2021 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

Recent Central Mass Bird Sightings

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Bird Sightings:

12/31/21 -- Lake Quinsigamond-Flint Pond

This morning we searched the LAKE QUINSIGAMOND/FLINT POND water body in Worcester and Shrewsbury. Lots of waterfowl of just a few common species: Great Blue Heron (3); Canada Goose (194); Mute Swan (22); Mallard (180); Hooded Merganser (14); Common Merganser (29); Bald Eagle (1ad); Red-tailed Hawk (3); Ring-billed Gull (152); Herring Gull (4); N Flicker (1); Common Raven (3).
(report from Mark Lynch/Sheila Carroll).

12/29/21 -- Quabog IBA

This morning we birded the water bodies in the QUABOG IBA. What a difference 2 weeks make! On the Sturbridge CBC all water was open. Now most still water is ice-covered, though slushy-looking gray ice.: Lashaway: 95% ice-covered (north end has some open water); Quabog: 95% ice-covered ( small open water area where river enters); Wickabog: 90% ice-covered (north end with some open water); Mill Pond 95% ice-covered. Quacumquasit (South Pond): almost completely open. This is always the last pond to freeze over. Almost all żmovingż waters were open.

Totals: Great Blue Heron (1); Mute Swan (9); Canada Goose (44); Mallard (106); A Black Duck (30); Hooded Merganser (18); Common Merganser (1); Bald Eagle (1imm on ice at Lashaway eating something); Ring-billed Gull (31); Mourning Dove (19); Belted Kingfisher (2).
Passerines were in low variety, but jays were common everywhere. WE did have nice views of a Winter Wren and a large flock (120) of Common Grackle at a marsh. We also had (4) Red-winged Blackbirds and (1) Rusty Blackbird.
(report from Mark Lynch/Sheila Carroll).

12/27/21 -- Leicester-Worcester

This morning we looked for the Rough-legged again. We started at the Rt.56 fields and did not see it. We then checked the fields on Whittemore and could not find it there. Returning to the Rt.56 fields, we easily found the bird hunting and hovering on the east side of the road. We watched the bird for awhile and eventually it disappeared over the edge of the field. Driving down Mannville, we had the hawk fly over us, heading for the airport. Driving down Mulberry, we had nice views of the bird hunting over the fields on the west side of Mulberry, then over to the airport fields, sticking somewhat close to the edge and we lost sight of it by the isolated control tower. Driving to the terminal, we checked from there, but could not refind it. What we learned: this hawk is covering a LARGE area, and as Ed Kittridge said (we met him on Mulberry) you need luck to see it. I would add żpersistenceż and likely repeat visits.

At COES POND+ RESERVOIR: Great Blue Heron (1); Mute Swan (4); Canada Goose (19); Mallard (7); Hooded Merganser (16); Common Merganser (13); Red-tailed Hawk (3: pair chased an interloper out of the area); Ring-billed Gull (2); A Crow (30+); Fish Crow (4). We watched a crow fly over to a drake Hoodie and żdingż it on the head with itżs bill. Maybe trying to get a fish?

SOUTHWESTERN CEMETERIES: Not much: Mute Swan (1); Canada Goose (31); Mallard (34); A Black Duck (8); Belted kingfisher (2). Some of the water is now ice-covered.
(report from Mark Lynch/Sheila Carroll).

12/26/21 -- Worcester to Lancaster to Leicester

This morning we headed out to Lancaster, but along the way:

WORCESTER, WEST BOYLSTON STREET (Greendale area): Cooperżs Hawk (1: perched atop power pole. Large adult and therefore presumed female).

WORCESTER, WEST BOYLSTON STREET (Summit area): Peregrine Falcon (1ad also perched on power pole); Cooperżs Hawk (1).

WACHUSETT RESERVOIR: as we drove past: Red-tailed Hawk (4) in various locations.

BOLTON FLATS, LANCASTER: Sandhill Crane (3: 2 ad+1imm) in field on corner of Neck Road and Center Bridge Road).

Holden center: C Raven (1).

LEICESTER: Worcester Airport-RT.56 and beyond: Red-tailed Hawk (3); Rough-legged Hawk (1: originally seen perched on west side of Rt.56 at airport overlook, it flew south and away, harassed by a Red-tail. WE then refound it perched in a tree across from the intersection of Washburn and Whittemore. It then flew to back part of field and perched.) Also: E Bluebird (5); Snow Bunting (4).

WORCESTER: COES POND: besides the waterfowl noted by John Shea, Great Blue Heron (1); Bald Eagle (1ad)
(report from Mark Lynch/Sheila Carroll).

12/23/21 -- Wachusett Reservoir IBA

This morning we did a brief superficial survey of the WACHUSETT RESERVOIR IBA. Sterling Peat and The Quag were now mostly ice-covered, South Meadow Pond was mostly ice-covered while Meadow Pond was open. Visibility on the reservoir was a challenge: the heat loss of the water caused visual distortion and the wind whipped up small white-caps, making spotting birds on the surface tough. It was cold.

Mute Swan (4); Canada Goose (823 minimal: flocks were in Coachlace; on the high school A-fields, coming and going. On Coachlace, they were so dense I could have easily missed a Cackling, though I searched and searched for one); Mallard (12); Greater Scaup/żscaup sp.ż: the flock was dense at Coachlace: 139+);Lesser Scaup (4); Bufflehead (7); Common Goldeneye (71): Hooded Merganser (42); Common Merganser (35); Bald Eagle (3: 2ad+1imm: an adult and immature at East Waushacum); Red-tailed Hawk X Red-shouldered Hawk (1: in itżs usual area near the parking lot for the rail trail); Ring-billed Gull (18); C Raven (1); A Pipit (1).
(report from Mark Lynch/Sheila Carroll).

12/20/21 -- Marlborough

Today I had a Baltimore Oriole appear briefly at my feeders. It flew when I ran to grab a camera. Unfortunately I live in Marlborough and several miles outside the Worcester CBC count circle. It would have made an interesting count week addition! (report from Laura Lane).

12/18/21 -- Worcester Christmas Count

Here are the results of the Worcester Christmas Count for 2021. (report from John Liller).

12/16/21 -- Westboro, Northboro, Wachusett Reservoir

After doing some pre-count checking for Saturdayżs WORCESTER CBC, we checked some other ponds:

SUASCO, WESTBORO: Mute Swan (30); Canada Goose (45); Mallard (51); Hooded Merganser (4); Great Black Backed Gull (1adW)

CHAUNCY LAKE, WESTBORO: Mute Swan (18); Canada Goose (6); Hooded Merganser (52); Common Merganser (502: these were in constant motion, reason: see below, so this my be a low count); Bald Eagle (1ad).

LITTLE CHAUNCY, NORTHBORO: Mute Swan (4); Mallard (2); N Flicker (2); E Towhee (1m: see photo)

BARTLETT POND, NORTHBORO: Mute Swan (4); Canada Goose (31); Mallard (8); Bald Eagle (1ad).

We made a few checks along the eastern side of WACHUSETT RESERVOIR. There were nothing on the open water, but in Carville Basin and South Bay combined: Common Loon (1); Common Goldeneye (84).
(report from Mark Lynch/Sheila Carroll).

12/16/21 -- North Brookfield

For the 3rd winter in a row I have a Baltimore Oriole visiting my grape jelly feeder daily. (report from Jeff Smith).

12/16/21 -- Institute Park, Worcester

Highlights in early afternoon were 56 Hooded Mergs, 1 Am. Wigeon (m), and 1 Gadwall (f). (report from Rick Quimby).

12/14/21 -- Sturbridge CBC

On Tuesday December 14 , 34 birders and feeder watchers in 21 teams fanned out across our circle. 9.45 hours were spent owling, covering 70.4 miles and tallying 16 owls of 4 species. That seems like a lot of effort for just a little reward, but that's what it takes to get owls on any count.

CBCers spent 66.5 hours on foot covering 61.75 miles outside. Those high numbers are thanks to the weather and no snow or ice. Birders also spent 75.85 hours and 581.85 miles by car. 77 count species (higher than average), 1 "count week" (thanks to Rodney!) species, and 21321 individuals.

There was 1 new bird for the count circle: a hatch year female RUFOUS HUMMINGBIRD that had been coming to a feeder since late summer in Wales. The host humans did NOT want the word out but allowed hummingbird bander Anthony Hill to band it (see photo). The bird stayed after it was banded and visited the feeder 4 or 5 times the day of the count. This species was actually expected (if only eventually) to show up in the circle.

There were record high numbers for quite a few species: Bufflehead; Bald Eagle; Red-shouldered Hawk (ditto the Worcester Count); Yellow-bellied Sapsucker; Common Raven; Catbird; Yellow-rumped Warbler. Wildly high counts were also had for a number of blackbird species: Red-winged Blackbird, Common Grackle, and Brown-headed Cowbird. These counts would seem more typical of a month earlier. Great to have on the count, and certainly not seen every year or even every other year, were Common Loon, Pied-billed Grebe, Virginia Rail, American Wigeon, and American Kestrel. It was a treat to get so many ducks on the count. There have been years when most of all the ponds have been ice-covered and we struggle to get a handful of Mallards.

Weirdly, we had record low count for Wild Turkey. I note this because I still have a family of 6 visiting my feeders in my teeny backyard in the city. Missed species included Common Goldeneye (you would think with so much open water) ; Ruffed Grouse (what is happening with that species in the circle?) and Horned Lark. As farm fields disappear to development, larks are going to get scarcer. There were NO "winter finches" , no surprise, but we did have decent count of Golden-crowned Kinglets. Ruddy Ducks were also no show. Red-breasted Nuthatches were barely there.

Every team had some good birds and numbers. Bill and Nancy once again had the most people and teams in the field. Mammals seen: Red Squirrel, Gray Squirrel, Eastern Chipmunk, mouse sp., Beaver, Eastern Cottontail, Raccoon, River Otters, Red Fox, Eastern Coyote, and one teamreported (3) Bigfoot. There's a story there.
(report from Mark Lynch/Sheila Carroll).

12/12/21 -- Quabog IBA+Holland

This morning we did some żcount weekż checking of ponds in the Sturbridge CBC circle:

QUABOG IBA (all in the Sturbridge CBC circle): Pied-billed Grebe (1); Great Blue Heron (1); Canada Goose (101); Mallard (211); A Black Duck (26); Ring-necked Duck (4); Hooded Merganser (90); Common Merganser (653); Cooperżs Hawk (1); Bald Eagle (6: 2ad+1sub/ad+3imm); Red-tailed Hawk (1); Ring-billed Gull (162); Herring Gull (2); Belted Kingfisher (1).

HAMILTON RESERVOIR, HOLLAND: Common Loon (1); Great Blue Heron (1); Mallard (56); A Black Duck (2); Bufflehead (6); Hooded Merganser (30); Common Merganser (8); Ring-billed Gull (16); Herring Gull (1); Belted Kingfisher (1).
(report from Mark Lynch/Sheila Carroll).

12/10/21 -- Wachusett Reservoir IBA

This morning we birded the WACHUSETT RESERVOIR IBA. We were on a sharp-lookout for a Cackling Goose. A large flock of 350 geese were feeding on the north most soccer field across from the high school. By pulling in the road into the A-field parking area, we had perfect looks of all the geese. We both scanned the flock a number of times AND. THERE. WAS. NO. CACKLING! There were no geese on Coachlace, and very few geese on the reservoir. Kevin B. had good looks at the Cackling flying over his house later in the AM. That goose had to have come from some other location, like the fields near Kevin. Waterfowl numbers, other than geese and scaup, were modest at best. Once again, Sterling Peat was ice covered and had nothing. The Quag was mostly ice-covered and had little (2 Hooded Mergs).

South Meadow Pond was 1/3 ice-covered but had a large flock of scaup, more than Coachlace did. The rain and warm weather will re-open most of these ponds, but often (not always) once waterfowl move out of a pond, they donżt return till spring, except mergs. Common Loon (6); Canada Goose (388); Mute Swan (3); Mallard (6); Greater Scaup/scaup sp. (69); Lesser Scaup (10); Long-tailed Duck (2m); Bufflehead (7); Common Goldeneye (20); Hooded Merganser (26); Common Merganser (10); Cooperżs Hawk (2); Red-tailed Hawk (4: on the west side of the res we had 2 Red-tails sitting VERY close, facing each other, perched atop a Tree Swallow box. It looked very weird); Ring-billed Gull (3); Belted Kingfisher (3).
(report from Mark Lynch/Sheila Carroll).

12/9/21 -- Institute Park, Worcester

Highlights in the late afternoon were 2 GB Herons, 3 Mute Swans, 1 Green-winged Teal (m), 8 Am. Black Ducks, 30 Hooded Mergansers, 1 Belted Kingfisher (m), and 1 Am. Robin (singing like it was spring!). (report from Rick Quimby).

12/9/21 -- Lake Quinsigamond-Flint Pond, Worcester/Shrewsbury

This morning we birded the LAKE QUINSIGAMOND-FLINT POND water complex in Worcester and Shrewsbury. Lots of waterfowl, but not much variety.

Great Blue Heron (2); Mute Swan (28); Canada Goose (127); Mallard (186); A Black Duck (9); Green-winged Teal (2); Hooded Merganser (82); Common Merganser (134); Red-tailed Hawk (2); Bald Eagle (2: 1ad+1imm); Killdeer (2: see photo: north end); Ring-billed Gull (88); Herring Gull (4).
(report from Mark Lynch/Sheila Carroll).

12/9/21 -- Chaffin pond, Holden

Some early morning birding from the short trail at end of Gail drive today:

Brown creeper; Red breasted nuthatch; Red bellied woodpecker; Yellow bellied sapsucker; Hooded merganser; Pied billed grebe; 4 Rusty blackbirds; 3 Eastern Bluebirds; 2 American Bald Eagles (Adults -- one was tagged, perched on frozen pond); Screech owl roosting in nest box.
(report from Scott Matthews).

12/6/21 -- Institute Park, Worcester

Highlights at noon were 1 Green-winged Teal (f), 1 Am. Wigeon (m), and 42 Hooded Mergansers. (report from Rick Quimby).

12/5/21 -- New Braintree-North Brookfield

Today we birded around NEW BRAINTREE. We were hoping to turn up some flocks of Horned Larks or Snow Buntings in the many fields there, but we totally dipped (though I am sure they pass through here). This morning was a story of 2 “J”s: jays and juncos: all over. Birds were around feeders (no surprise). There are no big open water areas in New Braintree and the marshes were mostly ice-covered:

Canada Goose (571: all fly-overs, none on the ground); Snow Goose (1 in a flock of Canadas heading sw); Green- winged Teal (5: put down in a small open stream in a field); Red-tailed Hawk (5); Red-bellied Woodpecker (2); Downy Woodpecker (2); N Flicker (1); Blue Jay (104); A Crow (9); C Raven (2); Black-capped Chickadee (14); Tufted Titmouse (7); White-breasted Nuthatch (4); E Bluebird (6); Hermit Thrush (1); A Robin (32); A Tree Sparrow (11); Dark-eyed Junco (102); White-throated Sparrow (1); N Cardinal (8); Red-winged Blackbird (3); House Finch (19); A Goldfinch (2).

At nearby HORSE POND, NORTH BROOKFIELD: Canada Goose (468); A Black Duck (3); Bufflehead (1f); Belted Kingfisher (1); White-throated Sparrow (35); Dark-eyed Junco (3); Tree Sparrow (4).
(report from Mark Lynch/Sheila Carroll).

12/4/21 -- Quabog IBA-Spencer

This morning we counted waterfowl on ponds and rivers in the QUABOG IBA (Brookfields). Some of the ponds have started to ice over: Lashaway had scatted slushy ice and the water has been lowered; Quabog had some ice along the edges; Quacumquasit was ice-free; Wickabog had a little ice. Small marshy ponds were mostly ice-covered. There were good numbers of Common and Hooded Mergansers, Mallards. Lashaway and Quabog had the most Common Mergs, and Wickabog also had decent numbers. Quacumquasit had nothing, but boats were out. When we started, there were no boats out on Quabog, by late morning, boats were out and the big merg flocks had broken up and scattered and in far fewer numbers.

Great Blue Heron (1); Mute Swan (3); Canada Goose (201); Wood Duck (6); Mallard (308); A Black Duck (7); Green- winged Teal (6); Greater Scaup (2); Hooded Merganser (178); Common Merganser (1179); Red-breasted Merganser (1m); Cooper’s Hawk (2); Bald Eagle (8: 5 immatures together at Lashaway and 3 adults at 3 very different locations. One of these was perched low in a tree on a residential road); Red-tailed Hawk (1); Ring-billed Gull (280: when there are lots of mergs, you’ll often see lots of Ring-billed Gulls harassing (kleptoparasitizing) them); Barred Owl (1); Belted Kingfisher (2).

On the way home we stopped by STILES RESERVOIR, LEICESTER-SPENCER: Great Blue Heron (1); Canada Goose (3); Mallard (134); A Black Duck (8); Hooded Merganser (24); Common Merganser (13); Ring-billed Gull (1).
(report from Mark Lynch/Sheila Carroll).

11/30/21 -- Institute Park, Worcester

Highlights at noon were 1 Great Blue Heron, 3 Mute Swan, 2 Green-winged Teal (f), 2 Am. Wigeon (1m, 1f), 10 Hooded Mergansers, 1 Carolina Wren, and 2 Song Sparrows. Note: part of the pond had a thin ice layer, but much was open. (report from Rick Quimby).

11/26/21 -- Worcester city ponds

We briefly counted water fowl at 3 city ponds (Worcester) before the rain started:

INDIAN LAKE: Great Blue Heron (2); Mute Swan (3); Canada Goose (51); Mallard (38); A Black Duck (3); Hooded Merganser (40); Common Merganser (259); GULLS: Ring-billed (78); Herring (1); Great Black-backed (3); Belted Kingfisher (1).

COES POND-RESERVOIR: Great Blue Heron (1); Canada Goose (8); Mallard (4); Hooded Merganser (6); Common Merganser (42).

CURTIS POND: Mute Swan (2); Canada Goose (2); Mallard (8); Hooded Merganser (24); Ring-billed Gull (12).
(report from Mark Lynch/Sheila Carroll).

11/25/21 -- Wachusett Reservoir

Today we birded the WACHUSETT RESERVOIR IBA. There was nothing at Sterling Peat, the Quag and very few ducks on the Waushacums. Coachlace had the largest number and best variety. The reservoir proper had VERY little waterfowl and very few loons. Common Loon (3); Double-crested Cormorant (1: Coachlace); Great Blue Heron (1); Mute Swan (5); Canada Goose (190); A Black Duck (1); Mallard (15); Greater Scaup (63); Bufflehead (3); Hooded Merganser (12); Red-tailed Hawk (3); Ring-billed Gull (5); Mourning Dove (11); Belted Kingfisher (4).

We also visited Davis Farmland (Canada Goose (102), N Flicker and raven; Bartlett Pond (Sterling) : 2 swans; Dexter Drumland (nothing special).
(report from Mark Lynch/Sheila Carroll).

11/21/21 -- Paxton-Leicester-Worcester

This morning we birded some spots close to home:

WORCESTER COUNTY MEMORIAL PARK, PAXTON: Great Blue Heron (1); Canada Goose (16); Hooded Merganser (10: either immatures or females; no adult males); Belted Kingfisher (1); A Robin (14).

WORCESTER AIRPORT-RT. 56: almost nothing: 2 Song Sparrows and a Carolina Wren.

WAITE POND LEICESTER: Mute Swan (4); Mallard (18); Ring-necked Duck (204).

COES POND/RESERVOIR: Mallard (5); Bufflehead (2); A Crow (14); Fish Crow (3).

CITY OF WORCESTER: SW CEMETERIES. This is 4 adjacent (or almost so) cemeteries in the southwestern area of the city: Notre Dame, Hope, All Faiths, St. Johns. Great Blue Heron (1); Mute Swan (2); Canada Goose (67); Mallard (79); A Black Duck (3); Hooded Merganser (44); Red-tailed Hawk (3); Ring-billed Gull (2); Mourning Dove (6); E Screech Owl (1); Belted Kingfisher (1); Red-bellied Woodpecker (2); Yellow-bellied Sapsucker (1m); Downy Woodpecker (3); Hairy Woodpecker (2); N Flicker (1); Blue Jay (33); A Crow (7); Fish Crow (1); Carolina Wren (2); Black-capped Chickadee (9); Tufted titmouse (4); White-breasted Nuthatch (7); A Robin (36); Cedar Waxwing (4); Song Sparrow (9); Swamp Sparrow (1); Dark-eyed Junco (36); N Cardinal (2); House Finch (2).
(report from Mark Lynch/Sheila Carroll).

11/21/21 -- Leominster

At 8 am, a pair of peregrine falcons perched on St Cecilia Church at the junction of Mechanics St and Third Street. The larger bird (presumably female) was tearing into some unidentifiable prey. The other bird was perched on the main steeple. (report from Marion Larson and Scott Handler).

11/20/21 -- Oxford

There were 2 male Purple Finches at my feeder this morning. This was the first time I had seen this species in my yard (report from Robert Brady)

11/19/21 -- Sutton/Douglas/Webster/Dudley

Today we birded some ponds in Sutton, Douglas, Webster, and Dudley. Highlights were few.

We did have a flock of 7 Wood Ducks (5m) on Lake Manchaug (Sutton/Douglas), which are not typical for this pond.

Whitin Reservoir had the most birds and best variety: Pied-billed Grebe (1); Bufflehead (9); Common Goldeneye (12); Common Merganser (4).

Webster Lake beach had the usual gang of gulls including (3) Great Black-backs.

At Wallis Pond in Dudley there were (2) Killdeer still hanging in there.

Town Farm Road in Sutton: (1) We had a cock pheasant standing in the middle of the road, that we żherdedż off the road with our car. I could have hit it with a rock. Obviously, a release from Fish and Game. If they are releasing birds this tame to be hunted, thatżs not much sport. (2) we noticed a structure toward the back of the field. Shooting blind? Looked like it, but I am not sure. BTW: hunters were in quite a few locations, so WEAR YOUR ORANGE.
(report from Mark Lynch/Sheila Carroll).

11/17/21 -- Holden/Rutland/Wachusett Reservoir IBA

This morning we checked these places:

WORCESTER/INDIAN LAKE: The water is lowered, making it attractive to mergs and gulls: Great Blue Heron (2); Mute Swan (8); Canada Goose (82); Mallard (12); Hooded Merganser (55); Common Merganser (104); Ring-billed Gull (111); Herring Gull (2).

HOLDEN/EAGLE LAKE-STUMP POND: Starting to ice over. Great Blue Heron (1); Canada Goose (8); Mallard (23); A Black Duck (42); Ring-necked Duck (6); Hooded Merganser (4); Wild Turkey (13).

RUTLAND: PINE HILL RESERVOIR: nothing.

RUTLAND: MUSCHAPAUGE ROAD: nothing except MANY starlings.

HOLDEN: QUINAPOXET RESERVOIR: Bufflehead (3m).

HOLDEN: COURNOYER POND: Double-crested Cormorant (1); Bufflehead (14).

WACHUSETT RESERVOIR IBA: A noisy airboat was zipping all over the main reservoir. Many fishermen lining the shores. Nothing at Sterling Peat or The Quag. Red-throated Loon (1 in Carville Basin. Sheila got a few identification shots as it flew north); Common Loon (11); Double-crested Cormorant (1); Mute Swan (4); Canada Goose (295); Mallard (6); Greater Scaup (105); Lesser Scaup (2); Bufflehead (3); Hooded Merganser (14); Common Merganser (6).
(report from Mark Lynch/Sheila Carroll).

11/14/21 -- Petersham, Hardwick, Quabog IBA

Petersham: Great Blue Heron (1); Canada Goose (19); Mallard (11); Ring-necked Duck (14); Hooded Merganser (3); Yellow-bellied Sapsucker (1); Hermit Thrush (1); Many robins, jays, and juncos. Plus 2 River Otters.

Hardwick: Canada Goose (310);Ring-necked Duck (13); Hooded Merganser (1). Also many jays and juncos.

Quabog IBA: Common Loon (1); Pied-billed Grebe (1); Mute Swan (2); Canada Goose (115); A Black Duck (1); Greater Scaup (1); White-winged Scoter (11); Bufflehead (9); Hooded Merganser (51); Common Merganser (130); Bald Eagle (1imm); Red-tailed Hawk (2).
(report from Mark Lynch/Sheila Carroll).

11/14/21-- Sterling

There were a Cattle Egret and an American Kestrel at Davis Farm, Redstone Hill Road this morning around 10. (report from Marion Larson and Scott Handler)

11/13/21 -- Holland, Wales, Quabog IBA

Hamilton Reservoir, Holland: very few waterfowl: Great Blue Heron (1); Canada Goose (3); Mallard (32); Bufflehead (4); Ruddy Duck (31).

Lake George, Wales: NOTHING! Which is surprising.

Quabog IBA: Pied-billed Grebe (1); Great Blue Heron (4); Mute Swan (2); Canada Goose (18); Mallard (5); A Black Duck (6); Hooded Merganser (6); Common Merganser (125); Red-breasted Merganser (1); Bald Eagle (1ad).
(report from Mark Lynch/Sheila Carroll).

11/11/21 -- Wachusett Reservoir IBA

This morning we did a quick look at the WACHUSETT RESERVOIR IBA before my afternoon of interviews.

Common Loon (13); Horned Grebe (1); Double-crested Cormorant (2); Great Blue Heron (2); Mute Swan (5); Canada Goose (2); Mallard (2); Ring-necked Duck (9: flew from The Quag to West Waushacum); Greater Scaup (59); Long- tailed Duck (4 drakes: a tight flock of 3 put on a nice show looking from the dam in the direction of Cunningham Ledge. Perfect light and water conditions); Surf Scoter (1m+1f); White-winged Scoter (7: we watched 1 drake from the dam, fly north, circle around and eventually join the Long-tailed Ducks); Bufflehead (1); Hooded Merganser (4); Common Merganser (3); Ruddy Duck (4 continue on West Waushacum); NB: from the dam, and with the scope on max, we could see a large flock of waterfowl across from Gate 8 and against Greenhalge Point. Maybe 60+ birds. We could barely make them out as waterfowl. We went back to the dike and scoped out the area from that vantage point and could NOT see them. You would have to hike out Gate 8 or to Greenhalge to get a look); Bald Eagle (1ad); Red-shouldered Hawk (1); Red-tailed Hawk (1); Belted Kingfisher (4).
(report from Mark Lynch/Sheila Carroll).

11/7/21 -- Westboro/Northboro/Southboro/Harvard/Worcester

Today we made short visits to a number of places:

WESTBORO: SuAsCo (2 overlooks); Pied-billed Grebe (5: all seen from the Mill Street side); Mute Swan (16); Canada Goose (17); Wood Duck (2); Mallard (10); A Black Duck (17); Ring-necked Duck (50).

WESTBORO: CHAUNCY LAKE (2 overlooks): Mute Swan (17); Mallard (3); Hooded Merganser (1); Ring-billed Gull (7).

NORTHBORO: BARTLETT POND (2overlooks): Pied-billed Grebe (1); Great Blue Heron (1); Mute Swan (4); Mallard (7); Ring-necked Duck (2).

SOUTHBORO: SUDBURY RESERVOIR (many overlooks): Great Blue Heron (1); Mute Swan (3); Canada Goose (202); Mallard (31); Lesser Scaup (2); Ring-necked Duck (292); Bufflehead (1); Ruddy Duck (136); Ring-billed Gull (1); E Phoebe (1); E Towhee (1).

HARVARD: BARE HILL POND: Canada Goose (32); Bald Eagle (1ad); Red-tailed Hawk (2); Killdeer (2); Barred Owl (1); Pileated Woodpecker (1).

WACHUSETT RESERVOIR: from the dam only: Common Loon (5); Double-crested Cormorant (3); Ring-billed Gull (19); Herring Gull (2).

WORCESTER: INDIAN LAKE (from the beach): Double-crested Cormorant (1); Mute Swan (2); Canada Goose (18); Common Merganser (62).
(report from Mark Lynch/Sheila Carroll).

11/6/21 -- Quabog IBA

This morning we birded the water bodies in the QUABOG IBA. Nothing out of the ordinary, and actually lower than usual numbers and variety for this time of the year.

Common Loon (1: Lake Quabog); Great Blue Heron (6); Canada Goose (324); A Black Duck (2); Mallard (30); Ring-necked Duck (2); Hooded Merganser (61); Common Merganser (63); Bald Eagle (1); N Harrier (1); Red-shouldered Hawk (1: we had another shoulder in Paxton on the drive out); Red-tailed Hawk (2); Ring-billed Gull (33); Herring Gull (1); Mourning Dove (14); Red-bellied Woodpecker (5); N Flicker (4); Pileated Woodpecker (2).

Passerines were typical for this time of the year. WE had (11) bluebirds; (1) catbird; (69) Red-winged Blackbirds; (1) Rusty Blackbird. Sparrows were dominated by far by White-throats (48) and juncos (51)
(report from Mark Lynch/Sheila Carroll).

11/5/21 -- Holden/Rutland/Wachusett Reservoir

This morning we birded several spots in Holden; Rutland; and Wachusett Reservoir.

HOLDEN/EAGLE-LAKE-MUDDY POND: skim ice covering large areas: Great Blue Heron (2); Canada Goose (77); Wood Duck (1); Green-winged Teal (39); A Black Duck (20); Ring-necked Duck (72); Bufflehead (2); Hooded Merganser (1); Killdeer (10).
NB: This is a tough area to bird well. Take extreme caution if you are out on the causeway: it’s narrow and some cars speed along the area.

RUTLAND: MUSCHOPAUGE ROAD FARMLANDS: Huge numbers of geese tucked into a very tough place to check well. We had to scope them at a distance from WACHUSETT STREET (do not trespass). Canada Goose (c.1100: we scoped this large tight flock for awhile but could only see Canadas. In the past Snow, Greater White-fronted, and Pink-footed Geese have all showed up here.); Red-tailed Hawk (1); Also present was a huge flock of blackbirds passing through and feeding: estimates: Red-winged Blackbird (c.1000); C Grackle (60+); Cowbird (30+), plus many hundreds of starlings. Frustrating, but cool to see.

HOLDEN: QUINAPAOXET RESRVOIR: Common Merganser (5); Hooded Merganser (also 5).

HOLDEN: COURNOYER POND: NB: this is a private pond, but you can, with some effort, scope if from the lot for Mason Conservation Area.: Canada Goose (1); Mallard (12); Ring-necked Duck (1f); Bufflehead (18).

WACHUSETT RESERVOIR (quick check): Common Loon (7); Red-throated Loon (1); Double-crested Cormorant (3); Sharp-shinned Hawk (1); Red-tailed Hawk (1); Ring-billed Gull (4); American Pipit (c.35); Snow Bunting (3). Thanks to Nancy Demers for the report of the last 2 species. This morning the pipits were being kicked up a lot by mowers. The buntings were around the rocks. NB: Again that deer hunting is on-going here.
(report from Mark Lynch/Sheila Carroll).

11/5/21 -- Institute Park, Worcester

Highlights at noon included 3 Mute Swan, 8 Hooded Mergansers, 1 Sharp-shinned Hawk (flew in and landed in tree, staying a while giving great views), 1 Killdeer, 3 A. Robins, 8 Song Sparrows, 12 White-throated Sparrows, and 5 House Finches.
Yesterday (11/4), notable birds were 3 Am. Black Ducks and 4 Red-winged Blackbirds.
(report from Rick Quimby).

10/29/21 -- Quabog IBA, Brookfields

This morning we birded the water in the QUABOG IBA (Brookfields+). We actually had to do the ponds twice because of the morning fog (starting temps went as low as 30F).

Pied-billed Grebe (3); Great Blue Heron (5); Mute Swan (2); Canada Goose (41); Wood Duck (2); American Wigeon (1m); A Black Duck (11); Mallard (44); Ring-necked Duck (19); Greater Scaup (3); Hooded Merganser (13); Common Merganser (3); Bald Eagle (1ad); Red-shouldered Hawk (1); Red-tailed Hawk (1); Ring-billed Gull (39); Herring Gull (1imm); Belted Kingfisher (1).

We didn’t really focus on sparrows and so did not do the MAS at Elm Hill and other field areas. White-throats were still around in good numbers, but Swamp Sparrow number are declining. Good numbers of robins in several spots, and (4) Yellow-rumped Warblers. Fave sighting of the day was the 3 young otters giving us the once over.
(report from Mark Lynch/Sheila Carroll).

10/29/21 -- Institute Park, Worcester

Highlights at noon were 1 GB Heron, 3 Mute Swan, 12 Hooded Mergansers, 2 Killdeer, 1 Belted Kingfisher, 1 Hairy Woodpecker, 2 Ruby-crowned Kinglets, 3 Am. Robins, 1 Cedar Waxwing (imm), 1 Blackpoll Warbler (nice looks), 10 White-throated Sparrows, and 1 Red-winged Blackbird.

Yesterday (10/28) there were ~20 Hooded Mergs, 25+ White-throated Sparrows, and 1 White-crowned Sparrow.

Special note for birders: The raised boardwalk along the NW section of the pond is now open, and provides convenient access to the wooded/swampy part of the park that was formerly only accessible by bushwacking through the woods. This will be a good spot for viewing landbirds in the park, although shy waterfowl will no longer consider this "secret cove" so secret anymore.
(report from Rick Quimby).

10/27/21 -- Wachusett Reservoir IBA

This morning we birded most of the water of the WACHUSETT RESERVOIR IBA, except Sterling Peat. We had NO loons (!) and NO gulls (!!).

Double-crested Cormorant (52, including a flock of 40 on the water of the reservoir); Mute Swan (3); Wood Duck (26: all on The Quag); Mallard (18); Ring-necked Duck (11); Greater Scaup (12); Black Scoter (2); White-winged Scoter (15); Surf Scoter (1) NB: all the scoters were in 1 flock of all drakes at the reservoir, best seen from the dam. They flew around several times); Bufflehead (1); Common Merganser (85: 1 flock on East Waushacum); Turkey Vulture (6); Barred Owl (1); Belted Kingfisher (1).

On the way home we checked Indian Lake, Worcester: Double-crested Cormorant (51); Canada Goose (30);Common Merganser (4); Ring-billed Gull (1).
(report from Mark Lynch/Sheila Carroll).

10/23/21 -- Quabog IBA

This morning we birded a few areas of the QUABOG IBA (Brookfields, and small adjacent parts of Warren, and Sturbridge). Lots of sparrows, but not a lot of waterfowl. Part of this may be due that the fair weather, which has meant there are still lots of fishing boats out (also this AM, some event was going on at the beach of Wickaboag) and high water means not as many dabbling species at ponds like Wickabog and Lashaway. All in all, nothing rare. BTW: hunters were out in several locations and when wandering from the car, we wore orange. :

Pied-billed Grebe (2); Great Blue Heron (5); Canada Goose (119); A Black Duck (1); Mallard (39); Ring- necked Duck (2); Turkey Vulture (7); Bald Eagle (1ad); Sharp-shinned Hawk (1); Cooper’s Hawk (1); Red- tailed Hawk (3); Wild Turkey (4); Killdeer (5); Ring-billed Gull (17); Mourning Dove (13); Belted Kingfisher (2); Red-bellied Woodpecker (8); Hairy Woodpecker (3); N Flicker (2); Pileated Woodpecker (2).
E Phoebe (5); Blue Jay (66); A Crow (10); Black-capped Chickadee (7); Tufted Titmouse (4); White- breasted Nuthatch (5); Carolina Wren (9); E Bluebird (17); Hermit Thrush (6); A Robin (73); Gray Catbird (1); N Mockingbird (1); Cedar Waxwing (24); Yellow-rumped Warbler (1); Palm Warbler (7).
SPARROWS: Chipping (7); Vesper (1); Savannah (4); Song (81); Swamp (66); White-throated (194); White-crowned (2imm); Dark-eyed Junco (16).
N Cardinal (3); Red-winged Blackbird (92); House Finch (11).
(report from Mark Lynch/Sheila Carroll).

10/21/21 -- Wachusett Reservoir IBA/Indian Lake

This morning we did a quick survey of the WACHUSETT RESERVOIR IBA.

NB: be aware that the lottery-based DEER HUNT is now on-going , through December, at WACHUSETT RESERVOIR. Wear hunter’s orange when hiking trails there.

Common Loon (14); Pied-billed Grebe (2); Double-crested Cormorant (31); Mute Swan (3); Canada Goose (53); Mallard (14); Ring-necked Duck (1f at Sterling Peat; none at the Quag); Greater Scaup (16); Bufflehead (6: 1f); Common Merganser (flock of 42 at East Waushacum. We watched these birds apparently cooperatively herd schools of fish in the shallows along the beach. No adult breeding plumage males); Sharp-shinned hawk (1); Northern Harrier (1); Red-tailed Hawk (1); Ring-billed Gull (21); Pileated Woodpecker (1).

On the way home, at INDIAN LAKE, city of WORCESTER: Canada Goose (18); Common Merganser (33); Osprey (1).
(report from Mark Lynch/Sheila Carroll).

10/17/21 -- Blackstone-Millville

Today we birded BLACKSTONE/MILLVILLE, two small MA towns on the border of Rhode Island. There are a few trails to hike (most notably the Blackstone bikeway), but birding the area is mostly stopping at small “pocket places”. The area is well known as a great place to see Black Vultures. These (and many Turkey Vultures) are attracted to the transfer station in Woonsocket right on the border with Blackstone. These birds eventually waft over the state line at some point, and some then head north along the river. Most stay in the area of Blackstone/Millville/Woonsocket. This area also hosts good counts of Fish Crows, apparently traveling north along the river. These are most regularly observed on early winter mornings. We dipped on them today, but did have:

Great Blue Heron (1); Canada Goose (19); Mute Swan (5); Mallard (4); Black Vulture (10); Turkey Vulture (23); Sharp-shinned Hawk (1: we watched this bird strafe a small flock of starlings right in front of us, and nail one bird badly. There was a burst of feathers, but the starling got away. The Sharpie stayed in the area, hoping the wounded bird would show up again); Red-tailed Hawk (1); Mourning Dove (32); E Screech Owl (1); Belted Kingfisher (1); Red-bellied Woodpecker (5); Downy Woodpecker (3); N Flicker (5).
E Phoebe (2); Blue Jay (75); A Crow (5); Black-capped Chickadee (9); Tufted Titmouse (1); White-breasted Nuthatch (3); Carolina Wren (16); E Bluebird (13); Hermit Thrush (1); A Robin (9); Gray Catbird (3); N Mockingbird (6); Yellow-rumped Warbler (23); Blackpoll Warbler (4).
SPARROWS: Chipping (6); Savannah (1); Song (43); Lincoln’s (1); Swamp (8); White-throated (77); Dark-eyed Junco (29).
N Cardinal (6); House Finch (18); A Goldfinch (11).

On the way home, we made a brief stop at WHITIN POND, NORTHBRIDGE: Great Blue Heron (2); Mute Swan (19); Canada Goose (1); Bald Eagle (1imm).
(report from Mark Lynch/Sheila Carroll).

10/14/21 -- Ware River IBA/Holden

Today we birded parts of the WARE RIVER WATERSHED IBA. Birding along the roads through forested areas was very slow. This was also true Tuesday (10/12) when we birded the roads through forests in Winchendon and South Royalston. Be forewarned: the dirt roads in this IBA were only in fair condition because of all the rain. High carriage vehicles are best.

Today: Canada Goose (2); Turkey Vulture (1); Sharp-shinned Hawk (2); Virginia Rail (1); Mourning Dove (1); Red-bellied Woodpecker (3); Downy Woodpecker (3); Hairy Woodpecker (6); Pileated Woodpecker (1); E Phoebe (5); Blue Jay (54); A Crow (10); C Raven (1); Black-capped Chickadee (22); Tufted Titmouse (7); White-breasted Nuthatch (14); Brown Creeper (3); Ruby-crowned Kinglet (1); Hermit Thrush (22); A Robin (42); Gray Catbird (2).
WARBLERS: Yellow-rumped (6); Palm (4); Blackpoll (1); C Yellowthroat (2).
SPARROWS: Chipping (6); Savannah (4); Song (11); Swamp (21); White-throated (16); Dark-eyed Junco (10).
Red-winged Blackbird (3).

On the way home we checked out EAGLE LAKE/STUMP POND in Holden: Double-crested Cormorant (1); Great Blue Heron (2); Canada Goose (322); Wood Duck (5); Mallard (26); A Black Duck (6); Green-winged Teal (20); Killdeer (1).
(report from Mark Lynch/Sheila Carroll).

10/8/21 -- Petersham

This morning we birded PETERSHAM, including Harvard Pond, several other ponds, MAS and TOR properties, and along several roads. Birds were typical for this time of the year, but we dipped on phoebe which was weird.

Pied-billed Grebe (1); Great Blue Heron (1); Wood Duck (83); Mallard (12); Green-winged Teal (1); Turkey Vulture (1); Sharp-shinned Hawk (1: we watched this bird chase and catch a White-throat); Mourning Dove (2); Barred Owl (2); N Saw-whet Owl (very vocal at 12:30PM!); Red-bellied Woodpecker (12); Yellow-bellied Sapsucker (4); Downy Woodpecker (1); Hairy Woodpecker (2); N Flicker (13); Pileated Woodpecker (2).
Blue Jay (61); A Crow (7); C Raven (2);; Black-capped Chickadee (38); Tufted Titmouse (9); Red-breasted Nuthatch (5); White-breasted Nuthatch (6); Golden-crowned Kinglet (4); Ruby-crowned Kinglet (34); Hermit Thrush (15); A Robin (3); Gray Catbird (2).
WARBLERS: Yellow-rumped (11); Black-throated Green (1); Palm (1); Blackpoll (4); C Yellowthroat (1).
SPARROWS: Chipping (73); Song (18); Lincoln’s (1); White-throated (158); Dark-eyed Junco (2).
N cardinal (2); Red-winged Blackbird (1).

Our only butterfly was an Eastern Comma. But we did find 2 Oil Beetles.
(report from Mark Lynch/Sheila Carroll).

10/6/21 -- Hardwick

This morning we birded a few areas in Hardwick, including Gate 43 fishing area, Muddy Brook WMA, and a number of roads. There were few land birds at Gate 43, which was unusual. Typically, at this of the year you find good movements of migrant warblers along the shore. Not today. We did find clouds of White- throats in a number of other locations, and eventually we found a few migrant warblers.

Common Loon (2); Double-crested Cormorant (12); Canada Goose (182); Wood Duck (2); Common Merganser (1m); Turkey Vulture (9); Black Vulture (2); Osprey (1); Bald Eagle (2ad); A Kestrel (1); Ring-billed Gull (4); Barred Owl (1); Belted Kingfisher (2); Red-bellied Woodpecker (17); Yellow-bellied Sapsucker (1); Hairy Woodpecker (3); N Flicker (5); Pileated Woodpecker (3).
E Phoebe (9); Blue-headed Vireo (1); Red-eyed Vireo (1); Blue Jay (41); A Crow (4); C Raven (2); Black- capped Chickadee (28); Tufted Titmouse (12); Red-breasted Nuthatch (6); White-breasted Nuthatch (7); Brown Creeper (1); Carolina Wren (1); Winter Wren (1); Golden-crowned Kinglet (1); Ruby-crowned Kinglet (20); E Bluebird (17); Hermit Thrush (12); A Robin (2); Gray Catbird (8).
WARBLERS: Yellow-rumped (12); Palm (14); Blackpoll (4); Black and White (1); C Yellowthroat (2).
SPARROWS: E Towhee (9); Chipping (58); Song (37); Swamp (21); White-throated (279); White-crowned (2).
N Cardinal (3); A Goldfinch (6).

PLUS: Nodding Ladies Tresses (an orchid) at Gate 43; and a River Otter crossing the road in Muddy Brook.
(report from Mark Lynch/Sheila Carroll).

10/3/21 -- Quabog IBA

We birded the QUABOG IBA this morning. It was a BIG morning for sparrows, and we had White-throats at many spots. Boats are still out in numbers on the large ponds and river, so waterfowl were few and far between.

Pied-billed Grebe (1); Double-crested Cormorant (2); Great Blue Heron (4); Canada Goose (127); Mute Swan (2); A Black Duck (2); Mallard (36); Turkey Vulture (6); Osprey (2); Red-tailed Hawk (1); Wild Turkey (6); Virginia Rail (2); A Coot (1: L Quabog); Solitary Sandpiper (1); Ring-billed Gull (18); Morning Dove (15); Barred Owl (1); Belted Kingfisher (3); Red-bellied Woodpecker (16: one of my highest counts for any location. They were vocal at many stops. ); Yellow-bellied Sapsucker (2); Downy Woodpecker (5); Hairy Woodpecker (3); N Flicker (2); Pileated Woodpecker (1).
E Phoebe (19); Blue-headed Vireo (1); Red-eyed Vireo (1); Blue Jay (69); A Crow (22); C Raven (3); Black-capped Chickadee (18); Tufted Titmouse (22); White-breasted Nuthatch (10); Carolina Wren (13); House Wren (4); Ruby-crowned Kinglet (1); E Bluebird (13); A Robin (16); Gray Catbird (31); N Mockingbird (2); Cedar Waxwing (18).
WARBLERS: Magnolia (1); Yellow-rumped (48); Palm (3); C Yellowthroat (7).
E. Towhee (6);
SPARROWS: Chipping (35); Savannah (6); Nelson’s (1: at Elm Hill MAS (Slab City Road) , in weedy field across from Bobolink field (where the winter Grasshopper Sp. Was several years back); brief but identifiable looks among 100+ sparrows flitting about. We went back 2 hours later and most (95%) of the sparrows were GONE from all the fields at Elm Hill. I have no clue where all those sparrows went); Song (56); Lincoln’s (8); Swamp (98); White-throated (236); White-crowned (1).
N Cardinal (4); A Goldfinch (11).

Plus: several Painted Turtles still out; E Garter Snake (1 recent road-kill); 20+ peepers calling. Butterflies: Cabbage White (1); Clouded Sulphur (1) and that was it.
(report from Mark Lynch/Sheila Carroll).

10/1/21 -- Wachusett Mountain, Princeton

Daily Raptor Counts: Turkey Vulture 8; Osprey 2 2 143 Bald Eagle 4; Northern Harrier 2 ; Sharp-shinned Hawk 21 ; Cooper's Hawk 9 ; Broad-winged Hawk 9 ; Red-tailed Hawk 3 ; American Kestrel 8 ; Merlin 1 ; Peregrine Falcon 1.
(report from Eric Mueller).

10/1/21 -- Ware River Watershed IBA

This morning we birded along the dirt roads of the WARE RIVER WATERSHED IBA. Several of the roads continue to degrade due to rain, so low carriage vehicles beware. Also we saw several people out that looked like they were looking for deer sign. The highest number of birds was near the Prison Camp, BUT lots of dogs were about, so we didn’t linger there. Monday is the start of bow hunting season, so BEWARE. If you anywhere in forest or field: wear 100 square inches of HUNTER’S ORANGE (a very specific color).
This morning was another very poor day for migrant warblers. This has been my worst fall EVER for migrant warblers. They just seem to be where I am not.

Great Blue Heron (2); Canada Goose (19); Wood Duck (8); Mallard (1); Sharp-shinned Hawk (5: we had a great prolonged sighting of a gang of 4 Sharpies harassing a flock of jays, flying at and chasing them,, and being chased by them. WE have seen this several times in the past and it’s always a great show.Sharpies will chase and harass anything it seems and we have seen them force a Pileated down and continually harass an Osprey.); Red-shouldered Hawk (1); Red-tailed Hawk (3); A Kestrel (3); Mourning Dove (4); Barred Owl (2: 1 we found thanks to mobbing jays); Red-bellied Woodpecker (2); Hairy Woodpecker (1); N Flicker (8).
E Phoebe (16); Blue-headed Vireo (1 still singing); Blue Jay (77); A Crow (3); C Raven (2); Black-capped Chickadee (16); Tufted Titmouse (12); White-breasted Nuthatch (4); Brown Creeper (1); Ruby-crowned Kinglet (8); E Bluebird (9); Hermit Thrush (1); A Robin (2); Gray Catbird (7).
WARBLERS: Yellow-rumped (10); Palm (14); C Yellowthroat (6).
E Towhee (10).
SPARROWS: Chipping (45); Song (22); Lincoln’s (1); Swamp (23); White-throated (92).
Evening Grosbeak (1: we recorded them well into mid/late spring very nearby).
(report from Mark Lynch/Sheila Carroll).

9/30/21 -- Wachusett Reservoir IBA

This morning we did a quick survey of the WACHUSETT RESERVOIR IBA. Not much for landbirds, but we did have:

Common Loon (4); Double-crested Cormorant (21); Great Blue Heron (1); Canada Goose (6); Mute Swan (1); Wood Duck (12); Mallard (72); Ring-necked Duck (17); Greater Scaup (2m); Turkey Vulture (2); Cooper’s Hawk (1); A Kestrel (1); Killdeer (5); Ring-billed Gull (34); Herring Gull (1); Mourning Dove (8); Belted Kingfisher (2).
(report from Mark Lynch/Sheila Carroll).

9/29/21 -- Wachusett Mountain, Princeton

Daily Raptor Counts: Turkey Vulture 13 ; Osprey 9 ; Bald Eagle 8 ; Northern Harrier 1 ; Sharp-shinned Hawk 55 ; Cooper's Hawk 13 ; Red-shouldered Hawk 2 ; Broad-winged Hawk 536 ; Red-tailed Hawk 2 ; American Kestrel 30 ; Merlin 3 ; Peregrine Falcon 1 .
(report from Eric Mueller).

9/25/21 -- Warren

This morning we birded WARREN. Overall it was another poor land bird migration day here, with 2 exceptions: White-throats and juncos..

Turkey Vulture (6); Sharp-shinned Hawk (2); Red-shouldered Hawk (2); Virginia Rail (2); Mourning Dove (14); Red-bellied Woodpecker (5); Downy Woodpecker (1); Hairy Woodpecker (2); N Flicker (3).
E Phoebe (18); Blue-headed Vireo (2); Red-eyed Vireo (1); Blue Jay (69); A Crow (5); C Raven (2); Black-capped Chickadee (11); Tufted Titmouse (3); Carolina Wren (4); House Wren (3); E Bluebird (14); Swainson’s Thrush (1); Hermit Thrush (1); A Robin (17); Gray Catbird (42); Cedar Waxwing (1); Yellow- rumped Warbler (5: all together); C Yellowthroat (5); E Towhee (24); Chipping Sparrow (11); Savannah Sparrow (4); Song Sparrow (35); Swamp Sparrow (1); White-throated Sparrow (82); Dark-eyed Junco (45); N Cardinal (3); House Finch (2); A Goldfinch (3).
(report from Mark Lynch/Sheila Carroll).

9/23/21 -- Clark University campus, Worcester

At about 4:30 PM, seen from Woodland Street and May Streets, at the inbound bus stop: one adult bald eagle seen coming from the north toward the southeast by Clark Univ campus, back and forth across the sky with a 2nd adult bald eagle following, then tracing several very wide circles across the sky, each eagle at opposite sides of the circle at any one time ( one at west end, the other at east end), almost following one another. They repeated the circle about 3 times. The then both flew northward and I lost sight of both.
(report from Deb Ellstrom).

9/22/21 -- New Braintree

This morning we birded a few spots in NEW BRAINTREE. The weather was not great: dark, overcast; periodic showers, at times breezy, and eventually rain. This put a definite crimp in seeing migrant passerines. But we persisted….

Canada Goose (27); Wood Duck (2); Turkey Vulture (6); N Harrier (2); Sharp-shinned Hawk (4); A Kestrel (5); Merlin (1); Wild Turkey (11); Mourning Dove (33); Red-bellied Woodpecker (1); Downy Woodpecker (3); Hairy Woodpecker (3); N Flicker (9).
Least Flycatcher (1); E Phoebe (21); Red-eyed Vireo (2); Blue Jay (65); A Crow (85); C Raven (5); Black-capped Chickadee (5); White-breasted Nuthatch (7); Carolina Wren (1); House Wren (4); E Bluebird (11); A Robin (152); Gray Catbird (41); Cedar Waxwing (4); Palm Warbler (1); Connecticut Warbler (1: pure luck); C Yellowthroat (9); E Towhee (10); Chipping Sparrow (28); Song Sparrow (17); Lincoln’s Sparrow (1); Swamp Sparrow (7); White-throated Sparrow(46);Red-winged Blackbird (58); Rusty Blackbird (1 post-breeding male. This bird was feeding on a dirt road with Chipping Sparrows. Sheila got some nice shots); A Goldfinch (16).
(report from Mark Lynch/Sheila Carroll).

9/20/21 -- Wachusett Mountain, Princeton

Daily Raptor Counts: Osprey 13 ; Bald Eagle 12 ; Sharp-shinned Hawk 45 ; Cooper's Hawk 10 ; Broad-winged Hawk 58 ; Red-tailed Hawk 2 ; American Kestrel 8 ; Merlin 4 ;
(report from Eric Mueller).

9/20/21 -- Mount Watatic, Ashburnham

Daily Raptor Counts: Black Vulture 1 ; Turkey Vulture 2 ; Osprey 5 ; Bald Eagle 9 ; Northern Harrier 2 ; Sharp-shinned Hawk 32 ; Cooper's Hawk 4 ; Broad-winged Hawk 708 ; Red-tailed Hawk 2 ; American Kestrel 6 ; Merlin 1 ; Peregrine Falcon 1 ;
(report from Brian Rusnica).

9/19/21 -- Wachusett Mountain, Princeton

Daily Raptor Counts: Osprey 9 ; Bald Eagle 24 ; Northern Harrier 6 ; Sharp-shinned Hawk 31 ; Cooper's Hawk 13 ; Red-shouldered Hawk 3 ; Broad-winged Hawk 1049 ; Red-tailed Hawk 7 ; American Kestrel 19 ; Merlin 8 ;
(report from Eric Mueller).

9/19/21 -- Mount Watatic, Ashburnham

Daily Raptor Counts: Turkey Vulture 3 ; Osprey 5 ; Bald Eagle 28 ; Northern Harrier 5 ; Sharp-shinned Hawk 21 ; Cooper's Hawk 8 ; Broad-winged Hawk 1124 ; American Kestrel 28 ; Merlin 6 ; Peregrine Falcon 2 ;
(report from Brian Rusnica).

9/19/21 -- Broad Meadow Brook Wildlife Sanctuary, Worcester

Kim Kastler and I recorded the following highlights of 36 species this morning along the Troiano Brookside Trail at the Broad Meadow Brook, as part of the Central Mass Half-Day Big Sit.

Great Blue Heron 1; Cooper's Hawk 2 ("playing" together); Red-shouldered Hawk 1 (moving south between thermals); Broad-winged Hawk 1 (moving south between thermals); Red-tailed Hawk 2 (resident pair); Barred Owl 1 (calling in the trees in the back of the phragmites right at 6:15); Northern Flicker 3; Eastern Phoebe 3; Ruby-crowned Kinglet 1; Carolina Wren 2; Gray Catbird 8; Cedar Waxwing 18; Song Sparrow 16; Lincoln's Sparrow 1; Swamp Sparrow 6; Eastern Towhee 2; Red-winged Blackbird 2; Common Grackle 116 (mostly in a single group leaving phragmites with starlings); Black-and-white Warbler 1; Common Yellowthroat 2; Northern Parula 3; Palm Warbler 8; Yellow-rumped Warbler 8.

other verts: Green Frog, Muskrat, Painted Turtle, White-tailed Deer, Short-tailed Shrew
(report from John Liller).

9/19/21 -- Mulberry Street, Leicester

Half-day Big Sit: We decided at the last moment to sit at a spot on Mulberry Street, Leicester, adjacent to Worcester Airport. We picked a spot with shrubs and small trees on one side, yet with a good view of the airport (through the chain link fence). We kept expecting a good movement of broad-wings, but only saw 3 distant ones. We did have an amazing Sharpie show, which started before dawn. 6:15AM-noon.

Turkey Vulture (2); Canada Goose (37); Mallard (2); Osprey (1); N Harrier (1); Sharp-shinned Hawk (11 minimum); Cooper’s Hawk (2); Red-shouldered Hawk (1: harassed by local Red-tail); Broad-winged Hawk (3); Red-tailed Hawk (4); a Kestrel (1); Peregrine Falcon (2imm); Killdeer (1); Mourning Dove (2); Barred Owl (1); Red-bellied Woodpecker (2); Yellow-bellied Sapsucker (1); Downy Woodpecker (2); Hairy Woodpecker (1); N Flicker (9); Pileated Woodpecker (1).
E Wood Peewee (1); E Phoebe (4); Red-eyed Vireo (4); Blue Jay (138: flocks flying high, heading SW); A Crow (28); C Raven (4); Black-capped Chickadee (3); Tufted Titmouse (1); Red-breasted Nuthatch (1); E Bluebird (4); Hermit Thrush (1); A Robin (61); Gray Catbird (7); E Starling (86); Cedar Waxwing (1).
WARBLERS: Tennessee (1); Yellow-rumped (5); Black-throated Green (1); Pine (2); Palm (2); Blackpoll (1); C Yellowthroat (2). NB: we had an additional 25+ “warbler sp.” Zip by, and land where we could not see them. Frustrating!)
Scarlet Tanager (1); E Towhee (4); Savannah Sparrow (16); Song Sparrow (2); Rose-breasted Grosbeak (1); Bobolink (17); C Grackle (2); House Finch (2); A Goldfinch (14).

PLUS: E Coyotes; Green Frogs; 8 species of butterfly.
(report from Mark Lynch/Sheila Carroll).

9/18/21 -- Wachusett Mountain, Princeton

Daily Raptor Counts: Osprey 14 ; Bald Eagle 17 ; Northern Harrier 2 ; Sharp-shinned Hawk 14 ; Cooper's Hawk 9 ; Red-shouldered Hawk 1 ; Broad-winged Hawk 184 ; Red-tailed Hawk 15 ; American Kestrel 32 ; Merlin 5 ; Peregrine Falcon 4 ;
(report from Eric Mueller).

9/18/21 -- Mount Watatic, Ashburnham

Daily Raptor Counts: Osprey 2 ; Bald Eagle 10 ; Northern Harrier 4 ; Sharp-shinned Hawk 30 ; Cooper's Hawk 11 ; Broad-winged Hawk 530 ; Red-tailed Hawk 1 ; American Kestrel 16 ; Merlin 1 ;
(report from Brian Rusnica).

9/18/21 -- sw cemeteries, city of Worcester

This morning, due to a feline vet appointment, we only had a few hours and decided to bird the cemeteries in the southwest corner of the city of Worcester: Hope; Notre Dame; All Faiths. We left out St. Johns as they already had the mowers out. Though these cemeteries are often birded in spring for warbler migration, they are poorly covered in fall migration except for a few stalwart birders like John Shea. The weather was not great: overcast and misty while we were there, but we did manage an interesting list of birds for a morning in the city, though we barely saw any warblers.

Double-crested Cormorant (3); Great Blue Heron (1); Canada Goose (98: many on the ground in Hope); Mute Swan (2); Wood Duck (18); Mallard (42); Osprey (1); Sharp-shinned Hawk (1); Red-tailed Hawk (1); A. Kestrel (1m); Virginia Rail (2); Killdeer (1); Mourning Dove (32); Chimney Swift (1); Belted Kingfisher (1); Red-bellied Woodpecker (2); Yellow-bellied Sapsucker (1); Downy Woodpecker (4); Hairy Woodpecker (3); N Flicker (19).
E Phoebe (9); Blue Jay (29); A Crow (11); Black-capped Chickadee (13); Tufted Titmouse (4); Red- breasted Nuthatch (1); White-breasted Nuthatch (5); Carolina Wren (4); House Wren (2); A Robin (59); Gray Catbird (13); N Mockingbird (1); Black-throated Blue Warbler (1); Pine Warbler (3); Chipping Sparrow (26); Song Sparrow (7); C Grackle (2); Brown-headed Cowbird (flock of 46 molting immatures feeding in grass among tombstones).
(report from Mark Lynch/Sheila Carroll).

9/17/21 -- Ware River Watershed IBA

This morning we birded a loop in the WARE RIVER WATERSHED IBA. The weather was darkly overcast and birds were few and far between. We did come across 2 fair “waves”, but for the most part, many areas in the forest were quiet except the calls of jays. We didn’t spend any time at the Prison Camp area because two guys were training their beagles there.

Great Blue Heron (2); Wood Duck (5); Sora (1); Hairy Woodpecker (6); N Flicker (21); Pileated Woodpecker (4).
Olive-sided Flycatcher (1: see photo taken by Sheila Carroll); E Wood Peewee (1); E Phoebe (19); Red- eyed Vireo (1); Blue Jay (32); C Raven (1); Black-capped Chickadee (47); Tufted Titmouse (12); Red- breasted Nuthatch (13); House Wren (3); Hermit Thrush (1); A Robin (17); Gray Catbird (33).
WARBLERS: N Parula (1); Black-throated Green (1); Pine (34); Blackpoll (6); Black and White (2); A Redstart (2); Connecticut (1); C Yellowthroat (2).
E Towhee (20); Chipping Sparrow (11); Song Sparrow (9); Swamp Sparrow (2); N Cardinal (3); Bobolink (1 fly-over); Purple Finch (1).
(report from Mark Lynch/Sheila Carroll).

9/15/21 -- Woodland Street, Worcester

I saw an adult bald eagle, coming in low -- maybe 5 to 10 feet above the roofs of the triple deckers in my neighborhood, heading southeast toward the Clark University campus. I could clearly see the white head and brown/black body. I've seen one at far distance for the last several days, but this was right over my head, and low. (report from Deb Ellstrom).

9/15/21 -- Warren

This morning we birded a few spots in WARREN. For most of the morning it was dark, overcast, and breezy on top of hills. Migrant warblers were almost a no-show. But flickers were on the move.

Great Blue Heron (1); Wood Duck (2); Mallard (4); Turkey Vulture (3); Osprey (1); Bald Eagle (1ad); Mourning Dove (23); Ruby-throated Hummingbird (1); Red-bellied Woodpecker (1); Yellow-bellied Sapsucker (3); Downy Woodpecker (1); N Flicker (22); Merlin (1).
E Wood Peewee (1); E Phoebe (8); Red-eyed Vireo (1); Blue Jay (31); A Crow (8); Black-capped Chickadee (5); Tufted Titmouse (2); Red-breasted Nuthatch (1); House Wren (3); E Bluebird (3); Wood Thrush (1); A Robin (45); Gray Catbird (36); Magnolia Warbler (1); C Yellowthroat (6); Scarlet Tanager (4); E Towhee (10); Chipping Sparrow (21); Song Sparrow (9); Swamp Sparrow (3); Dark-eyed Junco (1: this was a surprise, it was feeding in the middle of a dirt road); N Cardinal (4); Rose-breasted Grosbeak (2m); Dickcissel (1: in a weedy field along Coy Hill Road. This is our first for Warren, but expected); Bobolink (4); Red-winged Blackbird (6m t-eed up in a marsh. Soon, they flew down into the cattails.); House Finch (2); A Goldfinch (9).
(report from Mark Lynch/Sheila Carroll).

9/14/21 -- Mount Watatic, Ashburnham

Daily Raptor Counts: Black Vulture 1 ; Osprey 8 ; Bald Eagle 12 ; Northern Harrier 1 ; Sharp-shinned Hawk 15 ; Cooper's Hawk 6 ; Red-shouldered Hawk 2 ; Broad-winged Hawk 1059 ; American Kestrel 4 ; Merlin 7 .
(report from Brian Rusnica).

9/14/21 -- Wachusett Mountain, Princeton

Daily Raptor Counts: Osprey 10 ; Sharp-shinned Hawk 2 ; Cooper's Hawk 3 ; Broad-winged Hawk 344 ; Red-tailed Hawk 2 ; American Kestrel 7 ; Merlin 5 ; Peregrine Falcon 1.
(report from Eric Mueller).

9/13/21 -- Wachusett Mountain, Princeton

Daily Raptor Counts: Osprey 3 ; Bald Eagle 14 ; Northern Harrier 1 ; Sharp-shinned Hawk 12; Cooper's Hawk 2 ; Broad-winged Hawk 1902 ; Red-tailed Hawk 3; American Kestrel 10 ; Merlin 1 ; Peregrine Falcon 2.
(report from Eric Mueller).

9/13/21 -- Mount Watatic, Ashburnham

Daily Raptor Counts: Osprey 2 ; Bald Eagle 11 ; Northern Harrier 3 ; Sharp-shinned Hawk 3 ; Cooper's Hawk 5 ; Broad-winged Hawk 932 ; Red-tailed Hawk 1 ; American Kestrel 2 ; Merlin 7 ;
(report from Brian Rusnica).

9/12/21 -- Petersham

This morning we birded a few spots, mostly ponds, in PETERSHAM. The weather was in the low 60s, mostly cloudy early AM, and quite breezy. Land birding for most of the morning was very poor, but once the wind dropped and the sun came out, we had a few migrants.

Great Blue Heron (1); Green Heron (2); Canada Goose (6); Wood Duck (91 !); A Black Duck (2); Mallard (5); N Harrier (1); Cooper’s Hawk (1); Red-tailed Hawk (the beautiful leucistic individual); Wild Turkey (5: 1ad w/5 pre-teens); Killdeer (5); Solitary Sandpiper (1); Least Sandpiper (2); Mourning Dove (1); Barred Owl (1); Downy Woodpecker (2); Hairy Woodpecker (3); N Flicker (3); Pileated Woodpecker (1).
E Wood Peewee (1); E Phoebe (16); Red-eyed Vireo (13); Blue Jay (24); A Crow (12); C Raven (2); Black- capped Chickadee (17); Tufted Titmouse (8); Red-breasted Nuthatch (3); White-breasted Nuthatch (3); A Robin (2); Gray Catbird (10); Cedar Waxwing (1).
WARBLERS: Chestnut-sided (1); Black-throated Green (3); Pine (10); Blackpoll (1); A Redstart (3); C Yellowthroat (2).
E Towhee (2); Chipping Sparrow (1); Song Sparrow (7).

PLUS: The good flight of Monarchs continues; this AM we also had a notable flight of Green Darners (dragonfly).
(report from Mark Lynch/Sheila Carroll).

9/11/21 -- Mount Watatic, Ashburnham

Daily Raptor Counts: Osprey 2 ; Bald Eagle 7 ; Sharp-shinned Hawk 2 ; Cooper's Hawk 1 ; Red-shouldered Hawk 1 ; Broad-winged Hawk 173 ; Merlin 1 ;
(report from Brian Rusnica).

9/11/21 -- Wachusett Mountain, Princeton

Daily Raptor Counts: Osprey 13 ; Bald Eagle 1 ; Sharp-shinned Hawk 2 ; Broad-winged Hawk 59 ; Red-tailed Hawk 2 ; Merlin 1 ;
(report from Eric Mueller).

9/11/21 -- Ware River Watershed IBA

Today we birded parts of the WARE RIVER IBA. Clear, starting temp: 46F.

Wood Duck (19); Mallard (1); Hooded Merganser (1 imm); Turkey Vulture (5); Red-shouldered Hawk (2); Broad-winged Hawk (2imm); Virginia Rail (2); Sora (1); Mourning Dove (3); Barred Owl (2; calling back and forth to each other c.10: 30AM); Chimney Swift (2); Ruby-throated Hummingbird (1); Red-bellied Woodpecker (1); Yellow-bellied Sapsucker (1); N Flicker (6).
E Wood Peewee (5: still calling); Least Flycatcher (1); E Phoebe (46); Blue-headed Vireo (1); Warbling Vireo (1); Red-eyed Vireo (26); Blue Jay (61); Black-capped Chickadee (20); Tufted Titmouse (5); Red- breasted Nuthatch (12); White-breasted Nuthatch (7); E Bluebird (13); Hermit Thrush (2); Gray Catbird (76).
WARBLERS: Chestnut-sided (1); Black-throated Blue (1m); Black-throated Green (1); Pine (39: a few singing); Bay-breasted (1); C Yellowthroat (8).
E Towhee (33); Chipping Sparrow (14); Field Sparrow (1); Savannah Sparrow (1); Song Sparrow (17); Swamp Sparrow (7); N Cardinal (4); A Goldfinch (6).

Plus: a good movement of Monarchs (53); and Sheila found and photo’d a Carolina Saddlebags (an uncommon (inland) dragonfly); nice display of Closed Gentian.
(report from Mark Lynch/Sheila Carroll).

9/10/21 -- Wachusett Mountain, Princeton

Daily Raptor Counts: Osprey 2 ; Bald Eagle 14 ; Northern Harrier 1; Sharp-shinned Hawk 4 ; Cooper's Hawk 1 ; Broad-winged Hawk 68; Red-tailed Hawk 2 ; American Kestrel 6; Merlin 7 .
(report from Eric Mueller).

9/10/21 -- Institute Park, Worcester

At noon highlights were 3 DC Cormorants, 1 GB Heron, 1 Green Heron, 1 Bald Eagle (imm, perched on tree across pond), 2 Killdeer, 1 Spotted Sandpiper, and a rather tame rabbit along the near shore. (report from Rick Quimby).

9/9/21 -- Wachusett Reservoir IBA

This morning we did a quick check of the WACHUSETT RESERVOIR IBA in between rain.

Common Loon (14: including a young bird with parent); Double-crested Cormorant (43); Great Blue Heron (4); Canada Goose (23); Mute Swan (1); Mallard (4); Bald Eagle (2imm); N Harrier (1); Cooper’s Hawk (1imm we watched for 15 minutes walking and running under bushes where many Chipping Sparrows were tucked in.); Wild Turkey (24); Killdeer (31: Clinton HS playing fields); Ring-billed Gull (45); Herring Gull (1); Mourning Dove (24); Belted Kingfisher (4); Red-bellied Woodpecker (1); N Flicker (5); Pileated Woodpecker (1).
E Phoebe (3); Red-eyed Vireo (1); Blue Jay (20); A Crow (17); Tufted Titmouse (3); White-breasted Nuthatch (6); E Bluebird (7); Gray Catbird (16); N Mockingbird (4); Cedar Waxwing (14); N Waterthrush (1); C Yellowthroat (1); Chipping Sparrow (90: 2 huge flocks); Song Sparrow (1); White-throated Sparrow (1); N Cardinal (2); Rose-breasted Grosbeak (1); A Goldfinch (7).
(report from Mark Lynch/Sheila Carroll).

9/5/21 -- Lancaster, Bolton, Sterling

Water levels high still though some evidence of receding waters. Mallards in a flooded field near the Dexter Drumlin in Lancaster off Langen Rd. Bluebirds, Flicker and Goldfinches. Cherry trees are a real attractant. ( Pin and Black Cherry crop this year is amazing, along with the old field domestic cherries.) More mallards in the pond off Rte 117 by Kalon Farm and nearby flooded corn fields. At the Bolton Flats barn parking lot we saw a female Yellowthroat, Catbird and Cardinal. Lots of mosquitoes… Still River very high, flooding well over the bridge. 3 wood ducks in pond across from Pine Hill section entrance of Bolton Flats WMA. One a male juvenile. Hunter was training his dog on the Pine Hill property, dog didn’t seem to get the idea of finding and retrieving the lure. Two hen turkeys with 3 nearly full grown poults on the road out from Pine Hill. Nothing in flooded fields near the old 5 corners area of Lancaster except a lone killdeer. Neck Road, Lancaster, views of the field revealed 3 wood ducks and a Great Blue Heron.

Best finds were at Bartlett’s Pond in Sterling. The fledgling osprey is still in the area and very vocal. About 10 wood ducks on far side of pond with at least 6 colorful males standing on a log…but they quickly hopped off and swam into the vegetated area nearby. A Merlin flew in to the pond area, perched in a dead branch and was very cooperative. Watched it for many minutes before we left. 4 Tom turkeys in field on Wiles Rd, 2 displaying…3 Kestrels on the telephone wires near jct of Wiles Rd and Redstone Hill Rd, Sterling. First time we saw 3 birds in the area this season; probably one had fledged from a kestrel box at Davis Farm. In a number of places we also observed monarch butterflies.
(report from Marion Larson and Scott Handler)

9/5/21 -- Warren/the Brookfields/ Worcester Airport/Paxton

This morning we birded WARREN in overcast skies and periodic showers. WE thought we were going to be checking ponds and marshes, but we lucked into some nice waves of migrants. Several of the species we saw we both thought were at least a week early. The biggest numbers occurred in areas of birch, alder, choke cherry, and feral crab apples. We returned to the hot spot a half hour later and there were NO birds in the same area.

Double-crested Cormorant (1); Great Blue Heron (9); Wood Duck (7); Mallard (4); Osprey (2); Red-tailed Hawk (1); Virginia Rail (3); Mourning Dove (25); Ruby-throated Hummingbird (2); BA Robin (136elted Kingfisher (2); Red-bellied Woodpecker (1); Downy Woodpecker (5); Hairy Woodpecker (4); N Flicker (4).
E Wood Peewee (1); E Phoebe (17); Warbling Vireo (5: most still singing); Philadelphia Vireo (1: good views); Red-eyed Vireo (7); Blue Jay (32); A Crow (5); Tree Swallow (6); Barn Swallow (2); Black-capped Chickadee (17); White-breasted Nuthatch (2); Carolina Wren (2); House Wren (1); E Bluebird (4); Veery (1); Swainson’s Thrush (1: unexpected, seems early); Hermit Thrush (3); A Robin (136: feasting on all that fruit); Gray Catbird (35); Cedar Waxwing (93: like the robins, feasting on all the fruiting bushes and trees; a real mix of adult and streak-breasted young birds).
WARBLERS: N Parula (3); Chestnut-sided (3); Cape May (1: with the BT Greens: see below); Black-throated Green (11, minimal, all in 1 area of alders and birches); Palm (1: this started off the wave. We were looking at herons and we heard the familiar chip note of a Palm. WE looked up in the small tree next to us, and there it was, tail wagging away. This seems very early for this species); A Redstart (8); C Yellowthroat (6); Canada (1).
E Towhee (16); Chipping Sparrow (31); Song Sparrow (8); Swamp Sparrow (2); N Cardinal (3); Rose-breasted Grosbeak (1); Red-winged Blackbird (1); House Finch (5); A Goldfinch (11).

The rain really started to fall, so we moved on to the ponds of the Brookfields (we did not check South Pond/Quacumquasit) : Here we had: Pied-billed Grebe (L. Wickabog); Great Egret (4); Mallard (20); Least Sandpiper (1: while were watching the tern, this bird flew low over the water, calling, towards the boat launch/parking lot, then turned around and flew out); Ring-billed Gull (5); Black Tern (1: Lake Quabog). NB: Lake Quabog has very high water at the moment with no real edge for shorebirds).

WORCESTER AIRPORT: Quick check : Wild Turkey (7); Killdeer (1); A Kestrel (3).

Before we went to Warren, and again after the Brookfields, we visited the Worcester Memorial Park in Paxton inspired by Cindy’s report of c.40 Killdeer here yesterday. Both times we had (24) Killdeer; (9) Canada Goose; and (6) young Hooded Mergansers.
(report from Mark Lynch/Sheila Carroll).

9/4/21 -- Mt. Wachusett, Princeton

On a hike up Wachusett Mountain to look for migrating hawks, I was pleasantly surprised to see 2 Black-and-white Warblers and a N. Parula, along the Jack Frost Trail in the lower section. At the summit, winds were brisk from the wnw, causing birds to stay low, with many Broadwings going around the mountain low, out of view from the summit. A few nice close views of Broadwing Hawks right over the summit, but not a good day for kettles. (report from Rick Quimby).

9/3/21 -- Ware River Watershed IBA

This morning we birded some of the southern sections of the WARE RIVER WATERSHED IBA. NB: All of Prison Camp and related roads are now gated, very likely to road damage from the extreme rain. We did bird along Coldbrook Road; Muddy Pond Road, Pine Plain Road. Birds were very scarce with a few exceptions.

Great Blue Heron (2); Canada Goose (17); Wood Duck (14); A Black Duck (1); Turkey Vulture (1); Bald Eagle (1ad); Broad-winged Hawk (1 confiding juvenile); Mourning Dove (1); Belted Kingfisher (1); Hairy Woodpecker (2); N Flicker (10: all on the road feasting on the ants the floods brought to the surface); Pileated Woodpecker (7).
E Wood Peewee (7: still calling); E Phoebe (6); Warbling Vireo (2 still singing); Red-eyed Vireo (3); Blue Jay (27: the most obvious species in the forest); A Crow (4); Barn Swallow (2); Black-capped Chickadee Black-throated Green (1); (64); Red-breasted Nuthatch (23); White-breasted Nuthatch (7); E Bluebird (5); Hermit Thrush (2); Gray Catbird (11).
WARBLERS: Chestnut-sided (1); Yellow-rumped (2); Black-throated Green (1); Pine (7); Prairie (2-1 singing a weak version of song); C Yellowthroat (13).
Scarlet Tanager (1); E Towhee (20); Chipping Sparrow (115: several large flocks along the dirt roads in the forest); Song Sparrow (1); N Cardinal (5); A Goldfinch (2).
(report from Mark Lynch/Sheila Carroll).

9/3/21 -- Institute Park, Worcester

Highlights at noon today were: 4 DC Cormorants, 1 GB Heron, 3 Green Herons (1a, 2im), 4 Mute Swans, 15 Canada Geese, 1 Bald Eagle (adult, perched on tree on island -- it gave a warning screech and ducked when a RT Hawk flew by a couple of times), 1 Red-tailed Hawk (ad), 1 Spotted Sandpiper, 1 Least Sandpiper, 1 Eastern Phoebe, 1 Warbling Vireo (singing), 2 Common Yellowthroat, and 2 Song Sparrows. (report from Rick Quimby).

9/2/21 -- Worcester Airport/Wachusett Reservoir

WE set out this AM to check if something got put down by the rain.

We started out at WORCESTER AIRPORT. In years past, shorebirds have put down on the runways after storms in late summer/fall including plovers, yellowlegs, and (very rarely) Buff-breasted and Upland Sandpipers. Today was slim pickings: Turkey Vulture (1); Wild Turkey (9); Killdeer (5); A Kestrel (2).

Then on to WACHUSETT RESERVOIR: Common Loon (4); Double-crested Cormorant (14); Mute Swan (1); Canada Goose (1: where did all the geese go?); Turkey Vulture (9: off the landfill); Bald Eagle (2imm); Red-tailed Hawk (1); Killdeer (10: all in 1 Clinton HS A-field); Least Sandpiper (2: in same field with the Killdeer); Bonaparte’s Gull (1 ad post breeding plumage); Herring Gull (1imm); Ring-billed Gull (28); C Raven (3).
(report from Mark Lynch/Sheila Carroll).

9/2/21 -- Institute Park, Worcester

A brief noontime walk yielded 5 DC Cormorants, 1 Green Heron (ad), 4 Mute Swans (3 white, 1 brown, all same size), 2 Spotted Sandpipers, 2 E Phoebe, 1 Warbling Vireo (singing), and 2 Song Sparrows. The most unusual sighting was a duck decoy, realistically painted as a female Wood Duck. It was floating among the matts of surface plants, turning occasionally with the underwater currents. I actually had to watch it for a while to make sure it wasn't a real duck! Someone is playing mind games with the birders...

The aquatic plant growth covers more than 1/2 the pond, and is strewn with garbage of various types, including many soccer balls!
(report from Rick Quimby).

9/1/21 -- Quabog IBA/ Worcester Airport

This morning we birded the QUABOG IBA in dark, overcast skies and showers. WE concentrated on the major ponds.

Pied-billed Grebe (1); Double-crested Cormorant (2); Great Blue Heron (4); Great Egret (3: all perched in the same tree at Lake Quabog); Canada Goose (172); Mute Swan (2); Wood Duck (8); A Black Duck (4); Mallard (51); Green-winged Teal (7); Osprey (1); Bald Eagle (1imm); Sharp-shinned Hawk (1); Wild Turkey (1); Spotted Sandpiper (1); Ring-billed Gull (34); Mourning Dove (15); Belted Kingfisher (1); Red-bellied Woodpecker (1); Downy Woodpecker (2); Hairy Woodpecker (2); Pileated Woodpecker (1).
Passerines were typical and low in variety and numbers, but we did hear (2) Warbling Vireos singing as well as (3) Red-eyed Vireo.

NB: If you bird here, you may have noticed a large (and getting larger) mat of small flowering aquatic plants. We think(if you have a different ID, please let me know) these are Carolina Fanwort (Cabomba caroliniana). According to Padget’s AQUATIC PLANTS OF MASSACHUSETTS, this species is common, invasive, and prohibited that can be problematic because of its aggressive growth.

On the way home we stopped by the Worcester Airport where we had: Red-tailed Hawk (1); A Kestrel (1f); Killdeer (5); Savannah Sparrow (7); and Bobolink (6).
(report from Mark Lynch/Sheila Carroll).

8/30/21 -- Institute Park, Worcester

In the late afternoon highlights were: 2 DC Cormorants, 2 Great Blue Herons, 2 Green Herons (much vocalizing), 4 Mute Swan (all full size, one brown and the others white), 2 Killdeer, 1 Lesser Yellowlegs, 1 Solitary Sandpiper, 3 Spotted Sandpipers, 2 Least Sandpipers, 1 N Flicker, 2 Cedar Waxwings, 1 Warbling Vireo (singing), and 1 Song sparrow. (report from Rick Quimby).

8/29/21 -- Holden-Rutland-Wachusett Reservoir

This morning we birded some spots close to home, mostly to check on some spots that had produced shorebirds in years past.

EAGLE LAKE/STUMP POND, HOLDEN: Water levels are high, and not productive for shorebirds in general, but a yellowlegs and/or Least of two may put in close to the causeway. I was surprised we didn’t even find a Spotted. That said, all the emergent vegetation is attractive to Wood Ducks:
Great Blue Heron (1); Wood Duck (38); Mallard (9); Chimney Swift (7).

On route to other locations, we were driving along the Alta Vista Farm hill road when we came across a nice flock of migrants: E Phoebe (9); House Wren (4); Barn Swallow (11); Red-eyed Vireo (10); E Bluebird (12); A Redstart (3); C Yellowthroat (3): Black and White Warbler (2);Blackburnian Warbler (1imm); Nashville Warbler (1); Pine Warbler (9); Mourning Warbler (1imm/f).

PINE HILL RESERVOIR: As filled as I have ever seen it.

MUSCHAPAUGE ROAD, RUTLAND: Nothing except (5) Wild Turkeys.

QUINAPOXET RESERVOIR: also filled to the brim. Nothing.

WACHUSETT RESERVOIR: obviously still high water, but birders should be on the lookout for some odd shorebird on the rocks, or even on the dike trail. Buff-breasted has appeared rarely. We had:
Common Loon (9: including a young of the year still being attended by an adult); Double-crested Cormorant (31); Great Blue Heron (4); Mute Swan (1); Canada Goose (67); Wood Duck (2); Mallard (3); Cooper’s Hawk (1); Red-tailed Hawk (2); Killdeer (25: all on the Clinton HS playing fields); Ring-billed Gull (21). Passerines were typical, but we did have: Tree Swallow (2); E Bluebird (9); Chipping Sparrow (large flocks: 42).
(report from Mark Lynch/Sheila Carroll).

8/28/21 -- Hardwick

This morning we visited a few spots in HARDWICK under overcast skies and breezy conditions. This included a brief foray into Gate 43, Quabbin. Passerines were tough to come by.

Common Loon (2); Double-crested Cormorant (3); Great Egret (2); Wood Duck (6); Turkey Vulture (8); Osprey (1); Bald Eagle (1ad); Red-tailed Hawk (4); A Kestrel (1f); Wild Turkey (7); Killdeer (2); Mourning Dove (12); Ruby-throated Hummingbird (5); Belted Kingfisher (2); Downy Woodpecker (1).
Olive-sided Flycatcher (1); E Wood Peewee (4); E Phoebe (11); E Kingbird (1).
Red-eyed Vireo (7); Blue Jay (7); A Crow (3); Tufted Titmouse (2); Red-breasted Nuthatch (1); White- breasted Nuthatch (2); E Bluebird (2); A Robin (19); Gray Catbird (28); Cedar Waxwing (9: 1 had a large growth under the bill); C Yellowthroat (7); E Towhee (6); Chipping Sparrow (7); Song Sparrow (5); Bobolink (5 overhead); C Grackle (4); Baltimore Oriole (2); A Goldfinch (19).

N: butterflies and odonates were in low-modest numbers, but we did get a “Year” invertebrate: a colony of bryozoans.
(report from Mark Lynch/Sheila Carroll).

8/25/21 -- Petersham

This morning we birded some spots in PETERSHAM:

Great Blue Heron (2); Green Heron (2); Wood Duck (82); Green-winged Teal (1f); Turkey Vulture (5); Red- shouldered Hawk (2); Red-tailed Hawk (3: including the wild pure white leucistic individual); Wild Turkey (2ad w/3yg); Killdeer (12); Solitary Sandpiper (1); Spotted Sandpiper (1); Least Sandpiper (5); Pectoral Sandpiper (7); Mourning Dove (5); Common Nighthawk (flock of 18 flying along powerline heading NE at 10:30AM); Ruby-throated Hummingbird (1); Belted Kingfisher (1); Hairy Woodpecker (4); Pileated Woodpecker (5).
E Wood Peewee (12); E Phoebe (9); Great Crested Flycatcher (1); E Kingbird (1); Yellow-throated Vireo (1); Blue-headed Vireo (3); Red-eyed Vireo (51); Blue Jay (17); C Raven (2); Barn Swallow (3); Black- capped Chickadee (29); Tufted Titmouse (17); Red-breasted Nuthatch (1); White-breasted Nuthatch (7); Carolina Wren (1); E Bluebird (2); Hermit Thrush (3); A Robin (only 1 !); Gray Catbird (35).
WARBLERS: Chestnut-sided (1); Pine (12); Black and White (2); C Yellowthroat (9).
E Towhee (8); Chipping Sparrow (32); Song Sparrow (12); N Cardinal (4); C Grackle (3); Baltimore Oriole (1); A Goldfinch (24).
(report from Mark Lynch/Sheila Carroll).

8/23/21 -- Quabog IBA

Today we birded the ponds in the QUABOG IBA and had the following:

Great Blue Heron (6); Great Egret (6 minimum); Mute Swan (2); Canada Goose (43); Wood Duck (7); Mallard (4); Turkey Vulture (4); Osprey (2); Bald Eagle (4: 3 (2ad+1imm) seen all together at South Pond/Quacumquasit. An adult caught a large fish and flew off and the other 2 followed. The other immature was at Lashaway); Red-tailed Hawk (2); Black-bellied Plover (1 fly-over calling at Quabog. It was heading NE); Ring-billed Gull (24);

Black Tern (2 juv/or ad non-br: while watching a Great egret at Quabog, 1 Black Tern flew into view rapidly followed by a second. This was just as it started to rain. Sheila followed the first bird as it headed right low over the water. I followed the second bird and suddenly it flew up and was gone. The first bird stayed for at least 3 hours, flying back and forth, and often taken a rapid downturn to the water. C. 10:30AM, this bird followed the same route to the left, up and out and we never saw it again); Mourning Dove (16); Tree Swallow (6+); Barn Swallow (19).
(report from Mark Lynch/Sheila Carroll).

8/20/21 -- Wachusett Reservoir IBA

This morning we did a quick survey of the WACHUSETT RESERVOIR IBA checking Sterling Peat; The Quag; The Waushacums; Meadow Pond; Coachlace; and several overlooks of the reservoir proper.

Common Loon (7: including 1ad on West Waushacum); Double-crested Cormorant (30); Great Blue Heron (1); Great Egret (1: on the reservoir, seen from Prescott Cove); Mute Swan (3); Canada Goose (78); Wood Duck (4); Mallard (14); Bald Eagle (1ad); Red-tailed Hawk (3); A Kestrel (1m); Killdeer (1); Ring-billed Gull (6); Mourning Dove (14); Belted Kingfisher (1).
E Wood Peewee (1); E Kingbird (1); Tree Swallow (2; migrating); Barn Swallow (3 migrating); C Raven (4).
(report from Mark Lynch/Sheila Carroll).

8/18/21 -- Ware River Watershed IBA

This morning we spent a few hours birding in the WARE RIVER WATERSHED IBA, this time along Coldbrook and Muddy Pond Roads. Vireos and peewees were still singing as well as a handful of Hermit Thrushes. By and large, passerines were tough to come by, but we did come across 1 interesting multi-species flock of warblers.

Great Blue Heron (1); Mourning Dove (1); Yellow-bellied Sapsucker (1); E Wood Peewee (6); E Phoebe (7); Red-eyed Vireo (16); Barn Swallow (9); Blue Jay (10); C Raven (1); Black-capped Chickadee (17); Tufted Titmouse (1); Red-breasted Nuthatch (14); House Wren (2); Hermit Thrush (4); A Robin (2); G Catbird (6);
WARBLERS: Pine (12); Black and White (1m); A Redstart (2); C Yellowthroat (1); Canada (3 newly fledged birds).
E Towhee (11); Chipping Sparrow (4); Song Sparrow (3); Baltimore Oriole (1m); A Goldfinch (3).
(report from Mark Lynch/Sheila Carroll).

8/15/21 -- Warren

We birded WARREN this morning -- just a few stops.

Great Blue Heron (16); Great Egret (1); Wood Duck (4); Mallard (7); Turkey Vulture (7); Osprey (3; including 2 still ON the nest. This could have been the 2 young returned to the nest; or an adult still trying to lure a bird out of the nest. WE have seen the nest empty last week. Lots of vocalization.); Broad-winged Hawk (1); Solitary Sandpiper (5); Spotted Sandpiper (2); Mourning Dove (12); Ruby-throated Hummingbird (2); Belted Kingfisher (4); Red-bellied Woodpecker (3); Downy Woodpecker (3); Hairy Woodpecker (1); N Flicker (2).
E Wood Peewee (3); Yellow-bellied Flycatcher (1); “Trails-type”(1: could be either a Willow or Alder, both breed in the vicinity. It did not vocalize); E Phoebe (9); E Kingbird (12); Yellow-throated Vireo (1); Red-eyed Vireo (11); Blue Jay (11); Barn Swallow (36); Tufted Titmouse (3); White-breasted Nuthatch (5); House Wren (2); E Bluebird (10); A Robin (42); Gray Catbird (31); N Mockingbird (1); Cedar Waxwing (12); C Yellowthroat (7); E Towhee (4); Chipping Sparrow (32); Song Sparrow (16); N Cardinal (2); Red- winged Blackbird (17); A Goldfinch (9).

Plus: White-tailed Deer (3).
(report from Mark Lynch/Sheila Carroll).

8/8/21 -- Warren

This morning we birded a few spots in WARREN:

Great Blue Heron (10); Green Heron (1); Wood Duck (12: including 1f w/2 ducklings); Mallard (1); Turkey Vulture (1: relentlessly harassed by an Osprey); Osprey (3: the last bird left the nest); Bald Eagle (1ad. WE watched it snag a large pickerel and then sit on a tussock and eat it); Red-tailed Hawk (1); Virginia Rail (4); Semipalmated Plover (6); Greater Yellowlegs (4); Solitary Sandpiper (8); Spotted Sandpiper (2); Semipalmated Sandpiper (1); Least Sandpiper (20); Pectoral Sandpiper (3); Mourning Dove (13); Belted Kingfisher (2); Yellow-bellied Sapsucker (1); Downy Woodpecker (1); N Flicker (4).
Passerine highlights: E Wood Peewee (1); E Phoebe (8); E Kingbird (7); Yellow-throated Vireo (1); Warbling Vireo (3); Red-eyed Vireo (8); Tree Swallow (only 4); House Wren (4); Marsh Wren (1); E Bluebird (3); Cedar Waxwing (7); C Yellowthroat (3); Swamp Sparrow (3); Red-winged Blackbird (14).
(report from Mark Lynch/Sheila Carroll).

8/6/21 -- Hardwick

This morning we birded just a few spots in HARDWICK including the boat launch in Gate 43, Quabbin. WE tried for but did not see the cranes, but we also did not linger in the area.

Common Loon (4ad in a group. Typically a pair breeds in this part of Quabbin, but we saw no young birds. Did the nest fail because of all the rain?); Double-crested Cormorant (3); Great Blue Heron (1); Great Egret (1); Canada Goose (11); Wood Duck (4); Mallard (6); Common Merganser (3f); Turkey Vulture (1); Broad-winged Hawk (5); Red-tailed Hawk (3); A. Kestrel (2); Mourning Dove (16); Ruby-throated Hummingbird (4); Belted Kingfisher (2); Red-bellied Woodpecker (1); Downy Woodpecker (1); Hairy Woodpecker (1); N Flicker (2).
Passerines included: E Wood Peewee (12: all still calling); E Phoebe (18); E Kingbird (8); Yellow-throated Vireo (1); Red-eyed Vireo (23); Tree Swallow (6); Barn Swallow (18); Red-breasted Nuthatch (3); House Wren (1); E Bluebird (11); Hermit Thrush (4 still singing); Cedar Waxwing (9); Prairie Warbler (1 singing a weak , slow version of the song); Louisiana Waterthrush (1 still singing constantly); E Towhee (12); Field Sparrow (1); Baltimore Oriole (1adM).

Plus: E Garter Snake (2); River Otter (1). Plus: many E Forktails.
(report from Mark Lynch/Sheila Carroll).

7/31/21 -- Winchendon

This morning we birded along the dirt roads that run between BIRCH HILL DAM (South Royalston) and OTTER RIVER SP (Winchendon). The weather was cool for this time of the year (mid-50s) and very breezy at times. Birds were at times scarce and song was basically vireos and Hermit Thrushes. By mid-morning people really began to pile into the State Park.

Great Blue Heron (1); Canada Goose (1); Wood Duck (8); Broad-winged Hawk (4); Mourning Dove (3); Ruby- throated Hummingbird (1); Belted Kingfisher (1); Downy Woodpecker (1); N Flicker (2).
Alder Flycatcher (4); E Phoebe (5); Blue-headed Vireo (6); Red-eyed Vireo (63); Blue Jay (18); Tree Swallow (34); Barn Swallow (7); Black-capped Chickadee (21); Tufted Titmouse (7); Red-breasted Nuthatch (34); White-breasted Nuthatch (9); House Wren (4); E Bluebird (6); Hermit Thrush (39); A Robin (8); Gray Catbird (13).
WARBLERS: Yellow (1); Yellow-rumped (4); Black-throated Green (3); Pine (17); Black and White (2); C Yellowthroat (11).
E Towhee (11); Chipping Sparrow (9); Song Sparrow (9); Swamp Sparrow (8); White-throated Sparrow (1); Bobolink (2); A Goldfinch (3).
(report from Mark Lynch/Sheila Carroll).

7/29/21 -- Ware River Watershed IBA

This morning we birded the southern section of the WARE RIVER WATERSHED IBA. The weather was cloudy, breezy, and sometimes in drizzle. The roads here were a bit rough because of all the recent rain. Lots of deep puddles and lots of deep rutting along edges.

Great Blue Heron (1); Canada Goose (2); Wood Duck (13); Red-shouldered Hawk (1); Broad-winged Hawk (6: all birds perched along the dirt roads, hunting, and not shy); Red-tailed Hawk (2); Virginia Rail (2); Mourning Dove (8); Black-billed Cuckoo (1); Chimney Swift (7: as it started to rain, these came down out of the clouds to feed low over the Ware River); Ruby-throated Hummingbird (3); Downy Woodpecker (2); N Flicker (2).
E Wood Peewee (3); Alder Flycatcher (3: still calling); Least Flycatcher (1); E Phoebe (7); Great Crested Flycatcher (1); E Kingbird (6); Blue-headed Vireo (4); Red-eyed Vireo (65); Blue Jay (24); C Raven (1); Barn Swallow (7: with the swifts); Black-capped Chickadee (19); Red-breasted Nuthatch (13); White-breasted Nuthatch (6); House Wren (6); Blue-gray Gnatcatcher (1); E Bluebird (3); Veery (1); Hermit Thrush (21: all singing); A Robin (4); Gray Catbird (17); Cedar Waxwing (33).
WARBLERS: Yellow (2); Chestnut-sided (2); Black-throated Blue (2); Yellow-rumped (14); Pine (28); Black and White (3); Ovenbird (1); C Yellowthroat (7).
Scarlet Tanager (11); E Towhee (28); Chipping Sparrow (11); Song Sparrow (6); Swamp Sparrow (8); Rose- breasted Grosbeak (1); Indigo Bunting (1); Red-winged Blackbird (20); Purple Finch (6); A Goldfinch (9).

Plus: Short-tailed Shrew (1); WE also found a colony of nesting Great Golden Digger Wasps and got to watch them carrying katydids to their burrows.
(report from Mark Lynch/Sheila Carroll).

7/28/21 -- Warren

Today we birded WARREN for a few hours:

Great Blue Heron (9); Great Egret (7: these flew in as a flock, perched in some bare trees, and after 20 minutes, 1 by 1 flew down to feed. Photos); Green Heron (1); Canada Goose (21); Wood Duck (3); Mallard (1); Turkey Vulture (2); Osprey (2 fully feathered young still sitting in nest); Red-tailed Hawk (3); Virginia Rail (5); Killdeer (2); Spotted Sandpiper (2); Solitary Sandpiper (4); Ruby-throated Hummingbird (1); E Wood Peewee (2); E Phoebe (2); E Kingbird (8); Tree Swallow (40); Barn Swallow (15); Warbling Vireo (1); Red-eyed Vireo (21); G Catbird (6); Cedar Waxwing (pair pulling material out of old nest and flying off with it); Song Sparrow (13); Swamp Sparrow (5); Red-winged Blackbird (46).

At LAKE QUABOG, BROOKFIELD: Great Egret (1); Ring-billed Gull (22: all S ad except for 1).
(report from Mark Lynch/Sheila Carroll).

7/25/21 -- Warren and Wachusett Reservoir

Today we did a quick survey of Wachusett Reservoir, hoping the Bonaparte’s Gulls were still there. No such luck (we checked from the dam several times). The front that passed over earlier this AM may have pushed them to the coast. We did have: Common Loon (2); Double-crested Cormorant (9); Canada Goose (68); Mallard (7); Bald Eagle (1imm); Wild Turkey (25); Ring-billed Gull (24).

Yesterday (7/24), we birded just a few stops in Warren. We have a route that we usually follow, but today we were seeing many butterflies and odonates as well, so we took our time and only visited less than half the sites on our route. Bird song has declined dramatically. Red-eyed Vireos are the most persistent singers now, with a few other species sometimes singing. Migrant Passerines were tough to turn up, which is typical at this point until fall migrations begins in earnest.
Great Blue Heron (16); Canada Goose (49); Wood Duck (6); Black Vulture (2); Turkey Vulture (29:26 in one flock); Osprey (1ad calling to two fully feathered young still sitting in nest. At least 1 was continually leaping up and testing their wings); Bald Eagle (1imm); Broad-winged Hawk (1); Red-tailed Hawk (1); Wild turkey (1); Virginia Rails (6); Solitary Sandpiper (3); Mourning Dove (16); Ruby-throated Hummingbird (1); Belted Kingfisher (2); Red-bellied Woodpecker (1); Downy Woodpecker (1); Hairy Woodpecker (1); N Flicker (3).
Highlights of songbirds seen: E Wood Peewee (2); E Phoebe (3); E Kingbird (14) Yellow-throated Vireo (1); Warbling Vireo (2); Red-eyed Vireo (43); Tree Swallow (32 over 1 pond); Barn Swallow (6); Carolina Wren (3); House Wren (4: 1 family: 1 ad w/3 just fledged young); Wood Thrush (2); Gray Catbird (21); Cedar Waxwing (9); A Redstart (1); C Yellowthroat (7); E Towhee (4); Field Sparrow (2); Swamp Sparrow (12); Rose-breasted Grosbeak (1m).
(report from Mark Lynch/Sheila Carroll).

7/11/21 -- Hardwick

This morning we birded a few areas in HARDWICK including Gate 43 boat launch (busy as expected); several WMAs, and a few other spots.

Common Loon (1ad); Double-crested Cormorant (2imm); Canada Goose (19); Mallard (1f); Turkey Vulture (3+a flock of 40 at a cattle farm. Likely there was a carcass, but we could not see it); Black Vulture (1 with the large flock); Bald Eagle (1ad); Red-shouldered Hawk (1); Red-tailed Hawk (2); A Kestrel (1m); Wild Turkey (1ad w/5yg); Bobwhite (1 very vocal bird likely a game farm escape); Sand Hill Crane (adult pair w/1 young that we could see. 2 young have been seen very recently, but this morning they were in tall weeds. These birds are very skittish. We stayed in our car and did not linger); Killdeer (2); Spotted Sandpiper (1); Ring-billed Gull (1adS); Mourning Dove (15); Barred Owl (1 calling bird; 1 recent road kill); Ruby-throated Hummingbird (2); Belted Kingfisher (2); Red-bellied Woodpecker (2); Yellow-bellied Sapsucker (8); Downy Woodpecker (3); N Flicker (4); Pileated Woodpecker (2).
E Wood Peewee (8); E Phoebe (3); E Kingbird (9); Yellow-throated Vireo (5); Blue-headed Vireo (3); Red-eyed Vireo (122); Blue Jay (10); A Crow (8); C Raven (1); Tree Swallow (6: the swallows have “all but 1” left their numerous nesting boxes at Gate 43. Fall migration begins); Black-capped Chickadee (7); Tufted Titmouse (19); White-breasted Nuthatch (6); Carolina Wren (2); House Wren (9); Winter Wren (1); E Bluebird (3); Veery (54); Hermit Thrush (14); Wood Thrush (16); A Robin (52); Gray Catbird (65); N Mockingbird (2); Cedar Waxwing (2).
WARBLERS: Chestnut-sided (12);Black-throated Blue (1); Pine (12); Prairie (2); Black and White (1); Ovenbird (23); C Yellowthroat (28).
Scarlet Tanager (15); E Towhee (35); Chipping Sparrow (11); Field Sparrow (1); Song Sparrow (46); Swamp Sparrow (22); N Cardinal (4); Rose-breasted Grosbeak (7); Indigo Bunting (3); Red-winged Blackbird (54); C Grackle (12); Baltimore Oriole (1); House Finch (3); A Goldfinch (34).

Plus: at one grass marsh Green Frogs were in high vocalization, sounding like it was spring.
(report from Mark Lynch/Sheila Carroll).

7/10/21 -- Wachusett Reservoir/Worcester Airport/Quuinapoxet Reservoir

We started birding the WORCESTER AIRPORT and adjacent fields up to Rt. 56: Great Blue Heron (1); Canada Goose (6); Red-tailed Hawk (2); Killdeer (6); Mourning Dove (31); E Wood Peewee (2); E Kingbird (3); Barn Swallow (14); Red-eyed Vireo (20); Veery (1); G Catbird (21); Chestnut-sided Warbler (2); A Redstart (2); Ovenbird (5); C Yellowthroat (6); E Towhee (6); Savannah Sparrow (12); Song Sparrow (16); Bobolink (24: many just fledged young birds).

QUINAPOXET RESERVOIR, HOLDEN: NB; the water levels here are still extremely high. Late summer/fall shorebirding in the County could be very tough this year. Great Blue Heron (1); Double-crested Cormorant (2); Canada Goose (23); Mallard (1); Common Merganser (2f); Spotted Sandpiper (1); C Raven (2).

Then we did another quick check of WACHUSETT RESERVOIR: Common Loon (3ad+1ad w/2 downy chicks); Double- crested Cormorant (7); Great Blue Heron (1); Canada Goose (17); Mallard (5); Cooper’s Hawk (1); Red- tailed Hawk (2); Wild Turkey (3); Herring Gull (1); Ruby-throated Hummingbird (1).
Passerines were typical, but we did have 4 species of swallow and 2 just fledged Baltimore Orioles. WE also saw a recently road-killed Long-tailed Weasel. BTW: people were everywhere. Expect any of your birding destinations to be crowded.
(report from Mark Lynch/Sheila Carroll).

7/9/21 -- Wachusett Reservoir

We went out to WACHUSETT RESERVOIR just as the storm passed to check for any storm-assisted birds. Short answer: there were none. By late afternoon, it was a pleasant summer afternoon, no wind. We did have: Common Loon (4); Double-crested Cormorant (1); Canada Goose (flock of 31); Turkey Vulture (3); Bald Eagle (1ad); Red-tailed Hawk (3); Wild Turkey (5); Spotted Sandpiper (1); Ring-billed Gull (36).
(report from Mark Lynch/Sheila Carroll).

7/2/21 -- Wachusett Reservoir IBA

This morning we birded the WACHUSETT RESERVOIR IBA in rain, rain, and more rain. I hadn’t been able to bird all week, and I was determined to get out. Fairly quickly this became a challenge of “how many birds” we could see despite the rain. We set a goal of 20 species. Amazingly, we did quite a bit better and in the end had an OK, if very wet, morning. Though we were certainly short on songbird species, surprisingly we had a decent roster of raptors. The rain was so heavy at times, even hearing song was hampered. Many individuals and species just seemed to quit singing in these conditions. Some birds had to seek food despite the rain, and that was the case for species like catbirds. The rain let up by 10:30, but at that point we were really done. Amazingly, Sheila even photo’d a dragonfly. We never wandered far from the car.

Common Loon (1ad at West Waushacum+ adult pair with 2 just hatched young at the reservoir); Green Heron (1 flyover at East Waushacum); Canada Goose (8); Mute Swan (1); Wood Duck (2f w/10yg); Mallard (4); Turkey Vulture (3); Osprey (1 soaring and hunting over Thomas Basin); Bald Eagle (1imm); Cooper’s Hawk (1ad); Broad-winged Hawk (1); Red-tailed Hawk (3: all just perched out in the rain and looking miserable); Killdeer (1); Ring-billed Gull (12); Herring Gull (2adS); Mourning Dove (19: another species that doesn’t seem to mind just sitting out in the rain); Chimney Swift (4); Ruby-throated Hummingbird (1).
E Phoebe (1); E Kingbird (2); Blue Jay (9); A Crow (4); Tree Swallow (48); N Rough-winged Swallow (4); Barn Swallow (57: the swift and swallows were all seen flying low over water and fields desperately seeking insects. WE saw several Barns land and pick at stuff on the ground); Black-capped Chickadee (6); Tufted Titmouse (6); Carolina Wren (1); House Wren (1); A Robin (34); Gray Catbird (8); E Starling (41); Ceadr Waxwing (2); C Yellowthroat (2: sang as the rain started to let up).
E Towhee (4); Chipping Sparrow (3); Song Sparrow (14: many sing despite rain); N Cardinal (5); Red- winged Blackbird (36); E Meadowlark (1); C Grackle (23); Brown-headed Cowbird (1m); ORCHARD ORIOLE (1adM: this was the surprise of the morning. We were parked along an edge of the reservoir, and this bird popped up not 5 feet away giving great views and then flew off); Baltimore Oriole (1m); A Goldfinch (1); House Sparrow (4).
(report from Mark Lynch/Sheila Carroll).

6/27/21 -- Warren

This morning we birded a few areas in WARREN. Bird song has already started to drop off.

Great Blue Heron (3); Green Heron (3); Canada Goose (28); Wood Duck (2); Black Vulture (1); Turkey Vulture (7); Osprey (adult pair w/2 nestlings); Cooper’s Hawk (1imm); Wild Turkey (4); Virginia Rail (4); Mourning Dove (31); Chimney Swift (3); Ruby-throated Hummingbird (1); Belted Kingfisher (2); Yellow-bellied Sapsucker (2); N Flicker (3).
E Wood Peewee (2); Alder Flycatcher (1); Least Flycatcher (2); E Phoebe (2); E Kingbird (12); Yellow-throated Vireo (4); Warblling Vireo (9); Red-eyed Vireo (27); Blue Jay (7); A Crow (5); Tree Swallow (21); N Rough-winged Swallow (3); Barn Swallow (30); Black-capped Chickadee (4); Tufted Titmouse (2); House Wren (7); Veery (31); Wood Thrush (7); A Robin (72); G Catbird (89); Cedar Waxwing (13).
WARBLERS: Yellow (17); Chestnut-sided (6); Pine (3); A Redstart (8); Ovenbird (21); C Yellowthroat (60).
Scarlet Tanager (5); E Towhee (12); Chipping Sparrow ( 25); Field Sparrow (1); Savannah Sparrow (1); Song Sparrow (34); Swamp Sparrow (7); N Cardinal (9); Rose-breasted Grosbeak (5); Red- winged Blackbird (104); Brown-headed Cowbird (2); House Finch (5); A Goldfinch (7).

We had very few butterflies that included an Eastern Comma and Least Skipper; Mammals included White-tailed Deer.
(report from Mark Lynch/Sheila Carroll).

6/25/21 -- Petersham

This morning we birded a few areas in PETERSHAM in mist, drizzle, damp and cool. The weather had an effect on bird song, cutting down of the amount and variety of many warbler species and others. But woodland thrushes were in full song, particularly Veerys. This is a great time to WATCH birds (as opposed to just ticking them) as breeding and raising young is in full swing.

Great Blue Heron (4 fully feathers and looking ready to leave the nest young, standing, crowded in 1 nest waiting to be fed plus another 2 adults); Green Heron (1); Canada Goose (9); Wood Duck (this was the day to see broods of this waterfowl. We had a total of 61 adults or young birds PLUS another 42 tiny ducklings. There were 9 different broods accompanied by a female ranging in size of 1 to 6 ducklings. We also saw 3 tiny ducklings with no adult accompanying them.); Mallard (8); Broad-winged Hawk (1); Red-tailed Hawk (1 extreme leucistic, that has been in this general area for several years. This bird is shocking pure white except for dark-eyes and a colored bill. We watched this bird through a scope for over 15 minutes hunting. Flying it looks like an egret it is so white); Wild Turkey (9ad+3yg); Killdeer (2); Mourning Dove (9); Belted Kingfisher (3); Yellow-bellied Sapsucker (6); Downy Woodpecker (1); N Flicker (6).
E Wood Peewee (2); E Phoebe (5); E Kingbird (5); Yellow-throated Vireo (3); Blue-headed Vireo (9); Red-eyed Vireo (94); A Crow (3); C Raven (1); Tree Swallow (21); Barn Swallow (10); Black- capped Chickadee (5); Tufted Titmouse (13); Red-breasted Nuthatch (7); White-breasted Nuthatch (3); Carolina Wren (1); House Wren (4); Winter Wren (1 singing); Veery (35); Hermit Thrush (21); Wood Thrush (1); A Robin (16); Gray Catbird (32); Cedar Waxwing (7).
WARBLERS: Yellow (2); Chestnut-sided (11); Black-throated Blue (4); Yellow-rumped (3); Black- throated Green (6); Blackburnian (4); Pine (12); Prairie (2); Ovenbird (74); Louisiana Waterthrush (1); C Yellowthroat (27); Canada (1).
Scarlet Tanager (12); E Towhee (17); Chipping Sparrow (10); Song Sparrow (21); Swamp Sparrow (3); N Cardinal (3); Red-winged Blackbird (95+); C Grackle (18).

Red Efts were on dirt roads, so watch your steps!
(report from Mark Lynch/Sheila Carroll).

6/24/21 -- Mt. Wachusett, Princeton

On a mid-day hiking trip up the mountain, highlights were 3 Yellow-bellied Sapsuckers, 1 Winter Wren (singing and seen), 2 Hermit Thrush, 3 Black-throated Blue Warblers, 1 Black-throated Green Warbler, 1 Black-and-white Warbler, and 3+ Dark-eyed Junco (seen and heard singing). (report from Rick Quimby).

6/20/21 -- Erving

Today we birded/butterfly-ed, and ode-ed the small town of ERVING (Franklin County) including a few adjacent areas. Several species were only found along the banks of the river.

BIRDS: Great Blue Heron (1); Turkey Vulture (1); Red-shouldered Hawk (2); Broad-winged Hawk (2); Spotted Sandpiper (2); Black-billed Cuckoo (1); Chimney Swift (3); Yellow-bellied Sapsucker (6); Downy Woodpecker (1); E Wood Peewee (2); Alder Flycatcher (1); Least Flycatcher (3); E Phoebe (14); E Kingbird (2);
VIREOS: Yellow-throated (4); Blue-headed (13); Warbling (8: only along the river); Red-eyed (77);
Blue Jay (16); A Crow (1); Tree Swallow (6); Barn Swallow (4); Black-capped Chickadee (9); Tufted Titmouse (8); Red-breasted Nuthatch (6); White-breasted Nuthatch (3); Carolina Wren (1); House Wren (3); E Bluebird (2); Veery (27); Hermit Thrush (9); Wood Thrush (4); A Robin (12); Gray Catbird (13); Cedar Waxwing (4).
WARBLERS: Yellow (7); Chestnut-sided (16); Magnolia (1); Black-throated Blue (7); Black-throated Green (13); Blackburnian (6); pine (3); Black and White (7); A Redstart (3); Ovenbird (41); C Yellowthroat (15); Canada (2).
Scarlet Tanager (20: we watched 2 different pairs in which the female was gathering nesting materials, like pine needles, on the ground while the male kept a close eye on her c. 6 feet above on a branch); Chipping Sparrow (11); Song Sparrow (16); Rose-breasted Grosbeak (3); Indigo Bunting (2m); Red-winged Blackbird (12); Baltimore Oriole (2); Purple Finch (1); A Goldfinch (2).

There were few butterflies, but we did have several “White Admiral” forms of the Red-spotted Admiral as well as a Long Dash.

Odonate highlights included a handful of Rusty Snaketails; Moustached Clubtail; Powdered and Blue Dancers.
(report from Mark Lynch/Sheila Carroll).

6/18/21 -- Wendell

Today we birded, butterfly-ed, and ode-ed around WENDELL (Franklin County). We spent most of our time along the dirt roads of the State Forest, but visited other locations as well including the large MAS property. It was mostly forest birding. Nothing unusual, but we had some nice counts of certain species. A bonus was the outstanding display of MOUNTAIN LAUREL.

Birds: Great Blue Heron (1); Wood Duck (13: including a female with 8 ducklings); Hooded Merganser 2: both flying by: either females or fledged young); Turkey Vulture (4); Mourning Dove (9); Black-billed Cuckoo (1); Ruby-throated Hummingbird (1); Red-bellied Woodpecker (1); Yellow-bellied Sapsucker (9); Hairy Woodpecker (2); N Flicker (1); Pileated Woodpecker (1).
E Wood Peewee (8); Alder Flycatcher (4); E Phoebe (3); Great Crested Flycatcher (2); E Kingbird (4).
VIREOS: Yellow-throated (2); Blue-headed (17: including my first (apparent) road-killed individual); Warbling (4); Red-eyed (142).
Blue Jay (7); A Crow (2); Tree Swallow (11); Black-capped Chickadee (17); Tufted Titmouse (7); Brown Creeper (3 singing); House Wren (6); Veery (23); Hermit Thrush (12); Wood Thrush (2); A Robin (12); Gray Catbird (36); Cedar Waxwing (4).
WARBLERS: Chestnut-sided (23); Black-throated Blue (49: Wendell with its copious undergrowth of Mountain Laurel is a great spot for this species. We got to watch several females very closely as they were intent on gathering food); Black-throated Green (9); Pine (15); Prairie (5); Black and White (9); A Redstart (3); Ovenbird (124); C Yellowthroat (21); Canada (3).
Scarlet Tanager (25); E Towhee (41); Chipping Sparrow (14); Song Sparrow (17); N Cardinal (2); Rose-breasted Grosbeak (7); Indigo Bunting (2); Red-winged Blackbird (41); C Grackle (19); Baltimore Oriole (2); Purple Finch (2); A Goldfinch (7).

Best butterflies included a number of Red-spotted Admirals and a few Silver-bordered Fritillary. Best odes included Martha’s Pennent; Elfin Skimmer; and saving a Moustached Clubtail from a spider’s web. Mammal highlights included Short-tailed Shrew ad White-tailed Deer. In one small pool we had hundreds of tadpoles, adult Red-spotted Newts; and larval salamanders, likely newts but also possibly Spotted Salamanders.
(report from Mark Lynch/Sheila Carroll).

6/14/21 -- Sterling Airport, Sterling

The Sterling Town Meeting was held outdoors at the Sterling Airport. Cars parked in rows had the feeling of a drive in movie but no big screen. Overcast sky, no wind, 64 degrees. During the meeting (5:45 p.m. - 7:50 p.m.) I observed or heard the following species:

Green heron - Several flyovers; Killdeer - Loudly disapproving of the proceedings on the airfield; Mallard; Tree swallow; Barn swallow; Chimney swift; Robin; Red-winged blackbird; Starling; Ovenbird; Red-eyed vireo; Goldfinch; Mourning dove; Chipping sparrow;
Several unidentified passerines flew over in silhouette.
Barred owl flew over the car on Redstone Hill Road at the end of the evening.
(report from Marion Larson)

6/5/21 -- Ware River Watershed IBA

This morning we returned to the WARE RIVER WATERSHED IBA, this time concentrating mostly on areas along Gilbert and Granger Roads parallel to the Burnshirt River. Be forewarned that some sections of these dirt roads are best driven with high carriage vehicles. All birds seen today were assumed to be breeders.

Great Blue Heron (3ad w/16 yng in 9 active nests: 1 rookery); Hooded Merganser (1f); Red- shouldered Hawk (1); Broad-winged Hawk (3); Red-tailed Hawk (2); Killdeer (1ad w/at least 1 chick); Mourning Dove (4); Ruby-throated Hummingbird (2); Belted Kingfisher (1); Yellow-bellied Sapsucker (3); Pileated Woodpecker (1).
E Wood Peewee (12); Alder Flycatcher (6); Least Flycatcher (5); E Phoebe (8); Great Crested Flycatcher (5); E Kingbird (8).
VIREOS: Yellow-throated (4); Blue-headed (7); Warbling (4); Red-eyed (74).
Blue Jay (4); Tree Swallow (8); Black-capped Chickadee (32); Tufted Titmouse (11); Red-breasted Nuthatch (7); House Wren (9); Winter Wren (1); Veery (24); Hermit Thrush (18); A Robin (19); Gray Catbird (18); Cedar Waxwing (3).
WARBLERS: Yellow (5); Chestnut-sided (9); Black-throated Blue (4); Yellow-rumped (2); Black- throated Green (6); Blackburnian (5); Pine (14); Prairie (3); Black and White (9); A Redstart (2); Ovenbird (101); C Yellowthroat (31); Canada (2).
Scarlet Tanager (8); E Towhee (10); Chipping Sparrow (23); Song Sparrow (16); Swamp Sparrow (5); White-throated Sparrow (1); N Cardinal (4); Rose-breasted Grosbeak (3); Indigo Bunting (2); Red-winged Blackbird (60); C Grackle (16); Baltimore Oriole (6); Purple Finch (1); A Goldfinch (2).
(report from Mark Lynch/Sheila Carroll).

6/4/21 -- Hardwick

This morning we birded a circular route around HARDWICK.

Common Loon (adult pair. We watched 1 of them start building a nest); Double-crested Cormorant (1); American Bittern (1); Great Blue Heron (1); Canada Goose (7; including 3 goslings); Wood Duck (9: including 1f w/7 ducklings); Mallard (1m); Turkey Vulture (4); Sharp-shinned Hawk (1ad); Red-tailed Hawk (5); A Kestrel (1; likely breeder); Wild Turkey (1+1ad w/at least 2 young in very deep grass); Killdeer (1); Spotted Sandpiper (2); Mourning Dove (13); Yellow-billed Cuckoo (1); Ruby-throated Hummingbird (2); Yellow-bellied Sapsucker (4); N Flicker (2); Pileated Woodpecker (1).
E Wood Peewee (6); Alder Flycatcher (5); Willow Flycatcher (1); Least Flycatcher (12); E Phoebe (5); Great Crested Flycatcher (5); E Kingbird (6); Yellow-throated Vireo (10); Warbling Vireo (11); Red-eyed Vireo (156); A Crow (2); C Raven (3); Tree Swallow (38); Barn Swallow (2); Tufted Titmouse (17); White-breasted Nuthatch (4); House Wren (30); E Bluebird (9); Veery (67); Hermit Thrush (8: 3 that were together foraging on a road looked like just fledged young. Is that even possible this early?); Wood Thrush (10); A Robin (89); Gray Catbird (104); N Mockingbird (1: inside Gate 43, Quabbin at the DCR shack. Mockers are very uncommon deep inside Quabbin, though they breed at the Administration building off Rt.9); Cedar Waxwing (7).
WARBLERS: Blue-winged (6); Yellow (22); Chestnut-sided (43); Black-throated Blue (6); Black- throated Green (2); Pine (3); Prairie (2); Black and White (7); A Redstart (26); Ovenbird (116); Northern Waterthrush (3); C Yellowthroat (70).
Scarlet Tanager (18); E Towhee (46); chipping Sparrow (23); Field Sparrow (3); Song Sparrow (53); Swamp Sparrow (60; N Cardinal (4); Rose-breasted Grosbeak (14); Indigo Bunting (3m); Bobolink (10); Red-winged Blackbird (136); C Grackle (18); Brown-headed Cowbird (12); Baltimore Oriole (14)
(report from Mark Lynch/Sheila Carroll).

6/2/21 -- Hadwen Park, Worcester

The 2 juvenile Great Horned Owls have been at Hadwen Park, often perched together. I was able to get this photo of one of them this morning. They can be seen along the dirt road on top of the glacial esker. They are usually perched in the White Pines on the right as you approach Curtis Pond from the top of Knox Street. (report from Brian Mulhearn)

5/26/21 -- New Braintree

This morning we birded around NEW BRAINTREE. New Braintree has quite a number of large hayfields, as well as woodlots, areas of forests, marshes, and several WMAs. Though we bird here often, we have not birded here much in spring migration. Today we got a (very) small handful of “passing through” migrants, and by far most of the birds we saw and heard were migrant breeders. Spring migration seems to have started early and ended early this year, though birders should still keep an ear/eye out for traditional late migrants like Olive-sided Flycatcher and Mourning Warbler. Seen today:

Canada Goose (30adults w/13 goslings); Wood Duck (3m); Mallard (1); Turkey Vulture (2); Wild Turkey (1); Killdeer (1); Mourning Dove (7); Yellow-billed Cuckoo (2); Ruby-throated Hummingbird (1); Belted Kingfisher (1); Red-bellied Woodpecker (1); Yellow-bellied Sapsucker (1); N Flicker (3).
FLYCATCHERS: Olive-sided (1); E Wood Peewee (8); Alder (19: they were everywhere this morning where there was the right habitat); Willow (1); Least (3); E Phoebe (8); Great Crested (2); E Kingbird (4).
VIREOS: Yellow-throated (6); Warbling (13); Red-eyed (104).
Blue Jay (11); A Crow (16); C Raven (8); Tree Swallow (9); Barn Swallow (21); Black Capped Chickadee (7); Tufted Titmouse (13); White-breasted Nuthatch (2); Carolina Wren (1); House Wren (17); Blue-gray Gnatcatcher (1); E Bluebird (3); Veery (38); Wood Thrush (10); A Robin (61); Gray Catbird (57); Brown Thrasher (1); Cedar Waxwing (7: 1 flock).
WARBLERS: Blue-winged (3); Yellow (15); Chestnut-sided (34); Black-throated Green (1); Blackburnian (1); Pine (9); Blackpoll (2); Black and White (3); A Redstart (21); Ovenbird (110); C Yellowthroat (45).
Scarlet Tanager (7); E Towhee (7); Chipping Sparrow (31); Savannah Sparrow (4); Song Sparrow (45); Swamp Sparrow (5); N Cardinal (11); Rose-breasted Grosbeak (13); Indigo Bunting (22); Bobolink (56: we only counted birds we saw/heard in a short stop); Red-winged Blackbird (168); C Grackle (37); Brown-headed Cowbird (2); Baltimore Oriole (11); A Goldfinch (6).
(report from Mark Lynch/Sheila Carroll).

5/25/21 -- city of Worcester

This morning we birded the 4 cemeteries in the southwestern corner of the city of Worcester: Hope, Notre Dame, All Faiths, and St. Johns, in that order. The weather was cool and breezy. There were a few migrants, but mostly in was breeders (resident and migrants) going about nesting and post nesting. Now, with the leaves fully out, trying to get views of birds in trees or even along the Middle River was much more difficult than 2 weeks ago.

Great Blue Heron (2); Canada Goose (10); Mute Swan (2); Wood Duck (4); Mallard (8); Killdeer (2); Mourning Dove (15); Chimney Swift (14); Red-bellied Woodpecker (1); Downy Woodpecker (1); Hairy Woodpecker (minimally 3: a pair attending a nesting hole feeding young, but we could only see 1 young head at a time);N Flicker (4).
E Wood Peewee (2); E Phoebe (1); Great Crested Flycatcher (3); E Kingbird (1); Warbling Vireo (29: in every cemetery in good numbers); Red-eyed Vireo (5); Blue Jay (9); A Crow (1); Tree Swallow (2); N Rough-winged Swallow (4); Black-capped Chickadee (6); Tufted Titmouse (2); White-breasted Nuthatch (3); Carolina Wren (2); House Wren (10); A Robin (79: many just fledged spotted birds hopping about, still attended by adults); Gray Catbird (28); N Mockingbird (7); Starling (c.40+: many just fledged birds).
WARBLERS: Yellow (8); Pine (1); Blackpoll (4); A Redstart (1); Mourning (1: found originally in Hope along the river, it moved towards St. John’s end and we lost it); C Yellowthroat (3).
Chipping Sparrow (21); Song Sparrow (9); N Cardinal (3); Rose-breasted Grosbeak (4); Red-winged Blackbird (35); C Grackle (24); Brown-headed Cowbird (5); Orchard Oriole (3m); Baltimore Oriole (13); House Finch (11); A Goldfinch (2).

NB: At All Faith’s we had 3 species of turtle: E Painted; Red-eared Slider (introduced); and 2 HUGE Snapping Turtles mating. If you have never seen this, it is something to behold. Sheila took a number of shots.
(report from Mark Lynch/Sheila Carroll).

5/23/21 -- Ware River Watershed IBA

WE started to head out to Otter River very early this AM, but I got some sudden intestinal woes, and we headed home, but by 6:30AM I was feeling better, so we headed to HOPE CEMETERY, which was a total disappointment (best bird: 3 peewees; we also got to watch a pair of Hairys at a nest hole), so on an impulse we headed to the WARE RIVER WATERSHED IBA deciding to concentrate on areas for dragonflies (Sheila’s passion) along roads in the southern parts. We did NOT cover the Prison Camp area. It was another poor migration day and we heard/saw mostly migrant breeders until the end. As the morning heated up (c.9:30AM), song dropped off dramatically except for Red-eyed Vireos and Ovenbirds. BTW: there was some disk golf event going on and there was NO parking left at the restroom areas of Barre Falls Dam.

Birds:
Canada Goose (10/3 goslings); Wood Duck (7); Mourning Dove (1); Belted Kingfisher (1); Red-bellied Woodpecker (1); Hairy Woodpecker (1); N Flicker (2).
E Wood Peewee (9); Alder Flycatcher (5); Least Flycatcher (8); E Phoebe (4); Great Crested Flycatcher (15: a notably high count for the area we covered, so many were likely migrants); E Kingbird (2).
VIREOS: Yellow-throated (6); Blue-headed (3); Warbling (2); Red-eyed (66).
Blue Jay (9); Tree Swallow (6); Barn Swallow (15); Black-capped Chickadee (11); Tufted Titmouse (8); Red-breasted Nuthatch (9); White-breasted Nuthatch (8); House Wren (2); Winter Wren (1); Veery (27); Hermit Thrush (10); Wood Thrush (1); A Robin (15); Gray Catbird (12); Cedar Waxwing (2).
WARBLERS: Yellow (8); Chestnut-sided (14); Black-throated Blue (4); Yellow-rumped (5); Black-throated Green (7); Blackburnian (2); Pine (18); Prairie (3); Bay-breasted (1); Blackpoll (3); Black and White (3); A Redstart (6); Ovenbird (129); Northern Waterthrush (1); Louisiana Waterthrush (2); C Yellowthroat (26); Canada (1: likely breeder).
Scarlet Tanager (18); E Towhee (23); Chipping Sparrow (25); Savannah Sparrow (1); Song Sparrow (12); Swamp Sparrow (1); Rose-breasted Grosbeak (12); Indigo Bunting (1); Red-winged Blackbird (42); C Grackle (24); Baltimore Oriole (8); A Goldfinch (2).

PLUS: BUTTERFLIES included double digit counts of Tiger Swallowtail, and Sheila got a shot of a Dreamy Duskywing (there were numbers of Juvenal’s). DRAGONFLIES: the highlight for me was that Sheila rescued, because they had just emerged and were flipped over in the water, 2 MOUSTACHED CLUBTAILS with our net. She got some nice shots. HERPS included an E Garter Snake and many trilling American Toads, and a Pickerel Frog we had to usher off a driving road. BLOOMS included many Fringed Polygala, Star Flowers.
(report from Mark Lynch/Sheila Carroll).

5/21/21 -- Petersham

We birded a few spots in PETERSHAM today. There were some movements of migrants, including northern breeding warblers (a few) and Scarlet Tanagers (more than typically breed in these areas).

Great Blue Heron (1ad w/3 still downy yng in nest+2 other adults); Green Heron (2); Canada Goose (10 ad+10 goslings); Wood Duck (4m); A Black Duck (1f w/1 very young duckling that was keeping very close); Hooded Merganser (1f); Red-shouldered Hawk (3); A Woodcock (1 that sat in the middle of a dirt road and only eventually rhumba-ed it’s way off to the side); Mourning Dove (8); Barred Owl (1); Ruby-throated Hummingbird (1m); Red-bellied Woodpecker (1); Yellow-bellied Sapsucker (13); Downy Woodpecker (1); Hairy Woodpecker (1); N Flicker (6); Pileated Woodpecker (2).
Olive-sided Flycatcher (1); E Wood Peewee (8); Alder Flycatcher (4); Least Flycatcher (7); E Phoebe (6); Great Crested Flycatcher (6); E Kingbird (12).
VIREOS: Yellow-throated (13); Blue-headed (10); Warbling (7); Red-eyed (198);
Blue Jay (17); A Crow (2); Tree Swallow (49); Barn Swallow (18); Black-capped Chickadee (19); Tufted Titmouse (26); Red-breasted Nuthatch (16); White-breasted Nuthatch (5); Brown Creeper (1); House Wren (5); Winter Wren (2); Veery (38); Swainson’s Thrush (2); Hermit Thrush (19); Wood Thrush (14); A Robin (27); Gray Catbird (45).
WARBLERS: Blue-winged (1); Nashville (1: likely breeder); Yellow (11); Chestnut-sided (44); Cape May (1); Black-throated Blue (1); Yellow-rumped (10); Black-throated Green (11); Blackburnian (9); Pine (19); Prairie (2); Bay-breasted (4); Blackpoll (2); Black and White (5); A Redstart (11); Ovenbird (146); Northern Waterthrush (5); Louisiana Waterthrush (2); C Yellowthroat (50); Canada (1).
Scarlet Tanager (34); E Towhee (19); Chipping Sparrow (31); Song Sparrow (9); Swamp Sparrow (5); N Cardinal (6); Rose-breasted Grosbeak (7); Indigo Bunting (1); Bobolink (24); Red-winged Blackbird (117); C Grackle (56); Baltimore Oriole (14); Purple Finch (5); A Goldfinch (9).

Red Fox+MANY American Toads trilling.
(report from Mark Lynch/Sheila Carroll).

5/20/21 -- Gate 28, Wachusett Reservoir

A late morning walk into Gate 28 past the Lilly Ponds and on to the reservoir yielded these highlights: 1 Red-shouldered Hawk, 1 RT Hummingbird, 2 Eastern Wood-Pewees, 2 Great Crested Flycatchers, 1 Swainson's Thrush (seen well, along forest road bordering reservoir), 1 Hermit Thrush (singing), 2 Yellow-throated Vireos, 1 Warbling Vireo, 6+ Red-eyed Vireos, 1 Pine Warbler, 3 Prairie Warblers, 1 Am Redstart, 10+ Ovenbirds (several seen well), 1 Common Yellowthroat, 3 Scarlet Tanager, 6+ Rose-breasted Grosbeaks, 3 E Towhee (1 f seen), and 6+ Baltimore Orioles. (report from Rick Quimby).

5/20/21 -- Warren

This morning we birded a few spots in WARREN. Warren has one of the most scenic large area of grassy fields left in the County along Coy Hill Road. My suggestion is to get out and enjoy it while you can. An huge, dense solar panel field is being erected just abutting these fields, obliterating a huge area of second growth that used to host many species and migrants. I can’t imagine these fields and farms will last too much longer. Today we had mostly breeders.

Great Blue Heron (4: 1 on nest); Black Vulture (1, likely nester); Turkey Vulture (7); Canada Goose (20ad+17 goslings); Wood Duck (1); Mallard (2); Osprey (4: 1pair at nest in dead tree in small swamp, 1 sitting tight on nest+ another pair in a microwave relay tower with nest); Broad-winged Hawk (2); Ring- necked Pheasant (1 uncountable); Virginia Rail (3); Solitary Sandpiper (1); Mourning Dove (21); Black- billed Cuckoo (1); Chimney Swift (16); Ruby-throated Hummingbird (3); Red-bellied Woodpecker (2); Downy Woodpecker (1); N Flicker (5).
E Wood Peewee (4); Least Flycatcher (5); E Phoebe (3); Great Crested Flycatcher (5); E Kingbird (17).
VIREOS: Yellow-throated (9); Warbling (20); Red-eyed (74).
Blue Jay (12); A Crow (3); Common Raven (1); Tree Swallow (22); Barn Swallow (55); Black-capped Chickadee (8); Tufted Titmouse (16); White-breasted Nuthatch (3); Carolina Wren (5); House Wren (13); E Bluebird (2); Veery (34); Wood Thrush (43); A Robin (72); Gray Catbird (142); N Mockingbird (2).
WARBLERS: Blue-winged (4); N Parula (1); Yellow (45); Chestnut-sided (13); Pine (2); Prairie (3); Black and White (7); A Redstart (35); Ovenbird (77); C Yellowthroat (58).
E Towhee (17); Chipping Sparrow (25); Field Sparrow (1); Savannah Sparrow (2); Song Sparrow (34); Swamp Sparrow (3); Scarlet Tanager (12); N Cardinal (14); Rose-breasted Grosbeak (30); Indigo Bunting (2m); Bobolink (37); Red-winged Blackbird (195); C Grackle (18); Brown-headed Cowbird (8); Baltmore Oriole (23).
(report from Mark Lynch/Sheila Carroll).

5/19/21 -- Ware River Watershed IBA

This morning we birded in a wide and twisted loop of the southern section of the WARE RIVER WATERSHED IBA. Now that butterflies and dragonflies and herps are about, making headway along the roads was a slow process. There was lots of breeding species and only a small number of migrants “just passing through”. One feature of this morning here were thrushes. Of the thrushes we ID’d, MANY more just zipped by across the dirt roads in front of us too quickly to be identified.

American Bittern (1); Great Blue Heron (4: we did not check any of the rookeries yet); Canada Goose (pair w/5yng+pair w/6yng); Wood duck (3m); Hooded Merganser (1m); Broad-winged Hawk (5, possibly all breeders); Ruffed Grouse (1 drumming); Virginia Rail (2); Sora (1); Mourning Dove (5); Belted Kingfisher (1f); Red-bellied Woodpecker (1); Yellow-bellied Sapsucker (3); Downy Woodpecker (1); Hairy Woodpecker (1); N Flicker (2); Pileated Woodpecker (2).
E Wood Peewee (8); Least Flycatcher (17); E Phoebe (3); Great Crested Flycatcher (6); E Kingbird (13).
VIREOS: Yellow-throated (7); Blue-headed (6); Warbling (6); Red-eyed (113).
Blue Jay (18); C Raven (3); Tree Swallow (35); Barn Swallow (18); Black-capped Chickadee (11); Tufted Titmouse (19); Red-breasted Nuthatch (16); White-breasted Nuthatch (5); Brown Creeper (2); House Wren (10); Winter Wren (3); Veery (17); Swainson’s Thrush (8); Hermit Thrush (29); Wood Thrush (9); A Robin (13); Gray Catbird (70); Cedar Waxwing (4).
WARBLERS: Blue-winged (2); Nashville (1); Yellow (31); Chestnut-sided (21); Magnolia (1); Black-throated Blue (7); Yellow-rumped (3); Black-throated Green (11); Blackburnian (1); Pine (33); Prairie (8); Blackpoll (1); Black and White (6); A Redstart (7); Ovenbird (163); Northern Waterthrush (5); C Yellowthroat (46); Wilson’s (1); Canada (1).
Scarlet Tanager (28); E Towhee (43); Chipping Sparrow (30); Song Sparrow (24); Swamp Sparrow (9); N Cardinal (6); Rose-breasted Grosbeak (14); Indigo Bunting (2); Bobolink (12); Red-winged Blackbird (66); C Grackle (20); Baltimore Oriole (13); Purple Finch (3); A Goldfinch (11).

Herps included: painted turtle, garter snake, American toad, Gray Tree Frog, Pickerel Frog, peepers.

Blooms included: Starflower, Dwarf Ginseng, Fringed Polygala.

Butterflies included a tally of (92) Spring Azure as well as Tiger Swallowtail; Pine Elfins, Juvenal’s Duskywing.

The best Mammal hands down was a Black Bear.
(report from Mark Lynch/Sheila Carroll).

5/14/21 -- Lake Wickaboag, West Brookfield

Today around 1:15 pm I was watching a boat on the lake, and all of a sudden I see an adult bald eagle dive in the water and come up with a fish. He then flew towards the north side. The people on the boat weren’t paying attention and missed it :(
(report from Daniel P Roche).

5/12/21 -- Ware River Watershed IBA

This morning we birded the southern sections of the WARE RIVER WATERSHED IBA. The weather was cool at first, breezy, sometimes even windy, with winds from the west. Not a great day for migration. There were Ovenbirds and towhees at many stops, and modest numbers of BREEDING species. We had no species that I could definitely say were “just migrants, not migrant breeders". Song, other than the ever-present Ovenbirds, was low key.

Great Blue Heron (5); Canada Goose (12+pr w/3 goslings); Wood Duck (6: all drakes); Mallard (1m); Osprey (1); Broad-winged Hawk (1); Ruffed Grouse (1); Virginia Rail (3); Mourning Dove (5); Great Horned Owl (1); Ruby-throated Hummingbird (1m flew in and nectared on some blueberry blooms); Belted Kingfisher (2); Red-bellied Woodpecker (2); Yellow-bellied Sapsucker (3); Hairy Woodpecker (2); Pileated Woodpecker (3).
Least Flycatcher (13); E Phoebe (5); Great Crested Flycatcher (2); E Kingbird (5).
VIREOS: Yellow-throated (3); Blue-headed (4); Warbling (3); Red-eyed (1).
Blue Jay (22); Tree Swallow (69); Barn Swallow (20); Black-capped Chickadee (11); Tufted Titmouse (9); Red-breasted Nuthatch (2); White-breasted Nuthatch (7); Brown Creeper (2); Carolina Wren (1); House Wren (6); Winter Wren (3 singing); Veery (4); Hermit Thrush (23); A Robin (28); Gray Catbird (29).
WARBLERS: Nashville (1); Yellow (13); Chestnut-sided (23); Black-throated Blue (2); Yellow-rumped (22); Black-throated Green (13); Pine (27); Prairie (3); Black and White (9); A Redstart (1); Ovenbird (180: a careful count of singing birds; we also saw many too); Northern Waterthrush (2); C Yellowthroat (31).
Scarlet Tanager (6); E Towhee (62); Chipping Sparrow (14); Song Sparrow (14); Swamp Sparrow (13); Rose- breasted Grosbeak (10); Bobolink (13); Red-winged Blackbird (95+); C Grackle (42); Brown-headed Cowbird (1f); Baltimore Oriole (12); Purple Finch (1); A Goldfinch (9).

Blooms included MANY Wood Anemone and violets; Butterflies included Canadian Swallowtail; E Pine Elfin; Spring Azures; Juvenal’s Duskywing. Among the more common E Painted Turtles we found (3) Spotted Turtles; Mammals including a Jumping Mouse species (possibly Woodland) and Short-tailed Shrew.
(report from Mark Lynch/Sheila Carroll).

5/9/21 -- Blackstone/Millville

This morning we birded the adjacent towns of BLACKSTONE and MILLVILLE, on the Rhode Island border. WE covered much of this area for the Breeding Bird Atlas II. There are some parks, a long trail along the Blackstone River (mobbed with walkers, bicyclists, and dog walkers), and a few other spots to pull off and walk a little like the area at Blackstone Gorge. But most of the area is suburban with small patches of forest and wooded wetlands. Today we did not have many migrants, mostly migrant breeders. The highest species totals were for those species that love small woodlots, like House Wren). Even so, we had no “woodland” thrushes ( we were expecting Veery and Wood), which was odd. We also had no vultures which is odd considering the number of TVs and even BVs that over winter here along the border with Woonsocket. Of course as soon as we left the area, driving further north on Rt 122, we saw numbers of vultures.

American Bittern (1 pumping in a large area of marshland. May stay to breed.); Canada Goose (11); Mallard (7 drakes); Red-shouldered Hawk (2); Red-tailed Hawk (1 at nest with at least 2 yng+3 others); Spotted Sandpiper (1); Mourning Dove (21); Chimney Swift (8); Red-bellied Woodpecker (5); Downy Woodpecker (3); N Flicker (5).
E Phoebe (14); Great Crested Flycatcher (4); E Kingbird (4); Yellow-throated Vireo (1); Warbling Vireo (13); Red-eyed Vireo (1); Blue Jay (25); A Crow (3); Common Raven (pair attending nest with three almost fledged young in a microwave relay tower. They have been using this tower for 10+ years. We had an additional (1) raven in an area where we suspect they also breed); Tree Swallow (17); Barn Swallow (8); Black-capped Chickadee (23); Tufted Titmouse (37); White-breasted Nuthatch (7); Carolina Wren (34); House Wren (29); Winter Wren (1 singing away in suitable nesting habitat: not typical for this area); Blue-gray Gnatcatcher (2birds we watched gathering lichen for their nest); E Bluebird (5); A Robin (102); Gray Catbird (69); N Mockingbird (4); Brown Thrasher (1).
WARBLERS: Blue-winged (3); Yellow (32); Yellow-rumped (6); Pine (2); Prairie (3); Ovenbird (26); Northern Waterthrush (2); C Yellowthroat (9); Canada (1).
E Towhee (9); Chipping Sparrow (29); Field Sparrow (1); Song Sparrow (67); Swamp Sparrow (3); N Cardinal (46); Rose-breasted Grosbeak (5); Red-winged Blackbird (66); C Grackle (22); Orchard Oriole (3m: the southern half of the Blackstone National Corridor, (Massachusetts section) is the best place in Worcester County for this species.); Baltimore Oriole (44); House Finch (32); A Goldfinch (12).
(report from Mark Lynch/Sheila Carroll).

5/9/21 -- Broad Meadow Brook, Worcester

In a 3 hour walk this morning, I covered most parts of the sanctuary. Highlights were ~10 Chimney Swifts, 10 Tree Swallows, 6 N. Rough-winged Swallows, 2 Common Ravens, 1 Carolina Wren, 4 House Wrens, 1 Blue-gray Gnatcatcher, 2 E. Bluebird, 5 Gray Catbird, 1 Blue-headed Vireo, 1 Warbling Vireo, 1 Blue-winged Warbler, 7 N. Parula, 8 Yellow Warblers, 7 Yellow-rumped Warblers, 1 Black-throated Green Warbler, 7 Praire Warbler, 7 Ovenbird, 4 Common Yellowthroat, 1 Scarlet Tanager (f along power lines), 2 Rose-breasted Grosbeak, 5 Eastern Towhee, 1 Field Sparrow, 7 Baltimore Orioles, and 2 Red-bellied Woodpeckers. (report from Rick Quimby)

5/7/21 -- Hardwick

We birded several stops this morning in HARDWICK. This included a short trip into Gate 43 which was mobbed with fishermen. There was a lot of song early in the morning, which died off considerably by 9AM. We came across a number a small waves.

Great Blue Heron (2); Canada Goose (8ad+2 goslings); Wood Duck (9); Mallard (5); Hooded Merganser (1m); Common Merganser (2f); Turkey Vulture (9); Bald Eagle (1ad); Red-tailed Hawk (3); Wild Turkey (1); Killdeer (2); Mourning Dove (17); Ruby-throated Hummingbird (1); Red-bellied Woodpecker (7); Yellow- bellied Sapsucker (10); Downy Woodpecker (2); N Flicker (11); Pileated Woodpecker (2).
Least Flycatcher (6); E Phoebe (15); E Kingbird (2); Blue-headed Vireo (3); Warbling Vireo (9); Blue Jay (10); C Raven (2); Tree Swallow (51); N Rough-winged Swallow (2); Barn Swallow (12); Black-capped Chickadee (19); Tufted Titmouse (37); Red-breasted Nuthatch (3); Brown Creeper (1); Carolina Wren (1); House Wren (30); Blue-gray Gnatcatcher (1); E Bluebird (7); Veery (7); Hermit Thrush (14); Wood Thrush (18); A Robin (66); Gray Catbird (51); Brown Thrasher (1).
WARBLERS: Blue-winged (6); Nashville (1); N Parula (5); Yellow (32); Chestnut-sided (9); Black-throated Blue (2); Yellow-rumped (14); Black-throated Green (4); Pine (5); Prairie (5); Cerulean (1 non-singing male in a moving group that included Parula and BT Green); Black and White (6); A Redstart (1); Worm- eating (1 in possible nesting habitat); Ovenbird (107:Singing everywhere); Louisiana Waterthrush (1); C Yellowthroat (17).
E Towhee (35); Chipping Sparrow (54); Song Sparrow (34); Swamp Sparrow (5); White-throated Sparrow (12); N Cardinal (13); Rose-breasted Grosbeak (8); Bobolink (2m); Red-winged Blackbird (64); C Grackle (17); Brown-headed Cowbird (9); Baltimore Oriole (22); Purple Finch (7); House Finch (5); A Goldfinch (17).
(report from Mark Lynch/Sheila Carroll).

5/7/21 -- Notre Dame and Hope cemeteries, Worcester

This morning at 7:30 I birded the portions of these cemeteries near water. The lawn machinery was out in full force, but I could still hear the birds. Highlights were 1 Osprey (ND), 1 Virginia Rail (heard only at ND, in the marsh), 3 Killdeer, 1 Eastern Kingbird (Hope, seen and heard), 1 Winter Wren (ND), 3 House Wren (Hope), 3 Gray Catbird, 1 Blue-headed Vireo (Hope), 5+ Warbling Vireos, 1 N. Parula (ND), 1 Magnolia Warbler (ND), ~10 Yellow-rumped Warblers, 1 Black-throated Green Warbler (nice views in Hope cemetery, heard both songs), 2 Black-and-white Warblers, ~15 Chipping Sparrows, ~6 Song Sparrows, 5 White-throated Sparrows, 1 Dark-eyed Junco (ND), 3 Baltimore Orioles. (report from Rick Quimby).

5/7/21 -- Notre Dame Cemetery, Worcester

There was a Great Horned Owl being mobbed by crows. The Owl was in a tree near the mausoleum on the Webster Street side. A few days ago the owls were in the trees near the mausoleum at the top of the hill on the river side. (report from Brian Mulhearn)

5/6/21 -- cemeteries in sw Worcester

We did some birding this AM in the 4 cemeteries in sw Worcester city (Hope, St. John, All Faiths, Notre Dame). It was not a great migration day, breezy and cool. Most vocalizations were early on.

Great Blue Heron (2: where is the nearest rookery? Broad Meadow?); Canada Goose (8, 1 on nest); Mute Swan (3, 2 on nests); Wood Duck (3: pair flying around Hope looking for nest site); Mallard (4); Osprey (1); Red-tailed Hawk (4); Killdeer (3); Spotted Sandpiper (1); Ring-billed Gull (2); Mourning Dove (11); Chimney Swift (10); Belted Kingfisher (1); Downy Woodpecker (4); Hairy Woodpecker (nesting pair); N Flicker (8).
Blue-headed Vireo (5); Warbling Vireo (18); Blue Jay (11); Tree Swallow (13); N Rough-winged Swallow (2); Barn Swallow (6); Black-capped Chickadee (8); Tufted Titmouse (5); White-breasted Nuthatch (3); Carolina Wren (1); House Wren (8); A Robin (131: likely undercounted); Gray Catbird (14); N Mockingbird (10).
WARBLERS: Nashville (4); N Parula (1); Yellow (8); Magnolia (1); Yellow-rumped (8); Pine (2); Prairie (1); Black and White (1); Ovenbird (1); C Yellowthroat (1).
SPARROWS: Chipping (27); Savannah (4: uncommon migrant, all together in an open area); Song (27); White-throated (5).
N Cardinal (3); Red-winged Blackbird (30); C Grackle (17); Brown-headed Cowbird (4); Orchard Oriole (3: 2adM+1 1st yr); Baltimore Oriole (19); House Finch (15); A Goldfinch (2).

NB: yesterday (5/5) we birded the Wachusett Reservoir IBA hoping for Bonies, terns, or some “seaducks”, all of which appeared elsewhere, but we dipped on all of that. We even dipped on the Red-breasted Merganser Valerie B. turned up. We did have an OK list of warblers, and LOTS of swallows first thing: many hundreds of “swallow species” too far out to ID, MANY Tree and Barns, with a few N Rough-winged, Bank and (2) Cliff. At West Waushacum we got nice views of a female PURPLE MARTIN. This is the third time I have had this species in spring at this IBA, but obviously it is rare or at least very uncommon.
(report from Mark Lynch/Sheila Carroll).

5/3/21 -- Notre Dame Cemetery, Worcester

There were 2 Great Horned Owls at Notre Dame cemetery. They perched in a tree near the mausoleum at the top of the hill. (report from Brian Mulhearn).

5/2/21 -- Bolton Flats, Lancaster/Oxbow NWR, Harvard/Bartlett Pond Sterling

We got out at the late-ish hour of 7:30 am and headed to Bolton Flats. Lots of water of course! Heard about the snipe and pipit from some helpful birders. We spotted them and 6 green wing teal, greater and lesser yellowlegs, 1 spotted sandpiper, (all FOYs) and tons of Canada geese. Looked very hard at what turned out to be a Bonapartes Gull! Great looks at this FOY that we usually see on the coast. Catbird, yellow warblers, warbling vireo, yellowthroats and 4 chimney swifts were also FOYs for us. Tree swallows and a barn swallow coursed through. Mallards, wood ducks, grackles, cardinal, robin, red tail hawk, redwing blackbirds, chipping, swamp and song sparrows also rans....

Headed to Oxbow NWR around 10. Some birders and photographers here. Took about 2 hours or so on the tank road and turnpike trail back to the Nashua River. Greeted by a blue-wing warbler and a very vocal blue- gray gnatcatcher in the parking lot. Nice way to check off more FOYs. Ovenbird, great naked eye view of redstart singing, other FOYs included black-throated blue, black and white warbler, very vocal great- crested flycatcher, great close looks at several palm warblers along the trail. Flicker, pileated and downy woodpecker, raven, 1 turkey, 1 turkey vulture, house and goldfinches, blue jays, bluebird, pine warblers and a hooting barred owl. Non-bird sightings included a huge bullfrog, (at least 6 inches long) painted turtles, garter snake, mourning cloak butterfly. Spring ephemeral flowers were wood anemones and bellflower in nice quantities. Blueberry bushes were loaded with flowers. Lots of fresh beaver activity.

On to the Pine Hill section of Bolton Flats WMA for a short time seeing a kestrel, towhee calling, field sparrow singing away and prairie warbler winding up the chromatic scale. A hen turkey flushed from under a small pitch pine less than ten yards away giving Marion an unexpected shot of adrenaline. No eggs to be seen, maybe it was just taking a siesta. Check out the bat box and kestrel box at this location!

Checked Bartlett Pond in Sterling to see the rebuilt osprey nest. Saw both adults. Several herons on nests. Bank and rough-winged swallows..(FOY) Birds were flying into holes excavated in the sand piles at the gravel operation across the way. Saw a beaver swimming. In all we recorded about 70 bird species with over 25 FOYs for the day.
(report from Marion Larson and Scott Handler)

5/2/21 -- Broad Meadow Brook Wildlife Sanctuary, Worcester

Highlights this morning: Canada Goose (8 + a group of very young goslings); Hooded Merganser (pair); Great Blue Heron (2 - one on nest and the other carrying material to the nest); Red-tailed Hawk (1 immature - it kept trying to grab the baby geese); Red-bellied Woodpecker (1); Pileated Woodpecker (2 - the first time I have seen it at BMB); Northern Flicker (3); Eastern Phoebe (1); Eastern Kingbird (1); Blue-headed Vireo (3); Warbling Vireo (1); Tree Swallow (18); Barn Swallow (2); House Wren (3); Carolina Wren (2); Ruby-crowned Kinglet (1); Eastern Bluebird (1); Gray Catbird (4); Ovenbird (1); Louisiana Waterthrush (1 - singing near the brook); Blue-winged Warbler (1); Black-and-white Warbler (2); Common Yellowthroat (6); American Redstart (2); Northern Parula (1); Yellow Warbler (3); Palm Warbler (10 - probably more); Yellow-rumped Warbler (18 - probably more); Prairie Warbler (1); Eastern Towhee (5); Song Sparrow (9); Swamp Sparrow (2); White-throated Sparrow (4); Rose-breasted Grosbeak (4); Red-winged Blackbird (15); Brown-headed Cowbird (4); Baltimore Oriole (1).
(report from John Liller).

5/1/21 -- Worcester airport and vicinity

I had 5 american kestrel at worcester airport (2 on route 56 and 3 on mulberry street). Would be nice if some of them stay! (report from Susan LaBree).

5/1/21 -- Petersham

This morning we birded around PETERSHAM. It was cold to start with (mid-30s) and still breezy. Birding was often slow, and we didn’t come across any “waves”. The foliage here is at least a week behind the city of Worcester. As a matter of fact, returning to the city after a morning in what often looked like March in Petersham, the riot of yellow-green leaves coming out on the city trees was striking.

Double-crested Cormorant (2); Great Blue Heron (5; 2 occupied nests); Canada Goose (14: including a pair w/2 goslings and 2 on nests); Wood Duck (3); Mallard (6; including 1 Mallard X Black); Ring-necked Duck (6); Hooded Merganser (6 drakes); Turkey Vulture (2); Osprey (1); Cooper’s Hawk (1); Broad-winged Hawk (1); Mourning Dove (11); Belted Kingfisher (1); Red-bellied Woodpecker (2); Yellow-bellied Sapsucker (12); Downy Woodpecker (3); Hairy Woodpecker (2); N Flicker (1); Pileated Woodpecker (3).
E Phoebe (11); Blue-headed Vireo (20); Blue Jay (15); A Crow (3); C Raven (1); Tree Swallow (77); Barn Swallow (21); Black-capped Chickadee (9: we watched two different pairs excavate a nest hole in rotted stubs); Tufted Titmouse (8); Red-breasted Nuthatch (18); White-brested Nuthatch (6); Brown Creeper (9); Carolina Wren (1); Winter Wren (3); Ruby-crowned Kinglet (20); Hermit Thrush (18); A Robin (29).
WARBLERS: Black-throated Blue (2m); Yellow-rumped (14); Black-throated Green (8); Pine (33); Prairie (1); Palm (1); Black and White (3); Ovenbird (10); Northern Waterthrush (1); Louisiana Waterthrush (1).
E Towhee (16); Chipping Sparrow (36); Song Sparrow (14); Swamp Sparrow (5); White-throated Sparrow (2); N Cardinal (4); Red-winged Blackbird (87); C Grackle (31); Brown-headed Cowbird (5); Purple Finch (5); House Finch (1); A Goldfinch (9); Evening Grosbeak (1).
(report from Mark Lynch/Sheila Carroll).

4/29/21 -- Ware River Watershed IBA

This morning we birded an erratic loop of roads around the SE section of the WARE RIVER WATERSHED. The gated roads have only just opened, and roads for the most part are in fair-good conditions. Possibly because of the forecast, with only a few exceptions, we had the place to ourselves. The weather first thing was actually pleasant, and the sun “sorta” came out, but by 10:15 showers turned to rain. We had no “waves” and we actually couldn’t tell if the birds we found were breeders, or migrants just passing through. Important: the Intervale Road “connector” (runs from the paved Intervale Road to the Prison Camp, is now blocked at both ends because the bridge over the East Branch of the Ware River is considered no longer safe. So you can no longer access the Prison Camp from Intervale Road.

American Bittern (1); Great Blue Heron (4); Canada Goose (5); Wood Duck (8: we watched a pair flying up into a tree inspecting a possible nest hole); Mallard (3 drakes); Hooded Merganser (1 drake); Osprey (1); Virginia Rail (2); Mourning Dove (1); Barred Owl (1); Belted Kingfisher (1); Red-bellied Woodpecker (1); Yellow-bellied Sapsucker (8); Downy Woodpecker (3); Hairy Woodpecker (1); N Flicker (4); Pileated Woodpecker (1).
E Phoebe (7: 1 on nest); Blue-headed Vireo (19); Blue Jay (23); A Crow (1); C Raven (5); Tree Swallow (43); Black-capped Chickadee (26); Tufted Titmouse (8); Red-breasted Nuthatch (21); White-breasted Nuthatch (3); Brown Creeper (3); Winter Wren (1 singing); Ruby-crowned Kinglet (2); Blue-gray Gnatcatcher (2); E Bluebird (5); Hermit Thrush (24); A Robin (26).
WARBLERS: Black-throated Blue (1); Yellow-rumped (11); Black-throated Green (2); Pine (18); Black and White (9); Ovenbird (36); Northern Waterthrush (1); Louisiana Waterthrush (2).
E Towhee (34); Chipping Sparrow (36); Song Sparrow (17); Swamp Sparrow (16); White-throated Sparrow (2); N Cardinal (2); Red-winged Blackbird (69); C Grackle (11); Purple Finch (4); A Goldfinch (7); Evening Grosbeak (2).

BLOOMS noted included: Purple Trillium; Marsh Marigold; Wood Anemone; Hobblebush; Serviceberry. All the Bloodroot is now past.

VERTS included: many Spring Peepers; White-tailed Deer; and a very distracted Porcupine.
(report from Mark Lynch/Sheila Carroll).

4/28/21 -- Worcester cemeteries/Worcester Airport

This morning with a front having passed over us in the middle of the night and rain, we headed to the cemeteries in SW city of Worcester (Hope, All Faiths, Notre Dame, and St. John) hoping for a fall-out of some birds. We had a very modest fall out, mostly of Yellow-rumps. Often it was “visually sift through the feeding warblers and see if you can find a “NOT Yellow-rump””. It was fun birding. List:

Common Loon (1: I looked up while on the hill in Hope and there was a Common Loon flying swiftly, high overhead, zipping to the NW. Not a typical bird to expect in the cemeteries and a lesson to, every once in a while, scan the skies); Great Blue Heron (1); Canada Goose (16); Mute Swan (3: 2 on nests); Wood Duck (2 drakes); Mallard (4 drakes); Virginia Rail (1 calling from where we have had 1 a few times before. They don’t seem to stay and breed); Killdeer (3); Mourning Dove (6); Ruby-throated Hummingbird (1m); Red-bellied Woodpecker (3); Downy Woodpecker (2); N Flicker (11).
E Phoebe (1); E Kingbird (1); Blue-headed Vireo (7); Blue Jay (19); A Crow (1); Tree Swallow (2); N Rough- winged Swallow (5); Barn Swallow (2); Black-capped Chickadee (11); Tufted Titmouse (6); White-breasted Nuthatch (6); Carolina Wren (4); Ruby-crowned Kinglet (7); Blue-gray Gnatcatcher (1); E Bluebird (1m); Hermit Thrush (6); A Robin (128); N Mockingbird (8); Brown Thrasher (1very vocal bird);
WARBLERS: N Parula (4); Yellow (2); Yellow-rumped (131); Pine (2: including a female we watched on the ground gathering nesting material); Palm (10); Black and White (4).
E Towhee (2); Chipping Sparrow (57: THE sparrow of MA cemeteries); Song Sparrow (29); Swamp Sparrow (4); White-throated Sparrow (12); Dark-eyed Junco (1); N Cardinal (10); Red-winged Blackbird (44); C Grackle (16); Brown-headed Cowbird (6); House Finch (14); A Goldfinch (11).
Plus: E Cottontail; American Tads (trilling); and E Painted Turtles.

THEN we birded the airport fields from the airport proper to Rt.56 airport overlook. No warblers (but is was later in the AM); but we did have: Turkey Vulture (1); Broad-winged Hawk (1); Red-tailed Hawk (2);A Kestrel (2); Field Sparrow (2); Vesper Sparrow (1: perched on the fence from the parking lot. Sheila got some decent photos); Savannah Sparrow (13); E Meadowlark (1).
(report from Mark Lynch/Sheila Carroll).

4/27/21 -- Uxbridge

I admit to being jealous when other Worcester County residents have reported Evening Grosbeaks at their feeders this winter. Not here, never here, I gave up. So imagine my surprise & delight when 3 female/immature & 1 male showed up at the seed feeder at 8:45 this morning! (report from Beth Milke)

4/24/21 -- South Royalston-Winchendon

This morning we birded in north County, along the dirt roads between BIRCH HILL DAM (South Royalston) and OTTER RIVER SP/SF (Winchendon). It was cool, a bit breezy. Foliage was about a week behind Worcester city. There were some decent counts of a few species, but we had no “waves”

Great Blue Heron (1); Canada Goose (17, 1 on nest); wood Duck (2); Mallard (3); Green-winged Teal (21); Hooded Merganser (pair); Common Merganser (1f); Red-shouldered Hawk (1); Broad-winged Hawk (1); Red-tailed Hawk (1); A Kestrel (2); Wild Turkey (1); Killdeer (2); Wilson’s Snipe (1); Mourning Dove (9); Yellow-bellied Sapsucker (2); Downy Woodpecker (4); N Flicker (5); Pileated Woodpecker (9: they were in all areas. Behind Birch Hill Dam we watched 2 pairs (4 birds) scream and fly at each other. Looked like a territorial dispute of some kind).
E Phoebe (9); E Kingbird (1); Blue-headed Vireo (22); Blue Jay (30); A Crow (1); C Raven (1); Tree Swallow (13); Black-capped Chickadee (32: we watched a pair nest-building inside the metal crossbar of a DCR gate); Tufted Titmouse (10); Red-breasted Nuthatch (42); White-breasted Nuthatch (3); Brown Creeper (9); Carolina Wren (1); Ruby-crowned Kinglet (13); Hermit Thrush (9); A Robin (4); Yellow-rumped Warbler (1); Pine Warbler (38); Louisiana Waterthrush (1); Chipping Sparrow (17); Savannah Sparrow (2); Song Sparrow (16); Swamp Sparrow (16); N Cardinal (11); Red-winged Blackbird (36); C Grackle (21); Purple Finch (2).

PLUS: Red Fox (1); White-tailed Deer (2).
(report from Mark Lynch/Sheila Carroll).

4/23/21 -- Worcester city

This morning we did some birding in the 4 small cemeteries in the southwest corner of Worcester: Hope; Notre Dame; All Faiths; St.John). The weather was breezy to windy and cold. We had the following:

Canada Goose (9: 2 on nests); Mute Swan (3: 2 on nests); Wood Duck (3); Mallard (3 drakes); Turkey Vulture (1); Osprey (2 moving north, one quickly after the other, flying rather low); Killdeer (1); Mourning Dove (11); Red-bellied Woodpecker (2); Yellow-bellied Sapsucker (1); Downy Woodpecker (4); N Flicker (9).
Eastern Kingbird (1); Blue Jay (11); A Crow (4); C Raven (1); Tree Swallow (2); Black-capped Chickadee (9); Tufted Titmouse (4); White-breasted Nuthatch (5); Carolina Wren (4); Ruby-crowned Kinglet (9); E Bluebird (1m); A Robin (147); N Mockingbird (8); Yellow-rumped Warbler (32); Palm Warbler (23); Chipping Sparrow (42); Field Sparrow (1); Song Sparrow (15); Swamp Sparrow (2); White-throated Sparrow (4); Dark-eyed Junco(1); N cardinal (6); Red-winged Blackbird (17); C Grackle (13); Brown-headed Cowbird (2); House Finch (8).
(report from Mark Lynch/Sheila Carroll).

4/23/21 -- Burncoat area, Worcester

Just happened to look out my westward-facing window, and saw an adult bald eagle sailing west into the strong wind, low to the ground. It continued west down the Burncoat ridge, over rt. 12. Not unusual in itself, but this has happened a few times before, by chance, and I really don't spend all day looking out the window! Hawks in general seem to like working the westward winds deflected upwards by this ridge. I've also seen and heard a raven in this neighborgood this spring. (report from Rick Quimby).

4/22/21 -- Hardwick

This morning we birded HARDWICK, including a trip into Gate 43. The weather was not conducive to birding: cold (below 32F to start, puddles had skim ice); windy and got windier; mostly overcast; finally it was spitting snow every once in a while. We managed to see (highlights only):

Common loon (pair); Canada Goose (12); A Black Duck (pair); Mallard (2 pair); Ring-necked Duck (6); Turkey Vulture (6); Osprey (1); Bald Eagle (5: 2ad+at least 3imm: all in Gate 43); Broad-winged Hawk (1); American Kestrel (1: we also had 2 pair in New Braintree); Merlin (1); Killdeer (a pair we watched mating several times); Belted Kingfisher (1); Yellow-bellied Sapsucker (3).
E Phoebe (0nly 1, likely due to wind, they were keeping low); Blue-headed Vireo (1); Common Raven (2); Tree Swallow (30: migrants); Ruby-crowned Kinglet (1); E Bluebird (2); Hermit Thrush (18: all but 1 along the Gate 43 road: must have been a small fall out); Yellow-rumped Warbler (1); Pine Warbler (1); E Towhee (1); Swamp Sparrow (1).
(report from Mark Lynch/Sheila Carroll).

4/21/21 -- Mendon

There was a Red-headed Woodpecker at my suet feeder in Mendon (First ever).
[Ed. note: detailed description submitted].
(report from Bill Sartorelli).

4/18/21 -- New Braintree

We spent the morning birding around NEW BRAINTREE. There was still some snow about, particularly on hill tops.

American Bittern (1); Canada Goose (79); Mallard (5); Turkey Vulture (8); Bald Eagle (1imm); Red-tailed Hawk (8); Golden Eagle (1ad heading northwest. WE were doing some hawkwatching, totally dipping on Broad-wings, when Sheila picked this bird out of a migrating group of TVs. It soon left them (they were heading NNE) and flew high towards us. Good views, but seems late to me); Wild Turkey (1); Killdeer (7); Mourning Dove (3); Barred Owl (3 calling birds); Red-bellied Woodpecker (4); Yellow-bellied Sapsucker (2); Downy Woodpecker (3); Hairy Woodpecker (1); N Flicker (15); Pileated Woodpecker (2); American Kestrel (5).
E Phoebe (11); Blue Jay (21); A Crow (15); C Raven (7); Tree Swallow (just 2); Black-capped Chickadee (11); Tufted Titmouse (38); White-breasted Nuthatch (7); Brown Creeper (2); Carolina Wren (2); E Bluebird (13); A Robin (102); N Mockingbird (2); Pine Warbler (14); Palm Warbler (1); E Towhee (7); Chipping Sparrow (7); Field Sparrow (4); Savannah Sparrow (2); Song Sparrow (43); Swamp Sparrow (18); White-throated Sparrow (3); N Cardinal (32); Red-winged Blackbird (117); C Grackle (19); Brown-headed Cowbird (13); Purple Finch (1); House Finch (6); Evening Grosbeak (4: in the same general area where they have been all winter and spring).
(report from Mark Lynch/Sheila Carroll).

4/17/21 -- Wachusett Reservoir

This morning we birded the WACHUSETT RESERVOIR IBA. The weather was cool and damp and overcast.

Common Loon (3ad br); Double-crested Cormorant (25, including a flock of 13 on the res); Great Blue Heron (1); Canada Goose (23); Mute Swan (5); Wood Duck (8); Mallard (19); Greater Scaup (1m); Bufflehead (3: 2f+1m); Hooded Merganser (3: 2m+1f); Common Merganser (3f+2m); Red-shouldered Hawk (1); Red-tailed Hawk (3); Ring- billed Gull (2); Mourning Dove (10); Belted Kingfisher (1); Red-bellied Woodpecker (4); Hairy Woodpecker (3); N Flicker (2).

Passerine highlights: C Raven (1); Tree Swallow (480+); N Rough-winged Swallow (1); Barn Swallow (3); Brown Creeper (1); Hermit Thrush (2); Brown Thrasher (1); Pine Warbler (9); E Towhee (1); Field Sparrow (2).
(report from Mark Lynch/Sheila Carroll).

4/16/21 -- Shrewsbury

A hummingbird (likely Ruby-throated) came to our feeder on Spring St in Shrewsbury today at 6:30pm. [ed. note: video supplied]. (report from Joe and Rose Fish).

4/10/21 -- Quabog IBA

This morning in the QUABOG IBA:

Great Blue Heron (5 birds/3 occupied nests); Canada Goose (71); Mute Swan (6); Wood Duck (3m); Mallard (15); Ring-necked Duck (16); Turkey Vulture (5); Bald Eagle (2: pair, 1 on nest); Cooper’s Hawk (1); Red-shouldered Hawk (1); Red-tailed Hawk (3); Virginia Rail (1); Killdeer (2); Greater Yellowlegs (1); Ring-billed Gull (1); Mourning Dove (12); Red-bellied Woodpecker (8); Yellow-bellied Sapsucker (2); Downy Woodpecker (6); N Flicker (14).
E Phoebe (26); Blue Jay (37); A Crow (19); Fish Crow (4); C Raven (1); Tree Swallow (13); Black-capped Chickadee (22); Tufted Titmouse (32); Red-breasted Nuthatch (13); White-breasted Nuthatch (10); Brown Creeper (9); Carolina Wren (24); A Robin (104); N Mockingbird (2); Pine Warbler (31); E Towhee (10); Chipping Sparrow (16); Field Sparrow (2); Song Sparrow (52); Swamp Sparrow (10 singing); White-throated Sparrow (16); Dark-eyed Junco (7); N Cardinal (47); Red-winged Blackbird (69); Rusty Blackbird (1); C Grackle (38); Brown-headed Cowbird (15); Purple Finch (1); House Finch (13); White-winged Crossbill (2); A Goldfinch (16).

PLUS: Coltsfoot in bloom; many peepers; (5) American Toad; many E Painted Turtles; (1) River Otter.
(report from Mark Lynch/Sheila Carroll).

4/9/21 -- Petersham

This morning in PETERSHAM:

Great Blue Heron (1 on nest); Canada Goose (8/2 on nests); Wood Duck (20); A Black Duck (2); Mallard (10); Ring-necked Duck (24); Hooded Merganser (11); Common Merganser (pair); Turkey Vulture (1); Red-tailed Hawk (1 leucistic: all bright white but with dark eyes. This bird has been in this area of Petersham for a few years and has been reported as a Snowy Owl) ; Ruffed Grouse (1 drumming); Mourning Dove (9); Red-bellied Woodpecker (3); Yellow-bellied Sapsucker (7); Downy Woodpecker (4); Hairy Woodpecker (4: we watched a pair mating); Pileated Woodpecker (2); A Kestrel (1m).
E Phoebe (33); Blue Jay (29); A Crow (4); C Raven (2); Tree Swallow (60+); Black-capped Chickadee (29); Tufted Titmouse (34); Red-breasted Nuthatch (34); White-breasted Nuthatch (12); Brown Creeper (6: all singing); Carolina Wren (2); Winter Wren (1 singing); E Bluebird (1); Hermit Thrush (2 singing); A Robin (55); Pine Warbler (41); Palm Warbler (5); Louisiana Waterthrush (3); Field Sparrow (4); Song Sparrow (26); Dark-eyed Junco (3); N Cardinal (4); Red-winged Blackbird (74); C Grackle (41); Brown-headed Cowbird (3).

PLUS: (2) River Otters; many Spring Peepers and E Painted Turtles.
(report from Mark Lynch/Sheila Carroll).

4/4/21 -- Blackstone-Millville

This morning we birded in the towns of BLACKSTONE and MILLVILLE, 2 small County towns on the border of Woonsocket, RI. Birds were in modest variety, but we had some nice counts of a few species.

Canada Goose (8); Mute Swan (pair); Wood Duck (4); Mallard (11); Ring-necked Duck (pair); Hooded Merganser (1m); Black Vulture (9: we had two birds in what appeared to be a display flight, with one bird chasing another relentlessly, zooming up and down and all about); Turkey Vulture (17); Osprey (pair, mating atop power line pole in a marsh); Cooper’s Hawk (1ad); Red-shouldered Hawk (2); Red-tailed Hawk (9: 1 sitting tight on a nest); Killdeer (2); Herring Gull (2imm: no other gulls); Mourning Dove (18); Red-bellied Woodpecker (13); Downy Woodpecker (2); Hairy Woodpecker (1); N Flicker (17).
E Phoebe (28); Blue Jay (51); A Crow (14); C Raven (1. We checked the microwave tower where they have nested before, and could make out a nest, but saw no ravens there); Tree Swallow (2: seemed very low); Black-capped Chickadee (26); Tufted Titmouse (59); White-breasted Nuthatch (12); Carolina Wren (24); E Bluebird (8); A Robin (234); N Mockingbird (4); Cedar Waxwing (3); Yellow-rumped Warbler (3); Pine Warbler (3); Chipping Sparrow (5); Field Sparrow (11); Song Sparrow (79); White-throated Sparrow (3); Dark-eyed Junco (25); N Cardinal (58); Red- winged Blackbird (47); C Grackle (28); Brown-headed Cowbird (23); House Finch (26); A Goldfinch (7).
(report from Mark Lynch/Sheila Carroll).

3/28/21 -- Petersham

This morning we birded a few small ponds in PETERSHAM. Of course the largest body of water in Petersham is a section of Quabbin, but it would take all morning to hike one of the gates. Birds included:

Pied-billed Grebe (1: my first of spring) ; Great Blue Heron (pair standing on nest); Canada Goose (40); Wood Duck (18); A Black Duck (9); Mallard (8); Green-winged Teal (16); Ring-necked Duck (34); Bufflehead (6); Hooded Merganser (15); Common Merganser (9); Ruffed Grouse (1 drumming); Killdeer (2);Belted Kingfisher (2); N Flicker (2); Pileated Woodpecker (2).
E Phoebe (6); Tree Swallow (2); Red-breasted Nuthatch (10); Brown Creeper (2); E Bluebird (6).
Red-winged Blackbirds and grackles were in many places where we stopped and we had (8) cowbirds.

On the way home we stopped by north Wachusett Reservoir to give a try for the Canvasback that had been spotted there, but we dipped. We did have Common Mergansers, Bufflehead, and Common Goldeneye as well as (60)+ Tree Swallows and (6) Chipping Sparrows.
(report from Mark Lynch/Sheila Carroll).

3/26/21 -- Wauchusett Reservoir IBA

This morning we birded the WACHUSETT RESERVOIR IBA. Besides the reservoir, this includes: Sterling Peat; The Quag; the Waushacums (east and west); South Meadow Pond; and Coachlace Pond. Highlights only:

Canada Goose (11); Mute Swan (8); Wood Duck (8); A Black Duck (9); Mallard (14); Ring-necked Duck (63); Greater Scaup (31); Lesser Scaup (2); Bufflehead (32); Common Goldeneye (33); Hooded Merganser (pair); Common Merganser (54); Red-tailed Hawk (2); Killdeer (6).

Gulls: the water at Wachusett Reservoir is still low and there are a number of sandbars at the north end. When we were there, there were several hundred gulls, many too bunched up to get a good count of. We had minimally 80+ Ring-billed Gull; 40 Herring; at least 4 Great Black Backed Gulls; and 1 immature GLAUCOUS. Gulls were constantly coming and going, so I have no idea how long they will stay.

Belted Kingfisher (2); Red-bellied Woodpecker (6); E Phoebe (1); Common Raven (1); Tree Swallow (12: all at Sterling Peat); Carolina Wren (6); E Bluebird (12); N Mockingbird (7); Field Sparrow (2 singing).

Plus: 1 River Otter; many Spring Peepers; (10+) Wood Frogs; (1) Green Frog.
(report from Mark Lynch/Sheila Carroll).

3/25/21 -- Quabog IBA

This AM we birded the QUABOG IBA. The major ponds are ice free which means boats are rampant, particularly at South Pond/Quacumquasit where apparently some “derby” was in play and cars and boats were everywhere. This means fewer waterfowl and low variety.

Great Blue Heron (2 standing on 2 different nests); Canada Goose (39); Mute Swan (1); Wood Duck (17); A Black Duck (9); Mallard (17); Green-winged Teal (4); Ring-necked Duck (46); Bufflehead (9); Hooded Merganser (1m: many of these are likely already nesting); Common Merganser (11); Bald Eagle (adult pair w/1 ad on nest+another adult); Red-tailed Hawk (1); Wild Turkey (29: toms in display-a-palooza); Killdeer (4); Ring-billed Gull (14); Belted Kingfisher (3); N Flicker (1); Pileated Woodpecker (2).

Highlights of passerines: E Phoebe (5); Fish Crow (pair); C Raven (1); Red-breasted Nuthatch (8); Brown Creeper (2: 1 singing); Carolina Wren (5); E Bluebird (4); Red-winged Blackbird (173); C Grackle (128); Rusty Blackbird (2); Lots of peepers and (8) E Painted Turtles.
(report from Mark Lynch/Sheila Carroll).

3/17/21 -- Worcester-Auburn

This morning we started out to bird the ponds in AUBURN. We pulled off in the empty parking lot of the “yet to be open” Cultivate on Southbridge Street (near Auburn border) to get out our binoculars which were packed in my backpack. No sooner had I got out the car, then I heard the distinctive “jip…jip..jip” of close by Red Crossbills. Right next to the lot was a tall, cone-laden conifer and (16) Red Crossbills flew out heading low to the direction of All Faiths Cemetery (Worcester/Auburn).

So, Auburn was put on hold, and we headed to the four cemeteries in this SW corner of Worcester (All Faiths; Hope; Notre Dame; and St. Johns) to see if we could refind the crossbill flock. Long story short, we never did refind them, but we did find quite a number of cone-laden conifers in 3 of the cemeteries. Since these cemeteries are also good for general birding, we kept a running list for the SW CEMETERIES:
Mute Swan (pair); Canada Goose (62); Wood Duck (23); GADWALL (2 drakes at All Faiths); Mallard (27); Ring- necked Duck (1m); Hooded Merganser (3); Turkey Vulture (1); Red-tailed Hawk (pair at nest); Killdeer (3). It’s early for spring migrants to really pile in here, but Red-winged Blackbirds were ubiquitous and we had (1) cowbird.
Several weeks ago, a flock of crossbills was reported on the Holy Cross campus (also in this general area) and this flock may be that same flock. There is lots of food in this area for crossbills, and birders visiting the area should keep their ears and eyes open. We returned 2 more times to the pine next to Cultivate store and did not have the crossbills.

Eventually we birded the ponds (some still had ice on them) in AUBURN and had the following: Mute Swan (pair); Canada Goose (13); Mallard (15); Hooded Merganser (17); Common Merganser (2); Turkey Vulture (1); Bald Eagle (pair at nest); Ring-billed Gull (36) and a phoebe. The Bald Eagle nest is on Dark Brook Reservoir and can be viewed from the very end of Hardscrabble Road. Caveat: this small road is very busy with trucks, but the end of the road, a cul de sac, is free of truck traffic. A scope is nice to have for detailed views.

Finally, heading home, at COES RESERVOIR in the city, we had Greater Scaup (1); Hooded Merganser (6); Common Merganser (13); Ring-billed Gull (26); Herring Gull (2); Fish Crows (3); Common Raven (1).
(report from Mark Lynch/Sheila Carroll).

3/14/21 -- Quabog IBA, Brookfields

This morning we birded the QUABOG IBA in the Brookfields, concentrating on water. It was cold at sun-up, and as the wind picked up, “the feels-like” temp seemed much colder. Most of the larger bodies of water were now mostly open, with some ice. Most of the waterfowl were on the larger ponds and very few ducks were on the river. A scope was a necessity.

Canada Goose (87); Mute Swan (2); Wood Duck (17); American Wigeon (pair); A Black Duck (37); Mallard (35); Green-winged Teal (1); Ring-necked Duck (57); Lesser Scaup (pair); Bufflehead (6); Common Goldeneye (28); Hooded Merganser (83); Common Merganser (234); Turkey Vulture (4); Bald Eagle (1imm+ adult pair at nest, 1 bird sitting tight on nest); Red-tailed Hawk (2); Wild Turkey (32: a large number of males in full display); Killdeer (1); Ring-billed Gull (101); Herring Gull (5); Mourning Dove (23); Belted Kingfisher (2); Red-bellied Woodpecker (2); Downy Woodpecker (1); Hairy Woodpecker (2); N Flicker (2); Pileated Woodpecker (1).
E Phoebe (1); Blue Jay (37); A Crow (24); Fish Crow (4); C Raven (1); Black-capped Chickadee (13); Tufted Titmouse (44); Red-breasted Nuthatch (3); White-breasted Nuthatch (9); Brown Creeper (1); Carolina Wren (5); E Bluebird (12); A Robin (48); N Mockingbird (2); Fox Sparrow (2); Song Sparrow (25); White-throated Sparrow (4); Dark-eyed Junco (20); N Cardinal (32); Red-winged Blackbird (185); C Grackle (73); House Finch (7).
(report from Mark Lynch/Sheila Carroll).

3/13/21 -- Sterling, Wachusett Reservoir, Bolton Flats Area

Clear, breezy and about 40, but with the wind in some places gave a colder feel. As we were preparing to head out, a Turkey Vulture flew over the house.

STERLING: Muddy Pond in is ice free. We observed Mute Swans, Canada Geese, a Ring-neck Duck, Mallards, and Hooded Mergansers. Just down the Muddy Pond Road in the little pond near the Stillwater River bridge we saw 5 wood ducks (FOY), 3 males, 2 females (1 intrepid flyfisherman near the bridge on Muddy Pond Rd and 2 basking painted turtles FOY) .

Along the Stillwater River draining into Thompson Basin at Wachusett Reservoir: there is still ice, but one reach with open water contained a few Mallards, 1 swan, 2 Common Mergansers, a lone Bufflehead, and ~12 Hooded Mergansers.

W. BOYLSTON - Quinapoxet River/Thompson Basin area: (about 60% open water) There were 60+ Common Mergansers floating along the ice edged shore, 2 Common Loons, a Common Goldeneye, an immature Bald Eagle flew over and a Crow took after it. A lone swan, Downy Woodpecker, White-breasted Nuthatch and titmice were observed. (2 flyfishing folk suiting up on River Road near the dam). Much of the Reservoir in South Bay is still ice covered.

Spruce Pond in BOYLSTON near the intersection of Rtes 70 and 140 had a couple of Mallards, Hooded Mergansers, Chickadee, and a Red-tailed Hawk.

CLINTON: Ice covers the east side of the Reservoir and Lancaster Pond. Mossy Pond and South Meadow Pond are mostly ice except on the boat access side of South Meadow where the water is mostly open. We saw a group of 4 Lesser Scaup (3 males, 1 female) and heard Red-wing Blackbirds. Coachlace Pond is iced over near the New Harbor Road area, but opens up in the western portion. Six geese, 5 Lesser Scaup, and 6 Common Mergansers.

LANCASTER: We journeyed to Dexter Drumlin in LANCASTER, hoping to see Sandhill Cranes, but no such luck. A Carolina Wren was singing, 3 Red-tailed hawks soaring, 2 Eastern Bluebirds in a small tree and Robins flying.

Bolton Flats WMA area: At the red barn in Bolton, the beaver dam is holding strong, no access on foot without hip waders to the Flats. Bluebirds near the barn, Cardinal and Titmice. Hundreds and hundreds of Canada Geese in the corn fields and the flooded areas of the Still River and Bolton Flats area. Great Blue Heron, Wood Ducks, Mallards and Hooded Mergansers on the Still River area near Rte 117. We also heard a Red- bellied Woodpecker. Seven Green-winged Teal (FOY) and 6 Killdeer in the Flats on the agricultural crop fields beyond the state land. Surprisingly , there is hardly any mud walking up the property line and towards the Nashua River.

STERLING- Heading back home we checked Bartlett's Pond. The Osprey nest is gone, possibly due to the windstorms. No ice on the pond. There were a few Mallards and Hooded Mergansers. A Great Blue Heron on one of the nests in the heronry off the Chocksett Cut Off road . An American Kestrel (FOY) flew over the fields near the intersection of Rte 62 and Chocksett Cutoff. Finally, after pulling into the garage we watched 6 unconcerned deer in our back woods when a Barred Owl flew up into a tree. It has been calling regularly in the mid-late afternoon this past week.
(report from Marion Larson/Scott Handler)

3/13/21 -- Dudley/Charlton

This morning we checked a few ponds in DUDLEY. There was a lot of open water (most bodies were almost ice-free) but very few waterfowl: Mute Swan (3: 1 building a nest); Canada Goose (46); Wood Duck (2); Mallard (59); A Black Duck (16); Green-winged Teal (2); Ring-necked Duck (6); Hooded Merganser (7); Common Merganser (20); Red-shouldered Hawk (1).

On the way home at Orlando’s Ponds in CHARLTON: Canada Goose (124); Wood Duck (5); Bufflehead (1m); Hooded Merganser (4); Killdeer (1).
(report from Mark Lynch/Sheila Carroll).

3/10/21 -- Sterling

Two woodcocks were heard flying in the fields by Davis Farm. FOY for us after several evenings of sitting for the last week or so.

On 3/6 in Leominster, an adult bald eagle was soaring overheard at 9:30AM, near St Cecilia's Church (3rd St)
(report from Marion Larson and Scott Handler)

3/10/21 -- Warren; Quabog River

This morning we started in WARREN. Ponds were still ice-covered. Highlights: Canada Goose (2); A Black Duck (9 in small stream); Mallard (4); Turkey Vulture (8); Red-shouldered Hawk (pair); Red-tailed Hawk (1); Red-bellied Woodpecker (4); Pileated Woodpecker (2); E Bluebird (12); Hermit Thrush (1: NB: the one that has been at my feeder in the city of Worcester was last seen Sunday); A Robin (96); Cedar Waxwing (17: 1 flock); Red-winged Blackbird (47); C Grackle (11); Brown-headed Cowbird (26).

Later we checked several spots along the Quabog River in the BROOKFIELDS: Great Blue Heron (1);Mute Swan (2); Canada Goose (51); Wood Duck (4: 2 pair); Mallard (20); A Black Duck (4); Ring-necked Duck (119); Hooded Merganser (27); Common Merganser (33); Turkey Vulture (3); Bald Eagle (pair on nest tree, 1 on nest); Red-tailed Hawk (2); Ring-billed Gull (26); Fish Crow (3 at Lake Quabog); C Raven (1).
(report from Mark Lynch/Sheila Carroll).

3/10/21 -- Burncoat area, Worcester

Feeling more like spring today during a walk through the Burncoat area, with a grackle perched up high in a tree, and a junco singing. I always like to hear the juncos singing first in the spring, to get my ears calibrated for the pine warbers and chipping sparrows to come with their similar songs. (report from Rick Quimby).

3/9/21 -- Wachusett Reservoir IBA

We birded the ponds, lakes, and the reservoir of the WACHUSETT RESERVOIR IBA this morning. This included Sterling Peat (ice covered); the Quag (ice covered); the Waushacums (ice covered); Coachlace (99% ice covered); Fort Meadow Pond (97% ice covered), and Wachusett Reservoir (98% ice covered). Rivers were mostly open. AS you can imagine, the species list is short :Mute Swan (4); Canada Goose (19); Mallard (24); A Black Duck (1); Common Goldeneye (1m); Hooded Merganser (4); Ring-billed Gull (4); C Raven (1); E Bluebird (12); Red-winged Blackbird (13). The water at the reservoir is still low. From the dam looking out to the low stony/sandy island we saw what (at first glance) looked like a Snowy Owl, but after close inspection, proved to be piece of ice. At Bolton Flats we saw c.400+ Canada Geese, but they were on a stretch of the Still River only seen between houses on Rt.110. There are no good places to pull off here, so we just got a close, frustrating glance. Also in the area: Red-shouldered Hawk (1); Red-tailed Hawk (3).
(report from Mark Lynch/Sheila Carroll).

3/7/21 -- Rutland

A short drive this evening along roads in RUTLAND revealed no woodcocks in places where we have had them before. Likely still too much snow and very frozen ground. We did have (6) Great Horned and (1) Barred Owl.
(report from Mark Lynch/Sheila Carroll).

3/6/21 -- Quabog IBA, Brookfields

This morning we birded the QUABOG IBA (the Brookfields) . The weather was cold and breezy. More water was more ice-covered compared to last week’s survey. There was even more ice along the edges of the Quabog River. All ponds and lakes were ice-covered, and the larger bodies had ice fishermen. But the river was mostly open and this is where we found the waterfowl, often tucked in closely to the edge vegetation to stay out of the wind.

Mute Swan (2); Canada Goose (96); Wood Duck (43); A Black Duck (25); Mallard (44); Ring-necked Duck (24); Hooded Merganser (68); Common Merganser (36); Turkey Vulture (3); Red-tailed Hawk (5); Ring-billed Gull (16); Belted Kingfisher (1).

Passerines were typical, in typical numbers for this time of the year. We did have an Eastern Towhee, which at this point I’m not sure if it is an over-winterer or a really early migrant. We had (7) Red-winged Blackbirds singing on territory; (1) grackle, and (6) cowbirds.
(report from Mark Lynch/Sheila Carroll).

3/6/21 -- Grafton

I had two black vultures circling over Millbury St. in Grafton today. Signs of spring? (report from Garry Kessler).

2/28/21 -- Southboro/Westboro/Shrewsbury/Worcester

Today we birded some spots east of Worcester. Our first sighting was just as we left the house and spotted 2 Red-tailed Hawks mating atop the weather vane of the First Baptist Church, Park Ave.

Then, we checked out the SUDBURY RESERVOIR, SOUTHBORO: Almost all the still water was ice-covered, but streams and rivers were open: Mute Swan (3); Canada Goose (4); Mallard (20); Hooded Merganser (2); Common Merganser (1); Cooper’s Hawk (1); N Flick (1). Passerines were typical and cardinals were singing everywhere.

At CHAUNCY LAKE, WESTBORO: ice-covered with lots of ice-fishermen. Around the soccor fields and grass fields: Canada Goose (98); E Bluebird (4); Red-winged Blackbird (2m).

At SUASCO, WESTBORO: Ice-covered with many ice-fishermen: Wood Duck (4: in marsh across Arch Street); Mallard (1); Hooded Merganser (2); Ring-billed Gull (2).

At TUFTS VETINARIAN SCHOOL GROUNDS: Canada Goose (19); Wild Turkey (8); Red-tailed Hawk (2); Cedar Waxwing (15).

Then we birded the LAKE QUINSIGAMOND/FLINT POND area in Worcester/Shrewsbury. The water was about 85% ice-covered: Mute Swan (29); Canada Goose (65); Mallard (122); A Black Duck (21); N Pintail (4: 2 pairs); Ring-necked Duck (34); Bufflehead (1); Common Goldeneye (11); Hooded Merganser (51); Common Merganser (41); Bald Eagle (1ad on tree that has nest); Red-tailed Hawk (4).

WORCESTER CC: Canada Goose (97); Hooded Merganser (3).

Finally, we checked out the upper parking lot of QUINSIGAMOND COMMUNITY COLLEGE looking for the Merlin. We dipped on that, but did have: Turkey Vulture (1); Bald Eagle (1ad).
(report from Mark Lynch/Sheila Carroll).

2/26/21 -- South Grafton

Today I got to view a Bald Eagle in South Grafton on top a tree on Pleasant Street. I’ve hiked all over MA, Vt and NH and here a Bald Eagle was right near my house! (report from Lisa Lasoskie).

2/26/21 -- Quabog IBA, Brookfields

This morning we started birding Hardwick, but found the birds few and far between. So, we headed to the QUABOG IBA in the Brookfields to check the river for waterfowl. The main ponds and lakes are all still 99% ice-covered except where rivers run into the water body. Ice fishermen were still out on all the large lakes. Numbers of the early first wave of spring waterfowl migrants are just starting to build up. Highlights: Mute Swan (3); Canada Goose (50); Wood Duck (pair); Mallard (72); A Black Duck (84); Hooded Merganser (64); Common Merganser (73); Turkey Vulture (2); Bald Eagle (1ad); Red-tailed Hawk (5); Ring-billed Gull (5).

Passerines were typical for this time of the year. Highlights: C Raven (2); E Bluebird (18); A Robin (53: most on bare patches in fields and lawns); Red-winged Blackbird (1 male singing on territory. Though we have seen a number of Red-wings this winter at feeders and in small flocks, this is my first on breeding territory for this spring.)
(report from Mark Lynch/Sheila Carroll).

2/24/21 -- Quabbin Park

Today we birded the SOUTH QUABBIN/QUABBIN PARK area. When I bird this area, besides birding along the roads inside Quabbin Park, I also bird Cold Spring Road, trout hatchery (today it was closed to the public), across the bridge to River Road and back up to Rt. 9. I also bird along the dead- end Enoch Sanford Road. The main body of Quabbin was mostly ice covered. From the Administration Building, looking north, you could, through the haze, see some open water far to the north. The river was open, and loaded with fishermen up towards the main body of the reservoir. There were a surprisingly amount of people in Quabbin Park for a weekday. Highlights: Mallard (15 on the river); Common Merganser (2f on the river); Bald Eagle (5: 3ad+1 sub-ad+1imm); Golden Eagle (1imm: from Enfield Lookout, initially looking NNE, the bird rose, and soared far to the N and out of sight. Strong black band at end of tail with white on the inner areas of the rectrices; a very dark raptor over all, but with 2 light/white areas on the inner areas of the outer wings; light tan nape; small head and bill when compared with Balds; flew with a slight dihedral. Whenever I see a Golden at a distance, my first impression has sometimes been eagle? Buteo? Eagle? Buteo? And finally, with close views I realize it’s a Golden. We were able to watch today’s bird with bins and scope till it soared up and out of sight); Red-tailed Hawk (1); Blue Jay (44); A Crow (6); C Raven (4: including a pair); Black-capped Chickadee (32); Tufted Titmouse (24); Red- breasted Nuthatch (13); White-breasted Nuthatch (12); Brown Creeper (1); E Bluebird (8); Dark-eyed Junco (37); Song Sparrow (1).
(report from Mark Lynch/Sheila Carroll).

2/21/21 -- Blackstone National Corridor: a few spots

This morning we birded around BLACKSTONE/MILLVILLE. They got as much, if not more, snow as Worcester and it has affected numbers of birds. Ponds were ice-covered, but rivers were open. Highlights: Canada Goose (38); Mallard (9); Hooded Merganser (3); Common Merganser (1).

Just after dawn we checked the houses and chimneys along the border between Blackstone and Woonsocket, Rhode Island. Here in winter, good numbers of vultures (mostly Turkey) can be found staying warm on the roofs and particularly the chimneys, of certain houses. This is not a situation that the home owners are really fond of. Vultures defecate while roosting, and to put it simply, it doesn’t look great having 4 or 5 vultures hanging out on your house. If you travel here to see this phenomena, BE DESCRETE. Look from inside your car and don’t block roads! Don’t stand there on the sidewalk with your camera talking shots. A quick count of just several blocks on the border between MA and RI had: Turkey Vulture (51); Black Vulture (3). Later in the morning and definitely IN MA we had: Turkey Vulture (10); Black Vulture (3). Black Vultures have also been known to roost en masse in areas inside Blackstone, including on the hill with the school, but we did not find this roost today. One of the reasons the vultures are here is the transfer station in Woonsocket, right on the Blackstone River and right on the state border. It’s closed on Sundays and gated, but when we visited it in mid-morning we saw a bunch of vultures, including at least 1 Black, sunning on piles of trash in the open ended building.

Red-tailed Hawk (3); Ring-billed Gull (13); Herring Gull (3); Red-bellied Woodpecker (3); N Flicker (1).

We had no large movements of Fish Crows this morning, but still saw (3). We had a pair of Common Ravens in flight display at Kimball Sand Company where we have suspected breeding for years now. We also checked the microwave relay tower in north Blackstone where they have nested in years past, but could find no ravens when we were there. BUT we did see displaying pairs of ravens in Millbury and Sutton. So watch for them now doing their cool aerial flights and checking out nesting locations. They typically return to a nesting location if they were successful the year before and undisturbed.

Carolina Wren (7) E Bluebird (16); A Robin (23); Gray Catbird (1 still hanging in in a very shrubby section of the Mill River).

On the way home we checked a few spots: Whitin Pond, Uxbridge had geese, swans, Mallards and Black Ducks, and a flock of (13) Ring-necked Ducks. This might be the largest flock of Ring-necks in Worcester County in mid- February (they are very common spring and fall migrants, and local breeders (Eagle Reserve in Royalston for the last 2 years), but in mid-winter they are tough to turn up in Worcester County.

We also checked Linwood Pond and Arcade Pond in Northbridge and had more Mallards, Black Ducks, and swans. At Riverdale in Northbridge there were (5) Common Mergansers and an adult Bald Eagle.
(report from Mark Lynch/Sheila Carroll).

2/20/21 -- Quabog IBA

This morning we went to the QUABOG IBA to see if we could turn up any waterfowl, always a bit of a challenge in mid-February in Worcester County. As expected, all the ponds and lakes were ice-covered and ice fishermen were out on most of them, especially Lake Quabog. But the river was mostly open and it was from various overlooks that we found the following: Mute Swan (2); Canada Goose (18); Mallard (44); A Black Duck (17); Hooded Merganser (25); Common Merganser (34). Other birds noted included Fish Crow (4 feeding along the edge of the Quabog River); Common Raven (16: an amazing group engaged in spectacular aerial displays. Ravens are early nesters, typically by March. This particular area where we saw them this morning we have seen double-digit counts ever since we found this out of the way spot during the Breeding Bird Atlas II).

On the way home we found (8) Evening Grosbeaks in New Braintree where they have been found for 2 months now.

In OAKHAM we heard a single BARRED OWL.
(report from Mark Lynch/Sheila Carroll).

2/16/21 -- Greendale YMCA, Worcester

At 1:00 PM I had an adult Bald Eagle perched in tree behind Greendale YMCA. Soggy, but Beautiful. He flew off toward Lake Quinsigamond 40 minutes later. (report from Susan LaBre).

2/14/21 -- Southbridge/Quabog IBA

Today we did some birding in south County. We started at the Dunkies in Webster Square and had (4) Fish Crows. Though these birds seem like they are “around”, in fact this is a relatively new situation the County. C. 40 years ago, they were very tough to find in Worcester County, most often seen/heard in large winter crow flocks. During the Breeding Bird Atlas II we found them in a few places but never confirmed a nest. In the last few years we have found them (1 pair) nesting in West Brookfield and double digit (a few triple digit) counts are had in winter down in Blackstone of movements of Fish Crows heading north, but exactly where is still to be discovered. This is a species that often follows rivers to colonize new areas. As spring comes, keep and ear out for potential breeding pairs.

In CHARLTON we had a nice flock of (19) Snow Buntings.

We spent a lot of time in SOUTHBRIDGE. Much of this town is in the STURBRIDGE CBC circle, so we have learned a lot about pocket areas to look for birds in winter. IN addition, Sheila and I covered two blocks in Southbridge for the Breeding Bird Atlas II, spending many field hours in this area. It was while doing the Atlas that the devastating tornado crossed our 2 blocks here and other blocks we were covering in Monson and Sturbridge. One day there was all these trees and shrubs, the next it was devastated. THAT was an experience looking for breeding birds before and after a tornado! This morning we covered the airport, the roads around the airport marsh and capped landfill; Westville Dam ACE; various spots around the former sprawling American Optical campus; farms and fields along N Woodstock Road. There are many other places to bird here. Highlights: Hooded Merganser (pair); Bald Eagle (1 sub ad); Red-tailed Hawk (2); Red-bellied Woodpecker (3); N Flicker (1); Horned Lark (20); Northern Shrike (1imm); Hermit Thrush (2); A Robin (30+); Tree Sparrow (10); Snow Bunting (11).

On the way back home we hit just a few spots in the QUABOG IBA: Mallard (18); Hooded Merganser (41); Common Merganser (56); Wild Turkey (8); Red-shouldered Hawk (1); Red-tailed Hawk (1). Completely unexpected and very wild: in one large area of wooded marsh that had several seeps still open: E Phoebe (1) and Gray Catbird (1) and lots of common winter species.
(report from Mark Lynch/Sheila Carroll).

2/8/21 -- Prentice St., Holliston

Bald eagle spotted in Holliston, MA at 1:05 pm today. It was over Prentice St by the Pinecrest golf course. (report from Nick Reffel).

2/7/21 -- Worcester; Wachusett Reservoir; Lancaster; Harvard

This morning we got out for a few hours before the snow. WE checked out WACHUSETT RESERVOIR. Even more of the surface is ice-covered since my last post. In one very small opening there was still a COMMON LOON! Loons need a certain length of water to take off, so it is very likely this bird is now trapped here. Sitting on the edge of the ice, mere feet away, was an adult BALD EAGLE. The loon was still diving, but we never saw it catch anything. Eagles have been known to take loons (we have seen them do it at Quabbin), but it is tough to say if the eagle was waiting for its chance or was going to kleptoparasitize the loon if and when the loon caught anything. Eventually, the eagle flew off, leaving the loon alone.

Also at Wachusett Reservoir was a flock of minimally 120 Common Redpolls. We were enjoying closely watching these birds when a Sharp-shinned Hawk flushed all into the sky and they left.

At SOUTH MEADOW POND, Lancaster in a small opening in the ice: Mute Swans (3); Hooded Merganser (1m).

In LANCASTER we had c.35 Canada Geese off Dexter Drumlin.; (2) Red-tailed Hawks, and (1) E Screech Owl.

Birds along STILL RIVER DEPOT ROAD, HARVARD included a Red-tailed Hawk (1); (2) Red-bellied Woodpeckers; (6) Eastern Bluebirds; (2) Tree Sparrows; (4) Song Sparrows.

(86) Canada Geese were on the course at the WORCESTER COUNTRY CLUB. A small goose among them was not a Cackling, just likely a “minima”.

At Mountain Street, Worcester we had a Common Raven flying under the railroad overpass, a place where we have had them nesting in years past.
(report from Mark Lynch/Sheila Carroll).

2/6/21 -- Quabog IBA & other locations

This morning we birded around the QUABOG IBA (the “Brookfields”) to see what (if anything) was remaining of waterfowl. All 4 of the major ponds (Quabog; South Pond; Lashaway; and Wickabog) were 99% ice-covered and ice fishing was happening on all 4. Quabog was jumping with ice fishermen: the parking area was crammed and cars were parked all along the road. My guess is there have to have been an organized derby or some such thing. The river was still mostly open and it was along the river that we had our few ducks: Mute Swan (2); Mallard (15); A Black Duck (1); Hooded Merganser (6); Common Merganser (10); Sharp-shinned Hawk (1); Cooper’s Hawk (1); Bald Eagle (1ad); Red-tailed Hawk (3); Ring-billed Gull (2); Belted Kingfisher (1); Ring-billed Gull (2). Landbirds were scarce but we did see Fish Crow (3); C Raven (1); Snow Bunting (flock of 20).

We then drove to NEW BRAINTREE to check on the Evening Grosbeaks that we have had for the last 2 months. We found (6),with (2) Purple Finches.

Driving down MUCHOPAUGE ROAD, RUTLAND we had (25) Horned Larks.

We checked the Worcester Airport fields both from Mulberry and from the lot next to the building and had nothing.

Back home in the city of Worcester, Sheila looked out our window and found a BARRED OWL sitting in the small dogwood tree in our front yard. It stayed there till well after dark.
(report from Mark Lynch/Sheila Carroll).

2/6/2 1-- Worcester Common

Early this morning I saw a Peregrine Falcon fly over Worcester Common. It perched on a ledge of 50 Franklin Street, then flew to the top of the People's United Bank building. (report from Robert Brady)

2/3/21 -- Whitinsville

There was a partially albino turkey crossing Fletcher Street, at the Whitinsville Golf Course. This was among at least 40 turkeys together, stopping traffic. (report from Patricia Cavanaugh ).

1/31/21 -- Wachusett Reservoir IBA

Today we decided to do a survey of all the ponds in the WACHUSETT RESERVOIR IBA to see if any water was open.

Coachlace Pond: ice covered;

South Meadow Pond (99% ice covered; as small open area in a corner had 5 Hoodies and 1 Mallard;

Sterling Peat: ice covered; surprising amount of plane activity at Sterling Airport;

The Quag: ice covered;

both Waushacums: ice covered.

The reservoir was for the most part ice covered. Even the Quinapoxet River was ice covered. BUT when we got to the dam we saw two dense groups of geese around two different narrow open spots in mid-reservoir. They almost filled each opening. Whether these were pressure ridges, naturally open spots, or were kept open by the geese we could not tell. Sheila then spotted 6 COMMON LOONS in a very narrow stretch of water at one end of one of the flocks of geese. I then spotted an additional 4 loons in a small open area further out. This was very concerning because most of the time Common Loons need a large area of open water to take off. BUT while we were there we watched 2 loons, one after the other, take off, fly a long distance over ice and circling around, slowly, were able to clear the trees and were able to take off out of there.

Common Loon (10); Canada Goose (442); Mute Swan (12: in with the geese. 1 bird flew out. ); Mallard (3: low. In many winters, we have tallied a good number of Mallards in the Nashua River by Wheetabix. They were not there this winter.); C Goldeneye (dense flock of 64 along another narrow, small open area); Hooded Merganser (9); Sharp- shinned Hawk (1); Bald Eagle (1imm); Red-tailed Hawk (6); Ring-billed Gull (2). Passerines were typical for this time of the year, except we had (19) Common Redpolls and (1) Hoary.
(report from Mark Lynch/Sheila Carroll).

1/22/21 -- Blackstone-Millville

WE spent this morning birding around BLACKSTONE/MILLVILLE. Highlights only:

Canada Goose (9); Mute Swan (3); A Black Duck (1); Mallard (34); Hooded Merganser (4); Common Merganser (10); VULTURES: we got to the Blackstone, MA/Woonsocket, RI border early and had the following roosting on the roofs and chimneys in a small area that straddled the border: Black (10); Turkey (53); later we had flying over Blackstone: Black (2); Turkey (22).NB: many of the Black Vultures often waft north along the river or east out of the County, but we did not see a big flock flying this AM); Cooper’s Hawk (1ad); Red-shouldered Hawk (1); Red-tailed Hawk (9); GULLS: Ring-billed (37); Herring (36); Great Black-backed (6); Mourning Dove (21); Red-bellied Woodpecker (11); N Flicker (1); Eastern Phoebe (1: along Mill River); Blue Jay (52); A Crow (27); Fish Crow (32: very few seen during morning flight north; most seen around 1 farm field); C Raven (3: no sign of them nesting YET at the microwave relay tower); Carolina Wren (12); E Bluebird (1); A Robin (54); Song Sparrow (8); Swamp Sparrow (1); White- throated Sparrow (5); Dark-eyed Junco (8); NB: house Finches were the only finches seen (41).
(report from Mark Lynch/Sheila Carroll).

1/20/21 -- Princeton; Bolton; Northboro; Westboro

Today we birded a few spots in the County. In PRINCETON we finally sought out the long-reported RED-HEADED WOODPECKER on Whitiker Road. It has to have been the easiest stake-out bird I have made an effort to see. The road becomes “private” right where you pull off onto a dirt parking area. About 75 feet down a well-marked path you will see a handwritten sign noting that this is private land, but standing right there you can see the woodpecker. Which you can. You are also clearly notified to NOT go any further than the sign, so there is NO excuse for birders to do so.

Next we looked for Pine Grosbeaks at an elementary school in Princeton and dipped (BTW: school was in session).

Driving through STERLING on our way to Bolton, we saw (1) Pine Grosbeak.

In BOLTON we got outstanding looks at (11) Pine Grosbeaks at the back of the Bolton Industrial Park. When we saw them, they were feeding in trees and on the ground at the very back edge. Also in Bolton (c.113) Robins feeding in the orchard.

BARTLETT POND, NORTHBORO: Mostly ice-over: (2) Mute Swans; (19) Canada Geese; and c.100 American Robins.

CHAUNCY LAKE, WESTBORO: Common Loon (1); Mute Swan (8); Lesser Scaup (13); Hooded Merganser (52); Common Merganser (11); Red-tailed Hawk (1); Ring-billed Gull (22).

SUASCO, WESTBORO: Mute Swan (9); Canada Goose (57); Mallard (1); Bufflehead (1m); Hooded Merganser (6); Ring- billed Gull (57); Herring Gull (72); Lesser Black-backed Gull (1adW); Great Black-backed Gull (6).
(report from Mark Lynch/Sheila Carroll).

1/19/21 -- Spencer

Spotted an adult Bald Eagle at Spencer State Forest over the pond late this afternoon.
(report from Kevin Gaffney).

1/19/21 -- Hodges Village Dam, Oxford

This morning an adult Bald Eagle was perched on a low tree branch along Howarth Road. (report by Robert Brady)

1/17/21 -- Quabog IBA

This morning we birded the water bodies in the QUABOG IBA. The windy weather made it tough to search for passerines. Most ponds were mostly covered in ice. The river was open, running swiftly. Few birds and little variety: highlights: Mute Swan (7); Canada Goose (16); Mallard (56); Hooded Merganser (64); Bald Eagle (1ad); Red-shouldered Hawk (1: this bird pounced on some mammal on the road right in front of us. It flew off with it’s prey only to be swiftly pursued out of sight by a Red-Tail . The Red-shouldered then flew back across our view, away from the Red tail without the prey item. ); Red-Tailed Hawk (6); Ring-billed Gull (7); Belted Kingfisher (1); Peregrine Falcon (1 perched atop powerline pole at north end of Lashaway); Common Raven (1); A Tree Sparrow (15); Swamp Sparrow (1); Red Crossbill (4 seen and heard at Elm Hill MAS).
(report from Mark Lynch/Sheila Carroll).

1/15/21 -- Institute Park, Worcester

Highlights at noon were 1 Great Blue Heron, 2 Mute Swans, 2 Am. Black Ducks, 1 Gadwall (f), 7 Hooded Mergansers, and 3 Common Mergansers.
(report from Rick Quimby).

1/13/21 -- Wachusett Reservoir

A quick survey of Wachusett Reservoir and near ponds (Coachlace/S Meadow Pond) today had the following: Common Loon (6); Pied-billed Grebe (1: on main body); Canada Goose (36); Mute Swan (11); Mallard (33); A Black Duck (1); Greater Scaup (66); Bufflehead (14); Common Goldeneye (61); Hooded Merganser (10); Common Merganser (1m); Red- breasted Merganser (1f-type); Bald Eagle (1ad); Red-tailed Hawk (3); Ring-billed Gull (23); Herring Gull (22: all on ice at S Meadow Pond); and great views of the Yellow-throated Warbler on South Meadow Road.
(report from Mark Lynch/Sheila Carroll).

1/7/21 -- Mount Wachusett Community College, Gardner

There were 4 female Pine Grosbeaks feeding in and under the crabapple trees in the small traffic circle in front to the Haley Academic Center at noon today. (report from Robert Brady)

1/6/21 -- Notre Dame Cemetery,Worcester

There were a few American Tree Sparrows. The Wood Duck was not here. We went to All Faiths Cemetery, and I saw the Wood Duck fly by at the channel near Rt. 290. (report from Brian Mulhearn)