2020 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:

12/28/20 -- Northern Worcester County

With our main mission to find grosbeaks and crossbills we birded a number of areas.

High Ridge WMA, Gardner: walked in Smith Street about 1/2 mile. VERY quiet--Saw only one junco, heard a blue jay, chickadee, and hairy woodpecker.

At Mt. Wachusett Community College, Gardner at the theater entrance area: 2 female pine grosbeaks on the ground picking at fruits under trees in the little circle and some crows in the front lawn area of the college.

From there we traveled to Royalston on Rte. 68 -- several turkeys crossed the road in front of us near the Royalston Rod & Gun Club. In Royalston center we did not see the usual pine grosbeaks, but walked down North East Fitzwilliam Road to the sound of evening grosbeaks. They were perched in trees near a house that has a ton of seed out. We watched them for a while, and then they all flew off -- about 15 or so. The friendly homeowner said to us that the birds would be back. Meanwhile, there were at least 5-6 blue jays out there loading up on seed as well as chickadees, a male cardinal, red-breasted nuthatch, titmice, red bellied woodpecker, Carolina wren, and a tree sparrow. Also saw 2 red-winged blackbirds in the swampy area at the bottom of the hill from the "grosbeak" house. Other birds seen in the vicinity were starlings, white-breasted nuthatch, juncos, rock pigeons, downy woodpecker.

Birch Hill Dam: Drove in the road the dam but nothing to be seen in the way of birds. Thundering, churning water at the dam which is pooling...Lots of cones on pine trees, but no birds.

We then travelled down River Street towards the other Army Corps Recreation area and spotted white-winged crossbills in white pines that were heavy with cones. A few flew out in a circle then returned to the white pines. They were hopping around quietly. Then they all flew out together in a circle (~15) and were gone. No birds in the ACE recreation area; the gate beyond the parking area is closed for the season.

On the Athol Richmond Road (Rte 32), Royalston were a few evening grosbeaks picking on the side of the road. We pulled over and watched--more flew in and then they filtered into the shooting preserve by the power lines and were picking at fruits on the ground among the wet areas. Got great up-close looks of them. Finally, they flew up from the ground and shrubs and over a little pond (~30 birds).

(Non-bird related find in Royalston: We also bagged a "balancing" glacial erratic in W. Royalston only 100 feet from the road resting in a stable mode on an outcropping of quartz.)

Franklin County -- Shhh....we snuck over the county border to the Orange Airport and the pine barrens on Old Northfield Road in Montague Plains WMA. Unfortunately nothing to report in those 2 areas but a bluebird and red- tailed hawk was seen while headed to Turner's Falls.

Barton Cove, Turner's Falls -- west side of the river in the local park. We saw about 30 mute swans, American goldeneyes, several pairs of mallards, several hundred Canada geese, and a few dozen gulls filtering in and landing on ice. An adult bald eagle flew in near the island, perched on a log and took several dips in the water, bathing and preening over the period of about 1/2 hour. Sometimes it just stood in the water looking around as if on a perch, not freezing cold water. While headed east on Rte 2 in Erving a raven flew overhead.
(report from Scott Handler and Marion Larson)

12/26/20 -- Institute Park, Worcester

At 2 pm there were 2 Mute Swans, ~50 Canada Geese, 25 Common Mergansers, and 10 Hooded Mergansers. (report from Rick Quimby).

12/24/20 -- Fitchburg / Bolton

The calm before the storm....

On this unusually warm and windless day we visited the Fitchburg Municipal Airport. With the help of Tom Pirro (thank you again!) we saw the Lapland longspur among the horned larks prospecting on the grass by runways. Also a flock of snow buntings could be seen wheeling about the runways, hopping on the snow piles and picking away at the grassy areas. You can set up for observations in a small chain-link fence area to the right of the building.

We ventured over to Bolton Flats which was very quiet. The first 100 yards were where the birds were seen or heard; cardinals, a singing Carolina wren, blue jay, mockingbird, chickadees, red-bellied woodpecker, crows.

Looking for central and northern Worcester County location suggestions this coming week for evening grosbeaks, crossbills, (especially red!) and redpolls with an eye to finding a hoary redpoll. [email marion46@verizon.net]
(report from Marion Larson).

12/19/20 -- Sterling

At the end of the CBC count day (3:50 pm) we encountered a great blue heron flying over Muddy Pond in Sterling, but because that area is a scant quarter mile out of our Worcester CBC circle it "didn't count." Regardless, we felt it merited reporting in some way shape or form.
(report from Scott Handler and Marion Larson)

12/19/20 -- 2020 Worcester CBC

The Worcester Christmas Bird Count took place on Saturday, December 19th. The day began with temperatures in the low single digits, but warmed up to around or, in some places, above freezing. There was plenty of snow on the ground due to the storm the previous day, and though moving water was mostly open, any open still water was found strictly in the larger bodies of water. 79 species were recorded, along with a good number (8) of count week birds. Here is the list:

Complete totals

(report from John Liller).

12/14/20 -- 2020 STURBRIDGE CBC

This circle includes all or parts of the following towns: East Brookfield; Brookfield; West Brookfield; North Brookfield; Sturbridge; Brimfield; Holland; Charlton; Southbridge. THIS YEAR: It wasn’t a great day by any means, but long-timers have seen worse. Off and on snow in the morning turned to more consistent snow or sleet later on, but with not any dramatic accumulation (that would come later in the week). Ponds still had open water, but many ponds had become ice covered earlier on in the month, pushing most waterfowl further south.

37 Birders in 25 teams fanned out across the circle. A few birders owled and spent 13.75 cumulative hours driving a whopping 82.2 miles. This is always a tough go: lots of work, lots of waiting in the dark for anything to call, with scant reward. But we did turn up the 4 species of owls typically found in this circle: E Screech (3); Great Horned (15); Barred (9); N Saw-whet (4).

Diurnal birders spent a cumulative 104 hours by car and 54.5 hours on foot covering 702.1 car miles and 67 (?) miles on foot. Total species seen on count day was 76 with an additional 3 “count week” species.

There were an amazing 2 different orioles at feeders (1m+1f) both photo-documented. If that wasn’t enough, a male ROSE-BREASTED GROSBEAK at a feeder was also noted. A new species on this count.

Winter finches were reported by many teams making this a noteworthy year for this circle. The only winter finches missed were White-winged Crossbills and Hoary Redpoll. WE set count circle records for Red Crossbill and siskin numbers: Pine Grosbeak (8); Red Crossbill (10); Common Redpoll (39); Pine Siskin (127).

Other “high counts” were recorded for HORNED LARK (140), COMMON RAVEN (30: are any of you old enough to remember when this species was rare in the STATE?), RED-BREASTED NUTHATCH (653: previous high count was (89) in 2012), BROWN CREEPER (80), BROWN-HEADED COWBIRD (53), and finally HOUSE SPARROW 1667).

A number of species continue to decline including all species of gulls. Part of this is due to the closing of landfills and part because of gull control programs by DCR. Grouse are becoming increasingly uncommon not just on this count but throughout Central MA.

Mammals noted included all the regulars: deer; E Cottontails, beavers, muskrats, Red Fox, River Otter, Red Squirrel. I had a number of molehills, but I couldn’t tell which of 3 species made them. Really interesting was that 3 colors of Gray Squirrel were tallied: leucistic/albino; typical gray; and melanistic/black.

This count is possible only due to the extreme efforts of the birders who participate. Thanks to them one and all.
(report from Mark Lynch).

12/13/20 -- Uxbridge

An adult Fox Sparrow appeared below the seed feeders both yesterday (12/12) and today (12/13). (report from Beth Milke).

12/10/20 -- Douglas

This morning we visited a few ponds in DOUGLAS. Here are the results:

WALLUM LAKE: open and ice free, but NOTHING on the water.

BAD LUCK POND: mostly ice-covered. NOTHING

WHITIN RESERVOIR: west side ice covered, east side open. Pied-billed Grebe (2); A Black Duck (2); Mallard (61); Ring-necked Duck (56); Greater Scaup (14); Bufflehead (11); Common Goldeneye (27); Hooded Merganser (6); Common Merganser (23).

LAKE MANCHAUG (Douglas/Sutton): Mostly open. Mute Swan (6); Bald Eagle (1ad).
(report from Mark Lynch/Sheila Carroll).

12/2/20 -- Holland; Wales; West Brookfield

Today we began at HAMILTON RESERVOIR, HOLLAND and had the following: Great Bue Heron (1); Canada Goose (10); Mallard (15); White-winged Scoter (2m); Bufflehead (2m+1f); Hooded Merganser (86); NO Common Mergs!; Ruddy Duck (3: the number of Ruddy’s passing through this site has been decreasing over the last decade); Red-tailed Hawk (1); Ring-billed Gull (2); Belted Kingfisher (1).

LAKE GEORGE, WALES: Double-crested Cormorant (1); Canada Goose (52); Mallard (26); Hooded Merganser (12); Common Merganser (3); Ring-billed Gull (1); N Flicker (3); E Bluebird (16); Brown Creeper (2); C Raven (1); Swamp Sparrow (1).

SHERMAN POND, BRIMFIELD: A Black Duck (1); Mallard (89).

LAKE WICKABOG, WEST BROOKFIELD: Canada Goose (80: all in the feeder stream north of the pond. As has been noted eagles are actively taking geese at the pond); Mallard (13); Hooded Merganser (14); Common Merganser (215); Bald Eagle (2 ad); Ring-billed Gull (47: actively kleptoparasitizing the mergs); Herring Gull (2).
(report from Mark Lynch/Sheila Carroll).

11/29/20 -- Sterling, Harvard, Clinton

This AM we started by looking at the BARNACLE GOOSE in Sterling at Bartlett Pond. Be aware there is another Bartlett Pond in Northboro which is a birding spot. For those of you for whom this is a lifebird, be aware that Barnacles are a small goose, and when you are searching among hundreds of hunky Canada Geese, it can disappear for some time behind a group of Canadas. Besides the geese, there was at least 1 drake Wood Duck there and a number of Mallards, as well as flocks of waxwings. Before we arrived here we had checked Coachlace Pond in Clinton and Davis Farmland and did not see the goose in question. These extralimital geese that show up in this general late fall through to spring area can move among a number of locations depending on the amount of open water and snow depth. Besides the locations mentioned above, always check Dexter Drumlin, Lancaster (if there is not too much snow), even the main body of Wachusett Reservoir may host large flocks of geese if everything else has frozen. Well into winter, large flocks of geese may even put down in small open areas of the Still River in Bolton Flats…very difficult to get good looks at. The fields along Rt.117 can attract flocks of geese, but this is not a road you can easily find places to safely pull off.

In HARVARD: we found a flock of 355 Canadas in a field behind the Fire house, and we also saw (10) Tree Sparrows, and had a flock of 50+ cowbirds.

At BARE HILL POND (Harvard) the water was very low, looking perfect for a very, VERY late shorebird (no luck), but we did have more Canadas, Mallards, Black Ducks, and Hooded and Common mergs. A flock of 55+ Red-winged Blackbirds flew over.

Finally we did a quick look from several vantages of WACHUSETT RESERVOIR. It was MOBBED. People were illegally parking, there were others walking dogs on the dike. It was insane. Be aware they are ticketing cars, apparently even if you think you have parked correctly. Don’t park anywhere near a gate. We didn’t have much. Most of the waterfowl were on Coachlace: Common Loon (3); Mute Swan (5); Canada Goose (71); Greater Scaup (38: Coachlace); Bufflehead (2f: Coachlace); Common Goldeneye (13: main body); Hooded Merganser (2). In the town of Clinton atop the wastewater treatment facility there was a raven chowing down on some mammal.
(report from Mark Lynch/Sheila Carroll).

11/27/20 -- Quabog IBA

This morning in the QUABOG IBA: Decent numbers of a few migratory species. Duck hunters were out on Lake Quabog with several sets of decoys including a number of faux scaup and several decoys that give the appearance of fluttering. Water levels have dropped at Wickabog and Lashaway. Lots of mud flats that look perfect for a late shorebird, but today we dipped.

Totals were: Common Loon (2: on Quabog. We worried a bit that they might get shot.); Great Blue Heron (1); Canada Goose (189); Mute Swan (2); Mallard (71); Bufflehead (2f); Hooded Merganser (148); Common Merganser (549); Bald Eagle (1ad: we watched this bird seemingly purposely flush all the mergs several times); Red-shouldered Hawk (1); Red-tailed Hawk (1); Wild Turkey (8); Ring-billed Gull (133); Herring Gull (3); Mourning Dove (87); “Land birds” were typical in predictable late season numbers. Also seen: River Otters.
(report from Mark Lynch/Sheila Carroll).

11/25/20 -- West Millbury

At my feeders, I had 12 Evening Grosbeaks, 13 Pine Siskins, 2 Northern Flickers, 1 Red-breasted Nuthatch and 13 other species of usual feeder birds. I haven't seen Evening Grosbeaks in my yard in about 35 years. They have not returned. (report from Alan Marble)

11/24/20 -- Leominster

I spotted one male and two female Evening Grosbeaks at our bird feeders on Pennacook Drive in Leominster. Positive about ID. We have Rose-breasted Grosbeaks all summer. Have never seen an Evening Grosbeak before. They were here for only a few minutes and I don’t think they ate anything. I have one feeder with black oil sunflower seeds and a suet feeder.
(report from Cindy Gabriel).

11/21/20 -- Winchendon / South Royalston

Today we birded the OTTER RIVER SF-BIRCH HILL DAM ACE parcel (Winchendon-South Royalston). Hunters were EVERYWHERE. We wore our Hunter’s Orange hats and vests of course, but it was amazing to see most hikers, dog walkers, and bicyclists (much fewer than usual) not wearing any orange. All water bodies were devoid of waterfowl, possibly due to hunters being all over. Birds were few and far between which was expected for this time of the year in this forested habitat:

Red-shouldered Hawk (2); Red-tailed Hawk (2); Ruffed Grouse (1); Wild Turkey (39 walking down to the river edge to drink); Barred Owl (2); Red-bellied Woodpecker (1); Downy Woodpecker (2); Hairy Woodpecker (3); Pileated Woodpecker (1).
Blue Jay (44); A Crow (1); C Raven (1); Black-capped Chickadee (62); Tufted Titmouse (6); Red-breasted Nuthatch (77); White-breasted Nuthatch (6); Brown Creeper (3); Carolina Wren (1); Winter Wren (1); Golden-crowned Kinglet (1); E Bluebird (5); Tree Sparrow (4); Song Sparrow (1); White-throated Sparrow (6); Dark-eyed Junco (30); N Cardinal (1); Purple Finch (3); Red Crossbill (14); A Goldfinch (3); Evening Grosbeak (2).
(report from Mark Lynch/Sheila Carroll).

11/20/20 -- New Braintree

This morning we noodled around NEW BRAINTREE. Hunters were in quite a few locations.

Canada Goose (1); Mallard (3) NB: waterfowl can be tough in this town. There are very few decent sized bodies of water, and many smaller, marshy bodes had at least some ice on them this morning. And then there are the hunters.
Red-tailed Hawk (4); Morning Dove (2); Red-bellied Woodpecker (1); Downy Woodpecker (3); N Flicker (4).
Blue Jay (35); A Crow (17); C Raven (1); Black-capped Chickadee (14); Tufted Titmouse (1); Red Breasted Nuthatch (3: low count); White-breasted Nuthatch (4); Brown Creeper (1); Carolina Wren (5); E Bluebird (21); Hermit Thrush (1); A Robin (34); N Mockingbird (3); Cedar Waxwing (3); Yellow-rumped Warbler (1); Fox Sparrow (1); Song Sparrow (4); Dark-eyed Junco (68); N Cardinal (4); Red-winged Blackbird (flock of 115+); Rusty Blackbird (6); C Grackle (30+); Red Crossbill (1); A Goldfinch (4); Evening Grosbeak (16: 1 of which actually pooped on me (photo) a birding “first” for me.

Plus: River Otter
(report from Mark Lynch/Sheila Carroll).

11/19/20 -- Holland / Brookfields

Sightings today included:

LAKE QUABOG: Canada Goose (43); Mute Swan (2); Mallard (60); Bufflehead (2f); Sandhill Crane (5 fly-overs. SEE SHEILA’S POST IN CENTRAL MASS BIRDERS FACEBOK PAGE).One bird seemed to have no legs based of 6 photos Sheila took. I have NO idea what was going on.) Ring-billed Gull (11).

HAMILTON RESERVOIR, HOLLAND: Common Loon (1); Great Blue Heron (1); Canada Goose (47); Mallard (45); A Black Duck (2); Ring-necked Duck (9); Bufflehead (7); Hooded Merganser (45); Common Merganser (2); Ruddy Duck (16); Ring-billed Gull (9).

BIG ALUM POND, STURBRIDGE: Canada Goose (19 fly-overs); Mallard (18); Bald Eagle (1imm); Red- tailed Hawk (1); E Bluebird (15); Hermit Thrush (1); Winter Wren (1); Red Crossbill (4).

LAKE WICKABOG, WEST BROOKFIELD: Great Blue Heron (1); Mute Swan (2); Canada Goose (1); Mallard (67); Hooded Merganser (9); COMMON MERGANSER (646); Ring-billed Gull (105); Herring Gull (1). If you are interested in seeing kleptoparasitism, this is the place: you can watch the gulls trying to steal the fish the mergs catch.
(report from Mark Lynch/Sheila Carroll).

11/15/20 -- Quabog IBA

This AM we headed once again to the QUABOG IBA to check ponds and lakes. Early AM was COLD, with some shallow marshy bodies sporting a thin ice layer. Common Loon (1); Pied-billed Grebe (1); Great Blue Heron (4); Canada Goose (131); Mute Swan (5); A Black Duck (5); Mallard (68); Green-winged Teal (2); Bufflehead (3f); C Goldeneye (1m); Hooded Merganser (77); Common Merganser (259); Bald Eagle (3: 1ad); Red-tailed Hawk (6); American Coot (2); Greater Yellowlegs (1); Ring-billed Gull (98);Herring Gull (1); Mourning Dove (3); Belted Kingfisher (2); Downy Woodpecker (2); Hairy Woodpecker (3); N Flicker (1).
Blue Jay (39); A Crow (22); Black-capped Chickadee (21); Tufted Titmouse (8); Red-breasted Nuthatch (32); White-breasted Nuthatch (4); Carolina Wren (1); Winter Wren (1); E Bluebird (6); Hermit Thrush (4); A Robin (8); N Mockingbird (1); Song Sparrow (2); White-throated Sparrow (35); Dark-eyed Junco (110); N Cardinal (5); C Grackle (2); House Finch (4); Red Crossbill (9); Evening Grosbeak (6).
(report from Mark Lynch/Sheila Carroll).

11/14/20 -- Lily Ponds wood roads, Wachusett Reservoir

A walk along the gated wood roads in the southwest part of the Wachusett Reservoir had highlights of 20 Hooded Mergansers, 1 Belted Kingfisher, and ~8 Eastern Bluebirds. The Bluebirds were making a dry chattering noise that I wasn't familiar with (very different from the rich and musical warble that is common is spring and summer). They were feeding on some berries in a small tree near the shore of the reservoir in the mid afternoon. There were also about 20 diving ducks far out in a tight group, which I could not ID through binocs. (report from Rick Quimby).

11/14/20 -- Eastern Worcester County

Survey of ponds and nearby areas in eastern Worcester County:

SUASCO, WESTBORO: A few boats out on the water. Pied-billed Grebe (1); Red-necked Grebe (1); Mute Swan (17); Canada Goose (2); Mallard (59).

CHAUNCY LAKE, WESTBORO: Gun shots heard from the land. Red-throated Loon (continues. I hope this bird is OK); Pied-billed Grebe (5); Mute Swan (3); Canada Goose (275: low fly-over of several flocks from different areas at once, most headed east, a few turned around and landed on Chauncy); Cackling Goose (1 in big flock of geese: MUCH smaller, short necked, with stubby bill); Mallard (10); A Black Duck (1); Scaup sp. (32: Many appeared to be Greaters, but looking at a few of the birds and at Sheila’s shots, c 10+ looked like Lessers); Cooper’s Hawk (1).

LITTLE CHAUNCY: duck hunter out in boat, but still Mute Swan (3) and rooster (1). This poor chicken was obviously someone’s pet as it walked right up to us.

WACHUSETT RESERVOIR: People were everywhere. The dam area was crowded. People were illegally parking in the lot south of the causeway. Fishermen all along the shore. not much: Common Loon (1); Mute Swan (6); C Goldeneye (4); Hooded Merganser (5); Turkey Vulture (1);

SOUTH MEADOW POND: Mallard (6).

DAVIS FARMLAND: nada except some Rock Pigeons.

DEXTER DRUMLAND: nada, just many folks running their dogs.

LANCASTER: Red-winged Blackbird (flock of 150)

BOLTON FLATS: hunters everywhere.

FRUITLANDS: Red-tailed Hawk (1).

BARE HILL POND, HARVARD: a bunch of folks parking there and doing “something”; a few geese.

COACHLACE POND, CLINTON: Mallard (7); Greater Scaup/scaup sp. (67); River Otter (1).
(report from Mark Lynch/Sheila Carroll).

11/11/20 -- Hardwick

This morning we birded around HARDWICK under overcast skies which eventually produced rain. We did not enter any of the Quabbin gates. Hunters were out in numbers, so be sure to wear your hunter’s orange vests and hats. Birding was often slow, especially in wood lots where sometimes it was tough to turn up a chickadee. Most birds were in mixed species groups in farm fields/scrubby areas. Winter finches were almost a “no show”:

Canada Goose (17); Wood Duck (2); Mallard (4); Red-tailed Hawk (1); Mourning Dove (2); E Screech Owl (1: very uncommon in this area); Barred Owl (1); Red-bellied Woodpecker (4); Yellow-bellied Sapsucker (3); Downy Woodpecker (5); Hairy Woodpecker (3).
Blue Jay (47); A Crow (3); Black-capped Chickadee (16); Tufted Titmouse (4); Red-breasted Nuthatch (3); White-breasted Nuthatch (13); Carolina Wren (5); Winter Wren (1); E Bluebird (17); Hermit Thrush (4); A Robin (197); Cedar Waxwing (6); E Towhee (1: late for this species here); Tree Sparrow (1); Song Sparrow (3); Swamp Sparrow (2); White-throated Sparrow (32); Dark-eyed Junco (269); N Cardinal (10); Red-winged Blackbird (single flock of 100+ in a farm woodlot); Purple Finch (3); House Finch (17); C Redpoll (1).

Plus 30+ Spring Peepers still doing their fall calls.
(report from Mark Lynch/Sheila Carroll).

11/8/20 -- Petersham

There were very few birds inside large forested tracts.

Canada Goose (38); Wood Duck (19); A Black Duck (18); Mallard (10); Green-winged Teal (17); Ring-necked Duck (2); Hooded Merganser (4); Bald Eagle (1imm); Red-shouldered Hawk (2); Greater Yellowlegs (2); Sanderling (1: great find); Pectoral Sandpiper (4); Wilson’s Snipe (1);Mourning Dove (11); Belted Kingfisher (11); Belted Kingfisher (2); Red-bellied Woodpecker (3); Downy Woodpecker (3); Hairy Woodpecker (4).
E Phoebe (1); Blue Jay (33); A Crow (9); Common Raven (1); Black-capped Chickadee (33); Tufted Titmouse (2); Red-breasted Nuthatch (77); White-breasted Nuthatch (21); E Bluebird (9); Hermit Thrush (2); A Robin (6); Song Sparrow (7); Swamp Sparrow (3); White-throated Sparrow (23); Dark-eyed Junco (32); N Cardinal (3); Red-winged Blackbird (2); Rusty Blackbird (10); Purple Finch (5); Red Crossbill (7); A Goldfinch (6); Evening Grosbeak (2).

(10+) Peepers calling; (2) Green Frogs seen; 5 River Otters doing what River Otters do.
(report from Mark Lynch/Sheila Carroll).

11/7/20 -- Quabog IBA

Today we birded the QUABOG IBA. Hunters were out especially in the vicinity of Quabog, where hearing gunfire was common. Not sure how that works out with the more common fishermen also there. At one point, a loud BLAM, like a large cannon going off, was heard. We couldn’t figure out what was happening. Hunters were also out in some woodlots.

Pied-billed Grebe (1); Great Blue Heron (3); Canada Goose (444); Mute Swan (3); Wood Duck (1); A Black Duck (4); Mallard (54); Ring-necked Duck (1); Bufflehead (3f); Hooded Merganser (29); Common Merganser (223); Ruddy Duck (4); Bald Eagle (1ad); Red-tailed Hawk (3); Virginia Rail (3); Black-bellied Plover (2: continuing); Killdeer (2); Greater Yellowlegs (3); Lesser Yellowlegs (1); Pectoral Sandpiper (2); Ring-billed Gull (90); Mourning Dove (13); Belted Kingfisher (1); Red-bellied Woodpecker (5); Hairy Woodpecker (1).
Blue Jay (93); A Crow (63); Black-capped Chickadee (13); Red-breasted Nuthatch (28); White- breasted Nuthatch (7); Brown Creeper (1); Carolina Wren (10); Winter Wren (1); E Bluebird (9); A Robin (8); A Pipit (1); Yellow-rumped Warbler (1); E Towhee (1); Song Sparrow (17); Swamp Sparrow (4); White-throated Sparrow (43); Dark-eyed Junco (62); Snow Bunting (3); N Cardinal (6); Red-winged Blackbird (2); House Finch (21); Red Crossbill(1); A Goldfinch (28)

A handful of peepers still calling, and 10+ Painted Turtles were seen.
(report from Mark Lynch/Sheila Carroll).

11/6/20 -- Leicester

Between 4:30PM and 4:45PM we had 577 robins heading south from the area near the airport. Also: a Red Bat.
(report from Mark Lynch/Sheila Carroll).

11/4/20 -- Holden/Brookfields

This morning we started at QUINAPOXET RESERVOIR (Holden). The water is still very low. Canada Goose (33); Hooded Merganser (3); Common Merganser (13); Red-breasted Merganser (2); Greater Yellowlegs (3); Ring-billed Gull (13); American Pipit (20+); Lapland Longspur (1).

Then at the QUABOG IBA we checked most (not all) of the main water bodies): Great Blue Heron (7); Canada Goose (69); Wood Duck (2); A Black Duck (12); Mallard (21); Green-winged Teal (3); Bufflehead (3f); Hooded Merganser (73); Common Merganser (203); Red-tailed Hawk (2); Black-bellied Plover (2) ; Greater Yellowlegs (3); Lesser Yellowlegs (1); Pectoral Sandpiper (2); Ring-billed Gull (103); Herring Gull (2); Belted Kingfisher (1). Passerines were typical except for the late Blue-headed Vireo.
(report from Mark Lynch/Sheila Carroll).

11/2/20 -- Grafton

I spotted an eagle over Lake Ripple in Grafton. Also this past summer a Great Blue Heron was spotted all summer/fall, and young were observed in July. (report from Barb Sharon).

11/2/20 -- North Brookfield

We had at least 6+ Evening Grosbeaks and 1 male Baltimore Oriole at the feeder this morning. (report from Jeff Smith).

11/1/20 -- Wachusett Reservoir IBA

This morning we did a basic swing through the WACHUSETT RESERVOIR IBA including stops at Sterling Peat, the Quag, both Waushacums, Coachlace, and finally the reservoir itself. People were EVERYWHERE, it was amazing. There were more people at the reservoir than I see in the summer: fishermen as well as walkers. Part of the reason may be that the reservoir DEER HUNT is on , running from mid-October till DECEMBER 31! No hunting on Sunday. This long hunting period is by permit only. So, if you intended to be hiking the reservoir on any day BUT Sunday until the end of the year, wear lots of hunter’s orange. This is of importance to those participants of the WORCESTER CBC, which thoroughly cover the reservoir.

Seen in the IBA: Common Loon (8); Pied-billed Grebe (1); Double-crested Cormorant (15); Canada Goose (32); Mute Swan (11); Wood Duck (38); Mallard (16); Ring-necked Duck (9); Greater Scaup/scaup sp.(42); Lesser Scaup (2); Surf Scoter (2); Hooded Merganser (4); Common Merganser (24); Ruddy Duck (9); Red-tailed Hawk (1); Ring-billed Gull (8); Herring Gull (1 1stW); Belted Kingfisher (1). Carolina Wren (11); Common Raven (1); Yellow-rumped Warbler (10); Chipping Sparrow (5); Dark-eyed Junco (75).
(report from Mark Lynch/Sheila Carroll).

11/1/20 -- Indian Lake, Worcester

This morning there were: Double-crested Cormorant (6); Canada Goose (62); Mallard (16); Hooded Merganser (3); Common Merganser (258); Red-breasted Merganser (1); Ruddy Duck (1). NB: The water has not been lowered…yet at least.
(report from Mark Lynch/Sheila Carroll).

10/29/20 -- Quabog IBA

This morning we birded the QUABOG IBA ponds in drizzle and rain. We noted: Pied-billed Grebe (3); Great Blue Heron (5); Mute Swan (1); Canada Goose (183); Mallard (47); A Black Duck (24); Bufflehead (6: 3f+3m); C Goldeneye (1f); Hooded Merganser (26); Common Merganser (30); Ruddy Duck (6); Bald Eagle (1ad); Black-bellied Plover (3); Greater Yellowlegs (3); Dunlin (2); Ring-billed Gull (38); Yellow-rumped Warbler (3); Pine Siskin (100+).
(report from Mark Lynch/Sheila Carroll).

10/26/20 -- Chandler St., Worcester

Pretty sure I spotted a Bald Eagle early this afternoon around noon while on my daily walk. I was on Chandler St.walking towards June St. Saw the big guy flying above, then landed on a Pine tree, and shortly after he took flight again.
(report from Justin Fessenden).

10/25/20 -- Douglas/Webster/Dudley

This morning we birded a few areas in South County to see how water fowl migration was progressing:

DOUGLAS (a few ponds): Mute Swan (1); Canada Goose (2); Wood Duck (1); Mallard (5); Bufflehead (6f); Hooded Merganser (3);Ring-billed Gull (1).

En route to WEBSTER we stopped at a teeny pond in SUTTON: Mallard (14); Green-winged Teal (3).

WEBSTER LAKE: Always a very difficult body to cover well. Boats were all over still, even jet skis despite the temps. At the beach: Canada Goose (4); Mallard (4); Red-tailed Hawk (1); Killdeer (8); Ring-billed Gull (93); Herring Gull (3); Great Black-backed Gull (2ad); Fish Crow (2).

DUDLEY: pied-billed Grebe (1); Great Blue Heron (2); Canada Goose (351); Wood Duck (21); Mallard (46); A Black Duck (5); Ring-necked Duck (61); Hooded Merganser (11); Ruddy Duck (4); Sharp-shinned Hawk (1); Killdeer (1); Ring-billed Gull (14); Pine Siskin (flock of c.30).
(report from Mark Lynch/Sheila Carroll).

10/24/20 -- Quabog IBA

This morning we checked ponds and river over views of the QUABOG IBA. We had duck hunters on Lake Quabog and the Quabog River, and there were hunters in the woods. Because we were checking water bodies, we did not visit the MAS property.

Pied-Billed Grebe (3); Horned Grebe (1); Red-necked Grebe (1); Great Blue Heron (1); Canada Goose (174); Mute Swan (2); A Black Duck (10); Mallard (119: a good portion of these were at Lake Quabog, but all bunched up right near some houses where duck hunters could not shoot them); Ring-necked Duck (6); White-winged Scoter (3: Lashaway); Ruddy Duck (4);Turkey Vulture (1); Bald Eagle (2ad); Peregrine Falcon (1ad); Killdeer (1); Ring-billed Gull (37); Mourning Dove (28): Belted Kingfisher (3); Red-bellied Woodpecker (5); Downy Woodpecker (2); Hairy Woodpecker (5); Pileated Woodpecker (1).
E Phoebe (2); Blue Jay (63); A Crow (23); Black-capped Chickadee (11); Tufted Titmouse (3); Red-breasted Nuthatch (5); White-breasted Nuthatch (5); Carolina Wren (5); A Robin (309: flocks heading south); N Mockingbird (2); Palm Warbler (2);
SPARROWS: Chipping (16); Song (26); Swamp (13); White-throated (27); Dark-eyed Junco (4).
Red-winged Blackbird (200+); Rusty Blackbird (5); Purple Finch (18); House Finch (7); Red Crossbill (2); Pine Siskin (a huge flock of 150+ birds flew over and we “spished” them down into a tree. Sheila got some nice shots. Plus another 3 elsewhere.); A Goldfinch (19).
(report from Mark Lynch/Sheila Carroll).

10/23/20 -- Princeton

About 20 Pine Siskins were on the feeders in front of the visitor's center at Wachusett Meadow Audubon Sanctuary in Princeton at noon today. (report from Robert Brady).

10/22/20 -- Warren

This morning we birded around the town of WARREN. First thing we had some nice movements of sparrows.

Black Vulture (1); N Harrier (1); Red-tailed Hawk (1); Virginia Rail (2); Mourning Dove (11); Red- bellied Woodpecker (11); Downy Woodpecker (5); Hairy Woodpecker (2); N Flicker (1).
E Phoebe (3); Blue Jay (63); A Crow (30); C Raven (3); Black-capped Chickadee (37); Tufted Titmouse (11); Red-breasted Nuthatch (12); White-breasted Nuthatch (4); Brown Creeper (1); Carolina Wren (6); Ruby-crowned Kinglet (17); E Bluebird (45); Hermit Thrush (4); A Robin (154); Gray Catbird (1); Yellow- rumped Warbler (36); Palm Warbler (17); C Yellowthroat (1);
SPARROWS: Chipping (13); Clay-colored (1); Song (18); Lincoln’s (1); Swamp (6); White-throated (73); Dark-eyed Junco (111).
N Cardinal (11); Rose-breasted Grosbeak (1); Red-winged Blackbird (57: we witnessed an interesting behavior of a flock that were hiding down in a large cattail marsh: the birds would suddenly fly up from the cattails and then fly quickly back down again and out of sight. It looked like they were fly catching, but we couldn’t be sure); C Grackle (flock of 70+); Purple Finch (21); House Finch (39); Pine Siskin (5); A Goldfinch (21); Evening Grosbeak (6: these were a real surprise and a first for Warren for us.)

Plus: still Spring Peepers calling and (3) E Garter Snakes.
(report from Mark Lynch/Sheila Carroll).

10/21/20 -- Wachusett Reservoir IBA / Harvard

This morning we birded the WACHUSETT RESERVOIR IBA, which, besides the reservoir proper, includes Sterling Peat, the Quag, the Waushacums, and Coachlace. The weather was not great: fog and drizzle. Still, numbers and variety were not great: part of the reason may have been that there were boats out on several of the ponds AND Wachusett Reservoir.

Common Loon (21); Double-crested Cormorant (25); Great Blue Heron (3); Mute Swan (12: including 4 young birds); Canada Goose (24); Mallard (44); Greater Scaup (11); Ruddy Duck (7); Cooper’s Hawk (1); Red- tailed Hawk (1); Ring-billed Gull (42); Belted Kingfisher (3); E Phoebe (3).

In the middle of our IBA quick sweep we detoured to BARE HILL POND, Harvard. They have not lowered the water here this fall (at least so far) and there was only: Mallards (14) and a Great Blue Heron.

On the way back to the IBA we took another detour down Still River Depot Road. Along this short road that leads to Oxbow NWR (hunters) there were a LOT of birds: E Phoebe (1); House Wren (1);A Robin (150+); N Mockingbird (2);
SPARROWS: Chipping (15+); Field (2); Song (30+); Swamp (35+); Savannah (25); White-throated (50+); White-crowned (6imm); Dark-eyed Junco (15+); Purple Finch (8).
(report from Mark Lynch/Sheila Carroll).

10/20/20 -- Holden and Rutland

This morning we set out to see if we could find the Greater White-fronted Goose at Eagle Lake(Holden) found 3 days ago found by Valerie Burdette. There were plenty of waterfowl, but no geese. We then headed to Quinapoxet Reservoir, where there were cormorants, Killdeer and Common and Hooded Mergansers. It is VERY low water here. From there we headed to Muschopauge Road (Rutland). Plenty of geese in the reservoir, but no White-fronted. Then on to Pine Hill Reservoir (Reservoir). There were limited views here, but no waterfowl. On a hunch we headed back to Eagle Lake. This time there was a small flock of geese. As we were looking over them, hundreds of geese flew in (c.10:30AM) from the southeast. The White-fronted vocalized as it landed and we got great views and some shots.

EAGLE LAKE AREA , HOLDEN: Double-crested Cormorant (1); Canada Goose (438); Greater White-fronted Goose (1); Wood Duck (19); Mallard (78); A Black Duck (18); Green-winged Teal (28); Belted Kingfisher (1).

QUINAPOXET RESERVOIR (Holden): Double-crested Cormorant (12); Great Blue Heron (4); Hooded Merganser (10); Common Merganser (17); Wild Turkey (5); Killdeer (2); Ring-billed Gull (8); Pine Siskins (2).

MUSCHOPAUGE RD, RUTLAND: Canada Goose (167); E Bluebird (11); E Starling (1500+); Rusty Blackbird (1).

NB: A Greater White-fronted Goose has shown up in fall in this general area for over a decade. I have seen them at Eagle Lake; Pine Hill Reservoir; Muschopauge Road (where there have also been documented sightings of Snow and Pink-footed Geese); and Memorial Park Cemetery (Paxton). Geese, and all waterfowl may stay in the general area for days or longer, BUT they do move around a lot from one location to another within a single day.
(report from Mark Lynch/Sheila Carroll).

10/17/20 -- Gate 8, Quabbin Reservoir

This morning we visited GATE 8 in Quabbin. This is the last day the fishing gates will be open. Tomorrow (Sunday) they will be closed to cars as they get everything ready for winter. One of the DCR workers at the boat launch told us that the deer hunt at Quabbin will start on Monday November 30 and run the full two weeks. Hunters will need permits BUT they will not be assigned to specific areas, so all of Quabbin (except for Quabbin Park/South Quabbin) will be open for deer hunting to hunters who have permits. He thinks the fishing gates will be open to hunters to drive in, but but these will be closed on Sundays. Basically: avoid most of Quabbin during those two weeks. If you find out anything different, please post it here.

Birds were thin at Gate 8, but we did have: Common Loon (5); Red-necked Grebe (1); Double-crested Cormorant (2); Bald Eagle (2imm); Ruffed Grouse (1). Red Crossbills were still at the boat launch area and several Pine Siskins flew over.
(report from Mark Lynch/Sheila Carroll).

10/14/20 -- Quabog IBA, Brookfields

This morning we birded the QUABOG IBA in the Brookfields. Waterfowl are starting to migrate through, and we found most of the irruptive species currently being widely reported. Nothing too unusual, but a beautiful morning afield with areas of spectacular foliage.

Pied-billed Grebe (5); Double-crested Cormorant (1); Great Blue Heron (1); Canada Goose (10); Mute Swan (2); A Black Duck (6); Mallard (99); Green-winged Teal (2); Ring-necked Duck (19); Ruddy Duck (13); Bald Eagle (1ad taking a long bath at the north end of Wickabog); N Harrier (1); Red-shouldered Hawk (1); Wild Turkey (2); Killdeer (3); Greater Yellowlegs (1); Ring-billed Gull (37); Mourning Dove (19); Belted Kingfisher (3); Red-bellied Woodpecker (15: we almost hit one with our car as it flew down right in front of the car to get an acorn); Yellow-bellied Sapsucker (1); Downy Woodpecker (2); Hairy Woodpecker (3); N Flicker (5).
E Phoebe (2); Blue-headed Vireo (1); Blue Jay (54); A Crow (11); Black-capped Chickadee (36); Tufted Titmouse (3); Red-breasted Nuthatch (19: typically a tough bird to find in this IBA, even in winter); White-breasted Nuthatch (7); Carolina Wren (5); Ruby-crowned Kinglet (3); E Bluebird (2); Hermit Thrush (1); A Robin (43); Gray Catbird (3); N Mockingbird (2); Brown Thrasher (1); Yellow-rumped Warbler (49); Palm Warbler (1); C Yellowthroat (1);
Chipping Sparrow (15); Savannah Sparrow (1); Song Sparrow (69); Swamp Sparrow (24); White-throated Sparrow (163); Dark-eyed Junco (9); Red-winged Blackbird (8); C Grackle (60+: single flock); Purple Finch (21); Red Crossbill (4); Pine Siskin (18); A Goldfinch (23).
(report from Mark Lynch/Sheila Carroll).

10/11/20 -- Hardwick

This morning we birded a few locations in HARDWICK, including Gate 43 (Quabbin); the Muddy Brook WMA; and along several farm roads. The most significant sighting were flock after flock of White-throated Sparrows.

Common Loon (2); Double-crested Cormorant (12); Great Blue Heron (1); Canada Goose (119); Wood Duck (12); Common Merganser (12); Turkey Vulture (3); Osprey (1); Bald Eagle (4: 2imm+2ad); Sharp-shinned Hawk (4); Red-shouldered Hawk (2); Red-tailed Hawk (4); Virginia Rail (1); Killdeer (10); Greater Yellowlegs (1); Pectoral Sandpiper (1); Mourning Dove (12); Red-headed Woodpecker (1imm on private property); Red-bellied Woodpecker (4); Downy Woodpecker (4); Hairy Woodpecker (2); N Flicker (12); Pileated Woodpecker (1).
E Phoebe (2); Blue Jay (78); A Crow (6); Common Raven (3); Black-capped Chickadee (91); Tufted Titmouse (15); White-breasted Nuthatch (5); Carolina Wren (2); House Wren (1); Ruby Crowned Kinglet (11); E Bluebird (31); Hermit Thrush (24); A Robin (5); Gray Catbird (12); N Mockingbird (1); A Pipit (4); Cedar Waxwing (3).
WARBLERS: Tennessee (3); N Parula (1); Yellow-rumped (19); Black-throated Green (1); Palm (2); C Yellowthroat (7).
SPARROWS: E Towhee (2); Song (158); Lincoln’s (1); Swamp (20); White-throated (640); White-crowned (5); Dark-eyed Junco (62).
N Cardinal (2); Red-winged Blackbird (2); Brown-headed Cowbird (flock of 40+); Purple Finch (2); House Finch (1); Red-crossbill (6).
(report from Mark Lynch/Sheila Carroll).

10/11/20 -- Dudley

Early this morning while riding my bicycle in Dudley I came across 2 Black Vultures walking around in a front yard. They seemed tame, and I had to wave my arms around to get them to flap their wings so I could see their white "hands." (report from Robert Brady)

10/9/20 -- Winchendon-South Royalston/Quinapoxet Reservoir

This morning we birded the Otter River SF-Birch Hill Dam parcel in WINCHENDON and SOUTH ROYALSTON. Morning temps were at or just below freezing (32F), frost was in many locations and we even saw some skim ice in one location.We are definitely in the déuement of passerine migration, and birds were in mixed species flocks, that were few and far between. BTW: foliage here is just past peak, and thanks to that extraordinary front that passed a few days ago, many leaves are down. At least here.

Double-crested Cormorant (1); Great Blue Heron (1); Canada Goose (28); Wood Duck (6); Green-winged Teal (4); N Harrier (3 in one grassy marsh); Sharp-shinned Hawk (2); Red-tailed Hawk (2); Ruffed Grouse (1); Barred Owl (3); Red-bellied Woodpecker (1); Downy Woodpecker (3); Hairy Woodpecker (7); N Flicker (3); Pileated Woodpecker (1).
E Phoebe (1); Blue-headed Vireo (3: all singing a “weak” version of their song); Blue Jay (81); A Crow (1); Black-capped Chickadee (55); Tufted Titmouse (6); Red-breasted Nuthatch (72); White-breasted Nuthatch (5); Brown Creeper (1); Ruby-crowned Kinglet (31); E Bluebird (8); Hermit Thrush (8); A Robin (6); A Pipit (16).
WARBLERS: Orange-crowned (1); Yellow-rumped (67); Pine (2); Palm (7: yellow); C Yellowthroat (3).
SPARROWS: E Towhee (1); Chipping (11); Field (2); Song (19); Swamp (13); White-throated (38); White Crowned (1imm); Dark-eyed Junco (92).
Purple Finch (17); Red Crossbill (6); Pine Siskin (7).

PLUS: River Otters (2); blooming Witch Hazel; several Autumn Meadowhawks.

A Quick stop at QUINAPOXET RESERVOIR had: Double-crested Cormorant (1); Great Blue Heron (1); Mallard (13); Common Merganser (56); Wild Turkey (5); Killdeer (1); Ring-billed Gull (3); American Crow (flock of 100+); Yellow-rumped Warbler (10+ feeding on Poison Ivy berries in the chain link fence).
(report from Mark Lynch/Sheila Carroll).

9/30/20 -- Gate 8, Quabbin

This morning we had (1935) Blue Jays migrating south in groups of different sizes at Gate 8, Quabbin between 10:30AM and 12:30PM. Other birds seen there included Common Loon (2); Double-crested Cormorant (5); Sharp-shinned Hawk (5); and Bald Eagle (1ad).

Earlier at Lake Quabog, Brookfield there was a Great Egret and two adult Bald Eagles.
(report from Mark Lynch/Sheila Carroll).

9/26/20 -- Warren

This morning we birded around WARREN, initially in dense fog. Migrant variety was fairly typical, but we did have good numbers of frugivores.

Double-crested Cormorant (1); Great Blue Heron (1); Canada Goose (6); Wood Duck (3); Turkey Vulture (1); Red-shouldered Hawk (5); Red-tailed Hawk (1); Virginia Rail (3); Sora (1); Mourning Dove (19); Belted Kingfisher (2); Red-bellied Woodpecker (3); Downy Woodpecker (4); N Flicker (27).
E Phoebe (26); Philadelphia Vireo (1); Red-eyed Vireo (3); Blue Jay (47); A Crow (11); Black-capped Chickadee (51); Tufted Titmouse (3); Red-breasted Nuthatch (34); White-breasted Nuthatch (2); House Wren (2); E Bluebird (4); Swainson’s Thrush (1); Wood Thrush (1); A Robin (191); Gray Catbird (110); N Mockingbird (1); Cedar Waxwing (107).
WARBLERS: Chestnut-sided (1); Yellow-rumped (34); Pine (2); Blackpoll (1); C Yellowthroat (7).
Scarlet Tanager (4); E Towhee (13); Chipping Sparrow (26); Song Sparrow (27); Swamp Sparrow (3); White- throated Sparrow (34); Rose-breasted Grosbeak (5); Indigo Bunting (2); Red-winged Blackbird (250+: single large flock); Purple Finch (77); Red Crossbill (8); A Goldfinch (8).
(report from Mark Lynch/Sheila Carroll).

9/24/20 -- Petersham

Today we birded a few areas in PETERSHAM including various ponds; MAS properties; Tom Swamp et. We did not have a big movement of warblers by any means, but we did have some interesting sightings:

Double-crested Cormorant (1); Wood Duck (153); A Black Duck (4); Mallard (21); Hooded Merganser (3imm); Sharp-shinned Hawk (4); Red-shouldered Hawk (1); Wild Turkey (21); Pectoral Sandpiper (4); Mourning Dove (11); Barred Owl (2); Red-bellied Woodpecker (2); Yellow-bellied Sapsucker (6: we watched two consistently fly catching, sallying out from near the tops of dead pines); Downy Woodpecker (3); Hairy Woodpecker (6); N Flicker (25); Pileated Woodpecker (2).
E Phoebe (21); Blue-headed Vireo (2 singing); Red-eyed Vireo (2); Blue Jay (54); A Crow (3); Black-capped Chickadee (51); T Titmouse (4); Red-breasted Nuthatch (76); White-breasted Nuthatch (19); Brown Creeper (5); House Wren (4); Ruby-crowned Kinglet (1); E Bluebird (6); A Robin (44); Gray Catbird (19); American Pipit (11).
WARBLERS: Cape May (1); Black-throated Blue (1m); Yellow-rumped (4); Black-throated Green (3); pine (12: 3 still singing); Palm (4); Blackpoll (10); C Yellowthroat (8); Canada (1).
E Towhee (13); Chipping Sparrow (9); Clay-colored Sparrow (1); Song Sparrow (4); Swamp Sparrow (5); White- throated Sparrow (14); Rose-breasted Grosbeak (1); Red-winged Blackbird (33); Rusty Blackbird (flock of 12 feeding on muddy sections of small pond); Purple Finch (4); Red-crossbill (6); A Goldfinch (2)

PLUS: Bobcat (1).
(report from Mark Lynch/Sheila Carroll).

9/20/20 -- Wachusett Mountain, Princeton

Daily Raptor Count:

Osprey 1 ; Bald Eagle 13 ; Northern Harrier 2 ; Sharp-shinned Hawk 25 ; Cooper's Hawk 3 ; Red-shouldered Hawk 3 ; Broad-winged Hawk 1032 ; American Kestrel 11 .
(report from Rod Chase).

9/20/20 -- Mount Watatic, Ashburnham

Daily Raptor Count:

Turkey Vulture 5 ; Osprey 4 ; Bald Eagle 10; Northern Harrier 2 ; Sharp-shinned Hawk 28; Cooper's Hawk 1 ; Broad-winged Hawk 791 ; Red-tailed Hawk 4 ; American Kestrel 7 ; Peregrine Falcon 1 .
(report from Brian Rusnica).

9/19/20 -- Wachusett Mountain, Princeton

Daily Raptor Count:

Turkey Vulture 2 ; Osprey 5 ; Bald Eagle 5 ; Northern Harrier 1 ; Sharp-shinned Hawk 43 ; Cooper's Hawk 9 ; Red-shouldered Hawk 4 ; Broad-winged Hawk 970 ; Red-tailed Hawk 3 ; American Kestrel 22; Merlin 4 29 30 Peregrine Falcon 1 .
(report from Rod Chase).

9/19/20 -- Mount Watatic, Ashburnham

Daily Raptor Count:

Turkey Vulture 2 ; Bald Eagle 5 ; Northern Harrier 1 ; Sharp-shinned Hawk 40 ; Cooper's Hawk 14 ; Broad-winged Hawk 451 ; Red-tailed Hawk 2 ; American Kestrel 7 ; Peregrine Falcon 1 .
(report from Brian Rusnica).

9/19/20 -- Broad Meadow Brook Sanctuary, Worcester

Kim Kastler and I had the following highlights this morning along the Troiano Trail as part of a"Big Sit" event organized by Mark Lynch.

Northern Harrier 1 (IDed by silhouette and flight because it was backlit, so could not sex or age it. Flying low over the vegetation. Moving south at a good rate. Harassed by Cooper's Hawk.); Sharp-shinned Hawk 2; Cooper's Hawk 2 (immatures that were hanging around for about an hour early in the morning); Red-shouldered Hawk 1; Broad-winged Hawk 3 (all 3 by themselves in different thermals); Red-tailed Hawk 2; Red-bellied Woodpecker 1; Hairy Woodpecker 2; Eastern Phoebe 1; Red-breasted Nuthatch 1; Carolina Wren 2; Gray Catbird 2; Cedar Waxwing 2; Song Sparrow 7; Swamp Sparrow 2; Red-winged Blackbird 2; Common Grackle 33 (including a large flock flying north); Common Yellowthroat 4; Palm Warbler 14; Yellow-rumped Warbler 10; Rose-breasted Grosbeak 1.
(report from John Liller).

9/18/20 -- Wachusett Mountain, Princeton

Daily Raptor Count:

Osprey 4 ; Northern Harrier 2 ; Sharp-shinned Hawk 32 ; Cooper's Hawk 9 ; Red-shouldered Hawk 1 ; Broad-winged Hawk 3898 ; American Kestrel 10 ; Merlin 4 ; Peregrine Falcon 1 .

Raptor Observations: After a moderately slow start a Broadwing push became the spirit-lifter for everyone present. BW's became 98% of the count today and we were lucky to have a great group of spotters on the deck -- especially when large kettles and peels were often happening in 3 places at once! The 11am and the 2pm hours were huge! Locals: 6 BEs were cruising around most of the day and 8 TVs were up to show the early lift areas.
(report from Rod Chase).

9/18/20 -- Mount Watatic, Ashburnham

Daily Raptor Count:

Osprey 9 ; Bald Eagle 9 ; Sharp-shinned Hawk 44 ; Cooper's Hawk 9 ; Broad-winged Hawk 2988 ; Red-tailed Hawk 1 ; American Kestrel 15 ;

Raptor Observations: A remarkable day at the Mt. Watatic Hawkwatch with over 3,000 raptors counted. In my 6 years counting at this site, that total represents my single day high. Very early this morning, I witnessed a Broad-winged Hawk flight unlike any I have seen. The cloud ceiling was exceptionally low, likely just a few hundred feet over our 1,800 foot mountain. We couldn't see the horizon in any direction at first, but still under the cloud layer, dense kettles of Broad-wings rose and crept towards the mountain. It was a truly remarkable sight to see Broad-wings emerging out of nowhere from the clouds overhead, only to stream in perfect view for a few seconds, and then evaporate directly into another section of cloud. Kettles rose along the Wapack Ridge and from the eastern side of the mountain for about 3 hours like this, giving us a count of 1,475 birds before lunch. We had three groups of Broad-wings that were 100 birds or greater. We knew that our colleagues to the North and South at Pack and Wachusett were likely fully clouded in at this point, so we offered our thanks to the hawkwatching gods for putting us atop a lower peak on this morning. I had hypothesized that the late flight observed at Pack the evening before might not have made it to Watatic yesterday - so perhaps this burst was our share of those numbers. Anyhow - a morning to remember: I will not soon forget the images of kettles forming in the clouds, getting lost as they rose into the low gray ceiling. For the next several hours, the flight was more of a trickle: small groups of Broad-wings linked up with each other, while Sharpies, Coops and Kestrels streamed by underneath them. Around 4pm EDT, we noticed a strong procession of accipiters over the true summit, which eventually lead us to a kettle of 95 Broad-wings and the start of another explosive hour. The hot streak climaxed just before 5pm, as we caught sight of two massive kettles near each other over the Lyndeborough Mountains. They were first seen as two dense masses of Broad-wings, twinkling in the late day sun, but eventually streamed out into a massive squadron that filled the binocular glass from edge to edge and then some. We estimated 450 Broad-wings from this mega-group, and ended the 4pm-5pm EDT hour with 900 total birds. We ended the watch at 6pm EDT, adding in another 400 determined birds headed mostly towards Mount Wachusett during the last wild hour. In addition to the massive Broad-wing numbers, a very strong flight of Sharp-shinned Hawks was observed. American Kestrels were often busy, with two late birds making passes at the decoy owl. We had 3 Bald Eagles in a single glass at one point. We also had a Sharpie harass a Cooper's Hawk for a full minute, giving us ample time to study the differences between the two species. A truly excellent, exciting, season-making day on our mountain.
(report from Brian Rusnica).

9/16/20 -- Brookfields

This morning we birded the QUABOG IBA in the Brookfields. Once the wind picked up by mid-morning, land birds got very tough to see. Highlights:

Pied-billed Grebe (4); Double-crested Cormorant (3); Great Blue Heron (7); Canada Goose (17): Wood Duck (2); Mallard (79); Blue-winged Teal (2); Turkey Vulture (6); Red-tailed Hawk (1); Wild Turkey (9); Killdeer (1); Ring-billed Gull (34); N Flicker (10).
E Wood Peewee (1); E Phoebe (11); Blue-headed Vireo (1 singing); Red-breasted Nuthatch (18); Carolina Wren (3); House Wren (6); Gray Catbird (64).
WARBLERS: N Parula (13); Magnolia (1); Blackburnian (1); Pine (9); Black and White (1); A Redstart (9); Connecticut (2); C Yellowthroat (9).
Scarlet Tanager (1); E Towhee (6); Savannah Sparrow (1); Song Sparrow (39); Lincoln Sparrow (1: early?); Swamp Sparrow (27); Rose-breasted Grosbeak (3); Red-winged Blackbird (3); Purple Finch (7); Red Crossbills (2).
(report from Mark Lynch/Sheila Carroll).

9/15/20 -- Wachusett Mountain, Princeton

Daily Raptor Count:

Osprey 6 ; Bald Eagle 3 ; Northern Harrier 3 ; Sharp-shinned Hawk 17 ; Cooper's Hawk 3 ; Red-shouldered Hawk 1 ; Broad-winged Hawk 364 ; American Kestrel 4 .
(report from Paul Roberts).

9/15/20 -- Mount Watatic, Ashburnham

Daily Raptor Count:

Osprey 11 ; Bald Eagle 11 ; Sharp-shinned Hawk 11 ; Cooper's Hawk 1 ; Red-shouldered Hawk 1 ; Broad-winged Hawk 356 ; American Kestrel 3 ; Merlin 1 .
(report from Brian Rusnica).

9/14/20 -- Wachusett Mountain, Princeton

Daily Raptor Count:

Osprey 8 ; Bald Eagle 4 ; Sharp-shinned Hawk 17 ; Cooper's Hawk 4 ; Red-shouldered Hawk 1 ; Broad-winged Hawk 367 ; American Kestrel 34 ; Merlin 5 ; Peregrine Falcon 3.
(report from Rod Chase).

9/12/20 -- Wachusett Mountain, Princeton

Daily Raptor Count:

Osprey 5 ; Bald Eagle 2 ; Northern Harrier 1 ; Sharp-shinned Hawk 3 ; Cooper's Hawk 5 ; Broad-winged Hawk 23 ; American Kestrel 16 ; Merlin 3 ; Peregrine Falcon 1 .
(report from Rod Chase).

9/11/20 -- Mount Watatic, Ashburnham

Daily Raptor Count:

Turkey Vulture 1 ; Osprey 13 ; Bald Eagle 18 ; Sharp-shinned Hawk 22 ; Cooper's Hawk 7 ; Red-shouldered Hawk 2 ; Broad-winged Hawk 392 ; American Kestrel 14 ; Merlin 4 .
(report from Brian Rusnica).

9/11/20 -- Wachusett Mountain, Princeton

Daily Raptor Count:

Turkey Vulture 1 ; Osprey 22 ; Bald Eagle 12 ; Northern Harrier 2 ; Sharp-shinned Hawk 7 ; Cooper's Hawk 1 ; Red-shouldered Hawk 1 ; Broad-winged Hawk 62 ; Red-tailed Hawk 2 ; American Kestrel 18 ; Merlin 8 1.
(report from Rod Chase).

9/6/20 -- Winchendon-South Royalson

Today we birded the mixed woodland parcel between OTTER RIVER SF in Winchendon and BIRCH HILL DAM in South Royalston. Not much evidence of migration except for the shorebirds. Passerines were all species that breed here. The number of Red-breasted Nuthatches was insane. Crossbills still here. I believe I have seen more crossbills this summer than in all the winters (and there are many) previously. Highlights:

Great Blue Heron (5); Wood Duck (41); Mallard (2); Broad-winged Hawk (1: not migrating); Red-tailed Hawk (1); Greater Yellowlegs (1); Solitary Sandpiper (12); Least Sandpiper(3); Belted Kingfisher (1); Yellow-bellied Sapsucker (2); Pileated Woodpecker (2).
E Wood Peewee (1); E Phoebe (16).
VIREOS: Yellow-throated (1); Blue-headed (7); Warbling (2 still singing); Red-eyed (32).
Black-capped Chickadee (109); Red-breasted Nuthatch (172: truly ubiquitous in this area); Brown Creeper (3); Carolina Wren (1); House Wren (2); Hermit Thrush (2).
WARBLERS: Chestnut-sided (1); Yellow-rumped (1); Black-throated Green (1); Pine (21); Prairie (3); A Redstart (1); Ovenbird (2); C Yellowthroat (9).
Scarlet Tanager (1); E Towhee (11); Chipping Sparrow (39); Field Sparrow (3); Red Crossbill (13).
(report from Mark Lynch/Sheila Carroll).

9/5/20 -- Warren

Today we birded WARREN. Highlights:

Double-crested Cormorant (1); Great Blue Heron (4); Wood Duck (3); Black Vulture (1); Turkey Vulture (1); Osprey (2); Red-shouldered Hawk (1); Red-tailed Hawk (2); Virginia Rail (3); E Screech Owl (1); Belted Kingfisher (1); Red-bellied Woodpecker (3); Yellow-bellied Sapsucker (1); N Flicker (8); Merlin (1).
Olive-sided Flycatcher (2); E Wood Peewee (1); E Phoebe (7); Red-eyed Vireo (4); Blue Jay (52: everywhere we went, there were small flocks); Common Raven (1); Red-breasted Nuthatch (7); Carolina Wren (3); House Wren (5); Blue-gray Gnatcatcher (1); E Bluebird (11); Wood Thrush (3); Gray Catbird (64); Cedar Waxwing (17); Chestnut-sided Warbler (1); C Yellowthroat (6): Scarlet Tanager (3); E Towhee (7); Chipping Sparrow (43); Field Sparrow (2); Red-winged Blackbird (6); C Grackle (450+: single huge flock flying just over the tree tops heading NE); Baltimore Oriole (1); Purple Finch (2); House Finch (48).
(report from Mark Lynch/Sheila Carroll).

9/5/20 -- Wachusett Mountain, Princeton

Daily Raptor Count:

Black Vulture 3 ; Osprey 3 ; Bald Eagle 12 ; Sharp-shinned Hawk 1 ; Cooper's Hawk 5 ; Red-shouldered Hawk 2 ; Broad-winged Hawk 25 ; Golden Eagle 1 ; American Kestrel 5 ; Peregrine Falcon 1 .
(report from Rod Chase).

9/5/20 -- Mount Watatic, Ashburnham

Daily Raptor Count:

Osprey 4 ; Bald Eagle 2 ; Sharp-shinned Hawk 1; Broad-winged Hawk 7 .
(report from Brian Rusnica).

9/4/20 -- Hardwick

Today we birded a few places in HARDWICK, visiting places like the Horse-shoe Dam in Gate 43, Quabbin and Muddy Brook WMA. Warblers were in short supply. Highlights:

Common Loon (3); Double-crested Cormorant (12); Wood Duck (1); Mallard (13); Turkey Vulture (9); Bald Eagle (1ad); Killdeer (7); Greater Yellowlegs (2); A Woodcock (1); Ruby-throated Hummingbird (2); Belted Kingfisher (1); Yellow-bellied Sapsucker (2); Peregrine Falcon (1imm);
E Wood Peewee (7); Least Flycatcher (1); E Phoebe (7); E Kingbird (1); Yellow-throated Vireo (2 still singing); Red-eyed Vireo (20); Barn Swallow (26); Carolina Wren (3); House Wren (1); E Bluebird (2); Hermit Thrush (6); Gray Catbird (12); Cedar Waxwing (17); Pine Warbler (1); C Yellowthroat (4); E Towhee (21); Chipping Sparrow (67); Rose-breasted Grosbeak (2); Indigo Bunting (1); Red Crossbill (a group of 6 adult male and females. We watched this group for about 20 minutes as they fed (?) deep in leaf clusters of a species of oak. One bird preened off and on for the entire time. At one point a male approached a female and it looked like it fed the female for several seconds).

Plus: Ribbon Snake.
(report from Mark Lynch/Sheila Carroll).

8/30/20 -- Wachusett Mountain, Princeton

Daily Raptor Count:

Osprey 2 ; Bald Eagle 2 ; Sharp-shinned Hawk 4 ; Cooper's Hawk 1 ; Red-shouldered Hawk 1 ; Broad-winged Hawk 15 ; American Kestrel 1; Merlin 1 ; Peregrine Falcon 2 .
(report from Rod Chase).

8/30/20 -- Mount Watatic, Ashburnham

Daily Raptor Count:

Bald Eagle 3 ; Northern Harrier 1 ; Sharp-shinned Hawk 1 ; Broad-winged Hawk 14 .
(report from Brian Rusnica).

8/30/20 -- Petersham

This morning we birded a few areas in PETERSHAM. Highlights:

Double-crested Cormorant (4); Great Blue Heron (4); Wood Duck (145); A Black Duck (3); Mallard (31); Green-winged Teal (10); Hooded Merganser (1f); N Harrier (1); Red-shouldered Hawk (2); Red-tailed Hawk (1); Killdeer (4); Greater Yellowlegs (1); Solitary Sandpiper (4); Ruby-throated Hummingbird (18: NB one set of feeders had over 12 at once!); Belted Kingfisher (1); Red-bellied Woodpecker (1); N Flicker (4).
FLYCATCHERS: E Wood Peewee (12); E Phoebe (23); Yellow-throated Vireo (2); Red-eyed Vireo (23)
C Raven (5); Veery (6); SWAINSON’S THRUSH (2); Hermit Thrush (11); Wood Thrush (2): NB: first thing , on a back road at a slight rise in the middle of scrubby mixed woods, we had a movement of thrushes. We were able to ID less than half, and the ones we did ID, we spished/screech owled in. We were surprised by the Swainson’s as I thought they would move through in a few weeks. Though we have had small flocks of Hermits pass through, this is the first time I have seen a tight mixed species flock moving through forest. Other birds that seemed to be part of this group included the Yellow-throated Vireos, orioles, and a number of warblers,);
WARBLERS: Chestnut-sided (5); Black-throated Blue (2); Yellow-rumped (1); Black-throated Green (2); Pine (1); Black and White (3); A Redstart (6); Ovenbird (4); C Yellowthroat (7).
Scarlet Tanager (1); E Towhee (7); Chipping Sparrow (51); Field Sparrow (1); Baltimore Oriole (5); Red Crossbill (11: at several stops, in same areas as we had them a week ago).

Plus: River Otters (5); a just hatched Snapping Turtle;
(report from Mark Lynch/Sheila Carroll).

8/30/20 -- Francis St, Worcester

I was surprised and delighted when I opened my westward facing window this morning to see several Broad-winged Hawks rising up from the trees along the street, circling low over the houses just down the hill from my house. They were close enough for naked-eye viewing, about 150 feet away from me. As I continued to watch, more joined them from above my house, coming into view and heading west toward West Boylston St (Rt. 12). For the next 10 min I saw additional birds streaming west on the same flight path, cutting across the brisk w-nw wind. All in all I saw approximately 10 Broadwings. These are yardbirds for my new house in the Burncoat area of Worcester, which is located near the top of the westward side of the Burncoat St. ridge, with views over the northern part of Worcester including Indian Lake and the Worcester airport. It will be interesting to see what kind of raptor list I get from my new location. (report from Rick Quimby).

8/22/20 -- Chaffin pond, Holden

On Gail drive in Holden at Chaffin pond for the past couple of days we have been watching good size flocks of Common Nighthawks (Chordeiles minor). Up to 50 birds at a time feeding up and down the pond at dusk. In past years we have observed flocks n the hundreds. There is a short path at end of street to access a view...limited due to overgrowth etc. (report from Scott Matthews).

8/21/20 -- Erving

Highlights from a morning spent birding around ERVING:

Broad-winged Hawk (2); Solitary Sandpiper (2); Spotted Sandpiper (1); Ruby-throated Hummingbird (2); Belted Kingfisher (1); Yellow-bellied Sapsucker (3); Pileated Woodpecker (1).
FLYCATCHERS: E Wood Peewee (4); Least Flycatcher (1); E Phoebe (7); E Kingbird (1);
Blue-headed Vireo (3); Red-eyed Vireo (24); Red-breasted Nuthatch (61); House Wren (2); Hermit Thrush (5).
WARBLERS: Magnolia (1); Yellow-rumped (18); Black-throated Green (2); Blackburnian (1); Pine (14); Black and White (2); Ovenbird (1); C Yellowthroat (7).
Red Crossbill (20) see photo of a male. A female was also gritting on the road, but just out of frame.

Invertebrate highlight: (5) American Rubyspot
(report from Mark Lynch/Sheila Carroll).

8/20/20 -- Institute Park, Worcester

Highlights at 10:00 AM included 2 Great Blue Herons, 1 Green Heron (ad), 5 Mute Swans (1 ad, 4 imm), 2 Killdeer, 1 Lesser Yellowlegs, 1 Solitary Sandpiper, 3 Spotted Sandpipers, 3 Least Sandpipers, 1 Belted Kingfisher, and 1 Gray Catbird.

Note: The parks dept is constucting a boardwalk along the northern edge of the pond. As expected, I saw no birds in the small alcove, which used to be hidden away, but is now exposed to human traffic. Although this will likely make this part of the pond less inviting for migrating and nesting waterfowl, it will make it easier to bird the northern edge of the pond for landbirds.
(report from Rick Quimby).

8/13/20 -- Petersham

We birded around PETERSHAM today. Bird song is almost non-existent except for some peewees and vireos. Migrant breeding passerines, and permanent resident species were in post nesting flocks and even some mixed species flocks like we see in fall migration. We only hit a few areas and had the following:

Double-crested Cormorant (1); Great Blue Heron (1); Wood Duck (61); Mallard (3); Hooded Merganser (1f-type plumage); Broad-winged Hawk (1); Killdeer (1); Least Sandpiper (1); Mourning Dove (9); Belted Kingfisher (2); Red-bellied Woodpecker (1); Yellow-bellied Sapsucker (7); Downy Woodpecker (5); Hairy Woodpecker (3); N Flicker (1); Pileated Woodpecker (1).
FLYCATCHERS: E Wood Peewee (21); E Phoebe (27).
VIREOS: Blue-headed (3); Warbling (4); Red-eyed (42: nb: we saw many very ratty looking young birds).
Blue Jay (9); A Crow (1); C Raven (1); Tree Swallow (22); Barn Swallow (34: some still feeding young in nests); Black-capped Chickadee (27); Tufted Titmouse (4); Red-breasted Nuthatch (14); White-breasted Nuthatch (9); House Wren (2); Winter Wren (3); E Bluebird (7); Hermit Thrush (7); A Robin (48); Gray Catbird (27); N Mockingbird (1 in Tom Swamp); Cedar Waxwing (9).
WARBLERS (none singing): Black-throated Green (1); Blackburnian (3); Black and White (6); Ovenbird (13); C Yellowthroat (30).
Scarlet Tanager (1); E Towhee (6); Chipping Sparrow (12); Song Sparrow (18); Swamp Sparrow (7); C Grackle (2); Baltimore Oriole (4); RED CROSSBILL (13: at most areas we birded there were crossbills); A Goldfinch (18).
(report from Mark Lynch/Sheila Carroll).

8/10/20 -- Notre Dame Cemetery, Worcester

There were 2 Great Egrets in the river this morning. They were in Leesville Pond yesterday. Also saw a Coopers Hawk fly out from a tree across the river at Hadwen Park. There was a Warbling Vireo still singing. (report from Brian Mulhearn)

8/2/20 -- Gate 8, Quabbin Reservoir

This morning we birded at the shore of GATE 8, QUABBIN. Birds seen included: Common Loon (3); Double-crested Cormorant (8); Mallard (4); Spotted Sandpiper (2); Ring-billed Gull 7); N Flicker (1); Pileated Woodpecker (1), E Wood Peewee (3); E Phoebe (11); Barn Swallow (4 migrating); Blue-headed Vireo (2); Red-eyed Vireo (12); Wood Thrush (1).
WARBLERS: Yellow-rumped (2); Black and White (1); Northern Waterthrush (1); C Yellowthroat (3).
Red Crossbill (2 juv gritting at the boat launch). See photo by Sheila Carroll. NB: Although crossbills are popping up this summer in a number of spots in north central MA (South Royalston, Ware River Watershed IBA, Gate 43, Warwick), and we have seen several pairs of adults feeding/gritting on the ground (Sheila has a number of photos), these are our first juvvies.
(report from Mark Lynch/Sheila Carroll).

7/26/20 -- Petersham

We birded a few areas in PETERSHAM today for a few hours in the early AM. Bird song has dramatically dropped off except for a few species like vireos, peewees, and (surprising to me) Hermit Thrushes.

Great Blue Heron (2); Canada Goose (7); Wood Duck (24); Broad-winged Hawk (1); Red-tailed Hawk (2); Wild Turkey (2ad w/8 fledged young); Killdeer (1); Mourning Dove (6); Black-billed Cuckoo (2); Yellow-billed Cuckoo (3); Ruby-throated Hummingbird (2); Belted Kingfisher (1); Red-bellied Woodpecker (1); Yellow- bellied Sapsucker (16); Downy Woodpecker (5); Hairy Woodpecker (1); N Flicker (9); Pileated Woodpecker (1).
FLYCATCHERS: E Wood Peewee (22); Alder Flycatcher (1); E Phoebe (6); Great Crested Flycatcher (1); E Kingbird (7).
VIREOS: Yellow-throated (5); Blue-headed (3); Warbling (5); Red-eyed (118).
Blue Jay (11); A Crow (6); Black-capped Chickadee (33); Tufted Titmouse (6); Red-breasted Nuthatch (9); White-breasted Nuthatch (14); Brown Creeper (1); House Wren (4); Veery (4); Hermit Thrush (28); Wood Thrush (9); A Robin (61); Gray Catbird (23); Cedar Waxwing (2).
WARBLERS: Yellow (3); Chestnut-sided (6); Black-throated Blue (3); Yellow-rumped (4); Black-throated Green (4); Pine (9); Prairie (1); Black and White (1); Ovenbird (7); C Yellowthroat (15).
Scarlet Tanager (13); E Towhee (12); Chipping Sparrow (32); Field Sparrow (1); Song Sparrow (19); N Cardinal (5); Rose-breasted Grosbeak (2); Indigo Bunting (4); Red-winged Blackbird (44); C Grackle (32); Purple Finch (2 fledged yg); A Goldfinch (10).

Leps included Appalachian Brown and Crossline Skipper; Odes included a nice flight of spreadwings; mammals included a coyote.
(report from Mark Lynch/Sheila Carroll).

7/25/20 -- Institute Park, Worcester

I visited the park for the first time since February, while collecting things from my WPI office to continue working remotely. Although not expecting much from a mid-day visit, I had a few interesting birds.

Highlights were 2 DC Cormorants, 1 GB Heron, 1 Great Egret, 1 Green Heron, 5 Mute Swans (1 ad, 4 imm), 1 Turkey Vulture, 5 Killdeer, 2 Spotted Sandpipers, 2 Least Sandpipers, 1 E Kingbird, and ~40 Starlings. The Great Egret wasn't there when I made the first pass, but was present when I retraced my path. I watched it for a few minutes, while it fed (successfully) on the far shore near the athletic field that is being renovated. The 4 cygnets were about 3/4 adult size with all brown plumage. (report from Rick Quimby).

7/19/20 -- Ware River Watershed IBA

For a few hours this morning we birded the western side of the WARE RIVER WATERSHED IBA, mostly along Gilbert and Granger Roads. NB: sections of both these roads have eroded/deteriorated in the last year and probably should only be driven by high carriage vehicles, and even then, keep a close eye on the road. We saw a number of “just fledged”/young birds today signaling the approach of the end of the breeding season for many species. We even had our first “mixed species” flock of the season.

Great Blue Heron (1); Canada Goose (19); Turkey Vulture (1); Broad-winged Hawk (2);Black-billed Cuckoo (1); Yellow-billed Cuckoo (2); Downy Woodpecker (3); Hairy Woodpecker (3); N Flicker (2).
E Wood Peewee (8: 3 young birds); Least Flycatcher (2: nb: most empids are no longer calling often); E Phoebe (12: many young birds); Great Crested Flycatcher (1); E Kingbird (11); Blue-headed Vireo (5); Warbling Vireo (4); Red-eyed Vireo (84); Blue Jay (32: we saw some flocks); A Crow (9); Barn Swallow (4); Black-capped Chickadee (29); Tufted Titmouse (12); White-breasted Nuthatch (8); Carolina Wren (1); House Wren (7); Winter Wren (5); Veery (11: Sheila got a nice shot a newly fledged bird with an insect in its bill); Hermit Thrush (33); Wood Thrush (7); A Robin (12); Gray Catbird (23).
WARBLERS: Yellow (3); Chestnut-sided (6); Black-throated Blue (1); Black-throated Green (6); Pine (16); Prairie (1); Black and White (2); Ovenbird (17); C Yellowthroat (17).
Scarlet Tanager (5); E Towhee (16); Chipping Sparrow (15); Song Sparrow (9); Swamp Sparrow (8); N Cardinal (1); Rose-breasted Grosbeak (1); Indigo Bunting (3); Red-winged Blackbird (13); A Goldfinch (3).

Plus: Cinereus Shrew (1).
(report from Mark Lynch/Sheila Carroll).

7/18/20 -- Warren

This morning we birded a few areas in WARREN and had the following (highlights):

Double-crested Cormorant (2); Great Blue Heron (10+3 young still in nest); Turkey Vulture (8); Canada Goose (8); Wood Duck (6+1f w/6yg+1f w/7yg); Osprey (3 almost fledged in nest); Broad-winged Hawk (1); Red-tailed Hawk (1imm); Ruffed Grouse (1 “fool grouse” that chased Sheila all around and then flew after the car as we left); Virginia Rail (7+1yg); Ruby-throated Hummingbird (3); Belted Kingfisher (1); Yellow-bellied Sapsucker (2); N Flicker (6).
E Wood Peewee (2); E Phoebe (4); E Kingbird (15); Yellow-throated Vireo (3); Warbling Vireo (6); Red-eyed Vireo (61); Tree Swallow (28); Barn Swallow (55); Brown Creeper (1); Carolina Wren (4); House Wren (9); Blue-gray Gnatcatcher (3); E Bluebird (9); Veery (16); Wood Thrush (9); Gray Catbird (36); N Mockingbird (2); Cedar Waxwing (4).
WARBLERS: Yellow (2); Chestnut-sided (11); Pine (1); A Redstart (7); Ovenbird (3); C Yellowthroat (18).
Scarlet Tanager (1); E Towhee (7); Field Sparrow (1); Swamp Sparrow (9); Rose-breasted Grosbeak (2); Indigo Bunting (3-1just fledged); Baltimore Oriole (8); Purple Finch (1).
(report from Mark Lynch/Sheila Carroll).

7/14/20 -- Hodges Village Dam, Oxford

I saw a Virginia Rail at Hodges Village Dam this morning. It was in the marshes adjacent to the causeway that connects with Greenbriar Park. (report from Robert Brady)

7/12/20 -- Hardwick/New Braintree/North Brookfield/Ware

The East Quabbin Land Trust kestrel nesting count for 2020 had 5 boxes occupied with 21 chicks:

• 2 boxes in Hardwick (5+4)
• 1 box in New Braintree (3)
• 1 box in North Brookfield (5)
• 1 box in Ware (4)

(report from Jeff Smith).

7/10/20 -- Winchendon-South Royalston

Today we birded along the dirt roads between Otter River/Lake Denison (Winchendon) and Birch Hill Dam (South Royalston). Bird song is falling off, but there is still plenty to listen to. Lots of interesting dragonflies to see too including Black-shouldered Spinylegs and Dragonhunter. Highlights:

Double-crested Cormorant (1); Great Blue Heron (1); Wood Duck (8); Mallard (1); Wild Turkey (2); Killdeer (6); Spotted Sandpiper (1); Black-billed Cuckoo (1); Yellow-billed Cuckoo (1); Pileated Woodpecker (1).
FLYCATCHERS: E Wood Peewee (4); Least Flycatcher (9); E Phoebe (14); E Kingbird (10).
VIREOS: Blue-headed (12); Warbling (6); Red-eyed (69).
Tree Swallow (18); Red-breasted Nuthatch (24: including a number of just-fledged birds); House Wren (5); E Bluebird (1); Veery (29); Hermit Thrush (27); Wood Thrush (1); Gray Catbird (34); Cedar Waxwing (8).
WARBLERS: Yellow (2); Chestnut-sided (20); Black-throated Blue (3); Yellow-rumped (2); Black-throated Green (9); Blackburnian (1); Pine (34); Prairie (1); A Redstart (1); Ovenbird (33); Louisiana Waterthrush (1); C Yellowthroat (59); Canada (1).
Scarlet Tanager (1); E Towhee (5); Swamp Sparrow (17); White-throated Sparrow (7); Rose-breasted Grosbeak (1); Indigo Bunting (5); Baltimore Oriole (1); Purple Finch (1).

PLUS: Porcupine and River Otter.
(report from Mark Lynch/Sheila Carroll).

7/5/20 -- Petersham

Today we birded, dragonfly’d, and butterfly’d a few roads in PETERSHAM. It’s interesting to compare this list with yesterday’s list from adjacent Hardwick:

Great Blue Heron (8: the nest we had been watching that had 3 young birds, was a total success: all 3 young are now fledged and exploring the pond around the nest, BUT returning to the nest begging food); Canada Goose (18); Wood Duck (44: including 14 ducklings); Hooded Merganser (3 just fledged birds); Turkey Vulture (1); Broad-winged Hawk (2); Red-tailed Hawk (1); Wild Turkey (4); Killdeer (3); Mourning Dove (5); Yellow-billed Cuckoo (2); Chimney Swift (3); Belted Kingfisher (1); Yellow-bellied Sapsucker (11); Downy Woodpecker (4); Hairy Woodpecker (1); N Flicker (1); Pileated Woodpecker (1).
FLYCATCHERS: E Wood Peewee (14); Least Flycatcher (2); E Phoebe (6); Great Crested Flycatcher (1); E Kingbird (6).
VIREOS: Yellow-throated (1); Blue-headed (7); Warbling (3); Red-eyed (115).
Blue Jay (3); A Crow (4); C Raven (2); Tree Swallow (22); Barn Swallow (4); Black-capped Chickadee (22); Tufted Titmouse (26); White-breasted Nuthatch (8); House Wren (3); Winter Wren (10); Blue-gray Gnatcatcher (1); E Bluebird (4: including a pair carrying food to hole in dead tree in a swamp); Veery (23); Hermit Thrush (14); Wood Thrush (6); A Robin (22); Gray Catbird (23).
WARBLERS: Yellow (2); Chestnut-sided (5); Black-throated Blue (3); Yellow-rumped (1); Black-throated Green (2); Pine (19); Prairie (2); Black and White (2); A Redstart (3); Ovenbird (47); C Yellowthroat (24).
Scarlet Tanager (31); E Towhee (11); Chipping Sparrow (15); Field Sparrow (2); Song Sparrow (14); Swamp Sparrow (2); N Cardinal (3); Red-winged Blackbird (81); C Grackle (44); Brown-headed Cowbird (1); A Goldfinch (5).
(report from Mark Lynch/Sheila Carroll).

7/4/20 -- Hardwick

This July 4 we birded along a few roads in HARDWICK and had the following:

Great Blue Heron (1); Turkey Vulture (10); Bald Eagle (1imm); Cooper’s Hawk (1imm); Red-shouldered Hawk (1); Broad-winged Hawk (1); Red-tailed Hawk (5); Mourning Dove (24); Black-billed Cuckoo (2); Yellow-billed Cuckoo (2); Ruby-throated Hummingbird (5); Belted Kingfisher (1); Red-bellied Woodpecker (5); Yellow-bellied Sapsucker (3); Downy Woodpecker (2); Hairy Woodpecker (1); N Flicker (6); Pileated Woodpecker (1).
FLYCATCHERS: E Wood Peewee (12); Alder Flycatcher (2); Least Flycatcher (4); E Phoebe (7); Great Crested Flycatcher (3); E Kingbird (5).
Yellow-throated Vireo (8); Red-eyed Vireo (117); Blue Jay (12); A Crow (5); Tree Swallow (44); N Rough-winged Swallow (20: post breeding flock w/many just fledged young still begging food); Barn Swallow (55: many small post breeding flocks with young still begging food, and being fed, by adults); Black-capped Chickadee (4); Tufted Titmouse (6); White-breasted Nuthatch (2); Carolina Wren (7); House Wren (25); Winter Wren (2); E Bluebird (6); Veery (52); Hermit Thrush (8); Wood Thrush (23); A Robin (47); Gray Catbird (85); N Mockingbird (1); Brown Thrasher (1); Cedar Waxwing (3).
WARBLERS: Yellow (9); Chestnut-sided (37); Pine (9); Prairie (7); Black and White (8); A Redstart (11); Ovenbird (55); C Yellowthroat (57).
Scarlet Tanager (9); E Towhee (33); Chipping Sparrow (26); Field Sparrow (2); Song Sparrow (68); Swamp Sparrow (14); N Cardinal (9); Rose-breasted Grosbeak (8); Indigo Bunting (16); Red-winged Blackbird (62); C Grackle (35); Purple Finch (1); A Goldfinch (13).
(report from Mark Lynch/Sheila Carroll).

6/26/20 -- Brookfields / Quabbin Gate 8 / Petersham

Highlights from this morning’s birding:

PRE-DAWN SEARCH FOR WHIP-POOR-WILLS IN THE QUABOG IBA: American Bittern (1); Black-crowned Night Heron (1 ad flushed from the edge of the Lake Quabog boat launch/parking area, seen in our car lights); Barred Owl (1); Whip-Poor-Will (14); Marsh Wren (11); Veery (8); Swamp Sparrow (21).

GATE 8, QUABBIN: Common Loon (nesting pair); Double-crested Cormorant (1); Common Merganser (1f 1f w/3yg); Spotted Sandpiper (5); Ring-billed Gull (2); Yellow-billed Cuckoo (1); Belted Kingfisher (1); Yellow-bellied Sapsucker (2); E Wood Peewee (2); Acadian Flycatcher (2); Least Flycatcher (5); E Phoebe (8); Great Crested Flycatcher (4); E Kingbird (4);
VIREOS: Yellow-throated (3); Blue-headed (1); Red-eyed (28).
Tree Swallow (25+); Winter Wren (2); Veery (16); Hermit Thrush (7); Wood Thrush (1).
WARBLERS: Chestnut-sided (5); Black-throated Blue (2); Yellow-rumped (1); Pine (4); Black and White (2); A Redstart (2); Ovenbird (24); Louisiana Waterthrush (4); C Yellowthroat (10).
Scarlet Tanager (7); E Towhee (5); Baltimore Oriole (2).

HARVARD POND-TOM SWAMP, PETERSHAM: Great Blue Heron (4); Wood Duck (1f w/4ducklings+2); Broad-winged Hawk (1); Turkey Vulture (1); Broad- winged Hawk (1); Killdeer (1); Black-billed Cuckoo (2); Yellow-billed Cuckoo (1); Yellow-bellied Sapsucker (1);
Eastern Wood Peewee (6); Yellow-throated Vireo (1); Red-eyed Vireo (44); Winter Wren (3); Veery (8); Hermit Thrush (6);
WARBLERS: C Yellowthroat (10); Pine (9); Chestnut-sided (3); Northern Waterthrush (3); Yellow (5); Black-throated Green (5); Black-throated Blue (4); Ovenbird (28).
Scarlet Tanager (3); Swamp Sparrow (4).
(report from Mark Lynch/Sheila Carroll).

6/14/20 -- Petersham

We spent this morning into the afternoon birding a few areas in PETERSHAM.

Great Blue Heron (9: including an adult pair feeding 3 large young in the nest); Turkey Vulture (1); Canada Goose (2); WOOD DUCK ( 31: including: 1f w/4yg; 1f w/9yg; 1f w/7yg); Hooded Merganser (14: including 1f w/9yg); Osprey (1); Sharp-shinned Hawk (1); Red-shouldered Hawk (6); Broad-winged Hawk (1); Red-tailed Hawk (3); Killdeer (2); Mourning Dove (6); Black-billed Cuckoo (3); Yellow-billed Cuckoo (2); Ruby-throated Hummingbird (5); Belted Kingfisher (2); Yellow-bellied Sapsucker (12); Downy Woodpecker (2); Hairy Woodpecker (2); N Flicker (3); Pileated Woodpecker (1).
FLYCATCHERS: Olive-sided Flycatcher (1 very vocal bird we watched for 30 minutes. In potential breeding habitat, so no details of location will be given); E Wood Peewee (18); Alder Flycatcher (6); Least Flycatcher (9); E Phoebe (12); Great Crested Flycatcher (2); E Kingbird (5).
VIREOS: Yellow-throated (4); Blue-headed (9); Warbling (2); Red-eyed (109).
Blue Jay (5); A Crow (1); C Raven (3); Tree Swallow (31); Barn Swallow (15); Black-capped Chickadee (11); Tufted Titmouse (13); White-breasted Nuthatch (3); Brown Creeper (4); Carolina Wren (1); Winter Wren (2); House Wren (7); Blue-gray Gnatcatcher (1); Veery (23); Hermit Thrush (2); A Robin (16); Gray Catbird (27); Cedar Waxwing (7).
WARBLERS: Yellow (5); Chestnut-sided (22); Black-throated Blue (9: NB: 1 male sang a song extremely similar to a Cerulean. Out of curiosity, we played a Cerulean song, and the BT Blue flew right in and sang loudly…the same song. Take away: only sighted, not just heard, Ceruleans are to be counted); Black-throated Green (5); Blackburnian (2); Pine (14); Prairie (4); Black and White (4); A Redstart (13); Ovenbird (101); Northern Waterthrush (7); Louisiana Waterthrush (2); C Yellowthroat (31); Canada (1).
Scarlet Tanager (16); E Towhee (6); Chipping Sparrow (11); Field Sparrow (2); Song Sparrow (13); Swamp Sparrow (8); N Cardinal (3); Rose-breasted Grosbeak (5); Indigo Bunting (3); Red-winged Blackbird (85); C Grackle (60); Baltimore Oriole (2).

PLUS: White-tailed Deer (1); butterflies included a Silver Spotted Skipper and a Long Dash; but best invertebrate sighting was watching a dung beetle carve up some dung and roll it.
(report from Mark Lynch/Sheila Carroll).

6/7/20 -- Ware River Watershed IBA

Because it was so breezy/windy today, and therefore the birding would be tough, we stayed close to home and birded the WARE RIVER WATERSHED IBA. We stuck to the southern half starting with Granger Road. By the time we got to the prison camp area by 10AM, it was a zoo. People were everywhere. At the prison camp there was a group of c.20 or more jeeps and other off road vehicles, obviously a group outing and people were all over. I have no idea what this large caravans plans were because all the dirt roads were driveable by a regular car. No one was wearing masks. People with dogs OFF LEASH were also everywhere; people with kids (also no masks) were also everywhere. Hikers, cyclists, horseback riders (large collection of horse carriers at southern end of Coldbrook Road) were also in much larger than usual numbers. The parking lot for the rail trail was full. If you are going to bird this area you will need to do it at dawn, not on a weekend, and keep moving along and start at the prison camp area. As I expected, the very windy conditions kept bird song to a minimum EXCEPT for persistent singers like vireos and ovenbirds. Highlights:

Great Blue Heron (6); Canada Goose (2 pairs together with their 12 yg); Red-shouldered Hawk (1); Broad- winged Hawk (2); Hairy Woodpecker (1); N Flicker (2).
FLYCATCHERS: E Wood Peewee (13); Alder Flycatcher (8); Willow Flycatcher (2); Least Flycatcher (6); E Phoebe (4); Great Crested Flycatcher (1); E Kingbird (2);
VIREOS: Yellow-throated (1); Blue-headed (2); Warbling (1); Red-eyed (92).
Red-breasted Nuthatch (4); Brown Creeper (3); House Wren (4); Winter Wren (2); Golden-crowned Kinglet (2); Veery (21); Hermit Thrush (10); Gray Catbird (18).
WARBLERS: Yellow (14); Chestnut-sided (28); Magnolia (1); Black-throated Blue (2); Yellow-rumped (1); Black-throated Green (7); Blackburnian (2); Pine (17); Prairie (5); Black and White (3); A Redstart (2); Ovenbird (132); Louisiana Waterthrush (2); C Yellowthroat (32); Canada (2).
Scarlet Tanager (11); E Towhee (27); Rose-breasted Grosbeak (3); Indigo Bunting (2); Bobolink (7); Baltimore Oriole (7); Purple Finch (3).

Plus: the most common butterfly by far was Little Wood Satyr (29); common odonates included Common Whitetail; Chalk-fronted Skimmer; Dot-tailed Whiteface; 4 Spotted Skimmer. FOY odes included Spangled Skimmer. Several nice “just emerged” odes were also seen drying their wings.
(report from Mark Lynch/Sheila Carroll).

6/4/20 -- Greenbrier Recreation Area, Oxford

An Osprey was still in the nest on the platform over the Athletic fields. It was having breakfast. We also found 2 Eastern Painted Turtles on their way to lay eggs.(report from Brian Mulhearn)

5/28/20 -- Ware River Watershed IBA

This morning we spent a few hours birding the WARE RIVER IBA, southern section. Of all the birds seen/heard, only 1 could I say doesn’t breed here:

American Bittern (1); Great Blue Heron (4); Broad-winged Hawk (1); Wild Turkey (1); Virginia Rail (2); Mourning Dove (6); Red-bellied Woodpecker (2); N Flicker (2); Pileated Woodpecker (2).
FLYCATCHERS: Olive-sided (1); E Wood Peewee (11); Alder (5); Willow (7); Least (12); E Phoebe (3); Great Crested (11); E Kingbird (4).
VIREOS: Yellow-throated (2); Blue-headed (5); Warbling (6); Red-eyed (116).
Blue Jay (10); A Crow (2: 1 was perched on a Tree Swallow nest box being bombed by the adults, really trying to poke in the entrance hole and get at the eggs/young. Sheila scared it off.);Tree Swallow (14); Black-capped Chickadee (19); T Titmouse (9); Red-breasted Nuthatch (5); White-breasted Nuthatch (3); Brown Creeper (2); House Wren (10); E Bluebird (4); Veery (37); Hermit Thrush (10); Wood Thrush (6); A Robin (29); Gray Catbird (43); Cedar Waxwing (flock of 12).
WARBLERS: Blue-winged (4); Yellow (16); Chestnut-sided (34); Black-throated Blue (3); Yellow-rumped (7); Black-throated Green (6); Blackburnian (3); Pine (11); Prairie (5); Black and White (7); A Redstart (3); Ovenbird (177); Northern Waterthrush (1); C Yellowthroat (39); Canada (4).
Scarlet Tanager (24); E Towhee (23); Chipping Sparrow (11); Field Sparrow (2); Song Sparrow (17); Swamp Sparrow (11); N Cardinal (7); Rose-breasted Grosbeak (7); Indigo Bunting (2); Bobolink (22); Red-winged Blackbird (35); C Grackle (4); Baltimore Oriole (5); Purple Finch (4); A Goldfinch (5).

PLUS: Porcupine (1); Clouded Sulphur (3); Spring Azure (10); many (Sheila kept count) Chalk-fronted Corporal and our first Elfin Skimmer of the year; tree frogs, American Toads, Green Frogs, E Painted Turtle.
(report from Mark Lynch/Sheila Carroll).

5/23/20 -- SW cemeteries, Worcester

This morning we birded three of the cemeteries in the SW corner of the city of Worcester. Not many migrants at all passing through. I briefly heard (1) Blackpoll and (1) Tennessee and the rest were breeders including many Warbling Vireos, redstarts, Yellow Warblers and Common Yellowthroats. An Eastern Wood Peewee at Hope may or may not have been a migrant. We also had (4) Wood Ducks; several pairs of Canada Geese with young; 7 Killdeer including an adult w/4 young. For us, the highlight was seeing a GREAT HORNED OWL being mobbed by numerous birds.

Later, we checked the fields from Rt.56 over to the Worcester Airport. Here were (3) Turkey Vultures, (1) Cooper’s Hawk; (1) Red-tailed Hawk; (3) Killdeer); (13 Bobolinks (all in fields next to Rt.56); and (2) Eastern Meadowlarks.
(report from Mark Lynch/Sheila Carroll).

5/21/20 -- Ware River Watershed IBA

Highlights from a morning at the WARE RIVER WATERSHED IBA:

Great Blue Heron (1); Turkey Vulture (1); Canada Goose (6); Wood Duck (1m); Yellow-billed Cuckoo (2); Ruby-throated Hummingbird (2); Yellow-bellied Sapsucker (5); Pileated Woodpecker (1); E Wood Peewee (1); Least Flycatcher (6); E Phoebe (9); Great Crested Flycatcher (7); E Kingbird (2);
VIREOS: Yellow-throated (5); Blue-headed (6); Warbling (3); Red-eyed (105).
Red-breasted Nuthatch (17); Brown Creeper (1); House Wren (4); Winter Wren (4); Golden-crowned Kinglet (3); Veery (19); Swainson’s Thrush (1); Hermit Thrush (6); Wood Thrush (13); Gray Catbird (47).
WARBLERS: Blue-winged (2); Yellow (15); Chestnut-sided (26); Cape May (1); Black-throated Blue (1); Yellow-rumped (2); Black-throated Green (8); Pine (29); Prairie (3); Blackpoll (4); Black and White (4); A Redstart (9); Ovenbird (124: this continues as our best year for WATCHING Ovenbirds; watching them forage on dirt roads; walking along branches; strolling along forest floors: prolonged views of these very funky birds); Louisiana Waterthrush (1); MOURNING (1m: close to where I had one last year); C Yellowthroat (38).
Scarlet Tanager (9); E Towhee (26); White-throated Sparrow (2); Rose-breasted 11); Indigo Bunting (1); Bobolink (12); Baltimore Oriole (5); Purple Finch (7).

PLUS: Leps included Clouded Sulphur; Spring Azure; Pine and Brown Elfins; Mourning Cloaks. Green Frogs calling in several spots. Odes included many Hudsonian Whiteface; American Emerald and 1 Sheila is just checking.
(report from Mark Lynch/Sheila Carroll).

5/20/20 -- Quabog IBA, Brookfields

Today we birded around the QUABOG IBA in the Brookfields.

Highlights: American Bittern (1); Great Blue Heron (7: 3 occupied nests in 1 rookery; another nest in another location is gone as the tree fell into the water); Canada Goose (34 adults+ 28 young); Wood Duck (1m); Mallard (1); Turkey Vulture (2); Osprey (1); Bald Eagle (the 2 nestlings were still in the nest but getting big and feathered); Wild Turkey (1); Virginia Rail (7); Sora (1); Solitary Sandpiper (1); Belted Kingfisher (1); Red-bellied Woodpecker (9); Yellow-bellied Sapsucker (5).
E Wood Peewee (2); Willow Flycatcher (1); E Phoebe (2); Great Crested Flycatcher (5); E Kingbird (5); Yellow-throated Vireo (14); Warbling Vireo (11); Red-eyed Vireo (22);
SWALLOWS: Tree (33); N Rough-winged (2); Bank (2); Barn (59).
WRENS: Carolina (7); House Wren (7); Marsh (9).
Blue-gray Gnatcatcher (2); E Bluebird (2); Veery (16); Gray-cheeked Thrush (1: seen well and close as it perched on a stone wall; an “olive-backed thrush” looking very cool gray over all. No buff around eye, but, rather, a gray eye ring and gray face. Gray on flanks. Spots un upperparts of breast. ); Wood Thrush (14); Gray Catbird (66);.
WARBLERS: Blue-winged (8); Tennessee (1); Nashville (1); Yellow (36); Chestnut-sided (14); Magnolia (1); Cape May (1); Yellow-rumped (3); Black-throated Green (1); Pine (8); Prairie (1); Blackpoll (3); A Redstart (31); Ovenbird (37); Northern Waterthrush (1); Louisiana Waterthrush (2); C Yellowthroat (42).
Scarlet Tanager (10); E Towhee (6); Field Sparrow (1); Swamp Sparrow (34); Rose-breasted Grosbeak (23); Indigo Bunting (1); Baltimore (43); Purple Finch (2).

ALSO: Spotted Turtle; (3) Tiger Swallowtails; (2) Clouded Sulphur; (1) Spring Azure; (1) Juvenal’s Duskywing. Odes included Fragile Forktail and Aurora Damsel.
(report from Mark Lynch/Sheila Carroll).

5/16/20 -- Wachusett Mountain, Princeton

Arrived at the mountain by 8AM to stay ahead of anticipated crowding due to the gorgeous weather. Our route: Mountain House Trail, to the Link Trail, up the Harrington Trail to the summit and back down the Mountain House Trail. Our main purpose was hiking but we kept our ears open for birds. Here's what we mostly heard:

~ 12 ovenbirds (amazing), black and white warbler, white-breasted nuthatch, American robin, blue jay, 2 turkey vultures, several chestnut-sided warblers, 3 winter wrens, hairy woodpecker, red-eyed vireo (FOY), 2 yellowthroats (at the summit FOY), titmice, mourning dove, rose-breasted grosbeak, wood thrush, chickadee, Eastern towhee.

Non-bird observations of interest: Due to the very damp yet warm conditions we counted 36 red efts (FOY!) out and about and one North American millipede that was trying to cross a flooded portion of the trail.
(report from Scott Handler and Marion Larson)

5/15/20 -- Ware River Watershed IBA

We birded the WARE RIVER WATERSHED IBA this morning until noon. In the first few hours there were lots of song and we had 3 “waves” , 1 of which was really good. But birds were moving fast through the trees and we missed as many as we ID’d. By 9AM, song had died down and for the most part we were left with breeders.

Highlights: Great Blue Heron (10: 4 occupied nests); Canada Goose (13, including pair w/9yg); Wood Duck (4m); Mallard (4m); Hooded Merganser (1f); Broad-winged Hawk (3); Wild Turkey (2); Solitary Sandpiper (4); Spotted Sandpiper (1); Black-billed Cuckoo (1); Red-bellied Woodpecker (4); Yellow-bellied Sapsucker (8); Pileated Woodpecker (2).
Olive-sided Flycatcher (1); Least Flycatcher (11); E Phoebe (10); Great Crested Flycatcher (1); E Kingbird (3).
VIREOS: Yellow-throated (2); Blue-headed (13); Warbling (4); Red-eyed (17).
Red-breasted Nuthatch (4); Brown Creeper (1 singing); House Wren (7); Winter Wren (1); Blue-gray Gnatcatcher (2); Veery (16); Hermit Thrush (4); Wood Thrush (11); G Catbird (41).
WARBLERS: Blue-winged (3); Tennessee (1); Nashville (2); Yellow (16); Chestnut-sided (37); Cape May (2); Black-throated Blue (5); Yellow-rumped (43); Black-throated Green (17); Blackburnian (2); Pine (26); Prairie (4); Bay-breasted (1); Black and White (18); A Redstart (7); Ovenbird (an insane 218. There was no stop at which we couldn’t hear 3-4); Northern Waterthrush (4); Louisiana Waterthrush (3); C Yellowthroat (44); Wilson’s (1); Canada (1).
Scarlet Tanager (4); E Towhee (42); Rose-breasted Grosbeak (5); Baltimore Oriole (27); Purple Finch (4).

The only butterflies we saw were (4) Spring Azures and still no odes.
(report from Mark Lynch/Sheila Carroll).

5/14/20 -- Ashburnham

This morning we birded in ASHBURNHAM in the extreme northeast corner of Worcester County, and on the border with New Hampshire. We did not climb Mt. Watatic.

Highlights:
American Bittern (1); Canada Goose (5); Wood Duck (pair); Mallard (1 drake); Northern Goshawk (1ad); Broad-winged Hawk (7: none looking they were migrating); Barred Owl (3).
Least Flycatcher (2); E Phoebe (9); Blue-headed Vireo (10); Common Raven (2); Red-breasted Nuthatch (5); Brown Creeper (1); House Wren (14); Winter Wren (3); Golden-crowned Kinglet (2); Hermit Thrush (3); Gray Catbird (19).
WARBLERS: Nashville (2); Chestnut-sided (2); Magnolia (1); Black-throated Blue (2); Yellow-rumped (20); Black-throated Green (9); Blackburnian (2); Pine (15); Prairie (4); Black and White (5); Ovenbird (78); Northern Waterthrush (12); Louisiana Waterthrush (3); C Yellowthroat (32); Canada (1).
E Towhee (24); Field Sparrow (1); Swamp Sparrow (10); White-throated Sparrow (19); Rose-breasted Grosbeak (3); Baltimore Oriole (1); Purple Finch (1); Evening Grosbeak (pair).

Butterflies: Spring Azure (3); Pine Elfin (2); Mourning Cloak (1). No odes.
(report from Mark Lynch/Sheila Carroll).

5/13/20 -- Petersham

Today we spent the morning birding a few of the back roads of PETERSHAM. The weather was breezy and very cold in the morning. Driving out to Petersham from Worcester, it looked like there had been a dusting of snow. There were a few good waves of warblers and a definite outfall of thrushes. When we started, thrushes could be seen hopping on the road or flying across the road in several spots. We missed id’ing more than we did identify; most of time we would see a “thrush form” zip across the road and deep into the woods. In the dappled light, it was difficult even getting a clear look at the upper parts color. The ones listed we saw clearly, often hopping around on dirt roads. There were a few Swainson’s Thrushes and a few of those were quite confiding and Sheila got some shots. There were decent numbers of certain species of warblers, but we dipped entirely on northern breeding species like Tennessee, Cape May, and Bay Breasted. Another unusual observation: we had quite a number of Ovenbirds just walking around on the dirt roads, or right beside them. This was one of our best days to actually study Ovenbirds visually instead of just hearing them. There was also lots of chasing and calling going on. It was great to see Ernie LeBlanc, who was on his way into Gate 37.

Highlights: Great Blue Heron (1ad on nest with 1 or 2 very young birds); Canada Goose (9: including pair w/2yg); Wood Duck (7); Mallard (1f w/12yg); Ring-necked Duck (2m+1f); Hooded Merganser (1f); Broad-winged Hawk (1); Red-tailed Hawk (2); Greater Yellowlegs (1); Solitary Sandpiper (3); Yellow-bellied Sapsucker (11); Least Flycatcher (7); E Phoebe (22); Blue-headed Vireo (21); Red-eyed Vireo (1); Red-breasted Nuthatch (5); Carolina Wren (1); House Wren (4); Winter Wren (4).
Veery (23); Swainson’s Thrush (9); Gray-cheeked Thrush (1); Hermit Thrush (19); Wood Thrush (11).
WARBLERS: Nashville (4); N Parula (3); Yellow (6); Chestnut-sided (8); Black-throated Blue (5); Yellow- rumped (24); Black-throated Green (11); Blackburnian (5); Pine (33); Prairie (5); Black and White (22); A Redstart (5); Ovenbird (133 !); Northern Waterthrush (2); C Yellowthroat (14).
Scarlet Tanager (3); E Towhee (19); Field Sparrow (4); Swamp Sparrow (6); Rose-breasted Grosbeak (7); Bobolink (3); Baltimore Oriole (4); Purple Finch (1).

No leps, No odes…..
(report from Mark Lynch/Sheila Carroll).

5/13/20 -- Hodges Village Dam, Oxford

This morning I saw a Bay-breasted Warbler at Hodges Village Dam in Oxford. (report from Robert Brady).

5/12/20 -- Ware River Watershed IBA

We spent this morning (5/12) in the WARE RIVER WATERSHED IBA. The weather was cold and quite breezy, not ideal conditions for large spring migrant movements. Highlights:

Great Blue Heron (7: 4 active nests); Turkey Vulture (1); Canada Goose (26: including pr w/9yg+pr w/5yg); Mallard (3m); Broad-winged Hawk (4); Yellow-bellied Sapsucker (5).
Least Flycatcher (6); E Phoebe (5); Great Crested Flycatcher (2); Yellow-throated Vireo (3); Blue-headed Vireo (6); Warbling Vireo (1); House Wren (1); Winter Wren (4); Golden-crowned Kinglet (2); Blue-gray Gnatcatcher (1); E Bluebird (2); Veery (6); Hermit Thrush (2); Wood Thrush (11); Gray Catbird (27).
WARBLERS: Nashville (3); N Parula (3); Yellow (4); Chestnut-sided (1); Magnolia (1); Black-throated Blue (1); Yellow-rumped (18); Black-throated Green (7); Blackburnian (2); Pine (14); Prairie (2); Black and White (9); A Redstart (1); Ovenbird (81); Northern Waterthrush (1); C Yellowthroat (17).
Scarlet Tanager (2); E Towhee (12); Dark-eyed Junco (2); Rose-breasted Grosbeak (6); Bobolink (8); Baltimore Oriole (10); Purple Finch (3).

Plus: nice showing of common early wildflowers like Purple Trillium; Wood Anemone; Sessile Bellwort; et.
(report from Mark Lynch/Sheila Carroll).

5/11/20 -- Grafton hill, Worcester

Today there was a Cape May warbler coming to our hummingbird feeder [ photo]. I had never seen one at our location. (report from Ed Chrostowski).

5/10/22 -- Wachusett Reservoir IBA

This morning we birded the WACHUSETT RESERVOIR IBA in windy and colder than seasonable temps. Common Loon (6); Double-crested Cormorant (5); Mute Swan (5); Canada Goose (10ad+4yg); Mallard (3); Bufflehead (1f); Wild Turkey (1); Killdeer (1); Ring-billed Gull (7). Swallows were over most of the water bodies: Tree Swallow (300+); N Rough-winged Swallow (4+); Bank Swallow (3+); Cliff Swallow (1); Barn Swallow (45+).

Then at SuAsCo in Westborough: Double-crested Cormorant (10); Mute Swan (14: 4 on nests+pair w/6yg); Canada Goose (6); Wood Duck (3); Mallard (2); Ring-necked Duck (1m); Osprey (1 on nest); Spotted Sandpiper (1).
(report from Mark Lynch/Sheila Carroll).

5/9/20 -- Bolton Flats, Lancaster

Highlights at Bolton Flats this morning included 2 Gloss Ibis, a Greater Yellowlegs, and an adult Bald Eagle. (report from Robert Brady)

5/8/20 -- Worcester

This morning we spent a little time birding the cemeteries in the southwestern part of Worcester. The only one we did not visit was St.John’s. Not much in the way of migration was visible thanks to contrary winds. Two Mute Swan’s were still on nests. We spotted (9) Wood Ducks, Killdeer (1), Solitary Sandpiper (1), and (1) immature Sharp-shinned Hawk. A Great Crested Flycatcher was hunting close to the emerging clumps of leaves, hovering in front of them. Eastern Kingbirds (4) were in each cemetery we visited, typically hunting low, perching on gravestones. Among the Tree Swallows we spotted (2) Northern Rough-wing Swallows. We tallied (14) Warbling Vireos, THE vireo of urban cemeteries. It also appeared that the Brown Thrashers are attempting to breed. We also saw (6) mockingbirds and (7) catbirds. The only warblers we noticed were (4) Yellow and (5) Yellow-rumpeds, but likely others were about. We saw/heard only (9) Baltimore Orioles.
(report from Mark Lynch/Sheila Carroll).

5/7/20 -- Lilly Ponds, Wachusett Reservoir

Highlights of an evening walk just before dusk were 1 Red-bellied Woodpecker, 2 E. Kingbirds, 3 Tree Swallows, 2 Gray Catbirds, 1 Blue-headed Vireo, 2 Warbling Vireos, 1 Yellow-rumped Warbler, 1 Pine Warbler, 1 Rose-breasted Grosbeak, 2 E. Towhee (m), 1 Field Sparrow, 3 Song Sparrows, and 1 Baltimore Oriole (m). (report from Rick Quimby).

5/7/20 -- Hardwick

We spent the morning birding some of the back roads of HARDWICK. It’s still early in spring migration and the species variety was middlin’, but the numbers of certain species were very good. It was foggy in some areas at dawn. Lots of song till about 9AM, when clouds rolled in, wind picked up, and activity of many species declined.

Highlights: Turkey Vulture (6); Broad-winged Hawk (3); Red-bellied Woodpecker (8); Yellow-bellied Sapsucker (16); Pileated Woodpecker (2).
Least Flycatcher (16); E Phoebe (15); Great Crested Flycatcher (1); E Kingbird (1).
VIREOS: Yellow-throated (7); Blue-headed (10); Warbling (1); Red-eyed (4).
Bank Swallow (2); Carolina Wren (6); House Wren (29); Winter Wren (1); Blue-gray Gnatcatcher (1); Veery (6); Hermit Thrush (2); Wood Thrush (20); Gray Catbird (72).
WARBLERS: Blue-winged (1); Yellow (26); Chestnut-sided (4); Black-throated Blue (1); Yellow-rumped (10); Black-throated Green (1); Pine (12); Black and White (3); Ovenbird (83: all over the place); northern Waterthrush (1); Louisiana Waterthrush (1); C Yellowthroat (29).
Scarlet Tanager (1); E Towhee (29); Field Sparrow (2); Rose-breasted Grosbeak (16); Indigo Bunting (1); Bobolink (18); red-winged Blackbird (152: nb: we had migrant flocks still); Baltimore Oriole (15).

Butterflies: Cabbage White, Spring Azure, Pine and Brown Elfins.
(report from Mark Lynch/Sheila Carroll).

5/6/20 -- Quabog IBA

This morning we birded the QUABOG IBA, this time concentrating on the non-pond forest and field parcels. NB: the state is doing some massive logging project in the Quabog WMA, I have no idea why, but it appears to have destroyed some of the breeding habitat of Black-throated Green and Blackburnian Warblers. I’ll check after they finish. Today was NOT a major migration day, but a number of migrant breeders have now put in.

Double-crested Cormorant (1); American Bittern (1); Great Blue Heron (7: 4 occupied nests in 1 rookery); Canada Goose (25ads+29goslings); Wood Duck (8); Mallard (8 drakes); Turkey Vulture (4); Osprey (pair); Bald Eagle (ad pr at nest in which we could see at least 1 nestling); Broad-winged Hawk (1); Red-tailed Hawk (1); Virginia Rail (2); Solitary Sandpiper (2); Spotted Sandpiper (1); Herring Gull (1 1stS); Mourning Dove (7); Belted Kingfisher (1); Red-bellied Woodpecker (5); Yellow-bellied Sapsucker (3); Downy Woodpecker (3); N Flicker (12).
E Phoebe (14).
VIREOS: Yellow-throated (11); Blue-headed (2); Warbling (5); Red-eyed (1).
Blue Jay (31); A Crow (7); Fish Crow (2); Tree Swallow (46); Cliff Swallow (1); Barn Swallow (22); Black-capped Chickadee (23); Tufted Titmouse (42); White-breasted Nuthatch (9).
WRENS: Carolina (4); House (14); Winter (2); Marsh (3).
E Bluebird (5); Veery (1); Wood Thrush (4); A Robin (82); Gray Ctbird (59); N Mockingbird (5); Cedar Waxwing (1).
WARBLERS: Yellow (29); Yellow-rumped (3); Black-throated Green (1); Pine (9); Black and White (2); Ovenbird (44); Louisiana Waterthrush (4); C Yellowthroat (13).
Scarlet Tanager (2); E Towhee (17); Chipping Sparrow (55); Field Sparrow (6); Savannah Sparrow (2); Song Sparrow (52); Swamp Sparrow (20); White-throated Sparrow (2); N Cardinal (37); Rose-breasted Grosbeak (16); Bobolink (11); Red-winged Blackbird (207); C Grackle (79); Brown-headed Cowbird (25); Baltimore Oriole (19); House Finch (11); A Goldfinch (12).
(report from Mark Lynch/Sheila Carroll).

5/5/20 -- SW Cemeteries, Worcester

We birded the cemeteries in the SW corner of Worcester this morning (5/5). Slow morning because of the wind from the wrong direction. Highlights: Great Blue Heron (1); Canada Goose (16 including pair w/6yg and another pair w/4 yg); Mute Swan (4: 2 pairs, 2 birds on nests); Wood Duck (3); Mallard (4: all drakes); N Flicker (7).
Eastern Kingbird (2); Warbling Vireo (19); Gray Catbird (8); Brown Thrasher (pair);
WARBLERS: Nashville (1); N Parula (7); Yellow (5); Yellow-rumped (14); Black and White (1).
E Towhee (1); Rose-breasted Grosbeak (1); Orchard Oriole (2m); Baltimore Oriole (21).
(report from Mark Lynch/Sheila Carroll).

5/2/20 -- Sterling

While spreading wood chips at home (Matthew Lane) we heard our FOY Blue-headed Vireo. 3 tom turkeys strutting before 2 hens in our leach field and back yard, the pair of Cooper's Hawks which may be nesting in the woods behind our home. The male had a small vole or related mammal for lunch. Saw a Wood Frog in nearby vernal pool and heard Pine Warblers, saw 4 Yellow-rumped Warblers. Around 5 PM American toads were trilling at 5 pm behind our house.

On a late afternoon walk in Sterling's Rocky Brook Conservation Area off Beaman Road we heard/saw the following: Black & White Warbler and Ovenbird (both FOY for us) Red-winged Blackbirds, Grackles, over 2 dozen Tree Swallows, 1 Song Sparrow, 2 Eastern Towhees, 2 Brown Creepers, Titmice, 1 Red-bellied Woodpecker, Chickadees, Blue Jay.

Non-bird related observations on this property: Marsh marigolds blooming in profusion in the wetland areas of the Stillwater River, ferns are starting to pop up and False Hellebore coming out. Abundance of blooms of Trailing Arbutus (Mayflower) on several stretches of the trails.
(report from Marion Larson and Scott Handler)

5/2/20 -- Royalston

This morning we birded ROYALSTON, hoping to get away from the fair-weather/non-mask wearing crowds. NO. SUCH. LUCK. All Trustees properties that were open (some gates were closed) were filled with people, most not wearing face gear. The Trustees have erected signs asking folks to “socially distance” etc. We birded where we could to get away from people. It was VERY sad to see large sections of forest along Falls Road now signed for development.

Highlights: Turkey Vulture (6); Canada Goose (10: including 1 on nest and an adult pair w/4yg); Wood Duck (4); Hooded Merganser (2f); Red-shouldered Hawk (1); Broad-winged Hawk (4: including 1 that caught a large Garter Snake, my first live (not for long) snake of the year); Yellow-bellied Sapsucker (3).
Blue-headed Vireo (4); N Rough-winged Swallow (4); Brown Creeper (1 singing); Winter Wren (5); Golden-crowned Kinglet (2); Ruby-crowned Kinglet (1); Hermit Thrush (11);
WARBLERS: Yellow-rumped (16); Black-throated Green (1); Pine (6); Northern Waterthrush (2); Lousiana Waterthrush (2).
E Towhee (3); White-throated Sparrow (3); Purple Finch (11); Evening Grosbeak (pair).
(report from Mark Lynch/Sheila Carroll).

5/1/20 -- Wachusett Reservoir

Bird highlights included 4 Palm Warblers, 2 Yellow Warblers, 1 Great Blue Heron, Two Red Tail Hawks, and 14 Common Loons (3 near shore and the rest in a group way out in the middle of the reservoir).
(report from Brian Yankee).

5/1/20 -- Quabog IBA, Brookfields

We got out this morning during a break in the rain to the QUABOG IBA in the Brookfields to check the ponds to see if there was any fallout. Lashaway (L); Quabog (Q); Wickabog (W). There was nothing of note on Lake Quacumquasit/South Pond. We had: Common Loon (16, 14 ad br. : (1 L; 4 Q; 11 W)); American Bittern (1); Great Blue Heron (5: 2 occupied nests in 1 rookery. NB: there are other rookeries in this IBA); Canada Goose (15); Wood Duck (3); Mallard (16); Long-tailed Duck (1m-L); Bufflehead (9-Q); Bald Eagle (adult pair sitting next to nest w/two nestlings); Broad-winged Hawk (1); Wild Turkey (2); Virginia Rail (4); Spotted Sandpiper (2); Bonaparte’s Gull (1adS-L+ 1imm-Q); Belted Kingfisher (1).

Select passerines: E Phoebe (4); Tree Swallow (230+); Barn Swallow 95); Fish Crow (1); House Wren (1); Marsh Wren (3); Carolina Wren (6); Brown Creeper (1 singing); Brown Thrasher (1);
WARBLERS: Yellow (1); Yellow-rumped (4); Pine (10); Black-throated Green (1).
SPARROWS: Field (3); Savannah (4); Swamp (25). Rose-breasted Grosbeak (1).
(report from Mark Lynch/Sheila Carroll).

4/30/20 -- Bolton Flats, Lancaster

This morning in the rain I saw 2 Glossy Ibises, Blue-gray Gnatcatcher, 8 Greater Yellowlegs, an Osprey and heard a Virginia Rail calling for 20 minutes or so. (report from Peter Morlock).

2/29/20 -- Worcester sw cemeteries

We spent the morning birding the four cemeteries in the southwestern section of the city of Worcester: Hope, Notre Dame, All Faiths, and St. Johns. They are all either across a street or adjacent to each other. Not much in the way of migrant variety, but still some nice sightings.

Totals: Great Blue Heron (1); Canada Goose (5); Mute Swan (4: 2 on 2 nests); Wood Duck (8); Mallard (3); Red-tailed Hawk (1); Mourning Dove (13); Downy Woodpecker (6: 1 excavating a nest hole); N Flicker (8).
E Phoebe (3); Blue Jay (13); A Crow (2); Tree Swallow (2); N Rough-winged Swallow (5); Black-capped Chickadee (7); Tufted Titmouse (4); White-breasted Nuthatch (5); Carolina Wren (2); Hermit Thrush (5); A Robin (125: we found several sitting on nests); N Mockingbird (5).
WARBLERS: Yellow-rumped (14); Pine (2); Palm (3); Black and White (1).
SPARROWS: Chipping (51); Savannah (13); Song (36); White-throated (7).
N Cardinal (11); Red-winged Blackbird (28); C Grackle (33); Brown-headed Cowbird (9); House Finch (9); A Goldfinch (9)
(report from Mark Lynch/Sheila Carroll).

4/28/20 -- Worcester Airport and environs

WORCESTER AIRPORT AND ENVIRONS: This afternoon we checked out the airport fields from the Worcester side, Mulberry St, and on up to Rt.56. We had Canada Goose (2); Turkey Vulture (3); Northern Harrier (1f); Red-tailed Hawk (3); Wild Turkey (1); Killdeer (5 all in one place, displaying and vocalizing like mad); Upland Sandpiper (looking southeast from main airport lot); Pileated Woodpecker (1); American Kestrel (12 minimum: actively feeding on something in the grasses); Merlin (1); Savannah Sparrow (8); Eastern Meadowlark (2).
(report from Mark Lynch/Sheila Carroll).

4/26/20 -- Princeton/Sterling

Princeton: Heard our first towhee of the year at the summit of Mt Wachusett, also 2 winter wrens (one on Mtn House Trail, the other on the Harrington Trail). Raven heard, juncos and turkey vulture seen. We also saw a porcupine napping in a tree on Rte 62 not far from "The Clearings" development.

Sterling: We also checked out Bartlett (aka Stump) Pond in Sterling off the Northeast Blvd. The osprey pair is back and in the same nest--watched one plunge into the water and successfully grab a yellow perch. While he (I presume it was he) was eating it she (on the nest) was chirping pretty loudly -- probably annoyed she wasn't getting any fish. A kingfisher (FOY) was rattling away while perched on one of the big sand piles. A killdeer, 3 mallards, 4 Canada geese, red-wing blackbirds, 3 tree swallows, 10 robins, 1 red-tailed hawk and a crow also seen. The heron nests didn't have any birds on them, but in the swamp across from the Chocksett Cut Off there were at least 5 great blue herons on nests. 1 large dead beaver hit by car on that swamp side too. Tom turkey strutting in the back yard for 2 disinterested hens.

FYI-Turkey hunting season starts tomorrow (4/27) and runs through May 23-- hunting hours are from 1/2 hour before sunrise to noon. DCR quietly opened Wachusett, Sudbury, and Quabbin reservoirs to shore fishing on April 22. (report from Marion Larson/Scott Handler).

4/25/20 -- Spencer

We started the morning birding areas near and next to the Worcester Airport in LEICESTER. Highlights: Wood Duck (pr); Broad-winged Hawk (1); Wild Turkey (1); Pileated Woodpecker (2); E Phoebe (2); Common Raven (2); Pine Warbler (4); E Towhee (10); Field Sparrow (4); Savannah Sparrow (16 perched on fence at once); Purple Finch (1 singing).

We then spent the rest of the morning birding around SPENCER: Highlights: Double-crested Cormorant (2); Great Blue Heron (1); Canada Goose (12); Wood Duck (pr); Mallard (11: all drakes); Wild Turkey (2); N Flicker (7); E Phoebe (14); Blue-headed Vireo (2); Winter Wren (3 singing birds);
WARBLERS: Orange-crowned (1: Howe SP); Yellow-rumped (12); Pine (38); Palm (3); Louisiana Waterthrush (6 singing birds).
E Towhee (8); Chipping Sparrow (49); Field Sparrow (6); Song Sparrow (44); Swamp Sparrow (10); White-throated Sparrow (2); Rose-breasted Grosbeak (1).
(report from Mark Lynch/Sheila Carroll).

4/25/20 -- Gate 33, Wachusett Reservoir

Highlights of a quick early evening walk into Gate 33, down to Greenhalge Point, were 2 Common Loons (close together in fine breeding plumage -- one feeding and the other watching and preening), 1 Belted Kingfisher, 3 Red-bellied Woodpeckers, and 2 Pine Warblers. (report from Rick Quimby).

4/24/20 -- Wachusett Reservoir

This morning we birded the WACHUSETT RESERVOIR IBA, including the reservoir; Coachlace; the Waushacums; the Quag; and Sterling Peat. The number of fishermen everywhere around the reservoir indicates that fishing season has started, despite indications if would be delayed to early May. Not a lot around, but we did see: Common Loon (2); Horned Grebe (6); Great Blue Heron (1); Double-crested Cormorant (14); Mute Swan (1); Canada Goose (18); Wood Duck (2 pair); Mallard (1); Ring-necked Duck (8); Bufflehead (2 pair); Common Merganser (3); Red-breasted Merganser (1f); Bald Eagle (1imm); A Kestrel (1f); Wild Turkey (1); Virginia Rail (2); Killdeer (1); Ring-billed Gull (3); Belted Kingfisher (1). Plus hundreds of swallows over a number of bodies of water, mostly Trees, but including 4 Barn Swallows.
(report from Mark Lynch/Sheila Carroll).

4/23/20 -- Lilly Ponds, Wachusett Reservoir

A short walk around the Lilly Ponds this afternoon yielded highlights of 2 Wood Ducks (m&f), 1 Blue-gray Gnatcatcher, 1 Yellow-rumped Warbler, 2 Pine Warblers, 1 Louisiana Waterthrush, 2 Palm Warblers, and 2 Eastern Towhee. (report from Rick Quimby).

4/23/20 -- Hardwick

This morning, we birded around HARDWICK. [NB: from an early time the gates into Quabbin already had people walking them. People are everywhere in Quabbin.]

Canada Goose (9); Ring-necked Duck (3); Turkey Vulture (5); Red-shouldered Hawk (2); Broad-winged Hawk (1); Wild Turkey (1); E Screech Owl (1); Red-bellied Woodpecker (2); Yellow-bellied Sapsucker (12); Downy Woodpecker (5); Hairy Woodpecker (2); N Flicker (3); Pileated Woodpecker (2).
E Phoebe (12); Tree Swallow (87); Barn Swallow (3); Ruby-crowned Kinglet (1); E Bluebird (4); Hermit Thrush (4); Cedar Waxwing (2); Pine Warbler (23); Palm Warbler (12); E Towhee (11); Chipping Sparrow (14); Savannah Sparrow (1); Song Sparrow (26); Swamp Sparrow (60; Rusty Blackbird (2).
PLUS: BOBCAT (1)

ALSO: In Paxton we had a pair of Canada Geese with 6 young.

In the Ware River Watershed, we had an additional (3) Broadwing Hawks. Like the one in Hardwick, 2 of the three were perched VERY low on the edge of a field.
(report from Mark Lynch/Sheila Carroll).

4/22/20 -- Blackstone-Millville

Today we went down to BLACKSTONE/MILLVILLE area to see if any vultures were still around. The conditions were poor with blustery winds, but we only found 1 Turkey Vulture and no Black Vultures. No vultures were on the houses in Woonsocket. Despite the wind we managed to eek out: Mute Swan (2: 1 on nest); Canada Goose (4); Wood Duck (4); Mallard (3); Red-tailed Hawk (2: 1 on nest).

Passerines were few and far between because of the wind, but we managed to see : Common Raven (2); Carolina Wren (6); Pine Warbler (6); Eastern Towhee (2).

One the way back to Worcester we noted that the heron rookery in Sutton on Rt.146 had at least 5 occupied nests.
(report from Mark Lynch/Sheila Carroll).

4/20/20 --Princeton/Sterling

While hiking Mt Wachusett in Princeton we were treated to the sight of yellow-bellied sapsuckers on the Mountain House trail, 3 in all. They put on a show for us, chasing each other around, and a few territorial drumming knocks on resonant oak trees.

Sterling: We also checked out Muddy Pond again --great blue heron, chipping sparrows, 1 white-throated sparrow, a few tree swallows, 4 cormorants, 6 Canada geese, 4 buffleheads and 1 pair of ring necked ducks. The swamp downhill from Muddy Pond revealed some brave painted turtles, 1 hen mallard and great looks at a pair of prospecting pileated woodpeckers checking out downed rotting logs and a few standing oaks on the land beyond the beaver lodge.

In our yard we have reason to believe there is a pair of Cooper's hawks nesting in our back woods. Seen lots of action over the last week of 2 birds and there is a suspicious bundle of sticks in a pine tree. Phoebes, pine warblers, the usual chickadees, titmice and turkeys (2 jakes and 1 hen) were also seen on this day.
(report from Scott Handler and Marion Larson)

4/19/20 -- Warren/Brookfields/Spencer

We started birding around WARREN (Worcester County). Not much around, but did have: Great Blue Heron (2; 1 on a nest); Turkey Vulture (5); Canada Goose (19); Wood Duck (9); A Black Duck (pair); Mallard (9); Ring-necked Duck (3); Hooded Merganser (pr); Common Merganser (2f) ; Osprey (pair adding sticks to new nest actually in an old tree + another vocalizing and closely circling nest in microwave relay tower, which another potential new nest); Red-tailed Hawk (3); Ring-necked Pheasant (1: not countable); Wild Turkey (1); N Flicker (11); E Phoebe (9); Blue-headed Vireo (1); Tree Swallow (61); Pine Warbler (13); E Towhee (3); Field Sparrow (1); Swamp Sparrow (8 singing).

We then did a quick check of water in the QUABOG IBA. Several of the ponds were CROWDED with boaters and fishermen, none wearing face covering, none paying attention to social distancing. Highlights: Great Blue Heron (5, 2 on nests); Canada Goose (33); Wood Duck (8); A Black Duck (2); Mallard (9); Blue-winged Teal (3); Ring-necked Duck (19); Bufflehead (5); Hooded Merganser (1f); Bald Eagle (1ad on nest); Wild Turkey (1); Virginia Rail (1); Killdeer (2); Marsh Wren (1); Pine Warbler (6); Palm Warbler (2).

A quick tour through one road in SPENCER: Winter Wren (1); Pine Warbler (4); Louisiana Waterthrush (2). At the Dunkin Doughnuts on Rt. 9: Fish Crow (1).
(report from Mark Lynch/Sheila Carroll).

4/18/20 -- Wachusett Reservoir

This afternoon, we did a quick check of WACHUSETT RESERVOIR. Nothing special, but the snow pushed many robins and sparrows to bare spots. Large number of swallows were in several places, trying to hawk for insects low over water.

Common Loon (10); Double-crested Cormorant (3); Canada Goose (7); Wood Duck (pair); Mallard (2); Common Merganser (7: all female); Bald Eagle (1ad+1imm); Wild Turkey (2); Ring-billed Gull (16); Great Black-backed Gull (1); N Flicker (6).
E Phoebe (3); Tree Swallow/swallow sp. (230+); Barn Swallow (4); A Robin (130+); Chipping Sparrow (28); Vesper Sparrow (1); Song Sparrow (14); Dark-eyed Junco (4).

Not much was found at QUINAPOXET RESERVOIR except (2) Canadas; (2) Mute Swan and adult Bald Eagle.

Along MUSCHOPAUGE ROAD in RUTLAND around one small seep: (Killdeer (8); Wilson’s Snipe (6).
(report from Mark Lynch/Sheila Carroll).

4/17/20 -- Petersham

This morning we noodled around PETERSHAM in the cold and breezy conditions. Skim ice was on small areas of water:

Great Blue Heron (2: 1 on a nest); Turkey Vulture (1); Canada Goose (11); Wood Duck (16); Mallard (3); Green-winged Teal (2); Ring-necked Duck (22); Bufflehead (6); Hooded Merganser (15: only 2 drakes); Common Merganser (13: all females); Wild Turkey (20); Killdeer (2); Pectoral Sandpiper (1); Mourning Dove (5); Red-bellied Woodpecker (1); Yellow-bellied Sapsucker (10); Hairy Woodpecker (1); N Flicker (3); Pileated Woodpecker (1).
E Phoebe (12); Blue-headed Vireo (2); Blue Jay (5); A Crow (1); Tree Swallow (74); Black-capped Chickadee (22); Tufted Titmouse (12); White-breasted Nuthatch (9); Brown Creeper (4); Winter Wren (4); Ruby-crowned Kinglet (1); E Bluebird (2); Hermit Thrush (9); A Robin (47).
WARBLERS: Pine (37); Palm (10); Louisiana Waterthrush (2).
SPARROWS: Chipping (2); Field (3); Song (11); White-throated (1); Dark-eyed Junco (2);
N Cardinal (9); Red-winged Blackbird (67); Common Grackle (66); Purple Finch (1); House Finch (3); A Goldfinch (7).
(report from Mark Lynch/Sheila Carroll).

4/16/20 -- Quabog IBA

This morning we did a quick check of some of the ponds in the QUABOG IBA. There were very few birds. The weather was windy with passing snow showers. Common Loon (1); Great Blue Heron (6 birds in 4 active nests: nb: we didn’t check the largest rookery in the IBA); Canada Goose (19); Wood Duck (3); Mallard (12); Ring-necked Duck (14); Bufflehead (10); Turkey Vulture (2); Bald Eagle (1 ad perched next to the nest; we couldn’t see any bird on the nest, but the views were very poor); Red-tailed Hawk (1); Wild Turkey (2); Ring-billed Gull (only 2); N Flicker (3); E Phoebe (13); Fish Crow (3); Tree Swallow (138); Barn Swallow (3); Hermit Thrush (3); Pine Warbler (10); Palm Warbler (1); E Towhee (1); Chipping Sparrow (11); Swamp Sparrow (3).

In SPENCER en route we also saw Ring-necked Duck (8); Killdeer (1); Ruby-crowned Kinglet (1); Hermit Thrush (1); Pine Warbler (8); Louisiana Waterthrush (2).
(report from Mark Lynch/Sheila Carroll).

4/14/20 -- Wachusett Reservoir IBA

Today we birded THE WACHUSETT RESERVOIR IBA. Lots of tree damage in spots. Common Loon (6); Pied-billed Grebe (1); Great Blue Heron (2 flying together); Double-crested Cormorant (9); Mute Swan (1); Canada Goose (20); Wood Duck (2m); Mallard (13); Green-winged Teal (3); Ring-necked Duck (6); Bufflehead (9); Hooded Merganser (3); Common Merganser(6); Wild Turkey (2); Northern Harrier (1m); Bald Eagle (4ad+1imm); Red-tailed Hawk (2); Killdeer (5); Ring-billed Gull (76); Herring Gull (7); Lesser Black-backed Gull (1adS); N Flicker (7); Pileated Woodpecker (1); E Phoebe (12); Tree Swallow (8); Barn Swallow (2); Pine Warbler (4); Chipping Sparrow (11); Dark-eyed Junco (1); E Meadowlark (1 singing).
(report from Mark Lynch/Sheila Carroll).

4/12/20 -- Auburn/Southbridge/Charlton/Sturbridge/Worcester

Today we checked the areas for several breeding birds:

EDDY POND, AUBURN: Canada Goose (6); Mallard (2); Common Merganser (2); OSPREY: pair at nest, 1 on nest) on microwave relay pole across the water and up the hill. Though this pole is far closer to BJs, you are unable to see most of the nest from that angle); Tree Swallow (6); Pine Warbler (3); Palm Warbler (2).

Then we went to SOUTHBRIDGE to check if the Peregrine that had been seen off and on near Notre Dame church had decided to nest. WE saw no Peregrines. Among the birds we saw in Southbridge: Canada Goose (18); Mallard (4); Turkey Vulture (6); Red-tailed Hawk (3); A Kestrel (2m+1f); Wild Turkey (1); Killdeer (3); Pileated Woodpecker (1); E Phoebe (4); Tree Swallow (6); N Rough-winged Swallow (2); C Raven (2); Ruby-crowned Kinglet (2); Pine Warbler (6); Chipping Sparrow (5).

STURBRIDGE (1 location); Great Blue Heron (10 occupied nests); Osprey (pair at nest); A Kestrel (1m).

CHARLTON: Double-crested Cormorant (1); Osprey (1 at nest).

THREE CEMETERIES IN SW CORNER OF WORCESTER; Quick check. Nothing much. Great Blue Heron (1); Canada Goose (15); Mute Swan (4, 1 on nest); Mallard (6); A Black Duck (3); Hooded Merganser (1f); E Phoebe (4); White-crowned Sparrow (1 singing). Plus: 3 Red-eared Sliders among the numerous painted turtles.
(report from Mark Lynch/Sheila Carroll).

4/12/20 -- Wachusett Reservoir

An early afternoon hike along the forest roads in the NW section had highlights of 1 Common Loon, 2 Common Mergansers (m&f), 1 Red-bellied Woodpecker, 1 Hairy Woodpecker, 2 N. Flicker, 1 Yellow-rumped Warbler, 20 Pine Warblers, and 2 Palm Warblers. (report from Rick Quimby).

4/11/20 -- Petersham

Today we attempted to bird PETERSHAM despite really windy conditions. Because of the wind, song was reduced. Highlights: Great Blue Heron (1 on nest); Canada Goose (9); Wood Duck (10); A Black Duck (2); Ring-necked Duck (23); Bufflehead (12); Hooded Merganser (2f); Common Merganser (9); Turkey Vulture (1); Sharp-shinned Hawk (1); Red-tailed Hawk (1); Ruffed Grouse (1); Killdeer (2); E Phoebe (10); Tree Swallow (26); Hermit Thrush (8); Pine Warbler (29); Palm Warbler (2); Chipping Sparrow (8).

In NEW BRAINTREE there was an Osprey and a female kestrel at a nestbox.
(report from Mark Lynch/Sheila Carroll).

4/7/20 -- QUABOG IBA

Today we had: Common Loon (1ad); Great Blue Heron (13: 10 occupied nests); Turkey Vulture (9); Canada Goose (20); Wood Duck (4); A Black Duck (5); Mallard (9); Ring-necked Duck (43); Bufflehead (6); Common merganser (42); Osprey (pair at old nest site); Bald Eagle (pair at nest); Red- shouldered Hawk (1); Red-tailed Hawk (2); A Kestrel (1f); Wild Turkey (11); Ring-billed Gull (just 1); Red-bellied Woodpecker (3); Hairy Woodpecker (1); N Flicker (5); Pileated Woodpecker (2).

Among the passerines noted: E Phoebe (26); Fish Crow (3: pair chased a raven off their territory); Tree Swallow (just 7); Pine Warbler (11); Chipping Sparrow (12); Savannah Sparrow (3); Purple Finch (1). Plus many peepers and painted turtles; (4) White-tailed Deer.

In Holland: (2) Bufflehead and (2) Hooded Merganser.

In WARREN: Double-crested Cormorant (1); Great Blue Heron (2); Osprey (1 on nest); E Phoebe (4); Tree Swallow (26); Pine Warbler (2).

In SPENCER: Great Blue Heron (1); Double-crested Cormorant (1); Wood Duck (pr); Ring-necked Duck (pr); Red Fox (1); E Comma (1).
(report from Mark Lynch/Sheila Carroll).

4/7/20 -- Gate 28, Wachusett Reservoir

Highlights of an afternoon walk were 6 Ring-neck Ducks (3 pairs), 2 Wood Ducks (1 pair), 3 Pine Warblers, 1 Field Sparrow, 1 Chipping Sparrow, 1 E. Phoebe, 1 Yellow-bellied Sapsucker, 2 Red-bellied Woodpeckers. (report from Rick Quimby).

4/4/20 -- Sterling/Princeton

Sterling: A pair of Cooper's hawks landed on trees in our front yard in the morning. Later in the afternoon a red tail zoomed low over the yard. Phoebes have been calling for over a week. At Muddy Pond we saw 13 ring-neck ducks, 5 buffleheads, 3 Canada geese, a great blue heron, grackles, red-winged blackbirds. In the little beaver swamp down the hill from Muddy Pond we watched 2 beaver swimming around. We counted over a dozen painted turtles hanging out on assorted logs and stumps, but no birds. Anglers on the Stillwater River below were practicing social distancing. Unfortunately, at West Waushacum Lake there were people in canoes and kayaks who were not wearing life jackets as required through May 15.

Princeton: Spotted a heron sitting on a nest, a pair of wood ducks, phoebe, song sparrow, and an FOY tree swallow on a beaver impoundment on East Wachusett Brook in Princeton. Also a pine warbler, earliest we've had one in years.
(report from Marion Larson and Scott Handler).

4/4/20 -- Wachusett Reservoir IBA

We did a survey of the WACHUSETT RESERVOIR IBA this AM in the hopes that the prolonged NE winds brought in some interesting waterbirds. No such luck. In fact, it appears many birds left and numbers were low: Common Loon (7); Great Blue Heron (1); Mute Swan (3); Canada Goose (11); Mallard (4); Ring-necked Duck (10); Bufflehead (10); C Goldeneye (1f); Common Merganser (12); Turkey Vulture (1); Cooper’s Hawk (1); Bald Eagle (1 sub ad that caught and fish and flew to a pine to eat it); Red-tailed Hawk (3); Wild Turkey (9); Killdeer (10); Ring-billed Gull (91); Herring Gull (7); Peregrine Falcon (1); E Phoebe (6); Tree Swallow (110+); Barn Swallow (1); Brown Thrasher (1); Pine Warbler (1); Field Sparrow (1). NB: we witnessed a number of groups totally disregarding physical distancing: groups of fishermen (all of whom smoked); a cadre of dog walkers; and finally some running group at the dam acting like nothing was going on.
(report from Mark Lynch/Sheila Carroll).

4/2/20 -- Quabog IBA

We did a quick and partial survey of the QUABOG IBA today: Great Blue Heron (7: 4 occupied nests; we did not survey all the rookeries); Mute Swan (3); Canada Goose (51: 1 on nest); Wood Duck (4 pairs); Mallard (13); A Black Duck (9); Ring-necked Duck (30); Bufflehead (4); Hooded Merganser (3 pairs); Common Merganser (16); Turkey Vulture (1); Bald Eagle (ad pr at nest); A Kestrel (1f); Virginia Rail (1); Sora (1); Ring-billed Gull (44); Belted Kingfisher (1); Pileated Woodpecker (pr); E Phoebe (10); Tree Swallow (40: over a single small marsh); Fish Crow (2).

At a single wet field in New Braintree: Mallard (9); Black Duck (5); Green-winged Teal (13).

On Rt.56, Leicester: Common Raven chowing down on a road-killed raccoon.
(report from Mark Lynch/Sheila Carroll).

4/1/20 -- Lake Quinsigamond, Shrewsbury

I saw what appeared to be a partial albino robin, hanging with regular robins this am near lake Quinsigamond. (report from Jeff Frost).

3/31/20 -- Notre Dame Cemetery, Worcester

There was what appeared to be some sort of Domestic Muscovy Duck. It had the red bill and a face that resembled a Turkey Vulture. It had a brown body with a white belly. Other highlights included 2 Mute Swans at their nest, 4 Canada Geese, 6 Mallards, 6 Black Ducks, 12 Wood Ducks, 1 Turkey Vulture, 1 Coopers Hawk, 1 Red-tailed Hawk, 2 Northern Flickers, 2 Red-bellied Woodpeckers, 1 Hairy Woodpecker, 1 Junco, 1 Brown headed Cowbird. (report from Brian Mulhearn)

3/30/20 -- Quabog IBA

This afternoon we did a Covid-19 aware (never closer than 100++ feet to another person; mostly alone) check of the major ponds of the QUABOG IBA: Great Blue Heron (8: 3 occupied nests in 1 small rookery. There are other rookeries in area we did not check); Mute Swan (4); Canada Goose (33); Wood Duck (15); Mallard (6); A Black Duck (6); Green-winged Teal (2); Ring-necked Duck (50); Bufflehead (7); Common Goldeneye (4f); Common merganser (8: most seem to have moved on); Bald Eagle (1 ad on nest); Red-tailed Hawk (2); Virginia Rail (1); Killdeer (1). Interesting passerines included: E Phoebe (2); Tree Swallow (30+); Winter Wren (1 singing); Fish Crow (4 at Quabog boat launch); Pine Warbler (1m); Savannah Sparrow (1 singing); Brown-headed Cowbird (50+).
(report from Mark Lynch/Sheila Carroll).

3/29/20 -- Wachusett Reservoir

Hoping the rainy weather would keep people home, we went out to bird some local ponds:

WACHUSETT RESERVOIR: (rain and limited visibility): Common Loon (3); Pied-billed Grebe (2); Mute Swan (7); Canada Goose (10); Mallard (2); Green-winged Teal (2); Ring-necked Duck (4); Bufflehead (6); Common Goldeneye (6); Common Merganser (9); Wild Turkey (5). Plus: c.40 Tree Swallows over Coachlace and a Field Sparrow singing near the causeway. NB: At the southern end of the dike there were 2 parked cars, one on either side of the road. We saw no one, but as we left, we could see a lone hiker down by the stone marker. A Number of cars parked at the dam despite the dam area and stairs being blocked off. We pulled over c.50 feet from the nearest car. We saw no one.

BARTLETT POND, NORTHBORO: Mute Swan (1 on nest); Canada Goose (1); Wood Duck (pair); Mallard (2); Ring-necked Duck (pair). No one there when we were there.

CHAUNCY LAKE, WESTBORO: A number of cars parked in the lot for the wildlife management area, hikers and dog walkers. We parked further along the shore, avoiding everyone. Mute Swan (6); Canada Goose (11); Mallard (4); scaup (looked like Lesser based on head shape, but poor visibility) (4); Bufflehead (pair); Common Merganser (1); Ring-billed Gull (3).

SUASCO, WESTBORO: a few boats were out on the water. Mute Swan (8: 3 birds on 3 nests); Mallard (4); Ring-necked Duck (21); Bufflehead (2); Common Merganser (9); Tree Swallow (c.150 seen from Arch Street).
(report from Mark Lynch/Sheila Carroll).

3/29/20 -- Northborough

Like others we are hunkered down close to home. Fortunately, we have good habitat and thus a robust list. We are focused, these trying days, on closely observing the behavior of our common avian companions rather than traveling far and wide. It is fun. On Friday (3/27) we had our foy Eastern Phoebe. It was 3 days later than last year. Mallards generally appear around St Patrick's Day, but were two weeks late this year, probably due to parade cancellations. Our resident Pileated gave us great looks on Thursday (3/26) -- of course it stayed more than 6 feet away.

Juncos and White-throated sparrows are still here, and the latter are beginning to sing. Although we love spring, we hate to say good-bye to these faithful winter friends. Red-wings, grackles, brown-headed cowbirds are all here and are all rather rudely screeching over each other. So much so that on occasion the starlings have to intervene. Robins are once again carnivores. I follow them to locate worms for a fishing outing. Most days we get our woodpecker hat trick. We are lurking in hope of seeing the occasional visiting sapsucker. When we get 6 woody's on one day, we celebrate. Four or five TVs generally fly over each day and we scan them eagerly in search of a Black. So, we wish everyone good health. Stay owl wise, keep your distances and enjoy the locals. (report from Jim & Kathie Hogan).

3/27/20 -- Petersham/Worcester Airport

This afternoon we got out for a bit of Covid-19 aware birding. We never stopped where there were already people standing there or if there was more than one car (with no one in it). We talked to no one. In this good weather, with no one working, people are everywhere. The rail trail lot for access to the trail through Rutland State Park was jammed. Even the Federated Women’s Club State Forest had people parking all along and at the end, the parking was full. Sometimes we returned to an area when there was no one there at last.

PETERSHAM: Great Blue Heron (pair at nest); Canada Goose (5); Mallard (1); Ring-necked Duck (55); Bufflehead (6); Hooded Merganser (18: all in pairs); Common Merganser (27); Turkey Vulture (2); Red-shouldered Hawk (pair); Wild Turkey (1); E Phoebe (3); Golden-crowned Kinglet (3).

BEHIND WORCESTER AIRPORT, LEICESTER (Manville-Mulberry Streets): Common Merganser (26); Killdeer (4); N Flicker (2); A Kestrel (1f); Horned Lark (60+); A Pipit (1).

Wood Frogs were in quite a few places in Petersham, and peepers behind the airport.
(report from Mark Lynch/Sheila Carroll).

3/26/20 -- Quabog IBA and Warren

A Covid-aware survey of the ponds of the QUABOG IBA had the following: Common Loon (1); Great Blue Heron (10 active nests+1 outlier); Mute Swan (4); Canada Goose (42); Wood Duck (pr); Mallard (8); A Black Duck (4); Ring-necked Duck (63); Bufflehead (16); Common Goldeneye (4f); Hooded Merganser (7); Common Merganser (211); Red-breasted Merganser (1m); Turkey Vulture (1); Bald Eagle (1ad on enst+ another adult); Red-tailed Hawk (3); Wild Turkey (2); Virginia Rail (1); Killdeer (4); Ring-billed Gull (24); Pileated Woodpecker (1); E Phoebe (2); Tree Swallow (3). PLUS: plenty of peepers and Wood Frogs calling; a handful of E Painted Turtles.

Then, In WARREN at Tufts Brook area: Pied-Billed Grebe (1); Great Blue Heron (1); Canada Goose (6); Wood Duck (pair); Mallard (4); Ring-necked Duck (1m); Red-shouldered Hawk (pr); Tree Swallow (25+).

We started the day checking several microwave relay towers in Sturbridge and Warren that used to host Osprey nests: Charlton (1); Sturbridge (3); Warren (1). No ospreys have returned to nest in any of these locations.
(report from Mark Lynch/Sheila Carroll).

3/25/20 -- Nashua River Watershed IBA/Wachusett Reservoir

Today we birded some areas of LANCASTER and HARVARD, sticking mostly to the confines of the NASHUA RIVER WATERSHED IBA. Following the protocols of social distancing, which we take very seriously, we never stopped at a spot where there were other birders or other walkers for that matter. This meant that we avoided walking into Bolton Flats by the Rt.117 entrance because there was already a couple there. We talked to no one. Nothing special to report, but we did have: Canada Goose (51); Wood Duck (8); Mallard (52); Green-winged Teal (12); Common Merganser (8); Red-tailed Hawk (6); Killdeer (10); Wilson’s Snipe (1); E Screech Owl (1); E Phoebe (3). At Dexter Drumlin there were 100+ Ring-billed Gulls (mostly adults) and some geese. Robins were on most fields, and large flocks of Red—wings were passing through fields. We had (33) cowbirds feeding on lawns. It’s amazing what you can see by simply avoiding people.

Then at WACHUSETT RESERVOIR: Common Loon (8); Canada Goose (2); Wood Duck (4); Mallard (4); Ring-necked Duck (5); Greater Scaup (16); Lesser Scaup (2); Bufflehead (8); Common Goldeneye (27); Hooded Merganser (pair); Common Merganser (8). (4) Tree Swallows were flying over Coachlace. On the Rt.110 dike we had our closest encounter with another human: while birding from the dike another walker approached from the north. We stepped well off the dike and the walker stepped well off on the opposite side, and passed us. We got no closer than 10 feet at the least.
(report from Mark Lynch/Sheila Carroll).

3/22/20 -- the 'Boro Ponds

Today we surveyed a few of the “ ‘Boro Ponds”. One thing we have noticed in the last few days is that since the Covid-19 restrictions all parks, places to fish or walk are now getting crowded as more and more people are wanting to get out and/or are unemployed. If you want to bird places like Quabbin Park, get there early.

BARTLETT POND, NORTHBORO: Mute Swan (2-1on nest); Canada Goose (15); Wood Duck (7); Mallard (17); A Black Duck (3); Ring-necked Duck (4); Wild Turkey (4).

LITTLE CHAUNCY POND, NORTHBORO: Mute Swan (2); Canada Goose (4); Ring-necked Duck (9); Bufflehead (pair); Re-tailed Hawk (1); Mourning Dove (7: 1 carrying nesting material).

CHAUNCY LAKE, WESTBORO: Mute Swan (12); Canada Goose (37); Mallard (1); Bufflehead (11); Hooded Merganser (1f); Common Merganser (2); Red-tailed Hawk (2); Ring-billed (24); Herring Gull (2).

SUASCO, WESTBORO: Mute Swan (8: pair nest building, 1 on nest); Canada Goose (10); Wood Duck (2); Mallard (1); Ring-necked Duck (158); Bufflehead (4); Hooded Merganser (pair); Common Merganser (10); Osprey (1); Red-tailed Hawk (2); Killdeer (2); Tree Swallow (20+).

SUDBURY RESERVOIR, SOUTHBORO: Mute Swan (4); Canada Goose (184); Mallard (9); Ring-necked Duck (75); Bufflehead (3); Common Goldeneye (21); Common Merganser (38); Red-tailed Hawk (2); Killdeer (3); Ring-billed Gull (2); E Phoebe (1).
(report from Mark Lynch/Sheila Carrol).

3/21/20 -- Lake Wickaboag, West Brookfield

Today while I was watching some Ring-billed Gulls along some mud flats, I noticed a gull that was much smaller. White head with a black spot behind the eye, small pointy black bill: a Boneparte's Gull. Other birds were Common Mergansers, Common Goldeneyes, Mallards, and Green-winged Teal. (report from Peter Morlock).

3/20/20 -- Quabog IBA, Brookfields

This afternoon we did a survey of ponds in the QUABOG IBA (Brookfields).

Great Blue Heron (pair at nest in known rookery); Mute Swan (6); Canada Goose (42); Wood Duck (5); Mallard (41); A Black Duck (8); Green-winged Teal (19); Ring-necked Duck (72); Greater Scaup (2); Bufflehead (8); Common Goldeneye (3f); Common Merganser (131); Turkey Vulture (4); Bald Eagle (adult pair at nest+1 imm); Virginia Rail (1); Ring-billed Gull (96); E Phoebe (4); Tree Swallow (1). Lots of peepers calling; E Painted Turtles, beavers and an otter.
(report from Mark Lynch/Sheila Carroll).

3/18/20 -- Wachusett Reservoir IBA

This AM we surveyed the WACHUSETT RESERVOIR IBA:

Common Loon (1); Mute Swan (7); Canada Goose (57); Mallard (18); Ring-necked Duck (32); Greater Scaup (52); Bufflehead (22); Common Goldeneye (23); Hooded Merganser (10: 5 pairs); Common Merganser (28); Bald Eagle (2imm); Red-tailed Hawk (2); Killdeer (12); Ring-billed Gull (14); Mourning Dove (13); Red-bellied Woodpecker (1); Downy Woodpecker (3); Hairy Woodpecker (1); N Flicker (5).

Passerines included (1) Tree Swallow (at Sterling Peat); (5) Carolina Wren; and (2) cowbirds.
(report from Mark Lynch/Sheila Carrol).

3/16/20 -- Holden

A quick check of a few ponds in Holden today:

Quinapoxet Reservoir, Stump Pond, Eagle Lake, Maple Spring Pond had the following: Canada Goose (49); Wood Duck (1m); Mallard (43); A Black Duck (27); Ring-necked Duck (23); Bufflehead (1m); Hooded Merganser (6); Common Merganser (46); Turkey Vulture (4).

Along Muschopoage Road in Rutland: Killdeer (10).
(report from Mark Lynch/Sheila Carrol).

3/14/20 -- Petersham

This afternoon we checked a few ponds in PETERSHAM: Canada Goose (13); Mallard (15); A Black Duck (10: all in pairs); Green-winged Teal (11); Ring-necked Duck (32); Hooded Merganser (20); Common Merganser (54); Turkey Vulture (5); Red-shouldered Hawk (2); Yellow-bellied Sapsucker (1); E Phoebe (1); Common Raven (3: a pair in display flight plus a single).
(report from Mark Lynch/Sheila Carrol).

3/12/20 -- Rutland/Holden/Brookfields/Warren

Today we checked out some ponds west of Worcester (city):

MUSCHAPOAG ROAD FIELDS, RUTLAND: Canada Goose (24); Wild Turkey (8); Killdeer (9).

MAPLE SPRING POND, HOLDEN: Canada Goose (11); Mallard (3); Common Merganser (2).

QUINAPOXET RESERVOIR, HOLDEN: Bufflehead (2); Common Merganser (32).

THAYER POND, RUTLAND: Canada Goose (13); Wood Duck (10); Mallard (14); A Black Duck (1); Ring-necked Duck (26); Pileated Woodpecker (1).

NEW BRAINTREE: Canada Goose (34); Black Duck (2); Red-tailed Hawk (2).

QUABOG IBA (BROOKFIELDS): Great Blue Heron (1); Mute Swan (6); Canada Goose (395); Green-winged Teal (5: 4m+1f); Mallard (22); A Black Duck (13); Greater Scaup (1f); Ring-necked Duck (46); Bufflehead (7); Common Goldeneye (7); Hooded Merganser (3); Common Merganser (126); Turkey Vulture (1); Bald Eagle (ad pr/1 on nest); Red-shouldered Hawk (3: pair defending territory from interloper); Red-tailed Hawk (1); Ring-billed Gull (55); Herring Gull (2); Barred Owl (1); Belted Kingfisher (1); Fish Crow (pair where we had them nesting last year+1).

HOP BROOK, WARREN: Canada Goose (31); Wood Duck (1m); Mallard (4); Ring-necked Duck (50).
(report from Mark Lynch/Sheila Carrol).

3/12/20 -- Wachusett country club, West Boylston

Today at 12:30 in the afternoon there was one Snow Goose foraging with many Canada geese. Viewed from parking area on left side of clubhouse. (report from Scott Matthews).

3/11/20 -- Chaffin pond, Holden

From Gail Drive today, some positive signs of spring. Several pairs of wood ducks around the nest boxes. Also Eastern phoebe and Red shouldered hawk (report from Scott Matthews).

3/11/20 -- Indian Lake, Worcester

At Indian Lake this morning there were 1 common loon and 6 common merganser. (report from Susan LaBree).

3/9/20 -- Quabog IBA, Brookfields

Tonight we did an early evening visit to the QUABOG IBA (Brookfields). It remained light enough that we were able to check out 3 of the major ponds, but heat distortion was a problem scanning far across water. This was likely caused by the air being so much warmer than the water. We then visited a few fields after sunset. We did not visit Elm Hill MAS this time around.

Canada Goose (231); Mallard (16); Bufflehead (pair); Hooded Merganser (26); Common Merganser (789); Killdeer (7); American Woodcock (19); Ring-billed Gull (112); Herring Gull (4); Great Horned Owl (1); Barred Owl (4); Hermit Thrush (2).
(report from Mark Lynch/Sheila Carrol).

3/8/20 -- Redstone Hill, Sterling

At the jct. of Rugg Road and Redstone Hill Road in our favorite timberdoodling spot: We heard 3 woodcock (2 went flying by us against the sky), 1 killdeer and 1 great-horned owl. All were FOY's for us [Woodcock, killdeer and owl (oh my!)]. The woodcocks started peenting about 15 minutes after sunset. The full moon and planet Venus were also putting on a bright show. (report from Marion Larson and Scott Handler)

3/8/20 -- Walker Pond, Sturbridge

A brief visit to WALKER POND, WELLS SP (Sturbridge): Canada Goose (6: all pairs); Bufflehead (pair); Common Merganser (55); Ring-billed Gull (1).
(report from Mark Lynch/Sheila Carrol).

3/7/20 -- Harvard

A survey of a few ponds in HARVARD this morning yielded:

Canada Goose (61); Mute Swan (5); Wood Duck (13); Mallard (52); A Black Duck (2); Ring-necked Duck (22); Bufflehead (1m); Common Goldeneye (6); Hooded Merganser (10); Common Merganser (8); Turkey Vulture (2); Red-tailed Hawk (3); Ring-billed Gull (4). Passerines were typical, but we did see (1) Common Raven.
(report from Mark Lynch/Sheila Carrol).

3/6/20 -- Webster/Dudley

Today we started by birding Webster Lake, Webster (Lake Chaubunagungamaug). This is a very tough place to cover well. This is a very large body BUT there are VERY few public access points (a large park and beach on the NW corner of the “Upper Lake” and a small state boat launch in the extreme SE corner of the Lower Lake”). A birder is therefore forced to drive through residential areas and peek between the close houses. Also, it is a spot where many people put out boats, and boats were out today. We managed to note: Mute Swan (7); Canada Goose (13); Mallard (6); Greater Scaup (pair); Bufflehead (10); Hooded Merganser (4); Common Merganser (74); Turkey Vulture (1); Ring-billed Gull (14). WE also saw (2) Fish Crow.

We then birded a few ponds in adjacent DUDLEY. Most ponds and lake had nothing (!), but we did manage to see: Canada Goose (108); Mallard (48); A Black Duck (5); Ring-necked Duck (10: all drakes); Hooded Merganser (pair); Turkey Vulture (1); Ring-billed Gull (4).

A check of EDDY POND, AUBURN from the boat ramp had: Canada Goose (9); Ring-necked Duck (6); Hooded Merganser (2). The Ospreys have yet to return to their nest atop the microwave relay tower near Home Depot (Auburn, clearly visible from Eddy Pond).
(report from Mark Lynch/Sheila Carrol).

3/5/20 -- Quabog IBA, Brookfields

Today there were: Canada Goose (54); Mute Swan (3); Mallard (29); A Black Duck (17); Ring-necked Duck (15); Lesser Scaup (3); Bufflehead (8); C Goldeneye (6); Hooded Merganser (2); Common Merganser (631); Bald Eagle (2: 1imm+1ad on nest); Killdeer (3); Ring-billed Gull (109); Herring Gull (22).
(report from Mark Lynch/Sheila Carrol).

3/3/20 -- Institute Park, Worcester

Highlights of 18 species at noon were 2 GB Herons, 2 Mute Swan, 1 Ring-necked duck (m), 15 Hooded Mergansers, 1 Belted Kingfisher, 4+ Downy Woodpeckers, 3 Red-winged Blackbirds, and 3 C. Grackles. (report from Rick Quimby).

3/1/20 -- Chaffin pond, Main St., Holden

Birding around the Outer trail that loops around the ponds edge, 7:30 this morning . Open water mostly on the northern end of pond. A pair of mute swans.Hooded mergansers.common goldeneyes. Bluebirds,red winged blackbirds,cedar waxwings and a catbird feeding on berries with robins. (report from Scott Matthew).

2/28/20 -- The "Boro ponds", Westboro/Northboro/Southboro

This morning we birded the ‘Boro Ponds In cold and windy conditions. Ring-necked Ducks and Common Mergs are on the move.

SUASCO, WESTBORO: a disappointment. Lots of open water but few birds: Mute Swan (14); Canada Goose (10); Mallard (9); A Black Duck (2).

CHAUNCY LAKE, WESTBORO: Mute Swan (14); Canada Goose (14); Mallard (9); Hooded Merganser (11); Common Merganser (39); Ring-billed Gull (10); Herring Gull (3).

LITTLE CHAUNCY, NORTHBORO: Mute Swan (4); Wood Duck (2); Mallard (21); Ring-necked Duck (13); Hooded Merganser (6). NB: the road in is very rutted.

BARTLETT POND, NORTHBORO: Canada Goose (27); Mallard (6); Bald Eagle (1ad).

SUDBURY RESERVOIR, SOUTHBORO: Mute Swan (3); Canada Goose (86); Mallard (63); Ring-necked Duck (38); Bufflehead (1m); Common Goldeneye (38); Hooded Merganser (7); Common Merganser (100 on the nose); Red-tailed Hawk (1); Ring-billed Gull (2).
(report from Mark Lynch/Sheila Carrol).

2/26/20 -- Wachusett Reservoir IBA

This morning we birded the WACHUSETT RESERVOIR IBA. Still lots of ice on the smaller bodies (Ex: West Waushacum was 95% ice covered), but the reservoir is now only 15% ice covered.

Common Loon (3: we watched one struggling to swallow quite a large fish. It took about 5 minutes to get it fully into the throat.); Mute Swan (4); Canada Goose (31); Mallard (18); Ring-necked Duck (1m); Greater Scaup (48); Lesser Scaup (2); Bufflehead (8: 7m+1f); Common Goldeneye (86); Hooded Merganser (12); Common Merganser (23); Red-breasted Merganser (1m); Bald Eagle (1ad+1imm); Red-tailed Hawk (pair); Ring-billed Gull (6); Belted Kingfisher (2); Red-bellied Woodpecker (2); Downy Woodpecker (3). Passerines were typical, but we did have (147) robins; (16) waxwings; (2) Field Sparrows; and a scattering of Red-winged Blackbirds and grackles.
(report from Mark Lynch/Sheila Carrol).

2/25/20 -- Hodges Village Dam, Oxford

I got a good look at a Winter Wren at Hodges Village Dam in Oxford this morning. It was chipping, but not singing. (report from Robert Brady)

2/23/20 -- New Braintree-Hardwick / Quabog IBA

Today we started by visiting a few areas in New Braintree and adjacent spots in Hardwick. We did find (and heard) a VESPER SPARROW in Hardwick, but other than that it was fairly typical birds for this time of the year: several pairs of Red-tailed Hawks; a number of male Red-winged Blackbirds looking like they were “on territory” (21); a sole Common Grackle; and lots of bluebirds (26).

We then checked the ponds and river in the QUABOG IBA (the Brookfields). Most ponds were still at least 80% ice-covered, but things are opening up. Many waterfowl were on the river. Mute Swan (4); Canada Goose (94); Mallard (13); A Black Duck (26: 1 flock); Hooded Merganser (31); Common Merganser (5); Bald Eagle (3: 1imm+1 sub-ad+1 ad on nest); Red-tailed Hawk (5); Ring-billed Gull (51: all adult). But NO Red-winged Blackbirds!

On the way home we had (4) Turkey Vultures in Spencer, including 2 that looked like they were in some kind of display flight.
(report from Mark Lynch/Sheila Carroll).

2/22/20 -- Dexter Drumlin, Lancaster

The 4 sandhill cranes are still in the area, foraging in fields beyond the TTOR Dexter Drumlin property in Lancaster. We also watched 2 deer stroll across the landscape. (report from Scott Handler and Marion Larson)

2/22/20 -- Creeper Hill Road, North Grafton

This morning there were 6 Northern Pintails here (5M,1F). Other birds were Mallards, Black Ducks, Red-wing Blackbirds. (report from Peter Morlock).

2/21/20 -- Clinton / Lancaster-Harvard

Today on our way out to Lancaster and Bolton Flats, we had the following at the Clinton HS A-fields and Coachlace Pond: Canada Goose (256) originally on the high school A-field. Suddenly they flew up as did a huge flock of gulls off Coachlace. The gulls flew low over the A-fields, mixing up with the gulls in flight: Ring-billed Gull (200++); Herring Gull (9+); Great Black Backed Gull (3ad); LESSER BLACK-BACKED GULL (1ad). The gulls eventually circled up and headed north. The geese resettled on Coachlace. What put the gulls and geese up were 2 Bald Eagles (1ad+1sub ad) that flew low over the A field and started to circle up a bit. Then they were attacked by a territorial Red-tailed Hawk which hit both eagles causing one to actually flip for a half second.

Later at Coachlace, besides the geese: Greater Scaup (41); Bufflehead (3); Common Goldeneye (2); Hooded Merganser (18); also flying overhead : Common Raven (2).

At SOUTH MEADOW POND: Mallard (53); Common Goldeneye (1m); Hooded Merganser (3:2m+1f).

Not much in the Lancaster/Harvard area: Mute Swan (2); Bald Eagle (1ad); Red-tailed Hawk (5); Pileated Woodpecker (1).
(report from Mark Lynch/Sheila Carrol).

2/21/20 -- Tatnuck area, Worcester

There were 2 Song Sparrows singing this morning. (report from Susan LaBree).

2/15/20 -- Quabog IBA, Brookfields

This morning we birded the QUABOG IBA in the Brookfields. Most of the ponds and lakes are still ice-covered, but birds were on the open river.

Canada Goose (64); A Black Duck (10); Mallard (48); Common Goldeneye (4m); Hooded Merganser (60); Common Merganser (3); Bald Eagle (1ad); Cooper’s Hawk (1ad); Red-shouldered Hawk (2: noisy pair that eventually perched next to each other); Red-tailed Hawk (8); Ring-billed Gull (4); Mourning Dove (38: most flushed from forest edge in a WMA); Great Horned Owl (1); Barred Owl (1); Belted Kingfisher (1); Red-bellied Woodpecker (4); Downy Woodpecker (1); Hairy Woodpecker (1).

Passerines were pretty typical, but we did note: Carolina Wren (3); E Bluebird (10); A Tree Sparrow (19); Red-winged Blackbird (4m).
(report from Mark Lynch/Sheila Carrol).

2/14/20 -- Wachuset Reservoir/Lancaster

Today we went to the following locations:

WACHUSETT RESERVOIR: Common Loon (1); Mute Swan (11); Bufflehead (2); Common Goldeneye (40); Hooded Merganser (6); Common Merganser (3); Cooper’s Hawk (1ad); Red-tailed Hawk (1); Ring- billed Gull (51); Herring Gull (6); C Raven (2).

SOUTH MEADOW POND, CLINTON: Mute Swan (3); Wood Duck (1m); Mallard (14); Bufflehead (pair); Common Goldeneye (1m).

LANCASTER: Mute Swan (4); Canada Goose (400++); CACKLING GOOSE (1: teeny goose with stubby bill and dark breast); Mallard (63); A Black Duck (25); Red-tailed Hawk (2).
(report from Mark Lynch/Sheila Carrol).

2/14/20 -- Townsend

At 07:30 AM this morning, there was a Bald Eagle flying SW toward Spaulding School in Townsend, MA. Believe it was coming from wooded area near Squannocook River. 42•40’18”N 71•42’50”W
(report from Bill Conaway).

2/11/20 -- Millbury

There were 18 Red-winged Black Birds today in Millbury. (report from Susan LaBree).

2/9/20 -- Main St., Oxford

I saw a flock of 10 Cedar Waxwings in a crabapple tree across the street from the Oxford library this afternoon. (report from Robert Brady)

2/9/20 -- Marlboro/Westboro/Shrewsbury

From this morning:

HAGAR POND, MARLBOROUGH (not Worcester County). NB: the gazebo, the traditional viewing spot) is closed and because of ice, all waterfowl are in the extreme right (viewing pond from Rt.20) corner. Clear views without some bushwhacking are tough. We also viewed from the optometrist’s lot (closed because of Sunday: lighting very tough).: Canada Goose (c.80); Mallard (c.200); A Black Duck (11); Green-winged Teal (3); Gadwall (3); N Pintail (7); Hooded Merganser (15); Ring-billed Gull (3).

SUDBURY RESERVOIR WATERSHED, SOUTHBOROUGH: c.80% ice covered: Mute Swan (2); Canada Goose (158); Mallard (7); Hooded Merganser (4); Red-tailed Hawk (2); Chipping Sparrow (loose flock of 7).

CHAUNCY LAKE, WESTBORO (80% ice covered): Mute Swan (22); Canada Goose (132); Mallard (2); Hooded Merganser (41); Common Merganser (4); Ring-billed Gull (23); Herring Gull (4).

SUASCO, WESTBORO (90% ice covered): Mute Swan (9); Hooded Merganser (2).

LAKE QUINSIGAMOND-FLINT POND COMPLEX, WORCESTER/GRAFTON/SHREWSBURY (65% ice covered): Mute Swan (10); Canada Goose (207); Mallard (159); A Black Duck (10); Green-winged Teal (1m); N Pintail (4m: Irish Dam outflow); Common Goldeneye (39); Hooded Merganser (17); Common Merganser (4); Turkey Vulture (1); Bald Eagle (1ad); Red-tailed Hawk (3); Ring-billed Gull (157); Herring Gull (8).

(report from Mark Lynch/Sheila Carrol).

2/3/20 -- Quabog IBA, Brookfields

Today, while checking out the ponds in the QUABOG IBA (Brookfields), we watched an adult pair of Bald Eagles at the north end of Lake Wickabog. They were standing on the mud, next to the cattails. Eventually they walked into the cattails and one at a time they grabbed a large clump of mud, grasses, roots, and cattails and flew up into their nest (from last year) to add the material.

Most of the lakes and ponds were mostly still ice-covered, but we still managed to see: Mute Swan (2); Canada Goose (3); Mallard (12); A Black Duck (7); Hooded Merganser (10); Bald Eagle (3: the pair at Wickabog and a sub adult perched along the river). Passerines were typical for this time of the year but we did have a pair of bluebirds and a pair of ravens.
(report from Mark Lynch/Sheila Carrol).

2/1/20 -- Wachusett Reservoir

This afternoon we birded around WACHUSETT RESERVOIR in gloomy conditions. There is still a lot of ice covering southern sections. Common Loon (5); Mute Swan (2); Ring-necked Duck (1m); Greater Scaup/scaup sp (63); Lesser Scaup (3); Common Goldeneye (26); Hooded Merganser (3); Common Merganser (1m); Red-breasted Merganser (1f); Bald Eagle (2imm+1ad).

On the way to the reservoir, we had (1) Merlin along Rt. 190 in Worcester.
(report from Mark Lynch/Sheila Carrol).

1/31/20 -- South Worcester County

Today we did some birding in south County.

BLACKSTONE-MILLVILLE: Canada Goose (56); Mute Swan (2); Mallard (9); Common Merganser (1); BLACK VULTURE (27: nb: at about 9AM we were parked in the Dunkin’ Doughnuts lot (Blackstone) and the large group of Black Vultures that we had discovered roosting just 100 yards over the border in Woonsocket RI began to fly over the lot and then over in the direction of the transfer station in Woonsocket. Later while in north central Blackstone we had a flock of 9 fly in from Bellingham. This flock circled high, and around and around overhead, then wafted slowly back towards Bellingham); Turkey Vulture (1: though 50+ were seen roosting on rooves and chimneys just over the border in Woonsocket); Red-tailed Hawk (1); Ring-billed Gull (26); FISH CROW (83: just before we saw the Black Vultures in north central Blackstone, VERY vocal flocks of Fish Crows passed overhead, all at the same height, all heading SW); Common Raven (1); E Bluebird (7); Carolina Wren (8); Chipping Sparrow (2); Swamp Sparrow (2).

WHITIN POND, UXBRIDGE: Ring-necked Duck (9); Common Merganser (1).

LINWOOD POND, NORTHBRIDGE: Canada Goose (129); Mallard (10); A Black Duck (19); Hooded Merganser (2).

WHITINS POND, NORTHBRIDGE: Mute Swan (8); Canada Goose (178); Hooded Merganser (2); Great Black Backed Gull (1adW).
(report from Mark Lynch/Sheila Carrol).

1/28/20 -- Notre Dame Cemetary, Worcester

This morning there was an adult Red-shouldered Hawk perched. He moved around to different trees and I got good looks at the front and back.
(report from Peter Morlock).

1/26/20 -- Dexter Drumlin, Lancaster

Went to Dexter Drumlin to try for the 4 Sandhill Cranes that Ed saw recently. As soon as I walked to the top they were on the right on the other side of a ditch. Over the field on Willard Lane (Harvard) I saw a Female Northern Harrier cruising.
(report from Peter Morlock).

1/24/20 -- Dexter Drumlin, Lancaster

At 9:45 AM I just observed the four Sandhill Cranes that have been in the area for about a week. I observed them from the top of the drumlin. They were in the private fields adjacent to the property. The fields that typically flood in the spring. Beware that they may step down into the ditch/creek that runs through the field and be temporarily out of sight (report from Ed Kittredge).

[Ed note: Mark Lynch reports that he and Shiela also observed the cranes, earlier this morning]

1/18/20 -- Lancaster/Wachusett Reservoir

This morning we went to Lancaster and area to look for the 4 Sandhill Cranes spotted yesterday. They were not in the pool behind the Thayer Conservatory or in the fields behind Dexter Drumlin. We checked around Bolton Flats but there were a number of goose hunters about, several having just set out large flock of decoys. We saw no cranes or actual geese for that matter. We checked a number of other fields in the area, including Davis Farmland: no geese, no cranes. We check Still River Depot Road for the shrike and dipped.

Heading back, we did a quick count around WACHUSETT RESERVOIR: Common Loon (3); Canada Goose (244); Mallard (18); Greater Scaup (67); Lesser Scaup (1); Bufflehead (4: 3m+1f); Common Goldeneye (64); Hooded Merganser (2); Common Merganser (8) (nb: no sign of the Red-breasted Mergansers); Red-tailed Hawk (2); Wild Turkey (18).
(report from Mark Lynch/Sheila Carrol).

1/15/20 -- Wachusett Reservoir

This AM we birded:

WACHUSETT RESERVOIR: Common Loon (4); Mallard (10); Greater Scaup (68); Lesser Scaup (2); Bufflehead (pair); Common Goldeneye (102); Common Merganser (19); RED-BREASTED MERGANSER (2f).

LANCASTER: Canada Goose (600+: we poured over these for anything non-Canada, no luck); Mallard (7); Wild Turkey (6).

BARE HILL POND, HARVARD: Mallard (12); Hooded Merganser (7); Common Merganser (14); Bald Eagle (1ad+1imm); Ring-billed Gull (19); Herring Gull (1).
(report from Mark Lynch/Sheila Carrol).

1/12/20 -- Quabog IBA

This afternoon we checked out the ponds and river in the QUABOG IBA. All large bodies had at least some open water while Lake Quacumquasit was mostly ice-free. We found nothing on the river.

Mute Swan (3); Canada Goose (126); Mallard (21); A Black Duck (1); Common Merganser (7); Red-tailed Hawk (1); Ring-billed Gull (126); Herring Gull (4); E Bluebird (1); Cedar Waxwing (23); Red-winged Blackbird (3). Bonus: several Spring Peepers calling.
(report from Mark Lynch/Sheila Carrol).

1/9/20 -- North Brookfield

A male yellow-bellied sapsucker was observed drilling holes in a walnut tree here in North Brookfield around 2:30 PM. (report from Jeff Smith).

1/3/20 -- Gate 36 Wachusett Reservoir, Sterling

This morning I spotted 3 Buffleheads, 3 Hooded Mergansers, 1 Greater Scaup and a Male Red-breasted Merganser. (report from Peter Morlock).

1/2/20 -- Quinsigamond Community College, Worcester

Three Merlins were perched at Quinsigamond Community College, all seen at once, at dusk. Best viewing was from parking lot adjacent to Burncoat Street.
(report from Bette Robo).

1/1/20 -- various locations, Worcester County

This morning, we decided to start the year, as we do most January 1st, by birding only in Worcester County. Here is a summary of what we saw/heard/and did:

We started well before dawn, owling around a number of areas in Paxton and Leicester. We managed: Great Horned Owl (2); Barred Owl (1); N Saw-whet Owl (2). It paid off doing extensive scouting.

Then, still before dawn, we hit some of the Worcester cemeteries and got our first Mallards, Canada Geese, a Sharp-shinned Hawk, a Screech Owl, and our only White-throated Sparrow until we got home.

Our plan was to be in southern Blackstone, near the Woonsocket border, just after dawn for Fish Crow and Black Vulture. We waited for the flock of Fish Crows we had before, but only saw/heard (1). We really succeeded with Black Vultures, tallying (28), including a rapidly moving flock of (23). Just over the border in Woonsocket, we had close views of (5) Black Vultures eating a dead skunk! Among the other birds tallied in the Millville-Blackstone area : Great Blue Heron (1); Turkey Vulture (7: 50+ on roosting on houses in Woonsocket); Iceland Gull (1 1stW) circled low over us and headed north while we were waiting for the Fish Crows to appear; Northern Flicker (2); Eastern Bluebird (3); Carolina Wren (3); Yellow-rumped Warbler (1); Swamp Sparrow (2).

Then we checked out ponds in the Uxbridge-Northbridge area: Mute Swan (13); Canada Goose (549); Mallard (14); A Black Duck (2); Ring-necked Duck (5); Hooded Merganser (5); Common Merganser (17).

Then a drive north to WACHUSETT RESERVOIR: Common Loon (4); Mallard (4); Ring-necked Duck (5); Greater Scaup (82); Lesser Scaup (3); Bufflehead (1m); Common Goldeneye (85); Hooded Merganser (2); Common Merganser (1); Bald Eagle (1imm sitting on ice); Peregrine Falcon (1ad: we were at the dam, and the falcon chased a drake scaup in close to us. It took a sudden turn down, and dove under the water, and the falcon flew back south. All that plus and Eastern Coyote.

At the Worcester Country Club we found Canada Goose (27); Mallard (20); but no turkeys. But we did have nice views of a Muskrat and a Red Fox.

Finally, a quick stop at Indian Lake in the city yielded the three common species of gulls, but little else.
(report from Mark Lynch/Sheila Carrol).

For previous sightings, see 2019 Archives or Archive Index