May 2005 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:

5/31/05 -- Bolton Flats, Bolton
Highlights of an afternoon walk into Bolton Flats were 80 Canada geese (that's a lot of geese without families), 2 least sandpipers, 17 short-billed dowitchers, 2 semi-palmated plovers and 2 black-billed cuckoos chasing each other. (report from Bart Kamp).

5/30/05 -- Bolton Flats, Bolton
Hilights from this evening at Bolton Flats 7PM until 8:30: Mallard Duck ~100; Black Duck 1; Wood Duck 4; Ring-billed Gull 108; Iceland Gull 1 a well seen 1st summer, left the area before the "Ringers"; Bonepart's Gull 1st summer left with "Ringers" headed toward Wachusett Res; Killdeer ~12+; Semipalmated Plover 2; Greater Yellowlegs 1; Lesser Yellowlegs 1; Spotted Sandpiper 10+; Least Sandpiper 4; Common Nighthawk 15+ feeding low over the Nashua River. (report from Tom Pirro).

5/28/05 -- Quabog IBA, Brookfields/Sturbridge
The MAS "Birding Western Massachusetts" class spent a great morning birding just a few stops in the Quabog IBA in the Brookfields and Sturbridge. This included along the road at the MAS Elm Hill property (wet woodlands and some fields); the Coys Brook overlook (small marsh); a few hikes into the Quabog WMA (forest and marsh);; Lake Quabog (nesting Bald Eagles); and finally a hike in at Wells SP (wooded ponds and forest). WE did NOT hike in along the railroad tracks to view the Quabog marshes from that vantage point. Security along the tracks in recent years has discouraged bringing groups in this route, though we viewed the side of some of the marsh from a trail in the WMA. Consequently we did not get Marsh Wren. Some of these areas are detailed in the Western Mass "where to find" guide (Jan Ortiz editor; U Mass Extension Press). There was almost NO passerine migration in evidence and most of what we saw were breeding or over-summering species. Common Loon (1 1st yr); Double-crested Cormorant (1 imm); American Bittern (1:great views at Coys); Great Blue Heron (Wells SP rookery had 7 active nests with 10 young seen in the nests with attending adults; elsewhere we saw 6 birds); Green Heron (1); Turkey Vulture (15); Canada Goose (7); A Black Duck (pair); Mallard (8); BLUE-WINGED TEAL (1m: likely breeder in area); Osprey (2: one bird was seen continuously harassing an immature Bald Eagle); BALD EAGLE (pair w/2 yg in nest+ another adult+ 1 imm); Sharp-shinned Hawk (2); Cooper's Hawk (1); Red-shouldered Hawk (2); Broad-winged Hawk (2); Red-tailed Hawk (4+ 1imm); Wild Turkey (1); Virginia Rail (3); Sora (1); Greater Yellowlegs (1); Ring-billed Gull (3); Herring Gull (8); Great Black-backed Gull (1); nota bene: no gulls in adult breeding plumages); Mournign Dove (12); Black-billed Cuckoo (4: some great views); Common Nighthawk (7: migrating in mid-morning); Chimney Swift (11); Ruby-throated Hummingbird (1); Belted Kingfisher (1 bird seen catching fish after fish and bringing them to nest); Red-bellied Woodpecker (2); Downy Woodpecker (3); Hairy Woodpecker (1); N Flicker (2); E Wood Peewee (13); Willow Flycatcher (13); Least Flycatcher (2); E Phoebe (7); Great Crested Flycatcher (3); E Kingbird (20); Yellow-throated Vireo (9); Blue-headed Vireo (4); Warbing Vireo (23); Red-eyed Vireo (32); Blue Jay (48: still seems like there is some migratory movement east); A Crow (9); Tree Swallow (16); N Rough Winged Swallow (10); Bank Swallow (8); Barn Swallow (6); Black-capped Chickadee (16+ pair attending a nest); Tufted Titmouse (8); White-breasted Nuthatch (4); Carolina Wren (2); House Wren (2); Blue-gray Gnatcatcher (4); Veery (12); Wood thrush (4); A Robin (65+); Gray Catbird (28); Cedar Waxwing (14); Scarlet Tanager (7); Chipping Sparrow (19); Song Sparrow (14); Swamp Sparrow (12); N Cardinal (7); Rose-breasted Grosbeak (10); Indigo Bunting (2); Bobolink (4); Red-winged Blackbird (180+); C Grackle (70+); Bown-headed Cowbird (6); Baltimore Oriole (42); A Goldfinch (15);
PLUS: VERTS: Frogs were numerous: Bull (adult and tadpole);; Green; Grey Tree; Pickerel; Spring Peeper; and an amazing display IN THE ROAD of numerous American Toads in amplexus (mating). They just never let go: We got to watch them swim and hop while mating in mid-day; Eastern Painted Turtle (abundant); N. Banded Water Snake (including 1 young one we examned closely); BLACK RAT SNAKE (3 in their territorial tree: always amazing to watch: we even got to see one dropping from branch to branch);; huge Brown Bullheads; Golden Shiners (preferred food of local kingfishers apparently);. LEPS: Tiger Swallowtail; Cabbage White; Clouded Sulphur: E Pine Elfin; Pearl Crescent; American Copper; Common Ringlet; Spring Azure; Juvenal's Duskywing. ARACHNIDS: a simply enormous spider "perched" at the opening of a hole high up in a tree. It was a species of Nursery Web Spider and looked like just about the largest spider I have ever seen in the state bar none. It was positively tropical in it's size. BLOOMS: some huge Jack-In-Pulpits (2+ feet high); Starflower; Canada Mayflower; Wild Geraniums.

Here are some photos taken by Bruce deGraaf during the trip: Green Heron
Black-billed Cuckoo
Rough-winged Swallow
Baltimore Oriole
Great Blue Heron on nest with young

Nice field trip. (report from Mark Lynch/Sheila Carroll).

5/27/05 -- Forbush Bird Club Trip to Bolton Flats
The Forbush Bird Club held the annual Goatsucker Walk on the evening of Friday, May 27, 2005 at Bolton Flats. The 8 members attending the trip led by Barton Kamp were successful in seeing and hearing Whip-poor-wills and Common Nighthawks. 33 species were observed. Complete trip list here (report from Bart Kamp, fide Joan Zumpfe).

5/27/05 -- Bolton Flats, Bolton
Highlights of a morning wade into Bolton Flats were 14 short-billed dowitchers and a coyote flushing the gulls and shorebirds. (report from Bart).

5/27/05 -- Newton Hill, Worcester
There was quite a movement of birds around (not over) Newton Hill this AM. We parked by the basketball courts, though this is not a great way to get "where the action is." Birds were moving constantly but seemed to move early, though there were still lots of song when we left. Mourning Dove (5); Chimney Swift (1); Downy Woodpecker (3); N Flicker (2); E Wood Peewee (4); Least Flycatcher (1); Blue Jay (2); Black-capped Chickadee (3); White-breasted Nuthatch (3); Veery (1); Swainson's Thrush (4); GREY-CHEECKED THRUSH (1 singing); Wood Thrush (6); A Robin (3); Gray Catbird (8); Warbling Vireo (1); Red-eyed Vireo (7); Scarlet Tanager (4); N Cardinal (2); Rose-breasted Grosbeak (4); Chipping Sparrow (2); LINCOLN'S SPARROW (1: we were spishing in some non-singing warblers and this bird popped up and cooperatively perched); A Goldfinch (2); C Grackle (7); Baltimore Oriole (5); (report from Mark Lynch/Sheila Carroll).

5/27/05 -- Gardner
Hilights from the bike path across from the college in gardner this morning: Blue Jay 9 moving north east appeared to be in migration; Chestnut-side Warbler 3; Yellow Warbler 4; Blackpoll Warbler 1 migrant; Wilison's Warbler 2 migrants; Magnolia 1 (breed in town but not in this habitat); Ovenbird 1; Scarlet Tanager 1 female; Rose-breasted Grosbeak 2 (1M/ 1 F); Baltimore Oriole 2; Land bird migration is still on or back on.....certainly many late migrant species will be anxious to get on with their spring chores after a tough week. (report from Tom Pirro).

5/27/05 -- Rhode Island
Below is a post I just got from Ray Marr who has been THE person who has dilligently maintained the Purple Martins, Tree Swallows and bluebird nesting boxes in Rhode Island and other areas for a longtime. As I mentioned yesterday, there is another story to this nor'easter other than lots of phalaropes. 
Hi Mark
    The last week has been one of the worst weeks I can recall in the
sixteen years of
bluebird trail management loss 29 bluebird chicks from seven pairs. Lost
also five adult Martins
found dead in there units.  Two others flew off tired and weak not sure if
they will make it.
  The martin losses will be mostly a  New England problem not so much an RI
issue people
in ME,NH,South eastern MA and Eastern, CT. Will soon find out what I did
that my colony was
on the edge of being lost. I can openly hope now that at least one pair has
made it from the twenty-six birds I did have this spring.  Please pass the
word there was a large scale martin and bluebird
dieoff due to the nor'easter.  It was like winter in May and the martins
probably died just from
the bone chilling wind chill factor alone.  Ray
(report from Mark Lynch).

5/26/05 -- Wachusett Reservoir/Bolton Flats, Clinton/Bolton
Highlights were 50 white-winged scoters. At Bolton Flats, north of route 117: 2 Virginia rails, 1 Bonaparte's gull and 7 black bellied plovers. Bolton Flats is under water. Hip boots or waders or a kayak are required. (report from Bart Kamp).

5/24/05 -- off Salisbury St (near Park Ave), Worcester
I typically get small numbers of adult male and female Red-winged Blackbirds (and first year birds and immatures) at my feeder from spring till fall, most coming (I assume) from Salisbury Pond several blocks away. (I live in a residential urban neighborhood). Just now, I looked out and saw two Redwings mating. The female assumed what some litearture describes as a "submissive" posture, but I will call a "receptive" posture: crouched low onto the ground, head slightly raised body quivering much in the same way you see newly fledged birds quiver when they want to get fed. The male Redwing was quite extraordinary: he kept circling the female at a distance of about a foot, wings spread over the ground and being dragged in this state over the ground, epaulets vibrating. The back was arched, head held low. He always kept facing her. After several circlings, moving sometimes one way, then the other, he then mounted her and then repeated the whole process three times. Then instead of flying off, dragged his wings off to under the bushes where I lost sight of him and the female then continued to feed. Though I am quite familiar with the mating behaviors of Redwings, I always thought it occured on the males territory AFTER a female, who typically first appear on the fringes of marshes, had landed down among the cattails, ie accepting him as a mate. I wonder if this is a case of a male from one pair mating with a female of another pair as she left the territory to find food. (report from Mark Lynch).

5/23/05 -- Bolton Flats and Wachusett Reservoir, Bolton/Clinton
A few hilights at Boloton Flats this evening: Greater Yellowlegs 1; Solitary Sandpiper 5; Least Sandpiper 8; Spotted Sandpiper 3;
At the Wachusetts Resevior, I was scopeless but spotted a group of approx. 75 tightly bunched up waterfowl from the RTE 110 dike in Clinton, I drove to the other side RTE 70 but still could not make the ID with only an 8X glass. These MAY be scoters judging by them being so tightly "packed" together, the date and weather conditions. With the current weather they may stick around and be worth checking out. (report from Tom Pirro).

5/23/05 -- Broad Meadow Brook Sanctuary, Worcester
Highlights this morning: Wood Duck (female w/ 7 young - very young); Broad-winged Hawk (1 - on nest); SORA (1); Greater Yellowlegs (1); Solitary Sandpiper (1); Spotted Sandpiper (2); LEAST SANDPIPER (1 - NEW SANCTUARY BIRD); Red-bellied Woodpecker (1); Hairy Woodpecker (1); Northern Flicker (2); Eastern Wood-Pewee (4); Eastern Phoebe (1 - also a nest); Great Crested Flycatcher (2); Warbling Vireo (4); Red-eyed Vireo (7); Carolina Wren (1); House Wren (3); Eastern Bluebird (1); Wood Thrush (9); Gray Catbird (11); Scarlet Tanager (1); Eastern Towhee (10); Field Sparrow (1); Song Sparrow (20); Rose-breasted Grosbeak (8); Indigo Bunting (1); Brown-headed Cowbird (8); Baltimore Oriole (11); (report from John Liller).

5/22/05 -- Ware River Watershed
Despite cold temps (lower 40s the entire time we were out) and periodic showers and generally dark and dank conditions, we ran one of our surveys of the Ware River Watershed: essentially the roads between Barre Falls Dam and Rutland State Park (the descriptions of these roads are in the new Western Guide). Despite the less than ideal conditions, we had some decent counts of birds though some numbers were way off. It is difficult to say whether this was a factor of the weather or the true absence of the birds. As was true yesterday, there were only a tiny handful of migrants (ie: just passing through) and the bulk of the birds were migrant breeders on suitable territory: American Bittern (1 pumping away loudly); Great Blue Heron (17 active nests. Because of the weather conditions, most nests had an adult sitting tightly on top. But we watched several adults feeding small, very whitish and downy young); Canada Goose (10); Mallard (4); HOODED MERGANSER (7f. We watched 5 females fly up to the top of a Wood Duck box one at a time till there were all crowded on top and then begin to peer in one at a time); Sharp-shinned Hawk (1 ad hunting); Broad-winged Hawk (1); Ruffed Grouse (1); Virginia Rail (1); Spotted Sandpiper (1); Ruby-throated Hummingbird (1); Downy Woodpecker (4); Hairy Woodpecker (5); N Flicker (2: low); (note absence of Pileated which is unusual for this location); E Wood Peewee (1: extremely low for this location for this time of the year); Alder Flycatcher (2: low); (typically there are also Willows here, but not today); Eastern Phoebe (1: low); Great Crested Flycatcher (3); Eastern Kingbird (11); Yellow-throated Vireo (1); Blue-headed Vireo (8: low); Warbling Vireo (7); Red-eyed Vireo (50: this may seem like a lot, but it is actually far below what we tally here on our breeding surveys. Because this species is such a persistant singer, this low a count is likely not due to the weather); Blue Jay (17); A Crow (2); Common Raven (2); Tree Swallow (66); Barn Swallow (12); Black-capped Chickadee (67); Tufted Titmouse (7); Red-breasted Nuthatch (3); White-breasted Nuthatch (4); Brown Creeper (8); Golden-crowned Kinglet (4); Blue-gray Gnatcatcher (3); NO BLUEBIRDS: unusual Veery (16); Hermit thrush (8: low); Wood Thrush (3); A Robin (32); Gray Catbird (39); Brown Thrasher (1: Prison Camp area); Scarlet Tanager (29); Eastern Towhee (37); Chipping Sparrow (19); Field Sparrow (1); Savannah Sparrow (1); Song Sparrow (16); Lincoln's Sparrow (1 singing); Swamp Sparrow (26); White-throated Sparrow (6); N cardinal (2); Rose-breasted Grosbeak (22); Indigo Bunting (3); Bobolink (5: including a few pairs attempting to nest in the field that for some reason, the Army Corps of Engineers has given to Frisbee Golfers: don't ask, I have NO idea why); Red-winged Blackbird (123); C Grackle (47); Brown-headed Cowbird (6); Orchard Oriole (1m: rare here); Baltimore Oriole (46); Purple Finch (4); House Finch (2); A Goldfinch (18); PLUS: One way to brighten up a dreary cold day when herps aren't out, and butterflies and odes aren't in eveidence, is to check out wildflowers. Among the species we had were: Moss Phlox; Wood Anemone (extremely abundant);; Canada Mayflower; Sessile Bellwort (sounds like the name of a P.G. Wodehouse character);; Dwarf Ginseng; Periwinkle; Jack-In-The-Pulpit; Marsh Marigold; Foam Flower; Fringed Polygala (abundant); and a stunning area of Painted Trillium. (report from Mark Lynch/Sheila Carroll).

5/21/05 -- Asnebumskit Hill, Paxton
I counted 28 nests at the Great Blue Heron rookery. Most of the nests appeared to have 3 or 4 young ones still with some downey feathers. While I was there a female Hooded Merganser swam by with about a dozen tiny ducklings in tow. (report from Brian Mulhearn)

5/21/05 -- Monson
We headed today to one of the more out-of the-way small towns of Massachsuetts: Monson. This town is south of Palmer, well east of the Connecticut River and on the Connecticut border. It is adjacent to Wales, MA if that is any help. It is a rather attractive town. There is a small main street and the rest of the town is typical suburban mixed with small farms and wooded hills that are rapidly being developed at a discouraging rate (the number of "Starter Castles" and "McMansions" is growing daily). Much of the area is quite steep, especially in the NW corner, the hiilsides covered with deciduous trees with an undergrowth of Mountain Laurel et. There are important small areas of hemlocks which were very hard hit by wooly adelgid several years back. We went back to see how these areas were doing. In the Lunden/Miller Pond area, a number of trees are effectively dead, with some even now fallen over. However, the worst hit trees were those that were on the very pond edge and therefore getting the most sun, those set back in the forest were damaged some, but seemed to be holding on and we did detect new growth. So all is not lost. It may be that the severe winters have stopped the spread at least temporarily. We mostly stuck to just a few areas: Butler Road, which has two nice Trustees of Reservations properties: Peaked Mountain (we only birded the base of this hill); and Lunden/Miller Pond (which we hiked around). We then hit Conant Brook Army Corps of Engineers water control project which has a nice wooded swamp with trails. BTW: if you look at your road map, it may show this area as a big reservoir, but it isn't. Both of these spots are in the BIRD FINDING GUIDE TO WESTERN MASSACHUSETTS (pp.293);. We also did some birding along the winding roads of the NW corner of the town. There was virtually NO migration in evidence today here, and except for (1) Solitary Sandpiper, (2) Blackpolls and a Parula, all the other birds are very likely breeders.

Great Blue Heron (2); Turkey Vulture (5); Canada Goose (7+1 on nest); Mallard (5); Red-shouldered Hawk (1); Broad-winged Hawk (1); Red-tailed Hawk (4); Ruffed Grouse (1); Wild Turkey (4); Solitary Sandpiper (1); Spotted Sandpiper (3); Yellow-billed Cuckoo (1); Belted Kingfisher (2); Red-bellied Woodpecker (3); Downy Woodpecker (4); Hairy Woodpecker (4+ 1f at nest with young heard inside); N Flicker (5); Pileated Woodpecker (1); Eastern Wood Peewee (9); Acadian Flycatcher (1: possibly a breeder, but most likely a migrant); Eastern Phoebe (15); Great Crested Flycatcher (5); Eastern Kingbird (7); Yellow-throated Vireo (2); Blue-headed Vireo (9); Warbling Vireo (13); Red-eyed Vireo (80); Blue Jay (31); A Crow (12); Tree Swallow (33); N Rough-winged Swallow (6); Barn Swallow (9); Black-capped Chickadee (42); Tufted Titmouse (55); Red-breasted Nuthatch (10: we got more of these here than inside Quabbin last weekend!); White-breasted Nuthatch (11); Brown Creeper (5); Carolina Wren (1); House Wren (6); Winter Wren (1); Blue-gray Gnatcatcher (2); E Bluebird (4); Veery (13); Wood Thrush (11); A Robin (144); Gray Catbird (54); Cedar Waxwing (4);

Scarlet Tanager (18); E Towhee (24); Chipping Sparrow (83); Field Sparrow (1); Song Sparrow (40); Swamp Sparrow (3); N Cardinal (20); Rose-breasted Grosbeak (24); Indigo Bunting (6m); Bobolink (6); Red-winged Blackbird (72); C Grackle (69); Brown-headed Cowbird (5); BALTIMORE ORIOLE (62: we were never out of earshot of an oriole); Purple Finch (1); A Goldfinch (29); PLUS: Celandine, Starflower, Ladyslippers almost in bloom and a very nice display of Fringed Polygala and soem Dwarf Ginseng too. (report from Mark Lynch/Sheila Carroll).

5/20/05 -- HyCrest Pond, Sterling
I've been hearing loon calls since April 10, but I haven't seen 2 on the surface at the same time. But today I saw two swimming together and diving together. And more auspicious, they were at the right (east, larger) island together for about a minute. Though they never left the water, they were checking it out (the west end) carefully from the water. Also, while I was there I saw a mink carrying a fish. I was downwind and he bever noticed me until he was real close. At that point he dropped the fish and ran under a rock. (report from Stan Selkow).

5/20/05 -- Winimusset Meadows, New Braintree
Highlights of an early afternoon trip to the beaver pond and adjacent field at Winimusset Meadows in New Braintree were: 2 American bittern flying together, 4 hooded mergansers, 2 osprey, one was in the nest with only it's head showing, 1 startled turkey and birder (it burst into flight about 10 feet from me), 1 solitary sandpiper, 15 common nighthawks, 1 alder flycatcher, 2 Eastern meadowlarks and many bobolinks. (report from Bart Kamp).

5/20/05 -- High Ridge WMA, Gardner
Hilights from this morning at the Smith Street Gate: Great Blue Heron 5; American Bittern 2 (one calling from the marsh, later two in a nearby field, they both took flight. One headed back to the Smith St. Marsh...were it continued to call...the other head south east perhaps to another field or the lower marsh in Westminster); Black-billed Cuckoo 2 excellent looks at both birds from within 15-20' !; Alder Flycather 2; Veery 1; Balt. Oriole 5; Rose-breasted Grosbeak 6; Pileated Woodpecker 1; (report from Tom Pirro).

5/20/05 -- Leesville Pond/Hope Cemetery, Worcester
We birded All Saints Cemetery/Leesville Pond and Hope Cemetery this morning before work. There were some migrants on the move, particularly Blackpolls.
  • ALL SAINTS/LEESVILLE: Great Blue Heron (2); BLACK-CROWNED NIGHT HERON (1ad); Mute Swan (1); Canada Goose (15 ad+10 yg); Wood Duck (pair); Mallard (4: 3 males relentlessly puruing a female across the lawn of the cemetery); Killdeer (1ad w/3yg); Spotted Sandpiper (1); E Kingbird (3); Barn Swallow (2); Warbling Vireo (7); House Wren (3); Gray Catbird (12); Cedar Waxwing (1);
      WARBLERS: Yellow (10); Magnolia (1); Cape May (1); Yellow-rumped (1f); Pine (1); Bay-breasted (1); Blackpoll (9); C Yellowthroat (2);
    ORCHARD ORIOLE (4m+1f: this has been an extraordinary year for this species in the city. The territorial bird at the entrance is still there, plus we found three other singing males, one just outside the cemetery, and one female.); Baltimore Oriole (5); Plus: Woodchuck (1);
  • HOPE CEMETERY: Canada Goose (4: grazing on the newly mown grasses); E Kingbird (5); Red-eyed Vireo (2); Gray Catbird (6); N Mockingbird (9); Brown Thrasher (1);
      WARBLERS: Tennessee (1); N Parula (1); Yellow (1); Black-throated Green (1); Black and White (1); Blackpoll (9); A Redstart (1); C. Yellowthroat (2);
    Scarlet Tanager (1); Baltimore Oriole (6); (report from Mark Lynch/Sheila Carroll).

    • 5/19/05 -- Mount Wachusett Community College, Gardner
    Hilites: Green Heron 2; Am. Woodcock 1 flushed from a vacant lot; Least Flycatcher 1; Eastern WoodPeewee 1; Swainson's Thrush 1; Ruby-throated Hummingbird 1; Tenneessee Warbler 1; Northern Parula 1; Chestnut-sided Warbler 2; Yellow-rumped Warbler 3; Yellow Warbler 3; Blackburian Warbler 1; Common Yellowthroat 4; Ovenbird 1; Black and White Warbler 1; The Hummingbird was harrassing one of the Chestnut-sided Wablers, once the CS Warb. landed it zig-zagged back and forth right about a foot away from the Warbler. (report from Tom Pirro).

    5/19/05 -- Tower Hill, Boylston
    As part of our systematic birding of Tower Hill Botanic Garden (Boylston, MA, and in preparation for our Forbush Bird Club trip to the Garden this Saturday (5/21), we birded the Garden during much of today. Highlights: Great Blue Heron 1; Cooper's Hawk 1; Red-Tailed Hawk 1; Wild Turkey 3; Eastern Phoebe 3; Eastern Wood Pewee 2; Wood Thrush +; Hermit Thrush +; Veery + (1 with nest); Eastern Bluebird (2 pair tending nesting boxes); Red-eyed Vireo +; Yellow Warbler 3; Magnolia Warbler 2; Yellow-rumped Warbler 2; B T Green Warbler 2; Pine Warbler 3; Ovenbird +Common Yellowthroat +; American Redstart +; Baltimore Oriole 5; Brown-headed Cowbird 5; Indigo Bunting 1; Total of 40 species. (report from Jim & Kathie Hogan).

    5/19/05 -- Sylvester Street, Leicester
    We birded along Sylvester Street in Leicester this AM before work. This is a "L"-shaped dirt road that runs behind Worcester Airport. At one time it was open to traffic but is now gated, though open to snowmobiles in the winter. Land on the immediate either side of the road is either airport property or Worcester Water Department property and is strictly off limits. Habitat is mixed forested hillside with stands of hemlock, Red Pine (reservoir plantings); et. with some small scrubby open areas. Part of the street borders one corner of the small Lyndebrook Reservoir.
    Canada Goose (4); Mallard (2m); Wild Turkey (1); Ruffed Grouse (1); Spotted Sandpiper (1); Mourning Dove (10); Downy Woodpecker (1); N Flicker (3); E Wood Peewee (1); Least Flycatcher (1); E Phoebe (1); Great Crested Flycatcher (1); E Kingbird (3); Red-eyed Vireo (11); Tree Swallow (1); Blue Jay (27: still moving east); Black-capped Chickadee (11); Tufted Titmouse (6); Red-breasted Nuthatch (1); White-breasted Nuthatch (7); House Wren (2); Winter Wren (on territory and in full song); Veery (3); BICKNELL'S THRUSH (sang several times at dawn); Wood Thrush (12); A Robin (13); Gray Catbird (14); Scarlet Tanager (10); N Cardinal (5); Rose-breasted Grosbeak (3); E Towhee (2); Chipping Sparrow (1); Song Sparrow (7); Whiite-throated Sparrow (4); Red-winged Blackbird (9); Brown-headed Cowbird (8); Baltimore Oriole (5); A Goldfinch (7); Plus: The Purple Trilliums are now passed, though lots of Starflower is now blooming.
    (report from Mark Lynch/Sheila Carroll).

    5/18/05 -- Quaboag Lake, Brookfield
    Evening spent on Quaboag Lake with the following highlights: (1) Ad. bald eagle remained perched in tree near new nesting site; (2) Common loons; (1) Double-crested cormorant; (2) Eastern kingbirds; (1) Yellow warbler; (1) Baltimore Oriole; (4) Mallards; (3) Great blue herons; (1) Rose breasted grosbeak; (1) Red-bellied woodpecker; Numerous tree swallows and red-winged blackbirds. (report from Larry & Naomi Lacasse).

    5/17/05 -- Auburn Bird Banding Station, Auburn
    Last week we had two firsts at the Auburn Banding Station. On Monday, May 9, we caught and banded a Rusty Blackbird. On Wednesday, May 11, we caught and banded a Blue-gray Gnatcatcher and a second Rusty Black-bird. There is a picture of one of the Blackbirds posted on the birdbanding website. There's a nice picture of a pair of Blue-winged Warblers that we caught Saturday (5/14) also. (report from Colleen Morin).

    5/17/05 -- High Ridge WMA, Gardner
    Hilites from a quick walk into the Smith St. Gate of High Ridge WMA this moring before work: Green-winged Teal 3 (2 M + 1F); Ruffed grouse 1; Least Flycather 1; Alder Flycatcher 1; Wood thrush 2; Yellow Warbler 4; Nashville Warbler 2; Chestnut-sided Warbler 4; Magnolia Warbler 2; Am. Redstart 2; Blackburnian Warbler 1; Common Yellowthroat 5; Ovenbird 4; Rose-breasted Grosbeak 2; Baltimore Oriole 4; (report from Tom PIrro).

    5/16/05 -- Bolton Flats, Bolton
    Hilights from this evening at Bolton Flats: Semipalmated Plover 1; Killdeer 6; Greater Yellowlegs 20; Lesser Yellowlegs 2; Solitary Sandpiper 21; Spotted Sandpiper 4; Least Sandpiper 15; Blue-gray Gnatcatcher 2; Rosebreasted Grosbeak 3; Baltimore Oriole 5; Bank Swallow dozens; Tree Swallow dozens. (report from Tom Pirro).

    5/16/05 -- Fitchburg
    New yard birds this week: Indigo Bunting, Ruby Throated Hummingbird, White Crowned Sparrow, Eastern Towhee. (report from Cheryl and Jean-Pierre).

    5/16/05 -- Worcester Academy, Worcester
    I recorded my first ever Black-throated Blue Warbler at Worcester Academy this morning. It was singing in a tree on the edge of "The Quad", which is our green in the middle of campus. (report from John Liller).

    5/15/05 -- Forbush Bird Club Trip Westminster and Princeton
    The Forbush Bird Club held a trip to Westminster and Princeton on May 15, 2005. Francis X. McMenemy led the 9 members who attended on a cool and cloudy day. At mid-morning the weather gave way to a surprise downpour that required the trip to forego the usual stop at High Ridge in Gardner. The rain let up briefly to allow a stop at Paradise Pond to check on the progress of the Common Loons being seen there. Complete trip list here
    (report from Joan Zumpfe).

    5/15/05 -- Merriam Rd., Grafton
    Kim Kastler and I recorded the following highlights this morning: Red-bellied Woodpecker (1); Eastern Phoebe (1); Great Crested Flycatcher (1); Eastern Kingbird (1); Warbling Vireo (2); House Wren (6); Veery (1); Wood Thrush (2); Gray Catbird (4); Brown Thrasher (1); Scarlet Tanager (2); Eastern Towhee (3); Song Sparrow (2); Rose-breasted Grosbeak (2); Baltimore Oriole (3); (report from John Liller).

    5/15/05 -- Coys Brook, West Brookfield
    One of the pleasures of birding closer to home on Birdathon is that you have time to explore a bit. On Saturday afternoon (5/14), while birding only small parts of the Quabog IBA, we stopped by the overlook of Coys Brook in West Brookfield (off Foster Hill Road). Here we were pleasantly surprised to find: Blue-winged Teal (1m: it is interesting to note that last year, almost to the day, we had a pair of Blue-winged Teal here); Lesser Yellowlegs (9); Solitary Sandpiper (13); Least Sandpiper (12). Today (Sunday) returning back from birding South Quabbin with my class, we again stopped by Coys Brook and this time had: Greater Yellowlegs (2); Lesser Yellowlegs (5); Solitary Sandpiper (2). (report from Mark Lynch/Sheila Carroll).

    5/15/05 -- Quabbin Park
    Our MAS class took a trip this morning to Quabbin Park. The weather was a bit iffy, with some periods of showers and a general dark overcast . This probably cut down on song and movement somewhat, but we did fine none-the-less with some outstanding views of lots of birds: Common Loon (5); Double-crested Cormorant (1); Great Blue Heron (1); Turkey Vulture (2); Canaad Goose (1); A Black Duck (2); Mallard (1); Common Merganser (2f+1m); Osprey (1); Red-tailed Hawk (1); Wild Turkey (5); Killdeer (1); Spotted Sandpiper (2); Ring-billed Gull (22); Chimney Swift (2); Ruby-throated Hummingbird (2); Red-bellied Woodpecker (1); Yellow-bellied Sapsucker (2); Downy Woodpecker (7); N Flicker (2); Pileated Woodpecker (1); Eastern Wood Peewee (3); Least Flycatcher (10); Eastern Phoebe (12); Great Crested Flycatcher (1); Eastern Kingbird (7); Yellow-throated Vireo (10); Warbling Vireo (2); Red-eyed Vireo (38); Blue Jay (16: some migratory movement east); A Crow (8); Common Raven (pair at nest with young); Tree Swallow (9); N Rough-winged Swallow (2); Barn Swallow (2); Black-capped Chickadee (14); Tufted Titmouse (5); Red-breasted Nuthatch (1); White-breasted Nuthatch (6); House Wren (1); Blue-gray Gnatcatcher (14); Eastern Bluebird (2); Veery (4); Hermit Thrush (1); Wood Thrush (2); A Robin (28); Gray Catbird (10); Cedar Waxwing (1); Scarlet Tanager (17); E Towhee (14); Chipping Sparow (44); Field Sparrow (3); Song Sparrow (7); White-crowned Sparrow (1ad feeding on a trail in front of the whole class); Rose-breasted Grosbeak (12); Indigo Bunting (3m+1f); Red-winged Blackbird (6); C Grackle (22); Brown-headed Cowbird (15+); Blatimore Oriole (39); House Finch (1); A Goldfinch (8); PLUS: Loads of American Toads calling along the water's edge; River Otter, some nice areas of Columbine in full bloom. (report from Mark Lynch/Sheila Carroll).

    5/15/05 -- Worcester
    In my back yard late today I saw 1 white-crowned sparrow and 2 Swainson's thrushes, one was singing. (report from Bart Kamp).

    5/15/05 -- Buck Hill, Burrillville, RI
    Highlights this morning: Great Blue Heron (6, on nests); EASTERN WOOD-PEWEE (1); Eastern Phoebe (1); Great Crested Flycatcher (3, very noisy); Tree Swallow (5); Veery (1); Hermit Thrush (1, singing while flitting like a warbler from branch to branch next to the road -- oddest thrush I've ever seen!); Wood Thrush (1); Gray Catbird (4); Red-eyed Vireo (12-15) ; Northern Parula (1); Magnolia Warbler (3); Blackburnian Warbler (1); Prairie Warbler (1); Black-and-white Warbler (15-20); Ovenbird (6-8); Northern Waterthrush (1); Scarlet Tanager (3m, 1f); Rose-breasted Grosbeak (1); Eastern Towhee (2); Chipping Sparrow (8); Song Sparrow (3); Baltimore Oriole (10-12). (report from Mark Landon).

    5/14/05 -- Ridge Road & Mandell Hill, Hardwick. MAS Cooks Canyon Sanctuary, Barre. Rock House Reservation, West Brookfield. Winimusset WMA, New Braintree
    From 4:00 A.M.--2:00 P.M.
    [Ed. note: Chris has become our "bird poet", and his well composed narratives have become long enough that they deserve a special web page. I'm creating a new web page, that will be linked from the "Recent Sightings" page, which will contain extended narratives of bird trips, as well as extensive compilations of bird sighting data. The census link will still contain separate listings of official census data. I hope that this format will make it easier to go through the Recent Sightings pages.]

    Complete trip report here (report from Chris Ellison).

    5/14/05 -- Valley Hill Drive (off of Salisbury St.), Worcester
    At about 8:00 AM - we spotted an adult male Orchard Oriole on Valley Hill Drive - off of Salisbury Street - in Worcester. We had very good looks at this bird, he was in a flowering tree on someone's property and was there long enough to get great looks (just happened to have my binnocs with me!). (report from Jo-Ann Ferrie).

    5/14/05 -- Gate 45 Quabbin
    As a section of our part of Broad Meadow Brook's BIRDATHON effort we covered part of Quabbin. As a sanctaury we field teams ONLY in Central Mass and encourage folks to do only one or two areas, a town, to hike or bike (we use a lot less fuel that way);. For our part, we did three IBAs and spent Saturday morning in Gate 45 Quabbin. We were in there before dawn and we had one of the best dawn choruses I have heard in some time. The down side was that the Black Flies and the mosquitoes were horrendous. And there were quite a number of ticks (including Deer); to boot. Totals for just that gate: Common Loon (pair+3adS+1 1stS); Canada Goose (pair w/8 goslings+another ad); Wood Duck (5); Mallard (5); WHITE-WINGED SCOTER (1m:); Hooded Merganser (5f: these were interesting. They were all together, perched all over and around a few Wood Duck boxes and occasionally one would poke ahead in, call, then fly around calling and then land at a distance calling. We were thinking that this MAY be a group trying to entice chicks to come out of the box. We have seen this many time sbefore, but never with so many females together. It is known that sometimes Hoodeds form "creches" of several broods together watched over by a few females, and perhaps this was the beginning of a creche.); COMMON MERGANSER (4f+1pair. We watched one female fly up into a nest hole, then leave and fly all around, again CALLING and calling. She was joined by another female who did the same thing in the same area); Ruffed Grouse (3); Wild Turkey (2); Solitary Sandpiper (2); Spotted Sandpiper (2); Herring Gull (flock of 11: no AdS plumages among them); Great Black-backed Gull (1 3rdS); Mourning Dove (2); Chimney Swift (flock of 27 migrating); Red-bellied Woodpecker (4); Yellow-bellied Sapsucker (12 minimum); Downy Woodpecker (6); Hairy Woodpecker (3); N Flicker (7); Pileated Woodpecker (5: some grand views); E Wood Peewee (1); Least Flycatcher (5); E Phoebe (3); Great Crested Flycathcer (3); Eastern Kingbird (5); Yellow-throated Vireo (11); Blue-headed Vireo (4); Red-eyed Vireo (26); Blue Jay (8); A Crow (6); Tree Swallow (89); Barn Swallow (2); Black-capped Chickadee (26); Tufted Titmouse (3); White-breasted Nuthatch (12); Brown Creeper (2); Blue-gray Gnatcatcher (5); Veery (16); Hermit Thrush (11); Wood Thrush (29); A Robin (13); Gray Catbird (15); Scarlet Tanager (22); E Towhee (28); Chipping Sparrow (11); White-throated Sparrow (4); N Cardinal (1); Rose-breasted Grosbeak (19); Red-winged Blackbird (32); C Grackle (57); Brown-headed Cowbird (6); Baltimore Oriole (18); Purple Finch (1); A Goldfinch (4); Evening Grosbeak (1); PLUS: River Otter, Short-tailed Weasel, Muskrat, Beaver, White-tailed Deer, Pocupine, Frogs: Gray Tree, Pickerel, Green, Bull, Peepers, large area of Jack-In-The-Pulpits et. (report from Mark Lynch/Sheila Carroll).

    5/14/05 -- Northbridge/Grafton/Upton
    We had a good Bird-a-thon [Mass Audubon Society fundraiser] in our 5-mile radius circle centered in Northbridge. (The circle included all of Northbridge, most of Grafton and Upton, and parts of Uxbridge and Sutton.) We ended up with 93 species, which was 5 more than last year in the same general area. Fisherville Pond was somewhat disappointing (little flats, and most of those present were overgrown), and the Northbridge Sewer Works was even worse. But River Bend Farm, Plummer's Landing, West River, Upton State Forest, and the Merriam Road Conservation Land and Hennessy Land on Adams Road in Grafton were all good. The biggest miss was Worm-eating Warbler (not for lack of trying), and our silliest misses may have been Eastern Wood-Pewee and Prairie Warbler. Complete list here. (report from John Liller).

    5/13/05 -- Delaney WMA, Harvard/Bolton/Stow
    Friday for Broad Meadow Brook's Birdathon, we were in Delaney WMA in Harvard/Bolton/Stow. Landbirds were in very short supply here and we were amazed at how little song there was. Also depressing is the number of house lots being developed in the area, especialy along the overview of the heron rookery. In a very short time, you will no longer be able to pull over here to check the northen marsh. Double-crested Cormorant (6); Great Blue Heron (21 occupied nests); Green Heron (1); Canada Goose (15); Wood Duck (7); Mallard (2); Hooded Merganser (1f); Virginia Rail (8); Sora (1); Greater Yellowlegs (1); GREAT HORNED OWL (2 young in nest. This was the highlight of our time here. Sheila found this nest among the Great Blues and the young were quite large: their breast feathers already had an adult's pattern, but their head and wings still had lots of down. One bird was walking all about the nest, perching on the rim and stretching it's wings. To see this nest, go to the road that runs between the north and south impoundments of Delaney. There is a dirt pull-off just before the stream that runs down to the stream edge adn the bridge. From here, check the heron nests north in the pines (a scope would be great). Belted Kingfisher (1); Eastern Kingbird (2); Brown Creeper (2); Gray Catbird (17); Brown Thrasher (1); Warbling Vireo (2); Yellow Warbler (5); Yellow-rumped Warbler (5); Pine Warbler (3); Black and White Warbler (1); Common Yellowthroat (2); Baltimore Oriole (18); Purple Finch (1); Plus: Muskrats, and Starflower everywhere. (report from Mark Lynch/Sheila Carroll).

    5/13/05 -- Waste-Water Treatment Plant, Northbridge
    From 4:30 to 6PM today, a walk within the main perimeter and along two short adjoining trails yielded highlights of: eastern phoebe-2; eastern kingbird; blue bird (m); warbling vireo-2; yellow warbler-several; american redstart; wood thrush (calling); rose-breasted grosbeak; brown-headed cowbird-several; killdeer; wild turkey (f); Baltimore oriole-(m&f). (report from Beth Milke).

    5/13/05 -- Institute Park, Worcester
    Notable at noon were: 1 Black-crowned Night Heron, 1 RC Kinglet, 1 N. Parula, 2 Yellow Warbler, 2 Magnolia Warbler, 1 Black-throated Blue Warbler, 6 Yellow-rumped Warbler, 1 Black-and-white Warbler, 2 American Redstart, 1 Common Yellowthroat, 1 Wilson's Warbler, and 3 Baltimore Oriole. Mammals observed: racoon and mink. (report from Rick Quimby).

    5/12/05 -- Gardner
    I spent the day birding in Gardner on 5/12. Land birding was quite bleak with high winds of 20-25 MPH all day. Hilights of 82 species seen and or heard: Common Loon 2 ( 1 in flight and 1 on Crystal Lake); American Bittern 1 Smith street Marsh High Ridge WMA; Green Heron 1; Green-winged Teal 2 a pair on the snith street marsh; Sora 1 calling from the Smith street marsh; Greater Yellowlegs 1; Solitary Sandpiper 3; American Woddcock 2; Barred Owl 1; Eastern Kingbird 5 (the only other flycather was E. Pheobe!); Blue-headed Vireo 5; Red-eyed Vireo 3; Warbling Vireo 2; House Wren 10+; Ruby-crowned Kinglet 2; Golden-crowned Kinglet 3 (all in breeding habitat); Hermit Thrush 4; Wood thrush 2; Scalet tanager 2; Rosebreasted Grosbeak 5; White-crowned Sparrow 1; Purple Finch 2; Evening Grosbeak 1. (report from Tom Pirro).

    5/12/05 -- Bolton Flats, Bolton
    This evening at 6:30, I observed the following: Killdeer 2, Greater Yellowlegs 12, Solitary Sandpiper 1, Least Sandpiper 11, Warbling Vireo 2, Tree Swallow 50, Northern Rough-winged Swallow 10, Barn Swallow 30, Gray Catbird 2, Yellow Warbler 4, Common Yellowthroat 2, Song Sparrow 4, White-crowned Sparrow 1; the usual cast of waterfowl and swamp lovers - Canada geese, mallards, wood ducks, red-wings, grackles - were there in abundance. Wading or good long jump skills are required as the water is still high. (report from Andrea Burke).

    5/12/05 -- Institute Park, Worcester
    Highlights at noon included 1 Mute Swan (peacably drifting by 2 Canada Geese), 1 RC Kinglet, 2 Gray Catbird, 2 Warbling Vireo, 1 N. Parula, 1 Yellow Warbler, 1 Magnolia Warbler, 2 Yellow-rumped Warbler, 1 Pine Warbler, 2 Black-and-white Warbler, 1 Common Yellowthroat, 1 Wilson's Warbler (m), and 3 Baltimore Orioles (all m, one 1st yr male). (report from Rick Quimby).

    5/12/05 -- Leesville Pond/Hope Cemetery, Worcester
    We had a frustratingly short time to bird Leesville Pond/All Faith's Cemetery and Hope Cemetery in the SW corner of Worcester this AM because of work constraints. Conditions were not great as it was quite breezy. Highlights:
  • LEESVILLE: Double-crested Cormorant (4); Turkey Vulture (2); Mute Swan (pr); Canada Goose (15+ 6 goslings); Wood Duck (4); Killdeer (1); Mallard (6); Solitary Sandpiper (1); Spotted Sandpiper (2); E Kingbird (3); Tree Swallow (4); N Rough-winged Swallow (2); Gray Catbird (6); Warbling Vireo (4); Blue-winged Warbler (1); Yellow Warbler (8); Magnolia Warbler (1); Yellow-rumped Warbler (9); Baltimore Oriole (8); ORCHARD ORIOLE (1 adM singing constantly just as you entered the cemetery. It flew from from a small maple at the edge of the cemetery to some trees on the edge of the pond and back and forth);
  • HOPE CEMETERY: partly in the company of the Walkers. (It was a shame to do such superficial birding here as it seemed that birds "were around".); Canada Goose (2); Red-tailed Hawk (1); E Kingbird (5); House Wren (2); Carolina Wren (1); N Mockingbird (4); Warbling Vireo (1); Brown Thrasher (3); Nashville Warbler (1); N Parula (1); Magnolia Warbler (1); Yellow-rumped Warbler (8); Baltimore Oriole (10); ORCHARD ORIOLE (1 1st yr: found by the Walkers along southern edge near nursery and still present when we arrived);
    (report from Mark Lynch/Sheila Carroll).

    • 5/11/05 -- Grafton yard birds
    Highlights observed while "sick-in-bed": Broad-winged Hawk (1); Killdeer (1); Barred Owl (2); Red-bellied Woodpecker (1); Hairy Woodpecker (1); Northern Flicker (1); Eastern Phoebe (2); Great Crested Flycatcher (1); Red-eyed Vireo (1); Veery (1); Wood Thrush (1); Nashville Warbler (1); Yellow-rumped Warbler (1); Black-and-white Warbler (2); Ovenbird (2); Rose-breasted Grosbeak (2); Brown-headed Cowbird (1); Baltimore Oriole (1); (report from John Liller).

    5/11/05 -- Barre Falls Dam, Barre
    Raptors migrating: Sharp-shinned Hawk 2 ; American Kestrel 1 ; Merlin 1 ; Also observed: Baltimore Oriole, scarlet tanager, indigo bunting. (report from Bart Kamp).

    5/11/05 -- Lake Ripple, North Grafton
    On the far side of Lake Ripple, an early evening walk revealed highlights of: Chipping Sparrow (6);, Downy Woodpecker (3, including a pair prominently mating on a low branch), Killdeer (1), Mute Swan (2 - pair with a nest that is visible from Rt. 30 just across from the Aggregate Industries plant), Wood Duck (1 male), Yellow Warbler (1 singing male), Baltimore Oriole (adult pair) (report from Elliott Garber).

    5/11/05 -- Paradise Pond, Princeton
    It appears that the pair of loons have nested on the same island as last year. This morning the pair was observed with one on the nest, which is on the left side of small tree looking from route 31 and the other swimming nearby and calling. (report from Matthew Pearson)

    5/11/05 -- Mount Wachusett Comm College, Gardner
    Hilites from a brief stop near Mount Wachusett Comm College this morning: Eastern Kingbird 3; Gray Catbird 3; Yellow Warbler 2; Chestnut-sided Warbler 2; Ovenbird 1; Praire Warbler 1; Wilson's Warbler 1; Black-thr Green Warbler 1; Balt. Oriole 1 1st year male; (report from Tom Pirro).

    5/11/05 -- Newton Hill, Worcester
    We had our first good movement of migrants all spring this morning on Newton Hill. I could tell it was going to be a good day when stepping outside the house I could hear several species of warbler, a kingbird and a Wood Thrush. Complete list below: BE SURE TO READ THE NOTA BENE at the end: Killdeer (1 overhead calling); Mourning Dove (2); Chimney Swift (2); Red-bellied Woodpecker (1m); Downy Woodpecker (3); N Flicker (2); Black-capped Chickadee (6); Tufted Titmouse (3); White-breasted Nuthatch (2); Blue Jay (3); SWAINSON'S THRUSH (1 seen, not singing); Wood Thrush (4); A Robin (5); Gray Catbird (6); Yellow-throated Vireo (1); Blue-headed Vireo (5); Warbling Vireo (1); Red-eyed Vireo (1); Scarlet Tanager (2); Chipping Sparrow (2: parking lot); N Cardinal (3); Rose-breasted Grosbeak (3); Brown-headed Cowbird (minimally 4: we watched a group of three, 1 male and two females, display and work thier way very low through the understory); Baltimore Oriole (4); A Goldfinch (2); English Sparrow (3+: periphery); PLUS: Lilly of the Valley starting to bloom and Mayflower, ditto. (report from Mark Lynch/Sheila Carroll).

    5/10/05 -- Winimusset WMA, New Braintree
    At least one, possibly two Whip-poor-Wills were heard calling from the Hardwick Road lot on Tuesday night. (report from Chris Buelow)

    5/10/05 -- Wachusett Meadow Wildlife Sanctuary and north county
    Early this a.m. a pair of Evening grosbeaks at the cottage feeder (Wachusett Meadow Wildlife Sanctuary) then at about 2 p.m. on Kelton St,Gardner at the entrance to Camp Collier, a pair of E grosbeaks, and just moments later at a feeder on Kelton St a lone female E grosbeak: more Evening grosbeaks than I've seen in two years all in a few hours. Also from WMWS a pair of Pine siskins at our feeder daily since last Fri (5/6) , 2 Lincoln sparrows around the cottage all day Monday.{ For some reason these are almost exclusively fall migrants here} and Monday also 1 imm and 1 adult bald eagle seen cruising thru the beaver swamp. Spring birds are arriving at record late dates. e.g. today our first hummer and chimney swifts. Still no catbirds, orioles, or thrushes. (report from Dick Knowlton).

    5/10/05 -- Institute Park, Worcester
    Highlights at noon from 33 species were 1 Black-crowned Night-Heron (ad), 1 Mute Swan, 8 Green-winged Teal (flew over and landed in pond), 1 Gadwall (m), 1 Spotted Sandpiper, 2 Chimney Swift, 1 Eastern Kingbird, 2 Ruby-crowned Kinglet, 1 Warbling Vireo, 2 N. Parula, 2 Yellow Warbler, 8+ Yellow-rumped Warbler, 2 Palm Warbler, 1 Northern Waterthrush, 1 Common Yellowthroat, and 2 Baltimore Oriole. (report from Rick Quimby).

    5/10/05 -- Winimusset WMA, New Braintree
    A morning walk along the marsh turned up Greater Yellowlegs(2), Least Flycatcher(1), Eastern Kingbird(3), Warbling Vireo(2), Yellow Warbler(15), Common Yellowthroat(2), Scarlet Tanager(1m), Savanah Sparrow(20+), Bobolink (8), Eastern Meadowlark(1 singing), and Baltimore Oriole(1). (report from Chris Buelow)

    5/10/05 -- Lunenburg
    This morning flying overhead of Lunenburg Town Center - Chimney Swifts. Baltimore Orioles have finally arrived in Lunenburg - this year the first male spotted/reported occurred yesterday (5/9). This is much later than the past couple of years - 5/1/04, 5/2/03. We have not yet had hummingbirds reported yet this year, which again is late compared to past years. (report from Lydia Henshaw).

    5/10/05 -- Sylvester Street, Leicester
    A 45 minute one-way walk down this dirt road had the following this morning: Pied-billed Grebe (1); Double-crested Cormorant (flock of 22 migrating); Canada Goose (1); Wood Duck (1 flying from nest hole); Mallard (7); Red-tailed Hawk (1); Wild Turkey (1); Mourning Dove (6); Belted Kingfisher (1); Downy Woodpecker (3); Hairy Woodpecker (1); N Flicker (1); E Phoebe (1 at nest); Great Crested Flycatcher (2); E Kingbird (3); Tree Swallow (pair at box); Blue Jay (4); Winter Wren (1: likely nester); Black-capped Chickadee (19); Tufted Titmouse (4); Red-breasted Nuthatch (2); White-breasted Nuthatch (7); Ruby-crowned Kinglet (4); Wood Thrush (1: thrush numbers still seem below normal); A Robin (16); Gray Catbird (4); Eastern Towhee (5); Chipping Sparrow (6); Song Sparrow (7); White-throated Sparrow (16); N Cardinal (5); Rose-breasted Grosbeak (2); Purple Finch (1m); A Goldfinch (13); Red-winged Blackbird (6); C Grackle (16); Brown-headed Cowbird (6); Baltimore Oriole (12); Large amounts of Purple Trillium still in bloom. (report from Mark Lynch/Sheila Carroll).

    5/10/05 -- Gardner
    Hilites from some prework birding this morning,
  • Near Mount Wachusett Community College: Common Loon 2 flying close enough to see the leg bands (but not the colors) -- many of the central mass breeding pairs are color banded; Greater Yellowlegs 5 overhead moving NE and calling; Gray Catbird 1; Ruby-crowned Kinglet 1; Brown Thrasher 1; Eastern Kingbird 1; Nashville Warbler 1; Black-thr Green Warbler 1; Yellow-rumped Warbler 5; Pine Warbler 1; Ovenbird 2; Rose-breasted grosbeak 1; Savannah Sparrow 5;
  • From Smith Street at High Ridge WMA : Green-winged Teal 2; Wood Duck 3; Hooded Merganser 2 female; Common Merganser 2 females ..... on the marsh but eventually flew off headed east; American Bittern 1 excellent views of this bird while calling; Brown Thrasher 1; House Wren 3; Yellow Warbler 1; Nashville Warbler 1; Northern Parula 1; Black-thr. green Warbler 1; Black and White Warbler 3; Pine Warbler 2; Yellow-rumped Warbler 5; Ovenbird 3; Common Yellowthroat 2; Rose-breasted Grosbeak 1; Savannah Sparrow 2; White-crowned Sparrow 2;
  • Last evening at the Wompanoag MAS in Gardner 3 Barred Owls were calling as well as an American Woodcock while the sliver of the moon rose.
    (report from Tom Pirro).

    • 5/9/05 -- Salisbury St., Worcester
    A whipporwill has been singing the last 2 nights at dusk from our backyard off Salisbury street. (report from Lisa and Simon Hennin).

    5/9/05 -- Merriam Rd., Grafton
    HIghlights at the Grafton Conservation Lands on Merriam Rd. this morning: Hairy Woodpecker (1); Yellow-throated Vireo (1); Warbling Vireo (1); Wood Thrush (3); Gray Catbird (2); Brown Thrasher (1); Blue-winged Warbler (2); Yellow Warbler (1); Black-and-white Warbler (2); Ovenbird (2); Common Yellowthroat (1); Eastern Towhee (1); Chipping Sparrow (3); Song Sparrow (6); Rose-breasted Grosbeak (1); Brown-headed Cowbird (5); (report from John Liller).

    5/9/05 -- Institute Park, Worcester
    Highlights at noon out of 25 species observed were 2 DC Cormorants (ad), 1 Black-crowned Night-Heron (ad), 1 Mute Swan, 3 Warbling Vireo, 3 Yellow Warbler, 1 Black-throated Blue Warbler (m), 2 Yellow-rumped Warbler, 1 Black-and-white Warbler, 1 American Redstart, 1 Savannah Sparrow, and 1 Baltimore Oriole. (report from Rick Quimby).

    5/8/05 -- Blackstone National Corridor
    We birded just a few place in the Corridor this morning in conditions that were extremely windy and cold and overcast: ie: "yuck".
  • LINCOLN WOODS ("highlights" only); Double-crested Cormorant (6); Canada Goose (22+1 brood of 5); Wood Duck (1m); Mallard (3); Osprey (2); Red-bellied Woodpecker (2); Tree Swallow (10+); N Rough-winged Swallow (12); Barn Swallow (16); Wood Thrush (1); Yellow Warbler (1); Yellow-rumped Warbler (4); Pine Warbler (1); Black and White Warbler (2); Baltimore Oriole (2); NOTA BENE: almost no song. Nice areas of Wood Anemone and Marsh Marigolds.
  • SEEKONK RIVER: we ran a standard point count north from Bold Point. The wind was so bad there were white caps along the Seekonk. Double-crested Cormorant (42); Mute Swan (136+ 1 nest on small island next to transmitter south of Red Bridge); Canada Goose (2); Mallard (16); COMMON GOLDENEYE (1m); Osprey (pair w/nest. The other nest that HAD been occupied seems to have been abandoned); Belted Kingfisher (1); Tree Swallow (50+); Barn Swallow (26); NOTA BENE: there were only a few passerine migrants about including at Swan Point Cemetery. Our focus was the river, but we had Eastern Phoebe, Eastern Kingbird, Warbling Vireo, Pine and Black-throated Green Warblers. We bumped into Rachel stalwartly leading the Swan Point trip and they were COLD but eeking out what few birds that were there. Rachel noted how extremely poor this year's migration at Swan Point has been SO FAR. I can add that migration to the north in interior MA at large areas where many species BREED has also, SO FAR, been extremely poor FOR THIS POINT IN THE SEASON. This includes Quabbin and the huge Ware River Watershed. We can only hope that though late, many birds are still in a holding pattern to the south and will waft north as soon as the winds turn favorable. After all, the winds could not get any more unfavorable than they were in the last two days!
  • SMITHFIELD (1 stop); MUTE SWAN (pair: up till recently Mutes in the breeding season in the Corridor were confined MOSTLY (but not always); to areas to the east of Rt. 146. They seem to be slowly spreading westwards in selected spots in the Corridor); Canada Goose (pair w/nest); Mallard (6); Virginia Rail (5); Tree Swallow (10); N Rough-winged Swallow (12); Yellow Warbler (5); Swamp Sparrow (2);
  • CHEPACHET: Sharp-shinned Hawk (1);
  • GLOCESTER: BURLINGAME RES (brief stop); Canada Goose (4/1 nest); Mallard (1); Blue-gray Gnatcatcher (2); Pine Warbler (3); Black and White Warbler (2); Northern Waterthrush (1); Ovenbird (2); Eastern Towhee (1);
    (report from Mark Lynch/Sheila Carroll).

    • 5/8/05 -- All Faiths Cemetery, Worcester
    I just had 2 adult Killdeer with 4 chicks at All Faiths Cemetery. (report from John Shea).

    5/8/05 -- High Ridge WMA, Gardner
    Hilights from this morning in Gardner, mostly from High Ridge WMA. Green-winged Teal 2 (a pair); Hooded Merganser 6 (5 females/ 1 male); Common Merganser 8 (7 females/ 1 male); American Bittern 1 calling from the Smith Street marsh; Merlin 1 A nice look at a fair damp and miserable looking individual perched atop a snag; Pileated Woodpecker 1; House Wren 1; Brown Thrasher 1; Blue-headed Vireo 5; Nashville Warbler 1; Northern Parula 2; Black-throated Blue Warbler 2; Black-throated Green Warbler 5; Yellow Warbler 1; Yellow-rumped Warbler 10+; Black and White Warbler 4; Pine Warbler 2; Rose-breasted Grosbeak 1; Eastern Towhee 2. (report from Tom Pirro).

    5/8/05 -- off Salisbury Street (near Park Ave), Worcester
    I was extremely surprised to look out my window and see a female ORCHARD ORIOLE continually land on my suet, though it did not eat any. Looking for fruit? Eventually it was viciously chased by a Grackle, part of the gang that rules the feeders area when they are present and had not been seen since. (report from Mark Lynch).

    5/7/05 -- --Brook Road & Ridge Roads, Hardwick
    Despite intermittent rain and an unrelenting cold wind, the Hampshire Bird Club's May 7th Hardwick trip proved a reasonably productive outing for its two participants, with leader Chris Ellison and the stalwart David Peake-Jones focusing their attention upon Brook Road and immediately adjacent terrain. Upon disembarking from vehicles at the southern tip of Brook Road, concentrated listening quickly produced Black-and-white Warbler, Common Yellowthroat, and Red-winged Blackbirds struggling mightily against buffeting winds. Scrutinizing a modestly sized beaver pond situated immediately east of their starting point yielded first rate-views of a Spotted Sandpiper, David's first sighting of this species this year. Moments later, David adroitly spotted a pair of Wood Ducks, slowly retreating from the pair's steady advance around the pond's circumference. A pair of Hooded Mergansers also appeared here. Investigation of second growth woodland interspersed with open pasture produced Yellow-rumped Warbler, an elusive Field Sparrow, a Song Sparrow, and the plaintive calls of an Eastern Phoebe. The interior of a dense swamp and its borders revealed few birds but abundant Lycopodium, Marsh Marigold, Red Trillium, and Reindeer Moss. A Ruffed Grouse drummed vigorously. Trudging further east, a Yellow Warbler vocalized strongly, its lemon-hued wings at last flicking away over the surrounding Willow, Barberry, and Multiflora Rose tangles. David's ears locked onto myriad vocalizations emanating from a dense pocket of White Pine. Following a barbed wire border to the sounds' source produced a Ruby-crowned Kinglet foraging with a small band of Black-capped Chickadees and Tufted Titmice.

    Looping westward back to the roadway while pushing steadily into a pocket of Juniper yielded fine views of Palm Warbler, White-throated Sparrow and a lone Northern Flicker. An American Robin engaging in a peculiarly supplicatory courtship display never before observed by either man proved an absorbing subject. Travels further north on Brook Road revealed a splendidly camouflaged Ovenbird skulking along a low stone wall. Black-throated Green Warblers danced enticingly amongst the slender upper branches of a stand of birch on the east side of the roadway, their singing accompanied by the steady roar of Moose Brook. Rounding a steep curve, the two observers savored the strident singing of another Ovenbird perched on a nearby branch clearly engaged in establishing territory, its head thrown back in ebullient song. Prolonged scrutiny of a fleeting shape in a substantial Hemlock's upper branches proved frustrating. Concentrated listening, however, revealed it to be a Magnolia Warbler.

    Veering sharply west onto a network of old logging roads recently enlarged into a comprehensive trail network allowed the addition of Black-throated Blue Warbler and Blue-headed Vireo to the morning's tally. Emerging from the dense forest at the intersection of Brook and Ridge Roads, the participants detected a Louisiana Waterthrush. Thorough probing of the surrounding underbrush coaxed the bird into the open. Working south on Brook Road at morning's end allowed for extended viewing of Parula Warbler, American Redstart, and Hairy Woodpecker.

    Our final species list included: American Crow 8; American Goldfinch 11; American Redstart 2; American Robin 14; Black-and-white Warbler 3; Black-capped Chickadee 5; Black-throated Blue Warbler 2; Black-throated Green Warbler 5; Blue Jay 3; Blue-headed Vireo 3; Brown-headed Cowbird 1; Chipping Sparrow 12; CommonYellowthroat 1; Downy Woodpecker 1; Eastern Phoebe 1; Field Sparrow 2; Hairy Woodpecker 1; Hooded Merganser 2; Louisiana Waterthrush 1; Magnolia Warbler 1; Mallard 3; Mourning Dove 4; Northern Cardinal 3; Northern Flicker 1; Ovenbird 4; Palm Warbler 1; Parula Warbler 1; Pileated Woodpecker 1; Red-winged Blackbird 9; Rock Pigeon 3; Ruffed Grouse 2; Song Sparrow 2; Spotted Sandpiper 1; Tufted Titmouse 3; White-breasted Nuthatch 5; White-throated Sparrow 6; Wood Duck 2; Yellow Warbler 1; Yellow-rumped Warbler 9. (report from Chris Ellison).

    5/7/05 -- Moore State Park, Paxton
    In vile weather, there were three cliff swallows and three tree swallows on Eames pond, along with two northern flickers. The rest were what you would always, always, always expect. Send towels. (soggy report from Whit Andrews).

    5/7/05 -- Quabbin Park, Quabbin Reservoir
    We birded Quabbin Park this AM in what has to be the worst conditions to go birding here: periodic showers and rain, windy (sometimes with high gusts);, overcast. Really not ideal conditions for inland birding by any ways or means. Early on before it started raining in earnest (ie: pouring); , there were a few pockets of birds and some song. Later as the winds really picked up, and white caps appeared on the Quabbin surface, landbirds became much harder to find and mostly what we tallied were the "persistant" singers. Even so, we did OK, with some great surprise birds and the morning overall was a real challenge to see what we could turn up. Great Blue Heron (1); Canada Goose (pair w/nest); Wood Duck (pair); Mallard (1); Common Merganser (pair); Turkey Vulture (11: these birds were having an extremely tough time in the high winds); Bald Eagle (2ad: these birds were NOT having a hard time in the wind); Red-tailed Hawk (1); BLACK TERN (1: seen heading out from Administration Building early on); Mourning Dove (3); Belted Kingfisher (1); Red-bellied Woodpecker (1); Downy Woodpecker (5); Hairy Woodpecker (1); N Flicker (2); Pileated Woodpecker (1); E Phoebe (1); Tree Swallow (145++: large numbers working low over the water in several spots); Bank Swallow (1); N Rough-winged Swallow (2); Cliff Swallow (2); Barn Swallow (33); Yellow-throated Vireo (2); Blue-headed Vireo (1); Blue Jay (3); A Crow (9); Common Raven (4: we checked the nest and could see no activity, but the conditions were such that lighting was poor and birds may have been tucked far up and in. On the other hand, the birds may have fledged); Black-capped Chickadee (14); Tufted Titmouse (3); Red-breasted Nuthatch (1); White-breasted Nuthatch (3); Blue-Gray Gnatcatcher (5); Ruby-crowned Kinglet (1); E Bluebird (4); A Robin (14); Chipping Sparrow (29); Field Sparrow (2); Song Sparrow (1); Rose-breasted Grosbeak (1m); BLUE GROSBEAK (1ad: vicinity of spillway); Red-winged Blackbird (17); C Grackle (21); Brown-headed Cowbird (6: neither rain, nor sleet nor dark of night keeps these brood parasites from their appointed rounds); Purple Finch (4); A Goldfinch (5);
    PLUS: Rockcrest, Pussytoes everywhere, and a nice patch of Two-leaved Toothwort.
    (report from Mark Lynch/Sheila Carroll).

    5/6/05 -- Broad Meadow Brook Sanctuary, Worcester
    Highlights this morning: Wood Duck (1); Virginia Rail (1); Belted Kingfisher (1); Red-bellied Woodpecker (1); Least Flycatcher (1); Eastern Phoebe (1); Blue-headed Vireo (1); House Wren (1); Blue-gray Gnatcatcher (1); Eastern Bluebird (2); WOOD THRUSH (3); GRAY CATBIRD (1); BLUE-WINGED WARBLER (1); Yellow Warbler (4); Yellow-rumped Warbler (9); Black-throated Green Warbler (1); Black-and-white Warbler (4); Common Yellowthroat (3); Eastern Towhee (7); Field Sparrow (2); Song Sparrow (12); Swamp Sparrow (2); Brown-headed Cowbird (6); BALTIMORE ORIOLE (2); (report from John Liller).

    3/6/05 -- Hadwen Park, Worcester
    While I was checking the status of the Goose nest which is located 60 feet from a Mute Swan nest, I noticed another Goose sitting on a nest, 60 feet from the Swan nest on the other side. So there are two Goose nests here, bookending the Swan nest. I also saw an Eastern Kingbird driving off a crow. (report from Brian Mulhearn).

    5/6/05 -- Institute Park, Worcester
    Highlights at noon were 1 Mute Swan, 1 Spotted Sandpiper, 1 Eastern Kingbird, 1 Tree Swallow, 1 Warbling Vireo, 2 Yellow Warblers, 5 Yellow-rumped Warblers, 1 Pine Warbler, and 1 Baltimore Oriole. The BCNH seen yesterday was not seen today. (report from Rick Quimby).

    5/6/05 -- Gardner
    Hilites from near Mount Wachusett Community College this morning before work: Rudy-crowned Kinglet 2; Nashville Warbler 1; Yellow Warbler 2; Yellow-rumped Warbler 4; Black and White Warbler 1; Eastern Meadowlark 1. (report from Tom Pirro).

    5/5/05 -- Leland Street, Grafton
    Sightings from a one hour morning walk along the power lines: Field Sparrow (10), Rufous-sided Towhee (7), Song Sparrow (5), Prairie Warbler (5), Pine Warbler (1), Ovenbird (1), Yellow Warbler (1), Tree Swallow (5), Red Bellied Woodpecker(2), Wild Turkey (Gobbling in the distance), Black-Capped Chickadee (2), Eastern Phoebe (1), Tufted Titmouse (4), Am Goldfinch (2), Blue Jay (2),E Starling (1), Northern Mockingbird (2), American Robin (1) Brown-headed Cowbird (3), Mourning Dove(1). (report from Lisa and Zoe Hennin).

    5/5/05 -- Institute Park, Worcester
    Highlights at noon were 1 Black-crowned Night-Heron (ad plumage -- located in usual spot in back corner of small bay between island and apartments), 1 Eastern Phoebe, 1 Warbling Vireo, 1 N. Parula, 2 Yellow Warblers, 7 Yellow-rumped Warblers, and 4 White-throated Sparrows. Note: Although springtime reports of Black-crowned Night-Herons are uncommon inland, this is the 5th spring in a row that this species has visited the park. (report from Rick Quimby).

    5/5/05 -- Sylvester Street, Leicester
    We hiked the length of Sylvester Street this morning, c.1.75 miles round trip, entering from Mulberry Street. This dirt road, closed to car traffic, is wedged bewteen aiport property and Worcester Water Department property, which is OFF LIMITS, but the road is fine. It is shaped like an "L" and eventually exits by Lyndebrook Reservoir. Pied-billed Grebe (1); Double-crested Cormorant (1); Canada Goose (3); Mallard (1); A Kestrel (1m: airport runway); Ruffed Grouse (1 drumming); Killdeer (1 overhead, likely from airport area); Mourning Dove (11); Red-bellied Woodpecker (1); Downy Woopecker (2); Hairy Woodpecker (1); N Flicker (3); E Phoebe (4); Eastern Kingbird (1); Tree Swallow (5); Blue-headed Vireo (2); Black-capped Chickadee (14); Tufted Titmouse (6); Red-breasted Nuthatch (4); White-breasted Nuthatch (7); Brown Creeper (1 singing); Winter Wren (1 singing); Ruby-crowned Kinglet (7); Hermit Thrush (1); A Robin (8); Gray Catbird (2); Eastern Towhee (2); Chipping Sparrow (3); Song Sparrow (5); White-throated Sparrow (6); N Cardinal (4); Rose-breasted Grosbeak (3); Red-winged Blackbird (6); Common Grackle (13); Brown-headed Cowbird (8); Baltimore Oriole (1); PLUS: The nice display of PURPLE TRILLIUM continues; Marsh Marigolds in bloom, loads of False Hellbore. AND: a great RED FOX. (report from Mark Lynch/Sheila Carroll).

    5/4/05 -- Harvard/Bolton Flats
    Hilites from this evening:
  • near Still River Canoe launch : Blue-gray Gnatcatcher 2 (a pair); Rose-breasted Grosbeak 1; Yellow Warbler 2;
  • From Bolton Flats: American Bittern 1; Green-winged Teal 12; Wood Duck 6; Greater Yellowlegs 26; Lesser Yellowlegs 5; Wilson's Snipe 1; Yellow Warbler 2. (report from Tom Pirro).

    • 5/4/05 -- downtown Worcester
    Bill Daves reports 4 eggs in the Peregrine Falcon nest at the Flagship bank. (report from John Shea).

    5/4/05 -- Institute Park, Worcester
    Highlights today were 1 BLUE-GRAY GNATCATCHER (my first park record), 1 N. Parula, 2 Yellow Warbler, 6+ Yellow-rumped Warblers, and 5+ White-throated Sparrows. (report from Rick Quimby).

    5/3/05 -- Barre Falls Dam, Barre
    Raptors migrating today: Osprey 5 ; Sharp-shinned Hawk 2 ; Broad-winged Hawk 2 ; American Kestrel 3 . (report from Bart Kamp).

    5/3/05 -- Granite St. Worcester
    In the trees next to the new Alumni Field at Holy Name High School, there was at least 1 Brown Thrasher going thru it's singing repertoire. It sounded like there were more than one but I couldn't be sure. (report from Brian Mulhearn)

    5/3/05 -- Gardner
    Hilites from a few stops on few back roads this morning before work: Broad-winged Hawk 2 (1 came out of a spruce grove in response to my spishing, it then perched right overhead looking for the source of the noise. It made a few "tic..tic" noises...some what like a chip note of a song bird); Red-breasted Nuthatch 2; Hermit Thrush 1; Ruby-crowned Kinglet 2; Blue-headed Vireo 2; Yellow Warbler 1; yellow-rumped Warbler ~10; Black and White """" 4; Northern Waterthrush 2; Black-throated green Warbler 2; Ovenbird 1; Pine Warbler 2; White-throated Sparrow ~5 singing ... a few usually nest in this section of town. (report from Tom Pirro).

    5/2/05 -- Marlboro-Northboro-Westboro
    Today I took a bike ride along back roads through Marlboro, Northboro, and Westboro. It was a good exercise in birding by ear as a biked along. Seen or heard (mostly heard) along the way were: Belted Kingfisher, N. Flicker, E. Phoebe, Carolina Wren, Yellow Warbler, Pine Warbler, Ovenbird, Chipping Sparrow, Song Sparrow, along with other common species. (report from Laura Lane).

    5/2/05 -- Barre Falls Dam, Barre
    Raptors migrating today: Sharp-shinned Hawk 4 4 195 Broad-winged Hawk 1 1 420 American Kestrel 1 1 70 Also, 248 double-crested cormorants. (report from Bart Kamp).

    5/2/05 -- Institute Park, Worcester
    Highlights today were 1 Yellow Warbler and 5+ Yellow-rumped Warblers. (report from Rick Quimby).

    5/2/05 -- Broad Meadow Brook Sanctuary, Worcester
    Highlights this morning: Wood Duck (2); Double-crested Cormorant (1 - flyover); Red-tailed Hawk (1); VIRGINIA RAIL (1); YELLOW-BELLIED SAPSUCKER (1); Eastern Phoebe (1); Tree Swallow (6); HOUSE WREN (1); Ruby-crowned Kinglet (1); Eastern Bluebird (2); YELLOW WARBLER (1); Yellow-rumped Warbler (4); Palm Warbler (2); Black-and-white Warbler (2); COMMON YELLOWTHROAT (1); Eastern Towhee (4); Field Sparrow (1); Song Sparrow (11); White-throated Sparrow (1); Brown-headed Cowbird (2); (report from John Liller).

    5/1/05 -- Shirley Reservoir, Shirley
    I was fishing on Shirley Res. May 1st and a common loon appeared in front of my boat around 9.00 AM. Also seen was a Bald eagle an osprey and a great blue heron.(report from Larry Lacasse).

    5/1/05 -- Connecticut River: a few spots
    Our MAS class birded just a few scant areas in the mid-lower Connecticut River Valley this morning. The weather for the first half of the trip was poor: misty, raining at times, cold. But by the time we hit Longmeadow, the sun came out. See the new Western bird finding guide for all directions. Special thanks to Tom Gagnon for scouting some of the birds.
  • AMHERST: WILDWOOD CEMETERY: only a few birds Red-bellied Woodpecker (2); E Phoebe (1); Carolina Wren (2); House Wren (1); Ruby-crowned Kinglet (1); Brown Thrasher (1); Yellow-rumped Warbler (8); Pine Warbler (2); Palm Warbler (1); Black and White Warbler (1); PLUS; the usual contingent of melanistic Gray Squirrels
  • HADLEY: we only went to Aqua Vitae Road and the Honeypot: Wood Duck (9); N Harrier (1f); Red-tailed Hawk (1); A Kestrel (1m being harassed by 3 Mockers); Killdeer (3); Lesser Yellowlegs (6); Greater Yellowlegs (4); House Wren (1); Yellow Warbler (3); Savannah Sparrow (8); Vesper Sparrow (1);
  • EASTMEADOWS, NORTHAMPTON (rain: we cut the visit short so as not to get mired in the dirt roads); Canada Goose (2); Mallard (4); A Kestrel (2); PEREGRINE FALCON (2: stunning birds, we had them perched and "in the scope". One bird was screaming constantly. Nesting nearby, at Mt Tom or someplace in the Holyoke Range?); Savannah Sparrow (25+);
  • FANNIE STEBBINS, LONGMEADOW: Double-crested Comrorant (2imm); Great Blue Heron (1); Turkey Vulture (1); Mute Swan (pair w/nest. We got to watch the cob bully and drive off a number of Canada Geese); Canada Goose (22: spme trying to nest in the impoundment occupied by Chez Swan); Wood Duck (5); Mallard (13); Osprey (1); Sharp-shinned Hawk (1); Bald Eagle (1ad); Red-tailed Hawk (1imm: fearless, we got to watch this bird on the road in front of us casually toy with and eventually eat part of a Green Frog. It stayed in the immediate area, soon caught a large mouse and we watched it eat that); Virginia Rail (2); Belted Kingfisher (1); Downy Woodpecker (9); hairy Woodpecker (1); N Flicker (2); Chimney Swift (8+); Tree Swallow (25+); Bank Swallow (10+); N Rough-winged Swallow (15+); Barn Swallow (8+); Warbling Vireo (4); BLUE-GRAY GNATCATCHER (22: everywhere: youw ere never out of earshot of one of these birds. This si archtypical habitat for them); Cedar Waxwing (8); Yellow Warbler (21); Chestnut-sided Warbler (2); Yellow-rumped Warbler (58); Rose-breasted Grosbeak (1m); Baltimore Oriole (3); PLUS: Muskrat, and a nice display of Jack-In-The-Pulpits. (report from Mark Lynch/Sheila Carroll).

    • For previous sightings, see April 2005 Archives or Archive Index