May 2001 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. Red heading indicates updated information

5/31/01 -- Rutland
Barton Kamp led 8 members of the Forbush Bird Club on a 2 hour evening bird walk in Rutland. The trip began at 7:30 p.m. at the parking lot at the State Park Boat Ramp. Temperatures were in the mid 50's. We proceeded to Rutland State Park with the intention of finding Whip-poor-wills. The initial 10 mph winds calmed down at dusk. There were high, thin clouds which allowed the moon to be seen and our shadows. Moose tracks were observed as well as Pink Lady Slippers, Starflowers and Fringed Polygala. The temperature dropped to 50 degress by 9:30 p.m. The coldness may have been the cause for this trip, entitled "Whip-poor-will Walk", to result in none being seen or heard. The following highlights were seen and/or heard: Wood Duck 2; Red-tailed Hawk 1; American Woodcock 2; Eastern Kingbird 1; Veery 3; Hermit Thrush 3; Cedar Waxwing 5; Yellow Warbler 1; Yellow-rumped Warbler 3; Pine Warbler 1; Black-and-white Warbler 1; Ovenbird 6; Common Yellowthroat 3; Scarlet Tanager 1; Eastern Towhee 3; Field Sparrow 1; White-throated Sparrow 2; Baltimore Oriole 1. (report from Joan Zumpfe).

5/31/01 -- Broad Meadow Brook Sanctuary, Worcester
Highlights on a windy walk this morning: COOPER'S HAWK (1 female - Last year, we had a pair breed at BMB, but a raccoon (?) got at the nest. Although no one has found the nest so far this year, there have been reports of the pair being around. This was undoubtably the female of the pair.); Hairy Woodpecker (1); Eastern Wood Peewee (6); Willow Flycatcher (2); Eastern Phoebe (2); Great Crested Flycatcher (2); Eastern Kingbird (3 - including one building nest); Warbling Vireo (5); Red-eyed Vireo (3); House Wren (1); Eastern Bluebird (3); Veery (3); Wood Thrush (3); Gray Catbird (13); Brown Thrasher (2); Blue-winged Warbler (3); Yellow Warbler (6); Prairie Warbler (1); Blackpoll Warbler (2); Black and White Warbler (1); Ovenbird (1); Common Yellowthroat (6); Eastern Towhee (8); Field Sparrow (4); Song Sparrow (11); Northern Cardinal (6 - including 2 very, very, very new fledglings); Rose-breasted Grosbeak (3); Baltimore Oriole (7). Also, 2 Short-tailed Shrews chasing. (report from John Liller).

5/30/01 -- Wachusett Reservoir, Clinton
At noon today from the Clinton Dike at Wachusett Reservoir I watched 1 BLACK TERN feeding with the swallows. (report from Bart Kamp).

5/30/01 -- Bancroft Tower Hill, Worcester
An even poorer migration day this morning. Birds seen were: E. Wood Peewee (1: may breed); Wood Thrush (1 may breed); Gray Catbird (4 all may breed); Red-eyed Vireo (2: may breed); Eastern Towhee (only new bird that has not been there this year before today). (report from Mark Lynch).

5/29/01 -- Wachusett Reservoir, Boylston
A loon was sitting on the loon platform in South Bay (off rt. 140) this AM. (report from Bob Ricci).

5/29/01 -- Bancroft Tower Hill, Worcester
Yet another EXTREMELY poor migration day, with just a tiny number of actual migrants. We didn't even turn up the Wood Peewee that is usually here. Great Crested Flycatcher (1); E. Kingbird (1); House Wren (1); Wood Thrush (2); Red-eyed Vireo (4); Blackpoll (2); A. Redstart (3); Baltimore Oriole (2). This entire past weekend had a very poor passage of landbird migrants through central southern New England. But, just in case you think migration is over, look at the huge numbers of Yellow Warblers seen in the migrant fallout on Plum Monday. These birds are usually much earlier migrants. PERHAPS (and perhaps not) many more birds are still yet to come. (report from Mark Lynch).

5/28/01 -- Bancroft Tower Hill, Worcester
Very few migrants yet again early this morning. E. Wood Peewee (1); House Wren (1); EASTERN BLUEBIRD (1m calling as it flew overhead, going NW. New species for us for "the hill"); Wood Thrush (2); Gray Catbird (3); Red-eyed Vireo (6); N. Parula (2); Black-throated Green (2); Ovenbird (1); Baltimore Oriole (3). (report from Mark Lynch/Sheila Carroll).

5/28/01 -- Glocester, Burrillville, RI
We were on the way to Westport this AM, when we decided to chuck the usual and headed towards three areas in the RI section of the Blackstone Corridor.
DURFEE HILL WMA. This area is well known to RI birders who come here for breeding species more common further north in central MA. We spent about 1.5 hours walking various trails, including a complete circuit around the pond. Great Blue Heron (1); Canada Goose (2); Mallard (2); Turkey Vulture (1); Red-tailed Hawk (2); PILEATED WOODPECKER (1 heard: pretty local and hard to find in RI. This is a known location to look.); E. Wood Peewee (1); Least Flycatcher (10); E. Phoebe (2); Great Crested Flycatcher (4); E. Kingbird (4); Gray Catbird (18: including one bird doing a perfect imitation of a Great Crested Flycatcher, two different calls. We ended up visually checking all calling Great Cresteds for the rest of the day); Red-breasted Nuthatch (2); COMMON RAVEN (1 heard calling several times while we were in the back part of the area. Considered rare in RI, but will probably start to show up more in areas like this as they are now regularly found now in southern Worcester County. We usually turn up several, for instance, on the Sturbridge CC to the NW); Veery (1); Hermit Thrush (5); Wood Thrush (1); Yellow-throated Vireo (1); Warbling Vireo (3); Blue-headed Vireo (2); Red-eyed Vireo (3); WARBLERS: Blue-winged (2); Yellow (6); Chestnut-sided (1); Pine (7); Yellow-rumped (7); Black-throated Green (4); Blackburnian (1); Bay-breasted (1); Blackpoll (5); Black and White (1); A. Redstart (2); Ovenbird (7); C. Yellowthroat (7); Scarlet Tanager (1); Purple Finch (1); Baltimore Oriole (6). BTW: The ticks here were bad. We walked through a grassy field to get to the forest trail and we were covered with 'em including some that appreared to be Deer Ticks. The mosquitoes were pretty fierce too.
SPRAGUE FARM/GLOCESTER LAND TRUST AREA: we just briefly hiked in 2 trails. Wild Turkey (1 heard); E. Phoebe (1); Red-breasted Nuthatch (3); Veery (4); Wood Thrush (3); Red-eyed Vireo (3); WARBLERS: Blue-winged (2); Chestnut-sided (2); Black-throated Green (3); Pine (1); Blackpoll (2); Black and White (5); Ovenbird (8); Northern Waterthush (4, including at least three singing birds); C. Yellowthroat (11); Canada (1);
Scarlet Tanager (2). PLUS: Spring Azures and Juvenal's Duskywings as the sun FINALLY came out. BTW: An even better crop of mosquitoes here.
PULASKI SP,BURRILLVILLE. We drove just a single one way route (c.3 miles) through the park on a dirt road that was just a tad dicey in a few sections. This area has lots of deciduous forest as well as good stands of conifers including several areas of hemlock. We were there just after noon, NOT the best time to bird a forest. Red-shouldered Hawk (2: one soaring and calling with another calling below) Broad-winged Hawk (1 soaring); E. Wood Peewee (2); E. Phoebe (2); Great Crested Flycatcher (3); Blue-gray Gnatcatcher (5); Veery (11); Red-eyed Vireo (15); WARBLERS: Blue-winged (1); Nashville (1); Chestnut-sided (3); Black-throated Green (9); Prairie (2); Blackburnian (4); Pine (6); Black and White (7); Ovenbird (22); C. Yellowthroat (8); Scarlet Tanager (9); Baltimore Oriole (6); Purple Finch (1). PLUS: an incredible display of odes, including Ebony Jewelwings, whitetails et. We were concentrating on the birds, but the odes were all over the roads. Sadly, I did not take the time to net and ID. Also, by this time, butterflies were flying (about a two hour window before rain). Species seen included Black and Tiger Swallowtail, Little Wood Satyr, Dreamy and Juvenal's Duskywing.
One last note. In talking to RI birders about birding Glocester and Burrillville, almost everyone has related to me the experience of growing up as a child to the south of these areas and in the winter, always hearing school was canceled (by announcer/weatherman, the venerable Salty Brine) ONLY in "Foster/Glocester" (hope I got the order right) and Burrillville. (BTW: Foster is just south of Glocester, but not part of the Blackstone Corridor). These areas, being in the extreme north of the state and pretty hilly, always had the worst weather and the most school cancelations. As children, these birders always wished they lived in "Foster/Glocester" (if only for that day) and have the day off from school. It's funny hearing this EXACT odd story told by several people. (report from Mark Lynch).

5/27/01 -- Blackstone Corridor
We checked a few areas in the Blackstone Corridor today in less than ideal conditions. Yet another poor migration day with mostly migrant breeders on territory.
FISHERVILLE POND, GRAFTON: Great Blue Heron (1); Mute Swan (2 flying over. Probably same pair that are at Lake Ripple); Killdeer (9); Spotted Sandpiper (8); Least Sandpiper (3); Watched a huge Snapping Turtle cross the grass back to the water, obviously returning from laying eggs.
LOOKOUT ROCK, UXBRIDGE: Just a brief stop to see if the COMMON MOORHEN was still in the pond across from the parking lot. We did not find it, but did talk to Strick Wheelock who had it yesterday. Nice chorus of Green and Bull Frogs.
NE CUMBERLAND, RI: We stopped at just a few places. Double-crested Cormorant (2); Great Blue Heron (1); Green Heron (1); Canada Goose (74+15 goslings); Wood Duck (2); Red-tailed Hawk (1); Virginia Rail (2); Killdeer (1); Red-bellied Woodpecker (3); N. Flicker (7); E. Wood Peewee (2); E. Phoebe (3); Great Crested Flycatcher (1); E. Kingbird (10); Tree Swallow (20); Barn Swallow (22); Carolina Wren (1); House Wren (5); E. Bluebird (2); Veery (3); Wood Thrush (8); Gray Catbird (33); Yellow-throated Vireo (3); Warbling Vireo (10); Red-eyed Vireo (12); Blue-winged Warbler (12); Yellow Warbler (29); Chestnut-sided Warbler (4); Magnolia Warbler (1); Black and White Warbler (1); A. Redstart (9); Ovenbird (4); Canada Warbler (1); C. Yellowthroat (29); E. Towhee (7); Savannah Sparrow (13); Song Sparrow (31); Scarlet Tanager (5); Indigo Bunting (1); Rose-breasted Grosbeak (3); Bobolink (44: many of these nice grassy fields look like they will soon be housing projects. I hope I am wrong); E. Meadowlark (8); Baltimore Oriole (19). We finally found some nice pieces of CUMBERLANDITE that we could bring home. I also helped a large, and very fiesty and snappy SNAPPING TURTLE across the road en route to lay eggs, stopping cars et. This turtle actually got hold of my boot (luckily not my sneaker) end and did not let go as I dragged it part of the way across the street. I LOVE these guys!!
RIVERBEND FARM, UXBRIDGE: brief stop. Great Blue Heron (3); E. Wood Peewee (1); E. Phoebe (2: nest under bridge); E. Kingbird (6: 1 bird nest building); Tree Swallow (15+); Brown Thrasher (1); Warbling Vireo (13); Yellow Warbler (7); Prairie Warbler (1); C. Yellowthroat (5); Rose-breasted Grosbeak (3); Baltimore Oriole (5); N. Cardinal (1f feeding newly fledged cowbird). Nice chorus of Gray Tree Frogs, Green Frogs and American Toads.
WEST HILL DAM, UXBRIDGE: just the dam. Common Loon (3 migrating east high overhead); Great Bue Heron (2); Broad Winged Hawk (1).
We bumped into Strick Wheelock. When I asked him where the herons could have their rookery (we have been seeing numbers here and at River Bend Farm), he mentioned a place in adjacent section of Mendon. We went there and checked the wooded marsh. Though it looked good, there were no nests. (report from Mark Lynch).

5/26/01 -- Broad Meadow Brook Sanctuary, Worcester
The BIRDING THE BLACKSTONE class hiked just the north end of Broad Meadow Brook this morning (sometimes called the "2 loop"), spending just 1.5 hours in the field. Among the birds we had were: Common Loon (1ad flying north. Rarely recorded over the sanctuary); SORA (1: may possibly breed); Red-bellied Woodpecker (2); E. Wood Peewee (1); OLIVE-SIDED FLYCATCHER (1 very co-operative bird, in view for some time, calling a lot, we even got to watch it seriously chase a male cowbird and hit it in mid-flight. 1-3 birds pass through the sanctuary every spring and again every fall); E. Kingbird (5: including a pair nest building); Warbling Vireo (3); Red-eyed Vireo (2); Tree Swallow (4); House Wren (3); E. Bluebird (3); Wood Thrush (5); WARBLERS: Blue-winged (5: 1 bird sang the "type 2" song continuously); N. Parula (2); Yellow (9); Chestnut-sided (2); Magnolia (3); Black-throated Green (3); Prairie (1); Blackpoll (4); Black and White (1); A. Redstart (1); Ovenbird (2); N. Waterthrush (2); C. Yellowthroat (22); Wilson's (2m); Scarlet Tanager (6); Rose-breasted Grosbeak (8); Baltimore Oriole (10); Nice display of False Solomon's Seal too. (report from Mark Lynch).

5/26/01 -- Brooks Woodland Preserve, Petersham
In the afternoon, after checking some areas in Barre, Sheila and I hiked in the Trustees Of Reservations property in Petersham known as Brooks Woodland Preserve. We spent about 1.5 hours hiking a loop trail through this wonderful property, with lots of hemlocks and pines. We had the following, all of which are likely breeders either here or very near. We saw nothing I could call a migrant (ie: just passing through): Ruffed Grouse (1); Yellow-bellied Sapsucker (2); Alder Flycatcher (3); C. Raven (1); Winter Wren (1); Brown Creeper (2); Veery (8); Wood Thrush (6); Blue-headed Vireo (1); Red-eyed Vireo (20); WARBLERS: Yellow (2); Pine (4); Yellow-rumped (8); Black-throated Green (9); Blackburnian (12); A. Redstart (3); Ovenbird (12); C. Yellowthroat (2); Canada (1); Scarlet Tanager (5); Rose-breasted Grosbeak (2); Purple Finch (1). Wildflowers were all over, with Ladys Slipper, Bunchberry, Starflower, Clintonia, and Wild Sarsaparilla being the most obvious. Lots of coyote scat. This area begs for an Acadian Flycatcher, but we have yet to find one here. (report from Mark Lynch/Sheila Carroll).

5/25/01 -- Sterling Peat, Sterling
This afternoon there were two Snowy Egrets at Sterling Peat on Muddy Pond Rd in Sterling. (report from Fran McMenemy).

5/25/01 -- Fisherville Pond, Grafton
There was NO sign of the phalarope this morning at Fisherville Pond. There has been some confusion about the identification of this bird. It was originally ID'd to me as a Wilson's, but, apparently, (I did not see the bird) I was informed that it was probably a female (ie: brighter-plumaged) definitive alternate (ie: summer breeding) plumaged RED-NECKED (formerly known as Northern Phalarope). These birds very occassionally put down inland briefly during migration due to weather. This is the species of phalarope most often seen on late summer pelagics to Stellwagen. Also present at Fisherville were four Spotted Sandpipers. Two of these were literally locked in a vicious battle over territory or a mate that lasted several minutes. They grabbed a hold of each other at the neck and rolled and fluttered and finally rolled into the water and still they held on. It looked like one bird was going to get seriously wounded. Finally, another Spotted flew over, the flight broke off and one bird ran to the top of a rock and did an amazing display with wings held high over the body while at the same time bowing it's head. It then lowered it's wings and stuck it's rear end high in the air and turned back and forth. (report from Mark Lynch).

5/24/01 -- Fisherville Pond, Grafton
Early this afternoon I saw a RED-NECKED PHALAROPE at Fisherville Pond in Grafton. (ed. note: there was initially some confusion about the species name -- Bart was using an older guide which called it Northern, which he thought might have been changed to Wilson's -- Fran McMenemy has since found the bird, and confirmed that it is a Red-necked). There were also Semi-palmated and Least Sandpipers and Greater Yellowlegs. (report from Bart Kamp).

5/23/01 -- Wachusett Reservoir, Clinton
In the afternoon I went to Wachusett Reservoir. From the Clinton Dike I saw 1 first year male Surf Scoter and 2 Dunlin, one of which was in summer plumage. (report from Bart Kamp).

5/20/01 -- Westminster, Gardner, Princeton
Highlights from a Forbush Bird Club trip led by Francis X. McMenemy: Common Loon 2 (pair seen at Wachusett Lake and also heard from the meeting spot); American Bittern 1 (seen and heard displaying and flying); Green Heron 1; Turkey Vulture 6; Wood Duck 2 (drakes); Hooded Merganser 2 (females); Northern Goshawk 1; Red-shouldered Hawk 1; Broad-winged Hawk 1; Wild Turkey 9; Killdeer 1; Solitary Sandpiper 1; Spotted Sandpiper 2; Chimney Swift 4; Belted Kingfisher 1; Yellow-bellied Sapsucker 1 (male); Pileated Woodpecker 1 (male, gave a flying show); ALDER FLYCATCHER 1; Least Flycatcher 4; Eastern Phoebe 4; Great Crested Flycatcher 3; Eastern Kingbird 4; Blue-headed Vireo 2; Warbling Vireo 4; Red-eyed Vireo 3; Northern Rough-winged Swallow 6; Bank Swallow 12; Barn Swallow 8; Red-breasted Nuthatch 2; House Wren 2; Winter Wren 1; Blue-gray Gnatcatcher 1; Eastern Bluebird 3; Veery 5; Hermit Thrush 1; Wood Thrush 2; Cedar Waxwing 3; Yellow Warbler 3; Chestnut-sided Warbler 2; Black-throated Blue Warbler 4; Black-throated Green warbler 3; Pine Warbler 2; Prairie Warbler 2; Black-and-white Warbler 2; American Redstart 2; Ovenbird 13; Northern Waterthrush 3; Common Yellowthroat 5; Canada Warbler 3; Scarlet Tanager 4; Field Sparrow 2; Swamp Sparrow 2; Dark-eyed Junco 1; Rose-breasted Grosbeak 2; Indigo Bunting 1; Bobolink 12; Baltimore Oriole 5; Purple Finch 1. (report from Joan Zumpfe).

5/20/01 -- Rice City Pond, Uxbridge
After finding the Common Moorhen this evening I stopped at Rice City in North Uxbridge. The water was very low. I saw the following shorebirds: 6 Greater Yellowlegs, 3 Solitary Sandpipers, 3 Semi-palmated Plovers, 30 Least Sandpipers, 6 Killdeer and 10 Spotted Sandpipers. Because rain is predicted from Tuesday on the low water may not last. (report from Bart Kamp).

5/20/01 -- Rice City Pond, Northbridge/Uxbridge
There is a COMMON MOOREHEN in the Rice City Pond area. Directions: Take 122 south from Worcester to Northbridge, and take a left onto Church St. Cross river, and take a right onto Quaker St (going south). Continue south down Quaker St to the new parking area for Lookout Rock. Park here, and walk up (north) the road about 100 yards and there is a gate to another trail to Lookout Rock. On the opposite side of the road to this gate is a small wooded pond, and the Moorhen was in this pond. Just opposite the parking area and a bit south is a small rough trail to another overview of the pond. The Moorhen was seen from here when it was not visible from the road. Though this pond seems small, it has a brushy island in it that the bird hides in and around. The bird also keeps close to the edges, often seeming to disappear under over hangs or around corners for some time. Listen for the call, but DO NOT TAPE. Also, PLEASE DO NOT TAPE THE WORM-EATING WARBLERS AS THEY ARE BREEDING. (report from Mark Lynch/Sheila Carroll).

5/20/01 -- Uxbridge
A morning class trip to two adjacent areas of the Blackstone Corridor (Lookout Rock and the Larkin Recreation Area) on the Uxbridge/Northbridge line today had the following birds. BTW: There was vitually no migration today here, almost of these below are breeders. Warbler numbers and variety were much lower than expected for this time of year. Great Blue Heron (5); Turkey Vulture (4); Red-tailed Hawk (4); Ruffed Grouse (1 drumming); COMMON MOORHEN (1 ad seen by all in small wooded pond across from gate at Lookout Rock); Killdeer (2); E. Phobe (bird w/nest and young under small bridge); Great Crested Flycatcher (8: including one looking for nest material on the ground; and one relentlessly chased by male Red-winged Blackbird); E. Kingbird (7: including a bird constrcuting nest on small birch bow overhanging a small pond); Warbling Vireo (8); Red-eyed Vireo (6); Tree Swallow (10); Barn Swallow (2); N. Rough-winged Swallow (2); House Wren (1); Blue-gray Gnatcatcher (2); Eastern Bluebird (pair); Hermit Thrush (2); Wood Thrush (4);
WARBLERS: Blue-winged (4); Yellow (10); Prairie (2); Worm-eating (2 diff. territorial birds); Ovenbird (1); C. Yellowthroat (12);
Scarlet Tanager (6); E. Towhee (11); FIELD SPARROW (2; 1 bird continuously sang a song very much like a White-throated Sparrow except that the last note descended. The song in no-way even slightly resembled a Field Sparrow's. It sang this song vigorously from high atop various trees and shrubs. The bird itself looked a bit off. No eye ring at all and a much grayer face. First summer bird? We video-taped the bird); Rose-breasted Grosbeak (12: including a fierce fight bewteen two males in the presence of a female. One male eventually drove the other male off, but then as he approached the female, she drove him off a bit too, though he kept trying to approach as she foraged and moved off.); Indigo Bunting (2m); Baltimore Oriole (19);
Butterflies included: Pine Elfin, Pearl Crescents, Dreamy and Juvenal's Duskywings. Wildflowers included Canada Mayflower, Jack-In-The-Pulpit, and a good number of Ladys Slippers.
A short stop at Fisherville POnd in Grafton had: Double-crested Cormorant (1 dead); Killdeer (3ad+ 1ad w/4 young. When another adult landed close to the brood, a fight ensude between the adult caring for the young and the intruder.); SEIMPALMATED PLOVER (1); Spotted Sandpiper (5: all in some kind of display overdrive); Least Sandpiper (10). (report from Mark Lynch).

5/18/01 -- Wachusett Reservoir
Yesterday (5/17) Fran McMenemy told me that he had 100 Brant plus Scoters and Mergansers at the Wachusett Reservoir. I went out in the evening and saw the following: 4 White-winged Scoters, 6 Black Scoters, 1 pair Red-breasted Mergansers and 1 male Blue-winged Teal. Today (5/18) I went to the Reservoir and saw: 3 Red-necked Grebes, 23 White-winged Scoters, 1 female Bufflehead and a dozen peep flushed from the island opposite gate 40. (report from Bart Kamp).

5/18/01 -- Worcester
A "before-Birdathon" check of some spots in the city had far fewer birds than yesterday.
LEESVILLE POND: Mallard (1f w/12 yng + 1f w/8 yng); Killdeer (3, 1 doing broken wing display); Spotted Sandpiper (1); Cimney Swift (6); E. Kingbird (6); Tree Swallow (2); N. Rough-winged Swallow (4); House Wren (1); Carolina Wren (1); N. Mockingbird (1 doing a Killdeer, 1 doing a Spotted Sandpiper); Gray Catbird (11); Warbling Vireo (12);
WARBLERS: Tennessee (1); Yellow (5); Yellow-rumped (1); Pine (1); Cape May (2); N. Waterthrush (1); Common Yellowthroat (1); Blackpoll (7); Baltimore Oriole (6);
HOPE CEMETERY: Killdeer (2ad+ 1ad w/2yng); House Wren (1); Gray Catbird (7); Red-eyed Vireo (5); Yellow Warbler (1); N. Parula (1); Blackpoll (1); C. Yellowthroat (1)
BANCROFT TOWER HILL (still a good selection of birds but far, far fewer than yesterday) Great Blue Heron (1 overhead); Great Crested Flycatcher (1); E. Kingbird (2); House Wren (1); SWAINSON'S THRUSH (1); GRAY-CHEEKED/BICKNELL'S sp. (1 seen only): both of th above thrushes were just hopping about on the Mass Ave section of the hill offering great views. We heard NO song from either species today); Wood Thrush (3); Gray Catbird (3); Red-eyed Vireo (2);
WARBLERS: Yellow (1); Chesnut-sided (1); Black-throated Green (2); Yellow-rumped (2f); Blackpoll (1); A. Redstart (1); Ovenbird (1);
Baltimore Oriole (5). (report from Mark Lynch/Sheila Carroll).

5/17/01 -- South Street, Petersham
A NORTHERN WHEATEAR was seen today by Fran McMenemy and Joan Zumpfe along South Street near #108. It was just feeding along the ground/street, and later flew into a backyard. (report from Mark Lynch)

5/17/01 -- Northboro
From 6:30-7:00 a.m., a nice group of warblers surprised me in my own Northboro backyard this morning: Chestnut sided 2, Yellow-rumped 4, Black- throated Green 1, Blackburnian 1, Blackpoll 1, and HOODED WARBLER 1 (The Hooded called from an oak across the street. I did not have my binocs at the time as I was returning home from a walk with the dog. I ran to get them and when I returned a fleeting glance of the bird was all I got before it flew. aghhhhhh! At least I had them to see the others.) A Red-bellied Woodpecker has been coming to the mealworm feeder in my backyard for the past couple of days.
This evening 6:15-7:00 p.m. at Cold Harbor in Northboro, (part ot the Suasco), Rose-breasted Grosbeak 1, Eastern Bluebirds 3, and Indigo Bunting 1 were the highlights. (report from Ann Boover).

5/17/01 -- Bancroft Tower Hill, Worcester
A quick "before work" check of the tiny city park Bancroft Tower Hill, a block from my house, revealed a decent flight of migrants and lots of song for the first time this spring. It will be interesting to see whether areas across the state have similar outfalls this morning. Weather: overcast and pretty cool and damp, little wind. As is typical of this spot, birds are most active and present very early in the morning, and then rapidly move off and disperse. They just seem to evaporate into the neighborhood.
Red-tailed Hawk (1 imm on ground after something); E. Wood Peewee (1); Least Flycatcher (1); Great Crested Flycatcher (2); Yellow-throated Vireo (1); Red-eyed Vireo (7); House Wren (1); SWAINSON'S THRUSH (9; many seen, many heard); BICKNELL'S THRUSH (1 heard); Wood Thrush (7: a pair may attempt to breed); Gray Catbird (9);
WARBLERS: (almost all definite migrants): Blue-winged (1); Tennessee (3); N. Parula (9); Chestnut-sided (3); Magnolia (6); Yellow-rumped (15+ many females); Black-throated Blue (4); Black-throated Green (several females); Pine (1: may attempt to breed); Bay-breasted (3); Blackpoll (1); Black and White (7); A. Redstart (5); Ovenbird (4); C. Yellowthroat (1: may attempt to breed); Wilson's (1); Canada (1);
Scarlet Tanager (5); Rose-breasted Grosbeak (6); Baltimore Oriole (7); (report from Mark Lynch/Sheila Carroll).

5/16/01 -- Quaboag River, Brookfield
On a dry but cloudy evening after a showery day, Rodney Jenkins led 6 members of the Forbush Bird Club on a bird walk along the Quaboag River and marshes. The following highlights were recorded: American Bittern 1 (heard and seen well); Wood Duck; Virginia Rail 2; Northern Rough-winged Swallow; Marsh Wren 5; Veery; Rose-breasted Grosbeak; Brown-headed Cowbird; Baltimore Oriole. (report from Joan Zumpfe).

5/15/01 -- Bancroft Tower Hill, Worcester
A before-watching-our-grand-daughter check of "the hill" had a few migrants, actually surprising because of the cold adverse winds. Probably because hills jut above the landscape and catch sun first, thus warming leaves and therefore insects early on, whatever few migrants are around gravitate first to hills like Bancroft. Most birds were at the mid-level. Common Nighthawk (1 flying overhead towards the airport); Great Crested Flycatcher (1); House Wren (1); Wood Thrush (1); Gray Catbird (5); YELLOW-THROATED VIREO (1); Red-eyed Vireo (2);
WARBLERS: Tennessee (2); Nashville (1); N. Parula (4); Chestnut-sided (2); Magnolia (2); Black-throated Blue (1); Yellow-rumped (15); Black-throated Green (2); Blackburnian (1); Black and White (2); A. Redstart (1); C. Yellowthroat (1);
Scarlet Tanager (2); Rose-breasted Grosbeak (2); Baltimore Oriole (5);
THEN we checked out RURAL CEMETERY across Grove St. from Salisbury Pond. Not surprsingly, we found few birds (it was a lousy migration day). Killdeer (1 overhead); Gray Catbird (6); N. Parula (1); Yellow-rumped Warbler (6); Passing by the eastern end of Salisbury Pond, we found a pair of Wood Ducks anxiously paddling around the lip of the overflow culvert. We checked, and saw no ducklings, but I have a feeling, like so many ducklings before, they went over the edge and down and under the city. (report from Mark Lynch).

5/15/01 -- High Ridge WMA, Gardner
This morning's walk into the Smith Street Gate of High Ridge WMA was hilited by 2 White-crowned Sparrows of which 1 appeared to be the sub-species Gambelii. The white supercilium on this bird (Gambelii) started at the bill. The white supercilium on the other bird started at the eye , having black in front of the eye. (report from Tom Pirro).

5/14/01 -- Bancroft Tower Hill
Another mediocre migration day on the hill. We quickly surveyed the hill just before work. Most birds were at mid-level or near the tennis courts. Great Crested Flycatcher (1); BANK SWALLOW (1 seen and heard calling overhead: new neighborhood bird for me); House Wren (1); Wood Thrush (3); Gray Catbird (5); Red-eyed Vireo (4);
WARBLERS: Yellow (1); N. Parula (4); Magnolia (2); Yellow-rumped (23); Pine (1); Blackburnian (1); Black and White (4); Ovenbird (1); Scarlet Tanager (3); Rose-breasted Grosbeak (1); Baltimore Oriole (4); (report from Mark Lynch).

5/13/01 -- Hodges Village, Oxford
A few birds were singing this morning despite the cool,cloudy and breezy weather. Pretty much stuck to Greenbrier and the northern section of Hodges north of Rocky Hill Rd. Highlights: 1 Broad-winged Hawk; 1 Spotted Sandpiper; 2 Great Crested Flycatcher; 2 Eastern Kingbird; 2 Veery; 2 Yellow-throated Vireo; 1 Warbling Vireo; 2 Red-eyed Vireo; 3 Blue-winged Warbler; 1 Black-and-white Warbler; 3 American Redstart; 4 Ovenbird; 1 Northern Waterthrush; 1 Louisiana Waterthrush; 1 Wilson's Warbler; 4 Baltimore Oriole; 1 Scarlet Tanager; 2 Rose-breasted Grosbeak.
Also, on 5/10....on a quick before work walk, I watched a River Otter snaking his way through the swamp looking for breakfast. The otter found a couple of morsels as I decided to watch it rather than the birds.................. (report from Paul Meleski).

5/12/01 -- Buck Hill, Spencer
The Forbush Bird Club held a bird walk led by Susan Sachs through Buck Hill in Spencer on May 12, 2001 on a warm and sunny day. There were 12 participants. The following highlights were reported: Common Loon 2 (flying over); Broad-winged Hawk 1; Red-bellied Woodpecker 2; Hairy Woodpecker 1; Least Flycatcher 8; Eastern Phoebe 4; Great Crested Flycatcher 2; Eastern Kingbird 2; Red-breasted Nuthatch 3; Brown Creeper 2; Veery 3; Hermit Thrush 2; Wood Thrush 3; Blue-headed Vireo 6; Yellow-throated Vireo 1; Chestnut-sided Warbler 2; Black-throated Blue Warbler 3; Yellow-rumped Warbler 6; Black-throated Green Warbler 4; Blackpoll 1; Black-and-white Warbler 4; American Redstart 1; Ovenbird 12; Northern Waterthrush 1; Louisiana Waterthrush 1; Common Yellowthroat 2; Canada Warbler 3; Scarlet Tanager 5; Rose-breasted Grosbeak 4; Brown-headed Cowbird 8; Baltimore Oriole 8; Purple Finch 1. (report from Joan Zumpfe).

5/13/01 -- SuAsCo/Bolton Flats, Westboro/Bolton
Another poor migration day inland. Though there are plenty of birds around, almost all of them are breeders, and even some of the breeders aren't in yet. The weather first thing was very cold and windy, making forest birding difficult. We started at 5:30AM leading a group of folks from the Westborough Community Land Trust on a birding trip to the Assabet Conservation Area along the SuAsCo. This "11th hour save" choice piece of property is mostly upland deciduous forest but also offers some of the best views of the water and the nesting birds. It has a very good trail system. Great Blue Heron (10 occ. nests); Mute Swan (1 m chased a Canada Goose across the water. It looked like there was probably a nesting female hidden in the edge veg. that it was protecting. NOT GOOD); Wood Duck (1); OSPREY (pair w/nest); NOTA BENE: as happened last year, the nesting Great Horned Owl with young disappeared shortly after the Ospreys returned. Now the nest formerly ocupied by the owl is occupied by a Great Blue. The Ospreys here are very aggressive and have been seen wildly chasing Great Blues all over the lake and forcing them to the ground. Are the Ospreys driving out the Great Horneds?); Ruffed Grouse (1 drumming); Chimney Swift (15+); Great Crested Flycatcher (6); E. Kingbird (6); Yellow-throated Vireo (1); Warbling Vireo (2); Red-eyed Vireo (6); Hermit Thrush (2); Wood Thrush (6); Gray Catbird (12); BROWN THRASHER (2, 1 imitated a Whip-poor-will as we watched it...a first for me); Yellow Warbler (10); Chestnut-sided Warbler (1); Yellow-rumped (flock of 30+); Pine Warbler (2); Black and White Warbler (5); Ovenbird (3); C. Yellowthroat (4); Scarlet Tanager (3); E. Towhee (9: 1 f seen on nest); Rose-breasted Grosbeak (9); Baltimore Oriole (14);
Blooms seen included Starflower, Canada Mayflower and my first Lady's Slipper of the year. Quite a number of oaks and other trees, especially young ones, were seen with dead leaves and it was the general opinion that this was caused by the hard freeze a week or two back. Perhaps that was what caused the trees to look so poorly in south county yesterday.
After, we headed to BOLTON FLATS hoping to see SOME migration. The "Flats" have dried up nicely, though there are still some very muddy areas near the oxbow of the Still River. We scoured several impoundments, and turned up once again, mostly breeders. Lots of birds of a few species: Great Blue Heron (4); N. Harrier (1); Red-tailed Hawk (6); Killdeer (3); C. Snipe (1); Least Sandpiper (5); Least Flycatcher (4: no sign of Alders or Willows yet); E. Kingbird (4); Yellow-throated Vireo (1); Warbling Vireo (17); Red-eyed Vireo (1); Tree Swallow (20+); Bank Swallow (60+: migratory group?); Cliff Swallow (1); Barn Swallow (15+); Blue-gray Gnatcatcher (7); Wood Thrush (1); Gray Catbird (39);
WARBLERS: Blue-winged (1); Yellow (51); Chestnut-sided (5); Black and White (6); A. Redstart (4); C. Yellowthroat (39)
Scarlet Tanager (1); Swamp Sparrow (12); Rose-breasted Grosbeak (12); Baltimore Oriole (20);
Also, on our way to SuAsCo before dawn, we heard (1) Common Nighhawk calling in a usual location by the Trade School in Worcester. (report from Mark Lynch).

5/13/01 -- Fisherville Pond, Grafton
An late afternoon outing to Fisherville had the following: Great Blue Heron (1); Killdeer (2ad+3 downy young); Solitary Sandpiper (2); Spotted Sandpiper (5: many were in high display mode, chasing each other around, posturing, calling); Least Sandpiper (minimally 21); Belted Kingfisher (1); E. Kingbird (4); Tree Swallow (60+); Bank Swallow (4); Barn Swallow (8); Warbling Vireo (2); Blue-winged Warbler (1); PLUS: large numbers of turtles (Snapping, some HUGE, and E. Painted) lumbering over land and struggling through the deep viscous mud. My guess is that they were in the midst of egg laying). (report from Mark Lynch/Shiela Carroll).

5/12/01 -- Gardner
Between 5:45 and 11am and another 45 minutes in late evening I birded High Ridge WMA Gardner/Westminster , near Lake Wompanoag and Gardner Airport. 95 species were seen and/or heard the following are hilites: Am. Bittern 1 Lower marsh; Sharp-shinned hawk 1; Gr. Yellowlegs 1; Least Sandpiper 2; Ruby-thr Hummingbird 1; Alder Flycatcher 1; Golden-crown Kinglet 1;
19 species of Woodwarblers Hilites: N. parula 2; magnolia 4; Blackburnian 1; Blackpoll 1; Louisiana Waterthrush 1; Canada 2; Indigo bunting 1; White-crowned Sparrow 3;
Believe it or not the Louisiana Waterthrush was "my" first within the borders of Gardner, I'd seen and heard them before within a few hundred feet of the city border but never in .... I was FINALLY able to "tick" this "nagging" omission off my Gardner life list off which now stands at 207 species.
Also, on 5/11 evening 2 Common Nighthawks were at tree top level over our yard.
Next weekend (5/18-5/19) an AIR SHOW is scheduled at the GARDNER airport friday night and all day saturday.... I thought this might be of interst to a few local people who typically stop here to get Horned Lark ect for the birdathon. I'm not sure how big or small this show is and if it will restrict the birding at all. (report from Tom Pirro).

5/12/01 -- Worcester Airport
An early evening after dusk drive on the few roads that run behind Worcester Airport and Rt. 56 through mostly fields owned by the airport and the city of Worcester Water Dept. (all of this in Leicester) had: Killdeer (1); American Woodcock (19: several displaying right over the runways); Whip-poor-will (3); Veery (7); Gray Catbird (34); Chestnut-sided Warbler (2); C. Yellowthroat (12); Savannah Sparrow (13); E. Meadowlark (3); PLUS: probably because of the rain, amphibians were all over the roads with numerous Peepers, A. Toads, Green Frogs and Wood Frogs having to be "helped" across the street. (report from Mark Lynch).

5/12/01 -- Buck Hill WMA RI, Cedar Swamp, Douglas SF
My class had an interesting trip to two areas not often visited by birders. Both spots are in the Blackstone Corridor.
BUCK HILL WMA, BURRILLEVILLE RI: is in the extreme NW corner of the state right on the border of Conn. and MA. It is a good sized area of mostly upland deciduous woods with a human-made pond in the center, created to promote wildlife diversity. Here we had the following: Double-crested Cormorant (1 overhead); Great Blue Heron (pair w/nest); Wood Duck (8); A. Black Duck (2); Wild Turkey (1); Killdeer (1); Spotted Sandpiper (1); Ruby-throated Hummingbird (1); Least Flycatcher (5); E. Phoebe (pair w/nest under WMA billboard); Great Crested Flycatcher (6); E. Kingbird (2); Warbling Vireo (1); Red-eyed Vireo (2); Blue-gray Gnatcatcher (2); E. Bluebird (1); Veery (13); Hermit Thrush (7); Wood Thrush (8); Gray Catbird (23)
WARBLERS: Blue-winged (6); N. Parula (2); Chestnut-sided (2); Magnolia (3); Black-throated Blue (2); Black-throated Green (2); Blackburnian (2); Prairie (3); Black and White (11); Worm-eating (1); A. Redstart (3); Ovenbird (38); C. Yellowthroat (1m); Canada (2)
Scarlet Tanager (12); E. Towhee (23); Rose-breasted Grosbeak (2); BALTIMORE ORIOLE (38: these birds were EVERYWHERE, flying all about, displaying, nest building...you name it);
We also had an amazing display of duskywings, with an estimated 80+ seen, most Juvenal's, but alos ID'd Wild Indigo. Herps included American Toad (several seen and also heard), Green Frog and Wood Frog. Starflower was in bloom.
At the Cedar Swamp boardwalk at WALLUM LAKE, DOUGLAS SF (MA), we searched with no luck for Hessel's Hairstreak. This well done trail is actually just on the opposite end of Wallum Lake from Buck Hill. BTW: Wallum lake is half in MA and half in RI. Bird seen on this short hike included what are mostly breeding birds: Turkey Vulture (1); Yellow-throated Vireo (3); Brown Creeper (1); Veery (2); Hermit Thrush (4);
WARBLERS: Blue-winged (1); Chestnut-sided (3); Magnolia (1); Yellow-rumped (1); Black-throated Blue (5); Black-throated Green (2); Black and White (10); Ovenbird (14); Northern Waterthrush (2); C. Yellowthroat (4); Canada (3); Scarlet Tanager (3); NO ORIOLES!!!
NOTA BENE; In both places, the forest is dangerously dry. The oaks in particular looked very poor, and some smaller ones seemed to be dying, or at least not putting out leaves. It was remarked that leaf clusters on the trail were crunching under our feet like potato chips. Another week or two of no rain, and WMAs and SFs will be closing. I have no idea how this will affect breeding birds, but I can imagine. (report from Mark Lynch/Sheila Carroll).

5/11/01 -- Fisherville Pond, Grafton
During an evening trip to Fisherville I saw 4 baby Killdeer that acted just like Semi-pal. Plovers, 21 Least Sandpipers and 2 White-crown Sparrows. Still great habitat for shorebirds if they can find it. (report from Bart Kamp).

5/11/01 -- High Ridge WMA, Gardner
Hilites among 62 species seen/heard on this mornings pre-work birding into the Smith Street entrance to High Ridge WMA: Green heron 1; A. Bittern 1 calling; Hooded Merg. 4; Solitary Sandpiper 6; Br. Thrasher 1; Blue-winged Warb. 1; B +W Warbler 3; Yellow many; Magnolia Warbler 1; BT Blue Warb. 1; Bt green Warb 3; Yellow-rumped ~50ish; Wilson's Warb 1; Indigo Bunting; Scarlet T 1 fem; Purple Finch 1; White-crowned Sparrow 4. Also most interesting: what appeared to be a melanistic Rough-winged Swallow seen in flight and perched beside a normal Rough-winged Swallow. The head back and wings were coal black while the throat and upper chest were similar to the upper coloration turning progressively light down onto the belly which was lighter gray (a similar shade of gray as the throat of a Chimney Swift). The bill, head, body shape and flight "style" matched that of its nearby cohort, clearly a Rough-winged Swallow.. (report from Tom Pirro).

5/11/01 -- Chandler Magnet School, Worcester
A morning walk along the nature trail behind the school yielded the following: Red-bellied Woodpecker (1m), N. Flicker (4), G. Catbird (2), B. Oriole (3), A. Goldfinch (4) Warblers: N. Parula (2), BT Green (3), Yellow-rumped (8). (report from Ed Banks)

5/11/01 -- City of Worcester
A modest flight of migrant passerines was in the city this morning. The following were found in a quick "before wathcing our grand-daughter" survey of just a few spots:
LEESVILLE POND (saw Barbara and Rick Walker): Killdeer (2); Solitary Sandpiper (2); Baltimore Oriole (5); Great Crested Flycatcher (1); E. Kingbird (5); House Wren (4); Swainson's Thrush (1); Wood Thrush (1); Gray Catbird (9); Cedar Waxwing (2); Warbling Vireo (6: some nest building); WARBLERS: Yellow (7); N. Parula (1); Yellow-rumped (46); Black and White (1); WILSON'S (1 singing: most likely the same bird Barbara found yesterday); Baltimore Oriole (5)
HOPE CEMETARY: Killdeer (5); E. Kingbird (1); Gray Catbird (5); Red-eyed Vireo (2); WARBLERS: Blue-winged (1); Chestnut-sided (1); N. Parula (3); Yellow-rumped (17); Scarlet Tanager (1); Baltimore Oriole (1)
BANCROFT TOWER HILL: a nice concentration of birds, numbers and species. Wish I had started here, because by the time I got here, things were winding down. House Wren (1); Wood Thrush (4); Gray Catbird (3); Warbling Vireo (1); Red-eyed Vireo (2); WARBLERS: Tennessee (1); Nashville (1); N. Parula (7); Black-throated Blue (5); Magnolia (2); Yellow-rumped (32); Blackburnian (3); Black-throated Green (3); Prairie (1); Black and White (3); Canada (1); Rose-breasted Grosbeak (1); Scarlet Tanager (2). (report from Mark Lynch).

5/10/01 -- Boynton Park, Worcester
A morning walk yielded 23 species, but not the La. Waterthrush I'd hoped for. Highlights were quite a number of Wood Thrushes & Ovenbirds & Scarlet Tanagers & Chestnut-sided Warblers. I also had a Swainson's Thrush by ear (call notes only), a Black-&-white, 2 male Redstarts, a BT Green, a female Yellow-bellied Sapsucker, and, by ear (drumming and calling), two Pileateds. (report from Howard Shainheit).

5/10/01 -- Institute Park, Worcester
Noontime highlights included 2 Canada Geese with 3 chicks in tow, 2 Tree Swallows perched on and hole-perching in one of the Wood Duck boxes (nesting???), 2 Warbling Vireo, 2 Northern Parula, 1 Yellow Warbler, 1 Black-throated Blue Warbler (f), 1 Black-and-white Warbler (f), and 1 Baltimore Oriole. (report from Rick Quimby).

5/10/01 -- Broad Meadow Brook Sanctuary, Worcester
An early morning walk at Broad Meadow Brook produced the following: Red-tailed Hawk (1), Northern Flicker (2), Tree Swallow (8), Eastern Bluebird (1 f) on a nest box containing 5 eggs (I monitor the nest boxes). Warblers: Blue-winged (3), Yellow (4), Parula (2), Yellow-rumped (2), Chestnut-sided (1). Also, Eastern Towhee (5), Song Sparrow (4), Baltimore Oriole (2). (report from Ed Banks).

5/10/01 -- Westminster
A Pre-work walk into the East Garder Road entrance (this lead to what I refer to as the lower marsh, a mile+ from the upper marsh, off Smith Street) at High Ridge WMA this morning yielded the following hilites: Am. Bittern 2 great view in good lighting; Hooded merg. 1 female croaking like a raven; Wood Duck 1; Solitary Sandpiper 3; Wilson's (Common) Snipe 1; Blue Headed Vireo 1; Magolia Warbler 1; Yellow-rumped Warbler 5ish; Black + White Warbler 3; Chestnut-sided Warbler 3; Northern Waterthrush 1; White-crowned Sparrow 1; Scarlet Tanager 1; Balt. Oriole 4. I have seen very few "waves" of warblers this spring, most have been territorial birds .... I've yet to detect either of the "expected" rail species up here yet. (report from Tom Pirro).

5/9/01 -- Gardner
Today's pre-work routine was a series of stops near Mount Wachusett Communtiy College, Gardner State Forest parking area and Kelton Street. Hiltes , most listed are territorial birds: Blue-headed Vireo 1; Black and White Warbler 1; BT Green Warbler 3; Yellow Warb 2; Nashville Warb 3; Yellow-rumped only a few; N. Waterthrush 1; Ovenbird ~20; C. Yellowthroat 6; Am. Redstart 1; Bobolink 2; Balt. Oriole 2. (report from Tom Pirro).

5/9/01 -- Bancroft Tower Hill, Worcester
Yet another slow day on the hill, with no vireos, grosbeaks, tanagers or orioles...which is not typical for this late in the season. Breeding migrants seem to be eeking into the county, but dramatic migratory movements have been seen so far. Great Crested Flycatcher (1); House Wren (1); Veery (2); Wood Thrush (3); Yellow Warbler (1); N. Parula (1); Yellow-rumped Warbler (27); Ovenbird (1); C. Yellowthroat (1); (report from Mark Lynch).

5/9/01 -- Worcester cemeteries
An early morning check of New Swedish, Hope, and Notre Dame cemeteries yielded few migrants. HIghlights were 20+ Yellow-rumped Warblers, 1 Parula, 2 Yellow Warblers, 6 Wood Ducks, and 1 Red-eyed Vireo. Also a total of 3 Red Foxes -- 2 at Notre Dame which barked at me when I surprised them -- probably a den nearby. (report from Rick Quimby).

5/8/01 -- High Ridge WMA, Gardner
The following are hilites from a 45 min. walk into the Smith Street gate @ High Ridge WMA this morning: Am. Bittern 1; Hooded Merg. 2 a pair; Green-wing Teal 1 drake; Balt. Oriole 1; Veery 1; Wood Thrush 3; Brown Thrasher 1; Yellow Warbler 1; Chestnut-side Warbler 3; Yellow-rumped Warbler 2; BT green warbler 2; Ovenbird 4; C. Yellowthroat 4 or 5; Black+White Warbler 1. (report from Tom Pirro).

5/7/01 -- Quabbin Reservoir
I was just informed by Dale Monette of the MDC that all four eagle nests FAILED this year, as well as the Barton Cove nest. They are not sure why. Perhaps the bad weather in the early spring. Also, Rich King graduate student from the Clark U. Biology Dept reports numbers of STARLINGS found dead in the city, cause unknown. If you find other dead starlings, e-mail particulars to me. (report from Mark Lynch).

5/7/01 -- Westboro WMA/Cedar Hill, Westboro
At the Westboro/Cedar Hill area from 6-8 p.m. I observed 31 species of birds. Noteble were Ruby-crowned kinglet 1, Blue-gray Gnatcatcher 2, Wood Thrush 6, Blue-Winged Warbler 3, LAWRENCE'S Warbler 1, Nashville 2, Black and White 1, Common Yellowthroat 5, Rose-breasted Grosbeak 2, Eastern Towhee 13 and Baltimore Oriole 6. (report from Ann Boover).

5/7/01 -- Winimusett WMA, New Braintree
Heard calling about an hour after sunset was a Sora and several Woodcock. (report from Chris Buelow)

5/7/01 -- Leesville Pond, Worcester
At Leesville pond this morning I saw 1 SWAINSON"S THRUSH and 4 White-Crown Sparrows.
Also, at Fisherville Pond (Grafton), I found the Solitary Sandpiper that Mark Lynch found and the Worm-eating Warbler that he saw at Lookout Rock in North Uxbridge on Sunday. (report from Bart Kamp).

5/7/01 -- Oakwood Ln., Worcester
I woke up to the sound of a Scarlet Tanager singing in my backyard. (report from John Liller).

5/7/01 -- Bancroft Tower, Worcester
Few migrants moving over the hill this morning, though there was a good number of Yellow-rumps. Not surprising with the northerly winds (my bird bath was frozen this morning). Also, the hill had a small brush fire at the end of last week.
E. Phoebe (1); Great Crested Flycatcher (1); House Wren (1); Wood Thrush (2); Gray Catbird (6); Blue-headed Vireo (1); Red-eyed Vireo (1); Blue-winged Warbler (1); Nashville Warbler (1); N. Parula (1); Yellow-rumped Warbler (43); Black and White Warbler (1); (report from Mark Lynch).

5/6/01 -- Blackstone River Valley
I had a class trip to two nice preserved parcels of land in the Worcester County section of the Blackstone Valley. At River Bend Farm in Uxbridge, we hiked along the tow-path of the famous canal, over a lock, and ended up at an old mill. We then hiked West Hill Dam, Uxbridge an Army Corps of Engineers flood control area that contains some wooded marsh and forest. It was a VERY poor migration day in central MA, with only a smattering of early migrant breeders present. I have combined totals for both nearby locations: Common Loon (3 migrating overhead, heading north) Great Blue Heron (11); Wood Duck (4); Sharp-shinned Hawk (1); UPLAND SANDPIPER (1 on the grassy field at West Hill Dam, which flushed as we crossed the dam. Totally unexpected, but not a bad place for a migrant to put down in adverse winds. Rare in the county); Greater Yellowlegs (1); Great Horned Owl (1); Chimney Swift (6); N. Flicker (9); Least Flycatcher (12: all at West Hill Dam); E. Phoebe (3); Great Crested Flycatcher (1); E. Kingbird (5); Tree Swallow (50+); N. Rough-winged Swallow (15+); Cedar Waxwing (11); House Wren (2); Gray Catbird (19); Brown Thrasher (5); E. Bluebird (2); Blue-gray Gnatcatcher (8: typical riparian species); Yellow-throated Vireo (1); Blue-headed Vireo (2); Warbling Vireo (15);
WARBLERS: Blue-winged (1); Nashville (2); N. Parula (2); Yellow (5); Yellow-rumped (17); Black-throated Green (2); Pine (9); Ovenbird (4); C. Yellowthroat (9);
Rose-breasted Grosbeak (3); Baltimore Oriole (21); PLUS: a nice area of Fringed Polygala and lots of Wild Mustard along the canal.
After the class trip was over, Sheila and I scouted a small area north of Rice City Pond (Uxbridge/Northbridge) for a future class trip and had the following: Sharp-shinned Hawk (1); Spotted Sandpiper (1); Wood Thrush (1); Blue-gray Gnatcatcher (2); Warbling Vireo (3); Nashville Warbler (1); Yellow Warbler (1); Yellow-rumped Warbler (117); Prairie Warbler (1); Worm-eating Warbler (1: breeds here. Stunning views at eye level); Ovenbird (4); N. Waterthrush (1); Rose-breasted Grosbeak (5); Baltimore Oriole (19);
On the way home, but still in the Blackstone Corridor, we had a Solitary Sandpiper at Fisherville Pond in Grafton. Actually the conditions made you expect more shorebirds, but no luck. ON the Quinsigamond River in Grafton on Rt. 122, a tributary of the Blackstone, we watched two families oohing and awe-ing at the nesting Mute Swans. In the words of Dr. Smith of Lost In Space: "...the pain,...the pain...". (report from Mark Lynch).

5/5/01 -- Quabbin Forbush Bird Club Trip
On Saturday, 5/5/01, 14 Forbush Bird Club members, led by Francis X. McMenemy, enjoyed a day within various gates at Quabbin Reservoir. The club receives a key from the MDC that allows cars to travel between gates 43, 43A, 45 and 40. We observed 69 species on a cool day with high/thin clouds and temperatures in the mid 50's to the high 60's. The wind was calm initially but increased to about 10 mph with the day ending with 30 mph gusts. The following highlights were seen: Common Loon 3; Turkey Vulture 12; Wood Duck 3; American Black Duck 2; Hooded Merganser 3; Common Merganser 2 (pair); Osprey 1; Broad-winged Hawk 1; Wild Turkey 1; Solitary Sandpiper 2; Great Horned Owl 2 (1 downy white immture, 1 adult on nest); Least Flycatcher 16; Great Crested Flycatcher 4; Blue-heade Vireo 7; Red-eyed Vireo 5; Tree Swallow 20; Barn Swallow 1; Red-breasted Nuthatch 3; Winter Wren 1; Golden-crowned Kinglet 5; Blue-gray Gnatcatcher 8; Eastern Bluebird 1; Veery 2; Hermit Thrush 2; Wood Thrush 2; Blue-winged Warbler 1; Yellow Warbler 6; Chestnut-sided Warbler 3; Yellow-rumped Warbler 8; Black-throated Green Warbler 13; Blackburnian Warbler 1; Pine Warbler 5; Swamp Sparrow 2; White-throated Sparrow 14; Rose-breasted Grosbeak 2; Baltimore Oriole 7; Purple Finch 1.
As well as seeing Beaver, the most exciting sighting of the day for most if not all of us was Fran's sighting of a MOOSE that allowed extended good looks for everyone before it sauntered away. (report from Joan Zumpfe).

5/5/01 -- Millbury
I saw a Peregrine Falcon at the intersection of 146 and 20 in Millbury. Very nice views- really close up - in flight and then sitting. (report from Michele Bennett Decoteau).

5/5/01 -- Gardner
Hilites among 89 species seen and/or heard saturday morning in Gardner (high ridge wma), wompanoag MAS and the Gardner airport (in templeton): C. Loon 2 flying over head 1 of which was calling; Green Heron 2; A. Bittern 1; Gr. Yellowlegs 2; Sol. Sandpiper 3; Barred Owl 1 calling about 8 am; Whip-poor-will 2 as one flushed the other called seen about 9:30am first time I recall seeing one in actual daylight.; Pileated Woodpecker 1; Winter Wren 2; Veery 1; Wood thrush 5; R.C. Kinglet 4; G.C. Kinglet 1; N. Parula 1; Nashville Warb. 4; B. Thr Blue Warb. 3; Bobolink 2; Scarlet Tanager 2; Rose-breasted Grosbeak 1; Pine Siskin 5. Also I witnessed a skirmish between 2 BC Chickadees, one had the other pinned to branch and proceeded to tear feathers from it. Eventually they both tumbled to the ground, separated and flew off. At the Gardner airport there was an Am. Robin with an exteemly light breast , from distance it looked nearly white. (report from Tom Pirro).

5/5/01 -- All Faith Cemetary, Worcester
Highlight for this morning was White-crowned Sparrows [6] feeding with White-throated Sparrows [32] near the entrance of the cemetary. (report from Dan & Debbie Berard).

5/5/01 -- Hodges Village, Oxford
There was a CLAY-COLORED SPARROW this morning near the gravel pit. It was singing. (report from Paul Meleski).

5/4/01 -- Fitchburg
Very interesting bird this afternoon. I saw a white robin with a few "regular" robins. I do not believe the bird was albino as it's beak, eye and breast were normal colors. Only the normally dark grey feathers were white. Also, 2 E. Kingbirds along Rindge road. (report from Daniel Mushrush).

5/4/01 -- Quabbin Park/South Quabbin Reservoir
We spent the morning surveying species at Quabbin Park (off Rt. 9), sometimes simply referred to as "South Quabbin". Although there were good numbers of some migrant breeders, in fact, it was not much of a migration day per se at this location. Many of the species below are breeders.
Common Loon (1); Common Merganser (2m); Turkey Vulture (5); Wild Turkey (4); Pileated Woodpecker (2); Least Flycatcher (5); Great Crested Flycatcher (3); E. Phoebe (4, 2 nests seen); E. Kingbird (4); Tree Swallow (25+); N. Rough-winged Swallow (2); Common Raven (pair at nest with 3-as far as we could see-nearly fledged young);

House Wren (4); Ruby-crowned Kinglet (4); Blue-gray Gnatcatcher (21); Hermit Thrush (4); Wood Thrush (10); Gray Catbird (8: low); N. Mockingbird (1: pretty local in Quabbin per se)
VIREOS: Yellow-throated (10); Blue-headed (3); Red-eyed (2);
WARBLERS: Blue-winged (7); Nashville (3); N. Parula (1); Black-throated Blue (3); Yellow (17); Chestnut-sided (17); Magnolia (2); Black-throated Green (8); Blackburnian (5); Yellow-rumped (19); Pine (19); Prairie (5); Palm (1); Cerulean (3 diff. singing m); Black and White (23); A. Redstart (13: many more on the way)); Worm-eating (1); Ovenbird (36); C. Yellowthroat (3)
Scarlet Tanager (2); Rose-breasted Grosbeak (11); E. Towhee (27); Field Sparrow (2); Savannah Sparow (1); Baltimore Oriole (17).
PLUS: Mammals put on a good show with Porcupine, Beaver, Muskrat and White-tailed Deer. Lots of American Toads calling in several locations as well as a few Gray Tree Frogs. Butterflies: E. Tiger Swallowtail (1); Cabbage White (2: this seemed low for time of day and location); Spring Azure (6); Brown Elfin (2); E. Pine Elfin (1); Mourning Cloak (1). A sizeable darner type ode zipped by, but was too fast for me to ID. Among the flowers: Bearberry; Field Pussytoes; Columbine; Marsh Marigold. We even started the day with an adult White-crowned Sparrow at our feeder. (report from Mark Lynch/Sheila Carroll).

5/4/01 -- Broad Meadow Brook Sanctuary, Worcester
Highlights this morning: Wood Duck (1 male); Wild Turkey (1); SORA (1 - called several times); Warbling Vireo (1); Red-eyed Vireo (1); Carolina Wren (1); House Wren (1); Ruby-crowned Kinglet (4); Eastern Bluebird (3); Veery (1); Wood Thrush (4); Gray Catbird (7); Brown Thrasher (2); Cedar Waxwing (8); Blue-winged Warbler (9); Nashville Warbler (1); Northern Parula (3); Yellow Warbler (4); Yellow-rumped Warbler (16); Black-throated Green Warbler (3); Black-and-white Warbler (1); Common Yellowthroat (8); Eastern Towhee (14); Field Sparrow (2); Song Sparrow (13); White-throated Sparrow (4); Rose-breasted Grosbeak (2); Baltimore Oriole (5). (report from John Liller).

Also, at 8:30 am there were the following flying over the sanctuary, headed north: 1 male Common Merganser, and 3 Double-crested Cormorants. (report from Rick Quimby).

5/4/01 -- High Ridge WMA, Gardner
Hilites from a pre-work walk at the Smith St. entrance to High Ridge WMA: Am Bittern 2 heard and seen while calling; Hooded Merg. 1 Drake; Wood Duck 4; Red-breated Nuthatch 2 a pair collecting nesting material (i.e. stripping dead bark off a small branch); Wood Thrush 2; Baltimore Oriole 3; E. Kingbird 3or4; Least Flycatcher 1; Gr-Crested Fly 1; Nashville Warb. 1; Yellow 2; BT Green 2; Chestnut-sided 2; Ovenbird 3; N. Waterthrush 1; Yellow-rumped 1 or 2 (numbers way off from 2 days ago at this locale); C. Yellowthroat 3 or 4; White-thr. Sparrow 20ish. (report from Tom Pirro).

5/3/01 -- Woodruff Farm, Lunenburg
This noon I checked the Woodruff Farm Cliff Swallow colony in Lunenburg and found at least 26 Cliff Swallow present. Most flushed from the nests located inside an old barn. I will visit the colony again later in the month to count occupied nests. Last year 43 nests were active in June. (report from Tom Pirro).

5/3/01 -- Broad Meadow Brook Sanctuary, Worcester
Highlights of a brief walk along the Brookside Trail (The Stretch) this morning: Blue-headed Vireo (1); Warbling Vireo (1); Carolina Wren (1); House Wren (2); Ruby-crowned Kinglet (3); Eastern Bluebird (2); WOOD THRUSH (2); Gray Catbird (8); Brown Thrasher (1); Blue-winged Warbler (4); Yellow Warbler (8); Yellow-rumped Warbler (3); Black-throated Green Warbler (1); OVENBIRD (1); Common Yellowthroat (6); Eastern Towhee (4); Chipping Sparrow (1); Song Sparrow (18); White-throated Sparrow (4); Rose-breasted Grosbeak (3); Brown-headed Cowbird (5); Baltimore Oriole (3). (report from John Liller).

5/3/01 -- Bancroft Tower Hill/Broad Meadow Brook, Worcester
I started out at the top of tiny Bancroft Tower Hill next to my house just before dawn and in VERY short order had: Great Crested Flycatcher (2); Wood Thrush (2); Gray Catbird (5); Yellow-rumped Warbler (19); CERULEAN WARBLER (1m: bird moved off rapidly).
Birds were moving rapidly over the hill. Seeing as it was looking like a good migration day, I hit the Broad Meadow Brook MAS and did a quick one way walk-through from Dunkirk to the headquarters. Broad Meadow Brook is always a great place for landbirds spring and fall. HIghlights: VIRGINIA RAIL (1: suspected of being at least an occassional breeder); Chimney Swift (2); Red-bellied Woodpecker (1); Hairy Woodpecker (1); N. Flicker (5); Great Crested Flycatcher (2: surprised to not hear/see any kingbirds); Blue-headed Vireo (3); Yellow-throated Vireo (1); Red-eyed Vireo (1); Tree Swallow (6); Carolina Wren (4); House Wren (6); Blue-gray Gnatcatcher (2); Ruby-crowned Kinglet (4); E. Bluebird (1f); Hermit Thrush (1 singing); Wood Thrush (2: low!); Gray Catbird (29); Brown Thrasher (5); E. Starling (1: never THAT common in breeding season); Cedar Waxwing (1: the famed single waxwing);
WARBLERS: Blue-winged (8); Nashville (3); N. Parula (4); Yellow (10); Chestnut-sided (1); Yellow-rumped (56); Black-throated Green (5); Prairie (1); Black and White (6); Ovenbird (6 calling in appropriate habitat, but monitoring shows most if not all do not stay to breed); C. Yellowthroat (16);
E. Towhee (24); Chipping Sparrow (4); Field Sparrow (2); Song Sparrow (32); Swamp Sparrow (2); White-throated Sparrow (35); Rose-breasted Grosbeak (10); Brown-headed Cowbird (13: including 6 that looked like they were lekking, with the three males displaying to each other on the floor of a narrow wooded trail while the females danced about on the periphery); Baltimore Oriole (7); Purple Finch (1);
Wildflowers, always nice to see in the city, included great displays of Wood Anemone, Sessile-leaved Bellwort, and Marsh Marigold. Butterflies had only started to fly when I was done, so I managed only (5) Cabbage Whites. (report from Mark Lynch).

5/3/01 -- Gardner
Some pre-work birding hilites among 47 species from Gardner a series of brief stops at various points in town: Wild turkey 1 gobbling; Gray Catbird 1; Blue-headed vireo 1; Blk+Wht Warb. 6; Nashville Warb 5; Yellow Warb 1; BT Green Warb. 5; Yellow-rumped 20 ish; Pine Warb 4; Ovenbird 4; N. Waterthrush 2; C. Yellowthroat 2; Pine siskin 1; Scarlet tanager 1; also while walking into the building at work (in Groton) a Wood Thrush was calling. (report from Tom Pirro).

5/2/01 -- Riverbend Farm, Uxbridge
My friend and I saw and heard an Orchard Oriole at Riverbend Farm in Uxbridge this morning. Other interesting birds there included Great Blue Heron (1), Baltimore Oriole (1), Brown Thrasher (1), Eastern Bluebird (2), Warbling Vireo (1), Tree Swallows (lots--there are many nest boxes at Riverbend Farm), and Yellow-Rumped Warblers (numerous). On the banks of the canal, we also saw two huge snapping turtles, as well as many painted turtles.
In addition, I have Eastern Bluebirds nesting (5 eggs) in my yard in Douglas. Last year, a pair had three successful broods in my yard, so I'm hoping for a repeat! (report from Mary Sughrue-Yacino).

5/2/01 -- Moose Brook Valley, Hardwick
Highlights from an afternoon along Moose Brook include Chimney Swift(3), Blue-Gray Gnatcatcher, Nashville Warbler, Prairie Warbler(4), Common Yellowthroat, and White-crowned Sparrow(5). (report from Chris Buelow)

5/2/01 -- Hodges Village, Oxford
The woods were alive this AM before work. Was only able to "peek" in for half an hour after hearing all these great reports. Many Yellow-rump Warblers (seems like every tree had at least male singing ); Yellow Warblers on territory; Prairie Warbler on territory; 4 Brown Thrasher; 1 Ruby-crowned Kinglet; 4 House Wren-they seemed to be calling everywhere; 1 Palm Warbler; 1 Eastern Kingbird; 1 Chestnut-sided Warbler; Eastern Bluebird pair looking forlorn after being kicked out of their nest by a House Wren... (report from Paul Meleski).

5/2/01 -- Institute Park, Worcester
A noontime walk yielded 27 species, including 1 BLACK-CROWNED NIGHT-HERON (ad), 1 Belted Kingfisher, 1 Warbling Vireo, 2 Yellow Warblers, 2 Yellow-rumped Warblers, 1 Pine Warbler, 1 Black-and-white Warbler, 3 White-throated Sparrows, and 1 Baltimore Oriole. (report from Rick Quimby).

5/2/01 -- High Ridge WMA, Gardner
Hilites from a ~45minute walk into the Smith St. entrance to High Ridge WMA this Am 6:45 to 7:30: Am. Bittern 1 calling and seen well in the "bowling pin stance"; Green-wing Teal 5; Hooded Merganser 1 fem. this species has nested here; Snipe 1; House Wren 3; Winter Wren 1; Ruby-crown Kinglet 2; Warbling Vireo 2; Blk and white Warb. 2; Nashville Warb. 2; Blk-thr Blue Warb. 1; Blk-thr green 4; Northern waterthrush 2; Yellow 4; Yellow Rumped dozens flycatching around the marsh. Also I saw different Weasles at close range, I suppose they were either long-tailed otr short-tailed. (report from Tom Pirro).

5/2/01 -- Broad Meadow Brook Sanctuary, Worcester
I recorded the following highlights on a brief walk along the Brookside Trail (The Stretch)this morning: Wood Duck (2); Wild Turkey (1); Red-bellied Woodpecker (1); Blue-headed Vireo (1); WARBLING VIREO (2); Carolina Wren (1); House Wren (1); Ruby-crowned Kinglet (1); Blue-gray Gnatcatcher (1); VEERY (1); Brown Thrasher (2); GRAY CATBIRD (2); Blue-winged Warbler (2); NASHVILLE WARBLER (1); Yellow Warbler (4); Yellow-rumped Warbler (7); Palm Warbler (1); Common Yellowthroat (5); Eastern Towhee (4); Field Sparrow (2); Song Sparrow (13); White-throated Sparrow (2); ROSE-BREASTED GROSBEAK (2); Brown-headed Cowbird (5); BALTIMORE ORIOLE (2); (report from John Liller).

5/1/01 -- Hardwick
Highlights from a day of birding around Hardwick include Spotted Sandpiper, American Woodcock(3), Barred Owl, Great-crested Flycatcher, Eastern Kingbird(3), Blue-headed Vireo(3), Winter Wren(2), Hermit Thrush(2), Brown Thrasher(4), Blue-winged Warbler, Northern Parula, Pine Warbler, Palm Warbler, Yellow-rumped Warbler(15), Magnolia Warbler, Black-and-White Warbler(7), Black-throated Green Warbler(5), Chestnut-sided Warbler, Yellow Warbler(4), Ovenbird(2), Lousiana Waterthrush(2), Field Sparrow(5) and Swamp Sparrow(2). (report from Chris Buelow)

5/1/01 -- Broad Meadow Brook Sanctuary, Worcester
The Brookside loop yielded 37 species this morning. Highlights were a Gt. Blue Heron flyover, a Wild Turkey by ear, 2 Red-bellied Woodpeckers by ear, 2 Bluebirds, 2 male Baltimore Orioles, and 7 warbler species: Yellow-rumped (3), Black-throated Green (1), Black-and-white (1), Yellow (4), N. Parula (2), C. Yellowthroat (1), and Blue-winged (2). Towhees are becoming more numerous (at least 8), but I found one Catbird only, one Thrasher only...and no thrushes. (report from Howard Shainheit).

5/1/01 -- Maple St., West Boylston
In my yard this morning there was a singing Black-throated Blue Warbler, along with many Yellow-rumps. (report from Rick Quimby).

5/1/01 -- Gardner Airport, Templeton
Hilites from a half hour at the Gardner Airport (in Templeton) this morning: Am. Kestrel 2; Horned Lark 2; Brown thrasher 1; E. Kingbird 1; Blue-headed Vireo 1; Nashville Warbler 1; Black + White Warbler 3; BT Green Warb. 2; Yellow-rumped warb. 5 - 10; Palm Warb. 1; E. Towhee 5. Also a Spotted Sandpiper was at Bent's Pond in South Gardner. (report from Tom Pirro).

5/1/01 -- Bancroft Tower Hill, Worcester
A short "before-work" walk to Bancroft Tower Hill, less than a block from my house(we live in its shadow), revealed a nice passage of migrants this morning: Canada Goose (8 flying down Park Ave heading for Salisbury Pond); Yellow-bellied Sapsucker (1); N. Flicker (3); House Wren (1); Ruby-crowned Kinglet (8); Blue-headed Vireo (3); Nashville Warbler (3); N. Parula (1); Black-throated Green Warbler (4); Yellow-rumped Warbler (81); Palm Warbler (1); Black and White Warbler (1); White-throated Sparrow (16); Rose-breasted Grosbeak (2); Baltimore Oriole (2).
Bancroft Tower Hill is a small "wooded" city park perched atop a small hill, a mere carbuncle in the cities landscape. Per usual, birds could be seen flying TO the hill just before dawn (c. 5:45) from the south and west, some looking like they were dropping down from higher above. The birds move rapidly, feeding atop the hill as the sun first hits the trees, and then by 6:30, SHOWS OVER, as the birds disperse over the neighborhood and only a few birds remain on the hill. (report from Mark Lynch/Sheila Carroll).

For previous sightings, see April 17-30, 2001 Archives or Archive Index