October 2004 Central Mass Bird Sightings
Sightings are listed in reverse chronological order. The email
address of birders submitting reports, as well as other
Central Massachusetts birding info can be found via the
Central Mass Bird Update homepage.
Bird News:
Bird Sightings:
- 10/31/04 -- Reservoir St., Holden
-
Today in the little pond on the north side
of Holden Reservoir No. 1 off Reservoir Street in
Holden there was a juvenile Great Cormorant [see details
below], with 1
female C. Merganser and 2 Female H. Mergansers.
Also in Westboro today at Mill Pond there were 2 N.
Pintails, 1 A. Wigeon, and 1 Pied-Billed Grebe. And at
westboro Reservoir: 8 Bufflehead.
When I saw the cormorant I was immediately struck by
its large size as compared to the C. Merg. and by its
large white bill and a yellow chin. As compared to a
DCC which would have an orange bill. I got out the
scope to see the bird better. The bird appeared to
have a bulkier head and had a brown neck and white
belly. All sugesting a Juv. Great Cormorant. It was
completely unexpected as I have never
seen one this far inland and at first I would have
dismissed it as a DCC. But the bill really stood out
and made me think to recheck it with the scope.
(report from Nickilas Paulson).
- 10/31/04 -- Webster St., Douglas
- Today we had 20+ extremely vocal Pine Siskins at
our feeders on Webster St (= Route 16), just east of the
Douglas State Forest. They stayed around for most of the day.
(report from Mark Landon).
- 10/31/04 -- Barrows Rd., Worcester
-
This morning about 7:30 I had two Pine Siskins at my thistle feeder along
with the usual crew of Goldfinch. (report from Howard Shainheit).
- 10/31/04 -- Ware River Watershed IBA, Barre/Rutland
-
We spent much of the morning birding the wooded roads of the Ware River
Watershed IBA between Barre Falls Dam and Rutland SP. At this time of the
year, birds can be tough to find, few and far between in the extensive mixed
forest lots along the dirt roads. We started about an hour before dawn to
get some owling in. Actually our owl totals would have been higher, but the
wind kicked up for at least the last 15 minutes before dawn. At the end of
our trip, we spent about 30 minutes with the stalwart hawkwatchers at Barre
Falls Dam, who were having a fairly good day for so late in the season.
These dedicated observers will count here typically into December. Despite a
cloudy start, the day turned out quite mild and sunny and pleasant: a
beautiful day to watch the countless leaves migrate.
Canada Goose (2);
Ring-necked Duck (5: this area is not great for migrant ducks);
Turkey Vulture (1);
Bald Eagle (1ad);
Red-tailed Hawk (6);
Red-shouldered Hawk (1);
A Woodcock (1);
Ring-billed Gull (36 migrating);
Great Horned Owl (1);
Barred Owl (2: 1 flew in silently in response to a Saw-whet imitation. We
have had this happen many times in years past and I do NOT think it is out
of curiosity);
N. Saw-whet Owl (11);
Downy Woodpecker (8);
Hairy Woodpecker (4);
Blue Jay (25);
A Crow (14);
C Raven (2);
Black-capped Chickadee (146);
Tufted Titmouse (29);
Red-breasted Nuthatch (7: NO big flight this year);
White-breasted Nuthatch (15);
Brown Creeper (11);
Winter Wren (1);
Golden-crowned Kinglet (38);
Ruby-crowned Kinglet (7);
E Bluebird (7);
Hermit Thrush (8: low);
A Robin (132);
Gray Catbird (1);
Cedar Waxwing (9);
Yellow-rumped Warbler (3: soon to be gone from northern Worcester County as
November progresses);
N Cardinal (3);
A Tree Sparrow (1);
Chipping Sparrow (3);
Fox Sparrow (4: our first for the year);
Swamp Sparrow (4);
Song Sparrow (11);
White-throated Sparrow (18);
Dark-eyed Junco (69);
Snow Bunting (9: at the hawkwatch site);
Purple Finch (12);
Pine Siskin (5);
A Goldfinch (11);
C Grackle (125+);
PLUS: There were an amazing number of Spring Peepers calling before dawn
thanks to the warm temps (in the mid 60s);; also calling at that time were a
few katydids. We also had one medium-small sized bat sp. that flew low over
us several times. Several Meadowfly sp were seen as the morning progressed.
Amazingly, there were NO chipmunks seen or heard. In summer and early fall,
they are too numerous to count. The most interesting plant seen was a long
Stinkhorn.
(report from Mark Lynch/Sheila Carroll).
- 10/31/04 -- Wachusett Reservoir, Boylston
-
After the Ware River Watershed, we birded several stops at Wachusett
Reservoir, including a hike out to Scar Hill Cliffs (very windy per usual);.
Common Loon (5);
Double-crested Cormorant (5);
Canada Goose (5);
Wood Duck (4);
Mallard (3);
A Black Duck (46: these were in a huge raft off Scar Hill. At very first
blush (and hope); they appeared to be scoters far out. But after a lot of
time and study, we realized they were Black Ducks);
Bufflehead (1f);
Common Goldeneye (5m);
Turkey Vulture (1);
Bald Eagle (1ad: from South Bay);
Sharp-shinned Hawk (1ad);
Red-tailed Hawk (1);
Pine Siskin (3);
(report from Mark Lynch/Sheila Carroll).
- 10/31/04 -- Wachusett Reservoir and vicinity
- The Forbush Bird Clubs waterfowl trip to Wachusett Reservoir was held
today Sunday, October 31, 2004. The unusually warm weather and the colorful
foliage was enjoyed by nine club members. The number of individuals of the nine
species of ducks was lower than normal. The flock of Greater Scaup that has
normally been seen at the Waushacum lakes has disappeared this year. The
highlight of the trip was the four sightings of Bald Eagles. The four sightings
were most likely of the same two adult Bald Eagles. One of the eagles was seen
eating a meal on the nesting platform that was built, by the Division of
Fisheries and Wildlife, in a pine tree on Cemetery Island.
Complete trip list here
(report from Fran McMenemy).
- 10/31/04 -- Barre Falls Dam, Barre
- Raptors migrating today:
> -------------------------------------------------------------------
>
> Species Day's Count Month Total Season Total
> ------------------ ----------- -------------- --------------
> Black Vulture 0 0 0
> Turkey Vulture 4 248 266
> Osprey 0 42 202
> Bald Eagle 3 12 38
> Northern Harrier 1 20 40
> Sharp-shinned Hawk 4 500 960
> Cooper's Hawk 1 67 93
> Northern Goshawk 0 3 3
> Red-shouldered Hawk 2 43 43
> Broad-winged Hawk 0 54 3611
> Red-tailed Hawk 6 101 130
> Rough-legged Hawk 0 0 0
> Golden Eagle 0 3 3
> American Kestrel 0 71 171
> Merlin 0 27 37
> Peregrine Falcon 0 7 9
> Unknown 2 23 36
>
> Total: 23 1221 5642
> ----------------------------------------------------------------------
> Official Counter: Donna Schilling
>
> Observations: Also
9 Snow Buntings.
(report from Bart Kamp).
- 10/30/04 -- Blackstone National Corridor, RI
-
We conducted one of our standard point counts of the southern terminus of
the Corridor today despite intermittent showers.
- CENTRAL POND/TURNER RESERVOIR:
Double-crested Cormorant (2);
Great Blue Heron (1);
Mute Swan (127);
Canada Goose (104);
A Wigeon (13);
Mallard (108);
A Black Duck (2);
Ring-necked Duck (23);
Ruddy Duck (3);
Fish Crow (2);
Palm Warbler (1);
- SEEKONK RIVER: (scullers out in force as well as some boat fishermen)
Double-crested Cormorant (200);
Great Blue Heron (1);
Mute Swan (3);
Canada Goose (25);
Mallard (41);
A Black Duck (42);
WHITE-WINGED SCOTER (1f: off Swan Pt);
Red-tailed Hawk (1);
(report from Mark Lynch/Sheila Carroll).
- 10/29/04 -- Wachusett Mountain, Princeton
- At the summit, 24 Snow Buntings were busy taking off and
landing.(report from Brian Mulhearn)
- 10/29/04 -- Barre Falls Dam, Barre
- At Barre Falls today between 9:00 and 2:00 there was an adult Northern Shrike
hunting from several trees that surround the field adjacent to the hawk watch
site. In my back yard (Worcester) late this afternoon there was a Fox Sparrow at the
feeder.
(report from Bart Kamp).
- 10/28/04 -- Barre Falls Dam, Barre
- Raptors migrating today:
> -------------------------------------------------------------------
>
> Species Day's Count Month Total Season Total
> ------------------ ----------- -------------- --------------
> Black Vulture 0 0 0
> Turkey Vulture 0 243 261
> Osprey 0 42 202
> Bald Eagle 1 8 34
> Northern Harrier 0 19 39
> Sharp-shinned Hawk 7 496 956
> Cooper's Hawk 1 66 92
> Northern Goshawk 1 3 3
> Red-shouldered Hawk 4 41 41
> Broad-winged Hawk 0 54 3611
> Red-tailed Hawk 1 95 124
> Rough-legged Hawk 0 0 0
> Golden Eagle 0 3 3
> American Kestrel 0 71 171
> Merlin 0 27 37
> Peregrine Falcon 0 7 9
> Unknown 0 21 34
>
> Total: 15 1196 5617
> ----------------------------------------------------------------------
(report from Bart Kamp).
- 10/28/04 -- East Waushacum Pond, Sterling
-
This afternoon there were 1 female Black
Scoter, 1 female Surf Scoter, and 1 male Bufflehead. At the Wachusett
Reservoir there
were 4 Horned Grebe, 28 Long-tailed Duck, 12 Surf Scoter, 9 White-winged
Scoter, 4 Hooded Mergansers, 5 Common Mergansers, and 2 adult Bald Eagles, at
the gate 22 point, watching the 2,000 gull coming in to roost.
(report from Fran McMenemy).
- 10/27/04 -- Barre Falls Dam, Barre
- Raptors migrating today:
> Turkey Vulture 6 ;
> Northern Harrier 2 ;
> Sharp-shinned Hawk 11 ;
> Red-shouldered Hawk 2 ;
> Red-tailed Hawk 12 ;
> Golden Eagle 1 ;
> Observations:
The Golden Eagle was a juvenille.
(report from Bart Kamp)>
- 10/27/04 -- Crystal Lake, Gardner
-
There were two Black Scoters on Crystal Lake in Gardner this evening and
400-500 gulls were in for the evening roost.
(report from Tom Pirro).
- 10/26/04 -- Dudley Ponds and Marsh Road, Dudley
-
While attempting to count hundreds of Canada Geese at Larned Pond, I
spotted and counted a mixed flock of at least (some were diving) 52 Ring-necked
Ducks with 6 Wood Duck (4Drake, 2F). There were 22 Mallards and 8 American Black
Ducks in Mosquito Pond. Just beyond Pierpont Meadow's Audubon Sanctuary in a
grassy field were 22 Wild Turkeys.
(report from Joan Zumpfe).
- 10/24/04 -- Lake Quaboag and Brookfields
-
The Forbush Bird Club held a trip to Brookfield and Charlton on Sunday,
October 24, 2004. In spite of the weather being rather cold in the mid 40's, it
didn't feel it because the air was still. It became more windy by mid-morning. Rodney
Jenkins led 13 members in stops at Lake Quaboag, South Pond, Slab City and
Orlando's Farm. No Bald Eagles were seen nor were there any of the usual Ruddy
Ducks at the farm pond in Charlton. Highlights among the following 45 species
seen were the 2 species of Grebes, Horned and Red-necked at the lake and 2
Black-bellied Plovers at the farm.
Complete trip
list here (report from Joan Zumpfe).
- 10/24/04 -- Mt. Watatic, Ashburnham
-
Hilites from Hawkwatches conducted saturday 10/23 and Sunday 10/24 atop Mount
Watatic in Ashburnham, MA:
- 10/23/04:
Petti Staub, Tom McCullough and I covered Watatic on Saturday 10/23 (From
7:30AM EDT to 4:30PM EDT) Wind 10-15MPH NE (gusts to 20MPH), temp topped out
in the low 40's and 100% cloud cover:
Bald Eagle 1 adult;
Northern harrier 2;
Turkey Vulture 5;
Sharp-shinned hawk 37;
Coopers Hawk 7;
Red-shouldered Hawk 9;
Red-tailed Hawk 22;
American Kestel 2;
Total 86.
Also migrating :
Canada Goose 75;
Snow Goose 12;
C. Loon 1;
DC Cormorant 1;
Am. Crow 2522 migrating SW, a steady flow most
of the day some groups "kettling up" on thermals;
Co. Raven 28 one group of 16 an other of 12
soaring in thermal and moving SW;
Gulls 150 moving S all identifiable were
Herring Gulls mostly imm.;
Snow Bunting 1;
E. Bluebird 1;
...and one Northern Goshawk was in the area but appeared not to be migrating.
- 10/24/04:
Tom MCCullough and I covered Watatic on Sunday 10/24/04 Wind 10-15 MPH NE,
Temp never broke 40f , 100% cloud cover and light drizzle at times:
Turkey Vulture 1;
Northern Harrier 1;
Sharp-shinned Hawk 5;
Northern Goshawk 1 imm.;
Red-tailed Hawk 4;
Total 12.
Also migrating:
Canada Goose 80;
American Crow 306;
American Robin 140;
Gull Species 129 (majority imm. Herring);
Common Grackle 250;
(report from Tom Pirro).
- 10/24/04 -- Westboro WMA, Westboro
-
I walked around the Westboro Wildlife Management area and checked out the
ponds. Here are the highlights:
Horned Grebe (Lake Chauncey), Brown Creeper-3, Ruby-crowned Kinglet, E.
Bluebird-8, Palm Warbler-2 and the following Sparrows:
Chipping-2, Field-3, Savannah-5, FOX, Song-20+, Swamp-6, White-throated-5.
(report from Laura Lane).
- 10/24/04 -- Gate 40, Quabbin Reservoir
- A quick late afternoon walk yielded highlights: 3 Roughed Grouse,
1 Brown Creeper, 4 Golden-crowned kinglets, 1 Pileated Woodpecker,
and 3 Hermit Thrushes. My 2-year old daughter seemed more interested
in sticks on the ground than she was in the birds.
(report from Rick Quimby).
- 10/23/04 -- Turner's Falls canal/Deerfield/Quabbin Park
-
- Scott Surner, Val Miller and I started the day early at the Turner's Falls
Canal. When we arrived, Mike Resch was already on the ROSS' GOOSE, extremely
easy to spot among what eventually would be 829 Canada Geese and about 23
Mallards and 4 Double-crested Cormorants. For those of you who have never
birded this area, the gates open at 7AM, but you can walk in any time. The
canal is not terribly wide, so if the bird is here, you get very nice views.
At about 8:20AM, the Ross' Goose suddenly took off, gained some altitude and
headed NE and out of sight. It was immediatley followed by a group of about
35 Canadas, apparently following the Ross'. After that, the majority of the
Canadas left in small flocks one after the other, all heading in the same
direction. According to some locals who walk this canal regularly, the
timing of this flight out is pretty typical for the geese in the canal. They
probably headed to some fields nearby to feed but as reports to Massbird
have indicated, they evntually returned to the canal. Part of the reason
they returned may have to do with the fact that in these parts, the pheasant
hunting season is in full swing and many fields we came across had one or
more contingents of hunters with guns blasting away. Other birds at the
canal not mentioned by Mike's post included a Belted Kingfisher, a female
Common Goldeneye (could this be the same bird that has been here for years?),
and a Red-tailed Hawk.
- We then headed to the fields of DEERFIELD near the marsh. In very short
order we had:
Great Blue Heron (1);
Red-bellied Woodpecker (1);
Horned Lark (36);
American Pipit (50+);
Palm Warbler (1);
Savannah Sparrow (100+);
Song Sparrow (50+);
Swamp Sparrow (2: most seemed to have now moved through);
White-crowned Sparrow (2imm);
White-throated Sparrow (40+);
Dark-eyed Junco (3);
Rusty Blackbird (2);
Plus: hunter's everywhere, so think about wearing orange when out and about.
- Finally, we stopped by QUABBIN PARK, off Rt. 9. Birds were scarce, but we
found in our short stop:
Common Loon (2);
Ruby-crowned Kinglet (1);
Hermit Thrush (2);
Black-throated Blue Warbler (1m+1f).
(report from Mark Lynch).
- 10/23/04 -- Barre Falls Dam, Barre
- Raptors migrating today:
> Turkey Vulture 12 ;
> Osprey 3 ;
> Northern Harrier 4 ;
> Sharp-shinned Hawk 26 ;
> Cooper's Hawk 2 ;
> Northern Goshawk 1 ;
> Red-shouldered Hawk 5 ;
> Red-tailed Hawk 23 ;
> American Kestrel 1 ;
(report from Bart Kamp).
- 10/21/04 -- East Waushacum/Indian Lake, Sterling/Worcester
-
Today there were more than a dozen Pine Siskins on Dr. Blodget's feeders at
East Waushacum and there was a drake Surf Scoter at Indian Lake in Worcester.
(report from Bart Kamp).
- 10/20/04 -- Barre Falls Dam, Barre
- Raptors migrating today:
> Turkey Vulture 174 ;
> Osprey 1 ;
> Bald Eagle 2 ;
> Northern Harrier 5 ;
> Sharp-shinned Hawk 38 ;
> Cooper's Hawk 21 ;
> Red-shouldered Hawk 18 ;
> Red-tailed Hawk 16 ;
> American Kestrel 1 ;
> Merlin 5 ;
> Peregrine Falcon 1 ;
>
> Observations:
Steady movement of birds all day long. Nearly all of the Turkey Vultures
were headed in the same direction, southwest, today. Migrating together
were an adult pair of Northern Harriers. The two 2nd year Bald Eagles
passed within 15 minutes of each other.
Also 100's of migrating crows but only 30 Canada Geese.
(report from Bart Kamp).
- 10/20/04 -- Crystal Lake, Gardner
-
This morning there were 4 drake Surf Scoters on Crystal Lake, about 30 Am.
Crows appeared to be migrating and I heard 1 Greater Yellowlegs calling
repeatedly.
(report from Tom Pirro).
- 10/18/04 -- Wachusett Reservoir
-
I made a few stops along the reservoir this evening with only a few highlights:
Common Loon 22;
DC Cormorant 2;
Belted Kingfisher 1;
and at minimum 2500 gulls coming to roost....too dark and too distant to pick
out any "good" ones.
(report from Tom Pirro).
- 10/18/04 -- Barre Falls Dam, Barre
- Raptors migrating today:
> Bald Eagle 1 ;
> Sharp-shinned Hawk 62 ;
> Cooper's Hawk 11 ;
> Red-shouldered Hawk 2 ;
> Red-tailed Hawk 6 ;
> Golden Eagle 1 ;
> American Kestrel 3 ;
> Merlin 5 ;
> Observations:
The first Golden Eagle of the season was a juvenile. The pair of adult
Northern Goshawks in the area since August put on a spectacular aerial
display. (report from Bart Kamp).
- 10/17/04 -- Gardner area
-
Hiltes from birding around town sunday:
Northern harrier 1 Juv.;
Osprey 1;
Ring-necked Pheasant 1 hen ..... spished in while trying
to attact song birds;
Pileated Woodpecker 1;
Common Flicker 1;
E. Phoebe 4;
Raven 1;
Winter Wren 1;
Gray Catbird 1;
Hermit Thrush 6;
Am. Robin 250+ Most at High Ridge WMA;
Eastern Bluebird 1;
Ruby-crowned Kinglet 29 (I spished in 10 in one spot);
Golden-crowned Kinglet 10-15;
Blue Headed Vireo 3;
Yellow-rumped Warbler 60;
Palm Warbler 20;
Blackpoll Warbler 3;
Common Yellowthroat 3;
Savanaha Sparrow 10;
Junco 15;
Field Sparrow 1;
White-crowned Sparrow 7 (3 Adults, 4 Juv.);
White-throated Sparrow 30+ (one individual was lethargic
and appear sleeping on a back road, I approached with
about a foot and it eventually hopped in the woods....it may have been a
candiate
for a "rehabber"...but at least it ended up off the road);
Swamp Sparrow 20+;
Song Sparrow 65.
(report from Tom Pirro).
- 10/17/04 -- Barre Falls Dam, Barre
- Raptors migrating today:
> Osprey 4 ;
> Bald Eagle 2 ;
> Northern Harrier 1 ;
> Sharp-shinned Hawk 9 ;
> Cooper's Hawk 6 ;
> Northern Goshawk 1 ;
> Red-tailed Hawk 6 ;
> American Kestrel 1 ;
> Merlin 2 ;
(report from Bart Kamp).
- 10/17/04 -- Leesville Pond/Sterling Peat, Worcester/Sterling
-
Highlights from a class trip to Leesville Pond (Swedish Cemetery) and Sterling
Peat this morning:
- LEESVILLE POND / SWEDISH CEMETERY
Pied-billed Grebe (2);
Black-crowned Night-Heron (1 adult, 1 immature);
Turkey Vulture (2+);
Mute Swan (2);
Wood Duck (6);
American Wigeon (30);
American Black Duck (1);
Northern Pintail (1 female);
Green-winged Teal (10);
Hooded Merganser (1);
Belted Kingfirsher (1);
Red-bellied Woodpecker (1);
Eastern Phoebe (1);
Golden-crowned Kinglet (3);
American Robin (2);
Yellow-rumped Warbler (2);
Chipping Sparrow (4);
Song Sparrow (6);
White-throated Sparrow (12);
Red-winged Blackbird (1);
Common Grackle (15);
Also,
River Otter (1);
- STERLING PEAT
Pied-billed Grebe (1);
Double-crested Cormorant (1);
Turkey Vulture (1);
Sharp-shinned Hawk (1);
Red-tailed Hawk (2);
Eastern Phoebe (1);
American Robin (30+);
Yellow-rumped Warbler (4);
Palm Warbler (1);
Savannah Sparrow (1);
Song Sparrow (14);
Swamp Sparrow (4);
White-throated Sparrow (20);
Purple Finch (1 calling overhead);
(report from John Liller).
- 10/17/04 -- Westboro Wildlife Management Area, Westboro
-
I took a quick walk around the fields between Chauncey and Little Chauncey
Ponds this afternoon. I found a Pied-billed Grebe on Chauncey Pond and a
Palm Warbler.
(report from Laura Lane).
- 10/17/04 -- Quabbin Park/Brookfield/Sturbridge
-
- We started out this brilliant New England fall day birding Quabbin Park
(South Quabbin); off Rt. 9 in Belchertown. We birded part of our morning with
Scott Serner and Val Miller.
Common Loon (5);
Horned Grebe (4);
Double-crested Cormorant (2);
Canada Goose (11);
Ring-necked Duck (1);
Hooded Merganser (6imm);
Turkey Vulture (6);
Bald Eagle (1ad+minimally 3imm: nice show at Enfield Lookout);
Red-tailed Hawk (11);
Peregrine Falcon (1ad migrating over Ram);
Wild Turkey (8);
Greater Yellowlegs (1);
Ring-billed Gull (13);
Red-bellied Woodpecker (2);
Pileated Woodpecker (1);
Blue Jay (32: on the move!);
Common Raven (3);
Winter Wren (3);
Ruby-crowned Kinglet (8);
Golden-crowned Kinglet (6);
E Bluebird (3);
Yellow-rumped Warbler (13);
Chipping Sparrow (20);
Field Sparrow (3);
Savannah Sparrow (12: all on the Winsor Dam. At one point as I was walking
across, they all perched on the wall facing into the sun like they were
catching some rays);
Song Sparrow (6);
Swamp Sparrow (3);
White Crowned Sparrow (2imm);
White-throated Sparrow (10);
Dark-eyed Junco (26);
Red-winged Blackbird (16);
E Meadowlark (1: I heard this bird high in the air while walking over the
dam. It kept circling, giving the distinctive short buzzy note. I spished
frantically and eventually it landed on the wall close by. This has to be
the first time I have "spished in" a meadowlark);
Plus: River Otter and White-tailed Deer.
-
We then hit just two spots in Brookfields: Coys Brook and the WMA between
North (Quabog); and South Pond (Quacumquasitt);. Sparrows were all over the
WMA.
Great Blue Heron (1);
Canada Goose (95);
Sharp-shinned Hawk (1);
Red-tailed Hawk (1);
A Pipit (1);
Ruby-crowned Kinglet (6);
Orange-crowned Warbler (1);
Yellow-rumped Warbler (5);
Palm Warbler (1);
Grasshopper Sparrow (1);
Swamp Sparrow (97);
Song Sparrow (42);
White-crowned Sparrow (1imm);
White-throated Sparrow (138);
Dark-eyed Junco (4);
A Goldfinch (13);
Red-winged Blackbird (42);
Rusty Blackbird (30);
C Grackle (60);
Brown-headed Cowbird (30);
-
Last, we stopped off at Wild Bird Crossing in Sturbridge. While there, Bill
Cormier got a call from a customer that he had a flock of unusual ducks on
his pond. So, we took off and found a nice tight flock of 12 Black Scoters
(all drakes); on Big Alum Pond as well as (2); Ospreys.
Beautiful birding day among some stunning fall foliage.
(report from Mark Lynch/Sheila Carroll).
- 10/16/04 -- Wompanoag MAS, Gardner
-
Hawkwatching at the Wompanoag MAS in Gardner between 9am and 12:30PM on
saturday:
Osprey 6;
Sharp-shinned Hawk 8;
Coopers Hawk 1;
Red-tailed Hawk 1;
Turkey Vulture 3.
Also:
Eastern Meadowlark 2;
Pine Siskin 1;
Yellow-rumped Warbler 10+;
Palm Warbler ~10;
(report from Tom Pirro).
- 10/16/04 -- East Waushacum, Sterling
-
This morning at Sholan Park there was a female Surf Scoter feeding.
(report from Peter Morlock).
- 10/16/04 -- Barre Falls Dam, Barre
-
Raptors migrating today:
Osprey 2 ;
> Northern Harrier 2 ;
> Sharp-shinned Hawk 15 ;
> Cooper's Hawk 2 ;
> Red-tailed Hawk 1 ;
> Merlin 1 ;
> Unknown 2 ;
> Also, a migrating flock of 28 Brant. (report from Bart Kamp).
- 10/16/04 -- Blackstone Corridor RI
- We surveyed a few areas in the Rhode Island section of the BLACKSTONE
NATIONAL CORRIDOR:
- WOONSOCKET RESERVOIR, SMITHFIELD:
Double-crested Cormorant (1);
Mallard (4);
Killdeer (38);
Semipalmated Plover (1);
Lesser Yellowlegs (4);
Semipalmated Sandpiper (1);
Pectoral Sandpiper (2);
DUNLIN (1);
Belted Kingfisher (1);
Yellow-bellied Sapsucker (1);
Yellow-rumped Warbler (3);
- MANVILLE CROSSING OF BLACKSTONE:
Mute Swan (2);
Wood Duck (13);
Mallard (34);
Yellow-rumped Warbler (5);
- SNEETCH POND, CUMBERLAND:
Mute Swan (1);
Canada Goose (61);
Wood Duck (12);
Sharp-shinned Hawk (2);
Red-tailed Hawk (2);
Ruby-crowned Kinglet (7);
Yellow-rumped Warbler (8);
Swamp Sparrow (5);
Rusty Blackbird (1);
- CUMBERLAND RESERVOIRS (Diamond Hill and Arnold's Mills);:
Double-crested Comortant (6);
Great Blue Heron (1);
Canada Goose (167);
BRANT (1 with a large flock of Canadas);
Mallard (6);
Red-tailed Hawk (2);
Killdeer (7);
AMERICAN GOLDEN PLOVER (1juv);
Belted Kingfisher (1);
Red-bellied Woodpecker (2);
Tree Swallow (109: hawking for insects over Diamond Hill Reservoir);
- TURNER RESERVOIR/CENTRAL POND, EAST PROVIDENCE:
Double-crested Cormorant (10);
Mute Swan (210);
Canada Goose (99);
Wood Duck (2);
American Wigeon (39);
Gadwall (1);
Mallard (98);
American Black Duck (3);
Ring-necked Duck (1);
Ruddy Duck (5);
Red-tailed Hawk (2);
Red-shouldered Hawk (1 attacking one of the Red-tails);
Lesser Black-backed Gull (1 1stW);
Belted Kingfisher (1);
Tree Swallow (6);
Yellow-rumped Warbler (7);
- SEEKONK RIVER standard count route:
Double-crested Cormorant (209);
Mute Swan (8);
Gadwall (1);
Mallard (15);
A Black Duck (29);
Turkey Vulture (5);
Belted Kingfisher (3);
Red-bellied Woodpecker (1);
Yellow-rumped Warbler (8);
NOTA BENE: few birds as the water level was still high. The high point of
our Seekonk count today wasn't a bird at all but a large RED-EARED SLIDER in
the tiny artificial pond in Swan Point Cemetery. Undoubtably some time in
the 50s or 60s, some child bought one of those poor small green turtles from
the local pet shop and (perhaps);, sick of it, released it here.
(report from Mark Lynch/Sheila Carroll).
- 10/14/04 -- Barre Falls Dam, Barre
- Raptors migrating today:
> Turkey Vulture 15 ;
> Osprey 5 ;
> Sharp-shinned Hawk 24 ;
> Cooper's Hawk 2 ;
> Red-shouldered Hawk 2 ;
> Red-tailed Hawk 2 ;
> Merlin 1 ;
> Peregrine Falcon 2 ;
(report from Bart Kamp).
- 10/14/04 -- Lake Ramshorn, Millbury
-
There was a horned grebe working the eastern shore of Lake Ramshorn in
Millbury today. It totally ignored me as it dove and resurfaced sometimes as
close
as 5 yards away. No binoculars were needed to see its beautiful red eye.
(report from Alan Marble).
- 10/14/04 -- Institute Park, Worcester
- Today at noon there was 1 DC Cormorant, 6 Song Sparrows, 3 White-throated
Sparrows, 1 WHITE-CROWNED SPARROW, and 6 Dark-eyed Juncos. (report
from Rick Quimby).
- 10/13/04 -- Barre Falls Dam, Barre
- Raptors migrating today:
> Osprey 1 ;
> Sharp-shinned Hawk 29 ;
> Cooper's Hawk 2 ;
> Red-tailed Hawk 4 ;
> American Kestrel 11 ;
> Merlin 2 ;
(report from Bart Kamp).
- 10/12/04 -- Barre Falls Dam, Barre
- Raptors migrating today:
> Turkey Vulture 8 ;
> Osprey 4 ;
> Bald Eagle 1 ;
> Northern Harrier 1 ;
> Sharp-shinned Hawk 42 ;
> Cooper's Hawk 5 ;
> Red-tailed Hawk 3 ;
> American Kestrel 12 ;
> Merlin 1 ;
> Peregrine Falcon 1 ;
> Observations:
Birds were mostly at tree top level.
>
> Also, 1 Common Loon, 146 Canada Geese and 2 Tree Swallows.
(report from Bart Kamp).
- 10/11/04 -- Barre Falls Dam, Barre
- Raptors migrating today:
> Turkey Vulture 6 ;
> Osprey 5 ;
> Sharp-shinned Hawk 60 ;
> Cooper's Hawk 4 ;
> Red-shouldered Hawk 1 ;
> Red-tailed Hawk 3 ;
> American Kestrel 6 ;
> Merlin 4 ;
> Peregrine Falcon 2 ;
> Unknown 2 ;
>
> Also, 20 Brant, 63 Double-crested Cormorants and 340 Canada geese were
migrating.
Yesterday (10/10/04) migrants were:
> Turkey Vulture 10 ;
> Osprey 4 ;
> Sharp-shinned Hawk 26 ;
> Cooper's Hawk 4 ;
> Red-tailed Hawk 1 ;
> American Kestrel 4 ;
> Merlin 3 ;
(report from Bart Kamp).
- 10/8/04 -- PierPont Meadow, Dudley
- On 10/7 I walked down the Mass Audubon trail at PierPont
Meadow in Dudley. I saw and heard a Red-shouldered Hawk. At the ponds on
Dudley-Oxford Road there was a pair of Wood Ducks and about 200 Canada Geese.
Today at Lake Quaboag in Brookfield, no Great Egret was seen, but I
did see an adult Bald Eagle and a Great Blue Heron.
(report from Joan Zumpfe).
- 10/6/04 -- Barrows Rd., Worcester
- Today there were 4 Juncos in my yard. Also, at Broad Meadow Brook,
the Solitary Sandpiper is still present. (report from Howard Shainheit)
- 10/6/04 -- Barre Falls Dam, Barre
- Raptors migrating today:
> Turkey Vulture 4 ;
> Osprey 1 ;
> Sharp-shinned Hawk 16 ;
> Red-tailed Hawk 8 ;
Yesterday (10/5) there were:
> Turkey Vulture 3 ;
> Sharp-shinned Hawk 12 ;
> American Kestrel 2 ;
(report from Bart Kamp).
- 10/4/04 -- Lake Quaboag, Brookfield
-
The Great Egret was seen again this afternoon at Lake Quaboag
in Brookfield. There also were 2 Double-crested Cormorants and a Great Blue
Heron.
(report from Joan Zumpfe).
- 10/4/04 -- Barre Falls Dam, Barre
- Raptors migrating today:
> Turkey Vulture 1 ;
> Osprey 6 ;
> Northern Harrier 1 ;
> Sharp-shinned Hawk 26 ;
> Broad-winged Hawk 1 ;
> Red-tailed Hawk 1 ;
> American Kestrel 23 ;
> Merlin 2 .
(report from Bart Kamp).
- 10/4/04 -- Bolton Flats, Bolton
-
This evening I birded the north side of RTE117, mostly to enjoy the evening
roost of blackbirds and Robins.....and see what else was around. The hilites:
Green-winged Teal ~20;
Wood Duck 216 coming into roost after sunset;
Great Blue Heron 1;
Northern Harrier 1 juv.;
Wilson's Snipe 5;
Winter Wren 1;
Am. Robin ~5000 more or less...but probably more;
Common grackle ~1000;
Red-winged Blackbird ~1000;
Several Song, White-throated and Swamp Sparrows.
(report from Tom Pirro).
- 10/3/04 -- Winimusset Meadows, New Braintree
- The Forbush Bird Club held a trip on Sunday, October 3, 2004 in New
Braintree in the Winimusset Meadows area and at the farm fields on Wine Road.
Rodney Jenkins led the trip attended by 12 members on a cool but comfortable,
sunny and calm day with temperatures that ranged from 45 to 60. Highlights
among the 57 species observed were: a Merlin, American Pipits, an
Eastern Wood-Pewee and large numbers of sparrows.
Complete trip
list here.
(trip report from Joan Zumpfe).
- 10/3/04 -- Auburn Bird Banding Station, Auburn
- Not much to report from the Auburn Bird Banding Station this weekend,
with the exception of the Gray-cheeked Thrushes we caught and banded, one
Saturday, and one Sunday. That's another first for us. (report from Colleen Morin).
- 10/3/04 -- Templeton
-
Hilites from a visit to the Norcross, Elliot and Church Hills (aka The Fernald
School and now know as the Templeton Developement Center:
Canada Goose 225;
Wood Duck 3;
Northern Harrier 2 (1 Juv. and 1 Adult Male);
Sharp-shinned Hawk 1;
Killdeer 6;
Wild turkey only 3 seen;
American Pipit ~75 a single large flock;
Pileated Woodpecker 1;
Ruby-crowned Kinglet 5;
Magnolia Warbler 2;
Northern Parula 2;
Black-thr green Warbler 2;
Blackpoll Warbler 3;
Yellow-rumped Warbler ~25;
Palm Warbler ~10;
White Thr. Sparrow ~10;
Lincoln's Sparrow 1;
Field Sparrow 1;
Baltimore Oriole 1
(report from Tom Pirro).
- 10/3/04 -- Bolton Flats, Bolton
-
Highlights during my class trip to Bolton Flats:
Turkey Vulture (7);
Wood Duck (5);
Northern Harrier (1 immature);
Sharp-shinned Hawk (1);
Cooper's Hawk (1);
Red-tailed Hawk (1 immature);
Killdeer (1);
Belted Kingfisher (1);
Hairy Woodpecker (1);
Northern Flicker (2);
Eastern Phoebe (6);
House Wren (1);
Eastern Bluebird (1 heard);
American Robin (50+);
Gray Catbird (3);
American Pipit (2);
Yellow-rumped Warbler (6);
Common Yellowthroat (4);
Field Sparrow (2);
Savannah Sparrow (20+);
Song Sparrow (30+);
Lincoln's Sparrow (3);
Swamp Sparrow (30+);
White-throated Sparrow (30+);
Red-winged Blackbird (100s);
Common Grackle (3-4);
(report from John Liller).
- 10/3/04 -- Barre Falls Dam, Barre
- Raptors migrating today:
> Osprey 1 ;
> Bald Eagle 1 ;
> Northern Harrier 1 ;
> Sharp-shinned Hawk 13 ;
> Cooper's Hawk 3 ;
> Broad-winged Hawk 1 ;
> Red-tailed Hawk 7 ;
> American Kestrel 4 .
(report from Bart Kamp).
- 10/3/04 -- Gate 45, Quabbin Reservoir
-
We spent the entire morning hiking Gate 45, Quabbin, in Hardwick (originally
part of the old Quabbin town Greenwich);. This is one of my favorite hikes in
Quabbin: through large tracts of forest (mostly oaks and maples, with some
stands of alders/birch in the old fields); with a few overgrown fields, two
nice small wooded swamps and finally (after a loooong descent); a nice view
along the shore of the "big" water, looking directly west to the Prescott.
At that point you are south of Shaft 12 and south of the boat fishing line.
The tower at Quabbin Park is in view in the distance to your left.
Typically, this is a great hike during the breeding season, with a wide
variety of warblers, flycatchers (including Acadian in years past);, vireos
et. BUT: At this time of the year, the birding can be pretty challenging,
but the scenery of the foliage starting to change and the typical deep quiet
of the spot make the hike always worthwhile. Total hike was probably
c.5miles.
Great Blue Heron (1);
Canada Goose (11);
Wood Duck (16);
Green-winged Teal (2);
Mallard (12);
A Black Duck (9);
Blue-winged Teal (1);
Ring-necked Duck (2);
Bald Eagle (1ad that flew past so close to us while we were on the shore
that we could have bonked it with the pretzels we were eating at the time);
Red-tailed Hawk (3);
Ruffed Grouse (1);
Solitary Sandpiper (2);
Ring-billed Gull (4);
Belted Kingfisher (2);
Red-bellied Woodpecker (2m);
Downy Woodpecker (6);
Hairy Woodpecker (5);
N Flicker (1);
Pileated Woodpecker (3);
E Phoebe (5);
Blue Jay (29);
A Crow (2);
Black-capped Chickadee (32);
Tufted Titmouse (11);
White-breasted Nuthatch (16: amazingly, NO Red-breasteds. It looks like no
big flight this year);
Brown Creeper (8);
Winter Wren (3: we watched one bird very closely as it ducked mouse-like in
and around a stone wall in right front of us, periodically stopping to scold
us);
Ruby-crowned Kinglet (17: our first significant movement this fall);
Golden-crowned Kinglet (7);
E Bluebird (3);
Hermit Thrush (8);
A Robin (2);
Gray Catbird (6);
Blue-headed Vireo (1);
Red-eyed Vireo (1);
Yellow-rumped Warbler (29);
Black-throated Green Warbler (1);
Pine Warbler (3);
Palm Warbler (1);
Blackpoll (44: feeding at dawn in the sunlit alders);
A Redstart (1);
Connecticut Warbler (1imm);
C Yellowthroat (3);
E Towhee (8);
Song Sparrow (2);
White-throated Sparrow (27);
Dark-eyed Junco (12);
Red-winged Blackbird (1);
C Grackle (2);
PLUS: besdies the typical myriad chipmunks and Red Squirrels, we had amazing
views of 4 River Otters. 2 we watched at legnth fairly close, as they
cavorted atop a large beaver lodge, rolling around, making some rather wild
calls too.
(report from Mark Lynch/Sheila Carroll).
- 10/2/04 -- Broad Meadow Brook Sanctuary, Worcester
-
Highlights this pm:
Solitary Sandpiper 1;
Red-bellied Woodpecker 5;
Yellow-bellied Sapsucker 1;
Flicker 1;
House Wren 1;
Carolina Wren 1;
Red-eyed Vireo 2;
Blue-headed Vireo 1;
Gray Catbird 5;
Am. Robin ~15;
Golden-crn Kinglet 2;
Ruby Crn Kinglet 1;
Nashville Warber 1;
Blk- Thr Green Warbler 2;
Northern Parula 2;
Yellow-rumped Warbler 55;
Blackpoll Warbler 10;
Black and White Warbler 3;
Am. Redstart 1;
Eastern Towhee 8;
White-thr. Sparrow ~25;
Song Sparrow 5;
(report from Tom Pirro).
- 10/2/04 -- Westboro WMA, Westboro
-
We birded several sections of the Westboro WMA. As the fog started to lift,
birds began to disperse. Some of the greatest numbers of birds were in a
large mixed species flock moving past the model airplane field, though many
of these seemed to be just moving through. We bumped into Timothy Spahr,
Barbara Vokle and Steve Moore, and they likely will have some other species
and/or numbers. Note bene: for people wishing to bird this undercovered WMA
(it's great in the fall!): get here as early as possible: as soon as the
folks walking their dogs get out, birds like sparrows gets a lot tougher to
see stuff. Also: be aware that the pheasant season starts on Columbus Day
weekend. At that point, only visit here on Sunday till the end of the
hunting season. Though the impoundment north of Chauncy Lake is posted NO
HUNTING/SAFETY ZONE, people with guns have been spotted here.
Virginia Rail (1);
Red-bellied Woodpecker (1);
Yellow-bellied Sapsucker (1);
Downy Woodpecker (8);
N Flicker (3);
E Phoebe (24);
Blue-headed Vireo (1);
Blue Jay (15);
Black-capped Chickadee (13);
White-breasted Nuthatch (5);
Carolina Wren (4);
House Wren (5);
Golden-crowned Kinglet (2);
E Bluebird (28);
Hermit Thrush (2);
A Robin (125);
Gray Catbird (57);
N Mockingbird (2);
Cedar Waxwing (7);
WARBLERS:
Nashville (1);
Yellow-rumped (21);
Pine (1);
Palm (28);
Blackpoll (2);
A Redstart (1);
C Yellowthroat (11);
SPARROWS:
E Towhee (7);
Chipping (75);
Clay-colored (1: much less regular in Worcester County than on the coast);
Savannah (16);
Song (78);
Lincoln's (8);
Swamp (36);
White-throated (74);
N Cardinal (19);
Indigo Bunting (1);
Red-winged Blackbird (9);
Rusty Blackbird (3: these are very regular every fall and spring north of
Chauncy);
C Grackle (2);
Purple Finch (2);
House Finch (42);
A Goldfinch (11);
(report from Mark Lynch/Sheila Carroll).
- 10/1/04 -- Barre Falls Dam, Barre
- Raptors migrating today:
> Turkey Vulture 2 ;
> Osprey 5 ;
> Northern Harrier 2 ;
> Sharp-shinned Hawk 71 ;
> Cooper's Hawk 1 ;
> Broad-winged Hawk 52 ;
> American Kestrel 3 ;
> Merlin 1 ;
> Peregrine Falcon 1 ;
> Observations:
Sharpies and broadwings seemed to be everywhere just after the fog burned
off about 10:00 AM EDT. By 11:30 AM EDT the numbers of birds had become
few and far between.
>
> Also, 48 Canada Geese, 1 Tree Swallow and 2 Monarchs.
A flock of 15 Ravens.
(report from Bart Kamp).
- 10/1/04 -- Lake Quaboag, Brookfield
- This afternoon there was 1 Great Egret as
well as a few Mallards and a Great Blue Heron. Larry Hatstat stopped by and
said he has spotted the egret rather frequently lately as well as 2 adult Bald
Eagles there.
(report from Joan Zumpfe).
For previous sightings, see
September 2004 Archives or
Archive Index