November 2009 Central Mass Bird Sightings

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

Bird News:

ONGOING -- Asian Longhorned Beetle Information
10/21/09 -- WICN radio show on the LABRADOR DUCK
11/5/09 -- WICN radio show: Henslow's Sparrows and Proton Accelerators: the ecology of Fermilab
11/5/09 -- WICN radio show: artist RACHEL BERWICK's radio interview about Passenger Pigeons and Zugenruhe
11/24/09 -- WICN Radio Interview: David Allen Sibley on his new field guide to TREES

Bird Sightings:

11/30/09 -- Millbury: Around noon today I had a male Yellow-bellied Sapsucker on the suet. (report from Alan Marble).
11/29/09 -- Cedar Hill, Northboro: I took a Sunday afternoon walk around Cedar Hill, an SVT property. It was pretty quiet but I found N. Flicker, Winter Wren, a large flock of American Robin, Cedar Waxwing, White-throated Sparrow, and a large flock of Red-winged Blackbirds. The Winter Wren was in a pile of branches and leaves and was called out with spishing for good looks. (report from Laura Lane).
11/28/09 -- Leesville Pond, Worcester: A brief and windy tour yielded 12 Green-winged Teal, 1 Northern Pintail(ad m), 1 Gadwall(worn plumage, picking food from the surface); several Hooded Mergansers; and 200+ Canada Geese. (report from Lisa and Zoe Hennin).
11/28/09 -- Charlton, Dudley, Douglas: Despite the high winds, we went out to search some County ponds and reservoirs for waterbirds in towns like Charlton, Dudley, and Douglas. Most really large bodies were devoid of ducks and geese, and where we did find some birds, it was on smaller ponds. Highlights only:
ORLANDO'S PONDS, CHARLTON: Canada Goose (400: birds were flying out as we got there. People should start to check again in late afternoon or very early in the morning to see if the Barnacle (or some other goose); returns); Mallard (432); A Black Duck (12); Bufflehead (2); Hooded Merganser (4); Ruddy Duck (1); Ring-billed Gull (192); Herring Gull (7);
NEW POND, DUDLEY: Mallard (24); Ring-necked Duck (8);
MOSQUITO POND, DUDLEY: Canada Goose (62); Mallard (43); Gadwall (pair); Hooded Merganser (10);
WALLIS POND, DUDLEY: Canada Goose (414); BRANT (1imm: photo?d); Mallard (16); A Black Duck (6); Ring-necked Duck (6); Red-tailed Hawk (1);
CRYSTAL LAKE, DOUGLAS Great Cormorant (1); Mallard (2); Bald Eagle (1ad);
(report from Mark Lynch/Sheila Carroll).

11/26/09 -- Petersham, Quabbin, Brookfields
This year, our traditional Thanksgiving Day morning's birding took us to Petersham, South Quabbin and the Brookfields. Birds were very local, but hunters were everywhere. Be sure from now through December to wear your orange when out in field and forest. Highlights only:
PETERSHAM: Mallard (23); Red-tailed Hawk (1 mobbed by crows); Red-bellied Woodpecker (1); Belted Kingfisher (1); Red-winged Blackbird (flock of 505); Common Grackle (1); Brown-headed Cowbird (8); PLUS: 2 families of River Otters.
SOUTH QUABBIN/QUABBIN PARK: Red-throated Loon (2); Common Loon (9); Horned Grebe (5); Common Raven (1); Yellow-rumped Warbler (1); Dark-eyed Junco (52); PLUS: calling Wood Frogs and Spring Peepers!
Very few ducks on Quacumquasit and Quabog in the Brookfields, but at LAKE WICKABOAG: Great Blue Heron (1); Double-crested Cormorant (1imm); Mute Swan (2); Mallard (37); American Wigeon (1); Hooded Merganser (2); Common Merganser (226: huge flocks co-operatively herding schools of small fish along the shore. The mergs in turn were kleptoparasitized by Ring-billed (45);; Herring (6); and Great Black-backed Gulls (3);. Belted Kingfisher (1); Swamp Sparrow (2);
(report from Mark Lynch/Sheila Carroll).

11/22/09 -- Barre Falls Dam, Barre
Raptors migrating today: Red-tailed Hawk 5 . (report from Bart Kamp).

11/21/09 -- Barre Falls Dam, Barre
Raptors migrating today: Bald Eagle 1 ; Sharp-shinned Hawk 1 ; Red-shouldered Hawk 1 ; Red-tailed Hawk 3 . Non-raptor Observations: 1 clouded sulphur butterfly. (report from Bart Kamp).

11/17/09 -- Coachlace Pond, Clinton
At Coachlace Pond in Clinton this morning, there were 2 American Black Ducks, 4 Mallards, 74 Greater Scaup, 5 Lesser Scaup, 4 Hooded Mergansers and 2 Common Mergansers. (report from Alan Marble).

11/15/09 -- Marlborough, Westboro, Southboro
We spent all morning checking ponds and reservoirs around eastern Central MA.
FORT MEADOW RES.: MARLBOROUGH: Pied-billed Grebe (1); Great Blue Heron (2); Canada Goose (28); Mallard (83); A Black Duck (2); Lesser Scaup (2); Ring-necked Duck (2); Bufflehead (4); Common Goldeneye (3); Hooded Merganser (19); Red-breasted Merganser (1); Common Merganser (17); Ruddy Duck (329); Fish Crow (1); Yellow-rumped Warbler (1);
SUDBURY RES: SOUTHBORO/MARLBOROUGH: nb: we did a lot of hiking here to check out all the small bays and inlets. Pied-billed Grebe (2); Double-crested Cormorant (1); Great Blue Heron (2); Mute Swan (2); Canada Goose (2); Wood Duck (34); Mallard (152); A Black Duck (28); Green-winged Teal (1); Lesser Scaup (1); RING-NECKED DUCK (1325: my largest count for this location. The shorelines deep in the reservoir were just lined with them); Bufflehead (2); Common Goldeneye (47: no sign this AM of the drake and duck Barrow's that Alan Marble found and photo'd here. But they could still be about. There are many places for waterfowl to "duck" into); Hooded Merganser (17); Common Merganser (1); Ruddy Duck (64);
CHAUNCY POND, WESTBORO: Red-throated Loon (1); Red-necked Grebe (1: this pair of uncommon Worcester County migrants hung out in close proximity to each other. Great views); Mallard (12);
SuAsCo, WESTBORO SECTION: Pied-billed Grebe (2); Double-crested Cormorant (1); Great Blue Heron (1); Mute Swan (30); Canada Goose (10); Mallard (6); Bonaparte's Gull (1 adW out with the Ringies);
DOWNTOWN WORCESTER: Peregrine Falcon (1 ad on Commerce Bank Building, preening away);
(report from Mark Lynch/Sheila Carroll).

11/14/09 -- Brookfields/Charlton
We took a brief but wet jaunt out to the STURBRIDGE CBC circle to check just a few of the ponds north of the pike. Not much going on yet.
LAKE QUABOG: Red-necked Grebe (1) Mallard (24)
L. QUACUMQUASIT: Mallard (24)
RICE POND: Canada Goose (8) Wood Duck (1) Mallard (2) A Black Duck (4) Ring-necked Duck (28) Hooded Merganser (2)
LAKE WICKABOAG: Double-crested Cormorant (1) Great Blue Heron (1) Mute Swan (2) Canada Goose (88) Mallard (16) Green-winged Teal (7) Common Merganser (104: actively feeding en masse, herding fish along as a group, and being kelptoparisitized by gulls) Ring-Billed Gull (110) Herring Gull (8) Great Black-backed Gull (1adW) ORLANDO'S PONDS, CHARLTON: Canada Goose (161) Mallard (222) A Black Duck (5) Green-winged Teal (3) Bufflehead (5) Ruddy Duck (8) Ring-billed Gull (95: 3 had pink wing tags: 265; 322 and what looked like 0)
(report from Mark Lynch/Sheila Carroll).

11/13/09 -- Sudbury Reservoir, Southborough
Today I went back to look at the drake Barrow's Goldeneye at the Sudbudbury Reservoir. After finding the drake, I quickly spotted a female Barrow's. It's short, stubby yellow bill stood right out as it was swimming the female Common Goldeneyes. Here is a poor quality picture of the female Barrow's digiscoped with my little point and shoot. Other birds of note were ~250 Ring-necked Ducks, 6 Common Goldeneyes, 10 Ruddy Ducks, A Great Blue Heron, a Red-tailed Hawk and an adult Bald Eagle. The gate to see the Barrow's is opposite East Main St on Framingham Rd in Southborough. (report from Alan Marble).

11/12/09 -- Quabbin Reservation: Gates 33, 35, & 37
Here is the extended trip narrative of an all-day trip to the Quabbin area. (report from Chris Ellison).

11/12/09 -- Mt Wachusett Summit, Princeton
Late this morning, I saw a lone Snow Bunting on the summit of Mt Wachusett. By the way, the road to the summit is closed for the season, so you have to hike up there. (report from Alan Marble).

11/11/09 -- Sudbury Reservoir, Southborough
This morning at the Sudbury Reservoir Kim Allen and I saw 75 Ring-necked Ducks, 1 Bufflehead, 8 Common Goldeneyes and 1 drake BARROW'S GOLDENEYE. The access point was on Framingham Road, just north of Rte 30 where the powerline crosses the reservoir. There is a pull off and a gate that you can use to walk in and view from under a powerline tower. Check out Kim's blog The Curious Birder for some long-range pictures of the Barrow's and some narrative. (report from Alan Marble).

11/11/09 -- Swedish Cemetery/Leesville Pond , Worcester
Waterfowl highlights from Swedish Cemetery in Leesville Pond: Hooded Mergs 1 pair; Wood Ducks 8 pair; N. Pintail 1 pair; and Green W. Teal 4 pair. (report from Alexander Dunn).

11/11/09 -- Institute Park, Worcester
At noon there were 4 Mute Swans (1 ad, 3 imm), 1 Bufflehead (f), 95 Hooded Mergansers, and 10 Am. Robins. There have been approx 100 Hooded Mergs on the pond for the past 3 days. (report from Rick Quimby).

11/8/09 -- Northborough and vicinity
Here are details of the 35 species recorded on the Forbush bird club trip. (report from Laura Lane, fide Joan Gallagher).

11/7/09 -- Fort Meadow Reservoir, Marlborough/Sudbury Reservoir, Southborough

Kim Allen and I stopped at Fort Meadow Reservoir in Marlborough this morning and saw these highlights: 11 Hooded Mergansers, 21 Common Mergansers, 220 Ruddy Ducks, 1 Pied-billed Grebe, 95 Ring-billed Gulls, 4 Herring Gulls and 1 Great Black-backed Gull.
Continuing on to the Sudbury Reservoir accessed from Acre Bridge Road, we had 1 American Black Duck, 253 Ring-necked Ducks, 1 Common Goldeneye, 2 Hooded Mergansers, 2 Common Mergansers and 7 Ruddy Ducks. (report from Alan Marble).

11/7/09 -- Quabbin Park/Brookfields
This morning we birded a few locations in central western Central MA:
WARE RIVER IBA (before dawn);: Ruffed Grouse (3 drumming); American Woodcock (4 calling and flying in overhead calling just before dawn from the hawkwatch lot); Barred Owl (1); N Saw-whet Owl (4);
SOUTH QUABBIN/QUABBIN PARK: Common Loon (7); Horned Grebe (3); Mallard (1); American Black Duck (23); Long-tailed Duck (1m); Common Merganser (4); Bald Eagle (1ad+1imm); Sharp-shinned Hawk (1); Red-tailed Hawk (1); Bonaparte's Gull (2 1stW: there were 2 feeding together just after dawn, but later in the AM, only 1 bird remained, but put on a nice show feeding back and forth, catching small fish, right in front of the Administration Building); Ring-billed Gull (16); Belted Kingfisher (1); Downy Woodpecker (3); Hairy Woodpecker (1); Pileated Woodpecker (1); Blue Jay (24); A Crow (15); Common Raven (4); Black-capped Chickadee (17); White-breasted Nuthatch (10); Brown Creeper (1); Golden-crowned Kinglet (12); Eastern Bluebird (14); Hermit Thrush (1); American Robin (40); American Pipit (8); Yellow-rumped Warbler (2); Song Sparrow (1); White-throated Sparrow (41); Dark-eyed Junco (151); Snow Bunting (4); Red-winged Blackbird (100+ migrating overhead); House Finch (2); A Goldfinch (16);
LAKE WICKABOG, WEST BROOKFIELD: Great Blue Heron (2); Mute Swan (2imm); Canada Goose (42); Mallard (61); A Black Duck (2); Green-winged Teal (10); Bufflehead (1m); Hooded Merganser (14); Common Merganser (71); Ring-billed Gull (224); Herring Gull (1); Great Black-backed Gull (1ad);
LAKE QUABOG, BROOKFIELD: Common Loon (1); Double-crested Cormorant (3); Canada Goose (17); Greater Scaup (1); Common Goldeneye (2: pair);
(report from Mark Lynch/Sheila Carroll).

11/7/09 -- Rutland
I have had a Carolina wren around my house for at least a couple of weeks . Now that I have been feeding the birds regularly, it is also stopping by from time to time at the feeder. I first had heard it singing and finally got a good look at him. My home is on emerald rd. in Rutland. (report from Anne Greene).

11/6/09 -- Barre Falls Dam, Barre
Raptors migrating today: Sharp-shinned Hawk 1 ; Cooper's Hawk 1 ; Red-shouldered Hawk 1 ; Red-tailed Hawk 17 . (report from Bart Kamp).

11/4/09 -- Wachusett Reservoir, Boylston
A very interesting morning at Wachusett Reservoir.
At Mile Hill Road in Boylston, Bev Renaud, Richard Beaudreau and I were treated to the sight of huge numbers of Black Scoters. They were in 3 large flocks and they totaled a conservative 500+. Mixed in with one of the flocks, there were a few Long-tailed Ducks and a Surf Scoter. In separate flocks were 5 Black Scoters and 8 Long-tailed Ducks. Also, there was a Bald eagle.
Earlier at Scar Hill Bluffs, I had 5 Long-tailed Ducks, 4 Buffleheads, 4 Common Goldeneyes, a RED-THROATED LOON and 2 Horned Grebes.
(report from Alan Marble).

11/4/09 -- Barre Falls Dam, Barre
Raptors migrating today: Sharp-shinned Hawk 3 ; Cooper's Hawk 2 ; Red-shouldered Hawk 2 ; Red-tailed Hawk 22 . Non-raptor Observations: 120 Canada Geese (report from Bart Kamp).

11/4/09 -- Westminster/Lunenburg
I made a few quick stops, to check for waterfowl, on the way into work this AM:
Westminster: Round Meadow Pond: Mallard 20; Ring-necked Duck 1 female; Bufflehead 1 female
Meeting House Res. Common Loon 1
Monty Tech School: Canada Goose ~50; Ring-billed Gull 5; Herring Gull 25; Great Black-backed Gull 2;
***across the street at Snow's Mill Pond were 3 River Otters
Lunenburg: Whalom Lake: Mallard 2; Pied-billed Grebe 1; Ring-billed Gull 5; Herring Gull 1
Hickory Hills Res. Mallard 4; Long-tailed Duck 1 (a handsome drake!)
(report from Tom Pirro).

11/3/09 -- Barre Falls Dam, Barre
Raptors migrating today: Bald Eagle 1 ; Northern Harrier 1 ; Cooper's Hawk 1 ; Red-shouldered Hawk 1 ; Red-tailed Hawk 5 . Raptor Observations: The one Cooper's Hawk increased the season's total to a record high 151 Cooper's Hawks. Non-raptor Observations: A large flock of noisy blackbirds. (report from Bart Kamp).

11/3/09 -- Westminster/Lunenburg
During two quick stops this morning on the way to work, there were:
Round Meadow Pond in Westminster: Mallard 12; Black Scoter 1; Bufflehead 1; Red-winged Blackbird 1 singing
Whalom Lake, Luneneburg: Red-necked Grebe 1 (the 2nd time this fall I found a R-N Grebe on this very small lake).
(report from Tom Pirro).

11/2/09 -- Barre Falls Dam, Barre
Raptors migrating today: Turkey Vulture 5 ; Bald Eagle 1 ; Northern Harrier 1 ; Sharp-shinned Hawk 8 ; Cooper's Hawk 1 ; Red-shouldered Hawk 14 ; Red-tailed Hawk 15 ; Golden Eagle 2 ; American Kestrel 1 . Raptor Observations: The first golden eagle was an adult; the second an immature. Non-raptor Observations: 1 eastern meadowlark (report from Bart Kamp).

11/2/09 -- Wachusett Reservoir, Boylston/ Coachlace Pond, Clinton

At Scar Hill Bluffs this morning, I had 9 Long-tailed Ducks, 4 Buffleheads, 8 Common Goldeneyes and 5 Common Mergansers.
At Mile Hill Rd this morning, I had 23 Long-tailed Ducks, 13 Buffleheads and 14 White-winged Scoters.
At Coachlace Pond, there were 39 Greater Scaup, 2 Lesser Scaup and 2 Buffleheads.
(report from Alan Marble).

11/1/09 -- Gate 35, Quabbin Reservoir
During a 6.5 mile walk along the north east shore line of Quabbin Reservoir, participants in the Forbush Bird Club trip enjoyed fine views of Bald Eagles, Common Loons, Horned Grebes, 2 Black-bellied Plovers, 1 Greater Yellowlegs and 2 Dunlin. Other notable species were White-winged Scoter and Bonaparte's Gull (2). Good numbers of Dark-eyed Junco, White-throated Sparrows and flocks of migrant American Crows passed. Here is a complete list of the 37 species seen and/or heard on the trip. (report from Tom Pirro fide Joan Gallagher)

11/1/09 -- Northboro
I scouted a few Northboro ponds in preparation for the Forbush trip next Sunday. At Solomon Pond I found 1 Pied-billed Grebe and 13 Mallards. At Bartlett Pond I found 2 Pied-billed Grebes, 1 Ruddy Duck, 8 Ring-necked Ducks, about 50 Mallards and a Great Blue Heron. (report from Laura Lane).

11/1/09 -- Barre Falls Dam, Barre
Raptors migrating today: Northern Harrier 3 ; Sharp-shinned Hawk 16 Northern Goshawk 1 Red-shouldered Hawk 5 Red-tailed Hawk 18 . (report from Bart Kamp).

For previous sightings, see October 2009 Archives or Archive Index
11/26/09 -- Petersham, Quabbin, Brookfields: This year, our traditional Thanksgiving Day morning's birding took us to Petersham, South Quabbin and the Brookfields. Birds were very local, but hunters were everywhere. Be sure from now through December to wear your orange when out in field and forest. Highlights only:
PETERSHAM: Mallard (23); Red-tailed Hawk (1 mobbed by crows); Red-bellied Woodpecker (1); Belted Kingfisher (1); Red-winged Blackbird (flock of 505); Common Grackle (1); Brown-headed Cowbird (8); PLUS: 2 families of River Otters.
SOUTH QUABBIN/QUABBIN PARK: Red-throated Loon (2); Common Loon (9); Horned Grebe (5); Common Raven (1); Yellow-rumped Warbler (1); Dark-eyed Junco (52); PLUS: calling Wood Frogs and Spring Peepers!
Very few ducks on Quacumquasit and Quabog in the Brookfields, but at LAKE WICKABOAG: Great Blue Heron (1); Double-crested Cormorant (1imm); Mute Swan (2); Mallard (37); American Wigeon (1); Hooded Merganser (2); Common Merganser (226: huge flocks co-operatively herding schools of small fish along the shore. The mergs in turn were kleptoparasitized by Ring-billed (45);; Herring (6); and Great Black-backed Gulls (3);. Belted Kingfisher (1); Swamp Sparrow (2);
(report from Mark Lynch/Sheila Carroll).

11/22/09 -- Barre Falls Dam, Barre
Raptors migrating today: Red-tailed Hawk 5 . (report from Bart Kamp).

11/21/09 -- Barre Falls Dam, Barre
Raptors migrating today: Bald Eagle 1 ; Sharp-shinned Hawk 1 ; Red-shouldered Hawk 1 ; Red-tailed Hawk 3 . Non-raptor Observations: 1 clouded sulphur butterfly. (report from Bart Kamp).

11/17/09 -- Coachlace Pond, Clinton
At Coachlace Pond in Clinton this morning, there were 2 American Black Ducks, 4 Mallards, 74 Greater Scaup, 5 Lesser Scaup, 4 Hooded Mergansers and 2 Common Mergansers. (report from Alan Marble).

11/15/09 -- Marlborough, Westboro, Southboro
We spent all morning checking ponds and reservoirs around eastern Central MA.
FORT MEADOW RES.: MARLBOROUGH: Pied-billed Grebe (1); Great Blue Heron (2); Canada Goose (28); Mallard (83); A Black Duck (2); Lesser Scaup (2); Ring-necked Duck (2); Bufflehead (4); Common Goldeneye (3); Hooded Merganser (19); Red-breasted Merganser (1); Common Merganser (17); Ruddy Duck (329); Fish Crow (1); Yellow-rumped Warbler (1);
SUDBURY RES: SOUTHBORO/MARLBOROUGH: nb: we did a lot of hiking here to check out all the small bays and inlets. Pied-billed Grebe (2); Double-crested Cormorant (1); Great Blue Heron (2); Mute Swan (2); Canada Goose (2); Wood Duck (34); Mallard (152); A Black Duck (28); Green-winged Teal (1); Lesser Scaup (1); RING-NECKED DUCK (1325: my largest count for this location. The shorelines deep in the reservoir were just lined with them); Bufflehead (2); Common Goldeneye (47: no sign this AM of the drake and duck Barrow's that Alan Marble found and photo'd here. But they could still be about. There are many places for waterfowl to "duck" into); Hooded Merganser (17); Common Merganser (1); Ruddy Duck (64);
CHAUNCY POND, WESTBORO: Red-throated Loon (1); Red-necked Grebe (1: this pair of uncommon Worcester County migrants hung out in close proximity to each other. Great views); Mallard (12);
SuAsCo, WESTBORO SECTION: Pied-billed Grebe (2); Double-crested Cormorant (1); Great Blue Heron (1); Mute Swan (30); Canada Goose (10); Mallard (6); Bonaparte's Gull (1 adW out with the Ringies);
DOWNTOWN WORCESTER: Peregrine Falcon (1 ad on Commerce Bank Building, preening away);
(report from Mark Lynch/Sheila Carroll).

11/14/09 -- Brookfields/Charlton
We took a brief but wet jaunt out to the STURBRIDGE CBC circle to check just a few of the ponds north of the pike. Not much going on yet.
LAKE QUABOG: Red-necked Grebe (1) Mallard (24)
L. QUACUMQUASIT: Mallard (24)
RICE POND: Canada Goose (8) Wood Duck (1) Mallard (2) A Black Duck (4) Ring-necked Duck (28) Hooded Merganser (2)
LAKE WICKABOAG: Double-crested Cormorant (1) Great Blue Heron (1) Mute Swan (2) Canada Goose (88) Mallard (16) Green-winged Teal (7) Common Merganser (104: actively feeding en masse, herding fish along as a group, and being kelptoparisitized by gulls) Ring-Billed Gull (110) Herring Gull (8) Great Black-backed Gull (1adW) ORLANDO'S PONDS, CHARLTON: Canada Goose (161) Mallard (222) A Black Duck (5) Green-winged Teal (3) Bufflehead (5) Ruddy Duck (8) Ring-billed Gull (95: 3 had pink wing tags: 265; 322 and what looked like 0)
(report from Mark Lynch/Sheila Carroll).

11/13/09 -- Sudbury Reservoir, Southborough
Today I went back to look at the drake Barrow's Goldeneye at the Sudbudbury Reservoir. After finding the drake, I quickly spotted a female Barrow's. It's short, stubby yellow bill stood right out as it was swimming the female Common Goldeneyes. Here is a poor quality picture of the female Barrow's digiscoped with my little point and shoot. Other birds of note were ~250 Ring-necked Ducks, 6 Common Goldeneyes, 10 Ruddy Ducks, A Great Blue Heron, a Red-tailed Hawk and an adult Bald Eagle. The gate to see the Barrow's is opposite East Main St on Framingham Rd in Southborough. (report from Alan Marble).

11/12/09 -- Quabbin Reservation: Gates 33, 35, & 37
Here is the extended trip narrative of an all-day trip to the Quabbin area. (report from Chris Ellison).

11/12/09 -- Mt Wachusett Summit, Princeton
Late this morning, I saw a lone Snow Bunting on the summit of Mt Wachusett. By the way, the road to the summit is closed for the season, so you have to hike up there. (report from Alan Marble).

11/11/09 -- Sudbury Reservoir, Southborough
This morning at the Sudbury Reservoir Kim Allen and I saw 75 Ring-necked Ducks, 1 Bufflehead, 8 Common Goldeneyes and 1 drake BARROW'S GOLDENEYE. The access point was on Framingham Road, just north of Rte 30 where the powerline crosses the reservoir. There is a pull off and a gate that you can use to walk in and view from under a powerline tower. Check out Kim's blog The Curious Birder for some long-range pictures of the Barrow's and some narrative. (report from Alan Marble).

11/11/09 -- Swedish Cemetery/Leesville Pond , Worcester
Waterfowl highlights from Swedish Cemetery in Leesville Pond: Hooded Mergs 1 pair; Wood Ducks 8 pair; N. Pintail 1 pair; and Green W. Teal 4 pair. (report from Alexander Dunn).

11/11/09 -- Institute Park, Worcester
At noon there were 4 Mute Swans (1 ad, 3 imm), 1 Bufflehead (f), 95 Hooded Mergansers, and 10 Am. Robins. There have been approx 100 Hooded Mergs on the pond for the past 3 days. (report from Rick Quimby).

11/8/09 -- Northborough and vicinity
Here are details of the 35 species recorded on the Forbush bird club trip. (report from Laura Lane, fide Joan Gallagher).

11/7/09 -- Fort Meadow Reservoir, Marlborough/Sudbury Reservoir, Southborough

Kim Allen and I stopped at Fort Meadow Reservoir in Marlborough this morning and saw these highlights: 11 Hooded Mergansers, 21 Common Mergansers, 220 Ruddy Ducks, 1 Pied-billed Grebe, 95 Ring-billed Gulls, 4 Herring Gulls and 1 Great Black-backed Gull.
Continuing on to the Sudbury Reservoir accessed from Acre Bridge Road, we had 1 American Black Duck, 253 Ring-necked Ducks, 1 Common Goldeneye, 2 Hooded Mergansers, 2 Common Mergansers and 7 Ruddy Ducks. (report from Alan Marble).

11/7/09 -- Quabbin Park/Brookfields
This morning we birded a few locations in central western Central MA:
WARE RIVER IBA (before dawn);: Ruffed Grouse (3 drumming); American Woodcock (4 calling and flying in overhead calling just before dawn from the hawkwatch lot); Barred Owl (1); N Saw-whet Owl (4);
SOUTH QUABBIN/QUABBIN PARK: Common Loon (7); Horned Grebe (3); Mallard (1); American Black Duck (23); Long-tailed Duck (1m); Common Merganser (4); Bald Eagle (1ad+1imm); Sharp-shinned Hawk (1); Red-tailed Hawk (1); Bonaparte's Gull (2 1stW: there were 2 feeding together just after dawn, but later in the AM, only 1 bird remained, but put on a nice show feeding back and forth, catching small fish, right in front of the Administration Building); Ring-billed Gull (16); Belted Kingfisher (1); Downy Woodpecker (3); Hairy Woodpecker (1); Pileated Woodpecker (1); Blue Jay (24); A Crow (15); Common Raven (4); Black-capped Chickadee (17); White-breasted Nuthatch (10); Brown Creeper (1); Golden-crowned Kinglet (12); Eastern Bluebird (14); Hermit Thrush (1); American Robin (40); American Pipit (8); Yellow-rumped Warbler (2); Song Sparrow (1); White-throated Sparrow (41); Dark-eyed Junco (151); Snow Bunting (4); Red-winged Blackbird (100+ migrating overhead); House Finch (2); A Goldfinch (16);
LAKE WICKABOG, WEST BROOKFIELD: Great Blue Heron (2); Mute Swan (2imm); Canada Goose (42); Mallard (61); A Black Duck (2); Green-winged Teal (10); Bufflehead (1m); Hooded Merganser (14); Common Merganser (71); Ring-billed Gull (224); Herring Gull (1); Great Black-backed Gull (1ad);
LAKE QUABOG, BROOKFIELD: Common Loon (1); Double-crested Cormorant (3); Canada Goose (17); Greater Scaup (1); Common Goldeneye (2: pair);
(report from Mark Lynch/Sheila Carroll).

11/7/09 -- Rutland
I have had a Carolina wren around my house for at least a couple of weeks . Now that I have been feeding the birds regularly, it is also stopping by from time to time at the feeder. I first had heard it singing and finally got a good look at him. My home is on emerald rd. in Rutland. (report from Anne Greene).

11/6/09 -- Barre Falls Dam, Barre
Raptors migrating today: Sharp-shinned Hawk 1 ; Cooper's Hawk 1 ; Red-shouldered Hawk 1 ; Red-tailed Hawk 17 . (report from Bart Kamp).

11/4/09 -- Wachusett Reservoir, Boylston
A very interesting morning at Wachusett Reservoir.
At Mile Hill Road in Boylston, Bev Renaud, Richard Beaudreau and I were treated to the sight of huge numbers of Black Scoters. They were in 3 large flocks and they totaled a conservative 500+. Mixed in with one of the flocks, there were a few Long-tailed Ducks and a Surf Scoter. In separate flocks were 5 Black Scoters and 8 Long-tailed Ducks. Also, there was a Bald eagle.
Earlier at Scar Hill Bluffs, I had 5 Long-tailed Ducks, 4 Buffleheads, 4 Common Goldeneyes, a RED-THROATED LOON and 2 Horned Grebes.
(report from Alan Marble).

11/4/09 -- Barre Falls Dam, Barre
Raptors migrating today: Sharp-shinned Hawk 3 ; Cooper's Hawk 2 ; Red-shouldered Hawk 2 ; Red-tailed Hawk 22 . Non-raptor Observations: 120 Canada Geese (report from Bart Kamp).

11/4/09 -- Westminster/Lunenburg
I made a few quick stops, to check for waterfowl, on the way into work this AM:
Westminster: Round Meadow Pond: Mallard 20; Ring-necked Duck 1 female; Bufflehead 1 female
Meeting House Res. Common Loon 1
Monty Tech School: Canada Goose ~50; Ring-billed Gull 5; Herring Gull 25; Great Black-backed Gull 2;
***across the street at Snow's Mill Pond were 3 River Otters
Lunenburg: Whalom Lake: Mallard 2; Pied-billed Grebe 1; Ring-billed Gull 5; Herring Gull 1
Hickory Hills Res. Mallard 4; Long-tailed Duck 1 (a handsome drake!)
(report from Tom Pirro).

11/3/09 -- Barre Falls Dam, Barre
Raptors migrating today: Bald Eagle 1 ; Northern Harrier 1 ; Cooper's Hawk 1 ; Red-shouldered Hawk 1 ; Red-tailed Hawk 5 . Raptor Observations: The one Cooper's Hawk increased the season's total to a record high 151 Cooper's Hawks. Non-raptor Observations: A large flock of noisy blackbirds. (report from Bart Kamp).

11/3/09 -- Westminster/Lunenburg
During two quick stops this morning on the way to work, there were:
Round Meadow Pond in Westminster: Mallard 12; Black Scoter 1; Bufflehead 1; Red-winged Blackbird 1 singing
Whalom Lake, Luneneburg: Red-necked Grebe 1 (the 2nd time this fall I found a R-N Grebe on this very small lake).
(report from Tom Pirro).

11/2/09 -- Barre Falls Dam, Barre
Raptors migrating today: Turkey Vulture 5 ; Bald Eagle 1 ; Northern Harrier 1 ; Sharp-shinned Hawk 8 ; Cooper's Hawk 1 ; Red-shouldered Hawk 14 ; Red-tailed Hawk 15 ; Golden Eagle 2 ; American Kestrel 1 . Raptor Observations: The first golden eagle was an adult; the second an immature. Non-raptor Observations: 1 eastern meadowlark (report from Bart Kamp).

11/2/09 -- Wachusett Reservoir, Boylston/ Coachlace Pond, Clinton

At Scar Hill Bluffs this morning, I had 9 Long-tailed Ducks, 4 Buffleheads, 8 Common Goldeneyes and 5 Common Mergansers.
At Mile Hill Rd this morning, I had 23 Long-tailed Ducks, 13 Buffleheads and 14 White-winged Scoters.
At Coachlace Pond, there were 39 Greater Scaup, 2 Lesser Scaup and 2 Buffleheads.
(report from Alan Marble).

11/1/09 -- Gate 35, Quabbin Reservoir
During a 6.5 mile walk along the north east shore line of Quabbin Reservoir, participants in the Forbush Bird Club trip enjoyed fine views of Bald Eagles, Common Loons, Horned Grebes, 2 Black-bellied Plovers, 1 Greater Yellowlegs and 2 Dunlin. Other notable species were White-winged Scoter and Bonaparte's Gull (2). Good numbers of Dark-eyed Junco, White-throated Sparrows and flocks of migrant American Crows passed. Here is a complete list of the 37 species seen and/or heard on the trip. (report from Tom Pirro fide Joan Gallagher)

11/1/09 -- Northboro
I scouted a few Northboro ponds in preparation for the Forbush trip next Sunday. At Solomon Pond I found 1 Pied-billed Grebe and 13 Mallards. At Bartlett Pond I found 2 Pied-billed Grebes, 1 Ruddy Duck, 8 Ring-necked Ducks, about 50 Mallards and a Great Blue Heron. (report from Laura Lane).

11/1/09 -- Barre Falls Dam, Barre
Raptors migrating today: Northern Harrier 3 ; Sharp-shinned Hawk 16 Northern Goshawk 1 Red-shouldered Hawk 5 Red-tailed Hawk 18 . (report from Bart Kamp).

For previous sightings, see October 2009 Archives or Archive Index
11/22/09 -- Barre Falls Dam, Barre: Raptors migrating today: Red-tailed Hawk 5 . (report from Bart Kamp).
11/21/09 -- Barre Falls Dam, Barre: Raptors migrating today: Bald Eagle 1 ; Sharp-shinned Hawk 1 ; Red-shouldered Hawk 1 ; Red-tailed Hawk 3 . Non-raptor Observations: 1 clouded sulphur butterfly. (report from Bart Kamp).
11/17/09 -- Coachlace Pond, Clinton: At Coachlace Pond in Clinton this morning, there were 2 American Black Ducks, 4 Mallards, 74 Greater Scaup, 5 Lesser Scaup, 4 Hooded Mergansers and 2 Common Mergansers. (report from Alan Marble).
11/15/09 -- Marlborough, Westboro, Southboro: We spent all morning checking ponds and reservoirs around eastern Central MA.
FORT MEADOW RES.: MARLBOROUGH: Pied-billed Grebe (1); Great Blue Heron (2); Canada Goose (28); Mallard (83); A Black Duck (2); Lesser Scaup (2); Ring-necked Duck (2); Bufflehead (4); Common Goldeneye (3); Hooded Merganser (19); Red-breasted Merganser (1); Common Merganser (17); Ruddy Duck (329); Fish Crow (1); Yellow-rumped Warbler (1);
SUDBURY RES: SOUTHBORO/MARLBOROUGH: nb: we did a lot of hiking here to check out all the small bays and inlets. Pied-billed Grebe (2); Double-crested Cormorant (1); Great Blue Heron (2); Mute Swan (2); Canada Goose (2); Wood Duck (34); Mallard (152); A Black Duck (28); Green-winged Teal (1); Lesser Scaup (1); RING-NECKED DUCK (1325: my largest count for this location. The shorelines deep in the reservoir were just lined with them); Bufflehead (2); Common Goldeneye (47: no sign this AM of the drake and duck Barrow's that Alan Marble found and photo'd here. But they could still be about. There are many places for waterfowl to "duck" into); Hooded Merganser (17); Common Merganser (1); Ruddy Duck (64);
CHAUNCY POND, WESTBORO: Red-throated Loon (1); Red-necked Grebe (1: this pair of uncommon Worcester County migrants hung out in close proximity to each other. Great views); Mallard (12);
SuAsCo, WESTBORO SECTION: Pied-billed Grebe (2); Double-crested Cormorant (1); Great Blue Heron (1); Mute Swan (30); Canada Goose (10); Mallard (6); Bonaparte's Gull (1 adW out with the Ringies);
DOWNTOWN WORCESTER: Peregrine Falcon (1 ad on Commerce Bank Building, preening away);
(report from Mark Lynch/Sheila Carroll).

11/14/09 -- Brookfields/Charlton
We took a brief but wet jaunt out to the STURBRIDGE CBC circle to check just a few of the ponds north of the pike. Not much going on yet.
LAKE QUABOG: Red-necked Grebe (1) Mallard (24)
L. QUACUMQUASIT: Mallard (24)
RICE POND: Canada Goose (8) Wood Duck (1) Mallard (2) A Black Duck (4) Ring-necked Duck (28) Hooded Merganser (2)
LAKE WICKABOAG: Double-crested Cormorant (1) Great Blue Heron (1) Mute Swan (2) Canada Goose (88) Mallard (16) Green-winged Teal (7) Common Merganser (104: actively feeding en masse, herding fish along as a group, and being kelptoparisitized by gulls) Ring-Billed Gull (110) Herring Gull (8) Great Black-backed Gull (1adW) ORLANDO'S PONDS, CHARLTON: Canada Goose (161) Mallard (222) A Black Duck (5) Green-winged Teal (3) Bufflehead (5) Ruddy Duck (8) Ring-billed Gull (95: 3 had pink wing tags: 265; 322 and what looked like 0)
(report from Mark Lynch/Sheila Carroll).

11/13/09 -- Sudbury Reservoir, Southborough
Today I went back to look at the drake Barrow's Goldeneye at the Sudbudbury Reservoir. After finding the drake, I quickly spotted a female Barrow's. It's short, stubby yellow bill stood right out as it was swimming the female Common Goldeneyes. Here is a poor quality picture of the female Barrow's digiscoped with my little point and shoot. Other birds of note were ~250 Ring-necked Ducks, 6 Common Goldeneyes, 10 Ruddy Ducks, A Great Blue Heron, a Red-tailed Hawk and an adult Bald Eagle. The gate to see the Barrow's is opposite East Main St on Framingham Rd in Southborough. (report from Alan Marble).

11/12/09 -- Quabbin Reservation: Gates 33, 35, & 37
Here is the extended trip narrative of an all-day trip to the Quabbin area. (report from Chris Ellison).

11/12/09 -- Mt Wachusett Summit, Princeton
Late this morning, I saw a lone Snow Bunting on the summit of Mt Wachusett. By the way, the road to the summit is closed for the season, so you have to hike up there. (report from Alan Marble).

11/11/09 -- Sudbury Reservoir, Southborough
This morning at the Sudbury Reservoir Kim Allen and I saw 75 Ring-necked Ducks, 1 Bufflehead, 8 Common Goldeneyes and 1 drake BARROW'S GOLDENEYE. The access point was on Framingham Road, just north of Rte 30 where the powerline crosses the reservoir. There is a pull off and a gate that you can use to walk in and view from under a powerline tower. Check out Kim's blog The Curious Birder for some long-range pictures of the Barrow's and some narrative. (report from Alan Marble).

11/11/09 -- Swedish Cemetery/Leesville Pond , Worcester
Waterfowl highlights from Swedish Cemetery in Leesville Pond: Hooded Mergs 1 pair; Wood Ducks 8 pair; N. Pintail 1 pair; and Green W. Teal 4 pair. (report from Alexander Dunn).

11/11/09 -- Institute Park, Worcester
At noon there were 4 Mute Swans (1 ad, 3 imm), 1 Bufflehead (f), 95 Hooded Mergansers, and 10 Am. Robins. There have been approx 100 Hooded Mergs on the pond for the past 3 days. (report from Rick Quimby).

11/8/09 -- Northborough and vicinity
Here are details of the 35 species recorded on the Forbush bird club trip. (report from Laura Lane, fide Joan Gallagher).

11/7/09 -- Fort Meadow Reservoir, Marlborough/Sudbury Reservoir, Southborough

Kim Allen and I stopped at Fort Meadow Reservoir in Marlborough this morning and saw these highlights: 11 Hooded Mergansers, 21 Common Mergansers, 220 Ruddy Ducks, 1 Pied-billed Grebe, 95 Ring-billed Gulls, 4 Herring Gulls and 1 Great Black-backed Gull.
Continuing on to the Sudbury Reservoir accessed from Acre Bridge Road, we had 1 American Black Duck, 253 Ring-necked Ducks, 1 Common Goldeneye, 2 Hooded Mergansers, 2 Common Mergansers and 7 Ruddy Ducks. (report from Alan Marble).

11/7/09 -- Quabbin Park/Brookfields
This morning we birded a few locations in central western Central MA:
WARE RIVER IBA (before dawn);: Ruffed Grouse (3 drumming); American Woodcock (4 calling and flying in overhead calling just before dawn from the hawkwatch lot); Barred Owl (1); N Saw-whet Owl (4);
SOUTH QUABBIN/QUABBIN PARK: Common Loon (7); Horned Grebe (3); Mallard (1); American Black Duck (23); Long-tailed Duck (1m); Common Merganser (4); Bald Eagle (1ad+1imm); Sharp-shinned Hawk (1); Red-tailed Hawk (1); Bonaparte's Gull (2 1stW: there were 2 feeding together just after dawn, but later in the AM, only 1 bird remained, but put on a nice show feeding back and forth, catching small fish, right in front of the Administration Building); Ring-billed Gull (16); Belted Kingfisher (1); Downy Woodpecker (3); Hairy Woodpecker (1); Pileated Woodpecker (1); Blue Jay (24); A Crow (15); Common Raven (4); Black-capped Chickadee (17); White-breasted Nuthatch (10); Brown Creeper (1); Golden-crowned Kinglet (12); Eastern Bluebird (14); Hermit Thrush (1); American Robin (40); American Pipit (8); Yellow-rumped Warbler (2); Song Sparrow (1); White-throated Sparrow (41); Dark-eyed Junco (151); Snow Bunting (4); Red-winged Blackbird (100+ migrating overhead); House Finch (2); A Goldfinch (16);
LAKE WICKABOG, WEST BROOKFIELD: Great Blue Heron (2); Mute Swan (2imm); Canada Goose (42); Mallard (61); A Black Duck (2); Green-winged Teal (10); Bufflehead (1m); Hooded Merganser (14); Common Merganser (71); Ring-billed Gull (224); Herring Gull (1); Great Black-backed Gull (1ad);
LAKE QUABOG, BROOKFIELD: Common Loon (1); Double-crested Cormorant (3); Canada Goose (17); Greater Scaup (1); Common Goldeneye (2: pair);
(report from Mark Lynch/Sheila Carroll).

11/7/09 -- Rutland
I have had a Carolina wren around my house for at least a couple of weeks . Now that I have been feeding the birds regularly, it is also stopping by from time to time at the feeder. I first had heard it singing and finally got a good look at him. My home is on emerald rd. in Rutland. (report from Anne Greene).

11/6/09 -- Barre Falls Dam, Barre
Raptors migrating today: Sharp-shinned Hawk 1 ; Cooper's Hawk 1 ; Red-shouldered Hawk 1 ; Red-tailed Hawk 17 . (report from Bart Kamp).

11/4/09 -- Wachusett Reservoir, Boylston
A very interesting morning at Wachusett Reservoir.
At Mile Hill Road in Boylston, Bev Renaud, Richard Beaudreau and I were treated to the sight of huge numbers of Black Scoters. They were in 3 large flocks and they totaled a conservative 500+. Mixed in with one of the flocks, there were a few Long-tailed Ducks and a Surf Scoter. In separate flocks were 5 Black Scoters and 8 Long-tailed Ducks. Also, there was a Bald eagle.
Earlier at Scar Hill Bluffs, I had 5 Long-tailed Ducks, 4 Buffleheads, 4 Common Goldeneyes, a RED-THROATED LOON and 2 Horned Grebes.
(report from Alan Marble).

11/4/09 -- Barre Falls Dam, Barre
Raptors migrating today: Sharp-shinned Hawk 3 ; Cooper's Hawk 2 ; Red-shouldered Hawk 2 ; Red-tailed Hawk 22 . Non-raptor Observations: 120 Canada Geese (report from Bart Kamp).

11/4/09 -- Westminster/Lunenburg
I made a few quick stops, to check for waterfowl, on the way into work this AM:
Westminster: Round Meadow Pond: Mallard 20; Ring-necked Duck 1 female; Bufflehead 1 female
Meeting House Res. Common Loon 1
Monty Tech School: Canada Goose ~50; Ring-billed Gull 5; Herring Gull 25; Great Black-backed Gull 2;
***across the street at Snow's Mill Pond were 3 River Otters
Lunenburg: Whalom Lake: Mallard 2; Pied-billed Grebe 1; Ring-billed Gull 5; Herring Gull 1
Hickory Hills Res. Mallard 4; Long-tailed Duck 1 (a handsome drake!)
(report from Tom Pirro).

11/3/09 -- Barre Falls Dam, Barre
Raptors migrating today: Bald Eagle 1 ; Northern Harrier 1 ; Cooper's Hawk 1 ; Red-shouldered Hawk 1 ; Red-tailed Hawk 5 . Raptor Observations: The one Cooper's Hawk increased the season's total to a record high 151 Cooper's Hawks. Non-raptor Observations: A large flock of noisy blackbirds. (report from Bart Kamp).

11/3/09 -- Westminster/Lunenburg
During two quick stops this morning on the way to work, there were:
Round Meadow Pond in Westminster: Mallard 12; Black Scoter 1; Bufflehead 1; Red-winged Blackbird 1 singing
Whalom Lake, Luneneburg: Red-necked Grebe 1 (the 2nd time this fall I found a R-N Grebe on this very small lake).
(report from Tom Pirro).

11/2/09 -- Barre Falls Dam, Barre
Raptors migrating today: Turkey Vulture 5 ; Bald Eagle 1 ; Northern Harrier 1 ; Sharp-shinned Hawk 8 ; Cooper's Hawk 1 ; Red-shouldered Hawk 14 ; Red-tailed Hawk 15 ; Golden Eagle 2 ; American Kestrel 1 . Raptor Observations: The first golden eagle was an adult; the second an immature. Non-raptor Observations: 1 eastern meadowlark (report from Bart Kamp).

11/2/09 -- Wachusett Reservoir, Boylston/ Coachlace Pond, Clinton

At Scar Hill Bluffs this morning, I had 9 Long-tailed Ducks, 4 Buffleheads, 8 Common Goldeneyes and 5 Common Mergansers.
At Mile Hill Rd this morning, I had 23 Long-tailed Ducks, 13 Buffleheads and 14 White-winged Scoters.
At Coachlace Pond, there were 39 Greater Scaup, 2 Lesser Scaup and 2 Buffleheads.
(report from Alan Marble).

11/1/09 -- Gate 35, Quabbin Reservoir
During a 6.5 mile walk along the north east shore line of Quabbin Reservoir, participants in the Forbush Bird Club trip enjoyed fine views of Bald Eagles, Common Loons, Horned Grebes, 2 Black-bellied Plovers, 1 Greater Yellowlegs and 2 Dunlin. Other notable species were White-winged Scoter and Bonaparte's Gull (2). Good numbers of Dark-eyed Junco, White-throated Sparrows and flocks of migrant American Crows passed. Here is a complete list of the 37 species seen and/or heard on the trip. (report from Tom Pirro fide Joan Gallagher)

11/1/09 -- Northboro
I scouted a few Northboro ponds in preparation for the Forbush trip next Sunday. At Solomon Pond I found 1 Pied-billed Grebe and 13 Mallards. At Bartlett Pond I found 2 Pied-billed Grebes, 1 Ruddy Duck, 8 Ring-necked Ducks, about 50 Mallards and a Great Blue Heron. (report from Laura Lane).

11/1/09 -- Barre Falls Dam, Barre
Raptors migrating today: Northern Harrier 3 ; Sharp-shinned Hawk 16 Northern Goshawk 1 Red-shouldered Hawk 5 Red-tailed Hawk 18 . (report from Bart Kamp).

For previous sightings, see October 2009 Archives or Archive Index
11/14/09 -- Brookfields/Charlton: We took a brief but wet jaunt out to the STURBRIDGE CBC circle to check just a few of the ponds north of the pike. Not much going on yet.
LAKE QUABOG: Red-necked Grebe (1) Mallard (24)
L. QUACUMQUASIT: Mallard (24)
RICE POND: Canada Goose (8) Wood Duck (1) Mallard (2) A Black Duck (4) Ring-necked Duck (28) Hooded Merganser (2)
LAKE WICKABOAG: Double-crested Cormorant (1) Great Blue Heron (1) Mute Swan (2) Canada Goose (88) Mallard (16) Green-winged Teal (7) Common Merganser (104: actively feeding en masse, herding fish along as a group, and being kelptoparisitized by gulls) Ring-Billed Gull (110) Herring Gull (8) Great Black-backed Gull (1adW) ORLANDO'S PONDS, CHARLTON: Canada Goose (161) Mallard (222) A Black Duck (5) Green-winged Teal (3) Bufflehead (5) Ruddy Duck (8) Ring-billed Gull (95: 3 had pink wing tags: 265; 322 and what looked like 0)
(report from Mark Lynch/Sheila Carroll).

11/13/09 -- Sudbury Reservoir, Southborough
Today I went back to look at the drake Barrow's Goldeneye at the Sudbudbury Reservoir. After finding the drake, I quickly spotted a female Barrow's. It's short, stubby yellow bill stood right out as it was swimming the female Common Goldeneyes. Here is a poor quality picture of the female Barrow's digiscoped with my little point and shoot. Other birds of note were ~250 Ring-necked Ducks, 6 Common Goldeneyes, 10 Ruddy Ducks, A Great Blue Heron, a Red-tailed Hawk and an adult Bald Eagle. The gate to see the Barrow's is opposite East Main St on Framingham Rd in Southborough. (report from Alan Marble).

11/12/09 -- Quabbin Reservation: Gates 33, 35, & 37
Here is the extended trip narrative of an all-day trip to the Quabbin area. (report from Chris Ellison).

11/12/09 -- Mt Wachusett Summit, Princeton
Late this morning, I saw a lone Snow Bunting on the summit of Mt Wachusett. By the way, the road to the summit is closed for the season, so you have to hike up there. (report from Alan Marble).

11/11/09 -- Sudbury Reservoir, Southborough
This morning at the Sudbury Reservoir Kim Allen and I saw 75 Ring-necked Ducks, 1 Bufflehead, 8 Common Goldeneyes and 1 drake BARROW'S GOLDENEYE. The access point was on Framingham Road, just north of Rte 30 where the powerline crosses the reservoir. There is a pull off and a gate that you can use to walk in and view from under a powerline tower. Check out Kim's blog The Curious Birder for some long-range pictures of the Barrow's and some narrative. (report from Alan Marble).

11/11/09 -- Swedish Cemetery/Leesville Pond , Worcester
Waterfowl highlights from Swedish Cemetery in Leesville Pond: Hooded Mergs 1 pair; Wood Ducks 8 pair; N. Pintail 1 pair; and Green W. Teal 4 pair. (report from Alexander Dunn).

11/11/09 -- Institute Park, Worcester
At noon there were 4 Mute Swans (1 ad, 3 imm), 1 Bufflehead (f), 95 Hooded Mergansers, and 10 Am. Robins. There have been approx 100 Hooded Mergs on the pond for the past 3 days. (report from Rick Quimby).

11/8/09 -- Northborough and vicinity
Here are details of the 35 species recorded on the Forbush bird club trip. (report from Laura Lane, fide Joan Gallagher).

11/7/09 -- Fort Meadow Reservoir, Marlborough/Sudbury Reservoir, Southborough

Kim Allen and I stopped at Fort Meadow Reservoir in Marlborough this morning and saw these highlights: 11 Hooded Mergansers, 21 Common Mergansers, 220 Ruddy Ducks, 1 Pied-billed Grebe, 95 Ring-billed Gulls, 4 Herring Gulls and 1 Great Black-backed Gull.
Continuing on to the Sudbury Reservoir accessed from Acre Bridge Road, we had 1 American Black Duck, 253 Ring-necked Ducks, 1 Common Goldeneye, 2 Hooded Mergansers, 2 Common Mergansers and 7 Ruddy Ducks. (report from Alan Marble).

11/7/09 -- Quabbin Park/Brookfields
This morning we birded a few locations in central western Central MA:
WARE RIVER IBA (before dawn);: Ruffed Grouse (3 drumming); American Woodcock (4 calling and flying in overhead calling just before dawn from the hawkwatch lot); Barred Owl (1); N Saw-whet Owl (4);
SOUTH QUABBIN/QUABBIN PARK: Common Loon (7); Horned Grebe (3); Mallard (1); American Black Duck (23); Long-tailed Duck (1m); Common Merganser (4); Bald Eagle (1ad+1imm); Sharp-shinned Hawk (1); Red-tailed Hawk (1); Bonaparte's Gull (2 1stW: there were 2 feeding together just after dawn, but later in the AM, only 1 bird remained, but put on a nice show feeding back and forth, catching small fish, right in front of the Administration Building); Ring-billed Gull (16); Belted Kingfisher (1); Downy Woodpecker (3); Hairy Woodpecker (1); Pileated Woodpecker (1); Blue Jay (24); A Crow (15); Common Raven (4); Black-capped Chickadee (17); White-breasted Nuthatch (10); Brown Creeper (1); Golden-crowned Kinglet (12); Eastern Bluebird (14); Hermit Thrush (1); American Robin (40); American Pipit (8); Yellow-rumped Warbler (2); Song Sparrow (1); White-throated Sparrow (41); Dark-eyed Junco (151); Snow Bunting (4); Red-winged Blackbird (100+ migrating overhead); House Finch (2); A Goldfinch (16);
LAKE WICKABOG, WEST BROOKFIELD: Great Blue Heron (2); Mute Swan (2imm); Canada Goose (42); Mallard (61); A Black Duck (2); Green-winged Teal (10); Bufflehead (1m); Hooded Merganser (14); Common Merganser (71); Ring-billed Gull (224); Herring Gull (1); Great Black-backed Gull (1ad);
LAKE QUABOG, BROOKFIELD: Common Loon (1); Double-crested Cormorant (3); Canada Goose (17); Greater Scaup (1); Common Goldeneye (2: pair);
(report from Mark Lynch/Sheila Carroll).

11/7/09 -- Rutland
I have had a Carolina wren around my house for at least a couple of weeks . Now that I have been feeding the birds regularly, it is also stopping by from time to time at the feeder. I first had heard it singing and finally got a good look at him. My home is on emerald rd. in Rutland. (report from Anne Greene).

11/6/09 -- Barre Falls Dam, Barre
Raptors migrating today: Sharp-shinned Hawk 1 ; Cooper's Hawk 1 ; Red-shouldered Hawk 1 ; Red-tailed Hawk 17 . (report from Bart Kamp).

11/4/09 -- Wachusett Reservoir, Boylston
A very interesting morning at Wachusett Reservoir.
At Mile Hill Road in Boylston, Bev Renaud, Richard Beaudreau and I were treated to the sight of huge numbers of Black Scoters. They were in 3 large flocks and they totaled a conservative 500+. Mixed in with one of the flocks, there were a few Long-tailed Ducks and a Surf Scoter. In separate flocks were 5 Black Scoters and 8 Long-tailed Ducks. Also, there was a Bald eagle.
Earlier at Scar Hill Bluffs, I had 5 Long-tailed Ducks, 4 Buffleheads, 4 Common Goldeneyes, a RED-THROATED LOON and 2 Horned Grebes.
(report from Alan Marble).

11/4/09 -- Barre Falls Dam, Barre
Raptors migrating today: Sharp-shinned Hawk 3 ; Cooper's Hawk 2 ; Red-shouldered Hawk 2 ; Red-tailed Hawk 22 . Non-raptor Observations: 120 Canada Geese (report from Bart Kamp).

11/4/09 -- Westminster/Lunenburg
I made a few quick stops, to check for waterfowl, on the way into work this AM:
Westminster: Round Meadow Pond: Mallard 20; Ring-necked Duck 1 female; Bufflehead 1 female
Meeting House Res. Common Loon 1
Monty Tech School: Canada Goose ~50; Ring-billed Gull 5; Herring Gull 25; Great Black-backed Gull 2;
***across the street at Snow's Mill Pond were 3 River Otters
Lunenburg: Whalom Lake: Mallard 2; Pied-billed Grebe 1; Ring-billed Gull 5; Herring Gull 1
Hickory Hills Res. Mallard 4; Long-tailed Duck 1 (a handsome drake!)
(report from Tom Pirro).

11/3/09 -- Barre Falls Dam, Barre
Raptors migrating today: Bald Eagle 1 ; Northern Harrier 1 ; Cooper's Hawk 1 ; Red-shouldered Hawk 1 ; Red-tailed Hawk 5 . Raptor Observations: The one Cooper's Hawk increased the season's total to a record high 151 Cooper's Hawks. Non-raptor Observations: A large flock of noisy blackbirds. (report from Bart Kamp).

11/3/09 -- Westminster/Lunenburg
During two quick stops this morning on the way to work, there were:
Round Meadow Pond in Westminster: Mallard 12; Black Scoter 1; Bufflehead 1; Red-winged Blackbird 1 singing
Whalom Lake, Luneneburg: Red-necked Grebe 1 (the 2nd time this fall I found a R-N Grebe on this very small lake).
(report from Tom Pirro).

11/2/09 -- Barre Falls Dam, Barre
Raptors migrating today: Turkey Vulture 5 ; Bald Eagle 1 ; Northern Harrier 1 ; Sharp-shinned Hawk 8 ; Cooper's Hawk 1 ; Red-shouldered Hawk 14 ; Red-tailed Hawk 15 ; Golden Eagle 2 ; American Kestrel 1 . Raptor Observations: The first golden eagle was an adult; the second an immature. Non-raptor Observations: 1 eastern meadowlark (report from Bart Kamp).

11/2/09 -- Wachusett Reservoir, Boylston/ Coachlace Pond, Clinton

At Scar Hill Bluffs this morning, I had 9 Long-tailed Ducks, 4 Buffleheads, 8 Common Goldeneyes and 5 Common Mergansers.
At Mile Hill Rd this morning, I had 23 Long-tailed Ducks, 13 Buffleheads and 14 White-winged Scoters.
At Coachlace Pond, there were 39 Greater Scaup, 2 Lesser Scaup and 2 Buffleheads.
(report from Alan Marble).

11/1/09 -- Gate 35, Quabbin Reservoir
During a 6.5 mile walk along the north east shore line of Quabbin Reservoir, participants in the Forbush Bird Club trip enjoyed fine views of Bald Eagles, Common Loons, Horned Grebes, 2 Black-bellied Plovers, 1 Greater Yellowlegs and 2 Dunlin. Other notable species were White-winged Scoter and Bonaparte's Gull (2). Good numbers of Dark-eyed Junco, White-throated Sparrows and flocks of migrant American Crows passed. Here is a complete list of the 37 species seen and/or heard on the trip. (report from Tom Pirro fide Joan Gallagher)

11/1/09 -- Northboro
I scouted a few Northboro ponds in preparation for the Forbush trip next Sunday. At Solomon Pond I found 1 Pied-billed Grebe and 13 Mallards. At Bartlett Pond I found 2 Pied-billed Grebes, 1 Ruddy Duck, 8 Ring-necked Ducks, about 50 Mallards and a Great Blue Heron. (report from Laura Lane).

11/1/09 -- Barre Falls Dam, Barre
Raptors migrating today: Northern Harrier 3 ; Sharp-shinned Hawk 16 Northern Goshawk 1 Red-shouldered Hawk 5 Red-tailed Hawk 18 . (report from Bart Kamp).

For previous sightings, see October 2009 Archives or Archive Index
11/13/09 -- Sudbury Reservoir, Southborough: Today I went back to look at the drake Barrow's Goldeneye at the Sudbudbury Reservoir. After finding the drake, I quickly spotted a female Barrow's. It's short, stubby yellow bill stood right out as it was swimming the female Common Goldeneyes. Here is a poor quality picture of the female Barrow's digiscoped with my little point and shoot. Other birds of note were ~250 Ring-necked Ducks, 6 Common Goldeneyes, 10 Ruddy Ducks, A Great Blue Heron, a Red-tailed Hawk and an adult Bald Eagle. The gate to see the Barrow's is opposite East Main St on Framingham Rd in Southborough. (report from Alan Marble).
11/12/09 -- Quabbin Reservation: Gates 33, 35, & 37: Here is the extended trip narrative of an all-day trip to the Quabbin area. (report from Chris Ellison).
11/12/09 -- Mt Wachusett Summit, Princeton: Late this morning, I saw a lone Snow Bunting on the summit of Mt Wachusett. By the way, the road to the summit is closed for the season, so you have to hike up there. (report from Alan Marble).
11/11/09 -- Sudbury Reservoir, Southborough: This morning at the Sudbury Reservoir Kim Allen and I saw 75 Ring-necked Ducks, 1 Bufflehead, 8 Common Goldeneyes and 1 drake BARROW'S GOLDENEYE. The access point was on Framingham Road, just north of Rte 30 where the powerline crosses the reservoir. There is a pull off and a gate that you can use to walk in and view from under a powerline tower. Check out Kim's blog The Curious Birder for some long-range pictures of the Barrow's and some narrative. (report from Alan Marble).
11/11/09 -- Swedish Cemetery/Leesville Pond , Worcester: Waterfowl highlights from Swedish Cemetery in Leesville Pond: Hooded Mergs 1 pair; Wood Ducks 8 pair; N. Pintail 1 pair; and Green W. Teal 4 pair. (report from Alexander Dunn).
11/11/09 -- Institute Park, Worcester: At noon there were 4 Mute Swans (1 ad, 3 imm), 1 Bufflehead (f), 95 Hooded Mergansers, and 10 Am. Robins. There have been approx 100 Hooded Mergs on the pond for the past 3 days. (report from Rick Quimby).
11/8/09 -- Northborough and vicinity: Here are details of the 35 species recorded on the Forbush bird club trip. (report from Laura Lane, fide Joan Gallagher).
11/7/09 -- Fort Meadow Reservoir, Marlborough/Sudbury Reservoir, Southborough: Kim Allen and I stopped at Fort Meadow Reservoir in Marlborough this morning and saw these highlights: 11 Hooded Mergansers, 21 Common Mergansers, 220 Ruddy Ducks, 1 Pied-billed Grebe, 95 Ring-billed Gulls, 4 Herring Gulls and 1 Great Black-backed Gull.
Continuing on to the Sudbury Reservoir accessed from Acre Bridge Road, we had 1 American Black Duck, 253 Ring-necked Ducks, 1 Common Goldeneye, 2 Hooded Mergansers, 2 Common Mergansers and 7 Ruddy Ducks. (report from Alan Marble).

11/7/09 -- Quabbin Park/Brookfields
This morning we birded a few locations in central western Central MA:
WARE RIVER IBA (before dawn);: Ruffed Grouse (3 drumming); American Woodcock (4 calling and flying in overhead calling just before dawn from the hawkwatch lot); Barred Owl (1); N Saw-whet Owl (4);
SOUTH QUABBIN/QUABBIN PARK: Common Loon (7); Horned Grebe (3); Mallard (1); American Black Duck (23); Long-tailed Duck (1m); Common Merganser (4); Bald Eagle (1ad+1imm); Sharp-shinned Hawk (1); Red-tailed Hawk (1); Bonaparte's Gull (2 1stW: there were 2 feeding together just after dawn, but later in the AM, only 1 bird remained, but put on a nice show feeding back and forth, catching small fish, right in front of the Administration Building); Ring-billed Gull (16); Belted Kingfisher (1); Downy Woodpecker (3); Hairy Woodpecker (1); Pileated Woodpecker (1); Blue Jay (24); A Crow (15); Common Raven (4); Black-capped Chickadee (17); White-breasted Nuthatch (10); Brown Creeper (1); Golden-crowned Kinglet (12); Eastern Bluebird (14); Hermit Thrush (1); American Robin (40); American Pipit (8); Yellow-rumped Warbler (2); Song Sparrow (1); White-throated Sparrow (41); Dark-eyed Junco (151); Snow Bunting (4); Red-winged Blackbird (100+ migrating overhead); House Finch (2); A Goldfinch (16);
LAKE WICKABOG, WEST BROOKFIELD: Great Blue Heron (2); Mute Swan (2imm); Canada Goose (42); Mallard (61); A Black Duck (2); Green-winged Teal (10); Bufflehead (1m); Hooded Merganser (14); Common Merganser (71); Ring-billed Gull (224); Herring Gull (1); Great Black-backed Gull (1ad);
LAKE QUABOG, BROOKFIELD: Common Loon (1); Double-crested Cormorant (3); Canada Goose (17); Greater Scaup (1); Common Goldeneye (2: pair);
(report from Mark Lynch/Sheila Carroll).

11/7/09 -- Rutland
I have had a Carolina wren around my house for at least a couple of weeks . Now that I have been feeding the birds regularly, it is also stopping by from time to time at the feeder. I first had heard it singing and finally got a good look at him. My home is on emerald rd. in Rutland. (report from Anne Greene).

11/6/09 -- Barre Falls Dam, Barre
Raptors migrating today: Sharp-shinned Hawk 1 ; Cooper's Hawk 1 ; Red-shouldered Hawk 1 ; Red-tailed Hawk 17 . (report from Bart Kamp).

11/4/09 -- Wachusett Reservoir, Boylston
A very interesting morning at Wachusett Reservoir.
At Mile Hill Road in Boylston, Bev Renaud, Richard Beaudreau and I were treated to the sight of huge numbers of Black Scoters. They were in 3 large flocks and they totaled a conservative 500+. Mixed in with one of the flocks, there were a few Long-tailed Ducks and a Surf Scoter. In separate flocks were 5 Black Scoters and 8 Long-tailed Ducks. Also, there was a Bald eagle.
Earlier at Scar Hill Bluffs, I had 5 Long-tailed Ducks, 4 Buffleheads, 4 Common Goldeneyes, a RED-THROATED LOON and 2 Horned Grebes.
(report from Alan Marble).

11/4/09 -- Barre Falls Dam, Barre
Raptors migrating today: Sharp-shinned Hawk 3 ; Cooper's Hawk 2 ; Red-shouldered Hawk 2 ; Red-tailed Hawk 22 . Non-raptor Observations: 120 Canada Geese (report from Bart Kamp).

11/4/09 -- Westminster/Lunenburg
I made a few quick stops, to check for waterfowl, on the way into work this AM:
Westminster: Round Meadow Pond: Mallard 20; Ring-necked Duck 1 female; Bufflehead 1 female
Meeting House Res. Common Loon 1
Monty Tech School: Canada Goose ~50; Ring-billed Gull 5; Herring Gull 25; Great Black-backed Gull 2;
***across the street at Snow's Mill Pond were 3 River Otters
Lunenburg: Whalom Lake: Mallard 2; Pied-billed Grebe 1; Ring-billed Gull 5; Herring Gull 1
Hickory Hills Res. Mallard 4; Long-tailed Duck 1 (a handsome drake!)
(report from Tom Pirro).

11/3/09 -- Barre Falls Dam, Barre
Raptors migrating today: Bald Eagle 1 ; Northern Harrier 1 ; Cooper's Hawk 1 ; Red-shouldered Hawk 1 ; Red-tailed Hawk 5 . Raptor Observations: The one Cooper's Hawk increased the season's total to a record high 151 Cooper's Hawks. Non-raptor Observations: A large flock of noisy blackbirds. (report from Bart Kamp).

11/3/09 -- Westminster/Lunenburg
During two quick stops this morning on the way to work, there were:
Round Meadow Pond in Westminster: Mallard 12; Black Scoter 1; Bufflehead 1; Red-winged Blackbird 1 singing
Whalom Lake, Luneneburg: Red-necked Grebe 1 (the 2nd time this fall I found a R-N Grebe on this very small lake).
(report from Tom Pirro).

11/2/09 -- Barre Falls Dam, Barre
Raptors migrating today: Turkey Vulture 5 ; Bald Eagle 1 ; Northern Harrier 1 ; Sharp-shinned Hawk 8 ; Cooper's Hawk 1 ; Red-shouldered Hawk 14 ; Red-tailed Hawk 15 ; Golden Eagle 2 ; American Kestrel 1 . Raptor Observations: The first golden eagle was an adult; the second an immature. Non-raptor Observations: 1 eastern meadowlark (report from Bart Kamp).

11/2/09 -- Wachusett Reservoir, Boylston/ Coachlace Pond, Clinton

At Scar Hill Bluffs this morning, I had 9 Long-tailed Ducks, 4 Buffleheads, 8 Common Goldeneyes and 5 Common Mergansers.
At Mile Hill Rd this morning, I had 23 Long-tailed Ducks, 13 Buffleheads and 14 White-winged Scoters.
At Coachlace Pond, there were 39 Greater Scaup, 2 Lesser Scaup and 2 Buffleheads.
(report from Alan Marble).

11/1/09 -- Gate 35, Quabbin Reservoir
During a 6.5 mile walk along the north east shore line of Quabbin Reservoir, participants in the Forbush Bird Club trip enjoyed fine views of Bald Eagles, Common Loons, Horned Grebes, 2 Black-bellied Plovers, 1 Greater Yellowlegs and 2 Dunlin. Other notable species were White-winged Scoter and Bonaparte's Gull (2). Good numbers of Dark-eyed Junco, White-throated Sparrows and flocks of migrant American Crows passed. Here is a complete list of the 37 species seen and/or heard on the trip. (report from Tom Pirro fide Joan Gallagher)

11/1/09 -- Northboro
I scouted a few Northboro ponds in preparation for the Forbush trip next Sunday. At Solomon Pond I found 1 Pied-billed Grebe and 13 Mallards. At Bartlett Pond I found 2 Pied-billed Grebes, 1 Ruddy Duck, 8 Ring-necked Ducks, about 50 Mallards and a Great Blue Heron. (report from Laura Lane).

11/1/09 -- Barre Falls Dam, Barre
Raptors migrating today: Northern Harrier 3 ; Sharp-shinned Hawk 16 Northern Goshawk 1 Red-shouldered Hawk 5 Red-tailed Hawk 18 . (report from Bart Kamp).

For previous sightings, see October 2009 Archives or Archive Index
11/7/09 -- Quabbin Park/Brookfields: This morning we birded a few locations in central western Central MA:
WARE RIVER IBA (before dawn);: Ruffed Grouse (3 drumming); American Woodcock (4 calling and flying in overhead calling just before dawn from the hawkwatch lot); Barred Owl (1); N Saw-whet Owl (4);
SOUTH QUABBIN/QUABBIN PARK: Common Loon (7); Horned Grebe (3); Mallard (1); American Black Duck (23); Long-tailed Duck (1m); Common Merganser (4); Bald Eagle (1ad+1imm); Sharp-shinned Hawk (1); Red-tailed Hawk (1); Bonaparte's Gull (2 1stW: there were 2 feeding together just after dawn, but later in the AM, only 1 bird remained, but put on a nice show feeding back and forth, catching small fish, right in front of the Administration Building); Ring-billed Gull (16); Belted Kingfisher (1); Downy Woodpecker (3); Hairy Woodpecker (1); Pileated Woodpecker (1); Blue Jay (24); A Crow (15); Common Raven (4); Black-capped Chickadee (17); White-breasted Nuthatch (10); Brown Creeper (1); Golden-crowned Kinglet (12); Eastern Bluebird (14); Hermit Thrush (1); American Robin (40); American Pipit (8); Yellow-rumped Warbler (2); Song Sparrow (1); White-throated Sparrow (41); Dark-eyed Junco (151); Snow Bunting (4); Red-winged Blackbird (100+ migrating overhead); House Finch (2); A Goldfinch (16);
LAKE WICKABOG, WEST BROOKFIELD: Great Blue Heron (2); Mute Swan (2imm); Canada Goose (42); Mallard (61); A Black Duck (2); Green-winged Teal (10); Bufflehead (1m); Hooded Merganser (14); Common Merganser (71); Ring-billed Gull (224); Herring Gull (1); Great Black-backed Gull (1ad);
LAKE QUABOG, BROOKFIELD: Common Loon (1); Double-crested Cormorant (3); Canada Goose (17); Greater Scaup (1); Common Goldeneye (2: pair);
(report from Mark Lynch/Sheila Carroll).

11/7/09 -- Rutland
I have had a Carolina wren around my house for at least a couple of weeks . Now that I have been feeding the birds regularly, it is also stopping by from time to time at the feeder. I first had heard it singing and finally got a good look at him. My home is on emerald rd. in Rutland. (report from Anne Greene).

11/6/09 -- Barre Falls Dam, Barre
Raptors migrating today: Sharp-shinned Hawk 1 ; Cooper's Hawk 1 ; Red-shouldered Hawk 1 ; Red-tailed Hawk 17 . (report from Bart Kamp).

11/4/09 -- Wachusett Reservoir, Boylston
A very interesting morning at Wachusett Reservoir.
At Mile Hill Road in Boylston, Bev Renaud, Richard Beaudreau and I were treated to the sight of huge numbers of Black Scoters. They were in 3 large flocks and they totaled a conservative 500+. Mixed in with one of the flocks, there were a few Long-tailed Ducks and a Surf Scoter. In separate flocks were 5 Black Scoters and 8 Long-tailed Ducks. Also, there was a Bald eagle.
Earlier at Scar Hill Bluffs, I had 5 Long-tailed Ducks, 4 Buffleheads, 4 Common Goldeneyes, a RED-THROATED LOON and 2 Horned Grebes.
(report from Alan Marble).

11/4/09 -- Barre Falls Dam, Barre
Raptors migrating today: Sharp-shinned Hawk 3 ; Cooper's Hawk 2 ; Red-shouldered Hawk 2 ; Red-tailed Hawk 22 . Non-raptor Observations: 120 Canada Geese (report from Bart Kamp).

11/4/09 -- Westminster/Lunenburg
I made a few quick stops, to check for waterfowl, on the way into work this AM:
Westminster: Round Meadow Pond: Mallard 20; Ring-necked Duck 1 female; Bufflehead 1 female
Meeting House Res. Common Loon 1
Monty Tech School: Canada Goose ~50; Ring-billed Gull 5; Herring Gull 25; Great Black-backed Gull 2;
***across the street at Snow's Mill Pond were 3 River Otters
Lunenburg: Whalom Lake: Mallard 2; Pied-billed Grebe 1; Ring-billed Gull 5; Herring Gull 1
Hickory Hills Res. Mallard 4; Long-tailed Duck 1 (a handsome drake!)
(report from Tom Pirro).

11/3/09 -- Barre Falls Dam, Barre
Raptors migrating today: Bald Eagle 1 ; Northern Harrier 1 ; Cooper's Hawk 1 ; Red-shouldered Hawk 1 ; Red-tailed Hawk 5 . Raptor Observations: The one Cooper's Hawk increased the season's total to a record high 151 Cooper's Hawks. Non-raptor Observations: A large flock of noisy blackbirds. (report from Bart Kamp).

11/3/09 -- Westminster/Lunenburg
During two quick stops this morning on the way to work, there were:
Round Meadow Pond in Westminster: Mallard 12; Black Scoter 1; Bufflehead 1; Red-winged Blackbird 1 singing
Whalom Lake, Luneneburg: Red-necked Grebe 1 (the 2nd time this fall I found a R-N Grebe on this very small lake).
(report from Tom Pirro).

11/2/09 -- Barre Falls Dam, Barre
Raptors migrating today: Turkey Vulture 5 ; Bald Eagle 1 ; Northern Harrier 1 ; Sharp-shinned Hawk 8 ; Cooper's Hawk 1 ; Red-shouldered Hawk 14 ; Red-tailed Hawk 15 ; Golden Eagle 2 ; American Kestrel 1 . Raptor Observations: The first golden eagle was an adult; the second an immature. Non-raptor Observations: 1 eastern meadowlark (report from Bart Kamp).

11/2/09 -- Wachusett Reservoir, Boylston/ Coachlace Pond, Clinton

At Scar Hill Bluffs this morning, I had 9 Long-tailed Ducks, 4 Buffleheads, 8 Common Goldeneyes and 5 Common Mergansers.
At Mile Hill Rd this morning, I had 23 Long-tailed Ducks, 13 Buffleheads and 14 White-winged Scoters.
At Coachlace Pond, there were 39 Greater Scaup, 2 Lesser Scaup and 2 Buffleheads.
(report from Alan Marble).

11/1/09 -- Gate 35, Quabbin Reservoir
During a 6.5 mile walk along the north east shore line of Quabbin Reservoir, participants in the Forbush Bird Club trip enjoyed fine views of Bald Eagles, Common Loons, Horned Grebes, 2 Black-bellied Plovers, 1 Greater Yellowlegs and 2 Dunlin. Other notable species were White-winged Scoter and Bonaparte's Gull (2). Good numbers of Dark-eyed Junco, White-throated Sparrows and flocks of migrant American Crows passed. Here is a complete list of the 37 species seen and/or heard on the trip. (report from Tom Pirro fide Joan Gallagher)

11/1/09 -- Northboro
I scouted a few Northboro ponds in preparation for the Forbush trip next Sunday. At Solomon Pond I found 1 Pied-billed Grebe and 13 Mallards. At Bartlett Pond I found 2 Pied-billed Grebes, 1 Ruddy Duck, 8 Ring-necked Ducks, about 50 Mallards and a Great Blue Heron. (report from Laura Lane).

11/1/09 -- Barre Falls Dam, Barre
Raptors migrating today: Northern Harrier 3 ; Sharp-shinned Hawk 16 Northern Goshawk 1 Red-shouldered Hawk 5 Red-tailed Hawk 18 . (report from Bart Kamp).

For previous sightings, see October 2009 Archives or Archive Index
11/7/09 -- Rutland: I have had a Carolina wren around my house for at least a couple of weeks . Now that I have been feeding the birds regularly, it is also stopping by from time to time at the feeder. I first had heard it singing and finally got a good look at him. My home is on emerald rd. in Rutland. (report from Anne Greene).
11/6/09 -- Barre Falls Dam, Barre: Raptors migrating today: Sharp-shinned Hawk 1 ; Cooper's Hawk 1 ; Red-shouldered Hawk 1 ; Red-tailed Hawk 17 . (report from Bart Kamp).
11/4/09 -- Wachusett Reservoir, Boylston: A very interesting morning at Wachusett Reservoir.
At Mile Hill Road in Boylston, Bev Renaud, Richard Beaudreau and I were treated to the sight of huge numbers of Black Scoters. They were in 3 large flocks and they totaled a conservative 500+. Mixed in with one of the flocks, there were a few Long-tailed Ducks and a Surf Scoter. In separate flocks were 5 Black Scoters and 8 Long-tailed Ducks. Also, there was a Bald eagle.
Earlier at Scar Hill Bluffs, I had 5 Long-tailed Ducks, 4 Buffleheads, 4 Common Goldeneyes, a RED-THROATED LOON and 2 Horned Grebes.
(report from Alan Marble).

11/4/09 -- Barre Falls Dam, Barre
Raptors migrating today: Sharp-shinned Hawk 3 ; Cooper's Hawk 2 ; Red-shouldered Hawk 2 ; Red-tailed Hawk 22 . Non-raptor Observations: 120 Canada Geese (report from Bart Kamp).

11/4/09 -- Westminster/Lunenburg
I made a few quick stops, to check for waterfowl, on the way into work this AM:
Westminster: Round Meadow Pond: Mallard 20; Ring-necked Duck 1 female; Bufflehead 1 female
Meeting House Res. Common Loon 1
Monty Tech School: Canada Goose ~50; Ring-billed Gull 5; Herring Gull 25; Great Black-backed Gull 2;
***across the street at Snow's Mill Pond were 3 River Otters
Lunenburg: Whalom Lake: Mallard 2; Pied-billed Grebe 1; Ring-billed Gull 5; Herring Gull 1
Hickory Hills Res. Mallard 4; Long-tailed Duck 1 (a handsome drake!)
(report from Tom Pirro).

11/3/09 -- Barre Falls Dam, Barre
Raptors migrating today: Bald Eagle 1 ; Northern Harrier 1 ; Cooper's Hawk 1 ; Red-shouldered Hawk 1 ; Red-tailed Hawk 5 . Raptor Observations: The one Cooper's Hawk increased the season's total to a record high 151 Cooper's Hawks. Non-raptor Observations: A large flock of noisy blackbirds. (report from Bart Kamp).

11/3/09 -- Westminster/Lunenburg
During two quick stops this morning on the way to work, there were:
Round Meadow Pond in Westminster: Mallard 12; Black Scoter 1; Bufflehead 1; Red-winged Blackbird 1 singing
Whalom Lake, Luneneburg: Red-necked Grebe 1 (the 2nd time this fall I found a R-N Grebe on this very small lake).
(report from Tom Pirro).

11/2/09 -- Barre Falls Dam, Barre
Raptors migrating today: Turkey Vulture 5 ; Bald Eagle 1 ; Northern Harrier 1 ; Sharp-shinned Hawk 8 ; Cooper's Hawk 1 ; Red-shouldered Hawk 14 ; Red-tailed Hawk 15 ; Golden Eagle 2 ; American Kestrel 1 . Raptor Observations: The first golden eagle was an adult; the second an immature. Non-raptor Observations: 1 eastern meadowlark (report from Bart Kamp).

11/2/09 -- Wachusett Reservoir, Boylston/ Coachlace Pond, Clinton

At Scar Hill Bluffs this morning, I had 9 Long-tailed Ducks, 4 Buffleheads, 8 Common Goldeneyes and 5 Common Mergansers.
At Mile Hill Rd this morning, I had 23 Long-tailed Ducks, 13 Buffleheads and 14 White-winged Scoters.
At Coachlace Pond, there were 39 Greater Scaup, 2 Lesser Scaup and 2 Buffleheads.
(report from Alan Marble).

11/1/09 -- Gate 35, Quabbin Reservoir
During a 6.5 mile walk along the north east shore line of Quabbin Reservoir, participants in the Forbush Bird Club trip enjoyed fine views of Bald Eagles, Common Loons, Horned Grebes, 2 Black-bellied Plovers, 1 Greater Yellowlegs and 2 Dunlin. Other notable species were White-winged Scoter and Bonaparte's Gull (2). Good numbers of Dark-eyed Junco, White-throated Sparrows and flocks of migrant American Crows passed. Here is a complete list of the 37 species seen and/or heard on the trip. (report from Tom Pirro fide Joan Gallagher)

11/1/09 -- Northboro
I scouted a few Northboro ponds in preparation for the Forbush trip next Sunday. At Solomon Pond I found 1 Pied-billed Grebe and 13 Mallards. At Bartlett Pond I found 2 Pied-billed Grebes, 1 Ruddy Duck, 8 Ring-necked Ducks, about 50 Mallards and a Great Blue Heron. (report from Laura Lane).

11/1/09 -- Barre Falls Dam, Barre
Raptors migrating today: Northern Harrier 3 ; Sharp-shinned Hawk 16 Northern Goshawk 1 Red-shouldered Hawk 5 Red-tailed Hawk 18 . (report from Bart Kamp).

For previous sightings, see October 2009 Archives or Archive Index
11/4/09 -- Barre Falls Dam, Barre: Raptors migrating today: Sharp-shinned Hawk 3 ; Cooper's Hawk 2 ; Red-shouldered Hawk 2 ; Red-tailed Hawk 22 . Non-raptor Observations: 120 Canada Geese (report from Bart Kamp).
11/4/09 -- Westminster/Lunenburg: I made a few quick stops, to check for waterfowl, on the way into work this AM:
Westminster: Round Meadow Pond: Mallard 20; Ring-necked Duck 1 female; Bufflehead 1 female
Meeting House Res. Common Loon 1
Monty Tech School: Canada Goose ~50; Ring-billed Gull 5; Herring Gull 25; Great Black-backed Gull 2;
***across the street at Snow's Mill Pond were 3 River Otters
Lunenburg: Whalom Lake: Mallard 2; Pied-billed Grebe 1; Ring-billed Gull 5; Herring Gull 1
Hickory Hills Res. Mallard 4; Long-tailed Duck 1 (a handsome drake!)
(report from Tom Pirro).

11/3/09 -- Barre Falls Dam, Barre
Raptors migrating today: Bald Eagle 1 ; Northern Harrier 1 ; Cooper's Hawk 1 ; Red-shouldered Hawk 1 ; Red-tailed Hawk 5 . Raptor Observations: The one Cooper's Hawk increased the season's total to a record high 151 Cooper's Hawks. Non-raptor Observations: A large flock of noisy blackbirds. (report from Bart Kamp).

11/3/09 -- Westminster/Lunenburg
During two quick stops this morning on the way to work, there were:
Round Meadow Pond in Westminster: Mallard 12; Black Scoter 1; Bufflehead 1; Red-winged Blackbird 1 singing
Whalom Lake, Luneneburg: Red-necked Grebe 1 (the 2nd time this fall I found a R-N Grebe on this very small lake).
(report from Tom Pirro).

11/2/09 -- Barre Falls Dam, Barre
Raptors migrating today: Turkey Vulture 5 ; Bald Eagle 1 ; Northern Harrier 1 ; Sharp-shinned Hawk 8 ; Cooper's Hawk 1 ; Red-shouldered Hawk 14 ; Red-tailed Hawk 15 ; Golden Eagle 2 ; American Kestrel 1 . Raptor Observations: The first golden eagle was an adult; the second an immature. Non-raptor Observations: 1 eastern meadowlark (report from Bart Kamp).

11/2/09 -- Wachusett Reservoir, Boylston/ Coachlace Pond, Clinton

At Scar Hill Bluffs this morning, I had 9 Long-tailed Ducks, 4 Buffleheads, 8 Common Goldeneyes and 5 Common Mergansers.
At Mile Hill Rd this morning, I had 23 Long-tailed Ducks, 13 Buffleheads and 14 White-winged Scoters.
At Coachlace Pond, there were 39 Greater Scaup, 2 Lesser Scaup and 2 Buffleheads.
(report from Alan Marble).

11/1/09 -- Gate 35, Quabbin Reservoir
During a 6.5 mile walk along the north east shore line of Quabbin Reservoir, participants in the Forbush Bird Club trip enjoyed fine views of Bald Eagles, Common Loons, Horned Grebes, 2 Black-bellied Plovers, 1 Greater Yellowlegs and 2 Dunlin. Other notable species were White-winged Scoter and Bonaparte's Gull (2). Good numbers of Dark-eyed Junco, White-throated Sparrows and flocks of migrant American Crows passed. Here is a complete list of the 37 species seen and/or heard on the trip. (report from Tom Pirro fide Joan Gallagher)

11/1/09 -- Northboro
I scouted a few Northboro ponds in preparation for the Forbush trip next Sunday. At Solomon Pond I found 1 Pied-billed Grebe and 13 Mallards. At Bartlett Pond I found 2 Pied-billed Grebes, 1 Ruddy Duck, 8 Ring-necked Ducks, about 50 Mallards and a Great Blue Heron. (report from Laura Lane).

11/1/09 -- Barre Falls Dam, Barre
Raptors migrating today: Northern Harrier 3 ; Sharp-shinned Hawk 16 Northern Goshawk 1 Red-shouldered Hawk 5 Red-tailed Hawk 18 . (report from Bart Kamp).

For previous sightings, see October 2009 Archives or Archive Index
11/3/09 -- Barre Falls Dam, Barre: Raptors migrating today: Bald Eagle 1 ; Northern Harrier 1 ; Cooper's Hawk 1 ; Red-shouldered Hawk 1 ; Red-tailed Hawk 5 . Raptor Observations: The one Cooper's Hawk increased the season's total to a record high 151 Cooper's Hawks. Non-raptor Observations: A large flock of noisy blackbirds. (report from Bart Kamp).
11/3/09 -- Westminster/Lunenburg: During two quick stops this morning on the way to work, there were:
Round Meadow Pond in Westminster: Mallard 12; Black Scoter 1; Bufflehead 1; Red-winged Blackbird 1 singing
Whalom Lake, Luneneburg: Red-necked Grebe 1 (the 2nd time this fall I found a R-N Grebe on this very small lake).
(report from Tom Pirro).

11/2/09 -- Barre Falls Dam, Barre
Raptors migrating today: Turkey Vulture 5 ; Bald Eagle 1 ; Northern Harrier 1 ; Sharp-shinned Hawk 8 ; Cooper's Hawk 1 ; Red-shouldered Hawk 14 ; Red-tailed Hawk 15 ; Golden Eagle 2 ; American Kestrel 1 . Raptor Observations: The first golden eagle was an adult; the second an immature. Non-raptor Observations: 1 eastern meadowlark (report from Bart Kamp).

11/2/09 -- Wachusett Reservoir, Boylston/ Coachlace Pond, Clinton

At Scar Hill Bluffs this morning, I had 9 Long-tailed Ducks, 4 Buffleheads, 8 Common Goldeneyes and 5 Common Mergansers.
At Mile Hill Rd this morning, I had 23 Long-tailed Ducks, 13 Buffleheads and 14 White-winged Scoters.
At Coachlace Pond, there were 39 Greater Scaup, 2 Lesser Scaup and 2 Buffleheads.
(report from Alan Marble).

11/1/09 -- Gate 35, Quabbin Reservoir
During a 6.5 mile walk along the north east shore line of Quabbin Reservoir, participants in the Forbush Bird Club trip enjoyed fine views of Bald Eagles, Common Loons, Horned Grebes, 2 Black-bellied Plovers, 1 Greater Yellowlegs and 2 Dunlin. Other notable species were White-winged Scoter and Bonaparte's Gull (2). Good numbers of Dark-eyed Junco, White-throated Sparrows and flocks of migrant American Crows passed. Here is a complete list of the 37 species seen and/or heard on the trip. (report from Tom Pirro fide Joan Gallagher)

11/1/09 -- Northboro
I scouted a few Northboro ponds in preparation for the Forbush trip next Sunday. At Solomon Pond I found 1 Pied-billed Grebe and 13 Mallards. At Bartlett Pond I found 2 Pied-billed Grebes, 1 Ruddy Duck, 8 Ring-necked Ducks, about 50 Mallards and a Great Blue Heron. (report from Laura Lane).

11/1/09 -- Barre Falls Dam, Barre
Raptors migrating today: Northern Harrier 3 ; Sharp-shinned Hawk 16 Northern Goshawk 1 Red-shouldered Hawk 5 Red-tailed Hawk 18 . (report from Bart Kamp).

For previous sightings, see October 2009 Archives or Archive Index
11/2/09 -- Barre Falls Dam, Barre: Raptors migrating today: Turkey Vulture 5 ; Bald Eagle 1 ; Northern Harrier 1 ; Sharp-shinned Hawk 8 ; Cooper's Hawk 1 ; Red-shouldered Hawk 14 ; Red-tailed Hawk 15 ; Golden Eagle 2 ; American Kestrel 1 . Raptor Observations: The first golden eagle was an adult; the second an immature. Non-raptor Observations: 1 eastern meadowlark (report from Bart Kamp).
11/2/09 -- Wachusett Reservoir, Boylston/ Coachlace Pond, Clinton: At Scar Hill Bluffs this morning, I had 9 Long-tailed Ducks, 4 Buffleheads, 8 Common Goldeneyes and 5 Common Mergansers.
At Mile Hill Rd this morning, I had 23 Long-tailed Ducks, 13 Buffleheads and 14 White-winged Scoters.
At Coachlace Pond, there were 39 Greater Scaup, 2 Lesser Scaup and 2 Buffleheads.
(report from Alan Marble).

11/1/09 -- Gate 35, Quabbin Reservoir
During a 6.5 mile walk along the north east shore line of Quabbin Reservoir, participants in the Forbush Bird Club trip enjoyed fine views of Bald Eagles, Common Loons, Horned Grebes, 2 Black-bellied Plovers, 1 Greater Yellowlegs and 2 Dunlin. Other notable species were White-winged Scoter and Bonaparte's Gull (2). Good numbers of Dark-eyed Junco, White-throated Sparrows and flocks of migrant American Crows passed. Here is a complete list of the 37 species seen and/or heard on the trip. (report from Tom Pirro fide Joan Gallagher)

11/1/09 -- Northboro
I scouted a few Northboro ponds in preparation for the Forbush trip next Sunday. At Solomon Pond I found 1 Pied-billed Grebe and 13 Mallards. At Bartlett Pond I found 2 Pied-billed Grebes, 1 Ruddy Duck, 8 Ring-necked Ducks, about 50 Mallards and a Great Blue Heron. (report from Laura Lane).

11/1/09 -- Barre Falls Dam, Barre
Raptors migrating today: Northern Harrier 3 ; Sharp-shinned Hawk 16 Northern Goshawk 1 Red-shouldered Hawk 5 Red-tailed Hawk 18 . (report from Bart Kamp).

For previous sightings, see October 2009 Archives or Archive Index
11/1/09 -- Gate 35, Quabbin Reservoir: During a 6.5 mile walk along the north east shore line of Quabbin Reservoir, participants in the Forbush Bird Club trip enjoyed fine views of Bald Eagles, Common Loons, Horned Grebes, 2 Black-bellied Plovers, 1 Greater Yellowlegs and 2 Dunlin. Other notable species were White-winged Scoter and Bonaparte's Gull (2). Good numbers of Dark-eyed Junco, White-throated Sparrows and flocks of migrant American Crows passed. Here is a complete list of the 37 species seen and/or heard on the trip. (report from Tom Pirro fide Joan Gallagher)
11/1/09 -- Northboro: I scouted a few Northboro ponds in preparation for the Forbush trip next Sunday. At Solomon Pond I found 1 Pied-billed Grebe and 13 Mallards. At Bartlett Pond I found 2 Pied-billed Grebes, 1 Ruddy Duck, 8 Ring-necked Ducks, about 50 Mallards and a Great Blue Heron. (report from Laura Lane).
11/1/09 -- Barre Falls Dam, Barre: Raptors migrating today: Northern Harrier 3 ; Sharp-shinned Hawk 16 Northern Goshawk 1 Red-shouldered Hawk 5 Red-tailed Hawk 18 . (report from Bart Kamp).

For previous sightings, see October 2009 Archives or Archive Index