March 2006 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:

3/31/06 -- Greater Worcester Land Trust, Southwick Pond, Paxton
There were 75+ Ring-necked Ducks, 6 Mallards, 1 Great Blue Heron, (probably from the nearby rookery) 1 Red-tailed Hawk perched on a tree, and a pair of Ruffed Grouse. (report from Brian Mulhearn)

3/30/06 -- Lake Quaboag, Brookfield
This afternoon at Lake Quaboag an adult Bald Eagle flew from the area near last year's nesting site across the lake and ended up going out of sight, across from the parking lot, over the river, on the other side of the road. I watched it for 10 minutes as it slowly flew, flapping occasionally but using the thermals along it's way. Also seen were a pair of Greater Scaup and then 1 Tree Swallow that pretty much followed the same route as the Eagle. Sunlight and haze made it difficult to count the Common Goldeneye and Common Mergansers that were way across the lake, I estimate about 25 of each.
Also, in Charlton at Orlando's Farm, there were about 250 Canada Geese, 400 Ring-billed Gulls, 20 Herring Gulls and 12 Mallard. (report from Joan Zumpfe).

3/30/06 -- downtown Worcester
There was a Kestrel flying around the old St. Vincent hospital today. I stopped downtown to see the Peregrines every morning this past week and they were not to be seen. Has anyone seen them lately? (report from John Shea).

3/30/06 -- Barre Falls Dam, Barre
Raptors migrating today: Turkey Vulture 11 ; Osprey 3 ; Northern Harrier 2 ; Cooper's Hawk 4 ; Red-shouldered Hawk 1 ; Red-tailed Hawk 8 ; American Kestrel 2 .
Raptor Observations: 8 of the TV's were in one group; 10 of the raptors passed within 20 minutes including 3 osprey.
Non-raptor Observations: Great blue heron, common and hooded mergansers, pileated woodpecker, bluebirds and swallows. (report from Bart Kamp).

3/30/06 -- Osceola Ave., Worcester
There was a FOX SPARROW scratching around in the leaves around our feeder this morning. (report from Joy Larrabee).

3/30/06 -- Gardner
Hilights from stops around Gardner this morning: Common Merganser 5; American Kestrel 1; Ruffed Grouse 1 heard drumming; Northern Flicker 1; Eastern Phoebe 1; Golden-crowned Kinglet 1; Dark-eyed Junco ~50; Fox Sparrow 6; Song Sparrow 10+; (report from Tom Pirro).

3/29/06 -- Lake Quaboag, Brookfield
I checked Lake Quaboag at 5:30 p.m. today and saw a Pied-billed Grebe. On Saturday's (3/25) Forbush Bird Club trip, we didn't see any Bald Eagles, but tonight, a man saw me with the scope at the lake and stopped his car to speak to me. He said he drives by the lake at dawn every day on his way to work and yesterday he saw an adult Bald Eagle perched in a tall pine across from the lake but very close to the road by the Quaboag River. This man identified himself as Tom Ricardi's brother Dave from West Brookfield. Tom is the Raptor Rehabilitator from Conway, MA who spoke to the club a couple of years ago and showed us several live birds. Maybe the Eagles will nest in the area again. (report from Joan Zumpfe).

3/29/06 -- Barre Falls Dam, Barre
Raptors migrating today: Turkey Vulture 2 ; Sharp-shinned Hawk 1 ; Cooper's Hawk 1 ; Red-tailed Hawk 3 . Raptor Observations: The many jet trails didn't help find any raptors. (report from Bart Kamp).

3/29/06 -- Dudley
I didn't notice the 2 Mute Swans in the French River today, but did see one on Larned Pond and another on Merino Pond. Other highlights were American Black Duck 6, Green-winged Teal 2 (pair), Ring-necked Duck 23, Bufflehead 2 (drake), Hooded Merganser 1 (female checking out a Wood Duck box), Common Merganser 2 (pair),Eastern Phoebe 4, Eastern Bluebird 2, and American Tree Sparrow 1. (report from Joan Zumpfe).

3/28/06 -- Barre Falls Dam, Barre
Raptors migrating today: Turkey Vulture 2 ; Sharp-shinned Hawk 1 ; Red-tailed Hawk 11 . Non-raptor Observations: 3 bluebirds, 1 phoebe, 8 Canada geese, 4 common mergansers (report from Bart Kamp).

03/28/06 Dudley/Uxbridge
At 8:30 a.m., on my way to a car repair shop in Dudley, I spotted 2 Mute Swans on the French River which separates Dudley from the town of Webster. I also heard an eastern Phoebe near the repair shop. There was a repeat performance of these sightings in Uxbridge at around noon today. There were 2 Mute Swans in Rice City Pond and I heard another Eastern Phoebe a little ways down the road from there. (report from Joan Zumpfe).

3/27/06 -- Barre Falls Dam, Barre
Raptors migrating today: Red-shouldered Hawk 3 ; Red-tailed Hawk 7 ; Raptor Observations: The few birds seen were high and nearly invisible. Non-raptor Observations: A bluebird perched on one bird box while tree swallows swarmed around the others. (report from Bart Kamp).

3/27/06 -- Leesville Pond, Worcester
A noontime walk in the All Faiths Cemetery along Leesville Pond turned up 13 species. There is a terrific pair of Common mergs. They are in full plumage and can be see quite close. There are also 3 pair of wood ducks that can also be seen very well. The lone Mute swan came to within 6 feet of where I was standing on the end of the spit. Also had calling woodcock along the stream through my property in Northboro yesterday. (report from Jim Hogan)

3/26/06 -- Old Mill Pond, Shrewsbury
One Eastern Phoebe was seen in the hills northwest of Old Mill Pond. (report from Whit Andrews).

3/26/06 -- Wachusett Meadows Sanctuary, Princeton
Our 1st Sunday morning birdwalk of the spring noted the following sightings: 1 Eastern Phoebe(1st of the year);1 pair Hooded Merg;2 pairs Wood Duck;2 Canada Geese;1 Belted Kingfisher(heard);2 Bluebirds;1 Turkey Vulture,numerous Starlings,Blue Jays,Robins, Red-wings,Common Grackles,Cowbirds,Chickadees,Tufted Titmice,Goldfinches,A Crows and Juncos;4 Downey Woodpeckers;1 Hairy Woodpecker;3 White-breasted Nuthatch;1 Red-breasted Nuthatch;1 Brown Creeper;approx. 15 Redpolls;1 Pine Siskin(heard);1 Red-tailed Hawk;3 Song Sparrows;1 FOX SPARROW;1 Ruffed Grouse(DRUMMING);1 Cardinal;6 A Tree Sparrow; and 6 GREAT BLUE HERONS.
Next walk: Apr 9, at 7:00 a.m. (report from Dick Knowlton).

3/26/06 -- Holden/Wachusett Reservoir, Boylston
  • In Boylston, a mature eagle has been tending the nest since the first reporting at the beginning of March. I have spoken with DCR staff in the past week and they are really convinced that there is a egg in the nest. I have spotted the site four times in the past three weeks and there is always a bird on the nest. New nesting material is being brought into the nest. I did speak with Bill Davis a few weeks ago about the nest and his concern about the restricted area. He is afraid that birders will not realize that Gates 5 and down (4,3,2, etc.) are restricted and no entry is allowed. The closest vantange point is Gate 6. DCR has indicated that folks found in the areas beyond Gate 6 will be fined. As a final note, fishing on the Reservoir begins next week and it may get crowded.
  • Also, on 3/23/06 my wife and I took a dusk tour of the WTAG towers field in Holden and discovered that were at least 3 Woodcocks in the area. (Report from Steve & Kathy Olson)

    • 3/26/06 -- Blackstone Corridor , RI
    We birded some of the ponds and reservoirs in Cumberland first thing, then headed to Central Pond/Turner Reservoir (E. Providence); and finally did a point-count along the Seekonk River (E Providence/Providence); from Pawtucket to Bold Point: Highlights only:
  • SNEETCH POND, CUMBERLAND: Great Blue Heron 91); Canada Goose (18); Wood Duck (2); A Black Duck (2); Red-bellied Woodpecker (1);
  • DIAMOND HILL/ARNOLDS MILLS RESERVOIRS, CUMBERLAND: Canada Goose (39); Wood Duck (4); Mallard (11); Ring-necked Duck (3); Bufflehead (4m+5f); Common Goldeneye (3m+3f); Hooded Merganser (14); Red-tailed Hawk (1); Wild Turkey (14 nearby: including 2 toms in full display); PLUS: 4 White-tailed Deer and 2 River Otter (1 in each reservoir);.
  • CARL'S POND, CUMBERLAND: Wood Duck (6); Mallard (8); Eastern Bluebird (1);
  • RESURRECTION CEMETERY, CUMBERLAND: Killdeer (4);
  • LITTLE POND, CUMBERLAND : Pied-billed Grebe (1); Wood Duck (pair);
  • ELSEWHERE IN CUMBERLAND(a few stops);: Canada Goose (73); Wood Duck (5); Mallard (21); Killdeer (1); Red-bellied Woodpecker (1); Eastern Phoebe (5);
  • CENTRAL POND/TURNER RESERVOIR, EAST PROVIDENCE. I have left the common gull species totals out: Pied-billed Grebe (1); Great Cormorant (14); Mute Swan (36); Canada Goose (26); Mallard (13); N Pintail (6); Green-winged Teal (3); Ring-necked Duck (4); Lesser Scaup (100); Hooded Merganser (2); Common Merganser (2); Ruddy Duck (63); A Coot (3); Eastern Phoebe (1); Fish Crow (11);
  • SEEKONK RIVER, PROVIDENCE/EAST PROVIDENCE (to Bold Point: southern end of Corridor);. I have left common gull species totals out Red-throated Loon (1 off Swan Point Cem); Double-crested Cormorant (2imm); Great Cormorant (8); Mute Swan (117); Brant (22: off Bold Point); Canada Goose (52); American Black Duck (153); Mallard (89); Gadwall (18); American Wigeon (62); Greater Scaup (70); Bufflehead (55); Red-breasted Merganser (7); Osprey (1 inspecting nest platform at wastewater facility); Red-tailed Hawk (1: being mobbed by 2 Fish Crows); American Kestrel (1f); Peregrine Falcon (2ad: 1 atop the "Daily Planet" and one atop the stuck upright old railroad bridge); Killdeer (2); Iceland Gull (1); E Screech Owl (1 gray); Fish Crow (4); Plus: loads of crocuses and Vernal Witch Hazel in bloom.
    (report from Mark Lynch/Sheila Carroll).

    • 3/26/06 -- Sutton/Millbury
    In the Merrill WMA ponds along West Sutton Road, Sutton there were 137 ring-necked ducks, 4 American wigeons, 4 wood ducks and 8 mallards. Also 29 ring-necked ducks at Brierly Pond in Millbury. (report from Alan Marble).

    3/26/06 -- West Boylston/Sterling
    There was a common raven fly-over on rt. 12 in Sterling. Also along rt. 12, there were three nesting great blue herons. The American wigeon is still feeding with the group of mallards in the swamp on Redemption rock trail in Oakdale. Three hooded mergansers were also present. At the Wachusett reservoir (gate 25); there was a fly-over of 24 common mergansers and 4 turkey vultures. There were two buffleheads on the reservoir and one eastern bluebird close to the gate along the trail. (report from Kevin Bourinot & Rebecca Ciborowski).

    3/25/06 -- Brookfields
    The Forbush Bird Club held a trip starting from Lake Quaboag, to Slab City, Coy Brook, Brookfield Station, West Brookfield, Lake Wicaboag, Warren and Spencer. Highlights among the 47 species observed were: Gadwall 2; Green-winged Teal 3; Ring-necked Duck 3; Greater Scaup 2; Lesser Scaup 7; Bufflehead 16; Common Goldeneye 6; Hooded Merganser 22; Common Merganser 114; RED-NECKED GREBE 2; American Kestrel 1.
    Here is the complete species list for the trip. (report from Joan Zumpfe).

    3/25/06 -- Webster Lake , Webster
    While visiting friends on Webster Lake I noted the following: 3 Tree Swallow; 33 Ring-necked Duck; 6 Bufflehead; 2 Hooded Merganser; 8 Black Duck; (report from Paul Meleski).

    3/24/06 -- Sterling Peat, Sterling
    At 4:30 PM, there was a Merlin perched up on the tallest tree straight out from the overlook. There were also 9 Ring-neck ducks in the pond. (report from Peter Morlock).

    3/24/06 -- Institute Park, Worcester
    At dusk today I heard at least 3 American Woodcocks calling somewhere on the north side of Salisbury Pond. I saw one in flight winnowing. I also saw the pair of Northern Shovelers in the pond before sunset. (report from Nathaniel Freedman).

    3/24/06 -- River Bend Farm, Uxbridge
    Beeep...Beeep...Beeep. We heard the first "beeehp" around 6:15PM Friday the 24th. Shortly thereafter, another "beeehp," followed by beeehps in fairly quick succession. It was light enough that we saw about a dozen woodcock flights over the course of thirty minutes or so. There were a good number of flights that we did not see, but we heard the twittering of wings in different directions and the chirping calls signaling descent. It's difficult to say how many birds were in the large field, but we estimate ten at least. What fun to know THEY'RE BAAACCK! (report from Beth Milke).

    3/24/06 -- Institute Park, Worcester
    At noon there were 2 Hooded Mergs, but the Shovelers and Wigeon that have been here the past week were not seen. Also, the Red-bellied Woodpecker continues to be heard and seen just below the summit of Bancroft Tower Hill. (report from Rick Quimby).

    3/24/06 -- Clinton
    Sightings from 6:30 - 7:30 AM:
  • Coachlace Pond: Pied-billed Grebe; Greater Scaup 6; Common Goldeneye 2; a few Mallards and Canada Geese.
  • South Meadow Pond: 2 Hooded Mergansers
  • Railroad Tracks on South Meadow Rd across from ballfield: Field Sparrows 4; Wild Turkey 4; Great Blue Heron; Whitetail Deer 2.
    (report from Peter Morlock).

    • 3/23/06 -- Westboro WMA, Westboro
    A quick walk around the westboro WMA including the 2 Chauncey Ponds found lots of ducks. The vernal pool was alive with croaking Wood Frogs and Spring Peepers even though it was still half frozen. The male Kestral has returned to the field! Highlights: Mute Swan 11, Wood Duck 13, Black Duck 6, Green-winged Teal 2, Ring-necked Duck 17, Bufflehead 2, C. Merganser 2, A. Kestral (m) 1, Killdeer 1. Also: A. Tree Sparrow 9, Field Sparrow 1, Song Sparrow 11, Swamp Sparrow 2, White-throated Sparrow 1, Junco 2. There are large numbers of Grackles and Red-wings and several Cowbirds. (report from Laura Lane).

    3/23/06 -- Asnebumskit Hill, Paxton
    At the tower on the summit I saw a Raven fly out from their now huge nest. At one of the beaver swamps there was a pair of Phoebes chasing each other around. Also there, a pair of Wood Ducks, a pair of Hooded Mergansers, and a pair of Mallards. Also seen were: 3 Turkey Vultures, 3 Red-tailed Hawks, and a scary Fisher in a tree hissing away at me. (report from Brian Mulhearn)

    2/23/06 -- Gilboa Pond, Douglas
    This morning there were 12 Hooded Mergansers ( 6m, 6f) and 2 Gadwall (1m,1f). (report from Dan Wheeler).

    3/22/06 -- Hadwen Park, Worcester
    A Mute Swan was sitting in the cattails as if on a nest behind the basketball court. A half hour later, it was no longer there. Birds noted were 10 Canadian Geese, 12 Mallards, 10 Black Ducks, 2 Hooded Mergansers, 1 Bufflehead, 1 Northern Pintail, 1 Great Blue Heron, 1 Red-tailed Hawk, 1 Red-bellied Woodpecker, and 2 Tree Sparrows. (report from Brian Mulhearn)

    3/22/06 -- Institute Park, Worcester
    At noon, the 2 N Shovelers continue, along with 6 Am. Wigeon. Also a Brown Creeper in the woods near the apts, and a Red-bellied Woodpecker on Bancroft Tower Hill. (report from Rick Quimby).

    3/21/06 -- Westboro Wildlife Management area, Westboro
    I took a walk around the Westboro WMA on Tuesday and found lots of ducks hiding in the wetlands. Highlights included: Mute Swan 3, Wood Duck 14, Green-winged Teal 9, Ring-necked Duck 4, Red-tailed Hawk 1, Golden-crowned Kinglet 2, Tree Sparrow 8, Field Sparrow 3, Savannah Sparrow 5, Song Sparrow 14, White-throated Sparrow 1, and Junco 1. There were also great numbers of Red-wings and Grackles. (report from Laura Lane).

    3/20/06 -- Oakdale, West Boylston
    From a swamp off of redemption rock trail in West Boylston / Oakdale, there were: 5 Hooded mergansers, 1 Common goldeneye, 1 American wigeon, and Red-winged blackbirds present. (report from Kevin Bourinot).

    3/19/06 -- Hadley to the Brookfields
  • HADLEY COVE, HADLEY: We started the day here with Val Miller and Scott Surner: Tundra Swan (2); Canada Goose (4); Wood Duck (4); American Wigeon (6); A Black Duck (30+); Mallard (50+); N Pintail (8); Green-winged Teal (50+); Ring-necked Duck (4); Belted Kingfisher (1); While we were there, most of the ducks (but NOT the swans); flew out towards the river. Some returned later. Thanks to Tom Gagnon for finding these birds.
    Val and Scott had seen SNOW GEESE along Bay Rd/and Hadley Road among a large flock of Candas just before they met us at the Cove. We drove over just in time to see all the geese leave and could not find any Snows (but see later);. Fields in area: Canada Goose (442: most leaving. These looked like they flew towards the river, NOT U Mass); Turkey Vulture (3); Killdeer (17: 1 flock); Horned Lark (12); Brown-headed Cowbird (60+ in 1 flock);
  • U.MASS POND: We had first birded this at c.7:30AM and found some Mallards and about 30 Canadas. Returning mid-morning with Scott and Val, there were MANY more geese and the White fronted AND the Snow Geese that had been on Cove Road: Moral: try this location several tiems through the day. Nota bene: it's spring break and the campus was almost empty. Snow Goose (14); White-fronted Goose (1); Canada Goose (500+); Mallard (50+); This small pond in mid-campus really has to be little more than fecal soup after all these geese hanging around.
  • QUABBIN PARK (SOUTH QUABBIN);:very brief stop Turkey Vulture (3); Mallard (1); Hooded Merganser (14); White-winged Scoter (2m); Bald Eagle (5ad); Comon Raven (pair at nest+1); A Tree Sparrow (2);
  • LAKE WICKABOG, WEST BROOKFIELD: Turkey Vulture (1); Canada Goose (75); Mallard (46); Green-winged Teal (4); Gadwall (2); Common Goldeneye (2); Hooded Merganser (14); Common Merganser (75);
  • COYS BROOK, WEST BROOKFIELD: Mallard (18); A Black Duck (6); Hooded Merganser (2); Killdeer (3);
  • QUABOG RIVER, BROOKFIELD at bridge: Wood Duck (3); A Black Duck (11); Mallard (11); Hooded Merganser (10);
  • At Lake Quacumquasit (South Pond); in Brookfield there was only Mute Swan (1); and (9); Mallards. At Lake Quabog boast were out despite the wind and cold: Canada Goose (30); Mallard (12); Common Merganser (5); Bald Eagle (1ad: we checked the nest and could see no activity, but the views were not the best because of the wind);
  • LAKE LASHAWAY, EAST BROOKFIELD: Turkey Vulture (1); Canada Goose (5); Green-winged Teal (8); Common Merganser (101); Killdeer (1);
    (report from Mark Lynch/Sheila Carroll).

    • 3/19/06 -- Templeton
    Hilights from various points in templeton this afternoon temps 32 f wind NW 10-15MPH some light snow flurries:
  • Gardner Airport : Wood Duck 7; Great Blue Heron 2; Northern Harrier 1 male migrating; Great Horned Owl 1; Eastern Phoebe 2; Horned Lark 2; Eastern Meadow Lark 3;
  • Burtshirt Road : Raven 8;
  • Stone Bridge Pond: Mallard 2; Hooded Merganser 3;
  • Norcross Hill: Turkey Vulture 3 (one feeding on a small carcass, perhaps the skunk I could smell); Red-tailed Hawk 2 (1 adult, 1 juv.); Wild Turkey 12; Fox Sparrow 2; Stunning looks, for about 15 minutes, at a red fox as it hunted along a stone wall at relative close range.
  • Baldwinville (Otter River): Canada Goose 200+; Mallard 30+; Black Duck 12; Green-winged Teal 4; Northern Pintaill 7 ...a good count for this area; American Wigeon 7 ...a good count for this area; " Hooded Merganser 10; Common Merganser 1; Fox Sparrow 1. (report from Tom Pirro).

    • 3/19/06 -- Wachusett Meadows Sanctuary, Princeton
    Still a few red polls around, roughly a dozen today, but the big flock seems to have moved on. 2 pine siskins are regular at the cottage thistle. Woodcocks began their ritual on Tuesday, then went into hiding with the cold and wind. A kingfisher, 6 ring-necked ducks, 20 Canada geese, 12 hooded mergs, 2 pair mallards, 2 black ducks and a pair of wood ducks all showed up as soon as ice left the beaver pond. No great b's yet. The rookery area is still frozen. Still lots of tree sparrows, juncos etc. red wings, grackles and cowbirds all here in force cleaning out the feeders every few hours. Highlite of the day- 2 FOX SPARROWS excavating under the cottage lilacs this a.m. (report from Dick Knowlton).

    3/19/06 -- Millbury/Northbridge/Douglas
    A few scattered sightings from Sunday afternoon:
  • Brierly Pond Millbury-- 6 Ring-Necked Ducks(3m 3f);, 4 Wood Ducks(3m, 1f);, 3 Am. Black Ducks & 8 Mallards
  • Meadow Pond Northbridge-- 34 Ring Necked Ducks, 9 Turkey Vultures
  • Gilboa Pond Douglas-- 2 Hooded Mergansers (report from Dan Wheeler).

    • 3/18/06 -- Wachusett Meadows Sanctuary, Princeton
    There was a Great Horned Owl in one of the Great Blue Heron's nest. It was on the right side of the Beaver Swamp as you are looking out from the Main Office. There is a spot that has a bench. There were no herons nesting, but I saw 3 later on circling the swamp. I also saw 3 otters running across the ice. Other Highlites: Eastern Phoebe, Common Redpolls, Eastern Bluebird. (report from Peter Morlock).

    3/16/06 -- Barre Falls Dam, Barre
    Raptors migrating today: Turkey Vulture 4 ; Sharp-shinned Hawk 1 ; Red-tailed Hawk 8 ; American Kestrel 1 ; Raptor Observations: Most of the birds were seen between 10 AM and 11AM. (report from Bart Kamp).

    3/16/06 -- Chandler St., Worcester
    A Peregrine Falcon flew by my classroom window at Worcester State College today at about 12:30. (report from Dan Berard).

    3/16/06 -- Institute Park, Worcester
    At noon today there were 2 N. SHOVELERS (m & f), 6 Am. Wigeon (3m & 3f), and 2 Hooded Mergansers (m & f). All these ducks seemed to be paired up, the m&f staying close together. (report from Rick Quimby).

    3/15/06 -- Stillwater River, Sterling
    A canoe trip, a day after ice-out on the Stillwater River, produced 8 hooded mergansers, 8 wood ducks and a phoebe. (report from Richard Spedding).

    3/14/06 -- Barre Falls Dam, Barre
    Raptors migrating today: Turkey Vulture 4 ; Sharp-shinned Hawk 3 ; Red-tailed Hawk 17 ; Peregrine Falcon 1 ;
    Raptor Observations: 5 bald eagles not migrating. In a 30 minute period they were found in the east and headed west. They followed the same path. I assume they were coming from the same food source and were returning to the Quabbin Reservoir where they have wintered and are nesting.
    Non-raptor Observations: During the day a group of 6 turkey vultures and a group of 9 ravens were seen east of the site in the same area from which the eagles came. Coincidence, or were they all at the same food source? The northern shrike spent most of the day hunting from the blue bird boxes in the field. 600+ migrating crows. (report from Bart Kamp).

    3/13/06 -- Merrill WMA, Sutton
    Today, in the former fish hatchery ponds along West Sutton Road there were: a pair of wood ducks, 2 pair of American wigeon, 3 black ducks, 18 ring-necked ducks, 11 hooded mergansers, 10 mallards and 1 black duck/ mallard hybrid drake. (report from Alan Marble).

    3/13/06 -- Institute Park, Worcester
    There were 8 Am Wigeon on the pond at noon. (report from Rick Quimby)

    3/12/06 -- Gate 35, New Salem/Pottapaug Pond, Petersham/North Road, Hardwick/Winimusset WMA, New Braintree
    From 5:07 AM-2:48 PM: here is the extended trip narrative . (report from Chris Ellison).

    3/12/06 -- Westborough WMA
    This evening, I went to the Westborough WMA (Route 135 entrance) to see what the woodcock show was like, and I was not disappointed. I had 20+ birds displaying right by (and over) the road, and I am sure that there were many more closer to the woods. It was an impressive show to say the least. Earlier in the day, I led a class trip to the same location, and added Wood Duck (8-10), Ring-necked Duck (3 males), and Brown-headed Cowbird to Mark Lynch's list. (report from John Liller).

    3/12/06 -- Leesville Pond, Worcester
    1 Common Merganser, 2 Hooded Mergansers, 4 Wood Ducks, 5 Green-winged Teal, 2 Mute Swans, and 1 Carolina Wren. (report from Brian Mulhearn)

    3/12/06 -- Muddy Pond, Sterling
    At 2 pm there were 30 Scaup, 20 Hooded Mergansers, 12 Canada Geese, 5 Mallards, 1 Great Blue Heron. (report from Marion Larson/Scott Handler).

    3/12/06 -- Wachusett Meadow Sanctuary, Princeton
    A flock of RED POLLS continues to be present here, especially around the cottage feeders. #'s range from 20 to as many as 50 birds. 1 PINE SISKIN shows up regularly with them. The 1st TV's of the season were seen on 3/7/06. (report from Dick Knowlton).

    3/12/06 -- Marlborough
    I have been seeing a couple Red-winged Blackbirds under my feeders for a couple of weeks now. Last Tuesday I had 3 Grackles as well. By Friday, I had a flock of 50-60 mixed Red-wings and Grackles all singing! What a racket! The birds say spring is coming! (report from Laura Lane).

    3/12/06 -- Millbury/Sutton
    The Woodcocks have returned to their summer abodes on Dolan Rd in Millbury and West Millbury Road in Sutton (which is the same road but in different towns). The Woodcocks in Millbury reside in our neighbor's back yard in the horse pastures. It's nice (and somewhat amusing) to wake up and hear them calling in the morning. The Woodcocks on West Millbury Rd are located where Welsh Rd intersects W. Millbury. Also of interest were 8 Ring-necked Ducks that were hanging out in the yard yesterday. Clarification: I live on lake Ramshorn. (report from Dan Berard).

    3/11/06 -- Asnebumskit Hill, Paxton
    At the rookery there were 6 GB herons, chasing each other around and swapping nests. An hour there and I saw 8 Wood Ducks, 4 Common Mergansers, my first here, a Raven poking around the mud at the shore, 22 Mallards, 1 pr. Northern Pintail, 4 Black Ducks, 3 Red-tailed Hawks, 1 Red-shouldered Hawk, 1 Pileated Woodpecker, 2 Hairy Woodpeckers, and 4 Grackles. (report from Brian Mulhearn)

    3/11/06 -- Barre Falls Dam, Barre
    Raptors migrating today: Turkey Vulture 4 ; Northern Harrier 1 ; Sharp-shinned Hawk 2 ; Cooper's Hawk 1 ; Red-shouldered Hawk 6 ; Red-tailed Hawk 45 ; American Kestrel 1 . Raptor Observations: Birds were high, difficult to see when clear. Non-raptor Observations: A northern shrike hunted from all of the perches that our fall shrike did. Same bird?????? 6 ravens plus the resident pair; groups of migrating crows. (report from Bart Kamp).

    3/11/06 -- Eastern Worcester County
    This morning we birded a few spots in eastern Worcester County. There was still some significant ice on all the ponds, especially in marshy spots. Highlights:
  • BOLTON FLATS, LANCASTER: A hunter (crow?); got there before we did and flushed a lot of the waterfowl. We stuck to a few areas OTHER than the RT.117 entrance (where the hunter was);. The flats are VERY dry for this time of the year: Canada Goose (529); Wood Duck (9); Mallard (86); A Black Duck (6); N. Pintail (6); Green-winged Teal (49); Hooded Merganser (2); Sharp-shinned Hawk (1); Red-tailed Hawk (1); Killdeer (5); Fox Sparrow (1); Red-winged blackbird (203); Brown-headed Cowbird (13); Common Grackle (136);
  • DELANEY IBA, HARVARD/STOW: Great Blue Heron (11 ads and 5 active nests so far); Canada Goose (29); Wood Duck (12); Mallard (23); A Black Duck (3); Common Goldeneye (3); Hooded Merganser (12); Red-tailed Hawk (1); Tree Swallow (1); Carolina Wren (1); Red-winged Blackbird (341); Common Grackle (94);
  • BARTLETT POND, NORTHBORO: Mute Swan (3); Canada Goose (53); Mallard (2); A Wigeon (4); Ring-necked Duck (72); Hooded Merganser (2); E Bluebird (2);
  • WESTBORO WMA (including Chauncy and Little Chauncy Ponds); Turkey Vulture (1); Mute Swan (2); Canada Goose (22); Mallard (12); Greater Scaup (3m); Bufflehead (2); Hooded Merganser (5); Common Merganser (9); Killdeer (3); Red-winged Blackbird (326); Common Grackle (183);
  • SuAsCo, WESTBORO: Turkey Vulture (1); Mute Swan (4: 2 pr); Canada Goose (4); Mallard (7); Ring-necked Duck (22); Bufflehead (1); Common Goldeneye (6); Hooded Merganser (22); Common Merganser (13); Red-tailed Hawk (2); Red-winged Blackbird (35);
    (report from Mark Lynch/Sheila Carroll).

    • 3/11/06 -- Meadow Pond, Northbridge
    A very late afternoon stop at Meadow Pond, Northbridge had the following: Canada Goose (249); Mallard (15); A Wigeon (1m); N Pintail (2m); A Black Duck (7); Ring-necked Duck (37); Hooded Merganser (17); Common Merganser (32); (report from Mark Lynch/Sheila Carroll).

    3/11/06 -- Northbridge/Uxbridge
    Harbingers of Spring are checking into southern Worcester county, beginning Feb 22 with two red-winged blackbirds giving a whistle-buzz from high atop a pine tree at West Hill Park, Northbridge. Since then, cardinals have been singing and robins have been hopping around town. There was a lone yellow-shafted flicker at Riverbend Farm.
    Yesterday, March 10, wood ducks appeared on the marsh at West Hill Park. Four killdeer were on the gravel beds at the WWTP (sewer plant), and a fox sparrow scooched in leaves while remaining partly hidden. The season's first tree swallow soared at the Park today, and a fox sparrow spent some time near the feeders in my yard this afternoon. (report from Beth Milke).

    3/11/06 -- Greater Gardner area
  • Baldwinville (Otter River): Canada Goose 89; Mallard ~20; Black Duck 4; Green-winged Teal 3; Wood Duck 19; Hooded Merganser 8; Common Merganser 5; Brown Creeper 1; Golden-crowned Kinglet 1;
  • Templeton (Norcross, Elliot and Church Hill area): Turkey Vulture 3; Bald Eagle 1 adult; Red-tailed Hawk 4; Red-shouldered Hawk 2 adults; Killdeer 2; Red-wing Blackbird ~30; Common Grackler ~150; Brown-headed Cowbird 5;
  • Templeton (Burnshirt Rd. / Stonebridge Pond): Mallard 2; Wood Duck 2; Hooded Merganser 6; Coopers Hawk 1; Raven 16;
  • Barre Falls Dam (with Hawkwatchers, they will post the totals to birdhawk): Northern Shrike 1 adult; Raven 8;
  • Gardner (Pail Factory Swamp): Canada Goose ~15; Mallard 30; Black Duck 4; Wood Duck 5; Hooded Merganser 6; Common Merganser 5; Eastern Phoebe 1;
  • Gardner (High Ridge WMA): American Woodcock 2. (report from Tom Pirro).

    3/10/06 -- Royalston
    We noticed the new nighttime birdsong during the past week and after some googling and playing the sound files at the owlpages.com website, I was able to match the sound to the Northern Saw-Whet.(report from Lynn Anair).

    3/8/06 -- Wachusett Reservoir, Boylston
    An adult Bald Eagle appeared to be sitting tight while tending to domestic chores on the nest last evening near gate 6 and a second adult was seen flying toward West Boylston. I check the reservoir from the end of Scar Hill Road and found an impressive cloud of several thousand gulls swarming over the water. There I saw at least 1 white winged gull in the mass, and more than likely others went undetected. An adult Bald Eagle, likely the one seen in flight earlier, was in the area stirring it up! Also present were 60 Black Ducks, 3 Hooded Mergs, 10-15 Common Mergs and a Great Horned Owl was calling. (report from Tom Pirro).

    3/8/06 -- Asnebumskit Hill, Paxton
    There were many new sticks added to the Raven Nest, and I did hear a Raven squawking. At the Heron Rookery, we saw a Great Blue Heron. Also, a Pileated Woodpecker drumming, 1 Hermit Thrush, and 2 Turkey Vultures. (report from Brian Mulhearn)

    3/7/06 -- Ashburnham/Groton
    This morning I noticed a flock of about 30 Crows, in Ashburnham, that appeared to be migrating north east. In groton at lunch there appeared to be a similar movement of about 30-40 crows. Also, in Groton, a Red-shouldered Hawk was "carving up the sky" with its territorial acrobatics, the bird was too distant to hear, but certainly it must have been calling!

    Also of note: In today's Wall Street Journal (3/07/06) there is an article on Minature books, one paragraph speaks of and quotes Bob Bradbury of Worcester. Many probably know Bob as a very sharp birder and former officer of the Forbush Bird Club. (report from Tom Pirro).

    3/6/06 -- Wachusett Reservoir, Boylston
  • Just as a follow-up to Fran McMenemy's and Mark Lynch's posting on the Wachusett Eagle's nesting location, the birds were there this afternoon at 3:00 pm. As Mark indicated in his post, a scope is preferable to binos. I had expected to see a few more people but I was the only one which is probable a good thing. The birds seemed relaxed and just looked around. The nest is a tad difficult to spot. But, once found, a white spot (naked eye) against a green evergreen you've got it. Again thanks to Fran and Mark, who are much more experienced birders than I for the info. A couple of side notes, from the nesting location, the resident Red-Tailed Hawk at the Dike made an appearence over Cementary Island.
  • The Barton Cove Eagles (Turner Falls) have laid their first egg at 9:10 am and a second may be expected in two days.
  • For those folks interested in travelling, the Essex,CT. area is a behive of activity right now. On 3/5/06, at the Chester ferry landing, we observed at least four immature balds and two with extreme closeups. Definitely two different birds. At Essex, the mature balds have rebuild their nest which can be seen from the Connecticut River Museum observation area at naked eye. I can said that this nest did not exist five weeks ago. The local birders tell us that the old nest was destroyed last fall but the Eagles stayed on and have relocated to a more visible location. You'll still need a scope if you go. Definitely, mature birds at this nest. (report from Steve & Kathy Olson)

    • 3/6/06 -- Holy Cross College, Worcester
    I saw a common grackle eating peanuts over by Holy Cross this morning. Spring is on the way! (report from Colleen Morin).

    3/5/06 -- South Natick/Sherborn
    At the Broadmoor Audubon Santuary: a pair of golden-crowned kinglets hawking tiny flies. One turkey vulture. At Farm Pond in Sherborn: Common Goldeneye (10) and Common Merganser (16). The pond is 75% frozen. (report from George Moore).

    3/5/06 -- Rice City Pond, Uxbridge
    Six common grackles were picking in muddy grasses at Rice City Pond today. These are the first grackles I have seen in this area this year. Canada geese and various gulls were present here and at Whitin Pond, where the surface was mostly ice-covered. No mergansers were seen on this brisk day, but the resident great blue heron was at the edge of Whitin Pond. (report from Beth Milke).

    3/5/06 -- Flint Pond and Lake Quinsingamond, Shrewsbury/Worcester
    Hilights from this afternoon:
  • Flint pond: Canada Goose 20+; Black Duck 20; Mallard 50; Gadwall 7 (2 m and 5f); Common Merganser 15; Hooded Merganser 15;
  • Lake Quinsingamond (sount of rte 9): Canada Goose ~10; Black Duck; Common Goldeneye 33; Ring-necked Duck 10; Lesser Scaup 2; Wood Duck 2; Common Merganser 25; Hooded Merganser 10; American Coot 1; Ring-billed gull 250+; Herring Gull a few; Great-black-backed Gull a few; (report from Tom Pirro).

    • 3/5/06 -- Wachusett Reservoir, Boylston
    Last week, I heard from Fran McMenemy that Bald Eagles are finally nesting at Wachusett Reservoir. This has been expected in the last few years with birds having been seen throughout the year. We went out late this morning and had them, with one bird sitting VERY tight on the nest, so tight that it's wings were seen being pushed over the edge of the nest. At one point, the sitting bird shifted and looked intently down into the nest. To view the nest: Take Rt. 70 north of Rt.140, past Tahanto HS. Watch for Gate 6 on left. Walk down to the water here (c. 5 minutes); and look for the rightmost (northern most); island. The birds are nesting in a tall pine on the right side of the island, close to top, left side of trunk. Normally, I would NEVER post the location of any nesting raptor BUT in this case: Gate 6 is an extremely popular fishing gate and there will soon be many fishermen all over this spot, there are no boats allowed on Wachusett (unlike Barton Cove); and it's pretty far out on an island (you will need a scope);. So the birds are definitely given a fixed comfort zone.THAT SAID: BEHAVE YOURSELF, and keep a quiet and unobtrusive demeanor. (report from Mark Lynch).

    3/5/06 -- Blackstone Corridor: RI and MA
    We decided to check some ponds in SMITHFIELD and CUMBERLAND RI today. Ponds are still very much frozen and few folks check interior ponds for birds until well into waterfowl migration:
  • WOONSOCKET RESERVOIR: Smithfield/Lincoln much more ice than last weekend: Common Merganser (2f+1f); Common Goldeneye (4m); Bald Eagle (1 sub-ad);. This bird had a white head, white tail and mostly black body, but still featured some light streaks on the underwings and some dark streaks on the head.
  • GEORGIAVILLE POND, SMITHFIELD (3/4 frozen);: MUTE SWAN (2);: For the most part, we have found that Mute Swans up until now have stayed EAST of Rt. 146, but we have started to find them regularly edging west of that line. Canada Goose (52); Common Goldeneye (1f); Hooded Merganser (1m); Red-bellied Woodpecker (1);
  • WOONASQUATUCKET RESERVOIR, SMITHFIELD (1/3+ frozen);: MUTE SWAN (1); Canada Goose (2); Mallard (4); Ring-necked Duck (1); Hooded Merganser (9); Red-bellied Woodpecker (2); Hermit Thrush (1); Swamp Sparrow (1); Red-winged Blackbird (4m on territory in cattails at extreme southern end of reservoir);
  • WATERMAN RESERVOIR (1/2+ frozen);: Canada Goose (2); Mallard (9); A. Black Duck (8); PLUS: one idiot on his cell phone walking extremely close to the edge of the ice in the middle of the resrvoir. I have no idea if he was trying for better reception (which it what it looked like);, but we were set to have to phone in an emmergency rescue.
  • Then in CUMBERLAND RI: SNEETCH POND: Now completely frozen and therefore no ducks, but in the brush around the north end among the common wintering birds we found another Hermit Thrush.
  • DIAMOND HILL/ARNOLD MILLS RESERVOIRS: Extremely disappointing. Though 1/2-3/4 open, NO ducks what so ever. We did have a pair of Red-tailed Hawks and several ICE FISHERMEN on the water on Arnold's Mills at western end.
  • tiny CARL'S POND: Mute Swan (pair on territory);. ALSO: many, many Cardinals, Song Sparrows in full spring song.
  • HARRIS' POND, WOONSOCKET RI/MILLVILLE MA: Almost completely frozen: Canada Goose (2); Ring-billed Gull (70); Herring Gull (11); Great Black-backed Gull (3);
  • RIVERDALE, GRAFTON: This swelling of the Blackstone is back to being a pond again (ie: dammed);, but not much here: Canada Goose (4); Red-tailed Hawk (2);
  • FISHERVILLE POND, GRAFTON: Much of the area, except the immediate mainstem of the river, still frozen, but waterfowl are beginning to build up: Canada Goose (257); Mallard (88); Hooded Merganser (4); Common Merganser (8); In just a few weeks, this spot should be hoppin'
    (report from Mark Lynch/Sheila Carroll).

    • 3/4/06 -- Barton's Cove , Gill/Montague
    We hit Barton's Cove on returning from the Berkshires at only about 1PM. Still, there were lots of gulls present, though I am sure more would be coming in later. Present was the following: Mute Swan (11); Canada Goose (22); Mallard (39); C. Goldeneye (1m); Common Merganser (23); Bald Eagle (pair at nest. At one point, we watched one bird fly in with its talons full of tall grass-like material to the nest. Red-tailed Hawk (1); Ring-billed Gull (328); Iceland Gull (1adW); Herring Gull (472); Glaucous Gull (2 1stW); Great Black-backed Gull (191); We dipped on the Lesser Black-backed, but as I said, more gulls were coming in. BTW: We birded in sections of Rowe, Monroe, Charlemont, Florida in snow showers and did not find any winter finches, though along the Deerfield River, heading into and through Monroe we had: Hooded Merganser (2); Common Merganser (6: all drakes); Pileated Woodpecker (2); Comon Raven (2 pair: one pair flew up from a known nest site, did some aerial manoevers and began gathering some sticks. These birds are very much ON territory now. OTHERWISE: There were modest amounts of the common permanent residents: chickadees, nuthatches, crows, jays et. (report from Mark Lynch/Sheila Carroll).

    3/3/06/ -- Broad Meadow Brook Audubon Sanctuary, Worcester
    Hilites today, 1 Hermit Thrush, 1 American Woodcock, and 1 Winter Wren scurrying along a frozen streambed at the Black Oak Savannah. (report from Brian Mulhearn)

    3/2/06 -- Mt. Wachusett, Princeton
  • Mt. Wachusett: There was a pair of Ravens near the field close to Echo Lake. I have seen them here for several years, I suspect they nest near here.
  • Asnebumskit Hill, Paxton: A pair of Ravens flew from the tower where they have nested for several years.
  • Broad Meadow Brook Sanctuary, Worcester: There was a flock of about 20 Eastern Bluebirds in the woods near the quarry at Granite St. I have been seeing Bluebirds in this area regularly all winter. Also there I flushed a Woodcock, and I have seen Ruffed Grouse here recently also. (report from Brian Mulhearn)

    • For previous sightings, see February 2006 Archives or Archive Index