2022 Central Mass Bird Sightings

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

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

Bird Sightings:

12/26/22 -- Wachusett Reservoir-Bolton Flats

This morning we checked a few places east of Worcester city.

WACHUSETT RESERVOIR (including Coachlace). The main body was still open but inlets were ice-covered. Quinapoxet River was totally ice covered as well as Thomas Basin. Common Loon (2); Canada Goose (582: many at mostly ice-covered Coachlce, but another large flock was on the lawn behind the dam, best seen from Nashua Street); Mallard (8); A Black Duck (3); N Pintail (4); Greater Scaup (32); Lesser Scaup (3); Redhead (2, m+f: we first discovered the female in South Bay among scaup and Bette later found a drake, which was definitely not there when we were, so it flew in); Bufflehead (2); Common Goldeneye (57); Hooded Merganser (45); Common Merganser (17); Ring-billed Gull (24).

DEXTER DRUMLIN, LANCASTER: very flooded and very frozen . WE had a flock of c.300+ Canada Geese initially. Returning an hour later, the geese were gone. WE could not turn up the cranes.

DAVIS FARMLAND: zero, zip, nada.

BOLTON FLATS; very flooded and very ice-covered including most of the Still River. The main lot off Rt.117 looked very icy. Canada Goose (144: all flying over); N Harrier (1m); Rock Pigeon (150: single flock feeding in 1 field); E Bluebird (6); N Mockingbird (4); Tree Sparrow (9); Song Sparrow (12); Dark-eyed Junco (26).

STILL RIVER DEPORT ROAD, HARVARD: we checked for shrike, but dipped. WE did have (3) Wild Turkeys and a handful of the expected sparrows.
(report from Mark Lynch/Sheila Carroll).

12/19/22 -- Flint Pond, Shrewsbury/Worcester

If anyone is in the Flint Pond area tomorrow (12/20), there is a possible report from today of at least one of the Trumpeter Swans being there. I am going to check it out in my travels tomorrow, but please keep an eye out if you are there.
(report from John Liller).

12/17/22 -- Worcester CBC 2022

It has taken me a while to pull together all of the results, but I can now post the final results for the Worcester CBC, held on Saturday, December 17th, 2022. It was an interesting day, as the weather changed from showers/snow at the beginning to sunny to cloudy and breezy. (On the southern end, there was absolutely no snow, but to the north there was up to 3 inches of snow.) In the 11 sectors, there were 19 teams made up of 35 birders, with an additional feeder watcher. Most sectors had at least some owling coverage. The combined total of species was 80, with 3 additional count week birds. Here is the list: Worcester 2022 CBC details (report from John Liller).

12/10/22 -- Rutland-Holden-Paxton-Leicester-Worcester

This morning we birded a few ponds that are all IN the Worcester CBC circle. This is a critical week for CBCers in central MA. Everything depends on the weather this week. Inevitably many of the ponds that are open today will be iced-over by next weekend. My first count is this Wednesday (the Sturbridge CBC).

MUSCHAPAUGE ROAD, RUTLAND: Not much but Canada Goose (24), and (60+) Dark-eyed Juncos.

QUINAPOXET RESERVOIR, FROM Holden side: The water has returned to normal levels and was mostly open, but icing in inlets: Canada Goose (24); Mallard (104); A Black Duck (67); Green-winged Teal (9); Bufflehead (1); Red-tailed Hawk (1).

MAPLE SPRING POND, HOLDEN: Mostly iced over but still (6) Mute Swans hanging on in the open areas.

ASNEBUMPSKIT POND, Paxton: Black Duck (14).

WORCESTER MEMORIAL PARK, PAXTON: Canada Goose (67). No sign of any non Canada geese.

KETTLEBROOK RESERVOIR #4, PAXTON: Open but NOTHING.

KETTLEBROOK RESERVOIR #3, LEICESTER: Hooded Merganser (21); Common Merganser (8).

KETTLEBROOK RESERVOIR#2, LEICESTER: Common Merganser (11).

WORCESTER AIRPORT-Rt56 overlook: very little, a handful of crows.

WAITE POND, LEICESTER: Mute Swan (2); Canada Goose (21); Mallard (5); Lesser Scaup (3f: these were tough because they were sleeping and females and the distance. After a lot of study both of us thought we could see a bit of a peak on all heads. All had some white at base of bill.)

COES RESERVOIR, WORCESTER: Great Blue Heron (2); Mute Swan (1); Canada Goose (12); Mallard (24); Hooded Merganser (4); Common Merganser (12); Ring-billed Gull (7); Herring Gull (2: 1adW+1 1stW).
(report from Mark Lynch/Sheila Carroll).

12/3/22 -- Westboro/Northboro/Wachusett reservoir

This morning in wind and rain:

SUASCO, WESTBORO: Canada Goose (25): Mute Swan (39); Mallard (5); Hooded Merganser (6); Ring-billed Gull (40); Iceland Gull (1imm); Herring Gull (1); Great Black Backed Gull (1adW+1imm).

CHAUNCY LAKE, WESTBORO: Pied-billed Grebe (4); Mute Swan (2); Canada Goose (3); Hooded Merganser (10); Ring-billed Gull (6).

BARTLETT POND, NORTHBORO: Canada Goose (58); Mute Swan (2); Mallard (29).

We ended with doing a quick circumnavigation of Wachusett Reservoir in very windy and wet conditions and saw nothing more than a handful of Ring-billed Gulls.
(report from Mark Lynch/Sheila Carroll).

12/1/22 -- Worcester-Shrewsbury-Wachusett Reservoir

This morning in the windy and cold conditions we started out at:

NEWTON POND, SHREWSBURY: Canada Goose (11); Mute Swan (2); Mallard (5); Hooded Merganser (190: careful count).

NORTH END OF LAKE QUINSIGAMOND: typically a good place in early winter, but this morning, no. Great Blue Heron (1); Canada Goose (1); Mallard (119); Hooded Merganser (2).

WACHUSETT RESERVOIR: a quick tour. The main body had white caps. Common Loon (3); Canada Goose (454); Mute Swan (7); Mallard (12); Greater Scaup/scaup sp. (88); Hooded Merganser (6); Ring-billed Gull (4).

INDIAN LAKE, WORCESTER: Mallard (5); Hooded Merganser (23); Common Merganser (78); Ring-billed Gull (45); Great Black Backed Gull (1adW).
(report from Mark Lynch/Sheila Carroll).

11/29/22 -- Quabog IBA

This morning we birded some of the ponds in the QUABOG IBA (Brookfields+). The 4 larger ponds were completely open.

Great Blue Heron (2); Canada Goose (158); Mute Swan (2); American Wigeon (1m); A Black Duck (42); Mallard (61); N Pintail (1m+2f); Ring-necked Duck (5); Greater Scaup (12); C Goldeneye (1); Hooded Merganser (234); Common Merganser (506); Bald Eagle (4); Cooper’s Hawk (1); Red-tailed Hawk (4); Wild Turkey (15); Virginia Rail (1); Ring-billed Gull (176); Herring Gull (1).

Passerines were typical, though juncos were in a number of locations (96); Tree Sparrows (7).
(report from Mark Lynch/Sheila Carroll).

11/25/22 -- Wachusett Reservoir

A brief survey of WACHUSETT RESERVOIR this morning had the following:

Common Loon (3); Canada Goose (37); Mute Swan (11); A Black Duck (1); Mallard (12); Greater Scaup (76); Lesser Scaup (2); Bufflehead (7); Common Goldeneye (67); Hooded Merganser (5); Common Merganser (5); Bald Eagle (1ad+1imm); Sharp-shinned Hawk (1ad); Ring-billed Gull (3); Herring Gull (1). Plus: Snow Bunting (2).
(report from Mark Lynch/Sheila Carroll).

11/24/22 -- Worcester, Leicester, Paxton, Holden

Typically on THANKGIVING DAY we go out and see if we can find some wild turkeys. This morning we were scooped when “our” 4 wild turkeys showed up before we even left the house. For the rest of the morning:

INDIAN LAKE, WORCESTER (20% ice covered): Great Blue Heron (5); Canada Goose (81); Mallard (29); A Black Duck (2); Hooded Merganser (79); Common Merganser (35); Ring-billed Gull (32); Merlin (1).

WORCESTER AIRPORT: very little other than blue birds, robins, and a Purple Finch. 6 Canada Geese flew overhead.

WAITE POND, LEICESTER (75% ICE-COVERED): Canada Goose (24); Mute Swan (2); Ring-necked Duck (10).

KETTLEBROOK RESERVOIR #3, LEICESTER: Hooded Merganser (16); Common Merganser (15); Belted Kingfisher (1).

KETTLEBROOK RESERVOIR #4, PAXTON (35% ice covered): Common Merganser (14); Ring-billed Gull (1).

WORCESTER MEMORIAL PARK, PAXTON: Canada Goose (114).

MUSCHOPAUGE ROAD, RUTLAND: Horned Lark (25); Lapland Longspur (1).

MAPLE SPRING POND, HOLDEN (75% ice covered): Mute Swan (6); Ring-necked Duck (9).

QUINAPOXET RESERVOIR, HOLDEN (25% ice-covered): Canada Goose (42); Mallard (268); A Black Duck (71); Common Merganser (121); Red-tailed Hawk (1); Ring-billed Gull (2).

We visited other spots but had few to no birds at them.
(report from Mark Lynch/Sheila Carroll).

11/23/22 -- Wachusett Reservoir IBA

We had: Common Loon (6); Great Blue Heron (2); Mute Swan (11); Canada Goose (458); A Black Duck (6); Mallard (220; Green-winged Teal (3); Greater Scaup (95); Bufflehead (15); Common Goldeneye (51); Hooded Merganser (22); Common Merganser (4); Sharp-shinned Hawk (1); Cooper’s Hawk (1); Bald Eagle (2ad); Red-shouldered Hawk (1); Red-tailed Hawk (5); Wild Turkey (6).
Passerines were typical .
(report from Mark Lynch/Sheila Carroll).

11/21/22 -- Gardner

Four Fox sparrows showed up at our feeders here in Gardner on Friday (Nov. 18) and have remained since.
(report from Dick Knowlton).

11/19/22 -- Northboro/Westboro/Worcester/Paxton/Holden

Today we checked ponds in the burbs of WORCESTER:

BARTLETT POND, NORTHBORO: 60% ice-covered: Pied-billed Grebe (1); Mute Swan (6); Hooded Merganser (4).

LITTLE CHAUNCY, Northboro: Fishermen in boats on water: Mute Swan (5).

CHAUNCY POND, Westboro: Mute Swan (5); Mallard (10); Hooded Merganser (4); Ring-billed Gull (4); Herring Gull (1).

SUASCO, Westboro: Pied-billed Grebe (8); Double-crested Cormorant (2); Great Blue Heron (1); Mute Swan (39); Canada Goose (6); Mallard (3); A Black Duck (2); Hooded Merganser (2); Killdeer (2; hanging at the dam/spillway). NB: Cove visible from Arch Street was ice-covered.

COES POND, Worcester: Mute Swan (2); Common Merganser (17); Ring-billed Gull (2); Belted Kingfisher (1).

KETTLEBROOK RESERVOIR #4, Paxton: Hooded Merganser (8); Common Merganser (244); Ring-billed Gull (4).

MUSCHAPOAG ROAD, Rutland: Sharp-shinned Hawk (1); Red-tailed Hawk (1); Yellow-bellied Sapsucker (1).

MAPLE SPRING POND, Holden: Mute Swan (6).

QUINAPOXET RESERVOIR, Holden: Canada Goose (16); Mallard (128); A Black Duck (10); Hooded Merganser (2); Bald Eagle (2ad); American Pipit (3).

Throughout the morning we saw people walking in WMA parcels with no “hunter’s orange” on. Please remember it’s hunting season. In the parking area for Crane Swamp we found a cock pheasant that just stood there on the path, 25 feet from us. Obviously a stock release, but come on, what kind of hunting thrill is shooting a bird this tame? Plus: a search of Worcester Airport, both sides, yielded only some crows, (8) bluebirds and some goldfinches.
(report from Mark Lynch/Sheila Carroll).

11/17/22 -- Holland; Wales; West Brookfield

This morning we started at HAMILTON RESERVOIR in Holland. Still not many birds, but we did have: Common Loon (1); Great Blue Heron (1); Mallard (83); Greater Scaup(pair); Bufflehead (22); Hooded Merganser (1); Common Merganser (6); Ruddy Duck (22); Ring-billed Gull (7); N Flicker (1).

LAKE GEORGE, Wales, had much fewer ducks: Mallard (18); Hooded Merganser (2); Red-tailed Hawk (1); Wild Turkey (5).

WE made a quick stop at LAKE WICKABOG, West Brookfield. Most of the waterfowl that were there several days back, are now gone: Canada Goose (14); Mallard (11); A Black Duck (6); Hooded Merganser (18); Bald Eagle (2ad); Ring-billed Gull (77).
(report from Mark Lynch/Sheila Carroll).

11/11/22 -- Quabog IBA

This morning we birded the ponds in the QUABOG IBA.

Double-crested Cormorant (1); Great Blue Heron (1); Canada Goose (16); Mute Swan (7); Gadwall (2); American Wigeon (6); A Black Duck (41); Mallard (76); N Pintail (pair); Ring-necked Duck (25); Greater Scaup (8); Hooded Merganser (23); Common Merganser (72: being relentlessly harassed (kleptoparasitized) by Ring-bills); Red-breasted Merganser (1f); Ruddy Duck (15); Bald Eagle (1imm); Red-tailed Hawk (2); Wild Turkey (6); Ring-billed Gull (63); Herring Gull (1); Belted Kingfisher (1).

Passerine highlights included: Common Raven (1); Brown Creeper (1); Hermit Thrush (1); Red-winged Blackbird (3).
(report from Mark Lynch/Sheila Carroll).

11/5/22 -- Douglas and Dudley

This morning we checked some ponds out in DOUGLAS AND DUDLEY for waterbirds.

Douglas was disappointing. We had very few birds on ponds that are normally very productive: Great Blue Heron (1); Canada Goose (16); Mallard (4); Hooded Merganser (4); Ring-billed Gull (1); Eastern Phoebe (1).

In Dudley we had better success: Pied-billed Grebe (1); Double-crested Cormorant (1); Great Blue Heron (2); Canada Goose (40); Wood Duck (7); A Black Duck (3); Mallard (44); Green-winged Teal (12); Ring-necked Duck (22); Bufflehead (1f); Hooded Merganser (3); Black Vulture (5); Red-tailed Hawk (1); Killdeer (1).
(report from Mark Lynch/Sheila Carroll).

11/4/22 -- Petersham

This morning we birded the ponds in PETERSHAM. Waterfowl numbers are now dramatically lower, and passerines (other than juncos and jays) were also in low numbers and poor variety.

Great Blue Heron (2); Canada Goose (2); Wood Duck (8); A Black Duck (2); Mallard (4); A Wigeon (2); Green-winged teal (3); Hooded Merganser (5); Red-tailed Hawk (2); Pileated Woodpecker (2).
Passerine highlights included: C Raven (1); Winter Wren (nice views on a beaver dam); Hermit Thrush (2); Purple Finch (2).

There were still a handful of E Painted Turtles sunning and we heard 3 Spring Peepers.

On the way home we had a flock of 150+ Red-winged Blackbirds in Hardwick and 2 Ospreys over Long Pond, Rutland on Rt.122.
(report from Mark Lynch/Sheila Carroll).

11/3/22 -- Institute Park, Worcester

At 1 pm, birds of note were 3 Great-blue Herons (all flying together around pond, not clear who was chasing who), 4 Hooded Mergansers (all m), 1 Belted Kingfisher, 1 Red-winged Blackbird (m, flying into reeds along shore near bandstand), 1 Red-breasted Nuthatch (heard calling), and 1 House Finch (m).
(report from Rick Quimby).

11/2/22 -- Quabog IBA

This morning we birded the ponds in the QUABOG IBA. There was an interesting variety of waterbirds:

Pied-billed Grebe (1); Red-necked Grebe (1); Double-crested Cormorant (1); American Bittern (1 seen well in the vegetation along the river. Eventually it spotted us on the bridge and it slowly ducked down and out of sight); Great Blue Heron (9); Canada Goose (47); Mute Swan (7); Wood Duck (pair); American Wigeon (4); A Black Duck (8); Mallard (8); Ring-necked Duck (3); Black Scoter (1f); Long-tailed Duck (4); Bufflehead (4); Hooded Merganser (4); Common Merganser (22); Ruddy Duck (63); Turkey Vulture (1); Bald Eagle (1ad); Red-shouldered Hawk (1); Red-tailed Hawk (2); Ring-billed Gull (30); Mourning Dove (8); Belted Kingfisher (2); Red-bellied Woodpecker (3); Downy Woodpecker (2); Pileated Woodpecker (1).

Passerines were in low numbers and variety. A handful of Spring Peepers were calling. We also had a number of Autumn Meadowhawks and 1 un-id’d darner that zipped by.
(report from Mark Lynch/Sheila Carroll).

10/28/22 -- Rutland-Holden-Wachusett Reservoir IBA-city of Worcester

This morning we started at MUSCHAPOAG ROAD (RUTLAND). The sparrow show from last weekend was over and all we had was: Cooper’s Hawk (1); Red-tailed Hawk (1); Mourning Dove (39); Dark-eyed Junco (11); Savannah Sparrow (1); White-throated Sparrow (6); Red-winged Blackbird (140).

At QUINAPOXET RESERVOIR: Canada Goose (87); Mallard (29); A Black Duck (7); Cooper’s Hawk (1); Peregrine Falcon (1imm, not banded); Red-winged Blackbird (50+).

WACHUSETT RESERVOIR IBA featured a nice selection of waterfowl: Common Loon (8); Double-crested Cormorant (14); Mute Swan (3); Canada Goose (28); Wood Duck (27); Mallard (39); Greater Scaup (26); Lesser Scaup (2); White-winged Scoter (13); Black Scoter (flock of 69, almost all drakes); Surf Scoter (1f); Long-tailed Duck (7); Bufflehead (11); Hooded Merganser (6); Common Merganser (12); Ruffed Grouse (1); Wild Turkey (6); Killdeer (1); Cooper’s Hawk (1); Red-tailed Hawk (2); Bonaparte’s Gull (4); Ring-billed Gull (21).

Finally at INDIAN LAKE, city of WORCESTER: Ring-necked Duck (7); Black Scoter (tight, nervous flock of 19); Common Merganser (89); Ring-billed Gull (31); Herring Gull (6).
(report from Mark Lynch/Sheila Carroll).

10/23/22 -- Hubbardston, Rutland, Holden

HUBBARDSTON (checking ponds); C Loon (1); Great Blue Heron (1); Canada Goose (7); Wood Duck (19); Mallard (10); A Black Duck (2); Red-tailed Hawk (1); Pileated Woodpecker (1); Palm Warbler (6); Swamp Sparrow (19).

MUSCHAPOAG ROAD: Canada Goose (67); Red-tailed Hawk (1); E Screech Owl (1); A Crow (55); A Pipit (80+: huge flock. WE initially saw a small group of 8 fly up and down close to the road. We put the scope on the corn stubble and we soon realized there were more…a lot more. Finally the entire flock flew to back parts of the field and out of sight.); Palm Warbler (4); Chipping Sparrow (1); Savannah Sparrow (110++); Lincoln Sparrow (1); White-crowned Sparrow (2imm).

QUINAPOXET RESERVOIR: Great Blue Heron (1); Canada Goose (66); Mallard (41); Common Merganser (4); Cooper’s Hawk (1).

STUMP POND, HOLDEN: Wood Duck (18+); Mallard (25+); A Black Duck (18); Green-winged Teal (10); E Phoebe (1).
(report from Mark Lynch/Sheila Carroll).

10/22/22 -- Gate 35, Wachusett Reservoir

A mid-afternoon walk through the carpet of colorful fallen leaves yielded highlights of 1 Common Loon (calling), 1 Sharp-shinned Hawk, 1 Spotted Sandpiper, 2 Brown Creepers (a pair close by, doing their creeping thing on a dozen trees near the trail), 1 Ruby-crowned Kinglet, and 5 Yellow-rumped Warblers. As I was gazing out over the reservoir, I saw the Sharpie coming in low over the water toward the shore, and my view was momentarily blocked by a tree. Then I heard peeping sounds, and saw the Spotted Sandpiper winging away from shore. The Sharpie didn't give chase, fortunately for the sandpiper. (report from Rick Quimby).

10/22/22 -- Northboro-Westboro

BARTLETT POND, NORTHBORO: Pied-billed Grebe (1); Great Blue Heron (1); Wood Duck (1); Mute Swan (2); Canada Goose (12); Mallard (13); Ring-billed Gull (1); Killdeer (1); Wilson’s Snipe (1); Greater Yellowlegs (2); Lesser Yellowlegs (1); Solitary Sandpiper (1); Pectoral Sandpiper (4); Yellow-rumped Warbler (20+); Swamp Sparrow (4); Rusty Blackbird (6); C Grackle (1).

LITTLE CHAUNCY POND, NORTHBORO: Duck hunters out on the water, bow hunters along road. WEAR THAT ORANGE! Great Blue Heron (1); MuteSwan (4); Red-shouldered Hawk (1); Red-tailed Hawk (2).

CHAUNCY LAKE, WESTBORO: Fishing boats out on water. Mute Swan (2).

SUASCO, WESTBORO: Pied-billed Grebe (15); Double-crested Cormorant (16); Great Blue Heron (2); Mute Swan (24); Canada Goose (16); Ruddy Duck (1); Bald Eagle (1ad); Great Black Backed Gull (1ad).

TUFTS SCHOOL FIELDS: Cattle Egret (1: we got to watch this bird first eat what looked like a meadow Vole, shortly after he ate a HUGE mammal which looked like a large Brown/Norway Rat (we watched through a scope.The bird really struggled with this prey item, first beating it and stabbing it with its bill. It attempted to get it down and then spit it out. Finally after more beating it, it began swallowing it. It took time and maneuvering to finally get it down, it’s neck swelling and it twisted it’s head in several contortions. It then stood next to a cow and rested. ); Western Kingbird (1: originally seen along Rt.30).
(report from Mark Lynch/Sheila Carroll).

10/21/22 -- Institute Park, Worcester

Highlights from 5-6 pm were 1 GB Heron, 2 Mute Swans, 2 Ruby-crowned Kinglets, 10 Am. Robins, 2 Gray Catbirds, 2 Yellow-rumped Warblers, 2 Common Yellowthroat Warblers, and ~15 Red-winged Blackbirds (doing much calling near the marshy end of the pond -- eventually just before dusk, 3 of them flew down to the marsh and became quiet).
(report from Rick Quimby).

10/20/22 -- Petersham

We had a few hours this morning, and I hadn’t been birding all week, so we covered the ponds in Petersham. Canada Goose (15); Wood Duck (77); A Black Duck (16); Mallard (63); Green-winged Teal (2); Ring-necked Duck (142); Common Merganser (1); Turkey Vulture (2); Semipalmated Plover (10: a surprise, but they were in a loose group, so a migrating flock?); Killdeer (5); Pectoral Sandpiper (1); Barred Owl (1); Red-bellied Woodpecker (4); N Flicker (1).
Passerines were scarce but we did see, among other birds: E Phoebe (1); C Raven (4); Hermit Thrush (13); Yellow-rumped Warbler (4); Palm Warbler (3).

ALSO: River Otter (3); E Painted Turtle (c.10). Foliage there was certainly past peak.
(report from Mark Lynch/Sheila Carroll).

10/15/22 -- Quabog IBA

We birded around the QUABOG IBA this morning . Dense fog blanketed most of the area, so we ended up not birding the ponds until much later in the AM. There was a good movement of White-throated Sparrows, but not many warblers. Hunting was very much “on”: remember to wear hunter’s orange when venturing into areas where hunting may take place.

Double-crested Cormorant (3); Canada Goose (22); Mute Swan (1); Wood Duck (12); A Black Duck (3); Mallard (19); Green-winged Teal (2); Ruddy Duck (6); Turkey Vulture (8); Red-shouldered Hawk (1); Red-tailed Hawk (3); Wild Turkey (12); Virginia Rail (2); Pectoral Sandpiper (1); Ring-billed Gull (25); Mourning Dove (9); Belted Kingfisher (1); Red-Bellied Woodpecker (11); Yellow-bellied Sapsucker (1); Downy Woodpecker (2); Hairy Woodpecker (4); N Flicker (1); A Kestrel (1).
E Phoebe ( only 2); Blue Jay (59); A Crow (18); C Raven (1); Black-capped Chickadee (19); Tufted Titmouse (4); White-breasted Nuthatch (9); Carolina Wren (4); Ruby-crowned Kinglet (9); E Bluebird (14); Hermit Thrush (1); A Robin (98); G Catbird (4); Yellow-rumped Warbler (8); Palm Warbler (2); C Yellowthroat (1); E Towhee (2); Chipping Sparrow (24); Savannah Sparrow (7); Song Sparrow (104); Lincoln’s Sparrow (1); Swamp Sparrow (35); White-throated Sparrow (183); White-crowned Sparrow (2); Dark-eyed Junco (28); N Cardinal (13); Indigo Bunting (1); Dickcissel (1); Baltimore Oriole (1); Purple Finch (3); House Finch (36); A Goldfinch (3).

Our only butterfly was a Clouded Sulphur and we had an E Coyote.
(report from Mark Lynch/Sheila Carroll).

10/14/22 -- Wachusett Reservoir

This afternoon we birded WACHUSETT RESERVOIR. We dipped on the LeConte’s found by Bette Robo, but it could still be in the area. Besides the field, be sure to check the water side of the dike.

Common Loon (8); Red-necked Grebe (1); Double-crested Cormorant (36); Mute Swan (2); Mallard (9); Greater Scaup (8: Coachlace); Surf Scoter (1f: Carville Basin, swimming around); Common Goldeneye (1f); Ruddy Duck (1: another was seen on East Waushacum); Red-tailed Hawk (3); Ring-billed Gull (16); Merlin (1).
(report from Mark Lynch/Sheila Carroll).

10/12/22 -- Ware River Watershed IBA

This morning we birded a loop around some southern sections of the WARE RIVER WATERSHED IBA. Starting temps were in the mid-high 30s. We had some very good movements of certain species, but nothing rare.

Great Blue Heron (1); Wood Duck (4); Mallard (3); Red-tailed Hawk (3); Killdeer (1); Mourning Dove (14); Barred Owl (1); Belted Kingfisher (1); Red-bellied Woodpecker (7); Downy Woodpecker (3); Hairy Woodpecker (2); Pileated Woodpecker (1).
E Phoebe (1); Blue Jay (46); A Crow (4); C Raven (2); Black-capped Chickadee (12); Tufted Titmouse (2); Red-breasted Nuthatch (114: flocks in several places); White-breasted Nuthatch (18); Golden-crowned Kinglet (31: an amazing flock in company with RB Nuts and Yellow-rumps); Ruby-crowned Kinglet (1); E Bluebird (12); Hermit Thrush (6); A Robin (42); Gray Catbird (6); Yellow-rumped Warbler (163: at one point we were at a small marsh, and flocks of Yellow-rumps were continually moving low across the marsh, many stopping on marsh plants or even on lillypads to feed, but eventually moving on south. It was a spectacle); Palm Warbler (29).
E Towhee (4); Field Sparrow (1); Song Sparrow (84: large numbers along the river); Lincoln’s Sparrow (4); Swamp Sparrow (24); White-throated Sparrow (108); White-crowned Sparrow (2imm); Dark-eyed Junco (7); Red-winged Blackbird (2); C Grackle (150: huge flock moving and feeding in upperstory of forest); Purple Finch (4); Red Crossbill (3); A Goldfinch (6).
(report from Mark Lynch/Sheila Carroll).

10/8/22 -- Oxford

I saw 3 Black Vultures in a front yard on Old Webster Road this afternoon. (report from Robert Brady).

10/7/22 -- Warren

This morning we did some leisurely birding around several spots in WARREN. Not a big migration day, but still some interesting birds:

Wood Duck (4); Turkey Vulture (5); Sharp-shinned Hawk (1); Cooper’s Hawk (1); Red-tailed Hawk (5); Virginia Rail (4); Belted Kingfisher (1); Red-bellied Woodpecker (2); Yellow-bellied Sapsucker (1); Downy Woodpecker (1); Hairy Woodpecker (2); N Flicker (4).
Passerine highlights: E Phoebe (32); Blue-headed Vireo (5: 2 still singing); C Raven (4); Ruby-crowned Kinglet (6); E Bluebird (6); Hermit Thrush (4); Gray Catbird (41); Cedar Waxwing (6).
WARBLERS: Tennessee (1); Orange-crowned (1); Yellow-rumped (57); Palm (2); C Yellowthroat (1).
E Towhee (12); Chipping Sparrow (18); Song Sparrow (31); Swamp Sparrow (31); White-throated Sparrow (38); Dark-eyed Junco (12); Red-winged Blackbird (44).

Peepers were still peeping; we also had (6) Clouded Sulphurs and (1) Eastern Comma. Katydids were all over.
(report from Mark Lynch/Sheila Carroll).

10/6/22 -- Institute Park, Worcester

There were a few migrants between 4:30 and 5:15 pm.

Highlights were 1 Great Blue Heron, 1 Eastern Phoebe, 15+ Am. Robins feeding in flock on ground, 1 Yellow Warbler, 1 Chestnut-sided Warbler, 7 Yellow-rumped Warblers, 2 "Bay-poll" Warblers (either Bay-breasted or Blackpoll), 6 Song Sparrows, 1 White-throated Sparrow, and 1 Red-winged Blackbird (m -- unusual at this time of year in the park).
(report from Rick Quimby).

10/5/22 -- Wachusett Reservoir IBA

This morning we birded the WACHUSETT RESERVOIR IBA in periodic showers. By the time we got to the reservoir proper, a mist emerged making long-distance viewing (by scope) very difficult. We visited Sterling Peat, Sterling Airport; The Quag, the Waushacums (NB: West Waushacum had a warning posted that there was cyanobacteria present and fishing, swimming, was banned. Alarming); Coachlace; and Wachusett Reservoir.

Common Loon (8); Double-crested Cormorant (38); Great Blue Heron (7); Wood Duck (6); Mallard (12); Greater Scaup (1f); White-winged Scoter (flock of 6 drakes at East Waushacum. They left while we were there); Red-tailed Hawk (3); A Kestrel (3); Wild Turkey (8); Virginia Rail (1); Killdeer (16); Ring-billed Gull (28).
E Phoebe (2); C Raven (1); E Bluebird (4); Gray Catbird (2); Palm Warbler (1); Yellow-rumped Warbler (6); Swamp Sparrow (3); Red-winged Blackbird (6).
(report from Mark Lynch/Sheila Carroll).

10/4/22 -- North Grafton

I had an adult Bald Eagle this morning about 6:45a fly out of a yard at the intersection of Rt 122 X 140 with a squirrel in it's talons. The bird flew directly across the view of my car windshield giving me a perfect view of its prey. I had never seen any bald eagle hunt away from a body of water......It was exhilarating to say the least.
(report from Scott Ricker).

10/4/22 -- North Brookfield

We had a male Baltimore Oriole at the jelly feeder this morning. Don't know if it's the same bird but we've had a male oriole over-winter the past 3 winters.
(report from Jeff Smith).

10/1/22 -- Wachusett Reservoir

This morning we did a quick survey of WACHUSETT RESERVOIR in showers.

Red-throated Loon (1); Common Loon (12); Double-crested Cormorant (30); Mute Swan (3); Canada Goose (110); Mallard (16); A Black Duck (1); C Goldeneye (1f); C Merganser (4); Bald Eagle (2ad); Red-tailed Hawk (3); Killdeer (38: single flock on Clinton HS playing field); Ring-billed Gull (21); Herring Gull (6).
(report from Mark Lynch/Sheila Carroll).

9/30/22 -- Gate 43 Quabbin, Hardwick

This morning, we birded in HARDWICK. WE first headed in Gate 43 to the boat launch area and ended up spending 3 hours in place there. There was a good movement of birds right along the shore, right in front of us. We were parked facing SE next to the current road that goes down to where folks were launching boats. Birds were coming from the forest to our immediate west, flying down to bushes, grasses, and a small copse of trees next to us, and then moving over the narrow stretch of water and heading SSE. Many birds were quick and tough to id in flight with the lighting being what it was. Some paused to actively feed in the bushes and weeds offering good views. Still, we missed iding quite a number of birds . By 10AM, the show was over. We have had decent movements here in fall a few other times, but mostly it just doesn’t happen. Weather may be a factor.

Common Loon (5); Double-crested Cormorant (16); Great Blue Heron (1); Mallard (12); Bald Eagle (1imm); Sharp-shinned Hawk (2); Red-shouldered Hawk (1ad); A Golden Plover (2: on flts first thing and then gone); Killdeer (8); Greater Yellowlegs (1); Ring-billed Gull (16); Herring Gull (2); Belted Kingfisher (2); Downy Woodpecker (2); Hairy Woodpecker (1); N Flicker (3); Pileated Woodpecker (1).
E Phoebe (2); Blue Jay (18); A Crow (6); C Raven (6); BLACK-CAPPED CHICKADEE (105: flying right in front of us, sometimes almost hitting us. I have only definitely seen fall movements of chickadees once before, while standing at Halibut Point with my MAS class. We all see groups of chickadees in fall, but typically in situations where we can’t be sure they are migrating. This was one time where it was certain.); Tufted Titmouse (3); Red-breasted Nuthatch (27); White-breasted Nuthatch (1); Ruby-crowned Kinglet (2); E Bluebird (7); Hermit Thrush (1); Cedar Waxwing (2);
WARBLERS: Tennessee (5); Orange-crowned (2); Magnolia (1); Yellow-rumped (85+); Pine (1 singing); Palm (37); Blackpoll (1); C Yellowthroat (1).
E Towhee (3);
SPARROWS: Chipping (1); Savannah (2); Song (5); Lincoln’s (1); Swamp (2); white-throated (1).
C Grackle (single huge flock of 500+moving along shore); Red Crossbill (2: the same 2 that have been seen here late summer-fall?); A Goldfinch (12); House Sparrow (3: most unexpected sighting as House Sparrows are not common deep in Quabbin. The 3 flew in, perched atop small tree next to us, vocalized a lot, and then after 5 minutes, left. We even got the scope on them).

After we left Gate 43, elsewhere in Hardwick, passerines were skimpy, but we did see (highlights):
Turkey Vulture (11); Mallard (2); Sharp-shinned Hawk (1); Red-tailed Hawk (2); Red-bellied Woodpecker (2); N Flicker (9).
E Phoebe (1); C Raven (17: while in Muddy Brook WMA, the sky suddenly had lots of ravens, breaking up into small flocks, doing lots of aerial displays, some low, some very high); House Wren (1); E Bluebird (7); Hermit Thrush (1); A Robin (7); Gray Catbird (14); N Mockingbird (1).
WARBLERS: Yellow-rumped (4); Pine (1); Palm (3).
E Towhee (5); Chipping Sparrow (14); Field Sparrow (3); White-throated Sparrow (14); Brown-headed Cowbird (1); House Finch (11).
(report from Mark Lynch/Sheila Carroll).

9/28/22 -- Institute Park, Worcester

A good day for migrants in the park. From 4-5 pm highlights were 1 DC Cormorant, 2 GB Herons, 2 Mute Swan, 4 Killdeer, 1 Belted Kingfisher, 1 Eastern Wood-Pewee, 1 empid sp., 1 Eastern Phoebe, 1 Red-breasted Nuthatch, 1 Gray Catbird, 8 Yellow-rumped Warblers, 1 Palm Warbler, 1 Black-and-white Warbler, 5 American Redstarts, 1 Wilson's Warbler, and 8 Song Sparrows. (report from Rick Quimby).

9/28/22 -- Ware River Watershed IBA

This morning we birded just a few areas of the southern sections of the WARE RIVER IBA. There was a decent group of sparrows first thing along the river, but birds were thin elsewhere.

Wood Duck (48); Mallard (17); Green-winged Teal (2); Sharp-shinned Hawk (1); Red-shouldered Hawk (1); Mourning Dove (3); Red-bellied Woodpecker (3); Yellow-bellied Sapsucker (1); Downy Woodpecker (3).
E Phoebe (19); Blue-headed Vireo (1); Blue Jay (78); A Crow (3); C Raven (2); Black-capped Chickadee (41); Tufted Titmouse (8); Red-breasted Nuthatch (64); White-breasted Nuthatch (1); House Wren (1); Winter Wren (1); Ruby-crowned Kinglet (4); E Bluebird (3); Hermit Thrush (3); A Robin (67); Gray Catbird (32); Cedar Waxwing (15).
WARBLERS: N Parula (1); Black-throated Blue (1f); Yellow-rumped (3); Pine (4); Black and White (2); C Yellowthroat (7).
SPARROWS: E Towhee (24); Song (26); Lincoln’s (5); Swamp (37); White-throated (27); White-crown (1imm); Dark-eyed Junco (1).
Red-winged Blackbird (1); RED CROSSBILL (6: all seen well perched in a bare tree; all males). A Goldfinch (8).

Plus: E Painted Turtles still sunning; a few Spring Peepers still calling.
(report from Mark Lynch/Sheila Carroll).

9/23/22 -- Worcester Airport-Quinapoxet Reservoir-Wachusett Reservoir IBA

This morning, wind was a real hindrance. We started the morning’s birding at WORCESTER AIRPORT TO RT.56: Canada Goose (6); Wood Duck (2); Mallard (2); Sharp-shinned Hawk (1); Red-tailed Hawk (1); American Kestrel (8); E Phoebe (1); Savannah Sparrow (3).

QUINAPOXET RESERVOIR (very windy and cool): Great Blue Heron (2); Double-crested Cormorant (1); Canada Goose (79); Mallard (1); Common Merganser (8); N Harrier (1); Bald Eagle (2: 1ad+1imm); Sharp-shinned Hawk (1); Broad-winged Hawk (12); Merlin (1); Ring-billed Gull (1); C Raven (2).

STERLING AIRPORT: Killdeer (24: in 1 loose flock seeking shelter from the wind under the body/wings of 2 airplanes).

WEST WAUSHCUM: Double-crested Cormorant (3); Osprey (1).

EAST WAUSHACUM: Double-crested Cormorant (5); Great Egret (1); Bald Eagle (1ad).

WACHUSETT RESERVOIR: Common Loon (1); Double-crested Cormorant (27); Great Cormorant (1ad); Mallard (18); Green-winged Teal (5); Hooded Merganser (5); Red-tailed Hawk (1); Merlin (1); Killdeer (7); Ring-billed Gull (21); C Raven (3).
(report from Mark Lynch/Sheila Carroll).

9/21/22 -- Institute Park, Worcester

At 5 pm highlights in the park were were 1 DC Cormorant (flying over), 2 GB Herons, 2 Green-winged Teal, 1 Killdeer, 1 Solitary Sandpiper, and a flock of 5+ Yellow-rumped Warblers moving through the trees -- a little mini migrant wave!
Also at Rural Cemetery, 2 Red-bellied Woodpeckers.
(report from Rick Quimby).

9/21/22 -- Gate 8, Quabbin Reservoir / Petersham

This morning we birded GATE 8, QUABBIN. Birding was slow, with very little fall migration in evidence.

Common Loon (3); Double-crested Cormorant (5); Bald Eagle (1ad+3imm); Red-shouldered Hawk (1: not migrating); Bonaparte’s Gull (1); Ring-billed Gull (13); Belted Kingfisher (1); Red-bellied Woodpecker (1); Yellow-bellied Sapsucker (1); N Flicker (6); E Phoebe (4); C Raven (1); Blue-headed Vireo (2); Red-breasted Nuthatch (7); Pine Warbler (2 still singing ); E Towhee (60; White-throated Sparrow (3).

On the way home: New Salem: Wild Turkey (18)

Harvard Pond, Petersham: Double-crested Cormorant (2ad); Wood Duck (52); Mallard (25); Bald Eagle (1ad); C Raven (2). Elsewhere in Petersham: Wild Turkey (34).
(report from Mark Lynch/Sheila Carroll).

9/18/22 -- Ash St., Gardner

I spotted a Red Headed Woodpecker on my peanut feeder this morning at 7:42. [ed note: photo submitted].
(report from Jane Lancey).

9/17/22 -- Broad Meadow Brook Sanctuary, Worcester

Although there was no official Central Massachusetts Half-Day Big Sit yesterday, I decided to do my location on the "Stretch" (Troiano Brookside Trail) anyway to maintain the data from year to year. I did move down the trail a bit from my previous site, as the vegetation has grown up in my old spot, limiting my view. Here is what I recorded from 6:30-11:00.

Mallard 1; Mourning Dove 3; Turkey Vulture 1; Sharp-shinned Hawk 2 - Hunting over the marsh, harassed by Blue Jays.; Cooper's Hawk 2 - Hunting over phragmites, where the grackles were located.; Red-shouldered Hawk 1 - Calling on and off in the distance all morning; Red-tailed Hawk 1; Red-bellied Woodpecker 2; Downy Woodpecker 2; Northern Flicker 2; Merlin 1; Eastern Phoebe 3; Blue Jay 16; American Crow 1; Black-capped Chickadee 2; Tufted Titmouse 2; Ruby-crowned Kinglet 1; White-breasted Nuthatch 1; Marsh Wren 1 - My first at Broad Meadow Brook.; Carolina Wren 2; Gray Catbird 4; Cedar Waxwing 3; American Goldfinch 6; Song Sparrow 8; Lincoln's Sparrow 1; Swamp Sparrow 1; Red-winged Blackbird 1; Common Grackle 268 - Roosting and then exiting the phragmites; Common Yellowthroat 4; Yellow-rumped Warbler 2; Northern Cardinal 1; Rose-breasted Grosbeak 1

The biggest miss was American Robin. There were 10-12 where I parked on Dunkirk Ave, but none of them ventured down to where I was located for the count.
(report from John Liller).

9/17/22 -- New Braintree

This morning in NEW BRAINTREE:

Great Blue Heron (1); Canada Goose (2); Wood Duck (5); Turkey Vulture (22: including a kettle of 17); Cooper’s Hawk (1); Broad-winged Hawk (5); Red-tailed Hawk (3); Wild Turkey (26); Mourning Dove (23); Belted Kingfisher (1); Red-bellied Woodpecker (9); Yellow-bellied Sapsucker (3); Downy Woodpecker (2); Hairy Woodpecker (3); N Flicker (6); A Kestrel (1).
E Phoebe (26); Blue-headed Vireo (5); Blue Jay (57); A Crow (16: NB: we ran into a crow hunter who was playing calls and blasting away. In the same area were several ravens. Do most crow hunters know the difference well enough at a distance?); C Raven (10); Black-capped Chickadee (40); Tufted Titmouse (13); Red-breasted Nuthatch (6); White-breasted Nuthatch (11); Carolina Wren (2); House Wren (5); E Bluebird (20); A Robin (82); Gray Catbird (57); Cedar Waxwing (11).
WARBLERS: Nashville (1); N Parula (5); Chestnut-sided (1); Magnolia (2); Black-throated Green (4); Pine (11: 3 singing); C Yellowthroat (24).
Scarlet Tanager (1); E Towhee (2); Chipping Sparrow (59); Song Sparrow (17); Swamp Sparrow (8: 1 sang a few times); N Cardinal (3); Purple Finch (4); A Goldfinch (8).
(report from Mark Lynch/Sheila Carroll).

9/14/22 -- Gate 43, Quabbin

This morning we spent a few hours in Gate 43, Quabbin. No sign of big passerine migrant movements, but some interesting birds none-the-less:

Common Loon (3); Double-crested Cormorant (6); Great Blue Heron (1); Great Egret (2); Canada Goose (3); Wood Duck (1); Mallard (7); N Harrier (1 imm hunting all around us); Sharp-shinned Hawk (5: migrating); Bald Eagle (3: 2 adults in same area plus an immature feasting on a large fish right across from us); Broad-winged Hawk (3); Red-tailed Hawk (2); Killdeer (3); Greater Yellowlegs (2); Ring-billed Gull (3); Ruby-throated Hummingbird (3 at shack feeders. We are assuming these are migrants: they flew in, drank deep, and then flew up and out); N Flicker (2); A Kestrel (2).
Passerines were few but we did have (2) Red-eyed Vireo; (1) C Raven; (12) Red-breasted Nuthatch; (1) C Yellowthroat: our only warbler; and (2) Red Crossbill.
(report from Mark Lynch/Sheila Carroll).

9/11/22 -- Petersham

This morning we birded around the ponds of PETERSHAM. It was NOT a good passerine migration day. We had one species of warbler and low numbers of the other species we spotted. Wildly, we had no Red-breasted Nuthatches, though when we pulled over in Oakham (Ware River Watershed IBA) to get our binocs out, we had them calling all over. I’m sure RB Nuts are some where in Petersham, but where we were, they were not.

Pied-billed Grebe (2); Great Blue Heron (1); Green Heron (1); Wood Duck (139); Mallard (12); Green-winged Teal (1); Red-shouldered Hawk (1); Red-tailed Hawk (1);
Wild Turkey (8); Semipalmated Plover (5); Killdeer (27); Solitary Sandpiper (1); Least Sandpiper (12); Mourning Dove (24); Barred Owl (1); Belted Kingfisher (2); Red-bellied Woodpecker (3); Hairy Woodpecker (1); N Flicker (1); Pileated Woodpecker (2); A Kestrel (3: all in one wooded swamp).
Passerine highlights, such as they were: E Wood Peewee (1: still calling); E Phoebe (4); Blue-headed Vireo (1); C Raven (1); E Bluebird (2); Gray Catbird (10); C Yellowthroat (7); Swamp Sparrow (3); Purple Finch (4).
(report from Mark Lynch/Sheila Carroll).

9/10/22 -- Ware River Watershed IBA

This morning we birded some of the southern roads of the WARE RIVER WATERSHED IBA. It was not a great migration day, though we had a couple of what Sheila referred to as “mini-waves”. There were long stretches of forest with NO birds despite screech-owling, spishing, and intense visual scanning.

Great Blue Heron (1); Wood Duck (6); Turkey Vulture (1); Northern Goshawk (1 seen flying and perched. NB: this species is a local and uncommon breeder in the IBA, though it used to be a regular breeder); Red-shouldered Hawk (1); Red-tailed Hawk (1); Mourning Dove (2); Ruby-throated Hummingbird (1); Red-bellied Woodpecker (3); Yellow-bellied Sapsucker (1); Downy Woodpecker (1); Hairy Woodpecker (7); N Flicker (6); Pileated Woodpecker (2); A Kestrel (1m).
Passerine highlights: E Wood Peewee (1 still calling); E Phoebe (29); Red-eyed Vireo (7: none singing); Red-breasted Nuthatch (59); E Bluebird (2); Gray Catbird (32); Cedar Waxwing (16).
WARBLERS: Nashville (2); N Parula (2); Magnolia (1); Pine (20: many still singing); Prairie (3); Black and White (2); A Redstart (2); C Yellowthroat (5).
E Towhee (17); Chipping Sparrow (18).

Many peepers; a few tree frogs; and a few Green Frogs. Butterflies included a concentration of Clouded Sulphurs at the Prison Camp (39).
(report from Mark Lynch/Sheila Carroll).

9/9/22 -- Institute Park, Worcester Highlights at 5 pm included 2 Double-crested Cormorant, 3 Killdeer, 1 Solitary Sandpiper, 1 Eastern Phoebe, and 2 Gray Catbird. (report from Rick Quimby).

9/8/22 -- Institute Park, Worcester

Highlights in the late afternoon included 3 Double-crested Cormorant, 1 Green Heron, 3 Killdeer, 2 Solitary Sandpiper, 1 Least Sandpiper, 2 Northern Flicker, 4 Gray Catbird, and 8 Song Sparrow. (report from Rick Quimby).

9/4/22 -- Warren

This morning we birded a few spots in the County town of WARREN. Nothing extraordinary and only 1 fair group of migrants.

Great Blue Heron (1); Great Egret (3: the same 3 we had over a week ago?); Wood Duck (11); Mallard (3); Red-tailed Hawk (1); Virginia Rail (2); Mourning Dove (11); Ruby-throated Hummingbird (5); Belted Kingfisher (2); Red-bellied Woodpecker (4); Downy Woodpecker (2); Hairy Woodpecker (1); N Flicker (3); Pileated Woodpecker (1).
Passerine highlights: E Wood Peewee (1); E Phoebe (21)
Vireos: Yellow-throated (3: all still singing); Warbling (8: all still singing); Red-eyed (19: some still singing).
Barn Swallow (38: all perched together on phone lines in an area of Farmland); Red-breasted Nuthatch (2: not regular here ); Carolina Wren (7); House Wren (4); E Bluebird (6); Gray Catbird (48); Cedar Waxwing (15).
WARBERS: Tennessee (1); Chestnut-sided (3); Black-throated Blue (1f); Yellow-rumped (1); Black-throated Green (1); A Redstart (7); C Yellowthroat (5).
E Towhee (4); Chipping Sparrow (47); Swamp Sparrow (2); Rose-breasted Grosbeak (3); Bobolink (1 overhead); Red-winged Blackbird (7: all in one area of cattail swamp, they would feed on the top of the cattails then dive down out of sight); Brown-headed Cowbird (1 juv. Feeding on cemetery lawn with a bunch of Chipping sparrows); Baltimore Oriole (4); Purple Finch (1); House Finch (36).
(report from Mark Lynch/Sheila Carroll).

9/3/22 -– Mt. Wachusett Hawk Watch Count, Princeton

We hiked up Mt. Wachusett with binoculars in tow and spent about 4 hours at the summit with Eastern MA Hawk Watch folks. Weather was great, cool breeze, clouds helping find the black far-off bird blobs. Many, many people on the mountain especially since it was a Saturday of a long weekend with excellent conditions. Enjoyed chatting with the hawk watch crew as well as the many visitors to the summit.

Species Count and Observation For the Day (Edited report from Eric Mueller posted on the ABA Bird News Massachusetts link)
Observers included: Eric Mueller (Count Leader) Bill Rasku , Jack Miano, JoAnne Hart, Megan Gately, Paul Vanderhoof, Tom Gottschang
Visitors: It was great to see hawk watcher Joanne Hart back up on the platform. My very special thanks to birders Marion Larson and Scott Handler who spent quite a few hours helping us today - great vision and extensive bird knowledge. It was nice to meet and to talk to Michelle and Eric (formerly of the SF Bay area), past hawk watcher Rick Quimby (rocking a vintage EMHW shirt), and Drew Vitz (MA State Ornithologist.) The summit and platform was packed most of the day with many hundreds of visitors - so interesting to hear so many different languages being spoken by so many different people. Lots of family groups from other countries.
Raptor Observations: A Beatles lyric day - It's getting better all the time. Another best day count for this season so far with 32 migrating raptors made up of 7 different species. They came in from a variety of directions and at various altitudes, and our crew did a great job scanning the skies in all directions and heights throughout the day. We happened to see one of the Coops because it was passing in the vicinity of a Bald Eagle that was circling way up. Conversely, the Kestrel came scooting by just over the tips of the trees at the summit while grabbing a dragonfly. The majority of the migrants flew through in the afternoon again.
Migrants: Osprey 10, Bald Eagle 5. Sharp-shinned Hawk 1, Cooper's Hawk 3, Broad-winged Hawk 9, Red-tailed Hawk 3, American Kestrel 1, Total: 32
Non-migrants: Turkey Vultures - 22 (18 seen in one loose kettle and 4 others scattered around at the same time.) Bald Eagle - 4 minimum (2 Ad, 2 Imm - repeated sightings, so there may have been others around); Broad-Wing Hawk - 3 minimum (2 Ad, 1 Imm - repeated sightings); Red-Tailed Hawk - 2; Unknown Flying Raptors - 5 (seen at a great distance)
Non-raptor Observations: A repeat visit by the female Scarlet Tanager - seen at the summit and down at the parking lot. Common Loon - flying by at fairly high altitude. Double-Crested Cormorant - ditto the Loon, but at a different time and direction. Eastern Towhee – 2, Blue Jay - 1 Raven – 8, Corvid species – 1, Ruby-throated Hummingbird - 1 (Seemed to be hawking insects about 40 ft above the summit.) Downy Woodpecker – 1, Chimney Swift - 2 Mourning Dove – 1

Other wildlife sightings: Painted Lady butterflies – 4, Black Swallowtail butterflies – 2, Dragonflies – lots.

Birder sightings of interest: We were glad to have finally met Rick Quimby in person just as we were leaving—he was sporting a vintage EMHW t-shirt. Also Drew Vitz, MassWildlife's state ornithologist, stopped by briefly with his friends and family after a ski gear procurement mission.

NOTE: EMHW Annual Meeting includes Stellar's Sea Eagle Presentation--September 9 7PM via Zoom. Eastern MA Hawk Watch is holding it's annual meeting and the Keynote Speaker is from Maine Audubon who will be talking about the well-travelled Stellar's Sea Eagle. Meeting is free and open to the public but you must register to get the Zoom link. More info at the EMHW website https://massbird.org/emhw/annual-meeting
(report from Marion Larson and Scott Handler)

9/2/22 -- Institute Park, Worcester

Highlight in the late afternoon included 2 Great Blue Heron, 3 Green-winged Teal, 3 Killdeer, 1 Solitary Sandpiper, 2 Spotted Sandpiper, 3 Least Sandpiper, 1 Belted Kingfisher, and 2 Gray Catbird (GCB).
(report from Rick Quimby).

9/2/22 -- Ware River Watershed IBA

This morning we birded along a few roads in the southern sections of the WARE RIVER WATERSHED IBA. We came across several good movements of birds, but they were moving quickly and feeding as they went. Because the trees were still so leafed out, we missed ID’ing most of the birds. Still, what we saw was interesting.

Turkey Vulture (4); Broad-winged Hawk (3); Red-tailed Hawk (1); Barred Owl (1); Ruby-throated Hummingbird); Red-bellied Woodpecker (1); Yellow-bellied Sapsucker (7); Downy Woodpecker (4); Hairy Woodpecker (5); N Flicker (3); Pileated Woodpecker (4).
E Wood Peewee (5: still calling); E Phoebe (39).
VIREOS: Yellow-throated (1); Blue-headed (1); Warbling (3); Red-eyed (8).
Blue Jay (22); Black-capped Chickadee (39); Red-breasted Nuthatch (108: at every stop we made); White-breasted Nuthatch (11); House Wren (1); E Bluebird (7); Veery (7: nb. This morning between 3:15AM and 4AM I heard many Veerys moving over my house (conservative count: 35). I don’t see many Veery’s at this IBA in fall migration, so a count of 7 at this time was uncommon); Hermit Thrush (2); A Robin (23); Gray Catbird (16); Cedar Waxwing (12).
WARBLERS: N Parula (2); Chestnut-sided (3); Black-throated Green (1); Pine (28); Prairie (4); Bay-breasted (1); A Redstart (5); Mourning (1f); C Yellowthroat (12).
Scarlet Tanager (1); E Towhee (14); Chipping Sparrow (48); Song Sparrow (7); Red Crossbill (7 at least heard and seen at several stops); A Goldfinch (9).

Other verts: Mink (1); Spring Peeper (1).
(report from Mark Lynch/Sheila Carroll).

8/31/22 -- Institute Park, Worcester

Highlights in late afternoon were 1 Double-crested Cormorant, 1 Great Blue Heron, 1 Green Heron, 2 Mute Swan, 4 Killdeer, 2 Spotted Sandpiper, 1 Least Sandpiper, 1 Eastern Phoebe, 1 Gray Catbird, 1 Yellow Warbler (singing), and 2 Song Sparrows.
(report from Rick Quimby).

8/31/22 -- Quabog IBA

This morning we birded around the QUABOG IBA. NB: there is a small muddy edge at Lake Quabog and this is where we saw the few shorebirds noted below.

Double-crested Cormorant (4); Great Blue Heron (8); Canada Goose (273); Mute Swan (3); Wood Duck (10); A Black Duck (1); Mallard (88); Blue-winged Teal (4); Green-winged Teal (2); Hooded Merganser (1 imm/f type); Turkey Vulture (2); Osprey (2); Red-shouldered Hawk (1); Red-tailed Hawk (3); Wild Turkey (21); Virginia Rail (6); Killdeer (1); Semipalmated Sandpiper (1); Least Sandpiper (3); Ring-billed Gull (30); Mourning Dove (12); Ruby-throated Hummingbird (1); N Flicker (4).
Passerine highlights: Yellow-bellied Flycatcher (1 moving through a brushy marsh); E Phoebe (21); Warbling Vireo (1 still singing); Red-eyed Vireo (9); C Raven (1); Bank Swallow (2); Barn Swallow (65+ all at Lake Quabog);Carlina Wren (3); House Wren (7); E Bluebird (6); Gray Catbird (34); Cedar Waxwing (6); C Yellowthroat (7); E Towhee (4); Chipping Sparrow (39); Swamp Sparrow (7); Red-winged Blackbird (4); House Finch (17: 1 large flock); A Goldfinch (21).
(report from Mark Lynch/Sheila Carroll).

8/29/22 -- Auburn

Two adult eagles were perched on an island in Dark Brook Reservoir, on the north side of the MassPike. (report from Marion Larson and Scott Handler)

8/28/22 -- RT.56 airport overlook, Leicester

From the RT.56 airport overlook in LEICESTER: 5PM-6:30 PM:

Northern Harrier (2: 1 immature and 1 beautiful male that hunted the fields around us); Red-tailed Hawk (3);
COMMON NIGHTHAWK (277: all moving swiftly north or northeast, no feeding. Many quite high, but some moved low right overhead).
Chimney Swift (2); A Kestrel (1); Barn Swallow (2: heading directly south); Gray Catbird (2); Cedar Waxwng (1); Bobolink (35); C Grackle (19).
(report from Mark Lynch/Sheila Carroll).

8/27/22 -- Burnshirt River Watershed

This AM we birded the northern portions of the BURNSHIRT RIVER WATERSHED, a part of the WARE RIVER WATERSHED. We came across 1 good mixed species flock of migrant passerines.

Great Blue Heron (1); Canada Goose (12); Wood Duck (24); Turkey Vulture (4); Broad-winged Hawk (1imm); Killdeer (1); Solitary Sandpiper (2); Mourning Dove (3); Ruby-throated Hummingbird (3); Red-bellied Woodpecker (1); Hairy Woodpecker (1).
Passerine highlights: E Wood Peewee (9); E Phoebe (3); Blue-headed Vireo (1); Red-eyed Vireo (27); C Raven (2); Tree Swallow (12: all hawking for insects over a large marsh); Barn Swallow (2: flying north along the Burnshirt); Red-breasted Nuthatch (2); Blue-gray Gnatcatcher (1); Hermit Thrush (2); Gray Catbird (9).
WARBLERS: Tennessee (1); N Parula (3); Chestnut-sided (7); Black and White (1); A Redstart (6); Ovenbird (3); Northern Waterthrush (1).
Scarlet Tanager (1); E Towhee (2); Chipping Sparrow (12);A Goldfinch (7).

We had a nice showing of odes (Sheila is working on id’ing her photos) and butterflies, including a Harvester.
(report from Mark Lynch/Sheila Carroll).

8/26/22 -- Hardwick

This morning we birded for just a few hours in HARDWICK, including a trip to the boat launch area of Gate 43.

Common Loon (5: 4ad+1 young); Double-crested Cormorant (1); Canada Goose (29); Mallard (3); Turkey Vulture (10); Osprey (1); Bald Eagle (3: 2ad+1imm all fighting over a fish); Red-tailed Hawk (2); Killdeer (6); Greater Yellowlegs (3); Spotted Sandpiper (3); Least Sandpiper (3); Mourning Dove (11); Black-billed Cuckoo (1); Ruby-throated Hummingbird (7); Belted Kingfisher (1); Yellow-bellied Sapsucker (1); Downy Woodpecker (2); Hairy Woodpecker (1); Pileated Woodpecker (1).
Passerine highlights: E Wood Peewee (5); E Phoebe (13); Red-eyed Vireo (17); Barn Swallow (31); Red-breasted Nuthatch (12); House Wren (4); Carolina Wren (2); E Bluebird (7); Veery (1); Hermit Thrush (1); Gray Catbird (18); C Yellowthroat (3); E Towhee (17); Chipping Sparrow (25); Field Sparrow (3); Bobolink (6 fly-overs); Red-winged Blackbird (flock of 60+ in corn field); Red-crossbill (2: Horseshow Dam area)

We also had (9) Great Spangled Fitillarys and a really nice patch of Bottle Gentian.
(report from Mark Lynch/Sheila Carroll).

8/24/22 -- Institute Park, Worcester

Highlights between 4-5 pm included 2 Green Herons (1 ad, 1 im), 2 Double-crested Cormorants, 2 Mute Swan, 1 Osprey (swooping low over the pond), 3 Killdeer, 1 Solitary Sandpiper, 2 Spotted Sandpipers, 2 Least Sandpipers, and 1 Belted Kingfisher. (report from Rick Quimby).

8/20/22 -- Petersham

This morning we had intended to make a brief stop at Harvard Pond in PETERSHAM and then continue on to Erving. But we got so wrapped up in trying to spot all the Wood Ducks there, we ended up just birding at various small ponds in Petersham. Highlights:

Double-crested Cormorant (1); Canada Goose (2); Wood Duck (72 including a female with 9 young); A Black Duck (6); Mallard (11); Green-winged Teal (5); Hooded Merganser (2); Red-shouldered Hawk (2); Broad-winged Hawk (3); Wild Turkey (2); Semipalmated Plover (6); Killdeer (3); Greater Yellowlegs (1); Least Sandpiper (13); Belted Kingfisher (2); Yellow-bellied Sapsucker (1); N Flicker (1); Pileated Woodpecker (1).
E Wood Peewee (6: still calling); E Phoebe (34: small flocks at most locations we visited); E Kingbird (7); Blue-headed Vireo (1); Red-eyed Vireo (21); Tree Swallow (1: our only swallow of the morning); Red-breasted Nuthatch (3); Blue-gray Gnatcatcher (2); Black-throated Green Warbler (3); Black and White Warbler (3); Ovenbird (2: 1 sang briefly); C Yellowthroat (3).
(report from Mark Lynch/Sheila Carroll).

8/19/22 -- Quinapoxet Reservoir and the Wachusett Reservoir IBA

This morning we started at QUINAPOXET RESERVOIR: Double-crested Cormorant (4); Great Blue Heron (3); Bald Eagle (1ad); Red-tailed Hawk (2); Semipalmated Plover (4); Killdeer (17); Spotted Sandpiper (3); Solitary Sandpiper (2); Greater Yellowlegs (4); Lesser Yellowlegs (5); Least Sandpiper (14); Baird’s Sandpiper (1: possibly the same bird I had a few days back); Semipalmated Sandpiper (1).
NB: There are many more shorebirds at the Quinny, but they are up at the north end, and can only be viewed distantly and not identifiable, which is typical. That said, birds move around quite a bit and standing and waiting may pay off.

Then we birded the WACHUSETT RESERVOIR IBA: Common Loon (3ad+1ad w/2yg); Double-crested Cormorant (45); Great Blue Heron (4); Great Egret (1 at Sterling Peat); Green Heron (1); Mute Swan (1); Canada Goose (18); Wood Duck (17); Mallard (20); Osprey (1); Red-tailed Hawk (2); Killdeer (9); Spotted Sandpiper (1); Bonaparte’s Gull (1); Ring-billed Gull (106); Herring Gull (2).

Plus: our best sighting: Long-tailed Weasel (1).
(report from Mark Lynch/Sheila Carroll).

8/17/22 -- Quinapoxet Reservoir-Quabog IBA

This morning we started at QUINAPOXET RESERVOIR. There was a decent shorebird show there, BUT it took time to see most of the birds. Many were hidden behind the far side of small islands. They also flew around a lot. When the water gets this low, most of the shorebirds end up at the north end (off limits). Double-crested Cormorant (3); Great Blue Heron (3); Canada Goose (3); Mallard (7); Red-shouldered Hawk (1); Red-tailed Hawk (1); Wild Turkey (1); Semipalmated Plover (4); Killdeer (11); Greater Yellowlegs (3); Lesser Yellowlegs (1); Spotted Sandpiper (4); Least Sandpiper (12); Semipalmated Sandpiper (2); Baird’s Sandpiper (1); E Peewee (1); E Kingbird (1); Tree Swallow (50); Barn Swallow (15).

At STUMP POND, HOLDEN: A Black Duck (6); Mallard (70+).

We then birded the QUABOG IBA. One of the best sightings was Rodney Jenkins also birding at Lake Quabog: Pied-billed Grebe (1: found by Rodney. When Sheila finally refound it, the grebe was hanging near a dock and Seadoo, diving a lot); Double-crested Cormorant (8); Great Blue Heron (3); Canada Goose (127); Mallard (17); Turkey Vulture (1);Osprey (1); Wild Turkey (7); Killdeer (1); Ring-billed Gull (26); Chimney Swift (2); Belted Kingfisher (1).

At Lake Quabog there was a nice show of swallows. Rodney estimated that the number could have been as high as 800. But most were far across the lake and could only be ID’s to “swallow sp.”. Of the ones we could see I estimated: Tree Swallow (150+); Barn Swallow (150+ ); Bank Swallow (4); Cliff Swallow (1 at least).
(report from Mark Lynch/Sheila Carroll).

8/14/22 -- Warren

Today we had an interesting morning’s birding in WARREN. We experienced our first small mixed species flocks of fall migrant passerines in 2 spots. This seems early.

Great Blue Heron (3); Great Egret (3); Canada Goose (1); Wood Duck (1); Mallard (7); Black Vulture (1); Turkey Vulture (10); Osprey (4); Cooper’s Hawk (5imm, including a group of 4 toying with a flock of crows); Broad-winged Hawk (2); Red-tailed Hawk (9); Virginia Rail (6); Solitary Sandpiper (2); Mourning Dove (5); Chimney Swift (12); Ruby-throated Hummingbird (3); Belted Kingfisher (1); N Flicker (2).
Passerie Highlights: E Wood Peewee (4); Least Flycatcher (2); E Kingbird (13); Yellow-throated Vireo (2); Red-eyed Vireo (22); Tree Swallow (13); Barn Swallow (43); Carolina Wren (3); House Wren (3); Gray Catbird (31); Cedar Waxwing (2).
WARBLERS: Blue-winged (4); Tennessee (1); N Parula (1); Chestnut-sided (1); Black and White (3); A Redstart (7); Worm-eating (1: I very rarely see this species in fall migration so this was very unexpected); Louisiana Waterthrush (1); C Yellowthroat (15).
E Towhee (6); Swamp Sparrow (4); Rose-breasted Grosbeak (1); Indigo Bunting (1); Bobolink (3 fly-overs); Red-winged Blackbird (10); Baltimore Oriole (6); A Goldfinch (20).

WE also had a modest show of odonates and 12 species of butterflies.
(report from Mark Lynch/Sheila Carroll).

8/12/22 -- Institute Park, Worcester

Highlights at mid-day included 2 Double-crested Cormorants, 3 Green Herons (1 ad, 2 im), 1 Great Blue Heron, 1 Green-winged Teal, 2 Killdeer, 1 Solitary Sandpiper, 2 Spotted Sandpipers, and 1 Least Sandpiper. (report from Rick Quimby).

8/10/22 -- Petersham

Today we birded around a few areas in PETERSHAM concentrating on ponds. Not only has most (not all) song stopped, birds get very secretive in this period before they migrate in fall.

American Bittern (1); Great Blue Heron (6); Wood Duck (92, including 8 still flightless ducklings); Mallard (2); Turkey Vulture (1); Red-shouldered Hawk (1); Red-tailed Hawk (3); Wild Turkey (10); Killdeer (4); Spotted Sandpiper (1); Least Sandpiper (2); Mourning Dove (6); Barred Owl (3); Ruby-throated Hummingbird (13); Belted Kingfisher (2); Hairy Woodpecker (2); N Flicker (1); Pileated Woodpecker (1).
Passerine highlights: E Wood Peewee (13: still calling); E Phoebe (18); E Kingbird (15); Yellow-throated Vireo (1); Red-eyed Vireo (28); Common Raven (2); Tree Swallow (12); Barn Swallow (64); Red-breasted Nuthatch (8); Brown Creeper (1); House Wren (2); Winter Wren (1); Veery (1); Hermit Thrush (10: still singing); Gray Catbird (16); Cedar Waxwing (2).
WARBLERS: Yellow (1); Chestnut-sided (2); Black and White (1); Louisiana Waterthrush (1); C Yellowthroat (13).
E Towhee (11); Chipping Sparrow (31: in flocks at some locations); Rose-breasted Grosbeak (1); Bobolink (4 calling overhead); Baltimore Oriole (1).

Plus: Narrow-leaved Gentian. A new location for this plant for us.
(report from Mark Lynch/Sheila Carroll).

8/6/22 -- Quinapoxet Reservoir/Burnshirt River/Glen Valley Cemetery

We started the day at QUINAPOXET RESERVOIR: Double-crested Cormorant (1); Great Blue Heron (1); Canada Goose (19); Bald Eagle (1ad); Red-tailed Hawk (1); Wild Turkey (1); Semipalmated Plover (3); Killdeer (12); Spotted Sandpiper (10); Solitary Sandpiper (7); Semipalmated Sandpiper (1); Least Sandpiper (14); Pileated Woodpecker (1).

THEN we followed up along the Burnshirt River from Hubbardston to Phillipston: Double-crested Cormorant (1); Great Blue Heron (2); Canada Goose (11); Wood Duck (2ad+1f with 5 very small ducklings); A Black Duck (1); Mallard (4); Killdeer (3); Solitary Sandpiper (1); Ruby-throated Hummingbird (2); Yellow-bellied Sapsucker (1).
E Peewee (6); Blue Headed Vireo (3); Red-eyed Vireo (19); Tree Swallow (60); Barn Swallow (19); Cedar Waxwing (6); Black and White Warbler (2); Ovenbird (1); Northern Waterthrush (1); Scarlet Tanager (4); Chipping Sparrow (57); Swamp Sparrow (1 still singing); Bobolink (3 calling overhead).

WE ended the morning at Glen Valley Cemetery in Barre mostly for butterflies and odonates, but birds included: Red-shouldered Hawk (1); Ruby-throated Hummingbird (2); C Raven (3).
(report from Mark Lynch/Sheila Carroll).

7/31/22 -- Wachusett Reservoir

Today we ended our morning birding by quickly covering most of the WACHUSETT RESERVOIR IBA. The two Waushacum’s had very few birds and lots of boats. Coachlace was also a bust.

Common Loon (9: 4ad plus 1ad with 1young and another adult with 2 young. The adult with the single young appeared to be teaching its offspring to fish. The adult dove often while the young looked like it was watching the parent and kept its head under water much of the time when the adult dove. Lots of vocalizing by the adult.); Double-crested Cormorant (35); Great Blue Heron (1); Little Blue Heron (1 imm continues at Sterling Peat); Canada Goose (9); Wood Duck (1); Mallard (4); Killdeer (22); Spotted Sandpiper (3); Bonaparte’s Gull (1 non Br); Ring-billed Gull (28); Mourning Dove (6); Downy Woodpecker (1); Hairy Woodpecker (2); N Flicker (2).
Passerines included: E Kingbird (7); Yellow-throated Vireo (1); Warbling Vireo (3); Red-eyed Vireo (11); House Wren (2);N Mockingbird (11); Indigo Bunting (1); Baltimore Oriole (4).

Mammal highlights included 2 River Otters at Sterling Peat. We also hit Pine Grove Cemetery to catch a great show of Cicada Killers. Apparently, we were watching the males, defending territories and checking out every thing that came near. The females dig the burrow and carry the cicadas to the burrow. Though they look fierce, males have no real stinger (females do) though they can bite.
(report from Mark Lynch/Sheila Carroll).

7/30/22 -- Quabog IBA

This morning we birded a few areas in the QUABOG IBA (the BROOKFIELDS mostly). Song is done, except for some vireos and peewees. Post-breeding birds are skulky and tough to find. By mid-morning, it became really breezy making landbirding even more difficult.

Great Blue Heron (4); Canada Goose (43); Wood Duck (1); Mallard (23); Hooded Merganser (2imm); Osprey (8: best sighting of the morning was a loose group (flock?) of 8 Osprey soaring high over the SW area of Lake Quacumquasit/South Pond. This group was harassed by 2 Red-tailed Hawks Osprey do breed in Warren and Sturbridge.); Bald Eagle (1ad); Red-shouldered Hawk (1); Broad-winged Hawk (1); Red-tailed Hawk (10: many young birds); Wild Turkey (3); Virginia Rail (5); Killdeer (1); Solitary Sandpiper (1) NB: Lake Quabog now has a bit, just a bit, of muddy edge, so it offers the best spot in the area to search for shorebirds. The north end of Lake Wickabog has NO mudflats so far this year. Ring-billed Gull (12); Mourning Dove (33); Red-bellied Woodpecker (2); Yellow-bellied Sapsucker (1); Hairy Woodpecker (2).
Passerines included: E Wood Peewee (23); Willow Flycatcher (1 still calling); E Phoebe (11);E Kingbird (12); Red-eyed Vireo (19); Tree Swallow (23); Barn Swallow (39); Carolina Wren (2); House Wren (1); E Bluebird (5); Veery (1); Gray Catbird (23). There were VERY few warblers: A Redstart (1); C Yellowthroat (3); Field Sparrow (1); Indigo Bunting (2); Baltimore Oriole (2); A Goldfinch (11).
(report from Mark Lynch/Sheila Carroll).

7/23/22 -- Wachusett Reservoir Breeding Bird Survey

Six members of the Forbush Bird Club had a great morning trip around Wachusett Reservoir for our yearly breeding bird survey. Kevin Bourinot, trip leader, provided the final bird numbers below. Locations included Gates 35, 37, and 40 with a brief stop at South Bay. Weather was sunny, hot and humid with a high of 87F. Bird highlights were finding 3 pairs of Common Loons with 5 chicks total and seeing the 2 immature Bald Eagles at the nest site. Red-eyed vireos and Eastern Wood Pewees were the majority of singing passerines. We tried for the meadowlarks at gate 37 but missed. Two turkey brood sightings were also reported to MassWildlife as the agency’s brood survey reporting period runs through the end of August.

Bird Observations: 25 Canada Goose, 11 Mallard, 22 Wild Turkey, 4 Mourning Dove, 1 Yellow-billed Cuckoo, 3 Chimney Swift, 1 Ruby-throated Hummingbird, 9 Killdeer, 6 Spotted Sandpiper, 36 Ring-billed Gull, 11 Common Loon -- Pair w/ 1 chick, pair w/ 2 chicks, pair w/ 2 chicks, 19 Double-crested Cormorant, 1 Great Blue Heron, 2 Bald Eagle -- (2 imm Wood Island), 2 Red-tailed Hawk, 1 Red-bellied Woodpecker, 7 Downy Woodpecker, 1 Hairy Woodpecker, 3 Northern Flicker, 11 Eastern Wood-Pewee, 2 Eastern Phoebe, 4 Eastern Kingbird, 1 Yellow-throated Vireo, 2 Warbling Vireo, 13 Red-eyed Vireo, 8 Blue Jay, 6 American Crow, 11 Black-capped Chickadee, 3 Tufted Titmouse, 2 Northern Rough-winged Swallow, 27 Tree Swallow, 1 Barn Swallow, 2 Red-breasted Nuthatch, 7 White-breasted Nuthatch, 2 Brown Creeper, 2 Blue-gray Gnatcatcher, 1 Carolina Wren, 4 European Starling, 5 Gray Catbird, 4 Northern Mockingbird, 5 American Robin, 16 Cedar Waxwing, 2 House Sparrow, 4 House Finch, 10 American Goldfinch, 7 Chipping Sparrow, 4 Savannah Sparrow, 7 Song Sparrow, 3 Eastern Towhee, 4 Red-winged Blackbird, 10 Common Grackle, 2 Black-and-white Warbler, 1 American Redstart, 8 Pine Warbler, 2 Yellow-rumped Warbler, 1 Prairie Warbler, 4 Northern Cardinal, 1 Rose-breasted Grosbeak

Other non-bird observations: Doe with 3 fawns bounding through the woods, tons of dragonfly activity, a tiny toad, and 4 free toilets seen near driveways on Chase Hill Road, Sterling!
(report from Marion Larson)

7/21/22 -- Holden-West Boylston-Sterling

This morning we birded for a few hours before the heat and humidity got too oppressive.

QUINAPOXET RESERVOIR: Double-crested Cormorant (5); Great Blue Heron (11); Canada Goose (19); Killdeer (16); Spotted Sandpiper (2); Least Sandpiper (2); Pileated Woodpecker (1); Peregrine Falcon (1imm: this bird sat on a bar for the entire time we were there, sometimes walking (!) from one side to the next).
Swallows are on the move, and here we had (40+) Tree; (10+) Barn; and at least (1) Bank.
ALSO: Eastern Coyote (1).

We then made a quick stop at STERLING PEAT/MUDDY POND and had: Great Blue Heron (2); Little Blue Heron (1imm); Canada Goose (3); Wood Duck (1); Killdeer (3); A Kestrel (1).

At STERLING AIRPORT we had (7) Killdeer and (2) Savannah Sparrows.

We ended the morning doing a basic point count of WACHUSETT RESERVOIR: Common Loon (1); Double-crested Cormorant (14); Great Blue Heron (1); Canada Goose (15); Mallard (6); Killdeer (9); Spotted Sandpiper (1); Bonaparte’s Gull (1imm); Ring-billed Gull (24); Common Tern (1: made a few passes then we lost it). There were also a number of Tree and Barn Swallows. NB: though the water level here is a bit lower than typical for this time of the year, it is nowhere near the levels that were found this spring. Construction at the dam continues.
(report from Mark Lynch/Sheila Carroll).

7/16/22 -- Ware River Watershed IBA

Today we birded some dirt roads in the southwestern section of the WARE RIVER WATERSHED IBA. Besides birds, there were also lots of odonates and butterflies to look at (my best butterfly day all season) so we made slow progress. Bird highlights:

Great Blue Heron (1); Red-shouldered Hawk (1); Solitary Sandpiper (1); Belted Kingfisher (2); Yellow-bellied Sapsucker (1); Hairy Woodpecker (3); N Flicker (4); Pileated Woodpecker (1).
E Wood Peewee (7: including 3 young birds); E Phoebe (3).
VIREOS: Yellow-throated (5); Blue-headed (6); Warbling (1); Red-eyed (52).
C Raven (4: family group); Barn Swallow (3 moving down the river); Red-breasted Nuthatch (16: including several just fledged young); House Wren (1); Winter Wren (2 singing birds); Veery (6); Hermit Thrush (33); Gray Catbird (14); Cedar Waxwing (21).
WARBLERS: Yellow (1); Chestnut-sided (6); Black-throated Green (3); Pine (14); Ovenbird (2); C Yellowthroat (11).
Scarlet Tanager (15); E Towhee (17); Swamp Sparrow (3).

Other highlights included 12 species of butterflies including several Aphrodite Fritillaries and a teeny (size of pinkie nail) Wood Frog.
(report from Mark Lynch/Sheila Carroll).

7/15/22 -- Hardwick

This morning we birded a few areas in HARDWICK including the Gate 43 Quabbin fishermen’s access. Song continues to decline (note how few Ovenbirds we heard) and we had a number of newly fledged birds.

Common Loon (7 adults. When we arrived at the water in Gate 43, we had 2 adult pairs, no young, at opposite ends of the inlet. Eventually they met up, another loon flew in calling from Pottapaug and eventually there were 7 adults loons in a tight flock. They swam around each other for 15+ minutes and then the group broke up and loons headed back to where they originated); Double-crested Cormorant (2); Canada Goose (22); Turkey Vulture (1); Red-shouldered Hawk (1); Red-tailed Hawk (2); Killdeer (2); Mourning Dove (9); Ruby-throated Hummingbird (4: 1 flew into the car via it’s open rear, buzzed around a bit and left.); Belted Kingfisher (1); Downy Woodpecker (1); N Flicker (3); Pileated Woodpecker (1).
Passerine highlights: E Wood Peewee (10); Least Flycatcher (1); E Phoebe (4); E Kingbird (4).
VIREOS: Yellow-throated (2); Blue-headed (1); Warbling (1); Red-eyed (105).
Tree Swallow (7); Barn Swallow (1);Red-breasted Nuthatch (3); House Wren (7); Veery (9); Hermit Thrush (11); Gray Catbird (43).
WARBLERS: Yellow (2); Chestnut-sided (11: 8 just fledged birds begging food from adults); Black-throated Green (3); Pine (3); Prairie (1); A Redstart (1); Ovenbird (4); C Yellowthroat (12).
Scarlet Tanager (11); Field Sparrow (6); Swamp Sparrow (12); Rose-breasted Grosbeak (2); Indigo Bunting (1); Baltimore Oriole (1).

We had 33 butterflies of 7 species including (14) Great Spangled Fritillaries. Odes included a Banded Pennent.
(report from Mark Lynch/Sheila Carroll).

7/15/22 -- Mt. Watatic, Ashburnham

On a mid-morning hike up the mountain in fine weather, birding highlights were 1 Red-breasted Nuthatch, 6 Hermit Thrushes (delightfully serenading me on the hike up), 1 Wood Thrush, 3 Cedar Waxwings (flying over the summit), 2 Blue-headed Vireos, 1 Yellow-throated Vireo, 3 Red-eyed Vireos, 5 Yellow-rumped Warblers, 2 Black-throated Green Warblers, 1 Scarlet Tananger, 1 Eastern Towhee, and 4 Dark-eyed Juncos (heard singing and seen). (report from Rick Quimby).

7/12/22 -- Warwick, Massachusetts

We spent today birding around WARWICK, MASSACHUSETTS. By mid-morning the wind really picked up making birding tough. Gale Road used to be a great place to bird for Hemlock-loving species, but the hemlocks are now mostly stripped bare and Tuesday there were hundreds (thousands?) of caterpillars dropping out the trees on their silk. Hemlock span-worm? They covered our car. It took us sometime after leaving the area to kill the caterpillars that remained on our car.

Great Blue Heron (1); Canada Goose (7); Mallard (2); Turkey Vulture (1); Red-shouldered Hawk (1); Broad-winged Hawk (1); Virginia Rail (3); Mourning Dove (18); Red-bellied Woodpecker (1); Yellow-bellied Sapsucker (2); Hairy Woodpecker (2).
Passerine highlights: E Wood Peewee (2); Alder Flycatcher (1); E Phoebe (3); Blue-headed Vireo (5); Red-eyed Vireo (198); C Raven (11: they, and crows) were all over feeding on Gale Road. Were they eating the caterpillars?); Tree Swallow (3); Barn Swallow (6); Red-breasted Nuthatch (3); House Wren (6); Winter Wren (2); E Bluebird (3); Veery (2); Hermit Thrush (7); Gray Catbird (16); Cedar Waxwing (7).
WARBLERS: Yellow (5); Chestnut-sided (3); Black-throated Blue (1); Black-throated Green (5); Pine (11); Ovenbird (15); C Yellowthroat (39).
Scarlet Tanager (15);Swamp Sparrow (15); Indigo Bunting (5); Purple Finch (1).
(report from Mark Lynch/Sheila Carroll).

7/9/22 -- Warren

This morning we birded around WARREN. Bird song has really dropped off, but certain species and/or individuals continue to sing, like vireos. Ovenbird song has dropped off, though some continue to sing. Heron, osprey, swallow young have fledged, as well as some species of song birds.

Great Blue Heron (7: none in nests); Canada Goose (7: no goslings); A Black Duck (5); Turkey Vulture (8); Virginia Rail (4); Mourning Dove (15); Chimney Swift (2); Belted Kingfisher (1); Yellow-bellied Sapsucker (2); N Flicker (4); A Kestrel (1m+1f).
Passerine highlights: E Wood Peewee (2); E Phoebe (1); E Kingbird (6).
VIREO: Yellow-throated (4); Warbling (10); Red-eyed (51).
Tree Swallow (14); Barn Swallow (37); Carolina Wren (2); House Wren (14); Blue-gray Gnatcatcher (3: together, possible post nesting group, 1 was seen begging food); E Bluebird (5); Veery (8); Wood Thrush (6); Gray Catbird (64).
WARBLERS: Yellow (5); Chestnut-sided (2); Black-throated Green (2); Pine (1); A Redstart (1); Ovenbird (7); C Yellowthroat (21).
Scarlet Tanager (2); E Towhee (9); Swamp Sparrow (7); Indigo Bunting (2); Red-winged Blackbird (55).

WE also had (8) species of butterflies including (5) Great Spangled Fritillaries. Dragonflies included a number of Blue Dashers; Eastern Pondhawk and then a number of meadowhawks.
(report from Mark Lynch/Sheila Carroll).

7/6/22 -- Gate 8, Quabbin Reservoir / Lake Quabog

This morning we started at GATE 8, QUABBIN. A little slow. Common Loon (1ad: nb: they did not nest in the inlet this year); Double crested Cormorant (1); Mallard (2); Spotted Sandpiper (2); Ring-billed Gull (6); Ruby-throated Hummingbird (1); Yellow-bellied Sapsucker (3); Acadian Flycatcher (1); E Phoebe (1); E Kingbird (2); Blue-headed Vireo (1); Red-eyed Vireo (30); Tree Swallow (1: nb: every fishing gate in Quabbin has a number of Tree Swallow boxes and they are used. But this shows the season is moving along and almost all the swallows have bred and left); E Bluebird (2); House Wren (2); Veery (6); Hermit Thrush (1);
WARBLERS: C Yellowthroat (3); Pine (2); Blackburnian (1); Black-throated Green (1);
Scarlet Tanager (2); Baltimore Oriole (2). Plus: Garter Snake (2); Common Watersnake (3). Sheila had a load of teneral damselflies.

On the way home at Lake Quabog (Brookfield): Canada Goose (5); Spotted Sandpiper (1ad w/1yng); Ring-billed Gull (2); Swallows: Tree (10+); Bank (5+); Barn (20+).
(report from Mark Lynch/Sheila Carroll).

7/4/22 -- Ware River Watershed IBA

This morning we birded parts of the WARE RIVER WATERSHED IBA, mostly Gilbert and Granger Roads along the Burnshirt River. Be forewarned that Gilbert Road is quite rough in spots and you should have a high carriage vehicle to navigate it. Though we hit a few small marshes, mostly we birded in mixed forest.

Red-shouldered Hawk (1); Ruffed Grouse (1 vigorously drumming); Virginia Rail (3); Mourning Dove (12); Belted Kingfisher (1); Red-bellied Woodpecker (1); Yellow-bellied Sapsucker (6); Downy Woodpecker (1); Pileated Woodpecker (1).
Passerine highlights: E Wood Peewee (2); Least Flycatcher (8); E Phoebe (7); Red-eyed Vireo (61); Red-breasted Nuthatch (5); House Wren (5); Winter Wren (1); E Bluebird (7); Veery (28); Hermit Thrush (19); Wood Thrush (6); Gray Catbird (18); Cedar Waxwing (18).
WARBLERS: Yellow (3); Chestnut-sided (6); Black-throated Blue (7); Black-throated Green (7); Pine (15); Prairie (3); Ovenbird (44); C Yellowthroat (24); Canada (1: still singing and seen).
Scarlet Tanager (10); E Towhee (12); Swamp Sparrow (17); White-throated Sparrow (1 singing); Rose-breasted Grosbeak (1); Indigo Bunting (2m); Purple Finch (1).

Dragonflies included Black-shouldered Spinylegs and Lancet Clubtail. Our only butterflies were 6 Little Wood Satyrs. Rattlesnake Plaintain is about to bloom, and we also had blooming Shinleaf and Small Purple-fringed Orchis.
(report from Mark Lynch/Sheila Carroll).

7/2/22 -- Wachusett Reservoir

This morning we did a quick drive around WACHUSETT RESERVOIR in between showers: Common Loon (11: including an adult w/2 chicks); Double-crested Cormorant (16); Canada Goose (62); Mallard (6); Osprey (1); Killdeer (4, including 1ad w/1 chick); Spotted Sandpiper (4); Ring-billed Gull (9); Mourning Dove (15); Chimney Swift (11).
Among the 30+ swallows (mostly Tree) were 3 N Rough-winged Swallow. E Bluebird (4); We also had 7 N Mockingbirds that included 3 fledged young birds. Savannah Sparrow (3).
(report from Mark Lynch/Sheila Carroll).

6/30/22 -- New Salem

We spent the morning birding a few spots in NEW SALEM, including South New Salem. This town caps the north Quabbin area and is in Franklin County. Bird song is starting to slow down.

Great Blue Heron (1); Hooded Merganser (3 in f-type plumage all in 1 small pond. Immatures I am assuming even though I saw no yellow at base of the bill); Turkey Vulture (1); Red-shouldered Hawk (1); Wild Turkey (1); Mourning Dove (5); Chimney Swift (2); Ruby-throated Hummingbird (2); Yellow-bellied Sapsucker (3); Hairy Woodpecker (3); N Flicker (1).
Passerine highlights: E Wood Peewee (5); Alder Flycatcher (1); Least Flycatcher (7); E Phoebe (14); E Kingbird (2).
VIREOS: Yellow-throated (6); Blue-headed (8); Red-eyed (129).
C Raven (4); Red-breasted Nuthatch (10); Carolina Wren (3); House Wren (7); Winter Wren (1); E Bluebird (11); Veery (45); Hermit Thrush (11); Gray Catbird (37).
WARBLERS: Yellow (5); Chestnut-sided (6); Black-throated Blue (1); Black-throated Green (9); Blackburnian (4); Pine (22); Black and White (1); Ovenbird (53); C Yellowthroat (47).
Scarlet Tanager (7); E Towhee (7); Swamp Sparrow (9); Purple Finch (1).

WE had 5 butterflies of 4 species (not great); but Sheila did MUCH better with odonates.
(report from Mark Lynch/Sheila Carroll).

6/25/22 -- Petersham

Today we birded around PETERSHAM. Breeding is in full swing, with some fledged young already of certain species. This is a great time to find a good spot, stand still, and watch all around at all the activity. We did that for close to 30 minutes at a small parking area for a Trustees of Reservations property and saw Yellow Warbler adults feeding just fledged young, catbirds gathering food for young; Veery territorial disputes; waxwings nest building.

Great Blue Heron (6: this includes 3 ready-to-leave young in a nest still being fed by frantic adult); Canada Goose (3); Wood Duck (72: Petersham is one of the best towns in the County to see lots of post nesting Wood Ducks); A Black Duck (1adM: this is interesting because though Black Ducks are still common migrants in MA, they have crashed as breeders); Mallard (2m); Hooded Merganser (2juv); Turkey Vulture (7); Virginia Rail (1 heard only); Mourning Dove (19); Belted Kingfisher (1); Yellow-bellied Sapsucker (5, including 2 young birds chasing each other); Downy Woodpecker (4); Hairy Woodpecker (1); N Flicker (4); Pileated Woodpecker (2).
Passerine highlights: E Wood Peewee (9); Least Flycatcher (11); E Phoebe (7); E Kingbird (8).
VIREOS: Yellow-throated (5); Blue-headed (3); Warbling (4); Red-eyed (138).
C Raven (5); Tree Swallow (19); Barn Swallow (11); House Wen (8); Winter Wren (4 singing birds); Veery (33); Hermit Thrush (18); Gray Catbird (42); Cedar Waxwing (2).
WARBLERS: Yellow (8); Chestnut-sided (8); Yellow-rumped (1); Black-throated Green (6); Blackburnian (1); Pine (15); Prairie (1); Black and White (5); A Redstart (3); Ovenbird (97); Louisiana Waterthrush (1 foraging on a dirt road very near to where they nest);C Yellowthroat (55).
Scarlet Tanager (8); Rose-breasted Grosbeak (1); Indigo Bunting (1); Purple Finch (1); Evening Grosbeak (1 fly-over close to where we had a pair last week).

Butterflies where still in low numbers but we did have a Zabulon Skipper. Sheila did much better with dragonflies and had MARTHA’S PENNANT.
(report from Mark Lynch/Sheila Carroll).

6/23/22 -- New Braintree

Today we birded around NEW BRAINTREE. This County town has several WMAs (most notably Winnimusset Meadows), but is mostly hilly farmland surrounded by woodlots of various sizes. Breeding is in full throttle, with many birds watched catching food for rapidly growing young. Starlings are finished with breeding and large flocks of fledged young were seen over the fields.

Great Blue Heron (2); Canada Goose (4); Turkey Vulture (9); Red-tailed Hawk (2); Wild Turkey (36: including 2ad w/17 young. These young were of two slightly different sizes, so it is possible that two broods joined together. There was another adult w/8 young. The rest were adult birds with no young); Killdeer (1); Mourning Dove (14); Ruby-throated Hummingbird (1); Downy Woodpecker (2: 1 attending a nest with unseen young birds); Hairy Woodpecker (2); N Flicker (3); Pileated Woodpecker (2).
Passerines included: E Wood Peewee (2); Alder Flycatcher (1); Willow Flycatcher (1); Least Flycatcher (3); E Phoebe (2); Great Crested Flycatcher (2); E Kingbird (9); Yellow-throated Vireo (1); Warbling Vireo (1); Red-eyed Vireo (67); Common Raven (12); Tree Swallow (34); Barn Swallow (34); House Wren (19); E Bluebird (11); Veery (31); Wood Thrush (11); Gray Catbird (67).
WARBLERS: Blue-winged (1); Yellow (10); Chestnut-sided (18); Pine (8); Black and White (1); A Redstart (7); Ovenbird (72); C Yellowthroat (55).
Scarlet Tanager (3); Field Sparrow (1); Savannah Sparrow (1); Swamp Sparrow (6); Rose-breasted Grosbeak (7); Indigo Bunting (12); Bobolink (18); Baltimore Oriole (5).

Butterflies seen were only Cabbage White (16), despite many areas of good-looking habitat.
(report from Mark Lynch/Sheila Carroll).

6/19/22 -- Ware River Watershed IBA

This morning we birded a south/eastern loop of the WARE RIVER WATERSHED IBA. We started just as the rain subsided, but as the morning continued and it became partially cloudy, the wind really picked up. This had an effect on the numbers and variety of passerines we saw/heard.

Great Blue Heron (2ad+4 large and looking “ready to fly” young still in nests); Wood Duck (10 small ducklings with no adult birds in view); Red-shouldered Hawk (1); Red-tailed Hawk (1); Ruffed Grouse (1ad with 9 chicks. The adult crossed the road first, and then, one by one, slowly, the chicks crossed); Wild Turkey (2: 1 adult w/what looked like a teen turkey, fully feathered, but still staying close to adult); Mourning Dove (3); Ruby-throated Hummingbird (1f); Belted Kingfisher (1); Yellow-bellied Sapsucker (1); Hairy Woodpecker (2); N Flicker (1); Pileated Woodpecker (1).
Passerine highlights: E Wood Peewee (2); Least Flycatcher (3); E Phoebe (2); Great Crested Flycatcher (2); Warbling Vireo (1); Red-eyed Vireo (47); Red-breasted Nuthatch (8); Brown Creeper (1); Winter Wren (1); Veery (37); Hermit Thrush (7); Cedar Waxwing (3).
WARBLERS: Yellow (3); Chestnut-sided (11); Black-throated Green (3); Pine (10); Prairie (2); Black and White (5); Ovenbird (86); C Yellowthroat (21).
Scarlet Tanager (9); E Towhee (13); Swamp Sparrow (4); Rose-breasted Grosbeak (3); Baltimore Oriole (1); Purple Finch (1); Red Crossbill (3: at the spruces along Coldbrook first thing in AM, immediately took off for parts unknown).

PLUS: We had 1 butterfly, a Little Wood Satyr. We did better with dragonflies which included Green Darner (Sheila’s first photo of this species of the year), Spangled Skimmers, Belted Whiteface, Halloween Pennant (FOY). There were several Red Efts. A nice show of the orchid Rose Pogonia and Cotton Grass.
(report from Mark Lynch/Sheila Carroll).

6/15/22 -- Hardwick

Today we birded a few spots in HARDWICK including the Gate 43 fishing area. NB: the water at Quabbin is still high. There was lots of breeding behavior. Common Loon (pair at Gate 43. We watched these birds, 1 in particular , pull up vegetation from under the water and look like they were trying to build a nest on a small collection of rocks and small bushes in the inlet. But nothing took, and they eventually moved on);

Double-crested Cormorant (5); Canada Goose (20); Mallard (3 drakes); Turkey Vulture (7); Cooper’s Hawk (1 very vocal bird chased a Red-tail out of it’s territory); Broad-winged Hawk (1);Red-tailed Hawk (2); Wild Turkey (1ad w/10 very young and tiny young plus another adult elsewhere); Virginia Rail (1); Spotted Sandpiper (1); Mourning Dove (12); Black-billed Cuckoo (1); Ruby-throated Hummingbird (5); Red-bellied Woodpecker (2); Yellow-bellied Sapsucker (7); N Flicker (1); Pileated Woodpecker (1).
Passerine highlights: E Wood Peewee (9); Alder Flycatcher (2); Least Flycatcher (13); E Phoebe (8); Great Crested Flycatcher (1); E Kingbird (1).
VIREOS: Yellow-throated (7); Blue-headed (3); Warbling (6); Red-eyed (77).
Tree Swallow (54); N Rough-winged Swallow (2); Barn Swallow (12); Red-breasted Nuthatch (3); Carolina Wren (1); House Wren (13); E Bluebird (13); Veery (36); Wood Thrush (3); Gray Catbird (76); Cedar Waxwing (7).
WARBLERS: decent numbers of a very few species: Yellow (22); Chestnut-sided (26); Black-throated Green (1); Pine (5); Prairie (2); Black and White (2); A Redstart (8); Ovenbird (108); C Yellowthroat (29).
Scarlet Tanager (8); E Towhee (20); Field Sparrow (4); Swamp Sparrow (7); Rose-breasted Grosbeak (5); Indigo Bunting (1); Bobolink (11); Baltimore Oriole (9); Purple Finch (1).

Butterfly highlights included (6) Great Spangled Fritillarys; Herp highlights: we helped 1 Eastern Garter Snake across a road and watched 2 Painted Turtles lay eggs. Sheila will post about odes.
(report from Mark Lynch/Sheila Carroll).

6/12/22 -- Erving

Today we birded ERVING, a small town in Franklin County, and bits of adjacent towns, all east of the Connecticut River.

Common Loon (1ad on narrow Laurel Lake. No sign of breeding); Canada Goose (5); Turkey Vulture (2); Red-tailed Hawk (1); Mourning Dove (3); Barred Owl (1); Ruby-throated Hummingbird (1); Belted Kingfisher (1); Yellow-bellied Sapsucker (9); N Flicker (1); Pileated Woodpecker (1).
Passerine highlights: E Wood Peewee (4); Alder Flycatcher (1); Least Flycatcher (2); E Phoebe (9); E Kingbird (1); Blue-headed Vireo (19); Warbling Vireo (9: all along Miller’s River); Red-eyed Vireo (103); C Raven (2); Red-breasted Nuthatch (4); Winter Wren (2 singing); Veery (33); Hermit Thrush (5); Cedar Waxwing (5).
WARBLERS: Yellow (7); Chestnut-sided (11); Black-throated Blue (8); Black-throated Green (13); Blackburnian (5); Pine (1); Black and White (3); Ovenbird (36); Louisiana Waterthrush (2); C Yellowthroat (13); Canada (1).
Scarlet Tanager (10); Rose-breasted Grosbeak (2); Baltimore Oriole (6: all along Millers River).

It was a good day for dragonflies and we had many jewelwings; (1) Crimson-ringed Whiteface, lots of Frosted Whiteface, breeding Sphagnum Sprites; and our first Calico Pennant.
There were OK numbers of butterflies of very few species including (19) Red-spotted Admirals, including (9) White Admirals.
The blooming Mountain Laurel was beautiful especially in the State Park.
(report from Mark Lynch/Sheila Carroll).

6/10/22 -- Warren

This morning we birded around the County town of WARREN. Nothing wild, but we did have lots of nesting behavior and parent birds with young. The breezy weather increased in intensity through the morning, always making song-birding tougher.

Great Blue Heron (14: including 1 nest w/4 young, and another nest in another location w/3 young); Canada Goose (2); Wood Duck (1m); Hooded Merganser (1adF w/1 still fuzzy mergling); Turkey Vulture (4); Osprey (1 nest w/2 young-at least, and 2 adult birds); Red-tailed Hawk (2); Virginia Rail (4); Mourning Dove (15); Chimney Swift (14); Ruby-throated Hummingbird (2); Belted Kingfisher (1); Red-bellied Woodpecker (1); N Flicker (6); Pileated Woodpecker (1); A Kestrel (1).
Passerine highlights: E Wood Peewee (11); Least Flycatcher (3); E Phoebe (7); E Kingbird (3).
VIREOS: Yellow-throated (11); Warbling (11); Red-eyed (44).
Tree Swallow (34); Barn Swallow (18); House Wren (9); Blue-gray Gnatcatcher (1); E Bluebird (6); Veery (15); Hermit Thrush (1); Cedar Waxwing (2).
WARBLERS: Yellow (15); Chestnut-sided (8); Black and White (2); A Redstart (9); Ovenbird (56); C Yellowthroat (42: we watched 1 female gather quite a large number of small leaves in her bill).
Scarlet Tanager (6); E Towhee (6); Field Sparrow (1); Swamp Sparrow (9); Rose-breasted Grosbeak (3); Indigo Bunting (1); Bobolink (23); Baltimore Oriole (6).

Lots of dragonflies, but only 2 butterflies!
(report from Mark Lynch/Sheila Carroll).

5/29/22 -- Petersham

Today we noodled around PETERSHAM looking for birds, butterflies, and odonates. Spring passerine migration is almost over and we had 2 birds that were definitely migrants. The rest were migrant breeders. Red-eyed Vireos and Ovenbirds were ubiquitous.

Great Blue Heron (1 on a nest; 1 nest w/3 fairly large young; plus 1 adult); Canada Goose (16, 9 of which were goslings); Wood Duck (11 unattended very small ducklings); Hooded Merganser (1f and 5 merglings); Turkey Vulture (1); Red-shouldered Hawk (1); Red-tailed Hawk (2); Mourning Dove (12); Ruby-throated Hummingbird (3); Red-bellied Woodpecker (1); Yellow-bellied Sapsucker (6); Downy Woodpecker (2); N Flicker (2); Pileated Woodpecker (1).
Passerine highlights: Olive-sided Flycatcher (1); E Wood Peewee (17); Alder Flycatcher (5); Least Flycatcher (3); E Phoebe (11); Great Crested Flycatcher (5); E Kingbird (6).
VIREOS: Yellow-throated (6); Blue-headed (10); Warbling (13); Red-eyed (184).
C Raven (1); Red-breasted Nuthatch (8); House Wren (10); E Bluebird (8); Veery (21); Hermit Thrush (11); Wood Thrush (2); Gray Catbird (32); Cedar Waxwing (2).
WARBLERS: Blue-winged (1); Yellow (12); Chestnut-sided (27); Black throated Blue (2); Yellow-rumped (3); Black-throated Green (12); Blackburnian (5); Pine (14); Prairie (2); Blackpoll (1); Black and White (4); A Redstart (16); Ovenbird (123); Northern Waterthrush (1); Louisiana Waterthrush (2); C Yellowthroat (43).
Scarlet Tanager (11); E Towhee (8); Swamp Sparrow (6); Rose-breasted Grosbeak (3); Baltimore Oriole (2); Purple Finch (1); Evening Grosbeak (2: possibly a pair).

Best non-bird sighting: Black Bear.
(report from Mark Lynch/Sheila Carroll).

5/28/22 -- Wachusett Reservoir/SW cemeteries

WACHUSETT RESERVOIR this morning (5/28): The water here is somewhat higher than it was earlier in the week, so the flats were less extensive. Common Loon (1); Double-crested Cormorant (17); Great Blue Heron (1); Mute Swan (1); Canada Goose (22); Mallard (4+1f w/12 ducklings); Red-tailed Hawk (1); Wild Turkey (1); Semipalmated Plover (2); Killdeer (1); Spotted Sandpiper (2); Least Sandpiper (4); Ring-billed Gull (4); A Kestrel (1).
A few of the passerines seen/heard while checking the few water overlooks: Willow Flycatcher (1); E Kingbird (8); Warbling Vireo (11); Red-eyed Vireo (4); Yellow Warbler (3); Pine Warbler (1); A Redstart (1); C Yellowthroat (5); Scarlet Tanager (2); Baltimore Oriole (5).

Previously we had checked the cemeteries: Hope; Notre Dame; All Faiths: Highlights: Canada Goose (9-2 goslings); Mute Swan (3+pair with 6 cygnets); Wood Duck (3); Mallard (14); Killdeer (1); Belted Kingfisher (1); Red-bellied Woodpecker (3); N Flicker (4).
E Wood Peewee (1); Willow Flycatcher (1); Great Crested Flycatcher (3); Warbling Vireo (18); Red-eyed Vireo (2); House Wren (3); Carolina Wren (3); Fish Crow (1); G Catbird (28); Blackpoll (1); A Redstart (1); Scarlet Tanager (1); Baltimore Oriole (14); Orchard Oriole (1adM).
(report from Mark Lynch/Sheila Carroll).

5/25/22 -- Ware River Watershed IBA

Today we spent the morning and early afternoon in the southern sections of the WARE RIVER WATERSHED IBA. Almost from the get-go, butterflies and odes were around as well as birds, so we did not cover as much area as we typically do. There was also a lot of breeding behavior to watch, with a number of individuals watched gathering nesting materials. It was Sheila’s best ode day this year and my best butterfly day so far this year (which is not saying much). Birds were mostly migrant breeders .

Great Blue Heron (1); Canada Goose (3); Wood Duck (2ad+10 very tiny ducklings); Mallard (4); Common Merganser (1f along the Burnshirt); Wild Turkey (1 male in full display); Virginia Rail (2); Spotted Sandpiper (1); Mourning Dove (5); Ruby-throated hummingbird (1); Belted Kingfisher (1); Red-bellied Woodpecker (1); Hairy Woodpecker (1); N Flicker (1).
Olive-sided Flycatcher (1: Sheila got a few pics); E Wood Peewee (9); Alder Flycatcher (11); Willow Flycatcher (9); Least Flycatcher (8); E Phoebe (6: we found 2 nests); Great Crested Flycatcher (10); E Kingbird (2);
VIREOS: Yellow-throated (2); Blue-headed (2); Warbling (9); Red-eyed (95).
Blue Jay (11); A Crow (5); Tree Swallow (10); Barn Swallow (8); Black-capped Chickadee (8); Tufted Titmouse (11); Red-breasted Nuthatch (6); Brown Creeper (2); House Wren (4); Veery (26); Swainson’s Thrush (1); Hermit Thrush (7); Wood Thrush (2); A Robin (19); Gray Catbird (37); Cedar Waxwing (4).
WARBLERS: Yellow (16); Chestnut-sided (26); Black-throated Blue (4); Yellow-rumped (4); Black-throated Green (6); Blackburnian (2); Pine (12); Prairie (5); Bay-breasted (1); Black and White (4); A Redstart (4); Ovenbird (141); Northern Waterthrush (1); Louisiana Waterthrush (1); C Yellowthroat (32); Canada (2).
Scarlet Tanager (14); E Towhee (34); Chipping Sparrow (16); Song Sparrow (28); Swamp Sparrow (19); Rose-breasted Grosbeak (6); Indigo Bunting (1); Bobolink (8); Red-winged Blackbird (38); Baltimore Oriole (15); Purple Finch (1); A Goldfinch (3).

PLUS: 10 species of butterfly including (7) Pine Elfins, and 17 species of odonates including Ringed Boghaunter, Elfin Skimmer, and Twin-spotted Spiketail.
(report from Mark Lynch/Sheila Carroll).

5/24/22 -- Worcester/Wachusett Reservoir

We started out at COES POND, WORCESTER. Not much (unsurprisingly) but Great Blue Heron (we wondered if this was the individual that overwintered here); Canada Goose (5ad+4yg); Mallard (1m); and N Rough-winged Swallow (1).

HOPE CEMETERY: Very few birds, and very little song! Highlights: Chimney Swift (5); Red-bellied Woodpecker (3); Warbling Vireo (3); A Robin (28, including 1 newly fledged spotted feathered young following an adult begging food.); Gray Catbird 3); Common Yellowthroat (1); Rose-breasted Grosbeak (2); Orchard Oriole (1m); Baltimore Oriole (3). It was so poor for birds, we decided to head to…

WACHUSETT RESERVOIR: we did a 6 point check. Highlights: Common Loon (8: including 1 non-ad breeding plumage); Double-crested Cormorant (13); Canada Goose (2); Mute Swan (3); Mallard (5); Red-tailed Hawk (2); Spotted Sandpiper (2);Greater Yellowlegs (4); Ring-billed Gull (9); Chimney Swift (13); N Rough-winged Swallow (2: breeds here). We had nice, long views of a Brown Thrasher hunting on the ground in back of the bushes next to Gate 40.
(report from Mark Lynch/Sheila Carroll).

5/24/22 -- Westborough Wildlife Management Area

I saw a pair of Yellow-billed Cuckoos here this morning. (report from Robert Brady).

5/21/22 -- Hardwick

This morning we birded a few spots in HARDWICK. We did not venture into Gate 43 fishing area. On weekends that location can be crowded with fishermen and boats. So we did not see loons, Common Mergs, Killdeer, or Spotted Sandpipers. The weather was odd. Starting temps were 61 and it was foggy and overcast. The skies did not brighten till c.10:30AM, and then the temps rose into the 70s. Early in the morning was good for migrants, but by mid-morning it was mostly migrant breeders.

Canada Goose (8adults and 15 goslings); Wood Duck (2); Mallard (2); Hooded Merganser (1f); Turkey Vulture (4); Ruffed Grouse (1); Wild Turkey (3); Mourning Dove (14); Black-billed Cuckoo (1); Ruby-throated Hummingbird (3); Belted Kingfisher (2); Red-bellied Woodpecker (3: 1 calling while in nest hole); Yellow-bellied Sapsucker (7); Downy Woodpecker (1); N Flicker (1).
Olive-sided Flycatcher (1: very vocal in wooded swamp. Sheila got some nice shots); E Wood Peewee (18); Acadian Flycatcher (1 heard and seen, but then it moved off); Alder Flycatcher (13); Willow Flycatcher (3); Least Flycatcher (5); E Phoebe (6); Great Crested Flycatcher (3); E Kingbird (5: we watched 1 bird do a flight display, then fly off, followed by another kingbird)’
VIREO: Yellow-throated (11); Blue-headed (3); Warbling (8); Red-eyed (175).
Blue Jay (4); A Crow (18); Tree Swallow (23); Barn Swallow (33); Black-capped Chickadee (8); Tufted Titmouse (22); Red-breasted Nuthatch (2); Carolina Wren (6); House Wren (13); Veery (49); Hermit Thrush (3); Wood Thrush (12); A Robin (66); Gray Catbird (131); N Mockingbird (1); Cedar Waxwing (1 flock of 12 and another flock of 48).
WARBLERS: Blue-winged (6); Tennessee (1); N Parula (1); Yellow (34); Chestnut-sided (54); Magnolia (3); Yellow-rumped (1); Black-throated Green (1); Blackburnian (1); Pine (6); Prairie (4); Bay-breasted (2); Black and White (6); A Redstart (24: including 1 f carrying nesting material); Worm-eating (1); Ovenbird (108); Mourning (1); C Yellowthroat (46); Wilson’s (1); Canada (2).
Scarlet Tanager (9); E Towhee (43); Chipping Sparrow (22); Field Sparrow (5); Song Sparrow (31); Swamp Sparrow (11); N Cardinal (20); Rose-breasted Grosbeak (14: watched a female gathering nesting material); Indigo Bunting (2); Bobolink (52); Red-winged Blackbird (71); E Meadowlark (1); Brown-headed Cowbird (4); Baltimore Oriole (30); House Finch (3); A Goldfinch (7).

Plus: Columbine in bloom; and we had our first Red Efts of the season. Sheila also helped a Painted Turtle cross the road to lay eggs.
(report from Mark Lynch/Sheila Carroll).

5/20/22 -- Wachusett Reservoir

This morning we started birding around WACHUSETT RESERVOIR. Though many birders are checking from Gate 40 (dead end road), there is very limited parking there and we found birds by viewing from a number of locations. The low water edges are present all over the reservoir, so do some exploring. It would be great to see some reports from Gate 8 or 13. Birds were also moving around a lot, sometimes flushed by raptors.

Common Loon (8 (1 non br; this low water could pose a real challenge to the loons that nest here); Double-crested Cormorant (21); Mute Swan (5); Great Blue Heron (2); Canada Goose (30); Mallard (11/4 very small ducklings); Osprey (1);Bald Eagle (2ad); Red-tailed Hawk (2); Semipalmated Plover (7); Black-bellied Plover (5); Killdeer (2); Spotted Sandpiper (12); Solitary Sandpiper (1); Greater Yellowlegs (2); Short-billed Dowitcher (1); Least Sandpiper (18); Semipalmated Sandpiper (1: close views); peep species too far out to id: 30 minimum; Dunlin (9 breeding); Ring-billed Gull (7); sterna sp. Perched too far out to id (1); Many swallows including (1) Cliff.
(report from Mark Lynch/Sheila Carroll).

5/18/22 -- Petersham

This morning we birded just a few spots in PETERSHAM. There was a lot less bird song than was expected, perhaps due to the breezy conditions.

Great Blue Heron (2: 1 on nest); Canada Goose (4); Wood Duck (3ad+15 ducklings); Mallard (1); Hooded Merganser (2f); Turkey Vulture (11); Red-shouldered Hawk (4); Broad-winged Hawk (1); Red-tailed Hawk (3); Solitary Sandpiper (2); Spotted Sandpiper (3); Ruby-throated Hummingbird (1); Red-bellied Woodpecker (3); Yellow-bellied Sapsucker (2); Downy Woodpecker (2).
Passerine highlights: Olive-sided Flycatcher (1: very vocal); E Wood Peewee (2); Alder Flycatcher (1); Least Flycatcher (2); E Phoebe (13); Great Crested Flycatcher (1): E Kingbird (5).
VIREOS: Yellow-throated (3); Blue-headed (3);Warbling (4); Red-eyed (64).
C Raven (1); Red-breasted Nuthatch (8); Brown Creeper (1); Veery (6); Swainson’s Thrush (1); Hermit Thrush (15); Wood Thrush (6).
WARBLERS: N Parula (2); Yellow (8); Chestnut-sided (13); Black-throated Blue (4); Yellow-rumped (3); Black-throated Green (7); Blackburnian (1); Pine (4); Prairie (1); Bay-breasted (1); Black and White (2); A Redstart (1); Ovenbird (44); Northern Waterthrush (1); Louisiana Waterthrush (1); C Yellowthroat (15); Canada (1).
Scarlet Tanager (4); E Towhee (6); Field Sparrow (2); Rose-breasted Grosbeak (2); Baltimore Oriole (7); Purple Finch (1).

PLUS: Mink (1); Otter (1); and a large Northern Watersnake that kept me company while I scoped a marsh.
(report from Mark Lynch/Sheila Carroll).

5/15/22 -- Wachusett Reservoir

Late afternoon point count at WACHUSETT RESERVOIR (5/15): Common Loon (3); Double-crested Cormorant (23); Great Blue Heron (1); Canada Goose (54); Mute Swan (3); Mallard (17: all drakes);Turkey Vulture (1); Black-bellied Plover (1); Killdeer (5); Greater Yellowlegs (17); Least Sandpiper (7); Pectoral Sandpiper (1); Ring-billed Gull (4). NB: with the dramatically lowered water, loons are going to have a tough time nesting at the reservoir except for floating nesting platforms.
(report from Mark Lynch/Sheila Carroll).

5/7/22 -- Coes Pond, Worcester

I had Lesser Scaup and Osprey at Coes Pond today.
(report from Susan LaBree).

5/6/22 -- Institute Park, Worcester

Highlights in the late afternoon were 1 DC Cormorant, 2 Mute Swans (on nest), 1 Greater Yellowlegs, 1 Eastern Kingbird (seen and heard), 1 Carolina Wren, 1 Gray Catbird, 4 Warbling Vireos 6+ Yellow-rumped Warblers, 3 Chipping Sparrows, 1 Song Sparrow, and 2 Baltimore Orioles. (report from Rick Quimby).

5/5/22 -- Warren

This morning we birded a few areas in WARREN and managed 75 species.

Great Blue Heron (3-1 on nest); Canada goose (14); Wood Duck (pair); Mallard (21); Green-winged Teal (9); Hooded Merganser (3:1m+2f); Common Merganser (1m); Turkey Vulture (9); Osprey (3: 1 on nest); Red-tailed Hawk (3); Virginia Rail (1); Killdeer (1); Greater Yellowlegs (1); Solitary Sandpiper (1); Pectoral Sandpiper (1); Mourning Dove (24); Ruby-throated Hummingbird (2); Red-bellied Woodpecker (2); Yellow-bellied Sapsucker (3); Downy Woodpecker (3); N Flicker (4).
Passerine highlights: Least Flycatcher (2); E Phoebe (9); E Kingbird (1); Yellow-throated Vireo (3); Warbling Vireo (8); C Raven (2); Tree Swallow (21); N Rough-winged Swallow (1); Barn Swallow (3); Carolina Wren (2); House Wren (16); Winter Wren (1); Blue-gray Gnatcatcher (3); Wood Thrush (1); Gray Catbird (43); Brown Thrasher (1);
WARBLERS: Blue-winged (1); N Parula (1); Yellow (15); Chestnut-sided (2); Black-throated Green (1); Pine (2); Palm (1); Black and White (5); A Redstart (3); Ovenbird (37); Northern Waterthrush (1); Louisiana Waterthrush (1); C Yellowthroat (1).
E Towhee (22); Savannah Sparrow (1); Swamp Sparrow (5); White-throated Sparrow (10); Rose-breasted Grosbeak (19); Bobolink (2); Orchard Oriole (1); Baltimore Oriole (9).

On the way home we also had Prairie Warbler (1: Well SP); and 2 more Louisiana Waterthrush (Spencer).
(report from Mark Lynch/Sheila Carroll).

5/5/22 -- Sterline

For the past two days, there has been a Scarlet Tanager ( 1 mature male/female) and 2 pairs of Rose Breasted Grosbeaks ( 2 pairs mature male/female), intermittently at the birdfeeders/peach trees now in bloom. The male scarlet tanager has been coming for the past three years, but this is the first year I’ve seen the female with him. We’ve had a 5 generations now of the rose breasted grosbeaks grace us with their presence -- truly a joy to watch.
(report from Roy Backstrom Jr.).

5/1/22 -- Ware River Watershed IBA

This morning we birded some of the southern parts of the WARE RIVER WATERSHED IBA. By mid-morning, people were everywhere: horse riders, cyclists, hikers, runners, fishermen. For the most part, that was fine, but the number of people walking dogs UNLEASHED has exploded. All this human presence is bound to have an effect on the wildlife. At one point on Cold Brook Road we were passed by a group of 20 (!) motorcyclists. My advice is get here early and probably on a week day. Still we persisted:

Canada Goose (1); Wood Duck (5); Hooded Merganser (pair); Broad-winged Hawk (5); Red-tailed Hawk (1); Wild Turkey (1); Virginia Rail (1); Mourning Dove (4); Red-bellied Woodpecker (1); Yellow-bellied Sapsucker (8); Downy Woodpecker (1); Pileated Woodpecker (3).
E Phoebe (1); Blue Jay (33); A Crow (1); Tree Swallow (19); Barn Swallow (2 in breeding area under bridge); Black-Capped Chickadee (17); Tufted Titmouse (6); Red-breasted Nuthatch (11); Brown Creeper (6); Carolina Wren (2: peripheral areas); Winter Wren (1); Golden-crowned Kinglet (1); Ruby-crowned Kinglet (9); E Bluebird (pair); Hermit Thrush (4); A Robin (30).
WARBLERS: Yellow-rumped (18); Black-throated Green (3); Pine (28); Black and White (1); Ovenbird (1); C Yellowthroat (1).
SPARROWS: E Towhee (19); Chipping (22); Field (1); Song (8); Swamp (17); White-throated (7); Dark-eyed Junco (6).
N Cardinal (10); Red-winged Blackbird (44); C Grackle (12); Brown-headed Cowbird (2); Purple Finch (2); House Finch (4); A Goldfinch (11).

Herps included many peepers; Pickerel and Green Frogs, E Painted Turtle.
Blooms: many Wood Anemone; bluets, and a nice show of Purple Trillium.
Our only butterfly was Pine Elfin (2); and Sheila got her first odes: a species of whiteface now being determined.
(report from Mark Lynch/Sheila Carroll).

4/27/22 -- Institute Park, Worcester

Highlights at 5 pm were 1 DC Cormorant (breeding plumage), 2 Mute Swan (1 on nest), 1 Spotted Sandpiper, 6 N. Rough-winged Swallows, 1 Ruby-crowned Kinglet, and 2 Yellow-rumped Warblers. (report from Rick Quimby).

4/27/22 -- city of Worcester and Wachusett Reservoir IBA

We started today birding 3 of the city cemeteries (Notre Dame, Hope, and All Faiths). Almost no migration going on and few passerines. Highlights were Mute Swan (4: 2 on nests); Wood Duck (6); Bald Eagle (1imm); Killdeer (2); A Crow (1 stealing robin’s eggs and been pursued by 2 robins); Ruby-crowned Kinglet (1); Yellow-rumped Warbler (8); Swamp Sparrow (2).

COES POND: Black-crowned Night Heron (1ad); Canada Goose (2, 1 on nest); Fish Crow (3); Northern Rough-winged Swallow (3).

HOME: Common Raven (1 being chased by 2 crows, flying low around houses).

WACHUSETT RESERVOIR IBA: Common Loon (2); Double-crested Cormorant (17); Great Blue Heron (5, 3 occupied nests);Mute Swan (5); Canada Goose (2); Wood Duck (pair); Mallard (4); Lesser Scaup (pair); Common Merganser (7, all in female plumage); Red-breasted Merganser (pair in Prescott Cove, reservoir); Osprey (1); Bald Eagle (1imm); Virginia Rail (1); Bonaparte’s Gull (1); Ring-billed Gull (19); Herring Gull (2); Tree Swallow (22); Barn Swallow (2).
(report from Mark Lynch/Sheila Carroll).

4/25/22 -- Institute Park, Worcester

Highlights at 5 pm included 1 GB Heron, 2 Mute Swan (1 on nest), 1 Killdeer, 1 Spotted Sandpiper, 1 Ruby-crowned Kinglet, 1 Blue-headed Vireo (heard and seen), 1 Yellow Warbler (heard and seen), 5+ Yellow-rumped Warblers, 2 Palm Warblers, and 1 Brown-headed Cowbird. (report from Rick Quimby).

4/24/22 -- Petersham

This morning we birded a few areas in PETERSHAM. The weather was quite cool, very overcast, with some showers.

Great Blue Heron (5: 2 on 2 nests in 2 different locations); Canada Goose (7; 1 on a nest on a beaver lodge); Wood Duck (20, most now single drakes); Mallard (pair); Ring-necked Duck (1 drake); Hooded Merganser (7: most females); Turkey Vulture (4); Red-shouldered Hawk (2); Broad-winged Hawk (1: not migrating); Red-tailed Hawk (1: the amazing leucistic, all pure white individual, on territory. It was stunning to come across this shocking white hawk flying low through a very dark bit of forest. ); Wild Turkey (8); Mourning Dove (9); Great Horned Owl (1 flew low right across our view c.8AM); Belted Kingfisher (1); Yellow-bellied Sapsucker (4); Downy Woodpecker (1); Hairy Woodpecker (1); N Flicker (3); Pileated Woodpecker (4).

It was not a great morning for passerines and many areas were silent. Highlights: E Phoebe (4: low count for the areas we covered); Blue-headed Vireo (2); C Raven (3); Tree Swallow (42: none at boxes, all flying over water); Barn Swallow (2: with Trees); Brown Creeper (6); Carolina Wren (1); Winter Wren (1); Ruby-crowned Kinglet (12); E Bluebird (3); Yellow-rumped Warbler (16); Pine Warbler (16); Louisiana Waterthrush (2); E Towhee (2); Purple Finch (1).

Plus: River Otter (1); no frogs calling (too cold?); nice showing of Marsh Marigolds.
(report from Mark Lynch/Sheila Carroll).

4/23/22 -- Worcester cemeteries

This morning we birded the 4 cemeteries in the SW area of Worcester: Notre Dame; Hope; All Faiths; St. Johns (in that order). It’s is still early in migration.

Double-crested Cormorant (1); Great Blue Heron (1); Canada Goose (9); Mute Swan (3: pair w/1 on nest+1); Wood Duck ( 20); Mallard (13); Common Merganser (1m); Sharp-shinned Hawk (1); Red-tailed Hawk (2); Killdeer (2); Mourning Dove (8); Belted Kingfisher (1); Red-bellied Woodpecker (2); Downy Woodpecker (2); Hairy Woodpecker (2); N Flicker (11).
E Phoebe (2); Blue Jay (13); A Crow (1); C Raven (1); Tree Swallow (2); Black-capped Chickadee (4); Tufted Titmouse (8); Carolina Wren (3); Ruby-crowned Kinglet (4); Hermit Thrush (1); A Robin (153); N Mockingbird (3); Yellow-rumped Warbler (10); Palm Warbler (11);
SPARROWS: Chipping (16); Song (21); Swamp (1); White-throated (56).
N Cardinal (13); Red-winged Blackbird (38); C Grackle (11); Brown-headed Cowbird (6); House Finch (5); AGoldfinch (4).

On the way home at Coes Pond/Reservoir: Canada Goose (14); Mallard (1); Spotted Sandpiper (1: viciously pursued by 3 grackles); E Phoebe (1); N Rough-winged Swallow (1).
(report from Mark Lynch/Sheila Carroll).

4/22/22 -- Holden-Rutland

This evening we drove an irregular loop in HOLDEN-RUTLAND: Red-tailed Hawk (diving for an animal well after sunset); Killdeer (3); A Woodcock (11); Barred Owl (4); Great Horned Owl (3); N Saw-whet Owl (1); Whip- poor-will (1 called several times. Early?)

Plus: White-tailed Deer (6); Opossum (1); among the thousands of Spring Peepers vocalizing there were also Wood, Pickerel Frogs
(report from Mark Lynch/Sheila Carroll).

4/21/22 -- Gate 8, Quabbin 4/21

This morning in Gate 8, Quabbin: By mid-morning, the wind really kicked up. Common Loon (pair); Canada Goose (1); Mallard (1m); Turkey Vulture (6); Bald Eagle (2imm); Broad-winged Hawk (1); Red-tailed Hawk (2); Red-bellied Woodpecker (1); Yellow-bellied Sapsucker (6); Hairy Woodpecker (1); N Flicker (1).
Passerines were few but among the few we saw were Blue-headed Vireo (1); C Raven (4: 3 in a flight display); Pine Warbler (6); Yellow-rumped Warbler (1); Savanah Sparrow (15: a migrant flock that found the small parking area at the water appealing. They do not breed at this location (mostly mixed forest), but we have had them almost every year in spring in fall for a day or two).
(report from Mark Lynch/Sheila Carroll).

4/16/22 -- Wachusett Reservoir IBA

This afternoon we did our route around the WACHUSETT RESERVOIR IBA. Waterbirds were few and far between. Lots of fishermen out on West Waushacum and around the reservoir.

Common Loon (4); Double-crested Cormorant (7); Mute Swan (8); Canada Goose (9); Bufflehead (pair); Common Merganser (14: all in Carville Basin, most perched or sleeping on rocks); Turkey Vulture (1); Red-tailed Hawk (2); Bonaparte¿s Gull (1 non-ad); Ring-billed Gull (71: most non-adult); Herring Gull (5); A Kestrel (2); Fish Crow (1). Plus: Red-eared/Common Pond Slider (introduced) at Carville Basin.
(report from Mark Lynch/Sheila Carroll).

4/15/22 -- Warren

This morning we birded around WARREN.

Great Blue Heron (2, 1 on nest); Canada Goose (26, 3 on nests); Wood Duck (5); Mallard (6); Hooded Merganser (3); Turkey Vulture (4); Osprey (pair w/nest); Sharp-shinned Hawk (1); Red-shouldered Hawk (1); Red-tailed Hawk (1); Virginia Rail (7); Wilson’s Snipe (1); Mourning Dove (3); Belted Kingfisher (2); Red-bellied Woodpecker (4); Yellow-bellied Sapsucker (3); Downy Woodpecker (4); Hairy Woodpecker (2); N Flicker (7); Pileated Woodpecker (2); A Kestrel (1); Merlin (1).
Passerine highlights: E Phoebe (15); Tree Swallow (29); Brown Creeper (1); Carolina Wren (6); Ruby-crowned Kinglet (1); Blue-gray Gnatcatcher (1); E Bluebird (11); Pine Warbler (4); Palm Warbler (1); E Towhee (3); Chipping Sparrow (8); Savannah Sparrow (2); Swamp Sparrow (11 singing).

Mammals included: Gray Squirrel (1 melanistic); E Chipmunk; Muskrat; Porcupine; E Cottontail.

ON THE WAY HOME: Elm Hill MAS, Brookfield: Mourning Cloak (2); Bloodroot. Spencer: Louisiana Waterthrush (1).
(report from Mark Lynch/Sheila Carroll).

4/15/22 -- Institute Park, Worcester

Highlights in the late afternoon were 2 Killdeer, 2 N. Flicker, 1 E. Phoebe, 4 Palm Warblers, and 4 Chipping Sparrows. (report from Rick Quimby).

4/13/22 -- Hardwick

This morning in HARDWICK we had: Canada Goose (5, 1 on nest); Wood Duck (2); Mallard (2); Ring-necked Duck (27); Bufflehead (3); Hooded Merganser (3: a pair+1m); Common Merganser (pair in farm pond); Black Vulture (10. Including a flock of 9 that we followed north on Upper Church St. They suddenly flew down to the back buildings of a farm, with 2 perching on a silo. Then just as suddenly they took off and en masse headed south); Turkey Vulture (6); Osprey (1 fishing at Hardwick Pond); Red-shouldered Hawk (1); Red-tailed Hawk (1); Wild Turkey (2); Killdeer (2); Mourning Dove (16); Belted Kingfisher (2); Red-bellied Woodpecker (4); Yellow-bellied Sapsucker (12); Downy Woodpecker (2); Hairy Woodpecker (2); N Flicker (9); Pileated Woodpecker (2); A Kestrel (2 m, 1 at Mandel Hill, where there is a nestbox).
Passerine highlights: E Phoebe (28); Tree Swallow (21); Brown Creeper (3); Carolina Wren (5); E Bluebird (14); Hermit Thrush (7: all in 1 loose flock feeding and moving through a woodlot); Cedar Waxwing (flock of c.30);
WARBLERS: Yellow-rumped (5); Pine (6); Palm (6).
Chipping Sparrow (6); Swamp Sparrow (4 singing); Dark-eyed Junco (15); Evening Grosbeak (1 fly-over).
Plus: Cabbage White (1); Mourning Cloak (2).Amphibians included Spring Peepers; Wood Frogs, and Pickerel Frogs.
(report from Mark Lynch/Sheila Carroll).

4/11/22 -- South Gardner

Seen today was a Bald Eagle. (report from Jen Lavallee).

4/8/22 -- Quabog IBA

This morning we birded the QUABOG IBA, and had:
Pied-billed Grebe (1); Great Blue Heron (4, 1 repairing a nest); Canada Goose (8, 1 on nest); Mute Swan (1); Wood Duck (5); A Black Duck (6); Mallard (12); Ring-necked Duck (10); Bufflehead (8); Hooded Merganser (pair); Common Merganser (15); Bald Eagle (pair, 1 o nest); Red-tailed Hawk (4); Wild Turkey (11); Virginia Rail (1); Killdeer (4); Bonaparte’s Gull (1 ad-non-breeding. Sitting on the water early on. Later we went back and the Bonie and all the Ring-billeds were gone.); Mourning Dove (12); Belted Kingfisher (1); Red-bellied Woodpecker (4); Downy Woodpecker (3); Hairy Woodpecker (2); N Flicker (4).
Passerines included: E Phoebe (18); Fish Crow (4); Tree Swallow (8);Brown Creeper (1 singing); Carolina Wren (9); Pine Warbler (2m).

Best non-bird sighting: a very wet RED-FOX, bringing “home the bacon” in the form of what looked like a large Eastern Mole.

Later at WAITE POND, LEICESTER: Mute Swan (1); Green-winged Teal (2); Ring-necked Duck (11).
(report from Mark Lynch/Sheila Carroll).

4/7/22 -- Wachusett Reservoir

An afternoon quick trip around WACHUSETT RESERVOIR today had the following: Common Loon (5); Double-crested Cormorant (2); Mute Swan (1); Canada Goose (6); Mallard (6); Ring-necked Duck (6); Greater Scaup (4); Long-tailed Duck (2); Bufflehead (3); Common Goldeneye (13); Common Merganser (27); Turkey Vulture (1); Red-tailed Hawk (2); NB: at 2:30PM, the wind suddenly kicked up and a large flock of gulls descended from up in the clouds. Some put down on the water, but most continued on flying west: Ring-billed Gull (54); Herring Gull (12); Great Black-backed Gull (2); Tree Swallow (3).
(report from Mark Lynch/Sheila Carroll).

4/5/22 -- Westboro/Northboro/Southboro

This AM we birded a few ponds in “The ‘Boros”:

CHAUNCY LAKE (WESTBORO): As we expected, there were no Red-necked Grebes today. Typically, when there are noteworthy waterbird outfalls in Central MA they are “one day wonders”. Still present: Pied-billed Grebe (2); Double-crested Cormorant (2adBr); Mute Swan (24: some of these were acting like they have been fed); Canada Goose (7); Mallard (3); Bufflehead (2); Common Merganser (8); Killdeer (2); Ring-billed Gull (6).

LITTLE CHAUNCY (NORTHBORO); Mute Swan (2); Wood Duck (2); Ring-necked Duck (6); Bufflehead (9); Killdeer (1).

BARTLETT POND, (NORTHBORO): Mute Swan (2); Canada Goose (12); Wood Duck (4); Mallard (2); A Black Duck (3); Ring-necked Duck (2); Red-tailed Hawk (1); and our only Tree Swallow of the morning.

SUASCO (Westboro): Mute Swan (3); Canada Goose (21); Wood Duck (3); Ring-necked Duck (93); Turkey Vulture (1); Osprey (1 on nest); Red-tailed Hawk (2); Killdeer (2); Ring-billed Gull (6).

SUDBURY RESERVOIR (SOUTHBORO): only the southern half: Double-crested Cormorant (2: no sign of nesting. The trees on the island look very dead. Cormorant nesting here may be a thing of the past); Great Blue Heron (1); Canada Goose (120); Mallard (3); Ring-necked Duck (68); Bufflehead (3); Common Goldeneye (1f); Common Merganser (9); Osprey (1); Red-tailed Hawk (1); Pileated Woodpecker (1).
(report from Mark Lynch/Sheila Carroll).

4/3/22 -- Gate 27, Wachusett Reservoir

There were 19 Ring-necked Ducks in one of the Lilly ponds, along with typical land birds. (report from Rick Quimby).

3/31/22 -- Institute Park, Worcester

Highlights at noon were 1 Great Blue Heron, 2 Mute Swans, 4 Hooded Mergansers, 2 Common Mergansers, 2 Killdeer,and 1 N. Flicker. (report from Rick Quimby).

3/28/22 -- Sterling

FOY American Kestrel spotted on the wires near the old Davis dairy barn on Redstone Hill Rd, on a sunny but blustery and cold afternoon. (report from Marion Larson and Scott Handler)

3/28/22 -- Institute Park, Worcester

A chilly walk in mid-winter conditions yielded few birds around 4:30 pm. There was a phoebe skimming the pond surface for insects, 5 Song Sparrows, and 1 Great Blue Heron. (report from Rick Quimby).

3/27/22 -- Wachusett Reservoir IBA

This morning we birded the WACHUSETT RESERVOIR IBA. Waterfowl numbers were low as was variety. Part of the reason was the wind, which by mid-morning was causing white caps on the reservoir.

Pied-billed Grebe (1); Double-crested Cormorant (4); Canada Goose (5); Mute Swan (3); Wood Duck (5); Mallard (6); Ring-necked Duck (35); Greater Scaup/scaup sp. (22); Bufflehead (7); Common Goldeneye (3); Common Merganser (19); Cooper’s Hawk (2: 1 followed another into a woodlot: likely pair); Red-tailed Hawk (5); Ring-billed Gull (23); Herring Gull (3). At Sterling Peat/Muddy Pond there were c. 15 Tree Swallows.
(report from Mark Lynch/Sheila Carroll).

3/26/22 -- Sterling

FOY Osprey (2), several wood ducks, small raft of Ringneck ducks and about 15 Canada Geese at Bartlett Pond. Unfortunately the osprey nest is totally gone. The ospreys were yelling up a storm after one of them caught a fish. (report from Marion Larson and Scott Handler)

3/26/22 -- Broad Meadow Brook Sanctuary, Worcester

Kim Kastler and I recorded the following highlights this morning at the sanctuary. We did the Heron Pond/Troiano Loop, with a quick check on the Red-shouldered Hawk nest.

Wood Duck 2 (pair); Hooded Merganser 2 (pair); Killdeer 1 (flyover); Great Blue Heron 2 (one on nest); Turkey Vulture 5 (4 perched on power pole and 1 flying overhead); Red-shouldered Hawk 1 (on nest); Red-bellied Woodpecker 4; Hairy Woodpecker 2; Eastern Phoebe 3; Tree Swallow 10; Golden-crowned Kinglet 1; Brown Creeper 1; Carolina Wren 1; Eastern Bluebird 2 (pair); Field Sparrow 2; Dark-eyed Junco 9; White-throated Sparrow 2; Song Sparrow 22; Red-winged Blackbird 23; Brown-headed Cowbird 3; Common Grackle 28;
(report from John Liller).

3/26/22 -- Petersham

This morning we birded around PETERSHAM focusing mostly on ponds. WE did not enter any gates of Quabbin. It’s still early-on in spring passerine migration, but waterbird migration is in full swing:

Great Blue Heron (pair repairing nest); Canada Goose (8); Wood Duck (32); A Black Duck (14); Mallard (7); Green-winged Teal (7); Ring-necked Duck (69); Bufflehead (4); Hooded Merganser (28); Common Merganser (29); Turkey Vulture (2); Red-shouldered Hawk (2); Red-tailed Hawk (4: including the striking leucistic individual soaring with a typically plumaged individual ); Wild Turkey (7); Killdeer (3); Wilson’s Snipe (2).

Passerine highlights: E Phoebe (11); C Raven (2); Tree Swallow (7); Brown Creeper (5 singing birds); Winter Wren (1); E Bluebird (2); Pine Warbler (1m: over winterer or early migrant?); Purple Finch (1); Evening Grosbeak (1 overhead, going north).

Plus: (1) Porcupine; many peepers and Wood Frogs.
(report from Mark Lynch/Sheila Carroll).

3/23/22 -- Lunenburg

There is a snowy owl today in my yard in Lunenburg, near Cherry Hill Farm. It has been perched on a stone wall for about an hour as of 9 AM. (report from Mark Ward).

3/20/22 -- Westborough Wildlife Management Area

Along the access road to Little Chauncey Pond I saw a Yellow-rumped Warbler male. It perched up on a branch where I had good looks. I also saw many Tree Swallows flying over the wetlands-the first I’ve seen this year. (report from Laura Lane).

3/20/22 -- Quabog IBA

This morning we birded some of the water bodies of the QUABOG IBA. Fishermen in boats are now out on many of the ponds.

Pied-billed Grebe (1); Great Blue Heron (3: 1 standing on nest, 1 rebuiding a nest. All other nests we checked had no herons); Canada Goose (27); Mute Swan (4); Wood Duck (27: including a pair perched high in a tree); A Black Duck (17); Mallard (18); Blue-winged Teal (1); Green-winged Teal (6); Ring-necked Duck (40); Bufflehead (11); Hooded Merganser (13); Common Merganser (96); Bald Eagle (3 adults including pair at nest: 1 sitting on the nest w/1 perched nearby shredding a fish); Cooper¿s Hawk (1); Red-shouldered Hawk (1); Red-tailed Hawk (5); Killdeer (9); Ring-billed Gull (6); Mourning Dove (22); Red-bellied Woodpecker (4); Downy Woodpecker (4); N Flicker (1); Pileated Woodpecker (1).

Passerine highlights: E Phoebe (23); Tree Swallow (3); Fish Crow (4); Carolina Wren (11); E Bluebird (20); Cedar Waxwing (5). Plus MANY robins, Red-winged Blackbirds, grackles, Song Sparrows.

PLUS: many peepers, many painted turtles, and (1) beaver.
(report from Mark Lynch/Sheila Carroll).

3/20/22 -- Gate 27, Wachusett Reservoir

A late afternoon hike into Gate 27 by the Lilly Ponds had highlights of 5 Mute Swan (out on the reservoir), 9 Ring-necked Ducks (in one of the ponds), 1 Common Merganser, 8 Turkey Vultures (seemed to be on the move), 1 Barred Owl (calling), 1 Pileated Woodpecker (calling), and 1 Field Sparrow (singing). Also many wood frogs calling and moving about on the surface of the smallest pond. (report from Rick Quimby).

3/18/22 -- Broad Meadow Brook Sanctuary, Worcester

Highlights this morning on the Heron Pond/Troiano Loop at the Broad Meadow Brook Wildlife Sanctuary in Worcester

Wood Duck - 2 (pair); Hooded Merganser - 2 (pair); Great Blue Heron - 1; Turkey Vulture - 1; Red-bellied Woodpecker - 2; Hairy Woodpecker - 1; Northern Flicker - 1; Tree Swallow - 3; Carolina Wren - 3; Eastern Bluebird - 2; American Goldfinch - 4; American Tree Sparrow - 4; Dark-eyed Junco - 11; White-throated Sparrow - 7; Song Sparrow - 20; Red-winged Blackbird - 26; Common Grackle - 33.

I thought I might get an Eastern Phoebe, but no luck. However, when I was eating lunch at home in Grafton, I heard one in our yard.
(report from John Liller).

3/18/22 -- Dudley-Auburn-Worcester

This morning we started birding a few ponds in DUDLEY:

Canada Goose (82); Mute Swan (4); Wood Duck (just 1 male, but he was guarding a Wood Duck nesting box); A Black Duck (6); Mallard (49); Ring-necked Duck (142); Bufflehead (4); Hooded Merganser (18); Common Merganser (2); Turkey Vulture (9); Red-shouldered Hawk (pair); Red-tailed Hawk (4); Killdeer (7); Ring-billed Gull (7); Mourning Dove (22); N Flicker (4).

Passerine highlights: E Phoebe (7); Carolina Wren (15); E Bluebird (11); Pine Warbler (1 singing male: over- winterer or early migrant?); Song Sparrow (77: everywhere); PLUS: (115) E Painted Turtle; and many Spring Peeper.

Just a few stops in AUBURN: Canada Goose (32); Mallard (4); Ring-necked Duck (74); Common Merganser (4); Turkey Vulture (1); Bald Eagle (1ad on nest); Red-tailed Hawk (1 on nest).

COES RESERVOIR, WORCESTER: Mute Swan (1); Canada Goose (4); Common Merganser (96).
(report from Mark Lynch/Sheila Carroll).

3/16/22 -- West Boylston / Institute Park, Worcester

At 7:30 am in West Boylston at the high school there was 1 E. Phoebe singing (FOY), and 1 Carolina Wren singing.

At 5 pm in Institute Park, Worcester, highlights were 1 Great Blue Heron , 2 Mute Swans, 1 Am. Wigeon, 3 Killdeer, 1 Yellow-bellied Sapsucker, 4 Song Sparrows (singing), 4 White-throated Sparrows, 5 Dark-eyed Juncos, many Red-winged Blackbirds and Grackles calling and flying about, and 1 House Finch (m) singing.
(report from Rick Quimby).

3/16/22 -- Lancaster-Holden-Rutland

We started out birding in LANCASTER. We stayed out of the main entrance of Bolton Flats (off Rt.117: a number of cars there) but birded around the periphery and many other locations in Lancaster. Waterfowl were in a number of locations:

Mute Swan (2); Pink-footed Goose (1, Center Bridge Road, 8:30AM closeby. When we arrived there was only another woman photographer who was shooting the cranes which were right next to a small flock of Canadas and the Pink- footed. We pointed out the vagrant goose to her. AS we were leaving, one more birder was arriving and all birds were in place. ); Canada Goose (420); Wood Duck (26); American Wigeon (4); Mallard (151); A Black Duck (27); Green-winged Teal (9); Blue-winged Teal (1m); Ring-necked Duck (pair in small farm pond on Rt.117); Wild Turkey (8); Sandhill Crane (3: can all birders/photographers PLEASE give these birds some space); Red-tailed Hawk (1); Killdeer (12); Red-bellied Woodpecker (7); N Flick (8); Pileated Woodpecker (3).

BARE HILL POND, HARVARD: surprisingly little: Canada Goose (14); Mallard (9); Common Merganser (2).

QUINAPOXET RESERVOIR, HOLDEN: still 95% ice covered: Hooded Merganser (2f: we watched 1 eat a crayfish).

MUSCHAPAUGE ROAD, RUTLAND: Killdeer (4); A Kestrel (1m); Starling (1000+); Red-winged Blackbird (50+); Brown- headed Cowbird (minimum 60).

SASSAWANA ROAD POND, RUTLAND: still 90% ice-covered: Canada Goose (16); Ring-necked Duck (4).

ALTA VISTA FARM, RUTLAND: E Phoebe (1: seen and heard near farm buildings. FOY.

EAGLE LAKE/MUDDY POND, HOLDEN: Mute Swan (2); Canada Goose (84); Mallard (7); A Black Duck (6); Green-winged Teal (4); Ring-necked Duck (11); Hooded Merganser (12); Common Merganser (28); Ring-billed Gull (1).
(report from Mark Lynch/Sheila Carroll).

3/14/22 -- Institute Park, Worcester

Highlights at 5 pm were 2 Mute Swans, 1 Green-winged Teal (m), 1 Am. Wigeon, 8 Hooded Mergansers, 2 Common Mergansers, and much activity with Red-winged Blackbirds (~8) and Common Grackles (~15-20). (report from Rick Quimby).

3/11/22 -- Quabog IBA/New Braintree

Today we started birding the water areas of the QUABOG IBA. Here is the ice situation:

Lashaway: 90% ice-covered; Quabog: 20% Ice-covered; Quacumquasit: 80% ice-covered; Wickabog :85% ice-covered. Smaller bodies were a real mixed bag. After tomorrow’s rains, most ponds should be mostly open

Totals: Canada Goose (54); Mute Swan (4); Wood Duck (7); American Wigeon (3: 2m+1f); A Black Duck (34); Mallard (21); Green-winged Teal (2); Ring-necked Duck (79); Bufflehead (7); Common Goldeneye (12); Hooded Merganser (40); Common Merganser (98); Bald Eagle (1ad+3imm); Red-tailed Hawk (5); Wild Turkey (28); Killdeer (1); Ring-billed Gull (30); Mourning Dove (23). Passerines were typical, but breeders were in good numbers. Finally, lots of song. Included: Fish Crow (1); Carolina Wren(6); E Bluebird (23); Song Sparrow (33); Red-winged Blackbird (148); Common Grackle (141); Brown-headed Cowbird (6). Plus a herd of 6 White-tailed Deer.

Later in the vicinity of Winnimusset Meadows WMA, New Braintree: Canada Goose (flock of c.500. We scoped this flock over and over and only saw Canadas..so far); Mallard (43); Turkey Vulture (2); Bald Eagle (2 sub-adults perched in the same tree); Red-tailed Hawk (9); Killdeer (2); Pileated Woodpecker (1).
(report from Mark Lynch/Sheila Carroll).

3/6/22 -- Sterling

After a few nights of unproductive sitting and listening for woodcock, we scored FOY woodcocks (2) this warm and windy evening in Sterling in the Davis Farm area. Also heard killdeer. (report from Marion Larson and Scott Handler)

3/6/22 -- Westboro-Lancaster

This morning:

Center of LINCOLN SQUARE, WORCESTER: A Great Blue Heron flying low over the traffic, heading to Institute.

SUASCO, WESTBORO: still 90% ice-covered: Mute Swan (6); A Black Duck (5); Ring-necked Duck (18); Hooded Merganser (10).

TUFTS FIELDS, GRAFTON: Wild Turkey (30); Red-tailed Hawk (3).

CHAUNCY LAKE, WESTBORO: mostly ice-free: Mute Swan (7); Canada Goose (25); Mallard (13); Ring-necked Duck (2); Hooded Merganser (76); Common Merganser (42); Red-breasted Merganser (1m: photos); Red-tailed Hawk (1); Ring-billed Gull (19); Herring Gull (4); Great Black-backed Gull (2).

WE then heard about the PINK-FOOTED GOOSE at Bolton Flats from Bette. It had flown off before we got there and we checked a number of other locations like Davis Farmland, Dexter Drumlin; Bolton Flats, other fields in a number of locations in Lancaster; and even Coachlace Pond looking for it. If this is like the Pink-footed that appeared in this area a few years back, it will move around a lot in the company of various numbers of Canadas. While driving down Rt.117 in Bolton Flats, we had several hundred Canadas fly up from the main section of the flats, over Rt.117 and appear to put down far in the section of the WMA south of Rt.117. So, we dipped on the Pink-footed, but we had good views of the (3) SANDHILL CRANES, 2 of which were in full display: dancing,leaping, throwing stuff in the air. PLEASE GIVE THESE BIRDS A LOT OF SPACE. There have been several reports of photogs getting way too close to these birds. WE also had (6) Red-tailed Hawks and (1) Red-shouldered. Also on the fields was the huge flock of thousands of blackbirds. All the Red-wings looked like breeding plumaged males, and there were almost as many grackles. Birders should carefully check these flocks. Once, decades back, we had an adult male Yellow-headed Blackbird among the large spring blackbird flocks here. Lightening may strike again.
(report from Mark Lynch/Sheila Carroll).

3/5/22 -- Lake Quinsigamond/Flint Pond, Worcester

This morning, Kim Kastler and I checked out Lake Quinsigamond and Flint Pond. Here are the highlights:

CREEPER HILL ROAD - Mallard (4), Northern Pintail (pair; see photo), Ring-necked Duck (10).

FLINT POND - Mute Swan (2 pairs), Canada Goose (8), Mallard (48), Common Merganser (28), Hooded Merganser (pair), Ring-billed Gull (1); no sign of the American Wigeon seen yesterday.

S. QUINSIGAMOND AVE - Mute Swan (2), Mallard (30), Great Blue Heron (1)

We traveled around Lake Quinsigamond itself, but found nothing else of interest. Much of it was frozen.
(report from John Liller).

3/4/22 -- South Quabbin

This morning we started doing a circuit around north Quabbin, looking for raptors and Evening Grosbeaks. We dipped on both, though we did see ravens and flocks of Red-winged Blackbirds. Then we did a quick tour of SOUTH QUABBIN/QUABBIN PARK and adjacent areas. Quabbin is now more than 60% open, though bays and inlets are still ice-covered. We made a stop at the trout farm and did the short Swift River circuit (down East Street and back up River Road). Canada Goose (1); Mallard (21); Gadwall (1m that has been present for some time along the Swift River); Hooded Merganser (16); Common Merganser (10); Red-tailed Hawk (2); Bald Eagle (2: 1ad+1imm); Ring-billed Gull (43). Passerines were typical and included a very co-operative Brown Creeper.

Before we set out , “our” flock of Wild Turkeys made an appearance. This family (1ad+5 young) began to visit us in mid-August and had visited ever since. The young, which were flightless when they first appeared, now are full grown big turkeys. They are very vocal.
(report from Mark Lynch/Sheila Carroll).

3/4/22 -- Institute Park, Worcester

Highlights at 4 pm were 3 Great Blue Herons, 2 Mute Swan, 3 Green-winged Teal (2m, 1f), 1 Am. Wigeon (m), 4 Ring-necked Ducks (3m, 1f), 13 Hooded Mergansers, 4 Common Mergansers (m), and 5 Red-winged Blackbirds. (report from Rick Quimby).

3/2/22 -- Lake Quinsigamond/ Wachusett Reservoir/Rutland

This morning we started with doing a count of waterfowl of the LAKE QUINSIGAMOND/FLINT POND area. Ares that were open before are now ice-covered, and vice versa. The surface is till 60% ice-covered (at least).
We had: Mute Swan (8); Canada Goose (82); Mallard (69); Ring-necked Duck (16); Hooded Merganser (10); Common Merganser (44); Bald Eagle (1ad); Red-tailed Hawk (2); Ring-billed Gull (79); Herring Gull (15); Great Black-backed Gull (3 adW).

Then at WACHUSETT RESERVOIR (50% or less ice-covered): Red-throated Loon (1: still here! Yikes! This MAY be the first RT Loon to overwinter in the County); Mute Swan (5); Mallard (2); A Black Duck (2); Bufflehead (pair); C Goldeneye (15); Hooded Merganser (5); Common Merganser (6); Cooper¿s Hawk (1); Red-shouldered Hawk (1); Red-tailed Hawk (4); Ring-billed Gull (10); Pileated Woodpecker (1); C Raven (1). NB: we did check Coachlace and did not find the Lesser Scaup. Maybe it was in Bart¿s Pond, which we did not check.

MUSCHAPAUGE RD, RUTLAND: Horned Lark (flock of c.35 far back in the field. We saw the flock fly several times); E Starlings (c. 2000 or way more. OK a common as muck species, but this AM the squealing hordes were bathing which is always a gas to watch); Brown-headed Cowbird (60+).
(report from Mark Lynch/Sheila Carroll).

3/2/22 -- Institute Park, Worcester

Highlights at 3:00 pm were 2 Mute Swan, 1 GB Heron, 3 Green-winged Teal (2m, 1f), 1 Am. Wigeon (m), 1 Hooded Merganser, 1 Common Merganser, and 4 Red-winged Blackbirds (m), singing in trees around the pond. (report from Rick Quimby).

2/27/22 -- Worcester-Northbridge-Uxbridge

This morning we started at COES POND, WORCESTER. Still a bit open: Canada Goose (34); Hooded Merganser (2m); Red-tailed Hawk (2); A Crow (80+); Fish Crow (4+).

SOUTHWEST CEMETERIES: Notre Dame; All Faiths; Hope; St. John¿s: Mute Swan (2); Canada Goose (117); Mallard (71); A Black Duck (8); Hooded Merganser (8); Turkey Vulture (1); E Screech Owl (1;we found another in Millbury); Fish Crow (1); Red-winged Blackbird (21); C Grackle (19).

NORTHBRIDGE ( a few stops): Mute Swan (5); Canada Goose (9); A Black Duck (7); Hooded Merganser (3); Common Merganser (7). C Grackle (flock of 115+)

WHITIN POND, UXBRIDGE: Mute Swan (2); Canada Goose (20); Mallard (2); Ring-necked Duck (14); Common Merganser (1).
(report from Mark Lynch/Sheila Carroll).

2/24/22 -- Quabog IBA

This morning we birded around the QUABOG IBA. It was cold, breezy at times. Yesterday we had the house windows open. This morning it was thermal underwear, fleece and winter hat. All ponds had a bit of open water, but basically still water is still mostly ice-covered. Waterbirds were in typical late February variety (poor) and low numbers: Mute Swan (3); Canada Goose (65); Mallard (18); A Black Duck (5); Hooded Merganser (22); Common Merganser (34); Bald Eagle (6: 2 adult, 1 sitting on nest plus minimally 4 immatures); Red-tailed Hawk (2); Ring-billed Gull (22); Herring Gull (4). Passerines were in low numbers, but we did have (16) Red-winged Blackbirds males on territory and (12) C Grackles. Lots of jays (45) and juncos (52).
(report from Mark Lynch/Sheila Carroll).

2/23/22 -- Gate 27, Wachusett Reservoir

Following an afternoon walk in warm and breezy spring weather, I checked the overlook under the power lines close to the gate. In a sheltered cove there were 3 Greater Scaup (2m, 1f), 1 Common Goldeneye (m), and 14 Common Mergansers. (report from Rick Quimby).

2/18/22 -- Institute Park, Worcester

Highlights at noon were 2 Mute Swans (engaging in mating rituals -- *wonderful*), 1 Am. Wigeon (m), 6 Hooded Mergansers, and 14 Common Mergansers. (report from Rick Quimby).

2/17/22 -- New Braintree

This morning we birded some of our regular stops in NEW BRAINTREE. The wind increased through the morning making birding tough by mid-morning. Still water still mostly ice-covered.

Mallard (10); A Black Duck (2); Hooded Merganser (1m); Common Merganser (2f); Turkey Vulture (3); Red-shouldered Hawk (pair: very vocal and doing flight display); Red-tailed Hawk (9: all but 1 in pairs. We had only seen the Red-shoulders until c.10:30 when all the Red-tails began flying in pairs); Belted Kingfisher (1); Red-bellied Woodpecker (5); Downy Woodpecker (1); N Flicker (1).
Passerine highlights: Blue Jay (125, including 2 large flocks of 50+ moving with purpose through woodlots.); A Crow (114); C Raven (7); A Robin (131: some fields had robins, most did not); Lapland Longspur (1 loner); Red-winged Blackbird (10).

Plus: several roadkills of skunks and possums.
(report from Mark Lynch/Sheila Carroll).

2/16/22 -- Institute Park, Worcester

Highlights at noon were 3 Mute Swans (ad), 2 Am. Black Ducks, 1 Am Wigeon (m), 6 Hooded Mergansers, and 2 Green-winged Teal (m&f). (report from Rick Quimby).

2/12/22 -- South Quabbin

This morning we birded the South Quabbin/Quabbin Park area off Rt. 9 (Ware/Belchertown). The species list is not long. BTW: there were many fishermen along the river and by late morning, quite a few people in the park. Weirdly, we were headed home and suddenly realized we hadn¿t birded in front of the Administration Building !

Turkey Vulture (1 soaring over Quabbin Park but another 6 perched in the town of Ware on our way in); Bald Eagle (8 minimum: 5 ad. Nice show at Enfield); Golden Eagle (1ad: from Enfield..last seen flying north along Prescott); Ring-billed Gull (14: 3 flying high and west from Enfield; the rest at the trout hatchery). Passerine highlights: C Raven (1); E Bluebird (4); A Robin (71: on grassy areas); A Goldfinch (we had a HUGE fly-by close and low heading to the right from Enfield. Minimally 100, with 13 seen elsewhere).

Heading home we birded a few areas in Hardwick with very few birds. On the street near my house, we had an immature Sharpie bathing in a puddle.
(report from Mark Lynch/Sheila Carroll).

2/11/22 -- Quabog IBA, Brookfields

This AM we surveyed the water bodies in the QUABOG IBA (Brookfields). The ponds are still ice covered, but the ice is looking weak in areas. This isn¿t stopping the ice-fishermen, though there weren¿t as many as we have seen earlier. All waterfowl were on rivers. Fields have lots of bare ground.

Mute Swan (4); Mallard (8); A Black Duck (46); Green-winged Teal (1m); Hooded Merganser (7); Common Merganser (16); Bald Eagle (ad pair at the nest on Wickabog); Red-shouldered Hawk (1); Red-tailed Hawk (4); Ring-billed Gull (6); Barred Owl (1); Red-bellied Woodpecker (6); Pileated Woodpecker (1).
Passerines were in modest number and typical of mid/late winter. Highlights: Fish Crow (2); Carolina Wren (5); E Bluebird (16); A Robin (51: out on grassy patches on fields); Red-winged Blackbird (15+, no males singing on territory yet, still in flocks); Rusty Blackbird (1); C Grackle (40: we also had a flock of 20+ fly over Tatnuck Sq., Worcester).

On the way home we checked the airport and had (1) Red-tailed Hawk and (5) Bluebirds and nothing else.
(report from Mark Lynch/Sheila Carroll).

2/10/22 -- Chaffin pond, Holden

This morning at end of Gail Drive in Holden overlooking Chaffin pond, there was a catbird eating berries from a bush, 2 Red winged blackbirds (m&f), and a Brown Creeper. (report from Scott Matthews).

2/9/22 -- Institute Park, Worcester

Highlights in the afternoon were 1 Am. Wigeon (m), 2 Green-winged Teal (m&f), 3 Mute Swans (a new adult was being harassed by one of the two that have been there regularly for months), 2 Great-blue Herons, and 3 Am. Robins on the lawn, acting like it's spring. (report from Rick Quimby).

1/28/22 -- Brookfields and Warren

This morning we birded the QUABOG IBA and a few areas in WARREN. All the major ponds in the Brookfields are now ice-covered and all of them had ice fishermen out on the ice. Waterfowl were on various points on the river. As is to be expected, mergansers are the dominant species under these circumstances.: Mute Swan (6); A Black Duck (4); Mallard (3); Hooded Merganser (18); Common Merganser (26); Red-tailed Hawk (3); Ring-billed Gull (3). Passerines were typical for midwinter.

In WARREN there was very little open water, but we did have (3) Black Ducks and (1) Sharp-shinned Hawk . Passerines included a pair of ravens; (4) bluebirds; (6) waxwings; (3) Tree Sparrows; and (46) juncos.
(report from Mark Lynch/Sheila Carroll).

1/26/22 -- Institute Park, Worcester

As usual for the pond in winter, there was a bit of open water due to the stream that comes in on the far side of the pond. Highlights at noon were 2 Great Blue Herons, 2 Mute Swans, 2 Green-winged Teal, 2 Am. Black Ducks, 1 Am. Wigeon, and 5 Hooded Mergansers. (report from Rick Quimby).

1/24/22 -- Worcester

A few interesting sightings around the city: today at Green Hill Park near Worcester Technical High School, I heard and observed a Common Raven.

Yesterday (1/23) near Assumption College I had 2 sub-adult Bald Eagles, flying low near our house, didn¿t fly close enough to check the yard bird box though.

Also, since early December, we¿ve had a Ruby Crowned Kinglet coming to the suet feeder.
(report from Lisa Hennin).

1/24/22 -- Blackstone

I saw an eagle in the trees on Harris Pond, Blackstone, MA on Wednesday January 19th and today the 24th. (report from Erica Bissonnette).

1/23/22 -- Wachusett Reservoir/Lake Quinsigamond-Flint Pond

This morning we started at WACHUSETT RESERVOIR, birded a few areas and Harvard, then did a waterfowl count at the LAKE QUINSIGAMOND-FLINT POND COMPLEX.

WACHUSETT RESERVOIR: Common Loon (3 still remain in a small area of open water in mid-reservoir. Best seen from the dam. These birds really are running a risk of being trapped in a small area of open water among the ice because Common Loons need a long distance to take off); Double-crested Cormorant (1: Quinapoxet River at Thomas Basin. Initially found by Tom Pirro, luckily it remained till we arrived,); Mute Swan (7); Canada Goose (37); Mallard (31); Bufflehead (7); Common Goldeneye (45); Hooded Merganser (9); Common Merganser (24); Bald Eagle 2imm+1ad); Red-tailed Hawk (6); Rough-legged Hawk (1: still in same place); C Raven (2).

LAKE QUINSIGAMOND-FLINT POND: (NB: mostly ice-covered, but streams are still open for now); Mute Swan (4); Canada Goose (390); A Black Duck (6); Mallard (128); N Pintail (3); Red-tailed Hawk (3).
(report from Mark Lynch/Sheila Carroll).

1/22/22 -- Worcester Airport/Wachusett Reservoir

This afternoon we started at WORCESTER AIRPORT and Rt. 56 area. No sign, for us, of the Rough-legged. Red-tailed Hawk (7); Wild Turkey (9); Pileated Woodpecker (1); E Bluebird (7); A Robin (31). Other birders that were already there had 2 harriers heading east. PLUS: 1 large E COYOTE padding round the runways.

Then, we headed to WACHUSETT RESERVOIR which is now 90% ice-covered. Open water areas (that had waterfowl) included the Quinapoxet River and a piece of Thomas Basin; an area off the RT. 110 causeway; an open area west of Cunningham Ledge. There were more waterfowl near Cemetery Island, but the lighting and distance and heat distortion made them impossible to ID.
Common Loon (7: in that modest open water near Cunningham. This happened last year.); Mute Swan (4); Canada Goose (6); Mallard (11); Greater Scaup (4); Common Goldeneye (20); Hooded Merganser (13); Common Merganser (23); Red-tailed Hawk (2); Rough-legged Hawk (1: seen 3:45PM-4:10 PM perched in several spots in that field opposite the intersection of Rt.62 an Rt.70. This is a VERY tough spot for birders. You cannot pull off on Rt. 70 and Rt. 62 has very few pulloffs. Both routes have lots of speeding traffic. We pulled off very briefly on the north edge of Rt.62 and Sheila got a few brief poor record shots of the bird flying in difficult
(report from Mark Lynch/Sheila Carroll).

1/20/22 -- Mendon

At 1:30 there was a Great Blue Heron standing in a field, facing east, less than 50 ft from road on very busy North Ave, Mendon MA. Approximately a month ago, same time of day, a great blue heron was standing in the exact spot, facing west. No swamp or water nearby. Closest body of water may be about 1/2 mile to swamp at Miscoe Hill School. Lake Nipmuc about a mile via air, GBH rookery south of lake.
(report from Patricia Cavanaugh).

1/19/22 -- Worcester-Leicester

This morning we birded some areas close to home.

WORCESTER AIRPORT -RT.56: Mallard (2; in stream); Red-tailed Hawk (2: no sign of Rough-legged); Mourning Dove (16); C Raven (2); A Robin (40+); Northern Shrike (1: perched on tall tree at edge of field on Whittemore Street, Leicester. A man walking his dog came along the field and flushed it, flying north. We scanned a number of fields along Whittemore and all over the area and could not re-find the bird); Tree Sparrow (2); Song Sparrow (8). NB: no sign of larks. We checked all over the airport several times and could not refind them.

NOTRE DAME CEMETERY: Mute Swan (3); Wood Duck (1 drake); Mallard (6); Mallard X Black (1);A Black Duck (14); Common Goldeneye (1f: a first for me for this location. See photo); Hooded Merganser (8); Belted Kingfisher (1); Fish Crow (2); Tree Sparrow (2).

COES POND (not reservoir); Great Blue Heron (1: still hanging out in a small open area of water at far end.); Mallard (8); Hooded Merganser (1).
(report from Mark Lynch/Sheila Carroll).

1/19/22 -- Institute Park, Worcester

Highlights at noon were 2 GB Herons, 2 Mute Swans, ~90 Canada Geese, 2 Am Black Ducks, ~30 Mallards, 1 Am. Wigeon (m), and 13 Hooded Mergansers. (report from Rick Quimby).

1/16/22 -- Blackstone-Millville

This morning we birded a few spots in the towns of BLACKSTONE-MILLVILLE. Many spots on the Blackstone River were ice-covered, as were the ponds.

Canada Goose (120); Mallard (35); Hooded Merganser (3); Common Merganser (2); Black Vulture (12 minimum); Turkey Vulture (51): NB: when we arrived, we first checked the transfer station in Woonsocket and found NO vultures there. Then we checked the roofs of houses in Woonsocket on the border with Blackstone and had only 18 roosting and warming Turkey Vultures, no Black Vultures. Much later in the morning, we checked Tupper Park (Boys and Girls Club nearby). This parking area along the river is not always available as the only entrance/exit road is typically gated with a high chain link fence. Today it was open. Here we had 2 Black Vultures flying high and north, soon followed by 2 Turkey Vultures (Sheila got shots). Happy with these, we were driving along Rt.122 in Blackstone and we spotted a LARGE mixed vulture flock on right, catching what thermals there were and peeling off NE. We headed to cemetery on Mendon Street, Blackstone and here all the vultures passed (and were easily counted) . The big kettle split up into 4 groups. All the Black Vultures stayed together flying high and away. One flock of Turkey Vultures flew low and eventually perched in a large dead tree in the backyard of a house on Mendon St.); Red-shouldered Hawk (1); Red-tailed Hawk (5); Ring-billed Gull (9); Herring Gull (11) NB: most of the gulls were on the ice on Harris Pond. Red-bellied Woodpecker (2); Downy Woodpecker (3); N Flicker (1).
Passerines were typical and in mostly low numbers. Highlights included: Common Raven (1: no sign YET of nesting on the microwave relay tower); Carolina Wren (9); E Bluebird (6); A Robin (74); A Tree Sparrow (1).

On the way home in the Millbury cemeteries we had a fly-over immature Bald Eagle.
(report from Mark Lynch/Sheila Carroll).

1/14/22 -- Quabog IBA/New Braintree

Today we birded the ponds in the QUABOG IBA. The ponds are now mostly ice-covered, even Quacumquasit (South Pond). Waterfowl were in small open areas or on the river (which also had lots of ice in spots). Great Blue Heron (1: I hope it gets out of here before tonight); Mute Swan (10); Mallard (21); Hooded Merganser (1); Cooper¿s Hawk (1ad); Bald Eagle (1imm); Ring-billed Gull (7). On Lake Quabog there were lots of ice boats out.

Before we birded Quabog IBA, we birded around NEW BRAINTREE. Highlights included (5) Red-tailed Hawks; (6) Horned Larks; (5) Common Ravens; (9) Tree Sparrows; and (131) juncos.

On the way out, on Powder Mill Pond, Barre (right along Rt.122) an adult Bald Eagle was sitting on the ice next to what looked like a well worked over carcass.
(report from Mark Lynch/Sheila Carroll).

1/12/22 -- Rutland, Paxton, Worcester Airport

This morning we started in Rutland looking for larks in Rutland along Muschapauge Rd. We have had them here many times , but not today. It was windy and very cold AND there are so many areas along here they can go, much of it out of sight. Repeated visits are the key. We did have Red-tailed and Red-shouldered Hawks, lots of starlings, but nothing else.

We birded several other places and saw very few other birds: Rutland State Hospital Grounds; Alta Vista Farm; Worcester Memorial Cemetery, Paxton. (here we did have a large flock of juncos and goldfinch).

We then birded the greater Worcester Airport area: nothing along Rt. 56 or along Mulberry Street (2 Song Sparrows). We were ready to bag it, but decided to go up over Airport Hill, past the terminal, en route to Coes Pond. Sheila decided to drive into the main parking lot and here we found a flock of 40+ Horned Larks. This flock was VERY restless (it was windy here at the time). They flew up; split up into different flocks; and moved to over the fence (runway area); to the median strip; to the long term parking area in front of the building; and eventually behind the buildings and out of sight. It was a real challenge to relocate them and get good looks at them without blocking roads. At one point when part of the flock was at the entrance to the Main Parking area, we were scanning with binoculars from inside the car (blocking the entrance to the lot) and we had good views of a LAPLAND LONGSPUR. I have had this species among flocks of larks a number of times at the airport and it is amazing how they vanish for long periods of time only to appear suddenly. Years back there were 2 in the lark flocks and I missed them most of the time. These birds have a lot of habitat to visit, most of which is off limits. Years back, before Jet Blue, the Main Lot was almost empty most of the time and larks, buntings, and longspur often turned up in that space. Nowadays, the lot is mostly filled, so the birds spend more time elsewhere.
(report from Mark Lynch/Sheila Carroll).

1/8/22 -- Wachusett Reservoir

This afternoon we did a basic point count of WACHUSETT RESERVOIR. I'm sure a hike in Gate 8, would produce even more. There is a brief period of time when most of the surrounding ponds are mostly ice-covered, BUT the reservoir is mostly ice-free. At that time the reservoir has good numbers of waterfowl, like today. This will likely end Tuesday with the deep cold setting in. BTW: parking can be tough now as snow is piled up in many places. Scar Hill Cemetery wasn¿t even plowed out.

Common Loon (6); Canada Goose (61); Mute Swan (7); Mallard (97); A Black Duck (5); Greater Scaup/scaup sp. (102: now at South Bay, not Coachlace, which was mostly ice-covered); Lesser Scaup (4+); Common Goldeneye (94); Hooded Merganser (46); Common Merganser (12); Red-tailed Hawk (2); Ring-billed Gull (59); Herring Gull (6).

A very quick detour to Bolton Flats had the 3 Sandhill Cranes far out in the same fields, best seen with a scope, from Neck Road. DO NOT HARASS THESE BIRD BY TRYING TO APPROACH CLOSELY. Also in area: Snow Bunting (2).
(report from Mark Lynch/Sheila Carroll).

1/6/22 -- Institute Park, Worcester

Highlights at noon were 2 GB Herons, 10 Hooded Mergansers, 2 Common Mergansers, 3 Song Sparrows, and 2 White-throated Sparrows. (report from Rick Quimby).

1/6/22 -- Quabog IBA

Early this afternoon after the icy roads were melted) we birded the water bodies of the QUABOG IBA. Quabog was mostly open, but rapidly icing over; Quacumquasit was completely open (this is always the last of the 4 big Quabog IBA ponds to ice over); Wickabog was mostly iced-over; Lashaway was 75% ice-covered. Our list:

Mute Swan (2); Canada Goose (59); Mallard (128); Green-winged Teal (2: north end of Lashaway); Common Goldeneye (1m: Quabog outflow from Wickabog); Hooded Merganser (10); Common Merganser (5); Bald Eagle (2imm+2ad); Red-tailed Hawk (4); Belted Kingfisher (1); Common Grackle (80+); Rusty Blackbird (1).

On the way home we did a brief check for the Rough-legged Hawk between Rt. 56 and the airport and only had 2 Red-tails. This does not mean the bird is not there, just that we did not find it.
(report from Mark Lynch/Sheila Carroll).

For previous sightings, see 2021 Archives or Archive Index