October 1999 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.

10/31/99 -- city of Worcester

INDIAN LAKE: Pied-Billed Grebe (1); Great Blue Heron (3); Canada Goose (439); Mallard (184); A. Black Duck (8); A. Wigeon (10); Bufflhead (1); Hooded Merganser (14); Common Merganser (5); Ruddy Duck (3); Osprey (1); Belted Kingfisher (1). Note: we counted these right at dawn. Later, about 11:30 AM, we returned and almost all the birds were gone, except for a good number of gulls.

GODDARD MEMORIAL PARK: Canada Goose (42); Turkey Vulture (1); N. Harrier (1); Sharp-Shinned Hawk (2); Red-Tailed Hawk (7); Ring-Billed Gull (37 flying by); Belted Kingfisher (1 flying high and heading south and calling); Blue Jay (41: difficult to separate the migrants from the residents); A. Crow (180); A. Robin (60); Cedar Waxwing (51); Blackpoll Warbler (1); Yellow-Rumped Warbler (1); Dark Eyed Junco (14); C. Redpoll (1); A. Goldfinch (24); Evening Grosbeak (1). A very poor movement, probably because of the fog/mist and SW winds.

COES POND: Pied-Billed Grebe (3); Double-Crested Cormorant (1); Canada Goose (60+); Ring-Necked Duck (13); Hooded Merganser (17); Ruddy Duck (8); A. Coot (3). Most birds at the north end.

COOK POND: the (5) Pectoral Sandpipers continue.

CURTIS POND: Canada Goose (32); A. Black Duck (6); Hooded Merganser (5).

NOTRE DAME CEMETARY: Great Blue Heron (1); Canada Goose (3); Mallard (104); A. Black Duck (4); Hooded Merganser (14); Osprey (2); Sharp-Shinned Hawk (1); Cooper's Hawk (1); Red-Tailed Hawk (2); Belted Kingfisher (1); N. Flicker (1); Fox Sparrow (3); Song Sparow (18); Swamp Sparrow (1); White-Throated Sparrow (15); Dark-Eyed Junco (12); Red-Winged Blackbird (3m).

LEESVILLE CEMETARY: Pied-Billed Grebe (4); Great Blue Heron (1); Canada Goose (19); Green-Winged Teal (2); Mallard (33); A. Black Duck (3); A. Wigeon (28); Sharp-Shinned Hawk (1). Note: it was interesting that we did not turn up any Wood Ducks, though I am sure a few are about, hidden in the vegetation when we were looking. (report from Mark Lynch/Sheila Carroll/Val Miller).

10/30/99 -- Dark Brook Reservoir, Auburn

A quick scan of Dark Brook Reservoir this AM included 2 rafts of Ruddy Duck (7 and 24) for a total of 31, and 1 Common Goldeneye. (report from Paul Meleski).

10/30/99 -- Quabbin Park (south Quabbin); Belchertown

A morning trip with the class had the following highlights: Common Loon (18); Horned Grebe (9); A. Black Duck (20); Ring-Necked Duck (48); C. Goldeneye (3); Bufflehead (5); Common Merganser (27); Sharp-Shinned Hawk (1); Red-Tailed Hawk(1); A. Kestrel (1) Note: hawks were very scarce.; Great Black-backed Gull (6); Hairy Woodpecker (1); A. Crow (103); Common Raven (1); Red-Breasted Nutahatch (6) Ruby-Crowned Kinglet (1) Golden-Crowned Kinglet (12) E. Bluebird (22) A. Robin (18) American Pipit (3) Cedar Waxwing (32) Yellow-Rumped Warbler (23) Tree Sparrow (1) White-Throated Sparrow (15) Dark-Eyed Junco (184) Snow Bunting (23: nice views) Purple Finch (2) Pine Siskin (16) Pine Grosbeak (1) Evening Grosbeak (1) (report from Mark Lynch/Sheila Carroll).

10/30/99 -- City of Worcester (west side)

In the PM: HOME: A male BLACK-THROATED BLUE WARBLER.

COOK POND: Great Blue Heron (2); Pectoral Sandpiper (5). Note: this pond is almost completely drained. The Pects were right near the road.

COES POND: Pied-Billed Grebe (3); Great Blue Heron (1); Canada Goose (127); Mallard (35); A. Black Duck (1); A. Wigeon (3); Ring-Necked Duck (14); Bufflehead (1m); Hooded Merganser (19); Ruddy Duck (11); A. Coot (1); Ring-Billed Gull (100+); Herring Gull (4). Note: most of the birds were at the north end, visible from behind the bowling alley.

INDIAN LAKE: Great Blue Heron (3); Canada Goose (1); Mallard (111); A. Wigeon (4); Bufflehead (3m); Hooded Merganser (8); Common Merganser (7); Ruddy Duck (3); Osprey (1); Red-Tailed Hawk (1); Ring-Billed Gull (300+); Herring Gull (7); Belted Kingfisher (1). Note: as the water level continues to drop, the flats on the south side of Sears Island is attracting lots of roosting gulls. (report from Mark Lynch).

10/30/99 -- Lake Wompanoag, Gardner

While Hawk watching near Lake Wompanoag the following were noted: Sharp-Shinned Hawk 2; Merlin 1. thats it for the hawks but also seen from this spot were 2 Common Redpolls fly bys heading west; 3 Red Xbills heading east; 5 Evening Grosbeaks heading north 4 males and a female; Northern Shrike imm. perched. (report from Tom Pirro).

10/29/99 -- Indian Lake, Worcester

Indian Lake continues to produce interesting counts of waterfowl. An early morning "before-work" check had the following: Pied-Billed Grebe (1); Great Blue Heron (2); Canada Goose (552); Mallard (118); A. Black Duck (2); American Wigeon (12); Hooded Merganser (15); RED-BREASTED MERGANSER (1f); Common Merganser (9: males in eclipse plumage or moulting into adult plumage); Ring-Billed Gull (500+: most had left by the time we arrived); Great Black-Backed Gull (2); Herring Gull (5+); Belted Kingfisher (1); American Pipit (1: this bird attempted to land on the Clason Street beach but was actively chased and almost eaten by a Ring-Billed Gull); Blackpoll Warbler (1); PINE GROSBEAK (1 calling overhead); Pine Siskin (2). The water at this lake is slowly being allowed to lower, leaving nice flats at the southern end. (report from Mark Lynch/Sheila Carroll).

10/26/99 -- Indian Lake, Worcester

A quick "before work" early AM check of Indian Lake had the following: Great Blue Heron (3); Canada Goose (180+); Mallard (42); A. Wigeon (2); N. Pintail (1m); LESSER SCAUP (2: and #188 for our year city list); Hooded Merganser (9); Ruddy Duck (12); Ring-Billed Gull (1100+); Herring Gull (35+); Great Black-Backed Gull (8). The roster of waterfowl present at this city pond is changing on almost a daily basis, with many species obviously dropping in and leaving overnight. Also, though we conducted a careful count the evening before of the gulls, the numbers of all three species were up, so many gulls must arrive at the pond roost in the pitch dark. The Ring-Billed Gulls coming and going to this roost is quite interesting. Like American Crows going to a winter roost, thye arrive and leave along obviously established "flight lines". Extremely few gulls (3+) arrived from the west. (report from Mark Lynch/Sheila Carroll).

10/25/99 -- City of Worcester: a few west side ponds

Checking some of the small ponds in the western section of the city of Worcester in the early AM, we had the following: INDIAN LAKE: Pied-Billed Grebe (1); Double-Crested Cormorant (1); Great Blue Heron (3); Canada Goose (119); Mallard (53); OLDSQUAW (2); BLACK SCOTER: 51 (majority adult males: see below); Bufflehead (1f); Ring-Billed Gull (500+); Herring Gull (30+); E. Phoebe (1); Hermit Thrush (1); Yellow-Rumped Warbler (15+). Note: we arrived at the Clason Street "beach" well before dawn to watch the dispersal of the large gull roost that had put in the evening before. The full moon was setting right in front of us. The tight flock of scoters dropped in from the sky and proceeded to fly rapidly back and forth in front of the moon and over the lake for about 10 minutes, seeming to have a hard time deciding to put down. Often the flock would gain altitude and look like it was "outta there", only to once again rapidly change direction and pass back over the pond again. Eventually the flock landed and stayed extremely tight together on the water, constantly swimming back and forth and bobbing furiously. Several times they took off only to land again. It was while studying the scoter, that we found the Oldsquaw, a good bird anytime in Worcester County, but especially so in the city.

CURTIS POND: Double-Crested Cormorant (2); Mute Swan (1); Canada Goose (3+1 domestic); Mallard (4); A. Black Duck (2); GADWALL (pair); Note: The moorhen has not been reported again since last Thursday despite several searches)

COES POND: Canada Goose (151); Mallard (12); N. PINTAIL (1f); Ruddy Duck (11);

COOK POND: Great Blue Heron (2); Mallard (40); A. Black Duck (2); Hooded Merganser (8: all birds of the year); PECTORAL SANDPIPER (5); Eastern Phoebe (1). Not bad for the heart of an urban environment. (report from Mark Lynch/Sheila Carroll).

10/25/99 -- Indian Lake, Worcester

Attempting to get a firmer count on the evening gull roost that is now going on at Indian Lake, we arrived at the Clason Street beach overlook at 5:30 PM and counted till 6:15 PM: Great Blue Heron (1); Canada Goose (178: including flyovers); Mallard (39); BLACK SCOTER (51: see below); Hooded Merganser (11); Ring-Billed Gull (924: largest count in the city all year); Herring Gull (19); Great Black-Backed Gull (1). The scoters that we found at dawn were still present this afternoon and still flying back and forth over the lake as if they were ready to take off and leave, only to resettle again. On the water, they formed an incredibly tight flock. This flock was never seen to dive (ie: feed), though there was much neck stretching and head bobbing. The appearance of the scoters and Oldsquaw this morning at Indian Lake co-incided with a general outfall of sea-ducks today in Worcester County. Fran McMenmey reported hundreds of Black Scoters at Wachuset Reservoir in the company of small numbers of Oldsquaw and Surf Scoters. Lynne Stankiewicz (sp.?) from Clark U. reported a BRANT at Moore State Park in Paxton. I have often wondered if the full moon at this time of migration, higlights the inland ponds and makes them more attractive to these night-migrating high flying birds. (report from Mark Lynch).

10/25/99 -- Gardner / Groton

In the evening there was a raft of ~100 (+/- 5) Black Scoters on Crystal Lake in Gardner. Also present were 6 Hooded and 4 Common Mergansers. There have been very few Gulls coming to roost on the Lake this year as the Gardner dump has been temporarily closed.

At noon in Groton the following Hawks were migrating: Sharp Shinned 8; Coopers 1; Am. Kestrel 2; Turkey Vulture 3; Un Id'd Accip. 1. Total : 15. Also I was thrilled to see and hear a single Lapland Longspur. (report from Tom pirro).

10/24/99 -- city of Worcester

INDIAN LAKE (Clason Street beach): Canada Goose (28); RUDDY DUCK (4); pIne Siskin (1:overhead).

CURTIS POND: Double-Crested Cormorant (4); Great Blue Heron (1); Mute Swan (1); Hooded Merganser (4); Red-Tailed Hawk (1). Plus: RIVER OTTER (1). NOTE: Fran McMenemy last reported the Common Moorhen on Thursday 10/21.

COES RESERVOIR: Pied-Billed Grebe (1); Canada Goose (63); RUDDY DUCK (24); Hooded Merganser (4); Osprey (1); Eastern Bluebird (1); Purple Finch (1).

GODDARD MEMORIAL PARK (8-9 AM): Canada Goose (36); Sharp-Shinned Hawk (2); Blue Jay (51); Golden-Crowned Kinglet (4); A. Robin (43); Cedar Waxwing (23); Yellow-Rumped Warbler (6); Palm Warbler (1); Swamp Sparrow (1); Song Sparrow (7); White-Throated Sparrow (18); Dark-Eyed Junco (22); Purple Finch (3); Pine Siskin (7); Red-Winged Blackbird (100+); C. Grackle (160+). COOK POND: Great Blue Heron (2); Mallard (42); Hooded Merganser (7); PECTORAL SANDPIPER (5); Spotted Sandpiper (1); Belted Kingfisher (1). (report from Mark Lynch).

10/24/99 -- Broad Meadow Brook Sanctuary

Highlights from this morning: Red-bellied Woodepecker (2) Hairy Woodpecker (1) Carolina Wren (3) WINTER WREN (1) GOLDEN-CROWNED KINGLET (4) RUBY-CROWNED KINGLET (5) HERMIT THRUSH (3) American Robin (48) YELLOW-RUMPED WARBLER (13) PALM WARBLER (3) Song Sparrow (11) Swamp Sparrow (5) White-throated Sparrow (12) DARK-EYED JUNCO (7) RED-WINGED BLACKBIRD (20) COMMON GRACKLE (1) (report from John Liller).

10/23/99 -- City of Worcester pond survey

A survey today of ponds and lakes in the very urban city of Worcester had the following totals: Pied-Billed Grebe (6); Double-Crested Cormorant (4); Great Blue Heron (10); Mute Swan (2:low); Canada Goose (671: none flying); Wood Duck (46); Green-Winged Teal (9); A. Black Duck (28); Mallard (393); GADWALL (flock of 6); American Wigeon (26); Hooded Merganser (27); Common Merganser (1); Ruddy Duck (1); American Coot (2); Spotted Sandpiper (1); PECTORAL SANDPIPER (4: at Cook Pond: they have just lowered the water); Ring-Billed Gull (462); Herring Gull (5); Belted Kingfisher (3); Among the raptors and landbirds tallied while counting pond birds: Turkey Vulture (5); Sharp-Shinned Hawk (1 in great game of tag with 10+ jays); Red-Tailed Hawk (2); Merlin (1); Winter Wren (1); Ruby-Crowned Kinglet (3); Golden-Crowned Kinglet (3); A. Robin (55); Gray Catbird (2: leaving fast..); Orange-Crowned Warbler (1); Yellow-Rumped Warbler (172); Blackpoll Warbler (4); Palm Warbler (8); Chipping Sparrow (8); Savannah Sparrow (16); Swamp Sparrow (4); Song Sparrow (51); White-Throated Sparrow (146); White-Crowned Sparrow (8: including one immature that had a brilliant yellow patch on the fore of the crown. It gave me pause at first, but this was defintely a White-Crowned, not a Golden-Crowned. I have never seen this on any other White-Crowned Sp. before); Dark-Eyed Junco (137); Red-Winged Blackbird (2); C. Grackle (20+); Rusty Blackbird (3). Note: While it was raining and very misty, small flocks of Yellow-Rumps and other warblers were found dilligently feeding in the grasses of a cemetary that we check. While the weather was overcast, there were quite a number of landbirds, but as soon as it cleared and the wind picked up, landbirds were tough to find. (report from Mark Lynch/Sheila Carroll).

10/22/99 -- Wompanoag MAS, Gardner

Hawks abserved migrating between 8:45 Am and 4:45Pm: Turkey Vulture 3; Osprey 2; Bald Eagle 1 imm.; Northern Harrier 1 a ghostly adult male; Sharp-Shinned hawk 47; Coopers Hawk 1; N. Goshawk 1 imm; Red Shouldered Hawk 12 mostly handsome adults; Red-Tailed Hawk 16; Am. Kestrel 6; Merlin 1; Un Id'd 2. Total : 93. Also notable were 768 migrating Am. Crows passing through out the day in groups from ~10 to 100+. 1 Imm. Northern Shrike "T'd" up on a tree top before moving along. (report from Tom Pirro).

10/20/99 -- Round Meadow Pond, Westminster

9 Ruddy Ducks were observed at Round Meadow Pond in Westminster (report from Chuck Caron).

10/19/99 -- Curtis Pond, Worcester Joan Zumpfe reports that the COMMON MOORHEN was still being seen at Curtis Pond. The problem is that good overlooks are hard to come by, and often the bird is apparently tucked away. Birders are encouraged to try as many places as possible, but behind the Vision Center (ask permission if they are opened) seems to be the easiest. Also: If birders continue to find this bird, please file reports at this site. (report from Mark Lynch).

10/19/99 -- Institute Park, Worcester

A quick (noon to 1:20) stop at the pond today yielded the usual culprits (notably, Song Sparrows & Yellow-rumps), as well as one female Hooded Merganser and an Osprey circling and hovering overhead (it didn't dive) for 5 minutes at 12:15. (Report from Howard Shainheit).

10/17/99 -- High Ridge WMA, Garnder

Hilites from High Ridge WMA this morning: Red Shouldered Hawk 1 imm.; Sharp Shinned hawk 3; Winter Wren 2; Ruby Crowned Kinglet 5; Blue headed Vireo 1; Yellow Rumped Warbler ~10; Palm Warbler 3; Com. Yellowthroat 2; Savanaha Sparrow 5; Junco ~20; White throated Sparrow 100+; White Crowned Sparrow 8 6imm + 2 Ad.; Swamp Sparrow ~25; Song Sparrow 100+; Purple Finch 3. These are conservative est. of the Sparrows except the White Crowns, which I counted. The place was swarming with sparrow activity! Highlites from Hawk watching for about 3 hours today at the Wompanoag MAS in Gardner: Sharp-Shinned hawk 24 nearly all Adults; Coopers hawk 1; Merlin 2; Red-Shouldered hawk 2 adults; Red-Tailed hawk 6; Osprey 2; Bald Eagle 1 imm. (the 10th of the fall); N. Harrier 1. Total raptors: 39. Also Palm Warbler ~20; Yellow Rumped Wrb. ~25; Vesper Sparrow 1. (report from Tom Pirro).

10/17/99 -- Common Moorhen at Curtis Pond, Worcester

When we returned from our Plum class trip we had a phone message from Fran Mcmenemy that he had found an immature COMMON MOORHEN at Curtis Pond off Webster Square. After working on the bird with no success from 2:00 PM on from several vantage points, we finally heard the bird call several times from in back of the H&R Block building. This overlooks (sic) a small pond that separates the main body of Curtis from the oxbow of the Middle River in back of Notre Dame Cemetary. It is a damn tough place to get a look at, but we tried for another hour from a variety of locations. Finally at about 4:30 PM, the bird swam out of the hidden pond and back into the main body of Curtis. We got great views from behind the Webster Square Vision Center. Other birds present included: Pied-Billed Grebe (2); Double-Crested Cormorant (6); Great Blue Heron (2); Mute Swan (1); Canada Goose (30+); an escaped "Toulouse Goose"; Wood Duck (4); Mallard (54); A. Black Duck (6); Hooded Merganser (6); American Coot (1); E. Phoebe (1); Carolina Wren (1); Yellow-Rumped Warbler (23); Palm Warbler (1); Red-Winged Blackbird (8). (report from Mark Lynch/Sheila Carroll).

10/17/99 -- Curtis Pond, Worcester

Fran McMenemy and Joan Zumpfe found an immature COMMON MOORHEN at Curtis Pond, Webster Square, Worcester. They suggest the best place to view it is from the Bickford Restaurant parking lot, on Stafford Street. (report from Fran McMenemy).

10/16/99 -- Lake Quaboag and vicinity, Brookfield

Highlights of the Forbush Bird Club field trip led by Rodney Jenkins included: 5 Pied-billed Grebes, 1 Great Egret, 1 Snow Goose (Blue phase) flying with flock of Canada Geese, 7 Greater Scaup, 1 Ruddy Duck, 1 Adult Bald Eagle, 2 Merlin, 75 Am. Pipit, 10 Palm Warblers, 2 Vesper Sparrows, 34 Savanah Sparrows, 4 White-crowned Sparrows, 12 Rusty Blackbirds, and 4 Meadowlark. (report from Fran McMenemy).

10/16/99 -- Mendon Road, Blackstone

While cutting hay at a farm in Blackstone MA. today there were: 2 Eastern Meadowlarks, 6 Savannah Sparrows in the fields, and 2 Field Sparrows, 5 White-throat Sparrows and 22 Dark eyed Juncos at the feeder. What a GORGEOUS FALL day !!! (report from Dan Furbish).

10/16/99 -- City of Worcester: west side

INDIAN LAKE (Clason St. Beach side): Canada Goose (48); Hooded Merganser (pair); Hermit Thrush (1); Yellow-Rumped Warbler (5+);White-Throated Sparrow (20+).

GODDARD MEMORIAL PARK (from 7:15-8:45). Only a moderate movement of birds likely due to the winds switching to the SW. The clear skies were no help either. Double-Crested Cormorant (8); Canada Goose (378 migrating); Sharp-Shinned Hawk (2); Red-Bellied Woodpecker (1); N. Flicker (2); Blue Jay (72); A. Crow (132: one flock); Winter Wren (1); Golden-Crowned Kinglet (16); Ruby-Crowned Kinglet (9); E. Bluebird (2); Hermit Thrush (1); A. Robin (398); Cedar Waxwing (42); Yellow-Rumped Warbler (19: very little movement); Palm Warbler (8); E. Towhee (3); Field Sparrow (8); Song Sparrow (32); Savannah Sparrow (4); White-Throated Sparrow (185); Dark-Eyed Junco (31); C. Grackle (21); Rusty Blackbird (4); Pine Siskin (9); Purple Finch (27); House Finch (18); A. Goldfinch (13).

COES RESERVOIR: Pied-Billed Grebe (3); Ruddy Duck (2); Turkey Vulture (1); Osprey (1); Cooper's Hawk (1).

NOTRE DAME CEMETARY: Great Blue Heron (1); Wood Duck (11); Mallard (51); Red-Tailed Hawk (1); Belted Kingfisher (1); N. Flicker (2); E. Phoebe (6); Ruby-Crowned Kinglet (3); Gray Catbird (1); A. Pipit (1: overhead); Yellow-Rumped Warbler (19); Palm Warbler (11); Savannah Sparrow (11); Song Sparrow (37); White-Throated Sparrow (45); White-Crowned Sparrow (2 imm); Red-Winged Blackbird (7); Pine Siskin (1 overhead); A. Goldfinch (9).

LEESVILLE POND: Pied-Billed Grebe (3); Double-Crested Cormorant (2); Great Blue Heron (1); Canada Goose (2); Wood Duck (20);Green-Winged Teal (4); A. Wigeon (35); Mallard (115); A. Black Duck (24); Osprey (1); Killdeer (1); E. Phoebe (1); Carolina Wren (1); Winter Wren (1); Ruby-Crowned Kinglet (2); Gray Catbird (1); Blue-Headed Vireo (1); Yellow-Rumped Warbler (5); Palm Warbler (1); Blackpoll Warbler (2); Song Sparrow (7); White-Throated Sparrow (8); Dark-Eyed Junco (43).

HOPE CEMETARY: Killdeer (12). While at Goddard Memorial Park we met a gentleman who told us that his neighbor (nearby) had just (last Monday) had a chicken stolen off her outdoor grill from a bear. The police came and had to get it to leave by using pepper spray. (report from Mark Lynch/Sheila Carroll).

10/16/99 -- Worcester Airport: early evening

We had (4) American Woodcock migrating just after dusk at the airport. Also present were (2) small bats (Little Brown Myotis?). (report from Mark Lynch/Sheila Carroll).

10/16/99 -- Institute Park, Worcester

A noontime walk yielded 15 species, including 1 Double-crested Cormorant, 2 Osprey (one dove in front of me and came up with a fish), 1 Ruby-crowned Kinglet, 4 Yellow-rumped Warblers, 3 Chipping Sparrows, 3 Song Sparrows, and 25+ White-throated Sparrows. (report from Rick Quimby).

10/16/99 -- Broad Meadow Brook Sanctuary, Worcester

Highlights from my class this morning: Canada Goose (54); Sharp-shinned Hawk (1); Red-tailed Hawk (1 - adult); Ruffed Grouse (1); Red-bellied Woodepecker (2); Hairy Woodpecker (3); Northern Flicker (2); Eastern Phoebe (6); BLUE-HEADED VIREO (1); Carolina Wren (5); GOLDEN-CROWNED KINGLET (2); RUBY-CROWNED KINGLET (5); EASTERN BLUEBIRD (3); HERMIT THRUSH (4); YELLOW-RUMPED WARBLER (12); PALM WARBLER (4); Common Yellowthroat (4); Eastern Towhee (1); Field Sparrow (3); Song Sparrow (17); Swamp Sparrow (2); White-throated Sparrow (18); DARK-EYED JUNCO (7). (report from John Liller)

10/15/99 -- Goddard Memorial Park, city of Worcester

Goddard Memorial Park on Airport Hill in the city of Worcester continues to host good numbers of landbirds. A short "before work" census from 7:15-7:45 AM today counted the following: Canada Goose (305: all migrating); E. Phoebe (3); Blue Jay (14); Red-Breasted Nuthatch (1); Ruby-Crowned Kinglet (5); Hermit Thrush (3); A. Robin (273); A. Pipit (1); Cedar Waxwing (6); Yellow-Rumped Warbler (56); Palm Warbler (7); Chipping Sparrow (3); Song Sparrow (15+); WHITE-THROATED SPARROW (450+: This was one of the densest concentrations of this species I have seen in the state. They were everywhere in this very small park: along and in the path, in the weeds and all over the trees.); White-Crowned Sparrow (3); Dark-Eyed Junco (52); Red-Winged Blackbird (1); Rusty Blackbird (3); House Finch (6); Purple Finch (3). Earlier at Indian Lake in the city there were Pied-Billed Grebe (1); Canada Goose (20); Yellow-Rumped Warbler (5+) and a PINE SISKIN flew over. (report from Mark Lynch).

10/14/99 -- Sterling Peat, Muddy Pond Rd., Sterling

A large concentration of Palm Warblers has been building up here the past few weeks, reaching a total of 35 today. (report from Fran McMenemy).

10/14/99 -- Broad Meadow Brook Sanctuary, Worcester

While leading my class on an owl walk this evening, I recorded the following: Eastern Screech Owl (1); Snow Goose (one large flock flying south at 9:15); Canada Goose (four smaller flocks, all heading south); Song Sparrow (several chipping along our path). The wind and sky were absolutely perfect for the southern movement of geese. With the moon shining on the flocks of geese, you could actually see them move across the sky. The Canadas were quite a bit higher than the Snows. Flock size was judged by the shape and sound of the flock, as they were all blurry in appearance. (report from John Liller).

10/12/99 -- Broad Meadow Brook Sanctuary, Worcester

Highlights this morning: SNOW GOOSE (55 - one flock); Red-tailed Hawk (1 - adult); Red-bellied Woodepecker (1); Northern Flicker (1); BLUE-HEADED VIREO (1); Carolina Wren (1); GOLDEN-CROWNED KINGLET (1); RUBY-CROWNED KINGLET (4); HERMIT THRUSH (3); Cedar Waxwing (6); Yellow-rumped Warbler (36); Blackpoll Warbler (1); Song Sparrow (17); Swamp Sparrow (4); White-throated Sparrow (40); Red-winged Blackbird (40); Common Grackle (2); (report from John Liller).

10/11/99 -- Farm Street, Blackstone

Driving through Blackstone MA on Farm street, while waiting for 14 Wild Turkeys to cross the road, I watched 18 Eastern Bluebirds playfully flying in a sugar maple tree. (report from Dan Furbish)

10/11/99 -- Wachuset Reservoir, Sterling

In the early afternoon there were:

STERLING PEAT: Great Blue Heron (1 sunning itself with wings drooped and cupped); Red-Tailed Hawk (3); Green-Winged Teal (84); Mallard (30); A. Black Duck (8); E. Phoebe (4); MARSH WREN (1); Ruby-Crowned Kinglet (1); Yellow Rumped Warbler (3); Palm Warbler (5); Song Sparrow (53); Savannah Sparrow (44); Swamp Sparrow (19); White-Throated Sparrow (6); Also: great views of a rather sluggish VARIEGATED FRITILLARY.

WEST WAUSHACUM POND, STERLING: Double Crested Cormorant (2); Canada Goose (2); TUFTED DUCK (1m: like clockwork); Greater Scaup (15);

EAST WAUSHACUM POND, STERLING: Canada Goose (16). (Note: they (people, not the geese!) were still water skiing here.)

WACHUSET RESERVOIR: Common Loon (7); Double-Crested Cormorant (34); Great Blue Heron (1); Canada Goose (47); Mallard (3); Ring-Necked Duck (27); Greater Scaup (3); RED-BREASTED MERGANSER (2); Turkey Vulture (1); Osprey (1); Sharp-Shinned Hawk (2); Red-Tailed Hawk (1); Merlin (1); A. Kestrel (1); BONAPARTE'S GULL (2 adW); COMMON RAVEN (1 This bird landed on one of the sandy islands, fished out a fresh-water clam, ate it and then began relentlessly harassing a perched cormorant: poking it and flying at it); BLACK-THROATED BLUE WARBLER (1m); Butterflies included (despite the wind): Cabbage White (9); Clouded Sulphur (1); VARIEGATED FRITILLARY (2); Monarch (1). (report from Mark Lynch).

10/10/99 -- Blackstone Canal, Uxbridge

While walking amongst the skirmish lines of the Blue and Gray armies with a bird trip, the following highlights were recorded at River Bend Farm and along the Blackstone Canal in Uxbridge: Double-crested Cormorant (23); Great Blue Heron (2); Red-tailed Hawk (1 - immature); EASTERN SCREECH-OWL (1 - in the same place we had it last year); Belted Kingfisher (3); Red-bellied Woodepecker (1); Northern Flicker (9); Eastern Phoebe (3); Carolina Wren (2); Golden-crowned Kinglet (1); Eastern Bluebird (7); Gray Catbird (4); Cedar Waxwing (5); Yellow-rumped Warbler (49); Eastern Towhee (1); Song Sparrow (46); Swamp Sparrow (12); White-throated Sparrow (17); Dark-eyed Junco (6); Red-winged Blackbird (50); House Finch (28). In case you are wondering about the Civil War reference, every year about this time there is a Civil War reenactment carried out at River Bend Farm. The weekend happened to coincide with my bird walk. Fortunately, there were no casualties. (I have always wondered what happened to the birds during battles, especially those intense ones, like Gettysburg.) (report from John Liller).

10/10/99 --Quabbin Park, late morning

A short trip in the rain through Quabbin Park with my brother and sister-in-law had the following: BLACK SCOTER (3); Yellow-Bellied Sapsucker (1 imm. seen well: lifer for my west coast bro); Eastern Phoebe (7); Gray Catbird (3); Golden-Crowned Kinglet (2); Yellow-Rumped Warbler (134); Palm Warbler (2); Field Sparrow (5); Chipping Sparrow (3); CLAY-COLORED SPARROW (1); Song Sparrow (6); White-Throated Sparrow (65); Dark-Eyed Junco (54). We would have seen more, but the viewing conditions of late morning deteriorated rapidly. (report from Mark Lynch).

10/10/99 -- Goddard Memorial Park, Worcester

At dawn this morning at Goddard Memorial Park on the Airport Hill, in the city of Worcester we had a sizeable movement of certain species of landbirds. Indeed when we got to this hawkwatch lookout at 7:00 AM and scanned the skies, the air was filled with pockets of flying landbirds at about eye level or slightly higher from the vantage of the top of this rather high hill. By 7:50 the movements decreased dramatically and many flocks could be seen descending into the trees. This coincided with the rapid approach of the rain. We left by 8:30. 99% of the birds went unidentified because they were just too distant to be sure. The birds counted were ones that flew right over us AND gave distinct call notes or were found in the trees and weeds right in front of us. In the case of the finches, we were able to spish several groups literally "out of the sky" and they landed in trees and bushes right in front of us. In the case of the siskins, 5 feet in front of us. This also has to be the largest number of Purple Finches I have seen at one time in the last decade or more. All birds were heading south or southwest. Totals:

Canada Goose (231); SNOW GOOSE (22); N. Harrier (1); Red-Bellied Woodpecker (1m); Downy Woodpecker (1); N. Flicker (1); E. Phoebe (4); Blue Jay (only 6!); Black-Capped Chickadee (30); Ruby-Crowned Kinglet (16); AMERICAN ROBIN (285); Gray Catbird (3); Cedar Waxwing (14); American Pipit (13); Blue-Headed Vireo (1); ORANGE-CROWNED WARBLER (1 in the great weedy patch in front of the lookout. We watched this bird take off and leave); YELLOW-RUMPED WARBLER (556); Palm Warbler (13); Blackpoll Warbler (2); E. Towhee (1); Chipping Sparrow (8); Song Sparrow (7); Swamp Sparrow (2); Savannah Sparrow (8); White-Throated Sparrow (80+); Dark-Eyed Junco (19); PINE SISKIN (39); PURPLE FINCH (213: of the groups of Purple Finch that we spished down, males outnumbered the females easily); HOUSE FINCH (63); Rusty Blackbird (2); Red-Winged Blackbird (1).

This was one of our most enjoyable birding days for this year. When we first arrived, the skies were partially cloudy and mist filled the low level spots around the city spread before us, creating a really beautiful spectacle. The constant movement of so many landbirds in the skies was both very exciting and frustrating. (report from Mark Lynch/Sheila Carroll).

10/9/99 -- Broad Meadow Brook Sanctuary, Worcester

Highlights this morning: Red-bellied Woodepecker (1); Eastern Phoebe (6); Brown Creeper (1); Carolina Wren (3); GOLDEN-CROWNED KINGLET (1); RUBY-CROWNED KINGLET (3); HERMIT THRUSH (1); Gray Catbird (1); Cedar Waxwing (1); YELLOW-RUMPED WARBLER (3); SWAMP SPARROW (1); WHITE-THROATED SPARROW (15); (report from John Liller).

10/9/99 -- City of Worcester Pond survey

We conducted a survey of the very urban ponds in and contiguous with the city of Worcester today. We got a later than usual start because of the weather (I had to cancel a class trip to Quabbin for the same reason). Totals were not great, but some were interesting. Note: all landbirds were seen only at or in the vicinity of the water overlooks. Pied-Billed Grebe (7); Double-Crested Cormorant (12); Great Blue Heron (9); GREEN HERON (1:at Coes Pond. Getting late in the interior part of the state); BLACK-CROWNED NIGHT HERON (1imm. at Leesville Pond...also getting late here); Mute Swan (2 ad; a low count. Others are undoubtably present in the marshy southern end of Lake Quinsigamond); Canada Goose (320); Wood Duck (74); Green-Winged Teal (13); A. Black Duck (30); Mallard (484); American Wigeon (25: all at Leesville Pond); Ruddy Duck (1); Turkey Vulture (5); Sharp-Shinned Hawk (2); Red-tailed Hawk (4); Merlin (1); A. Coot (1: at Curtis Pond. My first for the fall for the city); Killdeer (1); Spotted Sandpiper (2); "Unidentified shorebird" (4: as we pulled up to the Clauson Street "beach' side of Indian Lake, 4 small gray shorebirds took off from the beach and left promptly BEFORE we could get our binos out, Semis? Dunlin? Very frustrating.); Ring-Billed Gull (424); Herring Gull (4); Belted Kingfisher (2).

Landbird highlights: Hairy Woodpecker (1); N. Flicker (9); PILEATED WOODPECKER (1 at Patch Reservoir. Very uncommon/rare in the city); E. Phoebe (4); Carolina Wren (2); Winter Wren (1); Ruby Crowned Kinglet (7); Golden-Crowned Kinglet (4); Hermit Thrush (2); A. Robin (4: low); Gray Catbird (6); Yellow-Rumped Warbler (62); Black-Throated Green Warbler (1); Palm Warbler (6); Blackpoll Warbler (10); C. Yellowthroat (2); Chipping Sparrow (26); Savannah Sparrow (17); VESPER SPARROW (1: my first ever in the city and # 178 for the city year list); Song Sparrow (47); Swamp Sparrow (10); White-Throated Sparrow (163); Dark-Eyed Junco (14); Purple Finch (2); House Finch (15); A. Goldfinch (17); Rusty Blackbird (3 hawking for insects low over a marsh. The first time I have seen THAT behavior for this species!). Also: good numbers of sulphurs and Cabbage Whites still flying, Spring Peepers calling and lots of E. Painted Turtles basking when the sun finally came out.) (report from Mark Lynch).

10/8/99 -- West Waushacum Pond, Sterling

The TUFTED DUCK has returned to it's "usual" location in West Waushacum Pond along with some Scaup. Fran McMenemy reports that it has been there since Saturday 10/2/99. Also today, at the Sudbury reservoir, there were 300+ Ring-necked Ducks. (report from Fran McMenemy).

10/8/99 -- Indian Lake, Worcester

A very quick check at dawn of Indian Lake from the Clauson Street beach had the following: Double-Crested Cormorant (2); Great Blue Heron (2); Mute Swan (1: which promptly flew out); Canada Goose (98 migrating overhead); Mallard (6); American Pipit (1 overhead); Yellow-Rumped Warbler (20+). (report from Mark Lynch).

10/7/99 -- Wachusett Reservoir

There were 55 Black Scoters and 7 White-winged Scoters present. (report from Fran McMenemy).

10/7/99 -- Rowley Hill, Sterling

There were 2 kestrels, one sharp-shinned hawk, 1 red- tailed hawk , one turkey vulture, and 4 golden crowned kinglets. I surprised a coyote in the middle of a big field; what speed and agility. (report from Richard Spedding).

10/7/99 -- Worcester Airport

A short search for Snow Geese over Worcester Airport from 6:40-7:00 AM had no Snow Geese, BUT did have: Canada Goose (133; all seemed to be migrating); Sharp-Shinned Hawk (on the move before dawn); Blue Jay (92: most seemed to be moving back north); American Pipit (2); Yellow-Rumped Warbler (27); Blackpoll Warbler (3); Purple Finch (2). (report from Mark Lynch).

10/6/99 -- Indian Lake, Worcester

A dawn check of Indian Lake in the city of Worcester had: Double-Crested Cormorant (2); RUDDY DUCK (1: our 177th species for the city of Worcester this year); Canada Goose (12); Green-Winged Teal (2); Ring-Billed Gull (15+ many of which relentlessly dove at and harassed the Ruddy Duck ); Belted Kingfisher (1); Yellow-Rumped Warbler (5); Blackpoll Warbler (2). (report from Mark Lynch).

10/5/99 -- Wyman Pond, Westminster

From 3:30 to 4:30 pm, highlights included 1 Coopers hawk, 2 spotted sandpiper, 6 kingfishers, 3 d.c. cormorants. (report from Richard Spedding).

10/3/99 -- Bolton Flats, Bolton

A combination class and BBC trip to Bolton Flats today had an enormous movement of birds today especially right at dawn. (Note: I had to cancel last week's BBC trip due to flu, so rescheduled it for today). It was also among the most difficult birding I have done in MA, with many LBJ's darting un-identified into the weeds. Many fields have remained fallow, so Bolton Flats has become one enormous haven for sparrows. We did several prolonged organized "beating of the weeds", one of the advantages to birding the flats in a group. As birds were also migrating fast and furious overhead (mostly A. Robins and Red-Winged Blackbirds) I often found myself just writing totals in my notebook that other participants would come up with. For awhile just at dawn, it was one mother load of migrants. Note that totals are based on running numbers kept in a field book. Many more birds went un-identified. Great Blue Heron (2); Wood Duck (19); Green-Winged Teal (2); Mallard (64); A. Black Duck (3); N. Harrier (2); Sharp-Shinned Hawk (4); Cooper's Hawk (2); A. Kestrel (2); Merlin (2); (Note: it was remarked on the trip that for the falcons and accipiters, Bolton Flats was like one humungous buffet.) Killdeer (3); C. Snipe (6); Herring Gull (1); Mourning Dove (102); Belted Kingfisher (1); Downy Woodpecker (4); Hairy Woodpecker (1); N. Flicker (9); E. Phoebe (7); WESTERN KINGBIRD (1); Blue Jay (32); A. Crow (30); Black-Capped Chickadee (8); Tufted Titmouse (6); White-Breasted Nuthatch (2); House Wren (1); Ruby-Crowned Kinglet (1); Hermit Thrush (1); AMERICAN ROBIN (559: almost all heading SW); Gray Catbird (24); American Pipit (9); Cedar waxwing (9); Blue-Headed Vireo (1); Red-Eyed Vireo (2); Nashville Warbler (1); YELLOW-RUMPED WARBLER (271); Palm Warbler (6); Blackpoll Warbler (7); C. Yellowthroat (16); N. Cardinal (2); Rose-Breasted Grosbeak (1); SAVANNAH SPARROW (175: one of the few species that consistently "Ts" up); NELSON'S SHARP-TAILED SPARROW (1); SONG SPARROW (192: a good number still singing); Lincoln's Sparrow (4: quite low for this time of the year); SWAMP SPARROW (158); WHITE-THROATED SPARROW (108); White-Crowned Sparrow (5: low number for this time of year); RED-WINGED BLACKBIRD (1657: great movement of flocks at dawn); Rusty Blackbird (22+: good views of perched birds); C. Grackle (16); Purple Finch (3); House Finch (2); A. Goldfinch (34). ALSO: (3) Monarch larvae, which seemd a tad late. We probably could have turned up more warblers in the surrounding thickets, but after several hours of weed walking we were all wet and covered with beggars ticks and devils pitchforks, and called it a day after attempting to hawkwatch at the Fruitlands. Here we got very few birds but did manage to see: Great Blue Heron (2); Osprey (1); Red-Tailed Hawk (1); Eastern Bluebird (1); A. Robin (60+); Chipping Sparrow (3). Most of us are now attempting to get the pernicious weed seeds from off our clothes. (report from Mark Lynch).

10/3/99 -- Gate 43 Quabbin Reservoir, Hardwick

At the intake works, 100 yards to the south of the granite building and only 40 feet from shore I saw one Northern Phalarope(red-necked), water surface was very calm, time was 3:00 PM. This is the first phalarope I have ever seen in Worcester County, although I'd seen hundreds when I lived in Alaska. When I saw what looked like a sandpiper, land in the water I knew I was on to something different. I worked my way along the shore line to get beyond the bird so as to improve the light on the bird, I got within 40 feet with my 8x binoculars. The bird came amazingly close to shore, and showed no fear of me. (report from Richard Spedding).

10/3/99 -- Notre Dame Cemetary, city of Worcester

A 5 PM visit to the vicinity of the weedy mound in the far corner of the cemetary had the following: Gray Catbird (10+); Carolina Wren (1); House Wren (2); Winter Wren (2); Blackpoll Warbler (1); C. Yellowthroat (1); Indigo Bunting (2); Field Sparrow (1); Song Sparrow (40+); Savannah Sparrow (5); Lincoln Sparrow (2); White-Throated Sparrow (60+); White Crowned Sparrow (2). (report from Mark Lynch.

10/2/99 -- Rowley Hill, Sterling

Juncoes (8) have returned to Rowley Hill. Also seen were 1 turkey vulture , one a. kestrel, 3 rose breasted grosbeaks, 5 house wrens, 45 yellow rumped warblers, 300 robins and 800 grackles. (report from Richard Spedding).

10/2/99 -- Wompanoag MAS, Gardner

Hawk watch results in a split shift from 8AM to 10AM then from 3PM to 5PM were as follows, with variable wind in the morning and SSW in the afternoon: Osprey 6; Bald Eagle 2 (1 sub-adult , 1 adult); Sharp-Shinned 18; Broad Wing 6; Am. Kestrel 18; Merlin 1; Un ID Accip. 2; Un ID Falcon 1; Un ID Raptor 1. Total hawks 55. Other species observed: Yellow Bellied Sapsucker 2; Palm Warbler 22; Chimney Swift 2. (report from Tom Pirro).

10/2/99 -- The North/South/Westboro area

A morning trip had the following: In Northboro (at Duck Pond, Bartlett Pond and Little Chauncey Pond collectively), Pied-billed Grebe 2, Great Blue Heron 5, Green Heron 1, Wood Ducks 7, Osprey 1, Red-tailed Hawk 1, American Kestrel 1 and Belted Kingfisher 1. In Westboro at Lake Chauncey I saw 2 Great Blue Heron and 5 Ruddy Ducks. In Southboro at the Foss Reservoir there were 2 Pied-billed Grebe and 72 Ring-necked Ducks. (report from Ann Boover).

10/1/99 -- Wachusett Reservoir

Girl Scout Troop #478 of Northboro had an exciting experience on a hike to Watchusett Reservoir. They saw a bird with a white head,white tail, brown body, yellow beak flying over water about 1/4 mi. away. Pretty safe to Id as an adult Bald Eagle, even for novices! (report from Bev Shafner, troop leader).

For previous sightings, see September 1999 Archives or Archive Index