April 2011 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:

4/30/11 -- Forbush Bird Club Sylvester St/Worc Airport trip
On the Forbush Bird Club trip to Sylvester St/Worc Airport, 11 members enjoyed 3 Eastern Meadowlarks in the fields near the airport, as well as a number of warbler species along Sylvester St. Here is the complete list of the 62 birds species seen and/or heard. (report from Susan LaBree).

4/30/11 -- Quabog IBA, Brookfields
The MAS BROAD MEADOW BROOK Spring Migration class spent Saturday morning birding the QUABOG IBA in the Brookfields, with a quick side trip to one stop in adjacent Sturbridge. We had 81 species, including: Common Loon (5 migrating overhead); Great Blue Heron (5: PLUS 14 active nests in rookery in Sturbridge); Turkey Vulture (4); Canada Goose (27); Wood Duck (15); Mallard (13); Ring-necked Duck (1m); Lesser Scaup (1f); Bufflehead (6); Hooded Merganser (6: likely breeders in area); Osprey (pair at nest in microwave relay tower in Sturbridge); Bald Eagle (1imm); Cooper's Hawk (pair); Red-shouldered Hawk (1); Broad-winged hawk (2); Ruffed Grouse (1 drumming); Wild Turkey (2: NB: turkey hunting is ON Virginia Rail (2); Killdeer (1 on nest); Solitary Sandpiper (1); Chimney Swift (5); Belted Kingfisher (pr); Red-bellied Woodpecker (9); Downy Woodpecker (7); Hairy Woodpecker (2); N Flicker (7); Pileated Woodpecker (2); E Phoebe (11); Great Crested Flycatcher (3); E Kingbird (1); Blue-headed Vireo (2); Warbling Vireo (10); Tree Swallow (73); N Rough-winged Swallow (2); Bank Swallow (3); Barn Swallow (12); Carolina Wren (2); Blue-gray Gnatcatcher (1); Ruby-crowned Kinglet (5); Eastern Bluebird (5); Wood Thrush (1); Gray Catbird (18); Brown Thrasher (1); Scarlet Tanager (1); E Towhee (7); Chipping Sparrow (47); Song Sparrow (29); Swamp Sparrow (28); White-throated Sparrow (19); N Cardinal (32); Rose-breasted Grosbeak (2); Eastern Meadowlark: 1 flying over Lake Quabog: not expected in that location at all); Baltimore Oriole (5m); Pine Siskin (2); Plus: Muskrat; many E Painted Turtles. Blooms included a nice showing of BLOODROOT; MARSH MARIGOLDS; and Wood Anemone. (report from Mark Lynch/Sheila Carroll).

4/29/11 -- Northboro
A day at home with no driving, just some gardening and landscaping.  We had our first Gray Catbird, Ruby-throated Hummingbird, and Wood Thrush of 2011.  The list of 33 species included: Wood Duck 3; Ruby-throated Hummingbird; Red-bellied Woodpecker; Eastern Bluebird; Wood Thrush; Gray Catbird; Yellow-rumped Warbler (Myrtle); Black-and-white Warbler; Chipping Sparrow; Song Sparrow; Swamp Sparrow; White-throated Sparrow; Rose-breasted Grosbeak; Red-winged Blackbird; Brown-headed Cowbird; Purple Finch; Pine Siskin; (report from Jim & kathie Hogan).

4/29/11 -- West Boylston
Today behind the Mount Vernon cemetery (corner of rts. 12 and 140) there were 4 prairie warblers and a brown trasher. On the rail trail there were 20 yellow rumped warblers, a pair of kingfishers, a spotted sandpiper and a northern parula. (report from Jean Holm).

4/29/11 -- North Grafton
One male Ruby-throated Hummingbird was at our back yard hummingbird feeder at 7:30 PM, and made 4 visits before dark. (report from Maureen Montague).

4/29/11 -- Sutton
At 1.30 this afternoon I had a female Ruby Throated Humming bird show up at my feeders. In my neighbors yard I have been seeing a Brown Thrasher . I still have the Chickadee with the all white tail coming to my feeders and am still trying to get a decent photo of him. I also still have 2 or 3 Pinesiskins daily and a few Dark Eyed Juncos. Also have been having good numbers of Purple Finches . (report from Michael Joubert).

4/29/11 -- Broad Meadow Brook Sanctuary, Worcester
Highlights from 7:30-8:30 this morning included Wild Turkey (1), Red-bellied Woodpecker (1), Gray Catbird (1), Brown Thrasher (1 singing), Blue-winged Warbler (1), Nashville Warbler (1), Yellow Warbler (1), Yellow-rumped Warbler (1), Black-and-white Warbler (1), Common Yellowthroat (1), Rose-breasted Grosbeak (1 m), and E. Towhee (4). (report from Rick Quimby).

4/29/11 -- West Hill Park, Northbridge
Several newly-arrived species made their presence known as we set up mist nets for banding at West Hill Park in Northbridge this morning: Brown Thrasher, Gray Catbird, Blue-Gray Gnatcatcher, Black-and-White Warbler, Baltimore Oriole, and Purple Finch joined the chorus of Red-winged Blackbirds, Common Grackles, Tree Swallows and Eastern Towhees. (report from Beth and Paul Milke and Strickland Wheelock)

4/29/11 -- Millbury
This morning I have a Rufous-sided Towhee and Warbling Vireo singing! (report from Susan LaBree).

4/28/11 -- Institute Park, Worcester
Highlights at noon today were Blue-gray Gnatcatcher (1), N Parula (1), Yellow Warbler (2), Yellow-rumped Warbler (5), and Swamp Sparrow (2). (report from Rick Quimby).

4/27/11 -- Round Meadow Pond, Westminster
At around 4 pm I observed 2 Bald Eagles, which flew off together and for about 5 minutes conducted what appeared to be a flirtatious game of tag over the water...perhaps a mating game? Awesome stuff! (report from Ken Ashe).

4/27/11 -- Leesville Pond/All Faiths Cemetery, Auburn/Worcester
Today's sightings included 2 Double-Crested Cormorant and a Great Blue Heron. (report from Joan Crowell).

4/27/11 -- Northboro
  Today we almost never left our property and the birds just kept droping in. Highlights among 26 species were Cooper's Hawk; Yellow-rumped Warbler ; Black-and-white Warbler ; Swamp Sparrow ; White-throated Sparrow ; Dark-eyed Junco (Slate-colored) ; Rose-breasted Grosbeak; Baltimore Oriole . (report from Jim & Kathie Hogan).

4/27/11 -- Millbury
Highlights from a few local spots in Millbury this morning were: Northern Parula, Yellow-rumped Warbler, Black-throated Green Warbler, Black-and-white Warbler, Ovenbird and Northern Waterthrush. (report from Alan Marble)

4/27/11 -- Dudley
This afternoon I saw a pair of Mute Swans in Mosquito Pond and one of them was sitting on a nest. Also, heard at MAS Pierpont Meadow an Ovenbird, 2 Eastern Bluebirds and a Yellow Warbler. Other birds heard or seen elsewhere included 3 Turkey Vultures, a Carolina Wren, and an Eastern Towhee. (report from Joan Zumpfe).

4/27/11 -- Uxbridge
N. Rough-winged and Tree Swallows were zooming around at West Hill Dam, Hartford Ave, Uxbridge. It was difficult to keep count, but I'd say there were at least 20 of each. We saw a Broad-winged Hawk flying over the access road as we left. (report from Beth Milke)

4/27/11 -- Institute Park, Worcester
Highlights at noon today were Mute Swan (1 still on nest, within 10 feet of a Canada Goose also on nest); 1 RC Kinglet, 1 Gray Catbird, 2 N Parula, 2 Yellow Warbler, 4 Yellow-rumped Warbler, 1 Prairie Warbler, 1 Black-and-white Warbler, and 1 Swamp Sparrow. (report from Rick Quimby).

4/26/11 -- Douglas
After seeing that Michael Joubert had a ruby-throated hummingbird earlier today, I put up my feeder and had a male within the hour. (report from Mary Sughrue-Yacino).

4/26/11 -- Douglas
On a hike on Coffeehouse Trail in Douglas State Forest, we saw an E. Kingbird on a snag in the marsh. We found a couple pockets of warblers, including Black-and-White, Palm, Pine and Yellow-rump. A few E. Towhees were singing, and one flew across the path. Trailing arbutus is in bloom here. (report from Beth Milke and Nancy Demers).

4/26/11 -- Institute Park, Worcester
Highlights at noon were Hooded Merganser (1f), Belted Kingfisher (1), RC Kinglet (1), N. Parula (2), Yellow Warbler (1m), Yellow-rumped Warbler (6+), Pine Warbler (2), Palm Warbler (1), and Black-and-white Warbler (1). (report from Rick Quimby).

4/26/11 -- Dudley
My husband and I spent a few hours this afternoon in northeast CT. As soon as we stopped in Putnam, I heard Chimney Swifts and continued to hear them as we drove along in several other towns. After we returned to Dudley, MA, I checked out the area around Rite Aid where I usually see them and sure enough, heard and then saw 2 Chimney Swifts over the parking lot. (report from Joan Zumpfe).

4/26/11 -- Westminster
Hilites from Westminster:
  • High Ridge WMA (Overlook Road entrance to the East Gardner Road Marsh): Common Merganser 2 (Pair); Hooded Merganser 2 ( 1 F 1 ist yr male); American Bittern 1; Osprey 1 apparent migrant; Sharp-shinned hawk 1 adult; Red-shouldered Hawk 1 immature; Broad-winged Hawk 2 adults soaring and calling; American Kestrel 2 females; Belted Kingfisher 1; Pileated Woodpecker 1 drumming; Eastern Kingbird 1; Eastern Phoebe 5; Eastern Bluebird 4; Ruby-crowned Kinglet 8; Blue-headed vireo 2; Palm Warbler 7; Black-throated Green Warbler 2; Yellow-rumped Warbler ~25; Black and White Warbler 1 (female); Pine Warbler 3 (male chasing female for several hundred feet); Common Yellowthroat 1 (male); Swamp Sparrow 4; Savannah Sparrow 5
  • At Round Meadow Pond, were 29 Double-crested Cormorants and an adult Bald Eagle. I have seen an adult (on one occasion a pair) in the area since late March on 1/2 dozen occasions... PERHAPS there is a pair nesting or prospecting in the area..there is certainly plenty of good habitat.
  • At home was a Fox Sparrow..on the late side, Sharp-shinned hawk 3 Migrants, Broad-winged Hawk 2 passed during late afernoon
    (report from Tom Pirro).

    4/26/11 -- Phillipston
    One male Ruby-throated Hummingbird showed up at my feeder only 15 minutes after I put it up.  This is my earliest arrival date by three days. (report from John Williams)

    4/26/11 -- Oakham/Worcester
  • Oakham: three male and one female purple finches at the feeder
  • At Worcester airport: savannah sparrow yesterday (4/25), and a wood thrush heard this morning (4/26). (report from Kathy Van Schoick).

    4/26/11 -- Millbury/Princeton
  • Millbury: Today in Millbury I have a Black & White Warbler and Baltimore Oriole singing outside my window.
  • Princeton: On Sunday (4/24) I had 7 purple finches, 1 Winter Wren and 1 Northern Water Thrush.
    (report from Susan LaBree).

    4/26/11 -- Sutton
    Finally got my first Humming Bird today .It sure looks out of place feeding aside of the Pine Siskins and the hand full of Juncos still hanging around. I also had 1 lone hen Wild Turkey right before the 4 corners on Whitens Road Sutton this morning. (report from Michael Joubert).

    4/25/11 -- Sutton & Uxbridge
  • Two male purple finches appeared in the yard in Uxbridge this afternoon, looking covetously at the bird feeder.
  • I also heard Purple Finches singing in two spots in Sutton yesterday.
    (report from Beth Milke)

    4/25/11 -- Quabbin Reservoir
    We spent the morning and early afternoon at Quabbin.
  • First at QUABBIN PARK/SOUTH QUABBIN (off Rt. 9 in Belchertown). There were a decent number of newly arrived migrants despite the intermittent showers and overcast skies. MOST migrants were on the east side of the peninsula, which is unusual. Common Loon (3ad+1 first summer); Horned Grebe (6); Canada Goose (2); Mallard (pair); Bufflehead (5); Common Merganser (7); Bald Eagle (3ad, including pair at nest); Cooper's Hawk (1ad: likely breeding); Red-tailed Hawk (1); Wild Turkey (2); Mourning Dove (2); Belted Kingfisher (1); Red-bellied Woodpecker (2); Yellow-bellied Sapsucker (7); N Flicker (10: including a flock of 8 feeding in the grass of the small rotary at the end of the tower road); Pileated Woodpecker (2); E Phoebe (5); Blue-headed Vireo (5); Blue Jay (4); A Crown (8); C Raven (1 ad seen near nest); Tree Swallow (15+); Black-capped Chickadee (8); Tufted Titmouse (4); Red-breasted Nuthatch (3); White-breasted Nuthatch (4); Brown Creeper (1); Ruby-crowned Kinglet (18); Blue-gray Gnatcatcher (3); Hermit Thrush (8: all singing); A Robin (14); Yellow-rumped Warbler (5); Black-throated Green Warbler (2); Pine Warbler (18); Black and White Warbler (2); Louisiana Waterthrush (1); E Towhee (14); Chipping Sparrow (71); Song Sparrow (8); White-throated Sparrow (11); Dark-eyed Junco (16); Brown-headed Cowbird (16); House Finch (1); Pine Siskin (1); A Goldfinch (4). PLUS: White-tailed Deer (4); and an amazing view of a FISHER ripping apart a squirrel's nest.
  • THEN we headed to check an atlas block that lies mostly in GATE 35 (New Salem/Petersham): Common Loon (4ad+1 1st yr); Wood Duck (pair); Mallard (pair); Bufflehead (pair); Common Merganser (3 pair); Bald Eagle (pair at nest; 1 sitting on nest, the other in a tree next to it AND another adult perched in a small tree on the phragmite island); Ruffed Grouse (1 drumming); Ring-billed Gull (22); Herring Gull ( 1 1st summer); Barred Owl (1 calling entire time we were there); Yellow-bellied Sapsucker (2); Downy Woodpecker (10); Hairy Woodpecker (2); N Flicker (2); E Phoebe (2); Great Crested Flycatcher (1); Blue-headed Vireo (8); Blue Jay (6); A Crow (3); C Raven (nest with at least 2 yng in it); Tree Swallow (20+); Black-capped Chickadee (7); Tufted Titmouse (3); Red-breasted Nuthatch (8); Brown Creeper (8); Winter Wren (1); Ruby-crowned Kinglet (32);
      NB: along the shore, over about 2 miles, the forest edge was FILLED with migrants. At any 1 stop, 50-100 were visible, feeding on all the numerous insects that were fying about. It was quite a spectacle. We tried to keep VERY conservative counts, but my gut is that all my numbers could be multiplied by 2 or even 3 in the case of the Yellow-rumps)
    Blue-gray Gnatcatcher (4); A Robin (4); Nashville Warbler (1); N Parula (1); YELLOW-RUMPED WARBLER (500++++); Black-throated Green Warbler (14); Pine Warbler (39); Palm Warbler (100+++: feeding on or near the road. ALL "Yellow" Palms); Black and White Warbler (8); E Towhee (4); Chipping Sparrow (53); Field Sparrow (3); Song Sparrow (4); White-throated Sparrow (19); Dark-eyed Junco (19); Rose-breasted Grosbeak (1); Red-winged Blackbird (13); Common Grackle (10+); Brown-headed Cowbird (2); A Goldfinch (3)
    (report from Mark Lynch/Sheila Carroll).

    4/25/11 -- North Brookfield
    There were 2 yellow Warblers this morning at the sewer plant. Yesterday (4/24) I had the unique opportunity to show my wife a Field Sparrow, Chipping Sparrow and Tree Sparrow at the feeder in one view. Still have 2 Tree Sparrows hanging on. (report from Rodney Jenkins).

    4/24/11 -- Purgatory Chasm, Sutton
  • This afternoon, we walked through Sutton State Forest on Mendon Rd, Sutton into Purgatory Chasm Reservation. A number of birds were singing and chipping at Purgatory Brook. A first-of-season Black-throated Green Warbler was heard and seen in the company of a Yellowrump. We heard a Northern Waterthrush and two Barred Owls. Dwarf ginseng is plentiful along the Brook here, with many buds about to open. One Wood Anemone and several small white violets were blooming.
  • Heading home, we saw an osprey and two turkey vultures in what seemed to be a dispute over landing rights on the cell tower by Rte 146. There is a nest on the tower. (report from Beth and Paul Milke)

    4/24/11 -- Broad Meadow Brook Sanctuary, Worcester
    Highlights in late morning were Brown Thrasher (1 singing), Yellow Warbler (1), Yellow-rumped Warbler (1), Pine Warbler (2), Palm Warbler (2), and Eastern Towhee (1). (report from Rick Quimby).

    4/24/11 -- Barre Falls Dam, Barre
  • Raptors migrating today: Osprey 3 ; Northern Harrier 1 ; Sharp-shinned Hawk 5 ; Cooper's Hawk 1 ; Red-shouldered Hawk 2 ; Broad-winged Hawk 36 ; Red-tailed Hawk 2 ; American Kestrel 3 .
  • Raptor Observations: Not migrating: 1 Northern Goshawk; 4 Broadwings
  • Non-raptor Observations: 46 Double-crested Cormorants
    (report from Bart Kamp).

    4/23/11 -- Oxford/Sutton
  • Around 3,40 in the swampy area between Singletary Sportsman Club And Market Basket in Oxford, I saw 2 Green Herons.
  • At my feeders in Sutton at 4.00, I got a photo of this rain soaked White-winged Crossbill. If it had not been for the bad weather and high water on the trout stream, the plan today was to get a little flyfishing in -- but somehow a Crossbill in the yard makes for a good day after all. (report from Michael Joubert ).

    4/22/11 -- Barre Falls Dam, Barre
  • Raptors migrating today: Turkey Vulture 2 ; Osprey 7 ; Sharp-shinned Hawk 22 ; Cooper's Hawk 1 ; road-winged Hawk 122 ; Red-tailed Hawk 2 ; American Kestrel 1 .
    (report from Bart Kamp).

    4/22/11 -- Lake Chauncy, Westboro
    I observed a male and a female Yellow Rumped Wabler at Lake Chauncy yesterday. (report from Henry Squillante).

    4/22/11 -- Institute Park, Worcester
    A Canada Goose is on the nest, and within 10 feet of this, a Mute Swan is on a nest. This seems unusual, and I'll continue to monitor them to see if it continues. Other highlights at noon included a Brown Creeper, 1 RC Kinglet, 1 Hermit Thrush (WPI campus), 2 Pine Warblers, 1 Palm Warbler, 4 Chipping Sparrows, 2 White-throated Sparrows, and 2 DE Juncos. (report from Rick Quimby).

    4/21/11 -- Barre Falls Dam, Barre
  • Raptors migrating today: Osprey 10 ; Northern Harrier 1 ; Sharp-shinned Hawk 20 ; Broad-winged Hawk 88 ; Red-tailed Hawk 1 ; American Kestrel 7 .
  • Raptor Observations: Wind whipped raptors.
  • Non-raptor Observations: Barn Swallow.
    (report from Bart Kamp).

    4/18/11 -- Barre Falls Dam, Barre
  • Raptors migrating today: Osprey 10 ; Bald Eagle 1 ; Northern Harrier 1 ; Sharp-shinned Hawk 13 ; Cooper's Hawk 3 ; Broad-winged Hawk 174 ; Red-tailed Hawk 7 ; American Kestrel 2 ; Merlin 1 .
  • Raptor Observations: Very little soaring, birds passed quickly in the gusty wind. Approaching showers ended the migration.
    (report from Bart Kamp).

    4/18/11 -- Lake Chauncy, Westboro
    This morning I saw two Palm Wablers in Westboro by lake Chancy, and saw a pine wabler in the same area. (report from Henry Squillante).

    4/18/11 -- Institute Park, Worcester
    Highlights at noon were 2 E Phoebe, 2 Tree Swallows, 1 RC Kinglet, and 1 Palm Warbler. (report from Rick Quimby).

    4/17/11 -- South Quabbin/Brookfields
  • Highlights of a morning trip to SOUTH QUABBIN and nearby areas of Belchertown, in periodic showers and wind: Common Loon (1); Great Blue Heron (6); Turkey Vulture (2); Canada Goose (2); Wood Duck (3); Mallard (10); Green-winged Teal (5); Hooded Merganser (3); Common Merganser (5); Bald Eagle (1 on nest+ another adult); Broad-winged Hawk (1); Wild Turkey (3); Virginia Rail (1); Belted Kingfisher (1); Red-bellied Woodpecker (3); Pileated Woodpecker (1); Eastern Phoebe (7); Tree Swallow (20+); Carolina Wren (1); Common Raven (1); Brown Creeper (2 singing); Ruby-crowned Kinglet (1); E Bluebird (3); Yellow-rumped Warbler (8); Pine Warbler (24); Palm Warbler (1); Eastern Towhee (1m); Field Sparrow (1); ALSO: a pair of European Starlings nest building in a WOOD DUCK box in a marsh.
  • On the way home, we birded just a few stops in the Brookfields: Red-necked Grebe (1 br); Great Blue Heron (3 active nests); Turkey Vulture (1); Lesser Scaup (4); Bufflehead (1); Bald Eagle (1imm); Red-tailed Hawk (1); Pine Warbler (6); Eastern Towhee (1);
    (report from Mark Lynch/Sheila Carroll).

    4/17/11 -- Grafton/ Westboro/ Wachusett Reservoir
    We spent the afternoon birding a few areas east of the city of Worcester:
  • ST. PHILLIP'S CEMETERY, GRAFTON: Great Blue Heron (pr at nest; the top nest could have been occupied, but we could not see a bird in it); Turkey Vulture (2); Swan (pr w/nest); Canada Goose (4); Red-tailed Hawk (1); Belted Kingfisher (1); Pileated Woodpecker (pr w/nest); Tree Swallow (30+); N Rough-winged Swallow (2);
  • SuAsCo, WESTBORO: Pied-billed Grebe (1); Double-crested Cormorant (23); Mute Swan (15: 4 on nests); Canada Goose (1); Wood Duck (1); Mallard (2); Osprey (pr w/nest); Red-tailed Hawk (pr); Ring-necked Duck (7); Belted Kingfisher (pr); Red-bellied Woodpecker (2); Hairy Woodpecker (1); Eastern Phoebe (pr w/nest); Tree Swallow (60+); N Rough-winged Swallow (3); Barn Swallow (5+);
  • CHAUNCY POND, WESTBORO: Red-necked Grebe (1br); Mute Swan (4); Mallard (2); Tree Swallow (80+); N Rough-winged Swallow (1); Barn Swallow (2);
  • BARLETT'S POND, NORTHBORO: Not much, but we did watch a Mute Swan, 1 of a pair, relentlessly chase a Canada Goose.
  • WESTBORO WMA: American Kestrel (1m);
  • WACHUSETT RESERVOIR: just a few stops. Common Loon (4ad+1 1st yr); Double-crested Cormorant (7); Turkey Vulture (7); Canada Goose (8); Hooded Merganser (2); Common Merganser (2); Bald Eagle (1imm); Spotted Sandpiper (1); Bank Swallow (1 seen and heard);
    (report from Mark Lynch/Sheila Carroll).

    4/17/11 -- Leesville Pond/All Faiths Cemetery, Worcester
    Today's sightings included a Belted Kingfisher and a Bald Eagle in flight. (report from Joan Crowell).

    4/17/11 -- Boylston/ West Boylston
    On Wachusett Reservoir at South Bay there was a spotted sandpiper. Behind the West Boylston cemetery a brown trasher called from the treetops and a kestrel was hunting. (report from Jean Holm).

    4/16/11 -- Coachlace Pond, Clinton
  • Highlights in mid afternoon were 1 DC Cormorant, 2 Wood Ducks, 10 Ring-necked Ducks, 6 Greater Scaup, 1 N Flicker, 2 E Phoebe, 40+ Tree Swallows, 1 N Rough-winged Swallow (at Bart's Pond), 2 Barn Swallows (over Coachlace South), and 6 Brown-headed Cowbirds.
  • Also at Tower Hill in Boylston there was a Barred Owl calling.
    (report from Rick Quimby).

    4/15/11 -- Broad Meadow Brook Sanctuary
    The Yellow-bellied Sapsucker I reported yesterday, just outside Broad Meadow Brook Sanctuary, returned for another evening. Here is the best photo I could get. (report from Joe Giumentaro).

    4/15/11 -- Sutton
    For the last couple of days I have had a Black-Capped Chickadee with an all white tail show up at my feeders . This photo is not the best -- as you all know  they tend not to stay in one on spot to long . (report from Michael Joubert).

    4/15/11 -- Barre Falls Dam, Barre
  • Raptors migrating today: Turkey Vulture 1 ; Osprey 24 ; Bald Eagle 2 ; Northern Harrier 1 ; Sharp-shinned Hawk 11 ; Broad-winged Hawk 178 ; Red-tailed Hawk 1 ; American Kestrel 3 .
  • Raptor Observations: The birds were mostly high, soaring briefly before streaming off. The count would have been much lower if there were no cirrus clouds. The Northern Harrier was an adult male.
  • Non-raptor Observations: Flock of 10 Ravens. (report from Bart Kamp).

    4/15/11 -- Institute Park, Worcester
    Today at noon there were 2 Hermit Thrushes on the WPI Higgins House grounds, across Salisbury St. from the park. (report from Rick Quimby)

    4/14/11 -- Barre Falls Dam, Barre
  • Raptors migrating today: Turkey Vulture 3 ; Osprey 12 ; Bald Eagle 1 ; Sharp-shinned Hawk 7 ; Cooper's Hawk 1 ; Broad-winged Hawk 11 ; Red-tailed Hawk 1 .
  • Raptor Observations: Our first Broadwings of the spring.
    (report from Bart Kamp).

    4/14/11 -- Leesville Pond/All Faiths Cemetery, Worcester
    Sightings today included a pair of wood ducks. (report from Joan Crowell).

    4/14/11 -- Institute Park, Worcester
    Highlights at noon today were 1 Great Blue Heron, 2 Mute Swan, 1 E. Phoebe, 4 Tree Swallow, 1 Carolina Wren, 1 Yellow-rumped Warbler (m singing), 2 chipping Sparrow, 2 White-throated Sparrow (singing), and 1 Dark-eyed Junco (singing). (report from Rick Quimby).

    4/14/11 -- Sutton
    This morning I had 1 Chipping Sparrow at Atlas Box and Crate in Sutton. At my Feeders I had 5 Fox Sparrows and 3 White Throated Sparrows . At Walmart( Northbridge) around 6.30 PM I had 1 Field Sparrow singing  along with dozens of House Sparrows all around the parking lot. (report from Michael Joubert).

    4/14/11 -- Rail Trail, West Boylston
    There was a Northern Waterthrush singing in the woods about 0.5 miles into the rail trail in West Boylston. (report from Kevin Bourinot).

    4/14/11 -- Broad Meadow Brook Sanctuary, Worcester
    The last two evenings, I have seen a Yellow-bellied Sapsucker in my back yard, which abuts Broad Meadow Brook Wildlife Sanctuary. (report from Joe Giumentaro).

    4/13/11 -- Gardner
    Our yard flock of redpolls has gradually diminished from 125-150 down to 25-30 birds. 2 Fox sparrows that have been here for a week were not seen this AM. Our 1st White-throated Sparrow was here yesterday. Elsewhere: Pine warblers are singing at the Oxbow and 1 palm warbler seen yesterday. Also there were approx. 200 Green-winged teal at Bolton Flats. (report from Dick Knowlton).

    4/12/11 -- Northboro
      Late this afternoon we had a confirmed Yellow-bellied Sapsucker in our side yard in Northboro.  We watched it at several trees for 3-4 minutes and then watched it fly across the road where it was joined by another bird.  We could not confirm the second bird as a Yellow-bellied Sapsucker.  This was a first ever Sapsucker on our yard list.  (report from Jim & Kathie Hogan).

    4/12/11 -- Bartlett Pond, Northboro
    There were 2 Wigeon at the boat launch today. (report from Peter Morlock).

    4/12/11 -- St Philips Cemetery, Grafton
    The Glossy Ibis, previously reported at St Philips Cemetery in Grafton by Terry Clark and Beth Milke, is still there this morning. Here is a fuzzy picture. (report from Alan Marble).

    4/11/11 -- Institute Park, Worcester
    Highlights at noon were 3 Green-winged Teal, 1 Ruby-crowned Kinglet, 1 Pine Warbler, and 1 Chipping Sparrow. (report from Rick Quimby).

    4/10/11 -- Rutland & Grafton
  • Rutland: Nancy Demers and I walked part of the Central MA Rail Trail in Rutland today and found Coltsfoot blooming in a number of spots along the trail. We left the Rail Trail and took the path that circles Muddy Pond then reconnects with the Rail Trail. On Muddy Pond were 10 ring-necked ducks (9 drakes); a few wood ducks, mallards, and Canada geese; a pied-billed grebe, and a great blue heron. We heard then saw a brown creeper along the way. This is a great trail for anyone interested in wildflowers--trailing arbutus (Mayflower), wintergreen, and goldthread abound along with a bit of checkered rattlesnake orchid. We'll return in May and June to see the flowers. We made a quick stop on Coldbrook Rd, heading toward Barre Falls Dam, and found one Hepatica blossom just opening. There will be more in the next few weeks.
  • Grafton: The GLOSSY IBIS reported by Terry Clark a few days ago was seen at St. Philip's Cemetery in Grafton, in the tussocks at the shallow end of the marsh, near the vantage point behind the wooden "fence." There was a good bit of activity at the great blue heron nests, with one or two herons flying back and forth collecting rather pitiful twigs for the nests.
    (report from Beth Milke)

    4/10/11 -- Brookfields/Sturbridge
  • We made several stops in the QUABOG IBA in the Brookfields this morning. Highlights included: Common Loon (1 ad br); Pied-billed Grebe (1); Great Blue Heron (3 individuals in various areas plus 5 occupied nests. NB: we did not visit the large rookery in Wells SP); Turkey Vulture (1); Canada Goose (36); Wood Duck (10); American Wigeon (2m); A Black Duck (6); Mallard (33); Blue-winged Teal (4: 2 pair); Green-winged Teal (18); Ring-necked Duck (12); Greater Scaup (6); Bufflehead (7); Common Goldeneye (2); Hooded Merganser (3); Common Merganser (18); Wild Turkey (11); Killdeer (2); Belted Kingfisher (2); Red-bellied Woodpecker (5); N Flicker (4); E Phoebe (17); Tree Swallow (39); Red-breasted Nuthatch (2); Brown Creeper (2); Carolina Wren (2); E Bluebird (7); Pine Warbler (16: all m); Fox Sparrow (4: all singing); Song Sparrow (59); Swamp Sparrow (9: all singing); Dark-eyed Junco (67); Pine Siskin (1); Plus: Red Fox (2); beaver; River Otters; Mourning Cloak.
  • We made a brief side trip to Rt. 20 STURBRIDGE and behind 1 company we had: Great Blue Heron (9 occ. nests); Osprey (pair back at nest on microwave relay tower); Killdeer (2: 1 on nest);
    (report from Mark Lynch/Sheila Carroll).

    4/10/11 -- Sutton
    I hit the Mumford river early this morning in hopes of getting images of the American Bittern that I had spotted setting down just before dark last night. Around 6.00 AM I could hear what could best be descibed as drunk Turkeys . After about 15 minutes of this I headed towards the road ( Whitens Road Sutton ) to find 4 of these  Helmeted Guinea Fowl. I did head back to see if I could locate the Bittern, with no luck. (report and photo from Michael Joubert).

    4/8/11 -- Westborough WMA, Westborough
    The Forbush Bird Club held an Evening Woodcock Walk, and was successful in enjoying good views of the target species just at dusk at the Westborough Wildlife Management Area. Here is the complete list of the 16 species recorded. (report from Laura Lane fide Joan Gallagher).

    4/8/11 -- West Boylston
    There was a Spotted Sandpiper at River Road in West Boylston. (report from Kevin Bourinot).

    4/7/11 -- Thayer Pond, Rutland
    An early evening walk to THAYER POND had the following: Great Blue Heron (2); Canada Goose (25); Wood Duck (4); Mallard (14); A Black Duck (8); Green-winged Teal (2); Ring-necked Duck (3); Bufflehead (pr); Hooded Merganser (5); Osprey (1); Killdeer (2); Barred Owl (1); BARN SWALLOW (1: breed nearby); Brown Creeper (1 singing); (report from Mark Lynch/Sheila Carroll).

    4/7/11 -- Grafton/Worcester
  • St. Philip Cemetery in Grafton: After three attempts, I finally saw the pileated woodpeckers at the nesthole described by Susan LaBree a few days ago. There was also a beautiful glossy ibis.
  • Broadmeadow Brook Sanctuary, Worcester: Yesterday (4/6) during a walk through the sanctuary, highlights included a palm warbler, blue-headed vireo, 6 phoebes, 2 brown creepers, 2 red-bellied woodpeckers, carolina wren, bluebird, tree swallows and a pair of wood ducks.
    (report from Terry Clark).

    4/6/11 -- Dudley
    Following up on Tom Pirro's comment about Eastern Phoebe movement: I also heard one at 9:30 this morning as I stepped out my back door here in Dudley. (report from Joan Zumpfe).

    4/5/11 -- Windle Marsh, North Grafton
    This morning there was a Great Egret flying over Windle Marsh. (report from Peter Morlock).

    4/5/11 -- Sterling/Bolton
    This morning I made birding stops at Sterling Peat, Wachusett Res area and Bolton Flats, with hi-lights:
  • Sterling Peat: Green-winged Teal 10; Ring-necked Duck 225; Common Goldeneye 2; Hooded Merganser 6; Pied-billed Grebe 2; Horned Grebe 1 (in a transitional plumage, looked a little "Eared Grebe like" but its bill, head shape and over all size fit nicely for horned...a few poor photos are on my blog. This bird was hugging the edge of the pond and "working" in and out of the vegetation); Northern Harrier 1 female type; Tree Swallow 12; Wilson's Snipe 10 (in flight, but there has been 7-10 in the hay fields adjacent to the pond for over a week now); Belted Kingfisher 1; Eastern Phoebe 3 (wide spread today, must have been a good movement last night).
  • Wachusett Res including South Meadow and Coachlace Ponds: Common Loon 5; Black Duck 20; Ring-necked Duck 18; Greater Scaup 5; Bufflehead 6; Common Merganser 8; Double-crested Cormorant 22; Bald Eagle 3 (1 ad. 2 imm.); Eastern Phoebe 4 or 5
  • Bolton Flats: Snow Goose 41 (overhead migrants, circled the area once then continue northward, all white forms); Canada Goose ~20; Mallard 100+; Black Duck 4; Northern Pintail 2; Green-winged teal 175; Ring-necked Duck 6; Northern Harrier 1 (male); Wilson's Snipe 40 (flushed by NH); Tree Swallow ~25; Eastern Phoebe 4; Common Flicker 2; Dark-eyed Junco 10; American Tree Sparrow 7; Song Sparrow 20; Fox Sparrow 2; Savannah Sparrow 2; White-throated Sparrow 1
  • Round Meadow Pond (Westminster): Pied-billed Grebe 1; Hooded Merganser 6; Common Goldeneye 1; Ring-necked Duck 9; Wood Duck 1; Double-crested Cormorant 1; Tree Swallow 30
  • At home (Westminster) an Eastern Phoebe and Pileated Woodpecker were calling near the yard. My last Redpolls were last Friday 4/1 with 5 plus one DOR near the mail box. (report from Tom Pirro).

    4/5/11 -- Institute Park, Worcester
    This morning the warm front brought in some new migrants. Highlights at 8:30 were Pied-billed Grebe 2, Green-winged Teal 6, Hooded Merganser 8, Killdeer 1, N. Flicker 2, Pine Warbler 1 singing (WPI campus), Song Sparrow 5, White-throated sparrow (1 singing WPI campus), and Dark-eyed Junco 2 (one singing). (report from Rick Quimby).

    4/4/11 -- Millbury
    In Millbury today I have a small flock of 8 white throated sparrows singing! (report from Susan LaBree).

    4/3/11 -- Bolton Flats and vicinity
    Highlights on a Forbush Bird Club trip to Bolton Flats, with stops at Dexter Drumlin, Couch Lace Pond and Sterling Peat, were: a Double-crested Cormorant, Blue-winged Teal, Northern Pintail, over 100 Ring-neck Duck at Sterling Peat, Killdeer, Common Snipe, Phoebe, Tree Swallow and a Field Sparrow. Here is the complete list of the 44 bird species recorded. (report from John Shea fide Joan Gallagher).

    4/3/11 -- Westboro Wildlife Management Area, Westboro
    I walked in to the Westboro WMA this evening -- the area by Mass Wildlife. I was checking for Woodcock, which were peenting and performing their flights. I also found an Osprey perched in a tree by the beaver pond. The Osprey was still there when I left. (report from Laura Lane).

    4/3/11 -- Oakham
    A Fox Sparrow was seen at our feeder in the morning, and four were seen in the late aftenoon. (report from Kathy Van Schoick).

    4/2/11 -- South Quabbin/Brookfields
  • En route to checking an atlas block in SPRINGFIELD, we did a quick check of SOUTH QUABBIN/QUABBIN PARK area off Rt. 9 and had the following (not a complete list): Turkey Vulture (1); Canada Goose (4); Wood Duck (6); Hooded Merganser (7); Common Merganser (25); Bald Eagle (2ad/5imm including ad on nest); Cooper's Hawk (1 perched and calling); Red-shouldered Hawk (1); Wild Turkey (2); Killdeer (3); Ring-billed Gull (7); Red-bellied Woodpecker (3); Hairy Woodpecker (2); N Flicker (2); E Phoebe (7); Common Raven (4, including 1 on nest); Tree Swallow (5); Eastern Bluebird (7); N Mockingbird (1); Fox Sparrow (14: single loose group that flew low across the road in ones and twos at a time in an area of scrubby farmland just south of Quabbin. A number then began singing.); Song Sparrow (22); White-throated Sparrow (8); Dark-eyed Junco (73); N Cardinal (19); Red-winged Blackbird (16); C Grackle (21); Brown-headed Cowbird (4); NB: Quabbin is still 85-90% ice covered
  • On the way BACK home, we made a few stops in the Brookfields (Quabog IBA): Great Blue Heron (2); Turkey Vulture (1); Canada Goose (32); Wood Duck (6); Mallard (6); A Black Duck (2); Green-winged Teal (4); Blue-winged Teal (3: 2m+1f); Ring-necked Duck (52); Bufflehead (2); Hooded Merganser (6); Common Merganser (102); Tree Swallow (6); Bald Eagle (2ad); Wilson's Snipe (1);
  • In SPENCER there was a Northern Harrier.
    (report from Mark Lynch/Sheila Carroll).

    4/2/11 -- Barre Falls Dam, Barre
  • Raptors migrating today: Turkey Vulture 7 ; Osprey 2 ; Bald Eagle 4 ; Sharp-shinned Hawk 4 ; Cooper's Hawk 4 ; Red-shouldered Hawk 2 ; Red-tailed Hawk 20 ; American Kestrel 2 ; Peregrine Falcon 1 .
  • Raptor Observations: First 2 Osprey of the Spring. All of the eagles were adults.
  • Non-raptor Observations: 35 Canada Geese
    (report from Bart Kamp).

    4/2/11 -- Sterling Peat, Sterling
    This morning at Sterling Peat there were 100 ring necked ducks, 6 green winged teal, 4 goldeneye, 2 buffleheads, 1 hooded merg pair and a male northern pintail. At the Sterling Rail trail a phoebe and Carolina wren were seen and heard. Also a great blue heron and a pair of wood ducks. (report from Jean Holm).

    4/1/11 -- Coachlace Pond and vicinity, Clinton
  • Highlights from a quick stop at Coachlace: 5 Bufflehead, 12 Ring necked ducks, 2 Green-winged Teal, 16 lesser scaup, 6 Hooded Mergs.
  • On Wachusett Reservoir, from Scar Hill Rd: Bald Eagle, E. Phoebe, and ~24 Tree swallows hawking in loose groups over the ice. (report from Alexander Dunn).

    For previous sightings, see March 2011 Archives or Archive Index