October 2010 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:

• ONGOING -- Asian Longhorned Beetle Information
• 10/27/10 -- Radio interview: Bill Thompson III of BIRD WATCHER'S DIGEST talking about feeding and attracting birdson WICN

Bird Sightings:

10/31/10 -- Quabbin Reservoir

Highlights of the Forbush Bird Club walk along the northeast shore of Quabbin, within the towns of New Salem and Petersham, included a flock of 35 Brant migrating overhead, 5 Horned Grebes, 1 Red-necked Grebe, 1 female Common Goldeneye, 5 Black-bellied Plovers and 3 unidentified shorebirds that were likely Dunlin but too far to positively ID. Nearly 300 American Crows migrated past, headed southwest and nice looks at least 4 Bald Eagles and several Common Loons was, as always, a treat. Here is the complete species list. (report from Tom Pirro fide Joan Gallagher).

10/31/10 -- Lake Waushakum/Sterling Peat, Sterling

Sightings today:

At Lake Waushakum: 2 Common Loon, 5 Ruddy Ducks, 5 Red-breasted Merganser, 2 DC Cormorant and 8 Bufflehead.

Sterling Peat was bare for water birds, but I did get a Kingfisher, 1 Palm Warbler, 8 Yellow Rumps, 1 Golden Crowned Kinglet and 8 Ruby Crowned kinglet.
(report from Susan LaBree).

10/31/10 -- Sutton

Good day for woodpeckers with Hairy,Downy,Redbellied,No.Flicker,and  1 Pielated all in the yard today. I still have the Redbreasted Nuthatch around along with 2 Pine Siskins that show up with the large groups of GoldFinches. Still have good numbers Purple Finches; oddly I have yet to see any House Finches here this season. I have a House Sparrow that shows up with plenty of friends that has 2 white wing feathers on one side and a white shoulder patch on the other. I have had all day 1 lone Grackle and this morning a Brown Creeper. Along with the rest of the regulars today I had 3 large flocks of Geese fly over the yard this morning . The only sour note is I have a pair of SharpShins that have been dining well especially on the Mourning Doves. (report from Michael Joubert).

10/31/10 -- Barre Falls Dam, Barre

Migrating raptors today: Turkey Vulture 1 ; Northern Harrier 2 ; Sharp-shinned Hawk 5 ; Cooper's Hawk 3 ; Red-shouldered Hawk 8 ; Red-tailed Hawk 22 ; Merlin 1 ; Peregrine Falcon 1 . Raptor Observations: 1-2 Northern Goshawks not migrating Non-raptor Observations: Eastern Meadowlark. Migrating: 25 Brant, 12 Ring-necked Ducks, 50 Canada geese and 100's of American Crows. (report from Bart Kamp).

10/31/10 -- Sudbury Reservoir, Southboro

This morning we birded a few areas around SUDBURY RESERVOIR which is in SOUTHBORO/MARLBORO and had the following: Pied-billed Grebe (1); Double-crested Cormorant (3); Great Blue Heron (1); Canada Goose (20); Mallard (63); A Black Duck (21); Ring-necked Duck (1122); Lesser Scaup (8); Bufflehead (2m+1f); Hooded Merganser (8); Common Merganser (3); Ruddy Duck (121); Red-tailed Hawk (3); N Saw-whet Owl (1); Belted Kingfisher (3); Red-bellied Woodpecker (4); N Flicker (1); Carolina Wren (3); Black-capped Chickadee (77); Tufted Titmouse (14); Red-breasted Nuthatch (12); White-breasted Nuthatch (7); Ruby-crowned Kinglet (4); Golden-crowned Kinglet (18); A Robin (658); N Mockingbird (3); Yellow-rumped Warbler (15); Song Sparrow (2); Swamp Sparrow (1); White-throated Sparrow (80+); White-crowned Sparrow (1); Dark-eyed Junco (77); N Cardinal (28); Pine Siskins (6); Red-winged Blackbird (flock of 30+); (report from Mark Lynch/Sheila Carroll).

10/30/10 -- Barre Falls Dam, Barre

Migrating raptors today: Turkey Vulture 4 ; Northern Harrier 3 ; Sharp-shinned Hawk 7 ; Cooper's Hawk 2 ; Red-tailed Hawk 9 ; Rough-legged Hawk 1 . Raptor Observations: The Rough-legged Hawk was a dark morph. Non-raptor Observations: 110 Canada Geese (report from Bart Kamp).

10/30/10 -- Sterling Peat, Sterling

   I have visited the Muddy Pond/Sterling Peat area several times this week, both at dawn and dusk. Tuesday morning 10/26 I esimated ~68,000 birds leaving the roost at dusk. Trying to be objective as possible I esimated the # of birds passing per 10 second interval at the same time had a stopwatch running and noted increases and decreases and calculated the total afterwards. Friday 10/29 I did the same and came up with ~44,000....perhaps the difference being the direction the flight of birds left. Tuesday the bulk of the birds exited in flight toward me....Friday many left in the other direction.   

During the evening it appears some birds circle in a very wide radius, so I just observe and enjoy. That said Thursday's evening flight appeared to be the most impressive evening flight I have seen thus far and Friday evening's flight seem "off" by perhaps a 1/3. Friday I did noticed birds up high that kept going southwest, later some returned from that direction, perhaps not all of them. As one might expect this cold front may send some of these birds "packing", the deciduous trees/shrubs, they appear to be roosting in, are loosing their leaves and dynamics of the roost are likely to shift. Birds are also roosting outside the area directly around Muddy Pond, for example the hillside to the north east of Greenland Road, between Greenland and I190, birds which I couldn't see from my vantage point on Tuesday and Thursday morning.   

  What ever the exact number of birds actually is/was, its fun to try to esimate though, Thursday (while I was perched upon the sandpile at Muddy Pond) evening's flight was as impressive a birding site I've seen this year or in recent memory, as a relentless wave of birds approached out of the northeast, at the same time a massive wave of birds was headed northeast way off on the horizon. Birds were spread out from horizon to horizon in all directions as far as I could see. The morning "exit" takes about 20 minutes (18 on Tuesday and 21 on Friday), the evening arrival being more gradual, a bit over an hour from sunset the first birds start to arrive and it builds until the birds have "tucked" in for the night by dark.
(report from Tom Pirro).

10/29/10 -- Wachusett Reservoir, Clinton

Today around 12:30ish I went to Gate 36 of the Wachusett Reservoir.  I walked along the rocky edge towards the left on the North dike and I saw three snow buntings.  I got a really great shot of one of them. (report and photo from Jessica Johnson).

10/29/10 -- Worcester

I had a chance sighting of 1 Bald Eagle soaring and circling over the Burncoat/Greendale neighborhoods of Worcester. (report from Pat Hackett).

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

Migrating raptors today: Turkey Vulture 3 ; Northern Harrier 3 ; Sharp-shinned Hawk 17 ; Cooper's Hawk 4 ; Northern Goshawk 1 ; Red-shouldered Hawk 5 ; Red-tailed Hawk 11 ; American Kestrel 3 ; Merlin 1 . Raptor Observations: 3-4 Nothern Goshawks not migrating. Non-raptor Observations: 105 Canada Geese (report from Bart Kamp).

10/29/10 -- Institute Park, Worcester

Highlights today included 1 Pied-billed Grebe, 2 Mute Swan, 5 Green-winged Teal, 5 Hooded Merganser, and 1 Yellow-rumped Warbler. (report from Rick Quimby).

10/28/10 -- Institute Park, Worcester

A lunch time pass of Salisbury Pond in Institute Park turned up a pair of Pied-billed Grebes. They were located closest to Humboldt st. around 1pm. (report from Alexander Dunn).

10/28/10 -- Barre Falls Dam, Barre

Migrating raptors today: Turkey Vulture 12 ; Osprey 1 ; Northern Harrier 3 ; Sharp-shinned Hawk 15 ; Cooper's Hawk 4 ; Red-tailed Hawk 4 ; American Kestrel 3 ; Merlin 2 ; Peregrine Falcon 2 . (report from Bart Kamp).

10/28/10 -- Sterling Peat, Sterling

Acting on Tom Pirro's reports of the large American Robin roost near Sterling Peat, I arrived there this morning at about 6:45 a.m. Walking in through Sterling Peat, the robin noise was deafening. Robins were literally dripping off all the shrubs and trees there. I climbed up on the sand mound and waited. Unfortunately, there was a pea-soup fog this morning and visibility was only about 50 yards. Soon the air was filled with robins flying east. There was a constant loose flock of robins flying low over me for about 20 minutes. I wish the visibility was better so I could have seen more birds. Nonetheless, it was an awesome spectacle and I hope to get there soon when there is better visibility. (report from Alan Marble).

10/26/10 -- Broad Meadow Brook Sanctuary, Worcester

I recorded the following highlights this morning: Great Blue Heron (1); Red-tailed Hawk (1); Red-bellied Woodpecker (1); Eastern Phoebe (2); Carolina Wren (1); Ruby-crowned Kinglet (1); Eastern Bluebird (6); American Robin (13); Cedar Waxwing (2); Yellow-rumped Warbler (8); Song Sparrow (16); Swamp Sparrow (7); White-throated Sparrow (27); Dark-eyed Junco (3); Common Grackle (3); blackbird sp. (40). (report from John Liller)

10/26/10 -- Lancaster

I filled my feeders this morning, and around noon I had 10 pine siskins eating and playing in the bird bath. (report from Jessica Johnson).

10/26/10 -- West Millbury

I had a late Black-throated Green Warbler and a Gray Catbird at Butler Farm in Millbury today. At home, my Pine Siskin Flock has increased to 6. (report from Alan Marble).

10/25/10 -- West Millbury

I had 2 Pine Siskins at my feeders this morning. (report from Alan Marble).

10/24/10 -- Wachusett Reservoir and vicinity

Highlights of the Forbush Bird Club were Common Loons, Horned Grebes, a Red-necked Grebe, Bald Eagle and Surf Scoters, as well as excellent looks at Rusty Blackbirds, Pine Siskins, Pied-billed Grebe and Ruddy Ducks. Here list the complete list of the 62 species recorded. (report from Kevin Bourinot, fide Joan Gallagher)

10/24/10 -- Wachusett Reservoir/Indian Lake

A quick stop at WACHUSETT RESERVOIR on the way home from Great Meadows: Common Loon (16); Horned Grebe (7); Double-crested Cormorant (8); Great Blue Heron (1); SURF SCOTER (5f+3m); LONG-TAILED DUCK (1f); Osprey (1); Bald Eagle (1ad); NB: Kevin Bourinot is leading the Forbush trip this noon to the Wachusett IBA and I am sure will have a much more complete list of species.

Then at INDIAN LAKE, WORCESTER: an even briefer stop: Double-crested Cormorant (7); Great Blue Heron (6); Mute Swan (2); Canada Goose (65); Mallard (24); Hooded Merganser (1); Common Merganser (57); Spotted Sandpiper (1);
(report from Mark Lynch/Sheila Carroll).

10/24/10 -- Worcester/Princeton

This past week we've had up to 4 Purple Finches (1 male, 3 female); and 7 Pine Siskins in amongst the Gold and House Finches at our feeders at home on the north side of Worcester. Also today on top of Mt Wachusett there were 3 Snow Buntings. (report from Simon Hennin).

10/24/10 -- Sterling Peat, Sterling

I would like to encourge birders to vist Sterling Peat either at dusk or dawn to view an impressive roost of American Robins. I checked several days ago and estimated 5,500...honestly believing I was "light handed" (very light) in my count. Last evening i visited and watch birds fly in from all directions for well over 40 minutes, but they tended to circle the site and not drop straight into the area.   

 Chuck Caron and I visited before dawn this morning and stationed ourselves off Boutelle Road, where there is a dirt parking area that overlooks the area. Being a bit further away helped to get a better handle on the "big" picture. Also, it is easier to get a handle on things while they leave the roost in the morning rather than while they come during the evening. After all was said and done we estimate approximately 30,000 robins leaving this morning and do not think our number is "heavy handed" in any way. Its worth the show, while the behavoir is a bit more complex in the evening, it is no less impressive.  

We also hit Bolton Flats this evening and watched an impressive number of grackles fly into to roost north of the "flats" -- the grackles are bit easier to estimate as they have a more orderly procession. Our estimate here was ~28,400. We ran into another birder on our walk out and asked if she;d seen the grackle "show". She had, we asked what she thought....she said about 30,000...."but you probably will not believe me".  At Bolton we also had a 1000+ Robins and Red-winged Blackbirds...so all the robin in Worcester County are not going to Sterling! (report from Tom Pirro).

10/23/10 -- Mount Watatic, Ashburnham

Raptors migrating today: Osprey 1 ; Sharp-shinned Hawk 6 ; Cooper's Hawk 1 ; Red-tailed Hawk 15 ; American Kestrel 1 . Raptor Observations: One BE ad. moving north. Stiff winds kept the flight low. Non-raptor Observations: "dark-winged" scoter ~275.. (I later found 100 Black Scoters on Wachusett Lake in nearby Westminster, Ma.), Canada Goose 135 (Migrants), Common Loon 1, Purple Finch 12, Snow Bunting 1, Raven 17. (report from Tom Pirro).

10/23/10 -- Wachusett Reservoir, Boylston

I had a Red-throated Loon at Wachusett Reservoir this morning. I first saw it flying around from Scar Hill in Boylston and later it was swimming and diving out in front of the Mile Hill Road lookout in Boylston. (report from Alan Marble).

10/23/10 -- Quabog IBA, Brookfields

This morning we made just a few stops around the QUABOG IBA in the Brookfields. Pied-billed Grebe (1); Double-crested Cormorant (8); Great Blue Heron (6); Great Egret (1); Canada Goose (277); Mute Swan (2); A Black Duck (3); Mallard (16); Green-winged Teal (single flock of 10); Ring-necked Duck (21); Lesser Scaup (2f); Black Scoter (1f: which was blown out of the water by hunters while I was watching it. Shot dead. A number of hunters and decoys were at Quabog this AM); Bufflehead (1f); Hooded Merganser (5); Common Merganser (2); Ruddy Duck (20); Red-tailed Hawk (3); Spotted Sandpiper (2); Ring-billed Gull (181); Herring Gull (1); Red-bellied Woodpecker (5); Downy Woodpecker (2); Hairy Woodpecker (3); Pileated Woodpecker (1); Blue Jay (24); A Crow (59); C Raven (2); Tree Swallow (2: Quabog); "Petrochelidon sp." (1: a buff rumped swallow, with some buff on the head was seen hunting low over the water along the back side of Quabog shortly after dawn. It made several passes, then flew up and out. Too far to ID with certainty.); Barn Swallow (1: Quabog); Black-capped Chickadee (34); Tufted Titmouse (14); White-breasted Nuthatch (6); Carolina Wren (1); Golden-crowned Kinglet (8); Ruby-crowned Kinglet (7); Eastern Bluebird (32); A Robin (18); A Pipit (5); Cedar Waxwing (11); Orange-crowned Warbler (1); Magnolia Warbler (1); Yellow-rumped Warbler (88); Palm Warbler (8); Chipping Sparrow (7); Field Sparrow (1); Savannah Sparrow (6); Song Sparrow (19); Lincoln's Sparrow (1); Swamp Sparrow (3); White-throated Sparrow (124); White-crowned Sparrow (3imm); Dark-eyed Junco (135); N Cardinal (12); Red-winged Blackbird (61); Rusty Blackbird (8); C Grackle (7); Brown-headed Cowbird (single flock of 80+); Purple Finch (6); House Finch (10); A Goldfinch (19); NB: hunters were out in most suitable areas. Get your "hunter's orange" gear out and wear it. (report from Mark Lynch/Sheila Carroll).

10/23/10 -- Sutton

Came home from work this morning to the sound of a Song Sparrow and Carolina Wren in full song down by the Mumford River. I decided to take a quick walk over and did not expect to find anything out of the norm, when a Gray Catbird made his presence known. I ended up birding the area for while, and aside from a Pileated Woodpecker fly by, a few Robins hanging around, and a face to face meeting with a Whitetail Doe, it was pretty quiet. I came home to a yard full of Gold and Purple Finches with 1 Pine Siskin mixed in. Along with these I had 2 Hairy, 1 Male Red Bellied, and 5 Downy Woodpeckers along with all the normal feeder birds. Oddly I have not had any Juncos around or the Red-Breasted Nuthatch for the last few days. (report from Michael Joubert).

10/23/10 -- Barre Falls Dam, Barre

Migrating raptors today: Turkey Vulture 2 ; Osprey 1 ; Northern Harrier 2 ; Sharp-shinned Hawk 31 ; Cooper's Hawk 8 ; Red-shouldered Hawk 1 ; Red-tailed Hawk 52 ; American Kestrel 1 ; Merlin 2 . Raptor Observations: Redtails were on the move. Not migrating: 3-4 Northern Goshawks. Non-raptor Observations: Migrating: 113 Canada Geese, 22 Brant. (report from Bart Kamp).

10/22/10 -- 10/22/10 -- Wampanoag MAS, Gardner

Paul Pinault and I hawkwatched at Wampanoag MAS in Gardner for the better part of day. There was a West wind 10-15MPH AM increasing to ~20MPH PM, snow flurries late in the afternoon.

Birds recorded: Turkey Vulture 1; Osprey 4; Sharp-shinned Hawk 22; Cooper's Hawk 7; Red-shouldered Hawk 4; Red-Tailed hawk 14; American Kestrel 5; Merlin 1; Un ID'd raptors 2. also American Crow 402 (Migrants); Wilson's Snipe 2 flying west bound; Eastern bluebird 12 migrants; Horned lark 10 migrants; Common Loon 2. (report from Tom Pirro).

10/22/10 -- Barre Falls Dam, Barre

Migrating raptors today: Turkey Vulture 8 ; Sharp-shinned Hawk 45 ; Cooper's Hawk 1 ; Red-shouldered Hawk 4 ; Red-tailed Hawk 16 ; American Kestrel 1 ; Merlin 1 . (report from Bart Kamp).

10/22/10 -- Institute Park, Worcester

The Ruddy Duck was still present today at noon, along with 1 Pied-billed Grebe, 5 Green-winged Teal, and 1 Belted Kingfisher. (report from Rick Quimby).

10/21/10 -- Institute Park, Worcester

The 2 Pied-billed Grebe and 1 Ruddy Duck were still present at noon today, along with 8 Green Wing Teal and 1 Belted Kingfisher. (report from Rick Quimby).

10/20/10 -- Institute Park, Worcester

Highlights at noon were 2 Pied-billed Grebe, 2 Mute Swan, 1 Ruddy Duck (f winter plumage), 3 Yellow-rumped Warbler, 1 Blackpoll, and 1 Fox Sparrow. (report from Rick Quimby).

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

Migrating raptors today: Turkey Vulture 39 ; Bald Eagle 1 ; Northern Harrier 1 ; Sharp-shinned Hawk 15 ; Northern Goshawk 1 ; Red-tailed Hawk 6 ; American Kestrel 2 . Non-raptor Observations: 1 Eastern Meadowlark that was flushed by a hunting Northern Harrier. (report from Bart Kamp).

10/20/10 -- Whitins Rd., Sutton

At 5:40 pm I had the Ring-necked pheasant at almost the same spot and time as last week on whitins road in Sutton. I tried to get a look with my bins but it ran off through the field and was gone. This bird  had what appeared to be a white plastic band on it's head (?).  The pheasant I had on the 14th did not have one. (report from Michael Joubert).

10/20/10 -- Sterling

This noon I made a brief stop along Justice Hill Road (Sterling) and had a nice look at an Orange-crowned Warbler. This was between the junction of Justice Hill Cut-off/Jusctice Hill Road and the farm house. It was at the edge of the overgrown orchard, and there were also yellow-rumped and Palm Warblers, and House Finches. A little further down the road was a female type Rose-breasted Grosbeak. (report from Tom Pirro).

10/19/10 -- Broad Meadow Brook Sanctuary, Worcester

Highlights on a quick visit to the Sanctuary this morning: Red-bellied Woodpecker  ( 3 ); Carolina Wren  ( 2 ); Ruby-crowned Kinglet  ( 1 ); American Robin  ( 2 ); Yellow-rumped Warbler  ( 4 ); Song Sparrow  ( 21 ); Lincoln's Sparrow  ( 1 ); Swamp Sparrow  ( 6 ); White-throated Sparrow  ( 12 ); White-crowned Sparrow  ( 1 ). (report from John Liller).

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

Migrating raptors today: Turkey Vulture 5 ; Osprey 1 ; Bald Eagle 2 ; Northern Harrier 1 ; Sharp-shinned Hawk 20 ; Red-tailed Hawk 5 ; American Kestrel 1 ; Merlin 3 . Raptor Observations: Not migrating: pair of Northern Goshawks, 3 Redtails, 2 Bald Eagles. Non-raptor Observations: 62 Canada Geese, 1 Monarch Butterfly (report from Bart Kamp).

10/18/10 -- All Faith's Cemetery/Leesville Pond, Worcester

Late afternoon sightings included quite a few American Wigeons, numerous Mallards, two Mute Swans and a Great Blue Heron. (report from Joan Crowell).

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

Migrating raptors today: Turkey Vulture 5 ; Osprey 1 ; Northern Harrier 1 ; Sharp-shinned Hawk 29 ; Cooper's Hawk 2 ; Red-shouldered Hawk 1 ; Red-tailed Hawk 16 ; American Kestrel 1 ; Merlin 1 . (report from Bart Kamp).

10/18/10 -- Wampanoag MAS, Gardner

Today while hawkwatching a bit, the hilight was a flock of 68 Brant that passed directly overhead in good light, showing their dark breast markings nicely. This is the 3rd record over the years I've had of Brant from this location while Hawkwatching.  

Migrating raptors: Osprey  2; Bald Eagle  1 (plus 2 that were up and down a few times and eventually meandered north.); Northern harrier 2 both Juv.; Red-shouldered Hawk  1 adult; Red-tailed hawk   7 plus a few "locals"; Sharp-shinned Hawk  12; Northern Goshawk  2 juv. both appeared to be migrants; Am. Kestrel  1 male; Merlin  1; Turkey Vulture   1. (report from Tom Pirro).

10/18/10 -- Wachusett Reservoir, Boylston

This morning I saw a Great Cormorant sitting out on one of the yellow environmental monitoring units with a Double-crested Cormorant, seen from Mile Hill Road. It was later seen by Tom Pirro. (report from Alan Marble).

10/17/10 -- Lake Quaboag and vicinity, Brookfields

Highlights of the Forbush Bird Club were 2 Pied-billed Grebes, 9 Green-winged Teal, 2 Bald Eagles, a late Solitary Sandpiper, 2 American Pipits, 1 Lincoln's Sparrow and 4 White-crowned Sparrows. Here list the complete list of the 56 species recorded. (report from Rodney Jenkins, fide Joan Gallagher)

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

Migrating raptors today: Osprey 2 ; Bald Eagle 1 ; Sharp-shinned Hawk 16 ; Cooper's Hawk 1 ; Merlin 1 ; Peregrine Falcon 1 . Raptor Observations: Not migrating: 10-15 Turkey Vultures, 3 Redtails and 1 Northern Goshawk. (report from Bart Kamp).

10/16/10 -- Woonsocket and Cumberland Reservoirs, RI

A few RI ponds in the Blackstone National Corridor, In wild and windy conditions today:

WOONSOCKET RESERVOIR (Lincoln/Smithfield): Double-crested Cormorant (2); Green-winged Teal (3); Ring-necked Duck (47); Ruddy Duck (29); Bald Eagle (1ad); Red-tailed Hawk (1);

STUMP POND/WOONASQUAWTUCKET: Double-crested Cormorant (5); Mute Swan (3); Ring-necked Duck (2);

SNEETCH POND, Cumberland: Canada Goose (11); Wood Duck (18); Mallard (13: including 2 males attempting to mate w/ a female); A Black Duck (2); Red-tailed Hawk (2); Wilson's Snipe (1);

CUMBERLAND RESERVOIRS: Double-crested Cormorant (6); Great Blue Heron (2); Mute Swan (2ad+1imm); Canada Goose (23); Mallard (40); A Black Duck (1); Hooded Merganser (1); Green-winged Teal (26); SURF SCOTER (3m+1f); Sharp-shinned Hawk (1); Red-tailed Hawk (1); Wild Turkey (12); Killdeer (16);
(report from Mark Lynch/Sheila Carroll).

10/16/10 -- SuAsCo, Westboro

Double-crested Cormorant (15); Great Egret (2); Mute Swan (28: of which 11 were immatures); Canada Goose (42); Mallard (16); A Black Duck (6); Green-Winged Teal (5); Yellow-rumped Warbler (18); Nearby on Rt. 9 near Burger King: Brown-headed Cowbird: flock of 150+ feeding on lawn. (report from Mark Lynch/Sheila Carroll).

10/14/10 -- Wampanoag MAS, Gardner

I hawkwatched from 10-3 at the Wompanoag MAS, off Raymond Street, with modest wind out of the south east.

Raptor highlights: Turkey Vulture  73 (high count for me at this site); Northern Harrier  1; Osprey  12; Sharp-shinned Hawk  23; Cooper's Hawk   4; Red-shouldered Hawk  2; Red-tailed Hawk 6; American Kestrel   4; Merlin   1; Peregrine Falcon   5 (high count for me at this site);  

Other highlights:  Canada Goose 104 migrants; Double-crested Cormorant 3 migrants; American Crow 44 Migrants; American pipit  2; Blue-headed Vireo  1 still singing; Yellow-rumped Warbler 15; Palm Warbler 10; Blackpoll Warbler 1; Evening Grosbeak  4 headed NE (jeez practically a flock, almost like old times!); Barred Owl 1 calling at about 1PM. (report from Tom Pirro).

10/14/10 -- Barre Falls Dam, Barre

Migrating raptors today: Turkey Vulture 17 ; Osprey 6 ; Bald Eagle 1 ; Sharp-shinned Hawk 29 ; Cooper's Hawk 1 ; Red-tailed Hawk 5 ; American Kestrel 3 ; Merlin 1 ; Peregrine Falcon 1 . Raptor Observations: Not migrating: pair of Northern Goshawks Non-raptor Observations: 59 Canada Geese (report from Bart Kamp).

10/14/10 -- Sutton

At 5:45 on Whitins Road Sutton I had a nice male Ringneck Pheasant on the side of the road. Very strange to have one here as there is no stocking of birds around here for hunting. Also in my yard this afternoon I had a good turn out of Purple Finches, around 25 or so -- 8 males and the rest females. Along with these I had around 20 or so Goldfinches and  1 Pine Siskin. (report from Michael Joubert).

10/13/10 -- Sterling peat, Sterling

I "caught" the flight of American Robins leaving the roost at dawn this morning. I'd estimate the number to be over 5,000 birds. A heavy concentration of birds were leaving the area to the east of Muddy Pond and from the sandpit area to the south.  One American kestrel was perched on a snag watching as the robins were waking up -- I think it was confused and left!   Also there was an American Woodcock. (report from Tom Pirro).

10/13/10 -- Barre Falls Dam, Barre

Migrating raptors today: Turkey Vulture 4 ; Osprey 3 ; Bald Eagle 2 ; Sharp-shinned Hawk 20 ; Cooper's Hawk 1 ; Red-shouldered Hawk 1 ; Broad-winged Hawk 3 ; Red-tailed Hawk 6 ; American Kestrel 1 ; Peregrine Falcon 1 . Non-raptor Observations: 80 Canada Geeses (report from Bart Kamp).

10/12/10 -- Gate 17 (South Bay), Wachusett Reservoir

Today there was a Great Cormorant among 11+ Double-crested Cormorants on the platform in South bay. (report from Peter Morlock).

10/12/10 -- Sutton

I had today at my feeders 2 Pine Siskins mixed in with Goldfinches, and along with this I had 1 Redbreasted NutHatch. Yesterday I had 2  Juncos on my feeders, along with 5 on the ground.Have had a few White Throated Sparrows here the last few days as well. (report from Michael Joubert).

10/12/10 -- Barre Falls Dam, Barre

Migrating raptors today: Turkey Vulture 32 ; Osprey 3 ; Sharp-shinned Hawk 69 ; Cooper's Hawk 15 ; Northern Goshawk 1 ; Red-shouldered Hawk 6 ; Red-tailed Hawk 32 ; Golden Eagle 1 ; American Kestrel 4 ; Merlin 2 ; Peregrine Falcon 1 . Raptor Observations: The Golden Eagle was an adult. (report from Bart Kamp).

10/12/10 -- St. Christopher's cemetary, Grafton

My walk at lunchtime yielded: 8 E. Bluebirds, 16 Chipping Sparrows, 8 Yellow-rumped warblers, 2 pine warblers, 1 palm warbler, 1 warbling vireo - singing,. At the office on Riverlin Rd, I had 14 white-throated sparrows this morning. (report from Susan LaBree).

10/12/10 -- Institute Park, Worcester

Highlights at noon today were 1 Pied-billed Grebe, 1 Black-crowned Night-Heron (juv), 2 Mute Swan, 5 Green-winged Teal, and 2 Yellow-rumped Warbler. (report from Rick Quimby).

10/11/10 -- Barre Falls Dam, Barre

Migrating raptors today: Turkey Vulture 61 ; Osprey 11 ; Bald Eagle 2 ; Northern Harrier 4 ; Sharp-shinned Hawk 78 ; Cooper's Hawk 5 ; Broad-winged Hawk 1 ; Red-tailed Hawk 2 ; American Kestrel 7 ; Merlin 2 ; Peregrine Falcon 1 . Non-raptor Observations: 722 migrating Canada Geese. (report from Bart Kamp).

10/11/10 -- Gate 40-35, Quabbin Reservoir

We spent most of 10/11 in Quabbin atlasing from GATE 40-35. Beginning temps were in the high 30s. By the time we got to Gate 35, the winds had picked up considerably making birding extremely difficult.

Common Loon (19+1 unusual looking loon at a distance. We watched this bird for 15 plus minutes until it sailed around a point never to return. It looked like a Pacific Loon, but views were at a distance. We returned to the area and never saw it again. Details, such as they are, will be sent to Bird Observer.); Double-crested Cormorant (1); Great Blue Heron (1); Canada Goose (264: all in flocks flying high overhead, heading south); Mute Swan (1: still hanging out at the south end of the phrag island); Wood Duck (18); A Black Duck (2); Bald Eagle (4 ad: including a pair bathing); N Harrier (1 male); Sharp-shinned Hawk (6: including 3 at once "toying" with a flock of jays); Red-tailed Hawk (1imm); Ruffed Grouse (1 persistent drummer. Grouse do drum in fall, starting around the autumnal equinox and peaking in mid-October); Virginia Rail (2); Solitary Sandpiper (1); NB: despite excellent low water conditions, and hard searching, we could not find any other shorebirds. Ring-billed Gull (27); Red-bellied Woodpecker (4); Yellow-bellied Woodpecker (1); Downy Woodpecker (2); Hairy Woodpecker (5); N Flicker (1); Pileated Woodpecker (3); Eastern Phoebe (2); Blue-headed Vireo (2: 1 still singing away); Blue Jay (76); A Crow (26); Black-capped Chickadee (231); Tufted Titmouse (10); Red-breasted Nuthatch (35); White-breasted Nuthatch (11); Brown Creeper (7); Winter Wren (3); Golden-crowned Kinglet (45); Ruby-crowned Kinglet (17); Swainson's Thrush (1); Hermit Thrush (17); A Robin (14); Gray Catbird (2); Yellow-rumped Warbler (52); Pine Warbler (1m); Palm Warbler (18); Blackpoll Warbler (8); E Towhee (1); Chipping Sparrow (4); Song Sparrow (10); Lincoln's Sparrow (1); Swamp Sparrow (22); White-throated Sparrow (113); Dark-eyed Junco (85); N Cardinal (10: including an adult still feeding a begging young bird); Red-winged Blackbird (3); C Grackle (1); Purple Finch (23); Pine Siskin (3); Plus: an amazing show of blooming WITCH HAZEL, which was everywhere we went. Many mating meadowhawks; many Green Darners and what looked like Canada Darner. Butterflies were few: Cabbage White; Clouded Sulphur; and a few Monarchs. (report from Mark Lynch/Sheila Carroll).

10/10/10 -- New Braintree and vicinity

Highlights of the Forbush Bird Club were: 1 Snow Goose in a flock of Canada Geese flying overhead, 1 Merlin, 3 Blue-headed Vireos, 150+ Sparrows including 7 White-crowned Sparrows and 1 Lincoln's Sparrow. Here list the complete list of the 53 species recorded. (report from Rodney Jenkins, fide Joan Gallagher)

10/10/10 -- Sterling Peat, Sterling

Highlights today: Ring-necked Duck (5); Pied-billed Grebe (1); American Pipit (2); White-crowned Sparrow (3); Dark-eyed Junco (1);
(report from Kevin Bourinot).

10/10/10 -- Wachusett Reservoir, Clinton/Boylston

Highlights from Gates 37,40, Scar Hill Bluff, and South Bay: American Black Duck (23); Greater Scaup (4); White-winged Scoter (4); Common Loon (13); Horned Grebe (2); Red-necked Grebe (2); Double-crested Cormorant (42); Great Blue Heron (1); Bald Eagle (1); Sharp-shinned Hawk (2); Cooper's Hawk (1); Northern Goshawk (1); Red-tailed Hawk (1); American Kestrel (1); Killdeer (1); Blue-headed Vireo (2); Red-breasted Nuthatch (5); Brown Creeper (2); Golden-crowned Kinglet (4); American Robin (10); Yellow-rumped Warbler (17); Pine Warbler (2); Savannah Sparrow (1); Song Sparrow (15); White-throated Sparrow (12); Dark-eyed Junco (12); Purple Finch (2);
(report from Kevin Bourinot).

10/10/10 -- Quabog IBA, Brookfields

Our Broad Meadow Brook MAS class spent the morning birding just a few stops in the QUABOG Important Bird Area in the Brookfields.
Pied-billed Grebe (2); Double-crested Cormorant (3); American Bittern (1); Great Blue Heron (11); Turkey Vulture (5); Canada Goose (472); Mute Swan (pair); Wood Duck (12); A Black Duck (4); Mallard (66); Ring-necked Duck (18); Hooded Merganser (4: very yg birds); Common Merganser (1); Ruddy Duck (11); Osprey (2); Bald Eagle (2imm+1ad); N Harrier (2); Sharp-shinned Hawk (5); Cooper's Hawk (3); Red-shouldered Hawk (1); BROAD-WINGED HAWK (1: seen well as it headed west. Late); Red-tailed Hawk (13); Merlin (1); Ring-billed Gull (34); Herring Gull (2); Mourning Dove (16); E Screech Owl (1); Belted Kingfisher (3); Red-bellied Woodpecker (4); Yellow-bellied Sapsucker (1); Downy Woodpecker (6); Hairy Woodpecker (3); N Flicker (2); E Phoebe (9); Blue Jay (182); A Crow (158); BARN SWALLOW (1: over Lake Quabog at dawn: late in the interior); Black-capped Chickadee (52); Tufted Titmouse (13); Red-breasted Nuthatch (4); White-breasted Nuthatch (11); Golden-crowned Kinglet (2); Ruby-crowned Kinglet (3); E Bluebird (7); Hermit Thrush (1); A Robin (54); Gray Catbird (3); Cedar Waxwing (101); Yellow-rumped Warbler (253); Palm Warbler (17: all ?yellow? Palms); Blackpoll Warbler (6); Chipping Sparrow (66); Savannah Sparrow (24); Song Sparrow (87); Lincoln's Sparrow (2); Swamp Sparrow (58); White-throated Sparrow (139); White-crowned Sparrow (1); Dark-eyed Junco (62); N Cardinal (18); Red-winged Blackbird (3755); Rusty Blackbird (23); C Grackle (28); Brown-headed Blackbird (2); Purple Finch (19); House Finch (6); PINE SISKIN (6: my first for this winter; but they have been at people's feeders in north County for a week or so now); A Goldfinch (9); Plus: despite starting temps in the 30s Cabbage White (4);; Clouded Sulphur (16);; Monarch (6); and lots of Eastern Painted Turtles: classic "last in, first out" species here. (report from Mark Lynch/Sheila Carroll).

10/10/10 -- Barre Falls Dam, Barre

Migrating raptors today: Osprey 1 ; Bald Eagle 1 ; Sharp-shinned Hawk 20 ; Cooper's Hawk 5 ; American Kestrel 2 . Non-raptor Observations: 217 Canada Geese, 1 Praying Mantis. (report from Bart Kamp).

10/9/10 -- Wachusett Reservoir, Boylston

I saw 9 Black Scoters on Wachusett Reservoir this morning. They were seen from Mile Hill Road in Boylston. (report from Alan Marble).

10/9/10 -- Barre Falls Dam, Barre

Migrating raptors today: Turkey Vulture 4 ; Osprey 3 ; Bald Eagle 1 ; Northern Harrier 1 ; Sharp-shinned Hawk 50 ; Cooper's Hawk 6 ; Broad-winged Hawk 2 ; American Kestrel 5 ; Merlin 3 ; Peregrine Falcon 1 . Non-raptor Observations: Non-stop movement of 2765+ Canada Geese, 3 Monarch Butterflies. (report from Bart Kamp).

10/9/10 -- Gates 37-40, Wachusett Reservoir, Clinton

Highlights from Gate 37 today: Barred Owl (1); Red-breasted Nuthatch (2); Brown Creeper (1); Yellow-rumped Warbler (26); Palm Warbler (3);

Highlights from Gates 38 and 40 yesterday (10/8): Greater Scaup (2); Common Loon (16); Horned Grebe (2); Bald Eagle (2); American Kestrel (1); American Pipit (2); Black-throated Green Warbler (1)
(report from Kevin Bourinot).

10/8/10 -- Institute Park, Worcester

Highlights at noon today were 2 Pied-billed Grebe, 1 Black-crowned Night-Heron (juv), 2 Mute Swan, 5 Green-winged Teal, 1 Osprey (dove for a fish but same up empty), and 1 Red-winged Blackbird (m).

Yesterday (10/7), there was 1 Pied-billed Grebe, 5 Green-winged Teal, 1 Yellow-bellied Sapsucker (m), 1 Eastern Phoebe, and 1 Blackpoll warbler. (report from Rick Quimby).

10/8/10 -- Barre Falls Dam, Barre

Migrating raptors today: Turkey Vulture 20 ; Osprey 2 ; Northern Harrier 1 ; Sharp-shinned Hawk 46 ; Cooper's Hawk 2 ; American Kestrel 8 ; Merlin 5 ; Peregrine Falcon 2 . Raptor Observations: Close views of two adult Peregrines. Non-raptor Observations: Migrating 476 Canada Geese (report from Bart Kamp).

10/8/10 -- Gate35-37, Quabbin Reservoir

This morning from Gate 35-Gate37 northeast QUABBIN: Common Loon (12ad+9imm); Horned Grebe (2); Double-crested Cormorant (2); Canada Goose (230: in several flocks flying high overhead, heading S/SSW); Mute Swan (1); Mallard (1); White-winged Scoter (1m); Common Merganser (1); N Goshawk (1imm); Wild Turkey (4); Black-bellied Plover (4); American Golden Plover (2); Spotted Sandpiper (1); Sanderling (3); White-rumped Sandpiper (2); Pectoral Sandpiper (2); ?calidrid sp: 20+: too far out to ID Bonaparte?s Gull (1 adW); Ring-billed Gull (21); Herrign Gull (2); Red-bellied Woodpecker (2); Yellow-bellied Sapsucker (1); Downy Woodpecker (5); Hairy Woodpecker (5); N Flicker (1); E Phoebe (2); Blue-headed Vireo (4: all singing); Blue Jay (27); A Crow (17); Black-capped Chickadee (55); Tufted Titmouse (18); Red-breasted Nuthatch (3); White-breasted Nuthatch (8); Brown Creeper (5); House Wren (1); Golden-crowned Kinglet (19); Ruby-crowned Kinglet (24); Gray-cheeked Thrush (1); Hermit Thrush (11); A Robin (5); Gray Catbird (2); A Pipit (1); Black-throated Blue Warbler (1); Yellow-rumped Warbler (33); Pine Warbler (1 singing m); Palm Warbler (6); Blackpoll Warbler (13); E Towhee (8); Chipping Sparrow (18); Field Sparrow (2); Song Sparrow (12); Swamp Sparrow (11); White-throated Sparrow (43); Dark-eyed Junco (51); N Cardinal (4); Purple Finch (15); A Goldfinch (11); PLUS: E Common; Cabbage White; Monarchs; many Ruby-Meadowflys and Green Darners; really nice display of blooming WITCH HAZEL. (report from Mark Lynch/Sheila Carroll).

10/7/10 -- Barre Falls Dam, Barre

Migrating raptors today: Turkey Vulture 12 ; Osprey 12 ; Northern Harrier 1 ; Sharp-shinned Hawk 27 ; Cooper's Hawk 4 ; Broad-winged Hawk 2 ; American Kestrel 11 ; Merlin 4 ; Peregrine Falcon 2 . Raptor Observations: 1 adult Northern Goshawk not migrating. Non-raptor Observations: 142 Canada Geese (report from Bart Kamp).

10/7/10 -- Westborough/Clinton

Lake Chauncy, Westborough: 2 Greater Scaup, 1 Lesser Scaup, 1 female Surf Scoter and 1 Pied-billed Grebe

Coachlace Pond, Clinton: 2 Greater Scaup..
(report from Alan Marble).

10/6/10 -- "the Quag" Pond, Sterling

Wood Duck (74); Blue-winged Teal (2); Ring-necked Duck (17).
(report from Kevin Bourinot).

10/6/10 -- Gardner/Westminster

Crystal lake, Gardner: White-winged Scoter 1 drake  

Mare Meadow Resevoir, Westminster: Killdeer  2; Greater Yellowlegs  1; Spotted Sandpiper 1.  
(report from Tom Pirro).

10/5/10 -- Sterling/Clinton/Boylston/Fitchburg

Highlights at: 

Wachusett Reservoir :   Surf Scoter  2 female types (Mile Hill Rd area, Boylston); Common Loon 15+/-; Osprey   3 migrants headed SW; Dunlin  2 from gate 40; Greater Yellowlegs calling in flight.  

Coachlace Pond (Clinton) : Greater Scaup  2; Scarlet Tanager   1  

Sterling (Greenland Road, red maple swamp between sterling airport and rte 62):   Yellow-rumped Warbler 20; Rusty Blackbird  16;

Fitchburg Ariport: American Kestel   4; American Pipit  21
(report from Tom Pirro).

10/3/10 -- Barre Falls Dam, Barre

Raptors migrating today: Turkey Vulture 8 ; Osprey 5 ; Bald Eagle 6 ; Northern Harrier 1 ; Sharp-shinned Hawk 36 ; Cooper's Hawk 7 ; Broad-winged Hawk 4 ; Red-tailed Hawk 3 ; American Kestrel 3 ; Merlin 3 ; Peregrine Falcon 1 . Non-raptor Observations: 100's of migrating Blue Jays, 5 Double-crested Cormorants, 3 Monarch Butterflies. (report from Bart Kamp).

10/3/10 -- Wachusett Reservoir, Boylston

This morning, I saw 5 White-winged Scoters on Wachusett Reservoir. They were seen from Mile Hill Road in Boylston. (report from Alan Marble).

10/3/10 -- Village of Manchaug, Sutton

I had the immature Ruby Throat at the feeder this AM. I took a walk in the woods behind the house this morning and managed to run across  3 Ruffed Grouse and a decent group of Wild Turkeys ( 16 -- all Jakes and Toms). At Stevens Pond there were a few Hooded and Common Mergansers, along with some mallards and Black Ducks and 1 nice Male Wood Duck. Along with these there were 5 Great Blue Herons, 2 belted Kingfishers, and 1 Mute Swan. I took the long way out, came down along the Mumford, and had a Green Heron and a COMMON RAVEN fly over. As I type this (3:30 PM) the Ruby Throat has not been seen since this morning, and I hope it has headed South. (report from Michael Joubert).

10/3/10 -- Bolton Flats, Bolton

Armed with a sturdy walking stick and a handful of anti-inflams, I decided to run the MAS class trip to Bolton Flats today despite my badly injured shoulder, torn muscles and being in a world of pain. We met at 6:30 and made several stops. Nothing unusual as far as species go, but there was unusually high numbers of Swamp Sparrows, Red-winged Blackbirds (which were migrating all morning in dense flocks) and Purple Finch. I am glad I keep running numbers in a field book, otherwise at the end of the morning I would have NO clue as to actually how many birds we saw. It is interesting that we had lower than typical numbers of Song Sparrows and Savannah Sparrows. Part of the reason may have been due to the recent rains which limited where we could go (without wellies). The flats are as wet as I have ever seen it in the fall, and you need boots to get beyond the "T" at the main entrance road. Several other groups of birders were there this AM and I am sure they turned up some different birds than we did. Complete list: Double-crested Cormorant (1); Great Blue Heron (2); Canada Goose (7); Wood Duck (32); Mallard (37); Common Merganser (1); N Harrier (3 minimum); Cooper's Hawk (1); Red-tailed Hawk (1); Sora (1); Killdeer (1 overhead); A Woodcock (1); Wilson's Snipe (4); Morning Dove (4); Belted Kingfisher (1); Red-bellied Woodpecker (1); Downy Woodpecker (6); Hairy Woodpecker (5); N Flicker (1); E Phoebe (8); Blue-headed Vireo (2: still singing); Blue Jay (27); A Crow (29); Black-capped Chickadee (11); Tufted Titmouse (4); White-breasted Nuthatch (2); E Bluebird (3); A Robin (45); Gray Catbird (16); N Mockingbird (1); Nashville Warbler (1 still singing); Yellow-rumped Warbler (56); Palm Warbler (3); Bay-breasted Warbler (1); Blackpoll Warbler (5); C Yellowthroat (4); Savannah Sparrow (34); Song Sparrow (72); Lincoln's Sparrow (4); SWAMP SPARROW (267: the prevalence of this species rapidly got to be a bit of a joke to the class. We would actually get a bit of a thrill when a bird we came across was NOT a Swamp. Huge numbers all over the flats at every stop); White-throated Sparrow (56); N Cardinal (3); Bobolink (7); RED-WINGED BLACKBIRD (8299); PURPLE FINCH (54); A Goldfinch (10). (report from Mark Lynch).

10/2/10 -- Barre Falls Dam, Barre

Raptors migrating today: Osprey 14 ; Bald Eagle 2 ; Northern Harrier 1 ; Sharp-shinned Hawk 74 ; Cooper's Hawk 6 ; Broad-winged Hawk 3 ; American Kestrel 4 ; Merlin 2 . Non-raptor Observations: 109 Canada Geese, 1 Great Egret, 6 Monarch Butterflies (report from Bart Kamp).

10/2/10 -- Sutton

I had a hummingbird buzzing around at 4:30. I would have missed it completly had I not had a Pine Warbler  on my suet feeder. And I would have missed this as well had the Red Sox not gotten rained out. (report from Michael Joubert).

10/1/10 -- Worcester Airport

At 3 PM there were 15 Golden Plovers and 15-20 Pectoral Sandpipers at Worcester Airport. Most took off while I was there but they may still be in the area. They were on and along the runways south of the east parking lot. This is the parking lot where the buntings and longspurs were last winter. (report from Bart Kamp).

10/1/10 -- Fitchburg airport

Late this morning there were 3 American Golden-Plovers at the Fitchburg Airport, seen from the parking area off Crawford Street/Airport Road. Initially spooked by a loud noise they circled the airfield along with 14 Killdeers for 15 minutes before landing again. (report from Tom Pirro).

For previous sightings, see September 2010 Archives or Archive Index