May 2009 Central Mass Bird Sightings

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

Bird News:

• ONGOING -- Asian Longhorned Beetle Information
• 5/2/09 -- Learn All About Birds Open House
• 5/7/09 -- Josep del Hoyo and birding and painting in Israel's Hula Valley on-line NOW at WICN
• 5/13/09 -- Interview with avian vocal behavior authority DONLAD KROODSMA on-line NOW at WICN
• 5/16/09 -- French River Bird Walk, led by Paul Meleski of the Forbush Bird Club
• 6/14/09 -- WICN radio interview with naturalist BERND HEINRICH

Bird Sightings:

5/30/09 -- Millbury/Sutton Area

Highlights of the 56 species recorded on the Forbush Bird Club trip were: 2 Grasshopper Sparrows, 2 Eastern Meadowlarks, a Willow Flycatcher, 3 Prairie Warblers and 3 Indigo Buntings. Here is the complete species list. (report from Alan Marble fide Joan Gallagher)

5/30/09 -- Warren

We spent today atlasing in WARREN. Though parts of this town are included in the Sturbridge CBC, most of the areas of the atlas block we canvassed today were new to us. This atlas block area is mostly in the town of Warren (Worcester County) but includes a teeny slice of Ware and is south of Route 9. The block includes the high ridge of hills that contains Colonel's Mountain. If you have ever driven Rt.9 through Ware and looked south and east, you will have noticed this formidable line of hills running south that look almost uninhabited. This area of forested hills includes several WMAs but access to the hilltops is via several very rough dirt roads/trails and a rugged powerline right of way. These roads have been made even worse by illegal ATV use. Also found in this block are large areas of farmland (sadly, much of it now for sale); some suburban parcels, and some outstanding scenic views from hilltops. Though sections of the Quabog River run along the southern edge of the block, much of the river at this point is too swift and narrow to attract waterfowl. The only standing water in this block are a few farm ponds and beaver marshes.

Complete list below: Great Blue Heron (1); BLACK VULTURE (1)

This bird was watched for about 15 minutes, and photographed by Sheila, as it came up off the hills with other resident TVs. It soared for awhile, almost over our heads and then went back down into the hills where it came from. Black Vultures are rare/uncommon and local in the state, mostly known from spring migration, though in extreme SW MA (Berkshires: town of Sheffield in particular); Black Vultures are regular in small numbers throughout the year (yes, even in mid-winter), most of them roosting in nearby Canaan, CT. In Worcester County BVs are VERY rare, known mostly in migration, and so this sighting is unique. It was a "County" bird for me. We will be keeping tabs on this bird to see if it summers. Sheila will post some phots on her blog later next week)

Turkey Vulture (10 minimum: this area is great habitat for breeding TVs: high hills, some with rocky outcroppings, that are very isolated from humanity); Mallard (1m: our only waterfowl for the day); Sharp-shinned Hawk (1ad: that seemed to be doing a display flight); Red-shouldered Hawk (3: pair+another); Broad-winged Hawk (1); Red-tailed Hawk (2); A Kestrel (1m); Ruffed Grouse (6 drumming); Wild Turkey (4); Killdeer (2); American Woodcock (2: we did some minimal ?before dawn? night birding); Rock Pigeon (8); Mourning Dove (31); Black-billed Cuckoo (1); Yellow-billed Cuckoo (1); Great Horned Owl (1); N Saw-whet Owl (1); Chimney Swift (42); Ruby-throated Hummingbird (1m); Belted Kingfisher (1); Red-bellied Woodpecker (8); Yellow-bellied Sapsucker (2); Downy Woodpecker (4); Hairy Woodpecker (2); N Flicker (1); Pileated Woodpecker (2); E Wood Peewee (6); Alder Flycatcher (2); Willow Flycatcher (1); Least Flycatcher (2); E Phoebe (27); Great Crested Flycatcher (2); E Kingbird (11); Yellow-throated Vireo (4); Warbling Vireo (13); Red-eyed Vireo (62); Blue Jay (17); A Crow (10); C Raven (1); Tree Swallow (8); N Rough-winged Swallow (2); Barn Swallow (35+); Black-capped Chickadee (24); Tufted Titmouse (34); White-breasted Nuthatch (4); Carolina Wren (11); House Wren (25); Blue-gray Gnatcatcher (2); Eastern Bluebird (2); Veery (32); Wood Thrush (14); A Robin (103); Gray Catbird (89); Brown Thrasher (4: under "things you don't see everyday": we had a pair of thrashers gathering food on a dirt road near a farm be continually chased by a small (ok, bunny) Eastern Cottontail, who apparently objected mightily to their presence); E Starling (52); Cedar Waxwing (12);

WARBLERS: Blue-winged (16); Yellow (53); Chestnut-sided (34); Magnolia (2); Black-throated Green (3); Prairie (3); Black and White (14); A Redstart (45); Worm-eating Warbler (1: heard and seen in what appeared to be typical breeding habitat); Ovenbird (35); Northern Waterthrush (1); Louisiana Waterthrush (1); C Yellowthroat (44); Canada (4); (NB: big miss so far was Black-throated Blue)

Scarlet Tanager (21); E Towhee (17); Chipping Sparrow (52); Field Sparrow (1); Song Sparrow (86); White-throated Sparrow (1); (NB: Dark-eyed Junco has already been found breeding on the hilltops in this block); N Cardinal (26); Rose-breasted Grosbeak (13: nice sighting of 2 males in a territorial battle); Indigo Bunting (8); Bobolink (20 minimum); Red-winged Blackbird (51); E Meadowlark (1); C Grackle (17); Brown-headed Cowbird (11); Baltimore Oriole (19); Purple Finch (1); House Finch (6); A Goldfinch (10); House Sparrow (84); PLUS: (1) Long-tailed Weasel. (report from Mark Lynch/Sheila Carroll).

5/29/09 -- Bolton Flats, Bolton

I stopped by Bolton Flats, on the way to visit my folks in leominster this evening, acting on a tip from Richard Spedding, who had found a white-rumped Sandpiper there this noon. There is essentially no water left in the fields, only mud...its been a dry spring. The following are the hilights: American Kestrel  1 hovering toward the "four corners area"; Great-horned Owl  1 (near the rte117 parking lot); Virgina Rail  1; Killdeer  3; Spotted Sandpiper    3; Semi Plover   2; Semi Sandpiper   4; Least Sandpiper  1; White-rumped Sandpiper  3. (report from Tom Pirro).

5/29/09 -- West Boylston

This morning there was a great egret at the great blue heron rookery on route 12 in West Boylston. (report from Kevin Bourinot).

5/26/09 -- Great Meadow, Grafton

Highlights on a one hour noontime walk through the trails off George Hill Road were: Grey Catbird (5); Common Yellowthroat (3); Yellow Warbler (3); American Redstart (1); Veery(3); Chestnut-sided Warbler (1); Black Capped Chickadee(2) Blue-winged Warbler(1) Warbling Vireo(2) , Swamp Sparrow (2); Song Sparrow(3; 2 adults with 1 young); Baltimore Oriole (1); Cedar Waxwing(several heard); Chimney Swift (1); Carolina Wren (1). (report from Lisa Hennin).

5/25/09 -- Mt. Wachusett, Princeton

I was on Mt. Wachusett today and heard and spotted a cerulean warbler on the West Side Trail between the Semuhenna and Old Indian trails. It was singing at 4:00 in the afternoon, and on my way back down at 5:30 in a fairly open stand of deciduous trees. Here is a trail map for Mt. Wachusett. (report from Kate Doiron).

5/25/09 -- Brookfields

We spent the day atlasing in one of our blocks in the Brookfields, and had the following: Double-crested Cormorant (1); Great Blue Heron (2+2 active nests w/yg); Turkey Vulture (3); Canada Goose (2+ pr w/4yg and another pr w/2yg); Mallard (4); Broad-winged Hawk (1); Red-tailed Hawk (5: we watched 1 bird make a spectacular power dive at some prey diagonally down quite a length of power lines, across a street, over our heads and finally down some more distance along the power lines on the other side, wings folded back the entire time picking up speed as it went. When it hit, we actually heard the impact, as did about 30 other birds in the area, which commenced a racket. The hawk immediately flew off with it?s prey which we couldn?t quite see, under the shelter of the nearby trees.); Ruffed Grouse (1); Wild Turkey (5); Killdeer (2+ 2ad w/2 almost fledged yg); Solitary Sandpiper (1); Spotted Sandpiper (1); Rock Pigeon (4); Mourning Dove (18); Black-billed Cuckoo (2: looked like a pair, or at least they were ?together?); Barred Owl (1); Chimney Swift (22); Ruby-throated Hummingbird (1f); Belted Kingfisher (2); Red-bellied Woodpecker (2); Downy Woodpecker (2); Hairy Woodpecker (1); Pileated Woodpecker (1); E Wood Peewee (5); Alder Flycatcher (3); Willow Flycatcher (2); Least Flycatcher (3); Eastern Phoebe (8); Great Crested Flycatcher (2); Eastern Kingbird (16: for a while, we watched a pair construct a nest on a limb over hanging a pond, below eye-level, about 15 feet away. The birds drove all other birds that landed in the tree off in no uncertain terms including a pair of unfortunate orioles); Yellow-throated Vireo (5: watched nest-building); Blue-headed Vireo (2); Warbling Vireo (23); Red-eyed Vireo (39); Blue Jay (22); A Crow (17: some just fledged yg found); Tree Swallow (10+); N Rough-winged Swallow (3); Barn Swallow (24); Black-capped Chickadee (25); Tufted Titmouse (23); Red-breasted Nuthatch (3); White-breasted Nuthatch (5); Carolina Wren (4); House Wren (8); Veery (18); Hermit Thrush (5); Wood Thrush (4); A Robin (58); Gray Catbird (78); Brown Thrasher (1); E Starling (41); Cedar Waxwing (7);

WARBLERS: Blue-winged (5); Yellow (40); Chestnut-sided (16); Black-throated Blue (1); Yellow-rumped (1); Black-throated Green (6); Blackburnian (pair: extremely local and uncommon breeders in the Brookfields); Pine (6); Prairie (8); Blackpoll (1: our only migrant/non-breeder of the day); Black and White (6); A Redstart (19); Worm-eating (1: 1 singing bird in same location we found it last year); Ovenbird (35); Northern Waterthrush (2); Louisiana Waterthrush (4); Common Yellowthroat (38); Canada (2);

Scarlet Tanager (16); E Towhee (6); Chipping Sparrow (36); Field Sparrow (3); Song Sparrow (37); Swamp Sparrow (17); N Cardinal (11); Rose-breasted Grosbeak (3); Indigo Bunting (6); Bobolink (43); Red-winged Blackbird (162); C Grackle (53); Brown-headed Cowbird (7); Baltimore Oriole (25); House Finch (2); A Goldfinch (15); House Sparrow (46); PLUS: Sheila stopped traffic on a busy road as she helped a very young Snapping Turtle cross AND got thanked by several of the people. I took the snapper and brought it to the open water in the direction it was heading and was rewarded with it whizzing a foul smelling liquid all over me and even though a small snapper, he continually and audibly snapped at me. Ah, nature! (report from Mark Lynch/Sheila Carroll).

5/24/09 -- Southbridge

We spent this morning and early afternoon atlasing in a block and an adjacent sliver block in SOUTHBRIDGE. Habitats include urban (interesting birding can be had around the American Optical buildings), suburban, a few working sand/gravel pits, an abandoned golf course, small farmlands and some small forested lots. Also in this atlas block is the eastern half of West Hill Dam Army Corps of Engineers property. Access to some of the most productive areas of these blocks is often restricted, making birding difficult. Here are our totals for today: LEAST BITTERN (1 calling from a large pure stand of cattails. Could be just a migrant); Great Blue Heron (2); Green Heron (1); Turkey Vulture (12); Canada Goose (49ad+7yg); Mallard (10); Hooded Merganser (3f+1m); Common Merganser (1m); Cooper?s Hawk (1imm); Broad-winged Hawk (pair); Red-tailed Hawk (1); American Kestrel (2); Virginia Rail (1); Killdeer (1); Spotted Sandpiper (4); Rock Pigeon (39); Mourning Dove (29); Black-billed Cuckoo (2); Barred Owl (1); Chimney Swift (118: the large old mill buildings of Southbridge are very attractive to this species); Belted Kingfisher (2: nest found); Red-bellied Woodpecker (2); Downy Woodpecker (5); Hairy Woodpecker (2); N Flicker (4); Olive-sided Flycatcher (1); E Wood Peewee (8); Willow Flycatcher (3); E Phoebe (13); Great Crested Flycatcher (11: got to watch nest building); E Kingbird (22); Yellow-throated Vireo (1); Warbling Vireo (23); Red-eyed Vireo (42); Blue Jay (86); A Crow (17); Tree Swallow (70+); N Rough-winged Swallow (9); Bank Swallow (50+); Barn Swallow (76); Black-capped Chickadee (28); Tufted Titmouse (29); Red-breasted Nuthatch (2); White-breasted Nuthatch (6); Carolina Wren (3+ 2ad w/4 just fledged young. We were looking at the agitated adults hoping to declare something about them breeding for the Atlas, when the four still somewhat downy, and some tailess young all left the nest simultaneously creating havoc with the adults);. House Wren (16); E Bluebird (6); Veery (1); Wood Thrush (7); A Robin (160+); Gray Catbird (85); N Mockingbird (2); E Starling (139); Cedar Waxwing (24: still in small flocks); WARBLERS: Blue-winged (2); Yellow (35); Chestnut-sided (1); Black-throated Blue (1); Black-throated Green (6); Pine (14); Prairie (1); A Redstart (11); Worm-eating (1: possible breeder); Ovenbird (17); Northern Waterthrush (1); C Yellowthroat (9); Scarlet Tanager (15); E Towhee (3); Chipping Sparrow (63); Song Sparrow (18); Swamp Sparrow (6); N Cardinal (34); Rose-breasted Grosbeak (2); Indigo Bunting (5); Bobolink (10+); Red-winged Blackbird (85+); C Grackle (143); Brown-headed Cowbird (22); Baltimore Oriole (32); House Finch (13); A Goldfinch (11); House Sparrow (153); PLUS: at the abandoned golf course: clouds of teneral dragonflies. Seriously: many, many hundreds. (report from Mark Lynch/Sheila Carroll).

5/23/09 -- Oxbow National Wildlife Refuge, Harvard/Lancaster

Highlights of the 61 species seen or heard on the Forbush Bird Club trip were: Ruffed Grouse, Alder and Willow Flycatchers, Yellow-throated Vireo, Blue-gray Gnatcatcher, Scarlet Tanager and Rose-breasted Grosbeak. Here is the full list of species. (report from Alan Marble fide Joan Gallagher).

5/23/09 -- downtown Worcester

I was able to confirm that the Peregrine Falcons have at least two nestlings in their nest box on top of the Unum Building in downtown Worcester. More details (including pictures of the young falcons taken by a wild life photographer) can be found on my blog. (report from Kimberly Allen).

5/23/09 -- Brookfield

Seen/heard in a single atlas block in Brookfield today (Saturday) and during 1 hour Friday night. American Bittern (1); Great Blue Heron (3: there are several rookeries around and in this block); Canada Goose (2+ pair w/2 goslings); Wood Duck (3+ 1f w/6yg); Mallard (9); Sharp-shinned Hawk (1); Cooper's Hawk (1 just/almost fledged young bird. Very brown about head, chest. Heavily streaked. Rusty brown feather edges on upper parts. Sheila got some great photos of three birds in this plumage last year. Very clumsy flier still. I hope this bird makes it. This seems amazingly early for a nesting record of this species); Broad-winged Hawk (1); Ruffed Grouse (2); Wild Turkey (1); Virginia Rail (2); Spotted Sandpiper (1); American Woodcock (8); Ring-billed Gull (12); Rock Pigeon (12); Mourning Dove (13); N Saw-whet Owl (1: a real surprise. We had previously recorded Great Horned and Barred in this block); Chimney Swift (7); Ruby-throated Hummingbird (4m: we got to watch 1 male do the amazing courtship ?Shuttle Display?); Red-bellied Woodpecker (6); Downy Woodpecker (2); Hairy Woodpecker (1); N Flicker (2); Pileated Woodpecker (3); E Wood Peewee (3); Alder Flycatcher (3); Willow Flycatcher (2); Least Flycatcher (1); E Phoebe (11); Great Crested Flycatcher (pair); E Kingbird (21: some nestbuilding; some on the nest); Yellow-throated Vireo (1); Warbling Vireo (31); Red-eyed Vireo (36); Blue Jay (13); A Crow (15); Tree Swallow (23); N Rough-winged Swallow (3); Bank Swallow (33); Barn Swallow (22); Black-capped Chickadee (19); Tufted Titmouse (16); White-breasted Nuthatch (3); Carolina Wren (2); House Wren (8); Eastern Bluebird (pair); Veery (16); Wood Thrush (4); A Robin (62); Gray Catbird (56); Brown Thrasher (4: on nest); E Starling (17: carrying food); Cedar Waxwing (4);

WARBLERS: Blue-winged (17); Yellow (41: nest building seen); Chestnut-sided (12); Pine (5); Prairie (4); Blackpoll (3: only ?migrant? seen/heard today); Black and White (5: nest building seen); A Redstart (34: nest building); Ovenbird (10); Louisiana Waterthrush (1); C Yellowthroat (35);

Scarlet Tanager (9); Eastern Towhee (3); Chipping Sparrow (18); Song Sparrow (16); Swamp Sparrow (23); N Cardinal (16); Rose-breasted Grosbeak (8); Indigo Bunting (10); Bobolink (35+); Red-winged Blackbird (85+); C Grackle (45+); Brown-headed Cowbird (14); Baltimore Oriole (26); House Finch (13); A Goldfinch (17); House Sparrow (26); ALSO seen/heard Friday night in an adjacent atlas block we are covering this year: American Bittern (1);; American Woodcock (2);; Great Horned Owl (1);; Barred Owl (pair duetting);. (report from Mark Lynch/Sheila Carroll).

5/21/09 -- Bolton Flats and Lancaster WMA: Goat Sucker and Woodcock walk

Highlights of the 25 species seen or heard on the Forbush Bird Club trip were a pair of Orchard Orioles at Bolton Flats, and at the WMA: 2 Nighthawks, 6 Whip-poor-wills, 3 Woodcocks and a singing Vesper Sparrow. Here is the full list of species. (report from Bart Kamp fide Joan Gallagher).

5/20/09 -- Broad Meadow Brook Sanctuary, Worcester

There was an Olive-sided Flycatcher along the Troano brook side trail at Broad Meadow Brook this morning. (report from John Shea).

5/20/09 -- Wachusett Reservoir, Clinton

Highlights from gate 40 this evening were 2 pairs of Common Loons and 2 White-winged Scoters. I also watched the pair of Bald Eagles feeding their young on the nest. (report from Kevin Bourinot).

5/20/09 -- downtown Worcester

There has been a lot of Peregrine Falcon activity for the past week in downtown Worcester on top of the Unum building. The female is no longer always hidden in the nest box and the male spends a lot of his time flying around and not staying in one spot for long periods of a time. My co-worker has a perfect view of the nest box from his office and has been watching the falcons with his binoculars. He told me that on Friday and this past Tuesday he observed the male bringing in birds for storage. I observed this myself this afternoon at approximately 12:30 PM today. This is my first year watching the falcons but I am assuming that all of this may possibly mean a successful nest. More info can be found on my blog. (report from Kimberly Allen).

Note added 5/21: I was talking to a security guard of our building and he told me that he and the head of maintenance went OUTSIDE on the roof and the male was perched on his favorite ledge. He took one look at the two and flew away but only did a semi half-circle before sounding his alarm call. The female heard this from the nest box and came toward the two of them sounding her alarm call as well. She looked like she meant business so the two of them went back into the building to avoid being dive bombed. Under normal circumstances, the Peregrines will just typically fly away. It is obvious they are protecting something and they considered these two gentlemen too close for comfort. ALSO-we saw the male deliver another bird to the nest box today. As a side note, the female was up on the ledge of the 446 Main Street building this early afternoon and I have a lot of close-up pictures and a video of the female preening herself on my blog.

5/20/09 -- Douglas

In my yard in Douglas yesterday, I had two male scarlet tanagers singing and visible at the same time, a male indigo bunting continuing to hang out at my thistle feeder for much of the day (he arrived last weekend), and a male rose-breasted grosbeak at my sunflower feeder off and on. Also in my yard were pine siskins. It was nice to see these birds without even going outside! (report from Mary Sughrue-Yacino).

5/20/09 -- North West Road, Spencer

While doing some atlasing in the North Brookfield 11 block this morning, I had an Olive-sided Flycatcher at an old beaver pond off North West Road in Spencer. (report from Alan Marble).

5/20/09 -- Institute Park, Worcester

Highlights at noon included:

At Institute Park: 2 Mute Swans with 6 cygnets, 1 Spotted Sandpiper, 4 Warbling Vireo (with much vigorous song dueling going on), 1 Yellow Warbler, 1 Magnolia Warbler, 1 Pine Warbler, and 2 Baltimore Orioles.

At Bancroft tower hill: 1 Red-bellied Woodpecker, 1 Eastern Wood-Pewee, 2 Wood Thrush, 1 Red-eyed Vireo, and 1 Scarlet Tanager. (report from Rick Quimby).

5/19/09 -- Sterling

There were 8+ Common Nighthawks feeding over route 12 at Greenland Road. When I returned home there was a nighthawk peenting and a whip-poor-will calling in my yard. The Whip-poor-wills did not stick around last year, but stayed in 2006 and 2007. (report from Kevin Bourinot).

5/19/09 -- Bolton Flats, Bolton

Hilights from a quick evening stop at Bolton Flats: Semipalmated Plover  1; Killdeer  6 adults w/ young; Greater Yellowlegs  2; Spotted Sandpiper 3; Least Sandpiper  ~20; Dunlin  1 (in breeding plumage first found by Richard Spedding). (report from Tom Pirro).

5/19/09 -- The Great Meadow, Grafton

This morning, I took a brief walk through an area that abuts the Great Meadow in Grafton. Highlights included: VIRGINIA RAIL (2); SORA (1); Killdeer; Belted Kingfisher; Red-bellied Woodpecker; Hairy Woodpecker; Northern Flicker; Eastern Wood-Pewee; Willow Flycatcher; Least Flycatcher; Barn Swallow; SEDGE WREN (1 singing); Blue-gray Gnatcatcher; Veery; Blue-winged Warbler; Northern Parula; Yellow Warbler; Black-and-white Warbler; American Redstart; Ovenbird; Northern Waterthrush; Common Yellowthroat; Scarlet Tanager; Eastern Towhee; Song Sparrow; Swamp Sparrow; Rose-breasted Grosbeak; Brown-headed Cowbird; Baltimore Oriole; (report from John Liller).

5/19/09 -- Westminster

A few highlights from the East Gardner Road entrance to High Ridge WMA this morning (the "lower marsh"): American Bittern ( 1 very nice views as it enjoyed the early moring sunsire at the marsh edge, where is called off and on for 40 minutes); Alder Flycatcher 2 singing from the marsh; Least Flycathcer 1;
(report from Tom Pirro).

5/18/09 -- Bolton / Lancaster

I crossed paths with Richard Spedding this evening and we birded together at Bolton Flats and a bit Lancaster. Highlights:

Bolton Flats: Wood Duck 3; Hooded Mergaser 1; Osprey  1; Virgina Rail 2 or 3; Semipalmated Plover  3; Killdeer 6 (including at least 3 young); Greater Yellowlegs  3; Lesser Yellowlegs  3; Spotted Snadpiper  4; Least Sandpiper  ~40; Common Nighthawk  8 or 9; Chimney Swift ~20; Tree Swallow ~30; Barn Swallow 10; Bank Swallow 50; Cliff Swallow 1;

Lancaster: Greater Yellowlegs 1 calling in flight; Whip-poor-willl 3; American Woodcock 6; Brown Thrasher 2; Hermit Thrush 1; Vesper Sparrow 1;
(report from Tom Pirro).

5/18/09 -- Rail Trail, West Boylston

The ravens under the I-190 Bridges have two chicks that are almost fledged. Today, all the birds -- two adults and the two young birds -- were on the platform of the south bridge structure heading towards Worcester. The young ones were hopping, walking, and jumping around the platforms around the bridges. After a twenty minute observation, the fledgings flew to the opposite platform. Within a minute or two, they flew to a large pine where the parents had landed. As we left, the four birds were hanging around in the branches of the large pine. (report from Steve & Kathy Olson).

5/18/09 -- Whalon Lake, Lunenburg

I made a quick stop at Whalon Lake this morning and had the following hilights: Mute Swan  2  (whether they are domesticated or wild I am not sure, there does not seem to be suitable breeding habitat on this lake/pond); Red-breasted Merganser 1 drake; Tree Swallow  15; Bank Swallow 15; Barn Swallow  5; Cliff Swallow  1;

Saturday evening (5/16) Chuck Caron and I found out about the Sand Hill Crane, from Strickland Wheelock, while driving home from the south shore, and we had the bird about 8PM [at Bolton Flats -- see previous post]. Also of note: a Sandhill Crane has been reported from Concord, NH this morning 5/18. Tough to say whether its the same as the Bolton bird as sightings of this species seem to have increased in the past 10 years. (report from Tom Pirro).

5/17/09 -- Buck Hill, Spencer

Here is a complete trip list of the 49 species observed on the Forbush Bird Club trip. (report from Susan LaBree, fide Joan Gallagher).

5/16/09 -- Mount Wachusett area, Princeton

Highlights of the Forbush Bird Club trip were 16 species of warblers as well as a Winter Wren, Pine Siskins and a Black-billed Cuckoo. Here is a complete list of the 60 species recorded. (report from Joan Zumpfe, fide Joan Gallagher).

5/16/09 -- Bolton Flats, Bolton

This evening between 7 and 8 PM, there was a Sandhill Crane at Bolton Flats in the big puddle that is west of the path from the Route 117 parking lot. (report from Bart Kamp).

5/14/09 -- Town Farm Road, Sutton

Today, I saw 3 Bobolinks in the hayfield at Town Farm Road in Sutton. One was performing its song flight over the field. (report from Alan Marble).

5/14/09 -- Princeton, Sterling and Leominster

I took the long way into work today and made some quick road-side stops in the towns listed above, high lights only:

Priceton: Eastern Kingbird3; Winter Wren1; House Wren1; Red-eyed Vireo 4; Warbling Vireo1; Chestnut-sided Warbler2; Yellow Warbler2; Yellow-rumped Warbler 3; Prairie Warbler1; Ovenbird 6; C. yellowthroat 3; Scarlet tanager 2; Rose-breatsed Grosbeak 2; Baltimore Oriole 5; Indigo Bunting 1;

Sterling: Ruby-throated hummingbird 1; Blue-winged Warbler2; Chestnut-sided Warbler 3; Yellow Warbler 2; Blackpoll Warbler 1; Wilson's Warbler 1; Common yellowthroat3; Indigo Bunting 1;

Leominster: American Bittern 1 "high flyer" moving south along a distant ridge, (actually I was in Leominster the bird was in Sterling); Blue-winged Warbler 2; Chestnut-sided Warbler 1; Common yellowthroat2; Ovenbird 1; Rose-breasted Grosbeak 1; Lincoln's Sparrow 1; Balimore Oriole 2; (report from Tom Pirro).

5/13/09 -- Brierly's Pond, Millbury

The lowered water level at Brierly's Pond in Millbury has left a lot of muddy shoreline and a mud bar or two. This morning I saw 2 Solitary Sandpipers, a Spotted Sandpiper and a Killdeer. (report from Alan Marble).

5/12/09 -- Institute Park, Worcester

The Mute Swans have hatched their eggs, and there are now 6 cygnets following their parents around the pond. Other highlights at noon today included 1 Lesser Yellowlegs, 1 E Kingbird, 2 Warbling Vireos, 2 N. Parula, 1 Yellow Warbler, 1 Yellow-rumped Warbler, and 2 Baltimore Orioles. (report from Rick Quimby).

5/11/09 -- Bolton Flats, Bolton

There was a nice collection of shorebirds at Bolton Flats last evening: Killdeer 8; Spotted Sandpiper 4; Solitary Sandpiper 3; Greater Yellowlegs 12; Lesser yellowlegs 18; Least Sanpiper 10; Wilson's Snipe 4. Also, American Bittern 1; Sora 1; Virginia Rail 1 or 2; White-crowned Sparrow 1. (report from Tom Pirro).

5/11/09 -- Hadwen Park, Worcester

This photo of an escaped pet bird was taken in Hadwen Park in Worcester about 5PM on Saturday, May 9. After some research I believe it to be a Lady Amherst pheasant. It was also spotted in a few back yards on Knox St., which abuts the park. We watched it for quite a while on Saturday, and I saw and heard it again yesterday and this morning. It doesn't seem particularly afraid - we've been able to get pretty close. It's wings do not appear to have been clipped - we've seen it fly, and it will fly into a tree at the sight of dogs. (report and photo from Beth Bachand).

5/10/09 -- Lunenburg

We did a brief check of the AYER 2 atlas block in LUNENBURG, in periodic blustery conditions, which was really not conducive to birding, and had the following in just a couple of hours of really just learning the roads and not even doing any hardcore birding: Great Blue Heron (1); Turkey Vulture (1: having a very hard time trying to soar); Canada Goose (5); MUTE SWAN (a pair: never expected to find these here); Mallard (4); Sharp-shinned Hawk (1 pursuing a goldfinch); Red-tailed Hawk (pair w/nest); Wild Turkey (2); Killdeer (1); SOLITARY SANDPIPER (1: along muddy edge of small farm pond); Rock Dove (40); Mourning Dove (16); Red-bellied Woodpecker (3); Downy Woodpecker (1); Hairy Woodpecker (1); N Flicker (3); Eastern Phoebe (4); Eastern Kingbird (3); Warbling Vireo (8); Red-eyed Vireo (3); Blue Jay (8); A Crow (9); Common Raven (1 being bombed relentlessly by a crow and responding with some great aerial hijinks); Tree Swallow (17); N Rough-winged Swallow (2); Barn Swallow (25+); Black-capped Chickadee (29); Tufted Titmouse (9); House Wren (7); Blue-gray Gnatcatcher (1); Wood Thrush (3); A Robin (68); Gray Catbird (24); N Mockingbird (5); E Starling (28);

WARBLERS: Yellow (20); Chestnut-sided (1); Black-throated Green (1); Pine (4); Black and White (1); A Redstart (8); Ovenbird (4); Louisiana Waterthrush ( 1); C Yellowthroat (15);

Scarlet Tanager (2); E Towhee (1); Chipping Sparrow (52); Song Sparrow (16); Swamp Sparrow (5); N Cardinal (15); Rose-breasted Grosbeak (2); Indigo Bunting (2); Bobolink (15); Red-winged Blackbird (126); C Grackle (22); Brown-headed Cowbird (7); Baltimore Oriole (52: everywhere); House Finch (23); Pine Siskin (1); A Goldfinch (14); House Sparrow (64);
(report from Mark Lynch/Sheila Carroll).

5/9/09 -- East Quabbin Reservoir

We spent the day atlasing the eastern side of QUABBIN RESERVOIR. Entering Gate 49 and leaving Gate 35. Though this was not just a birding trip, we were certainly on atlas business; we did keep a careful track of numbers. We also did not go to some of the best birding locations in any of these blocks, but sometimes spent 30 minutes or more trying to observe behavior in one spot. It was a great birding day. There were several nice movements of species, like tanagers, along the shoreline, but many birds were also species that breed in these blocks, so it is tough to tell in many cases a breeder from a migrant. Though we ran into folks at the boat launch in Gate 43 and some hikers in the Gate 40 area, we basically had the entire eastern shore of Quabbin to ourselves, thanks, I imagine, to the swarms of blackflies and mosquitoes that were out. Deer Ticks were also a problem in certain areas, so "caveat emptor". Quabbin is, as always, an amazing place. I don't many other locations in the state where you can listen to loons calling, watch Bald Eagles feed their young and see some great warblers all in one spot.

Common Loon (10ad: most in pairs, but no sign of nesting in the areas we covered?yet);); Double-crested Cormorant (7ad); American Bittern (1); Great Blue Heron (1); Turkey Vulture (1); Canada Goose (pair w/7goslings apparently hiking up Skinner Hill, deep in the forest; far from any water+ another 4ad); Wood Duck (pair plus another 9m+1f); Mallard (pair); Hooded Merganser (pair +3m +3f); Common Merganser (1f: likely breeder); Bald Eagle (1ad w/nest w/young+ 2ad+1imm); Cooper?s Hawk (pair at nest: one of the best sightings of the day. One bird stayed at the nest, while the other frantically flew out and back. Because it was deep in the forest, it was very tough to see what was happening, but they both called incessantly, that weird Pileated-like call.); Red-shouldered Hawk (1: breeder); Broad-winged Hawk (2); Ruffed Grouse (11); Wild Turkey (2); Mourning Dove (5); Ruby-throated Hummingbird (1m nectaring on a highbush blueberry right along the shore); Red-bellied Woodpecker (9); Yellow-bellied Sapsucker (15); Downy Woodpecker (2); Hairy Woodpecker (2); N Flicker (4); Pileated Woodpecker (5); Least Flycatcher (28); Eastern Phoebe (4); Great Crested Flycatcher (8); Eastern Kingbird (5); WHITE-EYED VIREO (1 seen and singing constantly in a brushy edge of a beaver pond deep in the forest. Sheila got some shots); Yellow-throated Vireo (15); Blue-headed Vireo (24); Red-eyed Vireo (62); Blue Jay (22); A Crow (6); Common Raven (5); Tree Swallow (56); Black-capped Chickadee (32); Tufted Titmouse (24); Red-breasted Nuthatch (3); White-breasted Nuthatch (10); Brown Creeper (10); House Wren (2); Winter Wren (4: we got to watch nestbuilding, which was a first for us. Extremely secretive about it); Blue-gray Gnatcatcher (10); Veery (43); Hermit Thrush (14); Wood Thrush (37); A Robin (50); Gray Catbird (51);

WARBLERS: Blue-winged (2); Tennessee (1); ORANGE-CROWNED (1: very uncommon in County in spring); Nashville (3); N Parula (12); Yellow (15); Chestnut-sided (130); Magnolia (22); Cape May (1); Black-throated Blue (77); Yellow-rumped (41); Black-throated Green (81); Blackburnian (48); Pine (81); Prairie (2); Bay-breasted (3); Blackpoll (1); Cerulean (1m: possible breeder); Black and White (71); A Redstart (134); Worm-eating Warbler (1: possible breeder); Ovenbird (190); C Yellowthroat (85); Canada (2);

Scarlet Tanager (68); Eastern Towhee (100); Chipping Sparrow (54); Song Sparrow (19); Swamp Sparrow (4); White-throated Sparrow (4); N Cardinal (3); Rose-breasted Grosbeak (44); Indigo Bunting (2); Red-winged Blackbird (59); C Grackle (11); Brown-headed Cowbird (26); Baltimore Oriole (81); A Goldfinch (12); Plus: a number of River Otters (1 really gave Sheila the business and barked at her in no uncertain terms);; Garter Snake; E Painted Turtles; the constant trilling of Tree Frogs and some odes I am still trying to ID. Fringed Polygala were among the numerous wildflowers. Sheila will post some pics on her blog later in the week. (report from Mark Lynch/Sheila Carroll).

5/8/09 -- Oakham, Spencer, North Brookfield and New Braintree

Highlights from this morning in Bird Atlas Block, North Brookfield 11 (mostly in Oakham) were: American Kestrel, Least Flycatcher, Yellow-throated Vireo, Veery, Wood Thrush, Blue-winged Warbler, Yellow Warbler, Chestnut-sided Warbler, Black-throated-blue Warbler, Black-throated-green Warbler, Pine Warbler, Black-and-white Warbler, American Redstart, Ovenbird, Northern Waterthrush, Common Yellowthroat, Scarlet Tanager and rose-breasted Grosbeak. (report from Alan Marble).

5/6/09 -- downtown Worcester

The Peregrine Falcons have been a lot more active the past couple of days with a lot more switch offs between the two with their nest sitting responsibilities. My co-worker saw the female chase off a hawk (didn't confirm what kind) that was unfortunate enough to fly above the Unum building. The male made a brief stop on top of the glass tower in downtown Worcester today and I was able to get some photos. More info can be found on my blog (including a picture of the female from last week on top of the same buidling). (report from Kimberly Allen).

5/5/09 -- Gardner

Hilights from birding this AM in Gardner: Warbling Vireo 1; Blue-headed Vireo  2; *White-eyed Vireo  1 ( digi-bin photos on my blog); Nashville Warbler  3; Northern Waterthrush  3. The WE Vireo was 25' from the parking for the Gardner bicycle trail parking lot, across from Mount Wachusett Community College. On my blog I also have a "bit" on the Forbush Bird Club's East Quabbin trip on Sunday 5/3. (report from Tom Pirro).

5/3/09 -- Quabbin Reservoir

Highlights of a Forbush Bird Club all-day auto tour of east Quabbin Reservoir included several Common loons, a Bald Eagle pair (on nest with at least 1 chick), a Merlin which remained perched for 30 minutes, 14 species of Wood Warblers, nice looks at Rose-breasted Grosbeak, Baltimore Oriole and Wood Thrush to name a few). Here is a complete trip list. (report from Tom Pirro, fide Joan Gallagher).

5/3/09 -- Wachusett Reservoir, Boylston

The Gate 6 Eagles' nest looks promising ( photo 1| photo 2).I would guess there is at least one hatchling. (report and photos from Richard Johnson).

5/2/09 -- Sylvester Street/Worcester Airport

Here is a complete trip list of the 59 species observed on the Forbush Bird Club trip. (report from Susan LaBree, fide Joan Gallagher).

5/2/09 -- Quabbin Park, Quabbin Reservoir

Before heading to Whately for the Painted Bunting (stunning as usual), we did an early morning pass through QUABBIN PARK/SOUTH QUABBIN. There was a decent movement of passerines early on; mostly these were species that also nest in the area. So, as is typical of Quabbin at this time of the year, it's tough to tell a migrant from a bird on territory without seeing some "Confirmed" behavior. From the headquarters, we had a modest movement of swallows, low over the water, heading N/NNW. Common Loon (1); Double-crested Cormorant (2); Turkey Vulture (2); Canada Goose (11); Mallard (3); Common Merganser (3f+1m); Ruffed Grouse (1); Wild Turkey (4: nb: turkey hunting is under way, so be forewarned. You?ll be hearing a lot of turkey calls in field and forest. We also had turkey decoys.); Mourning Dove (4); Belted Kingfisher (1); Red-bellied Woodpecker (2); Yellow-bellied Sapsucker (5); Downy Woodpecker (3); N Flicker (2); Pileated Woodpecker (3); Least Flycatcher (2); Eastern Phoebe (6); Great Crested Flycatcher (2); Yellow-throated Vireo (7); Blue-headed Vireo (2); Blue Jay (1); A Crow (9); Common Raven (7); Tree Swallow (40); N Rough-winged Swallow (10); Bank Swallow (2); Cliff Swallow (1); Barn Swallow (10); Black-capped Chickadee (6); Tufted Titmouse (11); White-breasted Nuthatch (3); Brown Creeper (3); House Wren (2); Ruby-crowned Kinglet (1); Blue-gray Gnatcatcher (3); Eastern Bluebird (2); Hermit Thrush (4); Wood Thrush (3); A Robin (38); Gray Catbird (4); Brown Thrasher (pair nest building);

WARBLERS: Blue-winged (1); N Parula (6); Yellow (2); Chestnut-sided (14); Black-throated Blue (1); Yellow-rumped (14); Black-throated Green (11); Pine (25); Prairie (8); Black and White (24); Ovenbird (26); C Yellowthroat (2);

Scarlet Tanager (4); E Towhee (26); Chipping Sparrow (76); Field Sparrow (4); Savannah Sparrow (1); Song Sparrow (5); Swamp Sparrow (2); White-throated Sparrow (2); Rose-breasted Grosbeak (4); Red-winged Blackbird (31); C Grackle (15); Brown-headed Cowbird (13); Baltimore Oriole (13); Purple Finch (1); House Finch (2); Pine Siskin (2); A Goldfinch (3); Plus: WHITE-TAILED DEER (2); (report from Mark Lynch/Sheila Carroll).

For previous sightings, see April 2009 Archives or Archive Index