February 2008 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:

2/29/08 -- Rt. 146, Douglas
Today while traveling on 146 north (purple heart highway) at the "Lackey Dam" rd exit (Douglas), I looked up and saw a Bald Eagle flying low, and it was confirmed by my brother who was riding with me. (report from Stacy Pelletier).

2/28/08 -- Holden
For some reason, this area has become a very active birding locale. Our resident Barred Owl disappeared for a period of five weeks and then has been re-appearing for four days in the past two weeks (2/17 - 2/28). Crows & Blue Jays very upset with his presence. The owl is very active and speaking with local neighbors, has been observed in the local area for some time.Actually, was able to get some good photos of him this morning. In the mean-time, the resident Red-tailed Hawk seems to have established a territory within a 2 mile radius in this area. I suspect it is a first-year that was born last spring at the nest close to Shrewsbury St. & Holden St. The bird's chest is very pale with little color. The bird may be looking for a companion a we had two Red-tail's in our backyard last week. We'll see what happens as the spring comes on. As for non-predators, this area seems to be a fly over for a crow roast at the Ararat St. area in Worcester. I had noticed in late January, a fair number of crows flying in the Southern direction to the water tanks from West Boylston & Holden areas. A few weeks ago, I counted 98 crows between 3 & 4 p.m. Yesterday, I counted 145 within the same span of time. As well, the early evening, has brought out the American & Canadian Robins. The largest roost seemed to occur last week with a 175 birds flying west at dusk. They must have known about a snowstorm comin their way. (report from Steve Olson).

2/26/08 -- Marlborough
Yesterday (2/25) I had a Grackle under my feeders. Today, I had a Red-winged Blackbird under the feeders. It was hanging out with a group of Starlings. This is the first Grackle and Red wing of the year for me. (report from Laura Lane).

2/24/08 -- Grafton
After hearing a trilling for several weeks, we were aware that the neighborhood screech owl had chosen our hemlocks as a roosting site this year. On Saturday 2/23/08, a blue jay alerted us to our nesting box in our Grafton Center yard, where we found a red-phase screech owl peering out at us. Today I got some very nice photos of the owl sunning him/her self in the nest box hole. (report from Scott Jordan).

2/24/08 -- Flint Pond, Grafton/Shrewsbury
This morning, while viewing the open water at Flint Pond from the Irish Dam in Grafton, I saw 12 Canada geese,15 black ducks, 30 mallards, 7 common goldeneyes, 1 great-black-backed gull, 2 herring gulls and 17 ring-billed gulls. While walking in to the dam, there was a Cooper's hawk perched in a tree. The highlight here was watching the courtship antics of the common goldeneyes. The 5 drakes were repeatedly stretching their necks out straight and then throwing their heads all the way onto their backs with their bills pointing straight up and open, uttering some sort of pick-up line. The 2 females, obviously interested, were stretching their heads and necks flat out on the water and swimming rapidly in short spurts. From the Flint pond boat ramp in Shrewsbury highlights were 5 common mergansers and 1 belted kingfisher. (report from Alan Marble).

2/24/08 -- Boylston
  • While checking our new local atlas block, we drove down MILL POND ROAD, that runs over the north end of Newton Pond in Boylston. A small section of the pond right next to the road and surrounded by trees was open. In this small pool we noticed a duck behaving strangely: it continually spun in very tight circles with it's head continuously under water. Round and round it went, without stopping. It was behaving a bit like a phalarope. I had never seen a duck do this before and we watched it for sometime. It was a female NORTHERN SHOVELER .
  • Elsewhere, at the north marshy end of Lake Quinsigamond: Mute Swan (2); Canada Goose (3); Mallard (12); A Black Duck (7); Hooded Merganser (2);Cooper~Rs Hawk (1); Red-Tailed Hawk (2); Red-winged Blackbird (4).
  • DOWNTOWN: Red-tailed Hawk (1); Turkey Vulture (2); A Robin (60+); Cedar Waxwing (20+).
  • WORCESTER AIRPORT: no sign of grosbeaks, but (9) HORNED LARKS on the runway and (1) Red-Tailed Hawk.
  • WEST BOYLSTON: across from the Wachusett Country Club: c.120+ American Robins.
    (report from Mark Lynch/Sheila Carroll).

    2/19/08 -- Wayside Rd., Worcester
    This morning between 10:30 and 11:00 I had a flock of ~100 Cedar Waxwings along with 4 Bohemian Waxwings passing through, heading west toward Lincoln Village. (report from Dave Grant).

    2/18/08 -- Wachusett Reservoir
    I went birding at various spots around the Wachusett Reservoir IBA this morning before the rain started. I was looking to find the "tornado of gulls" I found a few weeks ago by gate 26 in West Boylston, but few gulls (or ducks) were found throughout the day. Since most of the reservoir as well as the many ponds around were ice-covered, I focused mainly on the exposed fields. A few Highlights: At the Clinton High School baseball field there was a KILLDEER along with a Great Black-backed Gull, 4 Ring-billed Gulls, and an adult Herring Gull which had a wing tag. I emailed Ken Mackenzie per Kathleen Anderson's request on MASSBIRD. Hopefully I'll get a reply with a history of the bird. In the field next to Sterling Peat was a flock of 180 American Robins, 34 Red-winged Blackbirds, and 1 Common Grackle. (report from Kevin Bourinot).

    2/17/08 -- Pine Island/Ruggles Hill Road, North Road, Hardwick
    Birding report from 6:51 to 9:21 A.M: The warmer temperatures visiting the area this Sunday afternoon stirred the dormant breeding urges of many year-round resident species. Downy, Hairy, and Red-bellied Woodpeckers eagerly investigated every waterlogged snag and tree trunk. Returning migratory species are now in evidence. A trio of male Red-winged Blackbirds chased one another about through the warm billowing mists. Eleven raucous Common Grackles canvassed the evergreens for suitable territories and nesting sites, as an earsplitting Carolina Wren sprinted gamely into view after much spishing and plodding through the underbrush. Dark-eyed Juncos positioned themselves at the tops of Forsythia and Multiflora Rose, their agitation signaling the desire to return north. A Mockingbird's vocalizations traversed the spectrum of the passerine and workaday repertoires, Wood Thrush alarm notes transitioning seamlessly into the grating of a rusty cow stanchion and the squeal of rubber against asphalt. Eighteen Ring-billed Gulls orbited high above the mimic~Rs perch, dipping down upon the turbulent air as if to take in the bird's manic utterances with greater ease. Highlights: American Black Duck 4; American Robin 39; Bald Eagle 1; Brown Creeper 1; Carolina Wren 1; Cedar Waxwing 26; Common Grackle 11; Cooper~Rs Hawk 1; Dark-eyed Junco 15; Eastern Bluebird 5; Northern Flicker 2; Pileated Woodpecker 1; Pine Grosbeak 2; Red-bellied Woodpecker 1; Red-tailed Hawk 1; Red-winged Blackbird 3; Sharp-shinned Hawk 1; Snow Bunting 5; Wild Turkey 7; Yellow-bellied Sapsucker 1. (report from Chris Ellison).

    2/17/08 -- West Millbury
    I had 2 pine siskins visiting the feeder at home today . The male yellow-bellied sapsucker continues and seems to prefer peanuts in the shell. (report from Alan Marble).

    2/17/08 -- Worcester Airport
    I went back to the Airport this morning hoping to do better than the 1 robin of yesterday, and thankfully did. I had 12 Pine Grosbeaks, 4 Cedar waxwings, 8 Robins, 4 Gold Finch, 3 Crows, and 0 Security people. (report from John Shea).

    2/17/08 -- Brookfields
    This morning we birded just a few stops in the BROOKFIELDS. With a broken leg, cast and crutches, our birding was restricted to staying VERY close to the car. This was just as well, because west of Worcester, the ground is still covered with several inches of snow topped with a thick layer of ice. Not great conditions to do any amount of hiking, broken leg or not. Some of the back roads were in terrible condition too, due to frost heaves. All still water was frozen, and much of the moving water had ice on it also. Complete list below: American Black Duck (1); Mallard (34); Hooded Merganser (15); Common Merganser (26); Cooper~Rs Hawk (1ad); N Goshawk (1ad); RED-SHOULDERED HAWK (1: north end of Wickabog; Sheila got this photo); Red-tailed Hawk (1 kiting); Wild Turkey (43: all at home feeding stations); Ring-billed Gull (109: most on frozen Lake Quabog w/the ice fishermen); Herring Gull (7); Red-bellied Woodpecker (1); Downy Woodpecker (5); Pileated Woodpecker (1); Northern Shrike (1ad: north end of Wickabog); Blue Jay (77); A Crow (41); Black-capped Chickadee (71); Tufted Titmouse (9); Eastern Bluebird (5); American Robin (22); Cedar Waxwing (37); Dark-eyed Junco (26); N Cardinal (16); Red-winged Blackbird (1m); Pine Grosbeak (9); A Goldfinch (6); (report from Mark Lynch/Sheila Carroll, photos by Sheila Carroll).

    2/16/08 -- Worcester Airport/Flint Pond
    At Worcester Airport I saw 1 Robin and 3 security people. Seems I should have seen 3 Robins and 1 security guard for all that goes on up there. At Flint Pond: 72 Mallard Ducks, 8 Black Duck, 14 C. Goldeneye, 2 Hooded Merganser, 7 C. Merganser, 53 Canada Geese, 9 Ring ~Vneck Duck, 2 Mute Swan, 2 Red tail Hawks and 1 Belted King fisher. (report from John Shea).

    2/15/08 -- Wachusett Reservoir, Clinton
    There was an adult bald eagle on the edge of the ice this morning. It was seen far out from Gate 39. (report from Alan Marble).

    2/11/08 -- Shirley
    Today a Red Tail Hawk came to our feeder. Huge and gorgeous bird. All others of course flew away in absolute panic. This lends a new dimension to the "bird feeding" concept!!! (report from Laura Bridges).

    2/11/08 -- Millbury
    I had 30 grackles at my work site in Millbury this morning. The temperature was 9 degrees and the wind chill below zero. They are surely sorry they came so early. (report from Susan LaBree).

    2/10/08 -- Worcester Airport
    Sheila bundled me, my cast and crutches into the car to get out for a wee bit of birding this AM. My first birding in two weeks since the accident. We headed to Worcester Airport and had the following: Merlin (1ad: hunting around the parking lot); Horned Lark (26: we wouldn't have seen most of the birds which initially were far out over the runways if it wasn't for the snow plows that were racing back and forth clearing off the last of the snow. These plows constantly put birds up, often chasing them closer, and some even landed in the parking lot we were parked in); Lapland Longspur (1 w/Snow Buntings); Snow Bunting (31); PINE GROSBEAKS (10: all in the trees at the intersection of Goddard Memorial Drive and Airport Drive. Other than a single robin, no other frugivores present); (report from Mark Lynch).

    2/3/08 -- Sterling/Clinton
    The dike on Wachusett Reservoir is pretty much snow free as compared to a week ago. However, the cold nights have frozen much of the Reservoir in that area. There is still some open water from the tip of Cementary Island going south. Late afternoon, just before dusk, the immature Bald Eagle was on the ice at the open water. Giving the distance, even with binoculars, I'm not sure what the bird was doing. After a few minutes, the bird flew across the reservoir and landed in the vicinity of Gate 32. Other than that, very little activity. About 150 -200 Gulls on the ice at the Intake, around 6 to 7 Mergansers on the open water, no loons, and maybe a lone bluebird in the fields below the Dike. (report from Steve Olson)

    2/1/08 -- Millbury
    The redpolls were visiting the feeders with a lot of regularity all day today. The initial flock showed up at 6:45am with 87 redpolls on the feeders and railing alone and contained ~ 12 'Greater' Common Redpolls, 5 hornemanni Hoary Redpolls (same size as 'Greater' Commons with hardly any streaking on the side and no streaking on the undertail or rump.), and 7 noticeable exilipes Hoary Redpolls. These birds were not here at 7 when it was light enough for video but a count of 274 redpolls on the feeders, railings, roof, ground etc contained 11 noticeable exilipes Hoary Redpolls and I could only pick out 3 'Greater' Commons in this flock. This continued through most of the day until it started hailing at which point a small group of 72 stayed at the feeders. This group contained 2 exilipes Hoary Redpolls and 2 'Greater' Commons. 
      If you're wondering what a soaked Hoary Redpoll looks like... here ya go:

http://www.pbase.com/dberard/image/92395003

If you notice in the back of the pic is a soaked 'Greater' Common. Seen
better here:

http://www.pbase.com/dberard/image/92395002

As for dry redpolls. Here is a video of several Hoary Redpolls that were at
the feeders today:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ILoMT-Sfyic&feature=user
Here is a video of various redpolls throughout the day:

Note: there are several 'Greater' Commons and Hoary Redpolls in this video
but I wanted to get a video showing how well each can blend into a flock.
Also, notice the shape/proportions of several of the birds as they enter the
lilac. (YouTube is not the best but you get the idea)

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=yZ6f_M6pd-8&feature=user

Okay, now onto the pics.

First, here is a dry 'Greater' Common Redpoll

http://www.pbase.com/dberard/image/92395008

And a dry Hoary Redpoll:

http://www.pbase.com/dberard/image/92395009

And 2 different Hoary Redpolls:

http://www.pbase.com/dberard/image/92395010

And a male Hoary Redpoll

http://www.pbase.com/dberard/image/92395012

While he was at the feeder, this male was in the lilac:

http://www.pbase.com/dberard/image/92395013

Now to venture into the unknown:

I think this guy is a good candidate for Hoary Redpoll:

http://www.pbase.com/dberard/image/92395016

But look at the difference when perched:

http://www.pbase.com/dberard/image/92395005
That's the same bird.

Here are two different birds that look decent for Hoary:

http://www.pbase.com/dberard/image/92395007

With the different make-up of the birds throughout the day and the fact that
after a group left the yard a different numbered flock with different birds
would show up I'd say that there had to be at least 400 redpolls that came
through the yard today.

Plus there was a lone Hoary Redpoll that spent a lot of time at the front
thistle feeders.

Also in the front yard was the Lark Sparrow:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9AJIGthyf4A&feature=user
    The redpolls were the main attention getters today but other mentionable birds from the yard today were: Pine Grosbeaks, Evening Grosbeak, Pileated Woodpecker, Pine Siskin, Yellow-rumped Warblers, Northern Flicker, and Field Sparrow among several others. As always comments on the redpolls are welcome and the offer still stands to visit the feeders and take a look for yourself. I will not be around Saturday but I will be Sunday and everyday next week except for Tuesday. Hopefully the flocks stick around. (report from Dan Berard).

    For previous sightings, see January 2008 Archives or Archive Index