August 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:

8/31/15 -- Mount Wachusett, Princeton

Raptors observed today: Bald Eagle 1 ;

Raptor Observations: Turkey Vultures - 6 to 8 (non-migrating)m Cooper's Hawk (local).
(report from Rod Chase)

8/31/15 -- Quinapaoxet Reservoir, Holden

A quick check of Quinapoxet Reservoir, Holden, in the AM found: Double-crested Cormorant (2); Great Blue Heron (4); Canada Goose (46); Hooded Merganser (3imm); Bald Eagle (1ad); Killdeer (7); Greater Yellowlegs (2); Solitary Sandpiper (1); Spotted Sandpiper (2); Least Sandpiper (5); Semipalmated Sandpiper (1);

At KETTLEBROOK#3 (Paxton); we had only Killdeer (4); Spotted Sandpiper (1); Semipalmated Sandpiper (1);

In the early evening, driving down Rt. 70 side of Wachusett Reservoir: Double-crested Cormorant (9); Canada Goose (7); Common Goldeneye (1f: in the small rocky cove just south of the courthouse);
(report from Mark Lynch/Sheila Carroll).

8/31/15 -- Quinnapoxet Reservoir, Holden

From the chain link fence at the Quinnapoxet Reservoir:

Today, there was a Pectoral Sandpiper with 6 yellowlegs and 2 Least Sandpipers.

on 8/29 there was a Semipalmated Sandpiper with 3 yellowlegs.
All of the birds were along the shore closest to the fence. On both days I was there in the early afternoon.
(report from Bart Kamp).

8/30/15 -- Mount Watatic, Ashburnham

Raptors observed today: Bald Eagle 1 ; Sharp-shinned Hawk 3 ; Broad-winged Hawk 11 .
(report from Tom Pirro)

8/30/15 -- Worcester area reservoirs

We birded several reservoirs today, looking for shorebird and migrants. Highlights:

WACHUSETT RESERVOIR: Common Loon (13); Double-crested Cormorant (41); Bald Eagle (1imm); Merlin (1); Wild Turkey (2); Killdeer (13: all on top of the Clinton High School roof and seen from the dike); E Wood Peewee (5); E Phoebe (13); E Bluebird (7); Pine Warbler (2 still singing); MOURNING WARBLER (1imm: we heard distinctive call notes, and spishing and screech owling we eventually got this bird into view from the shoreline tangle it was in); Baltimore Oriole (3: this species was on the move today);

QUINAPAUXET RESERVOIR: Double-crested Cormorant (6); Great Blue Heron (2); Blue-winged Teal (2); Bald Eagle (1ad+1imm); Killdeer (10); Greater Yellowlegs (2); Spotted Sandpiper (2); Bobolink (31: overhead); Baltimore Oriole (1);

STERLING PEAT: Great Blue Heron (2); Green Heron (2); Killdeer (9); Lesser Yellowlegs (1); Greater Yellowlegs (6); Solitary Sandpiper (2); Spotted Sandpiper (1); Least Sandpiper (7); "Traill's flycatcher type" (2: likely Willows); Warbling Vireo 91); Blue-gray Gnatcatcher (1); Prairie Warbler (1); Baltimore Oriole (7); NB: outstanding show of the orchid NODDING LADIES TRESSES all around the edges. Be sure to look for it.

KETTLEBROOK RESERVOIR #3: Great Blue Heron (1); Killdeer (5); Spotted Sandpiper (1); Solitary Sandpiper (2); Common Raven (2);
(report from Mark Lynch/Sheila Carroll).

8/28/15 -- Gate 43, Quabbin Reservoir

This afternoon I went to the shaft 12 cove at Quabbin gate 43. The water level has gone down enough to create some shorebird habitat. There were 4 Greater Yellowlegs and 1 Baird's Sandpiper there. The Baird's took off, but may still be in the area. It had been feeding in the grassier part of the islands created by the lower water level. (report from Bart Kamp).

8/28/15 -- Mount Wachusett, Princeton

Raptors observed today: Turkey Vulture 18 ; Osprey 3 ; Bald Eagle 1 ; Northern Harrier 1 ; Sharp-shinned Hawk 1 ; Cooper's Hawk 2 ; Broad-winged Hawk 8 ; American Kestrel 2 .

Raptor Observations: Broad-wing (Local)- 4; Red-Shouldered (Local) - 1; Red-Tailed Hawks (Local) - 7; Cooper's Hawk (Local) - 1

Non-raptor Observations: Junco - 1; Hummingbird - 3; Chimney
(report from Rod Chase).

8/27/15 -- Quinapoxet Reservoir/Kettlebrook#3

We took a brief run to QUINAPOXET RESERVOIR in Holden to see how the water conditions are. The water is low and it is now attractive to shorebirds, but of course you are limited to what you can see from the fence. We had: Double-crested Cormorant (3); Great Blue Heron (3); LITTLE BLUE HERON (1 very yg bird. At first I thought this was an immature Snowy, but under longer, closer inspection and looking at the photos, I believe it is a very young LITTLE BLUE: the lores are not yellow, the legs are uniformly yellowish green, the neck looks too short and the bill looks thicker than a Snowy's. THAT SAID, this bird still had some downy feathers at the top of the head, and very young Snowys could look weird. Check it out for yourself.); Canada Goose (14); Hooded Merganser (3imm); Sharp-shinned Hawk (1); Red-shouldered Hawk (1); Killdeer (9); Spotted Sandpiper (2); Least Sandpiper (4);

THEN, at KETLEBROOK#3 in PAXTON, again from the road: Killdeer (8); Greater Yellowlegs (1); Least Sandpiper (5); BAIRD'S SANDPIPER (1 juv); Common Raven (1)
(report from Mark Lynch/Sheila Carroll).

8/27/15 -- Mount Wachusett, Princeton

Raptors observed today: Osprey 3 ; Bald Eagle 2 ; Sharp-shinned Hawk 4 ; Cooper's Hawk 1 ; Broad-winged Hawk 4 ; American Kestrel 2 .

Raptor Observations: Broad-Winged Hawk - 2 Adults & 2 Juvies (Local), Red - Shouldered Hawk - 1 local, Turkey Vultures - 7 to 8 locals, Cooper Hawks - 2 local, Red-Tailed Hawks - 1 mature & 1 immature (local).

Non-raptor Observations: Ravens - 10 Chimney Swifts - 15 Junco - 1
(report from Rod Chase).

8/26/15 -- Mount Wachusett, Princeton

Raptors observed today: Osprey 1 ; Bald Eagle 3 ; Broad-winged Hawk 10 ; American Kestrel 2 ;

Raptor Observations: Red-Tailed Hawks ( 2 local) not migrating; 3 Juvenile Broad-winged Hawks (local); 2 Coopers Hawks ( Local); 1 Red-Shouldered Hawk (Local); Turkey Vultures - (local) - 17 minimum

Non-raptor Observations: Raven - 2; Junco - 1; Chimney Swift - 1
(report from Rod Chase).

8/26/15 -- Sterling Peat, Sterling

At Sterling Peat early this afternoon there were 2 Blue-winged Teal. They were last seen on the east side of Muddy Pond feeding among the stumps with 10-15 Mallard Ducks. (report from Bart Kamp).

8/26/15 -- Clinton

Surprise Common Goldeneye adult female Wachusett Reservoir, cove along Rt 70 just S of Clinton Court House and the dam. Sitting on rocks with the cormorants. (report from Nickilas Paulson).

8/24/15 -- Mount Wachusett, Princeton

Raptors observed today: Turkey Vulture 8 ; Sharp-shinned Hawk 1 ; Cooper's Hawk 2 ; Red-shouldered Hawk 1 ; Broad-winged Hawk 3 ; Red-tailed Hawk 2 .

Raptor Observations: 1st Sharpie this year.

Non-raptor Observations: Barn Swallows & Chimney Swifts (3)
(report from Rod Chase).

8/24/15 -- Ware River Watershed IBA

Today we birded the southern part of the WARE RIVER WATERSHED IBA. We started early in the morning at the river and had a movement of some birds. After 9AM, birding slowed down.

List: Great Blue Heron (3); Turkey Vulture (1); Canada Goose (5); Wood Duck (14); Sharp-shinned Hawk (1); N GOSHAWK (1ad: great views as it flew along a forest edge); Red-shouldered Hawk (1); Broad-winged Hawk (5); Red-tailed Hawk (1); Least Sandpiper (4); Mourning Dove (6); Black-billed Cuckoo (1); Yellow-billed Cuckoo (1); Ruby-throated Hummingbird (6); Belted Kingfisher (1); Red-bellied Woodpecker (1); Downy Woodpecker (5); Hairy Woodpecker (1); N Flicker (4); Pileated Woodpecker (3); E Wood Peewee (6: still singing); E Phoebe (41); E Kingbird (13: moving along the river at dawn); Blue-headed Vireo (3); Warbling Vireo (6); Red-eyed Vireo (37); Blue Jay (24); A Crow (3); C Raven (3); Tree Swallow (7); Barn Swallow (3); Black-capped Chickadee (64); Tufted Titmouse (2); Red-breasted Nuthatch (10); White-breasted Nuthatch (9); Veery (3); Hermit Thrush (7); A Robin (5); Gray Catbird (38); Cedar Waxwing (24);

WARBLERS: Chestnut-sided (5); Black-throated Blue (3); Yellow-rumped (1); Black-throated Green (2); Pine (23); Black and White (1); Ovenbird (2); C Yellowthroat (28)

Scarlet Tanager (4); E Towhee (9); Chipping Sparrow (2); Song Sparrow (8); Swamp Sparrow (5); N Cardinal (4); Indigo Bunting (1); Bobolink (8 overhead); Baltimore Oriole (11); A Goldfinch (7)

ALSO SEEN: Porcupine (1); River Otter (2);. Many odonates including a number of darners like Canada and Green-striped; Yellow-legged Meadowhawks also common. Fine display of Bottle/Closed Gentian.
(report from Mark Lynch/Sheila Carroll).

8/24/15 -- Leicester

We did some nighthawk watching from 5Pm to 6:40PM at the traditional Rt. 56 airport overlook in Leicester. Nighthawk movement that night was complicated:

From 5-6Pm we only had a few birds (15) moving in singles or small groups, around the south end of the hill, heading east then south (to our east).

THEN at 6:10Pm we had a large pulse of (63) birds to our east, but flying directly NORTH. These birds were flying quickly, not feeding.

THEN: at 6:20, we started to have birds fly overhead to the east, then move south east. Other birds were seen to our east flying directly south. These totaled 122. Some of these birds began to feed.

Other birds seen included: Great Blue Heron (1); Turley Vulture (1); Mallard (1); Osprey (1); N Harrier (1); A Kestrel (4); Merlin (1); Peregrine Falcon (1); Ruby-throated Hummingbird (2); Cedar Waxwing (12); Bobolink (14); E Meadowlark (1); Baltimore Oriole (1).
(report from Mark Lynch/Sheila Carroll).

8/20/15 -- Mount Wachusett, Princeton

Raptors observed today: Turkey Vulture 4 ; Bald Eagle 1 ; Cooper's Hawk 1 ; Red-shouldered Hawk 1 ; Red-tailed Hawk 3 ; American Kestrel 2 .
(report from Rod Chase).

8/20/15 -- Hope Cemetery, Worcester

There was a large Coopers Hawk at the Hope Ave section, the area the cemetery uses as a dump. Later we saw 6 Northern Mockingbirds moving together through the cemetery, they appeared to be a family group. There were a few Eastern Phoebes, and a flock of hundreds European Starlings. (report from Brian Mulhearn)

8/20/15 -- Wachusett Reservoir / Paxton

Wachusett Reservoir: A quick trip around the reservoir this morning had the following: Common Loon (6ad+2imm); Double-crested Cormorant (38); Canada Goose (18); Mallard (9); Bald Eagle (1ad); Wild Turkey (2); Ring-billed Gull (32); E Wood Peewee (4); Yellow-bellied Flycatcher (1); E Phoebe (1); E Kingbird (2); Pine Warbler (3); Baltimore Oriole (1)

Paxton: Shorebird habitat is scarce this season, but at KETTLEBROOK#3 in paxton we had: Great Blue Heron (1); Hooded Merganser (4juv); Killdeer (5); Lesser Yellowlegs (1); Solitary Sandpiper (2); Spotted Sandpiper (2); Least Sandpiper (2). NB: you can check this from pulloff along the road, so there is no need to tresspass, but you will need a scope.
(report from Mark Lynch/Sheila Carroll).

8/18/15 -- Downtown Worcester

We just got a great view of a Peregrine Falcon perched on the outside ledge of a window facing west on the 18th floor of the Worcester Telegram & Gazette building, 100 Front Street (the old Mechanics Bank building or those who remember).

The bird is banded - I was able to read a 96 on the top line and what appeared to be AD? or A9? on the bottom line - did not get good look at the bottom line due to reflection from the window.
(report from Jo-Ann Ferrie).

8/16/15 -- Sterling Peat, Sterling

At noon there were Greater and Lesser Yellowlegs, Solitary Sandpiper, 2 Least Sandpipers, Killdeer, Spotted Sandpipers, 1 Great Egret, 7 Green Herons, 2 Great Blue Herons and 3 otters. (report from Bart Kamp).

8/15/15 -- Lancaster/Fitchburg

Marion Larson and Scott Handler spotted two groups of TVs on 8/15. The first kettle consisted of 12 birds soaring in Lancaster, seen while we were on rte 190 near the Rte 117 exit. A few minutes later on Rte 2 in Fitchburg by Rte 31, there were two dozen vultures! (report from Marion Larson).

8/14/15 -- Mount Wachusett, Princeton

Raptors observed today: Broad-winged Hawk 6 ; Red-tailed Hawk 5 ;

Raptor Observations: 6 migrant Broad Wings, no falcons, accipiters, ospreys.

Non-raptor Observations: Local raptors - five Red-Tailed - 2 adults & 3 Juvies.
(report from Rod Chase).

8/12/15 -- Notre Dame/Hope Cemeteries, Worcester

On the Forbush Bird Club Night-heron trip to Notre Dame/Hope Cemeteries, highlights included Mute Swan 1 ; Eastern Wood Peewee 2; Hairy Woodpecker 1; Northern flicker 1; Kingbird 1; Tree Swallows 4; Barn Swallow 6; Blue-gray Gnatcatcher 1; Gray Catbird 1; Cedar Waxwing 7; Carolina Wren 1; Black & White Warbler 1; Song Sparrow 1.
(trip report from Dave Grant, fide Deb Berard)

8/8/15 -- Ashburnham

Today we spent the morning birding a few areas in ASHBURNHAM. Highlights included: Broad-winged Hawk (2); Ruby-throated Hummingbird (1); Belted Kingfisher (1); Yellow-bellied Sapsucker (1); Pileated Woodpecker (2); E Wood Peewee (1: still singing); Blue-headed Vireo (8); Red-eyed Vireo (16); Winter Wren (1); Veery (2); Hermit Thrush (6);

WARBLERS: Chestnut-sided (2); Black-throated Blue (1: still singing); Black-throated Green (3: still singing); Prairie (1); Black and White (6: 3 still singing); C Yellowthroat (11); Canada (1).

Scarlet Tanager (4); Eastern Towhee (18: many young birds); Rose-breasted Grosbeak (2); Baltimore Oriole (4).
(report from Mark Lynch/Sheila Carroll).

8/7/15 -- Rice City Pond, Uxbridge

Today I stopped here and found 4 Great Egrets and a Solitary Sandpiper. (report from Peter Morlock).

8/7/15 -- Notre Dame Cemetery, Worcester

I saw and heard at least one Black-crowned Night Heron at Notre Dame Cemetery this evening. The foliage is very thick and it was hard to see the areas where the birds might be perched. Be careful on your way in. At least a dozen chickens from a house next to the cemetery were feeding on the road and amongst the grave stones. (report from Bart Kamp).

8/2/15 -- Athol

Today, one of the places we birded was the ALAN RICH ENVIRONMENTAL PARK right in the middle of the city of Athol. This small chunk of riparian habitat along the Millers River was formerly known as Cass Meadow. It is criss-crossed with mown pathways among the weeds, grasses and trees that offer several views of the river. There is a kayak/canoe launch area too. It is a fine example of a small piece of habitat "saved" in an urban space and allowed to remain wild and not "improved" as a typical playground park. There is a good parking area with a kiosk and a map of the trails. This urban green island attracts birds, butterflies and dragonflies. We went there for the dragonflies, which are indeed very interesting, but among the birds we saw there in our short time were: Green Heron (2); Sharp-shinned Hawk (2ad, one of which continuously harassed a kingfisher and forced it down into the river); Broad-winged Hawk (1); Ruby-throated Hummingbird (2); Belted Kingfisher (2); Pileated Woodpecker (3 at once, perched in a dead tree along the water and calling); Eastern Phoebe (2); Eastern Kingbird (4); Red-eyed Vireo (2); Blue-gray Gnatcatcher (2); Common Yellowthroat (10).

We met a man with a dog there who told us that his dog was pursued by a SNAKEHEAD in the river and it totally freaked the dog out. Now I didn't think Snakeheads (an vicious invasive fish) were even in MA. If you know differently, let me know.
(report from Mark Lynch/Sheila Carroll).

8/1/15 -- Winchendon-Royalston

Today we birded the Otter River WMA-State Park/Birch Hill Dam area in Winchendon and Royalston. Bird song continues to drop off, so the variety of species was low. Total list: Great Blue Heron (1); Canada Goose (19); Wood Duck (2ad females w/4 very young ducklings); Broad-winged Hawk (2); American Kestrel (1imm); Mourning Dove (5); Barred Owl (1); Chimney Swift (1); Ruby-throated Hummingbird (1); Yellow-bellied Sapsucker (2); Downy Woodpecker (4); Hairy Woodpecker (2); N Flicker (3); Pileated Woodpecker (1); E Wood Peewee (1); Alder Flycatcher (6); E Phoebe (16); E Kingbird (11); Blue-headed Vireo (14); Red-eyed Vireo (38: vireos still singing); Tree Swallow (6: single group flying high above a pond); Black-capped Chickadee (48); Tufted Titmouse (5); Red-breasted Nuthatch (22); White-breasted Nuthatch (11); House Wren (5); Veery (1); Hermit Thrush (24: many still singing); A Robin (26); Gray Catbird (39); Cedar Waxwing (23); WARBLERS: Chestnut-sided (10); Yellow-rumped (2); Black-throated Green (4: still singing); Pine (9); C Yellowthroat (37); Scarlet Tanager (9: in one loosely affiliated group along the Millers River. In the company of the orioles (see below); and a number of other birds); E Towhee (10); Chipping Sparrow (3+1ad feeding 2 fledged streak-breasted young); Field Sparrow (1); Song Sparrow (22); Swamp Sparrow (7); White-throated Sparrow (14); Indigo Bunting (2); Baltimore Oriole (9); Purple Finch (11); House Finch (1); A Goldfinch (26);

Plus: Butterflies included Eyed Brown; Red-spotted Purple (9)/White Admiral (1); and Common Wood Nymph (4). Dragonflies included a nice showing of Powdered and Blue-fronted Dancers and some spectacular views of Dragonhunters.
(report from Mark Lynch/Sheila Carroll).

For previous sightings, see July 2015 Archives or Archive Index