August 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
• 8/16/13 -- Interview with TOM STEPHENSON about THE WARBLER GUIDE

Bird Sightings:

8/31/13 -- High Ridge WMA, Westminster

Here are birds from a late morning/ early afternoon walk along East Gardner Road at High Ridge WMA (in Westminster and small portion of Gardner. Nothing terribly uncommon but very "birdy": Canada Goose 2; Wood Duck 1; Ruffed Grouse 4; American Woodcock 1; Mourning Dove 3; Ruby-throated Hummingbird 2; Belted Kingfisher 1; Downy Woodpecker 3; Hairy Woodpecker 1; Northern Flicker 1; Pileated Woodpecker 1; Olive-sided Flycatcher 1; Eastern Wood-Pewee 1; Least Flycatcher 1; Eastern Phoebe 16; Eastern Kingbird 4; Blue-headed Vireo 1; Red-eyed Vireo 15; Blue Jay 25; Common Raven 1; Black-capped Chickadee 46; Tufted Titmouse 11; Red-breasted Nuthatch 1; White-breasted Nuthatch 6; House Wren 6; American Robin 2; Gray Catbird 19; Cedar Waxwing 30; Northern Waterthrush 2; Black-and-white Warbler 10; Common Yellowthroat 24; American Redstart 6; Magnolia Warbler 1; Yellow Warbler 1; Chestnut-sided Warbler 2; Pine Warbler 5; Yellow-rumped Warbler 10; Black-throated Green Warbler 6; Canada Warbler 1; Song Sparrow 7; Swamp Sparrow 3; Northern Cardinal 3; Rose-breasted Grosbeak 1; American Goldfinch 12;
(report from Tom Pirro).

8/30/13 -- Mount Wachusett, Princeton

Raptors migrating today: Osprey 2 ; Sharp-shinned Hawk 2 ; Cooper's Hawk 2 ; Broad-winged Hawk 12 ; American Kestrel 1 ; Merlin 1 .

Raptor Observations: Merlin seen may not be migrating but a local resident. The bird was observed harassing local Red-tailed hawks (juveniles?).
(report from Steve Olson)

8/29/13 -- Ware River Watershed IBA, Rutland

We spent a few hours this morning birding the SE corner of the WARE RIVER WATERSHED IBA. Birds recorded: Great Blue Heron (4); Wood Duck (9); Mallard (3); Spotted Sandpiper (1); Least Sandpiper (6); Semipalmated Sandpiper (1); Mourning Dove (1); Belted Kingfisher (1); N Flicker (3); E Wood Peewee (3); E Phoebe (8); Red-eyed Vireo (17); Black-capped Chickadee (36); Tufted Titmouse (1); Red-breasted Nuthatch (12); White-breasted Nuthatch (9); Brown Creeper (2); House Wren (1); Blue-gray Gnatcatcher (1); Hermit Thrush (4: including 1 still somewhat downy newly fledged yg); A Robin (2); Gray Catbird (10); Cedar Waxwing (2);

WARBLERS: Chestnut-sided (5); Magnolia (1); Black-throated Blue (1); Yellow-rumped (3); Pine (2); Black and White (10); A Redstart (2); Ovenbird (2); C Yellowthroat (21);

E Towhee (11); Chipping Sparrow (2); Song Sparrow (2); Swamp Sparrow (2); A Goldfinch (3);
(report from Mark Lynch/Sheila Carroll).

8/27/13 -- Mount Wachusett, Princeton

Raptors migrating today: Sharp-shinned Hawk 2 ; Broad-winged Hawk 4 ; Merlin 1 .

Raptor Observations: A little activity in the morning and very quiet from mid-afternoon on. 7 Raptors total.

Non-raptor Observations: 1 Catbird in late PM with Towhees in the shrubs talking.
(report from Steve Olson)

8/27/13 -- Wachusett Reservoir

We made a quick tour around WACHUSETT RESERVOIR and had the following: Common Loon (16 adS: included a tight flock of 7 birds); Horned Grebe (1 post breeding); Double-crested Cormorant (17); Canada Goose (76); Mallard (11); Wild Turkey (3); Killdeer (5); Spotted Sandpiper (4); E Wood Peewee (1); Tree Swallow (2); Barn Swallow (4); Red-eyed Vireo (2); Bobolink (4 overhead); Eastern Meadowlark (7 together including at least 2 imm. );

NB: at one point, I was walking in a gate and an Ovenbird and 2 LOUISIANA WATERTHRUSH came out and started to chip loudly and scold. I first thought it was about my presence, but then not 10 feet from me, a MINK came out of a stream and began to roll in pine needles to dry off. It took no notice of me for quite some time, and soon began to clean itself. Finally I squeaked a bit to get its attention and it looked very interested. I finally left it alone.

Later that night at the Rt. 56 overlook at the airport from 5PM-6PM: Common Nighthawk (1 group of 23 birds, feeding and moving back and forth to the south)
(report from Mark Lynch/Sheila Carroll).

8/27/13 -- Sterling Peat, Sterling

I went to Sterling Peat this evening. The water is low enough for shore birds and waders. Only a narrow strip of water connects the east side to the west side. There was only 1 Solitary Sandpiper and 2 Spotted Sandpipers. Also seen were 1 Double-crested Cormorant, 8 Wood Ducks, 2 Black Ducks, 5 Green Herons and 4 Great Blue Herons. Flying ants were hatching. There were flocks of 15 and 35 Common Nighthawks feeding. (report from Bart Kamp).

8/27/13 -- Grafton

This evening, I spent 1.5 hours looking for nighthawks by Grafton High School. I had a total of 39 nighthawks, in two groups. I had 10 flying south at about 6:30, and then a growing flock of 29 feeding over Lake Ripple for about 45 minutes beginning at 6:45. (This group ultimately flew southwest at dusk.) I also had 17 chimney swifts feeding with the nighthawks. (report from John Liller).

8/26/13 -- Mount Wachusett, Princeton

Raptors migrating today: Osprey 2 ; Sharp-shinned Hawk 1 .

Non-raptor Observations: 1 Raven, 1 Turkey Vulture, 2 Goldfinches, and Towhees singing in the shrubs.
(report from Steve Olson)

8/26/13 -- Barre Falls, Barre

At the hawkwatch site today, there were 106 Common Nighthawks migrating. (phone report from Dave Grant).

8/25/13 -- Ware River Watershed IBA, Rutland/Oakham

Today we birded the southeast section of the WARE RIVER WATERSHED IBA. Starting temp was 46, giving the morning a real fall feel. Other than the Tennessee Warbler, all other passerines seen were species that breed in the IBA, so it was tough to say which were true "migrants". The shorebirds were on the exposed mud in the marshy wetlands between Fisherman's Road and Rt. 122.

Species recorded: Great Blue Heron (4); Turkey Vulture (1); Wood Duck (8); Mallard (6); Red-shouldered Hawk (1); Broad-winged Hawk (1); Killdeer (2); Solitary Sandpiper (6); Spotted Sandpiper (1); Semipalmated Sandpiper (1); Least Sandpiper (8); Wilson's Snipe (1); Mourning Dove (8); Ruby-throated Hummingbird (4); Belted Kingfisher (3); Downy Woodpecker (10); Hairy Woodpecker (8); E Wood Peewee (11: most still calling); Alder Flycatcher (2 still calling); E Phoebe (15); E Kingbird (1); Yellow-throated Vireo (1); Warbling Vireo (1); Red-eyed Vireo (62: many still singing or in family groups); Blue Jay (22); A Crow (2); Black-capped Chickadee (113); Tufted Titmouse (4); Red-breasted Nuthatch (19); White-breasted Nuthatch (15); Brown Creeper (2); House Wren (2: 1 tailess just fledged bird); Golden-crowned Kinglet (1); Blue-gray Gnatcatcher (1); Veery (2); Hermit Thrush (11); A Robin (12); Gray Catbird (36); Cedar Waxwing (13);

WARBLERS: Tennessee (1); Nashville (1); Chestnut-sided (5); Black-throated Blue (2); Yellow-rumped (7); Black-throated Green (7); Pine (17); Prairie (1); Black and White (14); A Redstart (4); Ovenbird (5: 2 still singing); C Yellowthroat (48);

Scarlet Tanager (1); E Towhee (35); Chipping Sparrow (4); Song Sparrow (14); Swamp Sparrow (8); Rose-breasted Grosbeak (2); Bobolink (1); Red-winged Blackbird (23); Common Grackle (875: single loose flock that was slowly working through the forest at all levels, feeding as they moved. Carefully counted as they crossed a dirt road); Baltimore Oriole (4); A Goldfinch (11);

Plus: PORCUPINE (2 sleeping in an oak);

LATER we spent 5PM-7PM nighthawk watching at the Fruitlands overlook (Harvard); and had 183 nighthawks.
(report from Mark Lynch/Sheila Carroll).

8/25/13 -- Mandel Hill, Hardwick

Today I was in search of the Sedge Wren that Wendy earlier in the month heard. As soon as I got out of my car I could hear him singing. I was able to record and photograph the bird. Photos are on my flickr. (report from Justin Lawson)

Note added by Jeff Smith: The Sedge Wren is located in a sensitive area on a working farm that is part of the East Quabbin Land Trust. As an active member of EQLT I can tell you that the fence lines need to be honored and the field the wren is located in is OFF LIMITS. The wren has been in location for 3.5 weeks and we are hoping it may be nesting so since it is a state endangered species we need to respect its space. Needless to say I am sorry to hear that the bird was posted on e-bird.

Note from Wendy Howes: I intentionally did not post my original report to Central Mass Birds or Massbird; Mr. Lawson somehow learned of my eBird report. I did not think initially that my eBird report had to be hidden because it is very clear which part of the Mandell Hill property is accessible and which is not -- there are gates, signs, and electric fencing. I happened to be doing work at the property on the day I saw the bird in a restricted area. It was possible with patience to see/hear the wren without intruding on the off-limits area, albeit photographs would have been a challenge. This eBird report and any future sightings of rarities on this property will now be hidden.

Note from Justin Lawson: The fields are clearly marked where and where not to go. the bird was in the bush. I don't know about other peoples camera's and lenses but I use professional equipment and where the bird was is not out of the distance of a 500mm lens hence why the image is in such low quality. After research I saw Wendy's post but it wasn't until a birder I am very familiar with actually went out there and found it did I go. All signs were respected. Besides I know my large butt was climbing over no tall rock walls nor touching an electric fence. The bird stays in that field and isn't going to be "harassed" by people very easily as other birds could on trails or free space. The bird for me was like I said out in the open and singing for hours. I pulled up my chair and just sat there. He didn't even know I was there. Besides being in Hardwick he will not have all that many visitors. Anyone who knows me knows I do not hide birds or try and one up someone else. I am always quick to get the word out to other trusted birders and I always expect other birders to treat me the same. Just as I did with the Franklin's Gull. Good Birding.

8/24/13 -- Rte 56 overlook of airport, Leicester

Evening highlights: 5 common night-hawk, 1 American kestrel, 1 Northern Harrier, 1 Red-tailed hawk, 1 Cooper's hawk, 8 barn swallows, 2 Killdeer, 5 Wild Turkey, 1 Brown Thrasher and 1 Grey Cat Bird. (report from Susan LaBree).

8/24/13 -- Mount Wachusett, Princeton

Raptors migrating today: Osprey 3 ; Northern Harrier 1 ; Sharp-shinned Hawk 2 ; Cooper's Hawk 1 ; Broad-winged Hawk 5 ; American Kestrel 1 .

Raptor Observations: 13 migrating raptors. First sightings of Broadwings migrating. 1 female Harrier, 1 female Kestrel, 4 of 5 Broadwings were immature
(report from Steve Olson)

8/23/13 -- Mount Wachusett, Princeton

Raptors migrating today: Osprey 1 ; American Kestrel 1 .

Raptor Observations: Raptor migration is just beginning. It seems to be Ospreys are migrating to the Southwest. Still not many raptors but it is early. Beautiful view of a Male Kestrel.
(report from Steve Olson)

8/21/13 -- Wachusett Mountain

This evening I heard a Louisiana Waterthrush singing along the outlet stream of Bolton Pond, a late date for this species. (report from tom Pirro).

8/20/13 -- Mandel Hill, Hardwick

During an hour and a half nighthawk watch we had: 71 Common Nighthawks from the hill , all flying to the south rapidly and high and another 24 nighthawks at the base of the hill along the Ware River. These were feeding. Also present on Mandel Hill: Sharp-shinned Hawk (3); American Kestrel (4); Greater Yellowlegs (1 along Ware River); Least Sandpiper (1 flyover); Ruby-throated Hummingbird (2: 1 chased a waxwing); Olive-sided Flycatcher (1: perched on tree in front of viewing platform); E Phoebe (3); Barn Swallow (40+); Eastern Bluebird (9); Cedar Waxwing (43); Bobolink (5)
(report from Mark Lynch/Sheila Carroll).

8/20/13 -- Saint Johns Cemetery, Worcester

There was a male Goldfinch eating seeds off a Burdock plant. In the first photo , the Finch seems to be looking at the seed that got away. The second photo shows the Finch biting the seed from the fluff. Also here the day before, I obtained a photo of a male Indigo Bunting. (report from Brian Mulhearn)

8/19/13 -- Wachusett Reservoir

A quick check of WACHUSETT RESERVOIR this AM had the following: Common Loon (10); Double-crested Cormorant (27); Great Blue Heron (2); Canada Goose (30); Mallard (23); Spotted Sandpiper (4); Tree Swallow (23+); Barn Swallow (1); Cedar Waxwing (9); Baltimore Oriole (5); (report from Mark Lynch/Sheila Carroll).

8/18/13 -- Barre transfer station

An at dawn check of the Barre tranfer station found 72 TURKEY VULTURES, which move doff quickly, soem lingering in the trees. NO Black Vultures this go round. Also: (3); ravens. (report from Mark Lynch/Sheila Carroll).

8/15/13 -- Ware River Watershed IBA, Barre

Today we spent the morning birding a loop around the SE section of the Ware River Watershed IBA including along Prison Camp Road, Coldbrook Road, and White Hall Roads. The starting temperature was an autumnal 47 degrees F. There was still some birdsong, mostly peewees, a few vireos and some Hermit Thrushes.

Complete list: Great Blue Heron (3); Turkey Vulture (2); Canada Goose (2); Wood Duck (1); Mallard (12); Bald Eagle (1ad); Broad-winged Hawk (4); Killdeer (4); Solitary Sandpiper (1); Spotted Sandpiper (3); Least Sandpiper (8); Mourning Dove (3); Ruby-throated Hummingbird (2); Belted Kingfisher (2); Red-bellied Woodpecker (1); Downy Woodpecker (7); Hairy Woodpecker (2); N Flicker (5); Pileated Woodpecker (2); E Wood Peewee (13); ?Traill?s type empid? (1); Least Flycatcher (2); E Phoebe (23); E Kingbird (76: most moving in small groups in the early morning NORTH along the Ware River, seen from the Intervale Road bridge at the Prison Camp); Red-eyed Vireo (34); Blue Jay (21); Tree Swallow (25); Barn Swallow (3); Black-capped Chickadee (79); Tufted Titmouse (19); Red-breasted Nuthatch (23); White-breasted Nuthatch (18); Brown Creeper (3); House Wren (11); Blue-gray Gnatcatcher (3); E Bluebird (2); Veery (1); Hermit Thrush (7); A Robin (9); Gray Catbird (38); Cedar Waxwing (62: mostly young birds);

WARBLERS: Blue-winged (1); Nashville (2); Yellow (4); Chestnut-sided (8: including 1 young bird still being fed by adult); Yellow-rumped (7: also 1 young bird being fed by adult); Black-throated Green (6: 1 still singing); Pine (64: several still singing); Black and White (3); C Yellowthroat (43); Canada (2);

Scarlet Tanager (1); E Towhee (34); Chipping Sparrow (10); Song Sparrow (30); Swamp Sparrow (16); N Cardinal (7); Indigo Bunting (2); Dickcissel (1 flyover calling while at the Prison Camp); Bobolink (12); Baltimore Oriole (4); Purple Finch (2); A Goldfinch (7);

PLUS: River Otter (2);; nice show of butterflies later in the morning including (28); Red-spotted Admirals and a female Zabulon Skipper (photographed);. Also, Bottle Gentian is just starting to bloom; and we had 3 species of carnivorous plants: N Pitcher Plant; lots of Bladderwort and a really fine showing of SUNDEW.
(report from Mark Lynch/Sheila Carroll).

8/15/13 -- Webster Lake

Here is a video of nesting eagles and their eaglet taken by Carolyn Gunther recently. It is about 13 minutes. (report from AL Huefner fide Joan Zumpfe).

8/15/13 -- Westboro

Today at 9:45am I had an adult Little Blue Heron fly over Smith Parkway in Westboro, heading to Mill Pond. I checked from the canoe launch on Arch St. after, but the bird was not visible. There is a lot of area for it to hide though. Others birds of note were 2 young Osprey, a Greater Yellowlegs, Least Sandpipers, Wood and Black Ducks and Tree, Barn and Bank Swallows. (report from Nick Paulson).

8/14/13 -- Westboro

First we birded SuAsCo in Westboro and had the following: Double-crested Cormorant (22); Great Blue Heron (2); Mute Swan (46+3cygnets); Wood Duck (32); Mallard (12); Lesser Yellowlegs (2); Spotted Sandpiper (1); Least Sandpiper (3); Belted Kingfisher (2);

THEN, we hiked into the Westboro WMA from the South Street side. Partial list: Great Blue Heron (1); Green Heron (1); Wood Duck (4 young birds); Mallard (1); Spotted Sandpiper (1); Mourning Dove (13); Ruby-throated Hummingbird (3: 1 chases a Downy across a field and when the Downy then perched in a dead snag, perched right next to it); Belted Kingfisher (2); Downy Woodpecker (2); N Flicker (1); E Wood Peewee (1); Least Flycatcher (2); E Phoebe (11); Eastern Kingbird (35: these birds flew out from a woodlot, low over a field and headed WNW in groups of 2s and 3s, and kept heading on. The whole movement took c. 10 minutes); E Bluebird (2); Gray Catbird (7); Cedar Waxwing (22: many immature birds); C Yellowthroat (2); E Towhee (7); Song Sparrow (4); N Cardinal (3); Baltimore Oriole (1);
(report from Mark Lynch/Sheila Carroll).

8/12/13 -- Mill pond, Westboro

This afternoon at the west end of Mill pond (Arch Street) in Westboro the water level even after the 1-3 inches we just had was still low enough to attract some shore birds. Lily pads kept them hidden much of the time. There were 8 Lesser Yellowlegs, 4 Greater Yellowlegs, 11 Least Sandpipers, 1 Semi-palmated Sandpiper and 3 Spotted Sandpipers. There were 2 families of Wood Ducks of 6-8 young each. There were only 3 cygnets among the 50-60 Mute Swans. 2 young Osprey were resting on their platform. They can fly. They were not there on Saturday. (report from Bart Kamp).

8/12/13 -- Webster Square, Worcester

While driving through Webster Square today at 12:30 PM, I observed an Osprey flying overhead at a fairly low altitude. Looked like it was moving from Coes Reservoir to Curtis Pond. (report from Ed Kittredge)

8/10/13 -- Otter River SF-Birch Hill Dam ACE, Winchendon/Royalston

Today we birded the OTTER RIVER SF/BIRCH HILL DAM area in Winchendon-Royalston. Birdsong had really dropped off and the most common songs we heard were Hermit Thrushes and White-throated Sparrows. List below:

Double-crested Cormorant (1imm); Turkey Vulture (2); Wood Duck (23); Broad-winged Hawk (2); Spotted Sandpiper (2); Mourning Dove (7); Black-billed Cuckoo (1); Yellow-billed Cuckoo (1); COMMON NIGHTHAWK (1 flying along river at dawn); Belted Kingfisher (3); Downy Woodpecker (4); Hairy Woodpecker (3); N Flicker (2); Pileated Woodpecker (3); E Phoebe (9); E Kingbird (13); Blue-headed Vireo (5); Red-eyed Vireo (8); Blue Jay (15); A Crow (7); C Raven (1); Tree Swallow (17); Barn Swallow (1); Black-capped Chickadee (59); Tufted Titmouse (2); Red-breasted Nuthatch (22); White-breasted Nuthatch (3); Brown Creeper (2); Carolina Wren (1); House Wren (3); Golden-crowned Kinglet (2); E Bluebird (1imm); Hermit Thrush (27); A Robin (28); Gray Catbird (13); European Starling (1); Cedar Waxwing (28);

WARBLERS: Yellow (1); Chestnut-sided (6: including 2 just fledged); Black-throated Blue (3); Yellow-rumped (2); Black-throated Green (9); Pine (2); Black and White (2); Ovenbird (2); C Yellowthroat (22);

E Towhee (6); Chipping Sparrow (10); Song Sparrow (7); Swamp Sparrow (1); White-throated Sparrow (15); Rose-breasted Grosbeak (1); Indigo Bunting (3); Red-winged Blackbird (8); Baltimore Oriole (1); Purple Finch (2); A Goldfinch (8);

NB: we talked to a local fisherman who fishes this area often and last week he had 5 GREAT EGRETS in the marshy ponds in this area, including 1 at Lake Denison. We found none Saturday.
(report from Mark Lynch/Sheila Carroll).

8/8/13 -- Institute Park, Worcester

Highlights at 2:00 were 2 Green Herons, 1 Osprey, 1 Killdeer, 1 Solitary Sandpiper, 2 Least Sandpiper, 1 Chimney Swift, 1 Belted Kingfisher, and 2 E Phoebe. (report from Rick Quimby).

8/6/13 -- Wachusett Reservoir

Today we did a brief survey of Wachusett Reservoir and had the following totals:

Common Loon (pair w/at least 1 yg (distant views);+ 1 1st yr+4ad); Double-crested Cormorant (23); Canada Goose (82: all in 1 flock); Mallard (21); Killdeer (31: Clinton High A-field); Spotted Sandpiper (1); Bonaparte's Gull (1ad+3 juv: best seen from the dam); Ring-billed Gull (33); Great Black backed Gull (1 1st yr); Belted Kingfisher (2);

Passerines were mostly typical BUT we did have a nice movement of swallows at one point that also included a few swifts: Chimney Swift (6); Tree Swallow (60+); N Rough-winged Swallow (1); Bank Swallow (4); Cliff Swallow (1); Barn Swallow (27);

On one section of the dike, we had a number of CICADA KILLER WASPS.
(report from Mark Lynch/Sheila Carroll).

8/6/13 -- Notre Dame Cemetery, Worcester

The Black-Crowned Night-Herons reported by Peter Morlock continue at the cemetery. I observed two juveniles and one adult there this evening. Also got excellent views there  of two Northern Waterthrush.
(report from Ed Kittredge)

8/5/13 -- Saint Johns Cemetery, Worcester

My friend and I were quite surprised when we had great looks at a White-rumped Sandpiper flying along The Middle River. Later at All Faiths Cemetery, a Green Heron flew by. (report from Brian Mulhearn)

8/4/13 -- Barre

Today we birded the western edge of the WARE RIVER WATERSHED IBA, basically Gilbert and Granger Roads. The habitat is mostly mixed forest, with some small over grown fields. Bird song was minimal: Red-eyed Vireos, peewees, BT Green Warblers (some) and Hermit Thrushes. We saw quite a few just fledged breeders. Many birds were in small mixed species flocks.

Complete list: Wood Duck (2f); Red-shouldered Hawk (1); Broad-winged Hawk (2); Red-tailed Hawk (1); Wild Turkey (1); Mourning Dove (5); Belted Kingfisher (1); Red-bellied Woodpecker (1); Yellow-bellied Sapsucker (2); Downy Woodpecker (6); Hairy Woodpecker (5); N Flicker (5); Pileated Woodpecker (1); E Wood Peewee (10); E Phoebe (21); E Kingbird (4); Blue-headed Vireo (8); Red-eyed Vireo (53); Blue Jay (13); A Crow (11); C Raven (1); Tree Swallow (2); Barn Swallow (31: over 1 marsh); Black-capped Chickadee (81); Tufted Titmouse (1); Red-breasted Nuthatch (5); Brown Creeper (1); House Wren (3); Winter Wren (4); E Bluebird (6); Veery (3); Hermit Thrush (35); A Robin (17); Cedar Waxwing (9);

WARBLERS: Blue-winged (1); Yellow (1); Chestnut-sided (3); Black-throated Blue (1f); Yellow-rumped (1); Black-throated Green (13); Pine (4); Black and White (7); Ovenbird (1ad w/3yg+5); LOUSIANA WATERTHRUSH (1 singing 12+ times in an area where we had them breeding this year. VERY late); C Yellowthroat (14);

Scarlet Tanager (7); E Towhee (8); Chipping Sparrow (11: most stripe-breasted yg); Song Sparrow (8); Swamp Sparrow (20); White-throated Sparrow (2); N Cardinal (2); Rose-breasted Grosbeak (2); Indigo Bunting (2); Red-winged Blackbird (1 overhead); C Grackle (12); A Goldfinch (7);

Plus: an outstanding display of RATTLESNAKE PLANTAIN, many Red-spotted Purple butterflies and an Eastern Garter Snake.
(report from Mark Lynch/Sheila Carroll).

For previous sightings, see July 2013 Archives or Archive Index