May 2012 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:

5/28/12 -- Petersham
Today, Nancy Demers and I birded along the E. Branch of the Swift River -- the Trustees of Reservations "Slab City Tract" just off Rte. 122/32 in Petersham. See trailmap. This section of the property includes diverse habitat: wetland, grassy field, woodland. We found a nice variety of birds--some singing, some not. Highlights: a few Alder Flycatchers (singing), Chestnut-sided Warblers and Veeries, a Purple Finch (all singing), and at least three Ravens (croaking persistently). Common warblers were numerous in the grassy fields leading from the parking area. Tiger Swallowtails were all around at this spot--at times, three or four chasing each other. The path is a bit squishy in spots, but passable. The trail then goes through a shady, wooded section along the river, where we heard Ovenbirds, Scarlet Tanager, E. Wood Pewee (a few weeks ago, Winter Wrens sang and hopped along the bank). We walked about a mile to a metal gate and returned by the same trail. Then we crossed Rte 122 to Conner's Pond and Rutland Brook Audubon Sanctuary, especially to see the patch of Mayapple along the path nearing the footbridge. Highlights: Blue-headed Vireo and Broad-winged Hawk. (report from Beth Milke)

5/28/12 -- Warren
We spent the morning in the town of WARREN, a Worcester County town on the border with HAMPDEN COUNTY, north of Brimfield. Though the Sturbridge CBC includes parts of Warren in its circle, the area is very little birded in the breeding and migration seasons. Some of the best locations are around Colonel's Mountain, a rather inaccessible WMA around a series of high hills visible south of Rt, 9 from the town of Ware. Species like junco and sapsucker nest close to the top of the mountain, but getting there requires serious, strenuous and long bushwhacking. We were introduced to this area while atlasing for the Breeding Bird Atlas 2 and found it hosted an interesting variety of species. Habitats include brushy swamps; wet woodlands, large tracts of contiguous forest; farms, suburban residential; and an old mill town along a river. Last year a visiting British birder photo'd a MISSISSIPPI KITE here. We concentrated mostly on our atlas block area, but also some locations done during the CBC. We did not hit all the critical, tough to get to and therefore "birdy" areas.
  • Partial list: Great Blue Heron (8 occupied nests in 1 rookery); BLACK VULTURE: (1: we had two during the BBA in same area); Turkey Vulture (9 minimal); Bald Eagle (1imm); Red-tailed Hawk (6); American Kestrel (pr obviously on nesting territory, flying all around us, hunting, disappearing momentarily, but mostly in view. The female looked dirty with feather wear, as if she had been in a nest for some time. Try as we may, we could not find the nest, but it had to be nearby. We also saw another male in possible nesting territory.); Virginia Rail (2); Black-billed Cuckoo (1); Chimney Swift (41); Ruby-throated Hummingbird (2m); E Wood Peewee (4); Alder Flycatcher (3); E Phoebe (29); Great Crested Flycatcher (2); E Kingbird (11); Yellow-throated Vireo (11); Warbling Vireo (28); Red-eyed Vireo (103); Tree Swallow (16); N Rough-winged Swallow (10); Barn Swallow (41); Carolina Wren (2); House Wren (12); Veery (41); Wood Thrush (14); Gray Catbird (86); Brown Thrasher (1); Cedar Waxwing (13);
      WARBLERS: Blue-winged (4); Yellow (50); Chestnut-sided (42); Black-throated Blue (2); Pine (3); Black and White (26); A Redstart (64); Ovenbird (59); Northern Waterthrush (1); Mourning Warbler (1); C Yellowthroat (79); Canada (1);
    Scarlet Tanager (5); Savannah Sparrow (2); Rose-breasted Grosbeak (9); Indigo Bunting (10); Bobolink (33); Baltimore Oriole (31); Purple Finch (1);
    (report from Mark Lynch/Sheila Carroll).

    • 5/27/12 -- Oxbow NWR, Harvard
    Highlights of the Forbush Bird Club trip were Black-billed Cuckoo, Barred Owl, ACADIAN FLYCATCHER at Bolton Flats parking lot, many Great Crested Flycatchers, Yellow Throated Vireos, Blue-gray Gnatcatcher and Blackpoll Warbler. Here is the complete trip list (report from Alan Marble fide Jean Holm).

    5/27/12 -- Brookfield
    Yesterday (5/26) around 6 am I had a singing male Golden-winged Warbler along the railroad tracks at the Brookfield marsh. The bird was singing constantly but difficult to see. After working, I returned at 10 am and could not re-locate it. This morning (5/27) at 6 am there was no sign of the bird. It was about 400 yards up the tracks from the parking area at the bridge. Other birds of note were 3 American Bittern and 2-3 distant Marsh Wrens. The wren population is way down from previous year's counts that have averaged 6-9 singing birds. (report from Rodney Jenkins)

    5/27/12 -- Royalston
    We spent the morning birding in ROYALSTON in the extreme NW corner of Worcester County. As has been typical this spring for us in Central MA, we had BY FAR mostly migrant breeders, but did have a handful of migrant non breeders this time out. We birded mostly along or just off roads around the TULLY DAM/DOANE ROCK ARMY CORPS OF ENGINEERS properties and several TRUSTEES OF RESERVATION properties as well as some dirt roads. Consult some on-line topos for maps. But be forewarned, the Tully Lake area is very
    5/27/12 -- Royalston
    We spent the morning birding in ROYALSTON in the extreme NW corner of Worcester County. As has been typical this spring for us in Central MA, we had BY FAR mostly migrant breeders, but did have a handful of migrant non breeders this time out. We birded mostly along or just off roads around the TULLY DAM/DOANE ROCK ARMY CORPS OF ENGINEERS properties and several TRUSTEES OF RESERVATION properties as well as some dirt roads. Consult some on-line topos for maps. But be forewarned, the Tully Lake area is very popular with fisherman, day trippers and hikers. Get there EARLY.
  • Partial list: Great Blue Heron (1); Broad-winged Hawk (very noisy pair low in forest); Red-tailed Hawk (pair soaring); Ruffed Grouse (2 drumming); Spotted Sandpiper (2); Ruby-throated Hummingbird (2); Yellow-bellied Sapsucker (6); Pileated Woodpecker (2); E Wood Peewee (10); Alder Flycatcher (7); Least Flycatcher (3); E Phoebe (15); E Kingbird (10); Blue-headed Vireo (8); Red-eyed Vireo (135); Common Raven (great prolonged views of a pair of adults dealing with 3 VERY noisy, but fully fledged yg); N Rough-winged Swallow (8); Cliff Swallow (2: flying around the Tully Dam area. I have NO idea if these are breeders or just migrants); Red-breasted Nuthatch (8); Winter Wren (2); Veery (11); Hermit Thrush (5); Wood Thrush (5); Cedar Waxwing (9);
      WARBLERS: Yellow (6); Chestnut-sided (14); Magnolia (1); CAPE MAY (1); Black-throated Blue (9); Yellow-rumped (4); Black-throated Green (23); Blackburnian (10); Pine (8); Blackpoll (2); Black and White (7); A Redstart (5); Ovenbird (44); Northern Waterthrush (4); Louisiana Waterthrush (1); Mourning Warbler (1); C Yellowthroat (25); Canada (6);
    Scarlet Tanager (12); Dark-eyed Junco (3); Indigo Bunting (2);
  • PLUS: some good butterflying: including (71) swallowtails ; Pine Elfin; Am Copper and the following skippers: Dreamy and Juvenals Duskywing; Arctic; Dusted; Pepper and Salt; Hobomok. And AMAZING views of a large BLACK BEAR. This seems to be our year for this mammal. We had 4 different views of the same bear; once QUITE close by surprise.
    (report from Mark Lynch/Sheila Carroll).

    • 5/26/12 -- Petersham
    We spent the morning birding various locations in PETERSHAM, including the Women's State Forest; Tom Swamp, Harvard Pond and various woodlots and farmlands. It was not a great day for migration, and the majority of birds we saw/heard were migrant breeders on territory. The weather was overcast for most of the morning.
  • Highlights: Wood Duck: ( 9, all adults); Red-shouldered Hawk (1); Broad-winged Hawk (1); Ruffed Grouse (3 drumming); Chimney Swift (14); Ruby-throated Hummingbird (6males on territory); Red-bellied Woodpecker (1); Yellow-bellied Sapsucker (6+ pr attending a nest hole w/yg); Pileated Woodpecker (1); E Wood Peewee (15); Alder Flycatcher (2); Least Flycatcher (16); E Phoebe(15); Great Crested Flycatcher (1); E Kingbird (10: 3 nests found); Yellow-throated Vireo (2); Blue-headed Vireo (7); Warbling Vireo (8); Red-eyed Vireo (162); Brown Creeper (3); House Wren (6); Winter Wren (6); Veery (27); Hermit Thrush (2: low);
      WARBLERS: Blue-winged (1); Yellow (7); Chestnut-sided (28); Magnolia (2); Black-throated Blue (25); Yellow-rumped (6); Black-throated Green (44); Blackburnian (6); Pine (9); Prairie (1); Blackpoll (2: the only migrant non-breeders for the day. So far this spring, at least for me, it has been a very poor spring migration); Black and White (8); A Redstart (30); Ovenbird (131); C Yellowthroat (44);
    Scarlet Tanager (23); Rose-breasted Grosbeak (7); Indigo Bunting (15); Bobolink (16); Purple Finch (3);
  • PLUS: a very good show of Tiger/Canadian Swallowtails (52); AND: Hobomok Skippers; Silver Spotted Skippers; Hummingbird Clearwings and a very cooperative and large Northern /Banded Watersnake. Bullfrog and at one point, a great chorus of Gray Tree frogs.
  • NB: Sheila took one short foray into some brush and came out COVERED in DEER TICKS. At least 20++ that we found so far. Be forewarned. Also: the mosquitoes were out in force.
    (report from Mark Lynch/Sheila Carroll).

    • 5/23/12 -- Oxford
    Midway between Hodges Village Dam and Green Briar Rec Area, I heard, then saw an adult Red-headed Woodpecker. I think it was the area near the end of Rocky Hill Rd. where The Midstate Trail goes by a gate. It flew across the marsh towards the dirt road that runs behind the sandpit. (report from Brian Mulhearn)

    5/22/12 -- Worcester
    I had a Pine Siskin at my feeder today. (phone report from Dave Grant).

    5/20/12 -- Buck Hill, Spencer
    The Forbush Bird Club trip Held its annual trip to Buck Hill. Here is the complete trip list (report from Susan LaBree fide Jean Holm).

    5/20/12 -- Oakham/New Braintree
    Today we birded more locations that we had atlased during the Breeding Bird Atlas 2, as well as adjacent locations. We started in OAKHAM birding the paved section of COLDBROOK ROAD for a mile or so. This was also partially atlased by Alan Marble. This is mostly densely forested with a power line cut-through. It was along this power line area that Marble found a Golden-winged Warbler during the atlas. The power line company has now cleared that area and the bird is gone. DCR is also now clearing a section of this forest to continue and extend the fine rail trail that runs through Rutland State Park. The majority of the birds were singing, territorial birds.
  • Highlights included: E Phoebe (4); Yellow-throated Vireo (1); Red-eyed Vireo (29); Red-breasted Nuthatch (3); Winter Wren (1); Veery (11); Hermit Thrush (1); Wood Thrush (2);
      WARBLERS: Blue-winged (2); Chestnut-sided (26); Black-throated Blue (8); Yellow-rumped (5); Black-throated Green (6); Blackburnian (2); Pine (4); Prairie (1); Black and White (2); A Redstart (3); Ovenbird (32); MOURNING WARBLER (1); C Yellowthroat (15); Canada (3);
    Scarlet Tanager (6); White-throated Sparrow (1); Rose-breasted Grosbeak (4);
  • THEN the BLACK BEAR crossed our path and our birding went out the window for a bit as we tried (and failed) to get further good looks at the bear. A bear trumps warblers any day.
  • Later, we birded NEW BRAINTREE, mostly in locations we had atlased. The habitats here include numerous fields and small woodlots. Highlights: Great Blue Heron (2); American Kestrel (1m); Wild Turkey (2); Killdeer (7); Red-bellied Woodpecker (3); E Wood-peewee (2); Alder Flycatcher (11); Willow Flycatcher (1); Least Flycatcher (10); E Phoebe (13); E Kingbird (16); Yellow-throated Vireo (2); Warbling Vireo (16); Red-eyed Vireo (51); Red-breasted Nuthatch (3); House Wren (4); Veery (13); Wood Thrush (6); Gray Catbird (43);
      WARBLERS: Blue-winged (11); Yellow (38); Chestnut-sided (41); Yellow-rumped (1); Black-throated Green (6); Pine (11); Prairie (1); Black and White (13); A Redstart (34); Ovenbird (33); C Yellowthroat (83);
    Scarlet Tanager (12); Field Sparrow (2); Savannah Sparrow (4); Swamp Sparrow (9); Rose-breasted Grosbeak (20); Indigo Bunting (21); Bobolink (54); Eastern Meadowlark (2); Baltimore Oriole (26)
    (report from Mark Lynch/Sheila Carroll).

    • 5/19/12 -- Millbury/Sutton Area
    Highlights of the Forbush Bird Club trip were 4 Green Herons, Blackpoll warbler, Kestrel, Pileated Woodpecker, 3 Grasshopper Sparrow, and Red-shouldered Hawk. Here is the complete trip list (report from Alan Marble fide Jean Holm).

    5/19/12 -- north section of WARE RIVER WATERSHED IBA, Hubbardston/Barre
    We spent the morning birding the northern section of the WARE RIVER WATERSHED IBA. This section is north of Rt. 62, mostly in HUBBARDSTON and BARRE. We spent the bulk of our time along the DCR dirt roads that run along the Burnshirt River. We covered half of this area for the Breeding Bird Atlas 2. This area is mostly deep mixed forest, with some cut areas. There are adjacent areas in the IBA with farms and suburban housing. It is less visited than the large area between Barre Falls Dam and Rutland State Park and offers some very nice forest birding.
  • Birds recorded: Great Blue Heron (7 occupied nests in a small rookery in a small beaver pond you have to bush whack to see); Canada Goose (pair); Wood Duck (1m); Red-shouldered Hawk (1); Wild Turkey (1); Sora (1); Mourning Dove (8); N Flicker (2); Pileated Woodpecker (2); Olive-sided flycatcher (1); E Wood Peewee (3); Alder Flycatcher (2); Least Flycatcher (11); E Phoebe (17); Great Crested Flycatcher (pair: we had this pair fly across a cut over area, one behind the other calling. The lead bird was carrying a long piece of streaming material that looked like a snakeskin); E Kingbird (6); Blue-headed Vireo (8); Warbling Vireo (3); Red-eyed Vireo (62); Blue Jay (11); A Crow (6); Tree Swallow (8); N Rough-winged Swallow (1); Barn Swallow (20+); Black-capped Chickadee (40); Tufted Titmouse (14); Red-breasted Nuthatch (4); White-breasted Nuthatch (2); Brown Creeper (11); Winter Wren (4); E Bluebird (2); Veery (22); Hermit Thrush (4); A Robin (24); Gray Catbird (18); Cedar Waxwing (3);
      WARBLERS: Blue-winged (2); Tennessee (1: uncommon spring migrant in Worcester County); Nashville (1); Yellow (3); Chestnut-sided (13); Black-throated Blue (3); Yellow-rumped (12); Black-throated Green (47); Blackburnian (9); Pine (5); Prairie (3); Black and White (11); A Redstart (2); Ovenbird (82); Northern Waterthrush (1); Louisiana Waterthrush (1); C Yellowthroat (36); Canada (3);
    Scarlet Tanager (24); E Towhee (4); Chipping Sparrow (15); Song Sparrow (6); Swamp Sparrow (23); N Cardinal (5); Rose-breasted Grosbeak (12); Indigo Bunting (2); Bobolink (20+); Red-winged Blackbird (50+); Baltimore Oriole (4); Purple Finch (4); A Goldfinch (3); Evening Grosbeak (1m: breeds in area);
  • PLUS: Pine Elfins; and among the blooms: Starflower (very common); Sarsparilla (common); Pink Lady's Slipper (nice show); and Painted Trillium.
    (report from Mark Lynch/Sheila Carroll).

    • 5/18/12 -- Bolton Flats, Bolton
    This morning I heard the Acadian Flycatcher as I was going down the path to the cornfields. It was perched in the tall trees just before where the brook crosses the path. I took this photo. (report from Peter Morlock).

    5/18/12 -- Quabbin Park/South Quabbin Reservoir
    We spent the morning birding QUABBIN PARK/SOUTH QUABBIN and immediate vicinity. Even though it was Friday, there were a number of birders about. There was only a little migration going on, but still lots of birds. We missed Dave Larson's Olive-sided and Canada, but did have a few other species. BTW: On Birdathon day (Saturday), one of the teams from a sanctuary that (for now) will remain nameless, was seen TAPING IN a pair of Cerulean Warblers even though they were asked not to by another non-affiliated birder present. It SHOULD go without saying that this is unconscionable field behavior: harassing a local and rare breeding species. That person is damned lucky I was not present.

    Double-crested Cormorant (1); Great Blue Heron (5); Green Heron (1); Turkey Vulture (13: including 10 on the ground at the State Trout hatchery); Canada Goose (3); Mallard (1); Surf Scoter (8); Hooded Merganser (1f w/13 ducklings. But, only 3 of those ducklings were Hoodies. The rest were Wood Duck ducklings); Common Merganser (1f); Bald Eagle (1 yg bird in nest); Red-tailed Hawk (1 pr+another); Wild Turkey (3); Killdeer (2); Ring-billed Gull (1); Chimney Swift (2); Red-bellied Woodpecker (2); Yellow-bellied Sapsucker (1); Downy Woodpecker (1); N Flicker (1); Pileated Woodpecker (1); E Wood Peewee (11); E Phoebe (15); Great Crested Flycatcher (11); E Kingbird (7); Yellow-throated Vireo (10); Warbling Vireo (2); Red-eyed Vireo (87); A Crow (6); C Raven (3); Tree Swallow (16); N Rough-winged Swallow (2); Barn Swallow (13); Black-capped Chickadee (11); Tufted Titmouse (9); House Wren (3); Blue-gray Gnatcatcher (5); Veery (10); Wood Thrush (2); A Robin (21); Gray Catbird (26); N Mockingbird (2); Cedar Waxwing (2) Scarlet Tanager (9); E Towhee (37); Chipping Sparrow (33); Song Sparrow (7); Rose-breasted Grosbeak (18); Indigo Bunting (3); Red-winged Blackbird (20+); C Grackle (8); Brown-headed Cowbird (4); Baltimore Oriole (14); House Finch (2); A Goldfinch (3)
    PLUS: Red Admiral (12); American Lady (13); American Copper (4); Pearl Crescent (5); C Ringlet (7)
    (report from Mark Lynch/Sheila Carroll).

    5/17/12 -- Bolton Flats and Pine Hill WMA, Bolton
    Highlights of the Forbush Bird Club trip were a pumping American Bittern, Common Nighthawks, Whip-poor-wills calling from all directions, several displaying American Woodcock and a singing Vesper Sparrow. Here is the complete trip list (report from Bart Kamp fide Jean Holm).

    5/17/12 -- Institute Park, Worcester
    At 1 pm, highlights were
  • Institute Park: 1 Green Heron (ad), 8 Mute Swan (2 ad, 6 imm), 2 Spotted Sandpipers, 3 Warbling Vireos, 1 Red-eyed Vireo, and 1 Yellow Warbler.
  • Bancroft Tower Hill: 1 Eastern Wood-Pewee (also yesterday), 2 Wood Thrush singing, 2 Cedar Waxwings, 1 Red-eyed Vireo, and 1 Rose-breasted Grosbeak.
    (report from Rick Quimby).

    • 5/16/12 -- Bolton Flats, Bolton
    Stopped at Bolton Flats on the way home today at about 5 pm and found the Sandhill Crane in the corn field on the other side of the large "puddle" framed by the greenhouses in the background. (report from Alex Dunn).

    5/16/12 -- Westboro/Wachusett Reservoir
  • Late this morning at the Mill Pond in Westboro, seen from the Arch Street side were 2 BLACK TERNS feeding around the pond. The Osprey are nesting. One was sitting on the nest while the other was perched nearby.
  • In the afternoon at Wachusett Reservoir there were: 1 Red-necked Grebe, 17 White-winged Scoters and 1 Bonaparte's Gull. Yesterday (5/15) there was a female Red-breasted Merganser resting on the bushy island (north end in Clinton).
    (report from Bart Kamp).

    • 5/16/12 -- Saint John's Cemetery, Worcester
    I saw a Red-tailed Hawk. There was a bird's nest . The hawk discovered the bird's nest . The hawk landed on the nest and snatched a nestling. (report and photos from Brian Mulhearn)

    5/15/12 -- Wallum Lake, Douglas
    While walking along the beach at Wallum Lake this afternoon, I looked out at the water and thought I saw a cormorant. When I used my binocs, though, I was surprised to see that it was a common loon! (report from Mary Sughrue-Yacino).

    5/15/12 -- Downtown Worcester
    The male Peregrine Falcon was perched on top of the People's United Building in Downtown Worcester this afternoon (not the side that faces City Hall). It didn't appear to be at all concerned over the construction taking place and fairly close by to where it was perched as it spent its time watching the demolition and preening in between. This is the same general area where I've seen this bird the past month with no site of the female since April so am guessing if they are nesting this year, it's there. Should be interesting to see how the Mrs. reacts to the construction crew when the chicks fledge if there are any! (report from Kimberly Allen).

    5/14/12 -- Bolton Flats, Bolton
    The Sandhill Crane and Acadian Flycatcher (see previous reports) continue as of today. Also, at least 3 Fish Crows were in the cornfield among the American Crows. (report from Kevin Bourinot).

    5/14/12 -- Worcester
    Early this evening at the same time there were 4 female Ruby-throated Hummingbirds on or chasing each other around the feeder; then later in the evening 3 male Ruby-throated Hummingbirds were chasing each other around the feeder. There was so much chasing I don't know how many actually got to feed. (report from Bart Kamp).

    5/14/12 -- Leominster
    Tonight at Lowe's in Leominster there were 4 common nighthawks headed north. (report from Jean Holm).

    5/13/12 -- Spencer/Sturbridge/Brookfields
    Today we birded SPENCER, 2 locations in STURBRIDGE and a few stops in the QUABOG IBA in the Brookfields. In every case, these were areas I covered doing Breeding Bird Atlas work, and that intense coverage really helped with knowledge of what species could be found. Here are some highlights:
  • SPENCER: Great Blue Heron (1); Mallard (2); Hooded Merganser (1 in Wood Duck box); Red-tailed Hawk (1); Belted Kingfisher (1); Red-bellied Woodpecker (1); E Wood Peewee (1); E Phoebe (9); Great Crested Flycatcher (2); Yellow-throated Vireo (3); Warbling Vireo (4); Red-eyed Vireo (21); House Wren (7);
      WARBLERS: Blue-winged (1); Yellow (18); Chestnut-sided (1); Yellow-rumped (16); Black-throated Green (5); Pine (4); Prairie (2); Black and White (1); Worm-eating (1: singing in same area that we confirmed the species on the Breeding Bird Atlas 2); Ovenbird (25); Northern Waterthrush (1); Louisiana Waterthrush (2); C Yellowthroat (20); Canada (1);
    Scarlet Tanager (5); Rose-breasted Grosbeak (4); Bobolink (30+); Baltimore Oriole (8);
  • STURBRIDGE (behind ALSCO INDUSTRY): Great Blue Heron (13 active nests w/yg); Osprey (active nest on microwave relay tower); Killdeer (pair); Solitary Sandpiper (2); Pileated Woodpecker (1); N Rough-winged Swallow (4); Yellow-throated Vireo (1); A Redstart (3); Ovenbird (3);
  • STURBRIDGE: Rt. 84: Another active Osprey nest on microwave utility pole.
  • STURBRIDGE -- Wells SP (quick visit): Double-crested Cormorant (1); A Black Duck (1); Osprey (1 fly-over); Ruby-throated Hummingbird (1); Red-bellied Woodpecker (3); Yellow-bellied Sapsucker (1); Great Crested Flycatcher (3); Yellow-throated Vireo (1); Blue-headed Vireo (1); Warbling Vireo (2); Red-eyed Vireo (18); Brown Creeper (1);
      WARBLERS: Nashville (1); N Parula (2); Yellow (17); Chestnut-sided (3); Black-throated Blue (3); Yellow-rumped (45); Black-throated Green (4); Blackburnian (2); Pine (9); Prairie (3); Black and White (2); A Redstart (8); Ovenbird (12); N Waterthrush (1); L Waterthrush (2); C Yellowthroat (27)
    Scarlet Tanager (16); Rose-breasted Grosbeak (3);
  • QUABOG IBA (BROOKFIELDS): Great Blue Heron (4); Mute Swan (1); Killdeer (1); Ruby-throated Hummingbird (1); Alder Flycatcher (3); Willow Flycatcher (2); Least Flycatcher (6); E Phoebe (9+ 1 on nest); Yellow-throated Vireo (2); Warbling Vireo (18); Red-eyed Vireo (22); N Rough-winged Swallow (4); Carolina Wren (1); House Wren (9); Marsh Wren (1); E Bluebird (1); Gray Catbird (42); N Mockingbird (1); Brown Thrasher (1);
      WARBLERS: Blue-winged (1 singing Golden-winged song); Yellow (45); Chestnut-sided (7); Pine (3); Black and White (6); A Redstart (21); Ovenbird (10); N Waterthrush (1); C Yellowthroat (62)
    Scarlet Tanager (2); Rose-breasted Grosbeak (5); Indigo Bunting (2); Bobolink (17); Baltimore Oriole (13)
    (report from Mark Lynch/Sheila Carroll).

    • 5/13/12 -- Bolton Flats, Bolton
    Highlights of an early morning trip to Bolton Flats from the Route 117 parking lot (Brad Blodgett joined me for the walk as far as the bend) were: 3 American Bitterns, 2 drake Green-winged Teal, 1 pair of Northern Shovelers, 1 Common Gallinule (at it's usual location), 1 SANDHILL CRANE, 1 Short-billed Dowitcher and 3-4 Willow Flycatchers. The crane was feeding among the corn stalks and out of sight most of the time. Because of the growth of vegetation viewing is best looking south from the north end. However you need knee boots to get around the bend. (report from Bart Kamp).

    5/12/12 -- Mt. Wachusett, Princeton/Westminster
    The Forbush Bird Club trip Held its annual trip to Wachusett Mountain in Princeton/Westminster. Here is the complete trip list (report from Susan LaBree fide Jean Holm).

    5/12/12 -- Ware River IBA, Rutland/Barre
    Today we birded the southern half of the WARE RIVER IBA as part of our efforts for Birdathon. We birded most of the dirt roads between Rutland SP and Barre Falls Dam. Having thoroughly covered this entire IBA for the Breeding Bird Atlas 2 really helped us know in advance where to find certain species. Starting temperatures were 32 degrees and it it did not start to warm up till well after 8AM. There were lots of birds, but they were mostly migrant breeders with only a handful of migrants.
  • Birds recorded: American Bittern (1); Great Blue Heron (3); Canada Goose (13); Wood Duck (5); Hooded Merganser (1f w/3 yg+2m); Common Merganser (2f); Red-tailed Hawk (2); Ruffed Grouse (3 drumming); Wild Turkey (4); Virginia Rail (1); Mourning Dove (12); Ruby-throated Hummingbird (1); Belted Kingfisher (1); Downy Woodpecker (1); Hairy Woodpecker (3); N Flicker (3); Pileated Woodpecker (3); E Wood Peewee (2: just starting to return); Least Flycatcher (20); E Phoebe (5); Great Crested Flycatcher (2); E Kingbird (4); Yellow-throated Vireo (3); Blue-headed Vireo (11); Warbling Vireo (6); Red-eyed Vireo (40); Blue Jay (24); A Crow (2); Tree Swallow (26); Barn Swallow (14); Black-capped Chickadee (49); Tufted Titmouse (12); Red-breasted Nuthatch (4); White-breasted Nuthatch (2); Brown Creeper (7); House Wren (3); Winter Wren (1); Golden-crowned Kinglet (2); Blue-gray Gnatcatcher (2); Veery (12); Grey-cheeked Thrush (1: hopping on main road just at dawn. Great Views); Hermit Thrush (29); Wood Thrush (20); A Robin (19); Gray Catbird (36);
      WARBLERS: Blue-winged (2); Nashville (4); N Parula (2); Yellow (14); Chestnut-sided (51); Magnolia (5: all likely breeders); Black-throated Blue (3); Yellow-rumped (15); Black-throated Green (23); Blackburnian (1: declining breeder of IBA); Pine (21); Prairie (5); CERULEAN (1 singing in appropriate habitat); Black and White (11); A Redstart (7); Ovenbird (149: 2-3 heard at almost every stop); Northern Waterthrush (1); Louisiana Waterthrush (1: declining breeder); C Yellowthroat (73); Canada (2: likely breeders);
    Scarlet Tanager (16); E Towhee (67); Chipping Sparrow (24); Song Sparrow (23); Swamp Sparrow (21); White-throated Sparrow (12: breeder in IBA in small numbers); N Cardinal (12); Rose-breasted Grosbeak (27); Indigo Bunting (2); Red-winged Blackbird (67); C Grackle (25+); Brown-headed Cowbird (6); Baltimore Oriole (9); Purple Finch (7); A Goldfinch (12); PLUS: Red Admirals (58)
    (report from Mark Lynch/Sheila Carroll).

    • 5/12/12 -- Bolton Flats, Bolton
    Highlights of a stop at the Bolton Flats, Route 117 parking lot this afternoon were a singing Acadian Flycatcher and 3 Semi-palmated Plovers. I was told about the flycatcher by the birders who were there. The flycatcher was between the parking lot and the start of the corn field. (report from Bart Kamp).

    5/12/12 -- Oxbow National Wildlife Refuge, Harvard
    Highlights of a morning walk around Oxbow National Wildlife Refuge included Rose-breasted Grosbeak, Wood Thrush, Least Flycatcher, American Redstart, Black-throated Green Warbler, Northern Parula, Yellow-throated Vireo, and Warbling Vireo. (report from Robert Brady).

    5/10/12 -- Institute Park, Worcester
  • Highlights today at 1 pm were 1 Cooper's Hawk, 1 Solitary Sandpiper, 2 Spotted Sandpipers, 2 Least Sandpipers, 1 Eastern Kingbird, 2 Gray Catbirds, 2 Warbling Vireo, 1 Yellow-rumped Warbler, and 3 Baltimore Oriole.
  • Yesterday (5/9) there were 1 Solitary Sandpiper, 3 Spotted Sandpipers, and 5 Least Sandpipers. (report from Rick Quimby).

    • 5/8/12 -- Lake Quaboag, Brookfield
    At 1pm there was a tight flock of 4 red-throated and 12 common loons and an even tighter flock of 46 double-crested cormorants. (report from Rodney Jenkins)

    5/7/12 -- Broad Meadow Brook Sanctuary, Worcester
  • Hoping to catch some of the "fallout" that passed through this weekend, I birded the north end of the Worcester Mass Audubon Sanctuary this morning from 9:00 to 10:30, and although the numbers were not impressive, there was a good variety of birds:
  • Highlights were 1 Wood Duck (m), 1 Solitary Sandpiper, 1 Red-bellied Woodpecker, 1 Hairy Woodpecker, 3 Wood Thrush, 2 Gray Catbird, 3 Warbling Vireo, 2 Blue-winged Warbler, 3 Nashville Warbler, 3 N. Parula, 6 Yellow Warbler, 1 Magnolia Warbler, 1 Yellow-rumped Warbler, 1 Prairie Warbler, 1 Am Redstart (m), 1 Ovenbird, 1 N. Waterthrush, 3 C Yellowthroat, 3 Rose-breasted Grosbeak, 3 Eastern Towhee, 1 Field Sparrow, and 3 Baltimore Oriole.
  • On Saturday 5/5, I knew it was going to be a good day when I had, in a (non-birding) afternoon visit to the Ecotarium in Worcester, singing Yellow Warblers, Yellow-rumped Warbler, Black-throated Blue, and Black-throated Green Warblers. (report from Rick Quimby).

    5/7/12 -- Hardwick/North Brookfield
    We spotted on Wilson's warbler along Muddy Brook in Hardwick yesterday (5/6/12), and tonight I heard a whip-poor-will calling multiple times along the 5 Mile River in North Brookfield (8:15PM to 8:40PM). (report from Jeff Smith).

    5/6/12 -- Quabbin Reservoir Gates 45-35
    The Forbush Bird Club held its annual east Quabbin "drive-through" covering the back roads of the former townships of Greenwich and Dana. Highlights included nice views of several species including Balckburnian, Chestnut Sided, Common Yellowthroat, Rose-breasted Grosebeak, Baltimore Oriole, Scarlet Tanager and a Wild turkey nest with 9 eggs.. Other Quabbin specialties such as Bald Eagle , Common Loon and lunch on Dana Common made the trip all the more enjoyable. Here is the complete trip list (report from Tom Pirro fide Jean Holm).

    5/6/12 -- Ware River Watershed IBA, Rutland/Barre
    We spent the morning birding the southern half of the WARE RIVER WATERSHED IBA, driving one way from Rutland State Park to the Barre Falls Dam area. This is an area we covered in the Breeding Bird Atlas II, so we have a good idea of the variety and number of species that breed here. Many of the species noted are breeders, BUT in higher numbers than are typical for June. Several species have yet to arrive, notably flycatchers like peewee, and Alder and Willow Flycatchers.
  • Birds: Great Blue Heron (2); Black Vulture (1 flew low over Rt. 68 Rutland heading east); Wood Duck (1); Mallard (4); Hooded Merganser (pr); N Harrier (1m); Greater Yellowlegs (2); Spotted Sandpiper (1); Mourning Dove (3); Belted Kingfisher (1); Downy Woodpecker (6); Hairy Woodpecker (2); N Flicker (2); Least Flycatcher (19); E Phoebe (6); Great Crested Flycatcher (1); E Kingbird (2); Blue-headed Vireo (11); Warbling Vireo (5); Red-eyed Vireo (2: many more still to come); Blue Jay (16); A Crow (3); Tree Swallow (22); Black-capped Chickadee (22); Tufted Titmouse (9); Brown Creeper (6); House Wren (1); Veery (1); Hermit Thrush (5); Wood Thrush (2); A Robin (18); Gray Catbird (14);
      WARBLERS: Blue-winged (1: local breeder in this IBA as fields slowly disappear to forest); Nashville (4: This is a decreasing and local breeder in the state. One or two pairs does breed in this IBA, typically in Blood Swamp); N Parula (2); Yellow (24: common breeder near water); Chestnut-sided (31: common breeder); Magnolia (1: local breeder in this IBA); Yellow-rumped (51: common breeder in this IBA); Black-throated Green (26: breeder); Blackburnian (2: local and decreasing breeder in this IBA); Pine (16: breeder); Black and White (34: common breeder in this IBA); Ovenbird (86: very common breeder in this IBA); C Yellowthroat (19: common breeder); Other breeding warbler species of this IBA NOT seen today include both waterthrushes, Prairie, Black-throated Blue, A Redstart and Canada);
    Scarlet Tanager (3); E Towhee (21); Chipping Sparrow (24); Song Sparrow (9); Swamp Sparrow (32); White-throated Sparrow (6); N Cardinal (4); Rose-breasted Grosbeak (22); Red-winged Blackbird (41); C Grackle (20); Brown-headed Cowbird (6); Orchard Oriole (1 adM); Baltimore Oriole (13); Purple Finch (2); A Goldfinch (12)
    (report from Mark Lynch/Sheila Carroll).

    • 5/6/12 -- Wells State Park, Sturbridge
    Highlights of a morning hike at Wells State Park included Baltimore Oriole, Eastern Towhee, Prairie Warbler, and Yellow Warbler. (report from Robert Brady).

    5/5/12 -- Hodges Village Dam, Oxford
    Highlights of the Forbush Bird Club trip included a mini fallout of 17 species of warblers and sparrows, with 4 White-crowneds. Weather was mostly cloudy and calm winds with temps in the 60's. Here is the complete species list for the 80 species recorded. (report from Paul Meleski fide Jean Holm).

    5/5/12 -- Uxbridge/Northbridge & Holden
  • Uxbridge/Northbridge: Several first-of-year species seen at West Hill Park, Northbridge, this morning: Common Yellowthroat, Magnolia Warbler, Eastern Kingbird.
  • Holden: Great afternoon birding with Nancy Demers at Eagle Lake Audubon Sanctuary, Causeway Street, Holden. At this sanctuary, we almost always see or hear either a Yellow-bellied Sapsucker or a Pileated Woodpecker. Today, it was Pileated Woodpecker. A Hermit Thrush sang from time to time. We saw 2 Veeries, but heard none singing. Warblers were singing, and we saw a Blackburnian, Black-throated Blue, Black-throated Green, Black-and-White, Pine, and two Northern Waterthrushes. A Great Crested Flycatcher called for a while.
  • Worcester: Late in the afternoon, a Great Egret was fishing in Biomed Pond, Worcester.
    (report from Beth Milke)

    • 5/5/12 -- Brookfields
    We spent the morning birding just a few stops in the northern section of the QUABOG IBA in the Brookfields (Worcester County). The weather was overcast; at times foggy and damp and cool. There was a minor fall out of migrants that included some good counts of warbler species. The complete list as follows: Pied-billed Grebe (1); Double-crested Cormorant (single flock of 54 on the water at Lake Quabog); American Bittern (3 pumping); Canada Goose (12); Mute Swan (5); Wood Duck (pair); A Black Duck (flock of 14); Mallard (8); Green-winged Teal (1m with Black Ducks); RED-BREASTED MERGANSER (pair at Quabog); Red-tailed Hawk (1); Wild Turkey (3); Virginia Rail (5); Wilson's Snipe (1); BONAPARTE'S GULL (1 1st S); Ring-billed Gull (3); Mourning Dove (6); Chimney Swift (6); Red-bellied Woodpecker (2); Downy Woodpecker (3); N Flicker (2); Least Flycatcher (7); E Phoebe (15+ 1 on nest); E Kingbird (2); Blue-headed Vireo (13); Warbling Vireo (14); Blue Jay (16); A Crow (14); FISH CROW (1); Tree Swallow (67); N Rough-winged Swallow (4); Cliff Swallow (1); Barn Swallow (110+); Black-capped Chickadee (24); Tufted Titmouse (37); White-breasted Nuthatch (1); House Wren (16); Marsh Wren (4); Wood Thrush (7); A Robin (117); Gray Catbird (53); N Mockingbird (1); Brown Thrasher (1);
      WARBLERS: Blue-winged (2); Nashville (1); N Parula (4); Yellow (76: though this species is a common breeder in this IBA, they aren't THIS common); Chestnut-sided (12); Magnolia (1m); Yellow-rumped (146); Black-throated Green (21); Pine (6); Black and White (18); Ovenbird (36); Northern Waterthrush (1); Louisiana Waterthrush (2 in Spencer); C Yellowthroat (6);
    E Towhee (3); Chipping Sparrow (122); Field Sparrow (1); Savannah Sparrow (5); Song Sparrow (76); Swamp Sparrow (41); White-throated Sparrow (83); White-crowned Sparrow (1); N Cardinal (26); Rose-breasted Grosbeak (11); Bobolink (17); Red-winged Blackbird (153); C Grackle (70+); Brown-headed Cowbird (19); Baltimore Oriole (16m); House Finch (14); A Goldfinch (37);
    (report from Mark Lynch/Sheila Carroll).

    5/5/12 -- Sturbridge
    The rose-breasted grosbeak (1 male) returned to our feeder this afternoon. In the tree nearby, was a yellow warbler (1 male). (report from Naomi Lacasse).

    5/5/12 -- Buffumville Reservoir, Charlton/Dudley
    Highlights of a hike around Buffumville Reservoir this morning included Black-and-white Warbler, Palm Warbler, Northern Waterthrush, Gray Catbird, Common Yellowthroat, White-crowned Sparrow, Savannah Sparrow, Spotted Sandpiper, Hooded Merganser, and Pileated Woodpecker. (report from Robert Brady).

    5/5/12 -- Brookfield
    A quick 5:30 am walk on to the railroad tracks yielded 1 D-C Cormorant, 2 American Bittern, 3-4 Warbling Vireos, FOY Baltimore oriole, 1 Blue-winged Warbler, 2 C. Yellowthroats, and no Marsh Wrens. (report from Rodney Jenkins)

    5/5/12 -- Northbridge
    A quick jaunt around my yard this morning (not far from Friends Cemetery on the corners of Church Street and Quaker Street in Northbridge, MA) provided the sounds of several species including: Baltimore Oriole; Wood Thrush; Golden-crowned Kinglet; Black-throated Green; Black-throated Blue; Black and White; and White-Throated Sparrow.(report from Jenifer Glagowski)

    5/4/12 -- Southbridge
    This morning I had a White-crowned Sparrow in very crisp plumage, the first ever at my feeders).  (report from Pauline Metras fide Joan Jumpfe).

    5/4/12 -- Lake Quaboag, Brookfield
    After work I had 3 Common Loons and 2 (Hooded) Bonaparte's Gulls. (report from Rodney Jenkins)

    5/4/12 -- Worcester Airport area, Worcester/Leicester
    We spent several hours this morning birding around WORCESTER AIRPORT as well as some adjacent areas like BOYNTON PARK. We concentrated less on field environments and more on small woodlots. Weather was cool, damp and overcast. There were a few nice flocks of warblers, mostly male Yellow-rumps, and lots of song. Views of birds were outstanding. Canada Goose (12); Mallard (pair on a lawn); Broad-winged Hawk (1); A Kestrel (1m); Mourning Dove (4); Belted Kingfisher (3); Red-bellied Woodpecker (1); Downy Woodpecker (5); N Flicker (4); Pileated Woodpecker (2); Least Flycatcher (1); E Phoebe (6); Great Crested Flycatcher (1); Blue-headed Vireo (3); Blue Jay (13); A Crow (7); Black-capped Chickadee (22); Tufted Titmouse (27); White-breasted Nuthatch (8); Carolina Wren (1); House Wren (9); Wood Thrush (8); A Robin (45); Gray Catbird (22); Brown Thrasher (1);
      WARBLERS: Blue-winged (4); Nashville (2); Yellow (5); Chestnut-sided (4); Black-throated Blue (3); Yellow-rumped (69); Black-throated Green (8); Blackburnian (1m); Pine (13); CERULEAN (1m seen and heard); Black and White (11); Ovenbird (20); Louisiana Waterthrush (2 very separate singing birds);
    E Towhee (14); Chipping Sparrow (61); Field Sparrow (2); Savannah Sparrow (3); Song Sparrow (21); White-throated Sparrow (18); N Cardinal (16); Rose-breasted Grosbeak (4m); Red-winged Blackbird (15+); E Meadowlark (1); C Grackle (10+); Brown-headed Cowbird (19); Baltimore Oriole (4); House Finch (7); Purple Finch (6); A Goldfinch (14).
    (report from Mark Lynch/Sheila Carroll).

    5/4/12 -- Institute Park, Worcester
    Highlights at noon were 3 Great-blue Herons, 2 Warbling Vireos, 1 Ruby-crowned Kinglet, 1 Blue-gray Gnatcatcher, 2 Yellow Warblers, 1 Magnolia Warbler, 2 Yellow-rumped Warblers, 1 Black and White Warbler, 1 Ovenbird, and 1 Baltimore Oriole.
    (report from Rick Quimby)

    5/4/12 -- North Brookfield
    This afternoon I had a White-Crowned Sparrow outside my office window. (report from Rodney Jenkins)

    5/4/12 -- Peppercorn Hill, Upton
  • I visited Peppercorn Hill for the first time today, and I highly recommend it. I enjoyed the hike and it took me about 2 hours to do a leisurely and fairly large counter-clockwise loop. Mostly heard the birds today...around 24 species with highlights: Hermit Thrush; Ovenbird (many, calling like crazy); Common Yellowthroat; Eastern Towhee; Black-and-white warbler(several); Black-throated green warbler; White-throated sparrow; Eastern bluebird (in an area near power lines with a bunch of snags and no visible nest boxes...great natural cavities); pair of Great blue herons in a marshy area by one of the bridges.
  • Also, I did a quick walk in F. Gilbert State Forest in Mansfield, MA on 5/2 around 1 PM. (Also a first visit for me). Highlights included a few Ovenbirds; 1 Northern Waterthrush and a Barred Owl calling.
    (report from Jenifer Glagowski).

    • 5/4/12 -- Bolton Flats, Bolton
    Highlights this morning: COMMON GALLINULE (heard and seen well at the farm pond, hip boots needed), Greater Yellowlegs, Spotted Sandpiper, Killdeer, Belted Kingfisher, Warbling Vireo, Blue-gray Gnatcatcher and Yellow Warblers back in force. (report from Alan Marble).

    5/3/12 -- Uxbridge
    Several first-of-year species were singing during late afternoon today:
  • West Hill Dam, Pudding Street: 2 Ovenbirds, 3 Black-throated Green Warblers.
  • River Bend Farm, Oak Street: Baltimore Oriole, Warbling Vireo, Gray Catbird, all singing.
    (report from Beth Milke)

    • 5/3/12 -- Hopkinton
  • Hopkinton State Park: A walk in the fine mist near the boat ramp noted the following: numbers of Barn Swallow and Tree Swallows (mostly males) and 1 CLIFF SWALLOW. From the Dam, DC Cormorant, Warbling Vireo, 2 Spotted Sandpipers, 2 Savannah Sparrows, and Killdeer.
  • Mass Audubon Waseeka Wildlife Sanctuary: Osprey(1 pair), Red-bellied Woodpecker, Wood Duck, Baltimore Oriole (1m), several Canada Goose, 4 Mallard, Ovenbird(1), Northern Waterthrush(1) (report from Lisa Hennin).

    • 5/2/12 -- Bolton Flats, Bolton
    From 4-7pm, highlights were: ~55 Green-wing Teal, ~40 Wood ducks Spotted sandpiper, (6) Wilson snipe, (1) G. Yellowlegs, (2) A. Bitterns calling from different locations, one flushed, BG Gnatcatcher, Yellow, B-W, Yellowrump, Nashville Warblers, Barn, Tree Swallows and Chimney Swifts all in good numbers. (report from Alex Dunn).

    5/2/12 -- Uxbridge
    A Great Egret was at the grassy end of J.Whitin Pond, Uxbridge, around 1:45 today. The vantage point was across from the deli on Hartford Avenue on the east side of Rte 122. (report from Beth Milke).

    5/2/12 -- Institute Park, Worcester
    Highlights at noon were GB Heron (4 along far shore); Mute Swan (2 ad, 6 young); Blue-gray Gnatcatcher (2); Warbling Vireo (2); Yellow Warbler (1 m). (report from Rick Quimby).

    5/1/12 -- Northboro
    Today I had a male Rose-Breasted Grosbeak at my sun flower feeder. (report from Henry Squillante).

    For previous sightings, see April 2012 Archives or Archive Index