April 2006 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.

Bird News:

Bird Sightings:

4/30/06 -- downtown Worcester
We had several sightings of A Peregrine downtown on Sunday. In the early afternoon, Sheila sighted a bird again on the corner of the Worcester Plaza building (ie: the tall glass building). Later in the afternoon, she had a Peregrine chowing down on a Rock Pigeon on the corner of David Burwick (corner of Chandlar and Main). Finally, at dusk, we had a Peregrine sitting once again on the corner of the Worcester Plaza building. (report from Mark Lynch/Sheila Carroll).

4/30/06 -- Lake Wompanoag, Gardner
Hilights from the Lake Wompanoag area of gardner Sunday morning: Common Loon 2; Bald Eagle 1 adult; Cooper's Hawk 1 adult; Broad-winged Hawk 1 adult; Ruby-crowned Kinglet 8; Hermit Thrush 7; Winter Wren 1; Nashville Warbler 1; Black-thr. Green Warb. 3; Yellow-rumped Warbler 10+; Pine Warbler 5; Black and White Warb. 1; Purple Finch 2; Junco 1; White-throated Sparrow 6 (One "whitepoll" W-Thr. Sparrow had a white forehead, from the bill to 1/2 up to the crown but still had yellow lores..a nice looking bird!)
While driving through Sterling later in the day I stopped by a powerline cut and heard a singing Prairie Warbler and saw two Blue-gray Gnatchers. (report from Tom Pirro).

4/30/06 -- Fisherville Pond, Grafton
We headed out to Fisherville Pond in Grafton (Blackstone National Corridor) to see the two young Great Horned Owls in the nest. We met Bruce DeGraaf while out there. They are nesting on a crossbeam of some power lines and are easily seen, though I would STRONGLY recommend NOT spending much time anywhere near the nest for a variety of reasons: (1) human presence attracts predators; (2) human presence will attract humans who are not birders and who may do something unspeakable to the owls, but mostly (3) it disturbs the owls and especially the adults. So take a quick look and move ON. At Fisherville Pond proper: Great Blue Heron (2); Mute Swan (1); Canada Goose (3); Green-winged Teal (3); Mallard (10); Killdeer (8); Red-tailed Hawk (1); Wilson's Snipe (3); Spotted Sandpiper (2); Greater Yellowlegs (5); Tree Swallow (3); Brown Thrasher (2); (report from Mark Lynch).

4/30/06 -- Northboro
From 8:30-10:00 a.m., observed at the Edmund Hill Woods this morning were Wood Ducks (2);, Broad-winged Hawks (4); circling and calling above, Eastern Bluebirds (2);, Palm Warblers 5, Pine Warblers (3);, several Yellow-rumped Warblers, and Ovenbird (1). (report from Ann Boover).

4/30/06 -- Seekonk River, RI
We condcuted one of our standard point counts of this southern end of the Blackstone National Corridor: between Providence and East Providence; from Pawtucket falls to Bold Point. Though we birded from Swan Point to overlook the river, we did not "bird" Swan Point" in any serious way. That said, a number of our interesting passerines were from there. Double-crested Cormorant (59); Great Blue Heron (1); Great Egret (1br); Green Heron (1); Black-crowned Night Heron (1ad); Canada Goose (17); Brant (43: all from Bold Point); Mute Swan (an alarming 210); American Wigeon (pair); American Black Duck (6); Mallard (52); Greater Scaup (1f); Lesser Scaup (1f: these two duck scaup were about 100 yards from each other!); Osprey (1 on nest); Red-tailed Hawk (1); Merlin (1ad); Peregrine Falcon (1 near nesting box on the Daily Planet the other atop the building that has The Gate House, further upriver); Killdeer (1); Greater Yellowlegs (5); Ring-billed Gull (66); Herring Gull (27); Great Black-backed Gull (we looked to see if they were nesting on the "cormorant platform" and though we saw 1 adult standing, there were too many comrorants to see if one was nesting); Belted Kingfisher (1); Red-bellied Woodpecker (2); Downy Woodpecker (4); N Flicker (4); Selected passerines: Least Flycatcher (1); Eastern Phoebe (1); Eastern Kingbird (1); Warbling Vireo (3); Tree Swallow (40+); N Rough-winged Swallow (7); Red-breasted Nuthatch (3); Carolina Wren (9); House Wren (2); N Parula (1); Yellow Warbler (7); Yellow-rumped Warbler (7); Eastern Towhee (1); Field Sparrow (1); Baltimore Oriole (1); Purple Finch (1); A Goldfinch (18);
PLUS: we did some pre-dawn (ie: " in the dark"); birding of NE CUMBERLAND and had: Canada Goose (2);; Wild Turkey (1);; E Screech Owl (1);; Great Horned Owl (3);; Swamp Sparrow (2);; and more than 300 American Robins. A check of TURNER (PAWTUCKET); RESERVOIR (East Providence); had little more than (16); Mute Swans; (13); Canada Geese; (10); Mallards and a number of fishermen out on boats. WOONSOCKET RESERVOIR in SMITHFIELD/LINCOLN had minimally 4 active GREAT BLUE HERON nests as well as Double-crested Cormorant (1);; Canada Goose (4);; Mallard (5);; Killdeer (2);; Red-bellied Woodpecker (2);; Eastern Phoebe (1);; Tree Swallow (20+);; N Rough-winged Swallow (2);; Blue-headed Vireo (1);; House Wren (1);; Yellow-rumped Warbler (3);; Pine Warbler (3);; Eastern Towhee (1);. (report from Mark Lynch/Sheila Carroll).

4/30/06 -- Hodges Village, Oxford
Highlights of a Forbush Bird Club walk included: Wood Duck 5; Hooded Merganser 2 (pr); Green Heron 1; Turkey Vulture 1; Cooper's Hawk 2; Virginia Rail 1; Killdeer 3; Greater Yellowlegs 1; Solitary Sandpiper 1; Chimney Swift 4; Belted Kingfisher 4 (3 migrating in single group); Eastern Phoebe 3; Blue-headed Vireo 1; Warbling Vireo 1; Common Raven 1; Tree Swallow 19; Northern Rough-winged Swallow 10 (8 back at cement spillway nesting site, excavated burrow at sandpit); Barn Swallow 1; Brown Creeper 1; Carolina Wren 1; House Wren 1; Blue-gray Gnatcatcher 1; Gray Catbird 1; Yellow-rumped Warbler 40; Pine Warbler 4; Black-and-white Warbler 1; Palm Warbler 16; Northern Waterthrush 2; Eastern Towhee 3; Chipping Sparrow 4; Field Sparrow 1; Song Sparrow 6; Swamp Sparrow 1; White-throated Sparrow 1. Here is a detailed listing of the 54 Species recorded
(report from Paul Meleski).

4/30/06 -- Brookfield
Near Lake Quaboag today, I saw an EASTERN KINGBIRD. (report from Joan Zumpfe).

4/29/06 -- Westboro/Grafton/Worcester
Fran and I went to SUASCO and saw 2 adult OSPREY, one on the nest. We then checked out Summet Pond in Grafton and saw one adult OSPREY on the nest on an eletrical pole. Also, an EASTERN KINGBIRD crossed the road as we were driving through Grafton. We then checked on the Peregrine nesting box at the Fallon Building at One Chestnut Place (Worcester) and saw one adult PEREGRINE FALCON in the box while looking from Chatham Street behind the old Denholm's Building. (report from Joan Zumpfe).

4/29/06 -- Wachusett Reservoir, West Boylston
At 11:30 am, a short walk in the gate off Rt. 12 south of the causeway, I had 2 Field Sparrows and 1 E. Kingbird, during a quick 10-minute walk. (report from Rick Quimby).

4/29/06 -- Phillipston
Our first Ruby-throated Hummingbird showed up this afternoon, 2-4 days earlier than usual. (report from John Williams)

4/29/06 -- Westborough and Northborough
Highlights of the Forbush Bird Club trip today included Wood Duck, 4; Cooper's Hawk, 1; American Kestrel, 2; Killdeer, 2; Chimney Swift, 1; Red-bellied Woodpecker, 1; Warbling Vireo, 1; FISH CROW, 2; Tree Swallow; Barn Swallow; Eastern Bluebird, 2; Gray Catbird, 1; Brown Thrasher, 1; Yellow Warbler, 2; Yellow-rumped Warbler, 2; Black-throated Green 1; Pine Warbler, 3; Eastern Towhee, 1; Chipping Sparrow; Field Sparrow, 1; Song Sparrow; White-throated Sparrow, 5; Eastern Meadowlark, 1;
Here is a detailed list of the species recorded. (report from Ann Boover).

4/29/06 -- Green Briar, Oxford
I birded the Green Briar in Oxford this morning with some fairly good results. It was kind of slow at first but once it started to warm up there was more activity. Here are the highlights: Least Flycatcher - 1; Blue-headed Vireo - 1; Ruby-crowned Kinglet ~ 5; Northern Parula - 6; Yellow Warbler - 1; Black-and-White Warbler - 2; Northern Waterthrush - 1 (good looks at him singing just under eye level); Louisiana Waterthrush - 1; Yellow-rump Warbler - abundant; Palm Warbler - abundant; (report from Dan Berard).

4/29/06 -- Ware River
We bidrded just a few roads of the southern section of this IBA, mostly between Rutland SP and Barre Falls Dam. Starting temperature was a chilly 26 degrees. Weather clear and breezy. By and large, a typical count of mostly likely breeders for this time of the year for the area we covered. Foliage is at least a week behind Worcester's. Water levels are low. Because of the adverse winds and clear skies, we did no hawkwatching. Great Blue Heron (21+14 occ. nests); Canada Goose (8); Wood Duck (9); Mallard (2); Green-winged Teal (2); Hooded Merganser (1m patroling at the base of a Wood Duck box where they have bred several times before); Ruffed Grouse (1); Killdeer (2); Mourning Dove (5); Downy Woodpecker (6); Hairy Woodpecker (3); N Flicker (7); Pileated Woodpecker (3); LEAST FLYCATCHER (3); Eastern Phoebe (11); Blue-headed Vireo (22); Blue Jay (20); A Crow (3); Common Raven (2); Tree Swallow (30); N Rough-winged Swallow (1); Black-capped Chickadee (57); Tufted Titmouse (19); Red-breasted Nuthatch (11); White-breasted Nuthatch (4); Brown Creeper (8); Winter Wren (9); Golden-crowned Kinglet (2); Ruby-crowned Kinglet (13: only definite non-breeding species); Eastern Bluebird (8); Hermit Thrush (15); A Robin (44);
  • WARBLERS: Nashville (2); Yellow-rumped (54); Black-throated Green (13); Pine (26); Black and White (12); Ovenbird (1); Northern Waterthrush (3: we heard no Lousiana's here today, but we did get (1); on the way home at Winimusset WMA, New Braintree);
    • Eastern Towhee (11); Chipping Sparrow (41); Field Sparrow (3); Song Sparrow (8); Swamp Sparrow (9); White-throated Sparrow (16); Dark-eyed Junco (7); Red-winged Blackbird (74); Common Grackle (38); Brown-headed Cowbird (10); Purple Finch (12); A. Goldfinch (17);
    PLUS: Red-spotted Newt (many, a number seen mating);; Spring Peepers (a few calling despite sub-freezing temps);; Bridled Shiner (several);; Spring Azure (1);; Bloodroot (lots, just starting to bloom here);; Purple Trillium (in bloom);; by mid-morning: Black Flies (gogolplex);; (report from Mark Lynch/Sheila Carroll).

    4/29/06 -- downtown Worcester
    We drove to the top of the WORCESTER PLAZA GARAGE on Pleasant Street to see if we could get a better look into the Peregrine nesting box on the Fallon Buidling on Chestnut Street. Cost: $2.00 for an hour. By parking in the center, highest section of the outdoor level, you can see somewhat into the box with a scope to the point where we could clearly see an adult there tending the nest: sometimes only the back or a wing but sometimes the head. While this was going on, the other adult was perched on the corner of Worcester Plaza right next to (but far above); us. The views were great. The adult on the Plaza building had banded legs: the right leg had a lower green band with a black band above that and a wide sliver band on the left leg. This adult preened and cleaned it's feathers the entire time were were there. Other birds seen included 60+ Rock Pigeons, a House Finch, several English Sparrows and (2); Red-tailed Hawks and a Broad-winged. (report from Mark Lynch/Sheila Carroll)>

    4/29/06 -- Salisbury Pond, Worcester
    There was a male Hooded Merganser on Salisbury Pond this morning. (report from John Shea).

    4/29/06 --Wachusett Reservoir, Clinton
    At Wachusett Reservoir this evening among the gulls on the bushy island sand bars was a lesser black-backed gull in adult breeding plumage. One of the bald eagles came in low over the water, flushed all the birds, landed and waded in for a long drink. (report from Bart Kamp).

    4/29/06 -- Gardner Airport, Templeton
    The following are hilights from the Gardner Airport this afternoon: Black Duck 2; Wood Duck 2; Great Blue Heron 3; American Bittern 1; Great-horned Owl 2 (nestlings); Horned Lark 1; Savannaha Sparrow 7; Vesper Sparrow 1 (mixed in with the Savanahas); (report from Tom Pirro).

    4/28/06 -- Fisherville Pond, Grafton
    Beth and Paul Milke and I observed the nesting Great Horned Owls at the power line cut near Fisherville Pond off Pleasant Street in Grafton. The two young owls had grown and were more evident in the nest than during an earlier visit. One nestling was larger and more active than the other. An adult was present in the pine trees adjacent to the nest, which is perched atop a metal power line pole. I was able to take some photos of these birds and I have posted them at http://s24.photobucket.com/albums/c30/learninglife/
    (report from Olivia Herbert).

    4/28/06 -- Quabbin Gate 36 (Federated Women's Club State Forest)
    Barry Van Dusen and I birded High Ridge in Westminster and the Federated Women's Club State Forest today with our target birds being Lousiana Waterthrush and Blue-gray Knatcatcher. We dipped on both but got brief but excellent views of a male Hooded Warbler in breeding plumage less than 1/4 mile inside Gate 36 at Quabbin. Gate 36 can be accessed by taking Route 122 through Petersham to the Federated Women's Club State Forest (4.0 miles west of Route 32A, just past the New Salem town line);. Gate 36 is on the west/right side of the loop near the camp grounds. As you walk the loop from Gate 36, follow the path just past the first curve to the left and before you reach the next right hand curve. The bird was hopping around under the grove of small pines on the right hand side of the trail. We located the bird out of curosity over its repeated chip-notes that neither of us recognized. It took about 20 minutes to actually see the bird but it was well worth the effort. Unfortunately I didn't get any photos.
    We also had an amazing chorus and display of Purple Finches near the camp grounds bird feeders near Gate 36B (the other end of the loop around the Beaver pond). The beautiful flute-like sounds of the numerous Purple Finches were simply amazing. I've heard many Purple Finches but the sounds we heard today in my opinion ranked with the most beautiful songs of any bird. The displays of the males trying to win the hearts of their perspective mates was also very entertaining as well ... although all the ones we witnessed were turned down. (report from Bruce deGraaf).

    4/27/06 -- Barre Falls Dam, Barre
    Raptors migrating today: 
    Species            Day's Count    Month Total   Season Total
------------------ ----------- -------------- --------------
Black Vulture                0              0              0
Turkey Vulture               0             35             76
Osprey                       0            155            158
Bald Eagle                   0             15             16
Northern Harrier             0             17             20
Sharp-shinned Hawk           2            197            206
Cooper's Hawk                0             12             18
Northern Goshawk             0              0              0
Red-shouldered Hawk          0             11             21
Broad-winged Hawk            7           1513           1513
Red-tailed Hawk              0             58            168
Rough-legged Hawk            0              0              0
Golden Eagle                 0              0              0
American Kestrel             0             40             46
Merlin                       0              8              8
Peregrine Falcon             0              0              1
Unknown                      1             19             25

Total:                      10           2080           2276
----------------------------------------------------------------------
    (report from Bart Kamp).

    4/27/06 -- Sturbridge
    The Golden-crowned Sparrow did not show (nor did the flock of White-throats it was hanging with yesterday) from 6:30 to about 11 a.m, when I left. I suspect they're all on their way to Canada or somesuch. I'd call Bill Cormier before heading to Sturbridge were I you. (report from Howard Shainheit). 

    Note added from Ian Lynch (Brimfield, MA):

There were some White-throats present today, but very much reduced in number
from yesterday.  To the best of my knowledge there was only little effort to
check surrounding habitat to try to re-locate the Golden-crowned.  Most of
the birder effort was wisely spent monitoring the feeding station.  If the
bird is still in the area finding it would be like finding a needle in a
haystack, particularly since it didn't seem interested in vocalizing when I
was observing it yesterday.

While the bird may have moved on to distant lands accompanying migrating
White-throats, I can imagine a scenario where a bird like this might employ
a strategy of roaming between feeding areas on a cycle longer than one day
and thus may decide to return.  Unfortunately, since this is well-watched
feeding station, it is safe to assume that its first appearance there was
yesterday, so we have no previous pattern to inform us.

Two flyovers of note today were a Raven being harassed by crows and
Broad-winged Hawk just over the rooftops.

    4/27/06 -- Green Briar, Oxford
    Alan Marble and I birded the Green Briar in Oxford this morning and we had the following highlights: Baltimore Oriole - 1; Chimney Swift - 3; Warbling Vireo - 3; Blue-headed Vireo - 1; Nashville Warbler - 2; Pine Warbler - 2; Palm Warbler - several; Yellow-rumped Warbler - abundant. (report from Dan Berard).

    4/26/06 -- Broad Meadow Brook Sanctuary, Worcester
    As preparation for a Holy Cross class birding trip to Broad Meadow Brook on Friday, I birded the Sanctuary for 2.5 hrs this morning. Highlights included Great blue heron (1); Red-tailed hawk (1); killdeer (1); Flicker (5); E. phoebe (3); Ruby-crowned kinglet (2); Hermit thrush (1); Yellow-rumped warbler (6); Pine warbler (2); Palm warbler (6); E. towhee (2); American tree sparrow (2); Field sparrow (1); Chipping sparrow (1). (report from Jim Hogan).

    4/26/06 -- Sturbridge
    Just got back from seeing the adult GOLDEN-CROWNED SPARROW at Wild Bird Crossing, Sturbridge. We arrived at 4:45 and the bird was in some bushes above the feeders and soon came down to feed mere feet away. It twice flew back when all the birds were disturbed while we were there, but soon returned. Bill has thrown lots of seed on the ground to keep it happy. After about 30 minutes of watching the sparrow, the birds once again flew towards the back of the store and we did not see the bird for about 15 minutes and then we left, mainly because we had another engagement. The views were superb. The whole feeder area is to the right of the building (facing the building) and can also be viewed from the edge of the small parking lot, BUT go no further and keep a quiet demeanor. Great views are had also from inside the store. To the best of my knowledge, this is the first documented record of this species for Worcester County.

    It is easiest to get to this Wild bird Crossing via the Mass Pike, taking the Rt. I-84, Rt.20, Sturbridge exit. Get on Rt.20 and drive west and it is several light down on the right on 4 CEDAR STREET. Directions et can be found at the store's website: http://www.wildbirdcenter.com/stores/stu/

    Bill and Nancy Cormier, who run the store, will open tomorrow (4/27) at 10AM. The store has a modest parking area. Now here is something Bill and Nancy (who I have known as friends for decades) would never say, but I will: please remember this is a place of business with limited parking. Trust me, they are expecting lots of birders, but realize that there are lots of other folks trying to get in here not just to see the bird, but to buy seed, feeders etc. If you have run out of parking spaces, run in the store and ask Bill or Nancy for recommendations of where to park nearby. Just don't make it difficult for other visitors to get in the store. Hopefully it will stay. (report from Mark Lynch).

    4/26/06 -- Barre Falls Dam, Barre
    Raptors migrating today: Osprey 2 ; Bald Eagle 2 ; Northern Harrier 2 ; Sharp-shinned Hawk 7 ; Broad-winged Hawk 18 ; Red-tailed Hawk 4 ; American Kestrel 1 . Raptor Observations: 2 adult bald eagles not migrating. Non-raptor Observations: 1 turkey in the adjacent field. (report from Bart Kamp).

    4/26/06 -- Wachusett Res gate 39 and East Washacum, Sterling
    This morning I searched for the Caspian Tern at gate 39 with no luck. There were some good birds nevertheless: Greater Yellowlegs; Gadwall 2; Merlin; Eastern Bluebird 3; RED-BREASTED MERGANSER 4 (2M & 2 F); BONAPARTE'S GULL; Barn Swallow. At East Washacum there were 4 RUDDY DUCKS. (report from Peter Morlock).

    4/26/06 -- Wild Bird Crossing, Sturbridge
    Ian Lynch asked me to pass along word that Bill Courmier spotted a Golden Crowned Sparrow feeding under the feeders at his store in Sturbridge. His store is located at the corner of Route 20 and Cedar Street. (report from Bruce deGraaf fide BBC hotline).

    4/25/06 -- Sterling Peat, Sterling
    This Savannah Sparrow displayed excellent camouflage, except for the characterstic yellow eye stripe. (photo by Richard Johnson).

    4/25/06 -- Barre Falls Dam, Barre
    Raptors migrating today: Turkey Vulture 6 ; Osprey 52 ; Bald Eagle 2 ; Northern Harrier 3 ; Sharp-shinned Hawk 71 ; Cooper's Hawk 1 ; Broad-winged Hawk 608 ; Red-tailed Hawk 7 ; Merlin 1 ; Raptor Observations: 2 adult bald eagles were not migrating. An osprey with a large fish was being followed by a larger osprey. Between 11:00 and 12:00 EDT there were broadwings in all directions at the same time. The largest group contained 65 birds. Non-raptor Observations: Migrating:211 dc cormorants, 12 great blue herons, 2 great egrets and 2 chimney swifts. (report from Bart Kamp).

    4/24/06 -- Clinton
    I got a call from Fran McMenemy c. 5:30PM that Bart Kamp had found a Caspian Tern on a sandbar with gulls at Gate 39 Wachuset Reservoir. This is off Rt. 110, just south of Clinton HS. Park in the dirt lot on the corner of the intersecting road and walk across the street, through the gate and up the grassy hill to the path atop the dike. Walk towards the small building (NE) and look out at the various sandbars. The water level is rather low and gulls and the Caspian were attracted to this spot as an evening roost. We had the bird about 6:45 and kept on it with Fran till almost 7:20PM and left the bird there. No other birders were around unfortunately. A dawn check tomorrow MAY still find the tern present. Periodically, a handful of Ringies would start pursuing the gull (which was larger) and it would fly high and to the south. Then the gulls would drop off and the tern would eventually return to the bar and roost back down among the gulls. Also present were (2) Gadwalls and (1) female Common Merganser as well as Canada Geese, Mallards et. BTW: The Bald Eagles abandoned their nest off Gate 6 and no young were noted. (report from Mark Lynch).

    4/24/06 -- Muddy Brook Valley, Hardwick
    A day in the Muddy Brook Valley turned up highlights of Wood Duck (15), Blue-headed Vireo (8), Northern Raven (1 calling), Winter Wren (2), Red-breasted Nuthatch (5), Ruby-crowned Kinglet (5), Hermit Thrush (1), Yellow-rumped Warbler (45). Pine Warbler (18), Palm Warbler (45) and Swamp Sparrow (2). Wood Anemones are now in bloom. (report from Chris Buelow)

    4/24/06 -- Bolton/Clinton
    Highlights of a late afternoon trip to Bolton and Clinton were: Bolton: 1 pectoral sandpiper, 9 greater yellowlegs, 15 Wilson's snipe, 10 green-winged teal and 2 blue-winged teal. Wachusett Reservoir, Clinton, around and on the sand bars of the bushy island (gate 40): 2 gadwall, 1 greater yellowlegs and 1 CASPIAN TERN. (report from Bart Kamp).

    4/22/06 -- Rutland SP/Barre Falls Dam
    Highlights on a class trip to Rutland State Park and Barre Falls Dam this morning: Wood Duck; Ring-necked Duck (6); Great Blue Heron; Turkey Vulture; Broad-winged Hawk (2); Killdeer; Greater Yellowlegs (1); Wilson's Snipe (3); Hairy Woodpecker; Blue-headed Vireo; Common Raven (1); Tree Swallow; Barn Swallow; Red-breasted Nuthatch; Winter Wren (1 - heard); Golden-crowned Kinglet; Ruby-crowned Kinglet; Eastern Bluebird; Hermit Thrush; Yellow-rumped Warbler; Pine Warbler; Palm Warbler; Chipping Sparrow; Field Sparrow; Song Sparrow; Swamp Sparrow; White-throated Sparrow; Dark-eyed Junco; Brown-headed Cowbird. Also: Beaver (1) (report from John Liller).

    4/22/06 -- Hadley
    White-tailed Hawk update at 4:30PM
    A group of us watched the hawk for about an hour from the end of HAWLEY ROAD north off MT WARNER ROAD, HADLEY. For most of the time it sat in a lone tree in the field offering great views. Then the hawk flew across the field, a bit towards us and landed in the grass and caught and ate a FROG. Then it flew to the right (east) and perched in a tree partially screened from us by some bushed. We still kept it in our scopes. By 3:30Pm the bird flew low and to the south. It MAY have crossed Mt Warner Road, I am not sure. We bumped into several groups of other birders who had not seen the bird yet and I sincerely hope they eventually found the bird. Sheila and I and others spent at least an hour looking around the immediate fields to no avail and left the area at 4:30 cold, wet but happy. This was a spectacular bird plain and simple. I want to thank Val Miller, Tom Gagnon and most of all Scott Surner. When the bird was found, we heard about it early on from Val via cell phone. We were in WESTPORT on a MAS class trip. We actually continued on the trip and finished it and only then took the class to the White-tailed Hawk. Val and Tom kept on the bird and kept us posted via cell on the movements of the bird right up to the time we turned on to Hawley Road. I do know this bird was posted early on Massbird but some folks apparently did not see the posting till later. Hopefully the bird will stay in the immediate area: it's mind-numbing to think how many fields there are in the Amherst/Hadley/Northampton area. For folks looking tomorrow, hopefully you have the where-to-find western MA guide. Check the fields across North Maple Street from the "horse farm" and check the horse farm too. Then hit the end of Hawley Road and perhaps the "pumping station" which is further west on Mt Warner, accessed via a dirt road on the north side. AND SEND YOUR WRITE-UPS AND PHOTOS TO BIRD OBERVER! BTW: the bird clearly had no bands and was somewhere between a sub-adult and adult in plumage. (report from Mark Lynch).

    4/22/06 -- High Ridge WMA, Gardner/Westminster
    I walked much High Ridge WMA between 0820 and 1450 hrs, covering the sections in gardner and Westminster. ENE wind, cold and cloudy....sleet began about 2PM. Highlights were: Wood Duck 10; Green-winged Teal 2; Hooded Merganser 8; Wild Turkey 1; Double-crested Cormorant 1; Great Blue Heron 10; Turkey Vulture 1; Sharp-shinned Hawk1; Cooper's Hawk 1; Broad-winged Hawk 4; Red-tailed Hawk 2; Belted Kingfisher 1; Yellow-bellied Sapsucker 4; Downy Woodpecker 12; Hairy Woodpecker 4; Northern Flicker 7; Eastern Phoebe 3; Blue-headed Vireo 5; Tree Swallow 7; Red-breasted Nuthatch 2; Brown Creeper 5; Ruby-crowned Kinglet 11; Eastern Bluebird 4; Hermit Thrush 2; Yellow-rumped Warbler 11; Pine Warbler 6; Palm Warbler 10; Eastern Towhee 1; Chipping Sparrow 5; Song Sparrow 18; Swamp Sparrow 2; White-throated Sparrow 3; Dark-eyed Junco 4; Brown-headed Cowbird 12; Purple Finch 2. (report from Tom Pirro).

    4/21/06 -- Sterling Peat, Sterling
    Highlights from 5:00 - 6:00P included Double-crested Cormorant 1; Red-tailed Hawk 1; Killdeer 3; Wilson's Snipe 3; Belted Kingfisher 2; Northern Flicker 2; Tree Swallow 2;Barn Swallow 5; Palm Warbler 1; Song Sparrow 4; Swamp Sparrow 2; (report from Kevin Bourinot).

    4/21/06 -- Barre Falls Dam, Barre
    Raptors migrating today: Osprey 12 ; Bald Eagle 2 ; Sharp-shinned Hawk 10 ; Red-shouldered Hawk 1 ; Broad-winged Hawk 139 ; Red-tailed Hawk 7 ; American Kestrel 3 ; Merlin 1 . Non-raptor Observations: 4 loons, 114 dc cormorants migrating. (report from Bart Kamp).

    4/21/06 -- Wachusett Meadow Sanctuary, Princeton
    Highlights: 10 Palm Warblers (the far beaver wetland and also Otter and Fire Ponds); Swainson's Thrush (Fire Pond); Swamp Sparrow; Purple Finch Singing on territory; 12 or so Yellow-Bellied Sapsuckers (mostly heard; a few seen); Birders may care to know that there were 20 nests or nesting attempts (some rather feeble) in the heron rookery, and I saw at least 5 active nests or pairs. (report from Whit Andrews).

    4/20/06 -- Barre Falls Dam, Barre
    Raptors migrating today: Osprey 3 ; Northern Harrier 1 ; Sharp-shinned Hawk 10 ; Cooper's Hawk 1 ; Broad-winged Hawk 178 ; Red-tailed Hawk 1 ; American Kestrel 1 ; Merlin 1 . Raptor Observations: The broadwings were moving at 8:30 EDT. There were groups/kettles of up to 18 birds. Non-raptor Observations: 37 dc cormorants migrating. (report from Bart Kamp).

    4/20/06 -- Downtown Worcester
    At 12:30PM today, we had an adult PEREGRINE sitting on a ledge of the Fallon Building on Chestnut Street, near the nest box. Nota bene: it would seem that the bird should be obvious, but sometimes you actually need to search to find one of the adults even though it is simply perched in front of you. On Tuesday (4/18) we had an adult at 7PM perched on the cornice of the building on the corner of Main and Chestnut, so they are not always right on the Fallon Building. (report from Mark Lynch).

    4/19/06 -- Barre Falls Dam, Barre
    Raptors migrating today: Osprey 10 ; Northern Harrier 3 ; Sharp-shinned Hawk 7 ; Broad-winged Hawk 187 ; Red-tailed Hawk 5 ; American Kestrel 6 ; Merlin 1 . Raptor Observations: Steady movement all day; no lulls. The wind kept them low. Non-raptor Observations: The strong wind blew the black flies away. The Raven was carrying food to the nest. (report from Bart Kamp).

    4/18/06 -- High Ridge WMA, Gardner
    Hilights from the Smith Street end of High Ridge WMA in Gardner this evening: Great Blue Heron 1; Red-tailed hawk 2; Sora 1 calling from the marsh; Pileated Woodpecker 1; Blue-gray Gnatcatcher 1. (report from Tom Pirro).

    4/18/06 -- Barre Falls Dam, Barre
    Raptors migrating today: Turkey Vulture 1 ; Osprey 5 ; Sharp-shinned Hawk 6 ; Cooper's Hawk 1 ; Broad-winged Hawk 80 ; American Kestrel 1 ; Merlin 1 . (report from Bart Kamp).

    4/18/06 -- Broad Meadow Brook Sanctuary, Worcester
    Highlights this morning: Wood Duck(3); Great Blue Heron (1); Virginia Rail (1); Killdeer (3); Northern Flciker (4); Eastern Phoebe (2); Tree Swallow (4); Ruby-crowned Kinglet (1); Eastern Towhee (4); Field Sparrow (2); Song Sparrow (13); Dark-eyed Junco (2); Brown-headed Cowbird (3). (report from John Liller).

    4/17/06 -- Gardner Airport, Templeton
    Hilights from a walk near the Gardner Airport last evening 4/17/06: Am. Black Duck 1; Wood Duck 3; Great Blue Heron 4 (3 active nests); Great horned Owl 1; Horned Lark 3; Tree Swallow ~300; Northern Rough-winged Swallow 2;
    A nice concentration of swallows over the wetland, just to the east of the airport, were feeding over the marsh and Pine trees. There has much brush clearing on the west side of the airport this past year, I have been told there are no plans for developement, the owner was selling off some firewood...this clear cut should prove benificial to breeding birds such as Praire Warbler, Field Sparrow, Towhee and Junco....provided the land remains undeveloped. The Great horned Owl has been tending a nest for the past several weeks in a Heron nest, a hundred yards out on the marsh. Carefull approach and quiet observation should not disturbe this bird. (report from Tom Pirro).

    4/17/06 -- Barre Falls Dam, Barre
    Raptors migrating today: Osprey 11 ; Bald Eagle 2 ; Northern Harrier 1 ; Sharp-shinned Hawk 7 ; Broad-winged Hawk 105 ; Red-tailed Hawk 2 ; American Kestrel 1 . Raptor Observations: The bald eagles were a pair of adults. Non-raptor Observations: 6 great blue herons. (report from Bart Kamp).

    4/17/06 -- Rail Trail, West Boylston
    While biking the Rail Trail from the Oakdale area of West Boylston today, we heard a Northern Waterthrush singing away like mad about 1/2 mile in from the trailhead in Oakdale along the Quinapoxet River. (report from Marion Larson and Scott Handler).

    4/16/06 -- Windle Pond/Fisherville Pond, Grafton
    I visited the osprey and great horned owl nest around midday, and both ospreys were at the nest, flying around the marsh, vocalizing. Quite a show, including hundreds of tree swallows zooming through the snags! We also saw the two owl chicks in the nest near Fisherville Pond and caught sight of an adult in nearby trees. (report from Beth Milke).

    4/16/06 -- Millbury Bike Trail, Millbury/Worcester
    Kim Kastler and I recorded the following highlights this morning: Wood Duck (3); American Black Duck (12); Turkey Vulture (3); Red-tailed Hawk (1); American Kestrel (1 - male); Belted Kingfisher (1); Northern Flicker (2); Eastern Phoebe (5); Tree Swallow (6); Northern Rough-winged Swallow (3); Carolina Wren (1); Eastern Bluebird (2); Eastern Towhee (1); Chipping Sparrow (2); Song Sparrow (25); Brown-headed Cowbird (14 - males chasing females); (report from John Liller).

    4/16/06 -- Lunenburg/Wachuset Reservoir/downtown Worcester
  • This afternoon we went to check on the Great Blue Heron rookery on Page Street on the Lunenburg/Shirley line. We counted minimally 15 active nests, possibly 17, though it was tough to see all nests and the black flies were horrific. This small wooded marsh is rapidly being hemmed in on all sides by new development. It will be interesting to see what becomes of the beaver marsh and the rookery in the future.
  • On our way home, we stopped by GATE 6, WACHUSET RESERVOIR (off Rt. 70) to check on the nesting Bald Eagles. When we arrived we found the nest, but could find no eagle sitting on it. After about 10 minutes, an adult Bald flew in, landed on the nest, appeared to regurgitate something and then almost immediately took off again heading north. From our angle we could not see the interior of the nest, so I have NO idea what is happening.
  • THEN, off to downtown WORCESTER by 5:30PM. We found an adult PEREGRINE FALCON sitting on the ledge next to the nest box on the Fallon Building on Chestnut Street. There are four eggs in the nest. Keep your fingers crossed. (report from Mark Lynch/Sheila Carroll).

    • 4/16/06 -- Barrows Rd. (off Salisbury, Worcester
    At about 3 this afternoon I found a lone Pine Siskin at my sunflower seed feeder. It's the first siskin I've had here all winter/spring. (report from Howard Shainheit).

    4/16/06 -- Barre Falls Dam, Barre
    Raptors migrating today: Osprey 18 ; Sharp-shinned Hawk 8 ; Cooper's Hawk 1 ; Broad-winged Hawk 149 ; American Kestrel 1 ; Raptor Observations: Birds passed quickly with little or no soaring. (report from Bart Kamp).

    4/16/06 -- Oakham/New Braintree/North Brookfield
  • We started off at dawn on the paved section of Coldbrook Road in OAKHAM: Ruffed Grouse (2); Pileated Woodpecker (2); Red-breasted Nuthatch (3); Brown Creeper (4); Hermit Thrush (7); Pine Warbler (2); PURPLE FINCH (25+: quite a display with this flock of finches, many in song, zooming all around the tree tops and flying at each other); A Goldfinch (6); Evening Grosbeak (2);
  • Then at WINIMUSSET MEADOWS WMA, NEW BRAINTREE: We birded both areas: the marsh impoundment and the eastern upland area. This is signed from Fish and Wildlife as being cut to maintain habitat for "Chestnut-sided Warbler and Common Yellowthroat" (???);. I do know this area is stocked with phaesants and being maintaiend for grouse. But "Common Yellowthroats"? If anyone knows anything about this, please let me know. Turkey Vulture (4); Canada Goose (15); Wood Duck (5); Mallard (9); Green-winged Teal (2); Hooded Merganser (3 pair); Osprey (2 migrating high overhead); Red-tailed Hawk (3); A Kestrel (1f); Wild Turkey (5); Downy Woodpecker (3); N Flicker (4); E Phoebe (3); Tree Swallow (40+); N Rough-winged Swallow (2+); Barn Swallow (2+); Black-capped Chickadee (23: including a pair excavating a nest hole); Brown Creeper (1); Winter Wren (1); Blue Jay (6); Common Raven (1 attacking migrating Ospreys); American Robin (61); Pine Warbler (4); Palm Warbler (1); Louisiana Waterthrush (1: we watched this bird for about 15 minutes as it sang and then fed along the stream); N Cardinal (14); Chipping Sparrow (7); Savannah Sparrow (2); Song Sparrow (32); Swamp Sparrow (6); Dark-eyed Junco (3); Red-winged Blackbird (70+); Purple Finch (2); A Goldfinch (3);
  • Then we hit a spot that we have been thinking could be great for hawkwatching: Charles Lake Road in NORTH BROOKFIELD. There is a field at the top of a hill right beside the road with a commanding field of view (almost 180 degrees); looking east and a so-so view looking west. This is obviously PRIVATE PROPERTY but un-posted (the house is down hill from this farm field); and we stayed at the very edge. In 45 minutes (9:45-10:30AM); we had: Mallard (2); Turkey Vulture (6: not sure any were migrating); Osprey (1); Sharp-shinned Hawk (1); Broad-winged Hawk (11: all zipping by in the wind, some very low); Red-tailed Hawk (7: 4 were likely on territory); Common Raven (1); Red-breasted Nuthatch (1);
  • We then zipped over to the MANDELL HILL PROPERTY OF THE EAST QUABBIN LAND TRUST in HARDWICK. This looks like it has real potential as a hawk-watch spot. On a hill, with excellent unobstructed views west and decent views east, with easy parking. What more could you ask for? It was pretty windy, but in 15 minutes we had: Turkey Vulture (1); Cooper's Hawk (1 resident); Sharp-shinned Hawk (1); Broad-winged Hawk (3); Flicker (2); We will be returning to this beautiful scenic property especially in the fall hawk watch season. (report from Mark Lynch/Sheila Carroll).

    • 4/15/06 -- River Bend Farm, Uxbridge
    Today I led a class trip to River Bend Farm, West Hill Dam, and Rice City Pond in Uxbridge. After a showery, foggy start, the day cleared out nicely. > We > recorded the following highlights:
  • RIVER BEND FARM Wild Turkey (heard) Blue-gray Gnatcatcher (2) Cedar Waxwing Chipping Sparrow Brown-headed Cowbird Purple Finch (3)
  • WEST HILL DAM Wood Duck Red-tailed Hawk (2) Killdeer Northern Flicker Eastern Phoebe Blue-headed Vireo (1) Tree Swallow Northern Rough-winged Swallow Barn Swallow (2) Red-breasted Nuthatch (1) Eastern Bluebird Yellow-rumped Warbler Pine Warbler Palm Warbler Eastern Towhee (1) Chipping Sparrow
  • RICE CITY POND (adjacent to River Bend Farm): Mute Swan (2 - one bird on nest) Great Blue Heron (1) Cooper's Hawk (1) Red-tailed Hawk Virginia Rail (1 - heard) Wilson's Snipe (3) Killdeer Ruby-crowned Kinglet (3) Chipping Sparrow Swamp Sparrow (1) (report from John Liller).

    • 4/14/06 -- Barre Falls Dam, Barre
    Raptors migrating today: Turkey Vulture 2 ; Osprey 3 ; Northern Harrier 1 ; Sharp-shinned Hawk 8 ; Broad-winged Hawk 21 ; Red-tailed Hawk 2 ; American Kestrel 2 ; Raptor Observations: By 11:00 AM EDT the birds were very high. (report from Bart Kamp).

    4/14/06 -- Petersham/Quabbin Park
    We got up and out into the field at dawn this morning, birding first at just a few spots in PETERSHAM, predominently Harvard Pond and the Federated Women's Clubs State Forest. Then we headed to Quabbin Park, the area of south Quabbin off Rt. 9 in Belchertown. Because we arrived here much later in the morning, our migrant numbers were not as interesting as in Petersham. Numbers=Petersham/Quabbin Park
    Common Loon (0/3); Turkey Vulture (0/3); Canada Goose (1/35); Wood Duck (6/2); A Black Duck (3/4); Mallard (12/2); Green-winged Teal (6/0); Common Merganser (6/9); Bald Eagle (0/1imm); Ruffed Grouse (3/0); Wild Turkey (8/0); Killdeer (6/0); Barred Owl (5/0: this has to be my single highest "during-daylight" count for a single town for this species. One of our most interesting sighting was watching a PAIR slowly hopscotching through a forest low to mid-level, peering all about perhaps looking for a nest hole); Belted Kingfisher (1/1); Yellow-bellied Sapsucker (6/5); Downy Woodpecker (4/4); Hairy Woodpecker (3/1); N Flicker (11/7); Pileated Woodpecker (3/0); Eastern Phoebe (11/9); BLUE-HEADED VIREO (10/0); Blue Jay (17/4); American Crow (0/6); Common Raven (1/1 sitting tight on nest); Tree Swallow (10/8); Black-capped Chickadee (46/57); Tufted Titmouse (9/10); Red-breasted Nuthatch (9/0); White-breasted Nuthatch (3/5); Brown Creeper (9/1); Carolina Wren (1 in Belchertown); Winter Wren (9/0); Ruby-crowned Kinglet (5/2); Blue-gray Gnatcatcher (1/1: these have just started to filter into this area); Eastern Bluebird (6/1); Hermit Thrush (14/0); American Robin (72/44); Yellow-rumped Warbler (12/4); Pine Warbler (15/19); Palm Warbler (3/0); Eastern Towhee (0/1); Chipping Sparrow (8/17); Song Sparrow (23/6); Swamp Sparrow (8/2); White-crowned Sparrow (1/0); Dark-eyed Junco (4/2); Northern Cardinal (0/6); Red-winged Blackbird (19/16); Eastern Meadowlark (3/0); Common Grackle (18/0); Brown-headed Cowbird (18/16); Purple Finch (5/0); American Goldfinch (7/3); EVENING GROSBEAK (4/0); PLUS: Beaver (several);; Muskrat (several);; River Otter (2);, Moose (scat);; Painted Turtle (many);; Spring Peeper (many);; Wood Frog (many including egg masses);; Red-spotted Newt (20+);; Mourning Cloak (1); (report from Mark Lynch/Sheila Carroll).

    4/13/06 -- Barre Falls Dam, Barre
    Raptors migrating today: Turkey Vulture 1 ; Osprey 7 ; Sharp-shinned Hawk 5 ; Broad-winged Hawk 7 ; Red-tailed Hawk 3 ; American Kestrel 1 ; Merlin 1 . Raptor Observations: Not migrating: 3 broadwings, 2 sharpies, 4 redtails and at a dozen TV's. Non-raptor Observations: 11 dc cormorants migrating 1 spring azure butterfly (report from Bart Kamp).

    4/13/06 -- Hadwen Park, Worcester
    Today I caught a glimpse of what appeared to be a Mute Swan on a nest in the reeds and cat-tails behind the basketball court. It was about 50 feet from a Canadian Goose nest which yesterday I watched as a Mute Swan relentlessly chased the goose off it's nest. The Swan concentrated on attacking the female, ignoring the male except for a few half hearted passes. The Goose was still on nest this afternoon. There were Common Flickers calling from the tree tops, many Palm and Pine Warblers and both Kinglets. I had a Big Brown Bat fly by me a few feet away. Also the last few days, many Flying Ants and Garter Snakes. (report from Brian Mulhearn)

    4/12/06 -- Uxbridge
  • West Hill Park. Field perimeter: ~10 pine warblers, ~10 palm warblers gleaning pines and mostly bare branches, joined by a few bluebirds and two phoebes. Numerous red-winged blackbirds, perched and calling, along with several grackles. An elusive brown thrasher revealed its tail in one thicket, some streaks in another, and finally its head as it darted away low. A yellow-shafted flicker called from the woods, where we found a brown creeper and a white-breasted nuthatch. On the marsh: Five wood ducks, four pairs of mallards and seven Canada geese. A great blue heron and first-of-season belted kingfisher. High above, three turkey vultures and a dozen tree swallows. Late in the afternoon, a great horned owl called several times.
  • Rice City Pond: two mute swans, five pairs of mallards, five green-winged teal, four killdeer, 2 great black-backed gulls. Two beautiful great blue herons flew in together and stayed to fish--one caught a big fish and let it go. A double-crested cormorant circled several times but decided to continue on its way. Canada geese AWOL. At the canal lock on Goat Hill Trail: two wood ducks and two mallards, a red-tailed hawk circled overhead.
  • River Bend Farm: Still generally quiet, except for a few song sparrows and crows, several bluebirds, a flicker and a pine warbler. Two turkey vultures in the distance. A loud, clear repeated whistle turned out to be an osprey, unexpectedly low in small birch trees. We watched in admiration as it flew right over us and disappeared behind the pine trees. Finally, about 8 cedar waxwings, some flying down from their pussywillow perch to drink from the river. (Reported by Beth Milke, Nancy Demers, Olivia Herbert)

    • 4/12/06 -- High Ridge WMA, Gardner
    Highlights from a walk into High Ridge WMA in Gardner this evening: Hooded Merganser 3; American Bittern 1; Great Blue Heron 2; Wilson's Snipe 2; American Woodcock 3; Hairy Woodpecker 1; Eastern Phoebe 2; Brown Creeper 2; Palm Warbler 2; Song Sparrow 10; Swamp Sparrow 2; Dark-eyed Junco 20; Red-winged Blackbird 12. (report from Tom Pirro).

    4/12/06 -- Barre Falls Dam, Barre
    Raptors migrating today: Turkey Vulture 3 ; Osprey 7 ; Northern Harrier 1 ; Sharp-shinned Hawk 20 ; Red-shouldered Hawk 2 10 20 Broad-winged Hawk 7 11 11 Red-tailed Hawk 3 26 136 American Kestrel 2 22 28 Merlin 1 2 2 Raptor Observations: One broadwing was carrying a snake, a Cooper's hawk surprised and almost caught a robin in the field. More than 50% of the birds were seen in the first hour. Non-raptor Observations: A pair of bluebirds has taken over one of the boxes. The female was seen carrying nesting material into it. 7 dc cormorants, field sparrow, kingfisher. (report from Bart Kamp).

    4/12/06 -- Broad Meadow Brook Sanctuary, Worcester
    Highlights of a morning walk along the Brookside loop: 2 Turkey Vultures, 2 Wood Ducks, 1 Red-tailed Hawk, 1 Kingfisher, 4 Flickers, 2 Phoebes setting up housekeeping under the new wooden bridge, 6 Tree Swallows, 1 Bluebird, 4 Field Sparrows, 1 Savannah, 19 Song, 1 Rusty Blackbird w/ many Grackles and Red-winged Blackbirds, and a high flight of at least 50 birds heading NNW. Their V was straggly, loose, very much unlike that of Canadas. I assume they were Cormorants, probably D-c's. The lowlight was 1 Cowbird. (report from Howard Shainheit).

    4/11/06 -- Barre Falls Dam, Barre
    Raptors migrating today: Turkey Vulture 2 ; Osprey 1 ; Northern Harrier 2 ; Sharp-shinned Hawk 1 ; Cooper's Hawk 2 ; Red-shouldered Hawk 2 ; Broad-winged Hawk 4 ; Red-tailed Hawk 4 ; American Kestrel 4 ; Merlin 1 . Raptor Observations: Our first broadwing of the year lifted off at 10:05 EDT. Not migrating: 1 broadwing perched in a tree and one Cooper's hawk almost catching a flicker in the field. Non-raptor Observations: 41 double-crested cormorants migrating. (report from Bart Kamp).

    4/11/06 -- Hadwen Park, Worcester
    There was a Canadian Goose sitting on a nest. 1 Mute Swan, 2 Wood Ducks, 4 Black Ducks, 1 Great Blue Heron, 6 Eastern Phoebes, 4 Pine Warblers, 6 Ruby-crowned Kinglets, 4 Gold-crowned Kinglets, and 2 Chipping Sparrows. (report from Brian Mulhearn)

    4/10/06 -- downtown Worcester/Wachusett Reservoir/Westboro
  • The Worcester Peregrine Falcons are nesting in the nest box at One Chestnut Place ( The Falcon Clinic Health Plan Building). Bill Davis, manager of the Massachusetts Division of Fisheries and Wildlife's, Central Wildlife District, checked the nesting box this morning an reports that the female falcon is setting a clutch of four eggs. At noon time today, before I talked to Bill, I had gone to the top level of the Worcester Plaza Parking Garage, on Pleasant Street and I was able to see the female falcon sitting on its nest scrape. It is nesting just inside the entrance of the nesting box and as the Sun moves to the West, it lights up the bird on the nest.
  • The Eagles at the Wachusett Reservoir apparently hatch a chick today. The height of the nest and the depth of the nest make it impossible to see what is in the nest. Late this afternoon, the two adults standing on the edge of the nest, seemed to be attending to some thing in the bowl of the nest. Also, there were two adult Common Loons in South Bay at the reservoir today.
  • The Osprey nests in Westboro and in Grafton both had adult Ospreys standing in them today.
    (report from Fran McMenemy).

    • 4/10/06 -- Barre Falls Dam, Barre
    Raptors migrating today: Osprey 6 ; Northern Harrier 1 ; Sharp-shinned Hawk 5 ; Red-tailed Hawk 2 ; American Kestrel 2 , Raptor Observations: The few birds seen were high and nearly invisible. (report from Bart Kamp).

    4/10/06 -- All Faiths Cemetery/Leesville Pond, Worcester
    My noontime walk at AFC on Leesville Pond today turned up 18 species. The highlights were 10 wood ducks, 2 American wigeon, and a killdeer. I enjoyed the latter for almost 5 minutes until it flew off calling it signature call. At the end of my walk I had a mockingbird doing a pretty fair imitation of the killdeer. (report from Jim Hogan).

    4/10/06 -- Institute Park, Worcester
    Highlights at noon included 1 Mute Swan, 2 N. Flicker, 1 E Phoebe, 1 Pine Warbler, 1 Chipping Sparrow, and 2 Brown-headed Cowbirds. (report from Rick Quimby).

    4/9/06 -- Asnebumskit Hill, Paxton
    I was checking the nest hole where Pileated Woodpeckers nested 2 years ago when a female Pileated landed on the tree at the hole. She stuck her head in the hole and went in. A couple minutes later, another Pileated called and landed at the hole. The female flew out and the male entered. Also, still only 8 of the 25 GB Heron nests were occupied though there were about 20 Herons around. 1 Barred Owl calling, 4 female Hooded Mergansers, 1 Red-shouldered Hawk, 1 Turkey Vulture, and 2 White-tailed Deer. (report from Brian Mulhearn)

    4/9/06 -- Barre Falls Dam, Barre
    Raptors migrating today: Turkey Vulture 1 ; Osprey 7 ; Bald Eagle 2 ; Sharp-shinned Hawk 9 ; Cooper's Hawk 1 ; Red-tailed Hawk 4 ; American Kestrel 6 . Raptor Observations: Most birds in afternoon. (report from Bart Kamp).

    4/8/06 -- Burncoat Pond Mass Audubon Sanctuary, Leicester/ Spencer
    1 Great Horned Owl, great looks as it flew and perched in trees. 6 Bufflehead, 5 Wood Ducks, 8 Canadian Geese, 4 Mallards, 2 Great Blue Herons, 12 Tree Swallows, 8 Phoebes, 4 Turkeys, 3 males displaying to 1 female, 6 Red-breasted Nuthatches, 1 Red-tailed Hawk, 1 Red-shouldered Hawk, 5 Turkey Vultures, and 1 dead Porcupine. Yesterday at Blood Swamp at the Ware River Watershed next to the aquaduct near the Midstate Trail there was a pair of copulating American Kestrels. On the drive there at the Kettle Brook Reservoirs there were 30+ Common Mergansers. (report from Brian Mulhearn)

    4/7/06 -- Paradise Pond, Princeton
    One common loon was sighted this morning. (report from Matt Pearson).

    4/6/06 -- Barre Falls Dam, Barre
    Raptors migrating today: Turkey Vulture 4 ; Osprey 7 ; Bald Eagle 2 ; Northern Harrier 2 ; Sharp-shinned Hawk 6 ; Cooper's Hawk 2 ; Red-shouldered Hawk 3 ; Red-tailed Hawk 1 ; American Kestrel 4 ; Raptor Observations: Both eagles were adults, 1 male harrier. Non-raptor Observations: 2 great blue herons and one flock of 14 black-capped chickadees. (report from Bart Kamp).

    4/6/06 -- downtown Worcester
    At 7PM we had an adult PEREGRINE FALCON sitting on the ledge NEXT to the nest box on the Fallon Building on Chestnut Street. (report from Mark Lynch/Sheila Carroll).

    4/5/06 -- River Bend Farm, Uxbridge
    One of the two ospreys that frequented River Bend Farm last year was seen at 6PM this evening. The osprey perched a while in a bare tree by the pond at the Visitors Center. It gave a few low whistles, then plunged into the pond--emerging with a glistening orange perch. Then the osprey flew in the direction of Rice City Pond. Also seen last evening were two turkey vultures, a great blue heron, and two Eastern bluebirds. (report from Beth Milke and Nancy Demers)

    4/5/06 -- Asnebumskit Hill, Paxton
    At the Heron Rookery 8 of the 25 nests were occupied, a few with the Heron laying low as if on eggs. Also 1 pr. Hooded Merganser, which did breed here last year. A Pileated Woodpecker called from the area where they nested 2 years ago. Another Pileated answered and flew across the beaver swamp to the other. Also 4 Black Ducks, 1 pr. Mallards, 1 Hairy Woodpecker, 1 Raven and 3 Brown Creepers. At the Raven nest a couple days ago a Raven's tail was sticking out of their nest. (report from Brian Mulhearn)

    4/4/06 -- Westminster
    Hilights from a few stops in Westminster: Ring-necked Duck 31; Common Goldeneye 4; Bufflehead 2; Red-necked grebe 1 Round Meadow Pond; Wild Turkey 16. (report from Tom Pirro).

    4/3/06 -- Leesville Pond, Worcester
    In another noon walk around All Faiths Cemetary (AFC) at Leesville Pond, I had 17 species. I watched a Mute swan tangle with a Canada goose. I am guessing the goose was guarding a nesting area as it (she?) tenatiously stayed within 4 or 5 yards of the same bit of shore. The swan chased it and niped at it, but the goose didn't fly , it just evaded the swan. The views of the wood ducks are great. They can be viewed very close on. The teal were nowhere to be seen today. The highlights were; Pine warbler; Am. wigeon; Wood ducks. (report from Jim Hogan).

    4/3/06 -- Barre Falls Dam, Barre
    Raptors migrating today: Turkey Vulture 6 ; Osprey 1 ; Sharp-shinned Hawk 6 ; Cooper's Hawk 3 ; Red-shouldered Hawk 1 ; Red-tailed Hawk 4 ; American Kestrel 1 . Raptor Observations: Not migrating: 1 adult northern goshawk. (report from Bart Kamp).

    4/2/06 -- Bolton Flats, Bolton
    The Forbush Bird Club held a trip from Bolton Flats, to Oxbow National Wildlife Refuge and Wachusett Reservoir, led by Fran McMenemy. Conditions have been so dry since March that there was little waterfowl activity at the Flats. Highlights included Common Snipe at Bolton and nesting Bald Eagles at the Reservoir. Both adult eagles were seen on the nest from Gate 39. We walked into Gate 8 and had an excellent view of one parent eagle sitting in the nest. Here are details of the 32 species observed. (report from Joan Zumpfe).

    4/2/06 -- Hodges Village Dam, Oxford
    Highlights on a quick walk: Canada Goose on nest; 5 Green-winged Teal; 2 Ring-necked Duck; 6 American Black Duck; 1 American Kestrel; 1 Sharp-shinned Hawk; 32 Tree Swallow; 2 Northern Rough-winged Swallow; 3 Eastern Phoebe. (report from Paul Meleski).

    4/2/06 -- Westborough WMA, Westboro
    Highlights during a class trip to the Westborough WMA (including the Chauncies) this afternoon: Mute Swan (11 - 1 adult chasing geese at Little Chauncy Pond and 10 first-year birds at Chauncy Pond. I am guessing that they were birds recently chased away from nesting site by parents.); Wood Duck; Ring-necked Duck (12 at Little Chauncy); Bufflehead (3 pairs at Chauncy); Turkey Vulture; Northern Harrier (1 adult male); Red-tailed Hawk (2); AMERICAN KESTREL (1 pair in vicinity of the kestrel boxes); Killdeer; AMERICAN WOODCOCK (12+ seen/heard at dusk. There were probably even more, but the peepers were very loud and made it difficult to hear. The woodcocks were putting on a great display.); Belted Kingfisher (2); Eastern Phoebe; Tree Swallow; Carolina Wren; Eastern Bluebird; Swamp Sparrow; White-throated Sparrow; Dark-eyed Junco; Rusty Blackbird; Brown-headed Cowbird. (report from John Liller).

    4/2/06 -- Barre Falls Dam, Barre
    Raptors migrating today: Osprey 1 ; Bald Eagle 1 ; Sharp-shinned Hawk 5 ; Red-shouldered Hawk 2 ; Red-tailed Hawk 8 ; American Kestrel 3 ; Raptor Observations: Not migrating: 4 red-shoulders and 4 red-tails (report from Bart Kamp).

    4/1/06 -- Burncoat Pond, Leicester
    2 pr. Ring-necked Ducks, 3 pr. Bufflehead, 2 Mallards, 1 Red-tailed Hawk, 9 Turkey Vultures, and 1 Red-bellied Woodpecker. (report from Brian Mulhearn)

    4/1/06 -- Quabbin Park, Quabbin Reservoir
    We had an adult male YELLOW-HEADED BLACKBIRD fly by us at the Enfield Lookout (Quabbin Park AKA: "South Quabbin" off Rt. 9 Belchertown) this morning c.10AM. It was among the last species I would have expected from this location. I picked up the bird flying in from the right (east), flying high (from our vantage point about the same height as Ram Hill in the distance, but much closer, like along the edge of our shore). The bird was alone and flew purposely left/west as if to the Connecticut River Valley and beyond. The views were spectacular and in good light and I followed the bird the entire time through a scope, though at it's closest it could have been ID'd with bins. VEIT AND PETERSEN mention that spring records of Yellow-headed Blackbirds (March-May) are not as restricted to the SE coastal plain as are fall birds and there a small number of records from well inland. Still, it came as a complete and total surprise. From the height and speed at which it was flying I doubt it landed anywhere in Quabbin, but folks anywhere along the Connecticut Valley (huge area) should keep their eyes peeled.
    OTHER BIRDS: Common Loon (1); Turkey Vulture (31); Canada Goose (2); Wood Duck (2); Mallard (2); Ring-necked Duck (4); Hooded Merganser (9); Bald Eagle (2ad); Wild Turkey (6); Belted Kingfisher (1); Downy Woodpecker (2); Hairy Woodpecker (1); Yellow-bellied Sapsucker (1); N Flicker (6); Eastern Phoebe (28); Tree Swallow (9); Blue Jay (6); American Crow (11); Common Raven (pair at nest); Black-capped Chickadee (24); Tufted Titmouse (14); White-breasted Nuthatch (3); Brown Creeper (1 singing); Golden-crowned Kinglet (4); Ruby-crowned Kinglet (1); American Robin (65); N Mockingbird (1); Pine Warbler (8); Song Sparrow (8); Dark-eyed Junco (9); Red-winged Blackbird (26); Common Grackle (31); YELLOW-HEADED BLACKBIRD (1adM); Brown-headed Cowbird (7); PLUS: loads of Spring Peepers; Wood Frogs, a good number of Eastern painted Turtles and while at Enfield, a COMPTON'S TORTOISESHELL landed on my pants leg. On the down-side: my first DEER TICK of the year.

    We got a late start out to Quabbin this morning. On our first ride out, we were driving down Marshall Street, Leicester and as we came over the top of a hill, there lying in the middle of the road was an injured drake HOODED MERGANSER. We actually rode OVER but not ON the bird. We of course stopped, drove back and I caught the merg, which had a badly ripped left wing. I wrapped the drake up in a sweater and we drove back through Worcester all the way to Tufts Wild Animal Clinic in Grafton to deliver it directly into the hands of the one and only Dr. Mark Pokras. Though I don't think the merg's chances are great at all, he was after all VERY badly injured, I have to say that driving so long with that merg in my lap was a special if ultimately sad experience. I was amazing to see closely the white-based/black-tipped feathers that make up it's spectacular crest, it's golden eye and narrow black bill. Truly a uniquely beautiful duck. (report from Mark Lynch/Sheila Carroll).

    4/1/06 -- Coes pond, Worcester
    The dam at Coes pond is under repair and the water has been lowered alot.You can walk to the islands, On one was a Greater Yellowlegs. I also saw 10 Common Merganser. At Notra Dame cemetery I had 2 N. Pintail, 3 Wood Ducks, 1 Red Tail Hawk and 1 Otter. At All Faiths cemetery: 6 Green-winged Teal, 16 Wood Duck and 1 Killdeer. Still no perigrine falcon downtown. (report from John Shea).

    For previous sightings, see March 2006 Archives or Archive Index