October 2005 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:

10/1/05 -- See the Oct. 1 report for Chris Ellison's latest extended trip narrative
10/9/05 -- WICN radio interview on bird ID and behavior
10/19/05 -- Birder's Tour of the Worcester Art Museum
10/23/05 -- The Forbush Club trip to Lake Quaboag has been cancelled.
11/10/05 -- Public Reading by Author David Gessner

Bird Sightings:

10/30/05 -- Wachusett Reservoir and Vicinity Trip

Highlights of a Forbush Bird Club trip to the Wachusett Reservoir and other nearby locations were Ruddy Ducks, a Red-breasted Merganser and both Golden and Ruby-crowned Kinglets. Complete trip list of the 26 species observed (report from Joan Zumpfe).

10/30/05 -- Wompanoag MAS, Gardner

Hawkwatching this morning at the Wompanoag MAS in Gardner: Turkey Vulture 1; Northern Harrier 1; Sharp-shinned Hawk 4; Coopers Hawk 2; Red-shouldered Hawk 1; Red-tailed Hawk 9. Also: American Crow 419 Migrants; Horned Lark 3; Evening Grosbeak at least 2 calling as the flew past, I never saw them, but only a few birds were calling. (report from Tom Pirro).

10/30/05 -- Woonsocket Reservoir/Cumberland, RI

We did some waterfowl birding first thing this morning (when it was still VERY cold and windy):

WOONSOCKET RESERVOIR (Lincoln/Smithfield);: Mallard (1); A Black Duck (3); Ring-necked Duck (96); Lesser Scaup (10); Hooded Merganser (9); Ruddy Duck (17); Killdeer (4);

SNEETCH POND, CUMBERLAND: few ducks, but a nice assortment of landbirds in some bushes. Pied-billed Grebe (2); Canada Goose (2); A Black Duck (3); Ring-necked Duck (3); Red-tailed Hawk (2); Killdeer (4); N Flicker (5); Carolina Wren (4); Golden-crowned Kinglet (6); Gray Catbird (6); Yellow-rumped Warbler (8); C Yellowthroat (1); Lincoln's Sparrow (1); Swamp Sparrow (2); Song Sparrow (5); White-throated Sparrow (30+); Dark-eyed Junco (15+); PLUS: Eastern Painted Turtles still out. DIAMOND HILL+ARNOLDS MILLS RESERVOIRS, CUMBERLAND: again, few ducks: Common Loon (1); Canada Goose (38); Mallard (2); Common Goldeneye (2m+2f: my first of the fall); Bufflehead (1m: ditto); Hooded Merganser (8); Ruddy Duck (5); Red-tailed Hawk (1); (report from Mark Lynch/Sheila Carroll).

10/30/05 -- Sudbury and Wachusett Reservoirs

After spending the first part of the morning birding Rhode Island (the Blackstone National Corridor), we headed to Southboro MA to the Sudbury Reservoir. This small reservoir is great in fall for migrating waterfowl and is an IBA. But because the shoreline is so irregular (like some kind of crazy fractal landscape), it takes some hiking into several areas to get to where you can actual see where the waterfowl hang out. This includes the wonderful Emerald Necklace Trail on the eastern shoreline. Common Loon (1); Pied-billed Grebe (5); Great Blue Heron (2); Double-crested Cormorant (3); Canada Goose (135); Mallard (15); Ring-necked Duck (919); Lesser Scaup (17); Canvasback (8: regular here); Redhead (2m+1f); Hooded Merganser (12); Ruddy Duck (66); Red-tailed Hawk (4); American Coot (2); Eastern Phoebe (1); Brown Creeper (3); Ruby-crowned Kinglet (3); Golden-crowned Kinglet (22); Eastern Bluebird (2); Gray Catbird (1); Yellow-rumped Warbler (23); PLUS: Eastern Comma (1); Mourning Cloak (1), Short-tailed Weasel (1). Many Balloon Spider's webs.

Then, later in the PM: WACHUSETT RESERVOIR: Red-throated Loon (1); Common Loon (14); Horned Grebe (1); Red-necked Grebe (2); Double-crested Cormorant (5); Great Blue Heron (1); Canada Goose (11); Mallard (12); A Black Duck (1); White-winged Scoter (3); RED-BREASTED MERGANSER (7: in one tight flock, the most I have ever seen here); AMERICAN GOLDEN PLOVER (2: flew overhead in beautiful light heading south); Eastern Bluebird (1); Yellow-rumped Warbler (9); Savannah Sparrow (1); Snow Bunting (8); PLUS: River Otter (1) and MONARCH (1) migrating c.4PM, heading high and south. (report from Mark Lynch/Shiela Carroll).

10/30/05 -- the "boro" ponds

Highlights from my class trip today:

SUASCO - Westborough Mute Swan (6); Canada Goose (7); Ruddy Duck (1); Pied-billed Grebe (5); Double-crested Cormorant (3); Great Blue-Heron (5); Great Black-backed Gull (1); possible Iceland Gull (We saw a very light gull, the size of a Herring Gull, that showed absolutely no contrast at the tips of it primaries. Unfortunately, it disappeared before we could a better look.);

CHAUNCY POND - Westborough Northern Banded Water Snake (1);

LITTLE CHAUNCY POND - Northboro Mute Swan (2); Pied-billed Grebe (1); Great Blue Heron (1);

BARTLETT POND - Northboro Mute Swan (8);

FORT MEADOW RESERVOIR - Marlboro (quick stop); Canada Goose (12 - some of the birds were noticeably somewhat smaller); Ruddy Duck (150+); Pied-billed Grebe (2); Double-crested Cormorant (2); American Coot (1);

Other highlights: Red-tailed Hawk Carolina Wren Ruby-crowned Kinglet Golden-crowned Kinglet Cedar Waxwing Yellow-rumped Warbler Common Grackle (report from John Liller).

10/29/05 -- South Quabbin Reservoir (Quabbin Park)

We started the morning at dawn at Quabbin Park. It was pretty windy, particularly at the Administration Building, where the wind was right in your face. This combined with temps in the low 30s made for a "bracing" morning and generally low numbers of passerines (but see below);: Horned Grebe (tight flock of 5); A Black Duck (2); Greater Scaup (2f); Black Scoter (35: 1 tight flock w/2 females. At one point the sun came out briefly and the flock was quite close and it we had a wonderful view of one gang of brightly colored "butterbills"); Surf Scoter (14); Hooded Merganser (6); Common Merganser (5); Bald Eagle (1ad); Red-tailed Hawk (3: there was also a decent movement of this species today); Wild Turkey (8); Killdeer (7: State Trout Hatchery); Ring-billed Gull (7); Herring Gull (1: nota bene: except for 1 Ringie, all gulls at the state trout hatchery); Downy Woodpecker (3); Hairy Woodpecker (2); Blue Jay (12); AMERICAN CROW (77: constant migratory movement everywhere we went today, all heading SW or WSW); Common Raven (2); Black-capped Chickadee (81); White-breasted Nuthatch (4); Brown Creeper (1); Golden-crowned Kinglet (16); Ruby-crowned Kinglet (1); Eastern Bluebird (1f); Hermit Thrush (2); A Robin (1); Yellow-rumped Warbler (2); Pine Warbler (1 feeding on ground); Field Sparrow (2); Swamp Sparrow (1); Song Sparrow (2); White-throated Sparrow (16); Dark-eyed Junco (70); Snow Bunting (10); N Cardinal (2); Purple Finch (1); A Goldfinch (8);

PELHAM OVERLOOK: Red-tailed Hawk (3); Common Raven (2); American Crow (40 crossing the Prescott and heading SW);

SOUTH NEW SALEM: Sharp-shinned Hawk (1); Red-tailed Hawk ( kettle of 5: we had another 12 Red-taileds moving all along Rt.202 and 122 to Barre); A Crow (flock of 28 heading SSW. Nota bene: all along Rts 202 and 122 we had several flocks of 15-30 moving generally SW or west);); Winter Wren (3); Dark-eyed Junco (35+);

HARVARD POND, PETERSHAM: Canada Goose (52); Wood Duck (10); Mallard (1); A Black Duck (6); Green-winged Teal (5); Blue-winged Teal (1); Hooded Merganser (3);

PLUS: en route home we stopped and viewed some FRINGED GENTAINS (State Listed) one of the last blooms (with Witch Hazel); for the year. The deep, dark blue of this wildflower is one of the great natural pleasures of late fall.) (report from Mark Lynch).

10/29/05 -- Barre Falls Dam, Barre

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Species            Day's Count    Month Total   Season Total
------------------ ----------- -------------- --------------
Black Vulture                0              1              1
Turkey Vulture               3            205            228
Osprey                       0              9            150
Bald Eagle                   0              9             58
Northern Harrier             3              9             18
Sharp-shinned Hawk          21            621           1037
Cooper's Hawk                7             47             60
Northern Goshawk             1              3              3
Red-shouldered Hawk          3             27             27
Broad-winged Hawk            0            192          16896
Red-tailed Hawk             49            166            171
Rough-legged Hawk            0              0              0
Golden Eagle                 0              1              3
American Kestrel             0             57            131
Merlin                       0             21             46
Peregrine Falcon             0              2              7
Unknown                      0             17             35

Total:                      87           1387          18871
----------------------------------------------------------------------

Raptor Observations: Only one raptor seen between 1:00 and 3:00 EDT. Non-raptor Observations: 100's of gulls and crows. (report from Bart Kamp).

10/28/05 -- Mount Watatic, Ashburnham

Migrating today were: Turkey Vulture 17 ; Northern Harrier 2 ; Sharp-shinned Hawk 12 ; Cooper's Hawk 3 ; Red-shouldered Hawk 3 ; Red-tailed Hawk 20 ; Golden Eagle 1 . Raptor Observations: GE adult at 1:45 EST Non-raptor Observations: Non raptor migrants passing the hill: Canada Goose 68; American Crow 1737; American Robin 118; (report from Tom Pirro).

10/28/05 -- Wachusett Reservoir/West Waushacum, Clinton/Sterling

From the north dike at Wachusett: 4 common loons, 3 double-crested comorants and a flock of about 10 eastern bluebirds flying around and landing in the trees behind the dike. At West Waushacum: 1 female ruddy duck, 2 lesser scaup, 2 palm warblers and 5 yellow-rumped warblers. (report from Alan Marble).

10/27/05 -- Mount Watatic, Ashburnham: Migrating today were: Turkey Vulture 13 ; Northern Harrier 2 ; Sharp-shinned Hawk 9 ; Cooper's Hawk 2 ; Red-shouldered Hawk 14 ; Red-tailed Hawk 52 . Raptor Observations: hilight was a kettle of 11 RT's (good for this site). Non-raptor Observations: 60 migrating Canada Geese, 724 migrating American Crows. (report from Tom Pirro).
10/27/05 -- Flint Pond, Shrewsbury: Today there were 5 Pied-billed Grebes, 4 Ring -necked Duck,1 Osprey, 1 Killdeer and 1 Red- bellied Woodpecker( haven't seen one for a long time). (report from John Shea).
10/27/05 -- Barre Falls Dam, Barre: Turkey Vulture 3 ; Northern Harrier 2 ; Sharp-shinned Hawk 27 ; Cooper's Hawk 2 ; Red-tailed Hawk 20 ; American Kestrel 1 ; Merlin 1 . Raptor Observations: Raptors were hard to find when it got cloudy. Non-raptor Observations: 1 immature northern shrike, 5 American pipits and 100's of migrating crows. (report from Bart Kamp).
10/27/05 -- Newton Hill, Worcester: Highlights today at noon were 1 Red-bellied Woodpecker, 1 Turkey Vulture, 4 Hermit Thrush, and 1 Pine Warbler. (report from Rick Quimby).
10/26/05 -- Crystal Lake, Gardner: I stopped by Crystal Lake late Wednesday afternoon to look for the Redheads. I did not find them, in fact the only ducks present were 3 Mallards. However, the Lesser Black-backed Gull was there. (report from Chuck Caron).
10/26/05 -- Wachusett Reservoir/Waushacum ponds, Sterling: Today from the dike at Wachusett Reservoir: 1 common loon, 1 dc cormorant, 3 red-tailed hawks, 1 adult dark morph ROUGH-LEGGED HAWK, 2 northern harriers and 1 immature peregrine with prey;
At East Waushacum: 5 dc cormorants, 9 ruddy ducks, 4 greater scaup, 3 buffleheads and 1 osprey;
At West Waushacum: 3 ruddy ducks. (report from Bart Kamp).

10/26/05 -- Wachusett Mountain, Princeton
At 10 am on the windy, frozen, ice and snow covered summit, Matthew Brownell and I saw 2 Snow Buntings, 2 Chipping Sparrows, and 2 Juncos. At the meadow near Echo Lake there was an adult Northern Goshawk which seemed to be looking for lunch. (report from Brian Mulhearn)

10/26/05 -- Crystal Lake, Gardner
Birds on Crystal Lake in Gardner this morning: Mallard 1; Redhead 3 drake (my first Gardner record); Herring Gull ~50; Great Blk-backed Gull 15. There was a few hundred gulls loafing on the lawn at Mount Wachusett Comm. College but I only saw the 3 common species during a very quick scan. (report from Tom Pirro).

10/24/05 -- Institute Park, Worcester
Birds of note today at noon included 4 Hooded Mergansers, and 1 Yellow-billed Cuckoo (dead). There was no obvious signs of predation on the Cuckoo, so it seems to have expired from the elements. Although I can't add it to my park bird list, it is satisfying to know that such a bird was present in the park. (report from Rick Quimby).

10/23/05 -- Barre Falls Dam, Barre
Migrating today were: Sharp-shinned Hawk 10 ; Cooper's Hawk 1 ; Red-tailed Hawk 2 ; Golden Eagle 1 . Raptor Observations: The golden eagle was an immature. Non-raptor Observations: 65 Canada geese and 2 brant migrating. (report from Bart Kamp).

10/23/05 -- Curtis Pond/ All Faiths Cemetery, Worcester
There were 7 Hooded Merganser and 8 D.C. Cormorants at Curtis Pond. All Faiths had 1 Pied -bill Grebe, 11 A. Wigeon, 16 Wood Duck and 2 Green -winged Teal. (report from John Shea).

10/23/05 -- Winnemussett WMA, New Braintree
This morning I was searching for sparrows and saw the following: FOX SPARROW 2; Savannah 3; Song 25+; Swamp 12; Juncos 35+; White-throated 5; WHITE-CROWNED 1. At one point I had a Fox Sparrow, a White-crowned, Swamp Sparrow , White-throated and a couple of Juncos in the same bush. There were also 8+ Bluebirds, 20+ Cedar Waxwings, a Ruby-crowned Kinglet and one Sharp-shinned Hawk. (report from Peter Morlock).

10/23/05 -- Gardner/Templeton
Hilights from here and there today 10/23:
Templeton (Norcross Hill): Canada Goose 750; American Pipit 5; Horned Lark 10; White-throated Sparrow 20+; Song Sparrow 20+; Swamp Sparrow ~10;
Gardner High School Herring Gull 175; Great Black-backed gull 20; Ring-billed Gull 20; Killdeer 18;
Gardner (Crystal Lake morning); Common Loon 1; Herring Gull 10; Nashville Warbler 1; Hermit Thrush 1;
Gardner (Wompanoag MAS), Migrant raptors between 11:15AM and 12:45Pm: Bald Eagle 1 imm. white bellied; Turkey Vulture 1; Sharp-shinned Hawk 4; Red-tailed Hawk 6; Great Blue Heron 1 migrating; Raven 1; Ruby Crowned Kinglet 1; Winter Wren 1; Rusty Blackbird 1;
Gardner PM (Crystal Lake); Mallard 50+; Herring Gull ~500; Iceland Gull 1 (1stW type); Lesser Black-backed Gull 1 (2nd yr type); Greater Black-backed Gull 50+; Ring Billed Gull 25+. (report from Tom Pirro).
10/26/05 -- Wachusett Mountain, Princeton: At 10 am on the windy, frozen, ice and snow covered summit, Matthew Brownell and I saw 2 Snow Buntings, 2 Chipping Sparrows, and 2 Juncos. At the meadow near Echo Lake there was an adult Northern Goshawk which seemed to be looking for lunch. (report from Brian Mulhearn)
10/26/05 -- Crystal Lake, Gardner: Birds on Crystal Lake in Gardner this morning: Mallard 1; Redhead 3 drake (my first Gardner record); Herring Gull ~50; Great Blk-backed Gull 15. There was a few hundred gulls loafing on the lawn at Mount Wachusett Comm. College but I only saw the 3 common species during a very quick scan. (report from Tom Pirro).
10/24/05 -- Institute Park, Worcester: Birds of note today at noon included 4 Hooded Mergansers, and 1 Yellow-billed Cuckoo (dead). There was no obvious signs of predation on the Cuckoo, so it seems to have expired from the elements. Although I can't add it to my park bird list, it is satisfying to know that such a bird was present in the park. (report from Rick Quimby).
10/23/05 -- Barre Falls Dam, Barre: Migrating today were: Sharp-shinned Hawk 10 ; Cooper's Hawk 1 ; Red-tailed Hawk 2 ; Golden Eagle 1 . Raptor Observations: The golden eagle was an immature. Non-raptor Observations: 65 Canada geese and 2 brant migrating. (report from Bart Kamp).
10/23/05 -- Curtis Pond/ All Faiths Cemetery, Worcester: There were 7 Hooded Merganser and 8 D.C. Cormorants at Curtis Pond. All Faiths had 1 Pied -bill Grebe, 11 A. Wigeon, 16 Wood Duck and 2 Green -winged Teal. (report from John Shea).
10/23/05 -- Winnemussett WMA, New Braintree: This morning I was searching for sparrows and saw the following: FOX SPARROW 2; Savannah 3; Song 25+; Swamp 12; Juncos 35+; White-throated 5; WHITE-CROWNED 1. At one point I had a Fox Sparrow, a White-crowned, Swamp Sparrow , White-throated and a couple of Juncos in the same bush. There were also 8+ Bluebirds, 20+ Cedar Waxwings, a Ruby-crowned Kinglet and one Sharp-shinned Hawk. (report from Peter Morlock).
10/23/05 -- Gardner/Templeton: Hilights from here and there today 10/23:
Templeton (Norcross Hill): Canada Goose 750; American Pipit 5; Horned Lark 10; White-throated Sparrow 20+; Song Sparrow 20+; Swamp Sparrow ~10;
Gardner High School Herring Gull 175; Great Black-backed gull 20; Ring-billed Gull 20; Killdeer 18;
Gardner (Crystal Lake morning); Common Loon 1; Herring Gull 10; Nashville Warbler 1; Hermit Thrush 1;
Gardner (Wompanoag MAS), Migrant raptors between 11:15AM and 12:45Pm: Bald Eagle 1 imm. white bellied; Turkey Vulture 1; Sharp-shinned Hawk 4; Red-tailed Hawk 6; Great Blue Heron 1 migrating; Raven 1; Ruby Crowned Kinglet 1; Winter Wren 1; Rusty Blackbird 1;
Gardner PM (Crystal Lake); Mallard 50+; Herring Gull ~500; Iceland Gull 1 (1stW type); Lesser Black-backed Gull 1 (2nd yr type); Greater Black-backed Gull 50+; Ring Billed Gull 25+. (report from Tom Pirro).

10/22/05 -- Mount Watatic, Ashburnham

Migrating today were: Turkey Vulture 5 ; Northern Harrier 4 ; Sharp-shinned Hawk 62 ; Cooper's Hawk 1 ; Red-shouldered Hawk 2 ; Red-tailed Hawk 1 30 35 Golden Eagle 1 2 2 American Kestrel 3 4 59 Raptor Observations: GE (juv.) harrassed by 2 Ravens. Non-raptor Migrants: Canada Goose 61; Common Loon 3 flying east; American Crow 519; American Robin 153. (report from Tom Pirro).

10/22/05 -- Gardner

The Lesser Black-backed Gull was present this morning on the athletic fields behind Gardner High School. While on the field it seemed intent on "catching" feathers in its bill and would chase off other gulls near by (usually Ring-billed).

Typically the gulls will feed on earth worms early in the morning behind Gardner high school (they don't appear to favor the lawn at Mount Wachusett Comm. College this year), and during the evening they'll roost on Crystal Lake. Because these birds move some distance to feed during the day (dispersing among landfills, Ring-billeds off to the "retail" centers and some probably migrate on); not all the same birds come back to roost on Crystal Lake in the evening. (report from Tom Pirro).

10/22/05 -- South Quabbin (Quabbin Park)/Worcester Art Museum

We did a very quick tour of Quabbin Park (off Rt.9); area this AM starting at dawn (or just before). There were intemittent showers fairly early on. Waterbirds were typical, but there were some decent movements of common passerines. Red-throated Loon (2); Common Loon (4); Pied-billed Grebe (1); Great Blue Heron (1); Canada Goose (10); A Black Duck (5); Ring-necked Duck (2); Hooded Merganser (9); Bald Eagle (1imm); Sharp-shinned Hawk (4); Cooper's Hawk (1); Red-tailed Hawk (1); Wild Turkey (3); Ring-billed Gull (3); Herring Gull (1); Belted Kingfisher (1); Yellow-bellied Sapsucker (1); Downy Woodpecker (6); Hairy Woodpecker (2); Pileated Woodpecker (1); Eastern Phoebe (3); Blue Jay (12); American Crow (61); Common Raven (1); Black-capped Chickadee (52); Red-breasted Nuthatch (2); White-breasted Nuthatch (7); Winter Wren (3); Golden-crowned Kinglet (65); Ruby-crowned Kinglet (33); Eastern Bluebird (14); Hermit Thrush (5); A. Robin (43); Gray Catbird (2); Yellow-rumped Warbler (37); Palm Warbler (5); Eastern Towhee (1); Chipping Sparrow (8); Field Sparrow (2); Song Sparrow (25); Swamp Sparrow (3); White-throated Sparrow (84); Dark-eyed Junco (225); N Cardinal (5); Purple Finch (2); House Finch (8); Pine Siskin (46: in small flocks overhead at dawn heading west, but as soon as the rain started I didn't pick up another one); A Goldfinch (3);

THEN: I conducted the annual BIRDER'S TOUR OF THE WORCESTER ART MUSEUM COLLECTION and this is our afternoon's trip list (no numbers) which was quite different from my AM's list: PELICAN sp. (Pelecanus sp.); SACRED IBIS (Threskiornis aethiopicus); WHITE STORK (Ciconia ciconia); GLOSSY IBIS (Plegadis falcinellus); EURASIAN SPOONBILL (Platelea leucorodia); COMMON SHELDUCK (Tadorna tadorna); RUDDY SHELDUCK (Tadorna ferruginea); MALLARD (Anas platyrhynchos); GARGANEY (Anas querquedula); NORTHERN GOSHAWK (Accipiter gentilis); DOMESTIC CHICKEN (Gallus gallus); GREY PARTRIDGE (Perdix perdix); HELMETED GUINEAFOWL (Numida melagris); WILD TURKEY (Melagris gallopavo); BLUE PEACOCK (Pavo cristatus); PURPLE SWAMPHEN (Porphyrio porphyrio caspius); COMMON CRANE (Grus grus); COMMON SNIPE (Gallinago gallinago); TAWNY OWL (Strix aluco); EUROPEAN BEE-EATER (Merops apiaster); EUROPEAN GREEN WOODPECKER (Picus viridis); HOODED CROW (Corvus cornix); CITRIL FINCH (Serinus citrinella); Which is not bad for inside on a rainy day in New England. (report from Mark Lynch).

10/22/05 -- Crystal Lake, Gardner

I did NOT find the Lesser Black-backed Gull on Crystal Lake this evening, but gulls were still coming in after dark. Of the approximate 1,000 gulls on the lake there one first year Iceland Gull. (report from Tom Pirro).

10/21/05 -- Mount Watatic, Ashburnham

Migrating today were: Turkey Vulture 31 ; Northern Harrier 1 ; Sharp-shinned Hawk 51 ; Cooper's Hawk 7 ; Northern Goshawk 2 ; Red-shouldered Hawk 9 ; Red-tailed Hawk 29 ; Golden Eagle 1 ; American Kestrel 1 . Raptor Observations: GE (Juv.);was the first bird of the day Non-raptor Observations: 35 Canada Geese migrating, Pileated Woodpecker, ~15 Ravens, many juncos, Wht -thr Sparrows a few Puple Finches were mirating and a Snow Bunting was close by most of the day. (report from Tom Pirro).

10/21/05 -- Crystal Lake, Gardner

This evening there was approximately 1,000 Gulls on Crystal Lake, the break-down was about 90% Herring and the balance Great Black-backed and Ring-billed and there was one Lesser Black-backed Gull (2nd year type). (report from Tom Pirro).

10/21/05 -- Worcester/Holden line

At 12:30 I walked out onto my front porch, looked up, and found a pod of migrating TVs. Obviously, I have no idea how many had moved through before I went out, but in about five minutes I had 41, all moving from north to south, and one Cooper's Hawk. I usually get a decent movement of migrants through my yard, but not raptors: this is a nice first. (report from Howard Shainheit).

10/20/05 -- Barre Falls Dam, Barre

Migrating today were: Black Vulture 1 ; Turkey Vulture 25 ; Bald Eagle 2 ; Sharp-shinned Hawk 105 ; Cooper's Hawk 3 ; Northern Goshawk 1 ; Red-shouldered Hawk 8 ; Red-tailed Hawk 30 ; American Kestrel 2 ; Merlin 1 . Raptor Observations: The black vulture soared overhead with a sharpy diving on it; the northern goshawk soared overhead also with a sharpy diving on it. Almost half the birds passed between 11 and 1 EDT. (report from Bart Kamp).

10/20/05 -- Barre Falls Dam, Barre

Migrating today were: Turkey Vulture 16 ; Bald Eagle 1 ; Sharp-shinned Hawk 51 ; Cooper's Hawk 7 ; Northern Goshawk 1 ; Red-shouldered Hawk 8 ; Red-tailed Hawk 26 ; American Kestrel 1 . Raptor Observations: Post broadwing buteos increasing in numbers. Non-raptor Observations: Bluebirds and palm warblers all around the hawk watch site. (report from Bart Kamp).

10/19/05 -- East Waushacum Pond, Sterling

Around 4:00 PM there was a Ruddy Duck and 2 Greater Scaup. (report from Peter Morlock).

10/19/05 -- Barre Falls Dam, Barre

Migrating today were: Turkey Vulture 2 ; Bald Eagle 2 ; Sharp-shinned Hawk 35 ; Cooper's Hawk 4 ; Red-shouldered Hawk 2 ; Red-tailed Hawk 10 ; American Kestrel 3 . Raptor Observations: We watched a colorful male kestrel pluck and eat a warbler while 2 kestrels hunted insects in the field. Non-raptor Observations: 49 Canada Geese and 3 monarchs migrating. (report from Bart Kamp).

10/19/05 -- Institute Park/Bancroft Tower Hill, Worcester

Birds of note at noon:

Institute Park: 1 Ruby-crowned Kinglet, 1 Swamp Sparrow.

Bancroft Tower Hill: 2 Yellow-bellied Sapsuckers (imm), 1 Golden-crowned Kinglet, 1 Hermit Thrush, 1 Yellow-rumped Warbler, and 30+ White-throated Sparrows (the patch of forest just below the summit was swarming with these -- too numerous to count exactly). (report from Rick Quimby).

10/18/05 -- Barre Falls Dam, Barre

Migrating today were: Turkey Vulture 11 ; Sharp-shinned Hawk 30 ; Red-shouldered Hawk 1 ; Red-tailed Hawk 2 ; American Kestrel 3 . Raptor Observations: Mostly sharpies and turkey vultures. Non-raptor Observations: A bluebird spent a few hours singing and feeding. (report from Bart Kamp).

10/17/05 -- Barre Falls Dam, Barre

Migrating today were: urkey Vulture 35 ; Bald Eagle 1 ; Sharp-shinned Hawk 147 ; Cooper's Hawk 9 ; Red-shouldered Hawk 5 ; Broad-winged Hawk 3 ; Red-tailed Hawk 11 ; American Kestrel 9 ; Merlin 8 . Raptor Observations: Most of the birds were at tree top level, some of the buteos were high. Non-raptor Observations: 7 monarch butterflies. (report from Bart Kamp).

10/16/05 -- Spectacle Ponds & Pottapaug Pond, Petersham / Silver Bridge, Hardwick / Winimussett WMA, New Braintree

See extended trip report narrative (report from Chris Ellison).

10/16/05 -- Wompanoag MAS, Gardner

Migrating rom 8:30 to 11:30AM, very strong west winds kept all these birds low: Bald Eagle 2 (1 Ad. and 1 juv); Northern Harrier 2; Sharp-shinned Hawk 35; Cooper's Hawk 2; Red-tailed Hawk 2; American Kestrel 9; Merlin 3. Other birds of note: Canada Goose 29; Common Loon 4 headed east; Double-crested Cormorant 1; American Pipit 2. (report from Tom Pirro).

10/16/05 -- Blackstone Corridor, RI

We hit just a few locations in the RHODE ISLAND section of the Blackstone National Corridor today. The wind was brutal but if you could find a suitable spot to brace yourself, visibility was outstanding. There was numerous examples of tree damage wherever we went. Also, we bumped into numerous groups of what can only be called "water watchers", folks out touring and photographing spots of "raging water". Seems like a lateral move from "leaf peeping".

WOONSOCKET RESERVOIR(Lincoln/Smithfield);: Double-crested Cormorant (4); Canada Goose (115); American Black Duck (9); Ring-necked Duck (26); Red-tailed Hawk (2); Peregrine Falcon (1imm+1ad: the immature made one pass through the reservoir, but the adult wheeled around and caught what appeared to be a Killdeer); Killdeer (7); Semipalmated Sandpiper (1); Ring-billed Gull (11); Herring Gull (3); Belted Kingfisher (1); Common Raven (2 very co-operative birds. We first spotted them on the ground at the Ronci Horse Farm. They then left and headed to the reservoir. There they hung about on the small islands, apparently harassing the Canada Geese, and were quite vocal. Flying up, one circled low right overhead. I did my best raven call and soon both were circling overhead calling. Nice show!);

SNEETCH POND (Cumberland);: Double-crested Cormorant (1); Turkey Vulture (1); Canada Goose (74); Wood Duck (6); A Black Duck (2); Mallard (2); Ring-necked Duck (11); Sharp-shinned Hawk (1); Cooper's Hawk (1); Killdeer (1); Ring-billed Gull (3); Great Black-backed Gull (1); Belted Kingfisher (2); Carolina Wren (1); Nota bene: we talked with one of the fols from the Water Department who told us about all the places along the Blackstone where serious flooding occured, including several mills that were converted to condos.

DIAMOND HILL/ARNOLD'S MILLS RESERVOIRS (Cumberland);. Nota bene: by the time we got here, the wind was at it's peak. The surface of the main bodies of both reservoirs were almost devoid of birds. Turkey Vulture (4); Mute Swan (2); Canada Goose (2); Mallard (8); A Black Duck (4); Green-winged Teal (1); Osprey (1); Herring Gull (11); Great Black-backed Gull (1); Tree Swallow (9); PLUS: Monarch (1);

CENTRAL POND/TURNER RESERVOIR (East Providence);. Pied-billed Grebe (2); Double-crested Cormorant (5); Mute Swan (91); Canada Goose (45); American Wigeon (33); Mallard (16); A Black Duck (4); N Shoveler (2); Ruddy Duck (7);

SEEKONK RIVER (between Providence and East Providence);. Nota bene: it was amazing the amount of dietrus floating down the river. What appeared to be a sizeable old tree and a large dock were now stuck on submerged mud bars. Huge numbers of gulls and comorants were in feeding frenzy flocks all along the river from the Pawtucket line to Bold Point. We made a serious effort to count the gulls. As a veteran gull counter with decades of experience doing the Gloucester Harbor section of the Cape Ann MA CBC, I can tell you this was tough "buisiness-minded" birding....after all: few birders can actually say they "enjoy" COUNTING masses of gulls. Double-crested Cormorant (1172); Turkey Vulture (1); Mute Swan (2); Mallard (49); A Black Duck (128); SURF SCOTER (2f: very uncommon anywhere in the Corridor); Laughing Gull (529); Ring-billed Gull (2070); Lesser Black-backed Gull (1 1stW); Herring Gull (1303); Great Black-backed Gull (323); PLUS: Monarch (1); (report from Mark Lynch/Sheila Carroll).

10/16/05 -- Barre Falls Dam, Barre

Migrating today were: Turkey Vulture 94 ; Northern Harrier 2 ; Sharp-shinned Hawk 145 ; Cooper's Hawk 9 ; Broad-winged Hawk 3 ; Red-tailed Hawk 10 ; American Kestrel 30 ; Merlin 8 ; Peregrine Falcon ; Raptor Observations: Turkey vultures and sharpies were migrating before sunrise. More than a third of the birds were counted in the first two hours. The birds were above or below the tree tops all day. Non-raptor Observations: 169 Canada geese, 1 tree swallow and 1000's of migrating gulls, crows and passerines. (report from Bart Kamp).

10/15/05 -- Quabbin Park (South Quabbin Reservoir)

We spent sometime this soggy morning birding (or attempting to) Quabbin Park off Rt.9, spending several hours there till 10:30AM. Actually getting there was a bit of an adventure as we drove through many flooded roads, some with water running fast and deep over them (but we could still see the bottom). We also had roads completely blocked by large fallen trees (had to back up and find routes around), drove over roads covered with sizeable washed down rocks and large areas of soft muck and even got to see rescue teams getting in boats to get to people trapped in brook-side houses. No, it was not one of our brightest ideas. Before we left, I had checked the local radar and it appeared at that point that the rain was pulling away from western Central MA. Boy, were we wrong. We spent the entire time in wind-driven soaking rain which sometimes would lessen to just a "soaking rain". But as birders do, we toughed it out and gave it a go. Unfortunately, we were not rewarded with anything spectacular, BUT we were still out "in the field."

SOUTH QUABBIN (highlights);: Common Loon (1ad); Pied-billed Grebe (1); Mallard (2); A Black Duck (1); WHITE-WINGED SCOTER (1m: flew in while we were doing one of our watches at the Administration Building and landed a bit off from the dam); Hooded Merganser (6); Ring-billed Gull (2); Herring Gull (1); Common Raven (1); N Flicker (3: these were just sitting high atop exposed snags in the pouring rain calling); Eastern Bluebird (2); Yellow-rumped Warbler (15+: feeding on the ground under pines); Black-throated Green Warbler (1); Palm Warbler (2 "yellow"); Plus: small flocks of chickadees and White-throats, crows, Chipping and Song Sparrows. ALSO: At the pond on Rt.9 we got to watch 2 cavorting RIVER OTTERS.

Driving back Rt.9, we found a flocks Canada Geese (163) in West Brookfield which also had (2) American Pipits.

Then we went to LAKE QUABOG in Brookfield. The Quabog River runs right next to this pond on the other side of the road and getting to the fisherman's lot was a bit dicey with water running deep over the road at the end from which we approached. Pulling in to the lot we then noticed that water was also running over the other end of the road and that warning signs were being erected. We quickly scoped the pond which had lots of jetsam (and even some flotsom too); and a paltry 12 Mallards. Nary a gull. As we drove out, the water over the roads was indeed getting deeper and now the road had the added entertainment of several nice sized logs strewn across it apparently floating in from someone's backyard woodpile. There is indeed a very thin line between "birding" and "driving over flooded roads like an idiot". (report from Mark Lynch/Sheila Carroll).

10/15/05 -- Gardner/Templeton

Highlights from some soggy birding today:

This morning in Gardner: Common Loon 2; Wild Turkey 23; Killdeer 33; Common Flicker 6; Gray Catbird 6; Hermit Thrush 8; Ruby-Crowned Kinglet 14; Golden-crowned Kinglet 3; American Pipit 2; Red-eyed Vireo 2; Blue-headed Vireo 2; House Wren 1; Yellow-rumped Warbler 5; Black-Throated Blue Warbler 1 male; Palm Warbler 1; Common Yellowthroat 2; Common Grackle 2,000 large flock passing just over the tree tops; Rose-breasted Grosbeak 1; Purple Finch 3; Eastern towhee 1; Chipping Sparrow ~20; Savannah Sparrow ~20;

Hilights from Templeton in the Norcross, Church and Elliot Hill areas: Canada Goose 650 (3 yellow neck "banded birds" 93MJ, 88MJ and 53MJ); Northern Harrier 1; Sharp-shinned Hawk 1; Cooper's Hawk 2; Red-tailed Hawk 1; Wild Turkey 35; Eastern Phoebe 2; American Crow ~100; Common Raven 1; Marsh Wren 1 always a tough find in north Worcester County; American Pipit 63; Yellow-rumped Warbler 5; Palm Warbler 6; Common Yellowthroat 3; Junco 5+; Savannah Sparrow 25; White-crowned Sparrow 3 (2 Juv. + 1 Adult); Lincoln's Sparrow 1; Swamp Sparrow ~10; Song Sparrow 50+; White-throat Sparrow 10+;

Also, ~400 Gulls at the Gardner Landfill and later on Crystal Lake were about 90% Herring and the balance Great Black-backed and Ringed-billed. (report from Tom Pirro).

10/15/05 -- Wachusett Reservoir

As it was looking like the sun was about to come out, we headed out to bird Wachusett Reservoir. This turned out not to be the case, and we were birding in showers and rain for most of the afternoon. But at least it was not wind-driven. We were joined by Bart Kamp for the whole tour. Bart had checked both Wachusett and Lake Quabog in Brookfield during the week for kittiwakes and dipped, so it appears the "inland" kittiwakes got no further east than Quabbin. The variety of birds at Wachusett was certainly better than we had at Quabbin this AM. Part of the reason for this is that one is able to do a fairly good job of covering most Wachuset in an hour or so because of the easy access from several key vantage points around the entire reservoir. Quabbin is just too big and the access points require too far to hike or bike to cover anything more than just one small section at a time in a day. Common Loon (22); Red-necked Grebe (1); Double-crested Cormorant (47); Great Blue Heron (1); Mute Swan (1); Canada Goose (9); Mallard (1); A Black Duck (1); White-winged Scoter (3m); Black Scoter (1m); Red-breasted Merganser (1: uncommon well inland); Northern Harrier (1); Bald Eagle (1ad); Sharp-shinned Hawk (3); Red-tailed Hawk (1); A Kestrel (2: harassing the Merlin); Merlin (1: this bird was perched atop a conifer along the nothern end of the dike and was constantly being bombed by the kestrels); Killdeer (44: Clinton HS grounds); Ring-billed Gull (10+); Herring Gull (35+); Belted Kingfisher (1); N Flicker (8); E Phoebe (1); During a period when there were only light showers occuring, along the dike, we had some passerines including Yellow-rumped Warbler (6);; Palm Warbler (2 yellow);; Savannah Sparrow (4);; Song Sparrow (14);; Swamp Sparrow (4);; White-crowned Sparrow (1imm);; White-throated Sparrow (10+);. (report from Mark Lynch/Sheila Carroll).

10/15/05 -- Wachusett Reservoir & South Meadow Pond , Clinton

Today at Gate 6 there was a Red-Necked Grebe, 2 Spotted Sandpipers, Ruby-crowned Kinglet and a Palm Warbler. At South Meadow Pond there was a Pied-bill Grebe and a Lesser Scaup. (report from Peter Morlock).

10/14/05 -- Crystal Lake, Gardner

This morning there were: Common Loon 1; Black Scoter 1 flying low over the lake, probably moving on. The 3 common species of inland gulls were present but dispersing quickly from the nightly roost on the lake. (report from Tom Pirro).

10/13/05 -- Bancroft Tower Hill, Worcester

A quick stop in the rain atop Bancroft Tower Hill at noon today yielded 1 Pine Warbler, 3 Song Sparrows, 1 Savannah Sparrow, and 2 Swamp Sparrows.
Also, on 10/5 at Institute Park there was 1 Lincoln's Sparrow among the many Song Sparrows. (report from Rick Quimby).

10/13/05 -- Crystal Lake, Gardner

Birds on Crystal Lake this morning: Double-crested Cormorant 8; White-winged Scoter 2 adult drake and hen; Red-breasted Merganser 1 hen; and small numbers of gulls...Herring, Ring-billed and Great Black-backed. (report from Tom Pirro).

10/9/05 -- South Quabbin/Brookfields/Wachusett Reservoir

Today we looked for "Central MA" scoters. Scoters are typically uncommon migrants inland and thier appearance is often unpredictable. It is largely "feast" (very uncommon); or "famine" (most often); with these ducks inland. Mid-October is when they start to appear inland, typically following a bout of inclement weather or after clear, still nights with a full moon. Their presence is typically a "one day wonder": here for a day and gone by dusk. Some do stay on longer. When on the ponds or lakes, they typically stay in very tight flocks, sometimes nervously flying about. The best places to look are the large reservoirs (Quabbin and Wachusett); and large lakes with minimal boat traffic. We ended up seeing all three species of scoters today, not a common event by any means. Interestingly, they were ALL drakes.

We first went to QUABBIN PARK/SOUTH QUABBIN (directions in Western Guide). The weather first thing was cool (we had our winter hats on as well as sweaters, gloves and jackets); misty and overcast. Visibility over the water first thing was very good, but diminished as the morning wore on. Common Loon (1); Pied-billed Grebe (1); Great Blue Heron (1); Turkey Vulture (1); A Black Duck (5); SURF SCOTER (7m); BLACK SCOTER (11m: both scoter flocks visible at dawn from the Administration Building); Osprey (1); Bald Eagle (1ad+1imm); Cooper's Hawk (1ad harassing crows); Red-tailed Hawk (2); Peregrine Falcon (1 stunning adult that came out of the woods low while we were at the Headquarters Building and then circled slowly higher right overhead and gradually moved west); Ring-billed Gull (1); Herring Gull (1); Belted Kingfisher (1); Downy Woodpecker (6); Hairy Woodpecker (2); Pileated Woodepcker (1); Eastern Phoebe (17); Blue-headed Vireo (1 still singing); Blue Jay (21); A Crow (9); Common Raven (1 flying along with some chunky mammal in it's bill); Black-capped Chickadee (96); Tufted Titmouse (18); Red-breasted Nuthatch (2); White-breasted Nuthatch (11); Brown Creeper (1); Ruby-crowned Kinglet (6); Eastern Bluebird (1); Hermit Thrush (2); A Robin (1); Gray Catbird (4); N Mockingbird (1);

WARBLERS: N Parula (6); Yellow-rumped (48); Black-throated Green (8); Palm (1); Blackpoll (11); Black and White (3); C Yellowthroat (3); Eastern Towhee (11); Chipping Sparrow (6); Field Sparrow (2); Song Sparrow (10); Lincolns Sparrow (1); Swamp Sparrow (6); White-throated (51); White-crowned (1imm); Dark-eyed Junco (21); N Cardinal (4); Rose-breasted Grosbeak (1);

QUABOG IBA/BROOKFIELDS (see directions in Western Guide): Double-crested Cormorant (1: South Pond); Great Blue Heron (1: South Pond); Canada Goose (42: Coys Brook); Wood Duck (18: Coys Brook); Mallard (47: Lake Quabog/2: Lake Wickabog/13: South Pond); A Black Duck (2: Lake Wickabog); SURF SCOTER (2m: Lake Quabog); WHITE-WINGED SCOTER (1m: Lake Quabog); Bald Eagle (1ad: South Pond); N. Harrier (1: South Pond); Greater Yellowlegs (2:Lake Quabog); Solitary Sandpiper (1: Coys Brook); Belted Kingfisher (1: Lake Wickabog);

WACHUSETT RESERVOIR (PM); Common Loon (25); Double-crested Cormorant (44); Great Blue Heorn (1); A Black Duck (4); WHITE-WINGED SCOTER (13m: all at the north end visible best from off Rt.70 along Mile Hill Road); Common Merganser (11); Bald Eagle (1ad); Killdeer (34: Clinton HS); Ring-billed Gull (157); Herring Gull (8); Red-bellied Woodpecker (1); N Flicker (6); E Phoebe (6); Blue-headed Vireo (2); Blue Jay (18); Black-capped Chickadee (17); Red-breasted Nuthatch (4); Ruby-crowned Kinglet (15); Golden-crowned Kinglet (4); Gray Catbird (1); C Yellowthroat (1); Chipping Sparrow (19); Savannah Sparrow (4); Song Sparrow (2); White-throated Sparrow (27); Dark-eyed Junco (57); (report from Mark Lynch/Sheila Carroll).

10/9/05 -- Ware River, New Braintree/Hardwick

Observed at Winimusset WMA and the flooded fields around the Silver Bridge were Merlin (1), Wilson's Snipe (5), Spotted Sandpiper (1), Mourning Dove (100+ flying in a loose flock), Belted Kingfisher (3), Eastern Phoebe (9), Hermit Thrush (2), Gray Catbird (4), American Pipit (~70), Yellow-rumped Warbler (10), Palm Warbler (5 +1 western race), Common Yellowthroat (2), Eastern Towhee (1), Savannah Sparrow (30), Swamp Sparrow (20), Indigo Bunting (4), Bobolink (2), and Purple Finch (3). (report from Chris Buelow)

10/7/05 -- Worcester

It is 5:00 a.m., and as I write this a Screech Owl is calling up the street. I live in the city we don't get this every day! Yesterday (10/6) kayaking on Flint Pond I saw 7 Pied-billed Grebe (the day before only 2), 5 Green Heron and 11 Wood Duck. (report from John Shea).

10/5/05 -- Lake Ripple, Grafton

An Osprey has been fishing at Lake Ripple in Grafton for the past two mornings. I have had great looks from the parking lot of the old Lake Ripple Restaurant. (report from Scott Jordan).

10/5/05 -- off Salisbury/Park Ave, Worcester

A small flurry of activity at my feeders this morning, which typically host just English Sparrows, chickadees, titmice, White-breasted Nuthatch, Rock Pigeon and Mourning Dove. In addition this morning: Red-breasted Nuthatch (4+: uncommon, rare for for more than one); House Finch (4+: uncommon in recent years); Purple Finch (rare); A Goldfinch (12+: sudden increase in numbers which have been 2-3); Rose-breasted Grosbeak (2: rare at feeder). This seems to indicate a flurry of short-distance migrants were in the city this morning. (report from Mark Lynch).

10/4/05 -- Leesville Pond, Worcester

I saw 1 ad. Black-crowned Night Heron,1 Green Heron ,3 Great Blue Heron, 9 Green- winged Teal, 12 A. Wigeon,and a strange looking Wood Duck x Mallard or maybe Black Duck mix. (report from John Shea).

10/4/05 -- Barre Falls Dam, Barre

Raptor migrants today: Osprey 1 ; Bald Eagle 2 ; Northern Harrier 1 ; Sharp-shinned Hawk 9 ; Cooper's Hawk 1 ; American Kestrel 1 ; Raptor Observations: A raven and an adult bald eagle reminded me of a water ballet; perfect synchronization. (report from Bart Kamp).

10/4/05 -- Broad Meadow Brook Sanctuary, Worcester

Highlights of a morning walk on the Brookside Loop (36 species total): 2 Cooper's Hawks, 10 imm. Turkeys, 2 Red-bellies, 1 imm. Sapsucker, 1 Hairy, 4 Flickers, 8 Phoebes, 3 Red-eyed Vireos, 1 Carolina and 3 House Wrens, 6 Ruby-crowned Kinglets, 9 Catbirds, 9 C. Waxwings, 4 Scarlet Tanageers, 3 Red-winged and 1 Rusty Blackbird. Warblers: 4 N. Parulas, 1 Magnolia, 18 Yellow-rumps, 5 Palms, and 3 Yellowthroats. Sparrows: 4 Towhees, 1 Chippie, 2 Fields, 26 Songs, 2 Swamps, and 9 White-throated. ...1) Most of the birds were along the Stretch. 2)Has the warbler migration been thin? It seems so to me. (report from Howard Shainheit).

10/3/05 -- Gate 37, Quabbin Reservoir

On or near the sand bars/islands in Quabbin Reservoir near the end of the gate 37 trail in Petersham this morning there were: 4 common loons, 1 red-throated loon, 1 snow goose, 2 scoter species, 9 common mergansers, 8 black-bellied plovers, 1 pectoral sandpiper and 5 dunlin. It is important to go there in the morning when the sun will be behind you. (report from Bart Kamp).

10/3/05 -- Eaton St., Gardner

Hilights from a a few quick stops along Eaton Street in gardner this morning: Pileated Woodpecker 1; Red-eyed Vireo 1; Bue-headed Vireo 1; Ruby-crowned Kinglet 6; Golden-crowned Kinglet 2; Northern Parula 1; Blackpoll Warbler 1; Yellow-rumped Warbler 3; Scarlet tanager 1; Song Sparrow 10; White-throated Sparrow 5; Dark-eyed junco 6; Chipping Sparrow 1; (report from Tom Pirro).

10/2/05 -- Winimussett Meadows, New Braintree

Highlights of the Forbush Bird Club trip to New Braintree were: 2 Bald Eagles, a Virginia Rail, 8 Ruby-crowned Kinglets, 45 American Pipits, 100's of Sparrows including 11 Lincoln's. Complete list of the 56 species observed (report from Joan Zumpfe).

10/2/05 -- Westboro WMA

Here are highlights from my class on a trip to the Westboro WMA: Wood Duck; Great Blue Heron (1 - Chauncey Pond); Turkey Vulture (1 - beyond Chauncey Pond); Osprey (1 - Chauncey Pond); Cooper's Hawk (1); VIRGINIA RAIL (1 - responded to tape); SORA (1 - ditto); Eastern Screech-Owl (1 - responded to owl tape); Barred Owl (1 - I did not hear it but others did); COMMON NIGHTHAWK (1 - As we were walking back to our cars along Chauncey Pond, I looked up through the trees and saw a bird that looked like it had nighthawk wings, which was a bit surprising. About 30 seconds later, in an opening in the trees, the nighthawk flew over us, clearly showing the white patches in its long, pointed wings. Interestingly enough, it was in the same location as the Tree Swallow and Barn Swallow were the day before.); Belted Kingfisher (1); Hairy Woodpecker; Northern Flicker; Eastern Phoebe; Red-eyed Vireo; Carolina Wren; House Wren; Ruby-crowned Kinglet (1); Golden-crowned Kinglet (2); Gray Catbird; Cedar Waxwing; Nashville Warbler; Yellow-rumped Warbler; Black-throated Green Warbler; Palm Warbler (including a couple of "Western" birds); Blackpoll Warbler; American Redstart; Common Yellowthroat; Scarlet Tanager (1); Eastern Towhee; Chipping Sparrow; Field Sparrow; Savannah Sparrow; Song Sparrow; Swamp Sparrow; White-throated Sparrow; Dark-eyed Junco; Bobolink; Red-winged Blackbird; Brown-headed Cowbird. Also, Red-bellied Woodpecker (heard); Red-breasted Nuthatch (heard); Indigo Bunting. (report from John Liller).

10/2/05 -- Auburn Bird Banding Station

We had a pretty productive weekend in Auburn. We were pleased with capturing and banding a Blue-headed Vireo on Saturday (10/1), but we were very excited to capture and band our first White-eyed Vireo on Sunday (10/2). I put a few pictures on our website www.auburnbirdbanding.org. We also captured and banded a funky colored chickadee and a Gray Catbird with white claws. (report from Colleen Morin).

10/2/05 -- Gate 35, Quabbin Reservoir

We hiked Gate 35 Quabbin south to almost the tip of the western shore of the North Dana Penninsula (towns of New Salem/Petersham); . This almost level hike (round trip c.4miles) runs south alongside the shores of Quabbin. SEE DIRECTIONS IN WESTERN GUIDE. Typically in fall, if you hit it right, there CAN be some nice movements of common passerines. Another feature of this end of Quabbin are several islands and sandbars, that sometimes attract gulls and shorebirds. Today when we started hiking it was in 37 degree weather with thick fog over the water. Not too promising at all. By the time we reached the end of the trail (just opposite of the northen tip of Mount L and just south of a trail that connects to Gate 37), the fog began to lift and we had excellent viewing conditions. But even with such viewing conditions and such a dramatic view of the sky and Prescott et, we really did poorly for raptors. Though species VARIETY was only middlin', the NUMBER of a certain very few species was very good. Common Loon (16); Double-crested Cormorant (4); Great Blue Heron (1); A Black Duck (2); Common Merganser (16); Osprey (2); Bald Eagle (1ad: low); Sharp-shinned Hawk (1); Red-tailed Hawk (1); Wild Turkey (15 on Rt.32A); BLACK-BELLIED PLOVER (5: on those sandbars off the end of the trail); Greater Yellowlegs (9); Spotted Sandpiper (1); Pectoral Sandpiper (2); Ring-billed Gull (15); Herring Gull (47); Great Black-backed Gull (1); Downy Woodpecker (7); Hairy Woodpecker (4); N Flicker (2); Pileated Woodpecker (1 that flew right in front of the car on Rt.122); Eastern Phoebe (5:low); Blue-headed Vireo (3:low); BLUE JAY (562: almost all seen migrating between 9:45 and 10:30AM. By the time we reached the end of the trail and the fog lifted, we began to notice flocks of jays migrating south. The flock size was typically between 15 and 30 birds. They would suddenly be seen flying up high out of the forest on North Dana and for the most part continue south along the shore. A few flocks headed high into the air and then look like were heading over the water towards Mount L and the Prescott, but inevitably they would then head back to North Dana and continue on south. By 10:30, the flocks just stopped.); A Crow (8); Black-capped Chickadee (158); Tufted Titmouse (23); Red-breasted Nuthatch (29); White-breasted Nuthatch (7); Brown Creeper (16); Winter Wren (1); Golden-crowned Kinglet (21); Ruby-crowned Kinglet (11); Hermit Thrush (1: this has been a LOUSY year for this species in many locations inland); A Robin (17); Gray Catbird (2); Cedar Waxwing (3); Yellow-rumped Warbler (127); Black-throated Green Warbler (2); Pine Warbler (29); Palm Warbler (24); Blackpoll (112: after the fog lifted, there was a significant movement of this species along the edge and out over the water heading SW); C. Yellowthroat (1); Eastern Towhee (1: low); Chipping Sparrow (19); Song Sparrow (7); White-throated Sparrow (2: ridiculously low for this time at this location); Dark-eyed Junco (7:low); N Cardinal (4); Purple Finch (6); A Goldfinch (3);
PLUS: Monarchs migrating (6);. Also: as we hiked south, a section of the trail was covered with Moose tracks and Moose scat (as well as White-tailed Deer tracks and scat);. At one point, something truly huge lumbered through the forest as we approached and it may have been one of these beasts. A real surprise was seeing what looked like a military helecopter fly in low over the Prescott (right down a valley, just over the trees); and then fly extremely low over the water south and to the west of Mount L. Quabbin has restrictions on planes flying over the reservoir, so it was very unusual to see this. (report from Mark Lynch/Sheila Carroll).

10/2/05 -- Wompanoag MAS, Gardner

Migrant raptors seen from the Wompanoag MAS, in Gardner, between 1:15 and 2:30PM EDT: Osprey 1; Sharp-shinned Hawk 6; Coopers Hawk 1; Broad-winged Hawk 5; American Kestrel 6; Also, a Chimney Swift passed by.
Down the street on Lake Wompanoag were at least 4 Common Loons (1 adult and 3 young or basic plumage birds);. (report from Tom Pirro).

10/2/05 -- Kelley Square, Worcester

Seen near the bus station in the Kelley Square section of Worcester this evening: Am. Kestrel 2; Peregrine Falcon 1; Common Nighthawk 1 feeding. (report from Tom Pirro).

10/1/05 -- TTOR Brooks Woodland Preserve, Petersham/ MAS Cooks Canyon Sanctuary, Barre

Complete trip narrative here (report from Chris Ellison).

10/1/05 -- Barre Falls Dam, Barre

Raptor migrants today: Turkey Vulture 4 ; Osprey 5 ; Bald Eagle 1 ; Northern Harrier 1 ; Sharp-shinned Hawk 18 ; Cooper's Hawk 1 ; Broad-winged Hawk 179 ; Red-tailed Hawk 1 ; American Kestrel 5 ; Merlin 1 . Raptor Observations: We were surprised by a kettle of 135 broadwings at 10:20 AM EDT. 1 northern goshawk not migrating. (report from Bart Kamp);.

10/1/05 -- Westboro WMA

This morning, John Liller, Sheila Carroll and I birded some of the impoundments of the Westboro WMA, doing some scouting for John's MAS class trip there tomorrow. If you are not familar with this spot, it has acres of fields, some now overgrown, some planted; some substantial mixed woodlots, marshes and 2 ponds (Chauncy and Little Chauncy);. Because we wanted to check access and trail conditions in many areas, we did not bird this area as thoroughly as it can be. Below are our totals: Great Blue Heron (2); Canada Goose (3); Wood Duck (13); Mallard (13); Green-winged Teal (4); Osprey (3); Sharp-shinned Hawk (2); Cooper's Hawk (2 imm toying with crows); Peregrine Falcon (1imm); Ring-billed Gull (12); Herring Gull (1); Rock Pigeon (14); Mourning Dove (92); Belted Kingfisher (1); Red-bellied Woodpecker (1); Yellow-bellied Sapsucker (2); Downy Woodpecker (17); Hairy Woodpecker (3); N Flicker (9); Eastern Phoebe (31); Blue-headed Vireo (1); Red-eyed Vireo (2); Blue Jay (28); A Crow (21); TREE SWALLOW (1: rare in Worcester County in October, most leave in August); BARN SWALLOW (1: ditto); Black-capped Chickadee (68); Tufted Titmouse (12); Red-breasted Nuthatch (1); White-breasted Nuthatch (6); Carolina Wren (1); House Wren (5); Golden-crowned Kinglet (4); Ruby-crowned Kinglet (3); Eastern Bluebird (1); A Robin (71); Gray Catbird (53); N Mockingbird (2); American Pipit (1); Cedar Waxwing (24);

WARBLERS: N Parula (1); Magnolia (1); Cape May (1); Yellow-rumped (53); Black-throated Green (1); Pine (4: 1 still singing); Prairie (1); Palm (11: 1 "western"); Blackpoll (9); A Redstart (1); C Yellowthroat (23); Scarlet Tanager (1); Eastern Towhee (3); Chipping Sparrow (24); Field Sparrow (2); Savannah Sparrow (19); Song Sparrow (147); Lincoln's Sparrow (2); Swamp Sparrow (28); White-throated Sparrow (172); Dark-eyed Junco (1); N Cardinal (7); Rose-breasted Grosbeak (1); Indigo Bunting (10); Bobolink (3); Red-winged Blackbird (131); House Finch (17); A Goldfinch (27); (report from Mark Lynch).

For previous sightings, see September 2005 Archives or Archive Index