October 2012 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
• 9/10/12 -- No access to Westborough Wildlife Management Area from old Field HQ hill due to construction

Bird Sightings:

10/30/12 -- Wachusett Reservoir, Clinton/Boylston

I had a possible juvenile SOOTY TERN from gate 40 in Clinton this afternoon at about 1:45. This bird made an appearance shortly after a sudden gusty/rainy period. I followed it from the north part of the reservoir until it finally disappeared to the south. A dark jaeger cannot be ruled out for this bird, however.

I had 2 SABINE's GULLS this morning from Mile Hill Road. They were observed only in the water with folded wings. I first got on these birds and thought ok these are dark backed and I ruled out laughing gulls right away. I got my scope on them and saw smudging on the head, but I thought I kept seeing light colored tip on the bill and I thought to myself, "that reminds me of sandwich terns" not thinking anything of Sabines Gull as I wasn't expecting to see anything unusual this morning. I passed them off as Bonaparte's Gulls.
(report from Kevin Bourinot).

10/30/12 -- Institute Park, Worcester

At 3:40 pm there was a phalarope on the pond, working its way from the center island to the Grove St. end. It was acting like a typical phalarope, turning quickly this way and that. The head was all white except for a dark eye patch and a thin stripe of gray that went up from the back and behind the head. The bill was thin and all black, somewhat shorter than the length of the head. The plumage was mostly solid gray on the back, and white on the underparts and neck. I did also note some faint grey markings on the upper flanks, that were nearly vertical but slightly tilted at an angle. The bird was swimming all the time I watched it. The above observations were made in the field without reference to a field guide. Checking a field guide later, the observations seem consistent with Red Phalarope winter plumage, but I couldn't eliminate Red-necked. The black eye patch was small and just around the eye, not extending back along the face at all.

I went to get my scope, but by the time I returned I only got a brief look before it took off. I didn't see it fly - must have happened when I changed position along the shore. (report from Rick Quimby).

10/30/12 -- Wachusett Reservoir

A quick early AM before-work check of the major overlooks of the reservoir had the following birds. Visibility was hampered often by periodic downpours. Common Loon (4); Double-crested Cormorant (29); Canada Goose (6); Black Scoter (27); Surf Scoter (1f); White-winged Scoter (1m); Bufflehead (2m); There were surprsingly few gulls for after a hurricane. Only 21 Ring-billeds. (report from Mark Lynch).

10/28/12 -- Marlborough

Yesterday (10/27) I had a female Purple Finch hanging around my feeders most of the day. In the afternoon, a Pine Siskin came with the Goldfinches. Today I had a feeding frenzy at the feeders as the birds prepared for the coming storm. I had up to 11 Pine Siskins at the feeders, outnumbering the Goldfinches. (report from Laura Lane).

10/28/12 -- Gate 35, Quabbin Reservoir

A Forbush Bird Club walk from gate 35 in New Salem into Petersham produced the following highlights:

COMMON EIDER (1 drake seen well as it flew past (south bound). Face was white with a black cap; white neck, white mantle (upper body), white upper and lower wing coverts, body (below) was black, flight feathers and tail were black. While this species is common in salt water along the coast, it is exceedingly rare inland, and we were fortunate to be in the right place as this bird flew past.

Surf Scoter 2 females; Common Merganser 1; Red-breasted Merganser 3; Common Loon 12; Horned Grebe 3; Bald Eagle 6 (4 ad and 2 imm.); Sharp-shinned Hawk 3; Red-shouldered Hawk 2; Red-tailed hawk ~15 (there was a good raptor movement during the morning); Am. Kestrel 2; Merlin 1; Black-bellied Plover 2; Greater Yellowlegs 1; Rock Pigeon 2 (flying north over the water! Very rare on the north side of Quabbin); Red-breasted Nuthatch 12; Brown Creeper 2; Winter Wren 1 provided beautiful looks; Golden-crowned Kinglet 12; Ruby-crowned Kinglet 1; Hermit Thrush 1; Snow Bunting ~15; Yellow-rumped Warbler 8.
(report from Tom Pirro).

10/28/12 -- Brookfields

This morning we returned to the Brookfields and birded some of the Quabog IBA before Sandy hits. Here are the totals: Common Loon (1); Pied-billed Grebe (7); Double-crested Cormorant (1); Great Blue Heron (3); Canada Goose (221); Mute Swan (2); A Black Duck (1); Mallard (82); Ring-necked Duck (19); Lesser Scaup (6); Bufflehead (1f); Hooded Merganser (1m); Ruddy Duck (103: all on L. Quabog); Bald Eagle (1ad); Red-tailed Hawk (4); Ring-necked Pheasant (1m: hiding in the shoreline vegetation on L. Quabog. Release bird); Ring-billed Gull (45); Herring Gull (2); Mourning Dove (12); Belted Kingfisher (6); Downy Woodpecker (3); Hairy Woodpecker (2); N Flicker (4); Blue Jay (22); A Crow (27); Black-capped Chickadee (55); Tufted Titmouse (21); Red-breasted Nuthatch (4); White-breasted Nuthatch (14); Brown creeper (1); Carolina Wren (3); Ruby-crowned Kinglet (1); E Bluebird (13); A Robin (142); N Mockingbird (1); Yellow-rumped Warbler (6); C Yellowthroat (1); Savannah Sparrow (31); Fox Sparrow (3 in one sapling; 1 sang); Song Sparrow (37); Swamp Sparrow (21); White-throated Sparrow (77); Dark-eyed Junco (98); N Cardinal (21); Red-winged Blackbird (347); Brown-headed Cowbird (2); House Finch (263: including a large flock of over 200 feeding in the weeds of a farm field); Pine Siskin (8); A Goldfinch (105); Evening Grosbeak (1); (report from Mark Lynch/Sheila Carroll).

10/28/12 -- Town Farm Road, Sutton

This morning, Kim Allen and I were walking in the vast harvested cornfields at Town Farm Road in Sutton. Highlights included hundreds of Red-winged Blackbirds, 10 Horned Larks, 4 American Pipits and the absolute star of the show, an AMERICAN GOLDEN PLOVER that we accidentally flushed. It circled around a few times and landed, so we were able to carefully and patiently stalk to within 50 feet of it. When it did flush again, it was confirmed by voice and the lack of black axillaries. Kim got some good pictures that can be seen on her blog _The Curious Birder_. (report from Alan Marble).

10/28/12 -- Wachuset Reservoir

In late afternoon in deteriorating conditions, we did a quick survey of Wachusett Reservoir and had the following (partial list): Common Loon (6); Red-necked Grebe (1); Double-crested Cormorant (1); Canada Goose (1); Mallard (4); Greater Scaup (21); Lesser Scaup (2); Black Scoter (2); Bald Eagle (1ad); Killdeer (3: school); Belted Kingfisher (1); Savannah Sparrow (3);
(report from Mark Lynch/Sheila Carroll).

10/27/12 -- Lake Williams, Marlborough

I checked out the new City of Marlborough Lake Williams Trail and scoped out the lake for ducks. Here is what I saw: Double-crested Cormorant-1, Canada Goose-12, Mallard-1, Ring-necked Duck-4, Hooded Merganser-13, Common Merganser-1, Ruddy Duck-66. (report from Laura Lane).

10/27/12 -- Charlton

At Orlandos farm ponds along Brookfield Rd, I had 5 Bufflehead at the pond below the barn/house, & a female Northern Shoveler at the other pond. (report from Scott Ricker).

10/27/12 -- Ware River Watershed, Barre/Rutland

A quick tour of the WARE RIVER WATERSHED IBA (Barre Falls Dam south on Cold Brook then back to beach) had the following highlights: Wild Turkey (4); Hairy Woodpecker (9); Pileated Woodpecker (1); Red-breasted Nuthatch (74); Brown Creeper (2); Golden-crowned Kinglet (41); Hermit Thrush (2); American Robin (243); Yellow-rumped Warbler (4); Palm Warbler (3); White-throated Sparrow (21); Dark-eyed Junco (97); Purple Finch (2); Red Crossbill (9); White-winged Crossbill (30: feeding on White Pine cones and photo'd by Sheila); NB: Hunting season has begun in earnest and this area had hunters in most locations. If you are not birding on Sunday and want to bird in any state Wildlife Management Areas, you are required to wear some regulation hunter's orange. (report from Mark Lynch/Sheila Carroll).

10/27/12 -- Broad Meadow Brook Sanctuary, Worcester

We were looking for pine siskins at the feeders behind the Visitors Center this afternoon and happened to see a handsome leucistic American goldfinch. Other feeder birds included pine siskin - 1, but a small flock yesterday; dark-eyed juncos - abundant and numbers rising; field sparrows; white-throated sparrows; plus a hermit yesterday. At Troiano Brook there were 2 ruby crowned kinglets - close views of the pair. Here are some additional photos. (report from Garry Kessler)

10/26/12 -- Brookfields/Quabbin Park

Today we birded the QUABOG IBA (the Brookfields) and QUABBIN PARK in Quabbin Reservoir. Highlights:

QUABOG IBA: Common Loon (1); Pied-billed Grebe (4); Great Blue Heron (2); Turkey Vulture (8); Canada Goose (242: including 1 very small Canada that was indeed a Canada not a Cackling); Mute Swan (2); Mallard (22); Ring-necked Duck (14); Lesser Scaup (10); Ruddy Duck (92); Osprey (1); N Harrier (1m); Red-tailed Hawk (17, including a loose group of 9 migrating); Barred Owl (calling over and over in mid-afternoon); Horned Lark (4); Carolina Wren (2); House Wren (1); Ruby-crowned Kinglet (2); E Bluebird (9); American Robin (192); N Mockingbird (3); E Starling (60+, but we had one bird that mimicked the call notes of a Northern Mockingbird); Cedar Waxwing (13); Yellow-rumped Warbler (41); Pam Warbler (2); Yellowthroat (1); A Tree Sparrow (3: my first of the season); Song Sparrow (107); Swamp Sparrow (35); White-throated Sparrow (138); White-crowned Sparrow (1imm); Dark-eyed Junco (109); Pine Siskin (1); Evening Grosbeak (2 at feeder); Plus: when the sun came out: Painted Turtles; Clouded Sulphur (4);; Cabbage White (1).

QUABBIN PARK: Common Loon (12); Great Blue Heron (1); Turkey Vulture (6); Canada Goose (18); Wood Duck (3); American Wigeon (1m); Mallard (4); Sharp-shinned Hawk (1); Red-tailed Hawk (10: including a group of 6 migrating); Killdeer (6: state trout hatchery); "fake gull" (1);: some DCR jokester has anchored a gull decoy just off the observation area in front to the Visitor's Center. The stone masons working there told us we were the first people to realize it was a fake.); E Phoebe (1); Common Raven (1); Winter Wren (1); Golden-crowned Kinglet (3); Ruby-crowned Kinglet (1); E Bluebird (6); A Robin (129); White-winged Crossbill (22); Pine Siskin (45+); Plus: A MINK at the Visitor's Center overlook.
(report from Mark Lynch/Sheila Carroll).

10/26/12 -- Barre Falls Dam, Barre

Migrating raptors today: Turkey Vulture 10 ; Osprey 1 ; Northern Harrier 1 ; Sharp-shinned Hawk 17 ; Cooper's Hawk 4 ; Northern Goshawk 2 ; Red-shouldered Hawk 7 ; Red-tailed Hawk 48 . Non-raptor Observations: 24 Canada Geese
(report from Bart Kamp).

10/26/12 -- Institute Park, Worcester

At noon, the two Black-crowned Night-Herons (ad & imm) continued, in the same location (see 10/24 report). Other birds of note included 1 Osprey, 1 Red-breasted Nuthatch, 1 Ruby-crowned Kinglet, 1 Hermit Thrush, 4 Cedar Waxwings, 2 Yellow-rumped Warblers, and 1 Red-winged Blackbird (male in fresh basic plumage -- crisp buffy/rusty edge to feathers on back). (report from Rick Quimby).

10/25/12 -- Barre Falls Dam, Barre

Migrating raptors today: Turkey Vulture 37 ; Osprey 2 ; Bald Eagle 4 ; Northern Harrier 1 ; Sharp-shinned Hawk 45 ; Cooper's Hawk 8 ; Red-shouldered Hawk 19 ; Red-tailed Hawk 41 ; American Kestrel 2 ; Merlin 1 .

Raptor Observations: All of the Bald Eagles were seen the last hour.

Non-raptor Observations: 144 Canada Geese and 1000's of robins, blackbirds and crows who at times obstructed our views of the hawks.
(report from Bart Kamp).

10/25/12 -- Lake Quaboag, Brookfield

This morning there were 4 Pied-billed grebes, 65 Black Scoters, 5 male Surf Scoter and 106 Ruddy Ducks. (report from Rodney Jenkins)

10/24/12 -- Ft Meadow Reservoir, Marlboro

At 4:30 pm today there were: 5 Surf Scoter; 1 Great Blue Herron; 5 Double Crested Cormorant; and 30+ Ruddy Duck. (report from Randy Langer).

10/24/12 -- Lake Quaboag, Brookfield

In addition to the ducks reported by Rodney at Lake Quaboag [see below], there were 3 Snow Buntings at the boat ramp on the rocks between the pavement and the water. (report from Bart Kamp).

10/24/12 -- Lake Quaboag, Brookfield

The Ruddy Duck count is now at 96 (how do they find each other?) Other finds were 2 common mergansers, 12 greater Scaup, 9 Black Scoter and 2 White-winged Scoter. (report from Rodney Jenkins)

10/24/12 -- Institute Park, Worcester

There was a good variety of birds at noon, including 2 Black-crowned Night-Herons (1 ad, 1 juv), 2 Mute Swan, 1 Cooper's Hawk, 1 Killdeer, 2 Red-breasted Nuthatches, 2 Golden-crowned Kinglets, 1 Ruby-crowned Kinglet, 4 Yellow-rumped Warblers, 1 Palm Warbler, 1 Song Sparrow, 1 Red-winged Blackbird, and 2 Dark-eyed Junco.

To find the herons, look from the shore that is closest to the small grassy island in the middle. Then look just to the left of that at the birch trees with low-hanging branches on the large island. The herons like to perch about 10-20 feet up in these birches. Today, they were perched on sticks in the water, out in the open, but then they flew up to the trees, where they spend most of their time during the day. As the leaves fall, it will be easier to spot them.

(report from Rick Quimby).

10/23/12 -- Barre Falls Dam, Barre

Migrating raptors today: Turkey Vulture 12 ; Osprey 1 ; Bald Eagle 4 ; Sharp-shinned Hawk 42 ; Cooper's Hawk 1 ; Red-shouldered Hawk 1 ; Red-tailed Hawk 40 ; American Kestrel 3 .

Non-raptor Observations: 1551 Canada Geese
(report from Bart Kamp).

10/23/12 -- Institute Park, Worcester

At 2:00 pm there was 1 Black-crowned Night-Heron (ad), 1 Hermit Thrush, and 5 Dark-eyed Juncos. (report from Rick Quimby).

10/23/12 -- Lake Quaboag, Brookfield

On the lake this morning were 1 Horned Grebe, 6 Greater Scaup, 2 female Lesser Scaup, 4 Common Goldeneye and 62 Ruddy Ducks. At the Sewer Plant in North Brookfield I saw 3 separate migrating Canada Geese flocks totaling 483. (report from Rodney Jenkins)

10/22/12 -- Barre Falls Dam, Barre

Migrating raptors today: Turkey Vulture 7 ; Osprey 2 ; Bald Eagle 2 ; Northern Harrier 2 ; Sharp-shinned Hawk 57 ; Cooper's Hawk 3 ; Red-shouldered Hawk 6 ; Red-tailed Hawk 18 ; American Kestrel 3 ; Merlin 1 .

Non-raptor Observations: 65 Canada Geese, 30-40 American Pipits.
(report from Bart Kamp).

10/22/12 -- Institute Park, Worcester

Highlights at noon were 1 Osprey and 2 Black-crowned Night-Herons (1 ad, 1 juv). The BC Night-Herons were perched in the trees on the main island, partially hidden in the leaves. (report from Rick Quimby).

10/21/12 -- Wachusett Reservoir and vicinity

Highlights of the Forbush Bird Club trip included Surf Scoter, Long-tailed Duck, Ruddy Duck, Horned Grebe, Red-necked Grebe, and Glaucous Gull. Here is the complete trip report. (report from Kevin Bourinot).

10/21/12 -- Warwick

Today we again birded the small town of WARWICK, Massachusetts on the New Hampshire border (just north of Orange). Below is the complete list: Great Blue Heron (1); Turkey Vulture (1); Canada Goose (6); Mallard (3); GOLDEN EAGLE (1imm migrating); Wild Turkey (44); Mourning Dove (6); Downy Woodpecker (4); Hairy Woodpecker (7); Pileated Woodpecker (1); E Phoebe (1); Blue Jay (10); A Crow (17); C Raven (3); Black-capped Chickadee (21); Tufted Titmouse (5); White-breasted Nuthatch (7); Winter Wren (1); Golden-crowned Kinglet (16); Ruby-crowned Kinglet (2); E Bluebird (16); Hermit Thrush (8); A Robin (19); Yellow-rumped Warbler (46); Palm Warbler (12); C Yellowthroat (2); Chipping Sparrow (22); Savannah Sparrow (1); Swamp Sparrow (7); White-throated Sparrow (8); Dark-eyed Junco (107); N Cardinal (7); Pine Grosbeak (1: calling overhead); House Finch (17); Pine Siskin (14); A Goldfinch (1); Evening Grosbeak (6);
(report from Mark Lynch/Sheila Carroll).

10/21/12 -- Lake Quaboag, Brookfield

There was a Cackling Goose with 12 Canada Geese early this morning. Other birds included the Red-necked grebe [see 10/19 report], 2 Pied-billed grebe and 22 Rudy Ducks. (report from Rodney Jenkins)

10/21/12 -- Barre Falls Dam, Barre

Migrating raptors today: Turkey Vulture 1 ; Osprey 3 ; Sharp-shinned Hawk 23 ; Cooper's Hawk 2 ; Red-tailed Hawk 9 ; Golden Eagle 1 ; American Kestrel 3 .

Raptor Observations: First Golden Eagle of the season.

Non-raptor Observations: 276 Canada Geese
(report from Bart Kamp).

10/20/12 -- Quabbin gate 43, Hardwick

Shorebirds seen from Quabbin gate 43 today were: 5 Killdeer, 4 Black-bellied Plovers, 1 Spotted Sandpiper, 6 Greater Yellowlegs, 3 Lesser Yellowlegs and 2 Pectoral Sandpipers. (report from Bart Kamp).

10/19/12 -- Lake Quaboag, Brookfield

Yesterday (10/18) there were 5 pied-billed Grebes, 5 Greater Scaup, 28 Ruddy Ducks and 1 female Red-breasted Merganser. Today, no Merganser but 1 Red-necked Grebe. (report from Rodney Jenkins)

10/17/12 -- Wachusett Reservoir, Sterling/Clinton/Boylston

Highlights of a late afternoon trip to Wachusett Reservoir were:

Gate 36 Sterling, 1 Long-tailed Duck and 2 Surf Scoters

Gates 39/40 Clinton, 1 Snow Goose feeding on the dike

Gate 14 Boylston, Scar Hill Bluff, 2 Red-necked Grebes and a raft of 35-40 Ring-necked Ducks.
(report from Bart Kamp).

10/17/12 -- Barre Falls Dam, Barre

Migrating raptors today: Turkey Vulture 21 ; Bald Eagle 1 ; Northern Harrier 1 ; Sharp-shinned Hawk 18 ; Cooper's Hawk 10 ; Red-tailed Hawk 33 ; American Kestrel 5 ; Peregrine Falcon 1 ;

Non-raptor Observations: 88 Canada Geese
(report from Bart Kamp).

10/16/12 -- Barre Falls Dam, Barre

Migrating raptors today: Turkey Vulture 21 ; Osprey 3 ; Bald Eagle 1 ; Sharp-shinned Hawk 36 ; Cooper's Hawk 5 ; Red-tailed Hawk 27 ; American Kestrel 8 ; Merlin 2 . Non-raptor Observations: 144 Canada Geese
(report from Bart Kamp).

10/14/12 -- Brookfield

Highlights of the Forbush Bird club trip on a very wet and cold morning were 4 Pied-billed Grebes on Quaboag, 22 Ruddy Ducks (6 on Quaboag, 16 at Orlando's), 6 American Widgeon at Orlando's, and 75+ Pipits at Petruzzi's field in East Brookfield. Here is the complete list. (report from Rodney Jenkins)

10/14/12 -- Sterling

Yesterday (10/13) a Fox Sparrow arrived at our feeders, and today 4 Pine Siskins. Purple Finches have been here with young since late summer. (report from Fred Paine).

10/14/12 -- off Salisbury St., Worcester

For the past week we have had a flock of 20 Pine Siskins and up to 6 Purple Finches at our feeders. The Purple Finches include 2 Adult males, 2 Females and first year birds. Late Friday (10/12) afternoon, the majority of the Pine Siskins took off headed west; a few have lingered over the weekend. (report from Lisa Hennin).

10/14/12 -- Boylston/Worcester

This morning on my sunflower feeder there were 6 Pine Siskins.

Very late yesterday afternoon (10/13) I went to Scar Hill Bluff in Boylston where I found 2 Red-necked Grebes.
(report from Bart Kamp).

10/13/12 -- Lake Wampanoag Wildlife Sanctuary, Gardner

Hilites from hawk watching saturday from 0915 to 1400 at the MAS Wompanoag Sanctuary, at the end of Raymond Street in Gardner:

Migrating Raptors: Turkey Vulture 8; Osprey 3; Northern Harrier 2; Sharp-shinned Hawk 20; Cooper's Hawk 3; Red-shouldered Hawk 5; Red-tailed Hawk 9; American Kestrel 6; Merlin 3;

Also at least 3 Red-tails not migrating, two of which locked talons and spiraled down 2 revolutions before unlocking....I had never seen RT's do this before.

Other migrants: Canada Goose 600 +/- a few; Brant 72 in a single flock passing directly overhead in good light (I believe my 4th record from this locale since the mid 1990's); Double-crested Cormorant 1; American Pipit ~40; Rusty Blackbird 3; American Crow ...a few appeared to be moving SW.

At Crystal lake, in Gardner, there were 4 Red-necked Grebes and ~15 Pine Siskin. I will post a few photos on my blog shortly.
(report from Tom Pirro).

10/13/12 -- Quabbin Park, Quabbin Reservoir

This morning we birded QUABBIN PARK. The weather was clear and below freezing, but warmed by mid-morning. As is typical at this time of the year, by mid-morning the park started to get filled with hikers, photographers, leaf peppers and (weirdly) a Miata convertible car cruise. During the peak of foliage season, birders should get here very early. Visibility far out onto the water was hampered by heat haze because of the temperature difference between the deep water and the cold air. ALSO: Fall hunting season has started in earnest, so break out your hunter's orange gear -- though there is no hunting in Quabbin Park, hunters were all over adjacent locations.

List: Common Loon (4); Double-crested Cormorant (1); Canada Goose (57); Wood Duck (12); A Black Duck (7); Mallard (4); Black Scoter (4: flying); Common Merganser (12); Bald Eagle (1ad+1 1st yr bird); Wild Turkey (17); Killdeer (3: State Trout Hatchery); Ring-billed Gull (2); Mourning Dove (14); Yellow-bellied Sapsucker (1); Downy Woodpecker (5); Hairy Woodpecker (6); N Flicker (19); Pileated Woodpecker (1); E Phoebe (4); Blue-headed Vireo (1); Blue Jay (14); A Crow (3); C Raven (1); Black-capped Chickadee (28); Tufted Titmouse (3); Red-breasted Nuthatch (33); White-breasted Nuthatch (11); Golden-crowned Kinglet (2); Ruby-crowned Kinglet (9); E Bluebird (10); Hermit Thrush (2); A Robin (23); A Pipit (2: fly-overs); Orange-crowned Warbler (1); Yellow-rumped Warbler (102: at dawn c. 30 birds were feeding on the edge of the Rt9 marsh); Pine Warbler (2); Palm Warbler (7); E Towhee (1); Chipping Sparrow (7); Song Sparrow (8); Swamp Sparrow (1); White-throated Sparrow (95); White-crowned Sparrow (4imm); Dark-eyed Junco (78); Purple Finch (2); Pine Siskin (1); A Goldfinch (11);
(report from Mark Lynch/Sheila Carroll).

10/13/12 -- Barre Falls Dam, Barre

Migrating raptors today: Turkey Vulture 51 ; Osprey 1 ; Bald Eagle 1 ; Northern Harrier 3 ; Sharp-shinned Hawk 24 ; Cooper's Hawk 5 ; Broad-winged Hawk 2 ; Red-tailed Hawk 14 ; Peregrine Falcon 1 ;

Non-raptor Observations: 614 Canada Geese
(report from Bart Kamp).

10/13/12 -- Oxbow NWR, Devens

A mid-day Eastern Screech Owl was observed and photographed at Oxbow in Devens. For this and other recent photos I've taken in Worcester County the last few weeks, including a Tennessee Warbler at Bolton Flats, see my blog. (report from Kevin Bourinot).

10/12/12 -- Wachusett Reservoir, Boylston/Clinton

After the rain ended I went to Wachusett Reservoir and vicinity. I was successful at two of the stops. At Scar Hill Bluff there were: 4 Common Loons, 2 of which were feeding with 2 Red-throated Loons, 4 Horned Grebes, 5 Black Ducks and 2 White-winged Scoters. At Coach Lace Pond there were 12 Greater Scaup and 1 Lesser Scaup. (report from Bart Kamp).

10/11/12 -- Barre Falls Dam, Barre

Migrating raptors today: Turkey Vulture 69 ; Osprey 1 ; Bald Eagle 5 ; Northern Harrier 2 ; Sharp-shinned Hawk 71 ; Cooper's Hawk 12 ; Broad-winged Hawk 1 ; Red-tailed Hawk 18 ; American Kestrel 11 ; Merlin 2 . Non-raptor Observations: 13 Canada Geese, 2 Monarch Butterflies
(report from Bart Kamp).

10/10/12 -- Lake Chauncy Beach, Westboro

My father had 28 Brant at Chauncy Beach in Westboro at around 2:20pm today. Also yesterday (10/9) there were 6 Ruddy Ducks and a Pied-billed Grebe on Chauncy Lake. (report from Nickilas Paulson).

10/9/12 -- Gate 43, Quabbin Reservoir

In the cove where the Ware River Aqueduct empties into the Quabbin Reservoir there were: 12 Greater Yellowlegs, 1 Lesser Yellowlegs and 1 Spotted Sandpiper. The conditions are just right for late migrating shorebirds and it's only a 10 minute walk. (report from Bart Kamp).

10/8/12 -- Clinton/Sterling

At the Quab in Sterling I had 3 Green-winged teal.

At Gate 37 Wachusett Reservoir returning from the dike I had 2 Merlin.

At Coachlace Pond I had 9 Ring-necked ducks.

At DCR property in Sterling across the street at town barn sandpit I had a Lincoln's sparrow, 8 White-throated Sparrow and 6 Palm warblers.
(report from Susan LaBree).

10/8/12 -- Wompanoag MAS, Gardner

A nice morning migration watching at the Wompanoag MAS in Gardner from 9 to 12:30.

Migrant raptors: Turkey Vulture 6 (an honorary raptor); Osprey 6; Bald Eagle 1; Northern Harrier 7 (all imm/female types a high count for me at this site); Sharp-shinned Hawk 38; Cooper's Hawk 6; Red-shouldered Hawk 2; Broad-winged Hawk 5; Red-tailed Hawk 4; American Kestrel 10.

Other highlights: Canada Goose 16 migrants; Common Loon 7 moving in different directions; Blue Jay ~40 migrating; Rock Pigeon 5 (very uncommon here); Yellow-rumped Warbler 250++ (groups moving past all morning ..many many more unid'd warblers passing at a long distance not included but likely YRWA); Palm Warbler 50+ feeding in the weedy fields; Common yellowthroat 3; White-throated Sparrow 40+; White-crowned Sparrow 1 imm; Lincoln's Sparrow 1; Song Sparrow 10+; Swamp Sparrow 10+; American Pipit 1; Pine Siskin 90++ several small flocks past; Purple Finch 25 a few migrant groups passed and heard calling; American Goldfinch 20+;
(report from Tom Pirro).

10/8/12 -- Institute Park, Worcester

Highlights at noon were 2 DC Cormorants, 2 GB Herons, 1 Black-crowned Hight-Heron (juv), 2 Mute Swan (ad), and 2 Black Ducks. (report from Rick Quimby).

10/8/12 -- Barre Falls Dam, Barre

Migrating raptors today: Turkey Vulture 86 ; Osprey 7 ; Northern Harrier 2 ; Sharp-shinned Hawk 36 ; Cooper's Hawk 9 ; Broad-winged Hawk 3 ; Red-tailed Hawk 13 ; American Kestrel 9 ; Merlin 3 .

Raptor Observations: A kettle of 36 Turkey Vultures.

Non-raptor Observations: 32 Canada Geese, 5 Common Loons, a flock of 30-35 shore birds probably Black-bellied Plovers, 7 Monarch Butterflies.
(report from Bart Kamp).

10/7/12 -- Quabog IBA, Brookfields

We spent the day birding the QUABOG IBA in the Brookfields. We made only a few stops yet spent the entire morning (and early afternoon) there because birds, particularly sparrows, were in good numbers at every place we pulled in. I kept careful numbers. We did not bird the very productive areas along the river proper (access via the railroad tracks) and did not visit the Quabog WMA because we ran out of time. We did hit several areas we either atlased or other locations also found within the STURBRIDGE CBC circle and kept a leisurely pace. Habitats we birded included farm fields, rank fields, small woodlots, parts of Elm Hill MAS and 2 modest ponds. Temps started at 39F and got into the low 50s.

Complete list: Pied-billed Grebe (3); Double-crested Cormorant (1imm leading a "V" of eight Canada Geese); Great Blue Heron (10); Turkey Vulture (3); Canada Goose (13); Mute Swan (2); Wood Duck (8); American Black Duck (2); Mallard (21); Ring-necked Duck (6); Ruddy Duck (3); Osprey (1); N Harrier (1); Sharp-shinned Hawk (1); Cooper's Hawk (2); Red-tailed Hawk (3); Ruffed Grouse (2); Killdeer (1); Ring-billed Gull (12); Mourning Dove (46); Yellow-billed Cuckoo (1); E Screech Owl (1); Belted Kingfisher (1); Red-bellied Woodpecker (9); Yellow-bellied Sapsucker (2); Downy Woodpecker (11); Hairy Woodpecker (2); N Flicker (2); E Phoebe (14); Blue-headed Vireo (3); Blue Jay (147: movement all morning); A Crow (39); C Raven (2); Black-capped Chickadee (52); Tufted Titmouse (16); Red-breasted Nuthatch (10); White-breasted Nuthatch (24); Carolina Wren (5); House Wren (3); Winter Wren (1); Marsh Wren (1); Ruby-crowned Kinglet (22); E Bluebird (27); Hermit Thrush (3: seemed low); A Robin (343: some good sized flocks at dawn, but numbers seen diminishing to 1s and 2s by mid-morning); Gray Catbird (63); N Mockingbird (1); A Pipit (1 flyover); Cedar Waxwing (43);

WARBLERS: Orange-crowned (1); Magnolia (1); Yellow-rumped (126); Palm (16); C Yellowthroat (19); Yellow-breasted Chat (1: behind the ball field); (nb: not a single Blackpoll, which seemed odd);

E Towhee (11); Chipping Sparrow (73); Field Sparrow (2); Savannah Sparrow (62); Song Sparrow (139); Lincoln's Sparrow (10); Swamp Sparrow (196); White-throated Sparrow (405: flocks at almost every stop); White-crowned Sparrow (3imm); (nb: not a junco, which also seemed odd); N Cardinal (21); Red-winged Blackbird (flock of 9); Purple Finch (34); House Finch (27); Pine Siskin (4); A Goldfinch (64).
(report from Mark Lynch/Sheila Carroll).

10/6/12 -- Barre Falls Dam, Barre

Migrating raptors today: Turkey Vulture 45 ; Osprey 47 ; Bald Eagle 5 ; Northern Harrier 4 ; Sharp-shinned Hawk 53 ; Cooper's Hawk 3 ; Broad-winged Hawk 4 ; Red-tailed Hawk 3 ; American Kestrel 33 ; Merlin 1 ; Peregrine Falcon 5 .

Raptor Observations: The strong SW wind kept most of the hawks from below to no more than a "glass" above the horizon.

Non-raptor Observations: 71 Canada Geese, 2 Chimney Swifts and 11 Monarch Butterflies.
(report from Bart Kamp).

10/6/12 -- Millbury

We spent the morning birding around MILLBURY. Double-crested Cormorant (2+flock of 34 flying overhead heading SW); Turkey Vulture (42); Canada Goose (34); Osprey (1); Virginia Rail (2); Ring-billed Gull (12); Belted Kingfisher (1); Red-bellied Woodpecker (6); Downy Woodpecker (4); Hairy Woodpecker (1); N Flicker (6); Pileated Woodpecker (1); E Phoebe (2); Red-eyed Vireo (1); Blue Jay (37); Black-capped Chickadee (28); Tufted Titmouse (16); White-breasted Nuthatch (7); Carolina Wren (6); House Wren (1); A Robin (67); Gray Catbird (28); N Mockingbird (1); Cedar Waxwing (38); Yellow-rumped Warbler (36); Blackpoll (1); C Yellowthroat (1); E Towhee (1); Chipping Sparrow (3); Field Sparrow (1); Savannah Sparrow (2); Song Sparrow (23); Lincoln's Sparrow (2); Swamp Sparrow (6); White-throated Sparrow (43); N Cardinal (22); Red-winged Blackbird ( flock of 25+); Baltimore Oriole (1f); Purple Finch (1f); House Finch (13); A Goldfinch (2); Plus: we ended up saving a huge SNAPPING TURTLE that was attempting to cross Riverlin. (report from Mark Lynch/Sheila Carroll).

10/6/12 -- Charlton

Passing by a little pond at the corner of Osgood & Brookfield Rd, in Charlton, a soaring and hovering Osprey prompted me to stop. There were Canada Geese approx 150; Mallard approx 60; Ruddy Duck 7 (2 M 5 female). (report from Scott Ricker).

10/5/12 -- Mount Wachusett, Princeton

Raptors migrating today: Osprey 7 ; Sharp-shinned Hawk 1 ; Red-shouldered Hawk 1 ; Red-tailed Hawk 1 ; American Kestrel 1 ; Peregrine Falcon 1 . (report from Steve Olson)

10/5/12 -- Ware River Watershed, Barre

Today we birded the western edge of the WARE RIVER WATERSHED IBA, basically Granger and Gilbert Roads. These two dirt roads were in middlin' condition after the rain of the last week and there were many areas of puddles and mud. The two roads run through mostly mixed forest typical of northern Worcester County and the peak (and some past peak) fall colors today were worth the effort alone. There are a few small areas of overgrown fields and the small Burnshirt River runs along part of the route. We bumped into no one else for most of our time there and kept a leisurely pace, often checking out the riot of fungi that has sprung up on the forest floor. Today there were some decent pockets of birds, but the species mix has changed from last weekend. Most of the catbirds, towhees and yellowthroats have migrated out of this area. There are still numbers of blackpolls and yellow-rumps moving through, but numbers of kinglets and Hermit Thrushes were much larger than last weekend.

Complete list: Turkey Vulture (1); A Black Duck (2); N Harrier (1imm); Ruffed Grouse (3 drumming birds); A Woodcock (1 flushed from forest floor); Barred Owl (1); Yellow-bellied Sapsucker (2); Downy Woodpecker (6); Hairy Woodpecker (10); N Flicker (2); Pileated Woodpecker (1); E Phoebe (11); Blue-headed Vireo (14 (4 singing);); Blue Jay (81: largest single flock seen moving was (32 birds)); A Crow (21); C Raven (3); Black-capped Chickadee (83); Tufted Titmouse (13); Red-breasted Nuthatch (121); White-breasted Nuthatch (16); Brown Creeper (4); House Wren (1); Golden-crowned Kinglet (47); Ruby-crowned Kinglet (31); E Bluebird (3); Hermit Thrush (34); A Robin (29); Gray Catbird (1);

WARBLERS: Magnolia (3: all in 1 loose group); Yellow-rumped (88); Palm (33: all "yellow"); Blackpoll (79: today, many birds were feeding very low); CONNECTICUT (1imm); C Yellowthroat (1f)

Song Sparrow (6); Swamp Sparrow (14); White-throated Sparrow (59); N Cardinal (3); Purple Finch (9); Red Crossbill (2); Pine Siskin (8); A Goldfinch (4); Evening Grosbeak (2);

PLUS: butterflies: Cabbage White(2); E Comma (1); Mourning Cloak (8: appeared to be migrating); Monarch (3). MANY odonates including good numbers of darners and meadowhawks. Eastern Garter Snake (1). The fungi show was outstanding including large numbers of Amanita; large numbers of puffballs of several species; and a number of large stinkhorns.
(report from Mark Lynch/Sheila Carroll).

10/5/12 -- Barre Falls Dam, Barre

Migrating raptors today: Osprey 35 ; Bald Eagle 2 ; Sharp-shinned Hawk 73 ; Cooper's Hawk 11 ; Broad-winged Hawk 3 ; Red-tailed Hawk 6 ; American Kestrel 24 ; Merlin 3 ; Peregrine Falcon 3 .

Raptor Observations: Both eagles were adults. Not migrating: 3 Northern Goshawks, 2 Redtails and 10-15 Turkey Vultures.

Non-raptor Observations: Migrating: 2 Chimney Swifts, 71 Canada Geese, 31 Monarch Butterflies. Mourning Cloak and Red Admiral Butterflies were also migrating.
(report from Bart Kamp).

10/5/12 -- Institute Park, Worcester

Highlights at noon were 1 Killdeer, 1 Lesser Yellowlegs, 2 Belted Kingfishers, and 1 Swamp Sparrow. Yesterday (10/4) there was a Green Heron. (report from Rick Quimby).

10/3/12 -- Mill Pond (SUASCO), Westboro

After reading about some A. Coots here from Nick Paulson, I birded here Wed morning and found 7 Coots as well as a Northern Shovelor, Northern Pintail, Pied-billed Grebe, Peregrine Falcon, and an Osprey. (report from Peter Morlock).

10/2/12 -- Prouty Lane, Worcester

In the weeds around Spillane Baseball Field on Prouty Lane (down the hill from Worcester Airport off Airport Drive) there were lots of birds feeding. Mostly Yellow-rumps, but also Palm and Parula Warblers, Chickadees, Goldfinches and a flock of 30 or so Pine Siskins. (report from Peter Morlock).

10/1/12 -- Leesville Pond, Auburn

There were 5 American Wigeon and a Pied-billed Grebe on the Auburn side of Leesville Pond this morning. (report from Alan Marble).

For previous sightings, see September 2012 Archives or Archive Index