October 2001 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.

10/31/01 -- Wachusett Reservoir, Boylston
Observed from Mile Hill Road just off Route 70 at Wachusett Reservoir early this afternoon were 18 Long-tailed Ducks (aka Oldsquaw). (report from Bart Kamp).

10/31/01 -- Quabbin Reservoir Access Update
From: 
Dave Small
MDC Watershed Management - Quabbin
Dave.Small@state.ma.us
Please excuse the cross postings but in light of earlier published reports of Quabbin reservation opening on November 1st, I thought it important to inform as many as possible the current state of public access at Quabbin. Let us hope and prey recent federal terrorism alert warnings are not substantiated.

Public Access at Reservoirs: All access to the Quabbin Reservoir and Reservation is currently closed. There are currently State Police and MDC patrols on the water and around the reservoir. This closure currently includes the Quabbin Park, the Y Pool, all ponds, all trails, fishing areas, Winsor Dam road, and Visitor's Center. Physical barriers have been placed in key locations to prevent vehicular access to the reservoir. Public access has also been restricted at the Wachusett Reservoir in key locations in Clinton.

On November 8th, the MDC will loosen access restrictions to with the State Police. Public access will be allowed from Gate 6 to Gate 40 as per "The Public Access Plan". The plan has very specific rules on activities and location but generally only pedestrian access is allowed. Vehicular access to Quabbin Park will be limited to entry and exit using the east entrance and the roadway to the Quabbin Tower. Pedestrian access to the trails will also be allowed in this general area. All access to the rest of the park will be prohibited. Barriers will remain in place at the Dike and Dam additional barriers will be install at the rotary on the roadway leading to the spillway. The Visitor Center will remain closed but the phones are usually manned and the recorded messages are updated periodically. Full details of the MWRA/MDC Press release are available here. (forwarded from Mark Lynch).

10/30/01 -- Quabbin Reservoir Access Update
Dale Monette just e-mailed me (see below). The scheduled selected gate opening of Quabbin for November 1st has been delayed.

Hi Mark......you can pass this to who ever you wish and MassBird: The Quabbin "reopening" that was set for the this Thursday, the 1st of November has been pushed a week to November 8th. This was done because of the warning from the FBI and General Attorney Ashcroft last night of more possible terrorist attacks on this country. There will be a press release in the local papers tommorow. For anyone who had plans to come to Quabbin this week-end you should put them off a week. The State Police, EPO's, the National Guard and MDC Rangers are still on patrol here. If you have any questions call the Quabbin Visitor Center at 413-323-7221.. Dale..... (submitted by Mark Lynch).

10/30/01 -- Worcester Art Museum, Worcester
Got an e-mail this afternoon that there was an owl in the enclosed courtyard of the Worcester Art Museum. Ran down to find a magnificent Barred Owl perched in a maple, still with great fiery red/orange foliage, offering great views. The bird was probably there all day till some musuem workers spotted it this afternoon. (report from Mark Lynch).

10/29/01 -- Wachusett Meadow Sanctuary, Princeton
On Sunday (10/28/01) there were 3 pine siskins at the cottage and farm house feeders. They are here again this morning (10/29). Large numbers of grackles moving thru - est 500 to 2000 at a time.
On Saturday (10/27) there were 3 evening grosbeaks at the cottage feeders. Like most of our other sightings of e. grosbeaks, they are here for a bit, then gone. Its been 16 mos. since we last had any. (report from Dick Knowlton).

10/28/01 -- Wachusett Area Forbush Bird Club Trip
A Forbush Bird Club trip led by Francis X. McMenemy was enjoyed by 16 bird club members on an unexpectedly calm and comfortable sunny afternoon with tempeartures in the high 40's. The following highlights were seen in these various Wachusett Reservoir area locations: River Road, West Boylston; Sterling Peat, East and West Lake Waushacum; Wauchusett Reservoir's Gates 6 and 22: Common Loon 11; Horned Grebe 12; Green-winged Teal 1; Greater Scaup 27; Lesser Scaup 2; TUFTED DUCK 1; Black Scoter 130; Surf Scoter 1; White-winged Scoter 6; Bufflehead 16; Hooded Merganser 4; Common Merganser 7; Ruddy Duck 1; Sharp-shinned Hawk 1; Killdeer 9; Greater Yellowlegs 1; Golden-crowned Kinglet 5; Yellow-rumped Warbler; Pine Warbler 1; American Tree Sparrow 2; SNOW BUNTING 15; (trip report from Joan Zumpfe).

Complete list here

10/28/01 -- Wachusett Reservoir IBA area
For people who attended Andrea Jones and Wayne Peterson's IBA (important birding area) lecture at Broad Meadow Brook Thursday (10/25), there was a morning trip to the nominated Wachusett Reservoir IBA area. This included Sterling Peat, the Waushacums, and the reservoir proper. The trip started at River Road where we tried and tried for the Boreal Chickadee with no luck. Talking to Fran McMenemy today, this bird has not been seen since Thursday. It was not a big migration day, but we saw some good birds none the less. Fran was leading a Forbush trip to Wachusett in the afternoon, and he may have come up with more waterfowl as they came in for the evening.
TOTALS: Common Loon (10); Pied-billed Grebe (1); Horned Grebe (2); Double-crested Cormorant (26); Great Blue Heron (2); Turkey Vulture (1); Canada Goose (179); Wood Duck (27); A. Black Duck (2); Mallard (82); Green-winged Teal (1); Greater Scaup (20); Lesser Scaup (1); TUFTED DUCK (1m: great views at EAST Waushacum); WHITE-WINGED SCOTER (2m+2f); BLACK SCOTER (3f); Bufflehead (15); Hooded Merganser (8); Ruddy Duck (1); Osprey (1); Red-shouldered Hawk (1); Red-tailed Hawk (11); Killdeer (3); Greater Yellowlegs (1); Bonaparte's Gull (2 1stW at East Waushacum. Later we saw 2 1stW at South Bay Wachusett Reservoir and these MAY have been the same birds); Golden-crowned Kinglet (8); Ruby-crowned Kinglet (3); Eastern Bluebird (3); American Pipit (1); Cedar Waxwing (30); Yellow-rumped Warbler (11); Pine Warbler (1); Palm Warbler (2); A. Tree Sparrow (2); Savannah Sparrow (6); Dark-eyed Junco (95+); Red-winged Blackbird (310++); Rusty Blackbird (25+); Common Grackle (2850++: large movments over Sterling Peat); Pine Siskin (3);
Later in the afternoon, at Indian Lake in the city of Worcester: Pied-billed Grebe (1); Great Blue Heron (1); BLACK SCOTER (47: including several adult males. As Bob Packard observed, flocks of Black Scoters inland always seeme to stay in tight, very nervous and flighty groups, and the flock here was no different); Bufflehead (2); (report from Mark Lynch/Sheila Carroll).

10/27/01 -- Blackstone Corridor
We hit a few areas in the RI and MA section sof the Blackstone Corridor today:
WOONSOCKET RESERVOIR, SMITHFIELD: Double-crested Cormorant (1); Great Blue Heron (1); Ring-necked Duck (109); Ruddy Duck (48); Osprey (1); E. Blueird (8); Hermit Thrush (2); Yellow-rumped Warbler (16); C. Yellowthroat (1);
PULASKI SP, GLOCESTER: Most birds have cleared out of this forested parcel: Red-shouldered Hawk (1); Blue Jay (41); Black-capped Chickadee (76); Red-breasted Nuthatch (5); Brown Creeper (3); Golden-crowned Kinglet (41); Ruby-crowned Kinglet (1); Hermit Thrush (7); BLUE-HEADED VIREO (1); Yellow-rumped Warbler (12)
INDIA POINT, PROVIDENCE: Black-crowned Night Heron (1imm); Forster's Tern (flock of 29);
SEEKONK RIVER: Double-crested Cormorant (136); Great Blue Heron (3); Black-crowned Night Heron (9ad+1imm); Mute Swan (8); Mallard (42); A. Black Duck (153); Greater Yellowlegs (1); FORSTER'S TERN (55: beautiful sight as flocks of these very white and noisy terns wheeled and fed over this urban end of the Blackstone);
SWAN POINT CEMETERY, PROVIDENCE: Fish Crow (3); N. Parula (1)
OLNEY POND, LINCOLN: Rusty Blackbird (3)
BURDON POND, SUTTON: Canada Goose (238); Mallard (11); N. Pintail (1f)
NOTRE DAME CEMETERY, WORCESTER: Yellow-rumped Warbler (3); WILSON'S WARBLER (1m); Song Sparrow (13); Swamp Sparrow (4); White-throated Sparrow (15+); White-crowned Sparrow (1imm); Dark-eyed Junco (30+). (report from Mark Lynch/Sheila Carroll).

10/27/01 -- Wompanoag MAS, Gardner
Migrant raptors passing the Wompanoag MAS between 11:15 and 3:34 EDST totaled 57, the break-down: Turkey Vulture 2; Bald Eagle 1 adult; Sharp-shinned Hawk 22; Coopers Hawk 3; Red-shouldered Hawk 4; Red-tailed Hawk 25. Also 409 migrating American Crows and 2 Rusty Blackbirds. (report from Tom Pirro).

10/27/01 -- Barre Falls Dam, Barre
Observed from the Barre Falls hawk watch site today were: 11 Turkey Vultures, 1 Osprey, 3 Northern Harriers 40 Sharp- shinned Hawks, 2 Cooper's Hawks, 2 Red-shouldered Hawks, 53 Red-tailed Hawks, 35 Snow Geese and 2 Monarch Butterflies.
On Friday there were: 6 Turkey Vultures, 13 Sharp-shinned Hawks, 3 Cooper's Hawks, 1 Northern Goshawk, 3 Red Shouldered Hawks, 3 Red-tailed Hawks and 2 Monarch Butterflies. (report from Bart Kamp).

10/25/01 -- Dudley/West Boylston
I went to Dudley this morning and did NOT find the White Fronted Goose. The two hybrid geese were present. In addition to what Joan Zumpfe has been reporting, there were 1 American Coot, an increase to 21 Pectoral Sandpipers and 1 Greater Yellow Legs, all in Wallis Pond.
I went to River Road in West Boylston late in the afternoon and found one Boreal Chickadee. It was near the stream that flows under Thomas Street. This is the first place that Franny McMenemy found Boreals today. (report from Bart Kamp).

10/25/01 -- Rowley Hill, Sterling
Seen were 1100 robins and 1000 grackles going to roost in the evening; earlier in the day I saw 5 bluebirds, 2 golden-crowned kinglets and 12 evening grosbeaks. My son who lives in Princeton had 8 pine siskins at his feeder today. (report from Richard Spedding).

10/25/01 -- Fitch's Bridge Road, Groton
Early this afternoon on Fitch's Bridge Road in Groton I had a male YELLOW-HEADED BLACKBIRD, seen in flight, among a mixed flock of about 10000 blackbirds. The birds had been moving about the fields and I had the good fortune of seeing this bird as it was flying into woods. I looked for another 30 minutes without being able to refind it; however the large flock of blackbirds will tend to come an go. Also seen were 3 Fox Sparrows.
Fitch's bridge Road is about 1 mile to the west of Groton center along rte 119, the first left (coming from the east) before you cross the Nashua River (Also the town line between Pepperell and Groton). There is a modest field complex at the end of this road. (report from Tom Pirro).

10/25/01 -- River Road, West Boylston
Today I heard several Boreal Chickadees in W. Boylston. They were in the traditional spot, the Spruce grove at the corner of Thomas St. and River Rd. (report from Fran McMenemy).

10/25/01 -- Park/Salisbury area, Worcester
At least 6 Pine Siskins are at my feeders now (8:28 am Thursday), and I would probably have more, but I only have one small thistle seed feeder. (report from Mark Lynch).

10/24/01 -- Wallis Pond, Dudley
This afternoon, Fran and I checked the Dudley ponds and found the WHITE-FRONTED GOOSE in Wallis Pond which is across the street from Larner Pond (as reported on 10/23) on Charlton Road near Dudley-Oxford Road. Fran declared it to be a good example of the Greenland race. Today, there were 2 other interesting geese that were good examples of a cross between a Canada Goose and a White-fronted Goose. They had white in the face and orange legs but were the color of a Canada and there was some suggestion of the lighter feathering in the cheek area, but black in the neck. We also had a Pied-billed Grebe, a Belted Kingfisher, 383 Canada Goose, 13 Pectoral Sandpiper, 7 Common Snipe, 13 Killdeer, 1 Gadwall, 3 Wood Duck and 1 Ring-necked Duck. The Rusty Blackbirds moved from Wallis to Larner Pond and were difficult to count looking into the sun. There were still many there.
This evening at 5:00 p.m., about 24 Ring-billed Gulls flew over my house for about a half hour. They appeared to be hawking for insects. I could see small dragonflies in the area. They were flying quite low. They would make wide circles and suddenly flap more intensely, possibly when they were catching an insect. They were perfectly silent the whole time. (report from Joan Zumpfe).

10/24/01 -- Park/Salisbury area, Worcester
At about 4:15Pm, 5 PINE SISKINS finally showed up ay my thistle feeder, promptly evicting the goldfinches and eating thistle like crazy. (report from Mark Lynch).

10/23/01 -- Wauchaccum Ponds/Wachusett Reservoir, Sterling/Clinton
After two hours at Barre Falls this morning, Donna Schilling and I decided that there weren't going to be any hawks, so we went to the Waushaccums and Wachusett Reservoir. At West Waushaccum there was a pair of Ruddies. At East Waushaccum from the small beach there were 7 Hooded Mergansers. The Scaup et al were at the far side of the lake. There were 30 birds. They were too far away for all to be positively identified. We saw an adult Cooper's Hawk raid the feeders, without success, in the yard next to the beach. An osprey flew low over the water dipping it's feet into the water several times. First time that we've ever seen an Osprey wash it's feet that way.
From the Sterling Dike at the Reservoir there were 25 Common Loons and 1 male Bufflehead. A BALD EAGLE with the head of an Osprey, the body of an adult eagle and the tail of a Rough-legged Hawk flew in and perched first in a tree along the shore to Greenhalge Point and then in a dead tree on Greenhalge Point. This plumage is described in Wheeler & Clark as a Basic III Bald Eagle.
From the Clinton Dike, near South Meadow Road, there were 1 female Surf Scoter, 2 Greater Scaup and 4 Common Mergansers.
From the Scar Hill bluffs there were 2 Horned Grebes. A flock of birds that landed near the Cormorant raft turned out to be 10 BRANT. They stayed for about 30 minutes. The ducks present were a raft of 37 Black Ducks, 7 Greater Scaup, 7 Ruddy Ducks and 25 Common Mergansers in the cove between Sholan and Davenport Points. A PEREGRINE flew low over the water beneath us. (report from Bart Kamp).

10/23/01 -- Dudley ponds
This afternoon I checked the ponds in Dudley near Dudley-Oxford Road and Charlton Road. After seeing 1 Gadwall, 2 Green-winged Teal, 10 Wood Duck, 2 Pied-billed Grebe, 55 Rusty Blackbirds, 7 Common Snipe, 9 Killdeer, 5 American Pipit and about 7 Pectoral Sandpipers (buried in lily pads, difficult to see), I turned to Larner Pond and started to count the Canada Geese. Within the first 20 geese, I found a very nervous looking WHITE-FRONTED GOOSE. I finished the count of 167 Canadas and quickly went to my car to call Fran McMenemy, who was recuperating from eye sugery. When we got back to Dudley, the White-fronted Goose had left. We searched many area ponds with no luck. Together we got to see all the birds I had seen earlier, and found the Blue-winged Teal I had seen Saturday. This 2nd time, we turned up 65 Rusty Blackbirds. (report from Joan Zumpfe).

10/23/01 -- Muddy Pond at Sterling Peat, Sterling
A juvenile BRANT was foraging at the edge of Muddy Pond this morning. A Hooded Merganser was in the pond along with the usual assortment of Mallards, Wood Ducks, DC Cormorants and Pied-billed Grebe. 2 Common Snipe were present last Friday (10/19/01) along the ditch that borders the eastern edge of the property. On Friday I also had Song, Chipping, Field, White-crowned, White-throated and Swamp Sparrows. Today there were only Song Sparrows present. (report from Bob Ricci).

10/23/01 -- Institute Park, Worcester
Today at noon an Osprey flew low over the pond, putting up about 40 Ring-billed Gulls that were roosting on the water. Yesterday (10/22/01) the highlight was a Hermit Thrush. (report from Rick Quimby).

10/21/01 -- various locations in the afternoon
Fran McMenemy and I checked some places after the FBC trip (Brookfields area). At a marsh on South Spencer Rd., we saw 6 Green-Winged Teal. Across from the Spencer filter beds, we saw 2 Belted Kingfishers noisily performing a territorial chase. On Route 9, near Breezy Bend, an Eastern Meadowlark, perfectly timed its crossing the highway right in front of Fran's car. At Waite Pond in Leicester, there were 6 Double-crested Cormorants, 2 Hooded Merganser (pair), a Pied-billed Grebe and 5 Killdeer. At Curtis Pond, we saw 2 Pied-billed Grebes, 1 Double-crested Cormoarant and an Adult Mute Swan. At All Faith's (New Swedish) Cemetery (Worcester), we were unable to do the whole route due to someone in the water in a canoe. We saw 31 American Wigeon, 12 Wood Duck, 10 Green-winged Teal and 1 American Coot. We checked out the Waushacums (Sterling). At West Lake W., we saw the drake TUFTED DUCK with 19 Greater Scaup and 1 female Lesser Scaup: there were 21 Double-crested Cormorants also. At East lake W., we had 4 Hooded Merganser, 8 Ruddy Duck and 3 female Bufflehead. From Route 110 along the Wachusett Reservoir, between Gates 35 and 36 in Sterling, after we counted 8 Common Loon, 30 Wood Duck flew across the reservoir heading North. Our last stop was at sunset at South Meadow Pond in Clinton where we saw 2 Hooded Merganser. (report from Joan Zumpfe).

-------------IBAs Explained and Explored lecture at Broad Meadow Brook
This THURSDAY, October 25th from 7 PM till 8:30 PM, there will be a FREE lecture at Broad Meadow Brook MAS, Worcester (414 Massasoit Avenue, Worcester) by either Wayne Peterson, Scott Hecker or Andrea Jones (or some combintion of the three) about the Important Bird Area project both internationally and all the activity that is going on here in Massachusetts (and there is a LOT).
------- There is little doubt that the IBA program, established in 1985 by BirdLife International, is one of the critical world wide efforts to first recognize where the areas that are important to birds and other creatures are: a critical first step to conservation. Here in Massachusetts, regional teams have been furiously working away (co-ordinated by Massachusetts Audubon) on declaring IBA areas across the state. If you are a birder, you SHOULD be interested in this effort. And (importantly) you can help...Find out how Thursday night.
------- Here in the central Massachusetts region, Dave Small, John Liller, Ron Lockwood, Sheila Carroll, Mark Lynch and others have already submitted nominations for areas like Quabbin and Wachusett Reservoirs, Bolton Flats/Oxbow NWR, Quaboag Marshes, the Ware River Watershed. Find out what it takes to get an area nominated.
------- On Sunday, for people who have attended the lecture ONLY, there will be a morning field trip to an IBA nominated area: the Wachusett Reservoir IBA which includes Sterling Peat and the Waushacums. Refreshments will even be served, so please come! (submitted by Mark Lynch).

10/21/01 -- Gardner
While hawkwatching this morning from 8am to noon EDST I had the following hilites -- the raptor activity was rather slow, but at least most were farly close and low. Sharp-shinned Hawk 18; Red-tailed Hawk 1; total migrant raptors 19. Other birds that apeared to on the move: Am. Robin 71; Am. Crow 341; Rusty Blackbird 4; Evening Grosbeak 20 (in one flock). (report from Tom Pirro).

10/21/01 -- Brookfield ponds
On the Forbush Bird Club trip, highlights included 8 Pied-billed Grebe, 1 BRANT (on Quaboag Pond), 15 Green-winged Teal, 12 Ruddy Duck, 2 Sharp-shinned Hawk, 3 Pectoral Sandpiper, 1 Blue-headed Vireo, 7 American Pipit, 1 Palm Warbler, 1 FOX SPARROW, 1 White-crowned Sparrow, and 6 Rusty Blackbird. (report from Rick Quimby).

Complete Trip Report Here

10/20/01 -- Dudley
This afternoon I checked some ponds along Dudley-Oxford road and found 194 Canada Goose, a Gadwall, a Blue-winged Teal, 3 Ring-necked Duck, 1 female Scaup species (her diving made it difficult to determine Lesser or Greater) and 8 Wood Duck. At another pond, that has practically dried up, I saw 7 Killdeer, 13 Pectoral Sandpiper and 24 Rusty Blackbird. (report from Joan Zumpfe).

10/20/01 -- Broad Meadow Brook Sanctuary, Worcester
Highlights on a walk with my class this morning: Red-tailed Hawk (1); Red-bellied Woodpecker (1); Northern Flicker (1); Eastern Phoebe (1); Ruby-crowned Kinglet (7); Eastern Bluebird (1); Hermit Thrush (6); American Robin (58); European Starling (110 - roosting in phragmites); Cedar Waxwing (3); Yellow-rumped Warbler (18); BLACK-THROATED GREEN WARBLER (1 - latest record for BMB); Pine Warbler (2); Chipping Sparrow (2); Song Sparrow (18); Swamp Sparrow (7); White-throated Sparrow (32); Dark-eyed Junco (29); Red-winged Blackbird (87 - roosting in phragmites); Rusty Blacbird (3 - roosting in phragmites); Common Grackle (131 - roosting in phragmites); Purple Finch (5); (report from John Liller).

10/20/01 -- Blackstone Corridor
We checked just a few ponds in the Corridor this morning. Migrant waterfowl are just starting to put in:
RHODE ISLAND:
1. WOONSOCKET RESERVOIR, SMITHFIELD: water still low with several good sandbars exposed. Double-crested Cormorant (2+ flock of 160 migrating S overhead); Great Blue Heron (2); Mute Swan (1); Ring-necked Duck (233); Bufflehead (1f); Ruddy Duck (25); Osprey (1); Peregrine Falcon (2ad: we had one stunning bird perched for awhile on one of the sandbars but as we left we had an adult fly off to the SW simultaneously as another adult, which first was chasing the other adult, stopped and got a RoDo); Killdeer (26); DUNLIN (2); Pectoral Sandpiper (1); Golden-crowned Kinglet (13); E. Bluebird (6); Yellow-rumped Warbler (10+); Dark-eyed Junco (95: everywhere along the roads); PINE SISKIN (3 overhead calling);
2. WOONASQUATUCKET RESERVOIR, SMITHFIELD: Double-crested Cormorant (8); Great Blue Heron (1); Canada Goose (33); Mallard (31); Red-tailed Hawk (1); Red-bellied Woodpecker (1);
3. MOWRY CONSERVATION AREA, SMITHFIELD: a very quick stop to this very small area N. Parula (1); Yellow-rumped Warbler (14); Dark-eyed Junco (35); PINE SISKIN (2 overhead);
4. INDIA POINT, PROVIDENCE: extremely few birds. High Tide. Great Cormorant (1imm); Double-crested Cormorant (7); Great Blue Heron (3); A. Kestrel (1);
5. SEEKONK RIVER: Nota Bene: part of the beautiful river shore road is blocked because locals complained that gay men were meeting here. Maybe at night, but during the day I certainly have seen no hot assignations going on AND this is a popular road. I have NO idea, Sheesh!! RED-THROATED LOON (1); Double-crested Comorant (75); Great Comorant (2); Great Blue Heron (4); Black-crowned Night Heron (4ad); Mute Swan (8); Mallard (13); A. Black Duck (17); Turkey Vulture (1); N. Harrier (1); Red-tailed Hawk (1); Bonaparte's Gull (2); Laughing Gull (7); Belted Kingfisher (3);
6. SWAN POINT CEMETERY: Red-bellied Woodpecker (5); Winter Wren (1); Golden-crowned Kinglet (11); Ruby-crowned Kinglet (1); Hermit Thrush (4); Gray Catbird (1); Yellow-rumped Warbler (22); Song Sparrow (39); White-throated Sparrow (50+)
7. CUMBERLAND RESERVOIRS: Double-crested Cormorant (10); Great Blue Heron (1); Canada Goose (6); Mallard (81); A. Black Duck (11); Ruddy Duck (11); Turkey Vulture (3);
8. NOTA BENE: SNEETCH POND IN CUMBERLAND HAS NOW BEEN VERY THOROUGHLY BLOCKED OFF BY THE WATER DEPARTMENT WITH JERSEY BARRIERS, SIGNS ET. If any one knows why this is so, please let me know. This was one of the betetr places in Cumberland for waterfowl. From a distance, we managed to spot Double-crested Cormorant (3); Mute Swan (2), Turkey Vulture (6).
PRATT POND, N. SMITHFIELD (tiny pond right on the border with MA) Mute Swan (2)

MASSACHUSETTS:
1. MEADOW POND, NORTHBRIDGE: Pied-billed Grebe (1); Double-crested Cormorant (8); Great Blue Heron (4); Canada Goose (84); Mallard (10); A. Black Duck (1); Ring-necked Duck (43); A. Coot (1)
2. BURDON POND, NORTHBRIDGE/SUTTON Pied-billed Grebe (1); Canada Goose (321); Osprey (1); E. Bluebird (2);
When we arrived home and were setting up some new feeders, a large Sharpie buzzed right by us. (report from Mark Lynch/Sheila Carroll).

10/20/01 -- Quaboag pond to Barre Falls, Brookfield/Barre
I went to Quaboag Pond in Brookfield this morning to search for the Brant reported there by Rodney Jenkins on Friday. A partial list of the birds seen were 2 Pied-billed Grebes, 2 Great Blue Herons, 1 Mute Swan, 1 BRANT, 1 Greater Scaup, 12 Ruddy Ducks, 1 adult Bald Eagle, 2 Killdeer, 1 Common Snipe and 3 Pectoral Sandpipers. While driving by the Barre landfill on my way to Barre Falls I counted 23 Turkey Vultures leaving their roost. Observed at the Barre Falls hawk watch site were 2 Turkey Vultures, 1 Osprey, 30 Sharp-shinned Hawks, 4 Cooper's Hawks, 1 Red-shouldered Hawk, 2 Red-tailed Hawks, 3 American Kestrels and one Merlin. (report from Bart Kamp).

10/18/01 -- Wachusett Reservoir, Boylston
Some of the water fowl seen this evening from gate 22 at the Wach. Res. were, 3 Brant drifting towards South Bay, 1 female Greater Scaup, 20 White-winged Scoters, and 1 male Bufflehead. I watched three of the over two-thousand plus Ring-billed Gulls trying to catch the Bufflehead. Initially it dove to evade them and then it took to the air. After several minutes of twisting and turning with the gulls in pursuit, it was able to out distance them and escape. (report from Fran McMenemy).

10/18/01 -- Barre Falls Dam, Barre
Observed from the Barre Falls hawk watch site today were 5 Turkey Vultures, 1 Osprey, 1 Northern Harrier, 36 Sharp- shinned hawks, 2 Cooper's Hawks, 1 Northern Goshawk, 1 Red-shouldered Hawk, 2 Broad-winged Hawks, 4 Red- tailed hawks and 1 American Kestrel. (report from Bart Kamp).

10/18/01 -- Institute Park, Worcester
Birds of note at noon included 1 Black-crowned Night Heron, 1 Turkey Vulture, 1 Eastern Phoebe, and 1 White-crowned Sparrow.
At noon on 10/16/01 highlights included 1 Eastern Phoebe, 1 Brown Creeper, 1 Carolina Wren, and 1 Hermit Thrush. (report from Rick Quimby).

10/15/01 -- Rowley Hill, Sterling
I saw 2 ravens soaring over the hill and headed in the direction of Wachusett Reservoir. Also seen were 3 turkey vultures, 3 sharp-shinned hawks, 1 Cooper's hawk, 2 red -tailed hawks, 1 pileated woodpecker, 5 wild turkeys, 300 robins (eating wild grapes and acting reckless and wild), 1 hermit thrush, 2 golden-crowned kinglets and 1 ruby-crowned kinglet, 6 cedar waxwings, 50 yellow-rumped warblers, 70 dark-eyed juncos, 12 white-throated sparrows. (report from Richard Spedding).

10/14/01 -- River Bend Farm, Uxbridge
I recorded the following on a Mass. Audubon Birdwalk at River Bend Farm (Uxbridge) this morning (10/14/01): Great Blue Heron (1); Northern Harrier (1); Cooper's Hawk (1 immature male - we watched it chase after some land birds and also a Blue Jay; all escaped, barely); Herring Gull (1); Rock Dove (1); Mourning Dove (4); Belted Kingfisher (1); Downy Woodpecker (2); Northern Flicker (2); Eastern Phoebe (1); GREAT CRESTED FLYCATCHER (1 - We studied this bird very carefully, due to the lateness of the sighting and the possibility of other Myiarchus species. The belly was bright yellow (not creamy), the throat and breast were a darkish gray, and the base of the lower mandible was light colored.); Blue Jay (15); American Crow (30); Black-capped Chickadee (8); Tufted Titmouse (5); White-breasted Nuthatch (2); Brown Creeper (1); Carolina Wren (1); Golden-crowned Kinglet (1); Ruby-crowned Kinglet (3); Eastern Bluebird (9); American Robin (24); Gray Catbird (1); Northern Mockingbird (3); European Starling (48); Cedar Waxwing (14); NORTHERN PARULA (1); Yellow-rumped Warbler (29); BLACKPOLL WARBLER (1); Chipping Sparrow (2); Savannah Sparrow (2); Song Sparrow (23); Swamp Sparrow (21); White-throated Sparrow (24); Northern Cardinal (4); House Finch (28); American Goldfinch (37); House Sparrow (2). (report from John Liller).

10/14/01 -- High Ridge WMA, Gardner
Select species and numbers from a walk at high Ridge WMA this morning(10-14-01) from 9:30 to 11:45: Great Blue Heron 3; Wood Duck 7; Great Horned Owl 1 calling; C. Flicker 6; Yellow-bellied Sapsucker 1 eating berries; E. Phoebe 3; Hermit Thrush 4; Golden-crn Kinglet 1; Ruby-crn Kinglet 4; Am. Pipit 1; Blue-headed Vireo 2; Yellow-Rumped Warbler ~10; Palm Warbler ~15; Blackpoll Warbler 1; C. Yellowthroat 4; Purple Finch ~20; Song Sparrow 30+; Swamp Sparrow 30+; Lincoln's Sparrow 2; White-thr Sparrow 100+; White-crn Sparrow 4 (1 Ad. , 3 imm.); Junco ~20; Savanaha Sparrow ~10;
Yesterday morning (10-13-01) at the Wompanoag MAS from 7:30 to 9:30: Northern harrier 1 ad male; Eastern meadowlark 2; Rusty Blackbird 20; Am. Pipit 2; White-thr. Sparrow 100+; Swamp Sparrows ~50; Song Sparrows. ~25; Nashville Warbler 1; numerous Yellow-rumps and palm Warblers. (report from Tom Pirro).

10/13/01 -- Broad Meadow Brook Sanctuary, Worcester
Highlights on a walk with my class this morning : AMERICAN BITTERN (1 - this is a rare migrant at BMB) Northern Flicker (1) Eastern Phoebe (4) Brown Creeper (1) Carolina Wren (1) Golden-crowned Kinglet (1) Ruby-crowned Kinglet (9) Eastern Bluebird (9) American Robin (12) Gray Catbird (1) American Pipit (1 - flyover) Cedar Waxwing (17) Yellow-rumped Warbler (39) Palm Warbler (2) Common Yellowthroat (2) Eastern Towhee (2) Chipping Sparrow (1) Field Sparrow (1) Song Sparrow (21) Swamp Sparrow (8) White-throated Sparrow (42) Dark-eyed Junco (6) Purple Finch (7) (report from John Liller).

10/12/01 -- Wachusett Reservoir, Boyslton/Clinton
While on a lunch-time survey of the reservoir, I saw a female White-winged Scoter from Route 70 near the Boylston/Clinton town line. I observed it feeding for about 15 min at which point it flew off the reservoir in an Easterly direction. (report from Bob Ricci).

10/12/01 -- Institute Park, Worcester
Birds of note at noon included 1 Black-crowned Night Heron, 1 GREAT EGRET, and 2 Eastern Phoebes. (report from Rick Quimby).

10/11/01 -- Broad Meadow Brook Sanctuary, Worcester
Highlights of my morning walk at Broad Meadow Brook were 2 Eastern Phoebes, 1 House Wren, 2 Ruby-crowned Kinglets, 5 Hermit Thrushes, 13 Yellow-rumped and 1 Palm Warbler, 1 possible WILSON'S WARBLER (if so, a 1st winter female), 30 White-throated Sparrows, a gorgeous adult WHITE-CROWNED SPARROW, and 4 Purple Finches. ...When I arrived home (Tatnuck Square area) at 2 p.m., I found a Pine Siskin at my thistle feeder. And while I'm at it, I've had a Merlin in a spruce a couple of houses away from mine every other day more or less. It sits until driven away by Blue Jays. Oddly, I've never seen the Merlin attack anything. (report from Howard Shainheit).

10/10/01 -- Rowley Hill, Sterling
Birds seen included: 9 turkey vultures, 2 sharp-shinned hawks, 1 red-tailed hawk, one kestrel, 1 black-throated green warbler, 1 blackpoll warbler, 50 yellow-rumped warblers,1 ruby-crowned kinglet, 12 golden-crowned kinglets. (report from Richard Spedding).

-------------Forbush Bird Club Meeting
On Thursday, October 18th at 7:30 p.m. the Forbush Bird Club will begin its monthly meetings. Wildlife rehabilatator Tom Ricardi will give a talk and slide presentation titled "Captive Breeding of Bald Eagles." Accompanying Tom will be a group of avian friends. The meeting is held in room 236 of Haberlin Hall at Holy Cross College in Worcester. It is free and open to all. (submitted by Ann Boover).

10/9/01 -- Salisbury/Park area, Worcester
This morning at dawn in our yard there were (20+) Yellow-rumped Warblers, (50+) White-throated Sparows, (1) singing Purple Finch and skim ice on the bird bath. (report from Mark Lynch).

10/8/01 -- Sudbury Reservoir, Southboro/ Rte.9
Observations from 3-4 p.m. Ducks continue to increase in numbers in the southern part of this reservoir. Double-crested Cormorant 8; Canada Geese 14; Mallard 6; Ring-necked Duck 280+/-; Scaup (species) 2; Ruddy Duck 46 +/-; American Coot 3; and 1 Red-breasted Nuthatch at my feeder in Northboro. (report from Ann Boover).

10/8/01 -- Crystal Lake, Gardner
I checked out Crystal Lake this evening after Hawkwatching at Watatic, to find 18 Black Scoters(15 drake, 3 female) and a Tree Swallow. The Tree Swallow perched briefly on an Oak tree and looked inside a hole (about 6" in diameter), perhaps looking for shelter for the night, then flew off. Also there were about 200 gulls comprised of the 3 common species. (report from Tom Pirro).

10/8/01 -- Rowley Hill, Sterling
I did an hour of hawk watching from Rowley Hill's biggest pasture and saw 2 turkey vultures, 3 sharp-shinned hawks, 2 red-tailed hawks. I also saw 175 Canada geese flying south at an exceptionally high altitude. 17 American pipits were seen in the pasture; about every 10 minutes the group of pipits would fly up and reconnoiter the pasture, and return to the same spot they took off from. (report from Richard Spedding).

10/8/01 -- Broad Meadow Brook Sanctuary, Worcester
Highlights on a walk with my class this morning: Canada Goose (71); SNOW GOOSE (4); Red-tailed Hawk (2); PEREGRINE FALCON (one possible; we had a 3-second view of a large, falcon-like raptor flying low across the powerlines); Hairy Woodpecker (1); Northern Flicker (3); Eastern Phoebe (4); Blue-headed Vireo (1); Red-eyed Vireo (1); Golden-crowned Kinglet (2); Ruby-crowned Kinglet (5); Eastern Bluebird (3); American Robin (28); Gray Catbird (3); European Starling (90); Yellow-rumped Warbler (35); Black-throated Green Warbler (3); Palm Warbler (9 - including one "Western" form); Common Yellowthroat (1); Eastern Towhee (2); Song Sparrow (11); Swamp Sparrow (2); White-throated Sparrow (17); Dark-eyed Junco (2); Red-winged Blackbird (4); Rusty Blackbird (3); Common Grackle (2). (report from John Liller).

10/8/01 -- Barre Falls Dam, Barre
Observed from the Barre Falls hawk watch site today were: 11 Turkey Vultures, 1 Osprey, 3 Red-tailed Hawks, 45 Sharp-shinned Hawks, 1 Cooper's Hawk, 5 American Kestrels and 527 Canada Geese. (report from Bart Kamp).

10/8/01 -- Sterling Peat/Lake Waushacum, Sterling
Fran McMenemy and I started at Sterling Peat which was rather quiet except for 130 Canada Geese. We went over to the soccer fields near the fountain and found 33 Killdeer, 1 Pectoral Sandpiper and 9 American Pipit. At East Lake Waushacum where we were joined by Kathy Mills, we had the male Tufted Duck, a female Lesser Scaup, 3 Ring-necked Duck, 8 Greater Scaup, 1 Wood Duck 12 D.C. Cormorant, 19 Green-winged Teal and a Merlin. Over 100 Grackles flew over the road when we parked at Gate 6. From a high vantage point near the turbulent water, we identified 7 Black Scoter and at least 37 White-winged Scoter. Seeing them fly was quite exciting and afforded an opportunity to count them more easily. We ended our day at All Faiths Cemetery (New Swedish) where we had 9 green-winged Teal, 18 American Wigeon, 1 American Coot and 36 Wood Duck (our highest count this fall). (report from Joan Zumpfe).

10/7/01 -- various ponds
Fran McMenemy and I stopped at Lake Quaboag in Brookfield and saw the Great Egret that I had seen on 10/4. Forbush Bird Club trip, we stopped at Eagle Lake in Holden and saw 21 Wood Duck. We proceeded to West Lake Waushacum and had the Tufted Duck with 7 Great er Scaup, 1 was a female. At East Waushacum Lake, we saw a Pied-billed Grebe and Mallards. Wachusett Reservoir produced 5 Ruddy Ducks and a Merlin while looking from Gate 38. We checked Spruce Pond near rte 140/70 (aka, Cassandra Pond) and found a male N ORTHERN SHOVELER in eclipse plumage among a Solitary sandpiper, 3 Hooded Mergansers, 2 Green-winged Teal and 15 Wood Ducks. In Worcester at All Faiths Cemetery, we counted 19 American Wigeon, 12 Green-winged Teal, 29 Wood Duck, 1 American Coot, 2 Blue-winged Teal, 2 adult Mute Swans and 1 Black-crowned Night Heron. (report from Joan Zumpfe).

10/7/01 -- New Braintree and vicinity
There were 19 participants on a Forbush Bird Club trip to New Braintree and vicinity, led by Rodney Jenkins. Amoung the 54 species of birds found were: Northern Harrier, Merlin, Blue-headed Vireo, Pipet, Lincoln Sparrow, White-crowned Sparrow, Wood Thrush and Rusty Blackbird. (report from Bob Ricci).

10/7/01 -- Rowley Hill, Sterling
1 red-tailed hawk, 1 sharp-shinned hawk, 1 red-bellied woodpecker, 2 ruby-crowned kinglets, 2 blue-headed vireos, 1 black-throated blue warbler ( I saw this bird eat 2 small grapes, I was surprised, I thought this species was totally insectivorious), 60 yellow-rumped warblers, 3 chipping sparrows, 40 white-throated sparrows, 12 dark-eyed juncos (report from Richard Spedding).

10/7/01 -- Barre Falls Dam, Barre
Observed from the Barre Falls hawk watch site today were: 6 Turkey Vultures, 1 Osprey, 1 Northern Harrier, 28 Sharp- shinned hawks, 1 Cooper's Hawk, 2 Northern Goshawks, 1 Red-shouldered Hawk, 8 Red-tailed Hawks, 14 American Kestrels, 1 Merlin, 1 Peregrine, 168 Canada Geese and 1 Monarch Butterfly. (report from Bart Kamp).

10/7/01 -- Sterling Peat/the Waushacums/Wachusett Reservoir
We had a good group meet for a FALL MIGRATION class trip to these areas. Despite some pretty windy conditions (especially at Scar Hill Cliffs at Wachusett Reservoir: which was downright brutal) we managed to tally some interesting species. This is definitely the final phase of landbird migration in the interior of the state: a few warbler species and good numbers of sparrows and blackbirds.
STERLING PEAT: Double-crested Cormorant (7: including one unfortunate individual with fishing line and a bobber attached to it's feet); Great Blue Heron 92); Canada Goose (42); Green-winged Teal (4); Mallard (22); Hooded Merganser (2imm); Red-tailed Hawk (1); Sharp-shinned Hawk (3); A. Kestrel (1); Killdeer (10); Belted Kingfisher (1); E. Phoebe (3); Blue Jay (18); A. Robin (14); Gray Catbird (1); American Pipit (14: great views as they walked along the edge); Yellow-rumped Warbler (24); Palm Warbler (6); Savannah Sparrow (30+); Song Sparrow (26); Lincoln Sparrow (1); Swamp Sparrow (25+); White-throated Sparrow (10); Dark-eyed Junco (2); Red-winged Blackbird (140+); Rusty Blackbird (31); C. Grackle (8); Purple Finch (5); A. Goldfinch (8).
THEN: off to WEST WAUSHACUM, where we found NO waterfowl, a few birders waiting and (1) Osprey. Then on to EAST WAUSHACUM (beach on eastern shore) where we arrived to find (5) Tree Swallows, (1) Osprey (probably same one from West Waushacum) and (1) fisherman in a boat flushing 7 Aythya-type ducks off the pond. These ducks disappeared in the direction of West Waushacum....so (deja-vu) BACK at WEST WAUSHACUM, where we found (6) Greater Scaup and (1) eclipse-male TUFTED DUCK. Again, these birds obviously flush back and forth between the ponds and probably the reservoir, so birders should check various locations.
THEN: off to Wachusett Reservoir. We only birded the southern dike off Rt. 110, South Bay and the Scar Hill Cliff overlook. Between the sun on one side and the wind on the other, viewing conditions were not great. Common Loon (8); Double-crested Cormorant (55); A. Black Duck (1); Turkey Vulture (5); Red-tailed Hawk (11); BONAPARTE'S GULL (1 1stW: spotted by Deb Berard); The very few landbirds seen in the walk into Scar Hill Cliffs included: E. Phoebe (3), Carolina Wren (1), House Wren (1), Ruby-crowned Kinglet (1), Gray Catbird (1), Yellow-rumped Warbler (8+), E. Towhee (1), Chipping Sparrow (4), White-throated Sparrow (6), Dark-eyed Junco (2). (report from Mark Lynch/Sheila Carroll).

10/6/01 -- Bolton Flats Bolton
This morning between 10:00 and 11:15 there were about 60 Rusty Blackbirds at the parking lot for the Model Airplane Club at Bolton Flats. (report from Peter Morlock).

10/6/01 -- Woonsocket Reservoir/Cumberland
We attempted to sneak in some birding before the wind and rain came this morning, hitting two locations in the BLACKSTONE NATIONAL CORRIDOR just south of the MA border in RI. Our first stop was the small Woonsocket Reservoir in N. Smithfield. You are limited to only two vantage points at this birding spot as all RI reservoirs are completely off limits. The water level is low and the several small sandbars had a decent number of Killdeer as well as "one-sies" of a few other shorebirds. At least that was what we thought till the flock of Ring-billed Gulls flew up and a sub-adult Peregrine Falcon flew in, chased a gull and landed on the big sandbar , flushing many more Killdeer up than we thought were present despite a thorough scoping. They all flew over our heads and headed east: to where I have no idea. The Peregrine stayed for quite a while, and we left it there.
Double-crested Cormorant (3); Great Blue Heron (1); Canada Goose (162); Turkey Vulture (2); PEREGRINE FALCON (1 sub-ad: head pattern was still close to imm. Seeing this bird here made us wonder if the Peregrines seen in downtown Worcester the last couple of years are actually coming up the Corridor from Providence where they breed); Killdeer (51); AMERICAN GOLDEN PLOVER (1); Semipalmated Plover (1); Pectoral Sandpiper (1); DUNLIN (1); SANDERLING(1); Tree Swallow (75+);
We thought that perhaps the birds headed to the two small reservoirs of NE Cumberland: Diamond Hill and Arnold's Mill (separated by a causeway). The water level at Arnold's Mill was low and there was lots of edge: lots of wind too, making birding very tough. Surprisingly, there were also a number of (illegal) fishermen along the shore. Double-crested Cormorant (8); Mallard (54); A. Black Duck (11); Turkey Vulture (3); Osprey (1); Killdeer (1: well, the shorebirds didn't go here); Belted Kingfisher (1); Tree Swallow (250+: heading south, struggling against the wind);
At nearby SNEETCH POND, CUMBERLAND: Double-crested Cormorant (1); Great Blue Heron (1); Green Heron (1: getting on the late side for this species in the interior); Canada Goose (16); Wood Duck (4); Green-winged Teal (7); Mallard (5); A. Black Duck (2); Blue-winged Teal (1); Turkey Vulture (2); Red-tailed Hawk (3). (report from Mark Lynch/Sheila Carroll).

10/6/01 -- Wompanoag MAS, Gardner
The following rapors passed the Wompanoag MAS this morning between 8:10 and 9:40AM on strong leaf-stripping, tree bending SW wind. The 3 Pergrines all passed low and close about 20 minutes apart. The Kestrel was having a heck-of-time fighting the wind, waiting for the front to clear or perhaps walking might have been a better option. Coopers Hawk 1; Am. Kestrel 1; Peregrine Falcon 3 all adults. (report from Tom Pirro).

10/5/01 -- Broad Meadow Brook Sanctuary, Worcester
Spent some of the morning birding mostly the north end (Area 2) of Broad Meadow Brook MAS here in the city of Worcester. The sanctuary is always at it's best from mid-September till mid-October, and today I had a nice selection of typical mid-fall migrants among the changing leaves and late asters. Not bad for an urban environment.
Highlights: Sharp-shinned Hawk (4); GREAT HORNED OWL (1: An amazing racket of mobbing crows and jays ensued at the southern end of the Stretch. When I checked it out, I flushed a Great Horned Owl with an E. Cottontail in it's talons. It was hotly pursued by crows, jays, flickers, and (amazingly) 2 Sharpies.); Red-bellied Woodpecker (2); Yellow-bellied Sapsucker (1); Hairy Woodpecker (2); N. Flicker (9); E. Phoebe (3); Red-breasted Nuthatch (1); Carolina Wren (2); Golden-crowned Kinglet (9); Ruby-crowned Kinglet (38: decent movement today. It will be interesting to see what coastal locations tally for this species); E. Bluebird (12); Swainson's Thrush (1); Hermit Thrush (6); A. Robin (25); Gray Catbird (13); N. Mockingbird (3: 1 territorial bird at the headquarters imitated Great Crested Flycatcher, E. Phoebe, E. Bluebird, A. Robin, E. Starling, among many others); Cedar Waxwing (6); SPARROWS: E. Towhee (12); Field (6); Song (46); Lincoln's (5); Swamp (55); White-throated (59); Dark-eyed Junco (30); Red-winged Blackbird (9); C. Grackle (2); Purple Finch (10). PLUS: Monarch (1: I started early) and my first Witch Hazel of the fall(though it has been out for a while) (report from Mark Lynch).

10/4/01 -- East Lake Waushacum, Sterling
The Tufted Duck along with the three Greater Scaup were at East Lake Waushacum at 9;00 AM this morning. (report from Bob Ricci).

10/4/01 -- Institute Park, Worcester
Highlights at noon included 3 DC Cormorants, 2 GB Herons, 1 Black-crowned Night Heron (ad, perched in tree on island), and 1 Sharp-shinned Hawk. Behavioral note: there was a flock of Starlings, in tight formation, which appeared to be dive-bombing the Sharpie, a behavior I hadn't observed before. (report from Rick Quimby).

10/3/01 -- West Lake Wauchacum, Sterling
The Tufted Duck was present on West Wauchacum Lake this evening at approx. 6PM. It was among 3 Greater Scaup and 4 Ring-necked Ducks(2M/2F), although it appeared to have a closer association with the Scaup. I also had nice looks at an Osprey. (report from Tom Pirro).

10/2/01 -- West Lake Washaccum, Sterling
The male Tufted Duck was back at West Lake Washaccum today along with three male Greater Scaup. (report from Fran McMenemy).

10/2/01 -- Barre Falls Dam, Barre
Migrating during the hawk watch at Barre Falls today were: 1 BLACK VULTURE, 2 Turkey Vultures, 1 Osprey, 1 Northern Harrier, 15 Sharp-shinned Hawks, 1 Red- tailed hawk and 9 American Kestrels. (report from Bart Kamp).

10/2/01 -- Rowley Hill, Sterling
A two mile walk along the base of Rowley Hill produced the following birds: 3 turkey vultures, 30 Canada geese, 5 mallards, 1 osprey, 1 Coopers hawk, 4 ruffed grouse, 17 wild turkeys, 10 ring-billed gulls, 12 mourning doves, 1 barred owl (calling) , 1 pileated woodpecker, 4 downey wodpeckers, 2 phoebes, 25 black-capped chickadees, 10 tufted titmice, 6 white-breasted nuhatches, 2 brown creepers, 80 robins, 1 catbird, 3 mockingbirds, 18 cedar waxwings, 35 blue jays, 14 American crows, 38 yellow-rumped warblers, 1 black-throated green warbler, 1 black and white warbler,1 blackpoll warbler, 1 Eastern towhee, 30 chipping sparrows, 18 white-throated sparrows, 22 dark-eyed juncos, 15 American goldfinches, 3 cardinals, 2 house finch. (report from Richard Spedding).

10/2/01 -- Public Access to Wachusett Reservoir/Quabbin Reservoir
I have been informed by officials at the Wachusett Reservoir (978-365-3800) that public access IS allowed to the reservoir, as usual, except for the immediate area around the dam in Clinton, and near the headquarters off route 70. [editor]

However, access to Quabbin Reservoir is still restricted. An update from Mark Lynch:

10/1/01 -- Ponds in Sterling/Northboro/Westboro
The TUFTED DUCK was not found today in West Lake Waushacum, and there were no scaup (boaters may have disturbed the birds). In East Lake Waushacum, there were 2 Horned Grebes. From Mile Hill Road along the rt. 70 side of the Wachusett Reservoir, there were 3 Red-necked Grebes, 32 Common Loons, and 98 Double-crested Cormorants. In Northboro at Bartlett Pond there were 4 Ring-necked Ducks, 12 Rusty Blackbirds, and 1 female Northern Pintail. At Big Chancy Pond, there was 1 Pied-billed Grebe, and 1 Sora. (report from Fran McMenemy).

-------------upcoming radio interview
On SUNDAY, OCTOBER 7 at 5PM WICN (90.5FM) will broadcast Mark Lynch's interview with Josep del Hoyo, co-editor and creator of the monumental HANDBOOK OF BIRDS OF THE WORLD series. Josep talks about the extreme challenges of creating a book series that is illustrating and describing EVERY bird species in the world and other projects that Lynx Edicions has coming up. An awe-inspiring publishing venture. (submitted by Mark Lynch).

For previous sightings, see September 2001 Archives or Archive Index