April 2002 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.

4/30/02 -- Gardner
A few hilites from Gardner this morning. We had a bit of snow last night and woods up near Lake Wompanoag looked Christmas-ie...The hilites: Common Loon 1; Blue-headed Vireo 2; Northern Waterthrush 1; Palm Warbler 4; Yellow-rumped Warbler 10+; Brown Creeper 1; Red-breasted Nuthatch 1; N. Rough-winged Swallow 1. (report from Tom Pirro).

4/30/02 -- High Ridge WMA, Westminster
After another snowfall, 2" at my house (elev=1150'), I made a short visit to the Westminster end of High Ridge WMA this morning. Highlights include Pied-billed Grebe 1, American Bittern 1, Wood Duck 4, Virginia Rail 1, Sharp-shinned Hawk 1, Broadwing Hawk 1, House Wren 1, Blue-headed Vireo 14, Ruby-Crowned Kinglet 14, Purple Finch 4 and Swamp Sparrow 6. Only two species of warblers were observed; palm and yellow-rumped.
Around my house in Westminster returning migrants are all but absent. Even early arriving species such as Towhees have not shown up, but in the past week Evening Grosbeaks and Pine Siskins have been at the feeder. It probably has to do with the 6" of snow in the last week. (report from Chuck Caron).

4/30/02 -- Sterling Peat, Sterling
Among the birds that Warren Jewell and I saw this AM were: Greater Yellowlegs (6), Spotted Sandpiper (2), Tree, Barn and Bank Swallows, Gray Catbird and Brown Thrasher. (report from Bob Ricci).

4/29/02 -- Bolton Flats, Bolton
Some hilites from Bolton Flats this evening: N. Pintail 1 Drake; Gr. Wing Teal ~20-25; Sora 1; Gr. Yellowlegs 2; Lesser Yellowlegs 1; Spotted Sandpiper 1; Snipe ~10; Blue Gray Gnatcatcher 1; Warbling Vireo 1; Yellow Warbler 1; Yellow-rumper Warbler 4. Also there was an American Robin with a very short and thin bill (perhaps 1/2 the length of the typical Robin)...all other attributes appear normal...though the back was fairly dark, but the bird was soaken wet. (report from Tom Pirro).

4/29/02 -- Institute Park, Worcester
Highlights at noon included 1 Black-crowned Night-Heron (ad), and 1 Ruby-crowned Kinglet (singing). (report from Rick Quimby).

4/27/02 -- lower Blackstone Corridor
The BIRDING THE BLACKSTONE CORRIDOR class had a nice trip to view the more southern end of the Corridor. We started at the WOONSOCKET RESERVOIR in Smithfield with birds that included: Great Blue Heron (2 birds and the nests still present, but increasingly hard to see with the foliage coming out. It was pretty cold, and my guess is that the birds were hunkered down. We met with one of the reservoir people, who said that they have nested there in years before). Canada Goose (6); Mallard (4); Ruddy Duck (1: though this spot hosts Ruddys typically, this is a late record for anywhere in southern New Eng;and); N. Flicker (3); Tree Swallow (20+); E. Bluebird (1); Yellow-rumped Warbler (6); Black and White Warbler (2); Eastern Towhee (4); Chipping Sparow (5)
INDIA POINT: the very southern end of the Corridor, with a great view of Providence. Great Cormorant (1imm: this species for the most part is found along rocky coastlines in WINTER. Small numbers do come up into the Seekonk at that time, but this one is late); Double-crested Cormorant (9); Mute Swan (9); Mallard (7); Red-tailed Hawk (1 harassed by crows); House Wren (2 heard);
We then headed south of the Corridor just a bit. First stop WATCHEMOKET COVE: Double-crested Cormorant (92 flying overhead); Mute Swan (26); Great Egret (2); Canada Goose (2); Osprey (1); Greater Yellowlegs (1); Common Tern (4)
THEN we headed to Bullock's Point and MONK PARAKEETS. We had outstanding views of these large noisy brilliant green, gray and blue parrots as they flew back and forth with sticks to their huge nesting structures. We even got a few on the sidewalk in front of us. My count was 13 active nests and at least 20 birds seen, probably more (it was difficult to keep them straight). This is one of the most fun bird spectacles of southern New England.
BACK IN THE CORRIDOR at the James Turner Reservoir. This spot is at it's peak in fall and winter, Still we saw: Double-crested Cormorant (51); Great Blue Heron (1); Mute Swan (2); Canada Goose (11); Mallard (8); Chimney Swift (2); Tree Swallow (15+); N. Rough-winged Swallow (2); Barn Swallow (1); Fish Crow (4)
Our last stop was along the Seekonk River and in Swan Point Cemetery all in the Corridor: Double-crested Cormorant (36); Great Egret (2); Mute Swan (10); Mallard (7); Turkey Vulture (1); Osprey (2 pair on 2 nests); Broad-winged Hawk (1); Ring-billed Gull (260+); Herring Gull (40+); Great Black-backed Gull (20+ a pair constructing a nest, which may be the only nesting pair of this coastal gull actually "in" the Corridor); Red-bellied Woodpecker (4); N. Flicker (4: including a pair mating); Fish Crow (4); Blue-headed Vireo (2); Yellow-rumped Warbler (26); Palm Warbler (1 heard); PLUS: we got great looks at large boulders of CUMBERLANDITE and paid our resppects at the grave of horror writer H.P. LOVECRAFT. Nice day. (report from Mark Lynch).

4/27/02 -- Broad Meadow Brook Sanctuary, Worcester
Highlights this yesterday (4/26) and this morning : Turkey Vulture (26th: 0 , 27th: 1); Wood Duck (2,0); Virginia Rail (1,0); Red-bellied Woodpecker (0,1); Eastern Phoebe (1,0); BLUE-HEADED VIREO (0,1); Carolina Wren (2,1); HOUSE WREN (0,1); Ruby-crowned Kinglet (2,0); Eastern Bluebird (3,2); Brown Thrasher (3,2); Yellow Rumped Warbler (0,1); COMMON YELLOWTHROAT (0,1); Eastern Towhee (8,3); Chipping Sparrow (0,2); Field Sparrow (2,1); Song Sparrow (10,16); White-throated Sparrow (2,3); ROSE-BREASTED GROSBEAK (0,1); Brown-headed Cowbird (10,8); Purple Finch (1,1). (report from John Liller).

4/27/02 -- Tom Swamp, Petersham
Rodney Jenkins led 14 members of the Forbush Bird Club on a birding trip this morning. We began in Petersham Center where we saw a Broad-winged Hawk, Purple Finches and Evening Grosbeaks and proceeded to Tom Swamp where we had an abundance of Yellow-rumped and Palm Warblers and more Purple Finches. The weather was clear, calm, sunny. The trip began with temperatures in the high 20's and ended in the low 50's. Highlights: Wood Duck 4; Common Merganser 6; Osprey 1; Bald Eagle 1 Immature/very mottled ; Broad-winged Hawk; Killdeer 2; Belted Kingfisher; Blue-headed Vireo 7 ; Barn Swallow 4; Brown Creeper; Hermit Thrush 2; Yellow-rumped Warbler 170; Black-throated Green warbler 2; Pine Warbler 15; Palm Warbler 28; Black-and-white Warbler 2; Chipping Sparrow; Song Sparrow; Swamp Sparrow 2; White-throated Sparrow 1; Brown-headed Cowbird; Purple Finch 12; Evening Grosbeak 18.

complete list (report from Joan Zumpfe).

4/27/02 -- Hodges Village Dam, Oxford
Had a nice day today on the regular route at Hodges Dam in Oxford MA. Birding with me today was Mark and Helen Blazis, with an Ecuadorian guest for a couple months,Olger. Olger has and unbelievable eye and is a very good birder. He was also very good company. Highlights: Canada Goose 11 (+1 chick); Mallard 20 (+12 chicks); Wood Duck 6; Hooded Merganser 1 (f); Killdeer 2; Turkey Vulture 1; Red-tailed Hawk 1; Belted Kingfisher 2; Eastern Phoebe 4; Blue-headed Vireo 2; Northern Rough-winged Swallow 8; Brown Creeper 2; House Wren 4; Ruby-crowned Kinglet 1; Blue-Gray Gnatcatcher 1; Eastern Bluebird 3; Hermit Thrush 2; Gray Catbird 1; Brown Thrasher 3; Black-and-white Warbler 1; Yellow-rumped Warbler 6; Pine Warbler 7; Palm Warbler 9; Black-throated Green Warbler 1; Eastern Towhee 6; Song Sparrow 9; Field Sparrow 5; Chipping Sparrow 4; White-throated Sparrow 2; Swamp Sparrow 5; Brown-headed Cowbird 13; Purple Finch 1. (report from Paul Meleski).

4/27/02 -- Barre Falls Dam, Barre
There was a steady movement of hawks today from 9:00 AM to 4:30 PM EDT. 
                         4/27                 Season TD

Turkey Vulture             0                        32
Osprey                     9                        99
Bald Eagle                 0                        15
Northern Harrier           1                        13
Sharp-shinned             20                       123
Cooper's                   2                         6
Red-shouldered             0                        28
Broad-winged              87                       862
Red-tailed                 0                        61
Golden Eagle               0                         1
American Kestrel           1                        68
Merlin                     0                        17
Peregrine                  1                         1
Unidentified               0                         7
                        ------------              -------------
Total                    121                      1333
(report from Barton Kamp).

4/26/02 -- Brimfield
I'm sitting here watching a male rosebreasted grossbeak voraciously attacking a peanut buttered cone outside my window. This is my earliest record for one. A couple of days ago I had a Philadelphia vireo; a clear sighting confirmed as well by song. Not a regular here, and never before this early. (report from John Worrell).

4/25/02 -- Barre Falls Dam, Barre
The hawks were migrating at 8:00 AM EDT today. They stopped at 10:00 AM. There were 1 Osprey, 48 Broadwings and 5 Sharp-shinned. Non-raptors migrating were 894 Double-crested Cormorants and 42 Blue Jays. When not counting migrant hawks we enjoy close looks at the hunting resident raptors. They are: 1 pair of Northern Goshawks, 2 pairs of Cooper's Hawks, 2 pairs of Broadwinged Hawks, at least 3 pairs of Red-tailed Hawks, 1 pair of Red-shouldered Hawks, 5-10 Turkey Vultures and 2 pairs of Ravens. (report from Barton Kamp).

3/25/02 -- Broad Meadow Brook Sanctuary, Worcester
Highlights of a windy morning walk at Broad Meadow Brook were 1 Cooper's Hawk, 3 Red-tails (2 twirling together), 1 Wild Turkey, 2 E. Phoebes, 3 Carolina Wrens, 3 E. Bluebirds, 2 Brown Thrashers, 1 Blue-winged Warbler, 6 E. Towhees, and 4 Field Sparrows. (report from Howard Shainheit).

4/25/02 -- High Ridge WMA, Gardner
Hilites among 36 species seen and/or heard in the Smith Street end of High Ridge WMA this morning: Great Blue Heron 4; Green-wing Teal 4; Wood Duck 5; Hooded Merganser 4; Belted Kingfisher 1 male; Eastern Bluebird 2; Hermit Thrush 1; Ruby-crn Kinglet 1; Yellow-rumped Warbler 1; Eastern Towhee 1; Dark eyed Junco 1; Vesper Sparrow 1; White-thr. Sparrow 10-15; Purple Finch 1. (report from Tom Pirro).

4/24/02 -- Barre Falls Dam, Barre
The hawks were on the move today at Barre Falls between 9:00 and 6:15 EDT. Hilights of the day were a dog fight between three adult Bald Eagles and a multi-kettle group of 93 Broad-wings. Totals: Osprey 19; Bald Eagle 3; Northern Harrier 1; Sharp-shinned 22; Broad-winged 478. Total all species: 523. (report from Barton Kamp).

4/24/02 -- Institute Park, Worcester
Highlight today at noon was a Yellow Warbler (report from Rick Quimby).

4/23/02 -- Bolton Flats, Bolton
An evening at Bolton Flats turned up the following highlights of Northern Harrier(2), Sharp-shinned Hawk(1), Virginia Rail(7), Sora(4), Common Snipe(5), Eastern Kingbird(1), Northern Rough-winged Swallow(2), Blue-Bray Gnatcatcher(1), Field Sparrow(1)and Swamp Sparrow(5). The Rails and Soras were calling unprovoked. (report from Chris Buelow)

4/22/02 -- Gardner
I looked over a few area ponds and Lakes this evening, hoping the fowl weather had "forced" down some grebes or sea duck...nothing in this catagory was seen however. Cold air and relatively warmed water had most ponds fogged in. The hilite was a flock of 43 Rusty Black-birds on the Gardner/Westminster line, one of the larger flocks I've seen in spring up this way. Also many Tree Swallows were over a few of the ponds, a group of 8 perched on "gate wheel" looked particularly wet, cold and miserable. (report from Tom Pirro).

4/21/02 -- Barre Falls Dam, Barre
Broad-wings continue to trickle through. The numbers of Osprey, Sharp-shinned and Broadwing Hawks are 50% below the numbers of last year as of this date. 
                          4/21            Season TD

Turkey Vulture             0                   32
Osprey                     1                   63
Bald Eagle                 3                   10
Northern Harrier           0                   11
Sharp-shinned              1                   71
Cooper's                   0                    4
Red-shouldered             0                   28
Broad-winged              58                  227
Red-tailed                 0                   61
Golden Eagle               0                    1
American Kestrel           1                   66
Merlin                     0                   17
Unidentified               0                    7
                        --------              ---------
Total                     64                  598
(report from Barton Kamp).

4/21/02 -- River Bend Farm, Uxbridge
I recorded the following highlights this morning while leading a walk for Mass. Audubon: Great Blue Heron (3); Turkey Vulture (2); Mute Swan (2); Northern Harrier (1); Sharp-shinned Hawk (1); Red-tailed Hawk (2); American Kestrel (1); Belted Kingfisher (1); Red-bellied Woodpecker (1); Northern Flicker (5); Eastern Phoebe (2); EASTERN KINGBIRD (3); WARBLING VIREO (2); Tree Swallow (24); BARN SWALLOW (3); BLUE-GRAY GNATCATCHER (1); Eastern Bluebird (4); BROWN THRASHER (4); NASHVILLE WARBLER (1); Yellow-rumped Warbler (16); Pine Warbler (3); BLACK-AND-WHITE WARBLER (1); Chipping Sparrow (8); Field Sparrow (2); Song Sparrow (11); White-throated Sparrow (3); Brown-headed Cowbird (10); Purple Finch (1). (report from John Liller).

4/21/02 -- Hodges Village, Oxford
Walked the full route today at Hodges Village Dam in Oxford MA. Had a nice morning despite the cooler temperatures and breezy conditions. Highlights: American Black Duck 2; Wood Duck 3; Hooded Merganser 1 (f); Turkey Vulture 2; Red-tailed Hawk 1; Belted Kingfisher 1; Northern Flicker 6; Hairy Woodpecker 1; Tree Swallow 21; Northern Rough-winged Swallow 4; Barn Swallow 1; House Wren 5; Eastern Bluebird 5; Hermit Thrush 1; Brown Thrasher 4; Yellow-rumped Warbler 26; Pine Warbler 7; Palm Warbler 10; Black-throated Green Warbler 1; Northern Waterthrush 1; Louisiana Waterthrush 1; Eastern Towhee 6; Song Sparrow 12; Chipping Sparrow 6; Field Sparrow 5; Swamp Sparrow 9; Red-winged Blackbird 32; Brown-headed Cowbird 10; Common Grackle 23; Rusty Blackbird 1. (report from Paul Meleski).

4/20/02 -- Westboro area Forbush Bird Club Trip
The Forbush Bird Trip led by Ann Boover on Saturday morning, 4/20/02, centered mostly in and around the Westboro Wildlife Management Area and Lake Chauncey. There was a side trip to the Westboro Public Library for club members to see a collection of birds taxidermied by Edward Howe Forbush when he was eighteen years old. Club members then visited Pine Grove Cemetery in Westboro where Edward Howe Forbush is buried. 15 members participated. The weather was delightful with sunny skies, no winds and temperatures in the high 60's to 70 degrees.
HIGHLIGHTS: Mute Swan 1; Ring-necked Duck 2; Bufflehead 2; Red-tailed Hawk 4; Killdeer 1; Northern Flicker 7; Eastern Phoebe 2; House Wren 1; Eastern Bluebird 5; BROWN THRASHER 1; Cedar Waxwing 14 +/-; Yellow-rumped Warbler 7; Pine Warbler 1; Palm Warbler 3; FIELD SPARROW 1; White-throated Sparrow 3; Brown-headed Cowbird 22.

Full species list here (report from Joan Zumpfe).

4/20/02 -- Broad Meadow Brook Sanctuary, Worcester
A male Blue Winged Warbler has returned to the usual spot on the stretch at Broad Meadow Brook (seen today between 7-8am.) (report from Rick and Barbara Walker).

4/20/02 -- Hodges Village, Oxford
Took a quick tour of Hodges today with Howard Shainheit. New Arrivals only: Northern Waterthrush 1; Black-throated Green Warbler 1; Brown Thasher 1; House Wren 3; Hermit Thrush 1. (report from Paul Meleski).

4/18/02 -- Barre Falls Dam, Barre
What happened to the cool air? It was only 4 degrees "cooler" today than yesterday. The hawk watch was from 10:00-4:30 EDT. About 80% of the hawks were seen between 11:00 and 1:00. There were a few kettles of 10-15 Broad-wings. The count: Osprey 3; Bald Eagle 2; Sharp-shinned 5; Red-shouldered 1; Broad-winged 62; American Kestrel 1; Merlin 1. Total hawks 75. Also at Barre Falls a Vesper Sparrow spent the day around the perimeter of the parking lot.

Before hawk watching today I found 3 Greater Yellowlegs at Bolton Flats, 1 Spotted Sandpiper, 12 Bank Swallows and 1 Eastern Meadowlark at Sterling Peat.

Yesterday (4/17), in spite of the heat, hawks were counted at Barre Falls from 9:00-5:30 EDT. More than half of the hawks passed between 3:30 and 5:00 EDT. The count: Osprey 4; Northern Harrier 1; Sharp-shinned 6; Broad-wing 28; American Kestrel 1; Total 40. (report from Barton Kamp).

4/18/02 -- Birch Hill Dam Area, Royalston
A late evening walk at the Birch Hill Dam area of Royalston produced a nice trio of Whip-poor-will (calling), winnowing Common Snipe and displaying American Woodcock (report from John Williams).

4/18/02 -- Institute Park, Worcester
Highlights at noon included 2 DC Cormorants, 1 BLACK-CROWNED NIGHT-HERON, 4 Yellow-rumped Warblers, 2 Pine Warblers, 2 Savannah Sparrows, 4 Song Sparrows, and 4 White-throated Sparrows. (report from Rick Quimby

4/18/02 -- Sterling Peat, Sterling
Bank Swallows and Spotted Sandpipers have returned to Sterling Peat. (report from Bob Ricci).

4/18/02 -- Broad Meadow Brook Sanctuary, Worcester
Highlights this morning: RUFFED GROUSE (1); VIRGINIA RAIL (1); Killdeer (1); Northern Flicker (11); Eastern Phoebe (1); Tree Swallow (4); Carolina Wren (3); Ruby-crowned Kinglet (5); Eastern Bluebird (3); Hermit Thrush (1); PALM WARBLER (1); EASTERN TOWHEE (9); CHIPPING SPARROW (1); Field Sparrow (3); Song Sparrow (17); White-throated Sparrow (5); Dark-eyed Junco (4); Red-winged Blackbird (23); RUSTY BLACKBIRD (6); Brown-headed Cowbird (16). (report from John Liller).

4/18/02 -- Off Salisbury Street, Worcester
Very large numbers of White-throated Sparrows continue in my immediate neighborhood with estimates at 50-60+ in the block area. 25+ were in my very small backyard alone. The pre-dawn chorus of "old Sam Peabody" was amazing. Also present were small but significant numbers of Ruby-crowned Kinglets and Yellow-rumped Warblers (10+) several phoebes and flickers. (report from Mark Lynch).

4/17/02 -- Bancroft Tower Hill area/Leesville Pond, Worcester
A "before-work" check this morning, revealed a very slight movement of birds today in the city, but nothing special. Yellow-rumps, Ruby-crowned Kinglets and White-throats were the most consistent migrants. FROM MY HOUSE TO BANCROFT TOWER HILL (a block): Eastern Phoebe (2); Ruby-crowned Kinglet (5); Hermit Thrush (1); Yellow-rumped Warbler (1); White-throated Sparrow (40+); Dark-eyed Junco (3); And looking from atop the hill off into the distance: Common Raven (2)
LEESVILLE POND: Great Blue Heron (1); Canada Goose (4); Wood Duck (5); Mallard (5); N. Flicker (2); Carolina Wren (3); Ruby-crowned Kinglet (4); Yellow-rumped Warbler (10); Pine Warbler (1); White-throated Sparrow (13); Dark-eyed Junco (2);
HOPE CEMETERY: Great Blue Heron (4 overhead in a group: nesting nearby?); Red-tailed Hawk (1); Killdeer (2); Red-bellied Woodpecker (1); Eastern Phoebe (1); House Wren (1); Brown Thrasher (1); Yellow-rumped Warbler (9); Eastern Towhee (1); White-throated Sparrow (6). (report from Mark Lynch).

4/16/02 -- Institute Park, Worcester
At noon the following sparrows were observed: Chipping (1), Savannah (1), Song (2), and White-throated (2). (report from Rick Quimby).

4/16/02 -- Raymond Road, Gardner
A few quick stops along Raymond Road in Gardner this morning before work "yielded" the following: A. Kestrel 1 female; Cooper's Hawk 1 adult surveying feeding stations; Brown Creeper 3; Blue-headed Vireo 1; Ruby-crowned Kinglet 2; Palm Warbler 3; Hermit Thrush 1; Chipping Sparrow 1; White-Thr. Sparrow 3. (report from Tom Pirro).

4/15/02 -- Moose Brook Valley, Hardwick
Highlights from Moose Brook include an Eastern Phoebe, a singing Winter Wren, 1 Hermit Thrush, 1 Blue-Gray Gnatcatcher, 1 Pine Warbler, 4 Palm Warblers and an Osprey drifting high and heading north. Also, near Hardwick center a Pileated Woodpecker was again observed excavating its nesting cavity; now for two weeks straight. (report from Chris Buelow)

4/15/02 -- Barre Falls Hawk Watch, Barre
The first of the South American vacationers have finally made it to Barre Falls. (The black flies have arrived too.) The clouds began to break between 1:00 and 1:30 and there was a continuous movement of hawks until 6:00 EDT. The Osprey was the bird of the afternoon. The Broad-wing rally during the last hour fell considerably short. More than half of the Broad-wings were counted between 5:00 and 6:00. It was the last bird of the day. Following is a summary of the last four days at Barre Falls: 
                                4/12        4/13        4/14      4/15

Turkey Vulture                   1           2            4          0
Osprey                           4           2            6         26
Northern Harrier                 0           0            1          2
Sharp-shinned                    1           1            1         14
Cooper's                         0           1            0          0
Red-shouldered                   0           1            1          0
Broad-wing                       2           0            0         13
Red-tailed                       2           2            0          1
American Kestrel                 1           1            3          8
Merlin                           0           0            2          1
Unidentified                     1           0            2          2
                               -------     -------     -------   --------
 Total                          12          10           20         67
(report from Barton Kamp).

2/14/02 -- Petersham
Spent a great morning at a few spots in Petersham, bumping into a few friends along the way. We visited the Federated Women's Club's SF, Harvard Pond/Tom Swamp; and Brooks Woodland Preserve a Trustees of Reservations Property. Birds included: Great Blue Heron (4 birds seen and at least 1 definitely occupied nest among 6 at the SF); Canada Goose (3); Wood Duck (8); Mallard (4); A. Black Duck (4); Ring-necked Duck (9); Common Merganser (6); Turkey Vulture (9); Red-shouldered Hawk (2); Broad-winged Hawk (2); Red-tailed Hawk (2); Wild Turkey (14: including 2 toms in full display); Ruffed Grouse (1 road kill on Rt. 122. We pulled over to check what the VERY road-killed bird was. I dodged traffic, picked up the dead grouse and tossed it on the side of the road. I then saw a TV that had perched in a tree right in front of me and it suddenly took off, probably disappointed that some other creature had gotten his meal); Yellow-bellied Sapsucker (1); Pileated Woodpecker (2); E. Phoebe (11); Winter Wren (6); Common Raven (1); Golden-crowned Kinglet (2); Ruby-crowned Kinglet (10); Hermit Thrush (9); Pine Warbler (15); Palm Warbler (3); Swamp Sparrow (8); Evening Grosbeak (6). Butterflies for us were only Spring Azures, the majority being "marginata" with a few "lucia". There were lots of Spring Peepers, Wood Frogs, Green Frogs, my first Red Eft of the year; many E. Painted Turtles; (1) Northern Banded Watersnake; ample evidence of beavers and great views of what Mammals of New England calls GAPPER'S RED-BACKED MOUSE, but what most folks know as a BOREAL REDBACK VOLE. This tiny rodent ran all around us and under the car, seemingly oblivious to our presence. Best views I have ever had of this tiny mammal. (report from Mark Lynch/Sheila Carroll).

4/14/02 -- River Bend Farm, Uxbridge
Highlights today at River Bend Farm were a Palm Warbler, a female Kestrel, numerous Blue Birds and a very cooperative juvenile Red Tail Hawk. He stayed perched in a tree next to the bridge for the longest time while people walked directly underneath and only a crying baby seemed to faze him. (report from Rick and Barbara Walker).

4/14/02 -- Hodges Village, Oxford
HIghlights this morning : Black Duck 10; Wood Duck 3; Killdeer 1; Belted Kingfisher 2; Northern Flicker 5; Hairy Woodpecker 2; Eastern Phoebe 2; Tree Swallow 26; Northern Rough-winged Swallow 2; Common Raven 1; Brown Creeper 4; White-breasted Nuthatch 5; Ruby-crowned Kinglet 5; Eastern Bluebird 5; Yellow-rumped Warbler 1; Pine Warbler 12; Palm Warbler 3; Eastern Towhee 1; Song Sparrow 23; Field Sparrow 7; Chipping Sparrow 2; Dark-eyed Junco 1; White-throated Sparrow 1; Swamp Sparrow 12; Rusty Blackbird 3; Purple Finch 2. (report from Paul Meleski).

4/13/02 -- Gardner, Templeton
Hiltes among 54 species seen and/or heard this afternnon and evening from the towns of Gardner, Templeton and a little of Philipston: Pied-billed Grebe 3 on the otter river; Green-winged Teal 1; Am. Wigeon 1 animated Drake calling repeatedly; Wood Duck 4; Ring-necked Duck ~20; Hooded Merg. 2; Common Merg. 6; Am. Ketsrel 3 (included a pair "caught in the act" on a phone wire); Gr. Horned Owl 3 (one on nest Templeton and 2 calling in Gardner); Pileated Woodpecker 1; Horned Lark 1; N. rough-wingd Swallow 4; Br. Creeper 3 singing in various locations; Ruby-cr Kinglet 1 singing; Pine Warbler 4; Yellow-rumped Warbler 1; Savannaha Sparrow 1; Swamp Sparrow 4. The Rough-winged Swallows were in location where they typically nest...some year's I've seen flying into holes in old semi trailers...wonder if they even wake up "on the road". (report from Tom Pirro).

4/13/02 -- Blackstone National Corridor
We stuck close to the Blackstone River today and birded several areas. Birds included:
NORTHBRIDGE/UXBRIDGE MA: several stops right including Lookout Rock, Riverbend Farm, West Hill Dam: Double-crested Cormorant (1 migrating overhead); Great Blue Heron (1); Mute Swan (pair); Wood Duck (12); Common Merganser (3); A. Kestrel (1f); Wild Turkey (3, including one we almost made into turkey sandwiches with the car); Ruffed Grouse (1); Killdeer (3); Belted Kingfisher (4); Downy Woodpecker (24); Hairy Woodpecker (1); N. Flicker (15, including one brace of dueling males flagging like crazy and flying at each other around an old wooden fence which for some reason both wanted madly. Ants perhaps?); Eastern Phoebe (31: I wonder how many will be parasitized by the numerous cowbirds that were all over?); Tree Swallow (14); N. Rough-winged Swallow (10); Carolina Wren (24); Eastern Bluebird (3); Hermit Thrush (3); Pine Siskin (1); Pine Warbler (13: lots of males pursuing females); Chipping Sparrow (13); Field Sparrow (2); Song Sparrow (81); Dark-eyed Junco (9); N. Cardinal (42). PLUS: many, many Spring Peepers, American Toads trilling, Green Frogs, Eastern Painted Turtles and a very "cas" Red Fox that sauntered by us at Riverbend Farm.
WOONSOCKET RESERVOIR, SMITHFIELD RI: GREAT BLUE HERON (6 nests still occupied with 7 birds seen); Canada Goose (4); Mallard (2); Bufflehead (3m); Common Merganser (5); Ruddy Duck (5); Eastern Phoebe (2); Pine Warbler (7); Eastern Towhee (1)
SEEKONK RIVER down to India Point(including Swan Point Cemetery): Double-crested Cormorant (29); Mute Swan (17); Canada Goose (2); Wood Duck (a pair was flying all around through the trees of the cemetery, calling. Looking for a suitable nest hole?); Gadwall (2); Mallard (14); A. Black Duck (16); Bufflehead (3); Common Merganser (13); Osprey (2 occupied nests w/ a pair at each); A. Kestrel (1); Greater Yellowlegs (2); CASPIAN TERN: (1: bird of the day. We were along the river in Swan Point Cemetery and heard the loud and harsh call, looked up and a Caspain was migrating up the river. It kept going north and we lost sight of it well over Pawtucket. Great views); Red-bellied Woodpecker (6); N. Flicker (11); E. Phoebe (1); Carolina Wren (6); Fish Crow (2); Ruby-crowned Kinglet (2); Gray Catbird (1: overwinterer?)
QUINNVILLE SECTION OF LINCOLN RI, along the bike path: Downy Woodpecker (6); N. Flicker (2); E. Phoebe (4); N. Rough-winged Swallow (2); Carolina Wren (3); Yellow-rumped Warbler (2); and finally some leps" Cabbage White (3); Spring Azure (1).
WOONSOCKET, BLACKSTONE RIVER ON SOUTHERN BORDER with Lincoln: Turkey Vulture (3); Sharp-shinned Hawk (1); Red-tailed Hawk (3); N. Rough-winged Swallow (2).
Finally, on the way home on Rt. 146 in North Smithfield just shy of the border with MA: Double-crested Cormorant (flock of 48 circling high and migrating NNE); Turkey Vulture (1). (report from Mark Lynch/Sheila Carroll).

4/12/02 -- Hadwen Park, Worcester
We walked Hadwen Park just before sundown last night and saw 2 Phoebe, 3 Pine Warblers (2 Male singing), 2 Wood Duck and a male Mute Swan. We went back again this evening and we were able to relocate the Pine Warblers, a pair near the entrance on Knox St. and a couple more near the river feeding in the Maple buds. We also had close looks at a Coopers Hawk and found the female Mute Swan on a nest in the reeds (visible from the rear part of Notre Dame Cemetery.) (report from Rick and Barbara Walker).

4/12/02 -- Institute Park, Worcester
Of note at noon among 24 species were 2 Eastern Phoebe, 1 Tree Swallow, 1 Carolina Wren, 1 Pine Warbler, and 3 White-throated Sparrows. (report from Rick Quimby).

4/12/02 -- Broad Meadow Brook Sanctuary, Worcester
Highlights this morning: Wood Duck (2); American Kestrel (1 male); Killdeer (7 - all circling around over the Sanctuary); COMMON SNIPE (1); Red-bellied Woodpecker (1); YELLOW-BELLIED SAPSUCKER (1 male - not a common sight at BMB); Hairy Woodpecker (3); Northern Flicker (8); Eastern Phoebe (3); Tree Swallow (3); Carolina Wren (1); Eastern Bluebird (3); Field Sparrow (2); Song Sparrow (19); White-throated Sparrow (3); Dark-eyed Junco (1); Red-winged Blackbird (45); Common Grackle (22); Brown-headed Cowbird (15). (report from John Liller)

4/11/02 -- Bolton Flats, Bolton
Hilites from an evening walk at Bolton flats: Pied-billed Grebe 1 calling; Great Blue Heron 3; Green-winged Teal ~50; Blue-winged Teal 3 (1male + 2 female) in flight; Wood Duck several; Ring-necked Duck 20+; Hooded Merganser 8-10 in flight; Sora 1 calling at dusk; Virginia Rail 3 (piddick...piddick..piddock and the grunting call also 1 seen); Wilson's(Common) Snipe 20+; Wild Turkey 3; Tree Swallow dozens; Swamp Sparrow 2 singing. (report from Tom Pirro).

4/11/02 -- Stillwater River, Sterling
I kayaked upstream from the Route 62 launch to within a couple hundred yards of route 140 and returned. Birds of interest: Mallards 20, wood duck 6, great blue heron 1, turkey vultures 2, Cooper's Hawk 1, osprey 1, ring-necked pheasant 1, belted kingfisher 2, tree swallows 14, swamp sparrow 2. Red-winged blackbirds were very common, but the most abundant birds of the day were common grackles 120. I was able to slither over 4 beaver dams without having to get out and portage. (report from Richard Spedding).

4/10/02 -- Institute Park, Worcester
Highlights at noon among 25 species were 1 Eastern Phoebe, 2 Carolina Wrens (constructing a nest), 1 Ruby-crowned Kinglet, 1 Field Sparrow, and 3 White-throated Sparrows. (report from Rick Quimby).

4/9/02 -- Auburn
Walking home tonight after birding the Worcester Flood Diversion area in Auburn, we found 5 Common Snipe in a marshy area on the river which can be seen from the parking area for the office building at 48 Sword St. Only other birds of note in the Flood Diversion were 5 Wood Duck. (report from Rick and Barbara Walker).

4/9/02 -- Wilder Brook/Quabbin, Sterling/Petersham
A Louisiana Waterethrush was calling loudly from Wilder Brook; this is the 22nd consecutive year that I've recorded their return to the same spot on Wilder Brook.
At the Quabbin Reservoir, I covered the area from Gate 40 to Dana Common to as far south toward Gate 43 as is permitted under the new security limitations. Birds of note were 4 bald eagles, 10 turkey vultures, 1 sharp-shinned hawk, Cooper's hawk 1, common mergansers 4, wood duck 2, wild turkeys 4, pileated woodpecker 2, a pair of bluebirds, 6 pine warblers, and the most abundant bird of the day: dark-eyed junco 100. I was a little surprised that I didn't see one other person while covering this 8 mile circuit on this fine, warm, spring day. (report from Richard Spedding).

4/9/02 -- High Ridge WMA, Gardner
This evening I birded the Smith Street entrance end of High Ridge WMA this evening.the following are the hilites: Green-wing Teal 4; Wood Duck 7; Hooded Merganser 4; Am. Kestrel 1 male; Great Horned Owl 1; Belted Kingfisher 1 male; E. Phoebe 7; Brown Creeper 1 singing; Eastern Bluebird 3; Ruby-crowned Kinglet 1; Palm Warbler 1; Am. Tree Sparrow 1; Swamp Sparrow 1.
The Kingfisher had just caught a small fish and was rattling away like a machine gun...judging by the shape of the fish it was a bullhead (aka horned pout / catfish). Any one who has done a little "pout fishin" know these fish lock the pectoral and dorsal fins (sharp fins) in the upright position .... perhaps the Kingfisher had the dilemma of "tossing" the meal back or a sore throat. he left before swallowing the fish. (report from Tom Pirro).

4/9/02 -- Institute Park, Worcester
A noontime walk yielded 27 species, including 1 Pied-billed Grebe, 1 Sharp-shinned Hawk (soaring high, diving at Broad-winged Hawk), 1 Broad-winged Hawk, 1 Belted Kingfisher, 1 Northern Flicker, 1 Eastern Phoebe, 3 Tree Swallows, 1 Chipping Sparrow, 4 Song Sparrows, and 1 White-throated Sparrow. (report from Rick Quimby).

4/9/02 -- downtown Worcester
A Barred Owl was perched in a tree at the edge of the Telegram and Gazette parking lot on Federal Street in downtown Worcester. The owl was spotted about 8 AM and as of 9:45 was still there. Counting the trees from the Main Street end of the parking lot, owl is in the fourth tree. (report from Betty Jenewin).

4/7/02 -- WTAG area, Holden
On our walk in WTAG towers field, my wife and I spotted our first Eastern Bluebird of the season. Back at home, had the usual feeder birds including more Juncos than we had all winter. Two unusual sightings for our backyard, a Fox sparrow and, late in the day, an adult Eastern Turkey (easily 20 lbs!) ambled through the yard and then into our neighbor's yard. (Report from Steve Olson)

4/7/02 -- Hodges Village, Oxford
Highlights today: American Black Duck 15; Wood Duck 11; Green-winged Teal 3; Blue-winged Teal 1 (m) (missed last week but evidently still around); Ring-necked Duck 2; Hooded Merganser 4; Sharp-shinned Hawk 1; Northern Flicker 4; Eastern Phoebe 6; Tree Swallow 17; Golden-crowned Kinglet 12 I was surrounded by one rather large group); Ruby-crowned Kinglet 1; Pine Warbler 2; Song Sparrow 16; Field Sparrow 1; Dark-eyed Junco 7; Swamp Sparrow 2; Purple Finch 1. (report from Paul Meleski).

4/7/02 -- Paxton/Holden
Past Boynton Park on the Holden side of Howard St. this afternoon my wife and I had one of the resident Yellow-bellied Sapsuckers. On the Paxton side we heard the even, dry trill of a Chipping Sparrow, my first of the year. It contrasted nicely with the more musical trill of two or three Juncos, which we also heard and saw. Other birds were the usual. (report from Howard Shainheit).

4/7/02 -- Blackstone National Corridor: 3AM-7AM
We started at 3AM this morning intent on continuing our systematic surveys of owls and woodcocks in towns of the Corridor. The only problem is that by being on the road at 3AM the night the clocks are turned forward, means that all the bars and clubs are just letting out (2AM from the day before) so who knows what percentage of folks on the road at that time were behind the wheel and "under the influence", a scary thought . And there was a LOT of traffic when we were on the road, both in the city and especially driving north on Rt. 146. (This seems to indicate that there are much better clubs/bars in Providence than Worcester...no surprise to me, having sampled both). It was a bit unnerving. In fact, we ended up seeing the results of a very bad accident that we missed by mere minutes on Rt. 44 in Glocester RI with several cruisers, an overturned van that had slid across the road et. The things we do for birds!
Our intent was to tally woodcock in western Burrillville and Glocester RI, and much to our surprise, we ended up hearing NONE, zero! zip! nada! in several hours of trying. There was lots of good habitat, but no woodcock. This could have been a factor of the very cold temps (21 degrees F) or something else. We have found woodcock in Cumberland, North Smithfield and Smithfield, so I believe they have to be here, just not peenting last night We did find owls.
Burrillville: Great Horned (4); N. Saw-whet (1: probably a migrant, but they seem to be breeding next door in Douglas, MA, so who knows?)
Glocester: Great Horned (3); Barred (1: I called this bird in very close to where Sheila and I had heard one last fall);
Before and just at dawn, we birded the Pulaski SF in Burrillville RI and had the following: Wood Duck (2m+1f); Hooded Merganser (pair mating); Red-bellied Woodpecker (2); Eastern Phoebe (9); Brown Creeper (6, 3 singing); Winter Wren (3 singing); Golden-crowned Kinglet (12); Ruby-crowned Kinglet (2); Hermit Thrush (4, 3 singing); Pine Warbler (6 singing); Yellow-rumpd Warbler (2); Palm Warbler (2); Purple Finch (1); Field Sparrow (2)
At 7AM, an asinine crew of 8 ATVers roared past (illegally I think) almost hitting us in the process and it was then we decided to leave. (report from Mark Lynch/Sheila Carroll).

4/7/02 -- Blackstone Corridor part 2
After Pulaski SP, we headed to Wallum Lake. At the RI end we had: Canada Goose (2); Common Merganser (3); Eastern Bluebird (2); Pine Warbler (1);
At the DOUGLAS, MA SF (including the north end of Wallum Lake), we had: Canada Goose (2); Common Merganser (2); Red-bellied Woodpecker (1); N. Flicker (2); Tree Swallow (1); Brown Creeper (1); Hermit Thrush (1); Pine Warbler (2); Fox Sparrow (1); PLUS: (1) River Otter swimming across the north end of Wallum Lake.
WHITIN RESERVOIR, DOUGLAS MA: Common Loon (1: tough to find "in" the Corridor); Great Blue Heron (1); Canada Goose (2); Mallard (2); C. Goldeneye (2); Bufflehead (3); Common Merganser (17); Red-bellied Woodpecker (2); Eastern Phoebe (4); Carolina Wren (1); Pine Warbler (2)
SNEETCH POND, CUMBERLAND RI: Canada Goose (4); Wood Duck (3 pair+1 other male); Ring-necked Duck (13); Common Merganser (4); Turkey Vulture (3); Killdeer (1); Carolina Wren (3)
DIAMOND HILL/ARNOLD'S MILLS RESERVOIRS (actually one area), CUMBERLAND RI: Mute Swan (pair); Canada Goose (21); Mallard (21); Common Goldeneye (1f); Buffelhead (11); Common Mergnaser (20); Tree Swallow (60+); Eastern Phoebe (3); Carolina Wren (1); Turkey Vulture (1); Red-tailed Hawk (1)
HARRIS POND, (mostly in BLACKSTONE MA), from Woonsocket end: Mute Swan (pair); Tree Swallow (15+). (report from Mark Lynch/Sheila Carroll).

4/7/02 -- Quabbin Reservoir area
I recorded the following while taking a small group of my bird class alums to Brooks Pond (BP), Federated Women's Clubs State Forest (FWF), and Quabbin Gate #33 (Q) this morning: Common Loon (Q - 1); Great Blue Heron (BP - 2; FWF - 7, including 6 birds on 5 nests); Turkey Vulture (Q - 3); Canada Goose (BP - 2); Wood Duck (BP - 1; FWF - 5); Mallard (BP - 1; Q - 5, including a male Mallard-Black Duck hybrid); Ring-necked Duck (BP - 8; FWF - 2); Bufflehead (FWF - 5); Hooded Merganser (BP - 2); Common Merganser (BP - 4; Q - 1); Red-shouldered Hawk (FWF - 1); Mourning Dove ( BP - 4; Q - 3); Downy Woodpecker (Q - 3); Hairy Woodpecker (Q - 4); Pileated Woodpecker (BP - 1); Eastern Phoebe (BP - 2; FWF - 4; Q - 5); Blue Jay (FWF - 1; Q - 1); American Crow (BP - 2; FWF - 1; Q - 4); Tree Swallow (BP - 1; FWF - 2; Q - 6); Black-capped Chickadee (BP - 2; Q - 3); Tufted Titmouse (BP - 1; Q - 1); White-breasted Nuthatch (Q - 1); Brown Creeper (FWF - 1; Q - 5); Winter Wren (FWF - 3); Golden-crowned Kinglet (BP - 1; FWF - 2; Q - 7); American Robin (Q - 1); Hermit Thrush (FWF - 4; Q - 3); Yellow-rumped Warbler (Q - 2); Pine Warbler (Q - 2); Song Sparrow (BP - 2; Q - 4); Dark-eyed Junco (Q - 1); Red-winged Blackbird (FWF - 1; Q - 1); Brown-headed Cowbird (FWF - 2). (report from John Liller).

4/6/02 -- Bolton Flats, Bolton
Sixteen members of the Forbush Bird Club participated in the Bolton Flats-Oxbow trip today. The temp. at the start was 22 deg. and because of the ice on most of the water areas duck numbers were very low. Two days ago there were over 500 ducks in the area (180 Green winged Teal). Some of the species seen were, Pied-billed Grebe (calling), N. Pintail 1 pr., H. Merganser 1 pr., N. Harrier 1, Virginia Rail 1, Sora 1, Pectoral (report from Fran MeMenemy).

4/6/02 -- New Salem
I wanted to forward this message (see below) posted to MassBird by Bill Lafley on 4/6. For readers of the Central Mass Bird Update who do not subscribe to Massbird, all the hub-bub started Friday when Bill Lafley reported what he only conservatively described as an "odd diving duck" that was mostly white with a dark facial pattern. Postings to Massbird immediatly started speculating that Bill had seen a drake SMEW, an Eurasian merganser. I want to emphasize that Bill, being a very careful observer, never even suggested this. Sheila and I went and checked the bird out to settle the issue, hence the previous posting to this web site. Luckily Bill went Saturday and got even better looks than we did (see below) and the issue is compleletly settled. I have to say in all my year's birding, I have seen many leucistic dabbling ducks and geese, but have seen extremely few leucistic diving ducks and never a leucistic Bufflehead. This bird was VERY white overall and quite bizzare looking. (report from Mark Lynch). 

From: Bill Lafley 
To: massbird-digest@world.std.com
Subject: [MASSBIRD] Odd  Duck-revisited
I went back to Branch Bridge Road this morning and got another look at the "odd duck". This time I had more time, good light and a closer vantage point. Three things that are great to have when you are looking at a bird you have never seen before.
I think Mark Lynch's identification, a leucistic bufflehead, was on the mark. The bird was all white with a dark/dirty patch on it's face. On one side of the face there was a whiter patch where the female bufflehead has one. The bill was lighter than the male Bufflehead it was with and it's eye was also light colored. The body was white with the back being a bit "dirtier" for lack of a better word.
It was also staying very close to a male Bufflehead the entire time I watched it. This made the size comparison easier and it was the same size as the Bufflehead.
In addition to the "odd duck" and the male Bufflehead there was: Ring-necked Duck 150; H. Merganser 3; Wood Duck 2; Black Duck 5; Mallard 3. (Bill Lafley, New Salem).

4/6/02 -- Broad Meadow Brook Sanctuary, Worcester
Highlights of my Saturday morning novice bird walk were a nicely seen hovering Kestrel, a Flicker, 3 Tree Swallows, a Brown Creeper, a Golden-crowned Kinglet, 2 Carolina Wrens, 4 Cowbirds, 4 Redpolls, and a [possible] Veery [ed note: see added note below]. We did the Brookside Loop, but not the pond; we had 24 species overall. (report from Howard Shainheit).

Note added from Howard on 4/8:

4/5/02 -- New Salem
Sheila and I went to New Salem and got some looks at Bill Lafley's "odd duck", and indeed, it is an "odd duck". The views were not that great as it was against the very southern edge of the pond visible from the causeway. It was with a drake Bufflehead and is predominently white, but white that in certain lights had a buffish cast to areas as I have seen in some leucistic birds. There is a dark area near the front of the face. BUT: there is no dark back, no light grayish flanks, no black lines towards the front of the flanks/side of breast and the dark area on the face does not look like the neat, clean dark mask of a drake Smew (which we have seen many of in Europe), but more an irregular dark area at the front of the face. . The jiz (what we could see of it) did not look like a Smew. What it looked like was a leucistic duck, perhaps a leucistic Bufflehead. THAT SAID: our views (and Tom Wetmore was there from the north shore too) were not great, so birders should certainly go there and see what you can find for yourselves. Eventually the birds (the Bufflehead too) cruised into an arm of the pond to the east (you can see this on a topo map).
Sheila and I then spent the next 1.5 hours trying to bushwhack our way to better views all to no avail. An unmarked dirt road off Blackington, just south of Branch Bridge Road WOULD have led to a good trail with views of the SE corner of the lake, BUT the road is labeled OFF LIMITS TO VEHICLES and PRIVATE (an M.D.C. sign). We tried both shores by bushwhacking and never got a great view, often our views blocked by dense button bush and other marshy vegetation. I strongly recommend other birders try again to be sure even though it does look like a leucistic duck to me if you were to try to pin me down(and certainly an odd duck as Bill described it), BUT AGAIN: THE VIEWS WERE NOT GREAT. The drake Bufflehead seems to be definitely with this bird. Blackington Road (labeled) is a dirt road in good condition (easily driveable by 2WD cars) off RT. 122 in New Salem opposite Gate 33 [Quabbin] and runs essentially north. Branch Bridge Road, a right (east) (also labeled) is also dirt. The un-named road I mentioned above is clearly posted as NO VEHICLES.
Other birds in the area included: Green-winged Teal (1); Ring-necked Duck (170); Hooded Merganser (6); Common Merganser (2); Pileated Woodpecker (1); Eastern Phoebe (2); Tree Swallow (20+). Tom Wetmore heard a raven just before we arrived. At nearby South Athol Pond were (2) Pied-billed Grebes. (report from Mark Lynch/Sheila Carroll).

4/5/02 -- Institute Park, Worcester
A noontime walk yielded 24 species, including 2 Great Blue Heron, 2 Hooded Merganser, 2 Carolina Wren, 2 Golden-crowned Kinglet, and 1 Fox Sparrow (new species for park list). (report from Rick Quimby).

4/5/02 -- Wachusett Reservoir, Gate 39
This morning about 6:00 AM, there were 2 Bald Eagles on the small spit on land out in the water from the brick building eating something. It was interesting to notice that one Eagle would not go near the carcass until the other flew off. There was also a Male Kestrel perched up in the Spruce trees. (report from Peter Morlock).

4/4/02 -- Boynton Park, Worcester
This afternoon 5 species of woodpeckers were seen: Downy, Flicker, Red-bellied, Pileated and a pair of Yellow-bellied Sapsuckers near the top of the Cascades. There were also 10-15 Golden-crowned Kinglets and 1 Hermit Thrush. (report from Bart Kamp).

4/4/02 -- Broad Meadow Brook Sanctuary, Worcester
Highlights this morning on a brief walk along the Stretch: Hairy Woodpecker (1); Northern Flicker (2); Eastern Phoebe (3); Tree Swallow (5); Golden-crowned Kinglet (2); Ruby-crowned Kinglet (1); Eastern Bluebird (2); American Robin (12); Song Sparrow (13); Swamp Sparrow (1); Dark-eyed Junco (3); Red-winged Blackbird (2); Brown-headed Cowbird (3). (report from John Liller).

4/3/02 -- Barre Falls Dam Hawk Watch, Barre
Even though it became partly sunny about 11:30 there were only 4 hawks counted between 11:30 and 1:30. Between 1:30 and 3:00 17 hawks were counted. A little after 3:00 the sky blackened, the wind shifted from SSW to NW , the temperature dropped 15 degrees and then it rained. The Osprey was carrying a fish. The Bald Eagles were an adult pair soaring and interacting as they passed. Non-raptor heard: 1 gobbling Turkey. Summary: Turkey Vulture 4; Osprey 1; Bald Eagle 2; Sharp-shinned 3; Red-tailed 1; American Kestrel 8; Merlin 2; Total 21. (report from Barton Kamp).

4/1/02 -- Kendal Reservoir, Holden
A Bald Eagle was observed flying above the Kendall Reservoir, about 100 yards north of rt. 31 where rt 31 crosses the reservoir. It was low, below treetop level and looking into the water. We got a good look at his white head and tail as he turned. (report from Michael C Voorhis, fide Stanley Selkow)

4/1/02 -- Curtis Pond, Worcester
Curtis Pond (near Webster Square) played host to 2 Double-crested Cormorants. One was an adult whose crests were waving in the wind, the other was a Juvenile with white all along the breast and barely a little less white in the lower belly. They provided quite a contrast in plumages. (report from Joan Zumpfe).

4/1/02 -- Crystal Lake, Gardner
This morning on Crystal Lake: Common Goldeneye 4; Wood Duck 2; Long-tailed Duck 1 drake winter plumage. This is only the 4th record for me in Gardner on the LT Duck..of the 3 previous 2 records were spring (late march and late April) and 1 fall (sept.). (report from Tom Pirro).

For previous sightings, see March 2002 Archives or Archive Index