December 2002 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.

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Sightings:

12/31/02 -- Wachusett Reservoir
Fran McMenemy and I checked Wachusett Reservoir and found the drake Tufted Duck with 47 Greater Scaup. (report from Joan Zumpfe).

12/30/02 -- Gardner area
This morning there were 750+ Cedar Waxwings (200 perched and many times that # in flight) in Ashbrnham center. I can't recall seeing such a large flock of Cedars since Ellenwood Conutry Club (in Athol) was hosting both Waxwing species and large # er's of Pine Grosbeaks during the great Bohemian invasion of 1994. Winter Berry seems plentifull in some locales up this way, though large waxwing flocks can make quick work of local berry supplies.
Also, hilites from some local birding yesterday (12/29): Cooper's Hawk 1 Gardner; Raven 2 Gardner; Brown Creeper 2; Cedar Waxwing 90 westminster; Winter Wren 1 Westminster (working the frozen mash grass like a mouse); Am. Robin 4 Westminster.
(report from Tom Pirro).

12/29/02 -- Seekonk River/Turner Reservoir, Blackstone Corridor
We did one of our standard surveys of the southern end of the BLACKSTONE NATIONAL CORRIDOR today and had the following totals :
SEEKONK RIVER (from India and Bold Points north to Pawtucket working both sides of the river): Pied-billed Grebe (1); Great Cormorant (25); Double-crested Cormorant (2imm); Mute Swan (5); Canada Goose (60); A. Black Duck (241); Mallard (327); Eurasian Wigeon (1m from Bold Point); American Wigeon (56); Greater Scaup (40: all from India Point); Lesser Scaup (74: all further up river); C. Goldeneye (14); Bufflehead (217); Hooded Merganser (47); Common Merganser (57); Red-breasted Merganser (79); Ruddy Duck (44); Sharp-shinned Hawk (1ad); Red-tailed Hawk (3); Bonaparte's Gull (68); Ring-billed Gull (338); Herring Gull (219); Great Black-backed Gull (104); E. Screech Owl (1); Red-bellied Woodpecker (3); N. Flicker (1); Fish Crow (1); A nice surprise was a young HARBOR SEAL hauled out on one of the dock remnants.
JAMES TURNER RESERVOIR (including "Central Pond" on the north side of the causeway): Great Blue Heron (2); Mute Swan (16); Gadwall (8); A. Black Duck (14); Mallard (150); Canvasback (174); Lesser Scaup (108: most far north end of Central Pond); Greater Scaup (3f); Ring-necked Duck (117: most north end of Central); Hooded Merganser (42); Common Merganser (38); Ruddy Duck (103); A. Coot (17); Ring-billed Gull (251); Iceland Gull (1 1stW: easily seen from the causeway looking south); Herring Gull (92); Great Black-backed Gull (38); Red-bellied Woodpecker (2); N. Flicker (2); Golden-crowned Kinglet (2); Fish Crow (1). (report from Mark Lynch/Sheila Carroll).

12/27/02 -- Hadwen Park, Worcester
We had excellent close and long looks at the Juvenile Cooper's Hawk while it was perched in a tree on the river, it called softly about 6 times. Other notable birds were 3 pairs of Hooded Mergansers, 58 Mallards, 15 American Black Ducks, 5 Canadian Geese, 3 Gold-crowned Kinglets, 2 Northern Mockingbirds, and 2 Downey Woodpeckers. (report from Brian Mulhearn)

12/27/02 -- Pine Island, Hardwick
An afternoon check of the Pine Island area turned up Cooper's Hawk (1), Carolina Wren (1), Cedar Waxwing (40+) and Swamp Sparrow (1). (report from Chris Buelow)

12/26/02 -- Worcester Academy, Worcester
At work today across from Worcester Academy, an A.Kestrel and 2 Red Tailed Hawks flew over. (report from John Shea).

12/26/02 -- Southmeadow Pond, Clinton
American Black ducks and Mallards interbreed regularly in Worcester County and their offspring acquire characteristics of both breeds. This photo taken at Southmeadow Pond in Clinton of a "Black Duck" clearly shows the iridescent green head markings characteristic of the drake Mallard. Of course, Mallards have been the breeding stock for many of our domestic ducks. For example, the second picture of what I assume would be called a Peking Duck was also taken last Sunday (12/22) at Southmeadow Pond. (report and photos from Bob Ricci).

12/23/02 -- Quabbin Reservoir, Gate 40, Graves Landing
Birds seen included 2 immature bald eagles, 1 ruffed grouse, 5 ring-billed gulls, 1 pileated woodpecker, 2 common ravens, 10 golden-crowned kinglets. Also seen were six deer; it never ceases to amaze me at how fast they can move through thick underbrush. I saw moose tracks that looked a couple days old. Pottapaug and many of the bays were frozen, but the main part of the reservoir was open water. (report from Richard Spedding).

12/23/02 -- Turnpike Road, Oakham
We had two Ravens fly overhead while driving through Oakham this afternoon. (report from Chris Buelow)

12/23/02 -- Hadwen Park, Worcester
A lot of the ice here has melted, and the Belted Kingfisher has returned. Also: 9 Hooded Mergansers, 89 Mallards, 16 American Black Ducks, 22 American Goldfinches, 2 Canadian Geese, 1 Downy Woodpecker.
At Leesville Pond, Worcester, there were: 20 Hooded Mergansers, 2 Canadian Geese, 3 Ring-billed Gulls, 11 American Black Ducks, 17 Mallards, and 2 Northern Mockingbirds. Interestingly, no Carolina Wrens today, although the last couple weeks it seemed like they were everywhere. (report from Brian Mulhearn)

12/22/02 -- Wachusett Reservoir, West Boylston
At 3:00 PM. the Tufted Duck- together with 40-50 Scaup and a few Goldeneyes- continued to be seen from the shore of Wachusett Reservoir near gate 25. The Tufted Duck was about 500 feet from shore when I took this picture. (report from Bob Ricci).

12/21/02 -- Westminster CBC, Gardner
Rick Magee, Paul Pinault and I birded the northern part of Gardner for the Westminster CBC on saturday with the following results. 28 species was a bit on the low side and 1581 individuals about normal: Black Duck 1; Mallard 39; Herring Gull 102; Great Black-backed Gull 50; Sharp-shinned Hawk 1; Cooper's Hawk 1; Red-tailed Hawk 2; Rock Dove 209; Mourning Dove 9; Downy Woodpecker 5; Blue Jay 29; Am. Crow 40; Black-capped Chickadee 89; Tufted Titmouse 5; White-breated Nuthactch 7; N. Mockingbird 2; Am. Robin 1; G.C. Kinglet 2; Northern Shrike 1; Cedar Waxwing 231; E. Starling 574; House Sparrow 82; Brown-headed Cowbird 1 female; N. Cardinal 6; House Finch 31 (1 with a conjunctivitis); Am. Goldfinch 23; D.E. Junco 20; Am. tree Sparrow 18. The Shrike was near the marsh off Smith street, it (assumed the same bird) was seen by another team near the model airplane field near the prison. Also 1 pair of plastic Great Horned Owls was roosting at an undisclosed location downtown Gardner. (report from Tom Pirro).

12/21/02 -- downtown Worcester
The Peregrine Falcon was on the performing arts building at 7:00 this morning.
Also, there were 41 Hooded Merganser and 1G.B. Heron at Institute park.
At Lake Quinsigamond, there were (6) Hooded Merganser and (4) Common Merganser at Lake park, (41)Ring -neck Ducks and (19) Common Merganser at Sunset Beach, and (6) Hooded Merganser and (1) Wood Duck at the Pumping station. (report from John Shea).

12/19/02 -- Hadwen Park, Worcester
There was a male Gadwall with a pair of Black Ducks at Curtis Pond. (report from Brian Mulhearn)

12/19/02 -- Worcester Art Museum, Worcester
At about 12:30 while eating lunch at the WAM, I was told there was a falcon with a dead pigeon in the courtyard adjacent to the education wing. I went; I looked; I saw. It was an immature, probably female, Cooper's Hawk. The pigeon was, indeed, a pigeon and dead, but uneaten. The Coop had apparently been there for at least an hour and showed no sign of moving. It merely stood (or sat?) on the ground ten feet from the windows and the same distance from its meal to be. ...And as I drove home, another accipiter, surely a Cooper's from the size, flew into a tree at the corner of Park and Salisbury. (report from Howard Shainheit).

12/18/02 -- Bancroft Tower Hill, Worcester
Late this afternoon, a huge crow roost formed at and over Bancroft Tower Hill. Several times this season smaller crow roosts have formed here. It was tought to count, but I estimated 1200+ birds and with luck, I heard (1) FISH CROW. It was a spectacular scene. (report from Mark Lynch).

12/18/02 -- Barre Falls Dam, Barre 
> Daily Raptor Counts: Dec 18, 2002
> -------------------------------------------------------------------
>
> Species            Day's Count    Month Total   Season Total
> ------------------ ----------- -------------- --------------
> Black Vulture                0              0              0
> Turkey Vulture               0              0            235
> Osprey                       0              0             92
> Bald Eagle                   0              2             24
> Northern Harrier             0              0             35
> Sharp-shinned Hawk           0              4            743
> Cooper's Hawk                0              1             68
> Northern Goshawk             0              0             26
> Red-shouldered Hawk          0              2             85
> Broad-winged Hawk            0              0            852
> Red-tailed Hawk              0              2            351
> Rough-legged Hawk            0              0              2
> Golden Eagle                 0              0              5
> American Kestrel             0              0            159
> Merlin                       0              0             28
> Peregrine Falcon             0              0              8
> Unknown                      0              0             26
>
> Total:                       0             11           2739
> ----------------------------------------------------------------------
> > Observation start time: 09:45:00 > Observation end time: 13:00:00 > Total observation time: 3.25 hours > > Site Coordinator: Barton D. Kamp > > Observers: Donna Schilling, Tom Carrolan > > Predictions: SEE YOU IN THE SPRING!!!! (report from Bart Kamp).

12/18/02 -- Hadwen Park, Worcester
The highlight was a flock of Blue Jays alerting me to the presence of a small adult Cooper's Hawk. (report from Brian Mulhearn)

12/17/02 -- Sturbridge CBC
The 7th Sturbridge Christmas Count was held Tuesday. The prolonged freezing temps inland had frozen almost all the still water (lakes, ponds etc) and even some of the running water, therefore keeping waterfowl numbers mostly low. A snow storm came through the day previous keeping landbird counts also low. Species totals were not surprisingly therefore "on the low side" (69 species) and numbers of birds also low (16326). That said, there were a few surprises as there is in every count: detailed listing here. (report from Mark Lynch).

12/16/02 -- Lake Quinsigamond, Worcester
At Lake Park there were 19 C. Goldeneye, 15 C. Merganser, 2 Hooded Merganser. At Pumping Station there were 2 Ruddy Ducks, 8 Hooded Merganser, 5 A. Coot. At Regatta Point: 2 Wood Ducks mixed in with 100+ Mallards. At Brownie beach there were 3 Hooded Merganser, 2 C. Goldeneye. (report from John Shea).

12/15/02 -- Broad Meadow Brook Sanctuary, Worcester
Highlights today at the Broad Meadow Brook Wildlife Sanctuary (Worcester) during the Worcester Christmas Count: Red-tailed Hawk (4); MERLIN (1 - 2nd record in 13 years); Wild Turkey (2); Eastern Screech-Owl (2); Red-billed Woodpecker (2); Hairy Woodpecker (2); Northern Flicker (2); Carolina Wren (6 - New High); WINTER WREN (1 - 3rd record in 13 years); HERMIT THRUSH (1 - 2nd record in 13 years); American Robin (13); GRAY CATBIRD (1 - New for Count); American Tree Sparrow (39); Song Sparrow (2); White-throated Sparrow (5); Dark-eyed Junco (68 - New High); Red-winged Blackbird (4); Common Grackle (1). Also: At the old Worcester Landfill, we recorded 1 Cooper's Hawk, 2 Wilson Snipe, 1 Eastern Meadowlark, and 1 Coyote. (report from John Liller).

12/15/02 -- Winimusset WMA, New Braintree
A mid-day tour of the frozen marshes of Winimusset turned up 2 Belted Kinfishers, 4 Northern Flickers, 2 Eastern Bluebirds and 2 Winter Wrens. I also had two very low overhead adult Bald Eagles pass over. A third eagle, first-year, was seen in similar circumstances earlier this morning in the Moose Brook Valley of Hardwick. (report from Chris Buelow)

12/15/02 -- Harvard Pond, Petersham
An evening walk into the boggy backwaters of Harvard Pond turned up a Northern Shrike and a flock of 32 Cedar Waxwings. The Shrike was very far, but my impression was that of an adult. (report from Chris Buelow)

12/14/02 -- Baldwinville/Lake Dennison
Totals from birding Baldwinville,Lake Dennsion and Birch Hill WMA for the Athol CBC on saturday. Though most of the road in Birch Hill WMA were impassible in 2-wheel drive (the snow, places had the constictancey of a giant frozen Margarita). MALLARD DUCK 9; RUFFED GROUSE 1; RINGED-N. PHEASANT 1; GRT. BLK-BACKED GULL 5; HERRING GULL 5; ROCK DOVE (pigeon) 13; MOUNING DOVE 43; BELTED KINGFISHER 1; Downy Woodpecker 6; HAIRY Woodpecker 3; BLUE JAY 25; COMMON RAVEN 1; COMMON CROW 10; BLK-CAPPED CHICKEDEE 60; TUFTED TITMOUSE 3; WHITE BR. NUTHATCH 9; BROWN CREEPER 1; N. MOCKINGBIRD 2; AMERICAN ROBIN 3; GOLDEN CRWN KINGLET 10; CEDAR WAX WING 24; N. SHRIKE 2; EUROPEAN STARLING 85; HOUSE SPARROW 17; NORTHERN CARDINAL 6; HOUSE FINCH 3; AMERICAN GOLDFINCH 4; DARK-EYED JUNCO 37; AM. TREE SPARROW 161; WHT-THR. SPARROW 2; SONG SPARROW 8; Un identified raptor 1 (GH Owl/ Red-tail size) a very quick and incomplete look.
One Shrike was in Baldwinvelle, at the end of Pleasant Street, the other about 3 miles north near Lake Dennsion. Total of 561 individuals was the lowest in the nine years I've done this section, species count of 32 was about average. (report from Tom Pirro).

12/13/02 -- Wachusett Reservoir, West Boylston
Amongst the birds in the South Bay/Gate 22 area of Wachusett Reservoir late this afternoon were: 1 Great Cormorant, 7 Horned Grebes, 8 Mute Swans, 1 White-winged Scoter, 1 adult (Kumlien's) Iceland Gull and 1 second year Iceland Gull. (report from Bart Kamp).

12/13/02 -- Asnebumskit Hill, Paxton
A Red-shouldered Hawk was calling from the hemlock grove near the beaver swamp.
Later at Hadwen Park, Worcester, I watched a female Ruby-crowned Kinglet work the bushes along the river. I saw a large Juvenile Cooper's Hawk, possibly the same one I saw here 10/25/02? There was a singing Carolina Wren. The numbers of ducks and geese were the same as a couple days ago, but no Wood Duck.(report from Brian Mulhearn)

12/11/02 -- Hadwen Park, Worcester
The river that divides Hadwen Park from Notre Dame cemetery is the only open water in this neighborhood and there were 160+ Mallards, 26 American Black Ducks, 4 Hooded Mergansers, 41 Canadian Geese, 1 Male Wood Duck,(1st one in over a month here) a Red-tailed Hawk, and a Winter Wren. I didn't see the Belted Kingfisher that was here a few days ago.
At Leesville Pond, Worcester, The pond was almost completely covered with ice, there were no ducks or geese. The highlight here was a Carolina Wren on a tree trunk calling. There were also a few Song Sparrows and Tree Sparrows.
Off Route 12, Auburn, Up the river past the flood control dam and water diversion tunnel a Carolina Wren perched in a tree and answered another Carolina Wren that was also calling. There were 2 Northern Mockingbirds having a disagreement about a bush full of red berries even though there were lots of other bushes full of red berries in the area. (report from Brian Mulhearn)

12/11/02 -- Rte 117, Lancaster
At 9:00 this morning a very large, mature goshawk sailed over my car as I drove by Bartlett Pond on Rte 117, just east of I-190. Several jays, who looked very small next to this big bird, harassed it until it disappeared into the trees. (report from Andrea Burke).

12/10/02 -- Moose Brook Valley, Hardwick
A post-dusk walk along the length of Brook Road turned up three Great Horned Owls and three Barred Owls, all calling on their own. The Barreds were well-spaced, probably separated each by a mile, but the Great-Horneds were fairly closely clustered and calling in rounds. (report from Chris Buelow)

12/10/02 -- Barrows Rd., Worcester
The three Bluebirds that showed at three p.m. yesterday (12/9) spent the night here. By 6:30 this morning the last of the three flew off. When I returned home this afternoon at three o'clock, I found all three huddled together in the same spot. I assume they intend to grace our yard with their nocturnal presence all winter...I hope. (report from Howard Shainheit).

12/10/02 -- off Salisbury St., near Park Ave, Worcester
Early this morning, the PAIR of Red-tailed Hawks were seen searching for a meal right at the intersection of Park Ave and Salisbury Street. Nearby, the Cooper's Hawk once again spent some hours sitting in the ornamental maple, thereby scaring all other birds. But before she showed up, the Fox Sparrow as well as the typical winter visitors, showed up to feed. (report from Mark Lynch).

12/9/02 -- Wachusett Reservoir, West Boylston
For the last two days the Tufted Duck has been back at its traditional feeding area at the Wachusett Reservoir. This area is in West Boylston, under the high-tension lines, near the Rt. 12 causeway. I hadn't yet had a definitive look at the 70 scaup that it is with, but at least 12 of them are Lesser Scaup. (report from Fran McMenemy).

12/9/02 -- Lake Park, Lake Quinsigamond, Worcester
There were: N. Shoveler 1, C. Goldeneye 13, Hooded Merganser 2, Red Tail Hawk 1. At the Lake ave. pumping station there were: Hooded Merg. 13, Common Merg. 3, A.coot 5 . Behind Fallon clinic there were: Hooded Merg.13, Common Merg. 1, Red Tail Hawk 1. (report from John Shea).

12/9/02 -- Barre Falls Dam, Barre 
> Daily Raptor Counts: Dec 09, 2002
> -------------------------------------------------------------------
>
> Species            Day's Count    Month Total   Season Total
> ------------------ ----------- -------------- --------------
> Turkey Vulture               0              0            235
> Osprey                       0              0             92
> Bald Eagle                   0              0             22
> Northern Harrier             0              0             35
> Sharp-shinned Hawk           2              2            741
> Cooper's Hawk                1              1             68
> Northern Goshawk             0              0             26
> Red-shouldered Hawk          1              1             84
> Broad-winged Hawk            0              0            852
> Red-tailed Hawk              1              1            350
> Rough-legged Hawk            0              0              2
> Golden Eagle                 0              0              5
> American Kestrel             0              0            159
> Merlin                       0              0             28
> Peregrine Falcon             0              0              8
> Unknown                      0              0             26
>
> Total:                       5              5           2733
> ----------------------------------------------------------------------
Observation start time: 09:30:00 > Observation end time: 14:00:00 > Total observation time: 4.5 hours > > Site Coordinator: Barton D. Kamp > > Observers: Barton D. Kamp, Donna Schilling, Tom Carrolan > > Observations: Observed a non-migrating adult Northern Goshawk that was perched in a tree; then it flew and briefly soared. > > Three of the local Ravens were seen. 37 crows were migrating. (report from Bart Kamp).

12/9/02 -- Barrows Rd., off of Salisbury St., Worcester/Holden line
Today I let the cold weather keep me in the house (Barrows Rd., off of Salisbury St. at the Worc./Holden line). My reward for being a wimp was yardbird #43 in our new digs, three brilliantly marked male Bluebirds huddled together on a branch under some malingering oak leaves. I also had a female Red-tail (the bird was huge) sitting and staring my way for fifteen minutes and my first male Hairy here. Also, yesterday (12/8) while showing my wife the beaver constructions at Broad Meadow Brook, I had a Hermit Thrush along the Stretch. And on 12/7 I had a Cooper's by the Dunkirk pumping station. (report from Howard Shainheit).

12/9/02 -- off Salisbury near Park Ave, Worcester
At my feeder area this morning: (1) Red-tailed Hawk: perched in tall tree near area checking out feeders; (1) Sharp-shinned Hawk (1 ad male: this tiny bird came in and dashed madly about chasing all the birds); (1) Fox Sparrow (still: this is the latest I have had one at my feeder); plus the usual MoDos, White-throats, juncos, titmice, chickadees, cardinals, nuthatches, woodpeckers. (report from Mark Lynch).

12/8/02 -- Moose Brook Valley, Hardwick
Birding around Moose Brook had the following highlights of American Black Duck(2), Northern Flicker(1), Pileated Woodpecker(1), Winter Wren(3), Eastern Bluebird(12), and Cedar Waxwing(7). (report from Chris Buelow)

12/8/02 -- Prescott Peninsula, Quabbin Reservoir
It was our good fortune today to join Dave Small (MDC) , Tom Gagnon, Shelley Haight and Bruce Callahan on a tour of the Prescott Peninsula of Quabbin as they did a scouting tour for the Quabbin CBC. This entire area is typically strictly OFF LIMITS (except to MDC, researchers at the Five College Observatory, and the permit-holding hunters during the very strictly controlled and very limited deer hunt) , but Dave was able to obtain the necessary permits, keys etc. Tom, Dave and gang cover this area on the Quabbin CBC. Some generalizations: To make it clear, this is NOT a winter finch "year" by any means. We did not even have a Purple Finch. Red-breasted Nuthatches were scarce. Nor did we find a shrike, though Tom and Dave do get them in places we visited. Waterfowl numbers also seemed low, especially Common Mergansers. The main body of Quabbin has yet to freeze, but ponds, marshes et are well frozen.
COMPLETE LIST: Common Loon (9); Horned Grebe (23); Mallard (9); A. Black Duck (14); C. Goldeneye (2); Hooded Merganser (153); Common Merganser (14); Bald Eagle (1ad+5 imm); Sharp-shinned Hawk (1); Red-tailed Hawk (2); Ring-billed Gull (20); Mourning Dove (2 at the gate to get in, none actually IN the Prescott); Belted Kingfisher (1 bird deep in forest along Egypt Brook along a tiny partially frozen stream.) ; Downy Woodpecker (3); Hairy Woodpecker (1: These two woodpeckers are hard to kick up in deep winter forest); Pileated Woodpecker (1); Blue Jay (59); A. Crow (7); Common Raven (minimally 12: we had 5 at once flying overhead calling); Black-capped Chickadee (62); Tufted Titmouse (5); Red-breasted Nuthatch (5); White-breasted Nuthatch (10); Brown Creeper (2); Winter Wren (1: an amazing bird deep, deep in the forest by a small culvert among a snow covered landscape. These guys are hardy); Golden-crowned Kinglet (29: typical numbers of this species); Eastern Bluebird (7); American Robin (3); Tree Sparrow (22); Song Sparrow (2: uncommon in winter on the Prescott); Dark-eyed Junco (3 at gate); N. Cardinal (3 deep in the Prescott. VERY uncommon here); A. Goldfinch (31); PLUS: (3) White-tailed Deer; tracks of white-footed mice, coyote, fisher, and possibly snowshoe hare. We had one moth and one small flying insect despite the starting temps in the low teens. We also had Witch Hazel still with some blooms on it. An excellent day! (report from Mark Lynch/Sheila Carroll).

12/8/02 -- Wachusett Reservoir, Sterling
Monday thru Friday, the M.D.C. does gull control work in Clinton and Sterling. Over the weekend the gulls reestablish their roost in Sterling. Today there were over a thousand gulls in the Prescott Cove area. Many of then were Herring Gulls, but there were over 80 Great Black-backed Gulls there also. An Iceland Gull was present, but it was probably the same bird that was in West Boylston yesterday. Walking in at Gate 35 in Sterling, to the deepest part of Prescott Cove, I saw the following ducks: Black Duck 25, Mallard 15, Ring-necked Duck 32, Bufflehead 1m., and Hooded Merganser 75. (report from Fran McMenemy).

12/8/02 -- Asnebumskit Hill, Paxton
Late morning at the lookout near the summit under sunny skies there were 5 migrating Red-tailed Hawks, 1 resident Red-tailed Hawk, and a pair of Common Ravens soaring together. (report from Brian Mulhearn)

12/8/02 -- Lake Quinsigamond Park, Worcester
There were C. Goldeneye (8f. 2 m.) ,Hooded Merganser (11f . 2 m), N.SHOVELER (1m.). At the Lake Ave. pumping station there were A.Coot 1, Hooded merganser (7f. 2m.), Ring Neck Duck (3f. 1m.), and Wood duck 1m. (report from John Shea).

12/7/02 -- Baldwinville
Birds seen while scouting for the Athol CBC, in Baldwinville and Birch Hill WMA on saturday morning yielded few hilites among the 24 species seen an/or heard: Mallard Duck 3 (yes a hilite up here); Belted Kingfisher 1; Great Black-backed Gull 3; Herring Gull 2; Common Raven 1; Golden Crn Kinglet 5; Red-breasted Nuthatch 2; White-throated Sparrow 3; Am Tree SParrow ~25-30; Song Sparrow 13; (report from Tom Pirro).

12/7/02 -- Wachusett Reservoir, West Boylston
Today at the Wachusett Reservoir the number of large gulls was two thirds less than yesterday. The Iceland Gull was easily seen in the flock of roosting gulls, but there was no sign of the Lesser Black-backed Gull. The Tufted Duck and the Scaup are still half way between gates 22-25, but the Canvasbacks have moved on. (report from Fran McMenemy).

12/7/02 -- Blackstone National Corridor
We continued our surveys of the Blackstone National Corridor with some areas in the Rhode Island section today:
CUMBERLAND: DIAMOND HILL/ARNOLD'S MILLS RESERVOIRS. Arnold's Mills was almost completely frozen, while Diamond Hill was c. 60% frozen. This is going to be a tough winter inland. Canada Goose (46); Mallard (2); A. Black Duck (2); Hooded Merganser (3); Common Merganser (15); Ruddy Duck (1); N. Flicker (2); PLUS: White-tailed Deer (1);
SNEETCH POND, CUMBERLAND: Canada Goose (1). The pond was 99.99% frozen and this poor goose was in one very small opening off from shore. Injured?
JAMES TURNER RESERVOIR, E. PROVIDENCE: 97+% frozen. As always, folks feeding the waterfowl huge bags of crap. Someone should take the lead in starting a ban on waterfowl feeding in RI, especially here. Mute Swan (2); Canada Goose (28); Mallard (163); Ring-necked Duck (1m, slumming); Red-tailed Hawk (1); A. Coot (21); Belted Kingfisher (1); Fish Crow (2);
10 MILE RIVER, E. PROVIDENCE: Newman Rd. crossing: Wood Duck (2m: this has been a good spot to find this species in mid-winter) Mallard (33); A. Black Duck (4);
SEEKONK RIVER: from India Point to Pawtucket. We spent some time getting as many vantage point as possible and found a really quite a good count of waterfowl here. Sections of the river have begun to at least temporarily freeze. Pied-billed Grebe (1); Great Cormorant (8); Double-crested Cormorant (2); Great Blue Heron (1); Mute Swan (7); Canada Goose (365); Wood Duck (3); Green-winged Teal (2); A. Black Duck (241); Mallard (535); Gadwall (6); A. Wigeon (15); Canvasback (18); Ring-necked Duck (1m); Greater Scaup (21); Lesser Scaup (1); C. Goldeneye (17: no sign of the Barrows); Bufflehead (114); Hooded Merganser (151); Common Merganser (139); Red-breasted Merganser (10); Ruddy Duck (28); Cooper's Hawk (1ad with a full crop: this bird seemed to make a pass at us as it flew by!); Red-tailed Hawk (3); ROUGH-LEGGED HAWK ( light-ph: we wathced this bird off and on for severla hours as it flew, hovered and was mobbed by crows over the landfill area just north of the waste-water treatment facility (Brayton Pt). Great views.); A. Coot (1); Black-headed Gull (1 adW); Bonaparte's Gull (29); (yes, we did count all other gull species at all stops) Belted Kingfisher (1); N. Flicker (1); Fish Crow (minimum: 7); Swamp Sparrow (2); Red-winged Blackbird (2);
PLUS; from India Point: (1) HARBOR SEAL. This is obviously the ONLY spot in the entire Corridor that I could even hope to see this mammal! (report from Mark Lynch/Sheila Carroll).

12/6/02 -- Wachusett Reservoir, West Boylston
New at the Wachusett Reservoir today were, Lesser Black-backed Gull 1 adult, Iceland Gull 1 first winter. These birds were seen by using the Gate 22 entrance, of Rt.140 in West Boylston. After entering the gate, walk until you come to a large stack of logs. Take a left at this point and walk until you come to the West Boylston Water District well house. About a hundred feet beyond the wells you come to a very nice over-look of the reservoir. The 3,000 bird gull roost, plus the Tufted Duck, Greater Scaup, and Canvasbacks were easily seen from this spot this evening. (report from Fran McMenemy).

12/6/02 -- route 122, Paxton
This afternoon there was an immaculately plumaged adult Cooper's Hawk perched roadside, seemingly watching traffic about 1 mile west of Paxton center on route 122. (report from Chris Buelow)

12/5/02 -- Sterling
In this afternoon's light snow, four species of woodpeckers came to my suet feeders: downy , hairy, 1 red-bellied and 1 flicker. Also 4 bluebirds came to feed on bittersweet berries near my back porch; my yard is heavily wooded and not good bluebird habitat ,and I was really surprised and pleased by their appearance. (report from Richard Spedding).

12/5/02 -- Wachusett Reservoir, West Boylston/Sterling
This morning, on the Rt.12-110 side of the Wachusett Reservoir, I saw the following water birds. Common Loon 1, Horned Grebe 2, Red-necked Grebe 1, Mute Swan 3, Mallard 36, Tufted Duck 1(bright white sides), Scaup Species 75, Canvasback 15+ (10 males, 5+ females), Bufflehead 2, Common Goldeneye 33, Hooded Merganser 51, and Common Merganser 9. The Red-necked Grebe was out near Greenhalge Point. in Sterling. It has been in that area for over a month. The Canvasbacks and the Scaup were seen from the high look-out at Gate 27. Gate 27 is across the street from the Wachusett Bait and Tackle Shop on Rt. 12. The birds were at least a mile away, so it was difficult to pick out how many female Canvasbacks were there. (report from Fran McMenemy).

12/4/02 -- Quabbin Reservoir, Gate 43
An otherwise quiet afternoon around the shoreline turned up three Bald Eagles; one adult and two first year. (report from Chris Buelow)

12/4/02 -- Wachusett Reservoir, Sterling
The Waushacum lakes froze over last night. The Tufted Duck and the Scaup have relocated at the Wachusett Reservoir. Today they were located along the Western shore about half way between Gates 22 and 25. The Scaup numbered 110, of which 20 were Lesser Scaup. Other Ducks in the area were: Common Goldeneye 60, Hooded Merganser 18, and Common Merganser 54. The roosting gulls were estimated to be about 3,000, of which 75% were Ring-billed Gulls. There were 60 Great Black-backed Gulls counted. (report from Fran McMenemy).

12/4/02 -- Grafton
This morning at my home in Grafton, a Merlin flew in to the trees by the feeder, quickly scattering the resident Mourning Doves. As best I could tell, it was an adult male. (report from Kim Bacchiocchi).

12/4/02 -- Ware River, Barre
I saw a first-winter Iceland Gull sitting on the ice that covered the Ware River near the landfill in Barre. It was among a group of about one hundred other gulls ( mainly Herring and Great Black-backed). I was able to photograph the Iceland Gull just before they all took off for lunch at the landfill. (report and photo by Bob Ricci).

12/3/02 -- off Salisbury Street (near Park Ave), Worcester
Our annual winter visitor, the Cooper's Hawk has returned in the last few days. But the Rock Doves on which she was so fond of feeding have not, probably because most of them were eaten. Today the hawk perched in the small ornamental maple, her favorite perch spot, from 7AM till at least 3PM when I left the house and did not come back till after dark. As the afternoon wore on, birds like cardinals began to show up and even 4 Mourning Doves perched a mere 7 feet away at eye level on a phone line, but (at least until I left) she showed no interest. Perhaps she was simply digesting a big meal caught at dawn. A single Fox Sparrow also continues at the feeder. (report from Mark Lynch).

12/2/02 -- Hadwen Park, Worcester
There were 112 Mallards, 14 American Black Ducks, 10 Hooded Mergansers, 1 Belted Kingfisher, 1 Downey Woodpecker, 5 Tufted Titmouse, 3 Black-capped Chickadees. 2 White-breasted Nuthatch, 30 Crows, 7 Goldfinch, 3 Song Sparrows, 7 Mourning Doves, 17 Juncos,and 4 Blue-jays. (report from Brian Mulhearn)

12/2/02 -- Flint pond, Shrewsbury
There were 15 Hooded Mergs ,3f Common Golden eye , 1 G.B. Heron. Also on Lake Quinsigamond: 1 Ring Neck Duck. (report from John Shea).

12/1/02 -- Brookfield ponds
A pre-CBC survey of 4 of the most important Brookfield ponds had the following:
LAKE LASHAWAY, BROOKFIELD (25% frozen): Canada Goose (66); Mallard (23); Gadwall (1); Hooded Merganser (17); Common Merganser (28); Ring-billed Gull (12); Belted Kingfisher (1);
LAKE WICKABOAG, WEST BROOKFIELD: 85% frozen. This lake was more ice-covered by far than I have ever seen it by the CBC: still 2 weeks away! Canada Goose (39); Mallard (3); Hooded Merganser (21: in feeder stream); Common Merganser (2); Ring-billed Gull (15); Herring Gull (10); Great Black-backed Gull (16); Eastern Bluebird (5); Carolina Wren (1);
LAKE QUABOAG, BROOKFIELD: Edges frozen with slush ice, but very choppy. Mute Swan (2); Canada Goose (1); Hooded Merganser (4); Common Merganser (1); Ring-billed Gull (1); Great Black-backed Gull 91);
LAKE QUACUMQUASIT/SOUTH POND: 100% open Mallard (171); Common Merganser (5). (report from Mark Lynch/Sheila Carroll).

For previous sightings, see November 2002 Archives or Archive Index