October 2013 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
• 10/18/13 -- Mike O'Conner from Bird Watcher's general Store on WICN
• 10/20/13 -- Quick reference to hunting seasons

Bird Sightings:

10/31/13 -- Wachusett Reservoir / Indian Lake, Worcester

Today we spent a few hours birding Wachusett Reservoir. It was cool, damp and quite foggy and misty hampering long-distance viewing. It cleared a bit by mid-morning, but then became murky again by later in the morning.

Wachusett Reservoir highlights included: Common Loon (12); Horned Grebe (10); Double-crested Cormorant (9); Canada Goose (10); Mallard (3); Long-tailed Duck (1); Bufflehead (7); Common Merganser (2); Wild Turkey (2); Killdeer (5); Belted Kingfisher (3); Horned Lark (2); Ruby-crowned Kinglet (4); Hermit Thrush (1); American Pipit (69: all in the grasses on both sides of the dike. If they hadn't flown up, we never would have known they were there even though we were right next to them); Yellow-rumped Warbler (9); Dark-eyed Junco (76); Red-winged Blackbird (11); Common Grackle (35);

We started out at Indian Lake in Worcester and had the following: Great Blue Heron (1); Mute Swan (4imm); Canada Goose (24); Mallard (6); Hooded Merganser (21); Common Merganser (86); Killdeer (4); American Pipit (1)
(report from Mark Lynch/Sheila Carroll).

10/30/13 -- Northboro

Today after birding Wachusett Reservoir, I went to my fathers house in Northboro. As I drove up to his driveway, there was a Vulture feeding on a dead squirrel in the middle of the road. He flew off and I went into my fathers house and sat in the living room. I noticed that he returned and I grabbed my binos and watched him thru the front window. I noticed that he had a black head and thought he was a Black Vulture. I grabbed my camera and took a couple of shots. This appears to be an immature Turkey Vulture and not a Black Vulture. (report from Peter Morlock).

10/30/13 -- All Faiths Cemetery, Worcester

This morning at All Faiths Cemetery there were 2 Mute Swans, 1 DC Cormorant, 10 Canadian Geese, 2 Buffleheads, 14 Wood Ducks, 8 Black Ducks, 12 Hooded Mergansers, 65 Mallards and 1 Belted Kingfisher.

At Notre Dame Cemetery there were 4 Mute Swans, 1 Great Blue Heron, 38 Wood Ducks, 4 Black Ducks, 40 Mallards, 1 Red-tailed Hawk 4 Song Sparrows, White-throated Sparrows, 12 Juncos and 2 Gold Crowned Kinglets.
(report from Brian Mulhearn)

10/29/13 -- Barre Falls Dam, Barre

Raptors migrating today: Sharp-shinned Hawk 2 ; Cooper's Hawk 1 ; Red-shouldered Hawk 6 ; Red-tailed Hawk 19 . Non-raptor Observations: 133 Canada Geese.
(report from Bart Kamp.

10/29/13 -- Gate 43, Quabbin Reservoir

Highlights of a late afternoon trip to Quabbin Reservoir Gate 43 in the cove where the Ware River Aqueduct empties were 2 White-rumped Sandpipers. (report from Bart Kamp).

10/29/13 -- Coes Pond, Worcester

This morning there were 2 Ruddy Ducks in back of the IBEW building on Mill st. (report from Peter Morlock).

10/29/13 -- Wachusett Reservoir/Indian Lake, Worcester

This morning we had just a short time to bird Wachusett Reservoir, so we hit only a few stops: South Bay, Mile Hill overlook and the dike off Rt.110.

We had the following: Common Loon (15); Horned Grebe (16: some were very vocal); Double-crested Cormorant (5); Mallard (12); Long-tailed Duck (1f: kept trying to join small groups of Horned Grebes); Bufflehead (9); Common Goldeneye (1f); Hooded Merganser (5); Common Merganser (3); Bald Eagle (1imm); Sharp-shinned Hawk (1); Wild Turkey (3); Sanderling (1); American Pipit (1); Snow Bunting (1);

On the way home we made a stop at Indian Lake in the city of Worcester and had: Canada Goose (29); Bufflehead (7); Hooded Merganser (4); Common Merganser (38); Ruddy Duck (6); Killdeer (4); Pectoral Sandpiper (2).
(report from Mark Lynch/Sheila Carroll).

10/26 -- Wachusett Reservoir

Today we birded WACHUSETT RESERVOIR. There were certainly fewer birds and fewer species present than 2 days ago. Starting temp was 28F, which certainly encouraged us to put on the layers.

Highlights: Common Loon (7); Horned Grebe (2); Double-crested Cormorant (16); Canada Goose (10); A Black Duck (23); Mallard (15); White-winged Scoter (1m); Bufflehead (3); Hooded Merganser (4); Red-tailed Hawk (1); Pileated Woodpecker (1); E Phoebe (2); Red-breasted Nuthatch (3); Carolina Wren (1); House Wren (1); Winter Wren (1); Golden-crowned Kinglet (4); Ruby-crowned Kinglet (9); E Bluebird (7); Hermit Thrush (12 in one area); Yellow-rumped Warbler (34: most feeding on berries); Palm Warbler (1); We had a good number of sparrows in a small area of the SE section of the reservoir: Chipping Sparrow (4); Song Sparrow (21); Swamp Sparrow (2); White-throated Sparrow (94); Dark-eyed Junco (241: including 1 large flock of 180++ moving through the forest); Red-winged Blackbird (115+);

Plus: 1 BEAVER carrying branches to den.
(report from Mark Lynch/Sheila Carroll).

10/25/13 -- Barre Falls Dam, Barre

Raptors migrating today: Osprey 1 ; Bald Eagle 1 ; Northern Harrier 2 ; Sharp-shinned Hawk 16 ; Cooper's Hawk 1 ; Red-shouldered Hawk 1 ; Red-tailed Hawk 8 .

Non-raptor Observations: 15 Canada Geese and American Crows migrating.
(report from Bart Kamp.

10/25/13 -- Mount Wachusett, Princeton

Raptors migrating today: Turkey Vulture 2 ; Northern Harrier 1 ; Cooper's Hawk 1 ; Northern Goshawk 1 ; Red-shouldered Hawk 1 ; Red-tailed Hawk 3 ; American Kestrel 1 .

Raptor Observations: Not many birds (11 in all) but a nice variety of species.

Non-raptor Observations: The winter bird population is now making an appearence on the summit. Juncos, Chickadees are around. Juncos are also appearing on the lower levels. The catbirds and mockingbirds seem to have disappeared from the summit.
(report from Steve Olson).

10/25/13 -- Hagar Pond, Marlborough

This morning on my break from 11:00 -11:30 am at Hagar Pond (rear trail), Marlborough I had the following: Mute Swan (2); Canada Goose (41); Mallard (43); Gadwall (1m,1f); American Wigeon (29); Northern Pintail (4); Green-Winged Teal (1); Hooded Merganser (2); Great Egret (1); Great Blue Heron (1); Belted Kingfisher (1); Red-bellied Woodpecker (2); American Robin (12); Blue Jay (10); Dark-eyed Junco (17); House Finch (6); Tufted Titmouse (4); Chipping Sparrow (4); White-throated Sparrow (12). (report from Bob Abbott).

10/24/13 -- Westboro/Northboro

Today we birded a few ponds in Westboro and Northboro:

SUASCO (Westboro): Pied-billed Grebe (5); Double-crested Cormorant (28); Mute Swan (86); Canada Goose (9); Mallard (14); American Wigeon (2); Sharp-shinned Hawk (1); Killdeer (2); Ring-billed Gull (18: NB: while scoping from Arch Street we saw a man in a canoe shoot 2 birds. One was a RING-BILLED GULL. He fetched it into his canoe. I have NO idea who he was or what he was doing).

CHAUNCY (Westboro): Not much: Double-crested Cormorant, c.20 Ring-billed Gulls and 2 Mallards.

LITTLE CHAUNCY Northboro): Mute Swan (3); Ring-necked Duck (4); Osprey (1); Belted Kingfisher (2); Gray Catbird (1); Yellow-rumped Warbler (6); Red-winged Blackbird (45+); Rusty Blackbird (3);

BARTLETT'S POND (Northboro): Great Blue Heron (2); Mute Swan (11); Canada Goose (2); Green-winged Teal (16); Mallard (5); Killdeer (3); Wilson?s Snipe (1)
(report from Mark Lynch/Sheila Carroll).

10/23/13 -- Wachusett Reservoir, Boylston/West Boylston

We made 4 stops this morning at Wachusett Reservoir: a walk through at Gate 17 (A to B); the dike at Gate 29; the dam, and the Mile Hill Road overlook and had the following: Common Loon (13); Horned Grebe (2); Red-necked Grebe (1); Double-crested Cormorant (19); Canada Goose (8); A Black Duck (3); White-winged Scoter (5); Black Scoter (1); Common Merganser (19); Ruddy Duck (5); Greater Yellowlegs (16); Lesser Yellowlegs (1); Winter Wren (1); Ruby-crowned Kinglet (2); American Pipit (1); Yellow-rumped Warbler (3). (report from Mark Lynch/Sheila Carroll).

10/22/13 -- Sudbury Reservoir, Southborough

This morning we birded the Sudbury Reservoir in Southborough and Marlboro (NE end). We were short on time, so only hiked a short distance along the Emerald necklace trail on the eastern shore. We had the following (partial list): Double-crested Cormorant (4); Canada Goose (113: NB: a large white domestic goose was hanging with one flock); Wood Duck (3); Mallard (6); Ring-necked Duck (342); Common Merganser (3); Ruddy Duck (134); Belted Kingfisher (2); Red-bellied Woodpecker (6); N Flicker (4); E Phoebe (1); Carolina Wren (6); Yellow-rumped Warbler (38);
(report from Mark Lynch/Sheila Carroll).

10/21/13 -- Wachusett Reservoir

Thanks to a "heads up" from Kevin Bourinot that scoters were at Wachusett, we headed out to the reservoir late Monday afternoon /early evening to see what was there. Viewing conditions were ideal. We had the following: Common Loon (23); Horned Grebe (6); Red-necked Grebe (1); Double-crested Cormorant (16); Canada Goose (51); A Black Duck (7); Greater Scaup (32: this flock flew in late and settled off Gate 29); Black Scoter (27+: mostly f); White-winged Scoter (1m); Surf Scoter (2m at least. There was a tight large flock of scoters at a distance).

NB: From now through mid November is the time to look for flocks of scoters and Long-tailed Ducks well inland. Anyone can find scoters on the coast, but spotting a tight nervous flock of scoters on some inland pond or reservoir is always special. Typically BLACK SCOTERS are the most common species seen inland, often in large, very tight flocks. These scoters are also mostly "one day wonders" taking off as the sun sets. But other scoters may put down the next day. There has been some speculation that days following clear nights with a moon are the best days to look for scoters. The feeling is that, perhaps, the moon illuminates the ponds and they can been seen by high flying flocks. Though the two large reservoirs are your best chances of finding scoters inland (Wachusett and Quabbin), the string of "Berkshire lakes" are also great for scoters. I have found scoters on much smaller lakes and ponds too including Lake Quabog in Brookfield and even Indian Lake in Worcester. While searching for scoters, keep an eye peeled for loons and grebes too. (report from Mark Lynch).

10/21/13 -- Mile Hill Road, Wachusett Reservoir, Boylston

This morning from Mile Hill Road there was a raft of about 50 scoters. One drake Surf Scoter, at least 2 White-winged Scoters and the rest were Black Scoters. (report from Alan Marble).

10/20/13 -- Wachusett Reservoir IBA, Sterling/Clinton/Boylston

This morning we birded several locations in the WACHUSETT RESERVOIR IBA including the reservoir, and several small ponds of the watershed like the Waushacums, the Quag, Coachlace Pond and Sterling Peat. The wind made viewing less than ideal and locations like the dike and Scar Hill Bluff at the reservoir were very tough places to try to use the scope. Passerines in many locations kept a low profile. White caps were on the reservoir.

Highlights included: Common Loon (4); Pied-billed Grebe (1); Horned Grebe (1); Red-necked Grebe (1); Double-crested Cormorant (26); Great Blue Heron (3); Turkey Vulture (1); Canada Goose (51); Mute Swan (2); Gadwall (1); A Black Duck (9); Mallard (22); Ring-necked Duck (4); Greater Scaup (37); Lesser Scaup (2); Long-tailed Duck (1); Common Merganser (17); Sharp-shinned Hawk (2); Red-tailed Hawk (1); Wild Turkey (16); Killdeer (2); Greater Yellowlegs (3); Yellow-bellied Sapsucker (1); Blue-headed Vireo (1); Ruby-crowned Kinglet (12); Hermit Thrush (2); Yellow-rumped Warbler (13); Blackpoll (1);

Despite the wind, we still managed to turn up an AMERICAN COPPER.
(report from Mark Lynch/Sheila Carroll).

10/17/13 -- Quabog IBA, Brookfields

Today we spent a few hours birding some areas in the Quabog IBA (Brookfields), hitting areas NORTH of Rt.9 including Lakes Wickaboag and Lashaway, Elm Hill MAS, and a few other stops. The water has been lowered at Lashaway and it looked promising for a late shorebird, but we had only waterfowl there.

Complete list: Double-crested Cormorant (4); Great Blue Heron (4); Canada Goose (171); A Black Duck (2); Mallard (35); Green-winged Teal (24); Lesser Scaup (1f); Hooded Merganser (3f); Sharp-shinned Hawk (1); Ring-billed Gull (24); Herring Gull (3); Mourning Dove (7); Belted Kingfisher (2); Red-bellied Woodpecker (3); Yellow-bellied Sapsucker (1); Downy Woodpecker (4); Hairy Woodpecker (4); N Flicker (4); Pileated Woodpecker (1); E Phoebe (5); Blue-headed Vireo (1: singing still); Blue Jay (21); A Crow (14); Black-capped Chickadee (17); Tufted Titmouse (6); White-breasted Nuthatch (13); Carolina Wren (6); Ruby-crowned Kinglet (16); E Bluebird (3); A Robin (43); Gray Catbird (2); N Mockingbird (1); Cedar Waxwing (63); Yellow-rumped Warbler (26); Palm Warbler (2); E Towhee (1); Chipping Sparrow (32); Song Sparrow (44); Lincoln's Sparrow (1); Swamp Sparrow (32); White-throated Sparrow (111); Dark-eyed Junco (1); N Cardinal (16); Red-winged Blackbird (23); Rusty Blackbird (1); House Finch (7); A Goldfinch (8);

PLUS; Eastern Painted Turtles still basking and we had several meadowhawk species as well as 2 unidentified Darners.
(report from Mark Lynch/Sheila Carroll).

10/15/13 -- Mount Wachusett, Princeton

Raptors migrating today: Turkey Vulture 62 ; Osprey 2 ; Sharp-shinned Hawk 4 ; Cooper's Hawk 1 ; Red-tailed Hawk 2 ; American Kestrel 1 .

Raptor Observations: Turkey Vultures were clearly migrating
(report from Paul Roberts)

10/15/13 -- Wachusett Reservoir

This morning we birded WACHUSETT RESERVOIR, which included a walk in Gate 25; 29; a hike out to Scar Hill Bluffs and a walk through Gate 17. Species noted included: Red-throated Loon (1); Common Loon (24); Horned Grebe (2); Red-necked Grebe (7); Double-crested Cormorant (43); Great Blue Heron (1); Canada Goose (14); Mute Swan (3); A Wigeon (4); A Black Duck (2); Mallard (6); Common Merganser (39); N Harrier (1: hunting over Cemetery Island); Red-tailed Hawk (1); Killdeer (1); Ring-billed Gull (47); Belted Kingfisher (3);

Birders should be aware that the traditional fall hunting season has begun. Today marked the opening of the central MA waterfowl season (it started yesterday in the Berkshires). Many of our favorite birding destinations include areas that are also used for hunting: firearm and bow and arrow. It is critical to know the various deer seasons. Also, from now into January, if you want to bird in a WILDLIFE MANAGEMENT AREA, you need to wear some "hunter's orange". There is still no hunting on Sunday in Massachusetts, unlike other New England states. I am not a hunter, nor have I ever been, but there are plenty of people that do hunt and it is important that you understand where and what is happening.

The guide to general hunting regs, including dates, is here: http://www.eregulations.com/massachusetts/huntingandfishing/
Be aware that it is quite a mosaic of seasons, so give it at least a quick read through.

The guide to waterfowl hunting dates is here: http://www.mass.gov/eea/docs/dfg/dfw/regulations/2013-14-waterfowl-abs-final.pdf
(report from Mark Lynch).

Note added: See Bird News posting of 10/20/13 for hunting regulation summarys

10/13/13 -- Ware River Watershed IBA, Rutland

Sunday October 13 we decided to do a "mini-Big Sit", a try out of a location for a planned Big Sit (with other participants) next year. We have been trying to find the best location for Worcester County Big Sit so we can officially enter the Birdwatcher's Digest competition using a location in the County. This morning we decided to do it from the small bridge near the Prison Camp on Charnock Hill Road (extension), part of the Ware River Watershed IBA. This bridge overlooks the extensive marshes of the Ware River, has fields and forests nearby and we had seen migrants moving along the area in fall before. Our goal for this day was to see if we could see 50 species from this one spot.

We arrived well before dawn and were surprised to find another person already there with binoculars! Ends up it he was a duck hunter, scouting out the spot for the opening of waterfowl season Tuesday. We ended up talking with him. He lives in Westminster. He had a BARN OWL last summer in his yard. We questioned him extensively, and he seemed like he knew what he was talking about. He also had seen the SANDHILL CRANE displaying at a farm in Petersham a few years back.

Pre-dawn, there were lots of birds. Noteworthy were the woodcocks that twittered and flew all around us. There was many Hermit Thrushes calling and either flying over or putting down. As it lightened, some Wood Ducks flew out but no Mallards. The hunter took off and we were left alone at the location, but only for a little while. Soon a fisherman showed up, with his dog and caught a pickerel, allegedly the same pickerel he has caught at that same spot for 4 years!.

Birding slowed down considerably about an hour after dawn, but after 4 hours we had seen 51 species. Not bad for a slow migration day. We missed many species like crow, raven, red-breasted Nuthatch, Lincoln's Sparrow etc. We also had no starlings, Rock Pigeons, House Finches and House Sparrows. But that is the nature of this location. The disadvantages to the site include no nearby bathrooms (but plenty of bushes).

Here is the complete list with numbers (we kept totals): Great Blue Heron (1); Turkey Vulture (5: only showed up in the last hour); Canada Goose (51: small flocks overhead); Wood Duck (20); Green-winged Teal (2: left the marsh with some Wood Duck); Sharp-shinned Hawk (6: kept us entertained all morning); Red-tailed Hawk (2); Virginia Rail (1: calling from marsh pre-dawn); American Woodcock (8); Ring-billed Gull (2); Herring Gull (15: our last species for the day . Sheila spotted a ball of gulls moving high and away. I assumed they would be all Ring-billed, but checking with a scope, I found that only 2 were Ring-billeds and the rest were Herring); Mourning Dove (4); Great Horned Owl (1: I was also expecting Barred, but dipped); Belted Kingfisher (1); Red-bellied Woodpecker (2); Yellow-bellied Sapsucker (1); Downy Woodpecker (4); Hairy Woodpecker (3); N Flicker (2); Pileated Woodpecker (2); E Phoebe (3); Blue-headed Vireo (1: seen but also heard still singing); Blue Jay (34 lots of migrating flocks but also many birds gathering acorns); Black-capped Chickadee (23); Tufted Titmouse (3); White-breasted Nuthatch (3); House Wren (1); Winter Wren (1); Ruby-crowned Kinglet (11: nice movement. At one point we had 8 in a small apple tree); Eastern Bluebird (5: flyovers); Gray-cheeked Thrush (flight call notes heard several times pre dawn); Hermit Thrush (51: minimal: birds calling and migrating pre dawn. Post dawn we saw/heard 2 birds); American Robin (26); Gray Catbird (13); Cedar Waxwing (12: single flock); Yellow-rumped Warbler(18); Pine Warbler (1); Palm Warbler (2); Blackpoll (1); C Yellowthroat (2); E Towhee (1); Song Sparrow (16); Swamp Sparrow (20); White-throated Sparrow (12); Dark-eyed Junco (3); N Cardinal (4); Red-winged Blackbird (3); Rusty Blackbird (1); C Grackle (2); Purple Finch (2); A Goldfinch (7);

Plus: Beaver (several) and large Bat sp., possibly a Big Brown Bat but could also have been a Red Bat.
(report from Mark Lynch/Sheila Carroll).

10/12/13 -- Wachusett Reservoir

This afternoon I made a brief stop at Wachusett Reservoir. Dave Grant was there. We scanned the reservoir from gates 36 and 40. From gate 40 we found a small raft of 8 Surf Scoters (1 male and 7 females). (report from Bart Kamp).

10/11/13 -- Mount Wachusett, Princeton

Raptors migrating today: Sharp-shinned Hawk 2 ; Red-tailed Hawk 1 .
(report from Paul Roberts)

10/10/13 -- Uxbridge Community Gardens

We spent a few hours birding the UXBRIDGE COMMUNITY GARDENS, soccer fields and Castle Street (the trail at the bottom of the hill at the Community Gardens continues to Castle Street).

Birds recorded: Sharp-shinned Hawk (2: 1 came bombing low over the weedy fields and came within a mere few inches of slamming into my head); Cooper's Hawk (1); Red-tailed Hawk (1); Wild Turkey (3); Mourning Dove (9); Red-bellied Woodpecker (4); N Flicker (3); Pileated Woodpecker (1); Blue Jay (17); A Crow (5); Black-capped Chickadee (7); Tufted Titmouse (4); White-breasted Nuthatch (6); Carolina Wren (2); House Wren (1); Ruby-crowned Kinglet (1); E Bluebird (5); A Robin (9); Gray Catbird (5); N Mockingbird (1); American Pipit (2: working a small plowed/turned lot in the garden); Yellow-rumped Warbler (4); Palm Warbler (1); Savannah Sparrow (12); Song Sparrow (58); Lincoln's Sparrow (2); Swamp Sparrow (15); White-throated Sparrow (13); White-crowned Sparrow (6imm); N Cardinal (6); C Grackle (4); House Finch (9); A Goldfinch (8)

NB: the edges of the soccer pitch had 60+ Wooly Bear caterpillars in the grasses. A patch of goldenrod had clumps of 100+ bumblebees, which apparently collectively overnighted there.
(report from Mark Lynch/Sheila Carroll)

10/9/13 -- Barre Falls Dam, Barre

Raptors migrating today: Turkey Vulture 24 ; Osprey 2 ; Northern Harrier 1 ; Sharp-shinned Hawk 7 ; Cooper's Hawk 1 ; Red-tailed Hawk 3 ; American Kestrel 1 ; Merlin 3 ; Peregrine Falcon 1 .
(report from Bart Kamp)

10/9/13 -- Charlton/Southbridge/Sturbridge

Today we birded three stops that are inside the STURBRIDGE CBC CIRCLE. Highlights are as follows:

CHARLTON: ORLANDO'S PONDS: Canada Goose (92); Mallard (665); A Black Duck (13); Ruddy Duck (4: 2m+2f); Ring-billed Gull (106); Belted Kingfisher (1);

SOUTHBRIDGE: around the airport and adjacent tornado scar: Turkey Vulture (26); Sharp-shinned Hawk (1); Red-tailed Hawk (1); N Flicker (3); Carolina Wren (1); Ruby-crowned Kinglet (1); Eastern Bluebird (7); Gray Catbird (2); N Mockingbird (2); Cedar Waxwing (27); Yellow-rumped Warbler (19); Palm Warbler (4); E Towhee (4); Savannah Sparrow (9); Song Sparrow (16); Swamp Sparrow (21); White-throated Sparrow (11); Red-winged Blackbird (1);

STURBRIDGE: Wells State Park: we hiked out to the rookery along the power lines. Turkey Vulture (9); Red-shouldered Hawk (4: 1 hunting in the empty campground); Red-tailed Hawk (1); Red-bellied Woodpecker (3); Mallard (6); Ring-billed Gull (8); Pileated Woodpecker (1); E Phoebe (3); Common Raven (2); Brown Creeper (2); Marsh Wren (1); Ruby-crowned Kinglet (4); Hermit Thrush (1); Gray Catbird (1); Yellow-rumped Warbler (7); E Towhee (4); Swamp Sparrow (12); Song Sparrow (5); Purple Finch (1);
(report from Mark Lynch/Sheila Carroll).

10/9/13 -- Mount Wachusett, Princeton

Raptors migrating today: Turkey Vulture 4 ; Bald Eagle 1 ; Sharp-shinned Hawk 3 ; Red-tailed Hawk 5 ; Merlin 1 .

Raptor Observations: Vultures and Redtails were clearly migrating. Bald Eagle was an immature.
(report from Paul Roberts)

10/8/13 -- Mount Wachusett, Princeton

Raptors migrating today: Bald Eagle 8 ; Sharp-shinned Hawk 14 ; Cooper's Hawk 1 ; Red-tailed Hawk 11 ; American Kestrel 12 ; Merlin 1 ; Peregrine Falcon 1 .
(report from Paul Roberts)

10/8/13 -- Barre Falls Dam, Barre

Raptors migrating today: Turkey Vulture 17 ; Osprey 4 ; Bald Eagle 1 ; Northern Harrier 2 ; Sharp-shinned Hawk 50 ; Cooper's Hawk 2 ; Red-shouldered Hawk 3 ; Broad-winged Hawk 3 ; Red-tailed Hawk 2 ; American Kestrel 15 ; Merlin 2 .

Raptor Observations: Cirrus clouds helped us locate high flying hawks.

Non-raptor Observations: 16 Canada Geese and 1 Monarch Butterfly
(report from Bart Kamp)

10/8/13 -- Wachusett Reservoir

This morning we spent a few hours birding WACHUSETT RESERVOIR and had the following: Common Loon (13); Double-crested Cormorant (16); Great Blue Heron (1); Canada Goose (42); A Black Duck (2); Mallard (8); Greater Scaup (8); Lesser Scaup (1); NB: all the scaup were on Coachlace Pond); Common Merganser (4); Red-tailed Hawk (1); Peregrine Falcon (1imm); Wild Turkey (3); Greater Yellowlegs (1); Ring-billed Gull (10); Belted Kingfisher (2); Red-bellied Woodpecker (2); Downy Woodpecker (4); Hairy Woodpecker (1); E Phoebe (2); Blue-headed Vireo (2); Blue Jay (31); A Crow (30); Black-capped Chickadee (26); Tufted Titmouse (11); White-breasted Nuthatch (10); Carolina Wren (3); Ruby-crowned Kinglet (7); American Pipit (35+: along Gate 36 dike); Yellow-rumped Warbler (27); Blackpoll (3); C Yellowthroat (2); Chipping Sparrow (37); Savannah Sparrow (49: in 1 loose group along the rocks below the dike ); Song Sparrow (2); Lincoln's Sparrow (2); Swamp Sparrow (1); White-throated Sparrow (19); Dark-eyed Junco (8); Purple Finch (1); The only butterfly seen was a VICEROY. No odonates were seen. (report from Mark Lynch/Sheila Carroll).

10/7/13 -- South Quabbin Reservoir

Today we birded the South Quabbin area: including Quabbin Park (off Rt.9); the state trout facility and the nearby Covey WMA. Species list as follows: Common Loon (3); Horned Grebe (2: basic pl); Double-crested Cormorant (1); Turkey Vulture (3); Wood Duck (56); A Black Duck (6); Mallard (7); Hooded Merganser (1); Common Merganser (7); Bald Eagle (1ad); Sharp-shinned Hawk (2: chasing the kestrels and flickers at Covey. Nice show); A Kestrel (3); Sora (1); Killdeer (21: trout facility); Ring-billed Gull (24); Herring Gull (1); Mourning Dove (11); Belted Kingfisher (2); Downy Woodpecker (3); Hairy Woodpecker (2); N Flicker (4); Pileated Woodpecker (2); Blue Jay (23); A Crow (7); C Raven (2); Black-capped Chickadee (28); Tufted Titmouse (5); White-breasted Nuthatch (2); Carolina Wren (1); House Wren (1); Winter Wren (2); Ruby-crowned Kinglet (7); E Bluebird (1); Hermit Thrush (7); A Robin (6); Gray Catbird (7); Orange-crowned Warbler (1); Yellow-rumped Warbler (16); Black-throated Green Warbler (2); Palm Warbler (6); Blackpoll Warbler (1); C Yellowthroat (3); E Towhee (12); Chipping Sparrow (31); Song Sparrow (55); Swamp Sparrow (22); White-throated Sparrow (129); White-crowned Sparrow (3imm); Dark-eyed Junco (1); N Cardinal (7); Red-winged Blackbird (6); Purple Finch (2);

Plus: despite wind and overcast, we had Cabbage White; Clouded Sulphur and a single fresh looking Mourning Cloak. Plus several darner species and of course many meadowhawks.
(report from Mark Lynch/Sheila Carroll).

10/6/13 -- New Braintree

The Forbush Bird club trip had 45 species, with highlights of wood duck 9, black duck 5, green-winged teal 20, northern harrier 1, cooper's hawk 1, wild turkey 20, killdeer 22, greater yellowlegs 1, pectoral sandpiper 5, hairy woodpecker 1, flicker 1, phoebe 3, ruby-crowned kinglet 2, robin 12, catbird 3, starling 25, American Pipit 47, yellow-rumped warbler 25, palm warbler 7, yellowthroat 1, chipping sparrow 7, VESPER SPARROW 1, (seen by Dick Knowlten and Rodney Jenkins) Savannah Sparrow 245+ (most in blueberry patch at Howe's veggy field), song sparrow 35, lincoln's sparrow 2, swamp sparrow 30, white throated sparrow 20 (very low), white-crowned sparrow 7, Junco 4, Indigo bunting 2, red-winged blackbird 400+, cowbird 40. (report from Rodney Jenkins)

10/5/13 -- Wachusett Reservoir

Highlights of an early afternoon trip to Wachusett Reservoir were: 1 Horned Grebe, 3 male Black Scoters and 4 White-winged Scoters. (report from Bart Kamp).

10/5/13 -- Barre Falls Dam, Barre

Raptors migrating today: Turkey Vulture 26 ; Osprey 1 ; Bald Eagle 2 ; Northern Harrier 1 ; Sharp-shinned Hawk 20 ; Cooper's Hawk 7 ; Northern Goshawk 1 ; Broad-winged Hawk 1 ; American Kestrel 2 ; Merlin 1 ; Peregrine Falcon 3 ; Unknown Accipiter 1 ; Unknown Buteo 1 .

Raptor Observations: Adult and sub-adult Bald Eagles. Kettle of 25 Turkey Vultures.

Non-raptor Observations: 40 Canada Geese
(report from Bart Kamp)

10/4/13 -- Uxbridge Community Gardens, Uxbridge

Birded the Gardens around 9am and had a huge flock of 11 White-crowned Sparrows and another of 7 totalling 18. Also present were Chipping, Swamp and Song. 1 Dark-eyed Junco, 6 Bluebirds, 2 House Finches. Again I was hoping for a Clay-colored Sparrow but to no avail. I will bird this spot 2-3x a week all fall and winter hoping for another Shrike this year!.

Brierly Pond, Millbury: While taking my sons fishing today I scoped the pond and found 1 Pied-billed Grebe actively feeding. (report from Justin Lawson).

10/4/13 -- Sterling Peat, Sterling

Between the showers I made a quick stop at Sterling Peat about noon Friday. The same species of shorebirds that were reported on the 24th of September were still there. Very little water is left. The grassy areas were covered with tail-bobbing American Pipits and the birches were full of tail-bobbing Palm Warblers. (report from Bart Kamp).

10/3/13 -- Mount Wachusett, Princeton

Raptors migrating today: Bald Eagle 2 ; Sharp-shinned Hawk 7 ; American Kestrel 3 .

Raptor Observations: Migration appears to be slowing down. Fewer birds are migrating at this point. The two Bald Eagles were matures.Sharpies and Kestrels remain steady. But few of the other Raptors.
(report from Steve Olson)

10/3/13 -- Bolton Flats, Bolton

We spent this morning (dawn till noon) birding BOLTON FLATS WMA in Lancaster. There were VERY large numbers of sparrows on hand, particularly SWAMPS, which were everywhere we went, in large numbers. We were soon at the point where we were trying to see something "that was not a Swamp". There were so many Swamps, it got ridiculous after awhile. Songs and Savannahs were also well represented. Conditions at "the Flats" are ideal for sparrowpalooza right now, but birders should be aware that hunting is also popular at this time. Sunday is likely the best day of the week to visit. Trails are in good shape, but be prepared for wet feet early in the morning. Flocks of Red-winged Blackbirds were present first thing, but we saw very few as the morning wore on.

Complete list: Wood Duck (7); N Harrier (2); Sharp-shinned Hawk (2); Red-tailed Hawk (1); Killdeer (9); Greater Yellowlegs (1); Mourning Dove (3); Belted Kingfisher (1); Red-bellied Woodpecker (2); Downy Woodpecker (5); N Flicker (7); E Phoebe (8); Blue Jay (32); A Crow (2); Black-capped Chickadee (12); White-breasted Nuthatch (4); Carolina Wren (1); Marsh Wren (1); Ruby-crowned Kinglet (3); E Bluebird (6: flock fly over); A Robin (21); Gray Catbird (33); N Mockingbird (1); A Pipit (2); N Parula (1); Yellow-rumped Warbler (25); Palm Warbler (17); C Yellowthroat (6); E Towhee (1); Chipping Sparrow (6); Savannah Sparrow (49); Song Sparrow (101); Lincoln's Sparrow (9); Swamp Sparrow (296); White-throated Sparrow (34); Dark-eyed Junco (1); N cardinal (7); Indigo Bunting (1); Bobolink (17); Red-winged Blackbird (366); E Meadowlark (1: flew over main fields, circled low several times, but never put down. Sheila got some nice shots); Rusty Blackbird (1); C Grackle (3); A Goldfinch (15);

PLUS: butterflies included Cabbage White; Clouded Sulphur and (1); Monarch.
(report from Mark Lynch/Sheila Carroll).

10/3/13 -- Moose Hill WMA, Paxton

Some early morning highlights in the veggie fields included amazing numbers of warblers but less sparrows than the last visit on the 29th. There were 150+ yellow-rumped, 45 + Palm Warblers, 3 Tennessee, 1 magnolia, 6 Blackpoll and 10 yellowthroats. Also, 8 Ruby-cr. Kinglets, 2 Indigo Buntings, 3 Blue-headed vireos, 12 catbirds, 6 White-crowned, 6 lincoln's, 20 swamp, 40 Song, 175 Chipping, 15 savannah and 25 White-throated Sparrows plus at least 75 Goldfinch. Warblers seen on the 29th included 1 Black-throated green, 1 parula, 6 Blackpoll, 1 Cape may, 1 Tennessee, 75 yellow-rumps, 20 Palm 1 nashville and 12 Yellowthroat.

Later, at the Ekblaw Sanctuary, there were 77 + Wood Ducks, 18 Green-winged teal, 1 Pied-billed Grebe and a Rusty Blackbird.

Also, on 10/2/13 in New Braintree, I saw 7 Ruby-crowned Kinglets and 1 Black and White Warbler in one Birch tree. (report from Rodney Jenkins)

10/3/13 -- Worcester

Just arrived home on Grafton St and had a Palm Warbler jumpin and flittin about 6' in front of me on my lawn.... (report from Scott Ricker).

10/3/13 -- Barre Falls Dam, Barre

Raptors migrating today:

-------------------------------------------------------------------
Species            Day's Count    Month Total   Season Total
------------------ ----------- -------------- --------------
Black Vulture                0              0              0
Turkey Vulture               0              0             38
Osprey                       0              0            102
Bald Eagle                   1              1             41
Northern Harrier             2              2              5
Sharp-shinned Hawk          12             12            267
Cooper's Hawk                3              3             65
Northern Goshawk             0              0              0
Red-shouldered Hawk          0              0              4
Broad-winged Hawk            2              2          16108
Red-tailed Hawk              4              4             13
Rough-legged Hawk            0              0              0
Golden Eagle                 0              0              1
American Kestrel            10             10             47
Merlin                       1              1              7
Peregrine Falcon             0              0              7
Unknown Accipiter            0              0              0
Unknown Buteo                0              0              0
Unknown Falcon               0              0              0
Unknown Eagle                0              0              0
Unknown Raptor               1              1             13

Total:                      36             36          16718
----------------------------------------------------------------------

Non-raptor Observations: 6 Canada Geese and 1 Chimney Swift. A kettle of 5 Ravens; Pileated Woodpecker calling and flying around the site all day.
(report from Bart Kamp)

10/2/13 -- Winimusett wildlife management area, New Braintree

There was a nice selection of birds this afternoon at the Thompson rd. Section of this WMA. There was a decent number of sparrows in the overgrown field to the right of the parking lot, with at least 1 Lincoln's sparrow that gave excellent looks. Also had about 4 palm warblers, 2 ruby crowned kinglets, and various sparrows surround me for a few moments while I was pishing. Very cool! Also picked out a beautiful blue-headed vireo. (report from Josh Gahagan).

10/1/13 -- Uxbridge Community Gardens, Uxbridge

Highlights from the morning were 4 White-crowned Sparrows. Was hoping for a Clay-colored Sparrow. This spot continues to be one of my favorites. Hopefully a Northern Shrike will come back this winter!! Photos on my Flickr. (report from Justin Lawson).

10/1/13 -- Mount Wachusett, Princeton

Raptors migrating today: Osprey 4 ; Bald Eagle 2 ; Northern Harrier 3 ; Sharp-shinned Hawk 18 ; Cooper's Hawk 1 ; American Kestrel 8 ; Merlin 3 ; Peregrine Falcon 1 .

Raptor Observations: Bald Eagles were 1 mature in the am and 1 immature in the pm. 3 Northern Harriers were 2 immature females and 1 mature male. Lots of Sharpies.

Non-raptor Observations: Eastern Towhees, Juncos, Ravens, and non-migrating TVs.
(report from Steve Olson)

For previous sightings, see September 2013 Archives or Archive Index