May 1999 Central Mass Bird Sightings

Sightings are listed in reverse chronological order. The email address of birders submitting reports are listed in the online email directory.

5/31/99 -- Barre Falls Dam survey

A survey of the roads between Barre Falls Dam and Rutland State Park today had the following highlights: Great Blue Heron (6ad + 6 yng still unfledged); Wood Duck (1: low); Turkey Vulture (1); Broad-Winged Hawk (2); A. Kestrel (2); Black-Billed Cuckoo (including a nice observation of two in full display); Ruby-Throated Hummingbird (1m on territory) Pileated Woodpecker (1); Olive-Sided Flycatcher (1); E. Wood Peewee (22); Alder Flycatcher (9); Willow Flycatcher (6: this area is one of those places wheer you can get both 'Traill's" calling next to each other); Least Flycatcher (42); N. Rough-Winged Swallow (6: including 4 on the ground picking off flies from some dog scat); C. Raven (3); Red-Breasted Nuthatch (29); White-Breasted Nuthatch (3: low, but quiet time of year); Brown Creeper (9); House Wren (1); Winter Wren (8); MARSH WREN (1); Golden-Crowned Kinglet (5); Blue-Gray Gnatcatcher (3); E. Bluebird (4); Veery (27); Hermit Thrush (24); Wood Thrush (1); Cedar Waxwing (33); Blue-Headed Vireo (20); Yellow-Throated Vireo (3); Warbling Vireo (10); RED-EYED VIREO (133).

WARBLERS: Blue-Winged (13); Nashville (4); Yellow (44); Chestnut-Sided (55); Magnolia (13); Black-Throated Blue (3); Yellow-Rumped (39); Black-Throated Green (35); Blackburnian (15); Pine (29); Prairie (5); Black and White (20); A. Redstart (29); Ovenbird (93); Northern Waterthrush (4); Louisiana Waterthrush (2); C. Yellowthroat (102); Canada (11)

Scarlet Tanager (31); Rose-Breasted Grosbeak (17); Indigo Bunting (2); SPARROWS: E. Towhee (33); Chipping (27); Field (7); Song (14); Swamp (16); White-Throated (7); Dark-Eyed Junco (2)

Bobolink (9); Baltimore Oriole (28); Purple Finch (2). Other than the Olive-Sided, the rest were breeders 'on territory". We did not find Evening Grosbeaks this time, but they are undoubtably there, they just get very quiet and unobtrusive this time of the year. There were also lots of butterfies including good numbers of: Tiger Swallowtail, Common Ringlets, Little Wood Satyrs, and more sootywings than you could shake a net at. But NO Mourning Cloaks! (report from Mark Lynch).

5/31/99 -- Broad Meadow Brook Sanctuary

Highlights included: Wild Turkey (1 hen with 3 VERY small chicks); Virginia Rail (1); Willow Flycatcher (4); Great Crested Flycatcher (2); Carolina Wren (1); House Wren (2); Wood Thrush (5); Brown Thrasher (3); Cedar Waxwing (14); Blue-winged Warbler (6); Yellow Warbler (8); Prairie Warbler (1); American Redstart (1); Common Yellowthroat (18); Rose-breasted Grosbeak (2); Baltimore Oriole (7). (report from John Liller).

5/31/99 -- Salisbury Street, city of Worcester

While driving to Barre Falls Dam we were surprised to find 5 Wild Turkeys right smack in the middle of Salisbury Street. There were 4 toms in full display and one hen. They would not get out of the way no matter how close the car came. Eventually I was forced to get out of the car and physically "shoo" them to the side of the road with my arms. This did not work as they were almost oblivious to my presence, and they kept moving around my feet back to the middle of the road, still in full display and occassionally gobbling too. I tried then to shoo the hen off (figuring the toms would follow) but she would have none of it, raging hormones apparently being what they are. We eventually drove around them , hoping some speeding car didn't come around the bend anytime soon. (report from Mark Lynch).

5/31/99 -- Turner's Falls Airport

The SCISSOR-TAILED FLYCATCHER was still present at the Turner's Falls Airport as late as 6:30 this evening. It was feeding among the shrubs and grasses where the Grasshopper Sparrows breed. It covers some distance. When we first arrived, it was almost all the way to the model airplane field in the small oaks along the edge. It then moved down to opposite the school fence.

While here, take note of the GRASSHOPPER SPARROWS. Sheila Carroll and I counted 9 singing birds the evening before. Also present were (5) Horned Larks (excellent looks at a persistant dust bather in the road); (15+) Savannah Sparrows; as well as birds around the periphery like Black-Throated Green and Prairie Warbler and Hermit Thrush. On Sunday night, (2) Common Nighthawks flew over. We have not found a Vesper Sparrow here this year. Keep your eyes peeled for Cobweb Skipper. NOTE BENE: PLEASE STAY ON THE SANDY ROAD. DO NOT WALK THROUGH THE GRASS WHERE THE BIRDS MAY BE NESTING. NO TAPING.

To get to the airport, take Rt.63 south of Rt. 2. After crossing the river, take Miller's Falls Road off Rt. 63. Pass the airport, then take a right onto Industrial Boulevard. Park right before the school at the end of the road, and walk out the sandy road to the mdel airplane landing strip. Some people drive their cars out this road, but the less car traffic the better. Watch for the flycatcher to the left of the road ontop of small trees or along the school fence.

On Sunday night (5/30) we checked to see if the CHUCK-WILLS-WIDOW was still around on Green Pond Road in nearby Montague, about 5 minutes from the airport. We met Al Richards (who, with other birders, found the bird the eveing before) as well as several other birders. No luck on Sunday night, though at least (5) Whip-Poor-Wills were calling around the immediate area, as well as numerous Gray Tree Frogs and a few Fowler's Toads. An A. Woodcock was also spotted.

For those of you not familiar with the Montague plains, it is a sizeable tract of pines and sandy soil, most of it off limits to the public. It is ideal habitat for goatsuckers, and a nice population of Whip-Poor-Wills breed here. Several years ago another "Chuck" was found here during Birdathon by Mark Fairbrother, though not at the exact spot the Chuck was heard this year. The first Chuck remained in the area for apparently a couple of weeks, though it was not heard every night people went out to look. This is a big area, and the bird probably moves around. My feeling is that birders should keep looking for awhile, there is always a chance that the bird may still be around.

To reach this year's Chuck-Wills-Widow location: take Rt. 63 south from Rt. 2. Just before the new bridge over the railroad tracks, take a right on Green Pond Road. Eventually the pond will appear on the right, somewhat screened by trees. Opposite will be a gated water works building. The Chuck was heard calling from the big pine next to the water works driveway. There is even more habitat along adjacent roads. (report from Mark Lynch).

5/30/99 -- Wachuset Reservoir: 5/30

Lisa and Simon Hennin checked for the Caspian Tern at Wachuset Reservoir early in the AM on 5/30. No luck. Not surprising since this species is always "just passing through" in this state. Fran McMenemy told me that the gull eradication procedures at the reservoir were over for this season (ordinance firing ect) so the small rocky bar where the tern was found will continue to be a good place for birders to check for other migrant terns and interesting gulls (ie: Bonaparte's). (report from Mark Lynch).

5/29/99 -- Barre Falls Dam area

The following were hilites among ~70 species: Ruffed grouse 1 ; Ruby-Throated hummingbird 4 ; Gr. Crested Flycatcher 3 ; Alder Flycatcher 4; Willow " " 1; Least Flycatecher 5+; Raven 2 ; Red-Breasted Nuthatch 6; Red-Eyed Vireo many many ; 16 species of Warblers including: Louisiana Waterthrush 1 ; Norhtern " " 1; Canada Warbler 3 ; Scarlet tanager ~10 ; Evening Grosbeak 1 . Also I spooked up a doe which acted rather suspicious by stopping and waiting a few hundred feet away. Turned out her young fawn was hunkered down in the grass just a 100' away from the car.

Also in Gardner Sunday morning 5-30 in my back yard were: Pileated Woodpecker 1 ; Blackpoll Warbler 1 ; Yellow-Bellied Fycatcher 1; "Sleeping in" I heard the Pileated and a bit later a Blackpoll from bed. Upon getting up to investgate the Blackpoll a Yellow-Bellied Flycatcher "popped" up in the thicket. The little yellow Empid. put on a great show , at one point had it was "frozen" in the shrubs with its tail fanned , wings partially spread and mouth opened (like one of those animated Audubon paintings).... appeared to be soaking up the early morning sunshine. My wife thought it odd I was "awoken" by the Blackpoll yet rested completely undistrubed by a car wreck in front of our house the night before. (report from Tom Pirro).

5/30/99 -- Quabbin Reservoir

On the Forbush Club Bird trip this morning the highlights included an Acadian Flycatcher at gate 15, 2 imm Common Ravens along with 2 adults, 1 Bonaparte's Gull (still in winter plumage), 1 Cerulean Warbler (singing and seen well, at the usual spot along Administration road), and 3 Bald Eagles (2 adults and at least 1 immature in the nest, seen from Enfield Lookout). (report from Rick Quimby).

5/29/99 -- Wachuset Reservoir, Clinton

Fran McMenemy and Joan Zumpfe found a breeding plumaged Caspian Tern at Gate 39, Wachuset Reservoir at 6:30 PM tonite. Sheila Carroll and I joined them and we all left the bird there just before 8:00 PM. The sinking sunlight and darkening clouds really lit up the blood red bill dramaticaly. Gate 39 is on Rt. 110, just south of Clinton High School. Park in the dirt lot across the street. Walk through the gate and then take a short dirt path on the right that goes to the top of the rise. The tern was with some Ring-Billed Gulls, Mallards and Double-Crested Cormorants on a small stony bar of an island, with some shrubby vegetation, slightly to the north and out a ways (bring a scope). Also present were two Indigo Buntings, two Common Loons, two Spotted Sandpipers and a trio of young foxes who apparently live in the stone wall along the shore to the right. They were out and about, probably waiting for the parents to bring home the bacon. Good luck. (report from Mark Lynch).

5/29/99 -- Broad Meadow Brook Sanctuary, Worcester

A 5:30 AM-6:45 walk through the northern section yielded these highlights: Red-Bellied Wodpecker (1); N. Flicker (3; including 1 drumming on air vent of Worc. Sewer bldg); Willow Flycatcher (4); Carolina Wren (1); House Wren (2); Wood Thrush (4); Brown Thrasher (2); Cedar waxwing (2 heard); Blackpoll Warbler (2); Black and White Warbler (1); MOURNING WARBLER (1 heard singing many times and seen well by both of us. This bird was on the trail from the Stretch up to Catholic Charities, in the area of the alders, but in the thick undergrowth on the south side of the trail); C. Yellowthroat (18); Rose-Breasted Grosbeak (4) Baltimore Oriole (6); C. Grackle (11: including 1ad feeding 2 yng); A nice display of what I think is False Solomon Seal along the path from the Stretch up to the power lines. A. Toads also heard calling. (report from Mark Lynch).

Also recorded were the following highlights from John Liller's Beginning Birding class: VIRGINIA RAIL (1); Red-bellied Woodpecker (2); PHILADELPHIA VIREO (1); Carolina Wren (1); Wood Thrush (7); Cedar Waxwing (41); Chestnut-sided Warbler (1); Blackpoll Warbler (4); Black-and-white Warbler (3); Scarlet Tanager (2); WHITE-THROATED SPARROW (1). (report from John Liller).

5/29/99 -- City of Worcester

WORCESTER AIRPORT (4:15 AM on): Great Blue Heron (1 overhead); A. Woodcock (6); E. Phoebe (1); E. kingbird (1); Veery (2); Wood Thrush (6); Blue-Winged Warbler (2); A. Redstart (1); C. Yellowthroat (15); Savannah Sparrow (15+); Bobolink (5+). All calling before first light.

BIOTECH POND: Great Blue Heron (1); Killdeer (1); Spotted Sandpiper (2); Belted Kingfisher (1); N. Rough-Winged Swallow (2).

LEESVILLE POND:Canada Goose (7); Wood Duck (3); Mallard (9): Note a fishing boat out on the pond kept the ducks hidden. Killdeer (2 almost fledged young with 1 ad; + 2 adults each on a different nest); E. Kingbird (4); House Wren (1); Gray Catbird (12); Warbling Vireo (7); Pine Warbler (1); Yellow Warbler (4); Magnolia Warbler (1); C. Yellowthroat (2); Baltimore Oriole (5).

NOTRE DAME CEMETARY; Great Blue Heron (1); Wood Duck (3); Killdeer (1); E. Phoebe (1); Great Crested Flycatcher (1); E. Kingbird (2); Wood Thrush (1); Gray Catbird (17); Red-Eyed Vireo (1); Warbling Vireo (3); Yellow Warbler (4); Blackpoll Warbler (3); C. Yellowthroat (3); Baltimore Oriole (5). Nice display of Yellow Flag out in cattails. The most bizarre sighting was about 30+ huge Carp close together spawning (?) or doing something strange that involved lots of rolling and surfacing in the shallows at the oxbow. (report from Mark Lynch).

5/29/99 -- Barre; Acadian Flycatcher

We turned up (1) ACADIAN FLYCATCHER along Mill Road in Barre (off Pleasant St.). We first tried in the small Mass Audubon Woodlot past the pond where the birds were last year and found by Chris Phillips. We had no luck here after spending some time. Close to where the stream exits under the road, near the small parking area for Gaston Pond, we did hear and see one bird. This bird was not calling a lot and we had to spend some time. What we believe was this bird was being chased and bombed by a Least Flyacatcher. Perhaps the birds moved further down the road last year after being driven off by the Leasts. Two days ago, Bill Lafley reported two Acadians here. [ed. note: see below]

This whole road is good for birds and species like Veery, Wood Thrush, Red-Eyed and Warbling Vireo, and warblers like: Ovenbird, Black-Throated Green, Yellow-Rumped, and Redstart all breed. We watched a Red-Eyed Vireo nest buidling as well as a Baltimore Oriole. We also watched an A. Robin on the nest. We heard Gray Tree Frogs calling. NOTE: this spot may sometimes be visited by folks from the Barre Buddhist Center. So tread lightly, don't needlessly bother people, and by all means: please be quiet. Actually, good things for all birders to practice. (report from Mark Lynch).

5/29/99 -- Institute Park, Worcester

An immature BLACK-CROWNED NIGHT HERON was at the pond today (unusual for this time of year). (report from Rick Quimby).

5/28/99 -- Bancroft Tower Hill, Worcester

An early morning "before work" check of the "hill" had the following: E. Wood Peewee (2); Great Crested Flycatcher (1); E. Kingbird (2); Wood Thrush (3); Red-Eyed Vireo (4); Magnolia Warbler (2); BlackpollWarbler (11); A. Redstart (12); Scarlet Tanager (1); INDIGO BUNTING (1); Baltimore Oriole (3). The warblers were migrating quickly, with many non-singing birds (not ID'd) seen flying out and north, north-east. (report from Mark Lynch).

5/28/99 -- High Ridge WMA, Gardner

The following are hilites from a prework walk into high Ridge WMA in gardner: Hooded Merganser 1 female; Alder Flycatcher 4; Least Flycatcher 1; Great Crested Flycatcher 1; Ruby-Throated Hummingbird 3 (2 Fem and 1 male); Blackpoll Warbler 2. The Marsh birds were all quiet this morning. It was nice to watch the male Ruby-Throated Hummer perform its courtship display of flying back a forth in a large "U" pattern. Still a few migrant warblers with a few Blackpolls. (report from Tom Pirro).

5/27/99 -- Mill Rd, Barre

Yesterday there were 2 Acadian Flycatchers on Mill Rd in Barre at the outlet of Gaston Pond. I think this is the same place they were reported last year(?). (report on MASSBIRD from Bill Lafley).

5/26/99 -- Downtown Worcester

The Peregrine Falcon was spotted at 8:10 a.m. this morning sitting on top of 50 Franklin St. (the Bancroft Building); it was sitting with its back to Franklin Street. It was on the corner of the roof on the side of the Bay State Savings Bank. (report from Jo-Ann Ferrie).

5/26/99 -- Wachusett Reservoir

A Loon survey found 9 Common Loons at the reservoir: 5 adults and 4 immatures. There is also a breeding pair of Loons at HyCrest Pond in Sterling. (report from Joan Zumpfe and Fran McMenemy).

5/25/99 -- City of Worcester

A quick check of some spots in the city this morning found the usual migrant breeders and a few migrants: BANCROFT TOWER HILL: BLACK-BILLED CUCKOO (1); E. Wood Peewee (1); Great Crested Flycatcher (1); SWAINSON'S THRUSH (1); Wood Thrush (2); Red-Eyed Vireo (4); Magnolia (1); Black-Throated Green warbler (1); Blackpoll Warbler (2); C. Yellowthroat (1). LEESVILLE POND: Double-Crested Cormorant (11 overhead); Canada Goose (pair w/ 9 goslings);Wood Duck (14 mostly ad m; we spotted no ducklings this morning, but did not do a thorough check); Killdeer (2 pair, of which 2 individuals were seen on two different nests, one of which had three eggs in it. Another adult was seen guarding 2 newly hatched young. What with all the traffic this spot gets, people running dogs and the mowing of the grass, the nesting success of these birds will be interesting to follow); E. Kingbird (3); N. Rough-Winged Swallow (4); House Wren (1); Warbling Vireo (6); Yellow Warbler (4); Pine Warbler (1); Magnolia Warbler (1); Blackpoll Warbler (4); A. Redstart (1); C. Yellowthroat (2); Baltimore Oriole (6). HOPE CEMETARY (north edge): Great Crested Flycatcher (1); Veery (1); Red-Eyed Vireo (6); Yellow Warbler (1); Black-Throated Green Warbler (1); Magnolia Warbler (1); Blackpoll Warbler (3); A. Redstart (3); C. Yellowthroat (4); Scarlet Tanager (2); Baltimore Oriole (2). (report from Mark Lynch).

5/25/99 -- Tuesday's Peregrine in Downtown Worcester

I observed the Peregrine at 8:05 a.m. today "bathing" in a large puddle that had formed after yesterday's rain on top of the Flagship Building (the short building beside the BankBoston/Mechanics Tower). I had a great look at this bird. After splashing about for a while, it flew once around the common, then over towards the Notre Dame Church, then by the Flagship Building on the Franklin St. side and I lost sight of it. (report from Jo-Ann Ferrie).

5/25/99 -- HyCrest Pond, Sterling

The pair of Common Loons on HyCrest Pond in Sterling appear to be nesting. When viewed from the dam on Upper North Row Rd. there are two distant islands. While one swims around the smaller island (the one to the left), the other is visible (from the dam) sitting at the left end of the smaller island. (report from Stanley Selkow).

5/25/99 -- Broad Meadow Brook Sanctuary, Worcester

The following highlights were recorded this morning: Double-crested Cormorant (51 - 2 large flocks); Great Blue Heron (1); American Kestrel (1); VIRGINIA RAIL (1); BLACK-BILLED CUCKOO (1); Willow Flycatcher (3); Carolina Wren (2); House Wren (1); Eastern Bluebird (2); Wood Thrush (3); Brown Thrasher (3); Cedar Waxwing (2); Blue-winged Warbler (6); Yellow Warbler (5); Chestnut-sided Warbler (1); Prairie Warbler (2); BLACKBURNIAN WARBLER (1); Blackpoll Warbler (1); Black-and-white Warbler (1); American Redstart (2); Ovenbird (3); CANADA WARBLER (1); Common Yellowthroat (13); Scarlet Tanager (3); Baltimore Oriole (4); (report from John Liller).

5/25/99 -- High Ridge WMA, Gardner

Some of the hilites: Green-Wing Teal 1 Drake; AM. Bittern 1 calling; Sora 1 Calling; RT Hummingbird 1; Least Flycatcher 1; E. Wood PeeWee 1; Alder Flycatcher 2; Olive-sided Flycatcher 1; Great Crested Flycatcher 1; Bank Swallow 1; Cliff Swallow 1; Blackpoll Warbler 1; The Olive-Sided put on a nice show hawking insects from the top of snags. 3 Green-wing teal (1 male and 2 female) were present early sunday (5-23) morning as was the Pied-Billed grebe. The Grebe was not calling this morning or at least I couldn't hear it with the breeze. There still some Warblers moving i.e. BlackPoll and a few Yellow-Rumps in "out of territory" spots. (report from Tom Pirro).

5/22/99 -- Broad Meadow Brook Sanctuary, Worcester

A 6:00-7:30 AM walk in the northern section yielded these highlights: Wild Turkey (1 crossing road at power lines); Belted Kingfisher (1); Red-Bellied Woodpecker (2: 1 way up in Catholic Charities; the other over towards Jo-ann Mullens house); Hairy woodpecker (1); E. Wood Peewee (2); Least Flycatcher (3); Willow Flycathcer (1); Great Crested Flycatcher (1); Carolina Wren (1); House Wren (1); E. Bluebird (1m on power lines just south of 2 area); Wood Thrush (4); Gray Catbird (27); Brown Thrasher (3); Cedar Waxwing (heard); Red-Eyed Vireo (7); Blue-Winged Warbler (6); Tennessee Warbler (1); Nashville Warbler (1); Yellow Warbler (4); Magnolia Warbler (3); Prairie Warbler (2); Blackpoll Warbler (1); Black and White Warbler (1); A. Redstart (4); N. Waterthrush (1); C. Yellowthroat (21); Scarlet Tanager (1). NOTES: When we got out of the Auto Parts Pond area, we were COVERED with ticks. Most appeared to be Dog Ticks, but beware, this is the worse tick problem I have seen on the sanctuary. Also seen: E. Cottontail (1 on Stretch); lots of Green Frogs at Auto Parts Pond; and (1) dead Short-Tailed Shrew on Stretch. (report from Mark Lynch/Sheila Carroll).

5/22/99 -- City of Worcester

BANCROFT TOWER HILL: E. Wood Peewee (1); Brown Creeper (1); SWAINSON'S THRUSH (2 singing!); Wood Thrush (2); Gray Catbird (5); Brown Thrasher (2); Red-Eyed Vireo (2); Magnolia Warbler (1); Blackpoll Warbler (5); Ovenbird (1); A. Redstart (1); White-Throated Sparrow (1: getting pretty late); Baltimore Oriole (2).

HOPE CEMETARY (north edge): E. Phoebe (1); Gray Catbird (11); Cedar Waxwing (3); Red-Eyed Vireo (3); N. Parula (1f); Magnolia Warbler (1); A. Redstart (3).

LEESVILLE POND/NEW SWEDISH CEMETARY: Killdeer (2, with one on nest); Spotted Sandpiper (1 walking along the edge of the waterfall); Least Flycatcher (1); E. Phoebe (1); E. Kingbird (5); N. Rough-winged Swallow (4); Cedar Waxwing (11); Warbling Vireo (8); Yellow Warbler (3); Magnolia Warbler (1); Blackpoll Warbler (1); C. Yellowthroat (4); Baltimore Oriole (7). PLUS: Excellent views of a Northern Banded Watersnake hunting along the shore.

WORCESTER AIRPORT HILL: Turkey Vulture (5); Red-Tailed Hawk (4); OLIVE-SIDED FLYCATCHER (1); E. Kingbird (3); Gray Catbird (17); Cedar Waxwing (14); Yellow-Throated Vireo (1); Red-Eyed Vireo (3); Blue-Winged Warbler (4); Black and White Warbler (7); A. Redstart (6); Canada Warbler (1); C. Yellowthroat (13); Scarlet Tanager (1); INDIGO BUNTING (2); E. Towhee (7); Baltimore Oriole (2). PLUS: the following butterflies: Clouded Sulphur; Cabage White; Spring Azure; Pearl Crescent; Horace's Duskywing ; and "duskywing species (about 20+). (report from Mark Lynch).

5/22/99 -- Rowley Hill , Sterling

Birds seen included : pileated woodpecker, blue-winged warbler, redstart, black and white warbler, great crested flycatcher, and nesting bluebirds. The great horned owls which nested on Rowley Hill did so successfully; the two owlets have left the nest. (report from Richard Spedding).

5/22/99 --South Quabbin Reservoir

The following highlights were recorded during John Liller's bird class at Quabbin Park: Common Merganser; Bald Eagle (1 adult on nest); Wild Turkey (1); Chimney Swift; Ruby-throated Hummingbird (1); Yellow-throated Vireo; Common Raven (4, including 3 on the nest); Blue-gray Gnatcatcher (2); Eastern Bluebird (1); Swainson's Thrush (1); Blackburnian Warbler (3); Blackpoll Warbler; CERULEAN WARBLER (2 - saw 1 male, heard another); Indigo Bunting (4). (report from John Liller).

5/21/99 -- City of Worcester Pond Survey

Totals of species tallied at the ponds and lakes in and bordering on, the city of Worcester: Double-Crested Cormorant (2); Gret Blue Heron (3); Green Heron (1); Canada Goose (91 adults+28 goslings); Wood Duck (11 adults+ 15 ducklings. This included 1 f with 13 ducklings. A likely victim of egg dumping.); Mallard (83 adults+ 31 ducklings: so far); Killdeer (9 adults+3 chicks. Note: One of the pair at Leesville Pond still had 2 chicks present out of three that were seen last week. BUT: One of these same adults is apparently back on another nest on the exact same site where she hatched the former brood); Spotted Sandpiper (2); Least Sandpiper (2); Ring-Billed Gull (110: all 1stS); Belted Kingfisher (1); Red-Winged Blackbird (116+).

OTHER BIRDS COUNTED: Wild Turkey (1); E. Kingbird (24); Tree Swallow (12); N. Rough-Winged Swallow (11); Barn Swallow (5); Carolina Wren (4); House Wren (3); Veery (1); Wood Thrush (1); Gray Catbird (55); Brown Thrasher (2); Red-Eyed Vireo (8); Warbling Vireo (64); Blue-Winged Warbler (2); N. Parula (1); Yellow Warbler (33); Chestnut-Sided Warbler (1); Black-Throated Green Warbler (2); Blackpoll Warbler (13); A. Redstart (4); Northern Waterthrush (1); Canada Warbler (1); C. Yellowthroat (7: seems low); Scarlet Tanager (1); Rose-Breasted Grosbeak (4); Baltimore Oriole (43). Butterflies seen included; Tiger Swallowtail; Clouded Sulphur; Cabbage White; Spring Azure; Dreamy Duskywing; Dusted Skipper. (report from Mark Lynch).

5/21/99 -- Downtown Worcester

The Peregrine was spotted this morning at 8:30 as it flew in front of City Hall (on the Main St. side) over Main Street toward the T & G building, then around over the Common right towards me on the 16th floor of the BankBoston Tower (formerly Mechanics Bank Tower). It was great to watch this bird from above; it was flying quite low. It flew so close to the building, that I wonder if it landed on a ledge below me (although it didn't look like it was coming in for a landing). It wasn't carrying anything. (report from Jo-Ann Ferrie).

5/20/99 -- Downtown Worcester

The adult Peregrine Falcon was seen mid-morning perched on the edge of the Fleet Bank building (I think it's the Fleet building: the shorter bank building in front of the old Mechanics Bank building). (report from Mark Lynch)

5/20/99 -- Bancroft Tower Hill, Worcester

A very quick check of Bancroft Tower Hill this morning before work (and in drizzle) found few migrants. E. Wood Peewee (1); Great Crested Flycatcher (1); Wood Thrush (2); Gray Catbird (4); Red-Eyed Vireo (2); Black and White Warbler (1). (report from Mark Lynch).

5/19/99 -- Worcester Art Museum, Worcester

The following species were identified in works in the collection of the Worcester Art Museum during the annual Birder's Tour on Wednesday: pelican sp.; White Stork; Glossy Ibis; Sacred Ibis; Eurasian Spoonbill; Mute Swan; Common Shelduck; vulture sp.; falcon sp.; Red-Legged Partridge; Blue Peacock (m); domestic chicken; Purple Swamphen (probably ssp. caspius); Common (European) Snipe (G.g.gallinago: nice looks at underwing pattern); Little Owl; hummingbird species ID as "Sunangel"; Black-Billed Magpie (P. p. pica); Carrion Crow: "Hooded Crow" form (C. c. cornix). That was all we had time to spot. The tour will be repeated on Saturday (5/22) at 2:00 PM. I look at birds in 4000 years of art, try to ID them to species and talk about those species in religion, mythology, folklore and other cultural contexts. (report from Mark Lynch).

5/19/99 -- Broad Meadow Brook Sanctuary, Worcester

Along the Troiano Brookside Trail (aka "the Stretch" -- the northern section of Broad Meadow Brook off Dunkirk) between 5:45 and 6:30 AM: Highlights on an overcast, muggy and misty morning included Solitary Sandpiper (1 hear calling in flight from towards Auto Parts Pond); Red-Bellied Woodpecker (1); N. Flicker (2: 1 drumming on air vent cover on roof of water/sewage dept. building); Least Flycatcher (1); WILLOW FLYCATCHER (1); Great Crested Flycatcher (1); E. Kingbird (1-2); MARSH WREN (1 heard singing three times from deep in the northern section of phragmites. Could this bird breed here?); Wood Thrush (2); Gray Catbird (10: some gathering plant material for nests); Brown Thrasher (2); Warbling Vireo (2); Blue-Winged Warbler (4); Yellow Warbler (7); C. Yellowthroat (12); Rose-Breasted Grosbeak (1); Brown-Headed Cowbird (1); Baltimore Oriole (4); Probably the weirdest "sighting" was Sheila calling American Toads! When she did the ending trill part of her Screech Owl call, the toads would respond immediately. They were not calling otherwise. She eventually went up and down the Stretch and called up several (4+) toads. Every time they would respond to her call. No matter how often she did it. A small dark brown/gray mammal that darted across the path looked like a Microtus sp....maybe. (report from Mark Lynch).

5/18/99 -- Leesville Pond/Notre Dame Cemetary, Worcester

A quick "before work" check of Leesville Pond and nearby Notre Dame Cemetary revealed mostly migrant breeders: LEESVILLE POND: Great Blue Heron (1); Canada Goose (pair w/2 goslings); Wood Duck (5: all m); Killdeer (pair w/2 yng. The third chick may be present, but hidden); Spotted Sandpiper (1); E. Kingbird (5); Gray Catbird (9); Brown Thrasher (1); Warbling Vireo (5); N. Parula (1); Yellow Warbler (8); Blackpoll Warbler (4); Prairie Warbler (1); N. Waterthrush (1); C. Yellowthroat (4); White-Throated Sparrow (1); Baltimore Oriole (11). NOTRE DAME: Great Blue Heron (1); E. Kingbird (1); House Wren (1); Gray Catbird (12); Warbling Vireo (5); Yellow Warbler (4); Blackpoll Warbler (1); C. Yellowthroat (3); Baltimore Oriole (5). (report from Mark Lynch ).

5/18/99 -- Broad Meadow Brook, Worcester

The following highlights were recorded while conducting a thrush survey at Broad Meadow Brook (Worcester): Great Crested Flycatcher (2); Carolina Wren (1); MARSH WREN (1 - in the phragmites along the Stretch); Blue-gray Gnatatcher (1); Hermit Thrush (1); Wood Thrush (7) ; Brown Thrasher (3); Cedar Waxwing (1); Blue-winged Warbler (3); Northern Parula (1) ; Yellow Warbler ; Magnolia Warbler (1) ; CAPE MAY WARBLER (? - singing only); Prairie Warbler (2) ; Blackpoll Warbler (2) ; Black-and-white Warbler ; Ovenbird (3) ; Common Yellowthroat (8); Scarlet Tanager (4) ; (report from John Liller).

5/18/99 -- HyCrest Pond, Sterling

A pair of Common Loons has been observed on the pond, 1 of which is calling regularly. The pond also supports two pairs of Canada Geese, one of which has 5 goslings, two Mallards, and a Waterthrush (species unknown). Along the creek flowing out of the pond a Winter Wren was observed working on building a nest under the root ball of an upturned tree, with the male calling for at least a week. (report from Stanley Selkow).

5/17/99 -- Bancroft Tower Hill, Worcester

Just a few migrants on Bancroft Tower Hill, some of them undoubtably breeders: E. Wood Peewee (1); Great Crested Flycatcher (1); E. Kingbird (1); House Wren (1); Wood Thrush (2); Gray Catbird (3); Yellow-Throated Vireo (1 calling right outside my house); Red-eyed Vireo (2); N. Parula (1); Yellow-Rumped Warbler (1f); Black-Throated Blue Warbler (1f); Black and White Warbler (2); WORM-EATING WARBLER (1); Scarlet Tanager (1); Baltimore Oriole (2). (report from Mark Lynch).

5/16/99 -- Rowley Hill, Sterling

Sightings included Great-crested Flycatcher, blue-winged warbler, Louisiana waterthrush, Cooper's hawk, and nesting bluebirds. (report from Richard Spedding ).

5/16/99 -- Broad Meadow Brook Sanctuary, Worcester

Highlights included RED-EYED VIREO (1); Blue-winged Warbler (6); Northern Parula (2) ; Yellow Warbler (5) ; Chestnut-sided Warbler (1); Prairie Warbler (1) ; BLACKPOLL WARBLER (2) ; Black-and-white Warbler (3) ; American Redstart (1) ; Common Yellowthroat (8) ; Scarlet Tanager (2) ; (report from John Liller).

5/15/99 -- Birdathon: Quabbin and vicinity

A total of 93 species were found, primarily at South Quabbin Park, the western gates of the Quabbin, and Harvard Pond off rt. 122. Highlights included 1 Pied-billed Grebe and 1 American Bittern at Harvard Pond, 2 Common Merganser on the reservoir, 1 Greater Yellowlegs, 1 Common Nighthawk, 2 Common Raven, 3 Swainson's Thrush, 5 Cedar Waxwing, and 19 species of warblers (including Blackburnian, Bay-breasted, Cerulean, and Canada). (report from Rick Quimby and Paul Meleski).

5/15/99 -- Birdathon: Northern Worcester Co. (Westminster, Gardner, Templeton and Phillipston).

A total of 114 species was seen, primarily at High Ridge Wildlife Management Area. Highlights: Pied-billed Grebe, Am. Bittern, Green-winged Teal, Ring-necked Duck (1 female), Hooded Merganser, Virginia Rail, Sora, Greater Yellowlegs, Solitary, Spotted and Least Sandpipers, Whip-poor-will, Ruby-thr. Hummingbird, Yellow-bellied Sapsucker, Pileated Woodpecker, E. Wood-Pewee, Alder Flycatcher, Horned Lark, Cliff Swallow, 21 species of warblers including Bay-breasted, Blackpoll, Wilson's and Canada, White-crowned Sparrow. (reported by Tom Pirro, Chuck Caron and John Williams).

5/14/99 -- Gardner area

Hilites amoung 57 species from a "before work" walk in Gardner (high Ridge) were: Pied-Billed grebe 1 (seen and heard); Sora 2 (calling); Hooded Merg. 1 (drake); Great crested flycatcher 1; Least Flycatcher 1; 14 species of warblers: (N. Parula 1; Magnolia 1; Blk + Wht 2; Yell. Rumped 3; Redstart 1; Yellow 5+; C. yellowthroat 5 ish; Wilson's 1; BT Green 3; BT Blue 1; N.Waterthrush 1; Ovenbird 5 ish; Pine 1; Chestnut sided 4). Lets hope the Grebes mate -- there were 2 here late last week , is tending a nest. The warblers were spead out and some if not many were likely territorial birds. Also, I did hear an Evening Grosbeak call this morning at High Ridge Couldn't see it but sounded like it was flying past. My expirence is this species is more apt to be heard than seen this time of year. (report from Tom Pirro).

5/14/99 -- City of Worcester

The following species were seen in the city of Worcester this morning. Locations given in the order they were covered. BIOTECH POND: Killdeer (1); Spotted Sandpiper (2); Least Sandpiper (3); E. Kingbird (2); N. Parula (3); Yellow W. (2); Chestnut-Sided W. (1); Yellow-Rumped W. (30+); Bay-Breasted Warbler (1). The warblers were in the trees on the edge of the construction site. BROAD MEADOW BROOK MAS (the "2" Loop only) Highlights: BLACK-BILLED CUCKOO (1 heard and seen); E. Wood Peewee (1); Least Flycatcher (2); E. Phoebe (1); Great Crested Flycatcher (2); E. Kingbird (1); House Wren (1); Blue-Gray Gnatcatcher (1); E. Bluebird (1m); Wood Thrush (3); Gray Catbird (13); Brown Thrasher (1); Cedar Waxwing (5); Warbling Vireo (4); Red-Eyed Vireo (3); Blue-Winged W. (4); Tennessee W. (1); Yellow W. (6); N. Parula (1); Prairie W. (1); Black-Throated Green W (1); Magnolia W. (3); Yellow-Rumped W. (21); Black and White W. (2); Ovenbird (1); N. Waterthrush (1); A. Redstart (9); Canada Warbler (1); C. Yellowthroat (20); Scarlet tanager (1); Rose-Breasted Grosbeak (2); Baltimore Oriole (10). HOPE CEMETARY (n. edge only): E. Kingbird (2); Warbling Vireo (2); Red-Eyed Vireo (2); Yellow W. (1); Nashville W. (2); N. Parula (1);Yellow-Rumped W. (4); Magnolia W. (2); Black-Throated Green W. (3); Black and white W. (3); C. Yellowthroat (1); Baltimore Oriole (3). BANCROFT TOWER HILL (mid-AM): E. Wood Peewee (1); YELLOW-BELLIED FLYCATCHER (1: working along top of hill in back of tower; excellent views and completely unexpected); Great Crested Flycatcher (2); Wood Thrush (2); Veery (1 singing and seen); Red-Eyed Vireo (3); Tennessee W. (1); Nashville W. (2); N. Parula (1); Yellow-Rumped W. (6); Black-Throated Green W. (4); Black-Throated Blue W. (1); Magnolia W. (3); Black and white W. (3); A. Redstart (4); Scarlet Tanager (1). (report from Mark Lynch/Sheila Carroll).

5/13/99 -- Worcester Art Museum, Worcester

At 2:30 pm, in the trees by the Beverley Pepper sculpture on the Lancaster side were the following warblers: Tennessee (1); Chestnut-Sided (1); Yellow-Rumped (60++); Blackpoll (2). (report from Mark Lynch).

5/13/99 -- Bancroft Tower Hill, Worcester

An outstanding concentration of migrants was at Bancroft Tower Hill, in the city of Worcester this morning. This is a small hill with lots of oaks and city park on the west side of Worcester, less than a block from our house. The birds started (at 5:45 AM) on the north side of the hill where Massachusetts Avenue starts to run over the hill, near the intersection of Drury Lane. At one point, Sheila and I estimated well over 100 birds in that immediate area of where we were STANDING based on sight and sound! The birds eventually dispersed over a wider area and by 6:45, though there were still plenty of birds "around", the show was over. Here are the numbers as best we could count, with many tree-top non singers seen flitting, but not ID'd.: Chimney Swift (2); E. Wood Peewee (1); Great-Crested Flycatcher (1-2: probably breeds); N. Flicker (1); Gray Catbird (8); House Wren (3); Veery (3); GRAY-CHEEKED THRUSH "SPECIES" (one seen. A song briefly heard could have been a Bicknell's, but I cannot be certain); Wood Thrush (3); Yellow-Throated Vireo (1); Red-Eyed Vireo (3); Tennessee Warbler (2); Nashville Warbler (4); N. Parula (7+); Yellow Warbler (1); Chestnut-Sided Warbler (8+); Magnolia Warbler (5); Cape May (1); Black-Throated Blue (15+; all males that we saw; a fine concentration); Yellow-Rumped Warbler (30+); Black-Throated Green Warbler (10+); Bay-Breasted Warbler (6+); Blackpoll Warbler (2); Black and White Warbler (7+); A. Redstart (8: males and females); Ovenbird (4); C. Yellowthroat (2); Wilson's Warbler (1m); Scarlet Tanager (4+); Rose-Breasted Grosbeak (3+); Baltimore Oriole (4+). (report from Mark Lynch/Sheila Carroll).

5/13/99 -- Gardner area

This morning (5-13) song bird activity was sparse. [ed: note contrast with Mark Lynch's report from this am]. A few roadside stops yielded: Blue Headed Vireo 2; Yellow-Rumped Warb. 5; Magnolia 1; Blk Thr. green 3; Yellow 1; Common yellowThroat 1; Black + White 1; Winter Wren 1; Wood Thrush 1; Hermit thrush 1.

Last evening (5-12) at Bent's Pond in Gardner were: Killdeer 2; Greater yellowlegs 1; Solitary Sandpiper 4; Least Sandpiper 12. (report from Tom Pirro).

5/12/99 -- Fisheries and Wildlife area, Westboro

At the Westboro Fisheries and Wildlife area there was a Black-billed Cuckoo which stayed for about five minutes and afforded excellent looks before flying off into the woods. ( report from Ann Boover).

5/12/99 -- Institute Park, Worcester

A noontime walk resulted in 34 species, including 1 Least Flycatcher, 1 Veery, a good mix of warblers (1 N. Parula, 2 Yellow, 2 Magnolia, 8 Yellow-rumped, 2 Black-and-White, 1 Am. Redstart, 1 N. Waterthrush, 1 Common Yellowthroat), 2 Savannah Sparrows, and 2 Baltimore Orioles. (report from Rick Quimby).

5/12/99 -- Oxbow NWR, Harvard

A morning walk found 45 species, including 1 Wild Turkey (dispaying), 1 empid (not calling), 1 Great Crested Flycatcher, 3 Blue-gray Gnatcatcher, 1 Veery, 2 Wood Thrush , and the following warblers: 4 Blue-winged, 2 Northern Parula, 10 Yellow, 3 Chestnut-sided, 1 Magnolia, 12 Yellow-rumped, 5 Black-and-white, 7 American Redstart, 7 Ovenbird , 13 Common Yellowthroat. Also 9 Rose-breasted Grosbeak and 6 Baltimore Oriole. A special treat was watching a river otter climbing up the river bank, bounding down the path, and spashing back into the river. (report from Rick Quimby).

5/12/99 -- Rowley Hill, Sterling

A pileated woodpecker , red eyed vireo and Louisiana waterthrush were seen. (report from Richard Spedding) .

5/12/99 -- Leesville Pond/Hope Cemetary, Worcester

A quick "before work" (6:00 -7:00 AM) check of Leesville Pond/New Swedish Cemetary (city of Worcester) this morning had the following species: Green Heron (1); Killdeer (1; no sign this morning of the 3 newly hatched young seen last night. I'm sure they were just hidden); Solitary Sandpiper (2: right next to each other); E. Kingbird (5); Tree Swallow (1); N. Rough-Winged Swallow (2); SWAINSON'S THRUSH (1; beautiful views of a bird feeding along the edge of the water, under some brush and trees, but in full sun); Gray Catbird (5); Warbling Vireo (6); Yellow Warbler (4); Yellow-Rumped Warbler (55+); Black-Throated Green (1); Magnolia Warbler (4: seen and heard); CAPE MAY WARBLER (4-5: seen and heard. This is an extraordinary number of this species for the city in spring or fall. They were in the spruces and other evergreens planted in the cemetary. Several were seen chasing each other); Pine Warbler (2); Blackpoll Warbler (1); Black and White Warbler (1); Northern Waterthrush (2 singing); Common Yellowthroat (1); Baltimore Oriole (11); Bobolink (1 overhead)

At Hope Cemetary (across the street): E. Kingbird (2); Gray Catbird (7); Warbling Vireo (1); Yellow Warbler (2); Chestnut-sided Warbler (2); Nashville Warbler (2); N. Parula (2); Yellow-Rumped warbler (35+); Palm Warbler (1;getting late); Blackpoll Warbler (2); Northern Waterthrush (1 singing); Scarlet Tanager (1f); Baltimore Oriole (5); All of these birds were seen and heard along the northern edge of the cemetary that borders the small Middle River. More birds were coming in as we left (work). Looks like the start of a good spring migration day, at least inland. (report from Mark Lynch/Sheila Carroll).

5/12/99 -- Downtown Worcester

The Peregrine Falcon was observed again in late afternoon yesterday 5/11 on a ledge on City Hall. I watched this bird for twenty minutes (5:10 - 5:20 p.m.). It was facing out towards Main Street, but on the Front Street side, (above the Front St. side clock, below open arched area on tower, it was on a small ledge). I think you could have gotten this bird from street level. It did eventually fly downwards over Main Street and passed the "glass tower building" (Fleet Building) - it was then I lost sight of it due to sun glare.

This morning (5/12) from 7:30 a.m. to 7:50 a.m. I observed it again (this time via scope X25, got a co-worker here to "rent" me some of his office space that faces the common). The bird was in the same place it was yesterday morning. Above clock, perched on a "pipe-like" projectile which seems to have a light a the end of it, again, on the Front Street/Common side. I had to leave the bird there and get to work. It was turning every now and then and seemed to be observing its surroundings. One Note: I am observing this bird through rather dirty, tinted windows. I must also admit I have no field experience with the Peregrine Falcon. (report from Jo-Ann Ferrie).

5/12/99 -- Greenbrier Park, Oxford

A 1 hour 200 ft walk at Greenbrier Park in Oxford yielded the following: 1 Ruby-throated Hummingbird, 4 Red-eyed Vireo, 3 Rose-breasted Grosbeak, 2 Veery, 1 Wood Thrush, and 16 species of warblers including: 8 American Redstart, 5 Yellow, 1 Black-throated Blue, 1 Black-throated Green, 3 Common Yellowthroat, 1 Ovenbird, 2 Blue-winged, 1 Canada , 2 Magnolia, 2 Black-and-white, 1 Northern Waterthrush, 3 Yellow-rumped, 1 Prairie, 2 Pine, 1 Northren Paula and 1 Chestnut-sided. (report from Paul Meleski).

5/11/99 -- Leesville Pond, Worcester

A quick early evening tour of Leesville Pond, Worcester had the following species: Great Blue Heron (1); Wood Duck (4); KILLDEER (2 ad+ 3 newly hatched young!); Solitary Sandpiper (1); E. Kingbird (2); N. Rough-Winged Swallow (2); Gray Catbird (2); Warbling Vireo (4); Yellow Warbler (4); Yellow-Rumped Warbler (20+); Pine Warbler (1); BAY-BREASTED WARBLER (1); Baltimore Oriole (8). Heading home at COES POND: Double-Crested Cormorant (11 at evening roost on island). (report from Mark Lynch).

5/11/99 -- Broad Meadow Brook, Worcester

The following highlights were recorded in the morning: Red-bellied Woodpecker (1); LEAST FLYCATCHER (1); Great Crested Flycatcher (2); Eastern Kingbird (2); Blue-headed Vireo (1); Warbling Vireo (2); Ruby-crowned Kinglet (1); Hermit Thrush (1); Wood Thrush (3); Gray Catbird (19); Brown Thrasher (4); Blue-winged Warbler (7); NASHVILLE WARBLER (2); NORTHERN PARULA (6); Yellow Warbler (5); Yellow-rumped Warbler (11); Prairie Warbler (2); Black-and-white Warbler (3); American Redstart (1); Ovenbird (3); Common Yellowthroat (17); WILSON'S WARBLER (1); [CANADA WARBLER (1 was seen by Kathy Mills)]; Scarlet Tanager (1); Eastern Towhee (19); Field Sparrow (4); WHITE-CROWNED SPARROW (1); Baltimore Oriole (8). I also heard a TENNESSEE WARBLER when I arrived on the Worcester Academy campus. (report from John Liller).

5/11/99 -- Institute Park, Worcester

A noontime walk yielded 27 species, including these warblers: 1 No. Parula, 1 Yellow, 1 Chestnut-sided, 7 Yellow-rumped, and 2 Pine. (report from Rick Quimby).

5/11/99 -- City Hall, Worcester

At 7:58 a.m. the Peregrine Falcon was sitting on the City Hall Building on the Common/Front Street side. (report from Jo-Ann Ferrie).

Please note additional NAMC report on 5/8/99 from John Williams.

5/11/99 -- Gardner area

This morning in Gardner there were 4 Solitary Sandpipers , 4 Least Sandpipers and 3 Greater Yellowlegs. Also 2 Warbling Vireos. (report from Tom Pirro).

5/11/99 -- Bancroft Tower Hill, City of Worcester

A short (just over a block) walk from Mark Lynch's house to Bancroft Tower Hill (city of Worcester) yielded the following species: Chimney Swift (2); Great-Crested Flycatcher (1); House Wren (2); Wood Thrush (4); Gray Catbird (10+); Brown Thrasher (1); Blue-Headed Vireo (1); Yellow-Throated Vireo (1); Red-Eyed Vireo (1); Nashville Warbler (3); N. Parula (6); Yellow Warbler (2); Chestnut-Sided Warbler (1); Black-Throated Blue Warbler (4m); Yellow-Rumped Warbler (25+); Black-Throated Green Warbler (3+); Blackburnian Warbler (1); Blackpoll Warbler (1); Black and White Warbler (4: all f); A. Redstart (2 m); White-Throated Sparrow (3); Baltimore Oriole (3). Plus a pair of White-Breasted Nuthatch carrying food to a nest hole. This was a rapidly moving group of warblers and vireos. The catbirds and Wood Thrushes stayed around for the most part. A few catbirds and a thrush try to breed in the vicinity. I arrived before 6 AM and birds were flying up the hill from the Park Avenue and south side, moving up and over the hill, exiting along the north and west sides of the hill, feeding all along the way. Most had moved off by 6:30 AM. Although there was a lot of song "in the air", many of the birds seen were not singing. (report from Mark Lynch).

5/10/99 -- Oxbow NWR, Harvard

A before work walk yielded 27 Species, including Spotted Sandpiper, Ruby-throated Hummingbird, Great Crested Flycatcher, Yellow-throated Vireo, Red-eyed Vireo, Catbird,Blue-winged Warbler, Yellow Warbler, Redstart, Towhee, Rose-breasted Grosbeak and Baltimore Oriole. (report from Peter Morlock).

5/10/99 -- Hope and Notre Dame Cemetaries, Worcester

A quick early morning 'before work" check of Hope and Notre Dame Cemetaries (just across the street from each other) found the following species: E. Phoebe (1); Great Crested Flycatcher (1); E. Kingbird (3); House Wren (4); Ruby-Crowned Kinglet (3); Hermit Thrush (1 still singing from Hadwin Park); Wood Thrush (1); Gray Catbird (29: this species really "moved in" over the weekend); Brown Thrasher (7); Warbling Vireo (2); Yellow Warbler (3); Chestnut-Sided Warbler (1); Yellow-Rumped Warbler (52); Black and White Warbler (4); Common Yellowthroat (1); Baltimore Oriole (7). (report from Mark Lynch).

5/10/99 -- Broad Meadow Brook, Worcester

There were 37 Species, including Red-bellied Woodpecker, Carolina Wren, Catbird, Brown Thrasher, Blue-winged , Yellow , Yellow-rumped, Black-and-white and Canada Warblers, Towhee,Chipping Sparrow and Baltimore Orioles. (report from Peter Morlock).

5/9/99 -- Quabbin Park, south Quabbin Reservoir

Sheila Carroll and Mark Lynch led a group of birders for Ipswich River MAS for a morning's birding of Quabbin Park. We tried to keep running totals as best we could. HIghlights: Double-Crested Cormorant (28); Common Merganser (7); Turkey Vulture (14); BALD EAGLE (pair feeding young at nest); Red-Shouldered hawk (1); A. Kestrel (1); Wild Turkey (heard); Spotted Sandpiper (1); A. Woodcock (1); Ring-Billed Gull (30+: most 1stS); Chimney Swift (4); Pileated Woodpecker (1: nice views); Least Flycatcher (23); Great Crested Flycatcher (3); E. Kingbird (3); N. Rough-Winged Swallow (2); Barn Swallow (12); COMMON RAVEN: pair feeding at least 3 nearly fledged young on nest; House Wren (6); Ruby-crowned Kinglet (1); Blue-Gray Gnatcatcher (12); E. Bluebird (4); Hermit Thrush (7); Wood Thrush (14); Gray Catbird (21); Blue-Headed Vireo (4); YELLOW-THROATED VIREO (14: at least: big movement); Red-Eyed Vireo (3); WARBLERS: Blue-Winged (4) (Note: we heard a Golden-Winged song, but could not see the bird so we do not know if it was a Blue-Winged, a hybrid or a Golden-winged); ORANGE-CROWNED (1); Nashville (9); N Parula (24); Yellow (11); Chestnut-Sided (34); Magnolia (3); Black-T Blue (6); Yellow-Rumped (32); Black-T Green (36); Blackburnian (5); CERULEAN (2m+1f); Pine (5; 1 f on ground gathering nesting materials); Prairie (12); Palm (2); Black and White (24); A. REDSTART (110++; everywhere you looked or listened); Ovenbird (31); Common Yellowthroat (12); Wilson's (1m); Scarlet Tanager (3); Rose-breasted Grosbeak (32); E. Towhee (33); Chipping Sparrow (62++); White-Throated Sparrow (5); Brown-headed Cowbird (35+); Baltimore Oriole (55). Needless to say, there was a decent movement of birds especially early in the morning. We also had: Tiger Swallowtail (4); Juvenal's Duskwing (as many as 11 on some coyote scat, with an additional 20+); Spring Azure, Meadow Frittilary (!); Cabbage White ect. Lots of A. Toads trilling. (report from Mark Lynch).

5/9/99 -- Rowlwey Hill , Sterling

There were 2 woodcock, 1 Louisiana water-thrush, 1 Am. redstart, 1 black throated green warbler, 1 parula warbler, 1 wood thrush , 1 ovenbird, 1 Baltimore oriole, and 1 rose-breasted grosbeak. (report from Richard Spedding).

5/9/99 -- Hodges Village, Oxford

In the evening there were 4 Whip-poor-wills and 3 American Woodcock (report from Paul Meleski).

5/9/99 -- Worcester Airport

Highlights behind the airport included 6-8 Savannah Sparrows, 6-8 male Bobolinks, an E. Kingbird, and an Am. Redstart. There was also a female Bobolink in a tree behind my house. (report from Howard Shainheit).

5/8/98 - Phillipston/Templeton area NAMC

This area covered on the North American Migration Count produced 85 species in poor weather conditions. Highlights include: American Bittern, Hooded Merganser, Osprey, Greater Yellowlegs, Solitary Sandpiper, 12 American Woodcock, Great Horned Owl, Barred Owl, Ruby-throated Hummingbird, Pileated Woodpecker, Warbling Vireo, 4 Horned Lark, 4 Winter Wren, Wood Thrush, Brown Thrasher, 5 Northern Waterthrush, Scarlet Tanager, Bobolink, and Baltimore Oriole. (Report from John Williams)

5/8/99 -- City of Worcester

An overcast, misty morning's birding around a few areas in the city had the following species: Great Blue Heron (1); Wood Duck (13); BLUE-WINGED TEAL (pair); Red-tailed Hawk (1); Ruffed Grouse (1); Virginia Rail (1); Killdeer (3: including pair w/nest); Greater Yellowlegs (1); Spotted Sandpiper (1); Least Sandpiper (1); Chimney swift (13); Red-Bellied Woodpecker (1); Least Flycatcher (1); E. Phoebe (1); GREAT-CRESTED FLYCATCHER (1); E. Kingbird (6); Tree Swallow (39); N. Rough-Winged Swallow (10); Bank Swallow (10+); Barn Swallow (36); House Wren (8); E. Bluebird (pair); Hermit Thrush (1 singing); WOOD THRUSH (9); Gray Catbird (16); Brown Thrasher (4); Yellow-Throated Vireo (1); Warbling Vireo (13); Red-eyed Vireo (1); Blue-Winged Warbler (10); Nashville Warbler (1); N.Parula (2); Yellow Warbler (18); Yellow-Rumped Warbler (76); Pine Warbler (3); Black and White Warbler (9); Ovenbird (5); C. Yellowthroat (2); Canada Warbler (1); Scarlet Tanager (1); Rose-Breasted Grosbeak (1); E. Towhee (13); Field Sparrow (4); Savannah Sparrow (9); Bobolink (2); Baltimore Oriole (18). Also: A. Toad, Spring Peeper, Green Frog, Grey Treefrog; and lotsa E. Painted Turtles. (report from Mark Lynch).

5/8/99 -- Broad Meadow Brook Sanctuary, Worcester

The following highlights were recorded by John Liller's intro birding class : VIRGINIA RAIL (1); CHIMNEY SWIFT (3); Red-bellied Woodpecker (2) GREAT CRESTED FLYCATCHER (1); EASTERN KINGBIRD (2); WARBLING VIREO(2); Carolina Wren (3); HOUSE WREN (4); BLUE-GRAY GNATCATCHER (1); Eastern Bluebird (3); Hermit Thrush (3); WOOD THRUSH (7); Gray Catbird (3); Brown Thrasher (5); Blue-winged Warbler (9); NORTHERN PARULA (1); YELLOW WARBLER (5); Yellow-rumped Warbler (7); BLACK-AND-WHITE WARBLER (8); AMERICAN REDSTART (1); OVENBIRD (1); COMMON YELLOWTHROAT (2); SCARLET TANAGER (1); Eastern Towhee (27); Chipping Sparrow (3); Field Sparrow (4); Swamp Sparrow(2); BOBOLINK (1); BALTIMORE ORIOLE (14). (report from John Liller).

5/8/99 -- Auburn/Oxford NAMBC

Here are the highlights for Saturday's North American Migration Count by Paul Meleski and Rick Quimby, for the towns of Auburn and Oxford. Not a bad day (not a great one either), considering the dismal weather (at least the rain held off most of the day). Hodges Village Dam count is in parentheses (Total count number includes Hodges): 1 COMMON LOON (on Eddy Pond in Auburn-don't ask me why); 19 Double-crested Cormorant (all in group on Dark Brook Reservoir in Auburn); (1) GREEN HERON; 12 (5) Wood Duck; 1 Sharp-shinned Hawk; 1 American Kestrel; 1 Ring-necked Pheasant; (1) Ruffed Grouse; (1) SOLITARY SANDPIPER; (1) GREAT CRESTED FLYCATCHER; 5 (3) EASTERN KINGBIRD; 8 (4) NORTHERN ROUGH-WINGED SWALLOW; (11) BANK SWALLOW; 9 (5) Barn Swallow; (1) COMMON RAVEN (being mobbed by 3 Crow); (5) BROWN CREEPER; 1 Carolina Wren; 6(5) HOUSE WREN; (1) BLUE-GRAY GNATCATCHER; (4) Eastern Bluebird (1 bird in nestbox with hatched chicks); (4) VEERY; (1) HERMIT THRUSH; 4 (2) WOOD THRUSH; 11 (6) Gray Catbird (pretty low count for us); 9 (6) BROWN THRASHER ( high for us); (1) BLUE-HEADED VIREO; 11 (8) WARBLING VIREO; 5 (2) BLUE-WINGED WARBLER; (1) NORTHERN PARULA; 42 (23) YELLOW WARBLER (on the high side); (2) CHESTNUT-SIDED WARBLER; 20 (19) YELLOW-RUMPED WARBLER; (1) BLACK-THROATED GREEN WARBLER; 17 (16) PINE WARBLER; (1) PRAIRIE WARBLER; 11 (9) BLACK-AND-WHITE WARBLER; (2) AMERICAN REDSTART; 8 (7) OVENBIRD; (3) NORTHERN WATERTHRUSH; (1) LOUISIANA WATERTHRUSH; (5) COMMON YELLOWTHROAT; 6(5) ROSE-BREASTED GROSBEAK; (3) White-throated Sparrow; 15 (6) BALTIMORE ORIOLE; (3) PURPLE FINCH. (report from Paul Meleski).

5/8/99 -- NAMC: Ashburnham & Westminster

The following are the highlights of the 85 species observed 5/8 on the North American Migration Count in Ashburnham and Westminster. The weather was terrible. There was dense fog all day with visibility typically under 200 feet. The fog only lifted when it started to rain about 2:00. As a result some typically easy birds were missed. The highlights of the observations include 2 common loons, 19 double-crested cormorants, 1 American bittern, 3 wood ducks, 2 ruffed grouse, 1 Virginia rail, 1 solitary sandpiper, 2 American woodcock, 1 red-bellied woodpecker, 1 pileated woodpecker, 5 least flycatchers, 47 phoebes, 98 tree swallows, 3 rough-winged swallows, 28 barn swallows, 1 red-breasted nuthatch, 2 brown creepers, 2 winter wrens, 8 golden-crowned kinglets, 2 ruby-crowned kinglets, 1 blue-gray gnatcatcher, 1 bluebird, 2 veery, 3 catbirds, 23 blue-headed vireos, 1 warbling vireo, 4 Nashville warblers, 1 parula, 11 chestnut-sided warblers, 2 magnolia warblers, 2 black-throated blue warblers, 73 yellow-rumped warblers, 33 black-throated green warblers, 5 blackburnian warblers, 2 palm warblers, 2 bay-breasted warblers, 23 black and white warblers, 1 redstart, 38 ovenbirds, 5 northern waterthrushes, 1 Louisiana waterthrush, 2 rose-breasted grosbeaks, 1 field sparrow, 24 savannah sparrows, 6 swamp sparrows, 34 white-throated sparrows, 1 white-crowned sparrow, 13 juncos, 9 bobolink, 6 northern orioles, and 4 purple finches. (report from Chuck Caron).

5/8/99 -- NAMC count, Gardner area

Saturday I scoured Gardner from 4:15 AM till 4:30 PM in darkness , heavy fog and heavy rain (later in the day) , basically the same weather conditions we've had for the NAMC (North American Migration Count) for the past 4 years. Visibility was limited from 100 feet or less up to 300 feet for nearly the whole day , until just before the heavy rain moved in. Some highlites among 93 species and 995 individuals (17 species of Warblers for ~187 individuals ) follow: C. Loon 2 ( The Wompanoag pair); Pied-Billed Grebe 1 (calling); Am. Bittern 1; Green heron 1; Sora 4; Virginia Rail 2; Green Wing Teal 1 (Drake); Hooded Merganser 4 (1 entering a nest box); Lesser Yellowlegs 2; Solitary Sandpiper 5; Barred Owl 1; Am. Woodcock 5; Least Flycatcher 4; Rose breasted grosbeak 2; Balt. Oriole 3; Blue-Gray Gnatcatcher 4; Blue Winged Warb. 2; Black + White Warbler 23; Black-Thr. green Warb. 18; Nashville Warb. 7; Ovenbird 34; Northen Waterthrush 3; Blk-Thr. Blue Warb 7; Norhtern Parula 7; Savanaha Sparrow 16; White troated Sparrow 32; Bobolink 6. Friday evening 5-7 I was fortunate to find Vesper Sparrow in town but couldn't relocate it saturday. (report from Tom Pirro).

5/7/99 -- Northern Worc. County

The following observations are the highlights from a variety of areas: 5/7: In Westminster there were 1 ovenbird and 1 chestnut-sided warbler. In Templeton there were 1 osprey and 1 black-throated blue warbler. In Leominster there were 1 scarlet tanager, 2 winter wrens, 2 ovenbirds and 1 barred owl.

5/6: In Templeton there was 1 house wren. In Hubbardston there was 1 ring-necked duck still lingering at Bents Pond. There were still 12 ring-necks there last Thursday. (report from Chuck Caron).

5/7/99 -- Institute Park, Worcester

A noontime walk yielded 25 species, including 1 Eastern Kingbird, 2 Warbling Vireos, 3 Yellow Warblers, 2 Yellow-rumped Warblers, 1 Pine Warbler, and 1 Baltimore Oriole. (report from Rick Quimby).

5/7/99 -- Oxbow NWR, Harvard

In a before work walk there were 18 species including: Blue-winged Warbler, Yellow Warbler, Black-and-white Warbler, Eastern Towhee and a Rose-breasted Grosbeak. (report from Peter Morlock).

5/7/99 -- Gardner area

A series of 5 roadside stops along Kelton St. and Raymond Rd. in the Wompanoag section of Gardner this morning (5-7-99) was quite productive ,with a fine assortment of Wood Warblers that "lit-up" the dreary woods: Yellow-Rumped 20-30; Black And White ~10; Black Throated Green 10+; Nothern Parula 7; Blackburnian 2; C. Yellowtroat 3; Ovenbird ~10; Palm 1; Magnolia 2; N. Waterthrush 2; Nashville 1; Raven 1 (croaking); Bobolink 1 (heard); Gray Catbird 2; Pileated Woodpecker 1 ( flushed from a downed log). Also, last evening (5-6) I had a great close in look an adult Perigrine Falcon in Gardner near Mount Wachusett Community College. (report from Tom Pirro).

5/7/99 -- Biotech Pond, Worcester

A "before work" quick check of Biotech Pond had the following birds: Great Blue Heron (1); Mallard (10); Spotted Sandpiper (4: including a pair in full display); Greater Yellowlegs (1); LEAST SANDPIPER (3); Killdeer (1); Belted Kingfisher (1); N. Flicker (1 drumming loudly on metal light pole); Yellow Warbler (1); BALTIMORE ORIOLE (2m); ORCHARD ORIOLE (1m). Birds seemed to be moving along the trees in the back but we did not have the time to check them out further. (report from Mark Lynch).

5/6/99 -- City of Worcester

A 'before work' quick check of areas in the city of Worcester revealed very, very few new migrants: LEESVILLE CEMETARY: Wood Duck (6); Killdeer (pair still on nest); E. Phoebe (1); E. Kingbird (1); Tree Swallow (1); N. Rough-Winged Swallow (3); House Wren (2); Gray Catbird (1); Yellow-Rumped Warbler (20+); Pine Warbler (2). HOPE CEMETARY; N. Rough-Winged Swallow (1); House Wren (3); Brown Thrasher (3); Yellow-Rumped Warbler (5); White-Throated Sparrow (1). WEBSTER SQUARE: N. Rough-winged Swallow (4; probably breeding birds). SALISBURY POND: BLACK-CROWNED NIGHT HERON (1ad). This bird flew out of the hidden cove. We followed this bird down Park Avenue onto Gold Star Boulevard. It appeared to be heading towards towards Indian Lake. (report from Mark Lynch).

Also, 1 Chimney Swift was sighted this evening on Grafton St in Worcester. (report from Paul Meleski).

[ed. note] Also, please note belated report of migrant warbler on May 3 (see below).

5/5/99 -- Institute Park, Worcester

A noontime walk yielded 24 species, including 3 drake Wood Ducks, 1 Warbling Vireo, 1 N. Parula, 7 Yellow-rumped Warblers, and 2 Pine Warblers. (report from Rick Quimby).

5/5/99 -- Hodges Village, Oxford

A dreary day in the drizzle and light rain produced the following in a before work walk: 1 Gray Catbird, 2 Brown Thrasher, 1 House Wren, 1 Winter Wren, 1 Rusty Blackbird, 1 Louisiana Waterthrush, 1 Northern Waterthrush, 3 Yellow Warbler, 1 Black-throated Green Warbler, 3 Pine Warbler, 8 Yellow-rumped Warbler, 1 Red-breasted Nuthatch 3 Brown Creeper, 2 Eastern Bluebird. Also, an Ovenbird was heard in Charlton during my drive to work. (report from Paul Meleski).

5/5/99 -- Gardner area

This morning 5-5-99 I made a few road side stops on the way into work off Raymond Road near Lake Wompanoag: Blue Headed Vireo 3; Black + White Warb. 4; Blk Thr Green Warb 3; Yellow Rumped Warb (~8 or 10); Pine Warb 2; Northern Waterthrush 1; Nashville Warb 1; Purple Finch 1; White Thr. Sparrow 5. Song bird activity was a little better than my last outing on Sunday Morning.

For a belated report of an early morning outing Saturday 5-1-99 AM into high Ridge WMA , see the 5/1/99 listings. (report from Tom Pirro).

5/4/99 -- Worcester:Biotech/Leesville

A 'before-work" quick check of Biotech Pond found: GREATER YELLOWLEGS (1); Spotted Sandpiper (1); Bank Swallow (1 migrating); Yellow Warbler (1); Savannah Sparrow (1 singing). LEESVILLE POND: Wood Duck (7); E. Kingbird (1); N. Rough-Winged Swallow (4); Tree Swallow (2); Gray Catbird (1); Warbling Vireo (1); Yellow Warbler (3); Yellow-Rumped Warbler (60+); Pine Warbler (2). Near Webster Square there was a flock of 25+ swallows, most appeared to be N. ROUGH-WINGED SWALLOWS, but there was also; 4+ Barn Swallows and a Chimney Swift. (report from Mark Lynch).

5/3/99 -- Charlton

An early adult male bay breasted warbler was observed in Joe Fay's backyard. Details provided. (report from Joe Fay).

5/3/99 -- Institute Park, Worcester

A noontime walk yielded 22 species, including these warblers: 1 Northern Parula, 8 Yellow-rumped, 2 Pine, and 1 Palm (report from Rick Quimby).

5/2/99 -- Templeton area

There were From Templeton : Vesper Sparrow (2), Savannah Sparrow (4), Chimney Swift (3), Wild Turkey (6); and from Phillipston: American Bittern (1), and Least Flycatcher (1). (report from John Williams).

5/2/99 -- Westboro Fish and Wildlife area

In the afternoon there was One male Blue-winged Warbler (report from Ann Boover).

5/2/99 -- Barre Falls Dam

Since April 28, birds seen at Barre Falls Dam have included: a pair of (nesting) Ravens; pair of bluebirds; blue-gray gnatcatcher; least flycatcher (several); evening grosbeaks (6+); palm, black & white (several), yellow-rumped (many); pine (several seen, many heard), black-throated green (several seen, many heard) warblers; rufous-sided towhee (2); osprey; broad-wing (2) and Cooper's hawk; kestrel; belted kingfisher; La. Waterthrush; hermit thrush; ruby-crowned kinglet (several seen, a number heard); winter wren (several heard); solitary vireo (several seen and heard); many tree swallows; and several great blue herons, including two on nests in small rookery. (report from Tim Wilder, Hubbardston).

5/1/99 -- Gardner area

Saturday 5-1-99 (~6AM-7:30AM) there were a nice collection of marsh birds in the "upper marsh" at High Ridge WMA off Smith street in gardner: Pie-Billed Grebe 2 (pair still hanging around!); Am. Bittern 1; Sora 1 (calling "kerrwee" over and over); Virginia Rail 1 (Grunting); Green Wing Teal 4 (2 pair); Hooded Merganser 2. (report from Tom Pirro).

5/1/99 -- Barre Falls Dam

Highlights of an early evening tour down Prison Camp Road between Barre Falls dam and Rutland State Park: Broad-Winged Hawk (1); Ruffed Grouse (1); E. Phoebe (4); LEAST FLYCATCHER (1); Red-breasted Nuthatch (5); Brown Creeper (2); Golden-Crowned Kinglet (2: probably breeders); E. Bluebird (1m); Hermit Thrush (4); Blue-Headed Vireo (4); CHESTNUT-SIDED WARBLER (1); Yellow-Rumped Warbler (62); Palm Warbler (16); Black and White Warbler (2); Pine Warbler (6); LOUISIANA WATERTHRUSH (pair). Also: Porcupine (1) and GAPPER'S RED-BACKED MOUSE (1). Be forewarned; the Black Flies are fierce! (report from Mark Lynch).

5/1/99 -- Broad Meadow Brook, Worcester

On John Liller's introductory birding class this morning (5/1/99), highlights included: Wild Turkey (2); Red-bellied Woodpecker (2); Carolina Wren (3); HOUSE WREN (3); BLUE-GRAY GNATCATCHER (1); RUBY-CROWNED KINGLET (2); Eastern Bluebird (6); HERMIT THRUSH (1); GRAY CATBIRD (1); BROWN THRASHER (5); BLUE-WINGED WARBLER (5); YELLOW-RUMPED WARBLER (26); PRAIRIE WARBLER (1); BLACK-AND-WHITE WARBLER (1); Eastern Towhee (17); Field Sparrow (8). (report from John Liller).

5/1/99 -- Cedar Swamp Pond, Milford

On the Forbush Bird Club trip this morning in the Milford area, 47 species of birds were tallied, including 2 Mute Swans, 1 Virginia Rail (a very cooperative bird that gave us excellent close views for over a minute), 4 Chimney Swifts, 2 N. Rough-winged Swallows, 2 Barn Swallows, 1 Gray Catbird, 1 Brown Thrasher, 1 Blue-headed Vireo, 2 Warbling Vireos, 8 Yellow-rumped Warblers, 2 Pine Warblers, 2 Prairie Warblers, 1 Palm Warbler, and 5 Savannah Sparrows. (report from Rick Quimby).

5/1/99 -- Rowley Hill, Sterling

Birds today included 1 Coopers hawk, 1 red tailed hawk, a pair of bluebirds, 1 Louisiana water-thrush, 1 blue-headed vireo, a great horned owl with prey on nest and feeding two owlets; owlets are two thirds the size of adult owl. Prey was surprisingly large , a woodchuck I believe. (report from Richard Spedding).

5/1/99 -- Hodges Village, Oxford

I extended the trip a bit to Greenbrier Park (contiguous to Hodges Village)as well as doing Hodges Village Dam........An absolutely glorious day......... HIghlights: 1 PILEATED WOODPECKER, 4 Northern Rough-winged Swallow, 3 Brown Creeper, 1 RED-BREASTED NUTHATCH, 1 HOUSE WREN, 3 RUBY-CROWNED KINGLET, 4 BLUE-GRAY GNATCATCHER, 3 Eastern Bluebird, 2 HERMIT THRUSH, 1 BROWN THRASHER, 4 BLACK-AND WHITE WARBLER, 22 YELLOW-RUMPED WARBLER, 1 BLACK-THROATED GREEN WARBLER, 6 PINE WARBLER, 3 PALM WARBLER, 4 YELLOW WARBLER, 2 NORTHERN WATERTHRUSH, 5 EASTERN TOWHEE, 5 SAVANNAH SPARROW, 3 White-throated Sparrow, 7 Swamp Sparrow. I was surprised not to hear or see Blue Headed Vireo today, since there were 3 two days ago. (report from Paul Meleski).

5/1/99 -- Worcester City Pond Survey

On our twice monthy survey of the ponds and lakes in the city of Worcester today we had the following totals: COMMON LOON (1: in breeding plumage on Indian Lake. I hope this bird is OK because its been there among the speeding boats for over a week) Double-Crested Cormorant (8); Great Blue Heron (1); GREEN HERON (3); Mute Swan (2 seen: others may be hidden on nests); Canada Goose (70); Wood Duck (22. With one pair actually nesting in a natural tree cavity instaed of a box); A. Black Duck (4); Mallard (113: the vast majority were drakes, making me think the ducks are on nests and tucked away); Turkey Vulture (1); Sharp-Shinned Hawk (1); Killdeer (9); SOLITARY SANDPIPER (1); SPOTTED SANDPIPER (4); GREATER YELLOWLEGS (1; Biotech Pond: good city bird); Ring-Billed Gull (100: most 1st summer); Belted Kingfisher (2); N. Flicker (22); E. Phoebe (3); E. Kingbird (4); Tree Swallow (10); N. Rough-Winged Swallow (2); Carolina Wren (1); House Wren (3); Blue-Gray Gnatcatcher (1); Hermit Thrush (1 singing);A. Robin (116); Gray Catbird (1); Yellow Warbler (4); Black and White Warbler (2); Yellow-Rumped Warbler (108); Pine Warbler (6); Palm Warbler (9); E. Towhee (8); Song Sparrow (40); Swamp Sparrow (2); White-Throated Sparrow (3); Red-Winged Blackbird (95); At Worcester Airport; Wild Turkey (pair); Savannah Sparrow (10+); Field Sparrow (1). Plus: Cabage White (16); Mourning Cloak (1); E. Tiger Swallowtail (1); Muskrats (many); A. Toad; Spring Peeper; E. Painted Turtle (many hundreds); Snapping Turtle. (report from Mark Lynch).

For previous sightings, see April 1999 Archives or Archive Index