April 2014 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:

4/28/14 -- Bolton Flats, Bolton
Late this afternoon in the corn field north of Route 117 at Bolton Flats, there was a SANDHILL CRANE. It was there for about 30 minutes before it left. (report from Bart Kamp).

4/28/14 -- Quabog IBA, Brookfields/Warren
We birded the Brookfields (Quabog IBA) and a few areas of adjacent Warren. It was a slow day, with little migration obvious. Birds seen included: Common Loon (1); Great Blue Heron (11 occupied nests +6 additional birds); Turkey Vulture (8); Canada Goose (24); Mute Swan (2); Wood Duck (9); A Black Duck (possible pair); Mallard (39); Green-winged Teal (1f); Ring-necked Duck (11); Common Merganser (4); Osprey (1 on nest in microwave relay tower in Warren); Red-shouldered Hawk (1); Broad-winged Hawk (4); Red-tailed Hawk (1); A Kestrel (1); Ring-necked Pheasant (1 ); Ruffed Grouse (1); Wild Turkey (3); Belted Kingfisher (2); Red-bellied Woodpecker (3); E Phoebe (6); Tree Swallow (108); Barn Swallow (31); Brown Creeper (5); Carolina Wren (4); Winter Wren (1 singing in Warren); Blue Gray Gnatcatcher (5); Brown Thrasher (1); Yellow-rumped Warbler (4); Pine Warbler (25); Louisiana Waterthrush (1: plus another in Spencer); E Towhee (6); Swamp Sparrow (24); Purple Finch (2);
  • Plus: Spring Azure; Cabbage White; many E Painted Turtles; (1); Spotted Turtle and our first Marsh Marigold of the year.
    (report from Mark Lynch/Sheila Carroll).

    • 4/28/14 -- Barre Falls Dam, Barre
    Raptors migrating today: Black Vulture 1 ; Turkey Vulture 1 ; Osprey 3 ; Bald Eagle 1 ; Northern Harrier 2 ; Sharp-shinned Hawk 24 ; Cooper's Hawk 2 ; Broad-winged Hawk 119 ; American Kestrel 1 .
  • Raptor Observations: Our last spring Black Vulture was recorded 10 years ago.
  • Non-raptor Observations: First of year Chimney Swift.
    (report from Bart Kamp);

    • 4/27/14 -- Wachusett Reservoir/Bolton Flats
  • At WACHUSETT RESERVOIR this morning: Common Loon (21); Horned Grebe (9: br pl :we watched a pair display: rearing up, belly to belly); Red-necked Grebe (1br pl); Double-crested Cormorant (101: small flocks leaving all morning); Canada Goose (14); Gadwall (4m); A Black Duck (1); Mallard (14); Bufflehead (14); Common Merganser (6); Red-tailed Hawk (2); Wild Turkey (3); Bonaparte's Gull (flock of 11 in br pl. NB: when we returned from Bolton Flats, they were gone.); Barred Owl (1); Tree Swallow/ swallow species (150++); PURPLE MARTIN (1m: whizzed by among all the other swallows. Easy to pick out.); E Meadowlark (1);
  • When we got to the north end of the reservoir, we took a brief detour to BOLTON FLATS, birding areas both north and south of Rt. 117. There were a number of other birders there and I am sure their totals and species variety will be much higher than ours. NB: there were a number of waterfowl and shorebirds in wet areas south of Rt. 117. Pied-billed Grebe (1); Great Blue Heron (5); Great Egret (1); Canada Goose (202); Wood Duck (44); A Black Duck (4); Mallard (124); Osprey (1); Killdeer (12); Greater Yellowlegs (12); Lesser Yellowlegs (3); Pectoral Sandpiper (18); Wilson's Snipe (26); E Phoebe (4); Carolina Wren (9); Blue-gray Gnatcatcher (5); Palm Warbler (3); Purple Finch (1m);
  • Back in the city of Worcester, we checked on the raven's nest and there was at least almost fledged young in it and an adult came in with food.
    (report from Mark Lynch/Sheila Carroll).

    • 4/26/14 -- Rutland
    We had a mute swan on the small farm pond on Sassawanna Road in Rutland today. Have not seen them there before. Will be interested to see if it stays. (report from Ted Purcell).

    4/26/14 -- Bolton Flats, Lancaster
    Today I observed a Great Egret out in the fields. (report from Peter Morlock).

    4/25/14 -- Fitchburg
    Today working in my yard, two Ospreys were soaring above my home at about 3 in the afternoon. At first I thought they were Hawks but then they lowered and they were black and white and definitely not seagulls or turkey vultures..... (report from Ron Loader).

    4/25/14 -- Barre Falls Dam, Barre
    Raptors migrating today: Osprey 3 ; Bald Eagle 1 ; Sharp-shinned Hawk 8 ; Broad-winged Hawk 57 ; Red-tailed Hawk 1 ; American Kestrel 1 .
  • Non-raptor Observations: 10 Common Ravens together, 1 Commnon Loon and 20-30 Double-crested Cormorants migrating
    (report from Bart Kamp)

    • 4/25/14 -- Douglas
    My husband and I checked out the great blue heron rookery in Douglas State Forest this afternoon. We saw three occupied nests. We also saw a pair of ring-necked ducks swimming nearby. (report from Mary Sughrue-Yacino).

    4/25/14 -- Broad Meadow Brook and Regatta Point, Worcester
  • Broad Meadow Brook (I used the entrance/trails off of Sprague Ln): 1 Wood Duck; 2 Red-tail Hawk making noise and in a tree in the adjacent neighborhood; 1 House Wren singing; Tree Swallows
  • Regatta Point, North Lake Ave: 1 Osprey flying over the DCR facility
    (report from Scott Ricker)

    • 4/25/14 -- North Quabbin Reservoir
    In a morning spent birding in the North Quabbin area, we had the following:
  • A hike in GATE 33, NEW SALEM: Turkey Vulture (2); Canada Goose (7); Wood Duck (3); Mallard (1); Ring-necked Duck (pair); Hooded Merganser (pair); Common Merganser (4); Red-shouldered Hawk (1); Ruffed Grouse (2 drumming); Yellow-bellied Sapsucker (4); Pileated Woodpecker (1); E Phoebe (1); Blue-headed Vireo (2); Common Raven (3); Tree Swallow (102); Barn Swallow (3); Red-breasted Nuthatch (3); Brown Creeper (5); Ruby-crowned Kinglet (9); Blue-gray Gnatcatcher (2); E Bluebird (1); Hermit Thrush (6); Yellow-rumped Warbler (8); Pine Warbler (13); E Towhee (3); Field Sparrow (3); Purple Finch (3);
  • At a pond elsewhere in New Salem: Ring-necked Duck (55); Bufflehead (1m);
  • In PETERSHAM we visited Harvard Pond, Tom Swamp, and North Common Meadows: Canada Goose (5); Wood Duck (2); Mallard (5); A Black Duck (1); Ring-necked Duck (24); Hooded Merganser (7f); Common Merganser (3f); Broad-winged Hawk (4: not migrating); E Phoebe (1); Tree Swallow (10); Blue-gray Gnatcatcher (1); Hermit Thrush (3); Yellow-rumped Warbler (16); Pine Warbler (12);
  • Plus: Mourning Cloaks (7);: Spring Azure (20+);; Pine Elfin (2);.
    (report from Mark Lynch/Sheila Carroll)

    • 4/25/14 -- Institute Park, Worcester
    Highlights at noon were 1 DC Cormorant, 1 E Phoebe, 2 Yellow-rumped Warblers, and 1 Palm Warbler. (report from Rick Quimby).

    4/23/14 -- Worcester cemeteries
    This morning we got in a little birding before the showers, visiting three of the cemeteries in the SW corner of the city of Worcester: Hope, Notre Dame, All Faiths/Leesville Pond. Among the many robins and Chipping Sparrows and other common birds we had the following: Green Heron (1); Canada Goose (5+ 2 on nests); Mute Swan (1+ 2 on nests); Wood Duck (5 males); Mallard (8); Killdeer (2+1 on nest); Chimney Swift (4); N Flicker (4); E Phoebe (1); Tree Swallow (6); N Rough-winged Swallow (4); Carolina Wren (2); Ruby-crowned Kinglet (1); Hermit Thrush (1); N Mockingbird (6); Brown Thrasher (1); Yellow-rumped Warbler (14); Pine Warbler (3); Swamp Sparrow (2); White-throated Sparrow (10); Dark-eyed Junco (2);
  • Plus: 1 large Eastern Coyote, and on the way home we had 1 Wild Turkey fly across Salisbury Street near our house.
    (report from Mark Lynch/Sheila Carroll).

    • 4/22/14 -- Paxton
    House Wren singing in the yard this am. Yesterday Mary found a Mute Swan at the Ekblaw Sanctuary. Believe it or not, this is a first record for the Sanctuary and my first Mute swan ever in the Town of Paxton.
  • Also on 4/18 I had a Brown Thrasher in North Brookfield.
  • In Paxton, I still have (as of today) one Tree Sparrow hanging on at the feeder. (report from Rodney Jenkins)

    • 4/21/14 -- South Quabbin Reservoir/Monson
    We started the day at South Quabbin/Quabbin Park in Ware and Belchertown: slow day, but did manage to see (partial list): Common Loon (3); Great Blue Heron (4); Turkey Vulture (8); Canada Goose (10); Wood Duck (1); A Black Duck (1); Mallard (4); Hooded Merganser (2m); Common Merganser (1f); Bald Eagle (1 on nest); Cooper's Hawk (1); Broad-winged Hawk (3); Wild Turkey (2); Killdeer (3); Yellow-bellied Sapsucker (12); Pileated Woodpecker (2); E Phoebe (12); Common Raven (2ad+ at least 2 young in nest); Tree Swallow (17); N Rough-winged Swallow (4); Brown Creeper (4); Ruby-crowned Kinglet (1); Blue-gray Gnatcatcher (5); E Bluebird (4); Hermit Thrush (2); Yellow-rumped Warbler (3); Pine Warbler (19); Palm Warbler (1); E Towhee (3); Dark-eyed Junco (4); Purple Finch (1);
  • Then, a quick stop at the Ware River WMA in Ware: Common Merganser (2f); Brown Thrasher (1 signing); Blue-gray Gnatcatcher (1);
  • Then in Monson, below the tornado line: Great Blue Heron (1 on nest); Turkey Vulture (11); Yellow-bellied Sapsucker (1); N Rough-winged Swallow (4); Red-breasted Nuthatch (1); Brown Creeper (2); Blue-gray Gnatcatcher (3); Pine Warbler (22); Palm Warbler (2); E Towhee (6)
  • And in Spencer: Louisiana Waterthrush (2);
    (report from Mark Lynch/Sheila Carroll).

    • 4/20/14 -- Rail Trail entrance, West Boylston
    At the entrance to the bike trail in West Boylston off Thomas St. near old fire training station, there was a Palm Warbler today, and a Belted Kingfisher yesterday (4/19). (report from Donna Wysokenski).

    4/19/14 -- Eagle Lake, Holden
    This morning I ran into a wave of Yellow-rumped (14) and Palm (17) warblers at Eagle Lake. I saw 3 Ruby-crowned Kinglets also. (report from Peter Morlock).

    4/18/14 -- Douglas State Forest
    This morning, my friend and I checked out the great blue heron rookery in Douglas State Forest. We saw one heron on a nest, but there are only two nests still intact since the winter. (report from Mary Sughrue-Yacino).

    4/18/14 -- Lake Chauncy, Northboro
    Took a walk at Lake Chauncey by the ball fields Friday evening. HIghlights were 6 Mute Swans, a pair of Hooded Mergansers, 11 Palm Warblers, 1 Blue-grey Gnatcatcher, 1 Eastern Towhee, 1 Northern Flicker, and Cedar Waxwings. (report from Steven Sulzer).

    4/17/14 -- Chaffin pond, Holden
    Between 3pm-5pm I observed tree swallows,palm warblers,yellow rumped warblers,black & white warbler,ruby crowned kinglets,blue-gray gnatcatcher,belted kingfisher. (report from Scott Corazzini).

    4/17/14 -- Hadwin Park/All Saints Cemetary/Notre Dame Cemetary, Worcester
    A friend Jaquie and I went birding and found the following highlights;
  • All Saints Cemetary: 1 Mute Swan; 2 Wood Duck; 1 2nd year Bald Eagle-(floated down and grabbed a fish out of the pond); 10-12 Palm Warblers
  • Hadwin Park; 25+ Palm Warbler; 15+ Myrtle (Yellow-rumped) Warbler; 3 Pine Warbler; 1 Red-tailed Hawk; 1 Sharp-shinned Hawk
      This bird put on a show. I first found the Sharpy high up in a tree eating a squirrel. The Sharpy started to fly around with the squirrel, from its feeding area, and flew to a specific area not 600'-800' up the hill, then would come back to the same tree and rip the squirrell apart a bit more. The Sharpy continued to fly through the pine and oak tree stand sometimes as low as 30" off of the ground. We eventually found what could be a nest for this bird as it was very near it for a bit. It was the first time I have ever seen a Sharpy behave like this and we watched this bird for at least 30 minutes.
    2 Wood Duck
  • Notre Dame Cemetary: Belted Kingfisher; 20+ Palm Warbler; 2 Flicker; 1 Carolina Wren; 1 Great blue Heron
    (report from Scott Ricker).

    • 4/16/14 -- Uxbridge Community Gardens
    I observed a single Upland Sandpiper today around mid morning. (report from Bill Sartorelli).

    4/16/14 -- Westboro, Northboro, Wachusett Reservoir, Sterling
    We spent the afternoon birding a few ponds, lakes and reservoirs in eastern Worcester County. The recent cold snap and windy conditions seemed to have cleared a lot of migrant waterfowl out, and birds were mostly found in smaller, more sheltered bodies. Swallows, overwhelmingly Tree, were at most locations. Despite the chilly temps, in sunny sheltered spots, numbers of Painted Turtles were seen basking.
  • SuAsCo, Westboro: Double-crested Cormorant (6); Turkey Vulture (1); Mute Swan (24: we watched a pair mating); Canada Goose (19); Mallard (2); A Black Duck (1); Ring-necked Duck (2m); Osprey (the pair was present, hanging around the nest platform and at one point chased an eagle out of the area); Bald Eagle (1imm); Belted Kingfisher (1); Tree Swallow (250++); N Rough-winged Swallow (2); Barn Swallow (1);
  • Chauncy Lake, Westboro: Mute Swan (12);
  • Little Chauncy, Northboro: Pied-billed Grebe (1); Great Blue Heron (1); Canada Goose (6); Ring-necked Duck (9); Bufflehead (1m); Tree Swallow (80+);
  • Bartlett Pond, Northboro: Mute Swan (3); Canada Goose (14); Mallard (5); Wood Duck (2); Yellow-rumped Warbler (15+); Pine Warbler (3); Palm Warbler (4);
  • Wachusett Reservoir: Common Loon (2); Double-crested Cormorant (4); Great Blue Heron (1); Canada Goose (4); Mallard (2); Ring-necked Duck (2); Bald Eagle (1ad); Red-tailed Hawk (1);
  • Sterling Peat: Great Blue Heron (1); Canada Goose (13); Red-tailed Hawk (2); Tree Swallow (50+);
  • The Quag: Tree Swallow (30+);
  • West Waushacum: Double-crested Cormorant (4); Bufflehead (2m); Tree Swallow (100+);
  • East Waushacum: Mallard (2); Lesser Scaup (12); Greater Scaup (2); Ring-necked Duck (1m); Bufflehead (8); Tree Swallow (50+); Pine Warbler (1); Palm Warbler (2);
    (report from Mark Lynch/Sheila Carroll).

    • 4/16/14 -- Institute Park, Worcester
    At noon highlights were 4 Tree Swallows, 3 Rough-winged Swallows (swarming low over the water to dip into the water for insects -- not much flying in the chilly air), 1 Hairy Woodpecker, and 2 Savannah Sparrows. (report from Rick Quimby).

    4/14/14 -- Barre Falls Dam, Barre
    At the hawkwatch, there were 7 TV's, 5 SSHawk, 1 Cooper's Hawk, 2 RT Hawk, 1 Am Kestrel, 1 Merlin, 1 N Harrier, and 7 Broad-winged Hawks. (phone report from Dave Grant).

    4/14/14 -- Grafton/Upton
    A 2 hour circuit of local ponds yielded 30 species despite blustery conditions. Highlights included: Mallards (7; including a ABD x Mallard female?); Pine Warbler (8); Eastern Phoebe (4); Eastern Bluebird (4); Song Sparrow (6); Field Sparrow (1); White-throated Sparrow(1);, Canada Goose (14); Wood Duck (1); Mute Swan (2); American Black Duck (2).
  • At St. Phillip's Cemetery in Grafton; Gadwall (1m); and Green-Winged Teal (2m,1f); numbers of Tree Swallows.
    (report from Lisa Hennin)

    • 4/14/14 -- Quabog IBA, Brookfields
    We spent today birding various stops in the Quabog IBA in the Brookfields with a few side stops in the adjacent town of Warren. Waterfowl are starting to move on, and numbers were lower than just a few days ago. But there was a nice sprinkling of passerine migrants. Partial list: Great Blue Heron (10 occupied nests plus 6 singles seen at different locations); Great Egret (2); Turkey Vulture (25); Canada Goose (34); Wood Duck (8: low); American Wigeon (2m); Mallard (28); Ring-necked Duck (3); Common Goldeneye (4f); Hooded Merganser (pair); Common merganser (6f); Osprey (2. We also checked one of the nests in Sturbridge that is located in a microwave relay tower, and the pair was there); Cooper's Hawk (1); Red-shouldered Hawk (1); Red-tailed Hawk (3); Belted Kingfisher (5); Yellow-bellied Sapsucker (1); N Flicker (8); E Phoebe (20); Blue-headed Vireo (1); Tree Swallow (64); N Rough-winged Swallow (2); Carolina Wren (11); Winter Wren (1 singing); Ruby-crowned Kinglet (7); Blue-gray Gnatcatcher (3); Yellow-rumped Warbler (6); Pine Warbler (38); Palm Warbler (11); Louisiana Waterthrush (2 singing); E Towhee (1); Chipping Sparrow (51: a few days back there were NONE, now: all over); Field Sparrow (6); Swamp Sparrow (28); Purple Finch (1m);
  • PLUS: 5 Spotted Turtles; Banded Water Snake; Ribbon Snake; and (7); Mourning Cloaks and (1); THE INFANT moth. Or as Popeye would say: "infink"
    (report from Mark Lynch/Sheila Carroll).

    • 4/14/14 -- Institute Park, Worcester
    At noon there were 2 Tree Swallows, 4 Yellow-rumped Warblers, and 1 Chipping Sparrow. (report from Rick Quimby);.

    4/13/14 -- Bolton Flats WMA, Bolton
    Tonight at 7pm there was a Greater White-fronted Goose mixed in with the Canada Geese. (report from Jess Johnson).

    4/13/14 -- Thomas Basin area, Wachusett Reservoir
    I saw 6 pairs of ring-necked ducks here, and took the following photo. (report from Emily Eaton).

    4/13/14 -- Bolton Flats/Wachusett Reservoir
  • This Morning we birded parts of BOLTON FLATS. Since I just found out this morning that mice have been nesting in my rubber boots (note to self: never leave boots out in garage over winter) I did not bring them, so I did not try to hike inside. BUT we scoped and walked where we could both below and above Rt. 117. When the rain got to be too much, we hit a few areas in adjacent Harvard. Below are some highlights with the two locations combined: Double-crested Cormorant (5); Great Blue heron (5 active nests); Canada Goose (29); Mute Swan (7: nb: it amazing to have watched how this species has spread throughout the County. In the early 1990s, they were still a "good bird" in the County. Now?); Wood Duck (54); Gadwall (pr); A Black Duck (6); Mallard (99); Green-winged Teal (16); Ring-necked Duck (28); Hooded Merganser (1); Red-tailed Hawk (2); Killdeer (7); Greater Yellowlegs (6); Pectoral Sandpiper (3); E Phoebe (10); Common Raven (1 flew over calling at Bolton Flats and another was calling in Harvard.); Tree Swallow (62+: having a tough time in the rain); House Wren (1); Pine Warbler (7); E Towhee (1); Chipping Sparrow (18); Swamp Sparrow (19: singing);
  • THEN we birded WACHUSETT RESERVOIR. It was the second day of the fishing season and the number of fishermen lining the shore was AMAZING. Luckily they don't allow boats. Common Loon (19); Double-crested Cormorant (13); Mute Swan (1); Canada Goose (19); Mallard (7); Ring-necked Duck (7); WHITE-WINGED SCOTER (1m); Bufflehead (8); Common Merganser (9); Tree Swallow (220+: most took off after the rain let up); N Rough-winged Swallow (1: possible breeder); Ruby-crowned Kinglet (4); Pine Warbler (6); E Meadowlark (3)
    (report from Mark Lynch/Sheila Carroll).

    • 4/13/14 -- Holden
    On chaffin pond today from 8 am-noon we had northern harrier, sharp shinned hawk, and belted kingfisher. (report from Scott Corazzini).

    4/13/14 -- Rutland
    Have never had a mockingbird at my feeder, but his weekend we had a pair and they are nest building in the yard. A first for us here. (report from Ted Purcell).

    4/13/14 -- Wachusett Reservoir
    I saw 1 pair of each of the following: Mallards, Canada Geese, Buffleheads, Common Goldeneyes & Common Mergansers. Also 1 Common Loon! (report from Emily Eaton).

    4/13/14 -- Uxbridge
    No Chipping Sparrow at three birding stops earlier this morning. But then sit down at computer, and what flies into bare maple tree out the window -- a chipper! (report from Beth Milke)

    4/12/14 -- New Braintree
    At Winimussett Meadows this morning I had 58 Black Ducks (high), 42 Mallards, 68 Green -winged Teal, 2 Blue-winged teal, 2 Am. Widgeon, 4 Pintail, 1 Gadwall (f.), 6 Killdeer , and 1 imm. Bald Eagle which flushed the whole group -- quite a sight actually. (report from Rodney Jenkins)

    4/12/14 -- Holden/Sterling
    Highlights of a loop including:
  • Trout Brook Reservation(Holden): Louisiana Waterthrush(1); Purple Finch(1); Pine Warbler(5); Eastern Phoebe (1);. Also a vernal pool with a chorus of Wood Frogs
  • Sterling Peat: Greater Yellowlegs (1);, Bufflehead( 2 pairs); Tree Swallows (4); Belted Kingfisher (1); Canada Goose (8); Turkey Vulture (1);. Also Painted Turtles (15);
  • West Washacum (Sterling): DC Cormorant (5); Common Golden-eye (2);
  • East Washacum: Field Sparrow(1); Along the powerlines. Ring-necked Duck(12); Scaup sp.(3); Common Golden-eye (2); Mallard (2);
  • River Road (West Boylston): While checking a flock of Ring-necked Ducks(10); had a Brown Creeper singing in the spruce grove.
    (report from Lisa Hennin).

    • 4/12/14 -- Petersham
    We spent Saturday morning birding several stops in the town of PETERSHAM. Highlights included: Turkey Vulture (6); Canada Goose (21); Wood Duck (9); A Black Duck (4); Mallard (6); Green-winged Teal (11); Ring-necked Duck (39); Bufflehead (9); Common Goldeneye (12); Hooded Merganser (14); Common Merganser (25); Red-shouldered Hawk (1); Red-tailed Hawk (3); A Kestrel (2); Wild Turkey (31); Greater Yellowlegs (2); Lesser Yellowlegs (1); Belted Kingfisher (2); Red-bellied Woodpecker (4); Yellow-bellied Sapsucker (14); Pileated Woodpecker (3); E Phoebe (48); Common Raven (1); Tree Swallow (27); Winter Wren (1 singing); Golden-crowned Kinglet (6); Ruby-crowned Kinglet (1); E Bluebird (4); Hermit Thrush (5); Yellow-rumped Warbler (1); Pine Warbler (37); Chipping Sparrow (4); Fiweld Sparrow (3); Dark-eyed Junco (130); Purple Finch (3);
  • Plus: Mourning Cloak (8);; Spring Peepers; Wood Frogs and Red-spotted Newts in many locations. NB: A short walk under some power lines produced a healthy number of BLACK-LEGGED TICKS (15+);. Take all pre-cautions NOW. Spring is the most dangerous time for contracting Lyme and other tick-borne diseases.
    (report from Mark Lynch/Sheila Carroll).

    • 4/12/14 -- Saint Johns Cemetery, Worcester
    There was a soaring adult Bald Eagle, a fly-by Northern Harrier, 5 Red-tailed Hawks, and many Common Flickers, Pine Warblers, and Chipping Sparrows. (report from Brian Mulhearn)

    4/10/14 -- South Quabbin /New Braintree
  • This morning we birded the South Quabbin area and had the following: Pied-billed Grebe (1); Turkey Vulture (4); Canada Goose (10); Wood Duck (2); Mallard (2); Ring-necked Duck (7); Greater Scaup (1); Bufflehead (14); Hooded Merganser (9); Bald Eagle (1 on nest); Sharp-shinned Hawk (1); Red-tailed Hawk (3); Yellow-bellied Sapsucker (3); E Phoebe (11); Tree Swallow (2); N Rough-winged Swallow (3); C Raven (pair at nest+1); E Bluebird (3); Pine Warbler (8);
  • Later at a field in NEW BRAINTREE: Green-winged Teal (68); Hooded Merganser (1); Killdeer (1); Wilson's Snipe (29); Pectoral Sandpiper (1);
    (report from Mark Lynch/Sheila Carroll).

    • 4/9/14 -- Little Asnebumskit Hill, Paxton
    At The Heron Rookery, there were 16 nests; 14 were active. I could not see the other 2 nests well enough to know what was going on with them. Also, a Belted Kingfisher chasing another Kingfisher, a Red-bellied Woodpecker, a Pileated Woodpecker and a Pine Warbler. (report from Brian Mulhearn)

    4/9/14 -- Hager Pond, Marlborough
    Thanks to some great advice from Alan Marble to be alert for a number of good birds, I was able to find (3) male Northern Shovlelers very close to Rte 20 at 11:15 am. Thanks to all Forbush Bird Club members and experienced birders who advise and post. Diane and I appreciate it very much. (report from Bob Abbott).

    4/9/14 -- Sterling Peat, Sterling
    Following up on Peter Morlock's post this afternoon, around 5:15pm we found the M & F Blue-Winged Teal and (2) American Wigeon. (report from Bob and Diane Abbott).

    4/9/14 -- Wachusett Reservoir
    In a short visit to WACHUSETT RESERVOIR this morning we had the following: Common Loon (3); Canada Goose (27); Wood Duck (6); Mallard (6); Ring-necked Duck (43); Bufflehead (11); C Goldeneye (5); Hooded Merganser (pr); Common Merganser (33); Bald Eagle (1ad); Red-tailed Hawk (1); Belted Kingfisher (2); E Phoebe (11); Fish Crow (1); Carolina Wren (3); Pine Warbler (3); At nearby SOUTH MEADOW POND (Clinton); Great Blue Heron (1); Mute Swan (2); Wood Duck (3); Mallard (4); Lesser Scaup (3); Ring-necked Duck (39); Red-breasted Merganser (1); Common Merganser (38); E Phoebe (2); Tree Swallow (2)
    (report from Mark Lynch/Sheila Carroll).

    4/9/14 -- Bolton Flats, Bolton
    Tonight around 6pm I had my FOY American Bittern here. Highlights for ducks were continuing American Wigeon (1), Gadwall (2), and Northern Pintail (5). Other Highlights were Pied-billed Grebe (1), Pectoral Sandpipers (6), Wilson's Snipe (10), American Pipit (1 calling), and a male Rusty Blackbird singing. (report from Jessica Johnson).

    4/8/14 -- Sterling Peat, Sterling
    This morning there were 4 American Wigeon and a M & F Blue-Winged Teal here. There was also an Eastern Meadowlark in the field to the right. (report from Peter Morlock).

    4/7/14 -- Barre Falls Dam, Barre
    Raptors migrating today: Turkey Vulture 21 ; Osprey 9 ; Bald Eagle 1 ; Northern Harrier 2 ; Sharp-shinned Hawk 1 ; Cooper's Hawk 1 ; American Kestrel 2 ; Merlin 1 .
  • Raptor Observations: Adult Bald Eagle
  • Non-raptor Observations: 2 migrating Great Blue Herons.
    (report from Bart Kamp)

    • 4/7/14 -- Quabog IBA, Brookfields
    This morning we made a few stops in the QUABOG IBA in the Brookfields and had the following: Common Loon (6 ad breeding); Horned Grebe (breeding pl); Great Blue Heron (4); Turkey Vulture (2); Canada Goose (52); Wood Duck (4); A Black Duck (2); Mallard (13); Ring-necked Duck (52); Lesser Scaup (7); Bufflehead (29); C Goldeneye (2); Hooded Merganser (3); Common merganser (142); Ruddy Duck (3); Bald Eagle (1imm); Cooper's Hawk (1); Red-tailed Hawk (1); Killdeer (1); Belted Kingfisher (1); Red-bellied Woodpecker (5); N Flicker (5); E Phoebe (14); Tree Swallow (64); Brown Creeper (2 singing); Carolina Wren (10); Pine Warbler (1); Fox Sparrow (2);
  • Plus: Beaver, Muskrat and River Otter.
    (report from Mark Lynch/Sheila Carroll).

    • 4/7/14 -- Notre Dame cemetery, Worcester
    I am at Notre Dame and I believe there is a snow goose with some canadian geese! I would love for someone else to confirm. They were in the back corner and heading down stream towards Hope Cemetary. (report from Debbie Gleason).

    4/6/14 -- Wachusett Reservoir, Boylston
    At 4:30 pm, in a quick walk from Gate 33 down to the reservoir, there were 2 Barred Owls calling in a song duel, and 1 E. Phoebe. (report from Rick Quimby).

    4/6/14 -- Westboro/Southboro/Northboro
  • This morning at the SuAsCo in Westboro we had: Red-necked Grebe (1 breeding plumage); Double-crested Cormorant (3); Great Blue Heron (3); Canada Goose (43); Mute Swan (28); Wood Duck (12); Mallard (8); Ring-necked Duck (34); Greater Scaup (2); Bufflehead (9); Common Goldeneye (2); Hooded merganser (20); Osprey (pair); E Phoebe (3); Tree Swallow (60+); Barn Swallow (1); Yellow-rumped Warbler (1); Fox Sparrow (2); NB: by mid-morning there were a number of fishing boats out on the water, driving the birds around and away.
  • At the Sudbury Reservoir, Southboro: Surprisingly few ducks. We hiked in along the eastern side and made a number of stops. Common Loon (1 breeding pl); Double-crested Cormorant (6 around the rookery); Great Blue Heron (29 around the rookery. Turkey Vulture (1); Mute Swan (1); Canada Goose (95); Wood Duck (pair); Ring-necked Duck (8); Greater Scaup (2); Bufflehead (13); Common Goldeneye (11); Hooded Merganser (pair); Red-shouldered Hawk (1); E Phoebe (5);
  • Bartlett Pond, Northboro: Mute Swan (4); Canada Goose (35); Wood Duck (4); A Wigeon (pair); Mallard (4); Green-winged Teal (6); A Black Duck (6); Ring-necked Duck (35);
  • Chauncy Lake, Westboro (boats out on the water): Mute Swan (3); Common Merganser (1); Ring-billed Gull (14); Herring Gull (1); Great Black-backed Gull (1);
    (report from Mark Lynch/Sheila Carroll).

    • 4/5/14 -- Bartlett Pond, Sterling
    There were 10 ring necked ducks, 1 great blue heron, 1 hooded merganser, lots of red wing blackbirds, and a Red-tailed Hawk. (report from Marion Larson).

    4/5/14 -- Wachusett Reservoir, Boylston
    The eagles are on their nest on Wood Island on Wachusett Reservoir. (report from Emily Eaton)

    4/4/14 -- Chaffin pond, Holden
    Birding from Gail drive and chaffin pond in Holden today between 7am-5pm we observed 2 mute swans building a nest, 1 great blue heron, 16 hooded mergansers, 6 common goldeneye, 2 black ducks, 1 belted kingfisher, 2 phoebe, 3 eastern bluebirds, 20+ tree swallows, 1 American kestrel. (report from Scott Corazzini).

    4/4/14 -- Lake Webster
    Paul and I birded a few spots around the South Pond of Lake Webster. Several years ago, we used to bird the woody areas near the beach once or twice a year but figured it was time to branch out a bit. Common Mergansers were numerous; we also found Hooded Mergansers, Bufflehead, A. Black Ducks, Mallards, 3 C. Loons (one called), a Great Blue Heron, and 2 Bald Eagles. (report from Beth Milke)

    4/3/14 -- Grafton/Northbridge/Uxbridge
  • Uxbridge
    • Pout Pond: Common Merganser pair, a few Mallards, and an E. Bluebird.
    • West Hill Dam: N. Rough-winged Swallow (one only!).
    • At River Bend Farm, where field is squishy & muddy in low spots: E. Phoebe singing emphatically; in the evening watched the A. Woodcock display 7:15-8pm.
    • JWhitin Pond: Great Blue Heron
  • Northbridge - West Hill Park: entered from the Dam (high water on Park road) - E. Phoebe and Field Sparrow singing; E. Bluebird on the field; Red-winged Blackbirds surprisingly few on the marsh.
  • Grafton - Fisherville Pond: N. Mockingbird, Yellow-shafted Flicker, Song Sparrow and a few A. Robins plus the usual pigeons and doves. Ice is gone from the pond. The walk down has gotten difficult with erosion and multiflora rose branches in spots. As an alternative, the perimeters of the playing field behind the gray Riverview Apts. offer good views of the water. There were 14 Common and a pair of Hooded Mergansers, along with 2 Double-crested Cormorants.
    (report from Beth Milke)

    • 4/3/14 -- Rutland/Holden
    Went to Jordan Farm in Rutland to get the Greater White-fronted Goose. It was not there, but we did have a Greater White-fronted Goose at Eagle Lake in Holden at 6:00PM. I'm guessing it's the same bird. (report from Bob Abbott).

    4/3/14 -- Holden
    At 9am on chaffin pond I observed a female wood duck and a female hooded merganser in nest boxes. Also several (at least 12) tree swallows. (report from Scott Corazzini).

    4/3/14 -- Rutland/Holden
  • The Greater White-fronted Goose found yesterday was still present this morning among 82 Canada Geese in the fields along MUSCHOPAUGE ROAD, RUTLAND. These fields are the ones south of the big yellow house. Originally the birds were on the west, but soon flew over the road to join other geese. The White-fronted was very vocal. Also present in the cornstubble field were 4 snipe and 3 Pectoral Sandpipers. When along this road, pull as completely off as possible; People speed down this road.
  • Somewhat nearby in HOLDEN, Lisa Hennin found a female BARROW'S GOLDENYE at CHAFFIN POND. Look behind the Holden Ballfield off Rt. 122A across from Jed's Hardware. It was with 61 Ring-necked Ducks, 17 Common Goldeneye and 4 Hooded Mergs and other ducks. The color of the bill is amazingly bright orangy-yellow. Sheila got shots of both birds.
    (report from Mark Lynch).

    • 4/2/14 -- Uxbridge Community Gardens
    At 1:30 PM I observed and heard 2 Vesper Sparrows in the brush along the old road adjacent to the gardens. I heard a few others calling their characteristic calls in the fields. (report from Bill Sartorelli).

    4/2/14 -- Holden
    Today there was a common goldeneye in the Holden Reservoir where rte 31 goes across. (report from Ted Purcell).

    4/2/14 -- grafton/westboro
    Paul and I celebrated Spring by checking on area Opreys.
  • Grafton: One Osprey was in the nest on a power pole at the marsh near Windle Pond off Rte 30 in Grafton. Also at this location: 5 Great Blue Herons at 3 nests, 2 Tree Swallows, a Bufflehead pair, a few Common and Hooded Mergansers, Canada Geese, and numerous Ring-necked Ducks.
  • Westboro: We stopped at three spots on the perimeter of Mill Pond (SUASCO). From the boat launch off Arch St: 1 Osprey in the low platform nest, 1 Bald Eagle perched in a tree for quite some time, 2 Great Blue Herons, waaay too many Mute Swans, and distant Ring-billed Gulls and ducks including Ring-necks, Bufflehead, and Hooded Mergansers. Several Killdeer were on the cement at the dam off Mill Rd; we also saw 2 Great Black-backed Gulls, a Red-tailed Hawk, and a few Wood Ducks from this location. And more Mute Swans. We explored the trail to the Pump House off Andrews St, where we got a closer look at the eagle.
    (report from Beth Milke)

    • 4/2/14 -- Muschopauge Rd, Rutland
    At Jordans Farm today Nick Monaco found a Greater White-fronted Goose in with about 40 Canada Geese. Photos were taken. (report from Justin Lawson).

    4/2/14 -- Barre Falls Dam, Barre
    At the Hawkwatch, there were 2 Turkey Vultures, 3 Sharp-shinned Hawks, and FOY songbirds included Brown-headed Cowbird, E Phoebe, and partially leusistic Robin. (phone report from Dave Grant).

    4/2/14 -- Lancaster/West Boylston
  • At Dexter Drumlin, Lancaster: 1 Northern Pintail, 25 Wood Ducks, 13 Green-winged Teal, 18 Ring-necked Duck, 1 Killdeer, Loads of Canada Geese and Ring-billed Gulls.
  • At Wachusett Reservoir, River Rd: 2 Green-winged Teal, 45 Ring-necked Ducks, 1 Lesser Scaup, 3 Bufflehead, 5 Common Goldeneye, 15 Tree Swallow, and a Red-breasted Nuthatch among the other usual suspects.
    (report from Justin Lawson).

    • 4/2/14 -- Institute Park, Worcester
    Highlights at 1 pm were 1 DC Cormorant, 1 GB Heron, 6 Common Mergansers. Singing were 1 Red-winged Blackbird (m), 2 Song Sparrows, and 1 Dark-eyed Junco. No Mute Swans today. (report from Rick Quimby).

    4/1/14 -- Reservoir on rte 31, Holden
    Driving across the reservoir on rte 31 from Paxton to Holden today there were 10 common mergansers. (report from Ted Purcell).

    4/1/14 -- Lake Quinsigamond
    There are 4 Common Merganser on Lake Quinsigamond this morning - 3 females and 1 male (report from Emily Eaton)

    4/1/14 -- Wachusett Reservoir
    This morning we did a quick survey of WACHUSETT RESERVOIR. Though the reservoir is still 70%+ ice covered, migrant ducks are beginning to appear where it is opening up. Turkey Vulture 91); Mute Swan (4); Canada Goose (6: standing on ice); Mallard (6); Ring-necked Duck (20); Bufflehead (7); Common Goldeneye (17); Hooded Merganser (4); Common Merganser (14); E Phoebe (1). NB: though typically Ring-billed is the most common gull seen in the area, this AM we had Ring-billed (2); Herring (22) and Great Black-backed (17). Everywhere Song Sparrows were singing. (report from Mark Lynch/Sheila Carroll).

    For previous sightings, see March 2014 Archives or Archive Index