April 2009 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:

ONGOING -- Asian Longhorned Beetle Information
4/12/09 -- WICN Radio Interview: Birdwatcher: The Life of Roger Tory Peterson
4/28/09 -- Interview w/MELISSA STEWART, children's author of A PLACE FOR BIRDS on-line now at WICN
5/2/09 -- Learn All About Birds Open House
5/7/09 -- Josep del Hoyo and birding and painting in Israel's Hula Valley on-line NOW at WICN
5/13/09 -- Interview with avian vocal behavior authority DONLAD KROODSMA on-line NOW at WICN
5/16/09 -- French River Bird Walk, led by Paul Meleski of the Forbush Bird Club

Bird Sightings:

4/30/09 -- Lancaster

I stopped at a powerline cut off exit 36 of RTE in Lancaster this morning and had the good fortune of observing an Osprey carrying a large stick. It proceeded to land on a nearby cell tower where other sticks, the beginnings of a nest, where inplace. This location is just north of RTE 2 and east of Fort Pond along a wide powerline cut. It is near the Shirley/Lancaster border, but on the Lancaster side within the Ayer 6 BBA block. (report from Tom Pirro).

4/30/09 -- Uxbridge

A singing yellow-throated vireo was seen late this morning near Rte 16 and Blackstone Street in Uxbridge, about a week early according to the MA and Worcester County field cards. (report from Beth Milke).

4/30/09 -- Bolton/Lancaster

In the parking lot at Bolton Flats we had: DC. Cormorant, Great Blue Heron,Killdeer, Warbling Vireo (2), Yellow Warbler, Yellow-rumped Warbler, Common Yellowthroat, Song Sparrow carrying a beakful of nesting material, Brown-headed Cowbird.

In Lancaster nearby we had: Great Blue Heron, Killdeer, Tree Swallow, Hermit Thrush, Brown Thrasher, Yellow-rumped Warbler, Pine Warbler, Prairie Warbler, Palm Warbler, Black and White Warbler, E. Towhee, Field Sparrow, Vesper Sparrow, and Baltimore Oriole. We saw several pairs of the Vesper Sparrows doing courtship displays to each other on the ground. (report from Laura Lane).

4/28/09 -- Westminster

A nice 5 mile bike rider around the neighborhood this morning before work, not surprising the recent warm weather has brought many new arrivals in a few days early. Highights were Wild Turkey...1; Double-crested Cormorant...5; Cooper's Hawk...1 at nest; Broad-winged Hawk...1; Red-tailed Hawk...1; Belted Kingfisher...1; Red-bellied Woodpecker...3; Hairy Woodpecker...1; Northern Flicker (Yellow-shafted)...5; Eastern Phoebe...5; Eastern Kingbird...1; Blue-headed Vireo...3; Warbling Vireo...2; Common Raven...; Carolina Wren...1; House Wren...3; Blue-gray Gnatcatcher...1; Gray Catbird...2; Brown Thrasher...2; Nashville Warbler...1; Northern Parula...1; Yellow Warbler...1; Yellow-rumped Warbler (Myrtle)...5; Black-throated Green Warbler...1; Pine Warbler...1; Black-and-white Warbler...4; Ovenbird...1; Eastern Towhee...5; Chipping Sparrow...12; Field Sparrow...5; Savannah Sparrow...1; Song Sparrow...6; White-throated Sparrow...1; Rose-breasted Grosbeak...1; Brown-headed Cowbird...12; Purple Finch...4; Pine Siskin...4; . (report from Tom Pirro).

4/28/09 -- Marlborough

It was such a warm morning I took my cup of coffee out on the back deck to listen to and watch the birds. I was rewarded! A beautiful male Baltimore Oriole was singing in a tree top. I also had a Blue-winged Warbler and a Common Yellowthroat. The Cardinal female has built a nest in the grapevine and the male often stands sentry nearby. The male N. Flicker has been calling from the tree tops and today I saw him with a female. My Grey Catbird has arrived. The Chipping Sparrows and Song Sparrows are singing non-stop. What a difference a few warm days makes! Spring has arrived. (report from Laura Lane).

4/28/09 -- Northbridge

On Plummer's Trail from Plummer's Landing to Field highights were: Black and white Warbler (5); Brown-headed Cowbird (5); Blue-headed Vireo (1); Brown Thrasher (1); Common Yellow Throat (1); Eastern Bluebird (2)*; Eastern Phoebe (1)*; Eastern Towhee (2)*; Great Blue Heron (2); Great Crested Flycatcher (1); Northern Flicker (2); Northern Parula (2); Pine Warbler (3); Rose-breasted Grosbeak (7); Tree Swallow (5); Wood Duck (1); White-throated Sparrow (3); Yellow-rumped Warbler (5); Yellow-throated Vireo (1)*; Yellow Warbler (8). [*Denotes birds that were detected aurally]. (report from Jenifer Glagowski).

4/27/09 -- Worcester

I put my hummingbird feeder out this morning. About 2:30 this afternoon I had a male at the feeder. This is at least a week earlier than they usually arrive at my place (off Salisbury St. at the Worc./Holden line). (report from Howard Shainheit).

4/27/09 -- Institute Park, Worcester

Highlights at noon were 2 Mute Swan (nesting), 1 E. Kingbird, 2 Tree Swallows, 1 Warbling Vireo (singing), 1 Yellow Warbler, 2 Yellow-rumped Warblers, and 1 Pine Warbler. (report from Rick Quimby)

4/26/09 -- Hodges Village Dam, Oxford

Highlights of the Forbush Bird Club trip were Green Heron, Osprey, Eastern Kingbird, Warbling Vireo, Common Raven, Northern Rough-winged Swallow, Brown Creeper, House Wren, Hermit Thrush, Northern Waterthrush, and Pine Siskin. Here is a complete list of the 61 species recorded. (report from Paul Meleski fide Joan Gallagher).

4/26/09 -- Southbridge

Atlasing a block in SOUTHBRIDGE this morning, we had a modest showing of early spring migrants. This block consist of a lot of urban habitat; lots of suburbia; with some small woodlots and part of the West Hill Dam Army Corps of Engineers Project right in the middle. We got out just before tha annual "Duck Pluck" event at West Hill, involving a race w/hundreds of plastic duckies. Not really my cup 'o tea. No offense to ardent Duck Pluckers. Complete list is as follows:

WARBLERS: Yellow (1); Yellow-rumped (88); Pine (12); Prairie (1); Palm (4 yellow); Black and White (2); Worm-eating (1);

PLUS: At West Hill Dam (only part of which is in this block);, we had (3); RED-EARED SLIDERS sunning on the baffle near the dam. This is my highest single point count of this ?introduced? turtle in the state. Also there: many Eastern Painted Turtles and (1); Stinkpot. Butterflies included: (13); Cabbage White; (1); Eastern Comma; (1); Mourning Cloak. Blooms included Coltsfoot.

In Charlton there was Louisiana Waterthrush (1).
(report from Mark Lynch/Sheila Carroll).

4/26/09 -- Oxbow NWR, Harvard

Highlights were: Great Blue Heron - 1; Turkey Vulture - 1; Red-tailed Hawk - 2; Red-bellied Woodpecker - 2; Hairy Woodpecker - 4; Northern Flicker - 1; Eastern Phoebe - 1; Blue-headed Vireo - 2; Common Raven - 2; Tree Swallow - 6; Brown Creeper - 4; Ruby-crowned Kinglet - 3; Blue-gray Gnatcatcher - 7; Eastern Bluebird - 2; Blue-winged Warbler - 1; Yellow-rumped Warbler - 14; Pine Warbler - 9; Palm Warbler - 5; Black-and-white Warbler - 1; Chipping Sparrow - 3; Song Sparrow - 5; Swamp Sparrow - 1; White-throated Sparrow - 1; Eastern Meadowlark - 1; Brown-headed Cowbird - 1; (report from Kevin Bourinot).

4/26/09 -- Boylston & Holden

At Wachusett Reservoir, we checked on the Eagles' nest this p.m. and it is active. Both adults were in the nest for awhile. After a bit, one bird flew off and headed for South Bay. I suspect there is one new-born in the nest. The remaining bird was very attentive to the interior of the nest. However, the body position of the adult Eagle at the nest was not for incubating an egg. The bird remained to the side of the nest and continually looked into the nest. Interestingly, the Eagle did call out every few minutes perhaps looking for food from the other companion. The reason I suspect that there is a juvenile eagle in the nest is because on 3/27/09, a bird was in the nest. The general incubation of a Bald Eagle egg is five weeks and I think they produced eggs earlier than in past years. As these adult Eagles grow older, they may produce offspring earlier then in previous years. DCR and Mass Wildlife are monitoring the nest.

In Holden, there appears to be a Sharp-shinned Hawk taking up residence with a nest in our little land-locked areas of a 1/3 acre. Have not found the nest but they appear to like white pine and pine areas. I've seen this bird for the past three to four weeks. As a side note, the Broadwing Hawks are returning. Barre Falls are seeing a lot. At our home we have seen the usual spring threesome (3 Broadwings migrating together). (report from Steve & Kathy Olson).

4/25/09 -- Auburn Birdbanding Station

Slow day at the banding station Saturday with less than 20 birds, including White-throated Sparrows, Eastern Titmice, American Goldfinches, a Hairy Woodpecker, and a Ruby-crowned Kinglet. We did however capture and band a beautiful Louisiana Water thrush. They really do have bubblegum pink legs! No one at the station remembered catching one before and Keith MacAdams checked the records back to 2002 and none had been recorded. (report from Colleen Morin).

4/25/09 -- Martha Deering WMA, Millbury

On Wednesday (4/22), I found an active Siskin nest at the Martha Deering WMA in Millbury. I went back today with my scope and watched the female add material to the nest. The nest is about 100 feet up in a pine tree, just inside the entrance gate on Riverlin Rd. (report from John Liller).

4/25/09 -- St. Phillips, Grafton

There were two Great Egrets and one Green Heron in the wetlands today. There were also quite a few Yellow Rumped Warblers. (report from Kimberly Allen).

4/25/09 -- Quabbin Park, Quabbin Reservoir

I spent a few hours birding around Quabbin Park this afternoon. Quite a few FOY birds for me including a Prairie Warbler at the tower. Highlights were Common Merganser - 1; Turkey Vulture - 8; Broad-winged Hawk - 3 (migrating, Enfield lookout); Red-tailed Hawk - 2; Ring-billed Gull- 1; Yellow-bellied Sapsucker - 2 (pair); Northern Flicker - 1; Eastern Phoebe - 2; Blue-headed Vireo - 2; Common Raven - 1; Tree Swallow - 5; Brown Creeper - 3; Blue-gray Gnatcatcher ? 1 (tower); Pine Warbler - 6; Prairie Warbler- 1 (tower); Black-and-white Warbler - 3; Eastern Towhee - 2 (tower); Chipping Sparrow - 36 (everywhere); Field Sparrow - 2; (report from Kevin Bourinot).

4/25/09 -- Barre Falls Dam, Barre

Raptors migrating today: Osprey 2 ; Bald Eagle 1 ; Sharp-shinned Hawk 7 ; Cooper's Hawk 2 ; Broad-winged Hawk 20 ; American Kestrel 9 . (report from Bart Kamp).

4/24/09 -- Douglas

We had a male Indigo Bunting at the feeders in our yard in Douglas this evening (the first in the five years that we've been living here). (report from Mark Landon).

4/24/09 -- Barre Falls Dam, Barre

Raptors migrating today: Bald Eagle 2 ; Northern Harrier 1 ; Sharp-shinned Hawk 5 ; Broad-winged Hawk 50 ; Red-tailed Hawk 1 ; American Kestrel 2 . Raptor Observations: Not migrating:6 turkey vultures, 1 bald eagle, 1 Cooper's hawk, 3 redtails, 6 broadwings. (report from Bart Kamp).

4/24/09 -- Groton

The following hilight from noon today on Fitch's Bridge Rd.: Migrant Raptors: Osprey 6; Sharp-shinned Hawk 2; Broad-winged Hawk 2; American Kestrel ; Also: Bald Eagle 2 (1 Ad. and 1 Juv....seemed to be lingering bit); Red-tailed Hawk 2 (1 Ad. and 1 Imm.); Raven 1 (perhaps one the nester previously reported in West groton by Tom Murray); Vesper Sparrow 1.

Also, this evening in Leominster I saw a Green Heron perched near the juction of Nashua Street and the rte 2 ?on/off ramp. (report from Tom Pirro).

4/23/09 -- Barre Falls Dam, Barre

Raptors migrating today: Turkey Vulture 1 ; Osprey 16 ; Bald Eagle 2 ; Northern Harrier 2 ; Sharp-shinned Hawk 10 ; Cooper's Hawk 1 ; Broad-winged Hawk 314 ; American Kestrel 1 . Raptor Observations: Numbers dropped off after the 30 minutes of showers that started at 12:30 EDT. (report from Bart Kamp).

4/22/09 -- Wachusett Reservoir, Clinton

Highlights from Gate 40 were 5 Common Loons, 3 Red-necked Grebes, 3 Mute Swans, and 1 Yellow Warbler. (report from Kevin Bourinot).

4/22/09 -- West Boylston

There was a singing Ruby-crowned Kinglet near my driveway this morning at 6:30 am. (report from Rick Quimby).

4/21/09 -- Pondville Pond, Auburn

There was a Great Egret at the north end of Pondville Pond in Auburn this morning. It could be seen from Rt 20 at the junction of Old Common Rd. Unfortunately it didn't stick around. (report from Alan Marble).

4/21/09 -- Indian Lake, Worcester

Highlights were Red-necked Grebe (4 breeding plumage) w/a single male Mallard. Though I have had a number of Red-necked Grebes over the years in the County, this was a "city bird" for me. (report from Mark Lynch).

4/21/09 -- Wachusett Reservoir, Clinton

Highlights from gate 36 this evening were a group of 6 Red-necked Grebes and a Bonaparte's Gull. (report from Kevin Bourinot).

4/21/09 -- Lake Quaboag, Brookfield

There were about 150 Tree Swallows, 2 Common Loons, 2 Greater Scaup (a pair), a Red-necked Grebe and a Red- bellied Woodpecker seen this afternoon duringa brief stop at Lake Quaboag in Brookfield which was cut short by pouring rain. (report from Joan Zumpfe).

4/20/09 -- East Waushacum pond, Sterling

There was a Spotted Sandpiper here today. (report from Kevin Bourinot).

4/20/09 -- Barre Falls Dam, Barre

Raptors migrating today: Turkey Vulture 2 ; Osprey 2 ; Northern Harrier 1 ; Sharp-shinned Hawk 8 ; Broad-winged Hawk 26 ; Red-tailed Hawk 2 ; American Kestrel 4 . Non-raptor Observations: 50+ dc cormorants, towhee, palm warbler. (report from Bart Kamp).

4/20/09 -- Martha Deering WMA, Millbury

I had a singing Winter Wren at the Martha Deering WMA in Millbury today. (report from Alan Marble).

4/19/09 -- Mosquito Pond, Dudley

There was an Osprey circling the pond, 3 adult Mute Swan (2 were chasing each other in the water, in the air between 2 nearby ponds), 6 Ring-necked Duck, 8 Mallard, 8 Canada Goose and a Belted Kingfisher. Also seen were a dozen Wild Turkeys on Marsh Road just past the Pierpont Meadow Audubon Sanctuary. (report from Joan Zumpfe).

4/19/09 -- Southbridge

We spent the morning atlasing in SOUTHBRIDGE, one full-sized block and the block directly below it on the Connecticut border. Our location was directly south of the city and includes a large section of the Southbridge "city" center. Turkey Vulture (7: likely breed in area); Canada Goose (12: a few on nests); Wood Duck (7: several in nest holes); Mallard (21); Ring-necked Duck (10); Common Merganser (pair, but likely not nesting); Osprey (1); Sharp-shinned Hawk (2); Cooper?s Hawk (1); Broad-winged Hawk (3); Red-tailed Hawk (2); American Kestrel (1); Wild Turkey (4); Killdeer (7); Rock Dove (27); Mourning Dove (11); Red-bellied Woodpecker (2); Downy Woodpecker (4); N Flicker (11); E Phoebe (15); Blue Jay (25); A Crow (11); Tree Swallow (61); Black-capped Chickadee (37); Tufted Titmouse (45); Red-breasted Nuthatch (2); White-breasted Nuthatch (6); Brown Creeper (3); Carolina Wren (4); E Bluebird (7); A Robin (114); N Mockingbird (6); E Starling (57); Yellow-rumped Warbler (3); Pine Warbler (30); Palm Warbler (1); Chipping Sparrow (54); Filed Sparrow (2); VESPER SPARROW (1); Song Sparrow (28); Swamp Sparrow (5); White-throated Sparrow (8); Dark-eyed Junco (1); N Cardinal (40); Red-winged Blackbird (106); Common Grackle (82); Brown-headed Cowbird (20); House Finch (19); Pine Siskin (27); A Goldfinch (32); House Sparrow (71);

LATER, in WARREN 11 (East Brookfield, mostly); highlights included: Great Blue Heron (1);; Turkey Vulture (3);; Wood Duck (4);; Ring-necked Duck (6);; Bufflehead (1);; Hooded Merganser (7);; Common Merganser (6: all f);; and a SPOTTED TURTLE. (report from Mark Lynch/Sheila Carroll).

4/19/09 -- Barre Falls Dam, Barre

Raptors migrating today: Turkey Vulture 2 ; Osprey 8 ; Bald Eagle 1 ; Northern Harrier 1 ; Sharp-shinned Hawk 24 ; Cooper's Hawk 2 ; Broad-winged Hawk 109 ; Red-tailed Hawk 2 ; American Kestrel 8 ; Peregrine Falcon 1 ; Raptor Observations: First kettle of 8 broadwings at noon EDT, followed by a kettle of 43 broadwings. A broadwing was heard calling in the afternoon. Not migrating 1 red shoulder, 3 redtails, 4 turkey vultures. Non-raptor Observations: 36 double-crested cormorants. (report from Bart Kamp);.

4/19/09 -- Charlton

I found this Great Egret at Fay Mountain Farm this afternoon. The farm is at intersection of Stafford and Cemetery Rd. in Charlton. (report and photo from Richard Johnson).

4/18/09 -- Barre Falls Dam, Barre

Raptors migrating today: Osprey 11 ; Northern Harrier 2 ; Sharp-shinned Hawk 3 ; Red-shouldered Hawk 2 ; Broad-winged Hawk 14 ; Red-tailed Hawk 4 ; American Kestrel 6 ; Merlin 1 ; Raptor Observations: Not migrating 1 sub-adult bald eagle. (report from Bart Kamp);.

4/18/09 -- Winchendon

HIghlights this morning while scouting the Winchendon 12 block: Wood Duck..1; Common Merganser..7; Great Blue Heron..1; Turkey Vulture..1; Osprey..2; Broad-winged Hawk..1; Red-bellied Woodpecker..2; Hairy Woodpecker..5; Northern Flicker (Yellow-shafted)..5; Pileated Woodpecker..3; Eastern Phoebe..12; Tree Swallow..7; Red-breasted Nuthatch..8; Brown Creeper..1; Golden-crowned Kinglet..1; Ruby-crowned Kinglet..3; Eastern Bluebird..1; Yellow-rumped Warbler (Myrtle)..1; Pine Warbler..8; Chipping Sparrow..4; Song Sparrow..23; Swamp Sparrow..3; Dark-eyed Junco (Slate-colored)..3; Brown-headed Cowbird..6; Purple Finch..2; Pine Siskin..5; Evening Grosbeak..2 heard a few calling;

I stopped by the Barre Falls Hawkwatch in the afternoon with the following hilights: Osprey; Bald Eagle 1 Juv.; Northern Harrier; Sharp-shinned; Red-shouldered hawk; Broad-winged hawk; American Kestrel;

On the drive home from Barre Falls, I stopped at mare Meadow Reservior to look at a pair of Common Loon near the road. After 20 minutes I was able to get a good look at both of one bird's legs... Left leg: Blue/ White; Right leg: Blue stripe/ Silver; Based on the Biodiversity Research institute's banding data, that I'd asked for a few years ago, this bird had been captured and banded on Paradise Pond in Princeton in 2003 and is a male...it did indeed look a bit larger than the nearby , presumed mate (which would not flash her legs for me). The "Paradise pair" successfully nested on Paradise Pd. for a few years and then "dissappeared" a few years ago. Perhaps they'll setup "shop" on Mare Meadow. I got one digi-scope shot of the banded bird showing it's (left) "bling" and will post it on my blog.
(report from Tom Pirro).

4/17/09 -- downtown Worcester

I saw my first Cooper's in downtown Worcester today. It had apparently struck the 446 Main Street building and was in shock. Dept of Fish and Wildlife came to take it to Tufts. People reported seeing a bird fight before this and it is assumed one of the Peregrine Falcons went after it. A full report can be found on my blog. (report from Kimberly Allen).

4/17/09 -- Barre Falls Dam, Barre

Raptors migrating today: Turkey Vulture 9 ; Osprey 6 ; Northern Harrier 1 ; Sharp-shinned Hawk 11 ; Cooper's Hawk 1 ; Northern Goshawk 1 ; Broad-winged Hawk 34 ; Red-tailed Hawk 4 ; American Kestrel 7 ; Raptor Observations: Not migrating: Cooper's hawk, sharp-shinned hawk, 6 redtails, 5 turkey vultures, 1 bald eagle. Non-raptor Observations: 7 DC Cormorants (report from Bart Kamp).

4/17/09 -- Wachusett Reservoir, Clinton

Seen from gate 40 in Clinton was a drake Northern Shoveler and 4 Red-breasted Mergansers (1m, 3f). (report from Kevin Bourinot).

4/17/09 -- Westminster

Highlights this morning at High Ridge WMA (Westminster from overlook Rd to the "lower marsh") from 7:00 to 8:00AM: Wood Duck1; Green-winged Teal5; Hooded Merganser1; Common Merganser5; American Bittern1; Great Blue Heron1; Sharp-shinned Hawk1; Yellow-bellied Sapsucker3; Northern Flicker (Yellow-shafted)4; Eastern Phoebe2; Tree Swallow8; Golden-crowned Kinglet1; Ruby-crowned Kinglet1; Eastern Bluebird2; Pine Warbler4; Palm Warbler (Yellow)2; Chipping Sparrow2; Savannah Sparrow1; Song Sparrow4; Swamp Sparrow3; Dark-eyed Junco (Slate-colored)10; Eastern Meadowlark1; Brown-headed Cowbird1; Purple Finch1; Pine Siskin2;
(report from Tom Pirro).

4/16/09 -- Gardner

Highlights this evening:

Ashby at Fitchburg Reservior 4/16 5:30 to 6:00PM : Black Duck 1; Common Merganser 4; Common Loon 2 ...one of which had a red band on the left leg, in 1999 the Biodiversity Research Institute banded a male at this location which had the follow band combination Left leg: Red Stripe/ Red... Right leg Blue/ Silver. I was unable to get a good enough look to see any other bands. The other loon, "with" the above bird, appeared to have no bands on the left leg, it never raised the right above water. There has been territorial loons on this body of water for a number of years...I can't recall if they have even had success.

High Ridge WMA (Smith Street, Gardner"Upper marsh)) 6:30 to 7:45PM: Wood Duck6; American Black Duck3; Hooded Merganser5; Common Merganser4; American Bittern1; Great Blue Heron1; Merlin1; Wilson's Snipe1; American Woodcock2; Barred Owl1; Eastern Phoebe2; Song Sparrow3;
(report from Tom Pirro).

4/14/09 -- Barre Falls Dam, Barre

Raptors migrating today: Turkey Vulture 2 ; Osprey 7 ; Sharp-shinned Hawk 3 ; Broad-winged Hawk 6 ; Red-tailed Hawk 1 ; American Kestrel 3 . (report from Bart Kamp).

4/14/09 -- West Millbury

There was a Fox Sparrow in my yard this morning (report from Alan Marble).

4/12/09 -- Pine Island/Ruggles Hill Road/North Road/ Upper Church Street, Hardwick

Prodding the delightfully dank and clammy recesses of my "local patch" on this sunny but raw April morning produced the following highlights: American Wigeon 3; Bald Eagle 1; Black Duck 4; Brown Creeper 1; Brown-headed Cowbird 16; Canada Goose 78; Carolina Wren 1; Chipping Sparrow 6; Common Merganser 5; Dark-eyed Junco 14; Eastern Phoebe 1; European Starling 9; Fox Sparrow 1; Golden-crowned Kinglet 3; GRAY CATBIRD (1st of year!!!!) 1; Great Horned Owl 1; Green-winged Teal 6; Hairy Woodpecker 1; Herring Gull 2; Hooded Merganser 2; Northern Flicker 3; PALM WARBLER (1st of year!!!!) 1; Pied-billed Grebe 1; Pileated Woodpecker 1; Pine Siskin 11; Pine Warbler 1; Purple Finch 1; Red-bellied Woodpecker 2; Red-breasted Nuthatch 2; Red-tailed Hawk 1; Red-winged Blackbird 38; Ring-billed Gull 4; Ruby-crowned Kinglet 1; Sharp-shinned Hawk 1; Song Sparrow 5; Swamp Sparrow 1; Tree Swallow 8; Turkey Vulture 3; White-throated Sparrow 3; Wilson's Snipe 1; Wood Duck 11; Yellow-bellied Sapsucker 1; (report from Chris Ellison).

4/12/09 -- Wachusett Reservoir, Sterling

This morning, at gate 36, there was a pair of Red-breasted Mergansers in the cove to the right. (report from Alan Marble).

4/12/09 -- Sturbridge

We spent a VERY cold (below 32F); and windy morning doing some early atlasing in WARREN 9, an atlas block almost entirely in Sturbridge. Great Blue Heron (5 occ nests that we could see); Canada Goose (6, including 1 on nest); Wood Duck (8); A Black Duck (2); Mallard (6); Green-winged Teal (8); Hooded Merganser (1 f flew out of a hole in a stub in a wooded marsh); Red-tailed Hawk (1); Ruffed Grouse (1 drumming); Wild Turkey (10: toms in high display); Mourning Dove (7); Great Horned Owl (1 on nest); Red-bellied Woodpecker (4); Yellow-bellied Sapsucker (pair); Downy Woodpecker (10); Hairy Woodpecker (4); N Flicker (6); Pileated Woodpecker (pair); E Phoebe (10); Blue Jay (5); A Crow (17); Black-capped Chickadee (34); Tufted Titmouse (21); Red-breasted Nuthatch (2); Brown Creeper (7); E Bluebird (2); A Robin (51); Pine Warbler (4); Chipping Sparrow (5); Song Sparrow (5); Swamp Sparrow (1 singing); Dark-eyed Junco (16); N Cardinal (5); Red-winged Blackbird (16); C Grackle (63); Brown-headed Cowbird (3); House Finch (2); PINE SISKIN (9: we confirmed two pairs carrying nesting material); A Goldfinch (21); House Sparrow (1 pair);

PLUS: The OSPREYS have returned to their nest in the microwave relay tower in Sturbridge between Rt.20 and the Mass Pike. We witnessed the pair mating at the nest; then they were chased off by another Osprey and a wild chase ensued. It ended with 1 Osprey doing a display flight over the nest: flying high and hovering on beating wings and calling constantly. We then check on the other Sturbridge nest, just east of Rt.84, near the Connecticut border. This nest is also in a microwave relay tower. A bird was in this nest, adding sticks.. (3); "yellow" Palm Warblers, (2); Brown Creepers and a pair of Red-breasted Nuthatchs creating a nest hole were found on a brief stop to WARREN 12, also in Sturbridge. Mark Lynch/Sheila Carroll

4/11/09 -- Gardner/Westminster

While didn't expirence the big numbers of Grebes reported by Sheila Carrol and Mark Lynch, I was happy see one on Wright's Reservior in Gardner this morning , but it was not in breeding plumage. Zip for Grebes on Crystal Lake.

Highlights of a neighborhood 2.5 mile walk in Westminster: Wood Duck 9; Ring-necked Duck 50; Double-crested Cormorant 5; Red-bellied Woodpecker 1; Eastern Phoebe 8; Tree Swallow 34; Winter Wren 1; Golden-crowned Kinglet 2; Pine Warbler 1; Chipping Sparrow 2; Song Sparrow 8; White-throated Sparrow 1; Dark-eyed Junco 72; Brown-headed Cowbird 1; Pine Siskin 18;
(report from Tom Pirro).

4/11/09 -- Brookfields

We birded around the Brookfields today, concentrating on the four Lakes. Common Loon (1 br: Lake Lashaway); Horned Grebe (3 br pl: Lake Lashaway); Red-necked Grebe (24: loose flock of 20 at Quabog; flock of 3 at Wickabog; 1 at Lashaway. All br. plumage); Great Blue Heron (7 (1 on nest); Canada Goose (28: some on nests); Wood Duck (11: pair at nest hole in tree); A Black Duck (4: 1 f paired with m Mallard); Mallard (24); Ring-necked Duck (5); Lesser Scaup (3); Long-tailed Duck (1m: Lake Quacumquasit); Common Merganser (28); Red-tailed Hawk (1); Ruffed Grouse (1 drumming: Elm Hill MAS); Wild Turkey (2 pair in full display); Killdeer (3); Belted Kingfisher (3); Red-bellied Woodpecker (3); Downy Woodpecker (4); Hairy Woodpecker (4); N Flicker (3); E Phoebe (11); Blue Jay (38); A Crow (34); Tree Swallow (190+); N Rough-winged Swallow (1); Black-capped Chickadee (33); Tufted Titmouse (18); White-breasted Nuthatch (2); Brown Creeper (2); Carolina Wren (6); Golden-crowned Kinglet (14); E Bluebird (6); A Robin (251); Pine Warbler (6); Chipping Sparrow (9); Song Sparrow (32); Swamp Sparrow (3 singing); White-throated Sparrow (17); Dark-eyed Junco (31); N Cardinal (28); Red-winged Blackbird (194); C Grackle (132); Brown-headed Cowbird (10); Purple Finch (1); A Goldfinch (8); PLUS: River Otter (2); (report from Mark Lynch/Sheila Carroll).

4/10/09 -- Redstone Hill Rd., Sterling

In the late PM there was a lone Snow Goose in the corn fields near Davis Farm on Redstone Hill Road in Sterling. (report from Marion Larson & Scott Handler).

4/10/09 -- Barre Falls Dam, Barre

Raptors migrating today: Turkey Vulture 3 ; Osprey 4 ; Northern Harrier 2 ; Sharp-shinned Hawk 8 ; Broad-winged Hawk 2 ; American Kestrel 7 ; Raptor Observations: First 2 broadwings of the season. Both northern harriers were males. Non-raptor Observations: Raven carrying food to the nest, 1 yellow bellied sapsucker. (report from Bart Kamp).

4/8/09 -- Westminster

This morning there were 54 Ring-necked Ducks on Round Meadow Pond. Over the last week, I have noticed a few Wood Ducks will join the Ring-necks and pick at the surface of the water, while the Ring-necks are diving. I assume "Woodies" are gleening some "food stuffs" the "ringers" are stirring up onto the surface. This morning no sooner did the Ring-necks start diving a few Wood Ducks flew right in to join them. Perhaps a common trait I had never noticed before. (report from Tom Pirro).

4/7/09 -- Merrill Pond WMA, Sutton

At the Merrill Pond WMA in Sutton today I saw 2 Wood Ducks, 42 Ring-necked Ducks and a Pine Warbler. (report from Alan Marble).

4/5/09 -- Bolton Flats, Bolton

Highlights of the Forbush Bird Club walk were Wood Duck, Green-winged Teal, Killdeer, Snipe and a Purple Finch. Here is a complete list of the 27 species recorded. (report from John Shea fide Joan Gallagher).

4/5/09 -- Upton

A pine warbler , first mistaken for a goldfinch , visited my suet feeder in Upton (on Grafton border) several times this afternoon. (report from Patricia Meisner).

4/5/09 -- Barre Falls Dam, Barre

Raptors migrating today: Turkey Vulture 4 ; Osprey 1 ; Bald Eagle 3 ; Sharp-shinned Hawk 3 ; Red-shouldered Hawk 1 ; Red-tailed Hawk 6 ; American Kestrel 2 ; Merlin 1 ; Raptor Observations: 3 bald eagles not migrating. (report from Bart Kamp).

4/5/09 -- WTAG towers, Holden

While checking out the bluebirds at the WTAG towers in Holden on March 31, I saw a pair of great crested flycatchers in the trees to the right of the big field. These birds have been in this territory for a few years now. I am in the process of trying to confirm them. On my visit today, I again saw the bluebird male sitting on his chosen nest box, and a pair of red-tailed hawks cavorting around over the field. On one pass over the rightmost treeline, they flushed a bird which appeared to have a yellow belly. It took off like a shot out of there, so I couldn't positively identify it, but hopefully it is one of the flycatchers. Among the other usual suspects, I also heard (but did not see) a pair of pileated woodpeckers calling and drumming. They were in the hemlock woods that is part of the DCR land behind the towers. Because of the wind and the hanging branches, I was nervous to go too far into the woods. The woodpeckers are resident in that area. Also, four or five woodcocks have been displaying nightly in the field for a couple of weeks now, and the woodfrogs and peepers are in full chorus in the swamp on the DCR land. Also heard many phoebes. (report from Robin Ganesan).

4/4/09 -- Southbrige

Took my first peek at the Southbridge 10 [atlasing] Block. This block includes the Southbridge Airport and adjacent Mass Fish and Wildlife McKinstry Brook Wildlife Management Area where I spent the morning. Highlights were: Great Blue Heron 2 flyover; Turkey Vulture 2; American Kestrel 3 (including a pair staying pretty close together at the Southbridge Airport. The other bird was hunting over the adjacent Southbridge Landfill); Killdeer 1; Hairy Woodpecker 2; Northern Flicker 3; Red-bellied Woodpecker 1; Eastern Phoebe 4; Carolina Wren 1; Song Sparrow 18; Dark-eyed Junco 4; Red-winged Blackbird 12; Eastern Meadowlark 1; Brown-headed Cowbird 3; (report from Paul Meleski).

4/2/09 -- Gardner/Westminster

Hilights this evening in Gardner:

Crystal Lake: Ring-necked Duck 2; Common Goldeneye 6; Common merganser 27; Great Blue Heron 1 high flyer moving NE, its squawks called my attention to it.;

From the Wompanoag MAS: American Woodcock 4 (..stunning looks at a few, 1 from less than 20 feet another from about 30'); Tree Swallow 4; Fox Sparrow 3;

At Round Meadow Pond: Wood Duck 2; Ring-necked Duck 14; Common Merganser 2;

The area lakes and ponds are now ice free and I'd expect the local Common Lonns to show any time. I did finally get 2 photos of the hydrid teal on my blog...and some shots from a recent trip to Maine. (report from Tom Pirro).

4/2/09 -- Brookfields/Charlton

Lake Quaboag in Brookfield: Today there were 4 Bufflehead (3 drakes, 1 female). On March 31, I saw 8 Common Mergansers here.

Orlando's in Charlton: Today highlights were 3 American Black Ducks, 8 Ring-necked Ducks and 1 female Bufflehead. On March 31, highlights were 4 Bufflehead (2 pairs) and 5 Ring-necked Ducks.
(report from Joan Zumpfe).

4/1/09 -- Bolton Flats, Bolton

I easily found about 20 Wilson's Snipes today and suspect many more are still there. (report and photo from Richard Johnson).

4/1/09 -- Sterling Peat, Sterling

This evening there was an Eastern Meadowlark in the field at Sterling Peat. (report from Kevin Bourinot).

4/1/09 -- West Millbury

Late this afternoon, there was a Fox Sparrow scratching around in my yard. (report from Alan Marble).

4/1/09 -- Sutton

Some highlights from a couple of locations in Sutton this morning:

A powerline off Mendon Rd near Rt 146: 41 Ring-necked Ducks, 2 Killdeer and 3 Field Sparrows.

Open area off Oakhurst Rd: 2 Killdeer, Northern Flicker, 4 Tree Swallows, 2 Field Sparrows and 3 Eastern Meadowlarks.
(report from Alan Marble).

For previous sightings, see March 2009 Archives or Archive Index