May 2015 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:

5/20/15 -- Wachusett Reservoir
This morning we birded WACHUSETT RESERVOIR. We hit locations like Gate 8; Scar Hill Bluffs, Gate 17, the dike, Mile Hill Road, South Bay and Thomas Basin.
  • Highlights included: Common Loon (7: including 1 migrating high overhead and 1 on a nest with its mate in the water nearby); Double-crested Cormorant (7); Mallard (2m+1f w/8new ducklings. My first ducklings of the year); COMMON GOLDENYE (pair: late); Bald Eagle (2ad hunting in close proximity, amazing views); Spotted Sandpiper (5+ 1 looking like it was on a nest)
  • We found a mixed species flock of swallows flying low over the water at 1 location that had: Tree Swallow (15+); N Rough-winged Swallow (2+); Bank Swallow (4); Cliff Swallow (1); Barn Swallow (6+).
  • Warblers, never a big feature of this location, included Nashville (1); Yellow (6); Black-throated Blue (3); Pine (9); Black and White (1); A Redstart (2); Ovenbird (18); C Yellowthroat (4). Scarlet Tanager (8).
  • Since last year, the DCR has saved from mowing an area of grass to the west and just behind the Rt.110 dike. Today we had (2) singing Savannah Sparrows there and (1) singing Eastern Meadowlark. Today we could find no kestrels around the kestrel box in the same area, but they have been seen here earlier in the season. A single Bobolink called as it flew over.
    (report from Mark Lynch/Sheila Carroll).

    • 5/17/15 -- Buck Hill, Spencer
    On the Forbush Bird Club trip to Buck Hill, highlights of the 63 bird species seen or heard were: Black-billed Cuckoo, Barred Owl 1, Yellow-throated Vireo 4, Winter Wren 1, Blue-gray Gnatcatcher 6, 15 species of warblers, Indigo Bunting 2, and Bobolink. (report from Susan LaBree).

    5/16/15 -- Quabog and Ware River Watershed IBAs
  • Yesterday evening 5/15 we birded the QUABOG IBA in the Brookfields for the start of MAS Birdathon. This year, like other years past, we restricted our birding to central MA IBAs. Birding was slow and the 4 big lakes had almost nothing on them, including gulls! We ended up dipping on any gull species for all of Birdathon. Some of the interesting birds tallied were Hooded Merganser (3f); Virginia Rail (2); Alder Flycatcher (1) and Marsh Wren (1) as well as most of the common breeding species. At the Lake Quabog parking area/boat launch there were a large number of swallows (Tree and Bank) flying down to the pavement. Some seemed to be getting food others were mating. At dusk in the same area (8) Common Nighthawks flew in to feed over the lake and a Greater Yellowlegs flew in from the river. In the dark, along one stretch of road we found Whip-Poor-Will (11) and American Woodcock (9). Then we headed home for a few hours sleep.
  • Today we spent Birdathon entirely in the WARE RIVER WATERSHED IBA, birding most of it. The numbers of passerines was outstanding. Here are some highlights: American Bittern (1); Hooded Merganser (6, including 1 male w/4 females); Sharp-shinned Hawk (1); Cooper's Hawk (1); Red-shouldered Hawk (1); Broad-winged Hawk (2); Red-tailed Hawk (1); Ruffed Grouse (1); Wild Turkey (1: despite the presence of a number of hunters through the area); Virginia Rail (1); Solitary Sandpiper (1); Black-billed Cuckoo (1); Yellow-billed Cuckoo (1); Yellow-bellied Sapsucker (5); Olive-sided Flycatcher (1); Alder Flycatcher (2); Willow Flycatcher (4); Brown Creeper (16); Winter Wren (3); Golden-crowned Kinglet (4: likely breeders);
      WARBLERS: Blue-winged (4); Nashville (3); N Parula (1); Yellow (33); Chestnut-sided (84); Magnolia (8); Cape May (1); Black-throated Blue (28); Yellow-rumped (27); Black-throated Green (28); Blackburnian (12); Pine (46); Prairie (13); Bay-breasted (1); Blackpoll (1); CERULEAN (1m: seen migrating in some oaks along a slope off northern Coldbrook Rd); Black and White (41); A Redstart (31); OVENBIRD (we decided from the start to keep careful numbers and this species tally really shocked us: 254. There was not a stop anywhere, including periphery roads, where you did not hear at least a few. Most are likely migrants, I think); Northern Waterthrush (3); Louisiana Waterthrush (1); C Yellowthroat (89); Wilson's (1); Canada (6);
    Scarlet Tanager (42); White-throated Sparrow (3); Indigo Bunting (8); Bobolink (7: none of their potential breeding areas are protected); Baltimore Oriole (29);
  • We ended up with 122 species for Birdathon, which was not bad at all.
    (report from Mark Lynch/Sheila Carroll).

    • 5/16/15 -- Millbury/Sutton
    On the Forbush Bird Club trip to Millbury Bike Path, Oakhurst Rd, Sutton and the Brierly Pond Conservation Area in Millbury, highlights of the 59 bird species seen or heard were: Black-billed Cuckoo, Eastern Meadowlarks, Pileated Woodpecker, Grasshopper Sparrows and Orchard Orioles. (report from Alan Marble).

    5/11/15 -- Lake Quaboag, Brookfields
    There were 4 swans on the lake this morning, and a Bald Eagle flew by the house on the east side of the lake today. (report from Susan Slater).

    5/10/15 -- Quaboag River, West Brookfield
    At ~ 9:15 AM I had a Glassy Ibis while paddling on the Quaboag River. I have regularly paddled the Quaboag for the past 11 years and have never encountered this species there. (report from John Higgins).

    5/9/15 -- Mt. Wachusett, Westminster
    On the Forbush Bird Club 4th Annual Mt. Wachusett Walk in Memory of Francis X. McMenemy, highlights of the 83 bird species seen or heard were: Broad-winged Hawk 1, Least Flycatcher 4 Yellow-throated Vireo 1, Winter Wren 1, Blue-gray Gnatcatcher 2, 15 species of warblers, Indigo Bunting 2, Bobolink 6. (report from Susan LaBree).

    5/9/15 -- North Grafton
    I had a singing Whip-or-Will early in the evening for about 5 minutes. It must have realized it wasn't close enough to the swamp here in North Grafton so it flew off. Also, there is what appears to be a nesting Great-blue Heron in the swamp behind the old Burger King restaurant off of Rt 122N. In the spring 3-5 Great-blue Herons arrived where there were two full size nest and a third very small nest. The herons dismanted the small nest and one of the other nest and put all sticks/branches into one nest....if you want to see this, its behind and slightly to the north of Koopmans/Grafton Storage. If you get past the gate/security coded, in Grafton Storage area, go to the left and the tall tree with nest is visible. I watched a heron reposition sticks/branches last week and now see the bird setting down on either eggs or fledglings. Its also visible from the parking lot of the old Burger King now Pepperoni Express Pizza. (report from Scott Ricker).

    5/9/15 -- WARE RIVER WATERSHED IBA
    We led a Mass Audubon (Broad Meadow Brook) birding trip to the WARE RIVER WATERSHED today. Lots of birds ( we tallied 80 species); and LOTS of Black Flies (brutal), but highlights included: American Bittern (2:1 watched feeding for awhile while another was pumping); Great Blue Heron (3); GREAT EGRET (2 in Prison Camp marsh. Not expected); Wood Duck (9); Sharp-shinned Hawk (2); Red-shouldered Hawk (1); Broad-winged Hawk (2); Red-tailed Hawk (1); American Kestrel (1); Solitary Sandpiper (8: very close views); Least Sandpiper (2); Yellow-bellied Sapsucker (2 working at nest hole); Pileated Woodpecker (2); Least Flycatcher (28: these were all over at certain stops and we got to watch some great behavior); Blue-headed Vireo (2); Warbling Vireo (4); Red-eyed Vireo (5); Common Raven (1 heard/seen attending at nest under bridge); Winter Wren (2); Blue-gray Gnatcatcher (1); Veery (2); Hermit Thrush (10); Wood Thrush (3); Scarlet Tanager (5); Rose-breasted Grosbeak (11); Bobolink (7); Purple Finch (3); Pine Siskin (2)
  • Dragonflies included Hudsonian Whiteface; Reptiles included Spotted Turtle and Ribbon Snake; for fish: Bridled Shiner; blooms included lots of Wood Anemone and Purple Trillium. Great trip.
    (report from Mark Lynch/Sheila Carroll).

    • 5/9/15 -- Sterling
    Seen early evening yesterday (5/8) were 7 Black Vultures flying over my house in Sterling. Tennessee Warbler seen here earlier today. RH Woodpecker persists, although not as reliable at this time. Due to the large response of birders for the woodpecker, I must ask to please let me know before you plan on stopping by. Please limit yourself to one visit, unless you do not get the bird, then feel free to return. (report from Marsha Paine).

    5/8/15 -- Wampanoag Wildlife Sanctuary, Gardner
    Early morning walk at Wampanoag mostly quiet except dominated by Ovenbirds(26 at least) and Black-throated green(19). Other sightings and hearings: Mourning dove(3), Yellow-bellied sapsucker(1),Pileated woodpecker(1), Great crested flycatcher(2),Blue jay(2), A crow(1), Blue-headed vireo(1), Eastern bluebird(1), A robin(2), Gray catbird(2), European starling(2)(have usurped the kestrel box), Red-breasted nuthatch(1), Brown creeper(1), House wren(2), Tree swallow(15), Black-capped chickadee(7), tufted titmouse(1), A goldfinch(1), House finch(1), other warblers:Yellow-rumped(3), Pine (1), Black-and-white(4), Northern waterthrush(2), Common yellowthroat(2). Song sparrow(2),White-throated sparrow(1), Chipping sparrow(3), Northern cardinal(1), Baltimore oriole(2-pair), Brown-headed cowbird(2). (report from Dick Knowlton).

    5/7/15 -- Institute Park, Worcester
    Highlights at noon were 2 Mute Swan, 1 Spotted Sandpiper, 1 E Kingbird, 1 Gray Catbird, 5 Warbling Vireo, 1 Am Redstart (m), and 2 Baltimore Oriole (m&f). Also on 5/4 I had a Yellow Warbler here. (report from Rick Quimby).

    5/6/15 -- Ware River Watershed IBA
    This morning we birded the southern third of the WARE RIVER WATERSHED IBA. Highlights included: American Bittern (1); Great Blue Heron (8); Wood Duck (4); Osprey (1); Broad-winged Hawk (1); Red-tailed Hawk (1); Virginia Rail (1); Greater Yellowlegs (1); Lesser Yellowlegs (4); Solitary Sandpiper (9); Yellow-bellied Sapsucker (pair); Pileated Woodpecker (3); Least Flycatcher (9); E Phoebe (5); E Kingbird (3); Blue-headed Vireo (7); Warbling Vireo (2); Brown Creeper (14); Winter Wren (2); Ruby-crowned Kinglet (5); Blue-gray Gnatcatcher (1); Veery (2); Hermit Thrush (10); Wood Thrush (1); Gray Catbird (7); Brown Thrasher (1); Scarlet Tanager (4); Rose-breasted Grosbeak (6); Baltimore Oriole (4); Purple Finch (12); Pine Siskin (2);
  • PLUS: Pine and Brown Elfins; many Spring Azures; Mourning Cloak; Hudsonian Whiteface (2);; and a nice show of Purple Trillium, Wood Anemone and Bloodroot.
    (report from Mark Lynch/Sheila Carroll).

    • 5/6/15 -- Bolton Flats, Bolton
    My only FOY today at Bolton Flats seen in the corn field accessed from the route 117 parking lot was 3 American Pipits. (report from Bart Kamp).

    5/6/15 -- Sterling
    The RH Woodpecker has now "adopted" a snag in my yard, which also houses a Downy Woodpecker nest. The downies are stressed to the max trying to get it to move on, but it remains unscathed. (report from Marsha Paine).

    5/5/15 -- Oakham
    There were two male indigo buntings at the feeder. (report from Kathy Van Schoick).

    5/5/15 -- Westborough WMA
    I observed a Great Egret this morning in a dead tree near the pond at the top of the hill where Rice Lane turns to the right. I entered from the Milk Street/Route 135 entrance. (report from Ed Kittredge)

    5/5/15 -- Wachusett Reservoir and Bolton Flats
    This afternoon at Wachusett Reservoir gate 40 there were 1 male Long-tailed Duck about 75% in breeding plumage and 2 Bonaparte's Gulls; one in breeding plumage and one still in winter plumage. In the puddle in the corn field on Center Bridge Road in Lancaster there were 4 Greater Yellowlegs, 3 Lesser Yellowlegs and 2 Solitary Sandpipers. In the corn field west of the path from the route 117 parking lot there were flocks of 31 Glossy Ibis and 24 Least Sandpipers. Feeding on the path between the gas line and the end were 2 White-crowned Sparrows. (report from Bart Kamp).

    5/5/15 -- Oakham
    A Scarlet tanager was heard this morning. (report from Kathy Van Schoick).

    5/5/15 -- Sterling
    A white crowned sparrow appeared yesterday, and continues this AM in all it's glory. (report from Marsha Paine).

    5/4/15 -- Sutton
    I had a male Rose-breasted Grosbeak show up at my feeders this morning . (report from Michael Joubert).

    5/4/15 -- Oxbow NWR, Harvard
    Hiked around OXBOW NWR and had the following: Wood Duck (11); Hooded Merganser (1f); Pileated Woodpecker (1); E Phoebe (3); Great Crested Flycatcher (1); Yellow-throated Vireo (3); Warbling Vireo (2); Red-breasted Nuthatch (3); Brown Creeper (4); House Wren (1); Ruby-crowned Kinglet (6); Blue-gray Gnatcatcher (7); Veery (3); Hermit Thrush (4); Wood Thrush (1); Gray Catbird (9); Rose-breasted Grosbeak (9); Pine Siskin (5);
  • Plus: Garter Snake (5); Banded Water Snake (10+); Bobcat (1); Great wildflower show and lots of elfins.
    (report from Mark Lynch/Sheila Carroll).

    • 5/4/15 -- Sterling
    At 9:30 am, just saw the RH Woodpecker again. This time it was across the street from our house very visible in a tree, then it flew right across the wetlands in our front yard.
  • Other highlights from a trip through varied habitat behind my house: warblers: black & white, yellow, prairie, black throated blue, ovenbird, yellow rumped. Also towhees galore, field sparrows, b. oriole, house wren, b. thrasher, gray catbird. (report from Marsha Paine).
  • Here is a sound recording of the Red-headed Woodpecker, in mp3 format. The call starts at the 7 second mark.

    • 5/2/15 -- Sutton
    I had a Baltimore Oriole show at my feeders today and a male Ruby-throated Hummingbird yesterday. (report from Michael Joubert).

    5/2/15 -- Worcester
    At 11:00 AM I had my FOY male Ruby-throated Hummingbird on the feeder. (report from Bart Kamp).

    5/2/15 -- Big Chauncy boat ramp, Westborough
    Foy Yellow Warblers everywhere, Eastern Kingbird, American Redstart, Gray Catbird and Yellow-throated Vireo. (report from Bob Abbott)

    5/2/15 -- Winchendon/Royalston
    Today we birded the Otter River State Park/WMA (Winchendon) and Birch Hill Dam (South Royalston) parcel of land. Highlights included: Double-crested Cormorant (2); Great Blue Heron (2); Osprey (2); Red-shouldered Hawk (1); Broad-winged Hawk (1+ pair mating); Red-tailed Hawk (1); Ruffed Grouse (1); Wild Turkey (1); Killdeer (1); Spotted Sandpiper (3); Yellow-bellied Sapsucker (2); Pileated Woodpecker (3); E Phoebe (7: several birds seen nest building); Blue-headed Vireo (4); Red-breasted Nuthatch (20); Brown Creeper (11); Winter Wren (1 singing); Ruby-crowned Kinglet (14); Hermit Thrush (13); E Towhee (7); Field Sparrow (5); White-throated Sparrow (36: this species breeds here); Indigo Bunting (1); Purple Finch (11); Pine Siskin (4)
  • Butterflies seen included: Spring Azure (25, all but 1 was "marginata"); Mourning Cloak (2); Brown Elfin (4).
    (report from Mark Lynch/Sheila Carroll).

    • 5/1/15 -- Hodges Village, Oxford
    Highlights of the Forbush Bird Club trip:   Mute Swan 1; Wood Duck  4; Green-winged Teal 2; Green Heron 1; Osprey 1; Broad-winged Hawk  4; Greater Yellowlegs  3; Belted Kingfisher; Red-bellied Woodpecker; Eastern Kingbird  1; Common Raven; Barn Swallow; Northern Rough-winged Swallow; Yellow-rumped Warbler; Black-and-white Warber 1; Black-throated Green Warbler  3; Pine Warbler; Palm Warbler 6; Yellow Warbler 5; Ovenbird 2; Northern Waterthrush 2; Eastern Towhee 3; Savannah Sparrow; Swamp Sparrow; White-throated Sparrow; Baltimore Oriole 2; House Finch; Purple Finch 2;
    (report from Paul Meleski).

    5/1/15 -- Monson
    Today we birded all morning in MONSON and had 70 species, among including the following: Double-crested Cormorant (flock of 31 migrating high); Great Blue Heron (1); Turkey Vulture (5); Hooded Merganser (2f); Common Merganser (1m); Sharp-shinned Hawk (1); Red-shouldered Hawk (1); Broad-winged Hawk (3 kettling together); Red-tailed Hawk (2); A Kestrel (1m); Wild Turkey (1); Killdeer (1); Great Horned Owl (1 on nest w/at least 1 yg); Chimney Swift (1); Yellow-bellied Sapsucker (1); Pileated Woodpecker (4); Blue-headed Vireo (8); N Rough-winged Swallow (2); Red-breasted Nuthatch (6); Winter Wren (1); Ruby-crowned Kinglet (4); Blue-gray Gnatcatcher (4); E Bluebird (9); Hermit Thrush (1); Gray Catbird (1); E Towhee (18); Field Sparrow (6); Pine Siskin (3)
  • PLUS: My first of the year snake: Banded Water; 2 Spring Azures.
    (report from Mark Lynch/Sheila Carroll)

    • 5/1/15 -- Wachusett Reservoir/Bolton Flats
    The only bird of interest at Wachusett Reservoir this afternoon was an Iceland Gull sleeping on the raft. Later at Bolton Flats there was 1 Dunlin feeding with the yellowlegs. (report from Bart Kamp).

    For previous sightings, see April 2015 Archives or Archive Index