April 2015 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:

4/30/15 -- Sterling

The Red-headed Woodpecker was seen again today [see previous report of 4/19/15]. (phone report from Marsha Paine).

4/30/15 -- Notre Dame Cemetery, Worcester

Thanks to a heads-up from Justin Lawson, I got a Great Egret behind Notre Dame Cemetery this afternoon. (report from Alan Marble).

4/29/15 -- Oakham

First hummingbird of the season seen at the daffodils. (report from Kathy Van Schoick).

4/29/15 -- Bolton Flats, Bolton

This morning at Bolton Flats I heard and saw a Sora and 3 Virginia Rail along the main path. I also flushed an American Bittern down at the end of the path. There were a couple of Barn Swallows flying around. (report from Alan Marble).

4/29/15 -- Ware River Watershed IBA

Today we birded the WARE RIVER WATERSHED IBA. By late morning, the skies became overcast and the wind kicked up and the birds became scarcer. There were good numbers of Yellow-rumps and Pine Warblers, but only singles of other spring migrants. Vegetation here is about a week behind Westport and even behind the southern Berkshires. We still found a few small patches of snow in the forest.

Highlights: American Bittern (1); Great Blue Heron (5); Turkey Vulture (4); Canada Goose (3); Wood Duck (10); A Black Duck (1); Mallard (15);

Hooded Merganser (1f: we watched this bird for some time as she tried out different Wood Duck boxes, flying up to the opening and then dropping back down. At one point she flew and perched atop one box, preened extensively, called and then even pecked on the box. But she did not choose that box. She flew over to another and finally entered that one.)

Osprey (1: nb: we spent a little bit of time with the dedicated hawkwatchers at Barre Falls Dam. It was a slow day, but they had some hawks);

Sharp-shinned Hawk (2: We were watching a female Pine Warbler gather nesting material on and close to the ground while a/the male hopped around close by. Suddenly another male Pine came down and the 2 males began to chase each other and chip. We watched this all at a distance of about 5 feet. We heard a loud "whoosh" by our ears and a SHARPIE dove right next to us at the Pine Warblers, but (amazingly); missed and then flew off. The Pine Warblers disappeared.)

Broad-winged Hawk (10); Red-tailed Hawk (2); A Kestrel (2); Virginia Rail (2); Greater Yellowlegs (1 at the Prison Camp bridge); Yellow-bellied Sapsucker (2); Pileated Woodpecker (1); E Phoebe (5); Blue-headed Vireo (1); Common Raven (2); Brown Creeper (8: including one we watched gathering nesting materials (pine needles mostly);. Ruby-crowned Kinglet (11); Hermit Thrush (2);

Warblers: Yellow (1); Yellow-rumped (41); Black-throated Green (1); Pine (42); Palm (1); Black and White (1); Northern Waterthrush (1); Louisiana Waterthrush (2)

Purple Finch (14); Pine Siskin (2);

Plus: Spring Azure (2);; Mourning Cloak (3);; the Bloodroot here is just starting to bloom.
(report from Mark Lynch/Sheila Carroll).

4/28/15 -- Spencer

Despite periodic showers, this morning we birded a few stops in Spencer. Things were pretty quiet but we did have: Great Blue Heron (1); Double-crested Cormorant (14); Canada Goose (7); Wood Duck (5); Ring-necked Duck (1m); Common Merganser (10 in Leicester); Belted Kingfisher (1); Ruby-crowned Kinglet (3); Yellow-rumped Warbler (6); Pine Warbler (16); Louisiana Waterthrush (2 in Spencer, 1 in Leicester); E Towhee (6). (report from Mark Lynch/Sheila Carroll).

4/27/15 -- Maple Spring Pond, Jefferson

Today around 5:10 p.m. there were 4 Buffleheads (3m,1f) and 2 Ring-necks (1m,1f) I have been watching the Buffleheads for just over one week now. (report from Anne Greene)

4/26/15 -- Barre Falls Dam, Barre

At the hawkwatch, there were a handfull of Broad-winged Hawks, 3 Osprey, 1 Am. Kestrel, 1 SS Hawk, and 3 probable Sand-hill Cranes flying. (phone report from Dave Grant).

4/26/15 -- Broad Meadow Brook Sanctuary, Worcester

In a walk at Broad Meadow Brook this morning the highlight of the trip was a nesting Great Blue Heron in the beaver pond by the junkyard. Last weekend there were 2 pair of Wood Duck -- today only the males were seen. Also a Canada Goose on the nest. There was a female Hooded Merganser last weekend, but it was not seen this morning. (report from John Shea).

4/25/15 -- Sylvester St/Worcester airport, Worcester

On the Forbush Bird Club trip, highlights were: Wood Duck 1; Brown Creeper 2; Ring-necked Duck 2 ; Ruby-crowned Kinglet 3; Common Merganser 14 ; Yellow-rumped Warbler 10; Pine Warbler 8; Peregrine Falcon 1 ; Eastern Towhee 3; Solitary Sandpiper 1 ; Chipping Sparrow 3; Killdeer 1 ; Field Sparrow 2; Savannah Sparrow 2; Red-bellied woodpecker 1 ; Dark-eyed Junco 2; Hairy woodpecker 3 ; Eastern Phoebe 3 ; Eastern Meadowlark 3; Barn Swallow 2 ; Purple Finch 1; Rough-winged Swallow 1; Blue-Grey Gnatcatcher 2
(report from Susan LaBree).

4/25/15 -- Rutland

Today there was an Osprey hovering and hunting over the farm pond on Sassawanna Road, and we had a Red-tailed Hawk eating a rabbit in our yard. (report from Ted Purcell).

4/25/15 -- Ware River Watershed IBA

Today we birded the WARE RIVER WATERSHED IBA. Birding was still slow due to adverse winds and cold temps. We spent some time with the dedicated hawkwatchers at Barre Falls Dam. They were getting some hawks, but it was also a tough day for them. Early migrants are still filtering in. We did a short hike along the rail trail. The major dirt roads are now ungated, but some roads that are usually open remain gated.

Highlights included: Great Blue Heron (6+1 on a nest); Turkey Vulture (2); Canada Goose (6+1 on nest); Wood Duck (13); A Black Duck (2); Mallard (10); Ring-necked Duck (1m); Hooded Merganser (8); Osprey (1); Sharp-shinned Hawk (3); Broad-winged Hawk (5 plus a pair that we watched mating); Red-tailed Hawk (3); A Kestrel (1); Ruffed Grouse (1); Belted Kingfisher (2); Yellow-bellied Sapsucker (2); E Phoebe (14); Common Raven (2); Tree Swallow (44); Brown Creeper (2); Winter Wren (1 singing); Ruby-crowned Kinglet (13); Hermit Thrush (5); Yellow-rumped Warbler (25); Pine Warbler (31); Palm Warbler (1); E Towhee (1); Swamp Sparrow (13); Purple Finch (7); Pine Siskin (2); THEN we made a short visit to Thayer Pond in Rutland: Great Blue Heron (1); Wood Duck (3); Ring-necked Duck (18); Osprey (1); Broad-winged Hawk (2); Yellow-rumped Warbler (70++: minimally); Pine Warbler (2); Palm Warbler (10+ including 1 non yellow ssp)
(report from Mark Lynch/Sheila Carroll).

4/24/15 -- Lincoln Village, Worcester

There was a single Common Redpoll in my yard today. (phone report from Dave Grant).

4/24/15 -- Worcester

At my house this morning, feeding on the ground with the cowbirds was a male Indigo Bunting. (report from Bart Kamp).

4/23/15 -- Glendale St, Worcester

A Bald eagle was sighted today at 3:10 PM, circling and heading north west. I have Lived in Worcester almost 50 years and had never seen one here. (report from Frank Porcaro).

4/23/15 -- Quabog IBA, Brookfields

A survey of ponds and rivers in the QUABOG IBA today yielded very few ducks: Pied-billed Grebe (1); Double-crested Cormorant (flock of 12 migrating); Turkey Vulture (2); Great Blue Heron (1); Canada Goose (8); Wood Duck (4); Mallard (12); Osprey (3); Bald Eagle (2imm at Quabog); Red-tailed Hawk (2); Wild Turkey (10); Belted Kingfisher (1); Tree Swallow (45+); Barn Swallow (6). (report from Mark Lynch/Sheila Carroll).

4/22/15 -- Shrewsbury

Seven birdwatchers joined the Earth Day walk in Shrewsbury Parks led by Mike Bellows. Species seen included these: Spotted Sandpiper; Coopers Hawk; Redbellied Woodpecker; Phoebe; Chipping Sparrow; Pine Warbler; Yellow-rumped Warbler; Osprey; Great Blue Heron. (report from Mike Bellows)

4/22/15 -- Sterling

Seen at noon at our feeders today in Sterling were 2 Pine Siskins, which haven't been seen here since around April 10th. Also continuing are the 3 pair of Purple Finches, in addition to the hordes of House Finches (shocker). The RH Woodpecker apparently is long gone. (report from Marsha Paine).

4/21/15 -- Wachusett Reservoir

We went back to Wachusett Reservoir early this AM to see if the rain had put anything down. Visibility was a real issue as the fog was quite thick at times, so we could only ID birds close to shore: Common Loon (6); Double-crested Cormorant (1); Great Blue Heron (1); Mute Swan (1); Canada Goose (6); Mallard (6); Ring-necked Duck (4); C Goldeneye (1f); RED-BREASTED MERGANSER (3f: luckily close to shore; Sheila got soem shots); Common Merganser (12); Ring-necked Phaesant (1m); Wild Turkey (1); Ring-billed Gull (120+: feasting on all the worms driven to the surface by the rain); Herring Gull (51); Ruby-crowned Kinglet (10); Hermit Thrush (4 singing); Pine Warbler (13); Palm Warbler (1). (report from Mark Lynch/Sheila Carroll).

4/20/15 -- Wachusett Reservoir

This morning at Wachusett, in and out of rain: Common Loon (3); Double-crested Cormorant (2); Great Blue Heron (2); Mute Swan (1); Canada Goose (26); Mallard (7); NORTHERN SHOVELER (pair); Ring-necked Duck (4); Greater Scaup (3: 2m+1f); C Goldenye (1f); Sharp-shinned Hawk (1); Wild Turkey (5); Ring-billed Gull (17); Herring Gull (10); Pileated Woodpecker (1); Tree Swallow (70+); Pine Warbler (7).
(report from Mark Lynch/Sheila Carroll).

4/19/15 -- Sterling

Just seen in our yard in Sterling with a female Red Bellied Woopecker was a beautiful RED HEADED WOOPECKER. [Ed note: I asked Marsha for details, and she indicated that she has 30+ years of birding experience, and supplied the following]:

I saw it at 9:00, for a good 3-4 minutes, while it just sat in the Maple, then the Red Bellied and it flew off. Also in the tree was a Downy, so it was pretty cool to see 3 spp of Woodpeckers in the same tree. I havent seen it since, but am working in the yard, and looking and listening for it's call. I haven't seen one since spending time in Virginia some time ago.

Description: Completely red head, neck and throat, black back and tail, white underbelly, white patches on lower back and edge of inner wings. About Robin sized. It flew off in a much less than "normal" woodpecker style, not so undulating.

The Paine's have generously offered to allow their address posted, so that other birders may look for this bird. Address is 212 Upper North Row Rd, Sterling.
(report from Marsha Paine).

4/18/15 -- Worcester/Paxton

Newton Hill, Worcester: 3 Pine Warblers, 2 Ruby-crowned Kinglet, 4 Yellow-rumped warbler, 2 Eastern Towhee, 1 Coopers Hawk and 1 Red-tailed Hawk were notable sightings.

Muir Meadow in Paxton (just up and to the left of Camp St -- a site I learned about from Worcester Land Trust members at Clean up day on Newton Hill): A pair of Eastern Blue Birds building their nest in the 2nd nest box on the left side of the field, 5 yellow-rumped warblers, 1 Red-winged Hawk, and 2 Eastern towhee. There was also a Solitary Sandpiper working the large puddles in the field.
(report from Susan LaBree).

4/18/15 -- Sterling

At the Kristoff Farm DCR site: 3 Broad-winged hawks, 6 E. towhees.

At Sterling Peat: 4 Palm warblers and 1 GB heron. ( access very difficult due to high water).

At the rail trail: 2 Swamp sparrows, 3 Ruby-crowned kinglets.
(report from Dick Knowlton).

4/18/15 -- south Quabbin Reservoir

Seen this morning in the South Quabbin general area: Common Loon (2); Great Blue Heron (91); Turkey Vulture (5); Canada Goose (6: 2 on nests); Wood Duck (17); Mallard (2 pair); Hooded Merganser (2m+1f); Common Merganser (pr+1m); Bald Eagle (2ad); Sharp-shinned Hawk (1); Red-tailed Hawk (1); Wild Turkey (5); Ruffed Grouse (1 drumming); Killdeer (6); Yellow-bellied Sapsucker (13); Pileated Woodpecker (6); E Phoebe (12); Tree Swallow (37); N Rough-winged Swallow (2); Red-breasted Nuthatch (2); Brown Creeper (3 singing); Ruby-crowned Kinglet (6); Blue-gray Gnatcatcher (3); Hermit Thrush (3 singing); Brown Thrasher (1); Pine Warbler (28); E Towhee (8); Chipping Sparrow (43); Field Sparrow (4); Purple Finch (1).

PLUS: Spring Azure (1); E Comma (1); The Infant (a moth) (1); Green Darner (1: first ode of the year!) and lots of Wood Frogs egg masses.

ALSO: In Spencer north of Rt. 9: Louisiana Waterthrush (4).
(report from Mark Lynch/Sheila Carroll).

4/17/2015 -- Westborough WMA

43 species in 2 hours. Highlights were 3 breeding plumage male Ruddy Ducks, Great Egret, Blue-gray Gnatcatcher, 2 Brown Thrashers, 2 Ruby-crowned Kinglets, 5 Palm Warblers, 13 Myrtle Warblers,and 2 American Kestrels. Photos on my Worcester County Big Year Blog. (report from Justin Lawson).

4/17/15 -- Grafton/Millbury

St. Philip's Cemetery, Grafton: There were 4 Eastern Blue birds, 6 Yellow-Rumps and 18 Tree Swallows. No activity in the heron nests.

Riverlin Road, Millbury: There were 5 Field Sparrows, 1 Eastern Towhee, 8 White-throated sparrows.
(report from Susan LaBree).

4/17/15 -- Institute Park, Worcester

Highlights at noon were 1 Great Blue Heron, 1 Cooper's Hawk (flying across Park Ave toward Mark Lynch's house!), 6 Tree Swallows, 1 N. Rough-winged Swallow, 1 Ruby-crowned Kinglet, 2 Pine Warblers, 1 Palm Warbler, 1 Chipping Sparrow (singing), 4 Brown-headed Cowbirds, and 2 muskrats attempting to mate (seemingly without success -- after a brief encounter, one swam away while the other chased it for some distance). (report from Rick Quimby).

4/17/15 -- Sterling

The first Eastern Towhee of the season was seen in our yard this AM. (report from Marsha Paine).

4/16/15 -- Bike path, Millbury

Notables today: I had 5 yellow-rumped warblers, 4 eastern phoebe and an eastern towhee on my walk. (report from Susan LaBree).

4/15/15 -- Institute Park, Worcester

At noon today highlights were 1 Tree Swallow, 1 Yellow-rumped Warbler, and 1 Pine Warbler (singing). (report from Rick Quimby).

4/14/15 -- West Hill Park, Northbridge

In a mid-afternoon walk at West Hill Park, there were 1 male Eastern Towhee, 2 Field Sparrows, a Wood Duck pair, and 3 Broad-wInged Hawks circling fairly high. (report from Beth Milke)

4/14/15 -- Downtown Worcester

At 12:14 pm today, I observed a Peregrine Falcon land on the previously described ledge near the top of The Bancroft Commons apartment building at the corner of Portland and Franklin streets. It hopped down behind the small wall that runs along the ledge and out of sight. (report from Brian Mulhearn)

4/13/15 -- Barre Falls Dam, Barre

Raptors observed today (official counter Donna Schilling): Osprey 10 ; Bald Eagle 1 ; Northern Harrier 2 ; Sharp-shinned Hawk 5 ; Cooper's Hawk 1 ; Broad-winged Hawk 25 ; Red-tailed Hawk 3 ; American Kestrel 5 ; Merlin 2 .

Raptor Observations: Two or three Broad-winged Hawks not migrating.

Non-raptor Observations: 2 Yellow-bellied Sapsuckers, 1 Savannah Sparrow and 6 northward bound Common Mergansers.
(report from Bart Kamp).

4/13/15 -- Institute Park, Worcester

At noon there were 2 Palm Warblers. (report from Rick Quimby).

4/13/15 -- Ware River IBA/Wachusett Reservoir/Oxbow NWR

We started today birding some of the peripheral areas of the WARE RIVER WATERSHED IBA. All the gates are still closed and long stretches of the rail trail are ice covered still. We hiked in where we could and had: Canada Goose (10); Wood Duck (21); Mallard (2); Ring-necked Duck (1); Hooded Merganser (5); Common Merganser (14); A Kestrel (1); Wild Turkey (6); Yellow-bellied Sapsucker (2); Pileated Woodpecker (3); E Phoebe (16); Tree Swallow (24); Hermit Thrush (1); Pine Warbler (16);

Then at WACHUSETT RESERVOIR, still c. 50% ice covered, but melting quickly: Common Loon (3); Double-crested Cormorant (2); Mute Swan (4); Canada Goose (5); Mallard (14); A Black Duck (51); Green-winged Teal (8); Ring-necked Duck (16); Bufflehead (3); C Goldeneye (5); Red-tailed Hawk (2); A Kestrel (1);

Finally we took a 2 hour hike at OXBOW NWR: Turkey Vulture (2); Great Blue Heron (1+4 occupied nests); Canada Goose (2); Wood Duck (5); Red-tailed Hawk (1); Belted Kingfisher (1); Red-bellied Woodpecker (2); Pileated Woodpecker (1); E Phoebe (6); Brown Creeper (2); Hermit Thrush (3); Pine Warbler (2); Palm Warbler (1); Swamp Sparrow (1);

PLUS: many Wood Frogs and peepers calling; many E Painted Turtles out and (3) Eastern Commas.
(report from Mark Lynch/Sheila Carroll).

4/12/15 -- Worcester

We saw a bald eagle near chamberlain parkway and morningside at 6:00 p.m. today. It flew in and perched in a tall evergreen for about 20 minutes and then took off again. (report from Jody Emel).

4/12/15 -- Barre Falls Dam, Barre

Combined totals from Saturday, April 11, and Sunday, April 12, at the Barre Falls Hawk Watch: 4 Bald Eagles; 13 Ospreys; 1 Sharp-shinned Hawk; 1 BROAD-WINGED HAWK; 8 Red-tailed Hawks; 4 American Kestrels; and 1 Merlin.  On Sunday, there was one Mourning Cloak butterfly. (report from Donna Schilling).

4/12/15 -- Lake Quaboag, Brookfield

This morning at 6:30 I saw NINE (9) Immature Bald Eagles on the lake, which is still partially frozen. Needless to say, there were very few ducks (who would blame them!) -- 32 Common Mergansers were the only ducks I saw. Elsehere, in a flooded field at the corner of Rt. 31 and Meadow Street in Spencer there were 56 Wood Ducks and 8 Green-winged Teal. (report from Rodney Jenkins)

4/11/15 -- Worcester/Millbury

All Faith's Cemetery: 16 Ring-necked Ducks, 4 Hooded Merganser, 8 Double-Crested Cormorant.

Hope Cemetery: 53 Juncos, 12 White-throated Sparrow, 2 Killdeer, 2 Northern Flicker, 1 pair of copulating Red-tailed Hawks.

Notre Dame Cemetery: 1 Belted Kingfisher, 1 Great Blue Heron, 2 Wood Duck, 8 White-throated Sparrow, 1 Ruby-crowned Kinglet.

Rte 56 Airport fields: 1 Kestrel, 2 Killdeer, 1 Red-tailed Hawk, 2 Turkey Vulture.

Dorothy Pond, Millbury: 14 Ring-necked ducks, 15 Common Merganser, 6 Hooded Merganser.
(report from Susan LaBree).

4/11/15 -- Bond St. Holden

At 5:00 p.m. there were 1 Kestrel, 1 male Northern Harrier both hunting in a field next to a farm. (report from Anne Greene).

4/10/15 -- Westboro Wildlife Management Area

The Forbush Bird Club held its annual Woodcock Walk at the Westboro Wildlife Management Area led by Laura Lane. With the construction now complete on the new MassWildlife Headquarters, the trip started at the new building. As darkness fell, the spring peepers, Woodcock and Killdeer filled the spring air with sound. Highlights included a newly arrived Eastern Phoebe, a beaver and our target bird, the American Woodcock. (report from Laura Lane).

4/10/15 -- Grafton/Northbridge

A Great Egret was seen at Fisherville Pond in Grafton. Also, numerous Chimney Swifts flew over Northbridge near the intersection of Rtes. 122 and 122A. (report from Beth Milke)

4/10/15 -- Millbury

At noon today, there were 3 Black Vultures siting on the chimneys of the Millbury Credit Union. (report from Alan Marble).

4/10/15 -- Gardner

The feeders were active this morning, with 6 Pine siskins, 13 Red-wings, 11 grackles, approx. 30-40 A. goldfinches, 4 cowbirds, 1 FOX SPARROW, 3 Song sparrows, 1 Chipping sparrow, numerous juncos,and 2 COMMON REDPOLLS around them this morning. (report from Dick Knowlton).

4/9/15 -- Otter River, Baldwinville

Highlights from a lunch-time walk along the Otter River in Baldwinville, a good day for birders..tough day for the early migrants:

Wood Duck 8; American Wigeon 2; Green-winged Teal (American) 4; Ring-necked Duck 20; Great Blue Heron 1; Bald Eagle 1; Northern Flicker (Yellow-shafted) 3; Eastern Phoebe 12 most feeding along the ice/water edge; Tree Swallow 2; Brown Creeper 1; Winter Wren 2 mousing together in a thicket; Hermit Thrush 1 "foraging" in brush on the ice; American Tree Sparrow 1; Fox Sparrow (Red) 6; Dark-eyed Junco (Slate-colored) 150; Pine Siskin 2.

This morning before work at Monty tech (Westminster/ Fitchburg) there were 2 Wilson's Snipe and 28 Killdeer. I didn't see the Ibis (see 4/5 report) but they may have been still at their roost.
(report from Tom Pirro).

4/8/15 -- Sterling

Today at our house we had 4 Fox Sparrows! (report from Marsha Paine).

4/8/15 -- Gardner

Just finished "servicing" all the boxes at Wampanoag WS including the Kestrel box, and as we were about to depart, appearing overhead was a female A. kestrel. Also flushed an Am. woodcock, and 3 N. flickers and 2 E. phoebes have arrived. (report from Dick Knowlton).

4/7/15 -- Worcester

This afternoon at the small Soccer Field on Calumet were 418 American Robins and 2 Northern Flicker. At home I had 3 Chipping Sparrows at the feeder. (report from Susan LaBree).

4/7/15 -- Westborough WMA

At the Westborough WMA there was a Drake Northern Shovelor in the marsh. While walking out to Little Chauncey there were 4 Fox Sparrows, 4 Palm Warblers, a Ruby-crowned Kinglet, and  2 Greater Scaup.  On the way back to the car an American Bittern walked slowly across the road and posed nicely on the same marsh as the shovelor. Photos will be on my blog at www.worcesterbigyear.blogspot.com. (report from Justin Lawson).

4/7/15 -- Worcester

4 Pine Siskins were on my feeders this morning and a first of year Fox Sparrow arrived this afternoon.

For three days last week this racing pigeon was in my yard. It was banded but I couldn't read enough of the printing on the band to identify the source of the bird.
(report from Bart Kamp).

4/7/15 -- Princeton/Gardner

This morning at our house in Gardner there were YB sapsucker, E phoebe pair, Chipping sparrow, and 1 Fox sparrow. Many Pine siskins continue.

Yesterday (4/6) at Wachusett Meadows in Princeton there were Eastern phoebe and Chipping sparrow.
(report from Dick Knowlton).

4/6/15 -- Upper North Row Rd, Sterling

Seen at our suet feeder this morning were a Pine Warbler and a Chipping Sparrow. Phoebes abound! (report from Marsha and Fred Paine).

4/6/15 -- Dexter Drumlin, Lancaster

At 1:15pm the Greater White-fronted Goose continues. (report from Bob Abbott)

4/6/15 -- Bolton/Sterling

This morning at 8:30 there were four glossy ibis feeding at the small pond across Rte 117 from Bolton Fairgrounds near Bolton Flats.

This evening we heard three Woodcock in the Davis Farm area on Redstone Hill rd. We also heard several killdeer calling among the peenting...and saw 2coyotes trot by. (report from Marion Larson and Scott Handler).

4/6/15 -- Institute Park, Worcester

At noon there was 1 Black-crowned Night Heron. It flew into the back corner of the small cove between the apartments and the island, and was hard to see after that. (report from Rick Quimby).

4/6/15 -- Bolton Flats, Bolton

In mid-day there were 2 Osprey, 3 Glossy Ibis, 50 Green-winged Teal, 6 Snipe, and 1 Eastern Phoebe. (phone report from Dave Grant).

4/6/15 -- Lancaster/Bolton

LANCASTER: DEXTER DRUMLIN early in AM: Canada Goose (432); Wood Duck (11); Green-winged Teal (168); Mallard (121); A Black Duck (19); A Kestrel (1f); Killdeer (4); Ring-billed Gull (57);

BOLTON: Wild Turkey (15);

BOLTON FLATS: west of river right along Rt. 117 Glossy Ibis (4: they eventually flew over to the main area of Bolton Flats. Where we noticed several birders); Canada Goose (19); Mallard (6); Ring-necked Duck (3);
(report from Mark Lynch/Sheila Carroll).

4/5/15 -- Leominster/Westminster

this evening on my way home from Easter Dinner at my folks, I spotted a flock of waxwings off union Street in Leominster. It turned out to be a mixed flock of 150-175 Bohemians and about a 100 Cedars. I did not see any food present -- these birds were drinking water from a puddle, a nearby stream and eating snow. They stayed about 10-15 minutes then flew off to the east.

Closer to home in Westminster there were 3 Glossy Ibis feeding on the athletic field a Monty Tech Regional School... on the Westminster/Fitchburg line.
(report from Tom Pirro).

Update on 4/9/15: Ted Purcell reports that a friend of his at Monty Tech showed him a photo, taken on 4/7, of birds there that were identifiable as Glossy Ibis.

4/5/15 -- Western Worcester County

STURBRIDGE (1 stop): Great Blue Heron (17 nests with birds standing on them); Wood Duck (2); Mallard (4); Hooded Merganser (1m); Great Horned Owl (1 on nest); Tree Swallow (20+); Brown Creepers heard singing in several areas.

BRIMFIELD: EAST BRIMFIELD LAKE: Canada Goose (15); Wood Duck (3); Green-winged Teal (3); Ring-necked Duck (48); Common Merganser (13); Tree Swallow (50+);

WARREN (2 stops): Great Blue Heron (5 nests with birds standing on them and a total of 9 birds in the area); Green-winged Teal (6); Mallard (16); A Black Duck (8); Ring-necked Duck (8); Hooded Merganser (4); Bald Eagle (1 sub ad); Tree Swallow (16); PLUS: 1 Bobcat watched for 20 minutes as it hunted muskrats.

NB: After a conversation with Tom French Saturday, we checked on the three OSPREY nests in Sturbridge (2); and Warren (1); all of which were in microwave relay towers, and it appears that all three nests have been removed by the owners, which they can legally do.

BELCHERTOWN: STATE TROUT HATCHERY Great Blue Heron (1); Turkey Vulture (2); Killdeer (6);

HARDWICK: 1 large area of fields Killdeer (7); Horned Lark (19); American Robin (400+); NEW BRAINTREE: Canada Goose (52); Wood Duck (59); Green-winged Teal (37); Mallard (71); A Black Duck (23); Killdeer (9); American Pipit (1);
(report from Mark Lynch/Sheila Carroll).

4/5/15 -- Bolton Flats, Bolton

At 1:30 this afternoon there were 4 Glossy Ibis in the farm field west of the path from the Route 117 parking lot. Hip boots required.

Yesterday (4/4/15) there was a Chipping Sparrow at my feeder.
(report from Bart Kamp).

4/5/15 -- River Rd, West Boylston

From 7:48 AM to 9:10 AM I observed 25 species. Highlights: heard and saw 2 Red-breasted Nuthatches about half-way down River Rd; 1 Common Raven harassed by crows, flew over basin towards Old Stone Church; 1 Barn Swallow with 17 Tree Swallows, and the 2 male Gadwalls continue. (report from Ed Kittredge).

4/5/15 -- Gardner

About 40 Bohemian waxwings in our Linden trees at sunrise this morning. 2 Fox sparrows around our feeders. (report from Dick Knowlton).

4/4/15 -- Wachusett Reservoir, West Boylston

Where the Quinapoxet River empties into the reservoir, a single Barn Swallow was seen amongst 30 or so Tree Swallows. Seems a bit early from my experience. A minute later, an adult Peregrine Falcon came from the river low and fast making a pass at the swallows as they rested on the ice. The falcon was unsuccessful and passed over my head and continued northward. (report from Josh Gahagan).

4/4/15 -- Wachusett Reservoir/Dexter Drumlin

We went out early this morning to see if the passing rain had put any new species down.

We started at WACHUSETT RESERVOIR: Common Loon (1ad br); Great Blue Heron (2); Canada Goose (11); Mute Swan (5); Wood Duck (8); Gadwall (2m); A Black Duck (2); Mallard (20); Ring-necked Duck (17); Greater Scaup (1m); Bufflehead (10); Common Goldeneye (21); Common Merganser (42); Ruddy Duck (3); Bald Eagle (3); Cooper's Hawk (1); A Kestrel (1f); Wild Turkey (23); E Phoebe (6); N Rough-winged Swallow (seen and heard);

THEN, on to DEXTER DRUMLIN, LANCASTER. We got there and got it birded before the winds really kicked up. Canada Goose (339); Snow Goose (1ad); Wood Duck (16); Green-winged Teal (144); Mallard (252); A Black Duck (46); Red-tailed Hawk (1); Killdeer (6); Ring-billed Gull (52);

At DAVIS FARMLAND, STERLING we were hoping for more geese, but found only 3 Canadas, but did have a huge flock of (70+); cowbirds.

Finally, at EAGLE LAKE, HOLDEN: Great Blue Heron (1); Osprey (1);
(report from Mark Lynch/Sheila Carroll).

4/4/15 -- Douglas

Had a Pine Warber at the suet feeder this morning -- a welcome sight in a yard still covered with snow. (report from Mark Landon).

4/4/15 -- Upper North Row Rd, Sterling

A nice pair of Pine Siskins have been visiting our feeders since yesterday, April 3rd. Also we have heard several Woodcock displaying in our yard since April 1, despite a ton of snow! (report from Marsha and Fred Paine).

4/3/15 -- Dudley

I heard my first Eastern Phoebe today as I stepped onto my porch. It was calling from my neighbor's yard. A new and lovely sound of spring. (report from Joan Zumpfe).

4/3/15 -- Quabog IBA, Brookfields

Today we birded the ponds and rivers of the QUABOG IBA IN THE Brookfields. The ponds are still 80-90% ice covered, and some ice fishing is still going on. Some fields were mostly snow free while others were still white. Robins swarmed over most open fields. Some Red-winged Blackbirds on territory, but many migrant flocks also seen. Migrant duck numbers are building and phoebe numbers rapidly increasing.

Great Blue Heron (3); Turkey Vulture (4); Canada Goose (68); Wood Duck (31); A Black Duck (27); Mallard (24); Green-winged Teal (16); Ring-necked Duck (118); Bufflehead (6); Hooded Merganser (24); Common Merganser (49); Bald Eagle (5: a pair of adults perched near the nesting area along the shores of Lake Quabog. Another adult flying down the river. One immature perched on the ice at Lake Quabog and another flying along the river); N Harrier (1f); Red-tailed Hawk (2); Merlin (1); Killdeer (16); Wilson's Snipe (3); Ring-billed Gull (31); N Flicker (3); Pileated Woodpecker (1); E Phoebe (13); Tree Swallow (72: most along the open river); Carolina Wren (only 1); E Bluebird (5); Fox Sparrow (2); Rusty Blackbird (12: feeding in a grassy field with robins. Photo'd);

Mammals included River Otter and several Muskrats.
(report from Sheila Carroll/Mark Lynch).

4/3/15 -- Lancaster

This afternoon there was a juv. white morph Snow Goose among a flock of Canada Geese on Rte 117, one mile west of Rte 110 opposite the canoe launch access. (report from Bob Abbott)

4/2/15 -- Barre Falls Dam, Barre

At the hawkwatch site today, there were 5 Red-tailed Hawks, 3 Red-shouldered Hawks, 7 Turkey Vultures, 1 Bald Eagle, 2 Cooper's Hawks, 1 Rough-legged Hawk, 3 Am. Kestrels, and 2 Ospreys migrating. Also seen were Bluebirds, Tree Swallows, and 3 Ravens. (phone report from Dave Grant).

4/2/15 -- Bolton Flats WMA, Lancaster

This morning we birded BOLTON FLATS WMA in Lancaster, from several vantage points along rts. 117 and 110. Things aren't totally flooded yet as there is still a lot of snow and ice cover, BUT the process is under way. There were lots of waterfowl out on the flats. When we walked out we went no further than where the water that crosses the road so as to not flush the birds because we were back in the trees. The views weren't the best, but at least we did not flush the ducks and geese. This is a constant problem at this location. We also birded several other overviews of fields in the whole area and had the following:

Great Blue Heron (1); Turkey Vulture (3); Canada Goose (896: as best as I could count); Mute Swan (2); Wood Duck (141: flocks were sitting at the edge of some ice covered pools); A Black Duck (35); Mallard (116); Green-winged Teal (69); Eurasian/Common Teal (1m: I have missed this bird several times at this location because birders keep flushing the teal, which are very jumpy, far back. Today we just waited and waited and eventually it paid off. We both studied the bird for about 20 minutes and LEFT IT THERE.); Ring-necked Duck (9: the Still River is still ice covered in sections, but where it is open, we found waterfowl); Red-tailed Hawk (3); Rough-legged Hawk (1 light-phase); Killdeer (12); Wilson's Snipe (4) Passerines were typical, but we did have 4 Tree Swallows heading out and 1 singing Fox Sparrow.

Later at DEXTER DRUMLIN TRUSTEES OF RESERVATIONS PROPERTY also in Lancaster: Great Blue Heron (1 overhead); Canada Goose (400+: they were coming and going so it was tough to keep a good count); Greater White-fronted Goose (1: took off with some Canadas. Sheila got some distant record shots); Mallard (8); Killdeer (2). (report from Mark Lynch/Sheila Carroll).

4/2/15 -- Millbury

This morning at the Riverlin Street end of Dorothy Pond I had 14 Common Merganser. There were 6 White-throated Sparrows and a Phoebe heard for the first time this season. Cowbirds are also back. (report from Susan LaBree).

4/1/15 -- Institute Park, Worcester

Today at noon there were 2 DC Cormorants (ad), 4 GB Herons, 3 Mute Swans, 2 Am. Black Ducks, 3 Hooded Mergansers, 8 Common Mergansers, 1 Hairy Woodpecker, and 4 Song sparrows (one trying out a song, not fully developed). (report from Rick Quimby).

4/1/15 -- Uxbridge/Grafton

This morning there was a male Northern Harrier working the fields at the Uxbridge Community Gardens.

In Grafton at the usual Osprey nesting site on the powerlines near Nelson Pond, an Osprey flew over. There was also an Eastern Phoebe.
(report from Alan Marble).

4/1/15 -- Westboro, Northboro, Southboro and Wachusett Reservoir

This morning 4/1 we checked some ponds east of Worcester. All bodies were still 90%+ ice covered, BUT there was some open water where streams entered, Waterfowl numbers are still low:

SUASCO, WESTBOROUGH: Mute Swan (10); Canada Goose (2); Mallard (1); Belted Kingfisher (2); Fox Sparrow (1 singing);

CHAUNCY LAKE, WESTBORO: Mute Swan (2); Wood Duck (pair); Mallard (2 pairs);

BARTLETT POND, NORTHBORO: Mute Swan (5: 2 pair and 1 single that was chased off the ice by one of the pairs); Canada Goose (2); Wood Duck (pr); Hooded Merganser (2m);

SUDBURY RESERVOIR, SOUTHBORO: Canada Goose (27); Wood Duck (2); Mallard (4); Ring-necked Duck (1m); Common Goldeneye (5); Hooded Merganser (4); Common Merganser (3); Red-tailed Hawk (1); Tree Sparrow (9);

WACHUSETT RESERVOIR: Great Blue Heron (1); Mute Swan (5: got to watch a pair mating); Canada Goose (6); Wood Duck (3); Mallard (14); Ring-necked Duck (26); Bufflehead (1m); C Goldeneye (9); Hooded Merganser (4); Common Merganser (26); BALD EAGLE (3imm: 2 near carcass on ice; 1 perched on the rocky outcropping next to Rt.70); Red-tailed Hawk (2)
(report from Mark Lynch/Sheila Carroll).

4/1/15 -- Downtown Worcester

At 12:45PM a Peregrine Falcon landed on the previously described ledge at The Bancroft Commons building at the corner of Franklin and Portland Street. It hopped down behind the small wall that runs along the ledge, and was still there out of sight when I left 15 minutes later. (report from Brian Mulhearn)

For previous sightings, see March 2015 Archives or Archive Index