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.
- 10/31/03 -- Gate 40, Quabbin Reservoir
- In the Graves Landing area, there were: 5 common loons, 2
horned grebes, 2 green-winged teal, 2 black ducks, 1 greater yellowlegs,
1 pileated wood pecker, 1 red-bellied woodpecker; 75 blue jays, 60
dark-eyed juncos. (report from Richard Spedding).
- 10/31/03 -- Barre Falls Dam, Barre
-
> Barre, Massachusetts, USA
> Daily Raptor Counts: Oct 31, 2003
> -------------------------------------------------------------------
>
> Species Day's Count Month Total Season Total
> ------------------ ----------- -------------- --------------
> Black Vulture 0 0 0
> Turkey Vulture 3 286 330
> Osprey 1 125 279
> Bald Eagle 0 14 37
> Northern Harrier 0 38 60
> Sharp-shinned Hawk 24 1037 1509
> Cooper's Hawk 3 98 118
> Northern Goshawk 0 9 10
> Red-shouldered Hawk 1 41 43
> Broad-winged Hawk 0 34 1776
> Red-tailed Hawk 2 144 162
> Rough-legged Hawk 0 2 2
> Golden Eagle 1 2 2
> American Kestrel 2 69 229
> Merlin 1 30 44
> Peregrine Falcon 0 13 14
> Unknown 0 24 32
> Total: 38 1966 4647
> ----------------------------------------------------------------------
> Observation start time: 09:00:00
> Observation end time: 14:00:00
> Total observation time: 5 hours
>
> Official Counter: Barton D. Kamp
>
> Observers: Barton D. Kamp, David Grant, Donna Schilling
> Observations:
> A male Kestrel spent the day here. Only 3 birds seen after noon.
>
> Hundreds of Lady Bug beetles, parachuting spiders and paper wasps landed
on
everything. Cabbage and Sulphur Butterflies were pouncing on the
dandylions.
(report from Bart Kamp).
- 10/30/03 -- Barre Falls Dam, Barre
-
> Barre, Massachusetts, USA
> Daily Raptor Counts: Oct 30, 2003
> -------------------------------------------------------------------
>
> Species Day's Count Month Total Season Total
> ------------------ ----------- -------------- --------------
> Black Vulture 0 0 0
> Turkey Vulture 13 283 327
> Osprey 2 124 278
> Bald Eagle 0 14 37
> Northern Harrier 2 38 60
> Sharp-shinned Hawk 33 1013 1485
> Cooper's Hawk 6 95 115
> Northern Goshawk 0 9 10
> Red-shouldered Hawk 2 40 42
> Broad-winged Hawk 0 34 1776
> Red-tailed Hawk 6 142 160
> Rough-legged Hawk 1 2 2
> Golden Eagle 0 1 1
> American Kestrel 1 67 227
> Merlin 1 29 43
> Peregrine Falcon 0 13 14
> Total: 67 1928 4609
> ----------------------------------------------------------------------
> Observation start time: 09:00:00
> Observation end time: 15:00:00
> Total observation time: 6 hours
>
> Official Counter: Barton D. Kamp
>
> Observers: Barton D. Kamp, David Grant, Donna Schilling, Tom
Carrolan
>
> Visitors:
John Nelson
>
> Observations:
The Rough-legged Hawk was a dark phase.
>
> Also, 7 Monarch Butterflies.
(report from Bart Kamp).
- 10/28/03 -- Barre Falls Dam, Barre
-
Raptor highlights today:
> Turkey Vulture 18 ;
> Osprey 2 ;
> Sharp-shinned Hawk 15 ;
> Cooper's Hawk 12 ;
> Northern Goshawk 1 ;
> Red-shouldered Hawk 3 ;
> Red-tailed Hawk 14 .
> Observations:
A pair of Northern Goshawks put on an air show.
(report from Bart Kamp).
- 10/28/03 -- Institute Park, Worcester
-
Highlights at noon were 1 FOX SPARROW, along with about 10 White-throated
and 2 Song Sparrows. Also, earlier in the day at 8:00 am I saw 2 Mute
Swans flying over the park, but didn't see if they put down. At noon
they were (fortunately) not there. (report from Rick Quimby).
- 10/27/03 -- Leesville Pond, Worcester
-
John Shea & I did a noon time survey of Leesville Pond. We turned up the
following highlights during a lull in the rain.
gt. blue heron 1;
Canada geese 20+;
mute swan 1;
wood duck 3;
American wigeon 30+;
green-winged teal 6;
hairy woodpecker 1;
starling (a very large flock);
yellow-rumped warbler 1;
chipping sparrow 1;
song sparrow 1;
white-throated sparrow 1;
junco 1;
red-winged blackbirds 3;
(report from Jim Hogan).
- 10/27/03 -- Wachusett Reservoir, Boylston
-
I swung by South Bay of Wachusett Reservoir this AM. 3 dc cormorants on the
raft and a lone loon on the far shore below the cliffs. Heavy rain made
viewing difficult and birds being smarter than birders all seemed to be under
cover.
(report from Jim Hogan).
- 10/26/03 -- Brookfields and Charlton
-
Rodney Jenkins led 20 members of the Forbush Bird Club on a trip Sunday,
October 26, 2003. Among
the 44 species that were enjoyed were 26 Ruddy Ducks and 19 Snow
Geese at Orlando's Farm in Charlton, 6 American Coot at Lake Quaboag, a drake
Gadwall and 2 Northern Pintail at Slab City.
Complete trip
list here
(report from Joan Zumpfe).
- 10/26/03 -- downtown Worcester
-
At 3:30PM, the adult Peregrine was seen leaving the old Meachanics Bank
building and flying low and east.
(report from Mark Lynch/Sheila Carroll).
- 10/25/03 -- Broad Meadow Brook Sanctuary, Worcester
-
Kim Bacchiocchi and I birded the Brookside Loop this morning. Highlights
were 1 Great Blue, 2 Wild Turkeys, 1 Red-bellied and 3 Hairy Woodpeckers,
1 Flicker, 2 Phoebes, 2 Golden-crowned and 1 Ruby-crowned Kinglet, 1
Hermit Thrush, 1 lone Yellow-rumped Warbler, 14 Juncos, and 6 Song,1
Lincoln's, 5 Swamp and 51 White-throated Sparrows. (report from Howard Shainheit).
- 10/25/03 -- Wachusett Reservoir, West Boylston
- A brief mid-morning walk into gate 25 was highlighted by 1 imm. White-crowned Sparrow,
1 Swamp Sparrow, 2 Yellow-rumped Warblers, some 5+ White-throated
Sparrows, 1 N. Flicker, and 1 Red-breasted Nuthatch,
along with the usual resident species. (report from Rick Quimby).
- 10/25/03 -- Barre Falls Dam, Barre
-
Raptor highlights today:
> Turkey Vulture 9 ;
> Osprey 2 ;
> Bald Eagle 1 ;
> Northern Harrier 1 ;
> Sharp-shinned Hawk 60 ;
> Cooper's Hawk 7 ;
> Northern Goshawk 1 ;
> Red-shouldered Hawk 4 ;
> Red-tailed Hawk 17 ;
> Merlin 1 ;
> Peregrine Falcon 1
. Also,
37 Canada Geese and 1 Orange Sulphur Butterfly.
(report from Bart Kamp).
- 10/24/03 -- Mount Watatic, Ashburnham
-
Daily Raptor Counts: Oct 24, 2003
-------------------------------------------------------------------
Species Day's Count Month Total Season Total
------------------ ----------- -------------- --------------
Black Vulture 0 0 0
Turkey Vulture 3 4 5
Osprey 0 7 46
Bald Eagle 0 1 13
Northern Harrier 0 0 10
Sharp-shinned Hawk 8 12 150
Cooper's Hawk 0 1 13
Northern Goshawk 1 1 1
Red-shouldered Hawk 3 3 3
Broad-winged Hawk 0 2 4119
Red-tailed Hawk 28 30 32
Rough-legged Hawk 0 0 0
Golden Eagle 1 1 1
American Kestrel 1 2 46
Merlin 0 0 8
Peregrine Falcon 0 0 1
Unknown 1 3 11
Total: 46 67 4459
----------------------------------------------------------------------
Observation start time: 08:00:00
Observation end time: 15:00:00
Total observation time: 7 hours
Official Counter: Tom Pirro.
Observations:
A fairly sporatic day with activity between snow squawls mostbirds being
fairy low.
GE adult passed at 11:50 ST.
Also,
Canada Goose 56 migrant;
Snow Bunting 2;
Hermit Thrush 2;
lots of Yellow-rumped Warblers and Juncos. (report from Tom Pirro).
- 10/24/03 -- Big Chauncy Pond, Westboro
-
I had 1 Drake Black Scoter on Big Chauncy Pond in
Westboro. Also there were 10 N. Rough-winged Swallows,
and 4 White-crowned Sparrows and the other common
sparrows.
(report from Nick Paulson).
- 10/24/03 -- Barre Falls Dam, Barre
-
> Barre, Massachusetts, USA
> Daily Raptor Counts: Oct 24, 2003
> -------------------------------------------------------------------
>
> Species Day's Count Month Total Season Total
> ------------------ ----------- -------------- --------------
> Black Vulture 0 0 0
> Turkey Vulture 5 243 287
> Osprey 2 118 272
> Bald Eagle 0 13 36
> Northern Harrier 2 35 57
> Sharp-shinned Hawk 83 905 1377
> Cooper's Hawk 9 70 90
> Northern Goshawk 3 7 8
> Red-shouldered Hawk 3 31 33
> Broad-winged Hawk 0 34 1776
> Red-tailed Hawk 50 105 123
> Rough-legged Hawk 1 1 1
> Golden Eagle 1 1 1
> American Kestrel 0 66 226
> Merlin 0 27 41
> Peregrine Falcon 1 12 13
> Unknown 2 22 30
>
> Total: 162 1690 4371
> ----------------------------------------------------------------------
> Observation start time: 08:15:00
> Observation end time: 16:00:00
> Total observation time: 7.75 hours
>
> Official Counter: Barton D. Kamp
>
> Observers: Barton D. Kamp, David Grant, Donna Schilling, Paul
Pinault,
Tom Carrolan
>
> Visitors:
Mike Nolan, George Gove and Judy Gordon.
> Observations:
> There was a steady movement of raptors throughout the day. Our first
Golden
Eagle was a distant juvenile. Our first Rough-legged Hawk, a dark phase
(black) juvenile soared nearby while being harassed by a Sharpie. We were
entertained by an adult male Northern Goshawk soaring overhead and by an
adult male Peregrine, our only falcon.
> 100's of migrating crows and 80 Canada Geese.
(report from Bart Kamp).
- 10/24/03 -- off Salisbury (at the Holden line), Worcester
-
This morning at 11:30 I had two Ravens soaring and calling overhead. They
are the first I've seen in the year plus I've lived here. I also had
three Juncos and ten plus White-throated Sparrows under the feeders...and
a Downy who has been hard at work drilling into the house. Oh, joy.
(report from Howard Shainheit).
- 10/23/03 -- off Salisbury Street (near Park Ave), Worcester
-
At my feeder this morning there were (1) Song Sparrow, (10+ White-throats,
(1) imm. White-crowned and (2) Dark-eyed Juncos.
(report from Mark Lynch).
- 10/22/03 -- Crystal Lake, Gardner
-
This evening there were 10 Black Scoters (7 Drake and 3 Hen) and a single Surf
Scoter (a drake) on Crystal Lake. (report from Tom Pirro).
- 10/21/03 -- Institute Park, Worcester
- Highlights at 1:00 pm included 1 im. (1st yr) Black-crowned Night
Heron and 10+ Song Sparrows. (report from Rick Quimby).
- 10/20/03 -- Barre Falls Dam, Barre
-
Raptor highlights today:
> Turkey Vulture 77;
> Osprey 3 ;
> Northern Harrier 3 ;
> Sharp-shinned Hawk 48 ;
> Cooper's Hawk 3 ;
> Red-shouldered Hawk 11 ;
> Red-tailed Hawk 20 ;
> American Kestrel 3 ;
> Merlin 2 ;
> Observations:
Steady movement of Turkey Vultures. Red Tail numbers increased in the
afternoon.
>
> Also, 75 Canada Geese.
(report from Bart Kamp).
- 10/20/03 -- Leesville Pond, Worcester
-
A surprisingly cool and windy noontime survey of Leesville Pond (at the Swedish
cemetery) today turned up the following hilites:
gt. blue heron (1), Canada geese, green-winged teal (6), mallards (112), Am.
wigeon (9), wood ducks (3), palm warblers (2), song sparrows (2), juncos (3),
The plumage on the wigeons is progressing quite nicely.
(report from Jim Hogan).
- 10/20/03 -- Institute Park, Worcester
- Highlights at noon included 1 im. (1st yr) Black-crowned Night Heron (in tree
on the island. A fairly late record for this bird in the park.),
5+ Song Sparrows, and 5+ White-throated Sparrows. (report from Rick Quimby).
- 10/20/03 -- Northboro
-
This past weekend we had a nice flock (5) of first year purple finches. They
are still in the yard this morning. The barred owl continues to call around 4 AM
each day. He has been at it for a month now and I hope he will establish his
territory in the woods to the side of our yard.
(report from Jim Hogan).
- 10/19/03 -- Wompanoag MAS/High Ridge WMA, Gardner
-
Hilites from some birding around town, mostly at the Wompanoag
MAS in the AM and High Ridge WMA in the afternoon:
Common Loon 2 (1 juv. Lake Wompanoag and 1 migrant passing
high overhead);
Great Blue Heron 1;
Canada Goose ~75 migrants passing high over head;
Snow goose 50 migrants passing high over head;
Green-wing Teal 3;
Turkey Vulture 38 (Kettles of 13, 8, and 11plus a few
singles);
Osprey 7;
N. Harrier 2;
Sharp-shinned hawk 12;
Cooper's hawk 2;
N. GosHawk 1 adult (non migrant...perched on atop
of a hemlock);
Red-shouldered hawk 1 Adult;
Red-tailed hawk 10;
A. Kestrel 2;
Merlin 3;
Ring-necked Pheasnat 1 hen;
Ruffed grouse 2 (1 Flushed and 1 heard drumming);
Hairy Woodpecker 2;
Flicker 3;
Blue-headed Vireo 2;
Am. Crow 300 ( of which 275 were migrating SW
.... 1 flock was 250);
Raven 4;
Golden-crn Kinglet 2;
Ruby-crowned Kinglet 12;
Hermit Thrush 7;
Gray Catbird 1;
Cedar Waxwing ~20;
Yellow-rumped Warbler 15;
Palm Warbler 2;
Common Yellowthroat 1;
Savanah Sparrow 2;
Song Sparrow ~25;
Swamp Sparrow 15;
White-throated Sparrow 100+;
White-crowned Sparrow 7;
Junco 1;
Rusty Blackbird 1;
Purple Finch 35+;
The day started nicely as there was a young bull Moose standing in the middle
of Raymond Road.
All but 3 or 4 raptors were seen migrating from one on the the more "out of the
way fields" at High Ridge just after the clouds began to break at approx. 3 PM
the flight was over by about 4:20PM . Lots of Purple Finches mostly feeding on
berries and Ash seeds, the Snow Geese passed in the morning.
One Ruby-crowned Kinglet had a thin but well defined eye-browe stripe over the
right eye (Only) the other side was normal (unmarked), the bird was only about
10 feet away and seen well for a few minutes....the stripe was very much like
that of a male Blue-gray Gnatcatcher in breeding plumage. It must be preparing
for the big halloween party next weekend.
(report from Tom Pirro).
- 10/19/03 -- Southern Blackstone National Corridor
-
- TURNER RESERVOIR/CENTRAL POND:
Boats were out fishing on both ponds, so waterfowl numbers were low.
Pied-billed Grebe (1);
Double-crested Cormorant (6);
Mute Swan (98);
Canada Goose (9 overhead);
Green-winged Teal (1);
Gadwall (2);
A. Wigeon (2);
Mallard (66);
A. Black Duck (4);
Greater Scaup (5);
Ruddy Duck (31);
A. Coot (2);
A. Pipit (1);
Yellow-rumped Warbler (3);
Palm Warbler (1);
- SEEKONK RIVER (from India/Bold Points to Pawtucket border):
Double-crested Cormorant (136);
Great Blue Heron (4);
Great Egret (3);
Black-crowned Night Heron (2imm);
Mute Swan (9);
Canada Goose (21);
Mallard (67);
A. Black Duck (87);
SURF SCOTER (4 1stW);
Red-tailed Hawk (1);
Killdeer (1);
Greater Yellowlegs (1);
Spotted Sandpiper (2);
Tree Swallow (70+);
N. Rough-winged Swallow (15+);
- WOONSOCKET RESERVOIR, N. SMITHFIELD:
Double-crested Cormorant (2);
Snow Goose (46 w/28ads);
A. Black Duck (8);
Ring-necked Duck (89);
Killdeer (8);
Red-breasted Nuthatch (6+);
E. Bluebird (6);
Chipping Sparrow (60+);
Dark-eyed Junco (3);
(report from Mark Lynch/Sheila Carroll).
- 10/9/03 -- Barre Falls Dam, Barre
-
> Barre, Massachusetts, USA
> Daily Raptor Counts: Oct 09, 2003
> -------------------------------------------------------------------
>
> Species Day's Count Month Total Season Total
> ------------------ ----------- -------------- --------------
> Black Vulture 0 0 0
> Turkey Vulture 2 77 121
> Osprey 5 77 231
> Bald Eagle 0 9 32
> Northern Harrier 2 13 35
> Sharp-shinned Hawk 56 429 901
> Cooper's Hawk 4 20 40
> Northern Goshawk 0 1 2
> Red-shouldered Hawk 0 2 4
> Broad-winged Hawk 0 31 1773
> Red-tailed Hawk 4 17 35
> Rough-legged Hawk 0 0 0
> Golden Eagle 0 0 0
> American Kestrel 5 49 209
> Merlin 0 14 28
> Peregrine Falcon 2 6 7
> Unknown 0 6 14
>
> Total: 80 751 3432
> ----------------------------------------------------------------------
> Observation start time: 08:30:00
> Observation end time: 14:00:00
> Total observation time: 5.5 hours
>
> Official Counter: Barton D. Kamp
>
> Observers: Barton D. Kamp, David Grant, Donna Schilling
>
> Observations:
One of the Northern Harriers was an adult mail. Both of the Peregrines
soared leisurely overhead; one had a full crop.
>
> Small flocks of waterfowl included: 80 Canada Geese, 15 Snow Geese, 14
White-winged Scoters and 22 Black Ducks.
12 Monarchs.
(report from Bart Kamp).
- 10/9/03 -- Broad Meadow Brook Sanctuary, Worcester
-
Highlights of a morning walk along the 2-loop today were 4 Song Sparrows,
3 Swamps, 5 White-throats, 1 Lincoln's, 6 Phoebes, 6 Catbirds, 10
Yellow-rumps, 4 Palm Warblers, 19 Blackpolls, 1 Nashville, 1 Yellowthroat,
2 Ruby-crowned Kinglets, 2 Golden-crowned, 7 to 10 Turkeys (they were hard
to count in the brush), and 2 soaring Cooper's Hawks. Last Saturday there
was a Great Blue and a Sharpie at the beaver pond, both hunting. As 4 or
5 Jays were constantly harrassing the Sharpie, I suspect the Heron had
better luck than the hawk. (report from Howard Shainheit).
- 10/8/03 -- Barre Falls Dam, Barre
-
Raptors today were Turkey Vulture 11;
Osprey 9;
Sharp-shinned Hawk 37;
Red-tailed Hawk 2;
American Kestrel 3.
Also,
a flock of 7 Blue Birds fed in the area. 8 Monarchs and 59 Canada Geese
were migrating. There were many Sharpie size dragonflies.
(report from Bart Kamp).
- 10/7/03 -- Barre Falls Dam, Barre
-
> Daily Raptor Counts: Oct 07, 2003
> -------------------------------------------------------------------
>
> Species Day's Count Month Total Season Total
> ------------------ ----------- -------------- --------------
> Black Vulture 0 0 0
> Turkey Vulture 32 64 108
> Osprey 9 63 217
> Bald Eagle 2 9 32
> Northern Harrier 0 11 33
> Sharp-shinned Hawk 80 336 808
> Cooper's Hawk 1 16 36
> Northern Goshawk 0 1 2
> Red-shouldered Hawk 0 2 4
> Broad-winged Hawk 6 31 1773
> Red-tailed Hawk 2 11 29
> Rough-legged Hawk 0 0 0
> Golden Eagle 0 0 0
> American Kestrel 7 41 201
> Merlin 3 14 28
> Peregrine Falcon 0 4 5
> Unknown 1 6 14
>
> Total: 143 609 3290
> ----------------------------------------------------------------------
> Observation start time: 07:30:00
> Observation end time: 14:30:00
> Total observation time: 7 hours
>
> Official Counter: Barton D. Kamp
>
> Observers: Barton D. Kamp, David Grant, Donna Schilling
>
> Observations:
> A steady flow of raptors throughout the day.
(report from Bart Kamp).
- 10/7/03 -- Upton
-
We had a warbler movement come through the yard today,
and it had my first massachusetts Chat. Seen for only a
few seconds and not relocated for the rest of the day.
Also we had 30-40 Yellow-Rumps, 7 Blackpoll, 1 palm, 4
Pine Warblers and a flyover Osprey.
(report from Nickilas Paulson).
- 10/7/03 -- Leesville Pond, Worcester
-
Tonight at Leesville Pond I had 31 A. Wigeon, 7 Green- winged Teal, 1 Pied- bill
Grebe (to the left) and 15 Wood Ducks. (report from John Shea).
- 10/7/03 -- Off Salisbury Street, near Park Ave., Worcester
-
She's back! The big COOPER'S HAWK has returned to my small yard and promptly
took one of the Rock Pigeons and is now sitting in the small maple
digesting.
(report from Mark Lynch/Sheila Carroll).
- 10/7/03 -- Institute Park, Worcester
- Highlights at noon were 2 Black-crowned Night Herons (both 1st
yr imm), 1 Belted Kingfisher, and 2 Yellow-bellied Sapsuckers. Also,
yesterday (10/6) there was a Pine Warbler singing. (report from
Rick Quimby).
- 10/6/03 -- Barre Falls Dam, Barre
-
> Barre, Massachusetts, USA
> Daily Raptor Counts: Oct 06, 2003
> -------------------------------------------------------------------
>
> Species Day's Count Month Total Season Total
> ------------------ ----------- -------------- --------------
> Black Vulture 0 0 0
> Turkey Vulture 15 32 76
> Osprey 17 54 208
> Bald Eagle 2 7 30
> Northern Harrier 2 11 33
> Sharp-shinned Hawk 104 256 728
> Cooper's Hawk 5 15 35
> Northern Goshawk 1 1 2
> Red-shouldered Hawk 1 2 4
> Broad-winged Hawk 5 25 1767
> Red-tailed Hawk 4 9 27
> Rough-legged Hawk 0 0 0
> Golden Eagle 0 0 0
> American Kestrel 13 34 194
> Merlin 3 11 25
> Peregrine Falcon 3 4 5
> Unknown 1 5 13
>
> Total: 176 466 3147
> ----------------------------------------------------------------------
> Observation start time: 07:30:00
> Observation end time: 15:00:00
> Total observation time: 7.5 hours
>
> Official Counter: Barton D. Kamp
>
> Observers: Barton D. Kamp, David Grant, Donna Schilling
> Observations:
A steady flow of raptors all day with a few lulls. 13 different species
were recorded.
>
> 38 Canada Geese, 2 Loons and 4 Monarchs.
(report from Bart Kamp).
- 10/5/03 -- Winnimusset Meadows/New Braintree
- Rodney Jenkins led 6 members of the Forbush Bird Club on a trip to New
Braintree, highlighted by a Sora rail, Peregrine Falcon, Scarlet Tananger,
and Bobolink.
Complete trip list.
(report from Joan Zumpfe).
- 10/5/03 -- downtown Worcester
-
Late afternoon: The adult PEREGRINE FALCON has returned to
downtown Worcester and was seen on the old Mechanic Banks Building.
(report from Mark Lynch/Sheila Carroll).
- 10/5/03 -- Barre Falls Dam, Barre
-
> Daily Raptor Counts: Oct 05, 2003
> -------------------------------------------------------------------
>
> Species Day's Count Month Total Season Total
> ------------------ ----------- -------------- --------------
> Black Vulture 0 0 0
> Turkey Vulture 13 17 61
> Osprey 26 35 189
> Bald Eagle 2 4 27
> Northern Harrier 2 8 30
> Sharp-shinned Hawk 29 151 623
> Cooper's Hawk 2 10 30
> Northern Goshawk 0 0 1
> Red-shouldered Hawk 1 1 3
> Broad-winged Hawk 2 20 1762
> Red-tailed Hawk 2 4 22
> Rough-legged Hawk 0 0 0
> Golden Eagle 0 0 0
> American Kestrel 13 21 181
> Merlin 2 6 20
> Peregrine Falcon 1 1 2
> Unknown 4 4 12
> Total: 99 282 2963
> ----------------------------------------------------------------------
> Observation start time: 09:00:00
> Observation end time: 16:00:00
> Total observation time: 7 hours
>
> Official Counter: David Grant, Donna Schilling
>
> Observers: Barton D. Kamp, David Grant, Don Gardella, Donna
Schilling
>
> Visitors:
Fran McMenemy, Joan Zumpfe, John Brenner and Nicole Veilleux
> Observations:
> Steady movement all day with the most birds in the last 2 hours.
>
> 10 Monarchs
(report from Bart Kamp).
- 10/5/03 -- Bolton Flats, Bolton
-
The Mass Audubon "Important Bird Areas" class had a trip to Bolton Flats
this morning. It was quite wet, and you had to walk through several
substantial puddles to just get around on the main roads. We did a complete
"walk through" from the Rt. 117 main entrance to the Rt. 110 "Red Barn" lot.
American Bittern (1);
Canada Goose (130);
Wood Duck (36);
Green-winged Teal (7);
A. Black Duck (1);
Mallard (54);
Turkey Vulture (1);
Osprey (1);
N. Harrier (minimally 2);
Sharp-shinned Hawk (11);
Cooper's Hawk (2);
N. Goshawk (1, toying with Red-tail);
Broad-winged Hawk (1);
Red-tailed Hawk (6);
A. Kestrel (1);
Merlin (1);
Virginia Rail (1);
A. Woodcock (2);
Ring-billed Gull (1);
E. Screech Owl (2);
Great Horned Owl (1);
Red-bellied Woodpecker (1);
Downy Woodpecker (6);
Hairy Woodpecker (2);
N. Flicker (5);
"empid sp." (2: most likely Leasts);
E. Phoebe (10);
Blue Jay (45);
Black-capped Chickadee (18);
Tufted Titmouse (6);
White-breasted Nuthatch (2);
Ruby-crowned Kinglet (1);
A. ROBIN (956: large flight at dawn, all heading south in several lose
flocks);
Gray Catbird (37);
A. Pipit (4);
Cedar Waxwing (17);
E. Starling (30+);
Yellow-rumped Warbler (9);
Black-throated Green Warbler (4);
Palm Warbler (14+ 1 "western");
Blackpoll (4);
C. Yellowthroat (19);
N. Cardinal (1);
SPARROWS:
Savannah (64);
NELSON'S SHARP-TAILED (1);
HENSLOW'S (1);
Nota bene: both of these birds were in the large deep weedy corner between
the main path, the cornfield and the crosspath. At dawn (our tip started at
6:30AM) , huge numbers of sparrows were in this area. We tried to refind
these birds by actually walking into the very deep (almost to my head) weeds
and flushing stuff out to the others on the road. But most flushed north to
other fields or across the road into the even deeper and wetter weeds.)
Song (99);
Lincoln's (29);
Swamp (156);
White-throated (24);
White-crowned (1imm);
Bobolink (3);
Red-winged Blackbird (1297: big flight throughout the AM in small flocks,
most heading SW);
Rusty Blackbird (7);
C. Grackle (52);
Purple Finch (6);
A. Goldfinch (3);
LATER, at the Fruitlands overlook:
Canada Goose (45);
Turkey Vulture (8);
Osprey (2);
Sharp-shinned Hawk (1);
Red-tailed Hawk (7);
Red-shouldered Hawk (1)
A. Kestrel (3);
Merlin (2);
N. Flicker (1);
PLUS: Spring Peeper (1 found and picked up); Ribbon Snake (1 very young
snake); E. Garter (2); Long-tailed Weasel (1).
(report from Mark Lynch/Sheila Carroll).
- 10/5/03 -- Mount Watatic, Ashburnham
-
Daily Raptor Counts: Oct 05, 2003
-------------------------------------------------------------------
Species Day's Count Month Total Season Total
------------------ ----------- -------------- --------------
Black Vulture 0 0 0
Turkey Vulture 1 1 2
Osprey 7 7 46
Bald Eagle 1 1 13
Northern Harrier 0 0 10
Sharp-shinned Hawk 4 4 142
Cooper's Hawk 1 1 13
Northern Goshawk 0 0 0
Red-shouldered Hawk 0 0 0
Broad-winged Hawk 2 2 4119
Red-tailed Hawk 2 2 4
Rough-legged Hawk 0 0 0
Golden Eagle 0 0 0
American Kestrel 1 1 45
Merlin 0 0 8
Peregrine Falcon 0 0 1
Unknown 2 2 10
Total: 21 21 4413
----------------------------------------------------------------------
Observation start time: 09:30:00
Observation end time: 13:00:00
Total observation time: 3.5 hours
Official Counter: Rachel Scherer
Observations:
The Osprey express was running right over the East side of the summit.
More jays than you could shake a stick at.
(report from Tom Pirro).
- 10/4/03 -- Petersham/Barre
-
I saw 30+ snow geese along with over 100+ canadians in a corn field between
Petersham and Barre around noon today on the old Petersham Road. This is the
1st sighting I've had of snow geese in this area in over 20 years of birding.
(report from Jeff Smith).
- 10/4/03 -- Broad Meadow Brook Sanctuary
-
Hilites from a walk through Broad Meadow Brook this morning: 1 Osprey flying
down the power lines, about 9 Snow Geese flew over heading south west,
Warblers: Common Yellowthroat 6, Magnolia 2, Blackpoll 22, Nashville 1, Black
and White 1, B.T. Blue 1, Yellow-rump 15, and Great Blue Heron 1.
(report from John Shea).
- 10/4/03 -- Quabbin Park, Quabbin Reservoir
-
We spent the morning in this southern-most section of Quabbin, the area
accessable off Rt. 9. The weather did not look promising, but we avoided any
real rain and there were some nice movements of birds despite the gray skies
and cold temps. What follows is a complete list:
Common Loon (26: only 2 were on the water, the rest were noted migrating and
for the most part heading west or WSW);
Double-crested Cormorant (2);
Great Blue Heron (3);
Snow Goose (1 flock of 122 heading west near dawn);
Canada Goose (126: several small flocks also heading west);
Common Merganser (1 flock, resting on rocks and in the water of 22 imm
birds);
Turkey Vulture (1);
Osprey (3);
Bald Eagle (1imm+2ad);
Sharp-shinned Hawk (4);
Cooper's Hawk (1);
Red-tailed Hawk (8);
Merlin (2);
Peregrine Falcon (1ad flew low right over the mergs and never gave them a
second look);
Ring-billed Gull (4);
Mourning Dove (3);
E. Screech Owl (1);
Red-bellied Woodpecker (5: this is my highest single location/Gate count for
Quabbin in c.30 years);
Yellow-bellied Sapsucker (2);
Downy Woodpecker (6);
Hairy Woodpecker (5);
N. Flicker (8);
Pileated Woodpecker (2);
BLUE JAY (673: we had flocks moving along the shore and through the trees.
From the Enfield Lookout, we had several large flocks flying south along the
Prescott all the way to the tip and then crossing the water);
A. Crow (35);
C. Raven (10: There is always something new to learn from ravens. This time
one bird continuously gave a call I swear was exactly like a Three-wattled
Bellbird. It was the damndest thing as it did it right in front of us over
and over);
Black-capped Chickadee (46);
Tufted Titmouse (9);
Red-breasted Nuthatch (31: where-ever Red Pines were found);
White-breasted Nuthatch (14);
House Wren (3);
Ruby-crowned Kinglet (7);
Veery (1);
Gray-cheeked Thrush (2);
Swainson's Thrush (1);
Hermit Thrush (3);
A. Robin (22);
Gray Catbird (24);
Brown Thrasher (1);
A. Pipit (2);
E. Starling (9: never that common IN Quabbin proper);
Blue-headed Vireo (4);
Red-eyed Vireo (4);
WARBLERS:
Nashville (2);
N. Parula (2);
Chestnut-sided (1);
Magnolia (1);
Black-throated Blue (1m);
Yellow-rumped (8);
Black-throated Green (6);
Pine (8);
Palm (4)
Blackpoll (68);
Black and White (3);
C. Yellowthroat (6);
Scarlet Tanager (1);
N. Cardinal (1);
E. Towhee (27);
Chipping Sparrow (42);
Field Sparrow (3);
Song Sparrow (4);
White-throated Sparrow (89);
Dark-eyed Junco (1);
A. Goldfinch (10);
PLUS: (1) River Otter really putting on a show leaping high out of the water
and splashing back down as if it was trying to pounce on something under the
water.
(report from Mark Lynch/Sheila Carroll).
- 10/3/03 -- Barre Falls Dam, Barre
-
> Daily Raptor Counts: Oct 03, 2003
> -------------------------------------------------------------------
>
> Species Day's Count Month Total Season Total
> ------------------ ----------- -------------- --------------
> Black Vulture 0 0 0
> Turkey Vulture 4 4 48
> Osprey 6 9 163
> Bald Eagle 2 2 25
> Northern Harrier 2 6 28
> Sharp-shinned Hawk 69 122 594
> Cooper's Hawk 4 8 28
> Northern Goshawk 0 0 1
> Red-shouldered Hawk 0 0 2
> Broad-winged Hawk 8 18 1760
> Red-tailed Hawk 1 2 20
> Rough-legged Hawk 0 0 0
> Golden Eagle 0 0 0
> American Kestrel 3 8 168
> Merlin 2 4 18
> Peregrine Falcon 0 0 1
> Unknown 0 0 8
> Total: 101 183 2864
> ----------------------------------------------------------------------
> Observation start time: 07:00:00
> Observation end time: 14:00:00
> Total observation time: 7 hours
>
> Official Counter: Barton D. Kamp
>
> Observers: Barton D. Kamp, David Grant, Don Gardella, Donna
Schilling
>
>
> Observations:
The Canada Geese were our clouds. We found many raptors while following
the
flocks of geese.
>
> 1893 Canada Geese and 11 Monarchs.
(report from Bart Kamp).
- 10/3/03 -- Institute Park, Worcester
- At noon today neither the Scoter nor the Shoveler were found. However,
there was an immature (1st year) Black-crowned Night Heron sunning itself
in a tree on the island. (report from Rick Quimby).
- 10/3/03 -- Blackstone National Corridor
-
Early this morning we checked several areas at the terminus of this National
Park.
- TURNER RESERVOIR/CENTRAL POND (part of the 10 Mile River waterway):
Pied-billed Grebe (1);
Double-crested Cormorant (4);
Great Blue Heron (1);
MUTE SWAN (270: most at the north end of Central Pond, a frightening number);
Canada Goose (206);
Wood Duck (2);
Green-winged Teal (3);
A. Wigeon (1m);
Mallard (78);
A. Black Duck (2);
Blue-winged Teal (1);
N. Shoveler (1m+2f);
Ruddy Duck (4);
Spotted Sandpiper (1);
- SEEKONK RIVER (from India Point to the Pawtucket line).
Nota Bene: With the
huge dumping of raw sewage at the north end of the Corridor into the
Blackstone mainstem last night from the Millbury treatment facility
(Millbury/Worcester line) , it will be interesting to see what effect, if
any, this has on the birds at the southern end of the Corridor. We have been
doing regular surveys of the Seekonk for several years now and it remains
THE most ciritical area for migratory and wintering waterfowl and gulls in
the entire Corridor. It also has a returning population of anadromous fish
and has even has had HARBOR SEALS in winter. On the news this morning it
was predicted that the sewage would reach Providence this morning. At Bold
Point, there was a sewage smell, but it could have been from other things.
On the eastern shore, some sort of waste material (white/gray); was starting
to come down in pieces, but this may have been from another source entirely.
This spill could not have happened at a worse time as Black Ducks are just
starting to build up here and migratory waterfowl put in an appearance. We
will continue to monitor this site every two weeks and will report results
here.
Double-crested Cormorant (136: the Seekonk is an important summering area
for immature birds and a stop over site for migrants);
Great Blue Heron (11);
Black-crowned Night Heron (1ad+1imm both from Bold Point, none along the
Seekonk proper);
Mute Swan (3);
Mallard (116);
A. Black Duck (54);
Cooper's Hawk (1ad);
A. Kestrel (1m);
Killdeer (1);
Spotted Sandpiper (1);
Ring-billed Gull (215);
Herring Gull (80);
Great Black-backed Gull (36);
Belted Kingfisher (1);
N. Flicker (7 heading north);
ORANGE-CROWNED WARBLER (1);
Blackpoll (6);
C. Yellowthroat (3);
Lincoln Sparrow (1);
- WOONSOCKET RESERVOIR, N. SMITHFIELD:
Great Blue Heron (2);
Turkey Vulture (1);
Killdeer (13);
Belted Kingfisher (1);
(report from Mark Lynch/Sheila Carroll).