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.
- 6/30/01 -- Broad Meadow Brook Wildlife Sanctuary, Worcester
-
The following were recorded during the annual Breeding Bird Survey this morning:
Complete list here
(report from John Liller).
- 6/29/01 -- Quaboag River, Brookfields
-
While cruising down the Quaboag River in my row boat west of Route 148,
I heard and saw 1
Black-billed Cuckoo. Also seen were 1 American Bittern and 2 Virginia
Rails.
(report from Bart Kamp).
- 6/29/01 -- Wachusett Reservoir, Boylston
-
Today I spotted 2 Common Loons with one chick swimming in the water
around
2:00 PM. at Flagg Cove along Rt 140.
(report from Peter Morlock).
- 6/28/01 -- Institute Park, Worcester
-
After dining at the Sole Proprietor this evening, my brother Carl and I
went to Institute Park and saw 4 Black-crowned Night Herons; 3 adults
and 1 sub-adult.
(report from Bart Kamp).
- 6/27/01 -- Spooner Road, Hardwick
-
An afternoon survey of the hemlock/spruce swamp west
of Spooner Road had highlights of Pileated
Woodpecker(1), Winter Wren(2), Wood Thrush(4),
Veery(8), Hermit Thrush(6), Black-throated Blue
Warbler(4), Black-throated Green Warbler(14),
Blackburnian Warbler(1), Yellow-rumped Warbler(4),
Ovenbird(12), Canada Warbler(4 - 1 feeding fledgling)
and Purple Finch(1). Bird action was very minimal in
the afternoon heat and may be just a hint of this
area's potential. (report from Chris Buelow)
- 6/26/01 -- Moose Brook Valley, Hardwick
-
An afternoon survey of Moose Brook Valley's eastern
slope turned up highlights of Blue-headed Vireo(3),
Red-eyed Vireo(31), Winter Wren(3), Veery(27), Wood
Thrush(24), Yellow-rumped Warbler(4), Black-throated
Green Warbler(17), Black-and-White Warbler(5),
Ovenbird(30) and American Redstart(10). (report from
Chris Buelow)
- 6/25/01 -- S. Barre to Sturbridge
-
I conducted a Breeding Bird Survey route
through S. Barre, Oakham, Spencer, E. Brookfield, and Sturbridge this
morning (6/25/01). Unfortunately, I found about this last minute and
conducted the survey about 10 days later than when I should have, so bird
song was not what it might have been. Therefore, the numbers of some
species may not be a true indication of that species in the area.
Complete list here
(report from John Liller).
- 6/24/01 -- Broad Meadow Brook Sanctuary, Worcester
-
I recorded the following highights while conducting a point count at the Broad
Meadow Brook Wildlife Sanctuary (Worcester) this morning:
Ruffed Grouse (1);
Wild Turkey (1);
a possible Common Snipe; unfortunately, I did not get a good look at it;
Great Horned Owl (1 - great look at eye level, 25 feet away);
Chimney Swift (10);
Red-bellied Woodpecker (1);
Willow Flycatcher (1);
Great Crested Flycatcher (1);
Carolina Wren (1);
House Wren (2);
Eastern Bluebird (1);
Veery (1);
Wood Thrush (5);
Gray Catbird (23 - including a very newly fledged bird);
Brown Thrasher (3);
Cedar Waxwing (5);
Yellow Warbler (4);
Prairie Warbler (1);
Black-and-white Warbler (3);
American Redstart (1 female);
Ovenbird (4);
Common Yellowthroat (14);
Scarlet Tanager (4);
Eastern Towhee (22);
Field Sparrow (5);
Swamp Sparrow (1);
Rose-breasted Grosbeak (4);
Brown-headed Cowbird (20 - including 2 immatures being fed by male Towhee);
Baltimore Oriole (8)
; (report from John Liller).
- 6/24/01 -- Kettlebrook Reservoir #4, Paxton
-
Sheila and I are continuing to monitor and census both Quinapoxet Reservoir
and now Kettlebrook Reservoir #4. Both ABSOLUTELY require permits to hike
into and are STRICTLY off limits otherwise. Kettlebrook Reservoir #4 is also
part of the BLACKSTONE RIVER watershed and is therefore part of our survey of
the Blackstone we are continuing for MAS. Today, in mid-morning with periodic
showers, we conducted out first visit to the area and had the following:
Double-crested Cormorant (2);
Canada Goose (45, including 3 groups of 3 young);
Killdeer (1 calling overhead);
Spotted Sandpiper (2);
Mourning Dove (2);
Barred Owl (1);
Belted Kingfisher (1);
N. Flicker (4);
E. Wood Peewee (2);
E. Kingbird (4);
Tree Swallow (2);
N. Rough-winged Swallow (1);
Barn Swallow (2);
Blue Jay (7);
Black-capped Chickadee (16);
Tufted Titmouse (5);
Red-breasted Nuthatch (7);
Brown Creeper (1);
Veery (5);
Wood Thrush (3);
A. Robin (6);
Gray Catbird (4);
Cedar Waxwing (6);
Red-eyed Vireo (4);
Chestnut-sided Warbler (8);
Yellow-rumped Warbler (3);
Black-throated Green Warbler (2);
Pine Warbler (10);
Black and White Warbler (4);
Ovenbird (8);
C. Yellowthroat (23);
Scarlet Tanager (4);
Rose-breatsed Grosbeak (2);
E. Towhee (5);
Song Sparrow (10);
Purple Finch (1);
A. Goldfinch (4);
Red-winged Blackbird (6);
Brown-headed Cowbird (2).
A nice area of Spreading Dogbane on the dike attracted a E. Tiger Swallowtail
and Red Admiral.
(report from Mark Lynch/Sheila Carroll).
- 6/24/01 -- Fort Nature Reserve, N. Smithfield RI
-
Continuing to survey areas in the Blackstone Corridor, this morning we did a
thorough walk of the trails at Fort Nature Reserve in N. Smithfield RI just a
stone's throw from the MA border. This small but wonderful property off the
beaten track is owned by RI Audubon and has an excellent, well marked trail
system. Habitat is mostly mixed forest, some hemlock, several boggy seeps and
small ponds (with shagnum in some) and is split by some power lines. You can
walk the whole thing in just a couple of hours. It's just one of those areas
that is a real pleasure to hike. Nothing outstanding for birds, just a nice
walk with some interesting sightings. Weather was NOT great, threatening
skies for most of the time, some showers.
Red-tailed Hawk (1);
Chimney Swift (6);
Downy Woodpecker (4);
N. Flicker (2);
Great Crested Flycatcher (4);
E. Kingbird (4);
Tree Swallow (2);
N. Rough-winged Swallow (family of 7 around a boggy pond in the forest.
Seemed like an odd place for them, could they have bred in a Wood Duck box?
Doesn't seem likely);
Blue Jay (7);
A. Crow (3);
Black-capped Chickadee (25);
Tufted Titmouse (11);
White-breasted Nuthatch (7);
E. Bluebird (2);
Hermit Thrush (10);
Wood Thrush (3);
A. Robin (3);
Gray Catbird (21);
Cedar Waxwing (7);
Red-eyed Vireo (7);
Blue-winged Warbler (2 seen+1 heard singing a song somewhat reminiscent of a
GW: probably another BW);
Prairie Warbler (2);
Pine Warbler (8);
Black and White Warbler (6);
Ovenbird (13);
C. Yellowthroat (9);
Scarlet Tanager (11);
Rose-breasted Grosbeak (1);
E. Towhee (8);
Chipping Sparrow (5);
Field Sparrow (3);
Song Sparrow (3);
A. Goldfinch (5);
Red-winged Blackbird (9);
C. Grackle (4);
Baltimore Oriole (5).
In some areas of the forest floor there were lots of Wood Frogs, some full
grown, others quite small and obviously just metamorphosed. Best sighting was
along the banks of a boggy pond. I looked down at my feet and saw two of the
teeniest dragonflies I have ever seen. At first I thought they were small
Damselflies. They were male and female ELFIN DARNERS.
(report from Mark Lynch/Sheila Carroll).
- 6/24/01 -- Wachsett Meadow Sanctuary, Princeton
-
Siskin update: The last known sighting of the pine siskins at
Wachusett Meadow was Tues 6/19/01. If any reappear I'll post it ASAP.
(report from Dick Knowlton
- 6/23/01 -- Delaney WMA, Stow/Bolton/Harvard
-
Sheila and I surveyed part of Delaney WMA (Stow, Bolton, Harvard) as part of
our IBA (Important Bird Area) work. BTW: Delaney is definitely going to
be nominated. We conducted
the survey partly in rain. Warbler song was at a minimum. Highlights inlcuded:
Great Blue Heron (12 adults seen minimum; 44 young seen minimum, most nearly
fledged; 19 occ. nests);
Green Heron (4);
LEAST BITTERN (2, including 1 calling the entire time we were in that part of
the WMA: 20 minutes +. I want to STRONGLY remind people, these are state
listed species: DO NOT TAPE THEM);
Wood Duck (1);
HOODED MERGANSER (1imm);
N. GOSHAWK (1ad: has bred here several times before in recent years);
Broad-winged Hawk (1);
Virginia Rail (15 minimum);
KING RAIL (1);
Killdeer (1);
Belted Kingfisher (2);
E. Wood Peewee (3);
E. Phoebe (4);
Great Crested Flycatcher (3);
E. Kingbird (5);
Red-breasted Nuthatch (3);
Brown Creeper (2);
Winter Wren (1);
House Wren (7);
MARSH WREN (2);
Blue-gray Gnatcatcher (3);
Veery (3);
Hermit Thrush (5);
Yellow-throated Vireo (1);
Warbling Vireo (6);
Red-eyed Vireo (1: low);
Yellow Warbler (5);
Chestnut-sided Warbler (1);
Pine Warbler (10);
Black and White Warbler (1);
C. Yellowthroat (18);
Savannah Sparrow (7);
Grasshopper Sparrow (1+1 GrasshopperXSong Sparrow. This bird has been preent
here for some time and has been well documented.);
Song Sparrow (15);
Swamp Sparrow (8);
(report from Mark Lynch/Sheila Carroll).
- 6/21/01 -- Charity Hill, Hardwick
-
An afternoon census of the east slope of Charity Hill
in Hardwick turned up the following highlights of
Ruffed Grouse(1, with young), Eastern Wood Pewee(9),
Yellow-throated Vireo(2), Wood Thrush(13), Veery(9),
Hermit Thrush(2), Black-throated Green Warbler(5),
Yellow-rumped Warbler(1, singing) and Ovenbird(18).
The forest was overall very quiet and probably not
representative of actual numbers. Elsewhere in
Hardwick, a single Great Blue Heron nest had 2 large
young, and a hayfield held Savanah Sparrow(3, singing)
and Bobolink(8). (report from Chris Buelow)
- 6/17/01 -- Wachusett Reservoir/Sterling Peat
-
We got a bit of local birding in before the rains hit early this morning.
First, during just a few stops at Wachusett Reservoir, the birds paled in
comparision to the huge concentration of skippers in the Spreading Dogbane on
a small area of the dike at Gate 36. We counted 660 European Skippers; 5
Peck's; 8 Indian; and 4 Long Dash all at 7 AM. Birds included:
Common Loon (5: looks like the platform at South Bay has been abandoned);
Double-crested Cormorant (19);
Canada Goose (58ad+6 goslings);
Mallard (5);
Killdeer (1);
Spotted Sandpiper (6);
Belted Kingfisher (1 carrying food several times to nest across RT. 110);
Swallows included small numbers of Tree, Bank, N. Rough-winged and Barn;
Yellow-throated Vireo (1);
Savannah Sparrow (4);
Indigo Bunting (2);
Baltimore Oriole (10);
Later, at Sterling Peat as the thunder rumbled and the first rain rapidly
approached:
Great Blue Heron (2ad+1ad w/at least 2yng in nest);
Mallard (8);
Killdeer (4, pair seen mating);
Spotted Sandpiper (6+ 1 young seen);
Willow Flycatcher (4);
Bank Swallow: about ~80 birds present, ~ 40 nest holes active. Many almost
fledged young sat at thier holes entrances.;
Brown Thrasher (2);
Yellow Warbler (8);
Prairie Warbler (1).
(report from Mark Lynch/Sheila Carroll).
- 6/16/01 -- Barre Falls Dam-Rutland State Park Breeding Bird Survey
-
Sheila and I conducted our annual BBS of the parcel of land we call Barre
Falls Dam/Rutland SP. This area of the Ware River Watershed is managed by the
MDC and the ACE and also has a WMA area and a small State Park in it. The
parcel we survey spring, summer and fall is bordered by Routes 122, 122A, 62
and Intervale/Charnock Hill Roads. Sections of the towns of Barre, Rutland,
Oakham and Hubbardston are contained in it. To do the BBS, we drive along the
dirt ACE roads. It takes about 6-7 hours with about 35 stops along a standard
route to complete. We have been running this BBS for over a decade.
Today's weather was initially completely overcast, warm, with 100% humidity
and the mosquitoes were atrocious. The moisture just hung in the muggy air.
It cleared about 10:30 AM and got VERY warm.
Surprisingly, bird numbers were for the most part typical, and there were no
dramatic declines in the number of certain of species as I had feared
earlier because spring migration was so poor. In parenthesis after the first
number, is the count we got of that species on last year's BBS done on June
25, 2000. This will give you an idea of how species are doing.
Here is the complete list
(census report from Mark Lynch/Sheila Carroll)
- 6/15/01 -- Wachusett Meadow Sanctuary, Princeton
-
The pine siskins that showed up Monday (6/11) remain, mostly at the thistle in
front of Crocker House. One male in full color amongst them - 4 birds in all.
They are there this morning. (report from Dick Knowlton).
- 6/12/01 -- Northampton
-
There was a white-crowned sparrow at the corner of Washington Street
and Dryad's Green in Northampton on 11 and 12 June. I heard it singing on 11
June, and on 12 June heard and saw it at 57 Washington Street. (report from
Mary McKitrick, Dept. Biological Sciences, Smith College).
- 6/12/01 -- Wachusett Meadow Sanctuary, Princeton
-
Yesterday (6/11), 3 PINE SISKINS were at the thistle feeder at the
main house. Two are there again this AM.
On 6/10 (Sunday), the breeding bird survey turned up a couple of unusual visitors. A
COMMON LOON flyover (J Williams) and a 1st, we believe, for here - a "2nd
spring" BLACK-CROWNED NIGHT HERON flushed from the beaver swamp (p & d
knowlton). Many thanks to Fran McMenemy and all from the Forbush Bird Club
who helped out with that survey(the 39th).
And earlier, late night on 5/26 as we were preparing to leave for Maine
(had great puffin trip), a
fledging northern saw-whet owl landed in the road in front of the car. White
face,orange breast etc. I had to literally usher it out of the way but it
did fly off very well on its own.
(report from Dick & Peg Knowlton).
- 6/10/01 -- Wachusett Meadow Wildlife Sanctuary, Princeton
- The Thirty-eighth annual, Forbush Bird Club's Breeding Season
Census of Wachusett Meadow Wildlife Sanctuary was held under
clear skies, with light and variable winds. Temp. 60-85 deg. F. There
were nineteen
observers in ten parties. Total species 85, total individuals 1,508.
Compiler: Fran McMenemy.
Complete list here
(report from Fran McMenemy).
- 6/10/01 -- Broad Meadow Brook Sanctuary, Worcester
-
On a walk at Broad Meadow Brook this morning for Biodiversity Days our
group of seven adults and three amazingly well behaved and nicely curious
kids tallied 35 species. Highlights were Ovenbird (3), Carolina Wren (2),
Veery, Wood and Hermit Thrush, B. Oriole (2), Scarlet Tanager (2), a nice
number of Pewees (6 or more), a Red-tail Hawk, and a probable Cooper's Hawk.
Numbers are estimates after the fact.
(report from Howard Shainheit).
- 6/9/01 -- Broad Meadow Brook Sanctuary, Worcester
-
Highlights on a class trip this morning:
Turkey Vulture (1);
Great Horned Owl (1)
Red-bellied Woodpecker (1)
Eastern Wood Peewee (6)
Willow Flycatcher (2)
Great Crested Flycatcher (1)
Eastern Kingbird (3 - including a bird on a nest)
Warbling Vireo (2)
Red-eyed Vireo (3)
Eastern Bluebird (2)
Hermit Thrush (1)
Wood Thrush (9)
Cedar Waxwing (1)
Black-and-white Warbler (1)
Scarlet Tanager (2)
Eastern Towhee (11)
Field Sparrow (4 - including 2 young in nest)
Rose-breasted Grosbeak (5)
Baltimore Oriole (12)
(report from John Liller).
- 6/9/01 -- Blackstone Corridor BIG DAY
-
To celebrate Biodiversity Days, Sheila and I did an official BIG DAY in the
Blackstone Corridor. We recorded 114 species of birds, which is amazing as
this is well into June and the Corridor exists bewteen the city of Worcester
and the city of Providence RI: about 40 miles. The only "ocean water" is the
very tip of a cul-de-sac of Providence Harbor (busy as all hell with boat
traffic and extremely urban) where the Seekonk River flows in. We started the
day in the field at 3:30 AM covering areas in the city of Worcester. By 6:30
AM we had 60 species. In the city we went to the airport (especially behind
the airport before dawn), Boynton Park, Broad Meadow Brook and the landfill.
Then we headed out to Lookout Rock in Uxbridge (Worm-eating Warblers:yes,
Moorhen:no), then onto Burrillville RI where we found good numbers of
breeding warblers at the Casimir Pulaski SP. This area reminds me of the
Barre Falls Dam area. We then, briefly went to Durfee Hill WMA, on to India
Point in Providence, the Seekonk River, the Lonsdale Marshes, Fisherville
Pond (Grafton MA) and ended the day at Leesville Pond in Worcester and the
airport again. Day ended at 8:30. Though that sounds long, the pace was often
relaxed and we worked hard to record all species of butterflies, wildflowers,
verts et. We did a good amount of hiking.
Highlights were:
Great Egret (Seekonk River);
Greater Scaup (1adM from India Point);
Hooded Merganser (3 newly fledged young at Pulaski SP. Rare in June in RI);
Cooper's Hawk (Uxbridge);
Red-shouldered Hawk (Glocester RI);
Broad-winged Hawk (Glocester, RI);
Ruffed Grouse (1 at Broad Meadow Brook);
Virginia Rail (2 Lonsdale Marshes);
Sora (1 Broad Meadow Brook);
American Woodcock (13 before dawn behind Worcester Airport);
Common Tern (2: India Point);
Eastern Screech Owl (my house as we got up);
Barred Owl (city of Worcester);
Great Horned Owl (airport);
Whip-poor-will (4 airport);
Yellow-bellied Sapsucker (Boynton Park, city of Worcetser. Probably the only
place they breed in the corridor);
Pileated Woodpecker (as above: VERY tough in RI);
Alder Flycatcher (8 behind airport in various locations. Though the Willow is
found in several areas in the Corridor, the Alder is virtually absent as a
breeder except here);
Fish Crow (1 Lonsdale Marshes);
Winter Wren (1 Pulaski singing away. rare in June in RI);
WARBLER species seen:
Blue-winged (common); Yellow (very common); Chestnut-sided (common locally as
in Pulaski); Yellow-rumped (small numbers Pulaski and Durfee Hill);
Black-throated Green (common Pulaski); Blackburnian (uncommon Pulaski and
Durfee); Pine (common); Prairie; Black and White (common in the right
habitat); A. Redstart (common); Worm-eating(2 singing birds, Uxbridge);
Ovenbird (common in right habitat); Northern Waterthrush (3 heard in
Pulaski); Lousiana waterthrush (1 Boynton park, Worcester); C. Yellowthroat
(very common); Canada Warbler (seen/heard this day only in Pulaski, but does
breed in a few other areas of the corridor including Douglas SF).
Savannah Sparrow (very common airport);
Grasshopper Sparrow (3 seen and heard at city landfill);
Bobolink (very common airport);
Eastern Meadowlark (fairly common airport).
Butterflies put on a great show and Red Admirals were EVERYWHERE in good
numbers. By way of an example, we recorded 26 Red Admirals on a very short
walk into the Lonsdale Marshes. Best mammal seen for the day was a FISHER on
Broad Meadow Brook. We also got to help a Snapping Turtle gte back to the
water, and watched a Painted Turtle lay eggs. We recorded many wildflowers,
including the ever cheery Deadly Nightshade.
Complete species list here
(report from Mark Lynch/Sheila Carroll)
- 6/8/01 -- Gardner
-
Hilites from 82 species of birds seen and or heard in Gardner on 6/8. This
included various solo stops around town and then a field trip with Mrs.
Johnson's Gardner 6th grade Middle Scool science class, as part of boidiversity
days. Very few birds w/the school kids but we all had a good time with the bugs,
plants , frogs, fugi and a good look at E. Phoebe and its nest ...they also
taught me a thing or two.
Common Loon 2 on Lake Wompanoag;
Am. Bittern 1 High Ridge WMA;
Green heron 1 High Ridge WMA;
Virgina Rail 1 High Ridge WMA giving the tic...tic...tic macgreer
call... first time I heard that vocalization;
Red-shoulered hawk 1;
N. Goshawk 1;
Ruffed grouse 1 male in FULL display .. neck ruffs were ... well ruffed
... and his wings were quivering as he cross a path ... one of the sights of the
day.;
Common Nighthawk 1;
Alder Flycatcher 2;
Winter Wren 1;
Warblers included:
Black+White;
Blackburian;
BT Green;
BT Blue;
Y-rumped;
Yellow;
Ovenbird;
N. Waterthrush;
Magnolia;
Redstart;
Yellow-throat;
Chestnutsided;
Pine.
I also took some time to just sit and stare out over a beaver pond and enjoy the
view and Dragon flies .... I felt something crawling up the back of my neck
...Wood Tic ... hey that counts too!! One of the few times I've been happy to
find a tic.
While setting up the tent for a backyard camp out a Common Night Hawk was heard
over head.
A good day. (report from Tom Pirro).
- 6/6/01 -- Worcester Airport, Worcester
- After sunrise (during which I saw the interesting optical effect known as the "green flash") I drove to Route 56 and the fields behind the airport. The fields are saturated with bobolinks and savanna sparrows. Of further note, I also saw a JUNCO (breeding in Worcester?) along with two willow flycatchers and two wild turkeys (and a deer). (report from Bob Ricci)
- 6/5/01 -- Lunenburg/Groton
-
I "hit" a few Cliff Swallow colonies today within a noon time drive from work.
In Lunenburg the old Woodruff's Farm (PRIVATE PROPERTY) a total of 32
active nests were present today, down from last year's 43. All
construction appeared to be complete.
Then in Groton a smaller colony of 7 nests, of which only 2 were
complete -- the other 5 were approx. 1/2 finished -- were noted. Last year
there was NO activity here but previous there was a small amount of
activity.
(report from Tom Pirro).
- 6/5/01 -- Broad Meadow Brook Sanctuary, Worcester
- Highlights while
conducting a Birds of Forested Landscapes survey for Cornell Lab of
Ornithology at Broad Meadow Brook Wildlife Sanctuary (Worcester) this
morning (with the help of Howard Shainheit).
Note that I did not keep numbers of most species
because of the nature of the project.
SORA (1 - still present, although water level has risen drastically);
Hairy Woodpecker (1);
Eastern Wood Peewee (2 - including 1 in survey circle);
Willow Flycatcher (2);
Eastern Phoebe (1);
Great Crested Flycatcher (1);
Eastern Kingbird (4);
Warbling Vireo (2);
Red-eyed Vireo;
Eastern Bluebird (2);
Veery (1 - not in survey circle);
Wood Thrush (3 - including 2 in survey circle);
Brown Thrasher (1);
Cedar Waxwing (3);
Blue-winged Warbler;
Yellow Warbler;
Chestnut-sided Warbler (1 - moved from yesterday);
Prairie Warbler (1);
Common Yellowthroat;
LINCOLN'S SPARROW (1 adult - great looks! 2nd spring record for BMB);
Rose-breasted Grosbeak;
Baltimore Oriole;
(report from John Liller).
- 6/4/01 -- Holden Reservoir #1, Holden
-
On my way home from work around 7:00PM I saw a Common Loon at Holden
Reservoir #1 on Reservoir St. (report from Peter Morlock).
- 6/4/01 -- Broad Meadow Brook Sanctuary, Worcester
- Highlights on a walk this morning:
WOOD DUCK (1 female - flushed from the pond; although this species breeds
elsewhere in the Worcester area, June records at BMB are very rare);
COOPER'S HAWK (1 male(?));
Broad-winged Hawk (1);
Red-bellied Woodpecker (1);
Eastern Wood Peewee (8);
Willow Flycatcher (4 - including 3 involved in a chase);
Great Crested Flycatcher (2);
Eastern Kingbird (3);
Warbling Vireo (2);
Red-eyed Vireo (6);
Barn Swallow (1);
Carolina Wren (2);
House Wren (3);
Veery (2);
Wood Thrush (1);
Brown Thrasher (3);
Blue-winged Warbler (4);
Yellow Warbler (10);
Chestnut-sided Warbler (1);
Ovenbird (3);
Common Yellowthroat (9);
Eastern Towhee (12);
Chipping Sparrow (1);
Field Sparrow (6);
Rose-breasted Grosbeak (6);
Baltimore Oriole (10);
(report from John Liller).
- 6/4/01 -- Muddy Pond, Westminster
-
The highlights of birds observed this morning at the Muddy Pond Conservation
Area in Westminster include Red-shouldered Hawk 1, Wood Pewee 12, Veery 12,
Black-throated Blue Warbler 27, Ovenbird 37, Northern Waterthrush 2,
Black-and-White Warbler 11, Canada Warbler 8, Black-throated Green Warbler 2,
Redstart 2, Scarlet Tanager 10 and Towhee 21.
(report from Chuck Caron).
- 6/3/01 -- Auburn Sportsmen's Club, Auburn
-
Highlights of a
Bird Banding Forbush Bird Club event held at the Auburn Sportsmen's Club
(the numbers in parentheses
represent the netted birds):
Great crested Flycatcher 1;
Barn Swallow 2;
House Wren 3;
Gray Catbird 5 (3);
American Robin 7 (2);
Veery 3(2);
Eastern Bluebird (2 eggs in a Bluebird House nest);
Cedar Waxwing 5;
Warbling Vireo 3;
Blue-winged Warbler 2;
Yellow Warbler 10 (5);
Prairie Warbler 1;
Ovenbird 1;
Common Yellowthroat 10 (4);
(report from Joan Zumpfe).
- 6/3/01 -- Wachusett Reservoir, Clinton
-
After a heavy downpour, around 5 p.m. Fran McMenemy and I
checked out the Wachusett Reservoir from Gate 40. We saw a Common Tern
flying near the area where the Cormorants rest. The Tern appeared to be
trying to land on the island, which is rapidly disappearing, but there was
no room for it due to the density of the Cormoarants (about 80). The Tern
left the area after awhile.
The Cormorants were rather comical at one point when a pair of Common
Loons circled the island. They held their heads at attention, all looking in
the same direction toward the loons. They reminded me of Prairie Dogs.
We also observed, from Mile Hill, a Common Loon that appears to be in
trouble. It is not in breeding plumage, but has some suggestion of it. It
was diving frequently as if it was having problems getting adequate food.
It's head didn't seem to be full-sized as compared to the adult Common Loon
that was hanging around close to it. The normal looking adult loon wasn't
bothering it, but it also wasn't interacting with it either.
(report from Joan Zumpfe).
- 6/3/01 -- Brookfield
-
We spent the morning (until it rained at 11) checking a few adjacent spots
predominantly in Brookfield to accrue more records to declare this area an
Important Bird Area (IBA). Places (just partially) visited were Quaboag and
Richardson WMAs (across Rt.9 from each other) and Elm Hill MAS a very short
distance away. We did not hike the large forested parcel of the Quaboag WMA
area south of the river as it started to rain heavily as we began. Mosquitoes
were simply amazing. With the exception of the lone Blackpoll, these are all
breeding birds.
Great Blue Heron (6);
Green Heron (3);
American Bittern (1: several more are around here);
Least Bitern (2 calling);
Canada Goose (5);
Wood Duck (3);
Mallard (5);
Wild Turkey (1);
Virginia Rail (3: low);
C. Moorhen (1 heard and seen well);
Killdeer (2ad+4 yng);
Barred Owl (1);
Ruby-throated Hummingbird (1);
Downy Woodpecker (pair at nest w/yng);
E. Wood Peewee (1:low);
Willow Flycatcher (10);
Alder Flycatcher (4);
E. Phoebe (10);
Great Crested Flycatcher (4);
E. Kingbird (5);
Marsh Wren (9 singing birds: largest colony by far in the county. We watched
a few gathering cattail fluff for nests);
Yellow-throated Vireo (3);
Warbling Vireo (12);
Red-eyed Vireo (16);
Brown Creeper (1);
Blue-gray Gnatcatcher (1: low);
E. Bluebird (2);
Veery (21);
Wood Thrush (6);
Gray Catbird (41);
WARBLERS:
Blue-winged (15: including 1 that sang a perfect Golden-winged song; and 1
"Lawrence's");
Yellow (19);
Chestnut-sided (11);
Blackburnian (1);
Pine (5);
Blackpoll (1);
Black and White (8);
A. Redstart (13);
Ovenbird (4: low);
C. Yellowthroat (51);
Scarlet Tanager (4: low);
Swamp Sparrow (21);
Rose-breasted Grosbeak (1: low);
Bobolink (2);
Baltimore Oriole (21).
Note: a few Red-winged Blackbird young fledging.
PLUS: Snapping Turtle (1 laying eggs on Beaver lodge); White-tailed Deer;
Muskrat; Coyote (1 that checked us out for the longets time); FISHER (1 huge
one that loped right in front of the car); carpets of Canada Mayflower still;
still some Fringed Polygala; Blue and Yellow Flag.
(report from Mark Lynch/Sheila Carroll).
- 6/2/01 -- Wachusett Reservoir/Sterling Peat, Boylston/West Boylston
-
An afternoon trip to Wachusett Reservoir, including a walk to Scar Hill Bluff,
after the rain stopped had the following:
Common Loon (8 ad, including 1 on nesting platform in South Bay);
Double Crested Cormorant (57: only a very few adults);
Canada Goose (52+7 goslings);
MALLARD (9+12 ducklings. 1 bird was trapped in the netting on the small
island at the north end. I am going to warn MDC and Fish and Wildlife about
these nets. They have fallen into the water and pose a threat to migratory
water birds);
A. Black Duck (1);
Red-tailed Hawk (1);
Ring-billed Gull (3);
E. Wood Peewee (2);
Great Crested Flycatcher (3);
E. Kingbird (4);
Tree Swallow (20+);
Bank Swallow (12+);
Barn Swallow (16+);
Yellow-throated Vireo (2);
Red-eyed Vireo (11);
WARBLERS:
Yellow (7);
Chestnut-sided (7);
Pine (11);
Black and White (1);
Baltimore Oriole (12);
ALSO: 1 MINK seen hunting and swimming at South Bay.
At STERLING PEAT there were few birds including:
Double-crested Cormorant (1ad);
Great Blue Heron (1 on nest);
Canada Goose (1);
Wood Duck (1f furiously chased all over by male Red-winged Blackbird);
Mallard (7);
Virginia Rail (1);
Killdeer (6);
Spotted Sandpiper (5);
Willow Flycatcher (2).
PLUS: several BEAVERS hard at work damming up the joint.
(report from Mark Lynch).
- 6/1/01 -- Bancroft Tower Hill, Worcester
-
A few migrants passing through this morning.
E. Wood Peewee (1);
Great Crested Flycatcher (1);
E. Kingbird (1);
House Wren (1);
Red-eyed Vireo (2);
Gray Catbird (2);
Wood Thrush (2);
(all of the above may attempt to breed)
Chestnut-sided Warbler (1);
Pine Warbler (may attempt to breed in pines next to tennis court);
Blackpoll (4);
A. Redstart (4);
Canada Warbler (1);
Baltimore Oriole (2). (report from Mark Lynch).
For previous sightings, see
May 2001 Archives or
Archive Index