Indian Lake

Today we started birding the WACHUSETT RESERVOIR IBA. We made stops at Sterling Peat; The Quag; East and West Waushacum; Coachlace; and the reservoir proper. Mallards in good numbers were at several locations. Common Loon (5); Mute Swan (1); Canada Goose (1189: a flock of over 700 were seen early on at East Waushacum. Just as we were scoping the flock, two fishermen put their boat in and eventually flushed all geese out of there); CACKLING GOOSE (1 seen well in East Waushacum flock: a teeny goose; with a stubby bill, steep forehead, flat topped head. Breast dark at water line); Mallard (195); A Black Duck (5); Greater Scaup (86); Lesser Scaup (4); Bufflehead (11); Hooded Merganser (29); Common Merganser (12); Red-breasted Merganser (2f: Wachusett); Red-tailed Hawk X Red-shouldered Hawk (apparently back in its usual haunt); Bald Eagle (1ad+1imm); Ring-billed Gull (10).

NB: It is posted that there will be a lottery-based DEER HUNT all around Wachusett Reservoir for the entire month of December. They are not telling non-hunters to avoid the area in December but are asking folks to wear hunters orange. We will wear orange hats and vests when in the area.

THEN, we birded OXBOW NWR, HARVARD, ALONG Still River Depot Road, and then did some hawkwatching at the Fruitlands overlook: Red-tailed Hawk (3); N Flicker (1); E Bluebird (2); Common Raven (1); Northern Shrike (1); Northern Mockingbird (1); Dark-eyed Junco (16).

BARE HILL POND, HARVARD: Double-crested Cormorant (2imm); Canada Goose (16); Mallard (98); Hooded Merganser (90); Common Merganser (5); Ring-billed Gull (7); C Raven (1).

INDIAN LAKE, WORCESTER: From 3 overlooks. Mute Swan (9); Canada Goose (107); Wood Duck (1m); Gadwall (2f: both the Gadwall and the Wood Duck have been present for some time, but this is the first time I caught up with them. They were perched right across from the boat launch and we had great views.); Hooded Merganser (60); Common merganser (147); Red-breasted Merganser (1f: also present for some time); Ring-billed Gull (200+); Herring Gull (9).

NB: There has been some amazing activity in this city pond for the last two weeks. Other species seen recently, but not by us today, include Pied-billed Grebe, Common and Red-throated Loon, Bald Eagle, Merlin, and Iceland Gulls. I had just gotten on a gull tucked in among a large flock of Ringies that I seriously thought was a first winter Lesser Black-backed Gull, and before I could get a clean view, all the gulls and many of the ducks took to the air due to some guy on an ATV riding on the flats. I never refound the gull and can’t be sure. But this spot needs daily checking until freeze up.
(report from Mark Lynch/Sheila Carrol).

11/22/19 -- Wachusett Reservoir

This morning at Wachusett reservoir North dike area along rocks opposite cemetery island: Bald Eagle,Snow Buntings,Water Pipit. (report from Scott Matthews).

11/20/19 -- Indian Lake,Worcester

Bette Robo and I observed a number of interesting birds at Indian Lake this morning. We enjoyed very close views of two juvenile 1st-winter Iceland Gulls seen from Morgan Park. They were on the Sears Island mud flats amongst a couple of hundred Ring-billed Gulls and some Herring Gulls. The two eventually took off by themselves and flew out of sight toward the north end of the lake. We saw two female-type Gadwalls in the same area from Morgan Park. We saw a Pied-billed Grebe on the main part of the lake and we saw a female-type Red-breasted Merganser from the beach at Shore Park. Bette actually found the Iceland Gulls, Gadwall, and Pied-billed Grebe on the lake yesterday, 11/19/19. We also saw a Mallard X American Black Duck hybrid from Morgan Park. (report from Ed Kittredge).

11/16/19 -- Holland/Wales/Southbridge/Charlton

Today we started at HAMILTON RESERVOIR in HOLLAND: North and south ends were ice-covered. Great Blue Heron (2); Canada Goose (93); Bufflehead (7); Hooded Merganser (114); Common Merganser (546); Red-breasted Merganser (1m); Ruddy Duck (20); Red-tailed Hawk (1); Ring-billed Gull (42); Belted Kingfisher (1).

LAKE GEORGE, WALES: Canada Goose (62); Mallard (127); A Black Duck (5); Bufflehead (4); Hooded Merganser (67); Common Merganser (3); Ruddy Duck (1); Ring-billed Gull (1).

SOUTHBRIDGE (3 stops): Canada Goose (67); Mallard (4); Red-tailed Hawk (1); Ring-billed Gull (2); Belted Kingfisher (1); E Screech Owl (1); N Flicker (2); E Bluebird (11); Swamp Sparrow (1).

ORLANDO’S PONDS, CHARLTON: Canada Goose (143); Mallard (19); A Black Duck (3); Bufflehead (3); Hooded Merganser (11).
(report from Mark Lynch/Sheila Carrol).

11/15/19 -- South Worcester County ponds

Today we birded several ponds and lakes in south County.

WALLUM LAKE, DOUGLAS: Nothing.

WHITING RESERVOIR, DOUGLAS: Pied-billed Grebe (1); Double-crested Cormorant (2); Mallard (10); Bufflehead (7); C Goldeneye (12); Hooded Merganser (26); Common Merganser (7).

LAKE MANCHAUG, DOUGLAS/SUTTON: Canada Goose (39); Mallard (47); Bufflehead (4); Hooded Merganser (33); Common Merganser (3); Ring-billed Gull (3).

LAKE WEBSTER, WEBSTER: We haven’t often birded this extremely large body of water in fall. Access to good views of the water is mostly restricted to the beach on the “north pond” (there are also “middle” and “south” ponds). Other views had to done by viewing in between houses. For such a huge body of water, we had very few birds: Mute Swan (14); Canada Goose (21); Mallard (5); Hooded Merganser (9); Ring-billed Gull (44); Herring Gull (2).

We hit several ponds in DUDLEY. Every one was ice covered.

ORLANDO’S PONDS, CHARLTON: Canada Goose (205); Mallard (25); Bufflehead (3); Hooded Merganser (12).

QUABOG IBA, BROOKFIELD: We were surprised how much ice covered several of the major ponds; Lake Quabog: 50% covered; Lake Wickabog (70% covered); Quabog River (ice along edges); Lake Lashaway (almost completely open). Smaller ponds and marshes were all ice-covered. We recorded: Great Blue Heron (1); Canada Goose (336); Mallard (25); Hooded Merganser (51); Common Merganser (223); Bald Eagle (1ad on ice: north end Wickabog); Ring-billed Gull (70); E Screech Owl (1); Cedar Waxwing (70+); Snow Bunting (4: at boat launch/parking lot Lake Quabog).
(report from Mark Lynch/Sheila Carrol).

11/15/19 -- Institute Park, Worcester

Highlights at noon were 2 Mute Swan, 1 Am. Black Duck, 1 Gadwall (f), 24 Hooded Mergansers, 1 Common Merganser (m), 2+ Yellow-bellied Sapsuckers (imm), and 1 Dark-eyed Junco. (report from Rick Quimby).

11/11/19 -- Quabog IBA, Brookfields

This morning, birds noted here included:

Pied-billed Grebe (4); Great Blue Heron (1); Mute Swan (3); Canada Goose (101); Mallard (30); A Black Duck (18); Ring-necked Duck (1m); Bufflehead (1f); Hooded Merganser (92); Common Merganser (69); Bonaparte’s Gull (3 adW); Ring-billed Gull (104); Herring Gull 91); Belted Kingfisher (3); Red-bellied Woodpecker (5); Carolina Wren (4); Winter Wren (1); Cedar Waxwing (single flock of 48).

On the way home we stopped by STYLES RESERVOIR, SPENCER: Mallard (12); Bufflehead (1m); Hooded Merganser (17); Ring-billed Gull (9); Belted Kingfisher (1).
(report from Mark Lynch/Sheila Carroll).

11/10/19 -- Holden/Winchendon/Rutland/Worcester

Today we started at EAGLE LAKE/STUMP POND, HOLDEN. On our way back home many hours later, we checked this location again and like the other day, the species variety and numbers had changed radically. Icing is proceeding.
Recorded at EAGLE LAKE/STUMP POND: Canada Goose (567: NONE were there when we birded there first thing in the AM!); Wood Duck (8: there in the AM, none in the PM); Mallard (85); A Black Duck (51: only a handful of these last 2 species in the AM, huge influx in the PM); Ring-necked Duck (12); Greater Yellowlegs (1: in the AM, it was in a small open seep next to the causeway, sometimes seen walking on ice. We did not see it in the PM); A Robin (70: AM only).

OTTER RIVER WMA/BIRTH HILL DAM ACE, WINCHENDON/SOUTH ROYALSTON. Very few birds, including chickadees. This large parcel of mixed forest with small rivers and a few ponds was mostly quiet, EXCEPT for areas of brushy marshes with lots of winterberry.
Birds recorded: A Black Duck (2); Common Merganser (1m); Downy Woodpecker (3); Pileated Woodpecker (2); Blue Jay (12); Black-capped Chickadee (3); Hermit Thrush (2); A Robin (140); E Starling (20); A Tree Sparrow (1); Fox Sparrow (4); Song Sparrow (6); Swamp Sparrow (2); White-throated Sparrow (1); Dark-eyed Junco (32); N Cardinal (3); A Goldfinch (5).

MUSCHAPOAG ROAD, RUTLAND: only a flock of (46) Canada Geese overhead and many starlings.

MAPLE SPRING POND, HOLDEN: Wood Duck (12).

QUINAPOXET RESERVOIR, HOLDEN: Mallard (17); A Black Duck (9); C Raven (1).

INDIAN LAKE, WORCESTER. It was great to see several other birders here (Ed Kittridge/Bob Abbott/John Shea/Donna Schilling). Here was a great show of mergansers and other waterfowl.
Birds recorded: Common Loon (1); Double-crested Cormorant (14); Great Blue Heron (2); Mute Swan (2); Canada Goose (49); Mallard (42); Hooded Merganser (85); Common Merganser (450+); Ring-billed Gull (192); Herring Gull (5); Red-tailed Hawk (1).
The large mudflat on Sears Island is attracting lots of gulls. People should check here carefully for some odd gull or even a late shorebird. If you have never birded here before, there are 3 major overlooks: (1) parking lot at boat launch/tennis court on Grove Street; (2) from city park on Shore Drive (next to “Y”); (3) from the beach at very end of Clason Street.
(report from Mark Lynch/Sheila Carrol).

11/9/19 -- Southboro/Northboro/Westboro

This morning we birded some water bodies east of Worcester:

SUDBURY RESERVOIR, SOUTHBORO: Mute Swan (2); Canada Goose (82); Mallard (4); Ring-necked Duck (64); Lesser Scaup (9); Bufflehead (13); Ruddy Duck (55); Sharp-shinned Hawk (2); Red-tailed Hawk (1).

BARTLETT POND, NORTHBORO: skim ice along edges: Mute Swan (4).

LITTLE CHAUNCY, NORTHBORO: nothing.

CHAUNCY LAKE, WESTBORO: Pied-billed Grebe (2); Great Blue Heron (1); Mute Swan (2); Mallard (6); Hooded Merganser (4); Ring-billed Gull (5).

SUASCO, WESTBORO: Pied-billed Grebe (2); Double-crested Cormorant (2); Mute Swan (21); Canada Goose (15); Mallard (33); A Black Duck (6).

TUFTS FIELDS: Killdeer (3).
(report from Mark Lynch/Sheila Carrol).

11/8/19 -- Chaffin pond, Holden

Today from Gail drive, there were: Northern Harrier,Cooper’s hawk,Junco,Towhee,white throated sparrow. (report from Scott Matthews).

11/8/19 -- Worcester/Holden

We started this morning at COES , WORCESTER (blustery and very cold): Pied-billed Grebe (1); Double-crested Cormorant (12); Great Blue Heron (1); Mute Swan (3); Canada Goose (59); Mallard (53); Hooded Merganser (64); Common Merganser (123); Ring-billed Gull (167); Herring Gull (1 1stW).

EAGLE LAKE-STUMP POND, HOLDEN (ice starting to show up along the edges): Double-crested Cormorant (1); Canada Goose (194); Wood Duck (2); Mallard (62); A Black Duck (9); Ring-necked Duck (61); Greater Yellowlegs (1).

NB: we did this area again on our way back to Worcester and many of the geese and Mallards were gone and we could not find the yellowlegs again, which the first time around was feeding right near the causeway. No sign of the wigeon or coot seen a few days back.

MAPLE SPRING POND, HOLDEN: Wood Duck (16); Mallard (4).

QUINAPOXET RESERVOIR, HOLDEN: Canada Goose (38); Bufflehead (1); Dark-eyed Junco (22).

HARVARD POND PETERSHAM: only (4) Hooded Mergansers, nothing else.

We checked the fields in New Salem along Blackington Road/Rt.202 and did not find the white-fronted goose seen yesterday. There were no geese.

COES RESERVOIR, WORCESTER: Canada Goose (flock of 65 high overhead); Ruddy Duck (4: seen from playground pond overlook); Osprey (1); Red-tailed Hawk (1); Ring-billed Gull (5).
(report from Mark Lynch/Sheila Carrol).

11/7/19 -- Indian Lake, Worcester

During a quick stop at Indian Lake at about noon today I estimated that there were 100-125 Common Mergansers and 25-30 Double-crested Cormorants in the north end of the lake, and 75-80 Hooded Mergansers in the south end. Resting on the recently exposed sand bars were 50-100 mostly Ring-billed Gulls. In between them were the usual Canada Geese and puddle ducks. (report from Bart Kamp).

11/6/19 -- Quabog IBA

Today in the QUABOG IBA, we saw an “arrival” of flocks of Buffleheads.

Great Blue Heron (1); Canada Goose (135); Mallard (18); A Black Duck (24); Ring-necked Duck (4); Bufflehead (47); Hooded Merganser (23); Common Merganser (66); Killdeer (1); Wilson’s Snipe (2); Ring-billed Gull (76: most at north end of Wickabog).
(report from Mark Lynch/Sheila Carrol).

11/3/19 -- Wachusett Reservoir IBA

Today we started by birding the WACHUSTT RESERVOIR IBA. We visited most water locations with the exception of Sterling Peat.

Red-throated Loon (1); Common Loon (10); Pied-billed Grebe (2); Double-crested Cormorant (4); Great Blue Heron (4); Canada Goose (109); Wood Duck (29: all at The Quag); Mallard (26); Ring-necked Duck (1m); Greater Scaup (39); Long-tailed Duck (9: single flock that was very nervous and in flight often. We got our best views from the Mile Hill Road overlook); Common Goldeneye (19); Hooded Merganser (1m); Common Merganser (8); Red-tailed Hawk (1); Ring-billed Gull (5).
Passerines were the expected ones with the exception of Red-winged Blackbirds (95+).

Then at QUINAPOXET RESERVOIR, HOLDEN: the water level is now rising. Canada Goose (79); Common Raven (3).

INDIAN LAKE, WORCESTER: Double-crested Cormorant (2); Great Blue Heron (1); Canada Goose (43); Hooded Merganser (4); Common Merganser (85); Ring-billed Gull (137); Herring Gull (3).

(report from Mark Lynch/Sheila Carrol).

11/1/19 -- Institute Park, Worcester

Followed up on Rick's noon report today of Northern Shovelers. Had great looks at the pair about 1:30 PM (Thanks, Rick!). In addition to the other species reported, I also had great looks at a female-type Gadwall. (report from Ed Kittredge)

11/1/19 -- Institute Park, Worcester

Highlights at noon were 2 Mute Swan and 2 N. Shovelers (m&f). The Shovelers were seen well, close to the main shore, along with a single Mallard. (report from Rick Quimby).

10/31/19 -- The Brookfields

We went out to the Brookfields this afternoon to check the lakes. The weather was rain or wind driven rain. Not great weather to bird.

At LAKE QUABOG all we had were: Canada Goose (1); Malllard (6); Bald Eagle (1ad); W Turkey (11); Ring-billed Gull (4).

Nothing at Lake Wickabog.

LAKE LASHAWAY: Red-necked Grebe (2); Double-crested Cormorant (4).
(report from Mark Lynch/Sheila Carroll).

10/30/19 -- Grafton/Westboro/Northboro

This afternoon we visited a few locations in Grafton, Westboro, and Northboro.

At the marsh behind ST. PHILLIPS CEMETERY (Grafton) we found the coot and Gadwall that Nancy Demers reported 2 days back. Also there were Mute Swan (2); Canada Goose (112); Mallard (2); Red-tailed Hawk (1). There was no sign of the Great Egret that Nancy had found.

At SUASCO, Westboro: Pied-billed Grebe (2); Red-necked Grebe (7); Double-crested Cormorant (4); Mute Swan (17); Mallard (1); Cooper’s Hawk (1); Ring-billed Gull (18); Herring Gull (1).

CHAUNCY LAKE: Double crested Cormorant (1); Mallard (2); Bufflehead (1f); Ring-billed Gull (8).

LITTLE CHAUNCY (Northboro): Osprey (1).

BARTLETT POND (Northboro): Great Blue Heron (1); Canada Goose (15); Mallard (4); Green-winged Teal (5); Red-tailed Hawk (1); Killdeer (4).

E Painted Turtles were seen at several locations, and Spring Peepers were heard at all locations.
(report from Mark Lynch/Sheila Carrol).

10/28/19 -- Indian Lake, Worcester

Today at Indian Lake I had 1 Common Loon, 9 Common Merganser and 3 D.C. Cormorants

At Leesville Pond: 4 Wood Duck,3 A. Widgeon ,2 Green Wing Teal and 3 Hoody’s.
(report from John Shea).

10/24/19 -- Institute Park, Worcester

Highlights at noon were 6 Black Ducks, 1 Hairy Woodpecker, 1 Hermit Thrush (good looks as it hopped out of the bushes and perched on the trunk of a tree right in front of me, about 8" above the ground), and 6 Song Sparrows. (report from Rick Quimby).

10/20/19 -- Otter River SP-Birch Hill Dam, Winchendon / South Royalston

Today we birded the OTTER RIVER SP-BIRCH HILL DAM parcel in Winchendon and South Royalston. We are really in the denouement of passerine fall migration: few warblers, lots of sparrows of a few species.

Canada Goose (3); Wood Duck (7); A Black Duck (2); Mallard (5); Blue-winged Teal (2); Green-winged Teal (12); Sharp-shinned Hawk (1); Wild Turkey (8); Downy Woodpecker (3); Hairy Woodpecker (2); Pileated Woodpecker (3).
Blue Jay (46); A Crow (1); C Raven (1); Black-capped Chickadee (57); Tufted Titmouse (9); Red-breasted Nuthatch (23); White-breasted Nuthatch (7); Brown Creeper (1); Winter Wren (1); Ruby-crowned Kinglet (9); E Bluebird (14); Hermit Thrush (15); A Robin (35).
WARBLERS: Yellow-rumped (33); Pine (1); Palm (3); C Yellowthroat (1).
SPARROWS: Song (101); Swamp (84); White-throated (119); White-crowned (1ad).
Red-winged Blackbird (60+); Rusty Blackbird (4).

THEN we stopped by Muddy Pond/Sterling Peat and saw the WHITE-FACED IBIS. We easily found it and viewed it from the overlook on Muddy Pond Road. While looking at the bird, we saw several birders looking from having walked out the trail to the isolated pond. Luckily they stopped, because they couldn’t see the bird from where they were. Lesson: look from all angles. BTW: this was a state bird for us, though we have seen hundreds out west. We just never bothered chasing any of the north shore birds.
(report from Mark Lynch/Sheila Carrol).

10/19/19 -- Hardwick / Quinapoxet reservoir

We spent the day in HARDWICK, including an extended visit to the Gate 43 fishing area. Today is the last day this gate of Quabbin will be open to permit holders.

Common Loon (7); Horned Grebe (2); Double-crested Cormorant (12); Turkey Vulture (4); Canada Goose (19); Wood Duck (4); Common Merganser (6); Bald Eagle (1imm); Sharp-shinned Hawk (1); Red-tailed Hawk (2); Virginia Rail (1); Killdeer (2); Greater Yellowlegs (9); Lesser Yellowlegs (2); Ring-billed Gull (5); Mourning Dove (4); Belted Kingfisher (2); Red-bellied Woodpecker (4); Yellow-bellied Sapsucker (1); Downy Woodpecker (1); Hairy Woodpecker (6); N Flicker (3).
E Phoebe (3); Blue Jay (11); A Crow (6); Black-capped Chickadee (7); Tufted Titmouse (4); White-breasted Nuthatch (8); Ruby-crowned Kinglet (7); E Bluebird (6); Hermit Thrush (4); A Robin (165); Gray Catbird (2); Cedar Waxwing (12: all immatures); Yellow-rumped Warbler (37); Palm Warbler (2); Chipping Sparrow (17); Song Sparrow (52); Swamp Sparrow (8); White-throated Sparrow (98); Dark-eyed Junco (3); N Cardinal (5); Red-winged Blackbird (3); Rusty Blackbird (9); A Goldfinch (2).

Later at QUINAPOXET RESERVOIR, HOLDEN: Double-crested Cormorant (5); Mute Swan (2); Canada Goose (114); Common Merganser (40); Bald Eagle (1ad); Wild Turkey (3); Ring-billed Gull (7); Rusty Blackbird (1).
(report from Mark Lynch/Sheila Carrol).

10/18/19 -- Gate 8, Quabbin / Quabog IBA

We started the morning at GATE 8 QUABBIN. NB: The fishing gates at Quabbin close this weekend:

Common Loon (3); Double-crested Cormorant (1); White-winged Scoter (7: all drakes); Black Scoter (19); Common Merganser (6); Turkey Vulture (1); Bald Eagle (2ad+1imm); Sharp-shinned Hawk (2); Merlin (1); Greater Yellowlegs (1); Bonaparte’s Gull (5); Ring-billed Gull (23); Belted Kingfisher (1); Red-bellied Woodpecker (1).
E Phoebe (1); House Wren (1); Yellow-rumped Warbler (3); Dark-eyed Junco (6).

THEN, we birded THE QUABOG IBA in the Brookfields, concentrating on the ponds and lakes: Great Blue Heron (2); Canada Goose (207); Wood Duck (10); Mallard (30); A Black Duck (7); Green-winged Teal (2); Bufflehead (2 drakes); Osprey (1); Bald Eagle (1imm); Red-tailed Hawk (4); Virginia Rail (2); Killdeer (9); Solitary Sandpiper (1); Least Sandpiper (1); Ring-billed Gull (26); Belted Kingfisher (1); Red-bellied Woodpecker (1); Hairy Woodpecker (1); N Flicker (1).
Passerines noted included Marsh Wren (1); Yellow-rumped Warbler (30); Palm Warbler (2); Red-winged Blackbird (flock of 300+); Rusty Blackbird (4: feeding on mudflat in marsh).
(report from Mark Lynch/Sheila Carrol).

10/16/19 -- Sudbury Reservoir

Yesterday afternoon on the section off Rt. 9, the only ducks on the water were 7 Ruddy Ducks, 2 Lesser Scaup and 3 Mallard Ducks.
(report from Bart Kamp).

10/16/19 -- Gate 43, Quabbin

We were at the “Horseshoe Dam” area of Gate 43, Quabbin at dawn this morning and spent 2 hours there. We had the following: Common loon (2: very vocal adults); Double-crested Cormorant (13); Canada Goose (8); Green-winged Teal (3); Common Merganser (4); Bald Eagle (1imm); Killdeer (2); Greater Yellowlegs (7: actively feeding on schools of small fish swimming close to shore); Lesser Yellowlegs (2); Ring-billed Gull (1); Belted Kingfisher (1); Yellow-bellied Sapsucker (1); Hairy Woodpecker (2); N Flicker (2); Pileated Woodpecker (2).
Blue-headed Vireo (3); Blue Jay (6); C Raven (2); Tufted Titmouse (2); Red-breasted Nuthatch (2); White-breasted Nuthatch (4); Ruby-crowned Kinglet (4); Hermit Thrush (1); Gray Catbird (1); Yellow- rumped Warbler (6); Palm warbler (1); Song Sparrow (7); Swamp Sparrow 92); Red-winged Blackbird (3); C Grackle (500+); House Finch (5).

Then, on the way home we finally caught up with the 2 SANDHILL CRANES that have spent the summer near Hardwick Center (on Rt.32A).
(report from Mark Lynch/Sheila Carrol).

10/15/19 -- Quabbin Gate 43, Hardwick

Highlights of a trip this afternoon to Gate 43 (at The Cove) were 2 Greater Yellowlegs, 7 Killdeer and an immature Golden Eagle. I watched the eagle for about an hour while it bathed, then flew to a dead tree along the shore and preened. Shortly before I left, the eagle faced the sun (and me), spreading its wings while perched in order to complete the drying process.
(report from Bart Kamp).

10/10/19 -- Wachusett Reservoir IBA

This morning we birded parts of the WACHUSETT RESERVOIR IBA, including The Quag, the Waushacums, Coachlace, and the reservoir.

Common Loon (8); Double-crested Cormorant (41); Great Blue Heron (2); Mute Swan (2); Wood Duck (8); Mallard (26); Surf Scoter (1f: in the same place as yesterday. Best seen from the reservoir dam, looking out off the first point (post dam) to the right); Turkey Vulture (3); N Harrier (1: working fields behind dike); Red-tailed Hawk (2); Ring-billed Gull (6); E Meadowlark (flock of 10 behind dike).
(report from Mark Lynch/Sheila Carrol).

10/6/19 -- Warren

This morning we birded a few stops in WARREN and had the following:

Double-crested Cormorant (1); Turkey Vulture (2); Canada Goose (35); Wood Duck (16); Red-tailed Hawk (3); Wild Turkey (13); Virginia Rail (1); Mourning Dove (11); Red-bellied Woodpecker (2); Downy Woodpecker (2); Hairy Woodpecker (2); N Flicker (3); Pileated Woodpecker (1).
E Phoebe (14); Blue-headed Vireo (11); Blue Jay (32); A Crow (41); C Raven (2); Black-capped Chickadee (52); Tufted Titmouse (16); White-breasted Nuthatch (3); Carolina Wren (4); House Wren (2); Ruby-crowned Kinglet (9); E Bluebird (20); Hermit Thrush (3); A Robin (125); Gray Catbird (26); Cedar Waxwing (63).
WARBLERS: Nashville (1); Magnolia (1); Cape May (5); Black-throated Blue (1m); Yellow-rumped (59); Black-throated Green (2); Pine (4); Palm (3); Blackpoll (4); C Yellowthroat (2). SPARROWS: E Towhee (17); Chipping (108); Song (21); Swamp (3); White-throated (5).
N Cardinal (11); Purple Finch (1); House Finch (3).

On the way back home we made few stops in the QUABOG IBA: Double-crested Cormorant (3); Great Blue Heron (3); Mute Swan (1); Canada Goose (107); Wood Duck (6); Mallard (56); A Black Duck (7); Green-winged Teal (6); Ring-necked Duck (8); Turkey Vulture (4); Red-tailed Hawk (3); Ring-billed Gull (21).
(report from Mark Lynch/Sheila Carrol).

10/5/19 -- Winchendon-South Royalston

Today we spent the morning birding the Otter River SP-Birch Hill Dam ACE parcel in WINCHENDON AND SOUTH ROYALSTON. Passerines were few (relatively) and far, far between, attesting to our entering the waning weeks of neotropical song bird migration. Starting temp was 28 F. The leaves are turning and falling.

Canada Goose (19); Wood Duck (22); A Black Duck (2); Green-winged Teal (16); Sharp-shinned Hawk (3); Solitary Sandpiper (1); Mourning Dove (18); Belted Kingfisher (1); Downy Woodpecker (2); Hairy Woodpecker (4); N Flicker (3).
E Phoebe (5); Blue-headed Vireo (3); Red-eyed Vireo (1); Blue Jay (57); Common Raven (2); Black-capped Chickadee (139); Tufted Titmouse (10); Red-breasted Nuthatch (38); White-breasted Nuthatch (9); Ruby-crowned Kinglet (5); E Bluebird (2); Hermit Thrush (14); A Robin (11); Gray Catbird (8); A Pipit (1 overhead).
WARBLERS: Orange-crowned (1); N Parula (1); Yellow-rumped (41); Black-throated Green (1); Pine (32); Palm (19); Blackpoll 99); C Yellowthroat (3).
SPARROWS: E Towhee (9); Chipping (14); Song (38); Lincoln’s (1); Swamp (18); White-throated (31).
N Cardinal (2); Red-winged Blackbird (2).

Plus: pack of coyotes wailing at dawn; still good numbers of meadowhawks and a small number of darners too. Butterflies: We had 1 each Clouded Sulphur, American Copper, Painted Lady.
(report from Mark Lynch/Sheila Carrol).

9/30/19 -- Wachusett Mountain, Princeton

Here is the Wachusett Mountain 2019 hawk-watching season summary to date
(report from Rod Chase).

9/30/19 -- Quabog IBA, Lake Quabog

This morning we birded the QUABOG IBA. The bird of the trip was, of course, the LEACH’S STORM PETREL found at Lake Quabog. I initially saw a small dark brown object on the water almost ¾ of the way across the lake. I told Sheila it looked sort of like a Leach’s, but at this distance I couldn’t be sure it even was a bird. We both took turns at the scope as the object drifted. Then the bird shook it’s wings, and we were then sure it was a bird, but it wasn’t until a Ring-billed Gull harassed it, causing it to fly , that I was sure it was a Leach’s Storm Petrel and Sheila texted Central Mass Facebook site. The bird: Long-winged, (classic nighthawk-like in flight), long-tailed, small round head with an odd, short hooked bill (seen when the bird was closer sitting on the water). Mostly dark brown. White was sometimes seen on the tail flanks when the bird was at rest and in flight, but fast flight and poor lighting made the white on uppertail tough to see. More obvious in flight was a lighter brown colored bar on the flight coverts, running from rear-base of wing out to the alula. A number times the bird was rousted by a ring-billed gull, once by 2 gulls, and the bird flew sometimes back and forth, sometimes closer, sometimes further out. It appeared exhausted. We watched the petrel for more than an hour until other birders finally showed up and got on the bird and we left it. Other birds seen:

Great Blue Heron (7); Turkey Vulture (4); Canada Goose (190); Wood Duck (15); A Black Duck (8); Mallard (62); Hooded Merganser (2imm); Bald Eagle (2ad); Red-shouldered Hawk (1); Red-tailed Hawk (2); Merlin (1); Wild Turkey (3); Ring-billed Gull (36); Red-bellied Woodpecker (3); Yellow-bellied Sapsucker (1); Hairy Woodpecker (4); N Flicker (7); Pileated Woodpecker (1).
E Phoebe (7); Blue-headed Vireo (1); Blue Jay (27); A Crow (7); Black-capped Chickadee (19); Tufted Titmouse (4); White-breasted Nuthatch (7); Carolina Wren (3); House Wren (1); Ruby-crowned Kinglet (2); E Bluebird (2); A Robin (11); Gray Catbird (7); N Mockingbird (2); Yellow-rumped Warbler (2); Pine Warbler (2); C Yellowthroat (6); Scarlet Tanager (1); E Towhee (5); Chipping Sparrow (30); Song Sparrow (44); Swamp Sparrow (17); White-throated Sparrow (7); A Goldfinch (2).

Earlier at QUINAPOXET RESERVOIR there were 7 BALD EAGLES (4ad+3imm).
(report from Mark Lynch/Sheila Carrol).

9/29/19 -- Wachusett Mountain, Princeton

Migrating raptors today: Osprey 4 ; Bald Eagle 2 ; Sharp-shinned Hawk 19 ; Cooper's Hawk 12 ; Red-shouldered Hawk 1 ; Broad-winged Hawk 31 ; American Kestrel 11 ; Merlin 4 .
(report from Rod Chase).

9/28/19 -- Petersham

We made several stops in Petersham. The weather was great, but the birding only so-so. We really dipped on passerine migrants (the wind was no help) but did manage some decent waterfowl and a few shorebirds. Highlights only:

Double-crested Cormorant (2); Great Blue Heron (2); Turkey Vulture (1); Canada Goose (4); Wood Duck (91); A Black Duck (6); Mallard (21); Blue-winged Teal (2); Green-winged Teal (15); Ring-necked Duck (1m in pond behind town pound continues); Cooper’s Hawk (1imm); Wild Turkey (8); Killdeer (2); Least Sandpiper (3); Pectoral Sandpiper (4); Belted Kingfisher (2).
Select passerine numbers: E Phoebe (18); Blue-headed Vireo (7); Common Raven (2); Carolina Wren (1); House Wren (1); Ruby- crowned Kinglet (2); E Bluebird (16); Hermit Thrush (only 1!); Gray Catbird (17);
WARBLERS: Yellow-rumped (9); Pine (1); Palm (1); Blackpoll (6); Ovenbird (1); C Yellowthroat (4).
There was a decent flight of Buck Moths along powerlines.

At Quinapoxet Reservoir (3) Great Egrets and the immature Great Cormorant continue.
(report from Mark Lynch/Sheila Carroll).

9/27/19 -- Wachusett Mountain, Princeton

Migrating raptors today: Black Vulture 1 ; Osprey 5 ; Bald Eagle 4 ; Sharp-shinned Hawk 6 ; Cooper's Hawk 6 ; Broad-winged Hawk 104 ; American Kestrel 6 ; Merlin 4 ; Peregrine Falcon 1 ;
(report from Rod Chase).

9/25/19 -- Wachusett Mountain, Princeton

Migrating raptors today: Osprey 4 ; Bald Eagle 10 ; Sharp-shinned Hawk 26 ; Cooper's Hawk 2 ; Broad-winged Hawk 58 ; American Kestrel 8 .
(report from Paul Roberts).

9/25/19 -- Ware River Watershed IBA

This morning we birded the southern section of the WARE RIVER WATERSHED IBA. We had several very good flocks of passerines and some surprises. We stopped for a bit at the Barre Falls Dam hawkwatch spot. The dedicated hawkwatchers there were having (so far) a slow day. Hopefully, it picked up after we left.

Turkey Vulture (1); Wood Duck (2: low); Osprey (1); Bald Eagle (1ad); Sharp-shinned Hawk (2: playing with/harassing a flock of jays); Red-shouldered Hawk (1); Broad-winged Hawk (1); Mourning Dove (4);Belted Kingfisher (1); Red-bellied Woodpecker (1); Yellow-bellied Sapsucker (1); Downy Woodpecker (3); Hairy Woodpecker (4); N Flicker (4); Pileated Woodpecker (4).
E Phoebe (32); Blue-headed Vireo (6: a few still singing); Red-eyed Vireo 99); Blue Jay (46); C Raven (2); Black-capped Chickadee (95); Tufted Titmouse (9); Red-breasted Nuthatch (9: not a migration year); White-breasted Nuthatch (27); Winter Wren (1); Hermit Thrush (11); A Robin (13); Gray Catbird (34); Cedar Waxwing (3).
WARBLERS: Tennessee (1); N Parula (4); Cape May (1); Yellow-rumped (7); Blackburnian (1); Pine (82: some still singing); Palm (1); Bay-breasted (3); Blackpoll (39); Black and White (2); Ovenbird (2); Connecticut (4: including 1 adult male or dark hooded female); C Yellowthroat (12);
Scarlet Tanager (2); E Towhee (19); Chipping Sparrow (38); Song Sparrow (7); Lincoln’s (1); Swamp (15); White-throated (4); N Cardinal (1); A Goldfinch (3).
(report from Mark Lynch/Sheila Carroll).

9/24/19 -- Wachusett Mountain, Princeton

Migrating raptors today: Osprey 5 ; Bald Eagle 5 ; Sharp-shinned Hawk 12 ; Cooper's Hawk 5 ; Broad-winged Hawk 74 ; American Kestrel 6 .
(report from Rod Chase).

9/21/19 -- Otter River, Winchendon / Quinapoxet Reservoir

This morning we birded the area of OTTER River SP/Birch Hill Dam ACE in west Winchendon-south Royalston. There were a few nice flocks of migrants early on, but overall it was pretty quiet.
Great Blue Heron (2); Canada Goose (54); Wood Duck (22); Solitary Sandpiper (3); Belted Kingfisher (5); Downy Woodpecker (3); Hairy Woodpecker (2); N Flicker (3); Pileated Woodpecker (3).
E Phoebe (29); Blue-headed Vireo (3); Red-eyed Vireo (9); Blue Jay (52); A Crow (5); C Raven (2); Black-capped Chickadee (98); Tufted Titmouse (11); Red-breasted Nuthatch (21); White-breasted Nuthatch (10); E Bluebird (2); Hermit Thrush (16); A Robin (2); Gray Catbird (21); Cedar Waxwing (6).
WARBLERS: Magnolia (1); Cape May (2); Yellow-rumped (18); Black-throated Green (11); Pine (95); Palm (20); Bay-breasted (2); Blackpoll (13); Black and White (3); Ovenbird (5); C Yellowthroat (9).
E Towhee (16); Chipping Sparrow (4); Song Sparrow (12); Swamp Sparrow (6); Rose-breasted Grosbeak (2); C Grackle (flock of c.40).
Plus: a large flight of Buck Moths along the powerlines.

On the way home we stopped by QUINAPOXET RESERVOIR: Double-crested Cormorant (15); Great Blue Heron (5); Canada Goose (30); Mallard (14); Common Merganser (5); Killdeer (6); Lesser Yellowlegs (1); Greater Yellowlegs (6); Pectoral Sandpiper (1).
(report from Mark Lynch/Sheila Carroll).

9/20/19 -- Wachusett Mountain, Princeton

Migrating raptors today: Osprey 4 85 89 Bald Eagle 4 62 72 Sharp-shinned Hawk 19 155 165 Cooper's Hawk 1 33 39 Broad-winged Hawk 167 2463 2520 American Kestrel 17 76 79 Merlin 3 31 33 Peregrine Falcon 2 12 12
(report from Rod Chase).

9/20/19 -- Mount Watatic, Ashburnham

Raptors migrating today: Bald Eagle 2 ; Sharp-shinned Hawk 24 ; Cooper's Hawk 2 ; Northern Goshawk 1 ; Broad-winged Hawk 51 ; American Kestrel 2 ; Merlin 1 . (report from Brian Rusnica).

9/18/19 -- Wachusett Mountain, Princeton

Migrating raptors today: Black Vulture 1 ; Turkey Vulture 1 ; Osprey 4 ; Bald Eagle 5 ; Sharp-shinned Hawk 33 ; Cooper's Hawk 1 ; Red-shouldered Hawk 3 ; Broad-winged Hawk 22 ; American Kestrel 11 ; Merlin 5 ; Peregrine Falcon 2 .
(report from Paul Roberts).

9/18/19 -- Mount Watatic, Ashburnham

Raptors migrating today: Turkey Vulture 4 Osprey 4 Bald Eagle 12 Northern Harrier 1 Sharp-shinned Hawk 33 Cooper's Hawk 4 Red-shouldered Hawk 3 Broad-winged Hawk 406 American Kestrel 6 Merlin 3 . (report from Brian Rusnica).

9/17/19 -- Wachusett Mountain, Princeton

Migrating raptors today: Black Vulture 2 ; Osprey 8 ; Bald Eagle 7 ; Northern Harrier 1 ; Sharp-shinned Hawk 17 ; Cooper's Hawk 3 ; Broad-winged Hawk 354 ; American Kestrel 16 ; Merlin 4 .
(report from Rod Chase).

9/17/19 -- Mount Watatic, Ashburnham

Raptors migrating today: Turkey Vulture 3 ; Osprey 1 ; Bald Eagle 7 ; Northern Harrier 3 ; Sharp-shinned Hawk 39 ; Cooper's Hawk 4 ; Red-shouldered Hawk 1 ; Broad-winged Hawk 1005 ; American Kestrel 3 ; Merlin 1 . (report from Brian Rusnica).

9/16/19 -- Wachusett Mountain, Princeton

Migrating raptors today: Osprey 13 ; Bald Eagle 24 ; Sharp-shinned Hawk 18 ; Cooper's Hawk 5 ; Broad-winged Hawk 1416 ; American Kestrel 7 ; Merlin 2 ; Peregrine Falcon 1 .
(report from Paul Roberts).

9/16/19 -- Mount Watatic, Ashburnham

Raptors migrating today: Osprey 1 ; Bald Eagle 5 ; Sharp-shinned Hawk 25 ; Broad-winged Hawk 350 ; American Kestrel 6 ; Merlin 1 . (report from Brian Rusnica).

9/15/19 -- Wachusett Mountain, Princeton

Migrating raptors today: Osprey 10 ; Bald Eagle 7 ; Sharp-shinned Hawk 9 ; Cooper's Hawk 2 ; Broad-winged Hawk 258;
(report from Rod Chase).

9/15/19 -- Mount Watatic, Ashburnham

Raptors migrating today: Osprey 8 ; Bald Eagle 5 ; Sharp-shinned Hawk 22 ; Cooper's Hawk 1 ; Red-shouldered Hawk 1 ; Broad-winged Hawk 91 ; American Kestrel 2 ; Merlin 1 . (report from Brian Rusnica).

9/15/19 -- Lower Naukeag lake, Ashburnham

There was a Cormorant at the lake today. (report from Garry Sager).

9/13/19 -- Mount Watatic, Ashburnham

Raptors migrating today: Osprey 6 ; Bald Eagle 21 ; Northern Harrier 2 ; Sharp-shinned Hawk 8 ; Cooper's Hawk 6 ; Red-shouldered Hawk 1 ; Broad-winged Hawk 82 ; American Kestrel 4 ; Merlin 3 ; Peregrine Falcon 1 . (report from Brian Rusnica).

9/13/19 -- Wachusett Mountain, Princeton

Migrating raptors today: Osprey 7 ; Bald Eagle 6 ; Sharp-shinned Hawk 22; Cooper's Hawk 6 ; Broad-winged Hawk 62 ; American Kestrel 10 ; Merlin 8 12 14 Peregrine Falcon 1 .
(report from Rod Chase).

9/9/19 -- Wachusett Mountain, Princeton

Migrating raptors today: Osprey 5 ; Bald Eagle 2 ; Sharp-shinned Hawk 2; Cooper's Hawk 1 ; Broad-winged Hawk 33 ; American Kestrel 1 ; Merlin 2 .
(report from Rod Chase).

9/8/19 -- Crystal Lake Reservoir, Gardner

While biking on the North Central Rail Pathway in Gardner, we heard (then spotted) a Common Loon on the lake. Above, an adult Bald Eagle was circling. (report from Marion Larson and Scott Handler)

9/8/19 -- Mount Watatic, Ashburnham

Raptors migrating today: Osprey 2 ; Bald Eagle 4 ; Sharp-shinned Hawk 10 ; Broad-winged Hawk 26 . (report from Brian Rusnica).

9/7/19 -- Mount Watatic, Ashburnham

Raptors migrating today: Osprey 2 ; Bald Eagle 2 ; Sharp-shinned Hawk 6 ; Red-shouldered Hawk 1 ; Broad-winged Hawk 12 ; American Kestrel 1 ; Merlin 1 . (report from Brian Rusnica).

9/7/19 -- Wachusett Mountain, Princeton

Migrating raptors today: Osprey 6 ; Sharp-shinned Hawk 6 ; Cooper's Hawk 3 ; Northern Goshawk 4 ; Broad-winged Hawk 17 ; American Kestrel 1 .
(report from Rod Chase).

9/7/19 -- Wachusett Reservoir

We checked out WACHUSETT RESERVOIR this morning in the vague hope that the hurricane or rain forced down something interesting. No such luck.

Common Loon (2); Double-crested Cormorant (55); Mute Swan (1); Canada Goose (164); Mallard (7); Red-tailed Hawk (1); Merlin (1); Killdeer (42: Clinton high playing fields); Ring-billed Gull (63).

EAST WAUSHACUM: Double-crested Cormorant (4); Great Blue Heron (1); Barn Swallow (50).

QUINAPOXET RESERVOIR: Double-crested Cormorant (5); Great Blue Heron (2); Mallard (7); Semipalmated Plover (1); Killdeer (1); Spotted Sandpiper (1); Least Sandpiper (1).
(report from Mark Lynch/Sheila Carrol).

9/6/19 -- Brookfields Quaboag IBA

We spent the morning in the QUABOG IBA (the Brookfields). We started at Elm Hill MAS, where we came across a nice selection of passerines, including hundreds of robins gorging on choke cherries and grapes. Many of these robins were juveniles, still with spotted breasts.

Double-crested Cormorant (1); Great Blue heron (4); Green Heron (1); Turkey Vulture (4); Canada Goose (55); Wood Duck (15); A Black Duck (4); Mallard (39); Bald Eagle (1ad); Sharp-shinned Hawk (1); Broad-winged Hawk (1); Red-tailed Hawk (1); Wild Turkey (3ad w/6yg); Virginia Rail (4); Killdeer (9); Least Sandpiper (1); Semipalmated Sandpiper (1); Ring-billed Gull (25); Mourning Dove (27); Red-bellied Woodpecker (1); Yellow-bellied Sapsucker (2imm); Downy Woodpecker (1); Hairy Woodpecker (1); N Flicker (5).
E Wood Peewee (6); E Phoebe (2); Yellow-throated Vireo (1); Blue-headed Vireo (1); Red-eyed Vireo (18); Blue Jay (36); A Crow (8); Fish Crow (2); Black-capped Chickadee (14); Tufted Titmouse (9); White-breasted Nuthatch (9); Carolina Wren (1); Blue-gray Gnatcatcher (1); Veery (1); A Robin (535); Gray Catbird (42); Cedar Waxwing (26).
WARBLERS: Chestnut-sided (9); Yellow-rumped (1); A Redstart (4); Ovenbird (1); C Yellowthroat (19).
Scarlet Tanager (3); Chipping Sparrow (3); Song Sparrow (14); Swamp Sparrow (8); N Cardinal (9); Rose-breasted Grosbeak (7); Indigo Bunting (4); House Finch (3); A Goldfinch (12).

(report from Mark Lynch/Sheila Carrol).

9/5/19 -- Wachusett Mountain, Princeton

Migrating raptors today: Osprey 4 ; Bald Eagle 2 ; Cooper's Hawk 3 ; Broad-winged Hawk 12 ; Peregrine Falcon 1 .
(report from Rod Chase).

9/5/19 -- Ware River Watershed IBA

A morning spent in the southeastern section of the WARE RIVER WATERSHED IBA had the following:

Great Blue Heron (2); Turkey Vulture (2); Wood Duck (21); Cooper’s Hawk (1); Red-shouldered Hawk (2); Broad-winged Hawk (2); Red-tailed Hawk (1); Mourning Dove (1); Ruby-throated Hummingbird (4); Downy Woodpecker (5); Hairy Woodpecker (1); N Flicker (1); Pileated Woodpecker (1).
E Wood Peewee (7: most still calling);E Phoebe (8); E Kingbird (1); Warbling Vireo (2); Red-eyed Vireo (17: many still singing); Blue Jay (29); A Crow (8); C Raven (2); Black-capped Chickadee (60); Tufted Titmouse (4); Red-breasted Nuthatch (11); White-breasted Nuthatch (9); Brown Creeper (1); House Wren (2); Hermit Thrush (8); Wood Thrush (2); A Robin (6); Gray Catbird (52); Cedar Waxwing (17).
WARBLERS: Chestnut-sided (1); Yellow-rumped (8); Black-throated Green (3); Blackburnian (1); Pine (16); Prairie (1); Black and White (6); A Redstart (2); Ovenbird (6); C Yellowthroat (12).
E Towhee (17); Chipping Sparrow (4); Song Sparrow (9); Swamp Sparrow (6); Rose-breasted Grosbeak (8); Purple Finch (1); A Goldfinch (5).

We then stopped by QUINAPOXET RESERVOIR, Holden:
Double-crested Cormorant (7); Great Blue Heron (3); Great Egret (1); Canada Goose (50); Mallard (9); Bald Eagle (2ad). NO SHOREBIRDS!
(report from Mark Lynch/Sheila Carrol).

9/4/19 -- Wachusett Mountain, Princeton

Migrating raptors today: Osprey 2 ; Peregrine Falcon 1.
(report from Paul Roberts).

9/1/19 -- Leicester

We did a dedicated nighthawk watch from 5PM-6:15PM 9/1 from the Rt. 56 overlook of the airport. Visibility was good, and we had a clear view of the microwave tower in north (town of) Blackstone. We had: Double-crested Cormorant (1); Great Blue Heron (1); BUFF-BREASTED SANDPIPER (1: c.6:10, flew up and directly overhead, heading west in perfect light. Looked like it flew up from the runway.); COMMON NIGHTHAWK (40 : most in 2 flocks, 98% heading directly SW, no stopping to feeding , no circling up.); Barn Swallow (only 2). No Bobolinks, swifts et.

NB: over the decades of nighthawk watching from this spot, one of the real treats has been seeing species OTHER than nighthawks, like the Buff-breasted. Typically we also see some raptors (not last night); and have a number of song birds pass over, though, again, not last night. Oddities recorded over the years have included an immature Little Blue Heron, Upland Sandpiper (twice. Once it landed in the fields right in front of us). One summer Green Herons would pass over often, likely indicating breeding nearby. Likely the weirdest sighting was having a HUGE, dense swarm of bees fly very low over our heads from the direction of the airport. The sound was spooky.
(report from Mark Lynch/Sheila Carroll).

9/1/19 -- Wachusett Mountain, Princeton

Migrating raptors today: Osprey 1 ; Bald Eagle 2 ; Sharp-shinned Hawk 1 ; Cooper's Hawk 1 ; Broad-winged Hawk 7 .
(report from Rod Chase).

8/31/19 -- Otter River/Quinapoxet Reservoir

Today we birded the OTTER RIVER SP-BIRCH HILL DAM parcel (Winchenden-South Royalston). Birds were most active first thing in the morning and it was then that we had had 2 interesting mixed flocks. There were long stretches with few if any birds. Some vireos and Pine Warblers were still singing.

Double-crested Cormorant (1); Great Blue Heron (3); Great Egret (1); Green Heron (1); Wood Duck (16); Red-shouldered Hawk (2); Broad-winged Hawk (1);Greater Yellowlegs (1 calling as it flew overhead); Mourning Dove (1)Belted Kingfisher (1); Yellow-bellied Sapsucker (1); Downy Woodpecker (5); Hairy Woodpecker (1); N Flicker (2); Pileated Woodpecker (3).
E Wood Peewee (1); E Phoebe (8); Blue-headed Vireo (5); Red-eyed Vireo (26); Blue Jay (19); A Crow (1); C Raven (2); Tree Swallow (74); Barn Swallow (110); Black-capped Chickadee (143); T Titmouse (6); Red-breasted Nuthatch (32); White-breasted Nuthatch (11); Hermit Thrush (8); A Robin (74: flocks around choke cherry trees); Gray Catbird (27); Cedar Waxwing (27).
WARBLERS: Nashville (1); Chestnut-sided (4); Yellow-rumped (4); Black-throated Green (7); Pine (54); Black and White (3); A Redstart (1); C Yellowthroat (15).
E Towhee (3); Chipping Sparrow (2); Song Sparrow (8); Swamp Sparrow (9); Baltimore Oriole (6); Purple Finch (1); A Goldfinch (1).

Then we stopped at QUINAPOXET RESERVOIR on the way home: Double-crested Cormorant (5); Great Blue Heron (3); Canada Goose (38); Mallard (11); Bald Eagle (1ad); Semipalmated Plover (3); Killdeer (2); Greater Yellowlegs (1); Baird’s Sandpiper (1juv: nice views and both of us got to watch it in the scope. NB: The Baird’s this afternoon, and the Semi Plovers, and yellowlegs were on the right side of the inlet that is right at the fence. This is not that easy to see because of all the shrubs and bushes at the fence. You have to bushwhack a wee bit and change your view to see everything that was there). Least Sandpiper (5).
(report from Mark Lynch/Sheila Carroll).

8/31/19 -- Mount Watatic, Ashburnham

Raptors migrating today: Osprey 4 ; Cooper's Hawk 1 ; Broad-winged Hawk 11. (report from Brian Rusnica).

8/31/19 -- Wachusett Mountain, Princeton

Migrating raptors today: Bald Eagle 8 ; Broad-winged Hawk 9 ; American Kestrel 1 ; Merlin 1 .
(report from Rod Chase).

8/30/19 -- Institute Park, Worcester

Highlights at noon were 1 DC Cormorant, 1 Green Heron, 2 Mute Swans, 3 Killdeer, 3 Spotted Sandpipers, 5 Least Sandpipers, and 1 Belted Kingfisher. (report from Rick Quimby).

8/27/19 -- Wachusett Mountain, Princeton

Migrating raptors today: Bald Eagle 1 ; Sharp-shinned Hawk 3 ; Cooper's Hawk 2 ; Broad-winged Hawk 4 ; Merlin 1 .
(report from Rod Chase).

8/26/19 -- Sturbridge

At 6:55 PM, we observed 8 common nighthawks feeding over our home in Sturbridge. They gradually moved in a westerly direction. (report from Naomi Lacasse).

8/26/19 -- Hardwick

Today there was a pair of Sandhill cranes in the Mandell Hill EQLT property in Hardwick. Apparently these birds have been seen on a more or less regular basis during the summer. Maureen Monahan reported them to me on 8/25. (report from Dick Knowlton).

8/25/19 -- Wachusett Mountain, Princeton

Migrating raptors today: Osprey 3; Sharp-shinned Hawk 1; Broad-winged Hawk 6 ; Red-tailed Hawk 1.
(report from Rod Chase).

8/23/19 -- Eagle Lake, Holden

This afternoon the Immature Little Blue Heron (reported by Peter on 8/21 at Eagle Lake in Holden) was seen feeding in the part of the lake closest to Causeway Street. (report from Bart Kamp).

8/23/19 -- Grafton High School

Highlights this evening at my Grafton High School Nighthawk Watch spot. (The actual spot is adjacent to the Municipal Center, but overlooks the high school. Prior to the building of the new high school, there was no separation of the two.)

COMMON NIGHTHAWK - 44 (including a group of 26 heading south over Grafton Center, and 16 heading south over the Quinsigamond River two minutes later); Chimney Swift - 32; Double-crested Cormorant - 1; Barn Swallow - 3; Eastern Bluebird - 8; Chipping Sparrow - 2; Common Grackle - 1.
(report from John Liller).

8/21/19 -- Holden/Sterling

Eagle Lake, Holden: Today there was a Little Blue Heron (Imm) at Eagle Lake in Holden

Sterling Peat, Sterling: Great Egret, 4 Green Heron and a Solitary Sandpiper.

Quinapoxxet Reservoir: 2 Greater Yellowlegs.
(report from Peter Morlock).

8/21/19 -- Institute Park, Worcester

At noon highlights were 1 DC Cormorant, 2 Green Herons, 1 Solitary Sandpiper, 2 Spotted Sandpipers, and 3 Least Sandpipers. (report from Rick Quimby).

8/20/19 -- Wachusett Mountain, Princeton

Migrating raptors today: Sharp-shinned Hawk 4 ; Cooper's Hawk 1 ; Broad-winged Hawk 35; American Kestrel 1 .
(report from Rod Chase).

8/3/19 -- Winchendon-South Royalston

This morning we birded the Otter River SP-Birch Hill Dam ACE parcel in WINCHENDON and SOUTH ROYALSTON mostly in overcast conditions with periodic showers. Birds are very much in the post-breeding phase: song has dramatically dropped off (except for persistent singers like vireos and the occasional vocal outbursts) and many just fledged birds are moving about. We did have a good number of Hermit Thrushes singing, perhaps because of the dark and overcast conditions.

Great Blue Heron (3); Green Heron (1); Wood Duck (8); N Goshawk (1ad); Red-shouldered Hawk (1); Broad-winged Hawk (3); Solitary Sandpiper (all along the river); Spotted Sandpiper (2); Mourning Dove (2); Ruby-throated Hummingbird (1f); Belted Kingfisher (1); Hairy Woodpecker (5); N Flicker (1); Pileated Woodpecker (2).
Alder Flycatcher (8: still calling); E Phoebe (6); E Kingbird (14); Blue-headed Vireo (7); Red-eyed Vireo (51); Blue Jay (6); A Crow (4); Tree Swallow (217); Bank Swallow (2); Barn Swallow (53); Black-capped Chickadee (46); Tufted Titmouse (5); Red-breasted Nuthatch (18); White-breasted Nuthatch (10); House Wren (3); Hermit Thrush (39); A Robin (3); Gray Catbird (38); Cedar Waxwing (1ad+2 yg in nest).
WARBLERS: Yellow (2); Chestnut-sided (16); Black-throated Blue (3); Yellow-rumped (4); Black-throated Green (5); Blackburnian (2); Pine (21); Black and White (7); A Redstart (1); Ovenbird (1); C Yellowthroat (39);
Scarlet Tanager (2); E Towhee (13); Chipping Sparrow (13); Song Sparrow (40); Swamp Sparrow (49); White-throated Sparrow (6); Indigo Bunting (2); Red-winged Blackbird (25); A Goldfinch (3).
(report from Mark Lynch/Sheila Carroll).

7/22/19 -- Broad Meadow Brook MAS, Worcester

There was a juvenile Black-crowned Night-Heron at Mass Audubon - Broad Meadow Brook, at 9:48 AM today. I did not originally find this bird. It was first seen here on Friday, 7/19/2019, by another birder whom I do not know. I heard about it "third-hand" and checked it out this morning. There is a series of granite benches on Troiano Trail. I observed the bird about sixty paces from the bench closet to Dunkirk Ave. Sixty paces from the bench walking back towards Dunkirk. It was right along the trailside edge of the brook in an area of thick vegetation. There is a low snag hanging into the water there, too. The bird was not easy to find. I was there about an hour before I spotted it while following a Solitary Sandpiper back upstream. The bird seemed active, it was moving slowly upstream along the muddy edge of the brook. It moved out of sight and I never saw it again. I think the bird was seen closer to the referenced bench on Friday. (report from Ed Kittredge)

6/7/19 -- Quaboag River, Brookfield

I saw an American Bittern while canoeing on the Quaboag River in Brookfield at 8 this morning. It let me approach closely, then walked into the marsh vegetation and disappeared. (report from Robert Brady)

5/27/19 -- Ware River Watershed IBA

Today we spent from dawn till mid-afternoon looking at birds, odonates, and butterflies in the southern section of the WARE RIVER WATERSHED IBA. For the first 3 hours, the biting/flying insects were fierce, horrible. Ticks (both Dog and Black-legged) were also out in force. Many of the roads really need grading and birders without high carriage vehicles really might want to give this whole area a pass for now. NB: with a few good exceptions, most of the birds were breeders.

American Bittern (1); Great Blue Heron (1: nb: we didn’t visit any of the known rookeries); Canada Goose (4); Wood Duck (3); Mallard (pair in small bog in middle of forest. Never flew off even though we were in spitting distance); Broad-winged Hawk (4); Ruffed Grouse (1); Wild Turkey (1); Virginia Rail (2); Mourning Dove (10); Black-billed Cuckoo (6); Yellow-billed Cuckoo (1); Chimney Swift (2 overhead); Belted Kingfisher (2); Yellow-bellied Sapsucker (2); N Flicker (1); Pileated Woodpecker (4).
Olive-sided Flycatcher (2: 1 very vocal bird); E Wood Peewee (20); Alder Flycatcher (16); Willow Flycatcher (5); Least Flycatcher (18); E Phoebe (7); Great Crested Flycatcher (12); E Kingbird (6).
VIREOS: Yellow-throated (5); Blue-headed (6); Warbling (3); Red-eyed (111).
Blue Jay (14); A Crow (1); C Raven (1); Tree Swallow (16); Black-capped Chickadee (6); Tufted Titmouse (13); Red-breasted Nuthatch (7); White-breasted Nuthatch (8); Carolina Wren (1: periphery of IBA); House Wren (2); Winter Wren (3); E Bluebird (1); Veery (43); Gray-cheeked Thrush (1: actually heard singing once; seen); Hermit Thrush (11); Wood Thrush (1); A Robin (33); Gray Catbird (54); Cedar Waxwing (16).
WARBLERS: Blue-winged (5) Nashville (1); Yellow (19); Chestnut-sided (42); Black-throated Blue (3); Yellow-rumped (7); Black-throated Green (4); Blackburnian (3); Pine (27); Prairie (2); Black and White (13); A Redstart (7); Ovenbird (171); Mourning (1 very vocal bird near prison camp); C Yellowthroat (74).
Scarlet Tanager (24); E Towhee (37); Chipping Sparrow (26); Field Sparrow (1); Song Sparrow (18); Swamp Sparrow (13); N Cardinal (2); Rose-breasted Grosbeak (13); Indigo Bunting (6); Bobolink (9); Red-winged Blackbird (91); C Grackle (23); Brown-headed Cowbird (5); Baltimore Oriole (7); A Goldfinch (9).
(report from Mark Lynch/Sheila Carroll).

5/26/19 -- Sibley Farm/Burncoat Wildlife Sanctuary, Spencer

We hiked from the trailhead at Sibley Farm (Greater Worcester Land Trust) off Rte 9 (parking next to Ahearn's Equipment) and made our way over to Burncoat Sanctuary owned by MassAudubon. From hayfields ,woods and laurel groves, to old grown fields and several ponds there were some varying habitats. Highlight was hearing a Black-billed Cuckoo in the old field slope facing the Sanctuary parking lot. Birds were mostly ID'd by ear, some seen. Yellow Warbler, Bobolinks, Bluebird, Mallards, Red-winged Blackbirds, Grackles, Wood Peewee, Veery, Wood Thrush, Ovenbirds, Great Crested Flycatcher, Black and White Warbler, Black-throated Blue Warbler, Chestnut -sided Warbler, Scarlet Tanager, Catbird, Song Sparrow, Towhees (near Burncoat Pond), Rose-breasted Grosbeak, Mourning Dove, Baltimore Oriole, Broad-winged Hawk. Other critters of interest: Northern Watersnake, only 1 chipmunk and Tree Frogs chorusing all over the place. Mosquitoes in full force until we put on repellant. In bloom, Lady's Slipper, Polygola, Pinkster Bloom Azalea, High bush blueberries at Burncoat Pond, Star Flower, Canada Lily-of-The-Valley. (report from Marion Larson and Scott Handler)

5/25/19 -- Otter River-Birch Hill Dam, Winchendon / South Royalston

Today our MAS “Spring Migration” class had a “Bird and Odonate” trip to the Otter River SF-Birch Hill Dam ACE parcel in Winchendon and South Royalston. We had the following birds:

A Bittern (1); Great Blue Heron (3); Turkey Vulture (3); Canada Goose (8ad+6young); Wood Duck (6); Mallard (5); Red-shouldered Hawk (1); Broad-winged Hawk (2); Spotted Sandpiper (9); Mourning Dove (8); Black-billed Cuckoo (1); Ruby-throated Hummingbird (1); Yellow-bellied Sapsucker (6); Downy Woodpecker (1); Hairy Woodpecker (3); N Flicker (8); Pileated Woodpecker (4).
E Wood Peewee (1); Alder Flycatcher (9); Least Flycatcher (15); E Phoebe (5); Great Crested Flycatcher (4); E Kingbird (9); Blue-headed Vireo (10); Warbling Vireo (7); Red-eyed Vireo (37); Blue Jay (26); C Raven (1); Tree Swallow (11); N Rough-winged Swallow (8); Bank Swallow (2); Barn Swallow (4); Black-capped Chickadee (17); Tufted Titmouse (5); Red-breasted Nuthatch (25); White-breasted Nuthatch (3); House Wren (1); Winter Wren (1); Veery (7); Hermit Thrush (21); A Robin (12); Gray Catbird (39); Cedar Waxwing (5).
WARBLER: Nashville (2); Yellow (18); Chestnut-sided (34); Magnolia (4); Black-throated Blue (6); Yellow-rumped (26); Black-throated Green (18); Blackburnian (4); Pine (38); Prairie (6); Bay-breasted (6); Black and White (12); A Redstart (6); Ovenbird (123); Northern Waterthrush (1); Mourning (1); C Yellow-throat (60).
Scarlet Tanager (7); E Towhee (19); Chipping Sparrow (28); Song Sparrow (19); Swamp Sparrow (13); White-throated Sparrow (9); N cardinal (1); Indigo Bunting (2); Red-winged Blackbird (85); C Grackle (17); Brown-headed Cowbird (7); Baltimore Oriole (5); Purple Finch (2); A Goldfinch (5).
(report from Mark Lynch/Sheila Carroll).

5/22/19 -- Hodges Village Dam, Oxford

This morning I saw a Yellow-billed Cuckoo, and later a mating pair of Black-billed Cuckoos. (report from Robert Brady)

5/20/19 -- Worcester/Holden line

We heard a Whippoorwill calling in our neighborhood this evening at 9 PM. (report from Simon and Lisa Hennin)

5/19/19 -- Bartletts Pond, Sterling

A ten minute stop around 4:30 PM at the pond (which is 1/3 mudflats due to beaver damming activities) resulted in: Osprey on the usual nest, killdeer (6) chasing each other around, spotted sandpiper (4), warbling vireo, kingbird, mute swan, chipping sparrows(2), tree swallows (10), robin, redtailed hawk, Great blue herons on several nests (and more of them on nests on the Chocksett Cutoff road nearby) and one muskrat. Toads were trilling. (report from Marion Larson and Scott Handler)

5/19/19 -- Mt. Wachusett, Princeton

Birds heard on a morning hike up the West Side Trail off West Princeton Rd in Princeton: Black-capped Chickadee (1); Nashville Warbler (1); Black and White Warbler (3); Dark-eyed Junco. Overall, very little bird song. Ruffed Grouse heard in same place as last week. (report from Lisa Hennin).

5/19/19 -- Quabog IBA

This morning we spent a few hours in the QUABOG IBA as well as a few adjacent areas. Song birds were great UNTIL the clouds (weird formations) rolled in and the wind picked up. Highlights:

American Bittern (1); Great Blue Heron (15adults/8 occupied nests/8 young birds in nests tallied); Turkey Vulture (5); Canada Goose (14ad/12 goslings); Wood Duck (1m); Mallard (8m); Osprey (1 at nest in microwave relay tower); Bald Eagle (1 at nest with at least 1 chick); Cooper’s Hawk (1); Red-shouldered Hawk (1); Red-tailed Hawk (1); Ruffed Grouse (1 drumming); Virginia Rail (2); Sora (1); Black-billed Cuckoo (3: 2 watched chasing each other); Yellow-billed Cuckoo (3); Chimney Swift (5); Belted Kingfisher (1); Red-bellied Woodpecker (6); Downy Woodpecker (2); Hairy Woodpecker (4); N Flicker (5); Pileated Woodpecker (2).
E Wood Peewee (3); Alder Flycatcher (2); Least Flycatcher (6); E Phoebe (5); Great Crested Flycatcher (6); E Kingbird (10); Yellow-throated Vireo (12); Blue-headed Vireo (2); Warbling Vireo (18); Red-eyed Vireo (51); C Raven (2); Carolina Wren (4); House Wren (5); Marsh Wren (9); Blue-gray Gnatcatcher (4); Veery (7); Swainson’s Thrush (1); Hermit Thrush (3); Wood Thrush (25: we watched one constructing its nest); Gray Catbird (111).
WARBLERS: Blue-winged (4); N Parula (4); Yellow (40); Chestnut-sided (16); Magnolia (2); Black-throated Blue (1); Pine (4); Prairie (1); Black and White (3); A Redstart (33); Ovenbird (87); Northern Waterthrush (5); Louisiana Waterthrush (5); C Yellowthroat (35).
Scarlet Tanager (16); E Towhee (2); Field Sparrow (1); Savannah Sparrow (3); Swamp Sparrow (20); Rose-breasted Grosbeak (22); Indigo Bunting (4); Bobolink (47 seen/heard); Baltimore Oriole (45); Purple Finch (1).
(report from Mark Lynch/Sheila Carroll).

5/18/19 -- South Quabbin Reservoir

Today our MAS migration class (Broad Meadow Brook) had a fine field trip to South Quabbin/Quabbin Park. BTW: we kept careful running totals.

Common Loon (3 ad br); Double-crested Cormorant (18: flying); Great Blue Heron (1); Turkey Vulture (3); Canada Goose (1+pr w/2goslings); Hooded Merganser (4 ); Bald Eagle (3ad+1imm: great show); Sharp-shinned Hawk (1); Cooper’s Hawk (1); Red-shouldered Hawk (1); Red-tailed Hawk (2); Wild Turkey (1); Spotted Sandpiper (2); Mourning Dove (8); Black-billed Cuckoo (1); Ruby-throated Hummingbird (3); Red-bellied Woodpecker (3); Yellow-bellied Sapsucker (13); Downy Woodpecker (2); Hairy Woodpecker (3); Pileated Woodpecker (2).
E Wood Peewee (7); Least Flycatcher (7); E Phoebe (18: several seen at nests); Great Crested Flycatcher (9); E Kingbird (3); Yellow-throated Vireo (5: we watched one bird gathering gobs of web from a web worms web); Blue-headed Vireo (1); Red-eyed Vireo (65): Blue Jay (47); A Crow (1); C Raven (1); Tree Swallow (24); N Rough-winged Swallow (2); Barn Swallow (6); Black-capped Chickadee (7); Tufted Titmouse (6); Red-breasted Nuthatch (2); House Wren (5); Blue-gray Gnatcatcher (13); E Bluebird (1); Veery (12); Swainson’s Thrush (1); Wood Thrush (11); A Robin (41); Gray Catbird (44).
WARBLERS: Nashville (4); N Parula (17); Yellow (8); Chestnut-sided (41); Magnolia (4); Cape May (2); Black-throated Blue (5); Yellow-rumped (4); Black-throated Green (4); Blackburnian (3); Pine (9); Prairie (4); Bay-breasted (6: great views); Blackpoll (1); Black and White (8); A Redstart (67: it was remarked on the trip that everywhere we stopped there were multiple redstarts, chestnut-sideds, and orioles); Ovenbird (47); C Yellowthroat (17); Wilson’s (1); Canada (1).
Scarlet Tanager (18); E Towhee (37); Chipping Sparrow (52); Field Sparrow (2); Song Sparrow (5); N cardinal (2); Rose-breasted Grosbeak (13); Indigo Bunting (9: at the tower male indigos were in a constant state of chasing each other. It was amazing to watch: one male chased one other one for over 10 minutes zipping all over at maximum speed); Red-winged Blackbird (26); C Grackle (13); Brown-headed Cowbird (9); Baltimore Oriole (47); A Goldfinch (3); House Sparrow (1: at Administration Building).
(report from Mark Lynch/Sheila Carroll).

5/16/19 -- Bolton Flats / Pine Hill WMA

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

Route 117 parking lot: 1 Sora, 1 Drake Gadwall, pair of Osprey, 7 species of shorebirds, 5 Common Nighthawks and 1 Marsh Wren north of the parking lot.

Pine Hill WMA: American Woodcock and Whip-poor-wills.
(report from Bart Kamp).

5/16/19 -- Institute Park, Worcester

Highlights were Baltimore Orioles 2; Eastern Kingbird 1; Male and Female Common Yellowthroat 1 each; Great Blue Heron 3.

The bass were jumping, rabbits were running, when lo and behold right before me… An adult Bald Eagle was swooping over the pond, landing on a low lying perch where I watched it for a half hour. It was continually stormed by the Red winged blackbirds until it flew down and sat on an old tire in the shallows where I had a perfect view for about 15 minutes. It then receding back across the sand bar and into the island where I lost sight of it.
(report from Bill Sowka).

5/16/19 -- Ware River IBA

This morning we spent a few hours birding the se corner of the WARE RIVER IBA: HIGHLIGHTS:

American Bittern (1); Great Blue Heron (1); Canada Goose (6); Wood Duck (3); Mallard (2); Hooded Merganser (1f); Red-shouldered Hawk (1f); Red-shouldered Hawk (1); Broad-winged Hawk (2); Virginia Rail (5); Sora (1); Belted Kingfisher (1); Hairy Woodpecker (1); N Flicker (6); Pileated Woodpecker (1).
E Wood Peewee (1); Willow Flycatcher (2); Least Flycatcher (22); E Phoebe (1); Great Crested Flycatcher (4); E Kingbird (1).
Yellow-throated Vireo (1); Blue-headed Vireo (5); Warbling Vireo (2); Red-eyed Vireo (3: extremely low count).
Red-breasted Nuthatch (6); Brown Creeper 93); Winter Wren (2); Veery (3); Swainson’s Thrush (1); Hermit Thrush (9); Wood Thrush (1); Gray Catbird (38).
WARBLERS: Blue-winged (3); Nashville (6); N Parula (1); Yellow (19); Chestnut-sided (21); Magnolia (4); Black-throated Blue (11); Yellow-rumped (35); Black-throated Green (10); Blackburnian (2); Pine (28); Prairie (3); Black and White (9); A Redstart (3); Ovenbird (80); Northern Waterthrush (1); C Yellowthroat (42); Wilson’s (2 singing males); Canada (1).
Scarlet Tanager (3); E Towhee (33); Swamp Sparrow (18); Rose-breasted Grosbeak (6); Indigo Bunting (1); Bobolink (9); Baltimore Oriole (7).
(report from Mark Lynch/Sheila Carroll).

5/12/19 -- Wachusett Mt., Princeton

Species heard/seen on a morning hike up Wachusett Mountain today: Ruffed Grouse (1); Pileated Woodpecker (2); Winter Wren (2);,Hermit Thrush (1); BT Green Warbler(1); Black & White Warbler (1); Dark-eyed Junco (1). Also a spectacular display of Hobblebush along on the West Side Trail, Semuhenna, and Old Indian Trail to the Summit. (report from Lisa Hennin).

5/11/19 -- Hope Cemetery, Worcester

Highlights were: 2 Indigo Buntings; 2 Baltimore Orioles; 1 Rose-breasted Grosbeak; 2 Warbling Vireo;
Warblers: 1 Nashville; 1 Chestnut-sided; 3 Black and White; 1 Blackpoll; 4 Yellow-rumped.
(report from Bill and Kathy Sowka).

5/9/19 -- Broad Meadow Brook Sanctuary, Worcester

Highlights of a morning walk, starting from visitors center and up to power line and Green Heron pond, then back via Sprague trail and Wilson Meadow Link Trail (this was new for me, and pretty "birdy"):

Great Blue Heron (2 on nest Green Heron pond), 5 Wood Duck, 4 Chimney Swift, 1 Red-bellied Woodpecker, 1 Pileated Woodpecker (along Sprague trail), 3 E. Phoebe, 1 Great Crested Flycatcher, 1 E. Kingbird, 1 House Wren, 1 Veery, 3 Gray Catbird, 2 Blue-headed Vireo, 2 Warbling Vireo.
WARBLERS: N. Parula 1, Yellow 1, Yellow-rumped 1, Prairie 2, Black-and-white 1, Am. Redstart 2, Ovenbird 2, Common Yellowthroat 2.
Scarlet Tanager 1, Rose-breasted Grosbeak 1, Field Sparrow 1 (power line), White-throated Sparrow 1, and Brown-headed Cowbird 1.
(report from Rick Quimby).

5/8/19 -- Worcester/Leicester

Today's highlights birding around WORCESTER and adjacent areas of LEICESTER:

HOPE CEMETERY: nice movements first thing. Turkey Vulture (1); Red-tailed Hawk (1); Chimney Swift (5); E Kingbird (2); House Wren (5); Warbling Vireo (9); Blue-headed Vireo (4); Red-eyed Vireo (1).
WARBLERS: Yellow (6); Nashville (3); N Parula (12); Black and White (1); A Redstart (4); Cape May (1); Tennessee (1); Yellow-rumped (13); Black-throated Green (1).
Rose-breasted Grosbeak (4); Baltimore Oriole (8); Orchard Oriole (2: very photogenic).

ST. JOHN’S CEMETERY: Canada Goose (5); Mallard (2); Red-tailed Hawk (1); E Phoebe (2); House Wren (2); N Rough-winged Swallow (2); Warbling Vireo (8); Gray Catbird (6).
WARBLERS: Yellow (10); N Parula (9); Nashville (3); Yellow-rumped (8).
Baltimore Oriole (13); Orchard Oriole (2).

COES RESERVOIR: Great Blue Heron (1); Mute Swan (3); Canada Goose (9); Mallard (2); Killdeer (2); Spotted Sandpiper (6); Solitary Sandpiper (2); Greater Yellowlegs (2); Lesser Yellowlegs (6); Least Sandpiper (4); Chimney Swift (20); E Kingbird (1); House Wren (2); Gray Catbird (7); Warbling Vireo (3); Yellow-throated Vireo (1); Yellow Warbler (1); Ovenbird (1); Yellow-rumped Warbler (60+); Rose-breasted Grosbeak (1); Baltimore Oriole (4).

CURTIS POND: Black-crowned Night Heron (1); Great Blue Heron (1); Canada Goose (2); E Kingbird (1); Baltimore Oriole (2); Orchard Oriole (1).

LYNDEBROOK RESERVOIR: Canada Goose (1); Red-tailed Hawk (1); Pileated Woodpecker (1); House Wren (2); Wood Thrush (3); Chestnut-sided Warbler (1); Ovenbird (3); N Parula (1); C Yellowthroat (1); Scarlet Tanager (2); Rose-breasted Grosbeak (2); Baltimore Oriole (2).

RT.56-MULBERRY STREET/AIRPORT: Red-tailed Hawk (1); A Kestrel (1m); Wild Turkey (4); House Wren (1); Bank Swallow (1); Warbling Vireo (1); Brown Thrasher (1);
WARBLERS: Yellow (6); C Yellowthroat (2); Ovenbird (3); Nashville (1); Chestnut-sided (2); N Parula (1); A Redstart (1);
Field Sparrow (4); Savannah Sparrow (3); E Towhee (6); Rose-breasted Grosbeak (4); Bobolink (4m).
(report from Mark Lynch/Sheila Carroll).

5/7/19 -- Grafton

I just had a Brown Thrasher (New Yard Bird) land on our hanging tray feeder. I am not sure if it counts as a feeder bird because it landed for one second before taking off, without taking any food. (report from John Liller).

5/7/19 -- Millbury

The Baltimore Orioles are back today. Three singing in different locations this morning. YEAH!

Also, Prairie Warbler is back, Monday, May 6th.
(report from Susan LaBree).

5/7/19 -- Hope Cemetery, Worcester

Highlights from 7-8am: Scarlet Tanager 2 Blue headed Vireo 1; Northern Parula 1; Mockingbird 2; Yellow Warbler 1; Yellow rumped 6; Black and White 1; Blackburnian 1; Redstart 1 male 1 female. (report from Bill Sowka).

5/6/19 -- Worcester

Highlights from this morning birding around the city of WORCESTER:

HOPE CEMETERY: Great Blue Heron (1 fly-over); Wood Duck (2); Turkey Vulture (1); Killdeer (2); Red-bellied Woodpecker (1); N Flicker (2).
Great Crested Flycatcher (1); Eastern Kingbird (2); House Wren (2); Carolina Wren (1); Red-breasted Nuthatch (1); Veery (1); Gray catbird (1); Warbling Vireo (6).
WARBLERS: Nashville (4); N Parula (1); Yellow (1); Magnolia (1); Yellow-rumped (19).
Savannah Sparrow (1); Indigo Bunting (1f); Baltimore Oriole (7).

ALL FAITHS CEMETERY: Mute Swan (2); Canada Goose (4); Wood Duck (1); Chimney Swift (1); Tree Swallow (20+); N Rough-winged Swallow (5); Barn Swallow (2); Warbling Vireo 94); Yellow Warbler (1); Yellow-rumped Warbler (12).

COES POND: Black-crowned Night Heron (2ad); N Rough-winged Swallow (4); Barn Swallow (3); Tree Swallow (6).

COES RESERVOIR (water lowered): Double-crested Cormorant (1); Great Blue Heron (2); Canada Goose (7); Mallard (3); Bufflehead (4); Bald Eagle (1ad+1imm); Broad-winged Hawk (1); Spotted Sandpiper (2); Greater Yellowlegs (3) Ring-billed Gull (3); Chimney Swift (2); Fish Crow (3); Blue-headed Vireo (1); Yellow Warbler (1); Orange-crowned Warbler (1); Nashville Warbler (3); N Parula (1); Yellow-rumped Warbler (30+).
(report from Mark Lynch/Sheila Carroll).

5/5/19 -- Wachusett Reservoir

From mid to late afternoon today, I went to Wachusett Reservoir. I stopped first at gate 36 on North Dike. As usual all of the rafts of water birds were far to the east and hard to identify. I then drove over to Gate 6 on the Route 70 side and walked in to a spot on the shoreline from which I could see the dam to the north and the narrows to the south. The light was better and the birds were closer and easier to identify. Highlights were 150-200 Common Loons, 35-40 Buffleheads, 6 White-winged Scoters, 1 Surf Scoter, 23 Long-tailed Ducks, 21 Horned Grebes and 7 Red-necked Grebes.
(report from Bart Kamp).

5/5/19 -- Quabog IBA

This morning we birded the 4 large ponds of the QUABOG IBA (Brookfields). Highlights:

Common Loon (14: 2 Lashaway, 12 Quabog); Red-necked Grebe (6: 1 on the Quabog River; flock of 5 on Wickabog); A Bittern (1); Great Blue Heron (3); Green Heron (1); Canada Goose (23); Wood Duck (8); Mallard (3); Long-tailed Duck (6: Quabog Pond); Bufflehead (14: Lashaway); Common Merganser (5); Red-breasted Merganser (pair on Wickabog); Bald Eagle (1ad: we checked the nest on Wickabog and an adult was sitting a few feet ABOVE the nest); Red-tailed Hawk (1); Merlin (1); Wild Turkey (6); Virginia Rail (7); Bonaparte’s Gull (8: 7adS all on Quabog Pond); Ring-billed Gull (1); Pileated Woodpecker (2).
E Phoebe (2); Blue-headed Vireo (4); Warbling Vireo (3); Red-eyed Vireo (1); Tree Swallow (300+); Bank Swallow (20+); Carolina Wren (4); House Wren (5); Marsh Wren (3); Ruby-crowned Kinglet (1); E Bluebird (2); Wood Thrush (1); Gray Catbird (9).
WARBLERS: Blue-winged (1); Yellow (13); Yellow-rumped (12); Black-throated Green (2); Pine (17); Black and White (4); Ovenbird (2); C Yellowthroat (2).
Rose-breasted Grosbeak (4); Baltimore Oriole (5).
(report from Mark Lynch/Sheila Carroll).

5/3/19 -- Quabbin/Brookfields/Wachusett Reservoir

We started the morning at Quabbin Reservoir spending a few hours watching at Gate 8 (permit required): Highlights:

Common Loon (16: including a loose group of 8 flying overhead, heading south); Canada Goose (3); A Black Duck (2); Common Merganser (2f+1pair); Broad-winged Hawk (1); Merlin (1); Wild Turkey (1); Spotted Sandpiper (1); Bonaparte’s Gull (2: seen heading south and then lost as they approached Administration Building); Ring-billed Gull (18); BLACK TERN (1br, likewise heading south and then lost); Chimney Swift (1 seen and heard); Yellow-bellied Sapsucker (2); Pileated Woodpecker (2).
Great Crested Flycatcher (1); Blue-headed Vireo (2); Tree Swallow (300++); N Rough-winged Swallow (3 minimal); Cliff Swallow (4 minimal); Barn Swallow (30 minimal); un-identified swallows: hundreds);
Winter Wren (1); Blue-gray Gnatcatcher (3); Hermit Thrush (4); Yellow-rumped Warbler (36); Pine Warbler (6); Black and White Warbler (1); Ovenbird (2); Louisiana Waterthrush (1); Rose-breasted Grosbeak (1); Baltimore Oriole (1m); Purple Finch (1); Evening Grosbeak (2 fly-over, heading north).

Then from the Administration Building overlook at SOUTH QUABBIN/QUABBIN PARK: Common Loon (12); Bufflehead (8); Common Merganser (3).

LAKE QUABOG, BROOKFIELD: Common Loon (12); Double-crested Cormorant (37: all flew out while we were there); Mallard (1); Long-tailed Duck (1); Bufflehead (6); Osprey (2); Bald Eagle (1imm).

LAKE LASHAWAY, EAST BROOKFIELD: Common Loon (3); Canada Goose (6); White-winged Scoter (4m); Long-tailed Duck (11); Bald Eagle (1ad).

WACHUSETT RESERVOIR: (Thanks to JOE BOURGET going to Wachusett Reservoir and alerting us to the huge loon fall-out there; we went out for several hours, viewing from a number of overlooks…north to south): COMMON LOON (465: I think there could be more); Great Blue Heron (1); Double-crested Cormorant (5); Green-winged Teal (16); Bufflehead (20); White-winged Scoter (6); Long-tailed Duck (1); A Kestrel (1); E Kingbird (1).

THEN, on the way back home at INDIAN LAKE, WORCESTER: Bufflehead (66) with (1) HORNED GREBE in and among them.
(report from Mark Lynch/Sheila Carroll).

5/2/19 -- Hope Cemetery/Wachusett Reservoir

This morning we started birding three of the cemeteries in the southwest corner of Worcester: Hope, Notre Dame, and All Faiths. Highlights included:

Great Blue Heron (1); Mute Swan (3: 2 on nests); Canada Goose (11); Wood Duck (3); Mallard (9); Osprey (1); Virginia Rail (1); E Phoebe (2); Tree Swallow (6); N Rough-winged Swallow (6); Bank Swallow (1); House Wren (6); Warbling Vireo (9); Blue-headed Vireo (4); Cedar Waxwing (11); N Parula (2); Yellow-rumped Warbler (22); Black-throated Green Warbler (1); Rose-breasted Grosbeak (3).

Later at WACHUSETT RESERVOIR: Common Loon (13); Double-crested Cormorant (149); Canada Goose (13); Mallard (3); Greater Scaup (1m); Common Merganser (8: 1 adM); Wild Turkey (3); Bald Eagle (1imm); Red-tailed Hawk (2); A Kestrel (1); Spotted Sandpiper (1).

GULLS: Bonaparte’s (8); Ring-billed (78); Herring (7); Lesser Black-backed (1); Great Black-backed (6).
(report from Mark Lynch/Sheila Carroll).

4/29/19 -- Rutland/Barre

Highlights of a bike ride between Thayer Pond and where the Mass Central Rail Trail crosses Rte 122 in Barre, highlights included: Louisiana Waterthrush (1) Blue Gray Gnatcatcher (2) and Broad-Winged Hawk (1) .

Yesterday (4/28) at Wachusett Mountain in Princeton: While hiking the Administration Road, had a Barred Owl calling at 10:30 am under overcast skies, and also Pileated Woodpeckers (4).
(report from Lisa Hennin).

4/28/19 -- Gate 25, Wachusett Reservoir

A mid-morning walk from Gate 25 to Horseshoe Cove yielded highlights of 1 Green Heron (flew over Horseshoe Cove and landed high in tree), 1 Belted Kingfisher, 1 Pileated Woodpecker (drumming on tall resonant dead tree, heard from a long distance before finally seeing the bird -- then drumming on a different tree and calling when I returned back along the same path), 20+ Tree Swallows out over the reservoir, 1 Red-breasted Nuthatch calling, 1 Pine Warbler, 3 Eastern Towhees (m&f), and 1 Field Sparrow.
(report from Rick Quimby).

4/27/19 -- Brookfields/Warren

Our MAS class trip this morning had a fine day afield despite cold, wind, rain, and at one point: small hail. We birded several areas in the QUABOG IBA (Brookfields) and then detoured to WARREN to show folks some areas we bird but have yet to bring a class to. Because of the weather, birding was very tough, and passerines in particular were tough to come by. Still we persisted:

QUABOG IBA: Common Loon (1ad); Double-crested Cormorant (flock of 15 overhead); Great Blue Heron (16/13 active nests); Turkey Vulture (5); Canada Goose (20/2 on nests); Wood Duck (2); Ring-necked Duck (2); Bufflehead (4); Hooded Merganser (pair); Common Merganser (1f); Osprey (1); Bald Eagle (3imm+1 adult on nest); Red-tailed Hawk (2); Wild Turkey (11); Virginia Rail (4); Sora (1); Ring-billed Gull (1); Red-bellied Woodpecker (1); Downy Woodpecker (2); Hairy Woodpecker (1); N Flicker (3); Pileated Woodpecker (2).
E Phoebe (4); Blue Jay (4); A Crow (11); Fish Crow (1 carrying food to nest); Tree Swallow (280+: really under stress because of the weather); N Rough-winged Swallow (2); Barn Swallow (6); Black-capped Chickadee (8); Tufted Titmouse (7); White-breasted Nuthatch (2); Carolina Wren (3); Blue-gray Gnatcatcher (1); A Robin (89); Brown Thrasher (1);
WARBLERS: Yellow-rumped (10+); Pine (5); Palm (5); Black and White (1).
E Towhee (5)
SPARROWS: Chipping (57); Field (2); Song (21); Swamp (18); White-throated (2).
N Cardinal (12); Red-winged Blackbird (140+); C Grackle (55+); Brown-headed Cowbird (7); Purple Finch (1); House Finch (6); A Goldfinch (7).
MAMMALS: Beaver , Muskrat, E Cottontail

WARREN: Great Blue Heron (2); Canada Goose (19); Wood Duck (4); Mallard (6); Common Merganser (3f); Broad-winged Hawk (2); A Kestrel (1); Mourning Dove (4);
E Phoebe (2); Blue Jay (2); Tree Swallow (50+); N Rough-winged Swallow (4); Carolina Wren (1); Pine Warbler (1); Louisiana Waterthrush (1); E Towhee (5); Chipping Sparrow (20); Field Sparrow (6); Song Sparrow (7).
We earned every bird.
(report from Mark Lynch/Sheila Carroll).

4/25/19 -- Institute Park, Worcester

Highlights in a late afternoon walk were 1 DC Cormorant (ad, breeding plumage), 2 Hooded Mergansers (m&f), 2 Ruby-crowned Kinglets (one with prominent raised red crest, chasing the other), 1 Yellow Warbler (seen and heard singing), and 2 Yellow-rumped Warblers. The female Red-winged Blackbirds are back in numbers, with males displaying to them. (report from Rick Quimby).

4/24/19 -- Westboro

This morning I saw three (3!) bald eagles flying low over the cornfields coming from Little Chauncy Pond and heading over Lake Chauncy in Westborough, MA. They were in close formation (3-abreast) and low enough to be seen very clearly. One of them did a quick roll-under the center bird and then went back into formation. Very exciting! Even my dogs stopped to look up. An hour earlier that same morning I saw a lone eagle also flying toward Lake Chauncy. (report from Alison Grice).

4/21/19 -- West Millbury

Today I had 2 Eastern Towhees in my yard. (report from Alan Marble).

4/21/19 -- Petersham

We spent a wet morning birding around PETERSHAM and had the following:

Double-crested Cormorant (1); Great Blue Heron (1 on nest); Canada Goose (26: 3 on nest); Wood Duck (18); A Black Duck (15); Mallard (13); Ring-necked Duck (26); Bufflehead (4); Hooded Merganser (6); Common Merganser (19); Bald Eagle (1ad); Broad-winged Hawk (2); Wild Turkey (20); Spotted Sandpiper (1); Mourning Dove (10); Barred Owl (2); Red-bellied Woodpecker (1); Yellow-bellied Sapsucker (12); N Flicker (14); Pileated Woodpecker (2).
E Phoebe (13); Blue-headed Vireo (9); Blue Jay (3); A Crow (1); Tree Swallow (52); Black-capped Chickadee (14); Tufted Titmouse (10); White-breasted Nuthatch (5); Brown Creeper (2); Carolina Wren (2); Winter Wren (1); Ruby-crowned Kinglet (8); Hermit Thrush (11); A Robin (18).
WARBLERS: Yellow (1); Yellow-rumped (162); Black-throated Green (1); Pine (29); Palm (33); Black and White (2); Louisiana Waterthrush (3).
E Towhee (7); Chipping Sparrow (61); Field Sparrow (2); Song Sparrow (17); Swamp Sparrow (6); Dark-eyed Junco (4); N Cardinal (6); Red-winged Blackbird (87); C Grackle (25); Brown-headed Cowbird (7).

Many E Toads trilling.
(report from Mark Lynch/Sheila Carrol).

4/18/19 -- Bolton Flats, Bolton

This morning at Bolton Flats I had 21 Glossy Ibis, 1 Osprey, 1Merlin, 1 A. Bittern and 4 Greater Yellow Legs. Nick Tepper was there before me and had 1 Iceland Gull. (report from John Shea).

4/17/19 -- Millbury

First Eastern Towhee today! (report from Susan LaBree).

4/16/19 -- Institute Park, Worcester

Highlights at noon were 3 Chipping Sparrows (1 singing), and the first female RW blackbird at the park this year. It was fun seeing about 5 male blackbirds calling and displaying nearby, trying to attract her attention. (report from Rick Quimby).

4/14/19 -- Orange/Petersham

Highlights from this morning’s birding:

ORANGE WMA and vicinity: Double-crested Cormorant (10 individuals/2 active nests); Great Blue Heron (10 individuals/6 active nests); Canada Goose (6); Wood Duck (2); Mallard (1); Hooded Merganser (24: all but 1 bird in female-type plumage, some in loose flocks); Common Merganser (20); Red-shouldered Hawk (1); Wild Turkey (22); Yellow-bellied Sapsucker (2); Pileated Woodpecker (1).
E Phoebe (5); Tree Swallow (40); Ruby-crowned Kinglet (1); Yellow-rumped Warbler (3) Pine Warbler (3); Palm Warbler (6); Swamp Sparrow (3 singing); Dark-eyed Junco (59).

PETERSHAM (just a few stops): Great Blue Heron (3/1 active nest); Canada Goose (19); Wood Duck (2); A Black Duck (6); Mallard (2); N Pintail (pair at Harvard Pond); Green-winged Teal (2); Ring-necked Duck (55); Bufflehead (12); Common Merganser (13); Yellow-bellied Sapsucker (4).
E Phoebe (6); Tree Swallow (20+); Brown Creeper (3 singing); Winter Wren (1 singing); Pine Warbler (16); Louisiana Waterthrush (2); Fox Sparrow (1)

Plus: 3 very active RIVER OTTERS.
(report from Mark Lynch/Sheila Carroll).

4/13/19 -- Wachusett Reservoir IBA

Our MAS “Spring Migration in Central Massachusetts” had a nice field trip to the WACHUSETT RESERVOIR IBA this morning visiting: the reservoir, East and West Waushacum, the Quag, and Muddy Pond/Sterling Peat.

Common Loon (14); Pied-billed Grebe (1); Double-crested Cormorant (13); Great Blue Heron (3); Turkey Vulture (7); Canada Goose (22); Wood Duck (1); Mallard (11); NORTHERN SHOVELER (pair continues at Muddy Pond); Green-winged Teal (2); Ring-necked Duck (15); Greater Scaup (1m); Bufflehead (16); Common Goldeneye (1f); Common Merganser (6); Bald Eagle (2ad); Red-tailed Hawk (5); A Kestrel (2); Killdeer (3); Solitary Sandpiper (1); BONAPARTE’S GULL (4: Wachusett Res north end right after the rain stopped); Ring-billed Gull (108: large flock feeding on worms on an A-field); Herring Gull (4); ICELAND GULL (1imm among the large flock of Ringies: good views); Mourning Dove (4); Belted Kingfisher (1); Red-bellied Woodpecker (4); Downy Woodpecker (4); Hairy Woodpecker (1); N Flicker (2); Pileated Woodpecker (1).
E Phoebe (10); Blue Jay (7); A Crow (12); C Raven (1); Tree Swallow (40+); N Rough-winged Swallow (4); Barn Swallow (2); Black-capped Chickadee (24); Tufted Titmouse (8); Brown Creeper (1); Carolina Wren (2); E Bluebird (1m); A Robin (50+); N Mockingbird (2); Cedar Waxwing (4); Pine Warbler (32); Louisiana Waterthrush (1); Chipping Sparrow (6); Field Sparrow (2); Song Sparrow (23); Dark-eyed Junco (7); N Cardinal (15); Red-winged Blackbird (55+); E Meadowlark (1); C Grackle (20+:1 carrying nesting material); Brown-headed Cowbird (11); House Finch (13); A Goldfinch (4).

PLUS: Mourning Cloak (1); Muskrat (1); Beaver (2); Gray Squirrel (only 2); White-tailed Deer (2); Spring Peepers (20+); Wood Frogs (5+); E Painted Turtle (25+).
(report from Mark Lynch/Sheila Carroll).

4/12/19 -- Barre

3 sandhill cranes were observed feeding in a hayfield at the base of South Street in Barre this morning around 9:10 AM. (report from Jeff Smith).

4/11/19 -- Worcester airport & vicinity

At the route 56 overlook, looking over Worcester airport, there were 1 Kestrel and 1 Raven.

On Mulberry St. behind the airport there were 2 Killdeer,3 E. Meadow Lark,2 Bluebirds and 2 A.Tree Sparrows. [Last week I went to this location and had 7 Woodcock at dusk].

On Sylvester St. there were 2 Wood Duck, 10 Ring neck Duck, 4 Common Merganser, 1 Pied billed Grebe and 3 Pine Warblers.
(report from John Shea).

4/10/19 -- Institute Park, Worcester

Highlights at 5 pm were 2 Killdeer, 4 E. Phoebe, 3 Tree Swallows, 1 Ruby-crowned Kinglet, 1 Cedar Waxwing, and 1 Field Sparrow.

Also yesterday (9/9), I had ~10 Tree Swallows and 1 Hermit Thrush.
(report from Rick Quimby).

4/8/19 -- Wachusett Reservoir IBA

An afternoon quick survey of the WACHUSETT IBA (covering the Waushacums, the Quag, South Meadow Pond, Coachlace, and of course the reservoir proper, with poor long distance visibility because of the mist) yielded the following:

Common Loon (4); Pied-billed Grebe (1); Double-crested Cormorant (2); Great Blue Heron (2); Canada Goose (32); Mute Swan (6); Mallard (9); Greater Scaup (10); Ring-necked Duck (18); Bufflehead (18); Common Goldeneye (16); Red-breasted Merganser (1); Common Merganser (14); Red-tailed Hawk (1); Wild Turkey (11); Ring-billed Gull (12); Tree Swallow (170+); Palm Warbler (2); Field Sparrow (1).
(report from Mark Lynch/Sheila Carroll)

4/7/19 -- Worcester / Holden Line

This afternoon we had 1 Fox Sparrow at our feeder. Since I reported 2 Fox Sparrows 3/17/19, I have seen 2 ( red morph) every Sunday afternoon, late in the day since then. Oddly, I never seem to see them any other time at the feeder during the week.

Also, a belated report of a (semi-early) male Ruby Crowned Kinglet singing from a shrub close to the house on 3/25/19.
(report from Lisa Hennin).

4/7/19 -- Hardwick-Petersham/Rutland

Today we birded a few locations around Hardwick and Petersham. Highlights:

Turkey Vulture (5); Canada Goose (20); Wood Duck (12); A Black Duck (9); Mallard (8); Green-winged Teal (2); Ring-necked Duck (40); C Goldeneye (4f); Hooded Merganser (16); Common Merganser (4: 2 pair); Red-shouldered Hawk (1); A Kestrel (pair); Killdeer (2); Solitary Sandpiper (1 flyover); Yellow-bellied Sapsucker (5: we sat and watched 1 suck sap); N Flicker (7); Pileated Woodpecker (1).
E Phoebe (29); C Raven (3); Tree Swallow (12); Brown Creeper (5 singing); Winter Wren (1 singing); E Bluebird (10); Pine Warbler (9); Fox Sparrow (1); Dark-eyed Junco (56); E Meadowlark (2).

Plus: (3) Mourning Cloaks and lots of Wood Frogs and a pair of River Otters mating.

MUDDY POND, Ware River Watershed: Mallard (6); Ring-necked Duck (26); Bufflehead (4).

BARRE FALLS DAM (brief stop): Turkey Vulture (3); Bald Eagle (1ad+2imm).

MUSCHAPAUGE ROAD, RUTLAND: Killdeer (12); Filed Sparrow (2); Red-winged Blackbird (70+); Brown-headed Cowbird (40+).

QUINAPOXET RESERVOIR: Canada Goose (10); Ring-necked Duck (8); Bufflehead (1); Common Merganser (30); American Kestrel (1m at nest box); Ruffed Grouse (1).
(report from Mark Lynch/Sheila Carroll)

4/7/19 -- May St., Worcester

I had 5 Fish Crows fly over my house this afternoon. I live by the Big Y on May St. Last week I had a 2nd year Bald Eagle fly over, nice yard bird (report from John Shea).

4/4/19 -- Lake Quinsigamond, Shrewsbury

The Bald Eagle that has been nesting on Lake Quinsigamond was on the nest today. (report from John Shea).

4/2/19 -- Rutland State Park

Today I had 6 Hooded Merganser, 2 Common Merganser, 7 Ring neck Ducks,2 Wood Ducks, 1 Pine Warbler and 4 Palm Warblers (report from John Shea).

4/2/19 -- Douglas/Sutton

Some brief birding this morning (4/2) yielded:

DOUGLAS and surrounding area: Common Loon (1 br pl); Great Blue Heron (1ad on nest); Wood Duck (1); Common Merganser (23); Red-tailed Hawk (1); Bald Eagle (1imm); A Kestrel (1m); Wild Turkey (1); E Phoebe (11); Tree Swallow (40+); N Rough-winged Swallow (2); Barn Swallow (1); Pine Warbler (7).

SUTTON: Canada Goose (24); Mallard (4); Ring-necked Duck (36); Bufflehead (4); Common Merganser (4); E Phoebe (2); Palm Warbler (2).
(report from Mark Lynch/Sheila Carroll)

3/31/19 -- Broad Meadow Brook

At Wilsons Meadow I had 1 Red Shouldered Hawk,2 Red Tail Hawks, 8 Tree Swallows, 4 E. Phoebe, 6 Wood Ducks, 4 Black Duck, 1 Carolina Wren and 1 Belted King Fisher. On the Troiano Trail 1 Tree Sparrow. (report from John Shea).

3/31/19 -- Westborough

This afternoon at approximately 3:45PM, we saw an adult bald eagle over Lake Chauncy (Big Chauncy side) in Westborough. It was soaring close to the public beach area. (report from Jenn Owen).

3/31/19 -- Quabog IBA, Brookfields

This morning we checked out some of the water bodies of the QUABOG IBA in the Brookfields and adjacent towns. Many of the large ponds had few waterfowl on them, likely because of the number of fishing boats out on the ponds AND along the river. Still we had:

Great Blue Heron (19 birds and 12 occupied nests); Canada Goose (16); Wood Duck (2); Mallard (11); A Black Duck (5); Ring-necked Duck (4); Bufflehead (9); Hooded Merganser (1m); Common Merganser (309); Turkey Vulture (2); Bald Eagle (2imm); Peregrine Falcon (1).

Passerine highlights included: Eastern Phoebe (18); Tree Swallow (20+); Fish Crow (2); Winter Wren (1 singing); Pine Warbler (1); Field Sparrow (2).

Peepers are all over, and we also had numerous Wood Frogs calling and c. 65 E Painted Turtles out.
(report from Mark Lynch/Sheila Carroll).

3/25/19 -- Northboro/Westboro/Southboro

This morning we birded a few ponds in Northboro, Westboro, and Southboro:

Bartlett Pond: Very little: Mute Swan (2); Mallard (2); Hooded Merganser (2); Wild Turkey (2); Killdeer (2). Chauncy Lake: also very little: Mute Swan (2); Canada Goose (19); Ring-necked Duck (2); Hooded Merganser (1); Common Merganser (19).

SUASCO: Great Blue Heron (2); Mute Swan (8); Canada Goose (2); Green-winged Teal (2); Mallard (5); Ring-necked Duck (110); Bufflehead (9); Common Goldeneye (7); Hooded Merganser (5); Common Merganser (6); Bald Eagle (1ad); Tree Swallow (150+).

Sudbury Reservoir, Southboro: Double-crested Cormorant (1 swimming); Great Blue Heron (1); Mute Swan (9); Canada Goose (142); Wood Duck (1); Mallard (5); Lesser Scaup (5); Ring-necked Duck (97); Bufflehead (3); Common Goldeneye (7); Hooded Merganser (5); Common Merganser (171); Cooper’s Hawk (1); Bald Eagle (1imm sitting on a nest in the cormorant/heron rookery, so no surprise there were none on nests); Red-tailed Hawk (2); Killdeer (8); Belted Kingfisher (1).; and my first Woodchucks (3) of the year.
(report from Mark Lynch/Sheila Carroll).

3/25/19 -- Millbury

At the corner of Elmwood St and Gould St in Millbury there were 3 vultures perched in a tree I stopped for a look and there were 2 Black Vultures and 1 Turkey Vulture. Also, soaring and calling over the Blackstone Shoppes in MIllbury were 2 Red-shouldered Hawks. (report from Alan Marble).

3/24/19 -- New Braintree/Brookfields

We started the morning birding NEW BRAINTREE, focusing on Winnimusset Meadows WMA, but birding other areas too. Canada Goose (364: no sign of the White-fronted); Wood Duck (39); Mallard (95); A Black Duck (34); Hooded Merganser (2); Red-tailed Hawk (1); Killdeer (2). Passerine highlights included (1) Tree Swallow and (7) E Meadowlarks and a Bobcat.

Then on to the QUABOG IBA in the Brookfields and Sturbridge: Great Blue Heron (16 birds/12 occupied nests); Turkey Vulture (5); Canada Goose (169); Wood Duck (7); A Black Duck (29); Mallard (41); Ring-necked Duck (43); Greater Scaup (1m); Bufflehead (17); C Goldeneye (1m); Hooded Merganser (48); Common Merganser (106); Bald Eagle (7: 2ad+5imm with 6 at Lake Quabog at the same time); Red-shouldered Hawk (1); Red-tailed Hawk (3); A Kestrel (1m); Killdeer (3); Ring-billed Gull (80); Herring Gull (5); Other highlights included: E Phoebe (1); Fish Crow (5); Common Raven (1); Tree Swallow (38: most over the river).

We then stopped by ORLANDO’S PONDS in CHARLTON, but there was very little there: Canada Goose (84); Mallard (10); Common Raven (1).
(report from Mark Lynch/Sheila Carroll).

3/21/19 -- Boylston

I had a pair of pileated woodpeckers working on two roadside trees in Boylston at the corner of Central Street and Redwood Circle, about 1 mile north of Davidians. (report from Paul Dufault).

3/20/19 -- Bolton Flats

This evening we headed to the Bolton Flats area. Most of the geese were in the same fields south of Rt.117, but now towards the western end of the field, near the Nashua River. We stayed here till dark. Geese and ducks would fly east, low, to the other end of the field, then as it got dark, flew up and over Rt.117 and down into the main area of Bolton Flats WMA. We then tooled around different areas looking for woodcock. Canada Goose (600+); Snow Goose (11); Wood Duck (84); Mallard (171); A Black Duck (53); Green-winged Teal (10); Ring-necked Duck (11); Sandhill Crane (3 flew in from the direction of Dexter Drumlin, circled and landed in the main section of Bolton Flats near the Still River); Killdeer (1); Wilson’s Snipe (1); Woodcock (4); E Screech Owl (2); Great Horned Owl (3). Plus: a pack of coyotes howling.
(report from Mark Lynch/Sheila Carroll)

3/19/19 -- Uxbridge

Fox Sparrow is scratching for seeds in Uxbridge this morning. (report from Beth Milke)

3/18/19 -- Worcester

We started the morning before dawn at WORCESTER AIRPORT: Red-tailed Hawk (1); A Woodcock (1); Great Horned Owl (1).

We then birded the 4 cemeteries in the SW corner of the city: Notre Dame; All Faiths (Leesville Pond); Hope; and St. Johns. There was very little of note at Hope and St. Johns. It was disappointing to see so much of Hope Cemetery’s trees now cleared. These areas had regularly hosted many migrants and breeding Orchard Orioles. Totals: Pied-billed Grebe (1 still present at Leesville); Great Blue Heron (2); Mute Swan (pair nest building); Canada Goose (58); Wood Duck (8); Mallard (12); A Black Duck (3); Green-winged Teal (1); Hooded Merganser (17); Common Merganser (28); Cooper’s Hawk (1 that we watched zoom right into one of the river culverts near Kelly Square); Red-shouldered Hawk (1imm: thanks to Ed Kittridge for alerting us to the presence of this bird); Red-tailed Hawk (1); Turkey Vulture (2); Killdeer (2). The passerine highlight undoubtably was the flock of (20) Common Redpolls at Notre Dame that would fly out among the packed gravestones, and land on them and the ground to feed. These birds were quite fearless.

Then a survey of the LAKE QUINSIGAMOND/FLINT POND complex revealed many of the migrant waterfowl have moved on as the water has opened up. Great Blue Heron (1); Mute Swan (19); Canada Goose (56); Wood Duck (4); Mallard (19); Bufflehead (3); Common Goldeneye (17); Hooded Merganser (5); Common Merganser (15); Wild Turkey (16).
(report from Mark Lynch/Sheila Carroll)

3/17/19 -- Worcester

We had two Fox Sparrows at the feeder late this afternoon, looking brilliant in the late afternoon sunshine. (report from Lisa Hennin).

3/17/19 -- QUABOG IBA

Most of the ponds were still 90% or more ice-covered, so most of the waterfowl were on the river. Great Blue Heron (7: 6 on nests); Canada Goose (424); Wood Duck (51); Mallard (168); A Black Duck (105); Green-winged Teal (13); Ring-necked Duck (28); Bufflehead (3m); Common Goldeneye (pair); Hooded Merganser (89); Common Merganser (59); Bald Eagle (1imm); Red-tailed Hawk (3); Killdeer (1); Ring-billed Gull (73). Two more Bald Eagles (1ad+1imm) were on Tufts Brook, Warren.
(report from Mark Lynch/Sheila Carroll).

3/16/19 -- Worcester/Bolton

Worcester: At All Faiths Cemetery this morning I had 1 Pied bill Grebe, 10 Wood Ducks, 14 Common Merganser, 2 Hooded Merganser, 1 Bufflehead and 1 Great blue Heron.

Later I went out to Bolton Flats to look for the Snow Geese reported by Mark and Sheila they weren’t there so I went to Dexter Drumlin and had two Sandhill Cranes. On the way back I stopped to look for the Snow Geese and 16 Flew in.They were down from the main entrance about a half mile on the left.
(report from John Shea).

3/16/19 -- Worcester County, various locations

We started at Muschapauge Road, area RUTLAND: Canada Goose (33); Wild Turkey (35); Killdeer (4); A Robin (60+); Red-winged Blackbird (140++).

Eagle Lake HOLDEN: Canada Goose (66); Wood Duck (21); Gadwall (1m); Mallard (22); A Black Duck (36); C Goldeneye (pair); Hooded Merganser (7). ALSO: Red Fox (1). We watched this fox try to get ducks from the shore, which never flew off, but always swam JUST out of reach. It looked like the ducks were taunting the fox.

Davis Farmland, STERLING: Red-winged Blackbird (500+); C Grackle (150+).

WACHUSETT RESERVOIR: Common Loon (2); Mute Swan (1); Canada Goose (53); Mallard (15); Ring-necked Duck (78 at South Meadow Pond); Bufflehead (5); C Goldeneye (48); Hooded Merganser (12); Common Merganser (24); Bald Eagle (1ad); Red-tailed Hawk (3). NB: Wachusett is still c.50% ice-covered, especially bays and inlets. Viewing from the dam was quite difficult because of the wind; and viewing was also tough in many locations because of heat distortion over ice.

LANCASTER, including Bolton Flats WMA: Great Blue Heron (2); Turkey Vulture (1); Snow Goose (10); Canada Goose (711); Mute Swan (2); Wood Duck (48); A Wigeon (4f); A Black Duck (76); Mallard (157); Green-winged Teal (4); Ring-necked Duck (3); Hooded Merganser (2); Red-tailed Hawk (2); Sandhill Crane (5: We had reported the Snow Geese to Central MA birders and later, as we were on the way home, got a call from Bette that while other birders had been looking at the Snow Geese, the cranes had flown in and landed next to them! So…back we drove and got great views among the large Canada flock on Rt. 117: NB: most people scoped from the main entrance to Bolton Flats. There is NO parking along this stretch of 117 and there was lots of car activity. There is another small pull-in further up 117 at the entrance to the framing shanties, maybe room for 1-3 cars MAX, but be careful not to run over the dead beaver.) Killdeer (4); landbirds were typical for this location at this time of the year including large numbers of robins, Red-wings, and grackles.
(report from Mark Lynch/Sheila Carroll).

3/16/19 -- Notre Dame Cemetery, Worcester

Early this morning, I spotted a flock of about twelve Common Redpolls in the marsh. They were feeding in small trees near the willow in the middle of the marsh. This is the willow where Black-crowned Night-Herons sometimes roost in late summer. (report from Ed Kittredge)

3/15/19 -- Institute Park, Worcester

Highlights at 5 pm were 2 Mute Swans, 11 Common Mergansers, 1 Bufflehead (m), 1 Ring-necked Duck (m), and 6 Song Sparrows. Also, the Grackles and Red-winged Blackbirds are back in force, setting up territories. (report from Rick Quimby).

3/13/19 -- Barre

Today while on Chapman Road in Barre we had a flock of 25+ EVENING GROSBEAKS. Birding in the forested areas of the Ware River Watershed was slow, and most birds were around feeders or edge habitats. We also had (2) Hermit Thrush; 50+ Red-winged Blackbirds; and (11) Common Grackles. (report from Mark Lynch/Sheila Carroll)

3/11/19 -- Westboro

I spotted an adult bald eagle over Lake Chauncy in Westboro today. It was a wonderful sight. (report from John Maguire).

3/11/19 -- Quabog IBA, Brookfields

This morning we did a “water check” of the ponds and rivers in the QUABOG IBA (Brookfields). All ponds are still at least 98% ice covered and most waterfowl were on the river. We had: Mute Swan (2); Canada Goose (49); Mallard (14); Common Goldeneye (pair); Hooded Merganser (16); Common Merganser (43); Red-tailed Hawk (1); KILLDEER (2: one at the north end of Wickabog; the other at the north end of Lashaway); Ring-billed Gull (47).

Passerine highlights included (1) Brown Creeper singing; (44) A Robins; (3) Tree Sparrows; (56) Red-winged Blackbirds, many single males on territory.

NOTRE DAME CEMETERY (Worcester): Canada Goose (13); Wood Duck (pair); Mallard (17); Hooded Merganser (1); Common Merganser (3); Red-winged Blackbird (2).
(report from Mark Lynch/Sheila Carroll).

3/3/19 -- Wachusett Reservoir/Harvard

We started by birding around HARVARD. Highlights included: Red-shouldered Hawk (1); Red-tailed Hawk (3); Barred owl (1: hunting during the day and being mobbed/bombed by a shrike); N Flicker (4); Pileated Woodpecker (1); Carolina Wren (1); Winter Wren (1); E Bluebird (10); Blue Jay (30); Northern Shrike (1); Red-winged Blackbird (11).

Later at WACHUSETT RESERVOIR: the only large areas of open water were off Cemetery Island (best viewed from the dam area with a scope) and the Quinapoxet River/Thomas Basin. Horned Grebe (1); Red-necked Grebe (1); Mute Swan (2); Wood Duck (1m at Thomas Basin); Mallard (2); Bufflehead (1m); Common Goldeneye (27); Hooded Merganser (7); Common Merganser (5); Red-tailed Hawk (2); Barred Owl (1). Plus: an actual live E Coyote.

PLUS: Saturday early evening (3/2) we passed a large mass of crows around the old Auditorium /courthouse buildings: American Crow (1500+); Fish Crow (minimally 20+).

ALSO; The Hermit Thrush is still at my feeders where it has been since January.
(report from Mark Lynch/Sheila Carroll).

2/23/19 -- Barre/New Braintree/Hardwick

This morning we birded a number of locations in New Braintree, Barre, and Hardwick. We were searching for redpolls and siskins. We covered a lot of perfect habitat for flocks of redpolls; many extensive weedy fields, brushy marshes, loads of birches with catkins. But we found none. We did have a small flock of siskins at one feeder. We also had no grosbeaks (Pine or Evening). This winter finch year really does seem local and very spotty. All ponds were ice-covered. We also saw no turkeys, very unusual considering where we were. Species variety was poor, and numbers were low, as they have been in this part of the County since before the CBC season. Jays seemed to be starting to come back to the area.

A full list of what we saw: Turkey Vulture (2); Mallard (6); Hooded Merganser (5); Common Merganser (1f); Bald Eagle (1ad at Winnemusset Meadows WMA); Red-tailed Hawk (13); Mourning Dove (34); Red-bellied Woodpecker (1); Downy Woodpecker (1); Hairy Woodpecker (1); Northern Shrike (1: Winnemusset Meadows); Blue Jay (26); A Crow (10); Black-capped Chickadee (14); Tufted Titmouse (19); White-breasted Nuthatch (6); E Bluebird (12); Hermit Thrush (1); A Robin (5); N Mockingbird (2); Cedar Waxwing (32); A Tree Sparrow (3); Song Sparrow (3); Dark-eyed Junco (48); N Cardinal (36); House Finch (4); Pine Siskin (6); A Goldfinch (15).
(report from Mark Lynch/Sheila Carroll).

2/21/19 -- Institute Park, Worcester

At 2 pm highlights were ~75 Canada Geese, 3 Mute Swan, 1 Common Goldeneye (f or eclipse male), 1 Hooded Merganser, 3 Common Merganser, and 1 Sharp-shinned Hawk (first saw it low over the pond, then it rose up in spiral, getting lift, getting so high as to be difficult to see -- possibly an early migrant?). (report from Rick Quimby).

2/20/19 -- Institute Park, Worcester

At 1 pm highlights were 3 GB Herons (looking cold), 3 Mute Swan (one dead in water -- been there at least a week), ~70 Canada Geese (with short necks), 3 Hooded Mergansers, 4 Common Mergansers, 1 Yellow-bellied Sapsucker, and ~20 COMMON REDPOLL (park bird for me). Great views of the Redpolls feeding on the ground under a birch tree along the close edge of the pond. (report from Rick Quimby).

2/20/19 -- Millbury

There are 16 Red-Winged Black Birds back in Millbury today. Spring is coming! (report from Susan LaBree).

2/17/19 -- S Quabbin/Quabog IBA/Leicester 2/17

A quick trip to South Quabbin this AM had: Mallard (4); Common Merganser (25); Bald Eagle (1ad+1imm); Ring-billed Gull (56); Raven (pair checking out nesting location+another single bird).

QUABOG IBA: Mute Swan (2); Canada Goose (49); Mallard (19); Common Goldeneye (pr); Hooded Merganser (57); Common Merganser (5); Sharp-shinned Hawk (1ad); Red-tailed Hawk (6); Ring-billed Gull (41); Herring Gull (1); Barred Owl (1). Passerines included: C Raven (1); E Bluebird (3); A Robin (23); Cedar Waxwing (7); Red-winged Blackbird (15: all male).

KETTLEBROOK#2, LEICESTER: a small area of open water where the stream enters had: Wood Duck (1m); Mallard (4); Hooded Merganser (pr).
(report from Mark Lynch/Sheila Carroll).

2/16/19 -- Lake Quinsigamond/River Road , Shrewsbury/West Boylston

LAKE QUINSIGAMOND-FLINT POND continues to be a fine place to look for waterfowl in the County. Today we had the following: Mute Swan (29); Canada Goose (287); Gadwall (1f); Mallard (131); A Black Duck (4); N Pintail (3); Redhead (1m: seen today from the Rt.20 overlook); Greater Scaup (1f); Ring-necked Duck (2m); Common Goldeneye (38); Hooded Merganser (18); Common Merganser (38); Red-breasted Merganser (1f); Bald Eagle (3: 2imm+1ad); Red-tailed Hawk (3); Ring-billed Gull (167); Herring Gull (7).

RIVER ROAD, WEST BOYLSTON, on the Quinapoxet River: Mute Swan (1); Mallard (4); Bufflehead (2m); Common Goldeneye (7); Hooded Merganser (14); Common Merganser (1m).
(report from Mark Lynch/Sheila Carroll).

2/16/19 -- Sutton

I just saw a bald eagle fly over rt. 146 in Sutton just north of the purgatory chasm exit. (report from Mike Marnell).

2/15/19 -- Shrewsbury/Worcester

On a stretch of Flint pond across from 35 Lakeside Drive, Shrewsbury, I had 16 Mute swan , 25 Mallard Ducks, 1 REDHEAD male, 5 Ring necked Ducks, 15 Common Goldeneye, 2 Hooded Merganser, 8 Common Merganser, 41 Ring billed Gulls, 8 Herring Gulls and 1 Great Black Backed. At the very northern end of Lake Quinsigamond is a Northern Pintail. At Lincoln Plaza (Worcester) by Lowes 48 Robins were in some berry trees . (report from John Shea).

2/11/19 -- Lake Quinsigamond/Flint Pond Worcester/Shrewsbury

Today we did a quick survey of the LAKE QUINSIGAMOND-FLINT POND complex in Worcester and Shrewsbury. Though 80% of the area was still ice-covered, we still saw the following: Canada Goose (139); Mute Swan (32); Mallard (136); A Black Duck (6); Greater Scaup (1f); Common Goldeneye (19); Hooded Merganser (14); Common Merganser (13); Sharp-shinned Hawk (1); Bald Eagle (1ad); Red-tailed Hawk (2); Ring-billed Gull (122); Herring Gull 921); Cedar Waxwing (16).
(report from Mark Lynch/Sheila Carroll).

2/2/19 -- S Quabbin/Quabog IBA/Worcester Airport

This morning we started at QUABBIN PARK/SOUTH QUABBIN. Quabbin is now 98% ice-covered and birding was slow. Hooded Merganser (5f in river); Bald Eagle (1ad); Ring-billed Gull (27); Mourning Dove (3); Hairy Woodpecker (1); C Raven (2); Black-capped Chickadee (14); Tufted Titmouse (9); White Breasted Nuthatch (1); A Robin (2). That’s all.

QUABOG IBA (Brookfields). As we drove through the Brookfields in the morning, the temp was as low as minus 6 F. All ponds are now ice-covered, many with ice-fishermen and snowmobilers out on them. The Quabog River is 70% ice-covered. We had: Mallard (6); A Black Duck (4); Hooded Merganser (23); Common Merganser (2f); Red-tailed Hawk (5); Ring-billed Gull (2); Black-capped Chickadee (2); A Crow (2); A Robin (21); N Mockingbird (1); Dark-eyed Junco (6); A Goldfinch (5).

On the way home, we pulled down Mulberry Street in Lancaster, pulled up at the airport gate to get out a sandwich, and then we had: Red-tailed Hawk (1); GOLDEN EAGLE (1ad: this bird flew SW across our entire field of view); Snow Bunting (flock of 30+); Song Sparrow (1); Savannah Sparrow (1). We drove further down Mulberry hoping to see the eagle again as it went behind the tree line, but no luck. We even drove into the lot at the airport, and did not see the bird again. It was flying directly and with a purpose.
(report from Mark Lynch/Sheila Carroll).

1/29/19 -- Worcester

At Notre Dame cemetery I had 2 Mute Swans, 2 Mallard Ducks, 2 Black Ducks, 1 Common Goldeneye, 1 Hooded Merganser, 1 Great blue Heron, 1 Red tail Hawk and 1 Carolina Wren.

A Bald Eagle was flying over Commerce Bank on Park Ave.

When I got home (near the Big Y on May st) I heard a Fish crow flying by. I often hear them in the parking lot when I go there first thing in the morning.
(report from John Shea).

1/29/19 -- Gardner

The Pine grosbeaks (7) continue this morning at the community college. (report from Dick Knowlton).

1/27/19 -- Wachusett Reservoir

At gate 36 at Wachusett Reservoir, in a small patch of open water I had 4 Common Merganser, 4 Common Goldeneye and 3 Canada Geese. A flock of 26 or so Snow Bunting were flying around the rocks and a flock of 29 Horned Lark were in the field. At Bart’s Pond I had 5 Canada Geese, 2 Mute Swans,2 Mallard Ducks, 3 Female Bufflehead,1 Red tail Hawk, 2 Brown Creepers, 1 Robin and 5 Tufted Titmouse. In a tree by Clinton High was a Bald Eagle. (report from John Shea).

1/16/19 -- Westrobough

The clay-colored sparrow continues in the fields at 289 Lyman St (behind the auto auction), in association with a large flock juncos and 3 chipping sparrows.

Also notable late in the day was a N. Shrike, at the back of the field behind the vehicles.

Other birds seen here today: red-tailed hawk - 1 or 2; 1st yr. bald eagle (flyover); adult bald eagle (flyover); chipping sparrow - 3; song sparrows; white-throated sparrows.
(report from Garry Kessler).

1/14/19 -- Millbury

There was a Great Blue Heron on Dorothy Brook, Riverlin Street, in Millbury. (report from Susan LaBree).

1/14/19 -- Wachusett Res / Westboro / Marlboro

We ventured out to a few locations this morning and had the following:

WACHUSETT RESERVOIR: Rapidly icing over, especially bays. Some good concentrations of birds, most of which will likely be gone tomorrow as the icing progresses: Common Loon (4); Mute Swan (2); Canada Goose (717: huge flock on the water at NW end, and other large flocks overhead); Mallard (89); A Black Duck (3); Greater Scaup (10); Lesser Scaup (1); NB: Coachlace is ice covered; Common Goldeneye (66); Hooded Merganser (4); Common merganser (53); Bald Eagle (2ad perched in the birches of Cunningham Ledge); Red-tailed Hawk (2); Belted Kingfisher (1).

We then ventured out to the Lancaster and Harvard area and had very few birds.

SUDBURY RESERVOIR in SOUTHBORO is iced over but we did find (28) Canada Geese resting on ice.

CHAUNCY LAKE/POND in WESTBORO is also almost completely iced over but in a small area there were : Canada Goose (37); Mallard (23); Ring-billed Gull (9); Herring Gull (12). The Red-necked Grebe has obviously vamoosed.

We did take a side-trip to HAGAR POND, MARLBORO (Middlesex County) and along with the usual domestic geese, House Sparrows, were Canada Goose (35); Mute Swan (11); Gadwall (pair); Mallard (c.200); A Black Duck (2); N Pintail (8); Hooded Merganser (12); Common Merganser (1); Ring-billed Gull (c. 120+). Some water still open.
(report from Mark Lynch/Sheila Carroll).

1/12/19 -- Blackstone-Millville / Uxbridge / Worcester

Today we started out birding a few areas in BLACKSTONE-MILLVILLE. Highlights included: Mute Swan (3); Canada Goose (166); Mallard (60); A Black Duck (2); N Pintail (1m); Hooded Merganser (4); Black Vulture (1); Turkey Vulture (1, with more than 20 other sitting on chimneys and roof tops just over the border in Woonsocket, RI); Red-tailed Hawk (3). Gulls included Ring-billed (16); Herring (26) and Great Black-backed (2). Carolina Wren (4); Fish Crow (27); Common Raven (pair looking like they were checking out potential nesting spots amid the pipes of the Blackstone energy plant.

WHITIN POND, UXBRIDGE: Great Blue Heron (1); Mute Swan (1); Canada Goose (343); Mallard (28); Ring-necked Duck (3m); Hooded Merganser (1); Cedar Waxwing (20+).

Another (28) Mallards were in the river at the entrance of Central Cemetery, MILLBURY.

NOTRE DAME, CEMETERY, WORCESTER had: Canada Goose (130); Mallard (2); A Black Duck (3); Hooded Merganser (1); Red-tailed Hawk (1).

Finally, along the Blackstone River in the city of WORCESTER we had (12) Hooded Merganser; (3) Red-tailed Hawk ; and a small flock of (7) Red-winged Blackbirds.
(report from Mark Lynch/Sheila Carroll).

1/11/19 -- Westboro / Northboro

Still sick with the viral lung thing, I ventured out a bit this afternoon to count some waterfowl.

BARTLETT POND, NORTHBORO: Mute Swan (2); Canada Goose (54).

LITTLE CHAUNCY POND: Mute Swan (2); Canada Goose (4). Nb: RE: the sign warning against eating the fish from this pond because of the Mercury content. Does anyone know what the source of this Mercury is?

CHAUNCY LAKE: Red-necked Grebe (1); Canada Goose (269); Greater Scaup (1f); Hooded Merganser (27); Ring-billed Gull (38); Herring Gull (3).

SUASC0, WESTBORO: Canada Goose (99); Mute Swan (15); Mallard (2); A Black Duck (2); Ring-billed Gull (5); Herring Gull (3); Great Black-backed Gull (2); Tree Sparrow (27).

At home feeders, a HERMIT THRUSH has put in an appearance.
(report from Mark Lynch/Sheila Carroll).

1/7/19 -- Royalston

Had good looks at the large flock (60-70) of evening grosbeaks (another photo) in the vicinity of Royalston center. Also a couple brown creepers and red-bellied woodpeckers.
(report from Garry and Anne Kessler)

1/6/19 -- Worcester & vicinity

Birded several areas today:

All Faiths Cemetery: Great Blue Heron (2); Hooded merganser (12); Mallard(24)

Notre Dame Cemetery: Great Blue Heron (3); Mallard (12)

Wachusett Reservoir: South Bay: Common Goldeneye (24); Hooded merganser (6)
(report from Paul Dufault).

1/2/19 -- Worcester

A male Ring-Necked Pheasant has been seen and heard for the past three days in the courtyard at Botany Bay Road, Worcester. Escape? (report from Jo-Ann Ferrie).

1/1/2019 -- Wachusett Reservoir & vicinity

We birded (from the car mostly) Wachusett Reservoir in the afternoon. Strong winds, white caps and 50 degrees. South Bay had 42 Common Goldeneyes, W. Boylston center 2 Crows, 1 Red-tail hawk. Nothing around the Stone Church. 50 Starlings at the Wachusett Country Club.Nothing on the Quinapoxet River but across from the River St intersection were 3 Ring-billed Gulls, and 7 Hooded Mergansers. We walked across the RR tracks and saw 16 Common Mergansers. We then headed to the North Dike near Chace Hill Road in Sterling, saw 21 Ring-billed Gulls and 12 Snow Buntings (around the rocks by the water). Nothing on the Clinton side. Coachlace Pond had 42+ Canada Geese loafing and 3 female Common Goldeneyes. Nothing at Davis Farm in Sterling. Slow at our feeder in Sterling -- FOY bird was 1 Red-bellied Woodpecker, then 2 Titmice, 2 Chickadees, 1 Downy Woodpecker. (report from Marion Larson and Scott Handler)

For previous sightings, see 2018 Archives or Archive Index