February 2000 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.

2/29/00 -- Wachusett Meadows Wildlife Sanctuary, Princeton

Yesterday sometime during the PM the first red-wings arrived at the Meadow, 6 in all. Today it sounds like spring , at least 3 dozen are in and around the wetland, probably many more. Sorry to say at least one cowbird whistle amongst the lot. In addition we heard the first song of the MODO's yesterday and the cardinal was singing this AM. Pine siskins, redpolls & purple finches continue at the feeders. Early AM is best. Good chance to hear the contrasting songs of the pine siskins and the goldfinches. (report from Peg & Dick Knowlton).

2/29/00 -- Park/Salisbury area, Worcester

An adult Sharp-Shinned Hawk is hanging around my yard waiting to pick off a chickadee or two. (report from Mark Lynch).

2/28/00 -- River Road, West Boylston

On 2/27, Fran McMenemy, Joan Zumpfe and Brad Blodget saw two first year Glaucous Gulls in the late afternoon in the water opposite River Road in West Boylston. I spent from 4:00-6:00 pm there this afternoon. Amongst the gulls was a first year Iceland Gull. The ducks included 9 Hooded Mergansers, 6 Ring-necked Ducks, 4 Common Goldeneyes, Blacks, Mallards and only 13 Common Mergansers. The mix of gulls and ducks changes daily and the amount of open water continues to grow. (report from Bart Kamp).

2/28/00 -- downtown Worcester

One of the Peregrine Falcons was seen perched on top of the "K" in Flagship Bank on the common side for a good while (on and off for about an hour) on Friday, the 25th around 1:00 p.m. Today (Monday the 28th) a coworker and I watched as one of the falcons sat at the corner of the Flagship Bank Building for quite a while (the corner closest to the Mechanics Building, but farthest from Front Street, on the Outlet side). All of a sudden the second falcon swooped by and flew in a circle above the sitting bird, which was watching as the flying bird swooped past again and again at least five times, and then the sitting bird joined in and they both flew off doing a couple of "loops" and then off into the horizon (southward) when we lost sight of them, a great show! (report from Jo-Ann Ferrie).

2/27/00 -- Douglas

In a small farm field in Douglas this morning there was Eastern Bluebird (8); Pine Siskin (4) and Red-Winged Blackbird (30+). Birding in general this morning in the dense fog was extremely slow. (report from Mark Lynch/Sheila Carroll).

2/27/00 -- Bolton Flats, Bolton

Birds seen in the late afternoon and early evening at Bolton Flats: Canada Goose (169); Wood Duck (7); Mallard (135); A. Black Duck (35); Hooded Merganser (1m); Red-Tailed Hawk (3); Killdeer (2); A. Woodcock (7); A. Robin (18); N. Shrike (2 ad.); A. Tree Sparrow (10); Red-Winged Blackbird (295); C. Grackle (120+); Rusty Blakcbird (8: great views). Also seen: E. Cottontail and Red Fox. (report from Mark Lynch/Sheila Carroll).

2/27/00 -- Yard owls, city of Worcester

When we got out of our car at home at noon today, we heard the crows fiercely mobbing some poor bird across the street in a large pine. Thinking it was either the Red-Tailed hawk that hunts ocassionally on our street, or perhaps one of the wintering Cooper's Hawks that have successfully reduced my RoDo population, I took my time getting my binos on it. I was not a little surprised to find it to be a Great Horned Owl, a species we have never had in this area of the city of Worcester at all. The bird sat there all afternoon, despite the fact that small vocal and persistant bands of crows would visit every 10 minutes. Often they would perch on a branch just above the owl's head, lean over and "caw" loudly right in the owl's face or constantly fly right at the owl, veering off at the last possible moment. A real treat was being able to watch the owl from our living room. We left the owl there at 4:00 PM on our way to Bolton Flats. When we got home in the dark, as we got out of the car, an Eastern Screech Owl was calling continuously and loudly from our back yard. Getting 2 species of owls in one day is not bad for a small yard in a big city. (report from Mark Lynch/Sheila Carroll).

2/26/00 -- Wachusett Meadows Wildlife Sanctuary, Princeton

Around 8:00 AM I tried Dick & Peg Knowlton's feeders by their house. Dick & Peg came out and joined me after a few moments. Besides the usual species we saw 1 Redpoll, 5 Pine Siskins, 5 Purple Finches and 2 Brown Creepers. Dick & Peg say the birds are pretty regular, so it would be worth a trip if anyone hasn't seen some of these this winter. (report from Peter Morlock).

2/26/00 -- Pond survey, city of Worcester

Despite the fact that most of the ponds in the city were still mostly frozen, we got the following totals surveying all ponds in and contiguous with the city of Worcester: Great Blue Heron (1); Mute Swan (pair); Canada Goose (8); Wood Duck (2m); Green-Winged Teal (5m+1f); Mallard (336); A. Black Duck (17); Ring-Necked Duck (3m); Hooded Merganser (19); Common Merganser (22); Red-Tailed Hawk (1); A. Coot (15); Killdeer (3 at Hope Cemetary); Ring-Billed Gull (154); Herring Gull (41); A. Robin (59); A. Tree Sparrow (4); Song Sparrow (2); White-Throated Sparrow (10); Dark-Eyed Junco (8); Snow Bunting (2); Red-Winged Blackbird (23 males on territory). In the small open breaks on ponds, Muskrats are out and about, some sitting on ice. (report from Mark Lynch/Sheila Carroll).

2/26/00 -- Hodges Village , Oxford

Highlights of a quick morning trip at Hodges today had 3 singing Red-winged Blackbird males, a pair of Wood Duck and a Purple Finch. Also in the marsh just above the main dam I easily counted 60 American Black Duck and 40 Mallard along with a pair of Common Merganser, and a sole Greater Black-backed Gull. (report from Paul Meleski).

2/24/00 -- River Road, West Boylston

I spent from 3:00-5:45 pm watching the gulls at River Road in West Boylston today. Amongst the gulls was an adult Kumlien's form Iceland Gull in winter plumage. Fran McMenemy told me that he had a first year Iceland Gull here yesterday. There were more than 75 Ring-billed Gulls, more than 150 Great Black-backed Gulls and more than 450 Herring Gulls. The ducks were Ring-necks, Hooded and Common Mergansers, Blacks and Mallards. While watching the gulls, 2 Turkey Vultures and a flock of 29 Grackles flew over. (report from Bart Kamp).

2/23/00 -- Hardwick/New Braintree

An interesting assortment of birds was found this afternoon at Pine Island in Hardwick, including: 7 Red Crossbills, a juvenile Northern Shrike, 30 Common Redpolls, an adult Bald Eagle high overhead, 1 Turkey Vulture, 1 Killdeer and 1 Song Sparrow. Later, a stop at Winimusett WMA in New Braintree turned up 2 Killdeer, a juvenile Northren Shrike, 6 Eastern Bluebirds and 45 Cedar Waxwings. (report from Chris Buelow)

2/23/00 -- Royalston center

The flock of Bohemian Waxwings is still hanging around the town center in Royalston. This morning from 7:30-8:00 am I watched 50+ of these birds as they moved around in the fruit trees on the opposite side of the road from the library. Mixed in the flock there were also 2 male Evening Grosbeaks. (report from Rick Quimby).

2/23/00 -- River Road, Wachusett Reservoir, West Boylston

A search through the approx 120 gulls present at 9:30 this morning did not turn up any white winged gulls. Ducks present included 4 Ring-necked Ducks (2m, 2f) , 2 Common Goldeneye (both m), and 1 Common Merganser (f). A walk down the side trail off River Road yielded two Ruffed Grouse, and a nice surprise: a Barred Owl flew to the branch of a pine tree while I stood there, and proceeded to sleep right in front of me. It continued to sleep on this branch, only 25 feet from the trail, as I left it and returned to the road. (report from Rick Quimby).

2/22/00 -- downtown Worcester

Arriving at work (Union Music) on Tuesday, a co-worker told me about a large hawk-like bird that had flown out from under the loading dock when he arrived around 9:30am. The loading dock backs up to the Greyhound Bus Station and Worcester Center Blvd. Checking under the dock I found a partially eaten Rock Dove and some large claw prints in the snow. A quick scan yielded a Peregrine sitting in one of the trees along Worcester Center Blvd. We stared at each other for awhile. The next morning only the feathers remained. (report from Carl Kamp).

2/22/00 -- Wachuset Reservoir, WEst Boylston

Sheila and I counted gulls at the River Road end of the reservoir again this evening, leaving the area at about 5:40 PM. Still no "whitewinged" gulls or anything unusual, but the cast keeps changing. A. Black Duck (1); Common Goldeneye (1m); Hooded Merganser (3f); Common Merganser (35); Ring-Billed Gull (55); Herring Gull (602); Great Black Backed Gull (99). (report from Mark Lynch/Sheila Carroll).

2/22/00 --downtown Worcester

At 7:00 AM, the pair of Peregrine Falcons were seen on adjacent corners of the east side of the Mechanics Bank building as usual. We also saw them there on 2/21, but did not have time to study them. (report from Sheila Carroll).

2/21/00 -- Downtown Worcester

This afternoon, Fran McMenemy and I watched the pair of Peregrine Falcons for over 2 1/2 hours. For awhile, they were apart. One on the 'M' bldg. and the other on the phone co. tower. We not only rode around the Chestnut Street area, but watched from the library parking lot, the Yellow garage, the Blue garage and finally the roof of the Red garage. It was quite an odyssey.

The pair rested for quite a while on the letters of the Flagship Bank facing the Outlet. The female was on the 'G' and the male on the 'H' with only an 'S' in between them. Fran started telling me how he read that they often scream when flying. A short while later I noticed that the female opened her mouth as if she were mumbling, then suddenly the 2 of them started screaming and flew off toward the library. They both chased a pair of Red-tailed Hawks from there. It was quite a surprise and exciting. It's interesting to see that they're working together. After that we only saw one of them perched on the east corner of the Flagship bank. Later on, the female perched on the 'B'. The Red garage's roof is a good vantage point. We could see the Phone co. towers and the east, west and south corners of both bank buildings.

Grant Maley and 2 friends spotted us from the road and came up there. He reported that he had seen a 3rd Peregrine the afternoon before. He said it was a male and that the pair had chased it away. (report from Joan Zumpfe).

2/21/00 -- Royalston center

Peg & I deviated from our usual sanctuary routine this AM and journeyed to Royalston hoping to see some bohemian waxwings. It's a great show. We counted approximately 140 in the large hardwoods across from the library and the low early morning sun seemed to enhance their colors even more. ONE IMPORTANT NOTE. As we were scoping from in front of the library a car stopped and asked us to please not trespass. Apparently there has been some lack of respect for private property. Enough said. (report from Peg & Dick).

2/21/00 -- Royalston center

There were 100+ Bohemian Waxwings still at the common around 10:30 am, along with 1 Evening Grosbeak and 1 Northern Shrike. (report from Howard Shainheit).

2/21/00 -- Sterling/Oakdale

In Oakdale (northern W. Boylston), there were 3 ring necked ducks, and 3 common mergansers. At Wilder Brook, Sterling, there was one kingfisher (such a small brook; he must be highly skilled to catch any lifeforms out of that tiny half frozen brook this time of year). At Rowley Hill, Sterling, there were 6 turkeys, 1 sharpshin hawk watching my feeder, and one coyote very close to my house. (report from Richard Spedding).

2/21/00 -- Hardwick/NewBraintree

This afternoon in Hardwick I had two Northern Shrike, 30 Common Redpolls and 15 American Robins. One Shrike was the adult that showed up this weekend and the second was an immature seen for the first time this winter in Pine Island. Later, while driving through New Braintree, I spotted another adult Shrike at the edge of Winimusett and a flock of 8 Eastern Bluebirds by the state police barracks. (report from Chris Buelow)

2/21/00 -- Central mass here and there

Monday morning I started at River Road (West Boylston) to look for the recently reported Glaucous Gull , but was NOT successful. Present were several Herring and GBB Gulls , 3 Ring-necked Ducks and 3 Com. Mergs.
At Sawmill pond in Fitchburg was a flock of ~200 Herring and GBB Gulls tightly sitting far out on the ice.
Norcross Hill in templeton there was 1 N. Goshawk , 12 Evening Grosbeaks and a dozenish Snow Buntings. Many Turkey tracks but I saw no actual birds.
Last evening 2 Barred Owls were calling from deep in the woods off Kelton Street in Gardner. (report from Tom Pirro).

2/21/00 -- Blackstone River

Sheila and I decided to follow the Massachusetts section of the Blackstone River, from the border of Rhode Island in the town of Blackstone to near Holy Cross College in the city of Worcester. We sought out every river crossing we could find, and hiked a little bit when we came to areas like River Bend Farm in Uxbridge. Though the river was still frozen in parts and in other areas was flowing very rapidly, we still got a decent count of waterfowl for a small river in mid-winter in Worcester County. We also counted all other birds seen along the immediate area of the river. It was a rather enjoyable trip through the classic mill towns of south county and it was interesting to see the remnants of the famous canal system and the mill dams and bridges that dotted its shores.
Birds seen: Great Blue Heron (1); Canada Goose (106); Wood Duck (pair); Green-Winged Teal (2m); Mallard (588); A. Black Duck (77); N. Pintail (4f+2m); Greater Scaup (1m); Ring-Necked Duck (7); Hooded Merganser (5); Common Merganser (82); Turkey Vulture (1); Red-Tailed Hawk (9); Ring-Billed Gull (15); Herring Gull (26); Great Black Backed Gull (8); Red-Bellied Woodpecker (2); Downy Woodpecker (13); Hairy Woodpecker (2); N. Flicker (2); Blue Jay (56); American Crow (631); Fish Crow (1); Black-Capped Chickadee (73); Tufted Titmouse (38); White-Breasted Nuthatch (16); Carolina Wren (4); Winter Wren (1); E. Bluebird (2); A. Robin (73); Cedar Waxwing (12); N. Mockingbird (8); N. Cardinal (12); A. Tree Sparrow (4); Song Sparrow (14); Swamp Sparrow (1); White-Throated Sparrow (4); Dark-Eyed Junco (21); Red-Winged Blackbird (3); Purple Finch (1); House Finch (35). (report from Mark Lynch/Sheila Carroll).

2/20/00 -- Wachusett Meadows Wildlife Sanctuary, Princeton

In addition to the usual feeder types (chickadees,titmice,etc), there were 11 redpolls, 5 pine siskins, 30 robins (approx), 12 cedar waxwings, and 9 purple finches. A note of interest: Fran McMenemy and Joan Zumpfe stopped by this PM and we described the unusually large hairy woodpeckers that have been frequenting our feeder. Fran told us of a larger and whiter race of hairy which resides to the north of us and does occasionally migrate south. This apparently is what we have here from time to time. They are indeed very large( we have a pair). If you are in the neighborhood, stop by and check them out. They are regular at the feeders in front of the caretaker house as are the redpolls, siskins etc. (report from Dick & Peg Knowlton)

2/20/00 -- Wachuset Reservoir, West Boylston

A good group of birders assembled at the River Road end of Wachuset Reservoir to count gulls: Fran McMenemy, Joan Zumpfe, Peg Knowlton, Dick Knowlton, Eric Samela, Brad Blodget and us. We literally counted the gulls and ducks as they came in to this small patch of open water to drink, bathe and roost for the night. We stayed till 5:45 Pm, when it was getting quite dark. Unfortunately no "white-winged" of Lesser Black-Backed Gulls showed up, but birders are encouraged to try this area out as the cast of gulls changes often: TOTALS: Canada Goose (14); Mallard (24); A. Black Duck (15); Common Merganser (37); Ring-Billed Gull (4); Herring Gull (486); Great Black-Backed Gull (83). (report from Mark Lynch/Sheila Carroll).

2/19/00 -- Hardwick

While driving through Hardwick this afternoon I came across 6 Common Redpolls at a feeder and an adult Northern Shrike teed up in a pasture. This is the first Shrike that I have spotted in this part of town this winter. (report from Chris Buelow)

2/19/00 -- Salisbury/Park area, Worcester

IN the area around my yard and street this afternoon was the American Crow roost of about 600+ birds. Earlier they attempted to roost atop Bancroft Tower Hill, but something drove them down to the intersection of Rutland Terrace and Salisbury St. Also going to roost in the evergreens in the vicinity of my yard: 300+ American Robins. (report from Mark Lynch).

2/19/00 -- Backyard (near Salisbury/Park), city of Worcester

An immature Cooper's Hawk sat in our backyard for some time this morning while it snowed. At one point, it perched over the rhododendron hedge, very attentive to the several small birds hiding therein. It then flew awkwardly into the dense hedge in an attempt to flush the birds out, much in the way I have seen Northern Shrikes do. The English Sparrows and chickadees would not leave cover and stayed well within the hedge, but flew to another part of the hedge and froze in place. Eventually some crows came and the Coop moved a bit dimishing collection of regulars. This is probably the same bird that Rick has reported from Salisbury Pond and that has been seen near the Art Museum. (report from Mark Lynch).

2/18/00 -- Rowley Hill, Sterling

A field sparrow returned to my feeder during today's snow, after an absence of a couple weeks; also seen on the hill were 6 wild turkeys, 4 golden crowned kinglets, 2 red breasted nuthatch, many goldfinch, a song sparrow, tree sparrows and juncos. (report from Richard Spedding).

2/15/00 -- Downtown Worcester

This morning at 8:00 a.m. I saw the peregrine falcon (I think it was the female) sitting on the top of the Flagship Bank Building at the corner that is closest to the BankBoston (Mechanics) Tower, the corner away from Front Street, on the Outlet side. The falcon was there again at 1:15 p.m. when I looked out and has been there all afternoon, it is there now as I write this at 5:05 p.m. I have seen only the one bird. The bird sits on the ledge and faces in towards the roof. I did not see it feeding at all. (report from Jo-Ann Ferrie).

2/15/00 -- River Road, West Boylston

I went to River Road in West Boylston to check the gulls today. There were upwards of 500 gulls. They continued to arrive as late as 6:00 PM when I left. Included amongst them was a third year Lesser Black-backed Gull and a snow white first year Glaucous Gull. (report from Bart Kamp).

2/15/00 -- Institute Park, Worcester

Birds at the park today included 3 Hooded Mergansers, 11 Common Mergansers, 1 imm Cooper's Hawk, and 2 adult Red-tailed Hawks squabbling over a gray squirrel on the branch of a pine tree. (report from Rick Quimby).

2/13/00 -- Northbridge; West Boylston

On Sunday I went to where the birds are. My first stop was the Northbridge filter beds where I found the following; Mallard 20, Black Duck 25, Pintail 3 pairs, Wood Duck 2 males, Sharp-shinned Hawk 1, Red-tailed Hawk 1, Ring-billed Gull 2, Mourning Dove 4, Downy 1, Blue Jay 2, Crows 3, WB Nuthatch 2, Winter Wren 1, Carolina Wren 1, Robin 200+, Bluebird 3 bright blue males, Cedar Waxwing 1, Redwinged Blackbird 1, Cardinal 1, House Finch 1, Song Sparrow 4.
My second stop was at River Road in West Boylston where gulls and ducks have been roosting between the road and the railroad tracks. There were over 200 gulls. They came in from the north to west; probably many were from the Barre landfill. About 40% of the gulls were Great Black-backed, 40% Herring and 20% Ring-billed. There was one adult Lesser Black-backed Gull. I haven't seen any white-winged gulls yet there but it is a good place for one. There were the the following ducks: Mallard 10-15, Black Duck 20-25, Ring-necked Duck 3, Common Goldeneye 1, Common Merganser 50 (most of which came in in small groups around sunset). (report from Bart Kamp).

2/13/00 -- Barre Falls Dam, Barre

Birding along the only open road in the Barre Falls Dam area (Coldbrook Road), we had the following: Barred Owl (1 :see below); Hairy Woodpecker (1); A. Crow (2); Common Raven (2 nest building); Blue Jay (6); Black Capped Chickadee (32); Golden Crowned Kinglet (2); Evening Grosbeak (18). The Barred Owl was out and sunning itself. We had pulled the car off the road, and when we got out, there was the owl sitting low in a deciduous sapling not 10 feet away sleeping in the sun. It did not fly, but checked us out and went back to sleep. I hope it was OK. I really did not want to disturb the bird, so after admiring it for some time, we left it there. The Ravens really put on a show, carrying sticks under the bridge and doing a stunning vocal repetroire of clucks and croaks that echoed in an amazing way from under the bridge. The Evening Grosbeaks were all flitting about at mid height among the boughs of the hemlocks in the area where they are usually found. They looked like some of them were starting to think about nesting. (report from Mark Lynch).

2/13/00 -- Downtown Worcester

From 1:30 till 1:50, we watched both Peregrines closely perched on adjacent corners of the Mechanics Bank Building, eastern side (the side that faces the Centrum). We watched from the open air level of the Yellow Parking Garage (fee=$1.00 for first hour). We walked up the stairs to get there from the uppermost level where you can park the cars. Note Bene: the door to the roof parking area locks behind you, but you can easily walk down the driving ramp to the next parking level. It is a bit snowy and a little icy, but not much. The views you get from here when the birds are on this side of the building are VERY good and worth the buck. The entire time they simply, but majestically, sat there and sometimes preened. Thye really are stunning birds.

Also, at the Worcester Art Museum, I got a call from some of the people in the Education Department that a large hawk had killed a pigeon and sat in the interior courtyard for some time (1 hr+) devouring the bird. The people at the museum first ID'd the bird as a Peregrine Falcon (they have heard me talk about the birds downtown). It was defintely NOT a Red-Tailed Hawk, which the museum staff has also seen and photographed eating birds in the courtyard. Under close cross examination, it sounded like the raptor was very likely the adult COOPER'S HAWK which has been dining on RoDos all over this part of the city. (report from Mark Lynch).

2/13/00 -- High Ridge WMA, Westminster/Gardner

Hilites from a walk into High Ridge WMA from the prison entrance yesterday morning (2-13) follow: Pileated Woodpecker 1; E. Bluebird 3; Am. Robin 5; E. Grosbeak 2. The Pileated flew directly over head , close enough to hear its wings passing through the air. The E. grosbeaks were feeding on some crab apples near the hunter saftey headquarters. Tufted Titmouse , BC Chichadee and Cardinals were making their spring songs and Downy Woodpeckers where "machine-gunning" from many directions.
Near Lake Wampanoag in Gardner an Evening Grosbeak(s) was calling from high over head , 3 Red-breasted Nuthatches , 4 Brown Creepers and ~40 A. Robins were noted. (report from Tom Pirro).

2/13/00 -- Royalston center

Royalston center continues to host a flock of Bohemian Waxwings. Among birds also counted in Royalston: A. Black Duck (3); Red-Tailed Hawk (1); Pileated Woodpecker (1); Northern Shrike (1ad); Blue Jay (55); Black-Capped Chickadee (40); Tufted Titmouse (7); BOHEMIAN WAXWINGS (c.50); Cedar Waxwing (8); PINE GROSBEAK (4); Evening Grosbeak (39). As usual, the Bohs were SOMETIMES visible from the town commons, across from the library. Often though, they were perched, feeding, far down behind the first line of crab apple trees and birders had to wait till (eventually) the flock would fly over or perch up for good views. The Pine Grosbeaks were seen near the Athol border, perched in a tree, but somewhat briefly, before they flew directly north. Birders who arrived early this AM were treated to bracing -3 degree temps. (report from Mark Lynch/Sheila Carroll).

2/12/00 -- Royalston Center

The approx 50 Bohemian Waxwings continue in Royalston Center. Had outstanding views of the birds as they flew from the center and put down west of the library in a swamp right next to the road. The birds were passing berries between each other, and the birds were very close as they came in for a drink at a seep in the swamp. Also this morning in Royalston Center there were 5-6 Evening Grosbeaks. In Oxford, I counted 18 Turkey Vultures flying low just west of Oxford center on Charlton Rd. (report from Paul Meleski).

2/12/00 -- Meadow Street, North Hadley

The Spotted Towhee on Meadow Street in North Hadley was seen well this morning. It was feeding among a group of juncos, White-Throats and Tree Sparrows in a small bare patch (with seed) at the far end of the corn field that is behind the old barn. Just follow the well worn path in the snow. Though it was feeding with the other sparrows, it was by no means hanging with them, and would leave and come back very much on its own. An adult Bald Eagle flew low over our heads while we were watching the towhee, headed towards the river and was joined by another. Other birds seen in Hadley included Red-Tailed Hawk (3), Sharp-Shinned Hawk (1 imm) and Northern Shrike. A truly handsome Red Fox was spotted in the Honeypot searching for meadow mice in the snow.
In Northampton, joined by Tom Gagnon, we had a Lesser Black Backed Gull (2ndW+) among the very few gulls (mostly Great Black Backs and some Herrings) on the river. Mute Swan (3 in flight); Cooper's Hawk (1); Horned Lark (14) and Snow Bunting (15) in the east meadows past La Fleur Airport.
At Arcadia MAS, the Oregon Junco continues at the feeder, where there were also Tree Sparrows and (2) Common Redpolls. (report from Mark Lynch).

2/12/00 -- Plantation St., Worcester

A Cooper's Hawk (probable female) was seen well at 4:30 pm on the fire station near the intersection of Plantation and Franklin Streets. It had bands on both legs -- silver band on one and darker band on the other. (report from Eddie Banks).

2/11/00 -- Petersham

While driving this morning I came across 50 Evening Grosbeaks around a feeder on 122 east, just past the intersection of 122 & 32. (report from Chris Buelow)

2/9/00 -- Downtown Worcester

This morning at 8:05 I saw both birds feeding on top of the Flagship Bank building. I watched the birds for about ten minutes from above them, my office being on the 16th floor, they were on the ledge closest to our building (BankBoston Building, formerly Mechanics Tower). The female had hold of what looked like a Rock Dove and was looking quite posessive of it, while the male was trying to get some of it away from her. He succeeded with a few entrails and after eating that, waited patiently while she continued to feed. He would hop around her from one ledge to another while she fed and seemed to keep an eye on him. Finally, he tried to steal some more away from her and she picked it up and flew away around the east side of this building, the male sat on the ledge for a few seconds and then followed her. (report from Jo-Ann Ferrie).

2/8/00 -- Downtown Worcester Peregrines

Bill Davis and Tom French of the State Fish and Wildlife Dept. are VERY interested in keeping informed about the falcons behavior ect. Tom may try to put up another nesting box. Bill Davis of MA Fish and Wildlife has also requested birders to see if the Peregrines have LEG BANDS (alpha-numeric or color-banded). Please post all sightings to this web site promptly, with times, details of behavior, and places where the birds could be seen from. (report from Mark Lynch).
[ed. note: Your help is appreciated in documenting this exciting avian event!]

2/6/00 -- Wachusett Meadow Sanctuary, Princeton

Some high points this weekend at the Meadow included the return of the northern shrike on Sunday, seen in the field next to the cottage(we watched it as we ate our oatmeal), 2 redpolls, 2 brown creepers, 1 pine siskin, 5 purple finches(all female), 1 pileated woodpecker( a female seen by Peg as it prepared a cavity in a dead tree in the swamp), 9 cedar waxwings, 4 ruffed grouse, many (50 -100) robins, all the usual feeder types and 1 long-tailed weasle which gave our small Sat AM bird group a daytime showing. (report from Peg & Dick Knowlton).

2/6/00 -- North central Mass

Highlights from birding in and around North Central Mass (Worcster County) yesterday:
Templeton: Northern Shrike 1; Evening Grosbeak (no count, heard a few calling far off);
Petersham : Wild turkey 12
Royalston Center: Ring-Necked Pheasant 3; Bald Eagle 1 waaaayyy out in flight; Raven 1 Harrassing the Eagle; N. Shrike 1; Bohemian Waxwing ~12
Barre: C. Redpoll 25 off Spring Hill Road
Otter River Gardner: Black Duck 24; Mallard 11; Common Pintail 1 Drake; While pumping gas first thing in the morning 5 Common Mergansers flew past.

Also, on 2-5-00 in Royalston: Bohemian Waxwing 50 +/- (Geoff LeBaron and I had stunning views at eye level and lower from about 20'.)
Templeton: Snow Bunting ~60 Norcross Hill Road. (report from Tom Pirro).

2/6/00 -- Royalston Center ; Ware River, Barre; Worcester Airport

First thing this morning at Royalston Commons in the vicinity of the library: American Robin (10); Cedar Waxwing (2); BOHEMIAN WAXWING (49-51; I counted 49, Sheila counted 51); Northern Shrike (1 imm.); Purple Finch (1); Evening Grosbeak (5). Also, lots of Blue Jays everywhere we went. When we first arrived we heard and saw the waxwings in a tree in a field adjacent to the library, and got them in the scope. Later, they flew over the road and perched in some trees in the more traditional area. They then flew down into the back of the fields and well out of sight. You would never know they were there. By driving a short distance down Rt. 68, you will get a view of these back fields , and, indeed, we got further views of the waxwings from this area. Hint: listen for the distinctive call, harsher and shriller than a Cedar Waxwing. This flock was found yesterday and seen by a good group of birders. Fran McMenemy and Joan Zumpfe had also seen the Bohemians, much later in the morning. They only had a flock of 10, and said that the BBC trip had been there for some time (almost 2 hours) before they got a glimpse at the birds. As mentioned, when these birds are feeding in the back of the fields, they are well out of sight. Also, apparently the one big flock that was seen Saturday and Sunday early, had broken up into smaller groups.

Later, we drove the backroads of Petersham and Hardwick with only the typical birds, but no grosbeaks or even turkeys. Lots of wind and blowing snow. HOWEVER, along the Rt. 122/Ware River area in Barre, across form the landfill, we came across a movement of gulls. These gulls, in groups of 50+, seemed to be passing south and west down the Ware River, pausing at the dump, perching on the ice for a short while (the wind was fiercely blowing snow over the ice, so it was not a great place to rest) then continuing down the Ware River. By carefully checking out the gulls as they landed we had among the Herring, Great Black Backs and Ring-Billeds: Iceland Gull (1 adW); Lesser Black-Backed Gull (1 adW). None of the gulls stayed long and moved off. My guess is that gulls from the Connecticut River periodically wander up the Chicopee and Ware Rivers to find food, and then wander back to the Connecticut River.

WORCESTER AIRPORT: A. Robin (100+); Horned Lark (2). Also, we watched an immature Sharp-Shinned Hawk nail a junco among the robins. (report from Mark Lynch/Sheila Carroll).

2/6/00 -- Downtown Worcester

At 11:15 AM the pair of Peregrine Falcons were seen sunning themselves on the Flagship Bank building. They were observed from the parking lot at the corner of Franklin St. and Worcester Central Blvd. The smaller [male] Peregrine was perched on the blue flag and the larger [female] was perched on the G of the Flagship Sign.We watched them for about 15 minutes.They were sheltered from the wind and were in bright sunlight.Two Red-tailed Hawks were the only other raptors seen. (report from Dan, Debbie,and Danny Berard).

2/6/00 -- Downtown Worcester

From 3:00 till 4:15PM Sheila and I watched one Peregrine. It was perched: atop city hall, on the western corner of the Mechanics Bank building (seen from the Salem Street lot) and in the recessed windows of the south side of the same building. We left the bird there with Fran McMenemy and Joan Zumpfe still watching it at 4:15. A check from other vantage points, including the phone building, did not turn up the other bird. Also seen downtown: Sharp-Shinned Hawk (1 imm); Red-Tailed Hawk (3); American Crows (hundreds going to roost). BTW: by pulling up in front of Union Station, you get a great view of the south side of the Mechanics Bank building. (report from Mark Lynch/Sheila Carroll).

2/5/00 -- Westville Dam, Southbridge/Sturbridge

6 to 7 Eastern Bluebirds were seen at the dog path along the Quinebaug River just in front of the Westville Dam (Sturbridge side). Also in Charlton, a Cooper's hawk killed and feasted on a Junco right beside my house. Result was a quiet day at my birdfeeders. (report from Joe Fay).

2/5/00 -- City of Worcester

TATNUCK BROOK: Mallard (146). This crowd of Mallards stay in this veritable trickle of a brook subsisting on handouts only.
WORCESTER AIRPORT: Cooper's Hawk (1ad); Horned Lark (7 in the parking area); American Robin (139); Cedar Waxwing (30)
NOTRE DAME CEMETARY: Mallard (88); A. Black Duck (14); Red-Tailed Hawk (1); A. Tree Sparrow (5)
DOWNTOWN: Cooper's Hawk (1ad.); Red-Tailed Hawk (3); PEREGRINE FALCON (pair: see below)
LAKE QUINSIGAMOND: Mallard (453); A. Black Duck (2); Ring-Necked Duck (1m; across from Fallon); Common Goldeneye (1f: across from Fallon); Cooper's Hawk (1ad); A. Coot (11);
FLINT POND: Mute Swan (2); Canada Goose (2); Mallard (4); A. Black Duck (2); Common Merganser (1); PLUS: a fine view of a very large MINK.
NOTE BENE: there were 400+ gulls gathered at Lake Quinsigamond (across from Maronis Park, often disturbed by snow mobiles) and Flint Pond. Despite good views and a lot of checking, we could find nothing other than the typical gulls.
SALISBURY POND: Common Merganser (9).

RE:THE FALCONS: We first arrived at the Salem Street lot shortly after noon and could see no falcons despite an extended check. By 2:00 Pm, we sighted one bird from the Fairway Beef parking lot. This overlooked the side of the Mechanics Bank that faces Rt. 290. It was perched on the rightmost recessed (upper) window ledge on the left side, and therefore difficult to spot. We then headed back to the Salem Street lot, where, because of the angle, we could still NOT see the bird. However, the bird soon flew out and made a spectacular light behind the Mechanics Bank building, over past city hall, back to the bank building and then dove behind it and out of site. We then found the bird peched atop the Mechanics Bank Building on the side facing the Centrum. We went to the top level of the YELLOW parking garage between the Centrum and the Galeria. Actaully, the top most open-air level of this garage is closed unforuntaely. But, looking through the large open spaces we got incredible views of an adult Peregrine Falcon. We set up the scope for awhile, showing several passersby the bird. Suddenly the bird flew off with a soaring swoop, only to be joined by the second bird. They performed a swooping display flight and then disappeared from our view towards Main Street. We refound the pair of Peregrines perched atop the taller tower of the New England Telephone and Telegraph Building on Elm Street. This was easily viewed from the PCI Parking Zone B on Harvard Street. The much larger female was perched higher and to the right and the male lower and to the left and actually of the corner railing of the tower. We watched them for some time and left them there by 4:00 PM. There is no doubt that these birds act like a pair and breeding may be in the future, though they may end up breeding up in the far north. . They are certainly a magnificent sight together soaring over downtown, so don't miss this. I have notified people at State Fish and Wildlife of the situation. Please post all sightings and behavior notes on this web site. ADDENDA: There really seems to be an influx of Cooper's Hawks this winter. (report from Mark Lynch/Sheila Carroll).

2/4/00 -- Charlton

I finally had redpolls at my feeder this afternoon at 1:30. Five of them joined the pine siskins which I have had all winter. I have been watching for them all winter so I was very happy to see them arrive. (report from Joe Fay).

2/4/00 -- Institute Park, Worcester

Birds seen on a noontime walk included 7 Common Mergansers, 3 Great Blue Herons, and 1 Cooper's Hawk. (report from Rick Quimby).

2/4/00 -- City of Worcester

At dawn in my backyard I had 108 American Robins moving through. Their movements were interesting. They would arrive from the direction of Salisbury Pond in groups of 5-10, pause for a few minutes in the higher branches of a tree in my backyard, then move off in the direction of the airport. Only then would the next group move in. Many gave the "laughing chuckle" call in flight and while in the tree. (report from Mark Lynch).

2/3/00 -- Winimusett WMA, New Braintree

A late afternoon walk into Winimusett turned up Snow Bunting(2 flyover), Eastern Bluebird(12+), Northern Flicker(2), and Wild Turkey(10). The bluebirds were seen entering cavities, up to four at a time, presumably to overnight. (report from Chris Buelow)

2/2/00 -- Downtown Worcester

At about 3:00 PM I was headed for the Lake to check out the gulls and ducks. As I passed the Library parking lot I decided to pull in and look for the Peregrines. During the next half hour I was treated to a spectacular aerial display by BOTH Peregrines. They flew both together and separately around the Mechanics Tower, Flagship building and Notre Dame Church. They landed several times on the widow sills of the Mechanics Tower. They preferred the sills of the windows on the top floor which faces Notre Dame Church. At one point they landed on the same sill with the male seeming to attempt to mount the female. The male, the smaller bird, is about two-thirds the size of the female, the larger bird. Needless to say I never made it to the Lake. (report from Bart Kamp).

For previous sightings, see January 2000 Archives or Archive Index