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.
- 11/29/99 -- Broad Meadow Brook Sanctuary, Worcester
-
Highlights this afternoon:
Red-tailed Hawk (1)
Hairy Woodpecker (2)
Carolina Wren (3)
American Robin (9)
Cedar Waxwing (14)
American Tree Sparrow (8)
Song Sparrow (6)
Dark-eyed Junco (1)
House Finch (1)
COMMON REDPOLL (3). (report from John Liller).
- 11/29/99 -- Indian Lake, Worcester
-
We spent the morning checking a few places around the city. Still the biggest
concentration of waterfowl is at Indian Lake. Now that the water level has
dropped considerably, most of the waterfowl are in front of and north of
Morgan Park, with smaller numbers scattered throughout the main body, SO the
early morning light is not as big a problem. One interesting behavior we
noticed was watching a densely packed flock of Mallards furiously feeding
just off Morgan Park. They were being relentlessly harassed by Ring-Billed
Gulls that were attempting to kleptoparasitize whatever they were bringing
up. On closer inspection, these Mallards were catching small fish, all the
same species. This fish species was pale, trim, with proportionately large,
rounded fins (pectoral and otherwise). These were defintely NOT Bluegills, or
other species of sunfish, nor hornpout ect. My guess was some form of young
perch, but I cannot be sure. Obviously the lowered water has concentrated
fish to the extent that even Mallards are catching them, though the
Ring-Billed Gulls were more often than not causing them to drop their catch.
The tally: Great Blue Heron (6 all in the same area);
Mute Swan (1ad);
Canada Goose (694);
Mallard (205);
A. Black Duck (25);
Gadwall (1f);
N. Shoveler (1f along northern edge of Sear's Island this time);
A. Wigeon (24);
Hooded Merganser (162: w/ many males in full display);
Common Merganser (83);
Ring-Billed Gull (133);
Herring Gull (16);
Great Black-Backed Gull (5);
Belted Kingfisher (1).
As water begins to freeze this week, birders are encouraged to experience
this nice concentration of close ducks before ice causes them to move on.
Also seen this morning:
GREENHILL PARK:
Mallard (12);
Hooded Merganser (2).
L. QUINSIGAMOND:
The usual suspects and: A. Coot (5).
WORCESTER AIRPORT:
Sharp-Shinned Hawk (1);
Red-Tailed Hawk (7);
A. Kestrel (1m hunting in front of terminal area);
Snow Bunting (1).
(report from Mark Lynch/Sheila Carroll).
- 11/28/99 -- WINIMUSSET WMA, New Braintree
- Northern Shrike - 1, Evening
Grosbeak - 5, Common Redpoll - 25, Eastern Bluebird - 1, and Sharp-shinned
Hawk - 1. This is consistently an excellent area with its marshes,
fields and swamps, but it is also hunted intensely six days a week.
(report from Chris Buelow)
- 11/28/99 -- Lower Orlando's Pd., Charlton
-
At 7:00 A.M.
The Red Head Duck was back! 1 Male adult, with a good view from
Brookfield Rd.
This is a "sometimes there" bird but worth the try in early morning.
Also seen: 86 Ruddy Ducks, 46 Mallards, 127 Canada Geese,
5 Buffleheads, 3 Pied-billed
Grebes,
1 Hooded Merganser, 184 Ring Bill Gulls, 4 Herring Gulls and a Golden
Retreiver
that sent all of the foraging geese back into the water.
(Report from Jim O'Donnell).
- 11/27/99 -- City of Worcester
-
After the rain stopped in mid-morning we checked the following locations:
INDIAN LAKE:
Great Blue Heron (7: all along NW shore);
Mute Swan (1ad);
Canada Goose (741);
Mallard (230);
A. Black Duck (20);
Gadwall (1m+2f);
N. Shoveler (1f: we had her on the shore just north of Morgan Park)
A. Wigeon (24:scattered throughout the lake);
Hooded Merganser (73);
Common Merganser (32);
Osprey (1);
Red-Tailed Hawk (1);
Belted Kingfisher (1).
Note: birds were scattered throught the lake perhaps because of the rain.
COES POND:
besides the usual Mallards and Canada Geese:
Hooded Merganser (30);
Ruddy Duck (1).
NOTRE DAME OVERLOOK OF MIDDLE RIVER OXBOW:
Canada Goose (1);
Mallard (69);
A. Black Duck (13);
Hooded Merganser (19 under railroad bridge).
HOPE CEMETARY:
Little more than chickadees, titmice and nuthatches, BUT many evergreens were
laden with cones and this spot bears repeated looks for crossbills. We have
had them here in years past.
LEESVILLE POND/NEW SWEDISH CEMETARY
Cooper's Hawk (1 imm.)
WORCESTER CITY CAPPED LANDFILL:
Red-Tailed Hawk (3);
N. Flicker (3);
NORTHERN SHRIKE (1ad: this is our 195th bird for the city for 1999!);
A. Crow (500+ going to roost on Union Hill);
Tree Sparrow (30+);
House Finch (10);
Purple Finch (1).
(report from Mark Lynch/Sheila Carroll).
- 11/26/99 -- Quabbin Park & Gate 8, Quabbin Reservoir
-
A rainy trip to the Quabbin on 11/26 produced the following -
Gate 8 - 12 Red Crossbills, 4 Snow Buntings, 12 Red-breasted Nuthatches,
1 adult Bald Eagle, and 1 Horned Grebe
Quabbin Park - 1 Northern Shrike, 1 adult Bald Eagle, and 2 Eastern
Bluebirds
(report from Chris Buelow).
- 11/26/99 -- Hodges Village WMA, Oxford
-
A flock of 28 Common Grackle flew east just above treetop........
(report from Paul Meleski).
- 11/25/99 -- Worcester city landfill/pond survey
-
We met with John Liller at dawn at the Worcester city landfill and had the
following:
Great Blue Heron (1);
Canada Goose (72);
Red-Tailed Hawk (2);
COMMON SNIPE (1: tough in the city and local at this time of the year in
Worcester County);
Mourning Dove (80+);
Horned Lark (3);
Eastern Bluebird (1);
A. Robin (40);
Yellow-Rumped Warbler (1: getting very scarce in Worcester County by now);
A. Tree Sparrow (41);
Savannah Sparrow (1: also getting pretty scarce or local in Worcester County
by now);
Song Sparrow (13);
Dark-Eyed Junco (2);
Snow Bunting (1 loner flying over the capped landfill for some time calling
and calling);
House Finch (30+);
C. Redpoll (15);
A. Goldfinch (20+);
EASTERN MEADOWLARK (1: very tough bird IN the city);
Red-Winged Blackbird (2f).
Sheila and I then did one of our twice monthly complete waterbird surveys of
all the city ponds in Worcester:
Pied-Billed Grebe (5);
Great Blue Heron (12);
Mute Swan (7);
Canada Goose (873);
A. Black Duck (50);
Mallard (798);
N. SHOVELER (1f continues at Indian Lake);
Gadwall (3: Indian Lake NW corner);
A. Wigeon (29: all Indian Lake);
Ring-Necked Duck (4);
Hooded Merganser (171);
Common Merganser (45);
Ruddy Duck (1);
A. Coot (3);
Ring-Billed Gull (199: low);
Herring Gull (25);
Great Black-Backed Gull (4);
Belted Kingfisher (2).
Indian Lake continues to be THE place to see waterfowl in the city this fall
with 11 species of waterfowl there this AM.
(report from Mark Lynch/Sheila Carroll).
- 11/25/99 -- McAfee Park, Rte. 135, Northboro
- At 7:30 a.m. I observed a Northern Shrike at McAfee
Soccer Park off Rte.135 in Northboro. The bird was calling loudly and
bobbing its tail. It perched and flew to the tops of the smaller
deciduous trees just to the left of the entrance to the park in front of
the roofed picnic building.
(report from Ann Boover).
- 11/24/99 -- Broad Meadow Brook Sanctuary, Worcester
-
I recorded the following species at Broad Meadow Brook Wildlife Sanctuary
(Worcester) yesterday morning (11/24/99) during my annual Thanksgiving
Count:
Canada Goose (2);
American Black Duck (1);
Mallard (2);
Red-tailed Hawk (2);
RUFFED GROUSE (1);
Ring-billed Gull (2);
Rock Dove (1);
Mourning Dove (3);
GREAT HORNED OWL (1);
Red-bellied Woodpecker (2);
Downy Woodpecker (7);
Hairy Woodpecker (4);
Northern Flicker (1);
Blue Jay (26);
American Crow (22);
Black-capped Chickadee (25);
Tufted Titmouse (10);
White-breasted Nuthatch (11);
Carolina Wren (3);
WINTER WREN (1);
Golden-crowned Kinglet (1);
Eastern Bluebird (1);
American Robin (23);
Northern Mockingbird (3);
European Starling (7);
Cedar Waxwing (6);
COMMON YELLOWTHROAT (1 - still here);
American Tree Sparrow (9);
Song Sparrow (5);
Dark-eyed Junco (22);
Northern Cardinal (5);
COMMON GRACKLE (1 - feeding on the ground);
House Finch (6);
COMMON REDPOLL (2 - a flock of 24 has been reported in the past few days);
American Goldfinch (21);
House Sparrow (38).
36 species is a count high. The previous was 26 species. It must be the
warm weather.
(report from John Liller).
- 11/23/99 -- Quabbin Reservoir
-
A few highlights from an otherwise slow trip around the Quabbin Reservoir
include:
Main Gate - 1 Lapland Longspur on Goodnough Dike, 1 Common Raven, 12
Horned Grebes, and 7 Common Goldeneye.
Gate 35 - 1m Blue-winged Teal on Basset Pond
Gate 43 - 2 Greater Yellowlegs. (report from
Chris Buelow ).
- 11/23/99 -- Indian Lake, Worcester
-
A before work check of Indian Lake in the city of Worcester this morning
had the following:
Great Blue Heron (3);
Mute Swan (1ad);
Canada Goose (768);
Mallard (337);
A. Black Duck (27);
N. Shoveler (1f: with Mallards in inner inlet south of Sear's Island);
American Wigeon (23);
Ring-Necked Duck (4);
Hooded Merganser (147);
Common Merganser (24);
A. Coot (1);
Ring-Billed Gull (16: extremely low);
Herring Gull (3: low);
Killdeer (1);
Belted Kingfisher (1);
Marsh Wren (1);
Swamp Sparrow (1).
The problem is that as the water is being lowered and there is more
shoreline, several ATVs are now regularly roaring along the shore spooking
ducks into leaving.
There were also Pine Siskin (4 flyovers).
(report from Mark Lynch).
- 11/22/99 -- Rowley Hill, Sterling
- There were 1 barred owl, 6 evening grosbeaks, 4
pine siskins, 2 bluebirds and one sharpshinned hawk which buzzed my feeder
and relentlessly and successfully chased down a fleeing junco.
(report from Richard Spedding).
- 11/21/99 -- Northboro, Southboro, Westboro
- On the Forbush Bird Club Trip
to Solomon Pond, Bartlett Pond and Little Chauncey
Pond in Northboro, Lake Chauncey and the fields below the Westboro State
Hospital Main Building, and the Sudbury Resevoir area in Southboro,
44 species of birds recorded. Highlight included good looks at a
NORTHERN SHRIKE (imm)., as well as
Pied-billed Grebe 4;
Double-crested Cormorant 1;
;Ring-necked Duck 75;
Common Goldeneye 4;
Bufflehead 2;
Hooded Merganser 28;
Common Merganser 43;
Ruddy Duck,175;
American Kestrel 2;
American Coot 34;
;Belted Kingfisher 2;
;Hairy Woodpecker 1;
Ruby-crowned Kinglet 1;
Eastern Bluebird 1;
American Robin 8;
Norhtern Mockingbird 7;
Cedar Waxwing 18;
American Tree Sparrow 36;
Red-winged Blackbird 3;
Common Grackle 1
. Full trip list and details are at the
Forbush Bird Club web site.
(report from Ann Boover).
- 11/21/99 -- Indian Lake, Worcester
-
Simon and Lisa Hennin found a female Northern Shoveler at Indian Lake looking
from Morgan Park.
(report from Mark Lynch).
- 11/21/99 -- Swift River area
-
A few Sunday sightings from the west include:
Winimusett WMA, New Braintree -
1 Savannah Sparrow, 2 Cooper's Hawks, 5 Eastern Bluebirds
Swift River Reservation, Petersham -
1 Winter Wren, 12 Cedar Waxwings, 1 Moose
Hardwick -
4 Fox Sparrows, 2 calling Great Horned Owls
... and while owling @ Brooks Reservation in Petersham - responses from 2
Barred Owls
(report from Chris Buelow.
- 11/21/99 -- Gardner area
-
Hilites from a few hrs in the field:
Sharp-Shinned hawk 1;
E. Bluebird 4;
Fox Sparrow 1;
Rusty Blackbird 4;
Northern Shrike 1 imm.;
Purple Finch 1;
Evening Grosbeak 2.
(report from Tom Pirro).
- 11/20/99 -- Charlton
-
In mid October a flock of about 25 pine siskins showed up at my thistle
feeders and stayed for about two weeks. These birds left and then on 11/17 18
pine siskins showed up all together and took over the feeders again. This
flock has built up to 35 birds as of this date, 11/20/99. I have noticed that
even though they appear slightly smaller than goldfinch, they tend to drive
them off the feeders. One hit the window and was stunned for a while which
gave me opportunity to really get close and I was surprised by the bright
yellow rump which is not evident when they are feeding.
(report from Joe Fay).
- 11/20/99 -- City of Worcester, west side
-
We visited several locations oalong the western side of the city of Worcester
this morning:
NOTRE DAME CEMETARY (before dawn while looking for owls);
Snow Bunting (2 overhead. Note: No owls);
WORCESTER AIRPORT:
Cooper's Hawk (1);
Horned Lark (5);
American Pipit (1);
Snow Bunting (9: next to the fence at the parking area);
CURTIS POND:
Canada Goose (10);
Hooded Merganser (29);
COES POND:
Pied-Billed Grebe (1);
Canada Goose (34);
Mallard (24);
Hooded Merganser (13);
Ruddy Duck (1);
INDIAN LAKE (still the best waterfowl show in the city):
Great Blue Heron (10);
Mute Swan (1);
Canada Goose (557);
Mallard (233);
A. Black Duck (23);
American Wigeon (28);
Gadwall (1m);
OLDSQUAW (2: making this our third sighting of Oldsquaw, very uncommon in the
county, for Indian Lake this fall);
Hooded Merganser (142);
Common Merganser (139);
Osprey (1);
Killdeer (3);
Ring-Billed Gull (117);
Herring Gull (36);
Great Black Backed Gull (17);
Belted Kingfisher (2);
American Pipit (1);
Snow Bunting (1);
Common Redpolls (50+ feeding on the birches in the lower YMCA parking lot);
GODDARD MEMORIAL PARK (joined by John Liller) from 9-10. A poor showing of
landbirds because of the late time and SW winds:
Canada Goose (9);
N. Harrier (1);
Sharp-Shinned Hawk (2);
N. Goshawk (1 harassed by crows);
Red-Tailed Hawk (4);
A. Robin (13);
Cedar Waxwing (7);
RED CROSSBILL (2 heading S);
WORCESTER CITY LANDFILL (also with John):
Canada Goose (48);
Turkey Vulture (3);
Cooper's Hawk (1);
Red-Tailed Hawk (5);
Horned Lark (5);
A. Crow (800+);
Carolina Wren (1);
A. Pipit (1);
A. Tree Sparrow (60+);
Dark-Eyed Junco (20+);
Snow Bunting (18: pretty tame);
Red-Winged Blackbird (1f);
House Finch (30+);
A. Goldfinch (20+).
But perhaps the most pleasant surprise was an Orange Sulphur looking in
fairly good shape. It's not everyday in Worcester County that you get
butterflies and Snow Buntings in exactly the same spot.
(report from Mark Lynch/Sheila Carroll).
- 11/20/99 -- Broad Meadow Brook Sanctuary, Worcester
-
Highlights this morning:
Hairy Woodpecker (1);
Northern Flicker (1);
Carolina Wren (4);
Eastern Bluebird (2);
American Robin (4);
COMMON YELLOWTHROAT (1 - 2nd latest record for BMB);
American Tree Sparrow (3);
Song Sparrow (7);
COMMON GRACKLE (3).
(report from John Liller).
- 11/19/99 -- Indian Lake, Worcester
-
Indian Lake continues to host the best waterfowl show in the city. This
morning we had the following totals:
Great Blue Heron (5);
Mute Swan (1ad);
Canada Goose (504+ 100 migrating overhead);
Mallard (165);
A. Black Duck (15);
American Wigeon (30);
Gadwall (1m);
Hooded Merganser (144);
Common Merganser (59);
Red-Tailed Hawk (1);
and all three species of the regularly occuring gulls.
Although the densest concentration of ducks and geese can be seen from Morgan
Park, there are birds throughout the lake. Be sure to check from the causeway
out to Sear's Island and from the beach at the end of Clason Street.
Normally, the best "show" is at or near dawn. On sunny days, the lighting
from Morgan Park is horrible, but this morning, because of the dense clouds,
the views from the park were great. Birder's are recommended to check this
spot out before the inevitable freeze-up starts and ducks start to move on.
(report from Mark Lynch).
- 11/18/99 -- Coachlace Pond, Clinton
- There were 1 Tufted Duck, 20 Greater Scaup, 45 Ruddy Duck,
and 15 Common Redpoll.
Also in Hardwick, there were 1 Carolina Wren, 5 Fox Sparrows,
and 5 Swamp Sparrows. (report from Chris Buelow).
- 11/17/99 -- Indian Lake, Worcester
-
A quick "before-work" survey of Indian Lake in the city of Worcester had the
following:
Great Blue Heron (5);
Mute Swan (1ad);
Canada Goose (610);
Mallard (242);
A. Black Duck (20);
American Wigeon (29);
Bufflehead (3f);
Hooded Merganser (141);
Common Merganser (54);
Osprey (1).
The small coves of this pond have started to freeze.
When we returned home, it was to find an adult Cooper's Hawk sitting in a
tree, having just nailed a Rock Dove at the feeder.
(report from Mark Lynch).
- 11/15/99 -- Indian Lake, Worcester
-
An AM check of Indian Lake revealed the usual suspects:
Great Blue Heron (6);
Mute Swan (1);
Canada Goose (585);
Mallard (238);
A. Black Duck (25);
A. Wigeon (18);
Hooded Merganser (109: some began to fly out while we were there);
Common Merganser (74).
Note: the light from Morgan Park early in the morning is terrible.
(report from Mark Lynch/Sheila Carroll).
- 11/14/99 -- Lake Chauncey area, Westboro
- Sunday morning highlights
included:
Common Loon 1, Pied-billed Grebe 1, BRANT 1 (the Brant was feeding on
the grassy soccer field just below the Westboro State Hospital main
headquarters), Ruddy Ducks 105, Osprey 1, and American Coot 32.
(report from Ann Boover).
- 11/13/99 -- City of Worcester
-
LEESVILLE POND: A very poor showing of waterfowl! We were here just before
dawn and again at dusk.
Great Blue Heron (1);
Canada Goose (9);
Green-Winged Teal (1 flyover at dusk);
Mallard (12);
Red-Tailed Hawk (1);
E. SCREECH OWL (1 at dusk);
Dark-Eyed Junco (30+);
RED CROSSBILL (8+: heard and seen flying overhead and heading north just at
dawn).
Best sighting here was a family of (1)adult and (2 younger) RIVER OTTERS
really putting on a show diving and rolling in the water. Another single
adult was seen in another part of the pond. There were also good numbers of
Muskrats.
CURTIS POND: another poor showing.
Canada Goose (53);
Hooded Merganser (7);
COES POND: yet another mediocre number of ducks.
Great Blue Heron (1);
Canada Goose (62);
Mallard (5);
Hooded Merganser (4);
RUDDY DUCK (1).
INDIAN LAKE: Perhaps most of the ducks the city are here at dawn, which is
when we did this spot:
Great Blue Heron (4);
Mute Swan (1);
Canada Goose (675);
Mallard (265);
A. Black Duck (20);
A. Wigeon (36);
Hooded Merganser (82);
Common Merganser (81);
Belted Kingfisher (2).
Besides checking from Morgan Park and the Clason St. beach, birders should be
sure to also check the shallows from the causeway out to Sears Island until
freeze-up.
WORCESTER AIRPORT:
Cedar Waxwing (80+ feeding on crabapples);
Snow Bunting (60+ over runway).
WORCESTER LANDFILL:
Sharp-Shinned Hawk (1);
Cooper's Hawk (1);
Red-Tailed Hawk (3);
A. Kestrel (1);
E. Bluebird (3);
A. Tree Sparrow (10+);
Pine Siskin (1 overhead);
C. Redpoll (4);
also: hundreds of Ring-Billed Gulls circling overhead.
GREENHILL PARK:
Ruddy Duck (1);
Red-Tailed Hawk (3);
Carolina Wren (1);
PLUS: a RUBY MEADOWFLY (odenate).
BIOTECH POND: This location has not been the same since the construction of
the building right nect to it.
Red-Tailed Hawk (2).
LAKE QUINSIGAMOND:
Canada Goose (50+);
Mallard (20+);
Red-Tailed Hawk (2);
Ring-Billed Gull (500+);
RUBY-CROWNED KINGLET (2);
YELLOW-RUMPED WARBLER (5).
(report from Mark Lynch/Sheila Carroll).
- 11/13/99 -- COACHLACE POND, Clinton
-
Fran McMenemy called to say that the TUFTED DUCK along with the scaup have
moved to COACHLACE POND, in Clinton (a block off Rt.110). A large flock of
Redpolls were also seen near the far (southern) end of the pond.
(report from Mark Lynch).
- 11/12/99 -- Indian Lake and Coes Pond, Worcester
-
A morning check of INDIAN LAKE in the city of Worcester had the following:
Great Blue Heron (5);
MUTE SWAN (1ad);
Canada Goose (462);
Mallard (181);
A. Black Duck (16);
American Wigeon (20);
Hooded Merganser (85);
Common Merganser (125);
SNOW BUNTING (1 calling low overhead);
Pine Siskin (1).
The show at the south "bay" is still good, but this morning there were also a
good number of ducks and geese at the NW reedy cove where the stream flows
in. Gulls are starting to build up on the mud bar in the south bay, so keep
an eye out for Icelands and possibly a Lesser Black-Backed.
COES POND:
Great Blue Heron (1);
Canada Goose (55);
Mallard (25+ 1 "joke duck").
A very disappointing showing at this pond!
(report from Mark Lynch/Sheila Carroll).
- 11/11/99 -- Indian Lake, Worcester
-
A "before work" check of Indian Lake this AM had the following totals:
Great Blue Heron (5);
Canada Goose (267);
Mallard (109);
A. Black Duck (6);
American Wigeon (29);
Common Goldeneye (2m+1f);
Bufflehead (1f);
Hooded Merganser (82);
Common Merganser (3).
Note: although the numbers of Canada Geese, Mallards, Black Ducks and even
American Wigeon are varying only a little from day to day, the number and
variety of diving ducks are changing significantly on a daily basis.
(report from Mark Lynch).
- 11/9/99 -- Route 56, Rutland
- There were 6-8 pine siskin at a feeder at 7:30 am, and a fox sparrow
around noon. (report from Maureen and Ted Gustafson).
- 11/9/99 -- Indian Lake, Worcester
-
A before work count at Indian Lake had the following:
Great Blue Heron (3);
Canada Goose (419);
American Wigeon (21);
Mallard (173);
A. Black Duck (3);
Hooded Merganser (31);
Common Merganser (159);
Osprey (1);
Belted Kingfisher (1);
Carolina Wren (1);
A. Robin (30+ overhead);
American Pipit (1).
The greatest number of waterfowl are still in the shallow southern bay
visible from Morgan Park. Numbers of Common Mergansers are rapidly building
up. Indian Lake is THE place in the city to see good numbers of this species
from now until freeze-up.
(report from Mark Lynch).
- 11/7/99 -- Southboro, Westboro, Northboro
-
A survey of some
ponds in eastern Worcester County:
BARTLETT POND, NORTHBORO:
Pied-Billed Grebe (3);
Great Blue Heron (1);
Mallard (11);
A. Black Duck (1).
LITTLE CHAUNCY POND, NORTHBORO:
Mallard (2);
Ring-Necked Duck (26);
Ruddy Duck (4);
Red-Tailed Hawk (1);
Eastern Bluebird (8);
A. Tree Sparrow (20+).
CHAUNCY POND, WESTBORO:
Pied-Billed Grebe (3);
Great Blue Heron (3);
Ring-Necked Duck (7);
Ruddy Duck (105: unusually high number);
A. Coot (33);
Yellow-Rumped Warbler (1).
SUASCO, WESTBORO:
Pied-Billed Grebe (1);
Mute Swan (2ad+3 subad/imm: not good at all);
Mallard (5);
A. Black Duck (1);
Ring-Necked Duck (5);
Hooded Merganser (12);
Ruddy Duck (2);
Sharp-Shinned Hawk (1);
Red-Tailed Hawk (3).
SUDBURY RESERVOIR, SOUTHBORO:
An oustanding waterfowl show at both the southern and northern ends.
Pied-Billed Grebe (4);
Great Blue Heron (3);
Canada Goose (163);
Green-Winged Teal (7);
Mallard (48);
A. Black Duck (1);
Greater Scaup (2);
Lesser Scaup/"scaup sp." (flock of 60: all drakes ID's were Lessers);
RING-NECKED DUCK (839);
Common Goldeneye (25);
Bufflehead (13);
RUDDY DUCK (466);
Osprey (1);
Red-Tailed Hawk (3);
A. Coot (5);
Red-Winged Blackbird (100+);
C. Grackle (510+).
This has been an extraordinary year for RUDDY DUCKS in Worcester County, with
good numbers at places where there are normally only a few or none at all.
On the way home at Indian Lake, Worcester, besides the ducks found yesterday,
there was a flock of 50+ Snow Buntings.
(report from Mark Lynch/Sheila Carroll).
- 11/7/99 -- Quabbin Park, South Quabbin Reservoir
-
On both Saturday, Nov. 6 and Sunday, Nov. 7 there was an adult Northern
Shrike in the vicinity of the large picnic area located by the intersection
of Administration Road and Webster Road in Quabbin Park.
(report from Eric Labato).
- 11/7/99 -- Rowley Hill, Sterling
- There were 1 great horned owl, 2 pine siskins,
2 bluebirds, 1 tree sparrow . (report from Richard Spedding).
- 11/7/99 -- Gardner area
-
Saturday AM Highlights 11-6-99:
Red-Necked Grebe 1 Lake Wompanoag in Gardner;
Ring-Neck Duck ~75 in Westminster;
Green-Wing Teal 9.
WHile Hawk Watching between 8 and 10am at the Wompanoag MAS
)Moderate Wind WSW with occasional strong gusts):
Sharp-Shinned Hawk 3;
Coopers Hawk 2;
GosHawk 2 an adult pair of non-migrants
playing tag;
Red-Tailed Hawk 7;
Red-Shoulded Hawk 3;
N. Harrier 1.
total migrants: 16.
Also Pileated Woodpecker 1;
Common Redpoll 8;
Evening Grosbeak 2;
Raven 1.
From Sunday am 11/7/99, hawk watching from 8am to 10:45Am
(Cold north west wind):
Sharp-Shinned 3;
Red-Tailed 21;
Red-Shouldered 3;
N. Harrier 1 adult male;
Bald Eagle 1 Imm.;
Merlin 1.
Total hawks : 30.
Also:
Evening Grosbeak 22;
Snow Bunting 1;
Am. Pipit 1;
Ring-neck Pheasant 1 Walking down the middle of Raymond
Road .. probably just fell off the state truck?;
Raven. 1
A nice movement of Hawks for the time I was out ; one of the Sharp-Shins
was carrying prey while the Merlin had a full crop ... Siskins??
(report from Tom Pirro).
- 11/6/99 -- Broad Meadow Brook Sanctuary, Worcester
-
Highlights of a morning walk:
WOOD DUCK (5);
Sharp-shinned Hawk (1);
Red-tailed Hawk (2);
Red-bellied Woodepecker (1);
Hairy Woodpecker (1);
Northern Flicker (1);
Carolina Wren (3);
RUBY-CROWNED KINGLET (1);
Eastern Bluebird (1);
Cedar Waxwing (26);
YELLOW-RUMPED WARBLER (13);
COMMON YELLOWTHROAT (1);
American Tree Sparrow (19);
Song Sparrow (11);
Swamp Sparrow (1);
White-throated Sparrow (3);
Dark-eyed Junco (17);
COMMON GRACKLE (50);
PURPLE FINCH (2).
(report from John Liller).
- 11/6/99 -- Sturbridge area
-
Highlights from Wild Bird Crossing's Saturday morning bird walk included:
at
North pond -- Coot, Bufflehead, Greater Scaup. At Lake Lashaway -- lesser Scaup
and Bufflehead. At Brookfield flats --Savanah sparrow and Tree Sparrow.
(report from Bill Cormier).
- 11/6/99 -- city of Worcester
-
A survey of the ponds and lakes in and contiguous with the city of Worcester
had the following totals:
Pied-Billed Grebe (12);
Great Blue Heron (11);
Mute Swan (3ad);
Canada Goose (594);
Wood Duck (11);
Green-Winged Teal (25);
A. Black Duck (35);
Mallard (505);
Gadwall (8 at Coes Pond);
A. Wigeon (108: good numbers at Indian L.; Coes Pond and Leesville Pond);
Ring-Necked Duck (3);
OLDSQUAW (1: at Indian L.);
Hooded Merganser (42);
Common Merganser (47);
Ruddy Duck (3);
Osprey (2);
Sharp-Shinned Hawk (1);
Red-Tailed Hawk (4);
A. Coot (1);
Ring-Billed Gull (428: the large flock of 1000+ that was roosting at night on
Indian Lake has moved on);
Herring Gull (11);
Great Black Backed Gull (2);
Belted Kingfisher (2);
Downy Woodpecker (7);
N. Flicker (1);
Carolina Wren (2);
Yellow-Rumped Warbler (3: going...going...);
A. Tree Sparrow (5);
Song Sparrow (21);
Fox Sparrow (4: all at Notre Dame Cem.);
White-Throated Sparrow (4);
Dark-Eyed Junco (60);
SNOW BUNTING (1 at Green Hill Park);
PINE GROSBEAK (1);
House Finch (36);
A. Goldfinch (37);
EVENING GROSBEAK (1).
There were still a few E. Painted Turtles out later in the morning.
(report from Mark Lynch/Sheila Carroll).
- 11/5/99 -- City of Worcester
-
INDIAN LAKE: Great Blue Heron (5); Canada Goose (392); Mallard (206); A.
Black Duck (20); A. Wigeon (36); Bufflehead (3f+2m); Hooded Merganser (7);
Common Merganser (37).
CURTIS POND (boats were already out on the pond): Pied-Billed Grebe (2); a
handfull of Mallards and Canada Geese; Red-Winged Blackbird (migrating flock
of 50+).
LAKE QUINSIGAMOND: The Clark U. crew team was out in force here very early
and so there were very few ducks, just a handful of Mallards, 200+
Ring-Billed Gulls, 10+ Herring Gulls, and (1m) Bufflhead. Damn collegiate
sports!
GREENHILL PARK: Ruddy Duck (2); Osprey (1).
GODDARD MEMORIAL PARK (for one half an hour): Sharp-Shinned Hawk (1);
Red-Tailed Hawk (2); Eastern Bluebird (1); A. Robin (4); Cedar Waxwing (164:
several flocks coming down from the north); Yellow-Rumped Warbler (1);
Dark-Eyed Junco (50+); SNOW BUNTING (40: two flocks flew in and over the
hill, coming down from the NNE. Note: This past Sunday, the Berards had 40+
Snow Buntings on the ground at Goddard Memorial park in the afternoon); );
LAPLAND LONGSPUR (1: a dark sparrow flying with one of the flocks of Snow
Buntings was determined to be this species); Red-Winged Blackbird (58); C.
Grackle (142); Purple Finch (8); American Goldfinch (11).
COES POND: Pied-Billed Grebe (1); Double-Crested Cormorant (1); Canada Goose
(31); Mallard (12); A. Wigeon (6); C. Goldeneye (1f); Hooded Merganser (15);
Ruddy Duck (2); Osprey (1); A. Coot (1); Belted Kingfisher (1); Ring-Billed
Gull (120+); Herring Gull (8); Great Black-backed Gull (1).
(report from
Mark Lynch/Sheila Carroll).
- 11/4/99 -- Institute Park, Worcester
- A noontime walk yielded 12 species, including a Great Blue Heron,
1 Osprey diving repeatedly (and unsuccessfully) for fish in the pond,
1 migrating Sharp-shinned Hawk, 1 Red-tailed Hawk, and 1 Belted
Kingfisher. (report from Rick Quimby).
- 11/3/99 -- Indian Lake/Coes Pond, Worcester
-
A quick before work check of Indian Lake this morning found very few birds.
Hooded Merganser (2); Red-Breasted Merganser (1) as well as the more typical
(200+) Canada Geese and (90+) Mallards. Strangely, there were less than five
gulls seen on the pond at dawn. At Coes Pond: Double-Crested Cormorant (2);
Ring-Necked Duck (13); Bufflehead (1); Hooded Merganser (10); Osprey (1) and
(40+) Canada Geese. Very few gulls were seen here also. Where do gulls go in
the city when there is a storm?
(report from Mark Lynch).
- 11/1/99 -- Indian Lake, Worcester
-
A quick check this AM of Indian Lake from the Clason Street beach had Great
Blue Heron (1); Common Merganser (2f); Ruddy Duck (8) and a flock of (6) Pine
Siskins that put down in the immediate neighborhood. We attempted a check
from Morgan park, but the lighting was atrocious, though there were obviously
hundreds of Canada Geese and Mallards present.
(report from Mark Lynch/Sheila Carroll).
For previous sightings, see
October 1999 Archives or
Archive Index