May 2003 Central Mass Bird Sightings

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

Bird News:

Bird Sightings:

5/31/03 -- Quabbin Reservoir Gate 37
Rodney Jenkins led 14 members of the Forbush Bird Club on a trip at Quabbin Reservoir that started from gate 37 after meeting in Petersham Center. The major highlight was the sighting of a Bull Moose. Additional highlights were Porcupine, Osprey and Bald Eagles. The weather was sunny, cool and calm in the mid 60's. Here is the complete list of the 65 bird species observed (report from Joan Zumpfe).

5/31/03 -- Wachusett Reservoir, Clinton
Joan Zumpfe and Fran McMenemy called late this afternoon to say they had found two BLACK TERNS at Wachuset Reservoir. We headed out and had the birds at 6:15PM and they were still flying around at 6:50PM when the rain started. The terns were seen from Gate 39 off Rt. 110 in Clinton across from South Meadow Rd. Park here and walk through the gate, up the paved pathway/road and eventually (5 minutes) out to the shore by a small brick building. Scoping out east from here note a very small grassy/bushy island. The birds have been flying all around here and sometimes much further south. They often dipped down to the water apparently actively feeding. Both are adult breeding birds, one with narrow white leading edges to the wings. With the rain and wind that have just started to last all night, there is a chance these birds will hunker down for the night and be here tomorrow. (report from Mark Lynch/Sheila Carroll).

5/31/03 -- Wachusett Reservoir, Clinton
Fran McMenemy and I checked Wachusett Reservoir this afternoon and these are the highlights: Common Loon 7 A; Double-crested Cormorant 9 sub-adult; White-winged Scoter 4; Spotted Sandpiper 2; BLACK TERN 2 A. (report from Joan Zumpfe).

5/30/03 -- Sterling Peat, Sterling
When I arrived at Sterling Peat today it was fitz-bew here, fitz-bew there, fitz-bew everywhere as the Willow Flycatchers noisily claimed their territories. I managed to photograph one just as it was about to leave its perch for breakfast. Also of note, is the very healthy bank swallow colony that now has over 75 nesting holes. (report from Bob Ricci).

5/30/03 -- Broad Meadow Brook Sanctuary, Worcester
I recorded the following highlights this morning, and did the last circle of the Birds of Forested Landscapes survey in the process. Wood Duck (4 - 2 male and 2 female); Mallard (7 + 10 young); Virginia Rail (1); Chimney Swift (4); Red-bellied Woodpecker (1); Eastern Wood-Pewee (3 - 2 in Circle #4); Willow Flycatcher (2); Eastern Phoebe (1); Great Crested Flycatcher (1); Eastern Kingbird (4); Warbling Vireo (3); Red-eyed Vireo (6); Tree Swallow (6); House Wren (2); Eastern Bluebird (2); Veery (1); Wood Thrush (5 - 3 in Circle #4); Gray Catbird (11);; Brown Thrasher (1); Cedar Waxwing (8); Blue-winged Warbler (4); Yellow Warbler (5); Magnolia Warbler (1); Prairie Warbler (1); Blackpoll Warbler (1); Common Yellowthroat (12); Scarlet Tanager (2); Eastern Towhee (4); Chipping Sparrow (1); Field Sparrow (3); Song Sparrow (16); Rose-breasted Grosbeak (6); Indigo Bunting (2); Baltimore Oriole (6); Also: White-tailed Deer (1); (report from John Liller).

5/30/03 -- Kelton St. & Raymond Rd, Gardner
Hilites from a series of road-side stops along Kelton St. and Raymond Rd. in Gardner this morning: Red-eyed Vireo 5; Brown creeper 2; Hermit Thrush 2; Nashville Warbler 3; Black-thr green Warbler 5; Yellow-rumped Warbler 4; Blackburnian Warbler 1; Black and White Warbler 1; Magnolia Warbler 1; Northern Waterthrush 1; Am. Redstart 1; Ovenbird 5; Common Yellowthroat 4; Eastern towhee 2; White-throated Sparrow 1; Purple Finch 4; Most , if not all, of these birds are probable breeders in this section of town. (report from Tom Pirro).

5/29/03 -- Oxbow NWR, Harvard
After work on Wed (5/28) I heard and saw a Common Nighthawk over the railroad tracks around 7:45PM. Today (5/29) around the same time there were at least a dozen catching insects around tree top level also along the tracks. (report from Peter Morlock).

5/29/03 -- Rutland
We had an Evening Grossbeak at our feeder in Rutland, MA this morning, at approx. 6:00 am. Here he is with a downy woodpecker: (report from Crystal Casavant).

5/29/03 -- Broad Meadow Brook Sanctuary, Worcester
Howard Shainheit and I recorded the following highlights this morning while conducting a survey for the Birds of Forested Landscape project at the Sanctuary :
SURVEY RESULTS (Wood Thrush, Veery, Hermit Thrush, Eastern Wood-Pewee): 
Circle #1:  Veery (pair), Eastern Wood-Pewee (2 - a pair?)
Circle #2:  Eastern Wood-Pewee (1)
Circle #3:  Eastern Wood-Pewee (1)
Note: I have always had Wood Thrushes in at least two of these circles in the past. I did not even record one while walking between circles.
OTHER SPECIES: Cooper's Hawk (1); Red-tailed Hawk (1 adult); Chimney Swift (4); Red-bellied Woodpecker (1); Great Crested Flycatcher (2); Red-eyed Vireo (2); Carolina Wren (1); Chestnut-sided Warbler (1); American Redstart (1); Ovenbird (2); Common Yellowthroat; Scarlet Tanager (3); Eastern Towhee; Field Sparrow (2); Song Sparrow (1); Rose-breasted Grosbeak (3); Baltimore Oriole. (report from John Liller).

5/29/03 -- Newton Hill/Bancroft Tower Hill, Worcester
Little movement of migrants this morning. (*)=indicates likely or possible breeder.
NEWTON HILL: Canada Goose (1 overhead: may try to breed at nearby Elm Park); Red-tailed Hawk (1ad w/nest and 2 yng *); Chimney Swift (4: breeds nearby); E. Wood Peewee (2*); E. Phoebe (1*); Great Crested Flycatcher (1*); E. Kingbird (1); House Wren (2*); Swainson's Thrush (1); Wood Thrush (4*); Gray Catbird (9*); Red-eyed Vireo (2: posibly breeds); Scarlet Tanager (1: possibly breeds); Rose-breasted Grosbeak (1*); Baltimore Oriole (1*); ALSO: a nice show of Lady's Slippers as well as Lilly-Of-The-Valley, Canada Mayflower.
BANCROFT TOWER HILL: very few birds E. Wood Peewee (1*); House Wren (1*); Wood Thrush (1*); Red-eyed Vireo (2: a pair may attempt breeding); Blackburnian Warbler (1); A. Redstart (1); Scarlet Tanager (1); (report from Mark Lynch/Sheila Carroll).

5/26/03 -- downtown Worcester
I had the Peregrine Falcon this morning on the old Mechanics Bank Building downtown. Then I went behind the airport on Mulberry St. and saw the following: 1 Harrier, 1 G. B. Heron, 3 Mallards, 1 Wood Duck, 1 Scarlet Tanager, many Bobolinks, 7 Common Yellow Throats, 2 Blue Wing Warblers, 2 Chestnut-sided Warblers, 5 Yellow Warblers, 3 Ovenbirds, 1 Magnolia Warbler, 1 Wood Thrush and 2 Savanna Sparrows . (report from John Shea).

5/26/03 -- Seekonk River, RI
We managed to get in a survey of the Seekonk River (southern terminus of the Blackstone National Corridor) before the deluge. We surveyed from Bold and India Points to the Pawtucket mouth: Common Loon (1 in breeding plumage far up the Seekonk); Double-crested Cormorant (66); Great Blue Heron (1); Mute Swan (90/1 nest: the huge breeding season congregation of sub-adults continues in the Seekonk); BRANT (11 at Bold Point: this flock eventually flew south along the Providence River); Canada Goose (15+ a pair w/7 yng); Wood Duck (2 pair. One pair unfortunately seems to be trying to nest in the small marsh that is being "improved" along the River); Mallard (65); BUFFELHEAD (1m continues along the Seekonk); Osprey (2 nesting pairs); Greater Yellowlegs (3); Spotted Sandpiper (1); CASPIAN TERN (1: we found this bird roosting among gulls while overlooking Bold and India Points from the main northern parking lot of the bike path on Veteren's Highway in East Providence. If you look to the left, close and through trees, you will see a broad, flat expanse of dirt and the bird was here. Walking south on the bike path a bit will get you a nice overlook of the area. At one point, someone walking a dog flushed all the gulls and the tern up, but the all resettled. Amazingly we have found a Caspian while conducting these surveys every spring!); Ruby-throated Hummingbird (1); Willow Flycatcher (1); Great crested Flycatcher (1); Ceder Waxwing (flock of 22); Blackpoll (5); Warbling Vireo (4); Red-eyed Vireo (6); Yellow Warbler (15); Bobolink (1 bird migrating overhead and heading north);
As is typical for this time of year, the numbers of the "typical" gulls are at their lowest and comprise (here at least) of mostly non-adults. We ended up having no time to do land-birding at Swan Point Cemetery because of the rain, but according to birders who had like Rachel Farrell, numbers and variety were modest with species like Blackburnian Warbler and Swainson's Thrush. (report from Mark Lynch/Sheila Carroll).

5/25/03 -- Quabbin Park, Quabbin Reservoir
We had a MAS class trip to "south" Quabbin/Qaubbin Park on Saturday and (amazingly) had no rain. There were good numbers of certain breeding species, but overall it was a poor migration day. Early in the AM, when the sky was lighter, we found some migrants and there was lots of song. Later, as it became more overcast for a bit, only the persistant singers (like Red-eyed Vireo) vocalized for the most part. It was a day to watch breeding and nesting behavior. Forbush [bird club] also had a trip here and can probably add other species to this list.
Common Loon (6: 1 bird vocalized quite a bit); Double-crested Cormorant (7); Great Blue Heron (3 and an amazing 13 freeloaders at the trout hatchery, though they were having a very hard time balancing on the edges of the troughs); Green Heron (1); Canada Goose (4); Wood Duck (3); Mallard (2); Hooded Merganser (1f: likely breeder); Turkey Vulture (14: at one point the sky lightened and you could even see a small strip of blue, and then the vultures soared); Bald Eagle (1ad/1 first summer bird); Red-tailed Hawk (1); Wild Turkey (9); Virginia Rail (pair); Killdeer (1); Chimney Swift (4 at administration building); Ruby-throated Hummingbird (1); Belted Kingfisher (1); Red-bellied Woodpecker (2); Yellow-bellied Sapsucker (3); Hairy Woodpecker (3); N. Flicker (2); Olive-sided Flycatcher (1); E. Wood Peewee (8); Least Flycatcher (1); E. Phoebe (10); Great Crested Flycatcher (1); E. Kingbird (7); Tree Swallow (17); N. Rough-winged Swallow (1); Barn Swallow (3); C. Raven (2+1 bird carrying food to nest and 1 nest (good views)); House Wren (2); Blue-gray Gnatcatcher (4: low); Veery (8+1 carrying nesting material); Wood Thrush (7); Gray Catbird (16); Yellow-throated Vireo (7); Warbling Vireo (3); Red-eyed Vireo (57: lots of territorial behavior, chasing, tail-spreading and vocalizations OTHER than their song); Scarlet Tanager (13. We watched one female gathering nesting materials on the forest floor and fly across the street to her nest in the upperstory several times); Indigo Bunting (10); Brown-headed Cowbird (27); Baltimore Oriole (23). ALSO: A. Beaver (2), White-tailed Deer: (several)
LATER: we had lunch at the PELHAM OVERLOOK (Rt. 202). Here were Turkey Vulture (6); Ruby-throated Hummingbird (1m on territory); Indigo Bunting (pair); As well as the expected Chestnut-sided and Prairie Warblers.
WE THEN hiked Gate 15 )off Rt. 202), the main trail. We did not find an Acadian Flycatcher even though we searched far along the stream. Talking to another birders there, he had been on several trails for hours and hd also not found the flycatcher. This is not unusual as these birds can sometimes be quite quiet in the middle of an overcast day. But we did have the following breeders: Broad-winged Hawk (1); Pileated Woodpecker (1); Least Flycatcher (2); Blue-headed Vireo (4); Red-eyed Vireo (7); WARBLERS: Magnolia (2); Black-throated Blue (2); Black-throated Green (4); Blackburnian (5); Black and White (1); A. Redstart (4); Ovenbird (2); and Scarlet Tanager (2). (report from Mark Lynch/Sheila Carroll).

5/24/03 -- WACHUSETT MEADOW WILDLIFE SANCTUARY, Princeton
Despite thoroughly repugnant weather conditions, a mornings birding at Wachusett Meadow Wildlife Sanctuary in Princeton conducted by three birders (sanctuary Caretaker Peg Knowlton, Carol Willey, and Chris Ellison) turned up 50 species, far more birds than anticipated! Highlights included American Redstart 2; Baltimore Oriole 1; Black-and-White Warbler 3; Blackpoll Warbler 1; Black-throated Blue Warbler 4; Black-throated Green Warbler 5; Blue-gray Gnatcatcher 1; Blue-headed Vireo 2; Bobolink 2; Brown Creeper 2; Brown-headed Cowbird 7; Cedar Waxwing 8; Chestnut-sided Warbler 1; Chimney Swift 2; Common Yellowthroat 1; Eastern Kingbird 1; Great Horned Owl 1; House Wren 1; Ovenbird 5; Pileated Woodpecker 1; Red-breasted Nuthatch 1; Red-eyed Vireo 1; Rose-breasted Grosbeak 4; Scarlet Tanager 1; Veery 5; Wood Duck 1; Wood Thrush 4; Yellow Warbler 1; Yellow-bellied Sapsucker 1; Yellow-rumped Warbler 2. (report from Chris Ellison).

5/22/03 -- Broad Meadow Brook Sanctuary, Worcester
HIghlights this morning: Green Heron (2); Wood Duck (1 male); Ruffed Grouse (1 drumming); Virginia Rail (2); Sora (2); Solitary Sandpiper (2); Red-bellied Woodpecker (1 male); Eastern Wood-Pewee (2); Willow Flycatcher (1); Least Flycatcher (1); Eastern Phoebe (2); Great Crested Flycatcher (1); Eastern Kingbird (3); Warbling Vireo (4); Red-eyed Vireo (3); House Wren (2); Eastern Bluebird (1); Swainson's Thrush (2); Wood Thrush (4); Gray Catbird (16); Cedar Waxwing (4); Blue-winged Warbler (2); Yellow Warbler (9); Magnolia Warbler (1); Blackpoll Warbler (1); American Redstart (1); Ovenbird (1); Common Yellowthroat (17); Canada Warbler (1); Scarlet Tanager (2); Eastern Towhee (4); Field Sparrow (1); Song Sparrow (13); Rose-breasted Grosbeak (4); Brown-headed Cowbird (4); Baltimore Oriole (8). (report from John Liller).

5/20/03 -- Harvard/Bolton/Boylston
At the Oxbow in Harvard, there were1 Black-billed Cuckoo and 1 Mourning Warbler, At Bolton Flats, 1 Black-billed Cuckoo and 1 Willow Flycatcher. And at Wachusett Reservoir, 27 White-winged Scoters. (report from Bart Kamp).

5/20/03 -- Hardwick, New Braintree, and West Brookfield
Highlights from Hardwick, New Braintree, and the Rock House Reservation in West Brookfield: American Kestrel 2; American Redstart 28; Baltimore Oriole 4; Bank Swallow 1; Bay-breasted Warbler 1; Belted Kingfisher 1; Black-and-white Warbler 6; Yellow-billed Cuckoo 1; Blackburnian Warbler 2; Black-throated Blue Warbler 7; Black-throated Green Warbler 18; Blue-gray Gnatcatcher 5; Blue-headed Vireo 1; Blue-winged Warbler 3; Chestnut-sided Warbler 5; Chimney Swift 28; Common Merganser 8; Common Yellowthroat 12; Eastern Bluebird 4; Eastern Kingbird 1; Eastern Towhee 2; Field Sparrow 1; Gray Catbird 2; Great Blue Heron 7; Great Crested Flycatcher 3; Greater Yellowlegs 1; Green Heron 1; Hermit Thrush 2; Hooded Merganser 4; Indigo Bunting 1; Least Flycatcher 2; Louisiana Waterthrush 1; Magnolia Warbler 9; Nashville Warbler 1; Northern Parula 3; Northern Rough-winged Swallow 2; Olive-sided Flycatcher 1; Ovenbird 13; Palm Warbler 1; Pileated Woodpecker 1; Pine Warbler 5; Prairie Warbler 2; Red-bellied Woodpecker 1; Red-breasted Nuthatch 1; Red-eyed Vireo 11; Rose-breasted Grosbeak 4; Ruffed Grouse 2; Scarlet Tanager 3; Sharp-shinned Hawk 1; Solitary Sandpiper 2; Swainson's Thrush 1; Swamp Sparrow 1; Tennessee Warbler 2; Tree Swallow 33; Turkey Vulture 9; Veery 18; Warbling Vireo 2; Wild Turkey 2; Wood Duck 4; Wood Thrush 7; Yellow Warbler 4; Yellow-bellied Sapsucker 1; Yellow-rumped Warbler 11; Yellow-throated Vireo 1. (report from Chris Ellison).

5/20/03 -- Newton Hill, Worcester
A different mix of birds this morning indicating that migration is moving on. Mallard (1 overhead); Red-tailed Hawk (1ad+nest. 1 yng seen in nest); E. Phoebe (2); E. Kingbird (2); Wood Thrush (3); Gray Catbird (5); Red-eyed Vireo (5); Scarlet Tanager (1); Rose-breasted Grosbeak (1); Indigo Bunting (1); Bobolink (1 overhead); Baltimore Oriole (4). (report from Mark Lynch/Sheila Carroll).

5/19/03 -- Shrewsbury
The sound of birds mobbing surfaced this Screech Owl working overtime (5 p.m.) to feed it's young in the nest box in our yard. While not the clearest photo, it shows the bird holding a chipmunk. (report and photo from Denis Mahoney)

5/19/03 -- Newton Hill , Worcester
A quick morning walk around Newton Hill showed that it was another slow migration day with a small number of species. There was little song at first but after circling the hill and as we were about to leave, a small "wave" appeared on the Park Ave slope.: Red-tailed Hawk (1ad feeding at least 2 downy yng); Least Flycatcher (1); E. Phoebe (1); Great Crested Flycatcher (1); E. Kingbird (1); Wood Thrush (6); Red-eyed Vireo (1); WARBLERS: Parula (3); Chestnut-sided (1); Magnolia (4); Yellow-rumped (2); Black-throated Green (2); Pine (3); Black and White (1); A. Redstart (1); C. Yellowthroat (2); Canada (2); Baltimore Oriole (2); (report from Mark Lynch/Sheila Carroll).

5/18/03 -- Forbush Bird Club Trip Westminster, Princeton & Gardner
On May 18, 2003, 14 members of the Forbush Bird Club joined leader Francis X. McMenemy , birding spots including the towns of Gardner (High Ridge), Princeton and Westminster (Redemption Rock and Wachusett Mountain). Highlights included Pied-billed Grebes calling and seen, American Bittern and many Warbler species. There were 64 species observed (report from Joan Zumpfe).

5/18/03 -- Northboro
Today we had a great crested flycatcher in our yard. We also have 2 hummers (nesting we hope), an obviously nest-building pair of Baltimore orioles, common yellowthroats, yellow warblers, a rose-breasted grosbeak, Carolina wrens (2) and a b.t. green warbler. All this in less that a week. Spring is finally here. (report from Jim Hogan).

5/18/03 -- Seekonk River, Blackstone Corridor
After checking on some breeding birds in the northern end of the Blackstone National Corridor, we did a count of birds along the Seekonk River from Bold /India Points to Pawtucket. There was a lot of human activity on the Seekonk with scullers galore and numerous fishermen after "stripers". We stopped by Swan Point Cemetery for a bit and those birds are included on the below list. However, we did not arrive there till later in the AM and much of the activity had died down. I am sure one of the Swan Point regulars who started at dawn would have more species in greater numbers than we did. Double-crested Cormorant (60); Great Egret (2); Mute Swan (103: this huge flock of sub-adults had been milling around India-Bold Point area for weeks and now most have gone up into the Seekonk. Please do not let them wander up into Worcester County!); Canada Goose (6+ 7yng); Mallard (44: mostly non-breeders); Bufflehead (1m); Osprey (2 active nests); Killdeer (1); Spotted Sandpiper (1); Greater Yellowlegs (1); Common Tern (6); [Nota bene: as is typical for this time of the year for this location, gull numbers are at their lowest with most gulls present being non-adult non-breeders.] Red-bellied Woodpecker (4); Great Crested Flycatcher (5); E. Kingbird (4); N. Rough-winged Swallow (6); Veery (1); Swainson's Thrush (1); Wood Thrush (7); Gray Catbird (19); Warbling Vireo (4); Red-eyed Vireo (4); Scarlet Tanager (5); Rose-breasted Grosbeak (3); Indigo Bunting (2); Baltimore Oriole (16); (report from Mark Lynch/Sheila Carroll).

5/18/03 -- Worcester Airport, Worcester
We did a little post-Birdathon birding around the city befor we went south in the Corridor. BEHIND WORCESTER AIRPORT AT DAWN (to Rt. 56). Extremely cold. Wild Turkey (4+); Ruffed Grouse (1 drumming); A. Woodcock (10: we were too late to get all that are in the area); C. Nighthawk (1); Great Horned Owl (2); Veery (5); Wood Thrush (16); Gray Catbird (39); Brown Thrasher (1); Blue-winged Warbler (1); Yellow Warbler (6); C. Yellowthroat (9); Field Sparrow (4); Savannah Sparrow (20+); Song Sparrow (21); Baltimore Oriole (1);
BOYNTON PARK: quick visit. Still VERY cold. Great Blue Heron (1 fly-over); Yellow-bellied Sapsucker (1); Great Crested Flycatcher (1); Wood Thrush (4); Red-eyed Vireo (1); Chestnut-sided Warbler (4); N. Parula (3); Yellow-rumped (1); Black-throated Green (2); Blackburnian (1); Black and White (1); A. Redstart (2); Ovenbird (4); C. Yellowthrioat (4); Scarlet Tanager (3); Indigo Bunting (1); Purple Finch (2); (report from Mark Lynch/Sheila Carroll).

5/17/03 -- Sterling Peat , Sterling
On May 17, 2003, 7 members of the Forbush Bird Club were led on a trip to Sterling Peat by former club president Bob Ricci. There were 70 species recorded on the trip. (report from Joan Zumpfe).

5/17/03 -- Gate 40, Quabbin Reservoir
While checking out birding sites for the Mass Audubon birdathon, I came across an Olive-sided Flycatcher around 3:30 pm, along the road just before Dana Common. Good looks, although it was not calling. (report from Rick Quimby).

5/17/03 -- Erving
For a second year, Peregrines are nesting in a cliff face in Erving along Rt. 2. To see the nest drive west on Rt. 2 past Erving Center and the signs for "The Hermit's Cave". Watch for a dead end street (left/south) called MAPLE STREET (c. 2+miles past Erving Center) and pull in here. Check an atlas to be sure. Almost immediately on your right you will see a small cement pool: a fire pond. Pull off here and park. Do not block any driveways. Look back across Rt. 2 to the cliff face. Towards the left end, notice a crevace with a lot of wash and look for the birds here. Using a scope is helpful. Today we had a young bird sitting here and an adult attack a raven as it flew by. Also seen in the area were Turkey Vultures and a Broad-winged Hawk. (report from Mark Lynch/Sheila Carroll).

5/17/03 -- Shrewsbury
Screech owls are in the woods around our house in Shrewsbury and regularly respond to whistles. I've put up a couple of houses, but they were mostly used by squirrels. However, over the past week we've seen a gray phase owl (nestling or adult?) looking out of one of the houses as darkness approaches. Tonight, my 7 year old daughter and I, with the aid of night vision glasses, went out to see what happened at dusk. Pretty quickly a pair of owls started to bring food to the house every few minutes, greeted by the sound of nestlings. They were also interested in us as we were about 25 feet from the birdhouse, and made a variety of calls. After being swooped at a few times, we decided it was time to go in. (report from Denis Mahoney).

5/16/03 -- Newton Hill, Worcester
Slow day this morning on the hill, but there were still a nice assortment though certain species present in the last few days could not be found. Numbers were lower than the last few days. Not surprising with the weather. Red-tailed Hawk (nest w/ at least 2 downy but active young); E. Phoebe (1); Great Crested Flycatcher (2); House Wren (1); Wood Thrush (2); Gray Catbird (6); Brown Thrasher (1); N. Mockingbird (1); Cedar Waxwing (7); Blue-headed Vireo (1); Scarlet Tanager (1m); Rose-breasted Grosbeak (1); Song Sparrow (1); White-crowned Sparrow (1); White-throated Sparrow (1); Blatimore Oriole (2);
Later, from our driveway we had the following warblers: Parula, Nashville, Black-throated Green, Black and White, Yellow-rumped, A. Redstart. (report from Mark Lynch/Sheila Carroll).

5/15/03 -- Moose Brook Rd. and Environs, Hartwick
Today's sightings: 2 black ducks, 2 mallards, 1 turkey vulture, 1 red-tail hawk, i kestrel, 1 r. grouse, 1 hen turkey (perched in an oak tree), 1 killdeer, 2 solitary sandpipers, 1 barred owl, 1 b. kingfisher, 3 w.b. nuthatches, 1 b. creeper, 8 catbirds, 1 b.g. gnatcatcher, 1 b. thrasher, 5 b. orioles, 3 s. tanagers, 1 p. finch, 8 r.b. grosbeaks
woodpeckers: 1 pileated, 3 downy, 1 hairy, 3 flickers
flycatchers: 3 e. kingbirds, 2 e. poebes, 3 least, 2 g. crested, 1 pewee
swallows: 5 barn, 2 rough-winged, 4 tree
thrushes: 9 wood, 11 veery, 1 swainson's, 1 hermit
vireos: 5 blue-headed, 2 yellow-thr., 1 warbling
warblers: 12 b&w, 6 blue-winged, 3 nashville, 12 parula, 6 already paired yellow, 3 magnolia, 5 black-thr. blue, 3 yellow-rumped, 10 black-thr. green, 3 blackburnian, 20+ chestnut-sided 1 pine, 5 prairie, 11 ovenbirds, 9 c. yellowthroats, 1 canada, 13 A.
sparrows: 5 already paired field, 2 white-thr., 2 chipping, 2 swamp, 1 savannah, 1 Lincoln's (report from Andrea Burke).

5/15/03 -- Institute Park, Worcester
Highlights in early afternoon included 1 Black-crowned Night-Heron (ad, flew away while I watched), 1 Carolina Wren, 1 Warbling Vireo, 1 Nashville Warbler, 2 N. Parula, 2 Yellow Warblers, 1 Chestnut-sided Warbler, 3 Magnolia Warblers, 1 Black-throated Blue Warbler, 1 Yellow-rumped Warbler, 1 Am. Redstart, 1 Wilson's Warbler, and 2 Baltimore Orioles. (report from Rick Quimby).

5/15/03 -- Fitchburg
We had two male Rose Breasted Grosbeaks this morning. The Ruby Throated Hummingbird (male and female) have also been here daily this week. (report and photo from Cheryl and Jean-Pierre Boissy).

5/15/03 -- Newton Hill/Bancroft Tower Hill, Worcester
We staretd at Newton Hill at about 6:15AM, just as John Shea was leaving. Still a good number of migrants, though not as many as the yesterday and a different "mix". Great Blue Heron (1); Red-tailed Hawk (1 w/nest w/at least 2 yng); Least Flycatcher (4); E. Phoebe (1); Great Crested Flycatcher (1); Swainson's Thrush (2); Hermit Thrush (1); Wood thrush (2); Cedar Waxwing (4); Gray Catbird (7); Brown Thrasher (1); Blue-headed Vireo (1); Red-eyed Vireo (2); White-throated Sparrow (2); Baltimore Oriole (11);
We then headed over to Bancroft Tower Hill much later than usual. Birds had quieted down: Least Flycatcher (1); Wood Thrush (1); Red-eyed Vireo (1); N. Parula (4); Nashville (2); Chestnut-sided (2); Magnolia (1); Yellow-rumped (5); Black-throated Green (2); Rose-breasted Grosbeak (1). (report from Mark Lynch/Sheila Carroll).

5/14/03 -- Bancroft Tower Hill/Newton Hill, Worcester
Did some quick "before work" birding this AM. First we hit BANCROFT TOWER HILL which had a few birds: Great Blue Heron (1 flyover heading to Salisbury Pond); Mallard (3 heading for Elm Park); E. Phoebe (1); N. Rough-winged Swallow (2 overhead heading north); Gray Catbird (5); N. Parula (3); Chestnut-sided Warbler (1); Magnolia Warbler (3); Yellow-rumped Warbler (4); Black and White (1); Ovenbird (2);
We then went to NEWTON HILL, inspired by John Shea's recent reports. Sure enough John was there, unfortunately having to leave for work. He said the place was "loaded". And he was right. We had one of the better spring city fallouts of warblers for this year. Birds were pouring into the eastern edge of the hill (Park Ave) and moving up and over the hill. We birded for a bit, and then we had to leave for work leaving moving birds still moving over the hill. Red-tailed Hawk (1 nest); Killdeer (1 overhead); N. Flicker (2); Chimney Swift (3); Least Flycatcher (2); Wood Thrush (2); Gray Catbird (7); Blue-headed Vireo (1-2); Red-eyed Vireo (1); Scarlet Tanager (1); White-throated Sparrow (3); Baltimore Oriole (4); EVENING GROSBEAK (2 calling and flying overhead seen from the top of the hill. Heading south); (report from Mark Lynch/Sheila Carroll).

5/13/03 -- Tatnuck Square (near Newton Hill), Worcester
There was a Canada Warbler in my yard today. Unfortunately, it was dead. But, that did allow me to make a positive identification. Other birds of note in our yard...a pair of rose breasted grosbeaks, white throated sparrows, pair of baltimore orioles, a red headed wood pecker, pair of red bellied wood peckers, and pine warblers. (report from Mardi Coleman).

5/13/03 -- Institute Park, Worcester
An early afternoon walk yielded 36 species, including 2 Black-crowned Night-Herons (ad), 1 Blue-headed Vireo, 1 Nashville Warbler, 1 N. Parula, 2 Yellow Warblers, 2 Chestnut-sided Warblers, 1 Magnolia Warbler, 2 Yellow-rumped Warblers, 1 Pine Warbler, 3 Black-and-white Warblers, 3 Am. Redstarts, 1 Common Yellowthroat, 1 Wilson's Warbler, 1 Rose-breasted Grosbeak, and 2 Baltimore Orioles. (report from Rick Quimby).

5/13/03 -- Bancroft Tower Hill, Worcester
An interesting assembly of birds that put in a brief appearance (see below) here this morning. Red-tailed Hawk (1 with a Gray Squirrel in it's talons on a branch. Amazingly, another Gray Squirrel kept creeping right up to it, causing the hawk to move and eventually fly away); N. Flicker (3); Least Flycatcher (1); E. Phoebe (2); Great Crested Flycatcher (1); E. Kingbird (2); Tree Swallow (1); Barn Swallow (1 migrating); Carolina Wren (2); Veery (2); Gray-cheeked/Bicknell's Thrush (1 seen well); Swainson's Thrush (1); Hermit Thrush (2); Wood Thrush (2); Gray Catbird (4); Red-eyed Vireo (2); Scarlet Tanager (3); Rose-breasted Grosbeak (2); Eastern Towhee (1f); Baltimore Oriole (3);
Nota bene: When we arrived at the hill (c.6AM), most song was in the residential area off the north slope. Birds then began to sing as the sun shone thrugh the clouds and the trees atop the hill hosted many birds that flitted through rather quickly. There was little song and activity along the middle road. The thrushes (except the Wood) were on the north side of the top of the hill feeding in an area where brush as been cleard away. Eventually they flew off into the residential area towards the direction of my house. Amazingly, by 6:30AM the show was OVER. Song evaporated and many warblers were seen flying off NE, sort of in the direction of Salisbury Pond. (report from Mark Lynch/Sheila Carroll).

5/12/03 -- Fitchburg
A Ruby Throated Hummingbird was scouting out the feeders this evening just before sunset. (report from Cheryl and Jean-Pierre Boissy)

5/12/03 -- Holden
A very interesting weekend and Monday (5/12) morning in my backyard. On all three days, a rose-breasted grosbeak flew into the yard. He seems to be attracted by the remaining sunflower hearts and the birdbath. Monday morning, a Baltimore Oriole flew into the backyard. He had come from the front where we have orange halves out to attract Orioles. Two weeks ago, I reported a nesting pair of downy woodpeckers in the area. It turns out that they are nesting in a dying Sugar Maple in my backyard. It is fascinating to watch both the male and female excavate the cavity for their nest. Also, over the weekend, the house wrens have rediscovered their bird house and were busy putting nesting material into it. (Report from Steve Olson).

5/12/03 -- Institute Park, Worcester
In early afternoon there were 7 D.C. Cormorants, 1 Black-crowned Night-Heron (ad), 1 Chimney Swift, 2 Tree Swallows, 3 Barn Swallows, 2 Gray Catbirds, 1 Warbling Vireo, 3 Northern Parulas, 2 Yellow Warblers, 1 Chestnut-sided Warbler, 1 Magnolia Warbler, 3 Yellow-rumped Warblers, 1 Pine Warbler, 3 Blackpoll Warblers, 4 Black-and-white Warblers, 2 Am. Redstarts (m&f), 1 Common Yellowthroat, 1 Wilson's Warbler, and 2 Baltimore Orioles (m&f). (report from Rick Quimby).

5/12/03 -- Bancroft Tower Hill, Worcester
An early walk down Bancroft Tower Hill revealed very few migrants and very little song. Not surprising seeing that the weather was cool, damp and breezy. Most bird activity was low. An (*) indicates a species that may attempt to breed in the area. N. Flicker (1*); E. Phoebe (1*); House Wren (1*); Wood Thrush (3*); Gray Catbird (2*); Cedar Waxwing (1*); Nashville Warbler (1); Chestnut-sided Warbler (1); Black-throated Blue Warbler (1); Yellow-rumped Warbler (4); Bay-breasted Warbler (1); Black and White Warbler (1); C. Yellowthroat (1*); Scarlet Tanager (1); Rose-breasted Grosbeak (2*). (report from Mark Lynch).

5/11/03 -- Broad Meadow Brook Sanctuary, Worcester
Kim Bacchiocchi and I recorded the following highlights this morning: Green Heron (2) Wood Duck (1 male) Killdeer (1) Red-bellied Woodpecker (1) Yellow-bellied Sapsucker (2) Least Flycatcher (1) Eastern Phoebe (1) Great Crested Flycatcher (1) Eastern Kingbird (1) Warbling Vireo (4) House Wren (3) Eastern Bluebird (2) Wood Thrush (5) Gray Catbird (9) Brown Thrasher (1) Blue-winged Warbler (1) Nashville Warbler (3) Northern Parula (5) Yellow Warbler (3) Magnolia Warbler (1) Yellow-rumped Warbler (15) Palm Warbler (1) Black-and-white Warbler (4) Ovenbird (1) Common Yellowthroat (13) Wilson's Warbler (1) Eastern Towhee (3) Field Sparrow (1) Song Sparrow (14) Swamp Sparrow (1) Rose-breasted Grosbeak (4) Indigo Bunting (2 males) Baltimore Oriole (9) (report from John Liller).

5/11/03 -- Backyard, Worcester
About noon today I threw some additional bird seed on the ground in my back yard. About 15 minutes later I looked out of the window and there was 1 White Crowned Sparrow and 1 Lincoln's Sparrow feeding on the fresh seeds. (report from Bart Kamp).

5/11/03 -- Quabbin Park, Quabbin Reservoir
We birded around Quabbin Park this morning till about 11:00AM. We did not hit all the areas you could walk in by any means. I did walk a lot of the main roads. As is typical of this location in spring, there were a good number of birds around, but tough to tell the migrants from the migrant-breeders as many species of warblers et breed at Quabbin. There did seem to be a higher than typical number of orioles about. Common Loon (4); Double-crested Cormorant (3); Canada Goose (8); Mallard (3); Hooded Merganser (2f looking like they were on territory next to Wood Duck boxes); Common Merganser (5); Turkey Vulture (12); Osprey (1); Bald Eagle (1ad); Broad-winged Hawk (1 w/small mammal in talons flying through woods); Red-tailed Hawk (5); Ruffed Grouse (2); Wild Turkey (9); Virginia Rail (pair); Spotted Sandpiper (2); Ring-billed Gull (74: almost all 1stS); Mourning Dove (6); Black-billed Cuckoo (1); Chimney Swift (3: apparently nesting in the administration building chimney); Belted Kingfisher (2); Red-bellied Woodpecker (3); Yellow-bellied Sapsucker (4); Downy Woodpecker (4); Hairy Woodpecker (3: 1 excavating a nest hole); N. Flicker (2); Pileated Woodpecker (2); Least Flycatcher (4); E. Phoebe (9); Great Crested Flycatcher (5); E. Kingbird (3); Tree Swallow (29); N. Rough-winged Swallow (4); Barn Swallow (1); Blue Jay (15); A. Crow (16); Common Raven (1 hanging around the traditional nesting spot); Black-capped Chickadee (24); Tufted Titmouse (14); White-breasted Nuthatch (2); House Wren (1); Winter Wren (1); Blue-gray Gnatcatcher (24); Veery (11: pair seen mating); Hermit Thrush (2); Wood Thrush (9); A. Robin (26); Gray Catbird (15); European Starling (1: not always easy IN Quabbin, but this is the most regular spot); Blue-headed Vireo (3); Yellow-throated Vireo (13); Warbling Vireo (3); Red-eyed Vireo (8); Scarlet Tanager (8); Rose-breasted Grosbeak (13); Indigo Bunting (4m); E. Towhee (17); Chipping Sparrow (58); Field Sparrow (7); Song Sparrow (8); Lincoln Sparrow (1); Swamp Sparrow (2); White-throated Sparrow (5); Red-winged Blackbird (20+); C. Grackle (35+); Brown-headed Cowbird (17: we watched several females dilligently patrolling looking for victims); Baltimore Oriole (42); House Finch (3); A. Goldfinch (33); PLUS: Gapper's Red-backed Vole, White-fotted Mouse, Beaver, Gray Tree Frogs, A. Toads, E. Painted Turtles. (report from Mark Lynch/Sheila Carroll).

5/11/03 -- behind Worcester Airport
About 4:30AM we recorded the following between the back of Worcester Airport and Rt. 56: Wild Turkey (2+ calling); Ruffed Grouse (1 drumming); Killdeer (2); A. Woodcock (13); Wilson's Snipe (1); Great Horned Owl (1); E. Phoebe (1); Wood Thrush (12); Field Sparrow (2); Savannah Sparrow (25+); Song Sparrow (7); E. Meadowlark (1); (report from Mark Lynch/Sheila Carroll).

5/10/03 -- Forbush Bird Club Trip Buck Hill, Spencer
14 members of the Forbush Bird Club joined leader Susan Sachs on a birding trip through Buck Hill Wildlife Management Area in Spencer. Highlights were Yellow-throated Vireo; Nashville and Northern Parula Warblers; Northern and Louisiana Waterthrushes; Baltimore Orioles. These wildflower species were also enjoyed: Marsh Marigold, Dwarf Gentian, Purple Trillium, Wild Oats, Partridge Berry, Checkerberry, Wood Anemone, and Gold Thread. There were 50 bird species observed (report from Joan Zumpfe).

5/10/03 -- Moose Brook Road and Environs, Hartwick
There were 2 c. loons (flyovers), 2 mallards, 2 wood ducks, 1 solitary sandpiper, 1 kestrel, 1 red-tail hawk, 2 r. grouse, 3 hen turkeys, 1 b. kingfisher, 1 pileated woodpecker, 2 hairy woodpeckers, 4 downy woodpeckers, 1 l. flycatcher, 2 phoebes, 8 tree swallows, 1 raven, 4 w.b. nuthatches, 3 veery, 4 wood thrushes, 7 catbirds, 1 b. thrasher, 3 b.g. gnatcatchers, 3 y.t. vireos, 1 w. vireo, 10 b. orioles, 1 scarlet tanager, 1 purple finch, 2 swamp sparrows;

Also, in New Braintree at the Winimusset WMA there were 1 A. bittern, small g.b. heron rookerie (need a boat to see well), 2 r. grouse, 1 bluebird, 1 Lincoln's sparrow, 4 r.b. grosbeak, 2 B. orioles; warblers: 3 yellow, 2 redstart, 3 palm, 4 yellowthroat. (report from Andrea Burke).

5/10/03 -- Lake Quaboag, Brookfield
I saw the pair of Greater Scaup at Lake Quaboag this afternoon. The eagle is still sitting on the nest there, but it seemed restless. There were about 53 Tree Swallows over the lake and at least 1 Northern Rough-winged. (report from Joan Zumpfe).

5/10/03 -- Blackstone National Corridor: Northbridge/Uxbridge
We had a MAS class trip to a small parcel of riparian woodland along the Blackstone River on the Northbridge/Uxbridge line with just 3 stops. Birds seen included: Double-crested Cormorant (flock of 6 migrating overhead); Great Blue Heron (5); Wood Duck (8); Turkey Vulture (4); Sharp-shinned Hawk (1); Wild Turkey (2+); Spotted Sandpiper (3); Belted Kingfisher (1); Red-bellied Woodpecker (3); Pileated Woodpecker (1); Least Flycatcher (1); E. Phoebe (3); Great Crested Flycatcher (2); E. Kingbird (5); Tree Swallow (26); N. Rough-winged Swallow (2); Barn Swallow (4); Carolina Wren (4); House Wren (3); Blue-gray Gnatcatcher (17: these birds were everywhere); E. Bluebird (4); Veery (1); Wood Thrush (14); Brown Thrsher (4); Yellow-throated Vireo (1); Warbling Vireo (13); Scarlet Tanager (1); Rose-breasted Grosbeak (9); Orchard Oriole (1 adM); Baltimore Oriole (13); PLUS: E. Painted Turtles (many); Ribbon Snake and lots of jack-In-The-Pulpits. (report from Mark Lynch/Sheila Carroll).

5/9/03 -- Broad Meadow Brook Sanctuary, Worcester
In a before-work walk I saw 1 Kingbird ,6 Tree Swallows ,1 Oriole, 1 Warbling Vireo, Warblers: 3 Black + White, 3 Yellow, 1 Nashville, 3 Yellow -rump and 1 Common Yellowthroat. Also 2 deer by the manhole.
After work I went back and did the #2 loop and got :3 Orioles, 1 Hairy Woodpecker, 1 Turkey Vulture, 1 Green Heron, Warblers: 1 N. Parula ,7 yellow, 1 Nashville, 2 Common Yellowthroat and 2 Blue-winged. Also 8 Towhee, 2 Bluebirds, 1 Wood Thrush , and a mallard who is the proud mother of seven ducklings! (report from John Shea).

5/9/03 -- Blackstone National Corridor, RI section
We birded a few spots in Lincoln and along the Seekonk this morning.
WOONSOCKET RESERVOIR &vicinity: Double-crested Cormorant (1); GREAT BLUE HERON (too misty to see nests, but noted several birds flying into them); Canada Goose (12+pair w/1yng &pair w/4yng); Killdeer (3); Spotted Sandpiper (1); Solitary Sandpiper (1); Blue-gray Gnatcatcher (3); E. Bluebird (3); Wood Thrush (2); E. Towhee (6);
LIME ROCK NATURE PRESERVE: Common Loon (1 flying high overhead heading north); Great Crested Flycatcher (1); Tree Swallow (6); Ruby-crowned Kinglet (1); Wood Thrush (7); Gray Catbird (5); Blue-headed Vireo (1); Red-eyed Vireo (1); Rose-breasted Grosbeak (6); Baltimore Oriole (4); PLUS: numerous Jack-In-The-Pulpits, et.
LINCOLN WOODS/OLNEY POND: Great Cormorant (1ad); Double-crested Cormorant (2); Mute Swan (3); Mallard (7); Red-tailed Hawk (1); Red-bellied Woodpecker (4); E. Phoebe (1); Great Crested Flycatcher (4); E. Kingbird (3); Blue-gray Gnatcatcher (2); Carolina Wren (3); Wood Thrush (6); Gray Catbird (9); Blue-headed Vireo (1); Scarlet Tanager (1); Savannah Sparrow (2); Rose-breasted Grosbeak (2); Baltimore Oriole (11);
SEEKONK RIVER: from Pawtucket to India/Bold Points and including a late (for us) quick swing through Swan Point Cem. There had been more birds there earlier according to other birders. Double-crested Cormorant (232); Great Egret (3); Green Heron (1); Mute Swan (103); Canada Goose (9+ pair w/6yng); Wood Duck (pair); Mallard (44); Bufflehead (1m+1f); Osprey (4/2nests); Red-tailed Hawk (1); Ring-necked Phaesant (1m); Killdeer (1); Spotted Sandpiper (1); Laughing Gull (1 1stS); Common Tern (8; pair seen mating); Red-bellied Woodpecker (5); N. Flicker (9: pair seen mating); E. Phoebe (6); N. Rough-winged Swallow (3); Carolina Wren (3); House Wren (2); Hermit Thrush (1); Wood Thrush (2); Gray Catbird (19); Brown Thrasher (2); Scarlet Tanager (1); Baltimore Oriole (25); Orchard Oriole (1 1st yrM seen at eye level at bike path parking lot); Rose-breasted Grosbeak (3); (report from Mark Lynch/Sheila Carroll).

5/9/03 -- Institute Park, Worcester
The BLACK-CROWNED NIGHT-HERON was present again today at noon, along with 1 Gray Catbird, 1 Warbling Vireo, 1 Northern Parula, 1 Yellow Warbler, 3+ Yellow-rumped Warblers, 1 Pine Warbler, 1 Am. Redstart, and 3 Baltimore Orioles (m&f). (report from Rick Quimby).

5/8/03 -- Downtown Worcester
While [I was] waiting for a cab in front of the Performing Arts building at 11AM, an adult PEREGRINE FALCON zoomed by, going south on Main Street, fluching all the Rock Doves. This bird was on business. There have been no recent reports of Peregrines and I have to wonder if they are attempting to nest somewhere in the area. (report from Mark Lynch).

5/7/03 -- Broad Meadow Brook Sanctuary, Worcester
HIghlights along the Stretch : Green Heron (1 - perched on the edge of the brook); Hairy Woodpecker (1); Eastern Phoebe (1); Warbling Vireo (3); House Wren (3); Wood Thrush (1); Gray Catbird (9); Cedar Waxwing (4); Blue-winged Warbler (3); Nashville Warbler (1); Yellow Warbler (4); Yellow-rumped Warbler (2); Black-and-white Warbler (2); Common Yellowthroat (6); WILSON'S WARBLER (1); Eastern Towhee (1); Song Sparrow (19); Swamp Sparrow (2); Rose-breasted Grosbeak (3); Baltimore Oriole (3). (report from John Liller).

5/7/03 -- Lake Ramshorn, West Millbury
Saw a Common Loon on Lake Ramshorn in Millbury today.. Really twisting, rolling , flapping, splashing and creating quite a commotion. Acted like it had an itch it couldn't scratch. Had my first hummingbird and catbird at home today. (report from Alan Marble).

5/7/03 -- Flint Pond, Shrewsbury
Kayaking on Flint Pond I saw ;2 G. B. Heron, 1 Green Heron, 8 Tree Swallows, 9 Barn swallows heading north, 2 Catbirds, 2 Killdeer, 2 Spotted Sandpiper, 2 m. Swans, 3 Wood Ducks, 6 Kingbirds, 1 Brown Thrasher, 1 Flicker, 4 Yellow-rump Warblers, 3 Yellow Warblers and 5 Cormorants. (report from John Shea).

5/7/03 -- Bolton Flats, Bolton
In the shrinking puddles at Bolton Flats Wednesday morning there were 3 Greater Yellowlegs, 1 Lesser Yellowlegs and 2 Least Sandpipers and fresh piles of manure surrounded the area. (report from Bart Kamp).

5/7/03 -- Institute Park, Worcester
Highlights at noon included a BLACK-CROWNED NIGHT-HERON (ad), 2 Warbling Vireos, 1 Yellow-rumped Warbler, 1 Pine Warbler, 1 Magnolia Warbler, 1 Ovenbird, and 2 Baltimore Orioles. The heron was in its usual spot in the corner of the bay behind the island. The Ovenbird is the first record I have for the park -- perhaps a major movement of these right now.

Also, on 5/5 there were 1 Cooper's Hawk, 1 Ruby-crowned Kinglet, 1 Gray Catbird, 2 Warbling Vireo, 2 Yellow Warblers, 4 Yellow-rumped Warblers, 2 Pine Warblers, 1 Palm Warbler, and 1 Black-and-white Warbler. (report from Rick Quimby).

5/6/03 -- vicinity of Park & Salisbury Street, Worcester
Drove into our driveway after my MAS class at 9PM to hear an Eastern Screech Owl "whinnying" away in a tree right next to us. By standing out in the middle of the street and with our bins we got good looks at the bird too. Eventually it flew off down the street to another tree. (report from Mark Lynch).

5/6/03 -- Bancroft Tower Hill, Worcester
Poor morning for migrants this morning with only (1) E. Phoebe, (1) Wood Thrush, (1) Catbird, (7) Yellow-rumped Warblers, and (1) male Rose-breasted Grosbeak. (report from Mark Lynch).

5/5/03 -- Bancroft Tower Hill/Worcester Airport, Worcester
A quick "before work" check of these two spots had the following:
BANCROFT TOWER HILL: Mallard (pair overhead); Yellow-bellied Sapsucker (1); E. Phoebe (2); N. Rough-winged Swallow (1 migrating); Carolina Wren (1); House Wren (3: surrounding neighborhood); Wood Thrush (2); Gray Catbird (3); WARBLERS: Nashville (1); N. Parula (2); Yellow-rumped (13); Black-throated Green (1); Palm (2); Black and White (1); Baltimore Oriole (2);
FIELDS BEHIND WORCESTER AIRPORT: Mallard (2); WILD TURKEY (1 just shot by hunter); E. Phoebe (4); Ruby-crowned Kinglet (1); Hermit Thrush (1); Wood Thrush (5); Gray Catbird (9); Brown Thrsher (2); Blue-winged Warbler (1); Yellow Warbler (1); Pine Warbler (1 gathering nesting material); Ovenbird (10); E. Towhee (4); Field Sparrow (1); Savannah Sparrow (4); E. Meadowlark (2); Purple Finch (1). (report from Mark Lynch/Sheila Carroll).

5/4/03 -- Lake Wompanoag, Gardner
Hilites from near Lake Wompanoag: Broad-winged Hawk 1; Sharp-shinned Hawk 1 imm.; Pileated Woodpecker 3; Brown Thrasher 1; Gray Catbird 2; Blue-heaed Vireo 2; Nashville Warbler 5; Black and White Warb. 3; Pine Warb. 1; Black-thr. Green 5; Yellow-rumped ~10; Chestnut-sided 1; Ovenbird 3; Northern Waterthrush 1; Rose-breasted Grosbeak 1; The Sharp-shinned nearly caught a Black-capped Chickadee about 20 feet from me, it paused, then flew by me easily within an arm's length!
Pileateds were: one drumming outside my apartment, one at Wompanoag MAS and 1 flying over rte2 in Westminster in the afternoon. I watched a pair of Black-capped Chickadees excavating a nest hole for about 5 minutes....each of the two birds visited the nest hole about every 15 seconds...so with team work that was about 1 "bird" visit per 7 to 8 seconds. After about 5 minutes one bird left to forage. I got distracted by singing Nashville Warblers...then I heard the Chickadees agitated and notice an intruder must have gotten too close to the nest site and the pair began to skirmish with the interloper. (report from Tom Pirro).

5/4/03 -- Northboro & Westboro
At the Yellick Conservation Area along the Assabet River I had at one point dozens or yellow-rumped warblers, black& white warblers (3), palm warblers (2), yellow warblers (3), and a rose-breasted grosbeak. At Little Chauncey Pond there was a brown thrasher (1, singing beautifully), and a cooperative flock of Savannah sparrows, and 7 common mergansers. The ruby-throated hummingbird returned to our Northboro yard on Saturday and a gray catbird thinks it owns a bush just outside our bedroom window. (report from Jim Hogan).

5/4/03 -- Broad Meadow Brook Sanctuary, Worcester
Kim Bacchiocchi and I recorded the following highlights this morning : Green Heron (1 - flyover); Wood Duck (1 male); Ruffed Grouse (1 - drumming); Wild Turkey (1 - gobbling); Red-bellied Woodpecker (1); Yellow-bellied Sapsucker (1 - drumming; this is an uncommon migrant on the Sanctuary); Blue-headed Vireo (1); Warbling Vireo (1); Carolina Wren (1); House Wren (2); Ruby-crowned Kinglet (1); Eastern Bluebird (2); Hermit Thrush (2); Wood Thrush (2); Gray Catbird (10); Brown Thrasher (1); Blue-winged Warbler (2); Nashville Warbler (1); Yellow Warbler (6); Chestnut-sided Warbler (2); Yellow-rumped Warbler (13); Prairie Warbler (1); Palm Warbler (5); Black-and-white Warbler (3); Ovenbird (1); Common Yellowthroat (7); Eastern Towhee (6); Field Sparrow (3); Song Sparrow (15); Swamp Sparrow (2); White-throated Sparrow (5); Rose-breasted Grosbeak (2); Brown-headed Cowbird (7); Baltimore Oriole (4); Also: Beaver (1) (report from John Liller).

5/4/03 -- Moore State Park, Paxton
I went looking for Bobolinks and found 3. I also had 1 Wood Thrush, 1 House Wren, and for Warblers I had 3 Black + White, 1 Pine, 28 Yellow -rumped, and my first A. Redstart. On the way home I stopped at Boynton Park. As soon as I got out of the car the Pileated Woodpecker was on a tree right in front of me. (report from John Shea).

5/4/03 -- Fitchburg Backyard
A symphony of bird song on Sunday in Cleghorn, all in all nothing special but the combination of the "orchestra" was impressive: Wood Thrush 1, American Robin 7, Northern Mockingbird 1, Northern Cardinal (4), Tufted Titmice (10), Goldfinch 25, House Finches 17, White Breasted Nuthatch 2, Downy Woodpecker 1, Norther Flicker 3, Chipping Sparrows (feeding at feeders at times), 4, White Throated Sparrows 7, Black Capped Chickadees 11, and the guest soloist - Carolina Wren 1 singing and checking out the newly installed chickadee house in the yard! Two thurkey vultures were listening aloft and several Canada Geese did a fly by (? headed dowtown to the Nashua River). In the late afternoon 4 Blue Jays , several Grackles, nine Mourning Doves and two Rock Doves came by to check out the music. By dusk dozens of American Crows settled in for the night as is their habit, in the adjacent granite quarry environs. We have not seen the two Towhees who visited us in three days nor have there been any further Wild Turkey trots since last week's visitor. (All of this observed from 1 - 4 PM on a third of an acre of very urban habitat!) (report from Cheryl and Jean Pierre Boissy)

5/4/03 -- Brooks Woodland Preserve, Petersham
We had a MAS class to the Trustees of Reservations property known as Brooks Woodland Preserve in Petersham this morning. Starting temp was 28F, but it warmed up slow but sure. The advantage to the cold temps was the total absence of Black Flies.There were a good number of early migrant breeders, but extremely little indication that this was a good "migration day". That said, it was a wonderful hike in some beautiful woodland that we had all to ourselves: Great Blue Heron (1); Wood Duck (3); Red-tailed Hawk (1); Ruffed Grouse (2 drumming); A. Woodcock (1 flushed from seep); Pileated Woodpecker (1); E. Phoebe (1); Brown Creeper (9); Winter Wren (5 singing birds); C. Raven (1 deep in the forest); Ruby-crowned Kinglet (1: the only definite non-breeder here this morning); Hermit Thrush (1: very low); Wood Thrush (1); Blue-headed Vireo (9); Yellow-rumped Warbler (37); Black-throated Green Warbler (21); Pine Warbler (4); Black and White Warbler (4); Ovenbird (12); Louisiana Waterthrush (2 different territorial birds); C. Yellowthroat (1); Purple Finch (6); Evening Grosbeak (1). ALSO: a very nice show of early wildflowers that included Red Trillium; Trout Lilly, Mayflower (Trailing Arbutus); Sessile Bellwort; Wood Anemone; Dwarf Ginseng. Besides the inevitable signs of beaver, deer and coyote, we also found a very recently killed Southern Red-Backed (Gapper's) Vole.
We then headed over to Harvard Pond and had a few more "migrants" as opposed to "migrant breeders": Common Merganser (pair); Broad-winged Hawk (2 likely breeders); Greater Yellowlegs (3); E. Kingbird (1); Ruby-crowned Kinglet (1); Hermit Thrush (3); Blue-headed Vireo (4); Yellow-rumped Warbler (76); Black-throated Green Warbler (14); Pine Warbler (2); Palm Warbler (6); Black and White Warbler (3); Northern Waterthrush (2); Ovenbird (2); C. Yellowthroat (4). ALSO: a group of 4 River Otters fishing and diving all about and (1) Beaver seen. (report from Mark Lynch/Sheila Carroll).

5/4/03 -- Hodges Village Dam/Pierpont Meadows, Oxford/Dudley
Highlights from a Forbush Bird Club trip this morning included: 1 Ruffed Grouse, 1 Ruby-throated Hummingbird, 1 Belted Kingfisher, 1 Red-bellied Woodpecker (Pierpont), 1 Pileated Woodpecker, 2 Eastern Kingbirds, 2 Northern Rough-winged Swallows (going into nesting holes at Hodges), 2 Brown Creepers (singing), 5 House Wrens, 1 Winter Wren, 3 Eastern Bluebirds, 2 Gray Catbirds, 1 Brown Thrasher, 2 Warbling Vireos, 2 Northern Parula, 8 Yellow Warblers, 40+ Yellow-rumped Warblers, 3 Black-throated Green Warblers, 4 Pine Warblers, 6 Palm Warblers, 5 Black-and-white Warblers, 3 Ovenbirds, 2 Northern Waterthrush (singing), 2 Common Yellowthroat, 1 Louisiana Waterthrush (singing), 1 Rose-breasted Grosbeak (at feeder at Pierpont), 1 Eastern Towhee, 1 Field Sparrow, and 1 Swamp Sparrow.
Complete trip list here
(report from Rick Quimby).

5/3/03 -- High Ridge WMA, Gardner
Hilites : Am. Bittern 1; Green-winged Teal 4; N. Rough-winged Swallow 1; Pileated Woodpecker 1; House Wren 1; Blue-headed Vireo 1; Black+White Warbler 4; Ovenbird 4; Nashville Warbler 2; Yellow-rumped Warbler 60; Black-thr. Green Warbler 4; Palm Warbler 1; Common Yellowthroat 1; Yellow Warbler 2. (report from Tom Pirro).

5/3/03 -- Forbush Bird Club Trip to Quabbin Reservoir
The Forbush Bird Club held a trip at Quabbin Reservoir on May 3, 2003. One highlight, in addition to spectacular looks at a Blackburnian Warbler, was the sighting of American Toads with one of them calling with a puffed-up throat. Complete trip list here (report from Joan Zumpfe).

5/3/03 -- Lunenburg /Wachusett Reservoir
Thanks to Kathy Mills (who checked this area before), we were able to study a fairly sizeable Great Blue Heron rookery in Lunenburg this morning. Totals: Great Blue Heron (38 nests); Wood Duck (8, including a pair checking a nest site); Hooded Merg (1f, which inspected the same nest site just before the Wood Ducks got there); Great Horned Owl (1ad on nest w/1 almost fledged young seen. We were able to watch the adult fed the young, tearing apart some carcass in the nest); Red-bellied Woodpecker (1); Hairy Woodpecker (2); N. Flicker (3); Pileated Woodpecker (1); Great Crested Flycatcher (1: early?); Eastern Kingbird (1); Tree Swallow (40+); Gray Catbird (2); Yellow-rumped Warbler (50+); Purple Finch (1).
On the way home, we checked the eastern shore of Wachusett Reservoir: Common Loon (6); Double-crested Cormorant (8); Canada Goose (9); Mallard (2); Common Merganser (6); Turkey Vulture (3); A. Kestrel (1f); Bonaparte's Gull (2); Chimney Swift (2); Tree Swallow (37 migrating); N. Rough-winged Swallow (5+); CLIFF SWALLOW (2 migrating); Barn Swallow (2 migrating). (report from Mark Lynch/Sheila Carroll).

5/3/03 -- Broad Meadow Brook Sanctuary, Worcester
On my Saturday morning bird walk for novice birders we had 29 species along the Stretch, none different from what's been seen of late. Highlights included a fair number of Song Sparrows (but no Swamps or White-throateds?); 1 Palm, 4 Black-and-white, 1 male Yellow, and 8 Yellow-rumped Warblers; 4 Ruby-crowned Kinglets; 2 Red-tailed Hawks; 2 Turkey Vultures; 1 female Bluebird; 3 Catbirds; and a Sharp-shinned Hawk, which I suspect is camping out along the trail. The trail remains walkable...with care and with ankle high Goretex boots, although one of the women with me did nicely in just tennis shoes! (report from Howard Shainheit).

5/3/03 -- Auburn
The first day, first round of the Auburn Bird Banding project proved very rewarding today. Along with a few Myrtle (Yellow-rumped) Warblers, Yellow Warblers, a Pine Warbler, a Common Yellowthroat, a rare find, a Lawrence's Warbler, graced our nets. This recessive hybrid of a Blue-wing-Gold-wing combination sent people running for their cameras, some as far as Grafton. It was a check mark on the life list for all attendees; no one had seen one of these beautiful birds before. Breathtaking. (report from Colleen Morin)

5/3/03 -- Barre Falls Dam, Barre 
> Daily Raptor Counts: May 03, 2003
> -------------------------------------------------------------------
>
> Species            Day's Count    Month Total   Season Total
> ------------------ ----------- -------------- --------------
> Black Vulture                0              0              0
> Turkey Vulture               0              0            111
> Osprey                       0              0            170
> Bald Eagle                   0              0             13
> Northern Harrier             0              0             20
> Sharp-shinned Hawk           0              0            169
> Cooper's Hawk                0              0             20
> Northern Goshawk             0              0              3
> Red-shouldered Hawk          0              0             36
> Broad-winged Hawk            0              0            883
> Red-tailed Hawk              0              0            125
> Rough-legged Hawk            0              0              0
> Golden Eagle                 0              0              1
> American Kestrel             1              1             53
> Merlin                       0              0              6
> Peregrine Falcon             0              0              0
> Unknown                      0              0             28
>
> Total:                       1              1           1638
> ----------------------------------------------------------------------
> Observation start time: 07:15:00 > Observation end time: 13:00:00 > Total observation time: 5.75 hours > > Site Coordinator: Barton D. Kamp > > Observers: Barton D. Kamp, David Grant, Donna Schilling > Observations: Even the local birds weren't active. The black flies were annoying. First Kingbird of the year. (report from Bart Kamp).

5/2/03 -- Buck Hill WMA, Burrillville
We birded Buck Hill early this morning mostly to check on the small heron rookery that was there last year. This area is part of the Blackstone National Corridor. GREAT BLUE HERON (9 occupied nests!, up from 3 last year); Canada Goose (2); Wood Duck (6); Mallard (2); A. Black Duck (2); Cooper's Hawk (pair); Red-shouldered Hawk (1); Killdeer (1 overhead); Ring-billed Gull (2 overhead); Mourning Dove (3); Rock Dove (2 overhead); Downy Woodpecker (4); Hairy Woodpecker (2); Pileated Woodpecker (1); Eastern Phobe (pair w/nest+1); Blue Jay (14); Black-capped Chickadee (25); Tufted Titmouse (6); White-breasted Nuthatch (6); Carolina Wren (1); Blue-gray Gnatcatcher (2); E. Bluebird (1); Hermit Thrush (8); Wood Thrush (1); A. Robin (11); Blue-headed Vireo (4); Yellow-throated Vireo (1); Black-throated Green Warbler (2); YELLOW-RUMPED WARBLER (323: nice movement north and northeast both through the woods and in the air); Palm Warbler (5); Black and White Warbler (11); Worm-eating Warbler (1); Ovenbird (14); Eastern Towhee (12); Chipping Sparrow (4); Song Sparrow (5); Red-winged Blackbird (6); C. Grackle (26); Brown-headed Cowbird (6); Purple Finch (1); House Finch (5); A. Goldfinch (3), PLUS: Gray Tree Frogs, Spring Peepers, Green Frog. AND: HUGE numbers of BLACK FLIES. Be forewarned. We also had a turkey hunter. Is there even a turkey season in RI? (report from Mark Lynch/Sheila Carroll).

5/2/03 -- off Salisbury St., Worcester
At 4:50 pm today a male Ruby-throated Hummingbird worked our azaleas for whatever goodies they had to offer. Spring is here! (report from Howard Shainheit).

5/2/03 -- Dudley /Brookfield
Among the 36 species of birds found while birding in Dudley this morning, I had 2 Turkey Vultures; 5 Wood Ducks (3D, 2F); 1 Eastern Phoebe; 3 Warbling Vireo; 1 Carolina Wren; 3 House Wren; 1 Eastern Bluebird; 7 Gray Catbird; 5 Blue-winged Warbler; 14 Yellow Warbler; 3 Black-and-white Warbler; 2 Ovenbird; 4 Common Yellowthroat; 1 Eastern Towhee; 1 Field Sparrow; and 18 Song Sparrow.
This afternoon, I stopped at Lake Quaboag in Brookfield and saw 1 adult Bald Eagle sitting and moving around on a nest. I also was surprised to see a pair of breeding plumaged GREATER SCAUP. On route 9 I saw my first Chimney Swifts, there were 2. (report from Joan Zumpfe).

5/2/03 -- Institute Park, Worcester
At noon 33 species were recorded, including 1 Northern Flicker, 1 Carolina Wren, 1 Ruby-crowned Kinglet, 1 Gray Catbird, 1 Warbling Vireo, 1 Yellow Warbler, 4 Yellow-rumped Warblers, 1 Pine Warbler, 2 Palm Warblers, 1 Common Yellowthroat, and 2 Baltimore Orioles (both males, chasing one another). Also on Wednesday (4/30) there was a Pied-billed Grebe. (report from Rick Quimby).

5/2/03 -- Broad Meadow Brook Sanctuary, Worcester
HIghlights this morning: Wild Turkey (1); Red-bellied Woodpecker (1); Ruby-crowned Kinglet (3); Eastern Bluebird (2); WOOD THRUSH (1); GRAY CATBIRD (4); Brown Thrasher (1); Cedar Waxwing (4); YELLOW WARBLER (4); Yellow-rumped Warbler (2); Palm Warbler (1); Black-and-white Warbler (1); COMMON YELLOWTHROAT (2); Eastern Towhee (2); Chipping Sparrow (1); Song Sparrow (13); Swamp Sparrow (1); White-throated Sparrow (3); ROSE-BREASTED GROSBEAK (2); Brown-headed Cowbird (5); (report from John Liller).

5/2/03 -- Raymond Road, Gardner
Hilite this AM before work: Gray Catbird 1; Blue-gray Gnatcatcher 1; Nashville Warbler 3; Black-Thr Green Warbler 2; Yellow-rumped Warbler 5 or 6; Northern Waterthruash 1; Eastern Towhee 3; White-thr Sparrow 3. (report from Tom Pirro).

5/1/03 -- Oxbow NWR, Harvard
Birds at Oxbow Refuge in Harvard this morning included: 1 kingfisher, 2 e. bluebirds, 1 catbird, 5 flickers, 6 downy woodpeckers, 2 r.s.towhees, 1 br. creeper, 5 w.b. nuthatches, 2 meadowlarks, 5 swamp sparrows, 11 w.th. sparrows, 4 b.g.gnatcatchers, 1 warbling vireo, 2 b.h. vireos, warblers - 1 yellow, 5 palm, 9 yellow-rumped, 3 black & white, 1 ovenbird, 1 parula. (report from Andrea Burke).

5/1/03 -- Leesville Pond/Notre Dame Cemetery, Worcester
Few birds around this morning. A quick tour had the following:
NOTRE DAME: Mute Swan (1 on nest); Canada Goose (2); Mallard (2); Catbird (2); Yellow Warbler (1); Yellow-rumped Warbler (6). Nota bene: there has been extensive brush and tree clearing here along the river definitely effecting habitat. Across the river on the SW corner, a new small housing development has gone in where only one house and some habitat stood before, further degrading the surrounding habitat. Lastly, the large willow out in the marsh between Notre Dame and Hadwin Park is being gnawed down by beavers.
LESSVILLE POND/ALL FAITHS CEMETERY: Mute Swan (pair, but no longer on the nest); Canada Goose (2); Wood Duck (5); Warbling Vireo (1); Yellow-rumped Warbler (40+). Close to the fire station: Chimney Swift (5). (report from Mark Lynch).

For previous sightings, see April 2003 Archives or Archive Index