April 17-30, 2001 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. Red heading indicates updated information

4/30/01 -- New Swedish Cemetery, Worcester

After 9 a.m., at New Swedish Cemetery, the highlight was a Baltimore Oriole among many of the other species mentioned by Mark Lynch's post for 4/30/01. (report from Joan Zumpfe).

4/30/01 -- Broad Meadow Brook Sanctuary, Worcester

In much better conditions, I recorded the following highlights on a walk this morning: Canada Goose (2 - pair in pond); Wood Duck (1 male); Red-tailed Hawk (1 immature); Ruffed Grouse (1); Wild Turkey (1); Killdeer (2); Hairy Woodpecker (2); GREAT CRESTED FLYCATCHER (1 - earliest record for BMB); House Wren (1); Ruby-crowned Kinglet (3); Eastern Bluebird (3); American Robin (13 - female on nest); Brown Thrasher (3); BLUE-WINGED WARBLER (2); Yellow Warbler (1); Yellow-rumped Warbler (13); BLACK-THROATED GREEN WARBLER (1); BLACK-AND-WHITE WARBLER (1); COMMON YELLOWTHROAT (1); Eastern Towhee (14); Field Sparrow (4); Song Sparrow (17); Brown-headed Cowbird (13); BALTIMORE ORIOLE (1 - earliest record for BMB); (report from John Liller).

4/30/01 -- Leesville Pond, Worcester

A quick, "before-work" check of Leesville Pond had: Canada Goose (2); Wood Duck (10); E. Kingbird (2); N. Rough-winged Swallow (4); Carolina Wren (1); House Wren (1); WARBLING VIREO (1); Yellow-rumped Warbler (c.130+); Palm Warbler (4); Black and White Warbler (2); White-throated Sparrow (c.20+); The turtles weren't hauled out yet in the cold morning air. (report from Mark Lynch/Sheila Carroll).

4/29/01 -- Shrewsbury

On a Forbush Bird Club trip led by Mike Bellows, the following highlights were seen: Double-crested Cormorant 16 (13 were in a migrating straight line formation after re-organizing themselves from a scattered pattern); Great Blue Heron 10 (all on nests at SUASCO); Mute Swan 4 (none on nests); Osprey 2 (1 on nest, at SUASCO); Cooper's Hawk 1; Red-tailed Hawk 4; Belted Kingfisher 1; Red-bellied Woodpecker 1; Northern Flicker 7 ( 1 male was hilarious at Dean Park as he "flicked" wood chips out of a nesting hole, it looked as if he were spitting them out); Eastern Phoebe 4; Eastern Kingbird 1 (Rotary Park); Warbling Vireo (Rotary park); Tree Swallow 17; Northern Rough-winged Swallow 2; Barn Swallow 1; Carolina Wren 1; House Wren 2; Ruby-crowned Kinglet 3; Eastern Bluebird 1; Brown Thrasher 3; Yellow warbler 5; Yellow-rumped warbler 7; Black-throated Green Warbler 1; Eastern Towhee 1; Chipping Sparrow 5; Field Sparrow 2; Savannah Sparrow 1; Song Sparrow 7; Swamp Sparrow 2; Brown-headed Cowbird 4. As we were returning from the walk behind the Post Office grounds a RED FOX was heading toward us, it took a while till it noticed us and looked very surprised, but casually took a turn off the path. Wildflowers: Bluets and Marsh Marigolds. (report from Joan Zumpfe).

4/29/01 -- Gardner Area

Hiltes among 55 species of birds seen and/or heard in the Gardner area this morning, primarily from High Ridge WMA: Green-wing Teal 2; Hooded Merganser 5; Greater yellowlegs 1; Rough-winged Swallow 3; House Wren 3; Blue-gray Gnatcatcher 1; Least Flycatcher 1; Hermit Thrush 3; Rubyc-rn kinglet 4; Blue-headed Vireo 3; Black-throated grn Warb. 2; Blk+Wht Warbler 2; Yellow-rumped Warbler ~10; N. Waterthrush 2; Palm Warbler 1; Purple Finch 2. No groups of warblers to speak of, mostly indiviuals here and there. A Blue Jay perched close by did an excellent Broad-wing hawk vocalization, it took a minute or two of scanning to realize it was a Jay perched 20' away. We both had a good chuckle! (report from Tom Pirro).

4/29/01 -- Rowley Hill, Sterling

A singing blue-winged warbler was back in the overgrown pasture where nesting has probably occured the past three years. Also seen today in Sterling were Louisiana waterthrush, yellow-bellied sapsucker, blue-headed vireo and probably the last junco sighting for Rowley Hill until September. (report from Richard Spedding).

4/29/01 -- Providence, RI

The BIRDING THE BLACKSTONE CORRIDOR class had its first trip today. We started off at SWAN POINT CEMETERY to find that yet another poor migration day was underway here thanks to contrary winds. You had to work for every bird, and there weren't that many birds. We had most of the birds along the river path:
Double-crested Cormorant (65); Wood Duck (1); Common Merganser (1f); Greater Yellowlegs (1); Spotted Sandpiper (1); Red-bellied Woodpecker (2); E. Phoebe (1); Fish Crow (3); Ruby-crowned Kinglet (1); Hermit Thrush (1); Carolina Wren (2); Gray Catbird (1); Blue-headed Vireo (1); Pine Warbler (1); Yellow-rumped Warbler (24); Palm Warbler (3);
INDIA POINT/N. END OF BIKE PATH OVERLOOK: Great Egret (1); Common Goldeneye (1m); Red-breasted Merganser (2); Osprey (pair at nest); Red-tailed Hawk (1); Common Tern (4); House Wren (1); Brown Thrasher (1); Yellow Warbler (3)
WATCHEMOKET COVE, E. PROVIDENCE: Great Egret (1); Mute Swan (an obscene 41); Greater Yellowlegs (2); Common Tern (2)
BULLOCK'S POINT: 8+ nests of MONK PARAKEET seen (and that wasn't all of 'em) and 10+ parakeets watched furiously adding sticks to nests.
SABIN'S POINT, E. PROVIDENCE: Snowy Egret (1); Brant (132); Mute Swan (an even obscener 82); Sanderling (2); N. Rough-winged Swallow (4)
(report from Mark Lynch/Shiela Carroll).

4/29/01 -- Leesville Pond, Worcester

We rushed out at 12:30 pm (we just got home from a Blackstone class trip) to check on a possible Tricolored Heron that had been reported at at Leesville pond this morning. NO sign of the heron at all. We did see: Sharp-shinned Hawk (1); E. Kingbird (2); Yellow-Warbler (1); Yellow-rumped Warbler (60+); Black-throated Green Warbler (1); Palm Warbler (5+). Probably the most interesting sighting was close views of a RED-EARED SLIDER (Trachemys scripta elegans). This large turtle of the Mississippi River drainage was often sold as pets in the 50s and 60s, and there are many introduced populations and individuals. We had (and photoed) the turtle on the big tree in the water at the bend in the pond on the right as you go in. The turtle can be recognized by: (1) LARGE size, dramatically bigger than Painted Turtles; (2) Bright red "ear" in back of eye, unique to this species. This area is yellow in Painted Turtles. (3) Large black spots on belly. Painted Turtles have yellow/orange bellies.
At 5:30 PM, we again searched Leesville Pond for the Tricolored Heron, again finding nothing. We then searched several ponds in Auburn including: Dark Brook Reservoir, Eddy Pond and Stoneville Reservoir with little to show for it. I should also mention, that after checking Leesville at 12:30 PM, we also checked the marsh between Notre Dame Cemetery and Hadwin Park and Curtis Pond and turned up nothing. (report from Mark Lynch/Sheila Carroll).

4/29/01 -- Hodges Village, Oxford

Highlights of sightings from Hodges today: 4 Wood Duck (1 pair in nest box); 2 Hooded Merganser (pair); 3 Red-shouldered Hawk (1 calling to other two); 6 House Wren; 3 Ruby-crowned Kinglet; 4 Eastern Bluebird (pair nest building); 1 Gray Catbird; 3 Brown Thrasher; 3 Yellow Warbler; 14 Yellow-rumped Warbler; 1 Black-throated Green Warbler; 4 Pine Warbler; 1 Prairie Warbler; 1 Ovenbird; 1 Northern Waterthrush; 1 Louisiana Waterthrush; 8 Eastern Towhee; 4 Field Sparrow; 6 Swamp Sparrow; 1 Rusty Blackbird (male hanging with a female Red-winged); Mustelid of the day: 1 Mink (report from Paul Meleski).

4/28/01 -- Westboro area

A Forbush Bird Club trip led by Ann Boover was held primarily in the town of Westboro at Bartlett Pond, Big and Little Chauncy, Mass Wildlife and Westboro State Hospital properties and Cedar Hill. HIghlights included: Double-crested Cormorant 4 (the crests were very prominent on 1 adult at Little Chaucy); Mute Swan 1; Wood Duck 5; Bufflehead 7 (Little Chauncy); Sharp-shinned Hawk 1; Cooper's Hawk 1; Broad-winged Hawk 1; American Kestrel 1; Ring-necked Pheasant 1; Killdeer 2; Great Black-backed Gull 2; Northern Flicker 10; Eastern Phoebe 5; Eastern Kingbird 1; Blue-headed Vireo 2; Warbling Vireo 1; Tree Swallow 50; Northern Rough-winged Swallow 1; Barn swallow 8; House Wren 1; Ruby-crowned Kinglet 1; Blue-gray Gnatcatcher 7; Eastern Bluebird 3; Gray Catbird 1; Brown Thrasher 3; Cedar Waxwing 8; Blue-winged Warbler 3; Northern Parula 1; Yellow warbler 8; Yellow-rumped Warbler 5; Pine Warbler 1; Eastern Towhee 15; Chipping Sparrow 1; Savannah Sparrow 3; Song Sparrow 11; Swamp Sparrow 1; White-throated Sparrow 2; Brown-headed Cowbird 5. Wildflowers: Wood Anemone. Fiddlehead Ferns (report from Joan Zumpfe).

4/28/01 -- Broad Meadow Brook Sanctuary, Worcester

In less than ideal wind conditions, I recorded the following highlights with my class this morning: Wood Duck (pair in a tree); Red-tailed Hawk (1 immature); Tree Swallow (8); HOUSE WREN (1); Eastern Bluebird (4); BROWN THRASHER (2); YELLOW WARBLER (3); Yellow-rumped Warbler (3); Palm Warbler (1); NORTHERN WATERTHRUSH (1); Eastern Towhee (10); Field Sparrow (5); Song Sparrow (12); Red-winged Blackbird (17 - including one without tail feathers); Brown-headed Cowbird (8). (report from John Liller).

4/28/01 -- Lake Quaboag, Brookfields

We went to Lake Quaboag to try to see the Bald Eagles that have been reported from there. We had zip luck in the early PM, though we did see what may be the "first try" nest high in a pine at the far edge of the Lake. We worked here and at South Pond (Quacunquasitt) for more than an hour with no luck on the eagles. Also seen in area: Great Blue Heron (2); Mute Swan (1); Turkey Vulture (3); Red-tailed Hawk (1); Red-shouldered Hawk (1); and lots of fishermen. (report from Mark Lynch).

4/28/01 -- Barre Falls dam/Rutland SP parcel

The gates to the roads at Barre Falls Dam are now open, so we decided to run one of our standard bird surveys. We started in the city of Worcester with a sighting of (9) Turkey Vultures rising from the small woodlot adjacent to the Flagg Street School, a pretty urban location for a vulture roost. The weather at Barre Falls Dam was cold and windy, making birding difficult. At least the snow seems to have gone. Shrubs and trees looked about 1-2 weeks behind Worcester. Most breeding early migrants had yet to return.
Great Blue Heron (5 birds /4 occ.nests); Canada Goose (7); Wood Duck (4); Mallard (8); A. Black Duck (2); Hooded Merganser (2 f: possible breeders); Turkey Vulture (3); Red-tailed Hawk (1); NOTE: we spent a wee bit of time at the traditional hawk spot with nothing to show for it. Not surprising with north winds and clear skies. Mourning Dove (11); Belted Kingfisher (2); Downy Woodpecker (8); N. Flicker (7); E. Phoebe (4: low); Tree Swallow (76); Blue Jay (20); A. Crow (1: never THAT common in the immediate area); C. Raven (pair attending nest); Black-capped Chickadee (134: several seen attending/creating nests); Tufted Titmouse (10); Red-breasted Nuthatch (17); White-breasted Nuthatch (6); Brown Creeper (11); Winter Wren (1); Golden-crowned Kinglet (14: many of these will stay to breed); Ruby-crowned Kinglet (22); Blue-gray Gnatcatcher (2); E. Bluebird (5); Hermit Thrush (17: none singing); A. Robin (75); E. Starling (10: normally a very uncommon bird here); Blue-headed Vireo (23: many of these are probable breeders); Yellow Warbler (3); Yellow-rumped Warbler (237); Black-throated Green warbler (10); Pine Warbler (39); Palm Warbler (19); Black and White Warbler (3); Louisiana Waterthrush (2); N. Cardinal (4); E. Towhee (16); Chipping Sparrow (33); Field Sparrow (3); Savannah Sparrow (2); Song Sparrow (18); Swamp Sparrow (9); White-throated Sparrow (16); Red-winged Blackbird (63); C. Grackle (40); Brown-headed Cowbird (18); Purple Finch (7); Pine Siskin (2); A. Goldfinch (28); Evening Grosbeak (3: probable breeders). PLUS: A plethora of Red Squirrels; many, many, many egg masses in several vernal pools, both Wood Frog and Spotted Salamander; only heard a few Spring Peepers.; (1) E. Garter Snake; several E. Painted Turtles in out of the wind places; (1) Mourning Cloak; (1) American Lady (very dull and worn); (2) Spring Azures and our first Wood Anemones of the year. (report from Mark Lynch/Sheila Carroll).

4/27/01 -- Wachusett Meadows Wildlife Sanctuary, Princeton

During this evenings woodcock program, a whip-poor-will was heard loud and clear from our north meadow. This is not a first for here, but it has been absent for several years. Hopefully it will stay for a while. Also, the woodcock displays have been the best in several years. Tonight five individuals at one time. (report from Dick Knowlton)

4/27/01 -- Worcester cemeteries

In addition to many of the sightings mentioned by Mark Lynch, at New Swedish Cemetery, I had my first Blue-winged Warbler and Common Yellowthroat (a male), 4 bright and crisp White-throated Sparrows, 20 Red-winged Blackbirds ( 8 of which were female types all together). At Notre Dame Cemetery, the best sighting for me were 4 Savannah Sparrows, at first all sitting in 1 tree, but eventually did some ground feeding. I saw a Northern Flicker fly toward a nesting hole. (report from Joan Zumpfe).

4/27/01 -- River Bend Farm, Uxbridge/Worc. Cemeteries

All locations in the BLACKSTONE CORRIDOR. A poor migration day this morning, at least at the areas we hit. We started the morning hiking the tow path trail at River Bend Farm. Weather was cold and overcast. Migrants were surprisingly few: Great Blue Heron (2); Canada Goose (1); Red-tailed Hawk (1); Downy Woodpecker (6); N. Flicker (7); E. Phoebe (1); Tree Swallow (6); N. Rough-winged Swallow (1); Carolina Wren (2); Blue-gray Gnatcatcher (3); Ruby-crowned Kinglet (1); Brown Thrasher (1); Cedar Waxwing (33); Yellow Warbler (1); Yellow-rumped Warbler (7); Palm Warbler (1); Chipping Sparrow (10); Field Sparrow (1); Song Sparrow (21)
FISHERVILLE POND, GRAFTON: Somewhat surprisingly, the water level is down and lots of edge and mud showing. Looks great for shorebirds, but all we found were: Double-crested Cormorant (1); Great Blue Heron (1); Canada Goose (12); Killdeer (1); Belted Kingfisher (1); Yellow Warbler (1)
We decided to try our luck in the cemeteries of SW Worcester: LEESVILLE POND: Wood Duck (4); Red-tailed Hawk (1 mobbed by crows); Killdeer (1); E. Phoebe (1) E. Kingbird (2) N. Rough-winged Swallow (2); Carolina Wren (1); Ruby-crowned Kinglet (3); N. Parula (1); Yellow-rumped Warbler (94); Palm Warbler (5); Field Sparrow (1); Joan Zumpfe had a C. Yellowthroat, but we couldn't find it. Sheila counted over 65 E. Painted Turtles in just the small cul-de-sac water just to the right when you first drive in.
HOPE CEMETERY: Very poor. Killdeer (pair w/nest); Blue-headed Vireo (1)
NOTRE DAME CEMETERY: also poor. Canada Goose (2); Wood Duck (1); Red-tailed Hawk (1); Killdeer (1); Carolina Wren (1); Gray Catbird (1); Yellow Warbler (1); Yellow-rumped Warbler (4); Palm Warbler (2); Pine Warbler (across river at Hadwin: 2); The most interesting bird was a leucistic Song Sparrow that had a fairly white head, some white/light splotches on the upper parts, and reduced streaking on breast. Luckily it sang. (report from Mark Lynch/Sheila Carroll).

4/27/01 -- Kettlebrook Reservoirs, Leicester/Paxton

At Kettlebrook Reservoir#2 there was a Red-tailed Hawk, a Great Blue Heron, 2 Canadian Geese, and 25 Common Mergansers (21f, 4m). At Kettlebrook#4, there were another dozen or so Common Mergansers. (report from Brian Mulhearn)

4/27/01 -- Institute Park, Worcester

The (presumed same) BLACK-CROWNED NIGHT-HERON (adult) was still present at 12:30 pm, at the mouth of the inlet stream on the far shore. Other highlights included 5 Double-crested Cormorants, 1 Great Blue Heron, 2 Wood Ducks (pair), 1 Belted Kingfisher, 2 Yellow-rumped Warblers (1m, 1f), 1 Pine Warbler, and 1 Palm Warbler. (report from Rick Quimby).

4/26/01 -- Wilder Brook, Sterling

I have heard the Louisiana waterthrush singing every day since its arrival April 17th. Also seen (today) was a hermit thrush, 2 bluebirds and a Coopers hawk. (report from Richard Spedding).

4/26/01 -- Bolton Flats, Bolton

From 7:00-9:00 there were these highlights, among 34 species: 3 Wood Ducks, 100+ Green-winged Teal, 6 Ring-necked ducks, 3 Virginia Rails (Bart Kamp had just joined me, and as we stood there, two of them circled around us almost at our feet, calling. We tried for Sora, with no luck), 4 Greater Yellowlegs, 10 Common Snipe, 5 Northern Rough-winded Swallows, 2 Bank Swallows, 1 Warbling Vireo, 2 Yellow Warblers (m, singing), 5 Yellow-rumped Warblers, 1 Palm Warbler, 15 Savannah Sparrows, and 1 White-throated Sparrow. (report from Rick Quimby).

4/26/01 -- SW cemeteries, city of Worcester

This morning, a quick "before work" check of Leesville Pond/New Swedish Cemetery had the following: Canada Goose (2); Wood Duck (5); Mallard (2); Killdeer (2); Belted Kingfisher (1); Chimney Swift (2); E. Phoebe (2); E. Kingbird (1); Tree Swallow (2); N. Rough-winged Swallow (2); House Wren (2); Gray Catbird (2); Blue-headed Vireo (1)
WARBLERS: Blue-winged (1); Nashville (2); N. Parula (2); Yellow (3); Yellow-rumped (130+); Pine (2); Palm (8); Field Sparrow (1); Chipping Sparrow (8); Song Sparrow (6); White-throated Sparrow (15+);
At adjacent HOPE CEMETERY: Red-tailed Hawk (1); Killdeer (4, 1 on nest marked by red cone); House Wren (3); WARBLERS: Yellow (1); Nashville (1); Yellow-rumped (53); Black-throated Green (2); Palm (3). (report from Mark Lynch/Sheila Carroll).

4/26/01 -- Gardner

Hilites from some road side stops along this morning off Raymond and Kelton Streets in gardner were: Common Loon 2 (1 Lake Wompanoag 1 crystal Lake); Wild Turkey 1; C. Flicker 3 including a pair excavating a nest hole; Brown Creeper 3; Ruby-crn Kinglet 2; Hermit Thrush 1; Pine Warbler 2; Yellow Rumped-Warb. many there song was heard on all stops I made; Northern Waterthrush 1; Pine Siskin 2; Purple Finch 2; E. Towhee 2; White-throated Sparrow 10+ signing; (report from Tom Pirro).

4/25/01 -- Gillespie Rd, Charlton

I arrived at work this AM and was greeted by a group of mixed species migrants. Included in the bunch: 1 Blue-headed Vireo; 1 Louisiana Waterthrush; 1 Black-throated Green Warbler; 1 Black-and-white Warbler; 1 Palm Warbler; 25 Yellow-rumped Warbler. (report from Paul Meleski).

4/25/01 -- Worcester Area

At 9:30 this morning at New Swedish Cemetery there were 2 drake Wood Ducks, 3 Tree Swallows, 3 Northern Rough-winged Swallows (2 were perched), 4 Northern Flickers, 2 Northern Parula Warblers, 1 Palm Warbler, 18 Yellow-rumped Warblers, 2 Chipping Sparrows and 1 Tree Sparrow.
Around 10:30 a.m., at Notre Dame Cemetery, there was 1 Killdeer, 2 Northern Flickers, 2 Carolina Wrens, 35 Yellow-rumped Warblers, 1 Black-and white Warbler and a male Brown-headed Cowbird.
Sitting on a wire fence on Webster Street near the old Fire Station was a Northern Rough-winged Swallow. At Curtis Pond there were 3 Double-crested Cormorants.
At Boynton Park, around noon, I heard a Barred Owl call. Fran McMenemy heard 2 Barred Owls there yesterday.
At 4 p.m.,at Broad Meadow Brook, at first I saw only American Robins, but was delightfully surprised to see 2 Yellow Warblers darting across the path along the brook. I also heard 1 Ruffed Grouse drumming, Song Sparrows, Red-winged Blackbirds and Northern Cardinal. I saw 4 Northern Flickers, 1 Brown Thrasher, several Black-capped Chickadees and many American Goldfinch. (report from Joan Zumpfe).

4/25/01 -- Oakwood Ln., Worcester

I had a male Rose-breasted Grosbeak, in crisp breeding plumage, at my feeder this afternoon. I also had a Great Blue Heron fly over, the 91st species that I have recorded from my yard. (report from John Liller).

4/25/01 -- Midstate Trail, Rutland

Still patches of ice and snow around. Today observed, Hermit Thrush[6], Ruffed Grouse[1], Red-breasted Nuthatch[1pr], Dark-Eyed Junco[4], Blue-headed Vireo[2] Brown-headed Cowbird[1pr], and Yellow-rumped Warblers[4]. Later at Kettlebrook Reservoir NO. 2,(route 56 and Manville St. Leicester) there were 8 Common Mergansers, 6f, 2m. (report from Brian Mulhearn).

4/25/01 -- Bolton Flats/Barre Falls Dam, Bolton/Barre

Bolton Flats: The entrance to the route 117 parking lot is almost dry. Knee boots are still required to get through the second water hazzard and the area to the east of the cornfield. The cornfield itself can be walked if you weigh less than 160 pounds. The Glossy Ibis was seen in the area east of the cornfield. A Virginia Rail was calling at the gas line break. [Ed. note: I presume Bart means a break in the vegetation, not in the gas line!]. The only shorebirds were 2 Greater Yellowlegs. The Common Snipe are in the flooded tall weeds north of the "T". There are at least 100 Green-winged Teal there. Both Barn and Bank Swallows were feeeding with the Tree Swallows.
Barre Falls: Migrating today were 3 Broadwing Hawks, 1 Northern Harrier, 1 Sharp-shinned Hawk and 1 BLACK VULTURE. (report from Bart Kamp).

4/25/01 -- Institute Park, Worcester

Highlights at noon today included 4 Double-crested Cormorants, 2 Great Blue Herons, 1 BLACK-CROWNED NIGHT-HERON (adult), 1 Wood Duck (m), and 1 Belted Kingfisher. (report from Rick Quimby).

4/25/01 -- Gardner

Hilites of birds seen and or heard along Raymond Street in gardner this morning: Common Loon 2 terr. pair on Lake Wompanoag most lakes and ponds have only been ice-free for a few days.; Ruffed grouse 1 drumming; Wild Turkey 1 Gobbling; Common Flicker 3; Red-br. nuthatch 1; Hermit Thrush 1; Ruby-crn Kinglet 1; Yellow-R. Warbler 16; Eastern Towhee 2; I could hear the Turkey , Grouse and Loons from the same spot which was nice. (report from Tom Pirro).

4/24/01 -- Lake Quaboag, Brookfields

This is an update on the eagles at Lake Quaboag. Brad Blodget spoke to Fran McMenemy tonight. He said that the immature and the adult eagles are a mated pair and are indeed "Setting up Housekeeping" (building a nest). Egg laying will most likely occur next year when the immature has reached full maturity. It takes a while for them to build their huge nest and often spend a year or two getting it ready and getting adjusted to each other. (report from Joan Zumpfe).

4/24/01 -- Broad Meadow Brook Sanctuary, Worcester

An morning walk today yielded 32 species on the Brookside loop and down the power lines a bit. Highlights were Ruffed Grouse (1), Wild Turkey (2), Blue-headed Vireo (1), E. Bluebird (2), Gray Catbird (1), Brown Thrasher (1), Yellow-rumped and Palm Warblers (3, 1), E. Towhee (7), and a possible Warbling Vireo. 'Tis nice out there. (report from Howard Shainheit).

4/24/01 -- Bolton Flats, Bolton

This morning at 8:00 a.m. I saw one Glossy Ibis. Bart Kamp soon joined me and he found one Am. Pipit. We saw two greater yellow legs and one yellow warbler. (report from Warren Jewell).

----------------------interview with Greg Budney of Cornell

On SUNDAY, MAY 13th at 5 PM, WICN (90.5 FM) will air my talk with GREG BUDNEY, curator of the internationally important Macaulay Library of Natural Sounds at Cornell University. Greg details the history of recording bird calls and songs (recording birds in the 1930's sounds like it was a hopeless task), talks about the technical evolution of recording bird songs, and the far reaching mission of the library (they store more than just BIRD songs). Greg also talks about the library's latest release: 2 CDs of Andean bird songs and 3 CDs of Amazonian bird songs, all state of the art, and each with many species never before recorded. WICN is webcast. (submitted by Mark Lynch)

4/24/01 -- High Ridge WMA, Gardner

A quick walk into the Smith Street street gate at High Ridge WMA this morning was fairly quiet, but I did see 2 House Wrens and an Eastern Kingbird (my earliest date in northern central mass by 6 days). No warblers. (report from Tom Pirro).

4/24/01 -- Leesville, Bancroft Tower Hill, Worcester

An extremely quick tour of Leesville Pond this AM had a few birds. Highlights included: Canada Goose (2); Wood Duck (1); Mallard (5); Killdeer (2); N. Flicker (4); House Wren (1); Ruby-crowned Kinglet (4); Hermit Thrush (1); Yellow-rumped Warbler (34); Rick and Barbara Walker reported (3) GREEN HERONS here yesterday.
Back at Bancroft Tower Hill, there seemed to be only a few migrants: E. Phoebe (2); Blue-gray Gnatcatcher (1); Yellow-rumped Warbler (14: many flying out);
At home, a House Wren was in the back yard. Tomorrow's south-west winds should bring a better variety of migrants in. (report from Mark Lynch).

4/23/01 -- Barre Falls Dam, Barre

Hawks migrating at Barre Falls today were 6 Turkey Vultures, 1 Bald Eagle, 1 Northern Harrier, 4 Osprey, 5 Sharp-shinned Hawks, 333 Broadwings, 1 Merlin and 7 Kestrels. (report from Bart Kamp).

4/23/01 -- Asnebumskit Hill, Paxton

On a midday walk up and down Asnebumskit Hill in Paxton there were 4 White-Throated Sparrows, 6 Eastern Towhees, 1 Turkey Vulture, 1 Common Raven, 1 Hermit Thrush, and 1 Pileated Woodpecker. Later at Webster Square Plaza near Main Street there were 2 Red-Tailed Hawks and 4 Chimney Swifts. (report from Brian Mulhearn).

4/22/01 -- Forbush Bird Club Trip / Oxford & Dudley

The Forbush Bird Club trip led by Paul Meleski was attended by 11 members on a beautiful, sunny and warm day at Hodges Village in Oxford and on Marsh Road and Pierpont Mass Audubon Sanctuary in Dudley. The following highlights were seen: Double-crested Cormorant 140 ( 2 migrating groups); Turkey Vulture 3; Wood Duck 4; Ring-necked Duck 2 (1 pr); Common Merganser 4 (2 pr); Broad-winged Hawk 2; Red-tailed Hawk 2; American Kestrel 1; Wild Turkey 4 ( all Toms, seen closely, irridescent feathering shone in the sun, deep head colors of purple and red); Killdeer 1; Belted Kingfisher 2; Red-bellied Woodpecker 1; Hairy Woodpecker 1; Northern Flicker 10; Eastern Phoebe 8; Common Raven 1; Tree Swallow 15; No. Rough-winged Swallow 6; Barn Swallow 2; Red-breasted Nuthatch 1; Brown Creeper 6 (singing); Ruby-crowned Kinglet 3; Blue-gray Gnatcatcher 1; Eastern Bluebird 4; Brown Thrasher 2 (singing); Yellow-rumped Warbler 4; Pine Warbler 7; Black-and-white Warbler 1; Louisiana Waterthrush 1; Eastern Towhee 4; Chipping Sparrow 6; Song Sparrow 12; Swamp Sparrow 8; White-throated Sparrow 3; Brown-headed Cowbird 21; Purple Finch 1;
A Mourning Cloak butterfly was seen. A Meadow Vole entertained the group when it was in the same walking path and tried to find a place to hide. It found a pile of leaves and hid its face like an Ostrich but forgot to pull in its back end. The group especially enjoyed hearing the Louisiana Waterthrush and the Brown Thrashers, seeing the migrating Cormorants, the cooperative Barn Swallows and the Wild Turkeys in the sunlight. (report from Joan Zumpfe).

4/22/01 -- Swan Point Cem/Buck Hill WMA, RI

Things were a little slow at Swan Point Cemetery (Providence) this AM. Decent numbers of birders were out, but birds were few. We stayed only a short time, didn't do the Seekonk River, and had the following: Red-tailed Hawk (1); Belted Kingfisher (1 overhead); Red-bellied Woodpcker (1 or 2 pair); Yellow-bellied Sapsucker (2); N. Flicker (6); E. Phoebe (5); Fish Crow (1); Golden-crowned Kinglet (6); Ruby-crowned Kinglet (17); Blue-gray Gnatcatcher (2); Hermit Thrush (9); Yellow-rumped Warbler (11); Palm Warbler (1); E. Towhee (7); White-throated Sparrow (60+). Many of the birds appeared on the move.
We were at Buck Hill WMA (Burrillville) in the extreme NW corner of the state by mid-morning, and already it was hot. Foliage here was not out as much at all as in Providence. Great Blue Heron (1 on nest); Canada Goose (4: on epair looking to nest on beaver lodge); Wood Duck (1); Mallard (1); Red-shouldered Hawk (2. 1 did an amazing acrobatic flight display, calling constantly, while another called below); Killdeer (1 looked like it wanted to nest on a small grassy area by the pond. This doesn't look like a great area for a Killdeer); Downy Woodpecker (4); Hairy Woodpecker (2); N. Flicker (2); E. Phoebe (5); Tree Swallow (15+); N. Rough-winged Swallow (1); Golden-crowned Kinglet (5); Ruby-crowned Kinglet (4); Blue-gray Gnatcatcher (3); Hermit Thrush (6: some singing); Blue-headed Vireo (3); Yellow-rumped Warbler (12); Pine Warbler (2); Black and White Warbler (1); Chipping Sparrow (2); Field Sparrow (1); E. Towhee (3); White-throated Sparrow (7).
PLUS: Spring Azure (14); Mourning Cloak (8). Many E. Painted Turtles; many Wood Frog egg masses and some that looked like Spotted Salamander egg masses, but I couldn't get too close. Spring Peepers and my first calling Gray Tree Frogs of the year. (report from Mark Lynch/Sheila Carroll).

4/21/01 -- Gardner Area

Hilites among 53 species seen saturday morning in the Gardner area follow: Osprey 1 caught a pickerel in templeton; Green Wing teal 5 Smith Street marsh @ High Ridge; Wood Duck 12; Hooded Merganser 7; C. Flicker 10+; Winter Wren 2; Ruby Crn Kinglet 5; golden Crn Kinglet 1; Blue-gray Gnatcatcher 1; Hermit Thrush 1; Yellow-Rump Warbler 3; Palm Warbler 1; Pine Warbler 1; Am. Tree Sparrow 1. (report from Tom Pirro).

4/21/01 -- Petersham/Tom Swamp Forbush Bird Club Trip

Fran McMenemy led the Forbush Bird Club trip which started in Petersham Center at 8 a.m. The weather was calm and in the mid 40's at first and ended in the high 50's with an occasional 15 mph wind. Some snow was on the trails and bird song was minimal. Most of the trip took place walking around Tom Swamp. A bright Spring Azure was a first for the year for the Butterfly Watchers and enjoyed by all of us. The following highlights were seen: Wood Duck 10 (one pair was observed perched in a tree); Hooded Merganser 4; Common Merganser 5; Turkey Vulture 1; Red-tailed Hawk 1; Broad-winged Hawk 1; Osprey 1; (new Wild Turkey tracks in mud which was flooded yesterday); Killdeer 2; Belted Kingfisher 1; Common Flicker 1; Eastern Phoebe 2; Tree Swallow 20; Common Raven 1; Yellow-rumped Warbler 12; Pine Warbler 15; Palm Warbler 2; Chipping Sparrow 1; White-throated Sparrow 1; Swamp sparrow 2; Song Sparrow 12; (report from Joan Zumpfe).

4/21/01 -- Lake Quaboag, Brookfields

Fran McMenemy and I checked out the Lake Quaboag area to follow up on the news article showing someone there observing nesting Bald Eagles. Fran spotted the first eagle, an Immature but quite advanced with much white on the head back and tail, projecting a mottled appearance. We watched it attempt, several times, to catch a fish. It briefly had a heavy one in it's talons but lost it. It must have gotten tired because it perched and rested. A relatively short distance from where the immature perched in a bare deciduous tree, Fran spotted an adult Bald eagle also perched but in a fir tree. Fran believes if there were nesting adult Bald Eagles in that area, that the Immature one would not be tolerated, but someday there most likely will be a pair nesting at the lake. We also had an adult Common Loon. There were no other waterfowl, but several people in boats fishing the lake. (report from Joan Zumpfe).

4/21/01 -- Coldbrook Road, Oakham

Fran McMenemy, Barbara and Rick Walker and I stopped at Coldbrook Road in Oakham . Fran had heard Evening Grosbeaks there yesterday (4/20). We started out hearing Purple Finches, Blue-headed Vireo, Northern Cardinal and Golden-crowned Kinglets. We could hear the Grosbeaks and suddenly Barbara spotted them chasing each other. They setlled down and gave us fantastic looks. We saw males and females and heard them call. We also had a quick fly-by Blue-gray Gnatcatcher and heard a Ruffed Grouse drumming.
In Worcester near the area on Olean Street, where Howard Shainheit had the Pileateds, we saw 2 Red-bellied Woodpeckers.
At the pond near Cheapo Depot in Leicester, we saw 1 adult Mute Swan and a Belted Kingfisher. A local family told us the other swan was on a nest that would may be difficult to see unless you were in a boat. (report from Joan Zumpfe).

4/21/01 -- Assabet Conservation Area, Westboro

Highlights included ; Great Blue Heron [18]; Mute Swan [2]; Canada Goose {2]; Ring-neck Duck [2]; Osprey [2-pair on nest];Hairy Woodpecker [2]; Tree Swallow [33]; Eastern Bluebird [1]; Yellow-rumped Warbler [13]; Pine Warbler [3]; Palm Warbler [10] of 22 species seen. All nests seemed to be occupied by GB Herons, no sign of the Great Horned Owl. (report from Dan & Deb Berard).

4/21/01 -- Broad Meadow Brook wildlife Sanctuary, Worcester

I recorded the following highlights with my class at Broad Meadow Boork Wildlife Sanctuary: AMERICAN KESTREL (2 - female + male(?)); Wild Turkey (2 - both calling); Red-bellied Woodpecker (3); Hairy Woodpecker (3); Northern Flicker (13); Eastern Phoebe (2); Tree Swallow (6); Carolina Wren (1); Ruby-crowned Kinglet (2); BLUE-GRAY GNATCATCHER (1); Eastern Bluebird (3); Yellow-rumped Warbler (2); Palm Warbler (1); EASTERN TOWHEE (1); Field Sparrow (5); Song Sparrow (19); Swamp Sparrow (1); White-throated Sparrow (3); Red-winged Blackbird (44); Brown-headed Cowbird (22); (report from John Liller).

4/21/01 -- Institute Park, Worcester

At 1:00 pm there were 3 Double-crested Cormorants, 1 Red-tailed Hawk carrying sticks (nesting material?), 1 Brown Thrasher, 1 Black-throated Green Warbler (heard singing), and 1 Pine Warbler, among 24 species. The waterfowl show here seems to be over for the spring. (report from Rick Quimby).

4/20/01 -- Barre Falls Dam, Barre

At Barre Falls feeding along the river above the dam was an American Pipit and calling while flying bye was a Fish Crow. The migrating hawks were 5 Osprey, 6 Sharp-shinned Hawks, 29 Broadwings, 2 Turkey Vultures, 8 Kestrels and 1 Bald Eagle. (report from Bart Kamp).

4/20/01 -- Wachusett Reservoir, Boylston

On Thursday (4/19) night, returning home from Bolton Flats, we stopped by South Bay at Wachusett Reservoir and noticed, looking north, thousands of gulls on the water at a great distance. Tonite at 5:30 PM we were at Scar Hill Cliffs (off Scar Hill Rd, off Rt. 70) in Boylston to hopefully count gulls. Lighting is always a problem in the PM at this site, obscuring a bit of the view. Luckily, at least initially, the gulls were perched on rocks a bit to the north. BUT: There were nowhere near as many gulls as we had seen the night before, BUT there were some interesting ones. The gulls were very restless,often taking to the air like they "were outta here". Later, some rested on the water, but many more left north. Common Loon (11); Horned Grebe (1); Double-crested Cormorant (19); Canada Goose (5); Mallard (5); Ring-necked Duck (136); Common Merganser (38); BONAPARTE'S GULL (1 1stS); Ring-billed Gull (600+); ICELAND GULL (1 1stS+: this was a real surprise and is a pretty late record for the county); Herring Gull (170+); LESSER BLACK-BACKED GULL (1 adS); Great Black-backed Gull (40+); Pileated Woodpecker (1); Hermit Thrush (3: none singing); Pine Warbler (2); Palm Warbler (a group of 9 feeding around us, digging into the dead leaves and flycatching). (report from Mark Lynch/Sheila Carroll).

4/20/01 -- High Ridge WMA (Westminster section), Gardner

I did a little pre-work birding along the road from the prison entrance to the overlook Rd entrance at High Ridge this AM. The following are the hilites: E. Bluebird 6; RC Kinglet 5; Chipping Sparrow 5; Savanaha Sparrow 1; VESPER SPARROW 1; Palm Warbler 1; Flicker 5; E. Phoebe 2; Tree Swallow many. (report from Tom Pirro).

4/20/01 -- Leesville Pond/Bancroft Tower, Worcester

A very quick "before work" check of Leesville Pond/New Swedish Cemetery this morning revealed a modest movement of early migrants. BTW: It was COLD. The birdbath was frozen. Great Blue Heron (1); Wood Duck (13); Green-winged Teal (3); Killdeer (pair mating); Tree Swallow (1); Ruby-crowned Kinglet (14); Yellow-rumped Warbler (44); Pine Warbler (3); Palm Warbler (6); Chipping Sparrow (7); White-throated Sparrow (12); Dark-eyed Junco (1)
On the way back home, we checked Bancroft Tower Hill, a small city park a block from my house: E. Phoebe (3); Ruby-crowned Kinglet (3); Blue-gray Gnatcatcher (2); Yellow-rumped Warbler (7); Pine Warbler (1); A flock of 20 Cedar Waxwings are working hard on a small patch of holly in the back yard. (report from Mark Lynch/Sheila Carroll).

4/19/01 -- Bolton Flats, Bolton

The water level is down of the falts, but you will still need wellies (at least) to get in the main entrance and the mud is treacherous. Also, as Bart Kamp has reported, when you do walk in, you flush EVERYTHING just as you start to get out to the fields. In an hour of scoping from the roads, early evening: Great Blue Heron (1); Canada Goose (18); Wood Duck (73); Green-winged Teal (72); Mallard (102); A. Black Duck (6); Blue-winged Teal (21); Ring-necked Duck (18); Turkey Vulture (5); Killdeer (15); Common Snipe (22); Greater Yellowlegs (1); Red-winged Blackbird (200+); C. Grackle (40+). (report from Mark Lynch/Sheila Carroll).

4/19/01 -- Hadwen Park, Worcester

Midday at Hadwen Park there were Blue Gray Gnatcatcher[1], Ruby-Crowned Kinglet[1], Palm Warbler[5], Pine Warbler[4], Yellow-Rumped Warbler[7], Belted Kingfisher[1], Dark-Eyed Junco[2], Eastern Phoebe[2], Brown-Headed Cowbird[3], Red-Tailed Hawk[1 adult 1 imm.], Tree Swallow[22], Rough-Winged Swallow[1], Northern Flicker[2]. (report from Brian Mulhearn).

4/19/01 -- north Ashburnham

While working in the woods today in north Ashburnham I observed a mixture of winter birds and a few spring arrivals. Highlights included 4 evening grosbeaks, 1 pine siskin, 6 turkey vultures, 1 broadwing hawk, 2 phoebes and 4 hermit thrushes. Winter is still trying to hang on in this area. While the snow has melted in the open there is still almost complete snowcover in the woods. I still had to use my snowshoes today to get around. The 4 hermit thrushes were all clustered together in a small seep that was one of the few bare patches. (report from Chuck Caron).

4/19/01 -- Providence/E. Providence

We started out at SWAN POINT CEMETERY (part of the Blackstone Corridor). Migrants were scarce, but walking the trail in the cemetery along the Seekonk River: Double-crested Cormorant (42); Mute Swan (8); Wood Duck (2); Mallard (4); A. Black Duck (22); Buffelhead (32); Common Merganser (5); BLACK-HEADED GULL (1 1stS still with Ring-billed Gulls); Red-bellied Woodpecker (1); Ruby-crowned Kinglet (4); Fish Crow (1); PLUS: Mourning Cloak (1)
at INDIA POINT, PROVIDENCE (Blackstone Corridor): Double-crested Cormorant (8); Mute Swan (6); Brant (32); A. Wigeon (4); Mallard (6); A. Black Duck (6); Greater Scaup (3); Bufflehead (2); Osprey (pair nest building furiously); Greater Yellowlegs (1); CASPIAN TERN (1 brPl: this was resting on the stony bar exposed at low tide just south of the pilings visible from India and Bold Point Parks and from the north bike path parking lot); Tree Swallow (10)
Then south and out (but just) of the Blackstone Corridor: WATCHEMOKET COVE (in the words of Chuck Jones: "Quelle Pew!!!"); Double-crested Cormorant (1); Mute Swan (28); Brant (6); Buffelhead (5); Red-breasted Merganser (18); Greater Yellowlegs (2)
SABIN'S POINT, E. PROVIDENCE: Horned Grebe (2 brPl); Double-crested Cormorant (7); Mute Swan (20); Brant (169); Greater Scaup (70); Buffelhead (28); PLUS: my year Brown Rat, a big 'un. Tick!)
BULLOCK'S POINT: Brant (350+); Monk Parakeet (13 birds seen with no effort, we counted 11 nests, but 1 or 2 may be old and inactive. Lots of nest building going on)
Back in the Blackstone Corridor: JAMES TURNER RESERVOIR, E. PROVIDENCE: Double-crested Cormorant (8); Mute Swan (18+ 1on nest, most swans north of causeway); Canada Goose (16); Mallard (16); A. Black Duck (1); Buffelhead (1); Ruddy Duck (15); A. Coot (3); NOTA BENE: No sign of the TUFTED DUCK. We talked to Rachel Farrell, who indicated that the bird was likely there only a day)
NE CUMBERLAND: Great Blue Heron (1); Canada Goose (18); Mallard (3); Ring-necked Duck (22); Bufflehead (4); Common Merganser (4); Turkey Vulture (4); A. Kestrel (2); Carolina Wren (1); E. Bluebird (6); PLUS: searching local stone walls, finally saw some specimens of local mineral oddity CUMBERLANDITE. (report from Mark Lynch/Sheila Carroll).

4/18/01 -- Northboro/West Boylston

At 5:00 p.m. - Routes 290 and 140 were brimming with activity. At 495 & 290, a lone turkey vulture soaring low into a strong head wind. Before Church St. in Northboro, a Northern Goshawk flying low into the wind. On Rte. 140, just after the old dump in West Boylston, 7 Turkey Vultures soaring into a strong wind. All of these birds were heading into the strong northerly wind. (report from Steve Olson).

4/18/01 -- Hadwen Park, Worcester

Early afternoon at Hadwen Park highlights included Tree Swallow[4], Yellow Rumped Warbler[1], Great Blue Heron[2], Red Tailed Hawk[1 imm.].
At Swedish Cemetary, Leesville Pond were Tree Swallow[10], Field Sparrow[1], Song Sparrow[2], Norther Flicker[2], Pine Warbler[4], Yellow-Rumped Warbler[12], Ring-Necked Duck[1 pr](report from Brian Mulhearn).

4/17/01 -- Howard St., Northboro

At noon we had a Rufous-sided Towhee at our ground feeder. This is the first one I have seen this year and a first at our feeder station. (report from Jim Hogan).

4/17/01 -- Tatnuck Square, Worcester

Today at 2 p.m. just a bit beyond the junction of Olean St., which is the street that goes to Worc. Resevoirs #1 & #2, and Dawson Rd., I was surprised while taking a walk by close views of a pair of Pileated Woodpeckers. They moved from tree to tree in the thin woods just beyond the power station. One flew to a dead tree with two large, fresh oblong holes. About 3:15, when I returned, the male reappeared, again flying to one of the two fresh holes. The holes face the resevoirs, not Worcester. The tree is easy to find. Just after Dawson Rd. is a sign reading "Bike Trail, " or somesuch. Just beyond the sign is a healthy tree, then the dead one, then a power pole. The dead tree is it. Go beyond the power pole and look above the power pole cross bar; you'll find the larger hole easily. There are Downys and Flickers in this patch of woods, too. (P.S.: The Pileateds are a Mass. first for me! I also had my first Chipping Sparrow of the year at the first resevoir (officially #2), and at 5:30 from my back porch in the Tatnuck Square area I had a kettle of seven TV's. They circled, rose, and moved off together to the East. Migrants? Locals? 'Tis your guess. (report from Howard Shainheit).

4/17/01 -- Sterling Peat, Sterling

Amongst the birds at Sterling Peat today were 1 Pied-billed Grebe, 2 Buffleheads, 241 Ring-necked Ducks, 2 Common Goldeneye and 34 Common Snipe. (report from Bart Kamp).

4/17/01 -- Rowley Hill, Sterling

I heard a Louisiana waterthrush near Wilder Brook ( about a week later than normal arrival) ; my neighbor has bluebirds nesting in his bird box. (report from Richard Spedding).

4/17/01 -- Gardner Sewerage treatment plant, Templeton

This morning at the Gardner Sewerage treatment plant (in Templeton) the following hilites were observed: Ruby-crowned Kinglet 2; Rusty Blackbird ~30 +/- a good spring tally up here; Savanaha Sparrow 1; Yellow-rumped Warb 1; Palm Warb 1; E. Phoebe 4; Also the "white headed" Black-capped Chickadee I found over a week ago was present again.
On Parkers Pond (Gardner) there was about 10 Common Mergs. Most lakes and ponds are still substaintially ice covered though they will be breaking up soon. (report from Tom Pirro).

4/17/01 -- Hadwen Park, Worcester

At daybreak this morning on waterway between Hadwen Park and Notre Dame Cemetary were 14 Green-Winged Teal, and Canadian Goose still on nest. (report from Brian Mulhearn).

For previous sightings, see April 1-16, 2001 Archives or Archive Index