May 2000 Central Mass Bird Sightings

Sightings are listed in reverse chronological order. The email address of birders submitting reports, as well as other Central Massachusetts birding info can be found via the Central Mass Bird Update homepage.

5/31/00 -- Bancroft Tower Hill, Worcester

VERY slow day on the hill, with migrant breeders only, and only a few of them. Close views of Wood Thrush were had, though. Mallard (1overhead. Looked like it was going from Salisbury Pond to that avian fast food restaurant known as Elm Park); Ring-Billed Gull (4 1stS: see above); E. Wood Peewee (1); Great Crested Flycatcher (1); House Wren (2); Wood Thrush (3); Gray Catbird (4); Cedar Waxwing (4); Red-Eyed Vireo (5); Black and White Warbler (1: this is probably a migrant and does not breed at this spot); Baltimore Oriole (2). Looks like the spring migration season is rapidly drawing to a close. (report from Mark Lynch).

5/29/00 -- Bancroft Tower Hill, Leesville Pond, Worcester

BANCROFT TOWER HILL: YELLOW-BELLIED FLYCATCHER (1); E. Wood Peewee (2); House Wren (1); Wood Thrush (4); Gray Catbird (6); Red-Eyed Vireo (4); Yellow Warbler (1); Blackburnian Warbler (1); Blackpoll (4); A. Redstart (3); C. Yellowthroat (1); Canada Warbler (2); Baltimore Oriole (3)
LEESVILLE POND: Mute Swan (2); Canada Goose (4ad+11 goslings); Wood Duck (9); Mallard (3); Killdeer (3, 1 on an nest where there had been a nest before. Second nesting?); Warbling Vireo (7); Yellow Warbler (3). (report from Mark Lynch/Sheila Carroll).

5/29/00 -- Broad Meadow Brook Sanctuary, Worcester

Highlights this morning: Great Blue Heron (1 flying NE low overhead); Mallard (1f+1duckling at Auto Parts); Ruffed Grouse (1 near Auto Parts); Sora (1 heard, no taping, at Auto Parts); Chimney Swift (2); Red-Bllied Woodpecker (1); YELLOW-BELLIED FLYCATCHER ( calling+singing in vicinity of end of Stretch); Least Flycatcher (1); ALDER FLYCATCHER (1 calling from area where John Liller had it yesterday); Willow Flycatcher (3 calling birds along Stretch); E. Phoebe (2); E. Wood Peewee (4); Great Crested Flycatcher (1); Eastern Kingbird (5); Carolina Wren (2); House Wren (1); Swainson's Thrush (1 persistantly singing up in Catholic Charities); Wood Thrush (2); Gray Catbird (24); Red-Eyed Vireo (5); Warbling Vireo (2);
WARBLERS: Blue-Winged (5: including 1 along Stretch that consistently gave a Golden-Winged call); Tennessee (1); Yellow (8); Blackburnian (1); Prairie (1); A. Redstart (3); Bay-Breasted (1); Blackpoll (4); C. Yellowthroat (23);
Scarlet Tanager (3); Rose-Breasted Grosbeak (1); Indigo Bunting (1); E. Towhee (7); Filed Sparrow (3); Song Sparrow (9); Baltimore Oriole (13); Brown-Headed Cowbird (1) (report from Mark Lynch/Sheila Carroll).

5/29/00 -- West Royalston

After birding the city this morning we headed to West Royalston. Birds seen included the following: Great Blue Heron (2); Turkey Vulture (1); Red-Shouldered Hawk (1); Broad-Winged Hawk (1); Yellow-Bellied Sapsucker (1); Pileated Woodpecker (2); Olive-Sided Flycatcher (1); E. WoodPeewee (9); Least Flycatcher (2); E. Phoebe (5); C. Raven (1); Veery (2); Hermit Thrush (10); Wood Thrush (1); Blue-Headed Vireo (18); Red-Eyed Vireo (45);
WARBLERS: Chestnut-Sided (12); Black-Throated Blue (4); Black-Throated Green (23); Magnolia (1); Blackburnian (7); Yellow-Rumped (5); Blackpoll (1); Black and White (12); A. Redstart (13); Ovenbird (30); C. Yellowthroat (7); Canada (1).
Scarlet Tanager (14); Rose-Breasted Grosbeak (2); White-Throated Sparrow (2: seemed low); Bobolink (5); Purple Finch (1); Evening Grosbeak (6).
NOTES: We totally dipped on WINTER WREN in spots where we have had them for years. The dirt road (4WD only) to the Trustees of Reservations ROYALSTON FALLS property is in somewhat better condition now than it has been for years when you would not even atempt in with a high carriage 4WD car. If you have never visited this property, it is one of the most pleasant hikes amid mixed forest (lots of hemlock) in the center part of the state. Years ago, Sheila and I found breeding Acadian Flycatchers there, but had no luck today. It is a great place for birds like sapsucker and a wide variety of warblers and even Evening Grosbeak near the houses. This area can be found by following the good dirt road, Falls Road, till you pass the last house on the right. Then the road condition gets noticeably worse (you can park and hike in from this point if you do not have the right vehicle) as it descends to a stream crossing, then rises again for a distance. The property is sign posted. It is about 3/4 of a mile or more to the falls, and the trail continues along the stream. It is possible to enter form New Hampshire, but the road from that end is even worse condition. You can also hike along the Tully Trail from Rt. 32 in back of a small graveyard near the NH border. However today, we found the trail from that side in poor condition as major wideneing and other work is being done and this steep descent is now covered with lots of branches, trees and mud holes. Wild flowers noted in NW Royalston today included Starflower, Pinxster, Golden Alexanders, False Solomon Seal and Columbine (report from Mark Lynch/Sheila Carroll).

5/28/00 -- Assabet Conservation Land, SuAsCo; Sterling Peat

We had a well attended class trip to the Assabet Conservation Land on the southern shores of SuAsCo in Westboro. It seemed an off migration day, but great views of many birds were had. Highlights: Double Crested Cormorant (11); Great Blue Heron (6 occupied nests); Canada Goose (25); Wood Duck (8); Mallard (4); Osprey (pair on nest); Red-Tailed Hawk (1); Ruffed Grouse (1 heard drumming by Sheila); E. Wood Peewee (2); Great Crested Flycatcher (4); E. Kingbird (8); Tree Swallow (45+); N. Rough-Winged Swallow (8+); Bank Swallow (2); Barn Swallow (10+); Hermit Thrush (1); Gray Catbird (18); Brown Thrasher (3); Red-Eyed Vireo (11); Blue-Winged Warbler (2); Warbling Vireo (7); Yellow Warbler (5); Black-Throated Green Warbler (1); Pine Warbler (2); Black and White Warbler (2); Blackpoll Warbler (10); A. Redstart (3); Ovenbird (1); C. Yellowthroat (1); Scarlet Tanager (8: at one point we had a tanager AND a N. Cardinal perched NEXT to each other in a tree); Rose-Breasted Grosbeak (4); Baltimore Oriole (16+: everywhere we went).

We then went to Sterling Peat and had the following: Highlights only: Double-Crested Cormorant (2); Canada Goose (6+8yng); Mallard (2); Least Bittern (1: be advised that this is considered to be an endangered breeding species in the state. DO NOT HARASS!); Great Blue Heron (1 inspecting the old nest); Virginia Rail (3); Killdeer (4); Spotted Sandpiper (8); Least Sandpiper (6); Belted Kingfisher (1); Willow Flycatcher (4); E. Kingbird (4); Bank Swallow (somewhere up of 70+ occupied nest holes); Red-Eyed Vireo (2); Yellow Warbler (9); Bobolink (3m).
One bizarre behavior was seen with a pair of Brown Headed Cowbirds. They landed on the top of Carolyn's car not three feet from us. The male eventually flew off, but the female remained, perching on the passenger side window and rear-view mirror. Again this while the class trip was right there. I first thought she was reacting to a reflection in the mirror, but she really seemed like she wanted to get into the car! (the windows were closed). She would fly from the mirror to the window and really look into the car. Periodically she made loud female Cowbird noises, but remained close to us for about 15 minutes. What she was trying to do I cannot fathom! (report from Mark Lynch/Sheila Carroll).

5/27/00 -- Broad Meadow Brook Sanctuary, Worcester

I recorded the following highlights with my class this morning (5/27/00). GREEN HERON (1); Turkey Vulture (1); Cooper's Hawk (1); Virginia Rail (2); SORA (1 - first spring record for BMB); Chimney Swift (3); Eastern Wood-Pewee (6); ALDER FLYCATCHER (2); WILLOW FLYCATCHER (5); LEAST FLYCATCHER (1); Eastern Phoebe (2); Great Crested Flycatcher (4); Eastern Kingbird (4); Warbling Vireo (5); Red-eyed Vireo (6); FISH CROW (1); Carolina Wren (3); House Wren (1); Blue-gray Gnatcatcher (4); Eastern Bluebird (2); SWAINSON'S THRUSH (1); Wood Thrush (6); Gray Catbird (24); Brown Thrasher (1); Cedar Waxwing (7); Blue-winged Warbler (9); Yellow Warbler (11); Prairie Warbler (2); Blackpoll Warbler (10); Black-and-white Warbler (1); American Redstart (7); Common Yellowthroat (14); Scarlet Tanager (7); Eastern Towhee (13); Chipping Sparrow (1); Field Sparrow (9); Song Sparrow (15); Rose-breasted Grosbeak (3); INDIGO BUNTING (2); Brown-headed Cowbird (16); Baltimore Oriole (14); (report from John Liller).

5/26/00 -- Rowley Hill, Sterling

Winter wrens continue to sing from the area around the steep rocky brook near my driveway; it's getting late enough in the season to consider them probable breeders. Winter wrens visit this area every year in migration, but have never been so late and so consistent in this small area. The Louisiana Waterthrush continues to sing a little further down this same brook, but his call is given a lot less often than earlier in the spring. The Louisiana water-thrush has been a probable breeder in this same location every year since I've lived here. (report from Richard Spedding).

5/26/00 -- Bancroft Tower Hill, Worcester

Slow day on the hill (good migrating weather=poor birding). Birds that are attempting to breed in the very small woodlot are settling into their territories. E. Wood Peewee (1, note: one pair may attempt to breed in this small woodlot); Great Crested Flycatcher (1: see note above); House Wren (2: probably breeding, one has taken up residence in the Tree Swallow boxes my backyard neighbor put up); Wood Thrush (3: 1 or possibly 2 pairs may attempt breeding. Pretty marginal habitat because of lot size and numbers of people, dogs and cats); Gray Catbird (7: a few pair attempt breeding); Red-Eyed Vireo (4: one with a very aberrent squeaky call very much like a Catbird's call notes. One pair may attempt to breed. This has got to be the absolute minimal size woodlot for these birds); Tennessee Warbler (1); N. Parula (1); Chestnut-Sided Warbler (1); Magnolia Warbler (1); Pine Warbler (1: this singing male may be attempting to breed or attarct a mate); Blackpoll Warbler (7); A. Redstart (1); C. Yellowthroat (1f. Note: a pair may attempt breeding in the edge habitat); Indigo Bunting (1f); Baltimore Oriole (4: a pair or two may breed on the hill). (report from Mark Lynch).

5/25/00 -- Moose Brook Valley, Hardwick

This morning around Moose Brook I came across Cerulean Warbler (at least 1 male singing), Canada Warbler (singing male), Black-throated Blue Warbler (pair), American Redstart (30, one on eggs), Ovenbird (42), Yellow-throated Vireo (pair), Louisainna Waterthrush (singing male), Veery (28), Wood Thrush (20), Hermit Thrush (1), Scarlet Tanager (8), Black-and-White Warbler (25), Prairie Warbler (at least 3 singing males), Blue-winged Warbler (3), Eastern Wood Pewee (8), and many other of the more common forest dwellers. (report from Chris Buelow)

5/25/00 -- Sterling Peat/Bolton Flats, Sterling/Bolton

Hilights of shore birding at Sterling Peat and Bolton Flats today were 1 Semipalmated Plover at Sterling Peat and 2 Short-billed Dowitchers at Bollton Flats. The recent rain created more puddles at the Bolton corn field. (report from Bart Kamp).

5/25/00 -- Bancroft Tower Hill, Worcester

Very few migrants: E. Wood Peewee (2); E. Phoebe (3); Great Crested Flycatcher (1); Red-Breasted Nuthatch (1); Carolina Wren (1); House Wren (2); Wood Thrush (4); Gray Catbird (10); Red-Eyed Vireo (7); Blue-Winged Warbler (1); Tennessee Warbler (1); N. Parula (1); Magnolia Warbler (2); Blackpoll Warbler (4); Black and White Warbler (1); A. Redstart (3); Canada Warbler (1); Indigo Bunting (1); Rose-Breasted Grosbeak (1); Baltimore Oriole (2). (report from Mark Lynch).

5/24/00 -- Sterling Peat, Sterling

I did some late afternoon birding today. At Sterling Peat there were 5 Semipalmated Plovers and 20 Least Sandpipers (there were 70 there on Monday 5/22.) At Wachsett Reservoir there were 225 White-winged Scoters (there were 76 there on Monday), 1 Horned Grebe and 1 Merlin.
Other birding information worthy of note: Least Bitterns are present at both Bolton Flats, Bolton and Cedar Swamp in Milford. A singing Grasshopper Sparrow is present at the air strip in Brookfield on the south side of route 9. This is the same place that one was found during the Sturbridge Christmas Count. A pair of Orchard Orioles is again nesting at River Bend Farm in Uxbridge. (report from Bart Kamp).

5/24/00 -- Black Tern at Indian Lake, Worcester

En route to my Physical Therapist Wednesday early evening I found a BLACK TERN at Indian Lake. Unfortunately I could not stop nor could I call anybody, and after PT I am in NO condition to do anything. Sheila and I checked Indian Lake this morning (Thursday) and found no tern. We did find a Spotted Sandpiper, Northern Waterthrush (singing) and a number of migrants in the small plantings including numbers of Eastern Kingbirds and Warbling Vireos. (report from Mark Lynch).

5/23/00 -- Bancroft Tower Hill, Worcester

A short "before-work" trip to Bancroft Tower Hill had a nice selection of migrants. Most birds were on the lower section of the hill. There were many females passing through. The density of foliage is now making spotting non-singing birds (or even trying to see a bird heard) very difficult. Chimney Swift (2); Ruby-Throated Hummingbird (1); E. Wood Peewee(1); E. Phoebe (1); Great Crested Flycatcher (1); Carolina Wren (1); Wood Thrush (4); Gray Catbird (6); Blue-Headed Vireo (2); Red-Eyed Vireo (5);
WARBLERS: Tennessee (5); N. Parula (1); Black-Throated Green (2); Magnolia (1); Yellow-Rumped (2); Blackburnian (2); Cape May (1f); Black-Throated Blue (1); Bay-Breasted (5); Blackpoll (8); Black and White (3); A. Redstart (9); C. Yellowthroat (4); Wilson's (1); Canada (2);
Baltimore Oriole (4); (report from Mark Lynch/Sheila Carroll).

5/23/00 -- Worcester Moose

[Editor's note: although this is a "birding" web site, unusual or interesting nonbird wildlife sightings will be posted (unless it gets out of hand!)]

Last night (5/22/00) (about 7:30) 2 moose appeared in a yard on the Pleasant St. side of Benjamin Rd., a small street paralling Pleasant just past Tatnuck Square. Male and female? Mom and kiddie? I suspect the latter from size and behavior. They hopped fences and went through 6 or 7 yards, then settled down in one yard for 15 minutes. Finally, they returned the way they came. The end of the street has a wooded area, but it's hardly large enough to sustain anything permanently except squirrels and chipmunks! Do watch out driving out Rt. 122! (report from Howard Shainheit).

5/23/00 -- Rowley Hill, Sterling

I hear winter wren and Louisiana waterthrush daily from my porch. Summer breeders: wood thrush , oven bird ,oriole, veery, black throated green warbler, black and white warbler , redstart, rose breasted grosbeak, crested flycatcher and wood peewee add to the morning chorus. (report from Richard Spedding).

5/23/00 -- Institute Park, Worcester

There was an adult Green Heron, and a female Wood Duck with 4 chicks. (report from Rick Quimby).

5/21/00 -- South Quabbin Reservoir

My class recorded the following highlights at South Quabbin Park this morning. Note that, because it was raining lightly for much of the time, I did not keep regular numbers. Common Loon (1); Double-crested Cormorant (3); Wood Duck (1); RED-BREASTED MERGANSER (1 female); Wild Turkey (1); Yellow-bellied Sapsucker (1-2); PILEATED WOODPECKER (1); Least Flycatcher; Great Crested Flycatcher; Yellow-throated Vireo (3); Common Raven (2); House Wren (1); Blue-gray Gnatcatcher (3); Eastern Bluebird (2); Veery; Swainson's Thrush (2); Wood Thrush; Northern Mockingbird (1); Blue-winged Warbler; Yellow Warbler; Chestnut-sided Warbler; Magnolia Warbler (1); Yellow-rumped Warbler; Prairie Warbler; Blackpoll Warbler (1); CERULEAN WARBLER (2); Black-and-white Warbler American Redstart (a dime ;a dozen); Ovenbird; Common Yellowthroat; Scarlet Tanager; Eastern Towhee; Rose-breasted Grosbeak; Indigo Bunting (2); Brown-headed Cowbird (everywhere); Baltimore Oriole; Purple Finch (1). (report from John Liller).

5/20/00 -- Barre Falls Dam/Rutland SP:

This morning we did a count of the Barre Falls Dam/Rutland SP area. Weather was cool, damp, cloudy for the most part and the wind picked up in the latter part of the morning, so that land birds were tougher to get. Bumped into Tom Pirro also birding. (Always great to see Tom). There were virtually NO migrants, just migrant breeders. All the birds (with the exception of the Blackpolls) were breeders on territory. Some species counts were lower than expected, and are so noted. We saw a hunter out with a rifle. Is turkey season still on? Mosquitoes and especially ticks were a problem. Great Blue Heron (7 Occ. nests); Canada Goose ((pair+9 goslings)+4); Wood Duck (4:low); Mallard (4); Broad-Winged Hawk (2); Ruffed Grouse (3); Mourning Dove (10); Ruby-throated Hummingbird (1m on territory); Belted Kingfisher (1); Downy Woodpecker (8); Hairy Woodpecker (2:low); N. Flicker (1:low); Pileated Woodpecker (1); E. Wood Peewee (7: low); Alder Flycatcher (5: note we did not walk out into the marsh for the Willows because of the high water table); Least Flycatcher (33); E. Phoebe (7); Great Crested Flycatcher (1); E. Kingbird (6); Tree Swallow (59); N. Rough-Winged Swallow (6); Barn Swallow (2); Blue Jay (44); A. Crow (2); C. Raven (2 adults. We did not see adults entering the nest, but did not stay long in the area. The young very well may have fledged by now); Black-Capped Chickadee (26:low); Tufted Titmouse (12); Red-Breasted Nuthatch (3:low); White-Breasted Nuthatch (11); Brown Creeper (9); House Wren (4); Winter Wren (1: low); Golden-Crowned Kinglet (10); E. Bluebird (3); Veery (6); Hermit Thrush (33); Wood Thrush (6); A. Robin (36); Gray Catbird (32); Cedar Waxwing (11); E. Starling (pair nesting at the Prison Camp area); Blue-Headed Vireo (15); Yellow-Throated Vireo (6); Warbling Vireo (7); Red-Eyed Vireo (96);
WARBLERS: Blue-Winged (6); Nashville (3); Yellow (59); Chestnut-Sided (42); Magnolia (2:low); Black-Throated Blue (3); Yellow-Rumped (29); Black-Throated Green (28); Blackburnian (10); PIne (24); Prairie (4); Blackpoll (3); Black and White (10); A. Redstart (10); Ovenbird (106); Northern Waterthrush (5); Louisiana Waterthrush (2); C. Yellowthroat (119); Canada (5); Scarlet Tanager (24); N. Cardinal (4); Rose-Breasted Grosbeak (23); Indigo Bunting (2); E. Towhee (32); Chipping Sparrow (36); Filed Sparrow (9); Song Sparrow (25); Swamp Sparrow (18); White-Throated Sparrow (15); Bobolink (13); Red-Winged Blackbird (60+); C. Grackle (30+); Brown-Headed Cowbird (13); Baltimore Oriole (22); Purple Finch (3); A. Goldfinch (17); Evening Grosbeak (7). (report from Mark Lynch).

5/19/00 -- Broad Meadow Brook Sanctuary, Worcester

Highlights at Broad Meadow Brook Wildlife Sanctuary (Worcester) this morning : SOLITARY SANDPIPER (1); Empidonax species (1 - Willow?); Great Crested Flycatcher (1); Eastern Kingbird (1); Warbling Vireo (3); Wood Thrush (1); Gray Catbird (12); Blue-winged Warbler (2); Yellow Warbler (8); Common Yellowthroat (4); Eastern Towhee (1); Baltimore Oriole (2). (report from John Liller).

5/17/00 -- Bolton Flats, Bolton

I took a prework walk at Bolton Flats this AM the following were my favorites : Am. Bittern 1; Semipalmated plover 2; Least Sandpiper ~20; Greater yellowlegs 1; Sora 1; Willow Flycatcher 2; Alder Flycatcher 1; Blackpoll Warb. 3; Wilson's Warb. 2; N. Waterthrush 1. (report from Tom Pirro).

5/16/00 -- yard birds, Worcester

I had the following birds in my yard in Worcester this morning: American Crow (1 - stole either egg or nestling from Mockingbird nest); SWAINSON'S THRUSH (1 - singing); Gray Catbird (1); Northern Mockingbird (1 - viciously chasing Crow); Brown Thrasher (1); Yellow Warbler (1); Northern Cardinal (1); House Sparrow (2). (report from John Liller).

5/16/00 -- Bancroft Tower Hill , city of Worcester

Slow day on the hill with very little bird song. This is further complicated by the fact that foliage is pretty far along making birds tough to spot. When you walked out of the house, you knew it was not going to be a great SPRING migration day with the cool northerly winds. Chimney Swift (2); E. Wood Peewee (2); Least Flycatcher (1); E. Phoebe (3); Great Crested Flycatcher (1); E. Kingbird (2); Barn Swallow (1); Carolina Wren (1); House Wren (1); Veery (1); Swainson's Thrush (4: 2 on southern side of the hill along the cross road, two on the small sheltered grassy area near the WPI building. Again, my only clue to their presence was thier call note. The ones down on the grass were very confiding and I ended up watching one bird for 15 minutes); Wood Thrush (4); Gray Catbird (2); Red-Eyed Vireo (3);
WARBLERS: N. Parula (2); Nashville (1); Black-Throated Green (1); Blackburnian (1); Yellow-Rumped (9); Magnolia (3); Blackpoll (4); Black and White (2); A. Redstart (3); Scarlet Tanager (1); Rose-Breasted Grosbeak (1); Baltimore Oriole (2). (report from Mark Lynch/Sheila Carroll).

5/15/00 -- Bancroft Tower Hill, Worcester

A quick check of Bancroft Tower Hill this AM had the following: E. Wood Peewee (2); Least Flycatcher (3); E. Phoebe (3); Great Crested Flycatcher (1); Tree Swallow (2); House Wren (1); SWAINSON'S THRUSH (4: relatively together. They worked a small secluded area of grass near the woods, hopping out in the grass for a morsel, then ducking back under cover. Very close and nice views. If it wasn't for thier distinctive call notes though, I wouldn't have even looked. We had big movemnets of thruashes this weekend during Birdathon in the Berkshires.); Gray Catbird (8); Red-Eyed Vireo (4);
WARBLERS: Tennessee (2); Nashville (1); N. Parula (7); Chestnut-Sided (2); Magnolia (1); Black-Throated Green (1); Yellow-Rumped (11); Bay-Breasted (1); Blackpoll (6); Black and White (2);
Scarlet Tanager (3); Rose-Breasted Grosbeak (5: several females); Baltimore Oriole (3); (report from Mark Lynch).

5/14/00 -- South Quabbin (Quabbin Park)

On a class trip to South Quabbin this morning, we had a poor migration day per se, but still excellent views of lots of birds, many, but not all of of which were breeders. Highlights: C. Loon (1); Double-Crested Cormorant (8); Common Merganser (2); Turkey Vulture (5); Bald Eagle (1ad); Sharp-Shinned Hawk (1); Broad-Winged Hawk (1); Red-Tailed Hawk (1); Wild Turkey (2); Ruby-Throated Hummingbird (1 female nest building. We watched this process for some time at a safe distance. The amazing thing is, after she gathers materia, she sits in the nest and builds the nest around her so that it is perfectly form-fitting);Yellow-Bellied Sapsucker (1); E. Wood Peewee (4); Yellow-Bellied Flycatcher (1); Least Flycatcher (9); E. Phoebe (8); Great Crested Flycatcher (8); E. Kingbird (1); Common Raven (2 apparently newly fledged birds, makking quite a racket); Blue-Gray Gnatcatcher (14); E. Bluebird (7); Veery (12); Hermit Thrush (2); Wood Thrush (16); Cedar waxwing (4); Blue-Headed Vireo (2); Yellow-Throated Vireo (7); Red-Eyed Vireo (57).
WARBLERS: Blue-Winged (2); Nashville (1); N. Parula (4); Yellow (9); Chesnut-Sided (28); Magnolia (5); Cerulean (we closely watched a male and a female together, feeding and doign some type of chase/display flight down slope); Black-Throated Blue (1); Yellow-Rumped (4); Black-Throated Green (11); Blackburnian (3); Pine (3); Prairie (21); Blackpoll (2); Black and White (10); A. Redstart (47: everywhere, thier song was the background against which you lsitened for other songs); Ovenbird (29); C. Yellowthroat (10); Canada (2).
Scarlet Tanager (9); Rose-Breasted Grosbeak (13); Indigo Bunting (4); E. Towhee (17); Chipping Sparrow (40); Savannah Sparrow (2); Brown-Headed Cowbird (22); Baltimore Oriole (26).
BUTTERFLIES: Tiger Swallowtail (1); Clouded Sulphur (5); Spring Azure (5); American Copper (13); American Lady (2); Juvenal's Duskywing (30) plus a nice long patch of blooming columbine. Nice trip! (report from Mark Lynch/Sheila Carroll).

5/13/00 -- Harris' Sparrow, AMHERST

An adult HARRIS' SPARROW was found on Birdathon by Bill Lafleche as part of the Wild Bird Crossing Team working for Broad Meadow Brook. Unfortunately, they posted their results via fax which was not opened till today (Sunday). I returned from leading an all morning class trip to South Quabbin, got the results, called Bill about the report and cross-eaxmined him. Bill, a very careful birder, had never seen a Harris' Sparrow before, took great notes and even had the Rising book with him. This afternoon Sheila and I went to the location, found the bird which was pretty confiding within reason, and shot a lot of documenting slides for MARC. We contacted Scot Surner who contacted Valley birders. He and his daughter Samantha got great looks at the bird too.

DIRECTIONS: Take North Street west off Rt. 9 in Belchertown (watch for Dwight Service Station on Rt. 9). This will cross into Amherst and become Station Road. You will eventually cross some railroad tracks and a parallel bike path. About a half mile beyond that there will be an equestrain center on the right, immediately followed by crossing the small (but labeled) Hop Brook. Imm ediately after that there is a small dirt pull over for about a maximum of four cars on the left side of the road. Pull to the far end of this. The sparrow is actually feeding in this parking area (!) on dandelion seeds. When we first arrived , we searched all over: up the road at the of horse farm, down the road at the trail head for birding Lawrence Swamp. We were about to give up, when the bird popped up not three feet from us, flew down and proceeded to feed about 5 feet from us. We watched the bird for about half an hour, later with Scot and Samantha.
THE PROBLEM: parking is VERY limited. This road is VERY busy and there are no other close pull-offs. AND: if too many cars pull in the bird really may not come out. So, use your head!!!! If too many people are there, BACK OFF. (report from Mark Lynch).

5/13/00 -- Bird-a-thon results

Chuck Caron , John Williams and I birded Central western Mass friday night , High Ridge WMA Saturday am and Cape Ann in the afternoon till 4PM. Some hilites from each area among 134 species follow:

Western mass : Grasshopper Sparrow Turners Falls AP; Bald Eagle Barton's Cove;
Gardner Area: Common NightHawk 1; Whip-poor-Will 2; Green-wing teal 1 drake; Sora 2; Lesser Yellow-legs 1; Alder Flycatcher 1; Swainson's Thrush 2; Yellow-throated Vireo 1; White-crowned Sparrow 1;
High Ridge wma was very quiet on saturday morning not to mention having to duck in old barn to avoid a heavy thundershower. Rose-breasted Grosbeaks were pletiful however. A 5 minute stop a Hanscom field in Lincoln was a nice bonus yielding an Upland Sandpiper , E. Meadowlark and a handsome adult male harrier.
The waters of Cape Ann lacked numbers of birds but we were able to "mop" up a new species or 2 at most stops. Some favorties were Great Cormorant , and Puple Sandpiper on Kettle Island ; an Iceland Gull at Hammond Castle and from Halibut Point 2 Gannets , Black Guillemont , all 3 Scoters , Oldsquaw (or do I have to callem Long-tailed Duck now? or maybe we'll just countem twice!) , 6 RT Loons and a Manx Shearwater which passed by close in. (report from Tom Pirro).

5/12/00 -- city of Worcester

We had intended to do some quick birding locally this morning, and then rest up for Birdathon tonite. No such luck. We hit Bancroft Tower Hill at 5:30 AM, fully intending to BRIEFLY do that area and head over to the cemetaries (see below). No such luck. There was quite a conglomeration of migrants on the hill, from the top to the bottom. We noted many females now passing through, invcluding N. Parula, Yellow-Rumped, Bay Breasted and Magnolia. Great Blue Heron (1 overhead); Red-Tailed Hawk (1); Least Flycatcher (2); YELLOW-BELLIED FLYCATCHER (1 heard and seen); E. Phoebe (3); Great Crested Flycatcher (1); E. Kingbird (1); Carolina Wren (1); House Wren (1); Red-Breasted Nuthatch (1); Veery (3); GREY-CHEEKED THRUSH/ BICKNELL'S species(1 seen at very close range at the back top of the hill as it popped up out of the surrounding woods and perched on a person's fence. I HAVE to believe this is the same bird as yesterday. It would be highly unlikley that two would appear in this dinky spot on two consecutive days. Then again..... Wood Thrush (6); Gray Catbird (4); Cedar Waxwing (6); Blue-Headed Vireo (1); Red-Eyed Vireo (11);
WARBLERS: Tennessee (4); Nashville (2); Chestnut-Sided (4); Yellow (1); N. Parula (25 many females); Black-Throated Blue (5); Magnolia (7); Yellow-Rumped (42); Pine (1); Blackburnian (6); Black-Throated Green (13); Black and White (4); Blackpoll (14); Bay-Breasted (2); Ovenbird (1); A. Redstart (3); Wilson's (1);
Scarlet Tanager (6); Rose-Breasted Grosbeak (1); White-Throated Sparrow (2); Baltimore Oriole (2).
We then hit the three small cemetaries in the SW corner of the city (Hope, Notre Dame, New Swedish/Leesville Pond) by mid-morning. The total area covered by these cemetaries may be about the size of Mount Auburn. We had missed most of the movement and song because of the late start, but still saw: Green Heron (1); Wood Duck(8); Killdeer (1+ pair w/3 yng+pair w/1 yng); Solitary Sandpiper (1); Black-Billed Cuckoo (1 very co-operative bird that Sheila photo'ed); Least Flycatcher (1); E. Phoebe (1); Eastern Kingbird (12); Tree Swallow (4); N. Rough-Winged Swallow (8); Carolina Wren (1); House Wren (5); Gray Catbird (44); Red-Eyed Vireo (6); Warbling Vireo (11);
WARBLERS: N. Parula (10); Yellow (16); Chestnut-Sided (2); Tennessee (3); Cape May (2); Yellow-Rumped (137); Pine (2); Magnolia (16); Bay-Breasted (3); Blackpoll (12); A. Redstart (5); Ovenbird (1); C. Yellowthroat (15); Canada (6: that is the most I have seen not on breeding terr. and on migration in one area in MA. 5 were at Hope Cem.); Wilson's (1m); Chipping Sparrow (25); Savannah Sparrow (3); Song Sparrow (29); Baltimore Oriole (12). Whew! And we still have to do Birdathon!!!!! (report from Mark Lynch/Sheila Carroll).

5/11/00 -- Gardner Birds

sightings from between 5:45Am and 7:15 in gardner: A nice assortment of songbirds in the back yard included , all in the same apple tree: BT Geen Warb. 1 female; Yellow Warbler 2 1 male + 1 female; Magnolia 3 2 male and 1 female; N. Parula 5 3 males and 2 females; Yellow-Rumped 1 female; Redstart 2 1 fem. and 1 1st yr male; R.E. Vireo 1; Balt. Oriole 2;
At Crystal Lake Cemetery I watched a Pileated Woodpecker chisle a hole in an Oak Tree for about 10 minutes. When I noticed her she had just started working a large branch , about 8" in diameter , with about 5 minutes of surgery she'd "installed" a nice feeding hole and was extracting Carpenter Ants from the hollow branch. She was still feeding when I left the area. I also heard 2 Evening Grosbeaks fly over while wacthing the woodpecker.
Other birds seen or heard off Raymond Rd near Lake Wompanoag included: E. Towhee 2; Ovenbird several; Magnolia Warb. 1; Nashville Warb 1; Canada Warb 1 probably on terr.; BT Green 2; Yellow-Rumped ~5 or 10; Redstart 1; N. Waterthrush 1 on terr.; C. yellow throats 5ish; Wht Thr Sparrow many. (report from Tom Pirro).

5/11/00 -- Bancroft Tower Hill ,city of Worcester

A decent movement of migrants passed through my neighborhood this morning, concentrated (as usual) on the small wooded Bancroft Tower Hill. Atop the hill this morning after dawn in the chill and drizzle, there was very few birds and VERY little birdsong. Working my way down the hill, I found a few birds, but they were difficult to ID in the gloom and they were generally not singing. By the time I got to the bottom of the hill, I had written the day off as a poor migration day, but found a single large oak by the WPI tennis courts that was alive with birds. At any given moment, this one tree hosted 15-20 birds. These birds were actively feeding, then peeling off and moving into the trees of the neighborhood. JUst after 7AM, it got a bit lighter, the mist lifted, and the trees came alive with one of the best choruses of migrants I have heard in some time. It was really something to hear, but short lived. Bird movement picked up dramatically as well and the birds rapidly moved over and around the hill as seems to always be the case in this location. Though I kept running totals, these numbers are probably on the low side. Many birds could not be ID'd, and I tried not to double count. Red-Tailed Hawk (1 resident); Least Flycatcher (1); E. Phoebe (3); Great Crested Flycatcher (2); E. Kingbird (1); Carolina Wren (1); House Wren (1); Veery (3); Swainson's Thrush (2); GREY CHEEKED THRUSH/BICKNELL'S THRUSH SPECIES (1: I was watching the growing number of birds at that one tree by the tennis courts getting a good case of "warbler neck" when I heard the call note of a Swainson's Thrush behind me. I looked back, and on the small patch of lawn bordered by trees (a somewhat secluded spot) several thrushes were hopping about near the edge including Veery, Swainson's and this bird, seen very well. Unfortunately it did not sing. Suddenly the resident Red-Tailed Hawk picked that time to fly in and land right there, and all the thrushes moved up and around the hill and out of sight. For the last three years Bancroft Tower Hill has hosted one Grey-Cheeked/Bicknell's (there may be more, but I have only noted one). Once, just at dawn, Sheila and I actually heard a Bicknell's singing, but never saw it.
Wood Thrush (4); A. Robin (16); Gray Catbird (11); Yellow-Throated Vireo (1); Red-Eyed Vireo (6);
WARBLERS: Tennessee (3); Nashville (4); N. Parula (13); Yellow (2); Chestnut-Sided (1); Magnolia (6); Yellow-Rumped (62); Black-Throated Green (7); Prairie (1); Pine (1); Blackburnian (7: this number may be somewhat low); Bay-Breasted (5); Blackpoll (9: this number may be somewhat low); Black and White (3); WORM-EATING (1 heard and seen); Ovenbird (1); White-Throated Sparrow (9); Scarlet Tanager (2); Baltimore Oriole (10: these guys seemed to everywhere. Lots of first year males and females. This number is probably too conservative a count); (report from Mark Lynch/Sheila Carroll).

5/10/00 -- Gardner

Before work in my yard this morning were: 1 magnolia Warb. , 1 Chestnut-sided , 1 C, yellowthroat , 1 Ovenbird , 1 Swaison's Thrush and an Indigo Bunting. Last evening just down the street from home I heard Pileated Woodpecker call , occassionally it (or another) will make a brief stop in my yard. (report from Tom Pirro).

5/10/00 -- Bnacroft Tower Hill, Worcester

Seen or heard in the gloom of this morning: Red-Tailed Hawk (1); Great Crested Flycatcher (1); E. Phoebe (1); E. Kingbird (1); Veery (1); Wood Thrush (2); Gray Catbird (14); Red-Eyed Vireo (5);
WARBLERS: Tennessee (1); Nashville (1); N. Parula (6); Yellow-Rumped (22); Black-Throated Green (2); Magnolia (3); Black and White (3); Ovenbird (1); Canada (1); C. Yellowthroat; Baltimore Oriole (4). A typical day birding the hill with this kind of weather. (report from Mark Lynch/Sheila Carroll).

5/9/00 -- Rowley Hill, Sterling

New birds for the year were Least flycatcher, blue-winged warbler, yellowthroat, catbird, scarlet tanager. Also noted were about 25 blue jays migrating northward, 4 solitary vireos, Louisiana waterthrush, winter wren, red breasted, wood thrush, rose -breasted grosbeak,nuthatch (report from Richard Spedding).

5/9/00 -- Worcester

I just had an indigo bunting at my thistle feeder. This morning I had two magnolias, a black and white and a white crowned sparrow. (report from JoAnn Kelley).

5/9/00 -- Broad Meadow Brook Sanctuary, Worcester

Highlights at Broad Meadow Brook Wildlife Sanctuary (Worcester) this morning. Note that species in capitals are new for me at the Sanctuary for the year. GREEN HERON (5 - 4 in a group moving south, 1 in the pond); Wild Turkey (1); Virginia Rail (1); EASTERN WOOD-PEWEE (2); Least Flycatcher (1); Eastern Phoebe (1); Great Crested Flycatcher (2); Eastern Kingbird (4); Warbling Vireo (2); Red-eyed Vireo (3); House Wren (4); Blue-gray Gnatcatcher (2); Ruby-crowned Kinglet (2); Wood Thrush (6); Gray Catbird (19); Brown Thrasher (3); Cdear Waxwing (1); Blue-winged Warbler (8); TENNESSEE WARBLER (1); Nashville Warbler (1); Northern Parula (6); Yellow Warbler (15); CHESTNUT-SIDED WARBLER (1); Magnolia Warbler (2); Yellow-rumped Warbler (16); Prairie Warbler (1); BLACKPOLL WARBLER (1); Black-and-white Warbler (4); AMERICAN REDSTART (5); Ovenbird (3); NORTHERN WATERTHRUSH (2); Common Yellowthroat (21); Scarlet Tanager (1); Eastern Towhee (12); Chipping Sparrow (1); Field Sparrow (2); Song Sparrow (21); White-throated Sparrow (1); Rose-breasted Grosbeak (2); Baltimore Oriole (8); (report from John Liller).

5/9/00 -- Leicester PM 5/8; Bancroft Tower AM 5/9

Returning late form a lecture in Amerst we birded the roads along the back of Worcester Airport in Leicester at 11 PM 5/8. A thunder storm had just passed and the roads were very wet: Upland Sandpiper (1 heard: migrating? It was calling form the runways area); A. Woodcock (6); Whip-Poor-Will (2); Savannah Sparrow (10+); Also: Many Grey Treefrogs, Green Frogs, A. Toads, Peepers, Wood Frogs crossing the wet roads in the damp mist
BANCROFT TOWER: next AM slow day: Red-Tailed Hawk (1); Chimney Swift (2); E. Phoebe (pair at tower+2); Great Crested Flycatcher (2); E. Kingbird (1); Blue Jay (4+6 migrating high); House Wren (1); Veery (2); Wood Thrush (3); Gray Catbird (7); Red-Eyed Vireo (3);
WARBLERS: Tennessee (1); N. Parula (4); Yellow (1); Chestnut-Sided (1); Yellow-Rumped (14); Black-Throated Green (2); Black-Throated Blue (1); Blackburnian (1); Black and White (2); A. Redstart (2); Northern Waterthrush (1 singing: new Tower bird for us); Scarlet Tanager (4); Rose-Breasted Grosbeak (1); E. Towhee (2); White-Throated Sparrow (8); Baltimore Oriole (3). (report from Mark Lynch/Sheila Carroll).

5/8/00 -- Gardner

This morning before work I had the following hilites off Smith st. @ High Rdige WMA and a few near the gardner Dump: Green-wing Teal 1; Solitary Sandpiper 3; Great-creasted Fly 1; Least Fly 4; Red-eyed vireo 1; Warbling Vireo 2; RT Humminbird 1; Am. Pipit 1; Magnolia Warbler 1; Redstart 1; N. Waterthrush 1 all on territroy; Chestnut-sided 2; Pine 1; Prarie 1; Lots of Wood Ducks on the marsh but I've been unable to detect an of the marsh birds that have frequented the Smith Street ( upper) marsh in recent years. (report from TOm Pirro).

5/8/00 -- Bancroft Tower Hill, Worcester

A quick "before work" trip to my small neighborhood patch this AM had the following: Mallard (3 overhead); Killdeer (1 overhead); Chimney Swift (4); N. Flicker (1); Least Flycatcher (1); E. Phoebe (2+ pair nesting in tower); Great Crested Flycatcher (2); Tree Swallow (2); Carolina Wren (1); House Wren (3); Wood Thrush (2); Brown Thrasher (1); Red-Eyed Vireo (1);
WARBLERS: Blue-Winged (1); N. Parula (5); Nashville (1); Chesnut-Sided (1); Magnolia (4); Yellow-Rumped (45: numbers decreasing, but still the most common warbler); Black-Throated Green (5); Blackburnian (3); Pine Warbler (1); Black and White (6); Bay Breasted (1); Blackpoll (4: seems early for these guys to be moving in numbers); A. Redstart (1); C. Yellowthroat (1);
Rose-Breasted Grosbeak (1); White-Throated Sparrow (15+); Scarlet Tanager (3); Baltimore Oriole (4); PINE SISKIN (2: what are these birds doing? They seem to be just "hanging around" and not nesting); (report from Mark Lynch).

5/7/00 -- Bolton Flats /Oxbow, Bolton

We had a nice class trip to Bolton Flats this morning: lots of birds (87 species), few insects, some ticks. We started at 6 AM, hit a few stops on the flats and then did the "short loop" of Oxbow NWR. The BBC trip did the whole loop (I think) and will have obviously higher numbers. HIGHLIGHTS only: First number=Bolton Flats/second number=Oxbow NWR Double-Crested Cormorant (1); A. Bittern (1); Great Blue Heron (9); Green Heron (3); GLOSSY IBIS (2: very good bird for Worcester County); Canada Goose (8); Wood Duck (5); Mallard (9); Turkey Vulture (1); Red-Tailed Hawk (0/1); A. Kestrel (0/1); Merlin (1); Ring-Necked Phaesant (0/1); Virginia Rail (5); Sora (2); Killdeer (11/1 on nest); Greater Yellowlegs (36); Lesser Yellowlegs (6); Solitary Sandpiper (11); Spotted Sandpiper (2); Least Sandpiper (6); C. Snipe (4); Red-Bellied Woodpecker (1/1); Least Flycatcher (5/1); E. Phoebe (0/1); E. Kingbird (16/2); Tree Swallow (8); Bank Swallow (3/1); Barn Swallow (4/2); Blue Jay (113/4: Again, there was significant movement of this species in Worcester County today); Ruby-Crowned Kinglet (0/1); Blue Gray Gnatcatcher (6); Wood Thrush (0/1); Gray Catbird (71/23); Brown Thrasher (0/2); Yellow-Throated Vireo (7); Warbling Vireo (23/6);
WARBLERS: Blue-Winged (1/1); Nashville (2/1); Yellow (44/8); Chestnut-Sided (3/4); Magnolia (1/2); Black-Throated Blue (4); Yellow-Rumped (90/30); Black-Throated Green (0/1); Pine (1); Palm (1); Bay-Breasted (1); Black and White (11/5); A. Redstart (5/4); Ovenbird (0/1); N. Waterthush (3/1); C. Yellowthroat (42/8);
Scarlet Tanager (1/2); Rose-Breasted Groasbeak (6/5); Savannah Sparrow (15); Song Sparrow (27/4); Swamp Sparrow (40/3); White-Throated Sparrow (12); White-Crowned Sparrow (5); Bobolink (1/5); E. Meadowlark (0/1); Orchard Oriole (3); Baltimore Oriole (16/7). Herps seen or heard included: Green Frog, Spring Peeper, Gray Treefrog, Pickerel Frog, A. Toad (could be SEEN trilling at Oxbow). Butterflies seen included: Tiger Swallowtail, Cabbage White, Clouded Sulphur, Spring Azure, Red Admiral, E. Comma, Compton's Tortoiseshell, Dreamy Duskywing. (report from Mark Lynch).

5/7/00 -- North Cemetary, Lunenburg

Between 6 and 6:30 p.m. at North Cemetary in Lunenburg (northern Worcester County) my wife and I found 2 foraging Solitary Sandpipers, a lonely male Hooded Merganser, and a well seen and heard Worm-eating Warbler, the latter a life bird. Obviously, there were other birds as well. Check it out: it's a pretty place. Lots of trees and it abuts a wetland with a beaver lodge. (report from Howard Shainheit ).

5/6/00 -- Rowley Hill , Sterling

There were 4 solitary vireos, 3 black throated green warblers, 2 parula, 6 ovenbirds, 6 yellow-rumped warblers, 1 Louisiana waterthrush, 2 house wrens, 1 winter wren, 2 wood thrush, 1 rose breasted grosbeak, 1 Baltimore oriole. (report from Richard Spedding).

5/6/00 -- city of Worcester

Early this AM a small band of showers passed over the city, setting the stage for a decent show of migrants. Sheila and I hit Bancroft Tower Hill early (5:45). To give birders an idea of how small this place is, imagine a cast of the Dell from Mount Auburn and invert that. Then imagine all the following seen in less than 30 minutes. There were many, many more birds moving through that we missed cuz we couldn't get our bins on them or they were not singing: Ruby-Throated Hummingbird (1); Least Flycatcher (1); E. Phoebe (1); Great Crested Flycatcher (2); Blue Jay (30 moving overhead); House Wren (3); Blue-Gray Gnatcatcher (1); Wood Thrush (2); Gray Catbird (7); Blue-Headed Vireo (5);
WARBLERS: Tennessee (4: all singing); ORANGE-CROWNED (1); Nashville (5); N. Parula (12); Yellow (2); Cape May (1); Black-Throated Blue (1); Yellow-Rumped (135); Black-Throated Green (6); CERULEAN (1); Pine (1); Black and White (7); Ovenbird (1); C. Yellwothroat (2);
Scarlet Tanager (2); Rose-Breasted Grosbeak (6); White-Throated Sparrow (20); Baltimore Oriole (3);

Much of the movement was over the hill and to the north/northeast. The birds moved pretty rapidly. After, we decided to hit three adjacent cemetaries in the SW part of the city of Worcester (New Swedish, Hope and Notre Dame) and then home via a very short stop at the top of Worcester Airport. The show was pretty much over by 8, but we still got a good collection of birds: TOTALS (of SW Worcester in addition to above list): Great Blue Heron (1); Mute Swan (1 at Leesville: gack!); Canada Goose (3 pair with 4, 14, and 8 goslings respectively); Wood Duck (6); Turkey Vulture (4); Red-Tailed Hawk (1); Killdeer (4+ 1 pr w/4 yng & 1 pr w/1 yng); Spotted Sandpiper (1); Solitary Sandpiper (1); Ruby-Throated Hummingbird (1); Yellow-Bellied Sapsucker (1); Red-Bellied Woodpecker (1); Least Flycatcher (1); Great Crested Flycatcher (1); E. Kingbird (6); Tree, N. Rough Winged and Barn Swallows; Carolina Wren (2); House Wren (8); Ruby-Crwned Kinglet (2); Blue-Gray Gnatcatcher (1); Wood Thrush (2); Gray Catbird (32); Cedar Waxwing (2); Yellow-Throated Vireo (1); Warbling Vireo (8); Red-Eyed Vireo (1);
WARBLERS: Blue-Winged (3); Tennessee (3); Nashville (3); N. Parula (17); Yellow (19); Chestnut-Sided (7); Magnolia (7: all singing); Cape May (2 more at Leesville: also singing. This seems early for this species); Black-Throated Blue (1); Yellow-Rumped (137); Black-Throated Green (1); Pine (3); Palm (4); Black and White (13); A. Redstart (7); N. Waterthrush (1); C. Yellowthroat (8); Wilson's (1); Rose-Breasted Grosbeak (1); E. Towhee (4); Chipping Sparrow (44: mascot of cemetaries); Field Sparrow (1); Savannah Sparrow (9); Song Sparrow (10); White-Throated Sparrow (14); WHITE-CROWNED SPARROW (1); Dark-Eyed Junco (1); Bobolink (7); E. Meadowlark (2); Baltimore Oriole (17); At Notre Dame, A. Toads were all over in full song, and carp were spawning. Not bad for an easy morning's birding in a city and VERY close to home. To round out the day, I led the final Birder's Tour of the Worcester Art Musuem where we ticked: Purple Swamphen (ssp. caspius); Hodgson's Serpent Eagle, Ruddy and Common Shelducks, Eurasian Spoonbill, Sacred Ibis, Little Owl, and Hooded Crow among others. (report from Mark Lynch).

5/6/00 -- High Ridge WMA, Gardner

It was a fine morning a walk. Many early May expectant species were found in good number the following are hilites from 76 species (17 species of wood warblers) seen or heard during a walk from the Smith Street gate in Gardner to the Lower marsh on East Gardner road in Westmister (and back) between 5:45am and 10:45am today 5-6-00: Am. Bittern 1 lower marsh; Solitary Sandpiper 2; Eastern Kingbird 5+; Least Flycatcher 10; House Wren 3; Gray Catbird 8; Brown Thrasher 2; Wood Thrush 8; B-G Gnatcatcher 1; Ruby Crwn Kinglet 4; BH Vireo 7; Warbling Vireo 5; Red-eyed vireo 1;
Warblers: B+W 10-15; Blue Wing 3; Nashville 3; N. Parula 10; Yellow many; Blk-Thr Blue 3; Blk-Thr Green 10-15; Yellow-rumped 30+; Blackburnian 1; Chestnut-sided 10+; Pine 2; Ovenbird many; Northern Waterthrush 3; Louisiana Waterthrush 3 together having a "slugfest" along a stream , they were so agitated I'd they'd found a Saw-Whet Owl or orhter preditor. I saw the W-thrushes but no Owl.; C. Yellowthroat many; Wilson's 1; Redstart 2;
Scalet tanager 2 a male and a female; Rose-breasted Grosbeak 5; Baltimore Oriole 5 or 6; Evening Grosbeak 2; Purple Finch 2; White-Crowned Sparrow 1. One entertaining sight ( thought not for all involved )was watching a flying snake , of course it was attached to an adult Red-tailed Hawk. The RT gained altitude for several minutes then glided north west perhaps to the nest.(report from Tom Pirro).

5/6/00 -- Broad Meadow Brook Sanctuary, Worcester

Today is a major migration day in the Worcester Area. Between my observations and those of Mark Lynch/Sheila Carroll (details soon to follow), it is obvious that migration is now in full swing. I recorded the following highlights on a walk with my class (6 people) at Broad Meadow Brook Wildlife Sanctuary (Worcester) this morning (5/6/00). Note that species in capitals are new for the Sanctuary for the year. Turkey Vulture (2); Wood Duck (1 male); VIRGINIA RAIL (2); CHIMNEY SWIFT (2); Red-bellied Woodpecker (2); LEAST FLYCATCHER (6); Eastern Phoebe (2); GREAT CRESTED FLYCATCHER (3); EASTERN KINGBIRD (4); WARBLING VIREO (2); RED-EYED VIREO (1); House Wren (5); Blue-gray Gnatcatcher (1); Ruby-crowned Kinglet (2); Eastern Bluebird (1); VEERY (3); WOOD THRUSH (8); Gray Catbird (15); Brown Thrasher (7); Blue-winged Warbler (6); NASHVILLE WARBLER (6); Northern Parula (7); Yellow Warbler (9); MAGNOLIA WARBLER (3); Yellow-rumped Warbler (30); BLACK-THROATED GREEN WARBLER (1); PRAIRIE WARBLER (2); Black-and-white Warbler (5); OVENBIRD (4); Common Yellowthroat (11); WILSON'S WARBLER (1); SCARLET TANAGER (1); Eastern Towhee (29); Field Sparrow (5); Song Sparrow (18); White-throated Sparrow (4); Northern Cardinal (15); ROSE-BREASTED GROSBEAK (5); Red-winged Blackbird (16); Baltimore Oriole (12); Purple Finch (5); 63 SPECIES total (My second highest total for one day at BMB) (report from John Liller).

5/6/00 -- Wachusett Meadows Wildlife Sanctuary, Princeton

We've been dupped. After all the careful monitoring of the heron nests all during the late winter and seeing nothing it is now certain that a great horned owl has nested in one of the nests. She was first spotted about a month ago and because we thought that was much to late to start we assumed that she was just roosting there, especially because she seemed to come and go. Apparently, however she has been there all along but simply can't always be seen. This evening while conducting a woodcock program I was able to spot, very clearly, a white lump of fluff which was obviously being fed.
The nest is visible from the SE corner of the parking lot-that's the corner directly in front of you as you pull in. Looking across the wetland find the nests the furthest to the right that you can see and count over to the 3rd nest from the right. It's in the top of a white pine which line up between 2 skylights in the roof of a cottage just barely visible thru the trees. You'll need a good scope as it's a long way across there. We'll keep you posted on the chicks' (only know of 1 so far) progress.
Our kestrels must have found a cavity somewhere but are not using the box we put out. We are only seeing the male and assume she is on eggs. He is almost constantly hunting over the 2 meadows. Rose-breasted grosbeak, baltimore oriole,b & w warbler, chimney swift, b t green, broad-winged all arrived in the last couple of days. Good birding!! (report from Dick & Peg Knowlton).

--------------------Inquiry Radio Program

SUNDAY, MAY 7 5 PM: I interview Sy Montgomery, natural history writer and adventurer, whose latest book JOURNEY OF THE PINK DOLPHINS chronicles her amazing quest to find and study the Botu, the "bubble-gum" pink freshwater dolphins of the Amazon. She also talks about her ritualistic use of Ayahuasca with a shaman.

SUNDAY, MAY 14 5 PM: I interview Chris Cokinos, whose latest book HOPE IS THE THING WITH FEATHERS is a personal chronicle of vanished birds of North America. We talk about the Carolina Parakeet, the Ivory Billed Woodpecker and Labrador Duck. BTW: I personally think this is one of the best "bird" books of the last 10 years, a truly wonderful read.

The radio show is called INQUIRY and is on WICN 90.5 FM, non-commercial jazz radio in Central New England. I interview people in the arts and sciences every week. The show lasts a half an hour. WICN's broadcast radius is mostly central MA, the "metro-west" area, N RI&Conn, and S NH. Unfortunately you won't get us right in Beantown. (report from Mark Lynch).

5/5/00 -- Bancroft Tower Hill, Worcester

A quick stop at the very small hill/city park of Bancroft Tower Hill in the city of Worcester this AM had a nice movement of migrants: Spotted Sandpiper (1 overhead); Great Crested Flycatcher (2); E. Phoebe (2-3, 1 pair nesting in Bancroft Tower); Red-Breasted Nuthatch (1); House Wren (1); Ruby-Crowned Kinglet (3); Wood Thrush (3); Gray Catbird (6); Blue-Headed Vireo (1); Blue-Winged Warbler (1); Tennessee W. (1); Nashville W. (1); N. Parula (5); Yellow W (1); Chesnut Sided W (1); Black-Throated Green W. (7); Black and White W. (4); Ovenbird (1); Rose-Breasted Grosbeak (2); Chipping Sparrow (6); White-Throated Sparrow (15+); Baltimore Oriole (5); Pine Siskins (2 hanging out in pines near top). Most of these birds moved off pretty rapidly, heading north or northeast. The Yellow-Rumps took off high and in flocks. (report from Mark Lynch/Sheila Carroll).

5/5/00 -- Douglas SF, Douglas

We spent the morning in the State Forest in Douglas. We hiked in only a few trails, mostly sampling some areas. We had the following highlights: Turkey Vulture (1); Wild Turkey (1); Pileated Woodpecker (1); Least Flycatcher (1); Great Crested Flycatcher (6); E. Phoebe (12); E. Kingbird (2); Tree Swallow (8); Barn Swallow (2); Blue Jay (85: there seemed to be some migratory movement today of small flocks heading east); Red-Breasted Nuthatch (2); Brown Creeper (3); House Wren (12); Blue-Gray Gnatcatcher (11); Hermit Thrush (1); Wood Thrush (13); Gray Catbird (32); Blue-Headed Vireo (7); Blue-Winged Warbler (3); Pine Warbler (7); Yellow-Rumped Warbler (63: many migrants); Yellow Warbler (2); Chestnut-Sided Warbler (5); Black-Throated Blue Warbler (1); Black-Throated Green W. (8); Black and White Warbler (24); Prairie Warbler (1); A. Redstart (9); Ovenbird (50); Louisiana Watherthrush (1); Northern Waterthrush (3); C. Yellowthroat (1); Scarlet Tanager (2); E. Towhee (57); Chipping Sparrow (74); Baltimore Oriole (19); Brown-Headed Cowbird (27); Purple Finch (8); Pine Siskin (1). And all the breeders are not in yet by any means.
PLUS: lots of E. Painted Turtles, Grey Tree Frogs and A. Toads calling. Along the way we also got to rescue two herps as they were crossing the road: a very fiesty E. Garter Snake (bit me continuously as I was helping it to the other side,obviously never even broke the skin) and a Stinkpot (musk turtle). The latter, because of their secretive nature, I don't get to see that much. A nice spot, though I am sure it is mobbed in summer. The boardwalk through the cedar swamp was particulalry well done. (report from Mark Lynch/Sheila Carroll).

5/4/00 -- Rowley Hill, Sterling

Birds seen were 3 turkey vultures, 2 red-tailed hawks, 2 black throated green warblers, 1 Louisiana waterthrush, 1 ruby-crowned kinglet, and no white throated sparrows, where only 2 days earlier there had been 20 to 30 . My last junco was May 3rd. (report from Richard spedding).

5/4/00 -- Bolton Flats, Bolton

Highlights of an evening trip to Bolton Flats: 3 Male Wood Ducks, 5 Green-winged Teal, 1 American Bittern calling, 1 Virginia Rail, 3 Sora Rails, 2 Solitary Sandpipers, 12 Least Sandpipers, 1 Lesser Yellowlegs, 6 Greater Yellowlegs and 16 Common Snipe. The water is evaporating fast. (report from Bart Kamp).

5/4/00 -- Charlton

I had my first Ruby-throated hummingbird (f) at 5 o'clock today. Also had two male Baltimore Orioles and one female. Had three male and three female Purple Finches. Two chipping sparrows. Two female Rose-breasted Grosbeaks. Yesterday (May 3) I had a female Evening Grosbeak. Five downy and two Hairy Woodpeckers. Twenty Goldfinch (all are now in full breeding plumage) . Four Red-winged blackbirds. Six crackles. Two chickadees. Three Titmice. Two Nutcrackers. My yard has come alive with spring and aint it grand !!! (report from Joe Fay).

5/4/00 -- Bancroft Tower Hill, city of Worcester

A nice assortment of migrants passed through my neighborhood this AM. Among the birds seen: Canada Goose (11 overhead); Red-Tailed Hawk (1 nesting I think); E. Phoebe (1); House Wren (1); Wood Thrush (3); Gray Catbird (7); Yellow-Rumped Warbler (50+); Black and White Warbler (4); Pine Warbler (1); Black-Throated Green W. (3); Rose-Breasted Grosbeak (5); Orchard oriole (1m); Baltimore Oriole (5); Red-Winged Blackbird (1f at my feeder). The White-Throats and juncos seemed to have moved on for the most part. For those of you that do not know, Bancroft Tower Hill is a VERY small wooded hill and city park in the midst of urban Worcester. Migrants, when they appear here, are usually present first thing in the AM and then disperse immediately. It is one block from my house. (report from Mark Lynch).

5/4/00 -- Gardner area

Lots of song bird activity this morning along Raymond Road near Lake Wompanoag in Gardner. Ovenbird 5; BT Green Warb. 2; Blackburnian Warb 1; Nashville Warb 2 or 3; N. Waterthrush 1; Black And White Warb 1; Yellow-rumped Warb. dozens; Winter Wren 1; Pine Siskin 1; Evening grosbeak 1 Fly by; Purple Finch 1. Also an. E. meadowlark along RTE111 in groton while driving in. (report from Tom Pirro).

5/4/00 -- Leesville Pond/Swedish Cem., Worcester

Eastern Kingbirds are back. I had two at the Swedish Cemetary about noon today. (report from Howard Shainheit).

5/3/00 -- Peregrine, downtown Worcester

Tonight as I was driving home from work (5:30pm), I spied what I thought was the Peregrine flying over Chestnut Street. I pulled into a parking lot and scouted around and found it perched on top of the Fleet Bank ("Glass Tower") on the Pleasant St./Main St. corner of the building. I watched it as it flew again and swooped down on a Rock Dove in mid-flight! What a sight! It carried the Rock Dove off and I watched it fly over to the roof of the high-rise apartment building on the corner of Austin and Main Streets. It was on the side of the building facing me - which was a parking lot on Chestnut Street. I set up my scope and watched it feed on its prey for about twenty minutes, I then had to leave the bird and its supper there. I am pretty sure it was the female. I did not see the other bird. (report from Jo-Ann Ferrie).

5/3/00 -- Worcester Academy, Worcester

The Chimney Swifts have returned to campus. There are at least a half-dozen flying around overhead. Also, our resident Red-tailed Hawk has set up a nest once again, right outside one of our classroom buildings. (report from John Liller).

5/3/00 -- High Ridge WMA, Gardner

Hilites from a 45 minute walk into the Smith St entrance to High Ridge WMA this AM follow: Hooded Merganser; Least Flycatcher 2 calling; Wood Thrush 1; Ruby-Crn Kinglet 3; Yellow-Rumped Warb. 10 ish; Black-Thr. green Warb 1; Blk + Wht. Warb. 1; N. Waterthrush 1; Balt. Oriole 1; White -Thr Sparrow 20ish; Evening grosbeak 1 fly-by calling. (report from Tom Pirro).

5/3/00 -- Institute Park, Worcester

A noontime walk yielded 22 species, including 1 male Wood Duck ,1 Mute Swan, 1 Green Heron, and 1 Rough-winged Swallow. (report from Rick Quimby).

5/3/00 -- Broad Meadow Brook Wildlife Sanctuary, Worcester

Highlights from a brief walk at Broad Meadow Brook Wildlife Sanctuary (Worcester) this morning. Note that species in capitals are new for the spring: Red-bellied Woodpecker (1); Tree Swallow (4); HOUSE WREN (1); Ruby-crowned Kinglet (4); GRAY CATBIRD (1); Brown Thrasher (1); BLUE-WINGED WARBLER (1); NORTHERN PARULA (1); YELLOW WARBLER (1); Yellow-rumped Warbler (6); Black-and-white Warbler (1); COMMON YELLOWTHROAT (3 - not first for the year, as we had a hearty one trying to survive in January); Eastern Towhee (3); Chipping Sparrow (1); Song Sparrow (15); White-throated Sparrow (4); Red-winged Blackbird (12); Brown-headed Cowbird (3); BALTIMORE ORIOLE (1). (report from John Liller).

5/3/00 -- Leesville Pond, Worcester

A quick "before work" of Leesville Pond in the city of Worcester this AM had the following: Black-Crowned Night Heron (1ad); Canada Goose (3); Wood Duck (4 m); Mallard (4); Killdeer (pair w/4 yng+pair w/1yng); Solitary Sandpiper (1); Chimney Swift (1); Ruby-Crowned Kinglet (10+); Warbing Vireo (1); Nashville Warbler (1); N. Parula (2); Yellow-Rumped Warbler (250+); Pine Warbler (2); Palm Warbler (5); Black and White Warbler (2); Northern Waterthrush (1); White-Throated Sparrow (3); Dark-Eyed Junco (5); Baltimore Oriole (1). (report from Mark Lynch/Sheila Carroll).

5/3/00 -- Maple Street, West Boylston

A Blue-winged Warbler was heard singing at 7:00 am along the road. (report from Rick Quimby).

5/2/00 -- Charlton

At 10:30 AM I had my first Baltimore Oriole of the season come to some orange halves I had set out Sunday. It was an adult male. (report from Joe Fay).

5/2/00 -- Institute Park, Worcester

A noontime walk yielded 20 species, including 1 male Wood Duck (it has been there most days the past week), 1 Mute Swan (it has been there a few days, so far acting peaceably toward other waterfowl), 1 Brown Thrasher (new bird for the park list), 1 Eastern Towhee (also new bird for the park list!), and 1 Yellow-rumped Warbler. (report from Rick Quimby).

5/2/00 -- Bancroft Tower Hill, Worcester

We spent a few minutes atop Bancroft Tower Hill this morning in the drizzle. Birds were defintely on the move at dawn. Flocks of Yellow-Rumpeds would rapidly move low up the hill from the Park Avenue side and then over and somewhat towards the airport. Where are they coming from? Salisbury Pond? WPI? Where they were going, I also have no clue. Red-Tailed Hawk (1 resident); N. Flicker (4); E. Phoebe (1); Tree Swallow (2); Ruby-Crowned Kinglet (5+); WOOD THRUSH (1); Blue-Headed Vireo (2); YELLOW-THROATED VIREO (1); Yellow-Rumped Warbler (60+); Palm Warbler (5+); Black and White Warbler (2); Chipping Sparrow (6); White-Throated Sparrow (5); Dark-Eyed Junco (1). (report from Mark Lynch/Sheila Carroll).

5/1/00 -- Boynton Park, Worcester

There were 1 Louisiana Waterthrush, 1 Northern Waterthrush, 2 Black and White Warblers, 1 Northern Parula, 4 Yellow-rumped Warblers, 2 Blue-headed Vireos and 1 Hermit Thrush.
At Broomerkle Farm in Rutland, just north of the prison camp I saw 2 Golden-crowned Kinglets, 1 Ruby-crowned Kinglet, 1 Black and White Warbler, 2 Yellow Warblers, 2 Black-throated Green Warblers, 1 Northern Parula, 4 Palm Warblers and 1 Least Flycatcher. (report from Bart Kamp).

5/1/00 -- Peregrine (yes!), downtown Worcester

It is almost 12:00 noon and I have just seen one of the falcons. It appears to be the female, sitting on one of the letters of the Flagship Bank Building.

The female Peregrine was on top of the "F" in Flagship Bank facing the Worcester Common from 2:10pm until just past 3:00pm. No feeding observed, no male observed. I was unable to observe her fly away. (report from Jo-Ann Ferrie).

---------- BIRDER'S TOUR OF THE WORCESTER ART MUSEUM

The traditional BIRDER'S TOUR OF THE WORCESTER ART MUSEUM will be given Wednesday May 3 and again Saturday May 6, both days at 2 PM. For details, see lis ting in the Events Calendar. (report from Mark Lynch).

5/1/00 -- Bancroft Tower Hill, Worcester

We had our first good movement of migrants at home early this AM. In the one block walk from my house to Bancroft Tower Hill: Wood Duck (1f flew down to Salisbury Pond); Mallard (1 overhead); Red-Tailed Hawk (1: resident); Tree Swallow (1); Barn Swallow (1); Carolina Wren (1); Ruby-Crowned Kinglet (4); Blue-Headed Vireo (1); Yellow-Rumped Warbler (50+: these birds were working their way up from the Park Ave side and then over the hill at dawn); Palm Warbler (1); Black and White Warbler (1); White-Throated Sparrow (30+); Dark-Eyed Junco (2). (report from Mark Lynch/Sheila Carroll).

For previous sightings, see April 2000 Archives or Archive Index