April 2000 Central Mass Bird Sightings

Sightings are listed in reverse chronological order. The email address of birders submitting reports, as well as other Central Massachusetts birding info can be found via the Central Mass Bird Update homepage.

4/30/00 -- Shrewsbury and vicinity

Highlights of the Forbush Bird Club trip led by Mike Bellows: Double-crested Cormorant (2), Great Blue Heron (10) and Osprey (2) at Suasco. Mute Swan (3), 2 at the pond across Worcester Sand & Gravel (1 still on the nest) and another seen while driving by the pond on South Quinsigamond Ave. in Shrewsbury. Also in Shrewsbury, Sharp-shinned (2), Broad-winged (2) and Red-tailed (6) hawks; Chimney Swift (5), Red-bellied Woodpecker (1), Least Flycatcher (1), Eastern Phoebe (4); Tree Swallow (30), Northern Rough-winged (4), Cliff (1) and Barn (12) swallows. Brown Thasher (1), Yellow-rumped (12), Pine (2), Palm (1) and Black-and-white (2) warblers. Chipping (6), Savannah (2), Song (4) and Swamp (4) sparrows. Baltimore Oriole (1). Also seen were Mourning Cloak Butterflies and a Red Admiral. There were a total of 50 species seen by 8 observers. (report from Joan Zumpfe).

4/30/00 -- Rowley Hill, Sterling

White throated sparrows were the birds of the day. Where there had been none previously, 20 to 30 were seen. Their sweet whistled song came from every direction. The flock of 12 juncos that have been with us since Sept 25th, 1999 is down to just 2 birds. Also seen on the hill were 1 Louisiana waterthrush, 1 pine warbler, 1 black- throated green warbler, 1 hermit thrush and one chimney swift. (report from Richard Spedding).

4/30/00 -- High Ridge WMA, Gardner

Hilights amoung 53 species present this morning High Ridge WMA in Gardner , from the Smith Street entrance: Wood Duck 15; Hooded Merganser 4; Broad Wing hawk 6 migrants; Spotted Sandpiper 1; Chimney Swift 2; Winter Wren 1; Blue-gray Gnatcatcher 1; Ruby-crn Kingket 8; Solitary Vireo 3; Blk+white Warbler 1; Yellow-rumped Warb 20; Palm Warb 5; Northern Waterthrush 3; Evening Grosbeak 3 1 male 2 fem.; Rufous-sided Towhee 1; White-throated Sparrow 15; Am. Tree Sparrow 2. (report from Tom Pirro).

4/30/00 -- Broad Meadow Brook Wildlife Sanctuary, Worcester

I recorded the following highlights on a walk with my class (7 people) at Broad Meadow Brook this morning: Great Blue Heron (1); Turkey Vulture (10); Wood Duck (1 male); Sharp-shinned Hawk (1); RED-SHOULDERED HAWK (1); Red-tailed Hawk (1 adult); American Kestrel (2); Ruffed Grouse (1); Red-bellied Woodpecker (1); Hairy Woodpecker (2); Northern Flicker (7); Eastern Phoebe (2); Tree Swallow (5); Carolina Wren (1); Blue-gray Gnatcatcher (1); Ruby-crowned Kinglet (2); Eastern Bluebird (2); Hermit Thrush (1); Cedar Waxwing (23); Yellow-rumped Warbler (13); Black-and-white Warbler (1); Eastern Towhee (8); Field Sparrow (4); White-throated Sparrow (7); Dark-eyed Junco (1); Red-winged Blackbird (104); Common Grackle (24); Brown-headed Cowbird (11); (report from John Liller).

4/30/00 -- Merrell Pond WMA,Sutton

Highlights from this AM: Great Blue Heron-2; Ringed-Necked Duck-7 ; Broad-Winged Hawk-1 (migrating); Tree Swallows-16 ; Ruby-Crowned Kinglet-3 ; Yellow-Rumped Warbler-13 ; Palm Warbler-11 ; Black-and-White Warbler-5; Eastern Towhee-1 ; Chipping Sparrow.-3;
At Mt. Ararat in Millbury: Turkey Vulture-2 ; Red-Bellied Woodpecker-2 ; Ruby-Crowned Kinglet-3; Wood Thrush-2; Yellow-Rumped Warbler-17; Eastern Towhee-1. (report from Dan & Debbied Berard).

4/30/00 -- Barre Falls Dam/ Rutland SP

We birded the Barre Falls Dam/Rutland SP area this AM. Landbirding was tough in the high winds and the earlier stage of foliage. Most of the landbirds were breeders. If it had been less windy, our land bird totals would have been MUCH greater. We hawkwatched at the upper parking lot of Barre Falls Dam for about 1.5 hours and got a moderate movement of hawks. Another couple was also there hawkwatching and remained after we moved on, and will undoubtably have higher totals. VERY DISCOURAGING were the two ATVs buzzing along the roads where it is clearly signed they do not belong, generally being idiot rectal sphincters. They ran over an Eastern Garter Snake to boot.

BIRD HIGHLIGHTS: Great Blue Heron (7 occ. nests + 4 other birds seen in other parts of the area); Wood Duck (7); Hooded Merganser (pair in nesting area); Common Merganser (11); Turkey Vulture (6); Osprey (2); Sharp-Shinned Hawk (11); Cooper's Hawk (1); Red-Tailed Hawk (2); Broad-Winged Hawk (31); A. Kestrel (5); NOTE: Many of the hawks were coming in quite low and fast, bewteen the ridges and heading NE); Ruffed Grouse (2); Solitary Sandpiper (1); Rock Dove (tight flock of 15 over Barre Falls Dam: racing birds); N. Flicker (7); E. Phoebe (6); Tree Swallow (103); Bank Swallow (2); N. Rough-Winged Swallow (1); Barn Swallow (9); C. Raven (1+ pair at nest); Red-Breasted Nuthatch (10); Brown Creeper (24: including a pair building a nest under an overhanging piece of bark on a White Pine); Blue-Gray Gnatcatcher (1); Golden-Crowned Kinglet (7: possibly all nesting birds); Ruby-Crowned Kinglet (9); Eastern Bluebird (8); Hermit Thrush (13); Blue-Headed Vireo (17); Yellow-Rumped Warbler (114); Black-Throated Green Warbler (11); Pine Warbler (27); Palm Warbler (3); Black and White Warbler (1); Louisiana Waterthrush (1); E. Towhee (6); Chipping Sparrow (27); Field Sparrow (6); Swamp Sparrow (19); White-Throated Sparrow (2); Dark-Eyed Junco (3); Brown-Headed Cowbird (20); Purple Finch (8); Pine Siskin (4: possibly breeding)
OTHER VERTS: Red Squirrels and Chipmunks ad infinitum; Beaver, lots of 'phib eggs (Peeper, Wood Frog mostly); E. Painted Turtle; lots of Red-Spotted Newts, dead E. Garter Snake. BUTTERFLIES: Mourning Cloak (1); Spring Azure (12); Compton's Tortoiseshell (1); Juvenal's Duskywing (1). A bit too windy and chilly in the AM for a good butterfly showing. (report from Mark Lynch/Sheila Carroll).

4/29/00 -- Hodges Village, Oxford

Highlights today at Hodges included: 1 Great Blue Heron; 12 Wood Duck (11 in a group); 1 Sharp-shinned Hawk; 2 Red-tailed Hawk (pair); 1 American Kestrel; 1 Killdeer; 2 Belted Kingfisher; 2 Red-bellied Woodpecker; 3 Eastern Phoebe; 1 Blue-headed Vireo; 2 Common Raven (they're back....haven't seen the pair since Jan); ~40 Tree Swallow (with 20 or so doing the christmas tree ornament thing on a knee high spicebush); 2 Barn Swallow (joined the 20 on the spicebush to add a little variety); 1 Red-breasted Nuthatch; 7 Brown Creeper; 4 Ruby-crowned Kinglet; 5 Eastern Bluebird (2 pair at nest boxes, plus 1 singing male); 2 Hermit Thrush; 1 Brown Thrasher; 13 Yellow-rumped Warbler; 1 Black-throated Green Warbler (back on territory); 11 Pine Warbler; 1 Black-and-white Warbler; 1 Northern Waterthrush (back on territory); 4 Eastern Towhee; 6 Chipping Sparrow; 3 Field Sparrow; 9 Swamp Sparrow; 5 White-throated Sparrow; 3 Dark-eyed Junco; 1 Rusty Blackbird; 2 Pine Siskin . (report from Paul Meleski).

4/29/00 -- Gardner

Today an hour and a half of hawk Watching produced the following: Broad-Wing Hawk 30 no kettles just 1's and 2'sies; Sharp-Shinned Hawk 2; Am. Kestrel 1; also : Lots of White-throated sparrows near the Gardner dump along with a Fox Sparrow. While the Fox Sparrow and some WT Sparrows where scratching the ground under some thick pine trees a Sharp-shinned Hawk came in hard. The Hawk's wings could be heard hitting branches while it tried to capture lunch. I never did see if it was successfull or not. (report from Tom Pirro).

4/28/00 -- Oakham

I heard two towhees calling at 6:15 am. (report from Kathy Van Schoick).

4/28/00 -- Danforth Brook, Hardwick

This morning I saw an immature(with some blue showing)Little Blue Heron in a drained beaver pond (Danforth Brook) along Route 32A near the intersection with Dow Rd. There was also two Great Blue Herons,a Green-winged Teal with some Blacks and Mallards. (report from Bill Lafley).

4/28/00 -- Barre Falls Dam, Barre

I hawk watched today at Barre Falls Dam between 11:30 AM and 4:00 PM and recorded the following: 1 Merlin, 15 Sharp-shinned Hawks, 48 Broad-winged Hawks, 3 Kestrels, 1 Cooper's Hawk, 1 Northern Harrier and 1 Osprey. I found the immature Little Blue Heron that was reported on the net as being at a drained beaver pond on 32A in Hardwick at 7:15 PM. (report from Bart Kamp).

4/28/00 -- downtown Worcester

I've been back in the office this week and have had no luck in seeing either one of the Peregrines. (report from Jo-Ann Ferrie).

4/27/00 -- Barre Falls Dam, Barre

Hawk watching at Barre Falls Dam today I saw: 10 Osprey, 16 Sharp-shinned Hawks, 2 Northern Harrier, 2 Merlin, 6 Kestrels and 278 Broad-winged Hawks. (report from Bart Kamp).

4/25/00 -- Barre Falls Dam, Barre

Hawk watching at Barre Falls today I saw: 15 Osprey, 2 Northern Harrier, 15 Sharp-shinned Hawks. 1 Cooper's Hawk, 709 Broad-winged Hawks, 5 Kestels and 1 Merlin. The largest kettle was of 72 birds. (report from Bart Kamp).

4/25/00 -- Bancroft Tower Hill, Worcester

A quick one block walk from my house to Bancroft Tower Hill had the following highlights this morning: Sharp-Shinned Hawk (1); N. Flicker (2); E. Phoebe (1); Carolina Wren (1); Ruby-Crowned Kinglet (3); Hermit Thrush (1); Yellow-Rumped Warbler (3); Pine Warbler (1); Chipping Sparrow (8); White-Throated Sparrow (16); Dark-Eyed Junco (10); Brown-Headed Cowbird (2). Still very early in spring migration and this weather is'nt helping either. (report from Mark Lynch).

4/25/00 -- Broad Meadow Brook Sanctuary, Worcester

Highlights this morning: Canada Goose (90 in flock + 2 in pond); Sharp-shinned Hawk (1); Red-tailed Hawk (1); Ruffed Grouse (1); Wild Turkey (2 - both gobbling); Hairy Woodpecker (1); Northern Flicker (3); Eastern Phoebe (4); Tree Swallow (8); Ruby-crowned Kinglet (2); Eastern Bluebird (3); BROWN THRASHER (1); Chipping Sparrow (2); Field Sparrow (1); Song Sparrow (22); White-throated Sparrow (2); Red-winged Blackbird (23); Common Grackle (21); Brown-headed Cowbird (9). (report from John Liller).

4/25/00 -- Institute Park, Worcester

A Mute Swan was present today, both at 9:45 am and noon. (report from Rick Quimby).

4/25/00 -- Broad Meadow Brook Sanctuary, Worcester

Along with the usual, at 10 a.m. I had a Brown Thrasher at the north end of the brook, a male Bluebird at the power line, and at 1:30 p.m. a soaring, circling Red-shouldered Hawk in front of the Sanctuary building for about a minute. (report from Howard Shainheit).

4/25/00 -- Salisbury/Park Ave, Worcester

I caught sight of a big bird on the other side of the iron fence along Park Ave near the WPI campus. It was walking underneath the pine trees near the baseball fields. I can't say what kind of bird it was because I'm very much an amateur but I think it was a turkey! (report from Christine Ingraham).

4/24/00 -- Nashua River, Lancaster

I observed a great egret along the North Branch of the Nashua River in Lancaster. The bird was located where Route 117 crosses the river just west of Route 70. (report from Chuck Caron).

4/24/00 -- Barre Falls Dam, Barre

Hawks migrating today in the rain at Barre Falls: 21 Osprey, 1 Bald Eagle, 6 Sharp-shinned Hawks, 1 Cooper's Hawk, 16 Broad-winged Hawks, 2 Kestrels and 1 Merlin. (report from Bart Kamp).

4/23/00 -- Rowley Hill, Sterling

A Louisiana waterthrush has been singing from Wilder Brook; a winter wren continues to sing from the hill; two savannah sparrows were seen in the pasture; about a dozen juncos continue at the feeder. Two sharpshin hawks and one Coopers hawk were also seen. (report from Richard Spedding).

4/23/00 -- Hodges Village, Oxford

Highlights from an Easter morning walk in the drizzle: 4 Wood Duck; 3 Ring-necked Duck; 1 Green-winged Teal; 1 Red-tailed Hawk; 1 Ruffed Grouse; 1 Belted Kingfisher; 2 Red-bellied Woodpecker (pair); 6 Northern Flicker; 5 Eastern Phoebe; 20 Tree Swallow; 4 Barn Swallow; 2 Northern-Rough-winged Swallow; 1 Red-beasted Nuthatch; 2 Ruby-crowned Kinglet; 3 Eastern Bluebird (1 pair at nestbox); 2 Hermit Thrush; 10 Yellow-rumped Warbler; 4 Pine Warbler; 2 Palm Warbler; 1 Louisiana Waterthrush; Chipping Sparrow; Song Sparrow; 4 Swamp Sparrow; 1 White-throated Sparrow; 7 Rusty Blackbird; Brown-headed Cowbird. . It was tough getting around.....woods roads normally used under a foot or 2 of water in places...........Water has been highest I've seen in my 5 or so years of birding here........ (report from Paul Meleski).

4/23/00 -- Quabbin Park (South Quabbin)

Determined to do SOME birding we spent a cold and wet morning at South Quabbin and had the following highlights: Common Loon (1); Pied-Billed Grebe (1); Horned Grebe (1 br.pl.); Great Blue Heron (2); Canada Goose (2); Wood Duck (2); Wild Turkey (1); Great Black backed Gull (1 adS+1 1stS); Mourning Dove (5); Belted Kingfisher (2); Hairy Woodpecker (2); N. Flicker (7); E. Phoebe (6); Tree Swallow (237: very tough day for the aerial feeders); Barn Swallow (6); Brown Creeper (4); Blue-Gray Gnatcatcher (1); Ruby-Crowned Kinglet (3); E. Bluebird (3); Blue-Headed Vireo (4); Yellow-Rumped Warbler (1); Pine Warbler (12); Louisiana Waterthrush (1); Chipping Sparrow (19); VESPER SPARROW (1 feeding on lawn in back of dam: Nice views); Dark-Eyed Junco (7);_ Brown-Headed Cowbird (25 minimum: they were all over); Tough birding day with wind, drizzle, and mist. (report from Mark Lynch/Sheila Carroll).

4/22/00 -- Broad Meadow Brook Sanctuary, Worcester

Highlights at Broad Meadow Brook Wildlife Sanctuary: Ruffed Grouse (1); Red-bellied Woodpecker (1); Northern Flicker (6); Eastern Phoebe (2); Song Sparrow (13); Red-winged Blackbird (9); Brown-headed Cowbird (1); (report from John Liller).

4/22/00 -- Wachuset Reservoir

A quick tour in the rain and mist of Wachuset Reservoir had very few birds, but visibility was poor: Highlights included: Bufflehead (4); Common Merganser (9); Tree Swallow (60+); Barn Swallow (4); PLUS: Red Fox (1).
At Coachlace Pond: Bufflehead (2); Ruddy Duck (3: including 1 male); and pretty much the same swallow show as yesterday.
Back in Worcester at Curtis Pond: Double-Crested Cormorant (15); Tree Swallow (50+).
If this wet and cold weather continues, expect noticeable swallow mortality. We also took a quick tour around Bolton Flats. The area is VERY flooded, and it looks like it could flood over Rt. 117 by tonite if the rain does not let up. The parking lot on Rt. 117 is inaccessable and completley underwater. Wellies are not going to be enough for a couple of days at least. All that said, when the water eventually drops mid-week, expect a good duck/snipe and other shorebird show. (report from Mark Lynch).

4/22/00 -- Gardner

Nothing out of the ordinary during a few stops while running errands. Cold ,wet and miserable for the swallows. There were approx. 200 Tree Swallows swarming over the Otter River , and while scanning I pickup 2 Rough-winged Swallows. While I was watching one of the RW Swallows, an American Kestrel swung out over the river and easily picked off one the near-by Tree Swallows .... like picking fruit off a tree. Also: Rusty Blackbird 14; Osprey 2. Not much in the way waterfowl on the Lakes I checked , was hoping for something a little "coastal" to drop in. (report from Tom Pirro).

4/21/00 -- High Ridge WMA, Gardner

The following are hilites from a brief walk into the Smith St. entrance to High Ridge WMA: Common Snipe 1, Green-wing Teal 22 , Wood Duck 6 , Yellow-rumped Warbler 6 , Palm Warb. 2 , Savanaha Sparrow 3. The "upper marsh" was swaming with Tree Swallow 250+ and a few Barn Swallows. (report from Tom Pirro).

4/21/00 -- White Pelican: Tyngsboro; Coachlace Pond, Clinton

The White Pelican continues on Flint Pond in Tyngsboro (see from Flint/Upton Road off Rt. 113). This is apparently the same bird that has been around the Northeast, including Plum Island for the last few years.
On the way home at Coachlace Pond, Clinton: Ruddy Duck (2); Tree Swallow (150+); Bank Swallow (2); N. Rough-Winged Swallow (10); Barn Swallow (20+). (report from Mark Lynch/Sheila Carroll).

4/21/00 -- Flint Pond, Tyngsboro

The White Pelican has been on Flint Pond in Tyngsboro since 4/16. Here is a photo taken by Maura Amrich of the pelican perched on a log on 4/15. He is still there as of last night. I live on the Pond. (report from William M. Center).

4/19/00 -- Lake Wickaboag, West Brookfield

Today I saw my first Pileated Woodpecker in my back yard. I live in West Brookfield on Lake Wickaboag with a small wooded area behind our house. (report from Helena Bland).

4/17/00 -- Turner's Falls Eagles

The eagles nesting at Turner's Falls now have two chicks, born 4/8 & 17. The site is updated every 5 minutes. The address is http://www.nu.com/eagles/eagles.htm. (report from Howard Shainheit).

4/17/00 -- Vernon Hill, Worcester

Kind of interesting (for me anyway): This morning I woke up (apprx 6:00AM), looked out my third foor window, only to see a Turkey Vulture staring at me! The bird was perched atop a streetlight pole waiting for the thermals from the morning car traffic I suppose! Not bad for Vernon Hill three-decker land ! (report from Paul Meleski).

4/16/00 -- Barre Falls Dam, Barre

A tour down Coldbrook Road in the Barre Falls dam area (the only road currently open) had the following: Great Blue Heron (6 birds on 6 occ. nests+ 2 other birds elsewhere); Mallard (3); A. Kestrel (2); Ruffed Grouse (3 drumming); Killdeer (2); Solitary Sandpiper (2); A. Woodcock (1: almost stepped on the bird); Ring-Billed Gull (1); Downy Woodpecker (4); Hairy Woodpecker (2); N. Flicker (5); Pileated Woodpecker (1); E. Phoebe (12); Tree Swallow (36); Blue Jay (13); A. Crow (2); (NOTE: Though we did see the ravens this AM, they are probably still on the nest. They get a bit quiet and unobtrusive at this stage of their nesting) Black-Capped Chickadee (37); Tufted Titmouse (3); Red-Breasted Nuthatch (8); White-Breasted Nuthatch (6); Brown Creeper (16); Winter Wren (2); Golden-Crowned Kinglet (8: all on nesting territory); Ruby-Crowned Kinglet (1); E. Bluebird (2 pair: one pair was battling it out with Tree Swallows for a nest box. The bluebirds had occupied the box already for some time, and the swallows were trying to evict them. It was unsettled when we left the area.); A. Robin (20); Blue-Headed Vireo (2); Black-Throated Green Warbler (2); Yellow-Rumped Warbler (4); Pine Warbler (31); E. Towhee (2); Field Sparow (4); Chipping Sparrow (9); Swamp Sparrow (2); Song Sparrow (11); White-Throated Sparrow (12); Dark-Eyed Junco (1); Purple Finch (6); A. Goldfinch (6); Red-Winged Blackbird (17); C. Grackle (26); Brown-Headed Cowbird (13). PLUS: many Spring Peepers; E. Painted Turtles; (7) Spring Azures and, unfortunately, a gogolplex of Black Flies. Yes, they are out! (report from Mark Lynch/Sheila Carroll).

4/15/00 -- Hodges Village, Oxford

A morning walk at Hodges Village ACE in Oxford yielded the following highlights: 4 Wood Duck; 10 Northern Flicker; 4 Eastern Phoebe; 1 Ruby-crowned Kinglet; 2 Eastern Bluebird (staking out a nest box); 1 Hermit Thrush; 2 Yellow-rumped Warbler; 8 Pine Warbler; 4 Palm Warbler; 1 Louisiana Waterthrush; 1 Eastern Towhee; 2 Chipping Sparrow; 5 Field Sparrow; 4 Swamp Sparrow; 2 White-throated Sparrow. (report from Paul Meleski).

4/15/00 -- Broad Meadow Brook Wildflife Sanctuary

Highlights from a walk with my class (4 people): Turkey Vulture (3); Canada Goose (2 - may be breeding); Wood Duck (1 male); Sharp-shinned Hawk (1); Red-tailed Hawk (2); Wild Turkey (1); Red-bellied Woodpecker (1); Hairy Woodpecker (3); Northern Flicker (10); Eastern Phoebe (5); Tree Swallow (9); Ruby-crowned Kinglet (1); Eastern Bluebird (3); Cedar Waxwing (6); Eastern Towhee (2); Field Sparrow (5); Song Sparrow (18); White-throated Sparrow (1). Also, Howard Shainheit reported one Belted Kingfisher. (report from John Liller).

Also, a Palm Warbler was observed along the 1a route (report from Kathy Mills).

4/14/00 -- downtown Worcester

I've had no luck in seeing the Peregrines this week. I won't be in the office next week so I will not be able to keep watch. (report from Jo-Ann Ferrie).

4/14/00 -- Bolton Flats, Bolton

A morning walk into Bolton Flats had the following: Double-Crested Cormorant (1); Great Blue Heron (3); Canada Goose (5); Wood Duck (7); Green-Winged Teal (20); Mallard (11); Blue-Winged Teal (6); Ring-Necked Duck (2); Bald Eagle (1 imm.); N. Harrier (2 males circling up from the flats together, nice sight); Red-Tailed Hawk (6); Broad-Winged Hawk (1); A. Kestrel (1m); Killdeer (5); Greater Yellowlegs (1); Solitary Sandpiper (3); Common Snipe (69: it was not until one of the harriers flew out over the cornfields and put several flocks of snipe up that we were able to get a good count of the birds. Undoubtably even more snipe are in the wetter areas of the flats); Red-Bellied Woodpecker (1); Downy Woodpecker (7); N. Flicker (5); E. Phoebe (3); N. Rough-Winged Swallow (3); Barn Swallow (3); Ruby-Crowned Kinglet (1); A. Robin (86); Yellow-Rumped Warbler (3); N. Cardinal (7); Chipping Sparrow (2); Song Sparrow (37); Swamp Sparrow (12); Vesper Sparrow (1 singing); Dark-Eyed Junco (4); Red-Winged Blackbird (60+); C. Grackle (68); Brown-Headed Cowbird (20); Pine Siskin (1); A. Goldfinch (19). Plus: (2) E. Garter Snakes and (2) White-Tailed Deer.

Note: though the water is once again "down" on the flats, you will need boots to get in past some areas, while you will need wellies for other spots. Generally the trails should be fairly dry until Sunday. In nearby Harvard we also saw Turkey Vulture (2); Opsrey (1); Red-Tailed hawk (2); A. Kestrel (1); E. Phoebe (7); Tree Swallow (5) and E. Meadowlark (1). (report from Mark Lynch/Sheila Carroll).

4/14/00 -- Bolton Flats, Bolton

I also went to Bolton Flats today. Two species that I had that Mark didn't indicate on his list were 1 Virginia Rail and 2 Savannah Sparrows. At Sterling Peat I had 1 Bank Swallow. (report from Bart Kamp).

4/13/00 -- Sterling Peat, Sterling

A quick stop at Sterling Peat this afternoon yielded the following: 6 Ring-necked Ducks, 6 Green-winged Teal, 1 female Hooded Merganser, 1 Barn Swallow and one Vesper Sparrow. The sparrow was located between the road and the Bank Swallow mound. (report from Bart Kamp).

4/13/00 -- Petersham/Barre Falls Dam

A morning trip in the cold and wind had the following:
FEDERATED WOMENS CLUB SF: Great Blue Heron (4 birds seen/3 active nests); Wood Duck (1); Mallard (2); Bufflehead (2); Ruffed Grouse (1); Pileated Woodpecker (1); Tree Swallow (2); Black-Capped Chickadee (12); Red-Breasted Nuthatch (3); White-Breasted Nuthatch (4); Brown Creeper (4); Ruby Crowned Kinglet (10); Golden-Crowned Kinglet (2); Hermit Thrush (1); A. Robin (5); Pine Warbler (9); Yellow-Rumped Warbler (6); Palm Warbler (8); Louisiana Waterthrush (1); Dark-Eyed Junco (5).
BROOK (HARVARD) POND: Canada Goose (4); Wood Duck (10); Mallard (1); A. Black Duck (7); Ring-Necked Duck (6); C. Goldeneye (1f); Bufflehead (5); C. Merganser (5); Sharp-Shinned Hawk (1); Tree Swallow (60+ having a very had time in th wind); Palm Warbler (1)
BARRE FALLS DAM: COLDBROOK ROAD ONLY (only road now open): Great Blue Heron (5 seen/4 active nests); Wood Duck (1); A. Black Duck (2); Turkey Vulture (1); A. Kestrel (1m); Wild Turkey (1); Downy Woodpecker (2); N. Flicker (4); E. Phoebe (7); Tree Swallow (5); Blue Jay (1); C. Raven (probably the usual pair. NOTE: at this time of the year, when the eggs are first laid, the birds can get very secretive and though one bird may be on the nest and out of sight, the other may not approach the nest if people are standing on the bridge. We had one bird calling near the nest while we were standing on the bridge.); Black-Capped Chickadee (31); Tufted Titmouse (2); Red-Breasted Nuthatch (2); White-Breasted Nuthatch (3); Golden-Crowned Kinglet (4); E. Bluebird (3); A. Robin (22); Pine Warbler (13); Field Sparow (1); Red-Winged Blackbird (4); C. Grackle 920+); Brown-Headed Cowbird (2); Purple Finch (4); Pine Siskin (3: singing). (report from Mark Lynch/Sheila Carroll).

4/12/00 -- Lake Wompanoag, Gardner

This morning there were 15 Common Mergansers and a single Barn Swallow ( a bit early for the area). (report from Tom pirro).

4/11/00 -- Bolton flats, Bolton

Sunday's rain restored running water and puddles in the corn field to Bolton Flats. However the only bird of note was a solitary Solitary Sandpiper. There are still 50-60 Common Snipe and 30-40 Greenwinged Teal there. (report from Bart Kamp).

4/11/00 -- Peregrine Falcon, downtown Worcester

Tom Dodd reported to me today that he had a large falcon that he thought was the Peregrine today at 10 AM near the courthouse. (report from Mark Lynch).

4/11/00 -- Broad Meadow Brook Wildlife Sanctuary, Worcester

Highlights from a brief walk at Broad Meadow Brook this morning: Wood Duck (1 male); COMMON SNIPE (1); Red-bellied Woodpecker (1); Northern Flicker (3); Tree Swallow (4); Carolina Wren (1); Eastern Bluebird (1 male); American Tree Sparrow (1); Song Sparrow (18); White-throated Sparrow (3); Dark-eyed Junco (5); Northern Cardinal (7); Red-winged Blackbird (22); Common Grackle (6). (report from John Liller).

Also at BMB, seen by Kathy Mills: Phoebe (3), Hermit Thrush (1), Field Sparrow (3) and Brown-headed Cowbird (1). (report from Kathy Mills).

4/9/00 -- Gardner Area

The following hilites are from Sunday 4-9-00 morning in North Central mass:
Hubbardston: Coopers Hawk 1; Pine Warbler 1; Fox Sparrow 1; White Thr. Sparrow 1
Templeton: Pied-billed Grebe 1; Rusty Blackbird 20+; Northern Shrike 1 adult; Green-wing Teal 4; Wood Duck 5; Ruby Crowned Kinglet 1
Westminster: Double-crested Cormorant 5; Common Merganser 18; Bufflehead 6; Ringed-Necked Duck 2
Gardner: Common Loon 1 Lake Wonpanoag ( I also heard it calling friday night); Tree Swallow 124
I had good looks at the Shrike to be certain it was not the other species , as it was rather wet and "ratty" looking. The lower mandible was "two-toned" light at the base , the mask did NOT continunue over the bill and the breast had fine barring. This is the lastest I've seen N. Shrike by a few days in the area... and the seventh month in row that I've seen the species in the area (the first was way back on 10-21-99 in Gardner). (report from TOm Pirro).

4/9/00 -- Pine Island, Hardwick

Today in Pine Island I came across a flock of Blue-Gray Gnatcatchers (5) and Palm Warblers (8). Also seen were a Chipping Sparrow and two migrating Osprey. (report from Chris Buelow)

4/9/00 -- Briely Pond, Millbury

At appoximately 6:15 PM we found a Great Egret in Briely Pond. The bird was in the marsh edge huddled against the wind. Briely Pond is located on West Main St. which can be accessed from Rte 146 West Main St exit. Coming off the ramp go to the second STOP sign and take a right. You are now on West Main ST. Follow to fork in road at Royal Pizza. Briely Pond is on your right. The bird was at the end of the pond easily seen from your car. (report from Debbie & Danny Berard)

4/8/00 -- Sterling Peat, Sterling

There were 20 ring-necked ducks, 4 greater scaup, 2 green wing teal, one kingfisher, 4 turkey vultures, 8 tree swallows, 2 northern roughwinged swallows. At my feeder I had 2 chipping sparrows, and on Rowley Hill a winter wren continues to sing. (report from Richard Spedding).

4/8/00 --SW Worcester Ponds

A small class trip birded some of the ponds in the SW part of the city today before the Broad Meadow Brook Eco-Conference:
LEESVILLE POND: Pied-Billed Grebe (1); Canada Goose (3); Wood Duck (19); Mallard (8); A. Black Duck (4); Killdeer (2+nest); Belted Kingfisher (1); N. Flicker (5: on the move today); Tree Swallow (2); N. Rough Winged Swallow (2); Carolina Wren (3); Song Sparrow (6); White-Throated Sparrow (6); Dark-Eyed Junco (8); Red-Winged Blackbird (13); C. Grackle (12); Brown-Headed Cowbird (6); PLUS: Muskrat
HOPE CEMETARY: Killdeer (2); Hairy Woodpecker (1); N. Flicker (6: including pair in full display); Carolina Wren (1); N. Mockingbird (9); Dark-eyed Junco (12)
NOTRE DAME CEMETARY: Canada Goose (2); Wood Duck (4); Mallard (23); A. Black Duck (6); MallardXBlack (2); Hooded Merganser (1f); N. Flicker (1); Carolina Wren (1); Pine Warbler (1); Chipping Sparrow (2); Field Sparrow (2); A. Tree Sparrow (2); Song Sparrow (15)
CURTIS POND: Double-Crested Cormorant (2); Canada Goose (19); "domestic Greylag" (1 still around); Mallard (6)
COES RESERVOIR: Double-Crested Cormorant (2); Canada Goose (10); Common Merganser (10); E. Phoebe (1)
PATCH RESERVOIR: Canada Goose (2); Wood Duck (1); Mallard (4); Red-Bellied Woodpecker (1); Downy Woodpecker (4 in amazing territorial display); Golden-Crowned Kinglet (1)
(report from Mark Lynch/Sheila Carroll)

4/8/00 -- Broad Meadow Brook Wildlife Sanctuary, Worcester

I recorded the following species with a group (7 people) at Broad Meadow Brook Wildlife Sanctuary (Worcester) this morning: Canada Goose (3+); Wood Duck (2); Mallard (5); Cooper's Hawk (1); Ruffed Grouse (1); Mourning Dove (4); Red-bellied Woodpecker (1); Downy Woodpecker (3); Hairy Woodpecker (1); Northern Flicker (4); Eastern Phoebe (3); Blue Jay (7); American Crow (7); Tree Swallow (6); Black-capped Chickadee (7); Tufted Titmouse (6); White-breasted Nuthatch (2); Eastern Bluebird (2); American Robin (22); Northern Mockingbird (1); Field Sparrow (1); Song Sparrow (19); White-throated Sparrow (1); Dark-eyed Junco (6); Northern Cardinal (9); Red-winged Blackbird (15); Common Grackle (10); Brown-headed Cowbird (3); House Finch (4); American Goldfinch (18). (report from John Liller).

4/7/00 -- West Millbury

Today Danny spotted an unusual raptor while scoping a Bufflehead from our house. We immediately went out to search. After about 30 minutes standing roadside on a hill we spotted it. A Missisiippi Kite was seen moving east to west on a thermal affording us great views.It was a life bird for us both!!! (report from Danny and Debbie Berard).

4/7/00 -- Barre Falls Dam, Barre

While hawk watching at Barre Falls Dam today, I saw the following both migrating and not migrating raptors: 8 Turkey Vultures, 6 Ospreys, 7 Kestrels, 5 Sharp-shinned Hawks, 2 Cooper's Hawks and 1 Broad-winged Hawk. Non-raptor of note 1 Rough-winged Swallow. (report from Bart Kamp).

4/7/00 -- Leesville Pond, Worcester

Seen this morning in a quick tour of Leesville Pond: Canada Goose (20); Wood Duck (12); Green-Winged Teal (2); Mallard (13); A. Black Duck (4); Killdeer (pair w/nest); Belted Kingfisher (2); Downy Woodpecker (4); N. Flicker (2); Eastern Phoebe (4); Carolina Wren (3); BLUE-GRAY GNATCATCHER (1m); Ruby-Crowned Kinglet (1); A. Robin (30+); Yellow-Rumped Warbler (5); A. Tree Sparow (2); Song Sparrow (14); White-Throated Sparrow (12); Dark-Eyed Junco (37); Red-Winged Blackbird (12); C. Grackle (40+). Plus: a good number of Muskrats. (report from Mark Lynch/Sheila Carroll).

4/6/00 -- Hodges Village, Oxford

2 Palm Warblers at Hodges in Oxford on an after work walk......a few Pine Warblers singing in the trees...........many Tree Swallows catching insects in flight.........(seems there was a pretty nice midge hatch after the cold weather and wind died down this afternoon)............A nice afternoon to be outside.......... Still waiting for the Rough-winged Swallows to return to the dam................ (report from Paul Meleski).

4/6/00 -- Tatnuck Square, Worcester

Had a lone Chipping Sparrow in my yard this morning (8:15, Tatnuck Sq. area), the first I've seen this year. (report from Howard Shainheit).

4/3/00 -- Peregrine, downtown Worcester

I first spotted the male Peregrine at 3:40 p.m. today, and he is still sitting on the corner of the Flagship Bank Building as I write this (5:05 p.m.). He is at the corner closest to Salem St. and the Common. No female in sight. (report from Jo-Ann).

4/3/00 -- Tatnuck Square, Worcester

A Bald Eagle was observed soaring overhead at 10:30 this morning (details provided). (report from Howard Shainheit).

4/2/00 -- Bolton Flats, Bolton

Nine birders went on a Forbush Bird Club trip lead by Fran McMenemy to Bolton Flats and the Delaney Tract this morning. We had 37 species, including Great Blue Heron (14), Wood Duck (5), Green-winged Teal (7), American Wigeon (2), Pied-billed Grebe, Ring-necked Duck, Common Snipe (approx. 30), Killdeer, Horned Lark (12), E. Phoebe, Tree Swallow, a female Kestrel, Northern Flicker, E. Bluebird, Swamp Sparrow, Brown Creeper, Ruby-crowned Kinglet (2), and Pine Warbler (2). (report from Howard Shainheit).

4/2/00 -- Rowley Hill, Sterling

A Carolina Wren spent a few seconds examining my suet feeder; also back up the hill a winter wren could be heard singing; also seen on the hill were 1 wild turkey, a kettle of 8 turkey vultures and one Coopers hawk. (report from Richard spedding).

4/2/00 -- Barre Falls Dam, Barre

We birded around the Barre Falls Dam/Rutland State Park area first thing Sunday. None of the roads were open even though Coldbrook Road had been un-gated for much of the winter. Consequently, we just birded around the periphery, but did hike in from Intervale Road to the Prison Camp area. Great Blue Heron (2); Canada Goose (9); Wood Duck (4); Mallard (15); Ring-Necked Duck (1); Hooded Merganser (1); Red-Tailed Hawk (1: we spent some time hawkwatching from the upper parking area of Barre Falls Dam, but had nothing in the way of raptors); A. Kestrel (1); Ruffed Grouse (1); Killdeer (1); Hairy Woodpecker (2); Downy Woodpecker (2); N. Flicker (10); E. Phoebe (24); Tree Swallow (23); Blue Jay (24); A. Crow (5); Common Raven (pair at nest); Black-Capped Chickadee (33); Tufted Titmouse (10); Red-Breasted Nuthatch (4); Brown Creeper (4); Winter Wren (2); White Breasted Nuthatch (11); Golden-Crowned Kinglet (4: in one of the usual nesting areas); E. Bluebird (3 pairs); A. Robin (123); Northern Shrike (1 at Prison Camp fields); N. Mockingbird (1); Pine Warbler (8); Song Sparrow (23); Fox Sparrow (1); Savannah Sparrow (2); White-Throated Sparrow (2); Dark-Eyed Junco (25); Red-Winged Blackbird (47); Common Grackle (12); Brown-Headed Cowbird (20); Purple Finch (7); Pine Siskin (pair); A. Goldfinch (5). Plus: lots of beavers; and Wood Frog egg masses

HYCREST POND, STERLING: Thanks to Rick Quimby [via a report from Stanley Selkow], I checked out this small wooded pond in northern Sterling and found it a great site for migrating ducks, especially Ring-Necks. A beautiful spot that I hope escapes development. Pied-Billed Grebe (1); Canada Goose (6); A. Black Duck (2); Mallard (4); Ring-Necked Duck (481); Buffelhead (2); C. Goldeneye (10); Common Merganser (14); Ruddy Duck (1); Turkey Vulture (1); Red-Tailed Hawk (1); A. Kestrel (1); E. Phoebe (3);

STERLING PEAT, STERLING: Canada Goose (37); Green-Winged Teal (6); Mallard (6); Ring-Necked Duck (35); Killdeer (8); C. Snipe (2); Flicker (1); Tree Swallow (8); LOGGERHEAD SHRIKE (1: We were atop the small bluff in the NE corner overlooking Sterling Peat, when I watched a shrike, apparently migrating along , fly high a long distance in from the east. I assumed it, of course, to be a Northern, a bird that often appears here. Luckily the bird dropped down and lit atop a singular tree stub out in the marsh and I was able to get my scope on it. The darker upperparts, fuller, deeper mask especially in the loral area and continuing over the bill, lack of white above the mask, and the stubby all black bill all pointed towards Loggerhead. We watched the bird for a few minutes, and then it fly down off the stub and away west and "outta there". We remained in the area for some time hoping it would return and checked the fields by the airport on the other side of 190, but the bird was obviously "just passing through". It was great having seen a Northern just 2 hours before, making this my first Two Shrike Day in North America.) E. Meadowlark (1). (report from Mark Lynch).

4/1/00 -- Sterling Peat (Muddy Pond Road), Sterling

There were 6 green-wing teal, 24 ring-necked ducks, 2 great blue heron, 8 killdeer, 20 tree swallows, 2 tree sparrows, 3 flickers. Also seen were suckers (fish) about a foot long splashing on their sides in shallows; spawning? Sterling Peat North( Heading north on Greenland Road, Sterling, immediately after going under I-190, cart road west, down field, next to chain link fence, to pond, no cars, MDC land) 1 pair of kestrels, 1 red tailed hawk, 1 turkey vulture, 2 mallards, redwings, grackles, killdeer. (report from Richard Spedding).

4/1/00 -- Broad Meadow Brook Sanctuary, Worcester

I recorded the following species with my class (11 people) at Broad Meadow Brook Wildlife Sanctuary (Worcester) this morning: Turkey Vulture (1); Mallard (10); Red-tailed Hawk (1); Rock Dove (2); Mourning Dove (6); Red-bellied Woodpecker (1); Downy Woodpecker (4); Northern Flicker (4); Eastern Phoebe (1); Blue Jay (10); American Crow (27); Tree Swallow (6); Black-capped Chickadee (9); Tufted Titmouse (8); White-breasted Nuthatch (4); Eastern Bluebird (2 - m+f); American Robin (12); Cedar Waxwing (12); Song Sparrow (18); Dark-eyed Junco (4); Northern Cardinal (4); Red-winged Blackbird (8); Common Grackle (22); Brown-headed Cowbird (4); House Finch (3); American Goldfinch (18). (report from John Liller).

For previous sightings, see March 2000 Archives or Archive Index