October 2007 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:

10/31/07 -- Sudbury Reservoir, Southboro
Today at the North end of the Sudbury Reservoir in Southboro, I counted over one thousand Ring-necked Ducks, before the flock that had been filing past my vantage point, took to the air. Estimating the birds that I had not yet counted, I would say that there were over 1,100 birds present. The only other ducks were, 5 Greater Scaup, and 7 Common Goldeneyes. This area can be accessed from the sport fields on Acre Bridge Rd., off Rt 85. (report from Fran McMenemy).

10/31/07 -- Brierly's Pond, Millbury
There were 9 hooded mergansers on Brierly's Pond this afternoon. (report from Alan Marble).

10/31/07 -- Mount Watatic, Ashburnham
I made the climb up to the summit of Mount Watatic to look for the gray jay. I was the only birder there at 9:45 and the gray jay flew towards me looking for a hand out. I had unsalted peanuts that I crushed and the bird readily carried them away. Shortly after 10:00, other birders arrived with more peanuts and shelled sunflowers. When I left at 10:45 the jay was still carrying off and caching the food. The bird was unafraid and was literally at our feet. No other birds of note were seen. (report from Alan Marble).

10/30/07 -- Mount Watatic
I tried and missed the Gray Jay reported on Sunday 10/28, but I only spent about 20 minutes searching near the summit; I had to get to work. BUT, most intersting was an email I received from Bob Hill, of Groton, Ma. Bob is quite familar with Gray Jays from hiking in the White Mountains of NH. He HAD the bird, on Mt. Watatic, on 10/21, the PREVIOUS SUNDAY but did not realize just how unusual this species is, just a 100 miles south of the White Mountains and did not think it was a big deal! So the Gray Jay apparently has been present on Mt. Watatic for over a week now. (report from Tom Pirro).

10/29/07 -- Barre Falls Dam, Barre
Migrant raptors today: Turkey Vulture 3 ; Sharp-shinned Hawk 17 ; Cooper's Hawk 1 ; Northern Goshawk 1 ; Red-shouldered Hawk 4 ; Red-tailed Hawk 26 ; Non-raptor Observations: 82 Canada geese, 1 snow goose flying with the Canadas, 3 large flocks of waterfoul, 150+ birds, most likely scoters, 2 snow buntings. (report from Bart Kamp).

10/28/07 -- Millbury/Auburn
There were 3 ruddy ducks and 2 buffleheads at Singletary Lake in Millbury this morning. At Leesville Pond in Auburn, there was a gadwall with 3 American wigeons. (report from Alan Marble).

10/28/07 -- Leesville Pond, Worcester
There is an odd duck at Leesville pond; it has a Gadwall body with a strange head. The cheeks are buff with a dark brown stripe over the head. I've seen it the last two days. It's on the right side as you go in. (report from John Shea).

10/27/07 -- Wachusett Reservoir and vicinity
The Forbush Bird Club held a trip today at Wachusett Reservoir and vicinity in the towns of Boylston, West Boylston, Clinton and Sterling. Trip Leader was Francis X. McMenemy. Some highlights were a Palm Warbler, White-winged Scoter, Long-tailed Ducks and an adult Bald Eagle. Here is a list of the 30 species observed. (report from Joan Zumpfe).

10/27/07 -- Sterling Peat, Sterling
This morning there was a Northern Shrike and a Cooper's Hawk perched up on different trees. (report from Peter Morlock).

10/27/07 -- The Quag, Sterling
At The Quag (the pond on route 12 in Sterling next to West Waushacum Pond), there were 2 Gadwall among 10 Wood Ducks. (report from Kevin Bourinot).

10/27/07 -- Wachusett Reservoir
A quick, a pretty wet, check had the following:
  • WACHUSETT RESERVOIR: Common Loon (23) Red-necked Grebe (1) Double-crested Cormorant (6) Common Merganser (33) Bald Eagle (1ad) Killdeer (33: all on playing fields of Clinton HS) Ring-billed Gull (70+) Lesser Black-backed Gull (1 1stW)
  • EAST WAUSHCUM, STERLING: Common Loon (2) Mallard (8) Common Merganser (2) Wild Turkey (33)
  • WEST WAUSHACUM (we did not hike in the bike path): Osprey (1)
  • INDIAN LAKE, WORCESTER: Great Blue Heron (2) Canada Goose (58) Mallard (74) GREATER YELLOWLEGS (1)
    (report from Mark Lynch/Sheila Carroll).

    10/26/07 -- Barre Falls Dam, Barre
    Migrant raptors today: Turkey Vulture 9 ; Northern Harrier 1 ; Sharp-shinned Hawk 10 ; Cooper's Hawk 1 ; Red-shouldered Hawk 1 ; Red-tailed Hawk 6 ; Non-raptor Observations: 8 double-crested cormorants, 3 brant, 12 American pipits, 10 monarch butterflies. (report from Bart Kamp).

    10/25/07 -- Northbridge 
    After netting one saw-whet on Monday (10/22), the Lookout Rock Owl Banding Station
in Northbridge, MA was inactive for three days (due to bad weather, not Red
Sox games). The weather changed today, bringing a clear, cold night. We
got in a few hours of banding before the full moon was overhead,
illuminating the forest floor and casting those magical shadows.

This evening we held a special session for several people who had
attended at least one owl-banding demo and wanted to learn more about the
procedures and/or the owls. One guest was a veterinarian, one was an Audubon
naturalist, another was a bander who will be participating in two demos at a
new Audubon program in Pomfret, CT.  Also, we have new crew members who need
to gain experience with handling owls and our routines.

We were hoping for a few saw-whets. When we netted four on the first net
run, I knew it might be a fast-paced evening.  It was. We ended at 11:30
with 17 saw-whets banded (including one male and one of undetermined sex;
all hatching year except for two second-year owls). No foreign recaps.  As
the pace slowed around 10:30 we found time for snacks and Red Sox updates.

Special thanks to Brandi Van Roo, a bander and teaching ornithologist at
Framingham State College, and the crew for helping make this training
session such a great experience.  Strickland Wheelock will be back soon to
issue the next report.

This brings the season totals at Lookout Rock to 178 saw-whets
banded, 5 owls banded elsewhere, 1 prior-season return (from 2003), 1
same-season return, and 1 barred owl banded--the highest total since we
began this project in fall 2003.
    (report from Beth Milke).

    10/25/07 -- Barre Falls Dam, Barre
    Migrant raptors today: Turkey Vulture 86 ; Osprey 2 ; Northern Harrier 2 ; Sharp-shinned Hawk 25 ; Cooper's Hawk 1 ; Red-shouldered Hawk 5 ; Red-tailed Hawk 11 ; Merlin 4 ; Raptor Observations: Birds were very high by 2 EDT. There were several groups of TV's; largest was 22 birds. Not migrating 2 red-shoulders, 5 redtails, 1 northern goshawk. Non-raptor Observations: 100's of migrating crows, 44 Canada geese, 1 northern shrike, 2 bewildered recently stocked ring-necked pheasants, 23 monarch butterflies. (report from Bart Kamp).

    10/25/07 -- Institute Park, Worcester
    Highlights at noon were 3 Mute Swan (imm), 8 Golden-crowned Kinglets, 5 Ruby-crowned Kinglets, 2 Yellow-rumped Warblers, and 1 Palm Warbler. (report from Rick Quimby).

    10/24/07 -- Dudley
    While checking 3 ponds within 1 mile of each other in Dudley today, I found 3 American Coot, only 5 Wood Duck, 28 Mallards, 1 Great Blue Heron, 186 Canada Geese and 2 Wild Turkeys crossing Sawmill Road. (report from Joan Zumpfe).

    10/24/07 -- Gardner
    The Lesser Black-backed Gull (an adult) continues at and near Crystal Lake in Gardner. Yesterday (10/23), it was on the front lawn of the college and this morning on Crystal lake. Today it and ~100 Herring Gulls, were probably at the golf course, very near the lake, and were spooked from the grass by the mowing crew or golfers. Hopefully an Iceland Gull or two will show within the next few weeks. (report from Tom Pirro).

    10/23/07 -- Wachusett Reservoir
    This morning we observed a compact group of 14 American Coots close to shore (Photo). We also saw a group of 17 Common Mergansers, and observed an adult Bald Eagle bathing on a submerged sandbar across the reservoir near Sholan Point. (report from Richard Beaudreau).

    10/22/07 -- Leesville Pond, Worcester
    I saw a group of 12 American Widgeon in the SW corner of Leesville Pond from All Faiths Cemetery. (report from Alex Dunn).

    10/22/07 -- Dudley
    This afternoon I checked 2 Dudley ponds and saw 2 American Coot, 1 drake Green-winged Teal, 19 Wood Ducks, 8 Ring-necked Ducks, 7 Canada Geese and 1 Great Blue Heron. At an earlier stop at Lake Quaboag in Brookfield, the only waterfowl seen were 16 Mallards. (report from Joan Zumpfe).

    10/21/07 -- Lake Quaboag, Brookfield, and vicinity
    Highlights from the Forbush Bird Club included 2 White-winged Scotor, 1 Osprey, 1 Bald Eagle, 1 N. Harrier, 1 Golden Eagle (imm), and 2 Lincoln's Sparrow. Here is the 62 species observed (report from Rodney Jenkins, fide Joan Gallagher).

    10/21/07 -- Winimusett Wildlife Management Area, New Braintree
    East Quabbin Bird Club trip, 7:00-9:50 A.M.
    Here is Chris Ellison's latest extended trip narrative. (report from Chris Ellison).

    10/21/07 -- Barre Falls Dam, Barre
    Migrant raptors today: Turkey Vulture 7 ; Osprey 2 ; Northern Harrier 2 ; Sharp-shinned Hawk 57 ; Red-tailed Hawk 5 ; American Kestrel 2 ; Merlin 5 ; Peregrine Falcon 1 ; Non-raptor Observations: A black bear was seen crossing the road about 100 yards from the hawk watch site. 16 monarch butterflies. (report from Bart Kamp).

    10/21/07 -- Crystal Lake, Gardner
    Approx. gull numbers from the Crystal Lake Cemetery this evening: Herring Gull ~600; Lesser Black-backed Gull 1 adult; Great Black-backed Gull ~100; Ring-billed Gull ~50. Many gulls and waterfowl come in after dark; last year gull numbers peaked during mid-October to late november. Despite the Gardner Landfill being closed for a few years, birds still roost on the lake. I would imagine the Westminster Landfill is the main gull attraction for the larger species, while the Ring-billed seem to prefer the "retail" establishments. (report from Tom Pirro).

    10/20/07 -- Mt Wachusett
    At 9:30 AM, a group of Snow Buntings were skittering around the dirt and gravel for a good hour. (report from Paul Maher Jr.).

    10/20/07 -- Douglas
    This morning we've had a small flock of 12-15 Pine Siskins at our feeders in Douglas. (report from Mark Landon).

    10/20/07 -- Northbridge
    At approximately 4:30 P.M. I was out on my deck about to go in when I heard a loud call above. I looked up and there was a kettle of about 6-7 birds all of which were turkey vultures with the exception of one. While I did not get the best look the call was unmistakable. While it was the size of the red-tailed hawks which often fly above my home it clearly was not a red-tailed. It was no more than 50 feet above my head. I immediately listened to my Thayer birding software and was happy to get the match in voice with a Northern Goshawk. While hawks are not my forte, I am pretty confident about this sighting. I live in Northbridge, MA right across from Friend's Cemetery on the corner of Church and Quaker streets. (report from Jenifer Glagowski).

    10/20/07 -- Barre Falls Dam, Barre
    Migrant raptors today: Turkey Vulture 29 ; Osprey 2 ; Northern Harrier 4 ; Sharp-shinned Hawk 12 ; Red-tailed Hawk 4 ; American Kestrel 4 ; Merlin 1 ; Non-raptor Observations: 3 evening grosbeaks, 6 monarch butterflies (report from Bart Kamp).

    10/20/07 -- Cumberland RI
    This morning we birded NE CUMBERLAND RI, part of the Blackstone National Corridor as well as part of the Blacktone River watershed. We concentrated on the DIAMOND HILL/ARNOLD'S MILLS RESERVOIRS (right across the border from Attleboro MA); and then RESURRECTION CEMETERY. This small cemetery was loaded with birds, esecially the very weedy edge next to the old weed/stump/leaf dump. We also birded parts of NE Burrilville, which had much the same birds as the Cumberland Cemetery.
  • CUMBERLAND RESERVOIRS: Double-crested Cormorant (2); Great Blue Heron (2); Canada Goose (167); Mallard (65); A Black Duck (4); Green-winged Teal (22); Ruddy Duck (5); Bald Eagle (1imm: looked like a first winter bird); Semipalmated Plover (1); A Golden Plover (2); Killdeer (27); Greater Yellowlegs (2); Pectoral Sandpiper (8); Belted Kingfisher (1); Tree Swallow (66+); Eastern Bluebird (24); American Pipit (2); Yellow-rumped Warbler (10+); Purple Finch (2);
  • RESURRECTION CEMETERY: Canada Goose (97); Red-tailed Hawk (1); E Phoebe (1); Tree Swallow (6); Ruby-crowned Kinglet (1); Eastern Bluebird (37); Orange-crowned Warbler (1); Yellow-rumped Warbler (16); Palm Warbler (9 "yellow"); Field Sparrow (1); Chipping Sparow (21); Savannah Sparow (4); Song Sparrow (17); White-crowned Sparrow (5imm, w/an additional 4imm in Burrillville); Dark-eyed Junco (16); N Cardinal (8); Indigo Bunting (1); House Finch (19); Purple Finch (1); A Goldfinch (20+);
  • OTHER SPECIES SEEN IN BURRULLVILLE: Wood Duck (16 in 1 small marsh);; Winter Wren (1);; E Bluebird (9);; Hermit Thrush (12 in 1 area);: American Robin (90++);; Yellow-rumped Warbler (12);; White-throated Sparrow (83);. (report from Mark Lynch/Sheila Carroll).

    10/18/07 -- Brookfield and Charlton
  • Lake Quaboag in Brookfield had 12 Mallards, 7 Ring-billed Gulls, 2 Hooded Mergansers, 2 Ring-necked Ducks, 3 White-winged Scoters and 1 Surf Scoter.
  • The upper pond and vicinity at Orlando's Fram in Charlton had 4 Ruddy Ducks (2 pairs), 8 American Balck Ducks, 78 Mallards, 69 Canada Geese, 2 Killdeer and at least 100 Ring-billed Gulls. (report from Joan Zumpfe).

    10/17/07 -- Barre Falls Dam, Barre
    Migrant raptors today: Turkey Vulture 27 ; Osprey 1 ; Sharp-shinned Hawk 23 ; Red-shouldered Hawk 4 ; Red-tailed Hawk 13 ; Merlin 2 ; Raptor Observations: 3 northern goshawks not migrating. Non-raptor Observations: One monarch butterfly (report from Bart Kamp).

    10/17/07 -- Lake Quaboag, Brookfield
    Late this afternoon, I checked Lake Quaboag in Brookfield and saw an increase in duck species since yesterday. There were 16 Mallards, 4 Hooded Mergansers, 6 Common Mergansers (all Female), 4 Ruddy Ducks and 1 White-winged Scoter. There were 2 Great Blue Herons, at least 100 Ring-billed Gulls and 1 adult Bald Eagle perched in a pine tree across the lake. At Orlando's farm in Charlton, seen as we drove by were hundreds of gulls and probably 100 Mallards mixed in with them near the upper pond. About 75 Canada Geese were still grazing as dusk was approaching at 6 p.m. (report from Joan Zumpfe).

    10/16/07 -- Barre Falls Dam, Barre
    Migrant raptors today: Turkey Vulture 20 ; Osprey 1 ; Bald Eagle 1 ; Northern Harrier 1 ; Sharp-shinned Hawk 37 ; Cooper's Hawk 1 ; Red-shouldered Hawk 1 ; Red-tailed Hawk 18 ; Merlin 7 ; Raptor Observations: The birds were very high against the bright blue sky. Non-raptor Observations: 49 Canada geese, 11 monarch butterflies. (report from Bart Kamp).

    10/15/07 -- Barre Falls Dam, Barre
    Migrant raptors today: Turkey Vulture 8 ; Osprey 2 ; Bald Eagle 1 ; Northern Harrier 1 ; Sharp-shinned Hawk 74 ; Cooper's Hawk 2 ; Red-shouldered Hawk 1 ; Red-tailed Hawk 2 ; American Kestrel 2 ; Merlin 6 ; Non-raptor Observations: 20 American pipits, 4 monarch butterflies. (report from Bart Kamp).

    10/15/07 -- Institute Park, Worcester
    Highlights at noon were 4 Mute Swan (1 ad, 3 imm), 1 Green-winged Teal (m), 6 Am Black Duck, 1 Winter Wren, 1 Hermit Thrush, and 1 White-crowned Sparrow (imm). (report from Rick Quimby).

    10/15/07 -- Auburn Banding Station, Auburn
    Last week at the Auburn Banding Station Gary Hetel and Mary Sharkey caught a Purple Finch that wasn't too purple, it was actually yellow. (golden race). (report from Colleen Morin).

    10/14/07 -- Barre Falls Dam, Barre
    Migrant raptors today: Turkey Vulture 22 ; Osprey 6 ; Bald Eagle 2 ; Northern Harrier 4 ; Sharp-shinned Hawk 91 ; Cooper's Hawk 14 ; Red-shouldered Hawk 1 ; Red-tailed Hawk 3 ; American Kestrel 6 ; Merlin 14 ; Peregrine Falcon 2 ; Raptor Observations: The brisk W to NW wind kept the birds at the tree tops. Not migrating: 10-15 turkey vultures, 8 redtails and 2 red-shoulders. Non-raptor Observations: 80 Canada Geese, 29 monarch butterflies. (report from Bart Kamp).

    10/14/07 -- Coachlace Pond, Clinton
    There were 6 greater scaup present this morning. (report from Alan Marble).

    10/14/07 -- Quabbin Park, Quabbin Reservoir
    Our MAS/Broad Meadow Brook "Fall Waterbird Migration" class had a nice trip to QUABBIN PARK ("South Quabbin"); this morning. Temps were "crisp" (mid-50s-low 60s: I had to break out the warm hat and gloves for the first time this season);, sunny and not too breezy. We hiked across Winsor Dam, visited the State fish hatchery, hiked down Gate 52, and made an extended stop at the Enfield Lookout to do some late season hawkwatching among other stops. It's amazing the number and variety of passerines that have cleared out in just a week. Gone from this area of Quabbin are almost all the catbirds, yellowthroats, towhees et. Instead, we found large number of pipits and white-throats. It is still too early for large numbers of waterbirds to be migrating through, but loon numbers are getting higher. Common Loon (16); Horned Grebe (2); Turkey Vulture (10); Canada Goose (33); Wood Duck (3); American Black Duck (2); Mallard (3); Green-winged Teal (10); Ring-necked Duck (1m); Greater Scaup (6); Common Merganser (2f); Osprey (2); Bald Eagle (8ad); N Harrier (1imm); Sharp-shinned Hawk (6); Red-tailed Hawk (8); A Kestrel (2); Killdeer (34: all at the state fish hatchery); Ring-billed Gull (17); Downy Woodpecker (1); Hairy Woodpecker (2); N Flicker (2); E Phoebe (3); Blue Jay (114); A Crow (36); C Raven (1); Black-capped Chickadee (22); Tufted Titmouse (4); White-breasted Nuthatch (1); Brown Creeper (1); Golden-crowned Kinglet (4); Ruby-crowned Kinglet (3); Hermit Thrush (1: low); A Robin (51); American Pipit (54: nice views of flocks out on the dam); Yellow-rumped Warbler (14); Prairie Warbler (1); Blackpoll Warbler (1); Chipping Sparrow (2); Savannah Sparrow (6: all out on the dam); Song Sparrow (7); White-throated Sparrow (85); White-crowned Sparrow (6); Dark-eyed Junco (76); N Cardinal (2); Red-winged Blackbird (1); House Finch (2); Pine Siskin (1); A Goldfinch (6); House Sparrow (5); PLUS; Monarchs (4 still migrating despite cold temps);; Clouded Sulphur (1);; and only (1); Eastern Painted Turtle out. (report from Mark Lynch/Sheila Carroll).

    10/13/07 -- Worcester Airport, Worcester
    We headed up to Worcester Airport at about 4:45PM and birded the fields around there till about 6PM. We had the following: Great Blue Heron (1); Turkey Vulture (4); Northern Harrier (1m+1imm); Cooper's Hawk (1imm with a huge crop); A Kestrel (3); Wild Turkey (4); Eastern Phoebe (2); Blue Jay (8); A Crow (68); A Robin (493); American Pipit (6 minimum); Cedar Waxwing (18); Yellow-rumped Warbler (31); Palm Warbler (2); Savannah Sparrow (3); White-throated Sparrow (30+); White-crowned Sparrow (2imm: this is a great fall for this species and I even have them in my backyard); LAPLAND LONGSPUR (flew over calling); Red-winged Blackbird (30+); E Meadowlark (2); PLUS: White-tailed Deer (1); AND: Earlier in the day we hit FORT MEADOW RESERVOIR in Marlboro and had Ring-necked Duck (27); and Ruddy Duck (19); (report from Mark Lynch/Sheila Carroll).

    10/13/07 -- Barre Falls Dam, Barre
    Migrant raptors today: Turkey Vulture 10 ; Osprey 5 ; Bald Eagle 2 ; Northern Harrier 2 ; Sharp-shinned Hawk 81 ; Cooper's Hawk 4 ; Red-shouldered Hawk 1 ; Broad-winged Hawk 6 ; Red-tailed Hawk 3 ; American Kestrel 6 ; Merlin 6 ; Raptor Observations: Most of the hawks were counted while it was clear. The numbers dropped off when the clouds formed. Non-raptor Observations: 179 Canada geese, 4 American pipits, 28 monarch butterflies (report from Bart Kamp).

    10/12/07 -- Gardner/Westminster
  • Birds on the athletic fields at Gardner High School this morning: Herring Gull ~100; Lesser Black-becked Gull 1 1st winter type; Ring-billed Gull ~10; Killdeer 29;
  • Birds on the athletic fields at Monty Tech Regional Vocational High School, in Westminster this morning: Canada Goose ~20; Herring Gull ~100; Lesser Black-backed Gull 1 adult;
    Gulls typically gather in the early morning on the fields near both High Schools. Once the Phys Ed. classes begin, the birds will leave. Of course, if poking around with optics near school grounds, one should expect to be questioned. (report from Tom Pirro).

    10/11/07 -- Central Cemetery, Bike Path and local spots in West Millbury, Millbury
    Highlights from some damp birding today:
  • Central Cemetery: 8 cedar waxwings, immature white-crowned sparrow, 5 white-throated sparrows, song sparrows and juncos.
  • Millbury Bike Path: 2 double-crested cormorants, 4 black ducks, 4 wood ducks, solitary sandpiper and golden-crowned kinglet.
  • West Millbury: green heron, 2 yellow-bellied sapsuckers, ruby-crowned kinglet, yellow-rumped warblers, pine warbler, common yellowthroat, palm warbler, ruby-crowned kinglet, swamp sparrow, song sparrows and white-throated sparrows.
    (report from Alan Marble).

    10/9/07 -- Wallis Pond, Dudley
    There were 13 wood Ducks and 4 Ring-necked Ducks here today. (report from Joan Zumpfe).

    10/9/07 -- Barre Falls Dam, Barre
    Migrant raptors today: Turkey Vulture 56 ; Osprey 24 ; Bald Eagle 6 ; Northern Harrier 7 ; Sharp-shinned Hawk 30 ; Cooper's Hawk 6 ; Broad-winged Hawk 1 ; Red-tailed Hawk 8 ; American Kestrel 7 ; Merlin 4 ; Peregrine Falcon 1 ; Raptor Observations: TV's were on the move; largest kettle was 24 birds. Best osprey day of the season; 24 birds. Not migrating: 3 red-shoulders, 4 redtails and 10-15 turkey vultures. Non-raptor Observations: 169 Canada geese, kettles of 5 and 15 ravens, 153 monarch butterflies. (report from Bart Kamp).

    10/9/07 -- Institute Park, Worcester
    Highlights at noon were 1 DC Cormorant, 4 Mute Swan, 1 Killdeer, 1 Belted Kingfisher, 2 Yellow-bellied Sapsuckers (foot of Bancroft Tower Hill), 1 N. Flicker, 1 Pine Warbler, 3 Song Sparrows, 2 Swamp Sparrows, and 6+ White-throated Sparrows. (report from Rick Quimby).

    10/7/07 -- Winimusset Meadows Wildlife Management Area, New Braintree
    The Forbush Bird Club held a trip to Winimusset Meadows Wildlife Management Area in New Braintree. Here is the complete list of the 62 bird species observed. (report from Joan Zumpfe).

    10/7/07 -- Barre Falls Dam, Barre
    Migrant raptors today: Turkey Vulture 2 ; Osprey 5 ; Bald Eagle 1 Northern Harrier 2 ; Sharp-shinned Hawk 26 ; Cooper's Hawk 3 ; Red-shouldered Hawk 1 ; American Kestrel 2 ; Merlin 4 ; Non-raptor Observations: 266 Canada geese, 27 monarch butterflies. (report from Bart Kamp).

    10/7/07 -- Orange Airport, Orange
    I had nice looks at the Northern Wheatear, originally discovered by Mike Polana, at the Orange Airport. I have posted a few digi-binned photos on my blog. Other species present were Horned Larks, American Kesterl, 5 Common Ravens and 2 Eastern Meadow Larks. (report from Tom Pirro).

    10/7/07 -- Wachusett Reservoir IBA
    This morning we birded some of the WACHUSETT RESERVOIR IBA. Besides the reservoir itself, this IBA includes several nearby small ponds, all part of the immediate reservoir watershed, including Sterling Peat, the Waushacums, The Quag, and Coachlace, all spots we visited this morning. We also stopped by many vantage points overlooking the reservoir including hiking out to Scar Hill Bluffs. The weather this AM started out dark and gloomy and evolved into something positively Scottish: misty, cool, wet, breezy. Complete list below: Common Loon (19); Double-crested Cormorant (43); GREAT CORMORANT (1ad+1imm: this species is an uncommon, but annual migrant here); Great Blue Heron (6); Great Egret (1: Sterling Peat); Canada Goose (290: all migrating overhead just after dawn. We had NONE on land or water); Wood Duck (25: most at The Quag); American Wigeon (2); American Black Duck (6); Mallard (84); Green-winged Teal (2); Ring-necked Duck (4f); Greater Scaup (2); Lesser Scaup (3); BLACK SCOTER (flock of 9 on Wachuset proper. Scoters of all three species are uncommon but yearly visitors to Wachuset.); Common Merganser (1f: several birds over-summered); Osprey (1); Bald Eagle (1ad); Sharp-shinned Hawk (1); Cooper's Hawk (1imm harassing a Red-tail); Red-tailed Hawk (3); Wild Turkey (16); Killdeer (64, 56 of which were on the grounds of Clinton High School); Greater Yellowlegs (4); Least Sandpiper (2 juv); Ring-billed Gull (149); Herring Gull (33); Belted Kingfisher (3); Red-bellied Woodpecker (2); Downy Woodpecker (4); Hairy Woodpecker (2); N Flicker (3); Eastern Phoebe (2); Blue-headed Vireo (1); Blue Jay (33); A Crow (40); Black-capped Chickadee (93); Tufted Titmouse (7); White-breasted Nuthatch (6); Brown Creeper (1); Carolina Wren (4); House Wren (1); Golden-crowned Kinglet (4); Ruby-crowned Kinglet (11); Eastern Bluebird (5); Hermit Thrush (12); A Robin (654: just after dawn, a big flight of robins was seen over Sterling Peat); Gray Catbird (13); American Pipit (40); Cedar Waxwing (8); Yellow-rumped Warbler (52); Pine Warbler (3: 2m singing); Prairie Warbler (1); Palm Warbler (26); Blackpoll Warbler (1); C Yellowthroat (6); Eastern Towhee (2); Chipping Sparrow (72); Savannah Sparrow (41); Song Sparrow (21); Lincoln's Sparrow (2); Swamp Sparrow (3); White-throated Sparrow (66); White-crowned Sparrow (1ad); Dark-eyed Junco (11); N Cardinal (12); Indigo Bunting (1); Purple Finch (7); A Goldfinch (5); PLUS; though the weather was miserable, we still had 7 MONARCHS migrating high. (report from Mark Lynch/Sheila Carroll).

    10/7/07 -- Wachusett Reservoir
    This afternoon around 4:00 there was a Northern Harrier (f) along the shoreline near rte 140 (near "South Bay"), as well as a Common Loon and Spotted Sandpiper. (report from Rick Quimby).

    10/6/07 -- Dudley
    The Great Egret was last seen today at sunset in Merino Pond in Dudley. It was on the shore and was crouched down when I first saw it. Then it stretched itself and I saw a dark fish in its bill. Fran McMenemy thought it must have been a Horned Pout. There was a Great Blue Heron nearby watching the egret toss the fish in and swish its body in the water in that crouched position. I think the heron decided to try to steal the fish because it approached the egret, so the egret flew with it to a nearby sandbar the water is the lowest I've ever seen it). As it was standing there, possibly with the fish under its feet, a huge black dog (Newfoundland type) went into the water about 30 feet away. The egret decided to leave the pond. It flew across the pond not far from me but then disappeared behind the trees. I drove down to Mosquito Pond hoping to see it there, but it wasn't. It may have gone to another nearby pond called New Pond. (report from Joan Zumpfe).

    10/6/07 -- Leesville Pond, Worcester/Sterling Peat, Sterling
    Real quiet. A. widgeons and wood ducks at Leesville, the lower part of Sterling Peat is almost completely dry - no shore birds other then the egret and Wachusett Meadows was quiet also. (report from Garry Kessler).

    10/6/07 -- Orange Airport, Orange
    The Northern Wheatear initially reported from the Orange Airport on October 5th by Michael Parolana continues to be seen at that location. Due in no small part to Mark Lynch's excellent directions, I enjoyed superlative views of this bird on October 6th from 11:15 A.M. to 2:30 P.M. The last instance in which I was fortunate enough to savor such accommodating views of this species occurred in 1973 in southern Alaska! I also wish to thank HEARTILY Jeff Johnstone and Al and Lois Richardson for offering such stellar, wiggle-free views of this arresting specimen thorough their tripod-mounted scopes. A resident of Orange whose name I failed to note graciously offered jaw-dropping high-magnification views of the Wheatear through a customized Celestron Newtonian astronomical telescope. Needless to say, this instrument's 100x-plus view provided significantly better than "in- the-hand" images of this bird!!!!! As noted in Mark's post of October 5th, fine views of other passerines were also readily obtained, perhaps the most striking addition to the observations of October 5th being four hyperactive American Pipits that bobbed over the enormous gray hangar for some twenty-five minutes, vocalizing strongly. Scanning the hazy horizon yielded a distant juvenile Bald Eagle. Horned Larks fluttered at the limits of scope range, well past the huge fuel tanks to the left of the Administration building. (report from Chris Ellison).

    10/5/07 -- Sterling Peat, Sterling
    Stopped at Sterling Peat this AM to check bobcat tracks at edge of flats, watched aerial show of Osprey then Turkey Vulture then Bald Eagle, then GreatEgret. Eagle could be one of the nesting adults from North end of Wachusett reservoir.. (report from Richard Johnson).

    10/5/07 -- Lake Singletary, Millbury
    There is an American coot hanging out with 3 mallards on Lake Singletary in Millbury. Can be seen by parking at the boat ramp on West Main St and walking west on the West Main sidewalk and looking over the chain link fence. This section of the road is closed during working hours during the week for sewer construction but is open after 3 or 4 and should be OK during the weekend. (report from Alan Marble).

    10/5/07 -- Dudley
    The Great Egret was seen in Mosquito Pond in Dudley on Tuesday 10/02/07. It wasn't there yesterday, 10/04/07, so I searched other local ponds and found 13 Wood Ducks in Wallis Pond across the street, an American Kestrel just up the road on Charlton Street and finally the Great Egret on the far shore of Merino Pond opposite Lakeview Ave. I was unable to find it today, though.There was a Great Blue Heron in each of these 3 ponds mentioned. (report from Joan Zumpfe).

    10/5/07 -- Orange Airport, Orange
    Just got back from viewing the wheatear at Orange Airport. Here are directions:
      The ORANGE AIRPORT is nestled between Rt.2; Rt.2A and Rt.122. From the intersection of Rt.202 and Rt.2, drive NE along the DANIEL SHAYS HWY into ORANGE then ATHOL (briefly) till it intersects w/ EAST RIVER STREET on the left. Take East River Street to the left (NW). Look for signs for the Orange Airport on LEFT (NOT the jumping school). This will be AIRPORT STREET . Drive in here and park on (CORRECTION:) RIGHT in front of chain link fence. Theer will be equipment in front of you on the other side of the fence; the main building to the left (rather small) and bigger hanger buildings on right. The bird has been seen all along here, perched on the fence, equipment, buildings. Et. Be sure to walk to the corner of the fence far to the right and check buildings, gas pumps et, ALL OF WHICH HAVE HAD THE BIRD ON IT!! 
    DO NOT UNDER ANY CIRCUMSTANCES WALK OUT ONTO THE FIELDS.
    The bird is a rather pale 1stWinter w/lots of feather wear on coverts, retrices et. Try as I may, I could not make this into an Isabelline, Desert et. Just to let you know we checked. The bird is very confiding, catching all sorts of insects, and we and others (Mark Taylor, Jeff Johnstone, Mark Fairbrother, and Al Richards) watched it on and on for at least an hour. It is often on the ground too. In the area are many Savvies, Horned Larks and a number of other interesting birds. BTW: I want to thank TOM GAGNON for the prompt phone call, and to DAVE SMALL, who got the word and passed it on all the way from VIRGINIA. (report from Mark Lynch).

    10/4/07 -- Westboro WMA, Westboro
    We spent all morning birding some of the areas of the WESTBORO WMA. Though we did not get to the huge area weedy fields at the base of the Fish &Wildlife Headquarters Buildings, we did bird the fields between and around the two Chauncy Ponds, the Crane Swamp Trail and up to Bartlett Pond. Though there were no rarities, there was a significant movement of the common sparrows just after dawn. By the time a number of "dog walkers" showed up, most of the birds had retreated deep into the weeds or surrounding forest. If you decide to bird here, get here by dawn. Pied-billed Grebe (1); Great Blue Heron (3); Green Heron (1); Canada Goose (2); Mute Swan (2); Mallard (61); Sharp-shinned Hawk (1); Virginia Rail (2); Killdeer (5); Ring-billed Gull (30); Mourning Dove (58); E Screech Owl (1); Belted Kingfisher (2); Red-bellied Woodpecker (2); Yellow-bellied Sapsucker (2); Downy Woodpecker (9); Hairy Woodpecker (3); N Flicker (10); E Phoebe (4); Blue Jay (41); A Crow (10); Black-capped Chickadee (42); Red-breasted Nuthatch (1); White-breasted Nuthatch (4); Carolina Wren (2); House Wren (3); Ruby-crowned Kinglet (5); Eastern Bluebird (2); A Robin (54); Gray Catbird (41); N Mockingbird (1); American Pipit (1 overhead); Cedar Waxwing (6); Yellow-rumped Warbler (65); Palm Warbler (5); Blackpoll Warbler (8); C Yellowthroat (4); Eastern Towhee (2); Chipping Sparrow (3); Savannah Sparrow (23); Song Sparrow (111); Lincoln's Sparrow (13); Swamp Sparrow (77); White-throated Sparrow (137); White-crowned Sparrow (4imm); N Cardinal (17); Rose-breasted Grosbeak (1); Indigo Bunting (7: while we were watching a small flock of these birds, 1 launched itself straight up in the air and at the top of the arc, gave the Indigo Bunting song, then rapidly flew down to the bush. The whole behavior reminded us of the territorial ~Sflight song~T given by male Common Yellowthroats. ); Bobolink (3); Red-winged Blackbird (112); Rusty Blackbird (23); Purple Finch (8); HOUSE FINCH (55 in 1 huge, loose flock centered on the row of planted evergreens. Smaller groups would fly down from here to feed in the weeds found among the corn); A Goldfinch (43); PLUS: Lots of E Painted Turtles still out and sunning; large numbers of odonates, mostly meadowhawk sp., but also a large number of darner species. We also had a good flight of Monarchs. Other butterflies included Cabbage White, Clouded Sulphur and an Eastern Comma. Perhaps the best, non-bird find was a large GIANT PUFFBALL (Calvatia gigantea);. On the way home we stopped by SuAsCo, also in Westboro and had: Pied-billed Grebe (1); Double-crested Cormorant (13); Mute Swan (10, including 3yg); Canada Goose (107); Wood Duck (2); Mallard (5); Red-tailed Hawk (6 kettling together); Belted Kingfisher (1); NB: We also had a good flight of Monarchs here as well as (1); late PECK'S SKIPPER nectaring on some clover. (report from Mark Lynch/Sheila Carroll).

    10/3/07 -- Institute Park, Worcester
    Highlights at noon were 2 DC Cormorants, 4 Mute Swan (1 ad, 3 imm), 2 Green-winged Teal, 1 Am. Black Duck, 2 Lesser Yellowlegs, 2 Least Sandpipers, 1 Belted Kingfisher, 1 N. Flicker, and 1 Gray Catbird. (report from Rick Quimby).

    10/2/07 -- Quabbin Park, Quabbin Reservoir
    We spent the morning birding around QUABBIN PARK, the southern section of Quabbin Reservation, right off Rt.9 in Belchertown. Species variety was fairly typical for this time of the year for this location. The noteworthy exception to this was the total no-show of RED-BREASTED NUTHATCHES. Though there certainly appears to be a decent movement of this species along select areas of the immediate coast, well inland numbers of Red-breasted Nuthatches are modest still, with just some ~Slarger than typical~T movement indicated. This includes in the higher elevation areas of NW Rhode Island. Yes, there is SOME movement well inland, but so far nothing extraordinary and it may be rather local. When there is a more widespread fall/winter incursion, this species will seem to be everywhere in large numbers in locations like Quabbin. Not so, so far, this year. It would be helpful if birders from the Berkshires, the hill towns and northern Connecticut River Valley would send in some reports to Massbird too and indicate numbers of RB Nuts. ALSO: Quabbin Park is in the midst of a re-paving project, so if you come during the week, expect road crews working in certain sections. The parking lot at Enfield Lookout has now been partially paved, and other pull-offs are being paved too. Common Loon (3ad+pair w/2 young birds); Great Blue Heron (1); Turkey Vulture (17); Canada Goose (52); A Black Duck (1); Bald Eagle (2ad+2imm); Sharp-shinned Hawk (1); Red-tailed Hawk (1); Killdeer (29: all at the State Trout Hatchery); Ring-billed Gull (1); Mourning Dove (9); E Screech Owl (1); Belted Kingfisher (1); Yellow-bellied Sapsucker (2); Downy Woodpecker (4); Hairy Woodpecker (10); N Flicker (1); Pileated Woodpecker (1); Eastern Phoebe (11); Blue-headed Vireo (3); Blue Jay (36); A Crow (28); C Raven (1); Black-capped Chickadee (69); Tufted Titmouse (6); White-breasted Nuthatch (12); House Wren (1); Golden-crowned Kinglet (9); Ruby-crowned Kinglet (6); Hermit Thrush (1); American Robin (3); Gray Catbird (6); N Parula (1); Yellow-rumped Warbler (17); Pine Warbler (3: 1 still singing); Palm Warbler (3); Blackpoll Warbler (10); C Yellowthroat (3); E Towhee (33); Chipping Sparrow (58); Song Sparrow (14); Lincoln~Rs Sparrow (1); Swamp Sparrow (1); White-throated Sparrow (44); Dark-eyed Junco (37); N Cardinal (4); Rose-breasted Grosbeak (1); Purple Finch (5); House Finch (2); A Goldfinch (1); PLUS: Eastern Painted Turtle (several sunning despite low temps);; Wooly Bear (1);; Pearly Everlasting (still in bloom); and several areas of NODDING LADIES TRESSESS. This has to be the latest blooming orchid in the state. (report from Mark Lynch/Sheila Carroll).

    10/2/07 -- Barre Falls Dam, Barre
    Migrant raptors today: Osprey 3 ; Bald Eagle 2 ; Sharp-shinned Hawk 19 ; Northern Goshawk 1 ; Broad-winged Hawk 2 ; Red-tailed Hawk 1 ; American Kestrel 5 ; Merlin 1 ; Non-raptor Observations: 1 Pileated woodpecker, 4 tree swallows, 22 monarch butterflies. (report from Bart Kamp).

    10/1/07 -- Notre Dame Cemetery, Worcester
    I stopped at Notre Dame Cemetery this evening and saw 2 Great Blue Heron, 1 Great Egret and 12 Wood Ducks. From there I went to All Faiths cemetery and had 6 Green- winged Teal, 13 A. Wigeon, 8 Wood Ducks, 2 Great Blue Heron, and 1 Yellow rump Warbler. Robins were all over the cemetery. (report from John Shea).

    10/1/07 -- Barre Falls Dam, Barre
    Migrant raptors today: Turkey Vulture 5 ; Osprey 3 ; Northern Harrier 1 ; Sharp-shinned Hawk 12 ; American Kestrel 7 ; Merlin 1 ; Peregrine Falcon 2 ; Non-raptor Observations: 16 Canada geese, 2 Wilson's snipe, 4 common loons, 4 blue birds. (report from Bart Kamp).

    For previous sightings, see September 2007 Archives or Archive Index