March 2010 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:

ONGOING -- Asian Longhorned Beetle Information
3/24/10 -- Birding by Ear Program with Mass Audubon
4/8/10 -- Upcoming trips sponsored by the Bird Store And More
4/11/10 -- Revised update for Forbush trip: Due to the flooding conditions, the Forbush Bird Club Bolton Flats and vicinity trip has been changed again, from Saturday, April 3 to Sunday April 11. Other details remain the same.

Bird Sightings:

3/31/10 -- Gardner: While checking to see if the local "breeding" loons returned to the area, I had the good fortune of finding a winter (basic) plumaged Red-throated on Lake Wompanoag , on the Gardner/Ashburnham line. Also present was a Common Loon near the breeding site, a small island on the Ashburnham side. Another Common Loon was at Crystal Lake, a few miles away. It lifted only its left leg above the water and it had NO bands on that leg. I have a digi-scope image of the RT Loon and of the Crystal Lake C. Loon on my blog as well as a few shots of the Sage Thrasher digi-scoped on Sunday 3/28 from Salisbury. (report from Tom Pirro).
3/28/10 -- Lake Quaboag and vicinity, Brookfields: Highlights of the Forbush Bird Club trip were 4 Wood Ducks, 4 Green-winged Teal, 2 Bufflehead, 1 Eastern Phoebe and 12 Tree Swallows on a brisk morning. Here is the complete trip list of the 36 species recorded. (trip report from Rodney Jenkins, fide Joan Gallagher).
3/28/10 -- South Quabbin/Brookfields 3/28: We spent the morning birding the areas in and around SOUTH QUABBIN/QUABBIN PARK, off Rt. 9 in Belchertown. Birds were scarce, especially waterfowl, which was a bit surprising. Partial list below: Turkey Vulture (9); Canada Goose (2); Mallard (2); Ring-necked Duck (2); Hooded Merganser (5); Common Merganser (5); Cooper?s Hawk (1 calling continuously: while perched and flying); Red-tailed Hawk (1); Bald Eagle (1ad+ 2 immatures. The immatures did a spectacular flight display. 1 of the birds had a mostly white head, body and upper body and lots of light splashes on the wings above and below. Quite unique looking); Killdeer (2); Yellow-bellied Sapsucker (1); Hairy Woodpecker (4); Eastern Phoebe (6); Raven (1 on nest); Red-winged Blackbird (83); Common Grackle (60+); Rusty Blackbird (2); Brown-headed Cowbird (3);
On the way home, we hit just a few places in the BROOKFIELDS: Great Blue Heron (4: 2 on nests in different locations); Turkey Vulture (1); Canada Goose (2); Wood Duck (2); A Black Duck (8); Mallard (18); Green-winged Teal (7); Ring-necked Duck (18); Hooded Merganser (4); Common Merganser (70); Sharp-shinned Hawk (1); Red-tailed Hawk (1); Wild Turkey (1); Killdeer (4); Ring-billed Gull (40+); Hairy Woodpecker (4); N Flicker (1); Pileated Woodpecker (3); Eastern Phoebe (10); Tree Swallow (11); Song Sparrow (17); Dark-eyed Junco (67); Red-winged Blackbird (87); Common Grackle (52);
(report from Mark Lynch/Sheila Carroll).

3/29/10 -- North Road, Hardwick
From 3:38 to 7:18 A.M.:
Taking advantage of the momentum supplied by a fit of insomnia allowed me to bear witness to a splendid Great Horned Owl gorging on a plump mole beneath the magnificent full moon. As morning rapidly approached, I exited a neighbor's overgrown woodlot accompanied by a deafening chorus of Spring Peepers. Red-winged Blackbirds awoke and scattered from the tree tops, and as I strode through a clearing, I was richly rewarded by the sight of two specks of liquid gold capped with burgundy flitting over the stands of fluorescent green Skunk Cabbage, a pair of newly-arrived Palm Warblers excitedly taking stock of prime feeding areas! Highlights include: Turkey Vulture 3; Ruffed Grouse 1; Great Horned Owl 1; Hermit Thrush 1; Eastern Bluebird 5; Palm Warbler 2; Chipping Sparrow 2; White-throated Sparrow 11; Dark-eyed Junco 26; Song Sparrow 3; Red-winged Blackbird 38; Rusty Blackbird 2; Brown-headed Cowbird 3. (report from Chris Ellison).

3/26/10 -- Martha Deering WMA, Millbury
This afternoon at the Martha Deering WMA on Riverlin St in Millbury, Kim Allen and I bumped into a Barred Owl that only flew about 50 yards and then sat staring at us for about 30 seconds before flying off. (report from Alan Marble).

3/25/10 -- Barre Falls Dam, Barre
Migrant raptors today: Turkey Vulture 2 ; Sharp-shinned Hawk 2 ; Red-tailed Hawk 5 . Non-raptor Observations: Swallows swarming the bird boxes while the bluebirds watched, first purple finch & phoebe, 2 high flying great blue herons. (report from Bart Kamp).

3/25/10 -- Coachlace Pond, Clinton
Kim Allen and I stopped at Coachlace Pond to look for the Pied-billed Grebe that Bart Kamp had told us about. The Pied-billed Grebe was there, along with 18 Greater Scaup. (report from Alan Marble).

3/24/10 -- Northbridge
A Bald Eagle was sighted in the Riverdale section of Northbridge at 10:00 a.m., heading toward the Mill Pond on Riverdale Street. (report from Cornelius Madigan)

3/24/10 -- Dexter Drumlin, Lancaster
Late this afternoon, Kim Allen and I went to Dexter Drumlin (on George Hill Road in Lancaster) to check out the flooded fields. When we got there we ran into Bart Kamp who put us on to a Bonaparte's Gull that had just flown in to join 200+ Ring-billed Gulls. Before we left, we also saw a pair of Mallards and a Sharp-shinned Hawk. (report from Alan Marble).

3/24/10 -- Uxbridge
A house wren is singing its dry bubbly song in the yard. (report from Beth Milke)

3/23/10 -- Gardner/Templeton
Hilights from the Gardner WWTP along the Otter River: Wood Duck 15; Green-winged Teal 3; Pied-billed Grebe 1; Wilson's Snipe 3; Killdeer 11; Northern Flicker 2; Blue Jay 1 -giving excellent Red-shouldered hawk imitation; Song Sparrow 5 -becoming wide spread in N. Worc. County now; Rusty Blackbird 15 -exact count. (report from Tom Pirro).

3/21/10 -- Douglas
I had a pair of phoebes in my yard today. A couple of wood frogs were calling from the woods across the street, also. (report from Mary Sughrue-Yacino).

3/21/10 -- Worcester
I made a few stops around Worcester today:
on Coes Pond I saw 9 Wood Duck, 38 C.Merganser, 2-Hooded Merganser and 3 Bufflehead.
From there I went to the airport: 4 Killdeer and 20 Horned Lark.
At Notre Dame: 4 Wood Ducks, three in a tree. I know they're Wood Ducks but a duck in a tree still looks funny. It looked like a Swan was on a nest.
All Faiths had 7 Green-winged Teal and 7 Wood Ducks.
From there I went to the Blackstone shopping mall and 10 Turkey Vultures were circling the river.
(report from John Shea).

3/21/10 -- WINIMUSSET WMA, New Braintree
Present this afternoon on the high water behind the beaver dam were several pairs of Scaup (?species) at the far distant edge (we didn't have the scope) and a few pairs of Hooded Mergansers and Mallards. Two otters were swimming around there, too. Some Tree Swallows flew intermittently over the water, seemingly in migration mode, about 15 in all. In the adjoining farm fields we found at least 8 Killdeer and flushed 3 Wilson's Snipe and about a dozen American Pipits. There were too many American Robins to count. Wood Frogs were cackling in a small pond created by flooding in the middle of the cornfield. A noisy mixed flock made up of Red-winged Blackbirds, Common Grackles, and a couple of Brown-headed Cowbirds was abruptly silenced when a single Merlin flew over. Also seen were a lone male Belted Kingfisher, 2 Northern Flickers, a handful of Song Sparrows, and some lingering Dark-eyed Juncos. (report submitted by Wendy Howes & Alan Rawle)

3/21/10 -- Worcester
This afternoon I had a Phoebe in my yard, early for here: off Salisbury at the Worc./Holden line. (report from Howard Shainheit).

3/18/10 -- Sterling Peat, Sterling
Some highlights from a morning visit to Sterling Peat were: 22 Canada Geese, 1 Mute Swan, 6 Wood Ducks, 2 Mallards, 26 Ring-necked Ducks, 1 Bufflehead, 3 Common Goldeneye, 1 Common Merganser, 1 Killdeer and 2 Northern Flickers. (report from Alan Marble).

3/18/10 -- Barre Falls Dam, Barre
Turkey Vulture 4 ; Sharp-shinned Hawk 5 ; Cooper's Hawk 2 ; Red-shouldered Hawk 2 ; Red-tailed Hawk 14 . Raptor Observations: Not migrating: 2 turkey vultures, 2 bald eagles, 8 red-tailed hawks and 4 northern goshawks. Non-raptor Observations: The first tree swallow of the year. (report from Bart Kamp).

3/18/10 -- Institute Park, Worcester
The most interesting sightings recently have been the Mute Swans, as they settle on who will be "king of the pond". I thought I had a lot of swans when I counted 6 on March 9 and March 12, but then on March 16 and 17 there were 8 (yikes!!!). One of them was putting on a very aggressive display, and clearly trying to chase some of the others out of the pond. Perhaps he succeeded -- today there were only 2 swans on the pond. (report from Rick Quimby).

3/18/10 -- Uxbridge
There were 8 killdeers calling, flying over, and settling on 100 Acre Lot cornfield, Sutton St, in Uxbridge. Also, there were a few sightings of great blue herons this past week, including one at the pond at River Bend Farm. (report from Beth Milke)

3/15/10 -- Stoneville Pond, Auburn
A mature Bald Eagle was seen at Stoneville Pond on Rochdale St. in Auburn today. Perhaps the same one seen over by 290 auburn st exit recently? Tried to get a picture, but was gone when I came back with my camera. Very cool. (report from Sara Johnson).

3/14/10 -- South Quabbin/Brookfields
Despite wind and rain we birded these locations on SUNDAY:
SOUTH QUABBIN: Turkey Vulture (4); Canada Goose (2); Wood Duck (2); Hooded Merganser (4); Common Merganser (57: single flock); Bald Eagle (2ad+2imm); Raven (1 attending nest); Eastern Bluebird (2); American Robin (74); Rusty Blackbird (2);
later, in the BROOKFIELDS:
LAKE WICKABOAG: Green-winged Teal (11);
QUABOG WMA: Great Blue Heron (1); Mallard (16); Green-winged Teal (5); A Tree Sparrow (22); White-throated Sparrow (8); Dark-eyed Junco (12); Red-winged Blackbird (60+); Common Grackle (15+); LAKE LASHAWAY: Green-winged Teal (2); Bufflehead (1m); Hooded Merganser (2); Common Merganser (14);
SPENCER: Wild Turkey (11);
(report from Mark Lynch/Sheila Carroll).

3/14/10 -- Uxbridge
First-of-season chipping sparrow was in the yard today. That's a few weeks early according to the MA field card (printed in 2000). (report from Beth Milke).

3/14/10 -- Schoolhouse Pond, Sutton
This afternoon, there were 38 Ring-necked Ducks on Schoolhouse Pond in Sutton. Schoolhouse Pond is on West Sutton Rd near the junction of Eight Lots Rd and is part of the Merrill Pond WMA. (report from Alan Marble).

3/13/10 -- Notre Dame Cemetery, Worcester
This morning I spotted a female Gadwall, Northern Pintail M&F, 6 Green-winged Teal and 9 Wood Ducks. (report from Peter Morlock).

3/13/10 -- West Millbury
A pair of Purple Finches made a stop at my feeders this morning . I also have an interesting American Goldfinch with a pure white tail, except for the outer feather on each side and a white rump. (report from Alan Marble).

3/11/10 -- Leesville Pond, Worcester
While looking out of the back of our house, we spotted this eagle. He was also here on March 1, on the ice. (report from Richard Leufstedt).

3/11/10 -- Marlborough
This morning I saw (and heard) 2 Cowbirds in my back yard- the first I've seen this year. I've had Red-winged Blackbirds for over a month and Common Grackles for about three weeks now. The Cowbirds are a sign of spring I could do without! (report from Laura Lane).

3/10/10 -- Grafton
I heard a pine warbler in a large pine tree in Grafton Center today. (report from Scott Jordan).

3/9/10 -- River Bend Farm, Uxbridge
Paul and I heard several woodcocks calling and flying near the perimeter of the grassy field at 6:15pm this evening. This part of the park is fairly dry, but boots are a good idea if you want to walk paths into other sections. (report from Beth Milke)

3/9/10 -- Wachusett Reservoir, West Boylston
Under the power lines along routes 12 and 140 at Wachusett Reservoir late this afternoon there was a female BARROW'S GOLDENEYE. It was with a group of 35 Common Goldeneyes. This is probably the same bird that Dave Grant saw in the Quinapoxit River about a week ago. It was also with a group of Common Goldeneyes. (report from Bart Kamp).

3/9/10 -- Gate 25, Wachusett Reservoir, West Boylston

Bart Kamp was leaving as I arrived, he had told me he'd just seen a female Barrow's Goldeneye with about 50 Commons. I did manage to see the bird,noting a stubby all-yellow bill and steep sloping forehead...a "classic" Barrow's profile. Last week, on 3/2 Dave Grant had noted, when we crossed paths at River Road, seeing an female Goldeneye with an all yellow bill. Apparently this bird has been around for at least a week.
Also, there were ~275 gulls, the bulk being Ring-billed along with a few dozen Herring and only 1 Imm. Great Black-backed. At least 6 orange tagged gulls were present, but their tags were not readable through the radiant heat coming off the reservoir. I did see a Yellow tagged Ring-billed #235, the yellow tags are easier to read. On 2/27 I have seen Yellow tagged #'s 239, 240,242,243, 245 and 246 in Turner's Falls, long the Conn. River, this bird was likely captured out that way.
(report from Tom Pirro).

3/8/10 -- Hubbardston
A Northern Shrike was still present at Mt. Jefferson Conservation Area. A Pileated Woodpecker called repeatedly, and the area is full of dead trees heavily carved out by those woodpeckers. A flock of about 100 American Robins was feeding on the ground on a southwest-facing hayfield. (report from Wendy Howes).

3/7/10 -- Winimusset WMA, New Braintree
Not too "birdy," but one adult Bald Eagle flew over (must have been the weekend for eagles). Also, about 20 Black Ducks, 4-6 Wood Ducks, one Common Raven, at least 4 Red-tailed Hawks (which appeared to be on the move), only a few Red-winged Blackbirds, and many American Robins. The most unusual sighting was of a Northern Flicker roosting in a tree cavity, seemingly oblivious to the fact that the lower third of its motionless body was in plain view (to us) through the bottom of the cavity, while the upper part of the bird was well-hidden. The most entertaining non-avian sighting was of three River Otters diving and fishing through an opening in the ice, then devouring the fish while up on the ice. This went on for about 20 minutes, and many small fish (pumpkinseeds?) were consumed! (report from Wendy Howes, Alan Rawle, Barry & Lisa van Dusen)

3/7/10 -- Barre Falls Dam, Barre
Migrant raptors today: Turkey Vulture 3 ; Bald Eagle 3 ; Sharp-shinned Hawk 1 ; Cooper's Hawk 1 ; Red-shouldered Hawk 1 ; Red-tailed Hawk 4 . Raptor Observations: Not migrating: 2 turkey vultures, 1 bald eagle, 1 northern goshawk and 4 redtails. Non-raptor Observations: 200-300 migrating crows. (report from Bart Kamp).

3/7/10 -- Orange/Athol
Some of our sightings today include:
Orange Airport: Our first Broad Wing Hawk of the year and 2 Red Tails
Johnsons Farm, Wheeler Ave, North Orange: 2 Bluebirds
Branch Bridge, South Athol: Immature Bald Eagle on the ice, 4 Hooded Mergs, Redwing Blackbird, and Common Grackle
Athol sewage treatment plant: Carolina Wren
Brooks Road, Athol: Yellow bellied Sapsucker and Red bellied Woodpecker .
(report from Kate and Greg Watkevich).

3/7/10 -- Worcester
I had 8 Grackles at the feeder today. (report from John Shea).

3/6/10 -- Hardwick, New Braintree, Quabbin Reservoir, Barre
Locations:
East Quabbin Land Trust, Mandel Hill, Hardwick.
Winimusset Wildlife Management Area, New Braintree.
Gates 33, 40, & 41, Quabbin Reservation.
MAS Cook's Canyon Wildlife Sanctuary, Barre.
Times: 2:47 A.M. - 2:27 P.M.
Here is the extended trip narrative along with complete bird list. (report from Chris Ellison).

3/6/10 -- Worcester
Stopped at a few ponds around Worcester today, with highlights: 2 Wood Ducks and 30 C. Merganser at All Faiths Cemetery; 2 Bufflehead, 12 C. Goldeneye, 4 Hooded Merganser and 6 C.Merganser at Flint Pond. I stopped at the airport about 5:00 pm and had: 1 Lapland Longspur, and many Horned Lark. (report from John Shea).

3/6/10 -- Barre Falls Dam, Barre
Migrant raptors today: Turkey Vulture 2 ; Red-shouldered Hawk 1 ; Red-tailed Hawk 2 . Raptor Observations: Not migrating: 3 redtails, 1 northern goshawk. Non-raptor Observations: 300-400 migrating crows, a pair of bluebirds were on the bird house and the pair of ravens were at their nest site. (report from Bart Kamp).

3/4/10 -- Wachusett Reservoir, Clinton
I made a brief stop by gate 36 at Wachusett Reservoir this evening, while not many gulls were in sight I did see a Bald Eagle across the way. Through the scope, just under 50X, I could it "sitting tight" in the nest (just its head in view) and likely on egg(s). Up near the causeway were about 125 gulls, the majority Ring-bills, 15-20 herring and only a few Great Black-backed. Two tagged Ringers were present, #347 and the other's tag was unreadable at the viewing distance. (report from Tom Pirro).

3/2/10 -- Gate 36, Wachusett Reservoir
This morning at Gate 36 there were a bunch of Gulls at the edge of the ice just before the open water. Mostly Great Black-backed as well as some Herring and Ring-billed. I also saw a Glaucous Gull (Ad) which eventually flew off towards the north. (report from Peter Morlock).

3/2/10 -- Institute Park, Worcester
There were 6 Mute Swans on the pond today (the most spring-time adults that I've recorded at one time). Two were 1st spring birds with some brown still showing on wings (maybe last year's brood?). There was aggressive chasing between the swans, presumably to determine who will stay to breed on the pond this summer. Also of note were 7 Hooded Mergansers and 11 Common Mergansers. (report from Rick Quimby).

3/2/10 -- Worcester/Auburn line
An adult Bald Eagle was spotted flying near the Auburn St. exit off I-290. It has been seen in this vicinity previously this year, and might be found by birders checking out the Leesville Pond area. (report from Scott Jordan).

3/2/10 -- Paxton
A Woodcock was peenting this morning in our field across the street. This beats last years early arrival of March 7 for my record early date. (report from Rodney Jenkins).

For previous sightings, see February 2010 Archives or Archive Index
3/29/10 -- North Road, Hardwick: From 3:38 to 7:18 A.M.:
Taking advantage of the momentum supplied by a fit of insomnia allowed me to bear witness to a splendid Great Horned Owl gorging on a plump mole beneath the magnificent full moon. As morning rapidly approached, I exited a neighbor's overgrown woodlot accompanied by a deafening chorus of Spring Peepers. Red-winged Blackbirds awoke and scattered from the tree tops, and as I strode through a clearing, I was richly rewarded by the sight of two specks of liquid gold capped with burgundy flitting over the stands of fluorescent green Skunk Cabbage, a pair of newly-arrived Palm Warblers excitedly taking stock of prime feeding areas! Highlights include: Turkey Vulture 3; Ruffed Grouse 1; Great Horned Owl 1; Hermit Thrush 1; Eastern Bluebird 5; Palm Warbler 2; Chipping Sparrow 2; White-throated Sparrow 11; Dark-eyed Junco 26; Song Sparrow 3; Red-winged Blackbird 38; Rusty Blackbird 2; Brown-headed Cowbird 3. (report from Chris Ellison).
3/26/10 -- Martha Deering WMA, Millbury: This afternoon at the Martha Deering WMA on Riverlin St in Millbury, Kim Allen and I bumped into a Barred Owl that only flew about 50 yards and then sat staring at us for about 30 seconds before flying off. (report from Alan Marble).
3/25/10 -- Barre Falls Dam, Barre: Migrant raptors today: Turkey Vulture 2 ; Sharp-shinned Hawk 2 ; Red-tailed Hawk 5 . Non-raptor Observations: Swallows swarming the bird boxes while the bluebirds watched, first purple finch & phoebe, 2 high flying great blue herons. (report from Bart Kamp).
3/25/10 -- Coachlace Pond, Clinton: Kim Allen and I stopped at Coachlace Pond to look for the Pied-billed Grebe that Bart Kamp had told us about. The Pied-billed Grebe was there, along with 18 Greater Scaup. (report from Alan Marble).
3/24/10 -- Northbridge: A Bald Eagle was sighted in the Riverdale section of Northbridge at 10:00 a.m., heading toward the Mill Pond on Riverdale Street. (report from Cornelius Madigan)
3/24/10 -- Dexter Drumlin, Lancaster: Late this afternoon, Kim Allen and I went to Dexter Drumlin (on George Hill Road in Lancaster) to check out the flooded fields. When we got there we ran into Bart Kamp who put us on to a Bonaparte's Gull that had just flown in to join 200+ Ring-billed Gulls. Before we left, we also saw a pair of Mallards and a Sharp-shinned Hawk. (report from Alan Marble).
3/24/10 -- Uxbridge: A house wren is singing its dry bubbly song in the yard. (report from Beth Milke)
3/23/10 -- Gardner/Templeton: Hilights from the Gardner WWTP along the Otter River: Wood Duck 15; Green-winged Teal 3; Pied-billed Grebe 1; Wilson's Snipe 3; Killdeer 11; Northern Flicker 2; Blue Jay 1 -giving excellent Red-shouldered hawk imitation; Song Sparrow 5 -becoming wide spread in N. Worc. County now; Rusty Blackbird 15 -exact count. (report from Tom Pirro).
3/21/10 -- Douglas: I had a pair of phoebes in my yard today. A couple of wood frogs were calling from the woods across the street, also. (report from Mary Sughrue-Yacino).
3/21/10 -- Worcester: I made a few stops around Worcester today:
on Coes Pond I saw 9 Wood Duck, 38 C.Merganser, 2-Hooded Merganser and 3 Bufflehead.
From there I went to the airport: 4 Killdeer and 20 Horned Lark.
At Notre Dame: 4 Wood Ducks, three in a tree. I know they're Wood Ducks but a duck in a tree still looks funny. It looked like a Swan was on a nest.
All Faiths had 7 Green-winged Teal and 7 Wood Ducks.
From there I went to the Blackstone shopping mall and 10 Turkey Vultures were circling the river.
(report from John Shea).

3/21/10 -- WINIMUSSET WMA, New Braintree
Present this afternoon on the high water behind the beaver dam were several pairs of Scaup (?species) at the far distant edge (we didn't have the scope) and a few pairs of Hooded Mergansers and Mallards. Two otters were swimming around there, too. Some Tree Swallows flew intermittently over the water, seemingly in migration mode, about 15 in all. In the adjoining farm fields we found at least 8 Killdeer and flushed 3 Wilson's Snipe and about a dozen American Pipits. There were too many American Robins to count. Wood Frogs were cackling in a small pond created by flooding in the middle of the cornfield. A noisy mixed flock made up of Red-winged Blackbirds, Common Grackles, and a couple of Brown-headed Cowbirds was abruptly silenced when a single Merlin flew over. Also seen were a lone male Belted Kingfisher, 2 Northern Flickers, a handful of Song Sparrows, and some lingering Dark-eyed Juncos. (report submitted by Wendy Howes & Alan Rawle)

3/21/10 -- Worcester
This afternoon I had a Phoebe in my yard, early for here: off Salisbury at the Worc./Holden line. (report from Howard Shainheit).

3/18/10 -- Sterling Peat, Sterling
Some highlights from a morning visit to Sterling Peat were: 22 Canada Geese, 1 Mute Swan, 6 Wood Ducks, 2 Mallards, 26 Ring-necked Ducks, 1 Bufflehead, 3 Common Goldeneye, 1 Common Merganser, 1 Killdeer and 2 Northern Flickers. (report from Alan Marble).

3/18/10 -- Barre Falls Dam, Barre
Turkey Vulture 4 ; Sharp-shinned Hawk 5 ; Cooper's Hawk 2 ; Red-shouldered Hawk 2 ; Red-tailed Hawk 14 . Raptor Observations: Not migrating: 2 turkey vultures, 2 bald eagles, 8 red-tailed hawks and 4 northern goshawks. Non-raptor Observations: The first tree swallow of the year. (report from Bart Kamp).

3/18/10 -- Institute Park, Worcester
The most interesting sightings recently have been the Mute Swans, as they settle on who will be "king of the pond". I thought I had a lot of swans when I counted 6 on March 9 and March 12, but then on March 16 and 17 there were 8 (yikes!!!). One of them was putting on a very aggressive display, and clearly trying to chase some of the others out of the pond. Perhaps he succeeded -- today there were only 2 swans on the pond. (report from Rick Quimby).

3/18/10 -- Uxbridge
There were 8 killdeers calling, flying over, and settling on 100 Acre Lot cornfield, Sutton St, in Uxbridge. Also, there were a few sightings of great blue herons this past week, including one at the pond at River Bend Farm. (report from Beth Milke)

3/15/10 -- Stoneville Pond, Auburn
A mature Bald Eagle was seen at Stoneville Pond on Rochdale St. in Auburn today. Perhaps the same one seen over by 290 auburn st exit recently? Tried to get a picture, but was gone when I came back with my camera. Very cool. (report from Sara Johnson).

3/14/10 -- South Quabbin/Brookfields
Despite wind and rain we birded these locations on SUNDAY:
SOUTH QUABBIN: Turkey Vulture (4); Canada Goose (2); Wood Duck (2); Hooded Merganser (4); Common Merganser (57: single flock); Bald Eagle (2ad+2imm); Raven (1 attending nest); Eastern Bluebird (2); American Robin (74); Rusty Blackbird (2);
later, in the BROOKFIELDS:
LAKE WICKABOAG: Green-winged Teal (11);
QUABOG WMA: Great Blue Heron (1); Mallard (16); Green-winged Teal (5); A Tree Sparrow (22); White-throated Sparrow (8); Dark-eyed Junco (12); Red-winged Blackbird (60+); Common Grackle (15+); LAKE LASHAWAY: Green-winged Teal (2); Bufflehead (1m); Hooded Merganser (2); Common Merganser (14);
SPENCER: Wild Turkey (11);
(report from Mark Lynch/Sheila Carroll).

3/14/10 -- Uxbridge
First-of-season chipping sparrow was in the yard today. That's a few weeks early according to the MA field card (printed in 2000). (report from Beth Milke).

3/14/10 -- Schoolhouse Pond, Sutton
This afternoon, there were 38 Ring-necked Ducks on Schoolhouse Pond in Sutton. Schoolhouse Pond is on West Sutton Rd near the junction of Eight Lots Rd and is part of the Merrill Pond WMA. (report from Alan Marble).

3/13/10 -- Notre Dame Cemetery, Worcester
This morning I spotted a female Gadwall, Northern Pintail M&F, 6 Green-winged Teal and 9 Wood Ducks. (report from Peter Morlock).

3/13/10 -- West Millbury
A pair of Purple Finches made a stop at my feeders this morning . I also have an interesting American Goldfinch with a pure white tail, except for the outer feather on each side and a white rump. (report from Alan Marble).

3/11/10 -- Leesville Pond, Worcester
While looking out of the back of our house, we spotted this eagle. He was also here on March 1, on the ice. (report from Richard Leufstedt).

3/11/10 -- Marlborough
This morning I saw (and heard) 2 Cowbirds in my back yard- the first I've seen this year. I've had Red-winged Blackbirds for over a month and Common Grackles for about three weeks now. The Cowbirds are a sign of spring I could do without! (report from Laura Lane).

3/10/10 -- Grafton
I heard a pine warbler in a large pine tree in Grafton Center today. (report from Scott Jordan).

3/9/10 -- River Bend Farm, Uxbridge
Paul and I heard several woodcocks calling and flying near the perimeter of the grassy field at 6:15pm this evening. This part of the park is fairly dry, but boots are a good idea if you want to walk paths into other sections. (report from Beth Milke)

3/9/10 -- Wachusett Reservoir, West Boylston
Under the power lines along routes 12 and 140 at Wachusett Reservoir late this afternoon there was a female BARROW'S GOLDENEYE. It was with a group of 35 Common Goldeneyes. This is probably the same bird that Dave Grant saw in the Quinapoxit River about a week ago. It was also with a group of Common Goldeneyes. (report from Bart Kamp).

3/9/10 -- Gate 25, Wachusett Reservoir, West Boylston

Bart Kamp was leaving as I arrived, he had told me he'd just seen a female Barrow's Goldeneye with about 50 Commons. I did manage to see the bird,noting a stubby all-yellow bill and steep sloping forehead...a "classic" Barrow's profile. Last week, on 3/2 Dave Grant had noted, when we crossed paths at River Road, seeing an female Goldeneye with an all yellow bill. Apparently this bird has been around for at least a week.
Also, there were ~275 gulls, the bulk being Ring-billed along with a few dozen Herring and only 1 Imm. Great Black-backed. At least 6 orange tagged gulls were present, but their tags were not readable through the radiant heat coming off the reservoir. I did see a Yellow tagged Ring-billed #235, the yellow tags are easier to read. On 2/27 I have seen Yellow tagged #'s 239, 240,242,243, 245 and 246 in Turner's Falls, long the Conn. River, this bird was likely captured out that way.
(report from Tom Pirro).

3/8/10 -- Hubbardston
A Northern Shrike was still present at Mt. Jefferson Conservation Area. A Pileated Woodpecker called repeatedly, and the area is full of dead trees heavily carved out by those woodpeckers. A flock of about 100 American Robins was feeding on the ground on a southwest-facing hayfield. (report from Wendy Howes).

3/7/10 -- Winimusset WMA, New Braintree
Not too "birdy," but one adult Bald Eagle flew over (must have been the weekend for eagles). Also, about 20 Black Ducks, 4-6 Wood Ducks, one Common Raven, at least 4 Red-tailed Hawks (which appeared to be on the move), only a few Red-winged Blackbirds, and many American Robins. The most unusual sighting was of a Northern Flicker roosting in a tree cavity, seemingly oblivious to the fact that the lower third of its motionless body was in plain view (to us) through the bottom of the cavity, while the upper part of the bird was well-hidden. The most entertaining non-avian sighting was of three River Otters diving and fishing through an opening in the ice, then devouring the fish while up on the ice. This went on for about 20 minutes, and many small fish (pumpkinseeds?) were consumed! (report from Wendy Howes, Alan Rawle, Barry & Lisa van Dusen)

3/7/10 -- Barre Falls Dam, Barre
Migrant raptors today: Turkey Vulture 3 ; Bald Eagle 3 ; Sharp-shinned Hawk 1 ; Cooper's Hawk 1 ; Red-shouldered Hawk 1 ; Red-tailed Hawk 4 . Raptor Observations: Not migrating: 2 turkey vultures, 1 bald eagle, 1 northern goshawk and 4 redtails. Non-raptor Observations: 200-300 migrating crows. (report from Bart Kamp).

3/7/10 -- Orange/Athol
Some of our sightings today include:
Orange Airport: Our first Broad Wing Hawk of the year and 2 Red Tails
Johnsons Farm, Wheeler Ave, North Orange: 2 Bluebirds
Branch Bridge, South Athol: Immature Bald Eagle on the ice, 4 Hooded Mergs, Redwing Blackbird, and Common Grackle
Athol sewage treatment plant: Carolina Wren
Brooks Road, Athol: Yellow bellied Sapsucker and Red bellied Woodpecker .
(report from Kate and Greg Watkevich).

3/7/10 -- Worcester
I had 8 Grackles at the feeder today. (report from John Shea).

3/6/10 -- Hardwick, New Braintree, Quabbin Reservoir, Barre
Locations:
East Quabbin Land Trust, Mandel Hill, Hardwick.
Winimusset Wildlife Management Area, New Braintree.
Gates 33, 40, & 41, Quabbin Reservation.
MAS Cook's Canyon Wildlife Sanctuary, Barre.
Times: 2:47 A.M. - 2:27 P.M.
Here is the extended trip narrative along with complete bird list. (report from Chris Ellison).

3/6/10 -- Worcester
Stopped at a few ponds around Worcester today, with highlights: 2 Wood Ducks and 30 C. Merganser at All Faiths Cemetery; 2 Bufflehead, 12 C. Goldeneye, 4 Hooded Merganser and 6 C.Merganser at Flint Pond. I stopped at the airport about 5:00 pm and had: 1 Lapland Longspur, and many Horned Lark. (report from John Shea).

3/6/10 -- Barre Falls Dam, Barre
Migrant raptors today: Turkey Vulture 2 ; Red-shouldered Hawk 1 ; Red-tailed Hawk 2 . Raptor Observations: Not migrating: 3 redtails, 1 northern goshawk. Non-raptor Observations: 300-400 migrating crows, a pair of bluebirds were on the bird house and the pair of ravens were at their nest site. (report from Bart Kamp).

3/4/10 -- Wachusett Reservoir, Clinton
I made a brief stop by gate 36 at Wachusett Reservoir this evening, while not many gulls were in sight I did see a Bald Eagle across the way. Through the scope, just under 50X, I could it "sitting tight" in the nest (just its head in view) and likely on egg(s). Up near the causeway were about 125 gulls, the majority Ring-bills, 15-20 herring and only a few Great Black-backed. Two tagged Ringers were present, #347 and the other's tag was unreadable at the viewing distance. (report from Tom Pirro).

3/2/10 -- Gate 36, Wachusett Reservoir
This morning at Gate 36 there were a bunch of Gulls at the edge of the ice just before the open water. Mostly Great Black-backed as well as some Herring and Ring-billed. I also saw a Glaucous Gull (Ad) which eventually flew off towards the north. (report from Peter Morlock).

3/2/10 -- Institute Park, Worcester
There were 6 Mute Swans on the pond today (the most spring-time adults that I've recorded at one time). Two were 1st spring birds with some brown still showing on wings (maybe last year's brood?). There was aggressive chasing between the swans, presumably to determine who will stay to breed on the pond this summer. Also of note were 7 Hooded Mergansers and 11 Common Mergansers. (report from Rick Quimby).

3/2/10 -- Worcester/Auburn line
An adult Bald Eagle was spotted flying near the Auburn St. exit off I-290. It has been seen in this vicinity previously this year, and might be found by birders checking out the Leesville Pond area. (report from Scott Jordan).

3/2/10 -- Paxton
A Woodcock was peenting this morning in our field across the street. This beats last years early arrival of March 7 for my record early date. (report from Rodney Jenkins).

For previous sightings, see February 2010 Archives or Archive Index
3/21/10 -- WINIMUSSET WMA, New Braintree: Present this afternoon on the high water behind the beaver dam were several pairs of Scaup (?species) at the far distant edge (we didn't have the scope) and a few pairs of Hooded Mergansers and Mallards. Two otters were swimming around there, too. Some Tree Swallows flew intermittently over the water, seemingly in migration mode, about 15 in all. In the adjoining farm fields we found at least 8 Killdeer and flushed 3 Wilson's Snipe and about a dozen American Pipits. There were too many American Robins to count. Wood Frogs were cackling in a small pond created by flooding in the middle of the cornfield. A noisy mixed flock made up of Red-winged Blackbirds, Common Grackles, and a couple of Brown-headed Cowbirds was abruptly silenced when a single Merlin flew over. Also seen were a lone male Belted Kingfisher, 2 Northern Flickers, a handful of Song Sparrows, and some lingering Dark-eyed Juncos. (report submitted by Wendy Howes & Alan Rawle)
3/21/10 -- Worcester: This afternoon I had a Phoebe in my yard, early for here: off Salisbury at the Worc./Holden line. (report from Howard Shainheit).
3/18/10 -- Sterling Peat, Sterling: Some highlights from a morning visit to Sterling Peat were: 22 Canada Geese, 1 Mute Swan, 6 Wood Ducks, 2 Mallards, 26 Ring-necked Ducks, 1 Bufflehead, 3 Common Goldeneye, 1 Common Merganser, 1 Killdeer and 2 Northern Flickers. (report from Alan Marble).
3/18/10 -- Barre Falls Dam, Barre: Turkey Vulture 4 ; Sharp-shinned Hawk 5 ; Cooper's Hawk 2 ; Red-shouldered Hawk 2 ; Red-tailed Hawk 14 . Raptor Observations: Not migrating: 2 turkey vultures, 2 bald eagles, 8 red-tailed hawks and 4 northern goshawks. Non-raptor Observations: The first tree swallow of the year. (report from Bart Kamp).
3/18/10 -- Institute Park, Worcester: The most interesting sightings recently have been the Mute Swans, as they settle on who will be "king of the pond". I thought I had a lot of swans when I counted 6 on March 9 and March 12, but then on March 16 and 17 there were 8 (yikes!!!). One of them was putting on a very aggressive display, and clearly trying to chase some of the others out of the pond. Perhaps he succeeded -- today there were only 2 swans on the pond. (report from Rick Quimby).
3/18/10 -- Uxbridge: There were 8 killdeers calling, flying over, and settling on 100 Acre Lot cornfield, Sutton St, in Uxbridge. Also, there were a few sightings of great blue herons this past week, including one at the pond at River Bend Farm. (report from Beth Milke)
3/15/10 -- Stoneville Pond, Auburn: A mature Bald Eagle was seen at Stoneville Pond on Rochdale St. in Auburn today. Perhaps the same one seen over by 290 auburn st exit recently? Tried to get a picture, but was gone when I came back with my camera. Very cool. (report from Sara Johnson).
3/14/10 -- South Quabbin/Brookfields: Despite wind and rain we birded these locations on SUNDAY:
SOUTH QUABBIN: Turkey Vulture (4); Canada Goose (2); Wood Duck (2); Hooded Merganser (4); Common Merganser (57: single flock); Bald Eagle (2ad+2imm); Raven (1 attending nest); Eastern Bluebird (2); American Robin (74); Rusty Blackbird (2);
later, in the BROOKFIELDS:
LAKE WICKABOAG: Green-winged Teal (11);
QUABOG WMA: Great Blue Heron (1); Mallard (16); Green-winged Teal (5); A Tree Sparrow (22); White-throated Sparrow (8); Dark-eyed Junco (12); Red-winged Blackbird (60+); Common Grackle (15+); LAKE LASHAWAY: Green-winged Teal (2); Bufflehead (1m); Hooded Merganser (2); Common Merganser (14);
SPENCER: Wild Turkey (11);
(report from Mark Lynch/Sheila Carroll).

3/14/10 -- Uxbridge
First-of-season chipping sparrow was in the yard today. That's a few weeks early according to the MA field card (printed in 2000). (report from Beth Milke).

3/14/10 -- Schoolhouse Pond, Sutton
This afternoon, there were 38 Ring-necked Ducks on Schoolhouse Pond in Sutton. Schoolhouse Pond is on West Sutton Rd near the junction of Eight Lots Rd and is part of the Merrill Pond WMA. (report from Alan Marble).

3/13/10 -- Notre Dame Cemetery, Worcester
This morning I spotted a female Gadwall, Northern Pintail M&F, 6 Green-winged Teal and 9 Wood Ducks. (report from Peter Morlock).

3/13/10 -- West Millbury
A pair of Purple Finches made a stop at my feeders this morning . I also have an interesting American Goldfinch with a pure white tail, except for the outer feather on each side and a white rump. (report from Alan Marble).

3/11/10 -- Leesville Pond, Worcester
While looking out of the back of our house, we spotted this eagle. He was also here on March 1, on the ice. (report from Richard Leufstedt).

3/11/10 -- Marlborough
This morning I saw (and heard) 2 Cowbirds in my back yard- the first I've seen this year. I've had Red-winged Blackbirds for over a month and Common Grackles for about three weeks now. The Cowbirds are a sign of spring I could do without! (report from Laura Lane).

3/10/10 -- Grafton
I heard a pine warbler in a large pine tree in Grafton Center today. (report from Scott Jordan).

3/9/10 -- River Bend Farm, Uxbridge
Paul and I heard several woodcocks calling and flying near the perimeter of the grassy field at 6:15pm this evening. This part of the park is fairly dry, but boots are a good idea if you want to walk paths into other sections. (report from Beth Milke)

3/9/10 -- Wachusett Reservoir, West Boylston
Under the power lines along routes 12 and 140 at Wachusett Reservoir late this afternoon there was a female BARROW'S GOLDENEYE. It was with a group of 35 Common Goldeneyes. This is probably the same bird that Dave Grant saw in the Quinapoxit River about a week ago. It was also with a group of Common Goldeneyes. (report from Bart Kamp).

3/9/10 -- Gate 25, Wachusett Reservoir, West Boylston

Bart Kamp was leaving as I arrived, he had told me he'd just seen a female Barrow's Goldeneye with about 50 Commons. I did manage to see the bird,noting a stubby all-yellow bill and steep sloping forehead...a "classic" Barrow's profile. Last week, on 3/2 Dave Grant had noted, when we crossed paths at River Road, seeing an female Goldeneye with an all yellow bill. Apparently this bird has been around for at least a week.
Also, there were ~275 gulls, the bulk being Ring-billed along with a few dozen Herring and only 1 Imm. Great Black-backed. At least 6 orange tagged gulls were present, but their tags were not readable through the radiant heat coming off the reservoir. I did see a Yellow tagged Ring-billed #235, the yellow tags are easier to read. On 2/27 I have seen Yellow tagged #'s 239, 240,242,243, 245 and 246 in Turner's Falls, long the Conn. River, this bird was likely captured out that way.
(report from Tom Pirro).

3/8/10 -- Hubbardston
A Northern Shrike was still present at Mt. Jefferson Conservation Area. A Pileated Woodpecker called repeatedly, and the area is full of dead trees heavily carved out by those woodpeckers. A flock of about 100 American Robins was feeding on the ground on a southwest-facing hayfield. (report from Wendy Howes).

3/7/10 -- Winimusset WMA, New Braintree
Not too "birdy," but one adult Bald Eagle flew over (must have been the weekend for eagles). Also, about 20 Black Ducks, 4-6 Wood Ducks, one Common Raven, at least 4 Red-tailed Hawks (which appeared to be on the move), only a few Red-winged Blackbirds, and many American Robins. The most unusual sighting was of a Northern Flicker roosting in a tree cavity, seemingly oblivious to the fact that the lower third of its motionless body was in plain view (to us) through the bottom of the cavity, while the upper part of the bird was well-hidden. The most entertaining non-avian sighting was of three River Otters diving and fishing through an opening in the ice, then devouring the fish while up on the ice. This went on for about 20 minutes, and many small fish (pumpkinseeds?) were consumed! (report from Wendy Howes, Alan Rawle, Barry & Lisa van Dusen)

3/7/10 -- Barre Falls Dam, Barre
Migrant raptors today: Turkey Vulture 3 ; Bald Eagle 3 ; Sharp-shinned Hawk 1 ; Cooper's Hawk 1 ; Red-shouldered Hawk 1 ; Red-tailed Hawk 4 . Raptor Observations: Not migrating: 2 turkey vultures, 1 bald eagle, 1 northern goshawk and 4 redtails. Non-raptor Observations: 200-300 migrating crows. (report from Bart Kamp).

3/7/10 -- Orange/Athol
Some of our sightings today include:
Orange Airport: Our first Broad Wing Hawk of the year and 2 Red Tails
Johnsons Farm, Wheeler Ave, North Orange: 2 Bluebirds
Branch Bridge, South Athol: Immature Bald Eagle on the ice, 4 Hooded Mergs, Redwing Blackbird, and Common Grackle
Athol sewage treatment plant: Carolina Wren
Brooks Road, Athol: Yellow bellied Sapsucker and Red bellied Woodpecker .
(report from Kate and Greg Watkevich).

3/7/10 -- Worcester
I had 8 Grackles at the feeder today. (report from John Shea).

3/6/10 -- Hardwick, New Braintree, Quabbin Reservoir, Barre
Locations:
East Quabbin Land Trust, Mandel Hill, Hardwick.
Winimusset Wildlife Management Area, New Braintree.
Gates 33, 40, & 41, Quabbin Reservation.
MAS Cook's Canyon Wildlife Sanctuary, Barre.
Times: 2:47 A.M. - 2:27 P.M.
Here is the extended trip narrative along with complete bird list. (report from Chris Ellison).

3/6/10 -- Worcester
Stopped at a few ponds around Worcester today, with highlights: 2 Wood Ducks and 30 C. Merganser at All Faiths Cemetery; 2 Bufflehead, 12 C. Goldeneye, 4 Hooded Merganser and 6 C.Merganser at Flint Pond. I stopped at the airport about 5:00 pm and had: 1 Lapland Longspur, and many Horned Lark. (report from John Shea).

3/6/10 -- Barre Falls Dam, Barre
Migrant raptors today: Turkey Vulture 2 ; Red-shouldered Hawk 1 ; Red-tailed Hawk 2 . Raptor Observations: Not migrating: 3 redtails, 1 northern goshawk. Non-raptor Observations: 300-400 migrating crows, a pair of bluebirds were on the bird house and the pair of ravens were at their nest site. (report from Bart Kamp).

3/4/10 -- Wachusett Reservoir, Clinton
I made a brief stop by gate 36 at Wachusett Reservoir this evening, while not many gulls were in sight I did see a Bald Eagle across the way. Through the scope, just under 50X, I could it "sitting tight" in the nest (just its head in view) and likely on egg(s). Up near the causeway were about 125 gulls, the majority Ring-bills, 15-20 herring and only a few Great Black-backed. Two tagged Ringers were present, #347 and the other's tag was unreadable at the viewing distance. (report from Tom Pirro).

3/2/10 -- Gate 36, Wachusett Reservoir
This morning at Gate 36 there were a bunch of Gulls at the edge of the ice just before the open water. Mostly Great Black-backed as well as some Herring and Ring-billed. I also saw a Glaucous Gull (Ad) which eventually flew off towards the north. (report from Peter Morlock).

3/2/10 -- Institute Park, Worcester
There were 6 Mute Swans on the pond today (the most spring-time adults that I've recorded at one time). Two were 1st spring birds with some brown still showing on wings (maybe last year's brood?). There was aggressive chasing between the swans, presumably to determine who will stay to breed on the pond this summer. Also of note were 7 Hooded Mergansers and 11 Common Mergansers. (report from Rick Quimby).

3/2/10 -- Worcester/Auburn line
An adult Bald Eagle was spotted flying near the Auburn St. exit off I-290. It has been seen in this vicinity previously this year, and might be found by birders checking out the Leesville Pond area. (report from Scott Jordan).

3/2/10 -- Paxton
A Woodcock was peenting this morning in our field across the street. This beats last years early arrival of March 7 for my record early date. (report from Rodney Jenkins).

For previous sightings, see February 2010 Archives or Archive Index
3/14/10 -- Uxbridge: First-of-season chipping sparrow was in the yard today. That's a few weeks early according to the MA field card (printed in 2000). (report from Beth Milke).
3/14/10 -- Schoolhouse Pond, Sutton: This afternoon, there were 38 Ring-necked Ducks on Schoolhouse Pond in Sutton. Schoolhouse Pond is on West Sutton Rd near the junction of Eight Lots Rd and is part of the Merrill Pond WMA. (report from Alan Marble).
3/13/10 -- Notre Dame Cemetery, Worcester: This morning I spotted a female Gadwall, Northern Pintail M&F, 6 Green-winged Teal and 9 Wood Ducks. (report from Peter Morlock).
3/13/10 -- West Millbury: A pair of Purple Finches made a stop at my feeders this morning . I also have an interesting American Goldfinch with a pure white tail, except for the outer feather on each side and a white rump. (report from Alan Marble).
3/11/10 -- Leesville Pond, Worcester: While looking out of the back of our house, we spotted this eagle. He was also here on March 1, on the ice. (report from Richard Leufstedt).
3/11/10 -- Marlborough: This morning I saw (and heard) 2 Cowbirds in my back yard- the first I've seen this year. I've had Red-winged Blackbirds for over a month and Common Grackles for about three weeks now. The Cowbirds are a sign of spring I could do without! (report from Laura Lane).
3/10/10 -- Grafton: I heard a pine warbler in a large pine tree in Grafton Center today. (report from Scott Jordan).
3/9/10 -- River Bend Farm, Uxbridge: Paul and I heard several woodcocks calling and flying near the perimeter of the grassy field at 6:15pm this evening. This part of the park is fairly dry, but boots are a good idea if you want to walk paths into other sections. (report from Beth Milke)
3/9/10 -- Wachusett Reservoir, West Boylston: Under the power lines along routes 12 and 140 at Wachusett Reservoir late this afternoon there was a female BARROW'S GOLDENEYE. It was with a group of 35 Common Goldeneyes. This is probably the same bird that Dave Grant saw in the Quinapoxit River about a week ago. It was also with a group of Common Goldeneyes. (report from Bart Kamp).
3/9/10 -- Gate 25, Wachusett Reservoir, West Boylston: Bart Kamp was leaving as I arrived, he had told me he'd just seen a female Barrow's Goldeneye with about 50 Commons. I did manage to see the bird,noting a stubby all-yellow bill and steep sloping forehead...a "classic" Barrow's profile. Last week, on 3/2 Dave Grant had noted, when we crossed paths at River Road, seeing an female Goldeneye with an all yellow bill. Apparently this bird has been around for at least a week.
Also, there were ~275 gulls, the bulk being Ring-billed along with a few dozen Herring and only 1 Imm. Great Black-backed. At least 6 orange tagged gulls were present, but their tags were not readable through the radiant heat coming off the reservoir. I did see a Yellow tagged Ring-billed #235, the yellow tags are easier to read. On 2/27 I have seen Yellow tagged #'s 239, 240,242,243, 245 and 246 in Turner's Falls, long the Conn. River, this bird was likely captured out that way.
(report from Tom Pirro).

3/8/10 -- Hubbardston
A Northern Shrike was still present at Mt. Jefferson Conservation Area. A Pileated Woodpecker called repeatedly, and the area is full of dead trees heavily carved out by those woodpeckers. A flock of about 100 American Robins was feeding on the ground on a southwest-facing hayfield. (report from Wendy Howes).

3/7/10 -- Winimusset WMA, New Braintree
Not too "birdy," but one adult Bald Eagle flew over (must have been the weekend for eagles). Also, about 20 Black Ducks, 4-6 Wood Ducks, one Common Raven, at least 4 Red-tailed Hawks (which appeared to be on the move), only a few Red-winged Blackbirds, and many American Robins. The most unusual sighting was of a Northern Flicker roosting in a tree cavity, seemingly oblivious to the fact that the lower third of its motionless body was in plain view (to us) through the bottom of the cavity, while the upper part of the bird was well-hidden. The most entertaining non-avian sighting was of three River Otters diving and fishing through an opening in the ice, then devouring the fish while up on the ice. This went on for about 20 minutes, and many small fish (pumpkinseeds?) were consumed! (report from Wendy Howes, Alan Rawle, Barry & Lisa van Dusen)

3/7/10 -- Barre Falls Dam, Barre
Migrant raptors today: Turkey Vulture 3 ; Bald Eagle 3 ; Sharp-shinned Hawk 1 ; Cooper's Hawk 1 ; Red-shouldered Hawk 1 ; Red-tailed Hawk 4 . Raptor Observations: Not migrating: 2 turkey vultures, 1 bald eagle, 1 northern goshawk and 4 redtails. Non-raptor Observations: 200-300 migrating crows. (report from Bart Kamp).

3/7/10 -- Orange/Athol
Some of our sightings today include:
Orange Airport: Our first Broad Wing Hawk of the year and 2 Red Tails
Johnsons Farm, Wheeler Ave, North Orange: 2 Bluebirds
Branch Bridge, South Athol: Immature Bald Eagle on the ice, 4 Hooded Mergs, Redwing Blackbird, and Common Grackle
Athol sewage treatment plant: Carolina Wren
Brooks Road, Athol: Yellow bellied Sapsucker and Red bellied Woodpecker .
(report from Kate and Greg Watkevich).

3/7/10 -- Worcester
I had 8 Grackles at the feeder today. (report from John Shea).

3/6/10 -- Hardwick, New Braintree, Quabbin Reservoir, Barre
Locations:
East Quabbin Land Trust, Mandel Hill, Hardwick.
Winimusset Wildlife Management Area, New Braintree.
Gates 33, 40, & 41, Quabbin Reservation.
MAS Cook's Canyon Wildlife Sanctuary, Barre.
Times: 2:47 A.M. - 2:27 P.M.
Here is the extended trip narrative along with complete bird list. (report from Chris Ellison).

3/6/10 -- Worcester
Stopped at a few ponds around Worcester today, with highlights: 2 Wood Ducks and 30 C. Merganser at All Faiths Cemetery; 2 Bufflehead, 12 C. Goldeneye, 4 Hooded Merganser and 6 C.Merganser at Flint Pond. I stopped at the airport about 5:00 pm and had: 1 Lapland Longspur, and many Horned Lark. (report from John Shea).

3/6/10 -- Barre Falls Dam, Barre
Migrant raptors today: Turkey Vulture 2 ; Red-shouldered Hawk 1 ; Red-tailed Hawk 2 . Raptor Observations: Not migrating: 3 redtails, 1 northern goshawk. Non-raptor Observations: 300-400 migrating crows, a pair of bluebirds were on the bird house and the pair of ravens were at their nest site. (report from Bart Kamp).

3/4/10 -- Wachusett Reservoir, Clinton
I made a brief stop by gate 36 at Wachusett Reservoir this evening, while not many gulls were in sight I did see a Bald Eagle across the way. Through the scope, just under 50X, I could it "sitting tight" in the nest (just its head in view) and likely on egg(s). Up near the causeway were about 125 gulls, the majority Ring-bills, 15-20 herring and only a few Great Black-backed. Two tagged Ringers were present, #347 and the other's tag was unreadable at the viewing distance. (report from Tom Pirro).

3/2/10 -- Gate 36, Wachusett Reservoir
This morning at Gate 36 there were a bunch of Gulls at the edge of the ice just before the open water. Mostly Great Black-backed as well as some Herring and Ring-billed. I also saw a Glaucous Gull (Ad) which eventually flew off towards the north. (report from Peter Morlock).

3/2/10 -- Institute Park, Worcester
There were 6 Mute Swans on the pond today (the most spring-time adults that I've recorded at one time). Two were 1st spring birds with some brown still showing on wings (maybe last year's brood?). There was aggressive chasing between the swans, presumably to determine who will stay to breed on the pond this summer. Also of note were 7 Hooded Mergansers and 11 Common Mergansers. (report from Rick Quimby).

3/2/10 -- Worcester/Auburn line
An adult Bald Eagle was spotted flying near the Auburn St. exit off I-290. It has been seen in this vicinity previously this year, and might be found by birders checking out the Leesville Pond area. (report from Scott Jordan).

3/2/10 -- Paxton
A Woodcock was peenting this morning in our field across the street. This beats last years early arrival of March 7 for my record early date. (report from Rodney Jenkins).

For previous sightings, see February 2010 Archives or Archive Index
3/8/10 -- Hubbardston: A Northern Shrike was still present at Mt. Jefferson Conservation Area. A Pileated Woodpecker called repeatedly, and the area is full of dead trees heavily carved out by those woodpeckers. A flock of about 100 American Robins was feeding on the ground on a southwest-facing hayfield. (report from Wendy Howes).
3/7/10 -- Winimusset WMA, New Braintree: Not too "birdy," but one adult Bald Eagle flew over (must have been the weekend for eagles). Also, about 20 Black Ducks, 4-6 Wood Ducks, one Common Raven, at least 4 Red-tailed Hawks (which appeared to be on the move), only a few Red-winged Blackbirds, and many American Robins. The most unusual sighting was of a Northern Flicker roosting in a tree cavity, seemingly oblivious to the fact that the lower third of its motionless body was in plain view (to us) through the bottom of the cavity, while the upper part of the bird was well-hidden. The most entertaining non-avian sighting was of three River Otters diving and fishing through an opening in the ice, then devouring the fish while up on the ice. This went on for about 20 minutes, and many small fish (pumpkinseeds?) were consumed! (report from Wendy Howes, Alan Rawle, Barry & Lisa van Dusen)
3/7/10 -- Barre Falls Dam, Barre: Migrant raptors today: Turkey Vulture 3 ; Bald Eagle 3 ; Sharp-shinned Hawk 1 ; Cooper's Hawk 1 ; Red-shouldered Hawk 1 ; Red-tailed Hawk 4 . Raptor Observations: Not migrating: 2 turkey vultures, 1 bald eagle, 1 northern goshawk and 4 redtails. Non-raptor Observations: 200-300 migrating crows. (report from Bart Kamp).
3/7/10 -- Orange/Athol: Some of our sightings today include:
Orange Airport: Our first Broad Wing Hawk of the year and 2 Red Tails
Johnsons Farm, Wheeler Ave, North Orange: 2 Bluebirds
Branch Bridge, South Athol: Immature Bald Eagle on the ice, 4 Hooded Mergs, Redwing Blackbird, and Common Grackle
Athol sewage treatment plant: Carolina Wren
Brooks Road, Athol: Yellow bellied Sapsucker and Red bellied Woodpecker .
(report from Kate and Greg Watkevich).

3/7/10 -- Worcester
I had 8 Grackles at the feeder today. (report from John Shea).

3/6/10 -- Hardwick, New Braintree, Quabbin Reservoir, Barre
Locations:
East Quabbin Land Trust, Mandel Hill, Hardwick.
Winimusset Wildlife Management Area, New Braintree.
Gates 33, 40, & 41, Quabbin Reservation.
MAS Cook's Canyon Wildlife Sanctuary, Barre.
Times: 2:47 A.M. - 2:27 P.M.
Here is the extended trip narrative along with complete bird list. (report from Chris Ellison).

3/6/10 -- Worcester
Stopped at a few ponds around Worcester today, with highlights: 2 Wood Ducks and 30 C. Merganser at All Faiths Cemetery; 2 Bufflehead, 12 C. Goldeneye, 4 Hooded Merganser and 6 C.Merganser at Flint Pond. I stopped at the airport about 5:00 pm and had: 1 Lapland Longspur, and many Horned Lark. (report from John Shea).

3/6/10 -- Barre Falls Dam, Barre
Migrant raptors today: Turkey Vulture 2 ; Red-shouldered Hawk 1 ; Red-tailed Hawk 2 . Raptor Observations: Not migrating: 3 redtails, 1 northern goshawk. Non-raptor Observations: 300-400 migrating crows, a pair of bluebirds were on the bird house and the pair of ravens were at their nest site. (report from Bart Kamp).

3/4/10 -- Wachusett Reservoir, Clinton
I made a brief stop by gate 36 at Wachusett Reservoir this evening, while not many gulls were in sight I did see a Bald Eagle across the way. Through the scope, just under 50X, I could it "sitting tight" in the nest (just its head in view) and likely on egg(s). Up near the causeway were about 125 gulls, the majority Ring-bills, 15-20 herring and only a few Great Black-backed. Two tagged Ringers were present, #347 and the other's tag was unreadable at the viewing distance. (report from Tom Pirro).

3/2/10 -- Gate 36, Wachusett Reservoir
This morning at Gate 36 there were a bunch of Gulls at the edge of the ice just before the open water. Mostly Great Black-backed as well as some Herring and Ring-billed. I also saw a Glaucous Gull (Ad) which eventually flew off towards the north. (report from Peter Morlock).

3/2/10 -- Institute Park, Worcester
There were 6 Mute Swans on the pond today (the most spring-time adults that I've recorded at one time). Two were 1st spring birds with some brown still showing on wings (maybe last year's brood?). There was aggressive chasing between the swans, presumably to determine who will stay to breed on the pond this summer. Also of note were 7 Hooded Mergansers and 11 Common Mergansers. (report from Rick Quimby).

3/2/10 -- Worcester/Auburn line
An adult Bald Eagle was spotted flying near the Auburn St. exit off I-290. It has been seen in this vicinity previously this year, and might be found by birders checking out the Leesville Pond area. (report from Scott Jordan).

3/2/10 -- Paxton
A Woodcock was peenting this morning in our field across the street. This beats last years early arrival of March 7 for my record early date. (report from Rodney Jenkins).

For previous sightings, see February 2010 Archives or Archive Index
3/7/10 -- Worcester: I had 8 Grackles at the feeder today. (report from John Shea).
3/6/10 -- Hardwick, New Braintree, Quabbin Reservoir, Barre: Locations:
East Quabbin Land Trust, Mandel Hill, Hardwick.
Winimusset Wildlife Management Area, New Braintree.
Gates 33, 40, & 41, Quabbin Reservation.
MAS Cook's Canyon Wildlife Sanctuary, Barre.
Times: 2:47 A.M. - 2:27 P.M.
Here is the extended trip narrative along with complete bird list. (report from Chris Ellison).

3/6/10 -- Worcester
Stopped at a few ponds around Worcester today, with highlights: 2 Wood Ducks and 30 C. Merganser at All Faiths Cemetery; 2 Bufflehead, 12 C. Goldeneye, 4 Hooded Merganser and 6 C.Merganser at Flint Pond. I stopped at the airport about 5:00 pm and had: 1 Lapland Longspur, and many Horned Lark. (report from John Shea).

3/6/10 -- Barre Falls Dam, Barre
Migrant raptors today: Turkey Vulture 2 ; Red-shouldered Hawk 1 ; Red-tailed Hawk 2 . Raptor Observations: Not migrating: 3 redtails, 1 northern goshawk. Non-raptor Observations: 300-400 migrating crows, a pair of bluebirds were on the bird house and the pair of ravens were at their nest site. (report from Bart Kamp).

3/4/10 -- Wachusett Reservoir, Clinton
I made a brief stop by gate 36 at Wachusett Reservoir this evening, while not many gulls were in sight I did see a Bald Eagle across the way. Through the scope, just under 50X, I could it "sitting tight" in the nest (just its head in view) and likely on egg(s). Up near the causeway were about 125 gulls, the majority Ring-bills, 15-20 herring and only a few Great Black-backed. Two tagged Ringers were present, #347 and the other's tag was unreadable at the viewing distance. (report from Tom Pirro).

3/2/10 -- Gate 36, Wachusett Reservoir
This morning at Gate 36 there were a bunch of Gulls at the edge of the ice just before the open water. Mostly Great Black-backed as well as some Herring and Ring-billed. I also saw a Glaucous Gull (Ad) which eventually flew off towards the north. (report from Peter Morlock).

3/2/10 -- Institute Park, Worcester
There were 6 Mute Swans on the pond today (the most spring-time adults that I've recorded at one time). Two were 1st spring birds with some brown still showing on wings (maybe last year's brood?). There was aggressive chasing between the swans, presumably to determine who will stay to breed on the pond this summer. Also of note were 7 Hooded Mergansers and 11 Common Mergansers. (report from Rick Quimby).

3/2/10 -- Worcester/Auburn line
An adult Bald Eagle was spotted flying near the Auburn St. exit off I-290. It has been seen in this vicinity previously this year, and might be found by birders checking out the Leesville Pond area. (report from Scott Jordan).

3/2/10 -- Paxton
A Woodcock was peenting this morning in our field across the street. This beats last years early arrival of March 7 for my record early date. (report from Rodney Jenkins).

For previous sightings, see February 2010 Archives or Archive Index
3/6/10 -- Worcester: Stopped at a few ponds around Worcester today, with highlights: 2 Wood Ducks and 30 C. Merganser at All Faiths Cemetery; 2 Bufflehead, 12 C. Goldeneye, 4 Hooded Merganser and 6 C.Merganser at Flint Pond. I stopped at the airport about 5:00 pm and had: 1 Lapland Longspur, and many Horned Lark. (report from John Shea).
3/6/10 -- Barre Falls Dam, Barre: Migrant raptors today: Turkey Vulture 2 ; Red-shouldered Hawk 1 ; Red-tailed Hawk 2 . Raptor Observations: Not migrating: 3 redtails, 1 northern goshawk. Non-raptor Observations: 300-400 migrating crows, a pair of bluebirds were on the bird house and the pair of ravens were at their nest site. (report from Bart Kamp).
3/4/10 -- Wachusett Reservoir, Clinton: I made a brief stop by gate 36 at Wachusett Reservoir this evening, while not many gulls were in sight I did see a Bald Eagle across the way. Through the scope, just under 50X, I could it "sitting tight" in the nest (just its head in view) and likely on egg(s). Up near the causeway were about 125 gulls, the majority Ring-bills, 15-20 herring and only a few Great Black-backed. Two tagged Ringers were present, #347 and the other's tag was unreadable at the viewing distance. (report from Tom Pirro).
3/2/10 -- Gate 36, Wachusett Reservoir: This morning at Gate 36 there were a bunch of Gulls at the edge of the ice just before the open water. Mostly Great Black-backed as well as some Herring and Ring-billed. I also saw a Glaucous Gull (Ad) which eventually flew off towards the north. (report from Peter Morlock).
3/2/10 -- Institute Park, Worcester: There were 6 Mute Swans on the pond today (the most spring-time adults that I've recorded at one time). Two were 1st spring birds with some brown still showing on wings (maybe last year's brood?). There was aggressive chasing between the swans, presumably to determine who will stay to breed on the pond this summer. Also of note were 7 Hooded Mergansers and 11 Common Mergansers. (report from Rick Quimby).
3/2/10 -- Worcester/Auburn line: An adult Bald Eagle was spotted flying near the Auburn St. exit off I-290. It has been seen in this vicinity previously this year, and might be found by birders checking out the Leesville Pond area. (report from Scott Jordan).
3/2/10 -- Paxton: A Woodcock was peenting this morning in our field across the street. This beats last years early arrival of March 7 for my record early date. (report from Rodney Jenkins).

For previous sightings, see February 2010 Archives or Archive Index