April 2008 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:
- 4/30/08 -- Barre Falls Dam, Barre
-
Raptors migrating today:
-------------------------------------------------------------------
Species Day's Count Month Total Season Total
------------------ ----------- -------------- --------------
Black Vulture 0 0 0
Turkey Vulture 6 62 112
Osprey 6 42 42
Bald Eagle 0 5 13
Northern Harrier 0 5 6
Sharp-shinned Hawk 11 97 110
Cooper's Hawk 1 2 6
Northern Goshawk 0 1 3
Red-shouldered Hawk 0 6 23
Broad-winged Hawk 65 282 282
Red-tailed Hawk 0 24 111
Rough-legged Hawk 0 2 2
Golden Eagle 0 0 0
American Kestrel 1 27 28
Merlin 1 1 2
Peregrine Falcon 0 0 0
Unknown Accipiter 0 0 0
Unknown Buteo 0 0 0
Unknown Falcon 0 0 0
Unknown Eagle 0 0 0
Unknown Raptor 0 9 14
Total: 91 565 754
----------------------------------------------------------------------
Non-raptor Observations:
2 common loons, 42 double-crested cormorants.
(report from Bart Kamp).
- 4/30/08 -- Wallum Lake, Douglas
-
We had a great time birding this morning at Wallum Lake. A northern
waterthrush sang loudly and persistently along the road to the boat ramp,
joined by a black-and-white, a chestnut-sided, and a black-throated green
warbler. A great blue heron stood sentry on a rock in the water while a
flock of perhaps fifty double-crested cormorants flew over in a V that
indicated some lack of attention. Along part of the Coffeehouse Trail,
there were a number of palm and yellow-rumped warblers in a few spots and a
red-eyed vireo called. A busy and lovely spot today. (report from Beth and
Paul Milke)
- 4/30/08 -- West Boylston
-
There was a Green Heron at my yard pond today on Route 110 in West Boylston.
(report from Kevin Bourinot).
- 4/27/08 -- Oxford and Dudley
- Highlights on the Forbush Bird Club trip
were: Spotted Sandpiper, Eastern Kingbird, Common Raven, Northern
Rough-winged Swallow, House Wren, Ruby-crowned Kinglet, Eastern Bluebird,
Gray Catbird, Brown Thrasher, Black-and-White Warbler, Northern Waterthrush,
and Eastern Towhee. Here is the
complete trip
list of the
49 species observed.
(report from Paul Meleski).
- 4/27/08 -- Spencer and Worcester Airport
- We spent the morning atlasing in NORTH BROOKFIELD 12, which in fact is
mostly in SPENCER. It was a poor migration day, and there was only a
sprinkling of "new arrivals", very few warblers and little song. The
weather
was overcast, very cool with periodic showers.
American Bittern (1: pumping);
Great Blue Heron (2: we have searched in vain for a rookery in this block);
Canada Goose (1);
Mallard (3);
Hooded Merganser (1f);
Red-tailed Hawk (1);
Wild Turkey (24);
Rock Dove (7);
Mourning Dove (28);
Eastern Screech Owl (1);
Belted Kingfisher (3);
Red-bellied Woodpecker (7);
Downy Woodpecker (16);
Hairy Woodpecker (6);
N Flicker (4);
Pileated Woodpecker (1);
Eastern Phoebe (1 on nest: otherwise, extremely low count for this block);
Blue-headed Vireo (2);
Blue Jay (42);
A Crow (33);
Tree Swallow (2);
Black-capped Chickadee (49);
Tufted Titmouse (29);
Red-breasted Nuthatch (1);
White-breasted Nuthatch (11);
Carolina Wren (1: this species seems surprisingly uncommon in this block,
which appears to be full of suitable habitat);
House Wren (2);
Ruby-crowned Kinglet (3);
Blue-gray Gnatcatcher (1);
Eastern Bluebird (3);
American Robin (92: in nesting mode);
N Mockingbird (4);
Brown Thrasher (6);
E Starling (68: some carrying food to nest already);
Yellow-rumped Warbler (58);
Pine Warbler (9);
Black and White Warbler (1);
Northern Waterthrush (2: a Louisiana Waterthrush was found JUST outside the
block);
Eastern Towhee (8);
Chipping Sparrow (80);
Field Sparrow (7);
Song Sparrow (43);
Swamp Sparrow (17);
White-throated Sparrow (29);
N Cardinal (28);
Red-winged Blackbird (86: a number seen nest building);
Common Grackle (99: see comment above);
Brown-headed Cowbird (17);
Purple Finch (11: it will be interesting to see how many, if any, stay to
breed);
House Finch (7);
A Goldfinch (34);
House Sparrow (36);
-
THEN: on the way home, we stopped by the Worcester Airport fields from Rt.
56 (Leicester); to the airport and had the following:
Canada Goose (5);
Mallard (2m);
Common Merganser (3f at Kettlebrook#2);
A Kestrel (1);
Killdeer (3);
Wilson's Snipe (2 around a small seep);
Eastern Towhee (2);
Field Sparrow (3);
Savannah Sparrow (24: we watched a pair display some fascinating courtship
behavior);
E Meadowlark (2);
Plus: an Eastern Coyote running down one of the runways.
(report from Mark Lynch/Sheila Carroll).
- 4/26/08 -- Westminster
-
Highlights from Westminster and small portion of gardner on
Saturday morning between 6 and 10AM. There was a "live" field trial for
retreivers going on at High Ridge WMA, complete with caged Mallards and live
gun fire. Another group was conducting a missing person's drill and the
radio control model airport was in full swing. I vote, next year, to replace
the live mallards in the field trial with the RC aircraft!
Wood Duck 5;
Hooded Merganser 4;
Double-crested Cormorant 5;
Osprey 1;
Broad-winged Hawk 1;
Merlin 1;
Killdeer 1;
Belted Kingfisher 2;
Red-bellied Woodpecker 1;
Hairy Woodpecker 4;
Northern Flicker (Yellow-shafted) 3;
Pileated Woodpecker 1;
Eastern Phoebe 4;
Blue-headed Vireo 6;
Tree Swallow 41;
Red-breasted Nuthatch 1;
Brown Creeper 2;
House Wren 3;
Ruby-crowned Kinglet 1;
Eastern Bluebird 2;
Yellow-rumped Warbler (Myrtle) 11;
Black-throated Green Warbler 1;
Pine Warbler 5;
Palm Warbler (Yellow) 1;
Eastern Towhee 2;
Chipping Sparrow 59;
Song Sparrow 23;
Swamp Sparrow 9;
White-throated Sparrow 14;
Dark-eyed Junco (Slate-colored) 1;
Purple Finch 34;
I have a few
photos on my blog. (report from Tom Pirro).
- 4/26/08 -- Douglas State Forest, Douglas
-
There was evidently a significant flight of Black-and-White Warblers last
night. A short spin around the rail trails in the southern section of the
Douglas State Forest produced 15-20 this morning (vs. 0 earlier this week).
Also 4 Black-throated Green Warbler, 6 Northern Waterthrush, 3 Palm Warbler
4 Pine Warbler, and a singing Winter Wren.
(report from Mark Landon).
- 4/26/08 -- Worcester Airport
-
Inspired by Mark Lynch's article on birding Worcester Airport in Bird
Observer I birded Worcester Airport: D.C Cormorant 62 flyover and 2 in the
Water, Canada Geese 2, Mallard Duck 4, Wood Duck 1, Common Merganser 9,
Broad- winged Hawk 2, Merlin 1, Red-bellied Woodpecker 1, Downy 3,Hairy 1,
Flicker 2, Phoebe 6, Blue-headed Vireo, A. Crow 7, Tree Swallow 4,
Red-breasted Nuthatch 2, White-breasted Nuthatch 2, Turkey 10, Palm
Warbler
1, Pine Warbler 9 Yellow rump 25, Towhee 3, Chipping Sparrow 12, Savannah
Sp.15, Song Sp.5, E. Meadow Lark 6, And Brown-headed Cowbird 11.
(report from John Shea).
- 4/25/08 -- Westminster
- Highlights in my neighborhood this AM:
Wood Duck 2;
Double-crested Cormorant 3 ;
Hairy Woodpecker 2;
Eastern Phoebe 3;
Blue-headed Vireo 1;
House Wren 1;
Hermit Thrush 3;
Yellow-rumped Warbler (Myrtle) 5;
Black-and-white Warbler 1;
Eastern Towhee 3;
Chipping Sparrow 10;
Song Sparrow 2;
White-throated Sparrow 3 (not a big influx yet);
Brown-headed Cowbird 6;
Purple Finch 4;
(report from Tom Pirro).
- 4/23/08 -- Worcester Airport
-
We went back to WORCESTER AIRPORT and vicinity early this evening to see if
we could get better looks at the Upland Sandpiper, and succeeded. We birded
from Mulberry Street to Rt. 56:
Mallard (3);
Common Merganser (2f: Kettlebrook#2);
American Kestrel (3);
Merlin (1);
Wild Turkey (19);
UPLAND SANDPIPER (1: when we first arrived on Mulberry Street, we could not
find this bird. When we got to the Rt. 56 overlook, with scopes, we saw an
Upland walking along the runway. Zipping back to Mulberry we found Fran
McMenemy and we all got decent views in the scope of this bird by standing
on the small knoll across from the runway. This bird can be very tough to
find as it moves in and out of the grass, and there are many acres of fields
to search.);
VESPER SPARROW (1: while watching the Upland, a Vesper Sparrow and a Savvie
began feeding about 15 feet away in the dirt around our cars. Sheila got
some terrific
shots of the Vesper Sparrow);
Savannah Sparrow (6);
Eastern Meadowlark (8). (report from Mark Lynch/Sheila Carroll).
- 4/23/08 -- Ware River Watershed, Rutland
- Today while hiking here, I heard a Northern Goshawk giving it's
nest defense call. A little bit of looking around, and I spotted it's nest.
Both Goshawks were present. (report from Brian Mulhearn)
- 4/23/08 -- Worcester Airport
-
We did some very brief pre-work birding in WORCESTER NORTH6. This morning
this included Mulberry Street behind the airport and the Rt.56 overlook of
the airport. We had the following:
Great Blue Heron (2: likely from the Asnebumpskit rookery);
Mallard (1);
A Kestrel (2);
Wild Turkey (23);
Ruffed Grouse (2);
Killdeer (1);
UPLAND SANDPIPER (2: far out on the runway, observed by standing on the
small grassy hill on Mulberry opposite the end of the runway. At least one
of these birds has been here for several days, reported by Peter Morlock,
Bart Kamp and Alan Marble. From 1956 till 1963, from 2-6 Uplands were
reported from here in the breeding season according to The Chickadee, and
some years very likely bred, though details from The Chickadee are sketchy.
Since that time, Uplands have been irregularly reported from here, but there
is still hope they may breed again.);
Hairy Woodpecker (1);
Tree Swallow (1);
C Raven (1);
Brown Thrasher (1);
Pine Warbler (2);
Eastern Towhee (2);
Savannah Sparrow (15+);
Eastern Meadowlark (12 minimum: many in display);
Purple Finch (1);
(report from Mark Lynch/Sheila Carroll).
- 4/22/08 -- Barre Falls Dam, Barre
-
Raptors migrating today:
Turkey Vulture 15 ;
Osprey 1 ;
Sharp-shinned Hawk 1 ;
Broad-winged Hawk 20 ;
Rough-legged Hawk 1 ;
American Kestrel 1 ;
Raptor Observations:
The Rough-legged Hawk was a dark morph
(report from Bart Kamp).
- 4/22/08 -- Mulberry St, Leicester
-
The upland sandpiper was still at the Worcester Airport this morning at
9:15. It was out near the edge of the runway. Also seen from Mulberry St.
were 6
wild turkeys, 2 meadowlarks and 3 savannah sparrows.
(report from Alan Marble).
- 4/22/08 -- Oakham
-
I heard a singing common yellowthroat and then found him scurrying in a pine
tree. He was found next to the marsh on bechan road in oakham.
(report from Josh Gahagan).
- 4/21/08 -- River Bend Farm and West Hill Dam, Uxbridge
-
- Highlights today were:
Red-bellied Woodpecker (2 - calling);
Tree Swallow (adults bringing nesting material into boxes);
Northern Rough-winged Swallow (adult bringing nesting material into
preseumed nest hole);
Carolina Wren (1 - singing);
Eastern Bluebird (female carrying nestng material);
Brown-headed Cowbird (male doing courtship display next to female);
Wood Duck (pair at West Hill Dam);,
Double-crested Cormorant;
Belted Kingfisher (West Hill Dam);
Eastern Phoebe (flying out from under bridge over canal at River Bend
Farm);
Blue-gray Gnatcatcher (River Bend Farm);
Cedar Waxwing;
Palm Warbler (River Bend Farm);
Pine Warbler (several singing at West Hill Dam);
Field Sparrow (River Bend Farm);
- Also on 4/20, a night bird survey on
Merriam/Adams/Estabrook roads in Milford yielded:
American Woodcock (2 adults doing courtship display);
Great Horned Owl (pair calling to each other);
Common Raven (heard flying over house on 4/21);
(report from John Liller);.
- 4/21/08 -- Mulberry St, Leicester
- The Upland Sandpiper was seen today between the end of the runway and the
road (Mulberry Street in Leicester) at 9:30 this morning. Three maintenance
workers arrived on the scene to paint the light posts. I was unable to
relocate the bird after they arrived.
(report from Bart Kamp).
- 4/20/08 -- South Oxford
-
I did a little birding at dusk this evening and found displaying woodcock,
new for Atlas block Webster 4 (missed last year). I also ended up seeing a
Gray Fox walk in front of my car as I waited for the Woodcock show to
begin. (report from Paul Meleski).
- 4/20/08 -- Westminster/Gardner
- Highlights during a 13 mile bike ride up to High
Ridge WMA. It seems there was a decent arrival of Blue-headed Vireos,
Yellow-rumped and Palm Warblers last night. But, Black and White Warbler
have NOT hit the area yet. Purple Finches are wide spread in the area as
well:
Wood Duck 1;
American Black Duck 2;
Green-winged Teal (American) 4;
Ring-necked Duck 1;
Hooded Merganser 3;
Wild Turkey 2;
Double-crested Cormorant 16;
Great Blue Heron 2;
Turkey Vulture 1;
Red-tailed Hawk 1;
American Kestrel 1 female at High Ridge;
Greater Yellowlegs 1;
Red-bellied Woodpecker 1;
Yellow-bellied Sapsucker 3 (one male was checking out a hole on a
telephone pole while a female flicker watched from about a foot away and a
Downy was perched about 2 feet over those two.);
Hairy Woodpecker 3;
Northern Flicker 10;
Pileated Woodpecker 1;
Eastern Phoebe 7;
Blue-headed Vireo 8;
Common Raven 1;
Tree Swallow 37;
Brown Creeper 4;
Eastern Bluebird 3;
Hermit Thrush 1;
Yellow-rumped Warbler (Myrtle) 23;
Pine Warbler 7;
Palm Warbler (Yellow) 12;
Eastern Towhee 1;
Chipping Sparrow 26;
Field Sparrow 1;
Song Sparrow 19;
Swamp Sparrow 5;
Dark-eyed Junco 4;
Rusty Blackbird 1;
Brown-headed Cowbird 17;
Purple Finch 22;
(report from Tom Pirro).
- 4/20/08 -- Worcester Airport - Mulberry St. , Worcester
- At 11:00 AM, this morning at the airport:
Turkey Vulture;
American Kestrel;
Eastern Meadowlark;
UPLAND SANDPIPER.
(report from Peter Morlock).
- 4/19/08 -- Westminster
- Highlights seen and/or heard from some bicycling around Westminster today, 11
miles in the AM and 5 Miles PM. (most of this riding was in the Fitch 5
block I covered in 2007 but I was able to add a few new species (within safe
dates) while doing some "green" birding this year.
- From 0530 to 0830:
Wood Duck 7 (one female was inspecting a nest hole in a tree at a busy
intersection (busy by Westminster standards) and on the front lawn of
residence;
Ring-necked Duck 5;
Common Merganser 5;
Common Loon 1 call near Meetinghouse Res.;
Double-crested Cormorant 13;
Great Black-backed Gull 1;
Red-bellied Woodpecker 1;
Yellow-bellied Sapsucker 2 both druming;
Hairy Woodpecker 1;
Northern Flicker 6;
Eastern Phoebe 15;
Blue-headed Vireo 1;
Tree Swallow 2;
Ruby-crowned Kinglet 1;
Hermit Thrush 3;
Yellow-rumped Warbler (Myrtle) 2;
Pine Warbler 8;
Eastern Towhee 1;
Chipping Sparrow 10;
Field Sparrow 1;
Song Sparrow 10;
White-throated Sparrow 1;
Dark-eyed Junco (Slate-colored) 15;
Brown-headed Cowbird 15;
Purple Finch 12 good numbers continue at my residence ;
- From 1730 to 1900:
American Black Duck 1 (female paired with drake Mallard);
Ring-necked Duck 7;
Ruffed Grouse 1 (male displaying its ruff);
Double-crested Cormorant 9;
Turkey Vulture 1;
Hairy Woodpecker 1;
Northern Flicker 1;
Chipping Sparrow 5;
Field Sparrow 1;
Song Sparrow 4;
Brown-headed Cowbird 24;
Purple Finch 2;
(report from Tom Pirro).
- 4/19/08 -- Douglas State Forest
- A short walk this morning near Badluck Pond and the adjacent cedar swamp in
the central section of the Douglas State Forest produced, in addition to the
usual woodland residents, the following singing migrants: Common Loon (1,
yodeling and diving in Badluck Pond); Eastern Phoebe (1); Ruby-crowned
Kinglet (3); Hermit Thrush (1); Blue-headed Vireo (1); Pine Warbler (2);
Northern Waterthrush (1).
(report from Mark Landon).
- 4/19/08 -- town of Blackstone
- We spent from before dawn till almost noon, atlasing in two blocks in the
Blackstone National Corridor; UXBRIDGE 11 AND UXBRIDGE 12. We "owled"
exclusively in Uxbridge 12. This entire area is in the former "mill" towns
of Millville and Mendon. Uxbridge 11 is a full-sized block, while Uxbridge
12 is an "edge" block along the Rhode Island border and is only half the
size of a typical Atlas block. Together, this area is mostly over-built
suburbia, with some modest woodlots, a few farms, much more new
developments, a small Wildlife Management Area and also includes the rather
urbanized areas of the town itself along Rt. 122 and the Blackstone River.
Bird life today was fairly typical, nothing unusual, but spring migrants are
slowly seeping in.
Great Blue Heron (2: we have heard rumors of a rookery on a hill nearby, but
have been unable to track it down);
Canada Goose (25: several on nests);
Mute Swan (4: including 1 pair);
Wood Duck (5);
Mallard (3);
Cooper's Hawk (1ad);
Red-shouldered Hawk (1);
Broad-winged Hawk (2);
Red-tailed Hawk (2);
American Kestrel (6);
Ruffed Grouse (1 drumming);
Wild Turkey (16: a number of toms in full display);
Killdeer (7);
Ring-billed Gull (2);
Rock Pigeon (30);
Mourning Dove (37);
Eastern Screech Owl (2);
Great Horned Owl (4);
Red-bellied Woodpecker (5);
Downy Woodpecker (15);
Hairy Woodpecker (2);
N Flicker (19: some male/female displaying);
Eastern Phoebe (36: a number on nests of building nests);
Blue Jay (49);
A Crow (29);
Tree Swallow (4);
N Rough-winged Swallow (1);
Barn Swallow (1);
Black-capped Chickadee (38: nest building);
Tufted Titmouse (28);
White-breasted Nuthatch (6);
Carolina Wren (28);
E Bluebird (4: 2 pair);
Hermit Thrush (3 singing);
A Robin (255: lots of nest building going on);
N Mockingbird (19: several territorial displays);
E Starling (52: nest building; tending young in nests et);
Yellow-rumped Warbler (5);
Pine Warbler (21: common breeder);
Palm Warbler (1);
Louisiana Waterthrush (1 singing: breeds);
Eastern Towhee (7: all males);
Chipping Sparrow (134: this being suburbia, it is rife with Chippers);
Field Sparrow (13);
Savannah Sparrow (1);
Song Sparrow (59);
White-throated Sparrow (11);
N Cardinal (57);
Red-winged Blackbird (51);
C Grackle (83);
Brown-headed Cowbird (30);
House Finch (13);
A Goldfinch (17);
House Sparrow (60+: on nests);
PLUS: large numbers of Painted Turtles and Spring Peepers; a number of
White-tailed Deer (which reminded us that Deer Tick season is officially
"on", so take precautions);; (2); Cabbage Whites; (2); Mourning Cloaks;
Skunk
Cabbage and False Hellbore in a number of locations, and some nice patches
of Coltsfoot.
(report from Mark Lynch/Sheila Carroll).
- 4/17/08 -- St Philips Cemetery, Grafton
-
We stopped by St Philip's Cemetery off Millbury Street in Grafton around 5pm.
We had two first-of-season highlights: brown thrasher at the top
of a tree singing and a few palm warblers flitting about.
(report from Beth Milke).
- 4/16/08 -- Northbridge
- From 8:30 A.M.-11:30 A.M.,
Church Street Northbridge from Canoe launch to Field:
In addition to some of the usual suspects there were also: Barred Owls (2
calling, first heard at 10:23 A.M.), Pine Warbler (1 singing), Tree Swallows
(5 scouting out the nest boxes in field), and a few other warblers of which
I had difficulty identifying due to height, movement and lighting...one
which I strongly believe to be a Palm Warbler as it was pumping its tail
constantly and I think it still did not have its cap yet. Good stuff in
that area! (report from Jenifer Glagowski).
- 4/16/08 -- Institute Park, Worcester
- At noon highlights were 2 Mute Swan (one on nest), 1 Tree Swallow,
1 Yellow-rumped Warbler, 1 Pine Warbler, and 4 Brown-headed Cowbirds.
Last evening from a distance
I saw a new low-light: someone was hand-feeding one of the swans,
literally holding something up (bread, I presume) and making the swan
take it out of her hand. There was a group of 3 people standing within
two feet of the swan, treating it like a pet. I couldn't watch...had
to turn away...
(report from Rick Quimby).
- 4/16/08 -- Fitchburg
- This morning there were about 60-80 Bohemian Waxwings at the Junction
of Rte's 2A and 31 in Fitchburg...at the Boutwell-Owens plant(the LUK crisis
center is in that buikding too. I might also add there is another
Boutwell-Owens plant in Fitchburg and an industrial park...so please don't
confuse the two. I just drove by, hardly slowing down this morning, but at
least 20 of the waxwings were feeding off the ground.
(report from Tom Pirro).
- 4/16/08 -- Worcester/Shrewsbury/Boylston
-
A before dawn trip through the Atlas block WORCESTER NORTH 11 which includes
sections of Worcester, Shrewsbury and Boylston found (3) Great Horned Owls;
(2) Screech Owls but only (1) American Woodcock. The latter number seems low
for the area and habitat included in the block.
(report from Mark Lynch/Sheila Carroll).
- 4/15/08 -- Tempelton/Winchendon
- This evening I scouted the Athol 10 Block a bit, for the BBA II project
seeing, with the following highlights:
Wild Turkey 12;
Osprey 1;
Sharp-shinned Hawk 1;
American Woodcock 5;
Hairy Woodpecker 1;
Eastern Phoebe 1;
Brown Creeper 2;
Dark-eyed Junco (Slate-colored) 1;
Brown-headed Cowbird 1;
Purple Finch 1.
- I hit the Gardner Airport, in Tempelton, which is in the Athol 11 block for
WoodCock and only heard 1 calling in the 10 minutes I spent there.
(report from Tom Pirro).
- 4/15/08 -- Bolton Flats, Bolton
-
Still present at Bolton Flats accessed from the route 117 parking lot
Tuesday evening were 1 pectoral sandpiper, 2 lesser yellowlegs, 2 greater
yellowlegs, dozens of Wilson's snipe and 1 continuously calling SORA. In the
flooded field south of route 117 was a pair of sleeping buffleheads.
(report from Bart Kamp).
- 4/15/08 -- Westminster / Fitchburg
-
- Highlights seen from home on the back deck this morning:
Yellow-bellied Sapsucker 1;
Downy Woodpecker 1;
Eastern Phoebe 2;
Pine Warbler 1;
Song Sparrow 2;
Brown-headed Cowbird 1;
Purple Finch 2;
- In Fitchburg the Bohemian Waxwings continue to show well, at Boutwell-Owen
in Fitchburg, with at least 75 present this morning. Still a lot of fruit on
the tree out front, they also head onto the roof of the building, I presume
for a drink of water off the flat roof.
(report from Tom Pirro).
- 4/14/08 -- Barre Falls Dam, Barre
-
Raptors migrating today:
Turkey Vulture 4 ;
Osprey 15 ;
Northern Harrier 1 ;
Sharp-shinned Hawk 16 ;
Broad-winged Hawk 75 ;
Red-tailed Hawk 1 ;
American Kestrel 2 ;
(report from Bart Kamp).
- 4/13/08 -- Worcester/Brookfield
-
- Highlights from this weekend birding included "it takes (2) to tango" Pileated
Woodpeckers mating in Boynton Park, Worcester, just past the ball field at
the main parking lot. Also a (1) Hermit Thrush.
- In the Richardson Wildlife Management Area north of Rt. 9 in Brookfield:
(~30) G. Winged Teal, (4) Wood Duck, (6) Palm Warblers, (1) Pine Warbler,
(2) E. Bluebirds, (6) E. Phoebes and lots of ticks.
(report from Alex Dunn).
- 4/13/08 -- Grafton
-
We found this male, gray/brown phase
screech owl roosting in a pine over our
patio this weekend, approximately 20 feet from the red phase female in our
nest box. He has been guarding her from an onslaught of continuous blue jay
harassment during the day and trilling and whinnying in the evenings.
(report from Scott Jordan).
- 4/13/08 -- Worcester Airport
-
I went up to Worcester Airport looking for Eastern Meadowlark and found 2
singing. Also 2 Killdeer and 4 A. Kestrels. (report from John Shea).
- 4/13/08 -- Barre Falls Dam, Barre
-
Raptors migrating today:
Turkey Vulture 9 ;
Osprey 8 ;
Northern Harrier 2 ;
Sharp-shinned Hawk 33 ;
Northern Goshawk 1 ;
Broad-winged Hawk 64 ;
Red-tailed Hawk 2 ;
American Kestrel 12 ;
Raptor Observations:
With the sunny breaks and showers came the hawks.
Non-raptor Observations:
A porcupine slept in a nearby tree all day.
(report from Bart Kamp).
- 4/13/08 -- Petersham
- We got up before dawn to atlas two of our current blocks which are (mostly)
in Petersham and New Salem: Barre 1 and Shutesbury 10. A good deal of both
blocks is inside the Quabbin gates, but we decided this morning to bird only
the areas outside of Quabbin. Pre-dawn, it was very dark and quite cold, no
moon visible and black as pitch. Most owls and woodcock did not start
calling/displaying till an hour before dawn. The rest of the morning was
cool and overcast. Combined list:
Great Blue Heron (1);
Canada Goose (6, 1 on nest);
Wood Duck (10: we watched a pair searching up and in trees for a suitable
nesting cavity);
American Black Duck (pair);
Mallard (3);
Green-winged Teal (pair);
Ring-necked Duck (pair);
Bufflehead (2 pair);
Common Goldeneye (5);
Hooded Merganser (9);
Common Merganser (4);
Osprey (2);
Bald Eagle (1imm);
Sharp-shinned Hawk (1);
N Goshawk (1);
Red-shouldered Hawk (3);
Ruffed Grouse (3);
Wild Turkey (13);
Wilson~Rs Snipe (2);
American Woodcock (19);
Mourning Dove (9);
Great Horned Owl (4);
Barred Owl (9);
N Saw-whet Owl (9);
Red-bellied Woodpecker (1);
Yellow-bellied Sapsucker (7: all drumming, many calling. One male used the
metal plate atop a power stanchion to get an especially loud version of his
drumming to echo down the power line cut-through);
Downy Woodpecker (4);
Hairy Woodpecker (2);
N Flicker (1);
Pileated Woodpecker (3);
Eastern Phoebe (16: some observed nestbuilding);
BLUE-HEADED VIREO (1 singing);
Blue Jay (41);
A Crow (15);
C Raven (2);
Tree Swallow (7);
Black-capped Chickadee (52: nest building observed);
Tufted Titmouse (19);
Red-breasted Nuthatch (4);
White-breasted Nuthatch (11);
Brown Creeper (13);
Winter Wren (3);
Golden-crowned Kinglet (22);
Hermit Thrush (12);
A Robin (66);
E Starling (17);
Pine Warbler (13);
Chipping Sparrow (1);
Song Sparrow (11);
Dark-eyed Junco (91);
N Cardinal (16);
Red-winged Blackbird (46);
C Grackle (41);
Brown-headed Cowbird (26);
Purple Finch (20);
House Finch (2);
A Goldfinch (9);
Evening Grosbeak (pair);
PLUS: a number of Beavers; while driving down a very dark road in the pitch
black, we came across a Muskrat just ambling down the side of the road, no
marsh nearby. It was unfazed by out presence. At one small vernal pool we
came across (15+); Wood Frogs laying eggs; and many more egg masses, (1);
large Spotted Salamander and a pair of Red-bellied Newts mating.
(report from Mark Lynch/Sheila Carroll).
- 4/13/08 -- Sutton
- There was an American kestrel hovering around Whittier's Farm fields on
Town
Farm Road in Sutton this morning at around 9 a.m.
(report from Alan Marble).
- 4/12/08 -- Barre Falls Dam, Barre
-
Raptors migrating today:
Turkey Vulture 5 ;
Bald Eagle 1 ;
Sharp-shinned Hawk 10 ;
Red-shouldered Hawk 2 ;
Red-tailed Hawk 7 ;
American Kestrel 2 ;
Non-raptor Observations:
pair of yellow-bellied sapsuckers
(report from Bart Kamp).
- 4/12/08 -- Worcester
- We spent a few hours atlasing in WORCESTER NORTH 11, an urban block that
contains the prison, the extreme north end of Lake Quinsigamond, St. Gobain,
and the extreme eastern edge of Indian Lake. Many more birds were in high
song compared to last weekend, and a few new species had moved in from last
week~Rs survey:
Great Blue Heron (1 fly-over. I doubt there is a rookery in the block);
Canada Goose (pair);
Mute Swan (1m: female was likely on the nest hidden nearby);
Wood Duck (10);
Mallard (7);
Red-tailed Hawk (2: including 11 carrying a chipmunk to a nest);
Wild Turkeys (1m displaying to 9 females);
Rock Dove (40+);
Mourning Dove (12);
Downy Woodpecker (9);
N Flicker (9);
E Phoebe (7);
Blue Jay (25);
A Crow (8);
Black-capped Chickadee (11: 1 nest-building);
Tufted Titmouse (13);
Red-breasted Nuthatch (pair checking out possible nest sites);
White-breasted Nuthatch (9);
Carolina Wren (2);
Eastern Bluebird (pair);
A Robin (228: nest building observed);
N Mockingbird (16: suddenly these are all in song, mating, defending
territory et);
E Starling (52: some on nests);
Pine Warbler (6);
EASTERN TOWHEE (2m);
Chipping Sparrow (3);
Field Sparrow (1);
Song Sparrow (17);
White-throated Sparrow (2);
Dark-eyed Junco (8);
N Cardinal (29);
Red-winged Blackbird (14);
C Grackle (29);
Brown-headed Cowbird (20+);
House Finch (20: nest building observed);
A Goldfinch (12);
House Sparrow (70+: some on nests);
(report from Mark Lynch/Sheila Carroll).
- 4/12/08 -- Westminster/Fitchburg
- Highlights seen and/or heard from an 8 mile walk from my apartment in Westminster
to round Meadow Pond, a sand pit, toward Monty tech, Snow's Mill Pond and a
bit of West Fitchburg.
- From the Westminster portion of the walk:
Wood Duck 12;
American Black Duck 4;
Green-winged Teal (American); 4;
Ring-necked Duck 5;
Bufflehead 2;
Hooded Merganser 2;
Common Merganser 2;
Double-crested Cormorant 14;
Great Blue Heron 2 (high flying migrant);;
Turkey Vulture 3;
Osprey 5 (migrants);;
Bald Eagle 2 (ads. together low over Newcomb rd/Barthrech Rd. area);;
Cooper's Hawk 2 (1 migrant, 1 poss. terr bird);;
Northern Goshawk 1 (perched at the edge of a sand pit.;
Red-tailed Hawk 2;
American Kestrel 1;
Killdeer 5;
Iceland Gull (Kumlien's); 1 (1st year type);
Great Black-backed Gull 15;
Great Horned Owl 1 (being mobbed by crows);
Hairy Woodpecker 1;
Northern Flicker 1;
Pileated Woodpecker 1;
Eastern Phoebe 17 (lot of Phoebes today);
Tree Swallow 20;
Northern Rough-winged Swallow 2;
Brown Creeper 1;
Golden-crowned Kinglet 4;
Ruby-crowned Kinglet 1;
Yellow-rumped Warbler (Myrtle) 1;
Pine Warbler 3;
American Tree Sparrow 1;
Chipping Sparrow 2;
Field Sparrow 2;
Song Sparrow 20;
Dark-eyed Junco 20;
Brown-headed Cowbird 15;
Purple Finch 1;
;
- From the Fitchburg Section of the walk:;
Ring-necked Duck 6;
Turkey Vulture 1;
Cooper's Hawk 1;
Red-tailed Hawk 1;
Eastern Phoebe 4;
Tree Swallow 3;
Northern Rough-winged Swallow 1;
Bohemian Waxwing 65 +/- (continue to show well at Boutwell -Owens);
Brown-headed Cowbird 1;
(report from Tom Pirro).
- 4/12/08 -- Chaffins pond, Holden
- Around 2:30pm, I saw an osprey take a fish
right behind the little league grandstands! Also saw many mallards, canada
geese, redwing blackbirds and tree swallows, as well as 5 large painted
turtles while kayaking on the pond.
(report from Robin Ganesan).
- 4/12/08 -- Northbridge, Grafton, Millbury
-
The forecast wasn't good, but the sun came out and we thought "What the
heck, let's go for it." We stopped at a number of spots in Northbridge,
Grafton, and Millbury between 9AM and 6PM. West Hill Park, Nelson Pond, St.
Philip's Cemetery, Millbury Bike Path, and both sides of Fisherville Pond
yielded 45 species for the day.
Highlights: one male and two female common goldeneye tucked away with
several ring-necked ducks back along the western side of the pond and two
double-crested cormorants taking a sun bath. Also at Nelson Pond, a
northern rough-winged swallow was among numerous tree swallows zooming over
the water. A pair of belted kingfishers flew together over the marsh at St.
Philip's Cemetery. It was quiet birdwise at Fisherville Pond, but we saw
the season's first mourning cloak there. Small yellow coltsfoot was easy to
spot along the Millbury Bike Path.
We'd given up on finding a chipping sparrow today, but wouldn't you know--as
we turned in my driveway at the end of the day, there was one of my
returning yard chippers to greet us! (report from Beth Milke and Nancy
Demers)
- 4/13/08 -- Grafton/ Sutton
- GRAFTON (in our yard):
Red-tailed Hawk (1 adult);
COMMON REDPOLL (10 still coming to our feeders);
- SUTTON (quad Milford 3):
I spent a couple of hours atlasing in Milford 3 this morning. Milford 3
is almost completely contained in the town of Sutton, and the major
conservation area is Purgatory Chasm State Park (PCSP);. Here are highlights:
Wood Duck (1 male);
Belted Kingfisher (female);
Red-bellied Woodpecker;
Northern Flicker;
[Pileated Wodpecker - I did not see or hear one, but I bumped into a man
who said that he had seen one on his walk in PCSP];
Eastern Phoebe;
Blue-headed Vireo (1 in PCSP);
Carolina Wren (new species in block, as there was no report from BBA 1);
Hermit Thrush (2 in PCSP);
Pine Warbler;
Field Sparrow;
Song Sparrow;
White-throated Sparrow;
Dark-eyed Junco;
Brown-headed Cowbird;
Purple Finch (5 in PCSP);
(report from John Liller).
- 4/11/08 -- Mass. Wildlife Headquarters, Westborough
- Highlights from the evening Forbush Bird Club walk included Pine Warbler
and numerous American Woodcocks in the fields.
Also seen was a beaver and muskrat and we heard a chorus of Spring Peepers.
Here is the
complete trip
list.
(trip report from Laura Lane).
- 4/11/08 -- Spencer
-
We got out before dawn (and the rain); this morning to do some atlasing in
the NORTH BROOKFIELD 12 block, a good portion of which is in SPENCER. While
tallying owls and lots of woodcock, it was nice to hear a substantial
pre-dawn chorus, though still limited in the variety of species represented.
Complete list below:
Great Blue Heron (1: low fly-over);
Canada Goose (12+ pair w/nest);
Wood Duck (2 pair: we watched 1 pair flew up into trees, perch on branches
and search for suitable nesting cavities);
Mallard (13);
Ring-necked Duck (20);
Bufflehead (6: 3 pair);
Common Merganser (pair);
Osprey (1);
Ruffed Grouse (2 drumming);
Wild Turkey (26: toms in full display);
American Woodcock (41: all males displaying);
Rock Pigeon (23: some on nests);
Mourning Dove (17);
Great Horned Owl (5);
Barred Owl (pair);
N Saw-whet Owl (1);
Belted Kingfisher (3: a pair that drove off an interloper and then proceeded
to harass a pair of Pileateds at a nest hole);
Red-bellied Woodpecker (5);
Downy Woodpecker (8);
Hairy Woodpecker (1);
N Flicker (3);
Pileated Woodpecker (pair);
Eastern Phoebe (22);
Blue Jay (32);
A Crow (14);
Black-capped Chickadee (29: some nest building);
Tufted Titmouse (31);
White-breasted Nuthatch (8);
Brown Creeper (4: 1 seen nest building);
Carolina Wren (1 singing: seems very low);
A Robin (112);
E Starling (35: some on nests);
Pine Warbler (7m);
Field Sparrow (2);
Song Sparrow (96);
Swamp Sparrow (1 singing);
Dark-eyed Junco (14);
N Cardinal (60);
Red-winged Blackbird (127);
C Grackle (145);
Brown-headed Cowbird (31);
Purple Finch (1);
House Finch (4);
A Goldfinch (11);
House Sparrow (45: some on nests);.
PLUS: Coyote (pack howling pre-dawn);; Red Fox (1);; Muskrat (1);; White-tailed
Deer (1);; Spring Peepers (many);.
Later we stopped by LAKE QUABOG in showers and had:
Canada Goose (2);; A Black Duck (14);; Common Merganser (2);; Bald Eagle (1ad);;
Tree Swallow (40+);; N Rough-winged Swallow (1);; Barn Swallow (2);.
(report from Mark Lynch/Sheila Carroll).
- 4/11/08 -- Fitchburg/Groton
-
- 57 Bohemian Waxwings were perched atop a maple tree across the street from
Boutwell-Owens in Fitchburg this morning. This is right on my commute
to work, so like "train wreck", I am compelled to stop and look no matter
how many times I've seen this species before!
- I had to run over to the Hardware store in Groton this morning, it just
happens to be across the street from the Stage Coach Steakhouse (Inn), there
was at least 40 to 50 Bohemian Waxwings. Some were feeding on the crab apple
trees in front of the inn and other were in the thicket behind Ace Hardware.
I counted 31 in a Poplar tree, behind ACE, carefully feeding on the
"catkins", whether they were eating the catkins or insects that may have
been on/in the catkins, I don't know.
(report from Tom Pirro).
- 4/10/08 -- Templeton
-
- Highlights seen and/or heard from the Gardner Airport area this
evening in
the BBA Athol Block #11:
Wood Duck 2;
American Black Duck 2;
Hooded Merganser 1;;
Wild Turkey 9
Great Blue Heron 5 (occupied Nests (3), there has been a small colony
in the wetland on the east side of the airport for 20+ years. Some years a
GH Owl occupies one, but not this year);
American Kestrel 2 (2 females, there is suitable habitat for nesting
here, so lets hope!);
Killdeer 1;
Belted Kingfisher 2 (M + F , the male was beating a small fish to
death...and beyond, against a tree branch);
Horned Lark 4 (while migrants are still coming through, I saw a huge
flock of approx. 1500 in West Moreland, NH last Saturday, this species nests
at the airport and 3 of these were singing males);
Tree Swallow 60;
Red-winged Blackbird 50;
Rusty Blackbird 3;
Brown-headed Cowbird 4;
- Also, 21 Bohemian Waxwing were still in Groton Center today, in
front of the Stage Coach Steakhouse...(on a side note...a co-work tried to
have lunch at the steakhouse a number of years ago...and they had run out of
steak! I beleive they're under new management now).
- I drove past Gardner High School this evening, and though there are
still several crable
apple trees with a ample fruit, no Bohemian Waxwings were present there.
(report from Tom Pirro).
- 4/10/08 -- Fitchburg
-
The bohemian waxwings continue in the crabapple tree at the Boutwell-Owens
Co in Fitchburg. There were 90+ there this morning at 9 a.m.
(report from Alan Marble).
- 4/10/08 -- Blackstone River - Church Street, Northbridge
-
I strolled for 2 hours starting at 9:30 A.M. from the canoe launch parking
lot to the first foot bridge past the field.
Eastern Phoebes (at least 3), American Goldfinches, Northern Flicker,
Red-winged blackbirds, Common Grackles, Brown-headed cowbirds (male and
females), Red-bellied woodpecker scouting real estate (photos),
Sharp-shinned Hawk (I think...see photos) YELLOW-RUMPED WARBLER (Myrtle
female - see photos - on W. side of canal where the trail is well eroded).
Here is a
link to my photos.
(report from Jenifer Glagowski).
- 4/10/08 -- Institute Park, Worcester
- At noon there were 2 Mute Swans (one on nest), 1 N. Flicker. The
male swan has been aggressively chasing the two Canada Geese on the pond in
the last few days,
but today the two species were peaceably side by side. At nearby
Bancroft Tower Hill there were 2 E. Phoebe, 1 Red-bellied Woodpecker, and
1 Pine Warbler singing. (report from Rick Quimby).
- 4/9/08 -- Newton Hill (Elm Park), Worcester
- There were 2 E. Phoebes hawking low to ground, 1
Pine Warbler singing and flitting at top of trees on the Doherty HS side of
park.(report from Alexander Dunn).
- 4/9/08 -- Fitchburg
- The Bohemian Waxwings were still in front of Boutwell-Owens Company at the
junction of RTE's 2A and 31 in Fitchburg this morning at 7:45AM. Also a
1st year Iceland "Kumlein's" Gull was perched atop a light pole at Crocker
Field in downtown Fitchburg.
(report from Tom Pirro).
- 4/8/08 -- Bolton Flats, Bolton
-
Birds seen and/or hear from Bolton Flats this evening. I got a very good at
the Peregrine, an Imm., this bird did not have any "foot gear" nor a bell. I
guess it could be a different bird from last week (or shed the gear), I
could not see its tail (last week's bird had a "ratty" looking tail) do to
the angle it flew off, very low and straight away. Clearly last week this or
another imm. PG appeared to have something dangling from a leg and when it
passed directly over head I could distictly hear a "jingle" bell ringing
from the bird, another birder from Devens hear the same.
A large flock of GW teal was present but difficult to count, the Lesser
Yellowlegs was present and a Greater flew overhead calling.
- Numerical highlights:
Wood Duck 25;
American Black Duck 18;
Green-winged Teal (American) 300;
Ring-necked Duck 40;
Great Blue Heron 2;
Peregrine Falcon 1;
Killdeer 10;
Greater Yellowlegs 1;
Lesser Yellowlegs 1;
Wilson's Snipe 23;
American Woodcock 1;
Barred Owl 1;
Northern Flicker 1;
Tree Swallow 12;
Song Sparrow 10;
Red-winged Blackbird 250;
Common Grackle 1500;
Brown-headed Cowbird 1;
(report from Tom Pirro).
- 4/8/08 -- Barre Falls Dam, Barre
-
Raptors migrating today:
Turkey Vulture 5 ;
Osprey 5 ;
Sharp-shinned Hawk 7 ;
Red-shouldered Hawk 1 ;
Red-tailed Hawk 8 ;
American Kestrel 1 ;
Non-raptor Observations:
Butterflies: Mourning Cloak and Compton Tortoiseshell
(report from Bart Kamp).
- 4/8/08 -- Fitchburg, Westminster and Groton
-
A quick up date on recent Bohemian Waxwing sighting from north central mass.
- 4/7 AM commute 42 Downtown Fitchburg
- 4/7 PM commute ~120 Junction of RTEs 2a and 31 in Fitcburg (3 miles from the
AM birds)
- 4/7 Westminster 3 (the end of my drive way)
- 4/8 AM commute ~120 RTE 2A and 31
- 4/8 AM walk around the parking lot 7 fly overs
I have posted a few
photos on my blog of the Fitchburg birds feeding on the
ground. (report from Tom Pirro).
- 4/8/08 -- Millbury
-
I arrived at work this morning to hear the towhee and white throated
sparrows singing! Glad to see they're a little early.
(report from Susan LaBree).
- 4/8/08 -- Marlborough
-
There was a flock of 37 bohemian waxwings at Immaculate Conception Cemetery
in Marlborough this morning at 8 a.m. They were on the southeast side of
Beach
Street in the small section of the cemetery. They eventually flew off to
the
southeast.
(report from Alan Marble).
- 4/7/08 -- Fitchburg/Westminster
-
- A flock of 120 +/- Bohemian Waxwings was in front of Bowtwel/Owens at the
junction of RTE2A and Rte31 in Fitchburg this evening at 5:45PM. The large
crabapple tree in front is still "loaded" with apples. The BOWA's I saw this
morning were about 2 1/2 miles away, so perhaps different birds.
- I later had 3 Bohemian Waxwings from my drive way. I had thought long hard
about treking down to Fitchburg on foot, to try to add Bohemians to my
"human powered" year list. But, figured by the time I got there they would
be gone, no bicycle right now so I'd have to walk. SO I trashed that idea,
about a 6 mile round trip walk to Bowtwel-Ownes in Fitchburg, and figured I
would take walk down the street.
I was 50 feet from my driveway and thought I heard a Bohemian call, but it
was windy...then again...and again...and there they were right in front of
me! So, I took a few steps back and added them to the yard list.
(report from Tom Pirro).
- 4/7/08 -- River Bend Farm, Uxbridge
-
- Highlights at River Bend Farm: Eastern Phoebe (1 singing),
Pair of black-capped chickadees
excavating tree limb, Red Bellied Woodpecker (1 heard), Cedar
Waxwings. I was also here on 4/1 and believe I
encountered a Wilson's Snipe which I flushed twice and it flew away.
- At Broad Meadow Brook Sanctuary in Worcester,
I did a two-hour loop starting at the sanctuary.
Highlights were: Eastern Phoebes (at least 2), Hermit Thrush (1 at N end of
Cardinal Trail), American Kestrel (1 at center of Troiano Trail),
American Tree Sparrow (1 on S end of Frog Pond Trail).
Here are some
photos of these birds.
(report from Jenifer Glagowski).
- 4/7/08 -- Fitchburg
- This morning there were: Bohemian Waxwing 42;
Cedar Waxwing 1.
This gang ("its not gang...its a club")was downtown near Romano Overhead
Door Company which is near the Rollstone Boulder.
- Highlights on 4/6 at Saw Mills Pond in Westminster/Fitchburg:
Common Goldeneye 12;
Common Merganser 47;
Hooded Merganser 2;
Double-crested Cormorant 2;
Great Black-backed Gull 55;
Iceland gull 1 1st year type;
- 4/6 at Nowtown Resevior (Leomonster):
Common Merganser 22;
Great Black-backed Gull 10.
(report from Tom Pirro).
- 4/6/08 -- Winimusset Wildlife Management Area, New Braintree. Gate 40,
Quabbin Reservoir, (Pottapaug Pond), Petersham
- Here is the
extended trip report.
(report from Chris Ellison)
- 4/6/08 -- Bolton Flats/Wachusett Reservoir
-
Highlights of a Forbush Bird Clud trip to Bolton Flats/Wachusett Reservoir
were: Glossy Ibis, Rusty Blackbirds, Greater and Lesser Yellowlegs,
Solitary Sandpiper and Eastern Meadowlarks at Bolton Flats. Common Loons
and Common Goldeneyes at Wachusett Reservoir.
Here is a
complete list of the 36 species observed.
(report from Alan Marble fide Joan Gallagher)
- 4/6/08 -- BioTech Pond, Worcester
- This morning after a phone call from Joanne Hart alerting us to some dark
long-legged waders with long curved bills at BioTech pond, I went out and
confirmed the presence of 8 GLIBs [glossy ibis ]!
(report from Lisa Hennin).
- 4/6/08 -- Webster Lake
- Today I scouted atlas blocks Webster 8 and Webster 9, the blocks
encompassing Lake Chargoggagoggmanchauggagoggchaubunagungamaugg (or Webster
Lake for the shortened version). The extra-long version of the name, is the
longest place name in the United States and 6th longest in the world. Its 15
uses of "g" are the most instances of any letter in a word. The name also
contains 9 instances of the letter "a" (not including the "a" in "lake"),
more than any word in the English language. Webster 8 also includes the
southwest corner of Douglas State Forest. Webster 9 is a "sliver" block
(about a 1/3 to 1/2 sized block) which encompasses the southern third of
Webster Lake to the Connecticut state line. Webster Lake is particularly
difficult to bird because of the many private homes lining the shoreline.
In only a couple of spots did I feel comfortable enough to pull out my
bins/spotting scope and survey the Lake.
Highlights today included 2 Mute Swan, 10 Canada Geese, 5 American Black
Duck, 14 Mallard, 8 Wood Duck,
23 Ring-necked Duck, 2 Bufflehead (pr), 1 Common Goldeneye, 3 Common
Merganser, 1 Osprey, 3 Turkey Vulture, and 3 Northern Rough-winged Swallow.
Also heard were 2 Common Ravens bantering back and forth for quite a while
as I hiked the Bill Annese trail in Douglas State Forest. The forest was
otherwise quiet.
(report from Paul Meleski).
- 4/5/08 -- BLACKSTONE
- This morning we atlased in UXBRIDGE 12. This is a "partial" block, about
half the size of a typical block, on the Rhode Island border mostly in the
town of BLACKSTONE. This small block has a decent stretch of the Blackstone
River and a number of woodlots and small farms as well as "downtown"
Blackstone, with lots of congestion and old mill buildings. The permanent
resident "urban" species were in nesting mode, and we had a number of
nesting Rock Pigeons, starlings and House Sparrows as well as other species
exhibiting "courtship" behavior or nest building. Complete list below:
Canada Goose (11: including a bird "on the nest");
Wood Duck (8);
Mallard (12);
Red-tailed Hawk (2);
Killdeer (12; most around or ON this Elementary School with a marvelous
large, low stone-covered roof with a gentle pitch. A perfect place for this
species to nest.);
Ring-billed Gull (16);
Rock Dove (97: several on nests);
Mourning Dove (22: several seen mating);
Eastern Screech Owl (1);
Belted Kingfisher (pair);
Downy Woodpecker (5);
Hairy Woodpecker (1);
N Flicker (10);
E Phoebe (9);
Blue Jay (35);
A Crow (18);
Black-capped Chickadee (43: 1 bird seen excavating a nest);
Tufted Titmouse (28);
White-breasted Nuthatch (11);
Carolina Chickadee (11);
American Robin (129: 1 seen nestbuilding);
N Mockingbird (7);
E Starling (132: several attending nests);
Cedar Waxwing (42);
PINE WARBLER (1m singing);
Song Sparrow (48);
White-throated Sparrow (6);
Dark-eyed Junco (64);
N Cardinal (34);
Red-winged Blackbird (8);
Common Grackle (86);
Brown-headed Cowbird (8: 2 pairs seen mating);
House Finch (7);
A Goldfinch (9);
House Sparrow (93: a number attending nests);
PLUS: elsewhere: in MILLVILLE: (1); immature Bald Eagle; SUTTON: Tree
Swallow (12);; Field Sparrow (2 singing);.
(report from Mark Lynch/Sheila Carroll).
- 4/5/08 -- Wachusett Reservoir
- I went birding around the Wachusett Reservoir IBA this morning. Locations
included Sterling Peat, the Waushacum Ponds, Gate 39, and Scar Hill Bluff.
One of the highlights of the day occurred when I was checking out the great
blue heron rookery on route 12 in West Boylston. I counted 6 active nests,
only one was occupied by a young Bald Eagle! This made me curious, so I
stuck around to see what was going on. Finally, a heron showed up and after
a small stand-off the eagle left the rookery. Does this count as a breeding
bird atlas confirmation? Just kidding.
Here is a
digi-scoped photo of the stand-off.
Other highlights of the day included: Ring-necked Duck (19);, Bufflehead (8);,
Common Goldeneye (36);, Hooded Merganser (4);, Common Merganser (12);, Common
Loon (11);, Great Blue Heron (13);, Great Egret (1 at E. Waushacum Pond);,
Turkey Vulture (5);, Bald Eagle (3 - 2 adults from Gate 39);, Sharp-shinned
Hawk (1 Flyby);, Cooper's Hawk (2);, Red-tailed Hawk (2);, American Kestrel (1,
catching insects at gate 39);, Killdeer (5);, Belted Kingfisher (1);,
Red-bellied Woodpecker (2);, Tree Swallow (12);, White-throated Sparrow (2);,
Dark-eyed Junco (7);, Purple Finch (1m);.
(report from Kevin Bourinot).
- 4/4/08 -- Phillipston
-
While searching for Carolina Wrens in Phillipston (my last town needed for
Worcester County) today,we had the following highlights:
1 adult Red-shouldered Hawk in high plumage and calling,
1 Fox Sparrow, and 7 Wild Turkeys. (report from Bob Stymeist).
- 4/3/08 -- Bolton Flats, Bolton
-
This afternoon I hiked into Bolton Flats from the Route 117 parking
lot. Hip boots were required to access parts of the area. Following are
highlights of what I saw: 1 pair of Gadwall, 2 American Coot, 1 Ring-billed
Gull with a red tag on each wing with the letters AB, 1 Northern Shrike
catching insects on the ground with the Robins, 6 Tree Sparrows and 1 Swamp
Sparrow without a tail.
(report from Bart Kamp).
- 4/3/08 -- Nelson Pond, Grafton
-
Around 3pm, two ospreys were at the power-pole nest at
Nelson Pond off Rte 30 in Grafton.
(report from Beth Milke).
- 4/3/08 -- Bolton Flats
- Good numbers of Wood Duck and GW teal on the south side of rte
117 at the edge of uncut corn. Grackles were headed to roost.
Of note was the juv. Peregrine Falcon, of questionable origin, with a some
what "ratty" looking tail. It appeared to have something hanging from one of
its legs, at first I thought it carrying a small prey item. It landed and
looked as if it was "fiddling" with something rather than tearing at prey
but it was tough to see at several hundred yards in fading light. Upon
leaving the bird ended up flying directly over head, and I distinctly heard
bell-like ringing comng from the Peregrine, spare change?
Only 1 Snipe but one of each yellowlegs was nice and seen well.
Numerical highlights:
Wood Duck 195;
American Wigeon 2;
American Black Duck 12;
Mallard 125;
Blue-winged Teal 3;
Northern Pintail 12;
Green-winged Teal (American) 120;
Ring-necked Duck 2;
Common Merganser 2;
Great Blue Heron 1;
Killdeer 20;
Greater Yellowlegs 1;
Lesser Yellowlegs 1;
Wilson's Snipe 1;
American Woodcock 2;
Tree Swallow 6;
Eastern Bluebird 2;
American Tree Sparrow 1;
Song Sparrow 12;
Red-winged Blackbird 100;
Common Grackle 2750;
(report from Tom Pirro).
For previous sightings, see
March 2008 Archives or
Archive Index
