October 2014 Central Mass Bird Sightings
Sightings are listed in reverse chronological order. The email
address of birders submitting reports, as well as other
Central Massachusetts birding info can be found via the
Central Mass Bird Update homepage.
Bird News:
Bird Sightings:
- 10/31/14 -- Douglas and Millbury
-
- Today there were 15 Ruddy Ducks, one Bufflehead and 6 American Coot and a few Mallards on
Dorothy Pond in Millbury....I believe the name is Dorothy Pond
- Yesterday (10/30) there were two Hermit Thrush in my yard in Douglas along with about 20
Junco and a few White-throated Sparrow.
(report from Scott Ricker).
- 10/31/14 -- Suasco Impoundment, Mill Rd., Westborough
-
Observed a male and a female Bufflehead at about 12:45 PM today (report from
Ed Kittredge).
- 10/31/14 -- Bartlett Pond, Northborough
-
Observed 5 American Coots on the pond at about 1:30 PM today (report from Ed
Kittredge).
- 10/31/14 -- Mount Wachusett, Princeton
- Raptors observed :
Turkey Vulture 24 ;
Osprey 1 ;
Bald Eagle 1 ;
Northern Harrier 1 ;
Sharp-shinned Hawk 2 ;
Cooper's Hawk 1 ;
Northern Goshawk 1 ;
Red-shouldered Hawk 2 ;
Red-tailed Hawk 26 ;
Rough-legged Hawk 1 ;
American Kestrel 1 .
- Raptor Observations:
Bald Eagle - 1 immature.
Red-Tailed Hawk migration started (26 counted).
-
Non-raptor Observations:
Local non-migrating birds: Red-Tailed Hawks, TV's, Ravens & not many & not
often.
(report from Steve Olson).
- 10/30/14 -- Barre Falls Dam, Barre
- Raptors observed:
Turkey Vulture 4 ;
Sharp-shinned Hawk 9 ;
Cooper's Hawk 1 ;
Northern Goshawk 1 ;
Red-tailed Hawk 18 .
- Non-raptor Observations:
98 American Crows migrating, 7 Ravens together and 2 Clouded Sulphur
Butterflies.
(report from Bart Kamp).
- 10/30/14 -- Gate 36, Wachusett Reservoir
- There were 32 American
Pipits in the field and 4 Snow Buntings on the rocks of the dike.
(report from Bart Kamp).
- 10/29/14 -- Holden
-
- Chaffins Pond and Eagle Lake: Ring Necked Duck: 8
- Eagle Lake/Causeway St/Alta Vista Farm: Large number of Sparrow
flocks in hedgerows and weedy edges. I made 5 stops and at each stop
estimated 30 to 40 birds. It was hard to count to species because birds
would be flushed by cars and gradually return to grit by the side of the
road or in low grass. Predominantly White-throated Sparrows and Song
Sparrows with the occasional Swamp Sparrow. Other highlights included
Eastern Phoebe (1), Hermit Thrush (1)
-
Muschaupauge Road: Canada Geese (300); Red Winged Blackbirds (250). [flock
predominantly Red-winged Blackbirds -- flock was distant and noisy and being
chased by a Red-tailed Hawk]
(report from Lisa Hennin).
- 10/29/14 -- Crystal Lake, Gardner
- This evening there was a 1 year Lesser Black-backed Gull amoung the
400+/- gulls on the lake at 5/15 PM. Gull totals were
Ring-billed ~200;
Herring Gull 180;
Great Black-backed Gull 12;
Lesser Black-backed Gull 1 1st cycle.
The best time for viewing the gulls is at dusk.
(report from Tom Pirro).
- 10/29/14 -- Hadwen Park/Curtis Pond, Worcester
- High lights were 2
Ospreys
, (both caught a fish), 1
Bufflehead , and 1
Merlin. Also, 1 Fisher. (report from Brian Mulhearn)
- 10/29/14 -- Wachusett Reservoir
-
We spent this morning hiking and birding around Wachusett Reservoir.
Highlights included:
Common Loon (19);
Horned Grebe (4);
Red-necked Grebe (5);
Double-crested Cormorant (19);
Great Blue Heron (1);
Canada Goose (13);
Mute Swan (2ad+2imm);
Mallard (8);
Greater Scaup (23);
Black Scoter (12);
Bald Eagle (1ad:see below);
Red-tailed Hawk (1);
Wild Turkey (4);
AMERICAN COOT (dense flock of 45 south of Gate 8. We watched the eagle make
several serious attempts to catch one by diving at the flock, and this
momentarily scattered a number of them, but they quickly re-coalesced. KEVIN
BOURINOT, who also saw the flock, photo'd several coot "resting" in the
forest nearby!);
Passerines were typical but did include Eastern Phoebe (1: getting late
here); Winter Wren (1); E Bluebird (5);
Hermit Thrush (3); Gray Catbird (1); Yellow-rumped Warbler (11). We only had
(1) Purple Finch and no siskins.
(report from Mark Lynch/Sheila Carroll).
- 10/28/14 -- Worcester/Holden
-
Indian Lake, Worcester: Highlights were Common Mergansers (8), with 1 yr male
- Chaffin's Pond, Holden:
Highlights were Pied Billed Grebe (4); Ruddy Duck(1 ); Ruby Crowned
Kinglet(3); Eastern Bluebird (4);
Mixed flock of Sparrows putting up and down in the long grasses; Song
Sparrow, White-throated Sparrow and a single Swamp Sparrow.
(report from Lisa Hennin). - 10/28/14 -- Institute Park, Worcester
- A late afternoon walk yielded 1 DC Cormorant (im), 1 Am Black Duck, 1
Great Blue Heron, 1 Gadwall (f), 10+ Song Sparrows, and 1 Red-winged
Blackbird (singing). (report from Rick Quimby).
- 10/28/14 -- Scarhill Road, Wachusett Reservoir, Boylston
-
There was a very tight raft of Coots (25+) seen from the Bluffs today.
(report from Peter Morlock).
- 10/28/14 -- Gate 8 (The Narrows), Wachusett Reservoir, Boylston
-
I observed a Red-necked Grebe from 10:30 to 11:30 AM today. I spotted it
looking north from the sandy point at Sawyers Bluff after hiking in from
Gate 8. Still there when I left at 11:30 AM. (report from Ed Kittredge).
- 10/27/14 -- Barre Falls Dam, Barre
- Raptors observed and season totals:
-------------------------------------------------------------------
Species Day's Count Month Total Season Total
------------------ ----------- -------------- --------------
Black Vulture 0 0 0
Turkey Vulture 0 136 136
Osprey 0 30 74
Bald Eagle 2 16 68
Northern Harrier 1 9 13
Sharp-shinned Hawk 26 245 428
Cooper's Hawk 7 47 70
Northern Goshawk 0 4 4
Red-shouldered Hawk 0 4 8
Broad-winged Hawk 0 31 6839
Red-tailed Hawk 7 34 45
Rough-legged Hawk 0 0 0
Golden Eagle 0 1 1
American Kestrel 5 36 80
Merlin 2 11 17
Peregrine Falcon 0 8 11
Unknown Accipiter 0 3 3
Unknown Buteo 0 0 0
Unknown Falcon 0 0 0
Unknown Eagle 0 0 0
Unknown Raptor 2 19 35
Total: 52 634 7832
----------------------------------------------------------------------
(report from Bart Kamp).
- 10/27/14 -- Mount Wachusett, Princeton
- Raptors observed -- season's totals:
-------------------------------------------------------------------
Species Day's Count Month Total Season Total
------------------ ----------- -------------- --------------
Black Vulture 0 1 5
Turkey Vulture 0 106 133
Osprey 0 14 238
Bald Eagle 0 39 187
Northern Harrier 0 7 27
Sharp-shinned Hawk 2 115 568
Cooper's Hawk 0 35 112
Northern Goshawk 0 1 7
Red-shouldered Hawk 0 6 10
Broad-winged Hawk 0 17 16747
Red-tailed Hawk 4 18 23
Rough-legged Hawk 0 0 0
Golden Eagle 0 2 3
American Kestrel 0 31 155
Merlin 0 8 34
Peregrine Falcon 0 9 39
Unknown Accipiter 0 5 21
Unknown Buteo 0 3 3
Unknown Falcon 0 1 5
Unknown Eagle 0 0 0
Unknown Raptor 0 29 84
Total: 6 447 18401
----------------------------------------------------------------------
- Raptor Observations:
Not much activity for raptors. Local Red-Taileds still hanging around, and
7 Turkey Vultures
- Non-raptor Observations:
7 Ravens
(report from Steve Olson).
- 10/26/14 -- Mount Wachusett, Princeton
- Raptors observed today:
Osprey 1 ;
Sharp-shinned Hawk 3 ;
American Kestrel 1 .
- Raptor Observations:
Slow day to see any birds. Wind forcing them down below the summit.
(report from Steve Olson).
- 10/26/14 -- Otter River SP, Winchendon-South Royalston
-
We started birding the parcel from Otter River State Park to
Birch Hill Dam (Winchendon-South Royalston). The birding was very slow, with
few birds about. The weather was overcast and cool. Highlights, such as they
are, included:
Double-crested Cormorant (1: in small wooded marsh);
Canada Goose (1: only waterfowl in area!);
Sharp-shinned Hawk (1);
Merlin (1);
Belted Kingfisher (1);
American Crow (flock of 118 heading west);
Red-breasted Nuthatch (17);
Golden-crowned Kinglet (4);
Ruby-crowned Kinglet (2);
Hermit Thrush (1);
American Robin (119);
American Pipit (1: overhead);
Yellow-rumped Warbler (11);
C Yellowthroat (1);
Dark-eyed Junco (30);
Purple Finch (9);
Pine Siskin (62);
- Wending our way back to Worcester, we stopped at a scrubby area in TEMPLETON
and had:
American Robin (200+);
White-crowned Sparrow (3imm);
- In HUBBARDSTON at a small road-side marsh:
American Tree Sparrow (2);
- Finally, we spent some time with the dedicated hawkwatchers at Barre Falls
Dam, always fun. While there we had 13 Sharp-shinned Hawks and 88 American
Crows heading west and other birds. This was our best stop of the day.
(report from Mark Lynch/Sheila Carroll).
- 10/26/14 -- Barre Falls Dam, Barre
- Raptors observed today:
Turkey Vulture 1 ;
Osprey 1 ;
Bald Eagle 1 ;
Northern Harrier 1 ;
Sharp-shinned Hawk 49 ;
Cooper's Hawk 6 ;
Red-tailed Hawk 6 ;
American Kestrel 3 ;
Merlin 1 ;
Peregrine Falcon 1 .
- Non-raptor Observations:
350+ migrating American crows. Pine Siskins flyover.
(report from Bart Kamp).
- 10/25/14 -- Wachusett Reservoir IBA
-
Highlights of the Forbush Bird Club to the Wachusett Reservoir
IBA included:
Mute Swan (2);
Wood Duck (8);
American Black Duck (1);
Green-winged Teal (16);
Lesser Scaup (2);
Bufflehead (3);
Common Goldeneye (5);
Hooded Merganser (3);
Common Merganser (4);
Ruddy Duck (47, all at East Waushacum pond);
Common Loon (26);
Pied-billed Grebe (2);
Horned Grebe (4, North reservoir);
Red-necked Grebe (7, North reservoir);
Double-crested Cormorant (19);
Turkey Vulture (6);
Osprey (4);
Sharp-shinned Hawk (4);
Cooper's Hawk (2);
Red-tailed Hawk (14);
Belted Kingfisher (1);
Red-bellied Woodpecker (3);
Hairy Woodpecker (3);
Northern Flicker (1);
American Kestrel (1);
Merlin (4, migrating);
Eastern Phoebe (2);
Red-breasted Nuthatch (3);
Carolina Wren (4);
Golden-crowned Kinglet (4);
Ruby-crowned Kinglet (6);
Eastern Bluebird (13);
Hermit Thrush (1);
American Robin (28);
American Pipit (2);
Cedar Waxwing (30);
Yellow-rumped Warbler (78);
American Tree Sparrow (2);
Red-winged Blackbird (1);
Common Grackle (1);
Purple Finch (5);
Pine Siskin (3).
(report from Kevin Bourinot).
- 10/25/14 -- Barre Falls Dam, Barre
- Raptors observed today:
Osprey 1 ;
Bald Eagle 1 ;
Northern Harrier 2 ;
Sharp-shinned Hawk 24 ;
Cooper's Hawk 6 ;
Northern Goshawk 1 ;
Red-tailed Hawk 4 ;
American Kestrel 2 ;
Merlin 1 .
- Non-raptor Observations:
200+ American Crows migrating, 12 Canada Geese.
(report from Bart Kamp).
- 10/25/14 -- Gate 33, Quabbin Reservoir
- We started out hiking in GATE 33 QUABBIN. Highlights
included:
Common Loon (2);
Canada Goose (106: most overhead);
Wood Duck (3);
A Black Duck (9);
Ring-necked Duck (17);
Common Merganser (1f);
Bald Eagle (2ad);
Red-tailed Hawk (1);
Ruffed Grouse (1);
Wild Turkey (4: we had to shoo them away from the parking area in order to
park the car);
Barred Owl (1);
Pileated Woodpecker (3);
Common Raven (3);
Red-breasted Nuthatch (13);
Brown Creeper (3);
Winter Wren (1);
Golden-crowned Kinglet (6);
Ruby-crowned Kinglet (3);
E Bluebird (5);
Hermit Thrush (5);
American Robin (96);
Yellow-rumped Warbler (19);
Pine Warbler (1);
Field Sparrow (2);
Purple Finch (16: this morning, while I went out to get the paper at 5:30,
you could here hundreds of Purple Finches migrating overhead);
PINE SISKIN (250: flocks overhead all morning);
- PLUS: dragonflies included several Shadow Darners and a good number of
Autumn Meadowhawks.
- Later we also birded Gate 41 and new species included (3) Pied-billed Grebes
and (1) Great Blue Heron.
(report from Mark Lynch/Sheila Carroll).
- 10/25/14 -- Mount Wachusett, Princeton
- Raptors observed today:
Turkey Vulture 8 ;
Northern Harrier 1 ;
Sharp-shinned Hawk 5 ;
Red-shouldered Hawk 3 ;
Red-tailed Hawk 2 ;
Golden Eagle 1 .
- Raptor Observations:
Golden Eagle was at 12:30, mature and fairly close. NH was also close to
summit at 1:50 pm.
TV group migrating from NW to SW and beyond.
(report from Steve Olson).
- 10/24/14 -- Millbury
-
There has been a flock of 84 red-winged black birds and 22 grackles here
all week.
(report from Susan LaBree).
- 10/24/14 -- Mount Wachusett, Princeton
- Raptors observed today:
-------------------------------------------------------------------
Species Day's Count Month Total Season Total
------------------ ----------- -------------- --------------
Black Vulture 0 1 5
Turkey Vulture 0 98 125
Osprey 0 13 237
Bald Eagle 1 39 187
Northern Harrier 0 6 26
Sharp-shinned Hawk 1 105 558
Cooper's Hawk 0 35 112
Northern Goshawk 0 1 7
Red-shouldered Hawk 0 3 7
Broad-winged Hawk 0 17 16747
Red-tailed Hawk 1 12 17
Rough-legged Hawk 0 0 0
Golden Eagle 1 1 2
American Kestrel 1 30 154
Merlin 0 8 34
Peregrine Falcon 0 9 39
Unknown Accipiter 0 4 20
Unknown Buteo 0 3 3
Unknown Falcon 0 1 5
Unknown Eagle 0 0 0
Unknown Raptor 0 26 81
Total: 5 412 18366
----------------------------------------------------------------------
- Raptor Observations:
Golden Eagle (immature) - 1, migrating South. Naked -eye, for 1 to 2
minutes before heading south.
Not Many Raptors.
Bald Eagle - 1 (mature).
-
Non-raptor Observations:
Canada Geese -33, Resident Red-Tailed Hawks - 3, Raven - 1,
TVs - 4, Gulls - 4.
(report from Steve Olson).
- 10/24/14 -- Holden
-
Brad Blodget called to inform me of a Mallard-sized bird flying in a V of
Canada geese, relatively low over Holden center yesterday (10/23). He did not have
binoculars with him, but it seems likely that there may be a Cackling Goose
in the area. A check of the local ponds might turn it up. (report from
Rodney Jenkins)
- 10/20/14 -- Gate 22, Wachusett Reservoir
-
Seen from the Gate 22 Peninsula at Wachusett Reservoir late Monday afternoon
were 1 cranberry picker who had picked 100 pounds of cranberries, Common
Loons, 1 Red-necked Grebe, Double-crested Cormorants, Mute Swan pair, raft
of Black Ducks and scaup species, 2 Red-breasted Mergansers. And resting on
the "cormorant" raft at various times were cormorants, Herring Gulls,
Ring-billed Gulls, 3 Bonaparte's Gulls and 1 Common Tern.
(report from Bart Kamp).
- 10/20/14 -- Wachusett Meadow Sanctuary, Princeton
-
Just before noon today, 9 Common nighthawks passed over
Wachusett Meadow WS. This is the latest I have ever observed nighthawks in
the north county by almost 3 weeks.
(report from Dick Knowlton).
- 10/20/14 -- Mount Wachusett, Princeton
- Raptors observed today:
Turkey Vulture 1 ;
Osprey 1 ;
Sharp-shinned Hawk 3 ;
Red-tailed Hawk 1 ;
Peregrine Falcon 1 .
- Raptor Observations:
Because of the SW winds with the gusts, few raptors were seen during the
day. Wind forced most birds down below the summit and caused them to fly
around the mountain.
3 local non-migrating Red-Tailed hawks.
No local non-migrating TVs were seen. Wind may have been too strong.
-
Non-raptor Observations:
Gull - 1;
Raven - 1;
Yellow-Rumped Warbler - 1;
Juncos - 6;
1st yr. Bicknell's Thrush - 1;
Canada Geese - 149.
(report from Steve Olson).
- 10/19/14 -- Barre Falls Dam, Barre
- Raptors observed today:
Turkey Vulture 21 ;
Osprey 4 ;
Sharp-shinned Hawk 18 ;
Cooper's Hawk 2 ;
American Kestrel 1 ;
Merlin 3 .
- Non-raptor Observations:
330 Canada Geese and 4 American Pipits.
(report from Bart Kamp).
- 10/19/14 -- Mount Wachusett, Princeton
- Raptors observed today:
Turkey Vulture 14 ;
Bald Eagle 6 ;
Northern Harrier 2 ;
Sharp-shinned Hawk 39 ;
Cooper's Hawk 5 ;
Red-shouldered Hawk 2 ;
Red-tailed Hawk 2 ;
American Kestrel 11 ;
Merlin 5 .
- Raptor Observations:
Local Red-Tailed Hawks, Local TVs, and a number of non-migrating Bald
Eagles.
Bald Eagles - 5 mature & 1 immature.
-
Non-raptor Observations:
Ravens, 320+ Canada Geese, Cormorant.
(report from Steve Olson).
- 10/18/14 -- E. Waushacum Pond, Sterling / Gate 36, Wachusett Reservoir
-
- At E Waushacum there were 19 Ruddy Ducks, 12 DC Cormorants, 8 C Mergansers,
28 Greater Scaup, 3 Lesser Scaup, and 1 Red-necked Grebe.
- At Gate 36 there were 9 Common Loons and 5 Horned Grebes.
(phone report from Dave Grant).
- 10/18/14 -- Barre Falls Dam, Barre
-
Today's abbreviated hawk watch was enlivened by two Eastern Meadowlarks that
briefly perched then flew into the field above the dam.
Raptor observations: Osprey 1; Northern Harrier: 1; Sharp-shinned Hawk 2;
Cooper's Hawk: 1.
(report from Donna Schilling and Dave Grant)
- 10/17/14 -- Barre Falls Dam, Barre
- Raptors observed today:
Turkey Vulture 25 ;
Osprey 2 ;
Bald Eagle 2 ;
Sharp-shinned Hawk 11 ;
Cooper's Hawk 3 ;
Northern Goshawk 1 ;
Red-tailed Hawk 1 ;
American Kestrel 14 .
- Raptor Observations:
Both Bald Eagles were sub-adults. A kettle of 24 Turkey Vultures.
-
Non-raptor Observations:
1 Monarch and 6 Eastern Bluebirds.
(report from Bart Kamp).
- 10/17/14 -- Sudbury Reservoir, Soutborough
- Today we birded and hiked around the SUDBURY RESERVOIR WATERSHED in
Southboro and Marlboro. 90% of the watershed is in Southboro and only the
northern area is in Marlboro. Waterfowl numbers have started to increase and
will until freeze-up. Partial list:
- Pied-billed Grebe (2);
Double-crested Cormorant (3);
Great Blue Heron (2);
Canada Goose (146);
Mute Swan (7: 3 gray young birds);
Mallard (19);
REDHEAD (1f with large flock of Ring-necked Ducks);
RING-NECKED DUCK (836);
Lesser Scaup (2);
Ruddy Duck (213);
Bald Eagle (2ad);
Sharp-shinned Hawk (3);
Red-tailed Hawk (3);
Wild Turkey (2);
American Coot (4);
Belted Kingfisher (2);
Red-bellied Woodpecker (7);
Pileated Woodpecker (2);
E Phoebe (6);
Carolina Wren (8);
Ruby-crowned Kinglet (10);
Gray Catbird (5);
ORANGE-CROWNED WARBLER (1);
Yellow-rumped Warbler (32);
Pine Warbler (1);
- Plus: the only butterflies we came across were a Cabbage White
And a Clouded Sulphur.
(report from Mark Lynch/Sheila Carroll).
- 10/17/14 -- Institute Park, Worcester
- Highlights at noon were 9 Mute Swans (mixed adults and imm), and
a number of singing Red-winged Blackbirds. There had been no nesting
Mute Swans this summer, so it was startling to see so many. And hadn't
heard the sound of RWBBs singing since spring, so was nice to hear this
last gasp of bird song before the silence of late fall and winter settles
in. I have seen no Black-crowned Night-herons at the pond this summer or
fall. I think the filling in of the pond has made the water too shallow
for them, perhaps. (report from Rick Quimby).
- 10/17/14 -- Lake Quaboag, Brookfields
-
A very quick scouting tour for my trip Sunday 10/19 turned up the following. A
Bonaparte's Gull and a Great Egret on Lake Quaboag, 11 Ruddy Ducks at
Orlando's in Charlton and a few Rusty Blackbirds at the Wildlife Area at
South Pond. (report from Rodney Jenkins)
- 10/15/14 -- Templeton/Baldwinvile
- During my lunch break the past few days:
- On 10/14 I was able view a flock of
approx. 200 American Pipits at the Templeton Developemental Center
- Today 10/15 in Baldwinvile village between 50 and 60 Purple Finches
were feeding on various berries near the end of Pleasant Street.
(report from Tom Pirro).
- 10/14/14 -- Hadwen Park, Worcester
- At Curtis Pond there were 3 Ospreys, one flying with a fish in
it's talons. Also, 1 Great Blue Heron, 2 DC Cormorants, 4 Wood Ducks, 8
Black Ducks, 1 Coopers Hawk, 1 Belted Kingfisher, and 1 Carolina Wren.
(report from Brian Mulhearn)
- 10/13/14 -- West Boylston/Sterling
- Birding highlights:
- River Road, West Boylston (Wachusett Reservoir): Blue Birds, Red-breasted nut hatches,
large numbers of Yellow-rumped warblers and some palm warblers,
downy and hair woodpeckers.
- Sterling soccer fields: Large numbers of Robins, Yellow-rumped
warblers, Palm warblers, 1 Chipping Sparrow, Song sparrows,
White-throated sparrows,
Dark-eyed Juncos, Hairy and Red-bellied woodpeckers,
Cedar Wax Wings, Eastern Blue Birds.
-
East Waushacum Pond: 7 Ruddy ducks, 25 Common merganser, 32 Mallards, 1
Kingfisher, 28 Lesser Scaup, 13 Double-crested cormorant, 1 Osprey,
and 52 Canada Geese fly-by.
(report from Susan LaBree & Steve Sulzer).
- 10/13/14 -- Wachusett Reservoir
- Today we birded WACHUSETT RESERVOIR starting with a hike into Gate 8.
Species included:
Common Loon (20);
Horned Grebe (6);
Red-necked Grebe (1);
Double-crested Cormorant (37);
Lesser Scaup (2);
Surf Scoter (2: m+f);
Common Merganser (11);
Osprey (1);
Sharp-shinned Hawk (1);
E Phoebe (1);
Winter Wren (1);
Hermit Thrush (6);
Yellow-rumped Warbler (67: movement south along shore);
Palm Warbler (5);
C Yellowthroat (1);
Purple Finch (13).
(report from Mark Lynch/Sheila Carroll).
- 10/12/14 -- Barre Falls Dam, Barre
- Raptors observed today:
Turkey Vulture 25 ;
Osprey 1 ;
Northern Harrier 1 ;
Sharp-shinned Hawk 21 ;
Cooper's Hawk 4 ;
Northern Goshawk 1 ;
Red-shouldered Hawk 3 ;
Red-tailed Hawk 5 .
- Raptor Observations:
1 adult Bald Eagle not migrating.
-
Non-raptor Observations:
12 American Pipits, 7 Ravens together, 15 Canada Geese.
(report from Bart Kamp).
- 10/12/14 -- Southborough Reservoir,Southborough
- This morning off White Bagley Rd we
had: American Coot (3), Pied-billed Grebe (2), Ruddy Duck (63).
(report from Bob and Diane Abbott).
- 10/12/14 -- Mount Wachusett, Princeton
- Raptors observed today:
Turkey Vulture 49 ;
Osprey 1 ;
Bald Eagle 8 ;
Northern Harrier 1 ;
Sharp-shinned Hawk 23 ;
Cooper's Hawk 17 ;
Red-tailed Hawk 6 ;
American Kestrel 5 ;
Merlin 1 ;
Peregrine Falcon 1 .
- Raptor Observations:
Bald Eagles - 8 matures. Another 3 non-migrating Bald Eagles in the area.
Turkey Vultures - 20 to 25 non-migrating.
Red-Tailed Hawks - 2 local immature and 1 mature.
2 Non-migrating Ospreys at Wachusett Reservoir (11:30 AM).
-
Non-raptor Observations:
Ravens - 13;
Canada Geese - 383.
(report from Steve Olson).
- 10/11/14 -- Big Chauncy Lake,Westborough
- We had six Ruddy Ducks here this morning.
(report from Bob and Diane Abbott).
- 10/11/14 -- Brookfields/Leicester
-
We birded a few of the Brookfield ponds in the rain. Only 2 of them had
anything significant:
- LAKE QUABOG:
Double-crested Cormorant (2);
Great Blue Heron (5);
Great Egret (1);
Mute Swan (2);
Canada Goose (4);
Green-winged Teal (1);
Mallard (59);
A Black Duck (2);
Greater Scaup/scaup sp (23);
Ruddy Duck (37);
Sharp-shinned Hawk (1);
Killdeer (flock of 8);
Belted Kingfisher (1);
-
LAKE LASHAWAY:
Canada Goose (390);
Mallard (14);
A Black Duck (1);
-
Then, later at Kettlebrook Reservoir#2 in LEICESTER:
Common Merganser (3);
Osprey (1);
Wild Turkey (4);
Killdeer (7);
Pectoral Sandpiper (1);
Belted Kingfisher (1);
(report from Mark Lynch/Sheila Carroll).
- 10/10/14 -- Barre Falls Dam, Barre
- Raptors observed today:
Turkey Vulture 7 ;
Osprey 4 ;
Bald Eagle 1 ;
Sharp-shinned Hawk 33 ;
Cooper's Hawk 5 ;
Red-tailed Hawk 4 ;
American Kestrel 5 ;
Merlin 2 ;
Peregrine Falcon 3 .
(report from Bart Kamp).
- 10/10/14 -- Mount Wachusett, Princeton
- Raptors observed today:
Turkey Vulture 9 ;
Osprey 1 ;
Bald Eagle 5 ;
Sharp-shinned Hawk 11 ;
Cooper's Hawk 4 ;
Northern Goshawk 1 ;
American Kestrel 4 .
- Raptor Observations:
Bald Eagles ( 4 matures & 1 immature).
Turkey Vultures - 12 non-migrating
Local trio of Red-Tailed Hawks playing around the Summit.
1 Peregrine Falcon seen in Holden (13 miles away). Not included in the
count.
-
Non-raptor Observations:
Ravens - 5;
Skydivers - 4
(report from Steve Olson).
- 10/10/14 -- Institute Park/Rural Cemetery, Worcester
- Highlights today at noon were 1 Red-bellied Woodpecker, a Hairy Woodpecker, 1 Carloina Wren,
1 Gray Catbird, ~15 Chipping Sparrows, 6 Song Sparrows, 1 White-crowned
Sparrow (imm, at cemetery), 1 Dark-eyed Junco.
- Yesterday (10/9) there were also 2 DC Cormorants and 2 Killdeer.
(report from Rick Quimby).
- 10/10/14 -- Hadwen Park/Curtis Pond
- I had a good look at a Green Heron flying low over the pond.
Also, 1 Great Blue Heron, 6 American Black Ducks, 12 Mallards, 4
Green-winged Teal, 1 Belted Kingfisher, and 1 Carolina Wren. Also, a large
Snapping Turtle. (report from Brian Mulhearn)
- 10/9/14 -- Barre Falls Dam, Barre
- Raptors observed today:
Osprey 2 ;
Sharp-shinned Hawk 21 ;
Cooper's Hawk 5 ;
Red-tailed Hawk 3 ;
Merlin 1 ;
Peregrine Falcon 1 .
- Raptor Observations:
Gusty winds kept most birds low.
-
Non-raptor Observations:
7 Monarchs
(report from Bart Kamp).
- 10/9/14 -- Mount Wachusett, Princeton
- Raptors observed today:
Turkey Vulture 1 ;
Osprey 2 ;
Bald Eagle 3 ;
Red-tailed Hawk 1 ;
American Kestrel 2 .
- Raptor Observations:
Bald Eagles: 2 mature, 1 immature
(report from Steve Olson).
- 10/9/14 -- SuAsCo impoundment, Westboro
- Today we birded the SuAsCo impoundment in Westboro and had the
following:
Double-crested Cormorant (15);
Great Blue Heron (3);
GREEN HERON (1: getting late);
Mute Swan (58);
Canada Goose (127);
Wood Duck (2);
Mallard (12);
Sharp-shinned Hawk (2);
Red-tailed Hawk (1);
- We also checked Chauncy, Little Chauncy and Bartlett Ponds and had very few
birds.
(report from Mark Lynch/Sheila Carroll).
- 10/6/14 -- Mount Wachusett, Princeton
- Raptors observed today:
Turkey Vulture 6 ;
Osprey 3 ;
Sharp-shinned Hawk 2 ;
Cooper's Hawk 2 ;
Red-shouldered Hawk 1 .
- Raptor Observations:
Few Birds - wind was too strong for smaller birds.
Unverified report of an immature Golden Eagle in early PM at High Ridge
Park in Gardner, MA. (11 miles to north). Not seen at Wachusett!
Very slow day.
Turkey Vultures - 4 non-migrating.
Red-Tailed Hawks - 2 local immature, not migrating.
-
Non-raptor Observations:
Raven - 2;
Junco - 6;
Towhee - 2;
(report from Steve Olson).
- 10/6/14 -- Sudbury Reservoir, Southborough / Grafton
- Today we birded around the SUDBURY RESERVOIR WATERSHED in
Southborough. Though we hit all the important vantage points, we also hiked
a bit: along the Bay Circuit Trail, the Sudbury Reservoir Trail and into the
new Beals Preserve. Waterfowl numbers and variety were still low, and
warbler variety was typical for this far along in the fall migration season.
- Totals: Double-crested Cormorant (6);
Great Blue Heron (3);
Canada Goose (80);
Mute Swan (8: including 3 yg birds);
Mallard (2);
Ring-necked Duck (12: all found in areas north of Rt.30);
Sharp-shinned Hawk (3);
Red-tailed Hawk (2);
Wild Turkey (6);
Spotted Sandpiper (1);
Ring-billed Gull (16);
Mourning Dove (1);
Belted Kingfisher (2);
Red-bellied Woodpecker (8);
Downy Woodpecker (7);
Hairy Woodpecker (1);
N Flicker (6);
Pileated Woodpecker (1: harassed by a Sharpie);
E Phoebe (10);
Blue Jay (33);
A Crow (16);
Black-capped Chickadee (54);
Tufted Titmouse (11);
White-breasted Nuthatch (8);
Carolina Wren (2);
House Wren (3);
Winter Wren (1);
Golden-crowned Kinglet (2);
Ruby-crowned Kinglet (9);
Hermit Thrush (2);
A Robin (36);
Gray Catbird (9);
Yellow-rumped Warbler (38);
Palm Warbler (2);
C Yellowthroat (3);
SPARROWS:
Savannah (2);
Song (28);
Lincoln's (1);
Swamp (32);
White-throated (16);
White-crowned (1imm)
N Cardinal (16);
Red-winged Blackbird (15+);
C Grackle (560: single flock);
Purple Finch (11);
House Finch (8);
A Goldfinch (12)
-
THAT EVENING: we attended a soccer game at GRAFTON HIGH SCHOOL. As the sun
went down, there were many ducks seen moving as well as 1 COMMON NIGHTHAWK,
which flew back and forth over the edge of the field and then flew off in
the direction of Lake Ripple.
(report from Mark Lynch/Sheila Carroll).
- 10/6/14 -- North Brookfield
- I saw a late Yellow Warbler this morning at the Sewer Plant. (report from
Rodney Jenkins)
- 10/5/14 -- New Braintree
-
Highlights of the 49 species seen on the Forbush Bird Club trip were a male Northern Harrier, 1 Raven, 3
Am. Kestrals, 11 Palm Warblers, 92 Savannah Sparrows, 4 Lincoln's Sparrows, 1
White-crowned Sparrow, 3 Indigo Bunting, and 14 late Bobolinks. (report from
Rodney Jenkins)
- 10/5/14 -- Mount Wachusett, Princeton
- Raptors observed today:
Turkey Vulture 3 ;
Osprey 2 ;
Bald Eagle 10 ;
Northern Harrier 1 ;
Sharp-shinned Hawk 6 ;
Cooper's Hawk 4 ;
American Kestrel 2 ;
Merlin 2 ;
- Raptor Observations:
Bald Eagles-10 (8 Mature and 2 Immature).
Turkey vultures- 3 or 4 non-migrating.
Local Red-Tails - 2.
-
Non-raptor Observations:
Raven - 2;
Robin - 1;
Towhees - 3 or 4;
Juncos - 6.
(report from Steve Olson).
- 10/5/14 -- Barre Falls Dam, Barre
- Raptors observed today:
Turkey Vulture 4 ;
Bald Eagle 1 ;
Northern Harrier 2 ;
Sharp-shinned Hawk 14 ;
Cooper's Hawk 4 ;
Northern Goshawk 1 ;
Golden Eagle 1 ;
American Kestrel 3 ;
Peregrine Falcon 2 .
- Raptor Observations:
First Golden Eagle of the season.
-
Non-raptor Observations:
5 Monarch Butterflies and 1 Ruby-crowned Kinglet
(report from Bart Kamp).
- 10/4/14 -- Quabog IBA, Brookfields
- Today we birded a few locations in the QUABOG IBA in the
Brookfields. The weather was not great: misty, drizzly, overcast and by
mid-morning: plain rain. At that point we just gave up. Highlights as
follows:
- Double-crested Cormorant (1);
Great Blue Heron (9);
Great Egret (2);
Canada Goose (19);
Wood Duck (4);
A Black Duck (2);
Mallard (81);
Sharp-shinned Hawk (2);
Cooper's Hawk (1);
Wild Turkey (22);
Killdeer (2);
BARRED OWL (1 injured. We found this bird sitting beside the road and pulled
off to capture it and bring it to Tufts, as we have done in the past, BUT
the bird weakly flew off, dangling an obviously injured leg. It awkwardly
perched high up in a group of trees, very out of reach. We waited and it did
not move. We returned to the spot and it was still there. Very frustrating
and sad);
Belted Kingfisher (2);
Pileated Woodpecker (1);
E Phoebe (11);
Red-breasted Nuthatch (4);
Carolina Wren (3);
House Wren (2);
Ruby-crowned Kinglet (2);
E Bluebird (10);
Hermit Thrush (2);
Gray Catbird (17);
WARBLERS:
Yellow-rumped (11);
Pine (1);
Palm (19);
Black and White (1);
Northern Waterthrush (1);
C Yellowthroat (2);
SPARROWS:
Chipping (3);
Savannah (11);
Song (37);
Lincoln's (1);
Swamp (79);
White-throated (17);
White-crowned (1imm);
Dark-eyed Junco (2);
Purple Finch (6)
-
PLUS: There is a new East Quabbin land Trust property in the area of north
Lake Wickabog: PYNCHON GRIST MILL. Today there was a crew clearing trails
preparing for its opening in November. We took a tour of the area and it is
amazing, with mixed woodlots along a stream; a small pond and access to a
huge hidden marsh on DCR land. We have agreed to help with bio surveys next
year. Another fine East Quabbin Land Trust property!
(report from Mark Lynch/Sheila Carroll).
- 10/3/14 -- Mount Wachusett, Princeton
- Raptors observed today:
-------------------------------------------------------------------
Species Day's Count Month Total Season Total
------------------ ----------- -------------- --------------
Black Vulture 1 1 5
Turkey Vulture 15 15 42
Osprey 3 3 227
Bald Eagle 6 6 154
Northern Harrier 2 2 22
Sharp-shinned Hawk 20 20 473
Cooper's Hawk 3 3 80
Northern Goshawk 0 0 6
Red-shouldered Hawk 0 0 4
Broad-winged Hawk 17 17 16747
Red-tailed Hawk 1 1 6
Rough-legged Hawk 0 0 0
Golden Eagle 0 0 1
American Kestrel 5 5 129
Merlin 0 0 26
Peregrine Falcon 7 7 37
Total: 86 86 18040
----------------------------------------------------------------------
-
Raptor Observations:
Bald Eagles (3 mature) & (3 immatures).
Turkey Vultures - 15 migrating.
-
Non-raptor Observations:
TVs - 3, Ravens - 6, Red-Tails 2 local residents. Comorants - 8, Towhees -
2, & Juncos - 6
(report from Steve Olson).
- 10/3/14 -- Barre Falls Dam, Barre
- Raptors observed today:
-------------------------------------------------------------------
Species Day's Count Month Total Season Total
------------------ ----------- -------------- --------------
Black Vulture 0 0 0
Turkey Vulture 50 50 50
Osprey 10 10 54
Bald Eagle 5 5 57
Northern Harrier 1 1 5
Sharp-shinned Hawk 18 18 201
Cooper's Hawk 2 2 25
Northern Goshawk 0 0 0
Red-shouldered Hawk 1 1 5
Broad-winged Hawk 31 31 6839
Red-tailed Hawk 0 0 11
Rough-legged Hawk 0 0 0
Golden Eagle 0 0 0
American Kestrel 2 2 46
Merlin 0 0 6
Peregrine Falcon 0 0 3
Total: 121 121 7319
----------------------------------------------------------------------
-
Raptor Observations:
First of season migrating Turkey Vultures, 2 adult and 3 sub-adult Bald
Eagles.
-
Non-raptor Observations:
87 Canada Geese, 80 American Crows and 43 Blue Jays migrating. 5 Ravens
together and 14 Eastern Bluebirds.
(report from Bart Kamp).
- 10/2/14 -- Wachusett Reservoir
-
We spent the morning birding around Wachusett Reservoir and the highlight
was a loose flock of (10) COMMON TERNS seen from several vantage points.
Probably the closest views were from Gate 37 walking out to the dike. Other
birds seen included:
Comon Loon (10);
Double-crested Cormorant (29);
Great Blue Heron (1);
White-winged Scoter (37);
Black Scoter (1m);
Wild Turkey (11+1 ad w/4 yng birds).
(report from Mark Lynch/Sheila Carroll).
- 10/1/14 -- Quabog IBA
-
In the afternoon, we checked the four lakes/ponds of this IBA and had the
following:
- LAKE QUABOG:
Double-crested Cormorant (2);
Great Blue Heron (4);
Great Egret (1);
Mallard (53);
A Black Duck (1);
Greater Scaup (2f);
Bald Eagle (1imm that caught a large fish while we were watching it);
-
LAKE QUACUMQUASIT:
Mallard (8); and a huge array of domestic ducks.
-
LAKE WICKABOG:
Double-crested Cormorant (2);
Great Egret (1);
-
LAKE LASHAWAY:
Canada Goose (264);
WHITE-WINGED SCOTER (7: 5 drakes);
(report from Mark Lynch/Sheila Carroll).
For previous sightings, see
September 2014 Archives or
Archive Index