April 2013 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

Bird Sightings:

4/30/13 -- West Hill Park, Northbridge: Today I had a FOY [first of year] Brown Thrasher broadcasting from high perch on the field in the company of a Great Crested Flycatcher and an E. Kingbird. Elsewhere in the Park: Ovenbird, Warbling Vireo, and Common Yellowthroat.
Also at Rice City Pond, Hartford Ave, Uxbridge: Around noon two adult Bald Eagles perched together in a tree watching a young Bald Eagle on a mudflat below. (report from Beth Milke)
4/30/13 -- Douglas State Forest, Douglas: I did a short .75 mile walk in Douglas State Forest. I drove in from the main entrance, parked at the kiosk, hiked south on the rail trail that becomes Shore Rd. by Wallum Lake and then from the boat ramp circled back up the road to the kiosk. Start time 9:40 AM. 1.25 hours. 18 species total. Highlights only: Broad-winged Hawk (here is a link to a video of it calling from a branch); Red-bellied Woodpecker, Eastern Phoebe, Blue-headed Vireo, Louisiana Waterthrush, Northern Waterthrush, Black-and-white Warbler, Black-throated Blue Warbler, Pine Warbler. (report from Jenifer Glagowski)
4/30/13 -- Indian Lake, Worcester: A post-voting, pre-work check of INDIAN LAKE from the YMCA had the following: Double-crested Cormorant (1); Tree Swallow (2); Northern Rough-winged Swallow (4); Eastern Bluebird (pair at the small city park); Yellow-rumped Warbler (20+); ORCHARD ORIOLE (1 adM singing). (report from Mark Lynch/Sheila Carroll).
4/29/13 -- MAS Eagle Lake, Jefferson: Highlights:BT-Blue (2), Brown Creeper(1), Pine Warbler(5), Purple Finch(several), Hermit Thrush(1), Veery(1), Pileated WP(1), Red-Bellied WP(2), Hairy WP(1), Blue-Headed Vireo(1), BT Green(1), Winter Wren(1), Wood Duck(2). Wildflowers: Wild Oat. (report from Lisa Hennin)
4/29/13 -- Uxbridge: Today I had FOY [first of year] Yellow Warblers (male and female) and Gray Catbird. Two A. Kestrels were together on Oakhurst Ave. near animal hospital. (report from Beth Milke)
4/29/13 -- Grafton and Westboro: On an early evening visit to the marsh off PARMENTER STREET in Grafton we had: Canada Goose (2); Wood Duck (1); Mallard (2); Common Merganser (1m); Osprey (nesting on phone pole); Virginia Rail (1); Tree Swallow (40+); N Rough-winged Swallow (6); Barn Swallow (20+).
Then, at SuAsCo in Westboro: Double-crested Cormorant (45); Mute Swan (49); Osprey (pr w/nest).
(report from Mark Lynch/Sheila Carroll)
4/29/13 -- Bolton flats, Bolton / Wachusett Reservoir, Clinton: Bolton Flats: At the end of the path from the Route 117 parking lot at Bolton Flats I took a right on to the watery path that ends at the marsh. There I found on a small piece of vegetation the NORTHERN LAPWING that was seen at Bolton Flats on Saturday. Also along the same path at the edge of the cattails north of the beaver dam there was a COMMON MOORHEN. Knee boots are required to go down the path.
At Wachusett Reservoir there were 12 Bonaparte's Gulls near the bushy island. The Bald Eagle's nest that was relocated to the island next to Wood Island last year is visible from the Scar Hill Bluffs in Boylston.
(report from Bart Kamp).
4/28/13 -- High Ridge WMA, Westminster/Gardner: Here is the complete list for the Forbush Bird Club trip to High Ridge Wildlife Management Area in Westminster/Gardner. (report from Tom Pirro).
4/28/13 -– Nashua River from Rte. 117 Canoe Launch North, Bolton: Paddled downstream (north) for about 1.8 miles and had to portage twice due to falldowns and debris piles. Start time 1:15 PM. 3.25 hours. 25 species total – though I’m sure I forgot some...I found trying to bird, kayak, take photos and write things down all at once is hard to do! Highlights only as follows: Wood Duck, Green-winged Teal, Spotted Sandpiper, Belted Kingfisher, Northern Flicker, Eastern Phoebe, Warbling Vireo, Blue-gray Gnatcatcher (nest building), Black-and-white Warbler, American Redstart, Yellow Warbler, Palm Warbler, Yellow-rumped Warbler, Red-winged Blackbird. (report from Jenifer Glagowski)
4/28/13 -- Spencer/Sturbridge/Warren: Today we did a loop trip through the towns of SPENCER, STURBRUDGE and WARREN mostly to check on the status of some nesting birds. Highlights included:
SPENCER: Great Blue Heron (1); Canada Goose (8; 1 on nest); Mute Swan (pair, 1 on nest); Wood Duck (9); Mallard (5); Broad-winged Hawk (2); Wild Turkey (14); Killdeer (4); Belted Kingfisher (1); Red-bellied Woodpecker (3); Pileated Woodpecker (2); E Phoebe (1: low); Common Raven (1 active nest w/ at least 4 yng); Red-eyed Vireo (1); Tree Swallow (9); Carolina Wren (7); Winter Wren (1); Ruby-crowned Kinglet (7); E Bluebird (4); Hermit Thrush (2 singing); Yellow-rumped Warbler (73); Black-throated Green Warbler (1); Pine Warbler (7); Palm Warbler (2); Black and White Warbler (3); E Towhee (6);
STURBRIDGE: Great Blue Heron (27 active nests in 1 rookery); Wood Duck (2m); Mallard (6); Osprey (2 active nests: 1 between the Mass Pike and Rt. 20 and the other seen along Rt. 84. Both nests in microwave relay towers); Red-shouldered Hawk (1); Broad-winged Hawk (1); Wild Turkey (1); Belted Kingfisher (1); Red-bellied Woodpecker (2); Pileated Woodpecker (1); E Phoebe (4); Blue-headed Vireo (2); Tree Swallow (30+); Red-breasted Nuthatch (8); Brown Creeper (2); Carolina Wren (5); Winter Wren (1); Ruby-crowned Kinglet (3); Blue-gray Gnatcatcher (4); Yellow Warbler (3); Yellow-rumped Warbler (15); Black-throated Green Warbler (1); Pine Warbler (20); Black and White Warbler (1); Ovenbird (1); Louisiana Waterthrush (1); C Yellowthroat (1m); E Towhee (5); Field Sparrow (3); Savannah Sparrow (12: all on the manicured lawn of 1 company feeding like Chipping Sparrows); White-throated Sparrow (3); Purple Finch (3);
We made a brief stop at Orlando's in Charlton: Green Heron (3); Canada Goose (57); Mallard (56); Ring-necked Duck (2); Bufflehead (10: 1 drake); Wild Turkey (2); Ring-billed Gull (130+); Herring Gull (8); Fish Crow (1: still very uncommon in County); Savannah Sparrow (8);
WARREN: Great Blue Heron (5 active nests in 1 rookery); Turkey Vulture (23); Canada Goose (17); A Black Duck (1); Mallard (5); Hooded Merganser (1f); Osprey (pr building nest in microwave tower that can be seen from the Mass Pike. We first found it looking from Brook Road); Broad-winged Hawk (1); Red-tailed Hawk (4); Wild Turkey (5); Virginia Rail (4); Chimney Swift (6); Red-bellied Woodpecker (5); Yellow-bellied Sapsucker (1); E Phoebe (13); Common Raven (1); Tree Swallow (37); Red-breasted Nuthatch (2); Brown Creeper (2); Carolina Wren (3); Winter Wren (1); Ruby-crowned Kinglet (1); Blue-gray Gnatcatcher (2); E Bluebird (2); Yellow-rumped Warbler (8); Pine Warbler (7); Palm Warbler (1); Black and White Warbler (3); American Redstart (5m: 4 in 1 loose group); Eastern Towhee (16); Field Sparrow (2); Swamp Sparrow (3); Dark-eyed Junco (1 singing); Rose-breasted Grosbeak (1); PLUS: butterflies Sturbridge-Warren: Cabbage White (10);; Mourning Cloak (5);; Spring Azure (14).
(report from Mark Lynch/Sheila Carroll).
4/28/13 -- Worcester/Holden Line: Highlights from a weekend of neighborhood and backyard birding: Fish Crow(1), Veery(1), Purple Finch(1), Broad-winged Hawk(2) (The two Broadwings were engaged in an aerial battle with the local Red-tailed Hawk, they were assisted by an American Crow -- this is the second year the Broadwings have been present on our street), Yellow-bellied Sapsucker(2), Northern Flicker(2), plus Hairy, Downy and Red-Bellied Woodpeckers also present. Coopers Hawk also present but not noted this weekend. (report from Lisa Hennin).
4/28/13 -- Rutland: During a short drive around some fields and forest areas in RUTLAND last night , we heard the following: Canada Goose (2 minimally: likely many more); Wild Turkey (at least 4); Killdeer (8+: very active calling and flying around in the dark); American Woodcock (6); Great Horned Owl (2); Barred Owl (1); E Phoebe (2 ); Eastern Towhee (2); Savannah Sparrow (5+). (report from Mark Lynch/Sheila Carroll).
4/28/13 -– Pierpont Meadow Sanctuary, Dudley: First time visiting Pierpont Meadow. Nice litte spot and even has a cabin available to rent. Hiked 2 miles. Start time 6:50 AM. 1.75 hours. 30 species total. Highlights only as follows: Wood Duck, Wild Turkey, Killdeer, Blue-headed Vireo, Warbling Vireo, Blue Jay (nest building and after almost each addition to the nest it would fly a short distance away and then call like a Cooper’s Hawk), Tree Swallow, Carolina Wren, Eastern Bluebird, Palm Warbler, Pine Warbler, Yellow-rumped Warbler, Eastern Towhee, White-throated Sparrow, Red-winged Blackbird. (report from Jenifer Glagowski)
4/28/13 -- North Brookfield: Tonight I ventured down to the 5 Mile River at an old gravel pit in North Brookfield specifically to listen for Whip-Poor-Wills and heard several calling at 8:15PM. (report from Jeff Smith).
4/27/13 -- Sylvester St, Worcester: On the Forbush Bird Club trip, a BLACK-THROATED BLUE WARBLER was observed, as we headed back from Reservoir St gate. Here is the complete trip list for the trip to Sylvester St. and the Worcester Airport region. (report from Susan LaBree).
4/27/13 -- Cormier Woods, Uxbridge/Mendon: Another great day at Cormier Woods! Hiked 3.5 miles. Start time 7:35 AM. 3.5 hours. 32 species total. Highlights only as follows: Wood Duck, Great Blue Heron, Barred Owl, Red-bellied Woodpecker, Northern Flicker, Eastern Phoebe, Blue-headed Vireo, Brown Creeper, Carolina Wren, Blue-gray Gnatcatcher, Eastern Bluebird, Hermit Thrush, Louisiana Waterthrush, Palm Warbler, Pine Warbler, Yellow-rumped Warbler, Black-throated Green Warbler, Brown-headed Cowbird. (report from Jenifer Glagowski)
4/27/13 -- Barre Falls Dam, Barre: Migrating raptors today: Turkey Vulture 2 ; Osprey 3 ; Bald Eagle 1 ; Northern Harrier 1 ; Sharp-shinned Hawk 8 ; Cooper's Hawk 1 ; Broad-winged Hawk 49 ; Red-tailed Hawk 3 .
(report from Bart Kamp).
4/27/13 -- Grafton/Holden/Hardwick/Quabbin/Petersham: This morning, Nancy Demers and I headed out to find spring birds and wildflowers. Although there weren't many birds at any of the stops along our route, we found several target birds and a few surprises.
First surprise was an Osprey eating breakfast atop the remaining snag in the middle of the marsh at St. Philip's Cemetery, Grafton (Millbury Rd.) Two Great Blue Heron nests were occupied, and 4-5 herons were present along with a Gadwall and pairs of Mute Swan, Green-winged Teal, and Wood Duck. There were 2 Red-tailed Hawks and the common marsh birds: Tree Swallows, C. Grackles, Red-winged Blackbirds, and a Bluebird or two.
Eagle Lake (Causeway St, Holden) was quiet birdwise except for several singing Pine Warblers and a Blue-headed Vireo. Patches of Trailing Arbutus and Marsh Marigold were bright spots among the green mass of Mountain Laurel that fills much of this beautiful Audubon Sanctuary.
On to Rutland, where we found a mother lode of Bloodroot blooming on a bank on right side of Rte 122A just before it joins Rte 122N.
A quick stop at Mandell Hill in Hardwick yielded some Tree Swallows and a Bluebird pair flying among the many nestboxes that have been installed on the field near the entrance (no Kestrels were spotted).
A short drive took us from there to Quabbin Gate 43, a new favorite spot with a few easy access points to the water and wooded side trails. A small patch of Coltsfoot bloomed by a pond before the entrance. A Common Loon and a female Common Merganser were on the water along with several boaters. On the trail, our target Purple Finch was singing loudly, and there were Yellow-rumps, Palm Warblers, E. Phoebes, Chipping Sparrows, and Pine Warblers. Another target bird, Yellow-bellied Sapsucker, flew in and appeared to have an altercation at some point with a Pileated Woodpecker (heard but not seen).
The next stop was the Slab City Tract (part of TTOR's Swift River Reservation) on Rte 122/32 in Petersham, across from Connor Pond. This is a beautiful, often birdy area with trails right along the Swift River, through small fields and meadows, and into woods. Two target birds were present and calling: raucous C. Ravens and delicate Winter Wrens.
Our final stop was a drive through Fed. Women's Club State Forest in Petersham. About 6:30pm and approaching the parking area at the "T" for Quabbin Gate 36, we had a close encounter with a Barred Owl, perched near the road. We watched it and it watched us for some minutes. It flew to a couple other perches, and then we saw that there was a second Barred Owl with it. Singing Winter Wren, Hermit Thrush, and Black-throated Green Warbler capped our long-awaited first full day of spring birding.
(report from Beth Milke)
4/26/13 -- Westboro: Sightings today in Westboro were Yellow Rump Warbler, Yellow Warbler, Eastern Kingbird, Wood Ducks, Hooded Mergs, Flicker and Muted Swans. (report from Henry Squillante).
4/26/13 -- Barre Falls Dam, Barre: Migrating raptors today: Osprey 2 ; Bald Eagle 2 ; Northern Harrier 1 ; Sharp-shinned Hawk 5 ; Cooper's Hawk 1 ; Red-shouldered Hawk 1 ; Broad-winged Hawk 31 ; Red-tailed Hawk 1 ; American Kestrel 2 ; Peregrine Falcon 1 .
Raptor Observations: 2 adult Bald Eagles
(report from Bart Kamp).
4/26 Grafton: Highlights from Leland Street to Silver Lake included: Eastern Towhee(2), Field Sparrow(1),House Wren(1), Pine Warbler (1)Yellow-Rumped Warbler(3),Palm Warbler (1m), Blue Gray Gnatcatcher(1), Wood Duck (1, likely a pair have been following week to week) Red Bellied Woodpecker (1 pair) Canada Goose(1 pair). (report from Lisa Hennin).
4/26/13 -- Institute Park, Worcester: Highlights at noon include 1 DC Cormorant (a), 2 Mute Swan (1 on nest), 4 Hooded Mergs (f), 6 Common Mergs (f), and 1 Belted Kingfisher. (report from Rick Quimby).
4/26/13 -- Sutton: Around 6.35 AM on the south bound lane of 146 near the Purgatory Chasm exit I observed a RedTailed hawk feeding on a Wild Tuukey . (report from Michael Joubert)
4/26/13 -- Greenbriar, Oxford: This morning there were 2 Ospreys building a nest on the platform erected for that purpose next to the baseball diamonds at Greenbriar Recreational Area. (report from Alan Marble).
4/25/13 -- Millbury: Today at 12 pm I had 2 Black Vultures flying low together on Cross St. I also had a House Wren at home.
Earlier in the week I had a Green Heron at St. Phillips Cemetery in Grafton.
(report from Justin Lawson).
4/25/13 -- Worcester: A quick "before work" check of three of the cemeteries in the southwest corner of the city (All Faiths/Leesville Pond, Notre Dame, Hope) had the following highlights (The weather was cool, breezy with showers at times): Mute Swan (3: 2 on nests; 1 male chased a pair of Canadas out of the area); Canada Goose (10); Wood Duck (4); Mallard (9: 8 drakes); N Flicker (7); Tree Swallow (8); N Rough-winged Swallow (6); Ruby-crowned Kinglet (1); Yellow-rumped Warbler (37); Pine Warbler (5); Black and White Warbler (1); E Towhee (1 and 1 at my feeder too); Chipping Sparrow (32); Swamp Sparrow (2 singing birds); Rose-breasted Grosbeak (1).
ALSO: on the way out we had a WILD TURKEY fly across PARK AVENUE (almost getting hit by a car) from WPI to the tennis courts. Rick take note! (report from Mark Lynch/Sheila Carroll).
4/24/13 -- River Bend Farm, Uxbridge: Paul and I watched a Black Vulture circle over River Bend Farm (Oak Street, Uxbridge) for about 10 minutes around 4pm today. (report from Beth Milke)
4/24/13 -- Douglas: After work on Wednesday, my friend and I checked out the great blue heron rookery in Douglas State Forest. There's still only one occupied nest. We also saw a few pairs of ring-necked ducks swimming around nearby. (report from Mary Sughrue-Yacino).
4/21/13 -- Saint Johns Cemetery, Worcester: I found a nest of Belted Kingfishers in the rear of the cemetery, where the cemetery dump is located,next to the Middle River and the railroad tracks. I observed both Kingfishers entering and exiting the nest hole. Unfortunately, they have burrowed into a loam pile the cemetery uses. There are many recent scrapes where a backhoe has scooped out bucket loads of soil.I fear the nest will be destroyed by the cemetery workers. (report from Brian Mulhearn)
4/21/13 -- Rutland: Today we birded select areas of the town of Rutland and the peripheral locations of the WARE RIVER IBA , which is partly in Rutland. The dirt roads into Rutland SP and at Barre Falls Dam are all gated for "mud season". Weather for most of the morning was near freezing with a brisk wind, which meant we had to don winter gear: long underwear, fleeces, warm hats, gloves.
Totals: Double-crested Cormorant (2ad); Great Blue Heron (4 active nests in 1 small rookery we know of in Rutland); Canada Goose (47: a few on nests); Wood Duck (11); Mallard (14); Ring-necked Duck (32); Hooded Merganser (4); Common Merganser (2f); N Goshawk (1ad); Broad=winged Hawk (7); Red-tailed Hawk (3); Wild Turkey (12); Killdeer (1); Mourning Dove (8); Red-bellied Woodpecker (3); Yellow-bellied Sapsucker (1); Downy Woodpecker (5); Hairy Woodpecker (6); N Flicker (4); Pileated Woodpecker (1); E Phoebe (24); Blue-headed Vireo (3); Blue Jay (5); A Crow (17); Common Raven (4: we checked on the nesting ravens at Barre Falls Dam and were closely watched and yelled at by an adult); Tree Swallow (78: small groups working low over select ponds); N Rough-winged Swallow (1); BANK SWALLOW (1); Black-capped Chickadee (38); Tufted Titmouse (15); Red-breasted Nuthatch (20); White-breasted Nuthatch (11); Brown Creeper (10); Carolina Wren (1); Winter Wren (1 singing); Ruby-crowned Kinglet (19); Blue-gray Gnatcatcher (2); American Robin (25); N Mockingbird (1); American Pipit (1); Yellow-rumped Warbler (84); Pine Warbler (44); Palm Warbler (10); Black and White Warbler (1); Louisiana Waterthrush (2); E Towhee (2); Chipping Sparrow (42); Field Sparrow (1); VESPER SPARROW (2: 1 singing constantly, See a shot on the Forbush Facebook site); Song Sparrow (19); Swamp Sparrow (9); Dark-eyed Junco (18); N Cardinal (12); Red-winged Blackbird (23); Common Grackle (10+); Brown-headed Cowbird (15); Purple Finch (1); House Finch (6); A Goldfinch (9); PLUS; River Otter (1);; Beaver (several);; Red Fox (1);.
At MAPLE SPRING POND, Holden: Canada Goose (4); Wood Duck (2); Mallard (2); Ring-necked Duck (19); Bufflehead (10: 5 pair); Hooded Merganser (pr); Brown Thrasher (1); Eastern Towhee (1);
(report from Mark Lynch/Sheila Carroll).
4/21/13 -- SuAsCo, Westboro: We birded SuAsCo early this evening: Double-crested Cormorant (9); Mute Swan (71: THAT is a ridiculous amount of swan); Canada Goose (7); Wood Duck (1); Mallard (1); Ring-necked Duck (2); Osprey (1 on nest); Yellow Warbler (1). (report from Mark Lynch/Sheila Carroll).
4/21/13 -- Barre Falls Dam, Barre: Migrating raptors today: Sharp-shinned Hawk 2 ; Cooper's Hawk 1 ; Broad-winged Hawk 64 ; Red-tailed Hawk 1 . Raptor Observations: Broad-wings that spent the night lifted off early. By mid-morning any flight in progress was undetectable in the blue sky. (report from Bart Kamp).
4/21/13 -- Gardner: A Common redpoll showed up at our feeder Friday (4/19) and is still here this morning along with 1 remaining tree sparrow. Towhees and White-throats have arrived. (report from Dick Knowlton).
4/20/13 -- Townsend: While visiting my Dad, a notable sighting for the behavior; a male Pine Warbler flew into the suet, singing and feeding in turn. (report from Lisa Hennin).
4/20/13 -- Barre Falls Dam, Barre: Migrating raptors today: Osprey 6 ; Sharp-shinned Hawk 4 ; Broad-winged Hawk 340 ; Red-tailed Hawk 3 1; American Kestrel 1 . Raptor Observations: The latest in day SPRING Broadwing flight we have ever observed. They were everywhere. The largest kettle was 22 birds. (report from Bart Kamp).
4/20/13 -- Brookfields: We birded the QUABOG IBA (the Brookfields) for the entire morning and early afternoon today.
Horned Grebe (group of 5 in breeding plumage); Great Blue Heron (4); Turkey Vulture (5); Canada Goose (30); Wood Duck (5); A Black Duck (pr); Mallard (19); Green-winged Teal (pr); Ring-necked Duck (33); Lesser Scaup (12); Long-tailed Duck (2m); Common Goldeneye (2); Hooded Merganser (pr); Common Merganser (10: 1m); Bald Eagle (1ad at L Quabog); Cooper's Hawk (2); Red-tailed Hawk (7); Wild Turkey (1); Virginia Rail (3); Wilson's Snipe (1); Bonaparte?s Gull (1adS); Ring-billed Gull (10); Herring Gull (1); Mourning Dove (19); Belted Kingfisher (2); Red-bellied Woodpecker (2); Downy Woodpecker (11); Hairy Woodpecker (2); N Flicker (5); E Phoebe (13); Blue Jay (14); A Crow (17); C Raven (1); Tree Swallow (229: large numbers working low over the water at L Quabog); N Rough-winged Swallow (2); Barn Swallow (21); Black-capped Chickadee (42); Tufted Titmouse (31); Red-breasted Nuthatch (10); White-breasted Nuthatch (11); Brown Creeper (1 singing); Carolina Wren (7); Winter Wren (2 singing birds); Ruby-crowned Kinglet (29); Blue-gray Gnatcatcher (1); E Bluebird (2); Hermit Thrush (1); A Robin (96); Yellow Warbler (1); Yellow-rumped Warbler (146); Pine Warbler (31); Palm Warbler (2); Ovenbird (1); Chipping Sparrow (49); Savannah Sparrow (1: boat launch at L Quabog); Song Sparrow (34); Swamp Sparrow (37); White-throated Sparrow (23); Dark-eyed Junco (4); N Cardinal (32); Red-winged Blackbird (104); C Grackle (90+); Brown-headed Cowbird (15); Purple Finch (1); House Finch (14); A Goldfinch (30).
(report from Mark Lynch/Sheila Carroll).
4/20/13 -- Bolton Flats, Lancaster: This morning there were 4 Dunlin in the muddy cornfield on the north side of Route 117. (report from Peter Morlock).
4/19/13 -- Bolton/Harvard: This morning from dawn till early afternoon we birded the NASHUA RIVER WATERSHED IBA, which includes Bolton Flats (areas north and south of Rt. 117);, Oxbow NWR and other locations. The winds really kicked up by late AM, keeping many birds down. We birded the flats proper near dawn.
List: Double-crested Cormorant (1: perched in Bolton Flats); American Bittern (1 pumping); Great Blue Heron (1); Turkey Vulture (3); Canada Goose (23); Mute Swan (pr, 1 on nest); Wood Duck (12); A Black Duck (2); Mallard (13); Green-winged Teal (32); N Harrier (1m); Red-shouldered Hawk (1); Red-tailed Hawk (1); (NB: we did some hawkwatching from the Fruitlands overlook, but came up with little, likely due to overcast conditions); Virginia Rail (3); Killdeer (13); Greater Yellowlegs (11); Lesser Yellowlegs (2); Spotted Sandpiper (1); Pectoral Sandpiper (3); Wilson's Snipe (17); Mourning Dove (7); Belted Kingfisher (2); Downy Woodpecker (6); Hairy Woodpecker (3); N Flicker (19); E Phoebe (12: pr nestbuilding on the bulletin board at Oxbow, the nest ON the string that is connected to the chalk for people to write their sightings with. ); Blue Jay (14); A Crow (6); Tree Swallow (31); Barn Swallow (2); Black-capped Chickadee (26); Tufted Titmouse (11); Red-breasted Nuthatch (3); Carolina Wren (5); Ruby-crowned Kinglet (10); Blue-gray Gnatcatcher (5: great views at Oxbow); E Bluebird (1m); Hermit Thrush (4); A Robin (72); N Mockingbird (2); Cedar Waxwing (5); Yellow-rumped Warbler (8); Pine Warbler (18); Palm Warbler (2: ?yellow?); E Towhee (3); Chipping Sparrow (42); Vesper Sparrow (1); Song Sparrow (28); Swamp Sparrow (19); Dark-eyed Junco (6); N Cardinal ( 22); Red-winged Blackbird (60+); C Grackle (71); Brown-headed Cowbird (11); Purple Finch (1); House Finch (4); A Goldfinch (15);
PLUS; many American Toads trilling; Bullfrogs and Spring Peepers. The main reason we walked into Oxbow was to search for Blanding's Turtles. We dipped, but saw MANY E Painted Turtles.
(report from Mark Lynch/Sheila Carroll).
4/18/13 -- Paxton: A major arrival at home today. 2 male Towhees, 2 White-throated Sparrows, 14 Chipping Sparrows and 1 Field Sparrow. 3 Tree Sparrows are still hanging on from my winter flock. (report from Rodney Jenkins)
4/18/13 -- Bolton Flats, Bolton: Highlights from this morning: Kim Allen and I had the Glossy Ibis reported by Jessica Johnson and others yesterday. Also seen were Pectoral Sandpipers, Blue-gray Gnatcatchers and a Ruby-crowned Kinglet. (report from Alan Marble).
4/18/13 -- Institute Park, Worcester: At 1:30 pm highlights were 3 Hooded Mergs, 9 Common Mergs, 3 Killdeer, 2 N flicker, 1 Pine Warbler, and 3 Palm Warblers. Did not see the Shovelers today. (report from Rick Quimby).
4/17/13 -- Institute Park, Worcester: Highlights at noon were 2 Northern Shoveler (m&f), 5 Hooded Mergansers, 9 Common Mergansers, and 1 Belted Kingfisher. Yesterday (4/16) there were also a N flicker and 2 Yellow-rumped Warblers. (report from Rick Quimby).
4/16/13 -- West Millbury: I had 5 Purple Finches at my feeders today. Four males and 1 female. (report from Alan Marble).
4/16/13 -- Douglas State Forest: My friend and I checked out the heron rookery in Douglas State Forest this afternoon. We saw a pair of great blue herons on one nest; the other nests were empty. Nearby, we saw ring-necked ducks and wood ducks. (report from Mary Sughrue-Yacino).
4/15/13 -- Barre Falls Dam, Barre: Migrating raptors today: Turkey Vulture 2 ; Osprey 7 ; Sharp-shinned Hawk 12 ; Cooper's Hawk 1 ; Red-shouldered Hawk 2 ; Broad-winged Hawk 48 ; Red-tailed Hawk 1 ; American Kestrel 1 .
(report from Bart Kamp).
4/14/13 -- Barre Falls Dam, Barre: Migrating raptors today: Turkey Vulture 1 ; Osprey 38 ; Bald Eagle 1 ; Northern Harrier 4 ; Sharp-shinned Hawk 20 ; Broad-winged Hawk 356 ; Red-tailed Hawk 2 ; American Kestrel 11 .
Raptor Observations: The broadwing dam burst. There were broadwings in all the dirctions that you scanned; some in groups and kettles of up to 25 birds. Some were hard to see against the dark black clouds that covered part of the sky.
Non-raptor Observations: 1 Eastern Meadowlark in the field; 9 Double-crested Cormorants migrating.
(report from Bart Kamp).
4/14/13 -- Petersham-Hardwick: We spent the morning birding PETERSHAM. Birds seen included: Great Blue Heron (1); Turkey Vulture (2); Canada Goose (10); Wood Duck (6); A Black Duck (14); Ring-necked Duck (55); Bufflehead (9); Common Goldeneye (4); Hooded Merganser (8); Common Merganser (38); Osprey (1); N Goshawk (1); Broad-winged Hawk (4); Merlin (1); Wild Turkey (13); Barred Owl (1); Belted Kingfisher (1); Red-bellied Woodpecker (1); Yellow-bellied Sapsucker (12); Downy Woodpecker (3); Hairy Woodpecker (3); N Flicker (1); Pileated Woodpecker (2); E Phoebe (26); BLUE-HEADED VIREO (1); Tree Swallow (47); Red-breasted Nuthatch (12); Winter Wren (5 singing birds); Golden-crowned Kinglet (7); Ruby-crowned Kinglet (4); Hermit Thrush (13); Yellow-rumped Warbler (3); Pine Warbler (17); Palm Warbler (7); Dark-eyed Junco (132); Purple Finch (1); Evening Grosbeak (4);
Later in AM, it cleared somewhat briefly and as soon as it did, we started to see hawks moving. So we headed to the Mandel Hill property of the East Quabbin land Trust where there is a nice viewing platform and an incredible view. We were there only about 15 minutes and it clouded over again. But in that short time we had: Turkey Vulture (12: many local birds probably); Osprey (4); Sharp-shinned Hawk (1); Broad-winged Hawk (20, including 1 kettle off 15 birds); Red-tailed Hawk (2: local birds); A Kestrel (1); Eastern Bluebird (4); Palm Warbler (1)
(report from Mark Lynch/Sheila Carroll).
4/14/13 -- Gate 40, Quabbin Reservoir, Petersham: Today, during our hike from Gate 40 to Indian Kitchen and back, my friends and I saw the following species: Wood Duck, Ring-necked Duck, Yellow-bellied Sapsucker, Eastern Bluebird, Dark-eyed Junco, Northern Cardinal, Eastern Phoebe, Wild Turkey, Northern Flicker, Turkey Vulture, American Woodcock, and Palm Warbler. (report from Mary Sughrue-Yacino).
4/11/13 -- Institute Park, Worcester: Following up on a call from Sly Baines about a Black-crowned Night Heron (also see report below), I went to this site to confirm, where I was able to find 2 Black-crowned Night Herons(report from Justin Lawson).
4/11/13 -- Institute Park, Worcester: Highlights at noon were 1 Black-crowned Night-Heron (ad), 2 Mute Swan (1 on nest), 5 GW Teal, 14 Hooded Mergansers (all f), 17 Common Mergansers (all f), 1 Killdeer, 1 N Flicker, 1 E Phoebe, 1 Ruby-crowned Kinglet, 1 Chipping Sparrow, and 1 DE Junco singing. (report from Rick Quimby).
4/10/13 -- Purgatory Chasm, Sutton: I hiked nearly all the trails this morning. Highlights were: Barred Owl; Hairy Woodpecker; Pileated Woodpecker; Eastern Phoebe; Red-breasted Nuthatch; Brown Creeper; Winter Wren; Golden-crowned Kinglet; Ruby-crowned Kinglet; Hermit Thrush; Pine Warbler; Chipping Sparrow; Dark-eyed Junco; Brown-headed Cowbird. (report from Jenifer Glagowski)
4/9/13 -- Millbury: This morning at 9:30, there was a Black Vulture flying over the Millbury Bike Path parking lot. (report from Alan Marble).
4/9/13 -- Barre Falls Dam, Barre: Migrating raptors today: Turkey Vulture 6 ; Osprey 21 ; Bald Eagle 1 ; Northern Harrier 2 ; Sharp-shinned Hawk 4 ; Cooper's Hawk 2 ; Red-tailed Hawk 5 ; American Kestrel 5 ; Merlin 1 ; Unknown Buteo 1 . Raptor Observations: 3 adult Northern Goshawks, 1 Bald Eagle not migrating. (report from Bart Kamp).
4/9/13 -- Leesville Pond, Worcester: This noon there were: green winged teal (2); wood duck (2 pair); palm warbler (4); yellow rumped warbler (4); mute swan (2, 1 on nest) (report from Paul Dufault).
4/9/13 -- Brigham Hill Wildlife Area/Williams Woods, Grafton: I birded two Grafton Land Trust properties for the first time. Though parking is indicated on the map along N. Brigham Hill Road, it did not seem clear, so I parked at Brigham Hill Community Farm. I intended to just do Brigham Hill Wildlife Area but followed a trail that led me to the corner of Williams Woods. The trails are a bit confusing as they border private property and sometimes seem to cross it, yet "No Trespassing" signs are prominently displayed. Next time I'll try the parking on Brigham Hill Road. Highlights were: Red-bellied Woodpecker; Hairy Woodpecker; Northern Flicker; Pileated Woodpecker; Eastern Phoebe; Golden-crowned Kinglet; Eastern Bluebird; White-throated Sparrow; Dark-eyed Junco; Brown-headed Cowbird. (report from Jenifer Glagowski)
4/9/13 -- Downtown Worcester: There was a Barred Owl hanging out at the 446 Main Street building all day yesterday (4/8) which allowed for some really nice looks, video and pictures that can be seen on my blog.
Today (4/9) I decided to do a Peregrine Falcon check to see if I could see signs of nesting and was happy to see the male flying overhead with a dead Rock Pigeon in tow! He perched at the corner of the building (where the Bank of America Building and the new intersection is to your immediate left) and proceeded to strip it some and then off he went with it to what appeared to be the other side of the building that faces the library. By the time I battled traffic to make my way there he'd circle back and land of the K of the bank logo where he spent some time preening and keeping guard. Based on this behavior I'm guessing she is on a nest so reached out to Tom French as an FYI. Tom told me Bill Davis has established contact with People's United building management which will allow them to check on nest progress, chick count, potential banding, etc. I will continue to give updates when I receive new information. Lousy pictures of the male and a full write up will be posted on my blog in the next day or so. (report from Kimberly Allen)
4/9/13 -- Institute Park, Worcester: Highlights at noon were 2 Mute Swan (one on nest), 1 Bufflehead (f), 8 Hooded Mergs (all f), 1 Killdeer, 1 E Phoebe, and 2 Palm Warblers. (report from Rick Quimby).
4/9/13 -- Northbridge: Field Sparrow and Pine Warbler were perched and singing on the field at West Hill Park (Quaker St, Northbridge). Red-breasted Nuthatches, E. Phoebes, Tree Swallows were also at the Park this morning, along with more common species. An otter was swimming at Harrington Pond. (report from Beth Milke)
4/9/13 -- Bolton Flats/Pine Hill grasslands, Bolton: Jessica Johnson, Alan Marbler and myself birded Bolton Flats this morning. Highlights were 2 Virginia Rails, 5 Greater Yellowlegs, 1 Ruby-crowned Kinglet, Swamp Sparrows, and an Eastern Phoebe that would fly in within 5 feet of us. Other birds were Green-winged Teal, over 20 Wilson's Snipe, and lots of Killdeer. Alan and I then birded Pine Hill Grasslands. Alan flushed a Ruffed Grouse 2x for me which was a lifer. Also had a singing Field Sparrow further down the path. (report from Justin Lawson).
4/8/13 -- St Philips Cemetery, Grafton: Checked out the great blue herons this afternoon. I did find a pair that looked like they'd like to set up house keeping, but no nest building activities. I didn't see heron activity associated with a new nest reported by Beth, but elsewhere I have seen herons already sitting down in old nests, so perhaps I missed spotting a head hunkered down somewhere. There was one puffed up mute swan relentlessly persecuting any and all Canada geese on the water. Lots of tree swallows. (report from Garry Kessler).
4/8/13 -- Saint Johns Cemetery, Worcester: There was a flock of about 16 Brown-headed Cowbirds. Here is a photo of a pair. (report from Brian Mulhearn)
4/8/13 -- St. Phillips cemetery, Grafton: Highlights were FOY Palm Warbler and Pine Warbler right at the "overlook" to the marsh where the fence is broken. I was able to get some video of the Palm Warbler which was singing away and flicking his tale non-stop. (report from Justin Lawson).
4/8/13 -- Sturbridge: I was surprised to see a pair of wood ducks on the tree across the street from my house about 7 a.m. today. I went inside to get my camera and snapped this pic of the male. (report from Bob Barnes).
4/8/13 -- Leesville Pond, Worcester: At noontime today at Leesville Pond there were: Palm Warbler, (2); Wood duck (3 pair); Mute Swan (2; 1 on nest); Hairy woodpecker (2); N.Flicker (1); Pied-bill grebe (1); N. Mockingbird (2); Canada goose (12). (report from Paul Dufault).
4/8/13 -- Cormier Woods, Uxbridge/Mendon: I birded Cormier Woods for the first time ever and it's such a nice spot! I walked each of the 3 loops (about 3 miles total) and in addition to the usual suspects, highlights included: Brown-headed cowbird, Eastern Phoebe, Barn Swallow, Red-bellied Woodpecker, Winter Wren, Brown Creeper, Eastern Bluebird, Carolina Wren, and a Pine Warbler (which took me 20 minutes to visually confirm)! (report from Jenifer Glagowski)
4/7/13 -- Bolton Flats & vicinity, Bolton/Lancaster/Clinton: Highlights from the Forbush Bird Club trip to Bolton Flats, Dexter Drumlin and Cochlace Pond included 4 Wood Ducks, 2 Blue wing Teal, 1 Bufflehead, 1 Peregrin Falcon, 1 Red-shouldered Hawk, and 2 Greater Yellowlegs. Here is the complete list of species recorded. (report from John Shea).
4/7/13 -- Wheelabrator marshes Rt. 20, Worcester: In mid-afternoon we checked the beaver driven marshes on either side of Rt. 20 at Wheelabrator (I believe this is Broad Meadow Brook): Great Blue Heron (2 perched in a tree next to each other. Lots of dead trees for them to nest in); Canada Goose (2); Wood Duck (4 pairs: someone needs to put up some boxes); Mallard (5); American Black Duck (1); Red-tailed Hawk (1); E Phoebe (1). NB: this marsh looks promising BUT the business opposite Wheelabrator on Rt. 20 had to do soem damming and shoreing up to prevent flooding of their back dirt lot.)
(report from Mark Lynch/Sheila Carroll).
4/7/13 -- Dudley to Northbridge: We spent the day birding in several towns in southern Worcester County. Though it was warmer than Saturday, the winds started to increase by mid-morning and by noon it was quite windy. Highlights:
WEBSTER-DUDLEY: Great Blue Heron (3); Turkey Vulture (9); Canada Goose (150); Wood Duck (1); Mallard (41); A Black Duck (3); Ring-necked Duck (37); Hooded Merganser (3); Common Merganser (3); N Harrier (1); Cooper?s Hawk (1); Red-tailed Hawk (2); Virginia Rail (3: all vigorously doing the ?kid-dick? call); Killdeer (4); Belted Kingfisher (1); N Flicker (3); Eastern Phoebe (15); Tree Swallow (62); Fish Crow (1); A Tree Sparrow (1); Swamp Sparrow (2: not singing); NB: we searched for the Black-headed Gull at Webster Lake, but dipped. The place was filled with fishermen in boats
DOUGLAS: Turkey Vulture (1); Mallard (2); Bufflehead (2); Common Goldeneye (2); Common Merganser (14); Sharp-shinned Hawk (2); Red-tailed Hawk (4); E Phoebe (7);
NORTHBRIDGE: few waterbirds Mute Swan (4, 1 on a nest, but another nesting bird has disappeared); Canada Goose (13); Mallard (2); Bufflehead (2); Common Merganser (2); Red-tailed Hawk (2); Turkey Vulture (3); Belted Kingfisher (1); N Rough-winged Swallow (1: Sutton);
(report from Mark Lynch/Sheila Carroll).
4/7/13 -- St Philips Cemetery, Grafton: I was a bit surprised to see my first-of-year Yellow-rumped Warbler while checking the status of the Great Blue Herons at St. Philip's Cemetery on Millbury St. in Grafton this morning. Two herons were at a new nest atop a good-sized broken tree directly across from the overlook spot. While herons 3 and 4 were seen in a tree near this one yesterday, we saw only one other heron today, and it was on the marsh. As already noted, there were many Tree Swallows zooming around. (report from Beth Milke)
4/6/13 -- Gardner: A Coopers hawk, 4 Song sparrows, a Yellow-bellied sapsucker and 3 FOX SPARROWS were around our feeders today. Not bad for our little Gardner plot. (report from Dick Knowlton).
4/6/13 -- Auburn: The cell tower behind BJ's on route 20 in Auburn-An Osprey was perched on the cell tower today where a pair of Osprey's successfully raised at least one chick last year. The nest seems to have been added to so hopefully they will breed again this year.
Millbury- Ramshorn Pond has Buffleheads (4);, Ring-necked Ducks(4);, Common Mergansers (6); and of course several Mallards. The GBH's have returned to the marsh on Dolan Rd and we spotted a swan that we hope was only visiting. (report from Dan & Deb Berard).
4/6/13 -- Brookfields/Worcester: We spent the morning birding the QUABOG IBA in the Brookfields. Temps ranged from 28F to 42F in the afternoon and it was quite windy at times. Highlights included: Common Loon (1); Pied-billed Grebe (1); Horned Grebe (1); Turkey Vulture (2); Canada Goose (31); Mute Swan (1); Wood Duck (6); A Black Duck (11); Mallard (48); Blue-winged Teal (pair); Green-winged Teal (43); Ring-necked Duck (75); Lesser Scaup (11); Bufflehead (4); Hooded Merganser (24); Common Merganser (133); Red-shouldered Hawk (1); Red-tailed Hawk (1); Wild Turkey (3); Killdeer (5); Solitary Sandpiper (3); E Phoebe (5); COMMON RAVEN (a loose moving flock of 16 birds with lots of diving and swooping as the flock moved NE. The largest group of ravens I have seen in MA in one spot); Tree Swallow (31); Fox Sparrow (2); Brown-headed Cowbird (16: all males); Plus: despite the cold temps: good numbers of sunning EASTERN PAINTED TURTLES and Spring Peepers calling thinly in several spots.
ON THE WAY HOME: we birded a few Worcester Ponds:
COES POND: Turkey Vulture (1); Canada Goose (28); Mallard (1); Common Merganser (14); Tree Swallow (2);
NOTRE DAME CEMETERY: Great Blue Heron (3); Mallard (2); Red-tailed Hawk (1); Killdeer (pair mating); LEESVILLE POND: Mute Swan (pair, 1 on nest); Canada Goose (8, 1 on nest); Wood Duck (4); Mallard (2); Green-winged Teal (2); Common Merganser (11); Tree Swallow (10+);
(report from Mark Lynch/Sheila Carroll).
4/5/13 -- Stoneville Reservoir, Auburn: My back yard is about 150 ft east of the southern part of the pond. I spotted a Bald Eagle circle over the pond (low around treetops) as the sun was setting (7PM) on April 5. I first recognized its size and as its arc was closest to me I could clearly see the white head and tail. Some nieghbors had reported seeing one in the last couple of weeks. After seeing it myself, it would be hard to mistake. (report from Dave Cole).
4/3/13 -- St Philips Cemetery, Grafton: At St Phillips this afternoon I had 130 + tree swallows, 2 Great Blue Heron, 1 Hairy woodpecker looking for a new home, 1 Female Hooded Merganser, 6 Mallards, 8 Red-winged Blackbirds, 6 Common Grackle and of course the 2 Mute Swans are back. (report from Susan LaBree).
4/3/13 -- Millbury: At noon today, I had a Fox Sparrow scratching around under my feeders on Elmwood street in Millbury. (report from Alan Marble).
4/2/13 -- Dexter Drumlin, Lancaster: Sandhill Crane among Canada Geese at 3 pm in Lancaster. Entrance on George Hill Rd opposite the school. Hike to the top of the hill and scan the fields. It was off to the right where the river floods into the field. Viewable distantly with binos, scope useful for good views. (report from Nickilas Paulson).