September-December 2015 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:

• 9/12/15 -- Program on Broad-winged Hawk Migration sponsored by Eastern Mass Hawk Watch
• 11/4/15 -- WICN radio interview with naturalist and researcher SCOTT WEIDENSAUL about his new beautiful guide, the PETERSON REFERENCE GUIDE TO OWLS OF NORTH AMERICA AND THE CARIBBEAN
  Note on posting photos: Due to changes in the web servers used for posting text and images, I will need to reduce the number of photos that are directly hosted on the Recent Central Mass Bird Sightings pages. Photos that are of artistic interest will no longer be hosted here, but I will still occasionally post a photo that is important for documenting rarities or special sightings. I would encourage birders who want to post photos to use a free online service such as flickr.com, and I will be able to make a direct link to such photos on my pages.

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  Bird Sightings:

  12/26/15 -- Northbridge

  Today I had two Turkey Vultures circling near Rt 122 in Northbridge over the Blackstone River in the Riverdale section. (report from Scott Ricker).

  12/25/15 -- Carpenter Hill Rd, Charlton

  While at my grandparents for Christmas dinner, a flock of 15 gulls appeared out of nowhere in their neighbors yard to feed on bread that they apparently provide for the birds. I was surprised to see a 1st cycle Iceland Gull in the mix. They circled for a few minutes and were gone. A strange place for this species, but may be worth checking any surrounding gull magnets such as Orlando's pond. (report from Josh Gahagan).

  12/24/15 -- Quabog IBA, Brookfields

  We started off at South Quabbin, but it was so foggy, we headed east and birded the 4 major ponds/lakes of the Brookfields. Very few birds except at Wickabog. Totals: Canada Goose (37); Gadwall (1m); Mallard (93); A Black Duck (7); Green-winged Teal (8); N Pintail (4); Hooded Merganser (33); Common Merganser (95); Red-tailed Hawk (1); Belted Kingfisher (1). (report from Mark Lynch/Sheila Carroll).

  12/20/15 -- Broad Meadow Brook, Worcester

  This afternoon Annie and I watched the juvenile red-headed woodpecker previously reported by John Shea. It seems to be setting up house keeping, caching seeds in various snag holes. Numerous hairy and downy woodpeckers would investigate its holes and the occasional kerfuffle would ensue. This was all brought to a conclusion by a cooper's hawk who trumped everyone.
  A distant photo of the red-head. (report from Garry and Annie Kessler).

  12/18/15 -- Worcester

  This afternoon between 1:30 PM and 3:30 PM there were 100's of crows staging in my yard and in all the yards around me. Among them I could hear at least 3 Fish Crows. (report from Bart Kamp).

  12/13/15 -- Broad Meadow Brook Sanctuary, Worcester

  Kim Kastler and I caught up with John Shea at Broad Meadow Brook and relocated the Red-headed Woodpecker. It was located on the south side of the Green Heron Pond (to the left when facing Standard Auto Parts. The light was poor when we got there, but I did take several photos -- here is the best photo. Hopefully, this new species for the Sanctuary will remain until Saturday the 19th, the day of the Worcester Christmas Count. (report from John Liller).

  12/13/15 -- Broad Meadow Brook Sanctuary, Worcester

  I saw a Red-headed Woodpecker this morning at Broad Meadow Brook, It was at the Beaver pond by the junkyard. Coming in from Dunkirk RD take the Cardinal Trail to the power lines the path to the Beaver pond is on the right not far from the kiosk. (report from John Shea).

  12/7/15 -- Gail drive, Holden

  In our yard today we had a rusty blackbird, 19 cedar waxwing, sharp shinned hawk. We have a resident screech owl that roosts in several different boxes we provided. (report from Scott Corazzini).

  12/1/15 -- Eagle lake, Holden

  There was a Greater White-fronted Goose among some Canadas this morning. (report from Peter Morlock).

  11/29/15 -- Lake Quaboag and Lake Lashaway, Brookfields

  Stopped by these two lakes this morning to check on the migrating ducks. Highlights were:

  Quaboag: Ruddy Duck (45),Common Merganser (42)

  Lashaway: Common Merganser (45), Hooded Merganser (2), Great Black-backed Gull (1), Northern Flicker (1)
  (report from Steven Sulzer).

  11/29/15 -- Brookfields, Holland, Wales, Brimfield

  QUABOG IBA: BROOKFIELDS Double-crested Cormorant (1); Canada Goose (377); Mute Swan (2); American Wigeon (1); Mallard (167); N Pintail (4); Green-winged Teal (3); Greater Scaup (6); Bufflehead (5); Hooded Merganser (47); Common Merganser (167); Ruddy Duck (51); Red-tailed Hawk (3); Wild Turkey (1); American Woodcock (1); Ring-billed Gull (95); Herring Gull (4); Great Black-backed Gull (1); Eastern Bluebird (5); Hermit Thrush (1);

  HOLLAND: HAMILTON RESERVOIR: Canada Goose (16); Mallard (15); Bufflehead (4); Hooded Merganser (41); Common Merganser (603); Ruddy Duck (66); Pileated Woodpecker (1); Carolina Wren (1);

  WALES: LAKE GEORGE: Canada Goose (98); Mallard (6); Ring-necked Duck (6); Hooded Merganser (22);

  BRIMFIELD: SHERMAN POND Canada Goose (41); Bufflehead (4);

  NB: c. 3:30PM, we searched the airport and nearby fields and saw many crows and robins and a pair of Red-tailed Hawks.

  (report from Mark Lynch/Sheila Carroll).

  11/29/15 -- Wachusett Reservoir and vicinity

  My wife Kim Kastler and I birded around Wachusett Reservoir and some of the neighboring ponds this morning, and recorded these highlights:

  WACHUSETT RESRVOIR -- South Bay: Common Loon (2);, Common Merganser (2 females);, Common Goldeneye (11 males);
  Fletcher Street Bridge (Gate 25); - Common Loon (1)
  River Rd - Canada Goose (4);
  North Dike - Common Loon (1);, Double-crested Cormorant (1)
  Wachusett Dam - Common Loon (4)

  STERLING PEAT -- Hooded Merganser (3);

  WEST WAUSHACUM -- Canada Goose (8);, American Black Duck (2);

  EAST WAUSHACUM -- Common Loon (2);, Canada Goose (3)

  COACHLACE POND -- Canada Goose (39);, Scaup (108 - mostly, if not all, Greaters);
  (report from John Liller).

  11/27/15 -- Millbury

  124 Cow birds at the feeder here. Lucky me! (report from Susan LaBree).

  11/26/15 -- Marlborough, Northborough, Westborough

  On the way back home from seeing the Common Ground Dove today in Lexington, we stopped by several ponds:

  MARLBOROUGH: FORT MEADOW RESERVOIR Great Blue Heron (1); Mute Swan (2); Canada Goose (9); Mallard (53); Bufflehead (15); Hooded Merganser (31); Common Merganser (14); Ruddy Duck (113); Killdeer (1);

  NORTHBOROUGH: BARTLETT POND: Mute Swan (3); Canada Goose (46); Mallard (93); A Black Duck (6); N Pintail (1m); Belted Kingfisher (1);

  NORTHBOROUGH: LITTLE CHAUNCY POND Mallard (2); Ring-necked Duck (1); House Finch (flock of 50+ around building across from entrance road);

  WESTBORO: CHAUNCY LAKE: Mute Swan (3); Canada Goose (1); American Wigeon (1f); Hooded Merganser (1f); Ring-billed Gull (17);

  WESTBORO: SUASCO Great Blue Heron (1); Mute Swan (121); Canada Goose (91); Mallard (10); American Wigeon (pair); Ring-billed Gull (7); Herring Gull (10); Great Black Backed Gull (3adW);
  (report from Mark Lynch/Sheila Carroll).

  11/25/15 -- South Quabbin \ Brookfields

  Today we started the day at QUABBIN PARK/SOUTH QUABBIN and had the following: Common Loon (3); Horned Grebe (7); Great Blue Heron (1); Canada Goose (70); A Black Duck (36); Scaup sp. (3 too far out to be sure of ID); Bald Eagle (2ad+1imm); Ring-billed Gull (3); Belted Kingfisher (1); Common Raven (1); Golden-crowned Kinglet (4); Hermit Thrush (1); Dark-eyed Junco (89);

  Then, on the way home:
  WEST BROOKFIELD: LAKE WICKABOG: Double-crested Cormorant (1); Mallard (71); A Black Duck (22); N Pintail (4); Bufflehead (2); Hooded Merganser (67); Common Merganser (240); Ruddy Duck (5); Bald Eagle (1imm);

  NORTH BROOKFIELD: LAKE LASHAWAY: Great Blue Heron 91); Canada Goose (371); Mallard (16); Green-winged Teal (1); Bufflehead (2); Hooded Merganser (21); Common Merganser (348); Bald Eagle (1ad+1imm);
  (report from Mark Lynch/Sheila Carroll).

  11/25/15 -- Paxton

  I had a new life bird for the yard this afternoon. A Rusty Blackbird. First seen sitting silently in a flowering pear tree it then came to the feeder awarding some great photos by Mary. Also 1 Fox Sparrow continues. (report from Rodney Jenkins)

  11/22/15 -- Wachusett Reservoir IBA

  Today we birded Wachusett Reservoir and some of the other ponds in the IBA. The weather started with drizzle, then seemed to break briefly and the sun peeked out, then clouds again for the rest of the morning.

  WACHUSETT RESERVOIR: Common Loon (19); Double-crested Cormorant (1); Canada Goose (14); Mute Swan (2); A Black Duck (1); Ring-necked Duck (22); Lesser Scaup (1f); White-winged Scoter (1m); Common Goldeneye (17); Common Merganser (3); Red-tailed Hawk (1); Wild Turkey (2); Pileated Woodpecker (1); Hermit Thrush (1);

  THE QUAG, STERLING: Wood Duck (4); Mallard (12);

  WEST WAUSHACUM, STERLING: Mallard (16);

  EAST WAUSHACUM, STERLING: Mallard (5); Bufflehead (10);

  COACHLACE POND, CLINTON: Greater Scaup (113); Lesser Scaup (4); Bufflehead (4).

  NB: On Rt. 12 in West Boylston, we found a fresh killed adult SHARP-SHINNED HAWK .
  (report from Mark Lynch/Sheila Carroll).

  11/20/15 -- Chaffin pond, Holden

  From sunrise today we have had a roosting Eastern screech owl. Great photos all day of such a beautiful bird in gray phase plumage. (report from Scott Corazzini).

  11/19/15 -- Quabog IBA

  A survey of some of the water bodies in the QUABOG IBA THIS MORNING (11/19); HAD THE FOLLOWING: Double-crested Cormorant (4); Great Blue Heron (2); Canada Goose (256); Mute Swan (2); A Black Duck (31); Mallard (152); Northern Pintail (4); Green-winged Teal (22); Bufflehead (4); Hooded Merganser (118); Common Merganser (661); Ruddy Duck (51); Bald Eagle (1ad); Northern Harrier (1); Killdeer (3); Ring-billed Gull (142); Herring Gull (3); Great Black-backed Gull (1); Mourning Dove (67); Belted Kingfisher (1); Red-bellied Woodpecker (3); Horned Lark (22); American Pipit (7); Dark-eyed Junco (61); House Finch (66)

  THEN, on the way home at INDIAN LAKE, WORCESTER: Canada Goose (67); Mallard (44); Bufflehead (4); Hooded Merganser (14); Common Merganser (217); Ring-billed Gull (244); Herring Gull (3); Great Black-backed Gull (1)
  (report from Mark Lynch/Sheila Carroll).

  11/19/15 -- North Brookfield Sewer Plant

  Remarkably, I saw the Blackpoll Warbler again today. I had not seen it since November 10. After always seeing it in the shrubs around the administrative building since late October, today it was in a white pine on the other side of the plant. (report from Rodney Jenkins)

  11/19/15 -- Indian Lake, Worcester

  Motivated by the remote hope of a lingering Franklins Gull in the gull "colony" near Morgan park, this mornings survey of Indian Lake yielded the following: Common Merganser (150); Bufflehead (4); Hooded Merganser(6); Canada Goose (23); Mallard Duck (31); Ring-billed Gull (150); European Starling (64). (report from Lisa Hennin).

  11/18/15 -- River Bend Farm, Uxbridge

  Two Ospreys were flying rather high above River Bend Farm on Oak Street in Uxbridge about 1pm today. (report from Beth Milke)

  11/17/15 -- Quabog IBA, Brookfields

  We spent a few hours checking some of the ponds of the QUABOG IBA in the Brookfields. Birds found included: Common Loon (1); Great Blue Heron (2); Canada Goose (256); A Black Duck (23); Mallard (151); N Pintail (4); Green-winged Teal (26); Greater Scaup (2); Lesser Scaup (1); Hooded Merganser (89); Common Merganser (518); Ruddy Duck (85); Red-tailed Hawk (1); Killdeer (3); Ring-billed Gull (183: many kleptoparasitizing the mergs); Herring Gull (6); Belted Kingfisher (1); N Flicker (1); Pileated Woodpecker (1); American Pipit (8); Tree Sparrow (16); Savannah Sparrow (2); Rusty Blackbird (1).
  (report from Mark Lynch/Sheila Carroll).

  11/15/15 -- Sudbury Reservoir, Southboro/Marlboro

  Today my MAS class birded around the SUDBURY RESERVOIR which is in Southboro and Marlboro. We made a number of stops around this very irregular body including along the river that feeds into the reservoir. Waterfowl were actually in lower numbers than expected. Absent entirely were Ruddy Ducks and scaup, which are typically here as well as other species like wigeon. Mallards, Goldeneye and even the Ring-necked Ducks were in lower than expected numbers. It is possible that the high winds of the last few days drove migrants on their way, but more will be coming. Still it was a nice day to be hiking all around this location.

  Birds: Common Loon (1); Double-crested Cormorant (1: getting late for this species inland); Canada Goose (38: low); Mute Swan (6); Wood Duck (7); Mallard (21: low); American Black Duck (1); Ring-necked Duck (569); Bufflehead (8); Common Goldeneye (53); Barrow's Goldeneye (1m seen briefly in flock that flew off); Hooded Merganser (27); Red-tailed Hawk (1); Wild Turkey (13); Ring-billed Gull (2); Red-bellied Woodpecker (6); Downy Woodpecker (1); Hairy Woodpecker (4); Pileated Woodpecker (2); Blue Jay (32); American Crow (25); Black-capped Chickadee (32); Tufted Titmouse (14); White-breasted Nuthatch (9); Carolina Wren (1); Ruby-crowned Kinglet (1); American Robin (63); Northern Mockingbird (2); Fox Sparrow (1); Song Sparrow (13); Swamp Sparrow (1); White-throated Sparrow (9); Dark-eyed Junco (31); Northern Cardinal (5); Red-winged Blackbird (15); Common Grackle (12); Purple Finch (1); House Finch (6); American Goldfinch (5);

  We spotted several mushroom species still to be identified. We also found several CASTOR-ARALIA (Kalopanax septemlobus); trees. This species is native to parts of Russia, Korea and China and according to Sibley it is "uncommonly cultivated and locally escaped" which is what we found.
  (report from Mark Lynch and Sheila Carroll).

  11/15/15 -- SuAsCo, Westboro

  After our trip to Southborough, we stopped by the SuAsCo impoundment in Westboro. There were still a lot of fishermen out in boats and the variety of waterfowl was not great, but we did have: Pied-billed Grebe (4); Turkey Vulture (1); Mute Swan (90); Canada Goose (26); Mallard (7); Ring-billed Gull (19); Herring Gull (5); Great Black Backed Gull (6 adW); Northern Flicker (3); A Tree Sparrow (7).
  (report from Mark Lynch and Sheila Carroll).

  11/15/15 -- Charlton /Brookfield

  Orlando's Farm: Lesser Black-backed Gull

  Quabog Pond: first bird I put my scope on was a drake Canvasback. Bird number 207 photographed in Worcester County this year

  Wickaboag Lake: Red-breasted Merganser, Green-winged Teal, 4 Northern Pintails were highlights.
  (report from Justin Lawson).

  11/13/15 -- Wachusett Reservoir/Douglas-Sutton

  Today we checked several ponds in DOUGLAS and were surprised at the lack of water birds: Turkey Vulture (1); Canada Goose (2); Common Merganser (12); Hermit Thrush (1);

  Then, we checked a few ponds in SUTTON with better results: Common Loon (1); Canada Goose (103); A Black Duck (2); Mallard (76); Ring-necked Duck (175); Hooded Merganser (2); Bald Eagle (1imm); Fox Sparrow (2); Plus: Clouded Sulphur (still 1 flitting about);

  On the way back home in a small area of south WORCESTER we had: Turkey Vulture (11); Bald Eagle (1ad); Cooper's Hawk (1); Red-tailed Hawk (1);

  On 11/12 we did a brief "before work" check of WACHUSETT RESERVOIR and had the following in mist: Common Loon (9); Double-crested Cormorant (2); Canada Goose (99); Mallard (3); Ring-necked Duck (2); Long-tailed Duck (3: 2m+1f); Bufflehead (1); Common Goldeneye (15); Common Merganser (4); Hermit Thrush (1); Chipping Sparrow (3 together);
  (report from Mark Lynch/Sheila Carroll).

  11/12/15 -- Charlton /Brookfields

  Orlando's Farm w/ Sharon Lawson and Alan Marble- 1st Winter Lesser Black-backed Gull continues and about 60 Ruddy Ducks

  Bay Path Regional High School Fields-9 Snow Buntings.

  Quabog Pond w/ Bob Abbott -19 Ruddy Ducks, 1 Long-tailed Duck, 2 Ring-necked Ducks and 1 Red-throated Loon. This bird came in and was gone within 5 min. I had my County Red-throated Loon here as well exactly 2 weeks ago.

  Wickaboag Lake - 4 Northern Pintails, 23 American Black Ducks, 17 Green-winged Teal, 1 Lesser Scaup (still not convinced this couldn't be a Redhead. Bird is always so far out so I can't get good enough photos. I've sent pics out and I have had Redhead suggested as well as Lesser Scaup.), 12 Hooded Mergansers, 1 Common Mergansers (where did the large numbers go?!), 14 Ruddy Ducks, 1 Greater Yellowlegs

  Lake Lashaway - 1 Greater Yellowlegs, 2 Green-winged Teal, 1 Common Goldeneye, and 1 Hooded Mergansers.
  (report from Justin Lawson).

  11/11/15 -- Worcester

  My first Fox Sparrow of the Fall arrived in my yard this morning. (report from Bart Kamp).

  11/9/15 -- Charlton/Brookfield

  Today I headed out to find Rodney's birds (see 11/7 report). Orlando's Farm had a continuing Lesser Black-backed Gull which makes 206 photographed on my Worcester County Photographic Big Year.

  Lake Lashaway: I birded the Town Beach and the Boat Ramp. Basically the same as Mark and Shelia, but I can add that I kept searching at the town beach for over an hour for the Sanderling and was able to see a Dunlin pop up from behind the island.
  (report from Justin Lawson).

  11/9/15 -- Gate 35, Quabbin and Lake Lashaway, Brookfields

  Today we hiked in Gate 35, Quabbin. Birds seen included: Common Loon (12. Some birds were quite vocal. We watched 1 bird spend some time trying like crazy to down a huge Bullhead it had caught); Horned Grebe (5); Red-necked Grebe (1); Canada Goose (14); Bald Eagle (4: 3ad+1immature. An adult pair remained perched next to each other on the Osprey platform the entire time we were there); Red-tailed Hawk (3); Greater Yellowlegs (1); Ring-billed Gull (6); Herring Gull (1); Pileated Woodpecker (2); Hermit Thrush (2); Common Raven (1); Red-breasted Nuthatch (6); PLUS: Clouded Sulphur (1); and Autumn Meadowhawk (4);.

  Later, we stopped by Lake Lashaway (North Brookfield/East Brookfield): Great Blue Heron (1); Canada Goose (392); Bufflehead (1); Hooded Merganser (8); Common Merganser (59); Ruddy Duck (3); Killdeer (6); Greater Yellowlegs (3); Ring-billed Gull (104); Herring Gill (4); Great Black Backed Gull (1);
  (report from Mark Lynch/Sheila Carroll);.

  11/8/15 -- Mount Wachusett, Princeton

  Raptors observed today: Turkey Vulture 2 ; Osprey 1 ; Bald Eagle 5 ; Sharp-shinned Hawk 4 ; Red-shouldered Hawk 4 ; Red-tailed Hawk 21 .

  Raptor Observations: Non-migrating - 3 Bald Eagles (Adult), 2 Red-Tailed Hawks.

  Non-raptor Observations: Ravens - 5, 284 Canada Geese, 11 Cormorants, 3 Ring-Billed Gulls,& 18 Snow Buntings
  (report from Rod Chase)

  11/7/15 -- Lake Lashaway/Charlton/Paxton

  At Lake Lashaway there were 12 Killdeer and a juv. Sanderling.

  At Orlando's in Charleton there were 54 Ruddy Ducks including 2 still in breeding plumage and a 1st year Lesser Black-backed Gull. The Blackpoll Warbler was still at the sewer plant in North Brookfield.

  At Moose Hill WWMA in Paxton there were 2 Yellow Palm Warblers, 15 Song Sparrows, 1 Swamp Sparrow, 10 White-throated and 1 juv. White-crowned Sparrow and 75+ Juncos.
  (report from Rodney Jenkins)

  11/7/15 -- Wachusett Reservoir

  Today we did a quick tour around Wachusett Reservoir beginning with a hike in Gate 13. Other areas visited included Scar Hill Bluffs, the dike, the dam, Gate 17, Thomas Basin and other locations. By mid morning, the wind really revved up making white caps appear on the reservoir and making birding difficult. Highlights: Red-throated Loon (1); Common Loon (12); Double-crested Cormorant (15); Canada Goose (3); American Black Duck (8); Mallard (9); Common Goldeneye (6); Common Merganser (1); Bald Eagle (1ad); Sharp-shinned Hawk (1); Red-tailed Hawk (2); Wild Turkey (flock of 23); Ring-billed Gull (36);

  Later we stopped at COACHLACE POND: Mallard (4); Greater Scaup (74); Lesser Scaup (1).

  Then EAST WAUSHACUM: Double-crested Cormorant (1); Mallard (47); Bufflehead (23)
  (report from Mark Lynch/Sheila Carroll).

  11/6/15 -- Royalston

  This morning we birded in ROYALSTON. The weather was not great: very overcast, sometimes so dark the car lights came on. We had NO winter finches, but among the birds we did tally the following: Wood Duck (2); GADWALL (flock of 7 at Muddy Pond, our first Gadwalls for Royalston); A Black Duck (1); Mallard (9); Sharp-shinned Hawk (1); Wild Turkey (6); Belted Kingfisher (1); Pileated Woodpecker (2); Common Raven (2); Golden-crowned Kinglet (4); Hermit Thrush (2); Fox Sparrow (1);

  En route to Royalston at a cornfield in Petersham we had a flock of 2000+ Red-winged Blackbirds.

  On the way back to Worcester, we stopped by Quinapoxet Reservoir in Holden and had: Double-crested Cormorant (1);Common Merganser (8).
  (report from Mark Lynch/Sheila Carroll).

  11/5/15 -- North Brookfield Sewer Plant

  After being absent for the last two days, the Blackpoll Warbler (originally reported October 30) was seen again today. (report from Rodney Jenkins)

  11/5/15 -- Quabog IBA, Brookfields and vicinity

  A quick survey of a few ponds in the QUABOG IBA had the following: Common Loon (2); Great Blue Heron (3); Turkey Vulture (1); Canada Goose (39); American Wigeon (3); A Black Duck (13); Mallard (79); Green-winged Teal (23); Ring-necked Duck (8); Hooded Merganser (2); Common Merganser (191); Ruddy Duck (24); Bald Eagle (1ad); Red-tailed Hawk (1); Killdeer (8); Greater Yellowlegs (2); Ring-billed Gull (124); Mourning Dove (16); Belted Kingfisher (2);

  Highlights of passerines: Red-bellied Woodpecker (5); Eastern Phoebe (1); Carolina Wren (5); American Pipit (1); Yellow-rumped Warbler (4); Savannah Sparrow (1); Red-winged Blackbird (3);. PLUS: Clouded Sulphur (1); Green Frogs; Spring Peepers; a good flight of Autumn Meadowhawks and (1); Red-eared Slider.
  (report from Mark Lynch/Sheila Carroll).

  11/4/15 -- Worcester/Holden

  Recent sightings:

  Worcester-Indian Lake: Common Mergansers (3); Canada Goose (49); plus 50 fly overs-headed south Great Blue Heron (1); Double-Crested Cormorant (9);

  Holden-Chaffins Pond: Ring -necked Duck (100); Wood Duck (4); Dark-eyed Juncoes (20);

  Holden-Alden Labs: Northern Mockingbird (1); American Black Duck (1); Wood Duck (1f); Canada Goose (10); Mallard (13);

  Holden/Rutland (Eagle Lake/Alta Vista/Mushopauge): Canada Geese (91); Great Blue Heron (1); American Black Duck (16); Pileated Woodpecker (1);
  (report from Lisa Hennin).

  11/4/15 -- Scar Hill Beach, Boylston

  Today at Wachusett Reservoir's Scar Hill Beach I had 2 late Spotted Sandpipers, 4 Long-tailed Ducks, 1 Sharp-shinned Hawk, 1 Horned Grebe and a Red-breasted Merganser (f). The Merganser was bird #205 photographed for me on the year in Worcester County! If anyone sees a Lapland Longspur could you please email me [justindlawson@gmail.com] or get word out quickly?! (report from Justin Lawson).

  11/1/15 -- Lake Quabog and vicinity

  Today we began by birding the QUABOG IBA. The weather was overcast, breezy, with occasional drizzle, so "land birding" was poor and we stuck to birding ponds. Among the birds we had were: Common Loon (1); Double-crested Cormorant (2); Great Blue Heron (8); Canada Goose (378); Mute Swan (2); A Black Duck (14); Mallard (156); Green-winged Teal (42); Ring-necked Duck (5); Greater Scaup (6); Lesser Scaup (1f); Hooded Merganser (28); Common Merganser (126); Ruddy Duck (24); Sharp-shinned Hawk (2); Cooper's Hawk (2); Killdeer (8); Greater Yellowlegs (4);

  THEN, we stopped by a small number of ponds en route home. Highlights: HOLLAND: HAMILTON RESERVOIR: Great Blue Heron (1); Mallard (6); Ruddy Duck (19);.

  CHARLTON: ORLANDO'S: Pied-billed Grebe (1); Double-crested Cormorant (1); Canada Goose (177); Mallard (67); A Black Duck (1); Hooded Merganser (3); Ruddy Duck (75);.

  SPENCER/LEICESTER: STILES RESERVOIR: Common Loon (1); Canada Goose (12); Bufflehead (7); Common Merganser (89); Bonaparte's Gull (1);.

  LEICESTER: CEDAR MEADOW POND: Mallard (33); Hooded Merganser (7);.

  LEICESTER: KETTLEBROOK #2: Canada Goose (4); Common Merganser (3)
  (report from Mark Lynch/Sheila Carroll).

  11/1/15 -- Sudbury Reservoir

  1 male Barrow's Goldeneye continues on the Reservoir along the powerlines   in Southborough (see 10/30 post). According to ebird, this is the earliest record in Worcester County and second earliest in Massachusetts. (report from Justin Lawson).

  11/1/15 -- Wachusett Reservoir, Boylston/Clinton

  From Scar Hill Rd, in Boylston, there were 11 Long-tailed Ducks and 1 Spotted Sandpiper (oldest record in ebird)

  From North Dike in Clinton: 21 American Pipits and 11 Snow Buntings
  (report from Justin Lawson).

  11/1/15 -- Moose Hill WMA, Paxton

  I had great looks at a Dickcissel this morning along the edge of the field with mixed pumpkin and corn patch. Other birds seen were a male Northern Harrier, 5 Yellow-rumped and 3 Palm Warblers, 50+ Juncos, 35 White-throated , 25 Song, 6 Swamp and 3 Tree Sparrows and 75 Red-winged Blackbirds. (report from Rodney Jenkins)

  10/31/15 -- East Waushacum, Sterling

  There were 41 Hooded Merganser , 8 Common Merganser, 2 Common Goldeneye, 1 DC Cormorant, 14 Mallards and 1 Kingfisher. (report from Susan LaBree).

  10/31/15 -- Wachusett Reservoir, Boylston

  At Wachusett Reservoir from Scar Hill beach in Boylston early this afternoon there were 20-25 Long-tailed Ducks, 1 Spotted Sandpiper and 4 Snow Buntings. (report from Bart Kamp).

  10/31/15 -- Sudbury Reservoir, Southboro

  Today we birded the SUDBURY RESERVOIR in Southboro and Marlboro (north end). We did a lot of hiking because of this reservoir's amoebic contours, including a long hike up the east side. We did NOT find the previously reported Barrow's Goldeneye, though we did see several birders looking for it. It is still early in the season for this location , so the high numbers and variety of waterfowl have yet to put in.

  Today we had: Pied-billed Grebe (2); Double-crested Cormorant (3); Canada Goose (131); Mute Swan (3); Wood Duck (3); A Black Duck (2); Mallard (22); Ring-necked Duck (33); Greater Scaup/scaup sp (37); Bufflehead (25); Common Goldeneye (48); Common Merganser (6); Red-breasted Merganser (1f); Ruddy Duck (19); Bald Eagle (1ad); Sharp-shinned Hawk (3); Cooper's Hawk (1); Red-bellied Woodpecker (5); Downy Woodpecker (7); Hairy Woodpecker (3); Eastern Phoebe (1); Carolina Wren (2); Winter Wren (2); Ruby-crowned Kinglet (3); Eastern Bluebird (5); Hermit Thrush (2); Yellow-rumped Warbler (4); Purple Finch (4);

  On the way home, we stopped By BARTLETT POND in Northboro and had Pied-billed Grebe (1); Green-winged Teal (4); and minimally (10) Rusty Blackbirds.
  (report from Mark Lynch/Sheila Carroll).

  10/30/15 -- Mount Wachusett, Princeton

  Raptors observed today and Season totals:

  -------------------------------------------------------------------
  Species            Day's Count    Month Total   Season Total
  ------------------ ----------- -------------- --------------
  Black Vulture                0              1              2
  Turkey Vulture               1             48             60
  Osprey                       1             11            204
  Bald Eagle                   7             27            153
  Northern Harrier             1              7             23
  Sharp-shinned Hawk           1             94            402
  Cooper's Hawk                1             17             86
  Northern Goshawk             0              0              0
  Red-shouldered Hawk          0              2             14
  Broad-winged Hawk            0              3          11205
  Red-tailed Hawk              4             14             26
  Rough-legged Hawk            0              4              4
  Golden Eagle                 0              2              4
  American Kestrel             0             19            121
  Merlin                       0              4             30
  Peregrine Falcon             0              3             34
  Unknown Accipiter            0              2             11
  Unknown Buteo                0              3              5
  Unknown Falcon               0              2              5
  Unknown Eagle                0              0              1
  Unknown Raptor               0             14             53
  
  Total:                      16            277          12443
  ----------------------------------------------------------------------
  

  Raptor Observations: 7 Bald Eagles ( 5 Immature, 2 Mature).
  (report from Rod Chase)

  10/30/15 -- Brookfields/Sudbury Reservoir

  Quaboag Pond: Bonaparte's Gull Wickaboag Lake -2 Gadwall, 6 Ruddy Ducks, Hooded Mergansers,Common Mergansers.

    Lake Lashaway: 1 Pectoral Sandpiper, 5 Greater Yellowlegs, 18 Killdeer

   Sudbury Reservoir (in Southborough by the powerlines, where Rt 30 meets Boston rd): 1 BARROW'S Goldeneye, 35 Common Goldeneye, 70 Ring-necked Ducks, 6 Ruddy Ducks 
  (report from Justin Lawson).

  10/30/15 -- Sewer Plant, North Brookfield

  I had a small pocket of birds along the fence line which included 1 Black-capped chickadee, 1 Golden and 1 Ruby-crowned Kinglet, 1 Palm Warbler, 1 Yellow-rumped Warbler and 1 Blackpoll Warbler. (report from Rodney Jenkins)

  10/29/15 -- Wachusett Reservoir and vicinity

  A morning visit to a few stops (the Waushacums, Coachlace, many stops on the reservoir) in the WACHUSETT IBA found the following (highlights): Common Loon (8); Double-crested Cormorant (11); Great Blue Heron (4); Turkey Vulture (4); Canada Goose (2); A Black Duck (14); Mallard (3); Greater Scaup (44); Bufflehead (29); Common Goldeneye (4); Common Merganser (37); Red-tailed Hawk (2); Merlin (1); Killdeer (3); Golden-crowned Kinglet (4); Yellow-rumped Warbler (6);

  NB: Because of the warm temps, lots of other creatures were out: Cabbage White and Clouded Sulphur Butterflies; a massive flight of Asian Ladybugs; we even found an Eastern Garter Snake.
  (report from Mark Lynch/Sheila Carroll).

  10/28/15 -- Brookfields

  Quaboag Pond: 1 Red-throated Loon and 1 Common Loon. The Red-throated Loon was photographed and bird number 202 photographed by me for my Worcester County Photographic Big Year.

    Lake Lashaway: 1 Dunlin and 2 White-rumped Sandpipers continue. 
  (report from Justin Lawson).

  10/28/15 -- All Faith's Cemetery, Worcester

  At 2:00 PM, just before the rain began there was a pair of American Wigeon at All Faith's Cemetery in Worcester. They were last seen feeding along the Northeast shoreline that abuts I 290. (report from Bart Kamp).

  10/27/15 -- Brookfields

  In the morning at lake Quaboag there was 1 Common Loon, 1 Horned Grebe, 6 Common Mergansers, and 14 Bufflehead. The American Pipits continue at Peruzzi's Farm on Rt. 9. Please note that this is very private property but you can pull off to the side of the road just past Howe Lumber heading west. Around 4 pm at Lake Lashaway I had 15 Bufflehead, 17 Killdeer, 1 Dunlin and 2 White-rumped Sandpipers. (report from Rodney Jenkins)

  10/27/15 -- Indian Lake, Worceste

  Today there were: Canada Goose (47); Bufflehead (6); scaup species (12); Ruddy Duck (2); Great Blue Heron (1); Killdeer (1); DC Cormorant (6); Common Merganser (15). The DC cormorants and Common Mergansers were having a feeding frenzy on the opposite side of the lake from Shore Park. Between the solar glare and the heat shimmer and birds diving up and down, the numbers may be more. I drove over to Morgan Park to get a fix on the Scaup, but when I arrived they had moved over to Shore Park/YMCA area. I went back to Shore Park and they had relocated back to Morgan landing. Scaup were in non-breeding/juvenile plumage. (report from Lisa Hennin).

  10/26/15 -- Wachusett Reservoir

  This afternoon at Wachusett Reservoir from Mile Hill Road in Clinton there was a raft of ducks that included: 1 Red-necked Grebe, 21 Long-tailed Ducks, 5 White-winged Scoters, 3 Surf Scoters and 4 Black Scoters. In the area north of the Scar Hill Beach in Boylston there was 1 Red-throated Loon, 2 Horned Grebes, 9 Buffleheads, 5 scaup species and a raft of 14 Long-tailed Ducks. The raft was either a second raft of Long-tailed ducks or the raft that was at Mile Hill Road minus 7.
  (report from Bart Kamp).

  10/25/15 -- Brookfields/Charlton

  No one showed (smart people!) for the Forbush trip to Brookfields and Orlando's in Charlton, but I went around in the rain anyway for a few hours and had the following:

  Common Loon 1, D-C Cormorant 1, Gr. Blue Heron 5, Canada Goose 75, Wood Duck 2, Black Duck 12, Mallard 245, Pintail 2, Ring-necked Duck 4, Hooded merganser 21, Common Merganser 5, Ruddy Duck 48 (Orlandos) Sharp-shinned Hawk 1, Turkey 26, Killdeer 8, Greater Yellowlegs 6, Ring-billed Gull 110, Herring Gull 1, Rock Dove 25, Mourning Dove 12, Kingfisher 2,Red-bellied woodpecker 1, Downy Woodpecker 1, Flicker 1, Pileated Woodpecker 1, Phoebe 1, Blue Jay 12, Crow 15, B-C Chickadee 6, Titmouse 1, White-br. Nuthatch 1, Golden-crowned Kinglet 1, Bluebird 2, Hermit Thrush 1, Robin 20, Starling 40, AMERICAN PIPIT 75, (large flock in Petruzzi's field) Yellow-rumped Warbler 6, Savannah Sparrow 4, Song Sparrow 30, Swamp Sparrow 8, White-throated Sparrow 35, Junco 8, Cardinal 2, Red-winged Blackbird 250+, Rusty Blackbird 2, House Finch 4, Goldfinch 6.
  (report from Rodney Jenkins)

  10/25/15 -- Quabog IBA, Brookfields

  Today we birded a few parts of the QUABOG IBA in the Brookfields. The weather was overcast with periodic showers. Select totals are as follows: Pied-billed Grebe (1); Horned Grebe (1); Double-crested Cormorant (3); Great Blue Heron (6); Canada Goose (7: very low); Mute Swan (2); Wood Duck (16); A Black Duck (10); Mallard (146); Green-winged Teal (16); Ring-necked Duck (8); Bufflehead (1m); Hooded Merganser (41); Common Merganser (5); Ruddy Duck (16); Wild Turkey (28); Virginia Rail (1); Killdeer (7); Greater Yellowlegs (3); Ring-billed Gull (58); Herring Gull (2); Mourning Dove (27); Ruby-crowned Kinglet (2); Yellow-rumped Warbler (8); Palm Warbler (1);

  SPARROWS: Savannah (3): FOX (4); Song (82); Swamp (53); White-throated (114); Dark-eyed Junco (19).

  Red-winged Blackbird (615); Rusty Blackbird (2); Common Grackle (115); Pine Siskin (42);

  Plus: Bobcat (1 younger one)
  (report from Mark Lynch/Sheila Carroll).

  10/24/15 -- Westboro/Northboro ponds

  We checked LITTLE CHAUNCY POND off and on from dawn till almost noon and in between us being there, there were other birders on the spot, so it was covered. There were no sightings of the Purple Gallinule. We even hiked the conservation trail (on right as you start to drive down dirt road to pond) and got an overlook of some sections of the pond hidden from view when at the boat launch. Other birds seen in the area included: Sharp-shinned Hawk (1); Green-winged Teal (1); Ring-necked Duck (8); American Woodcock (2); Ruby-crowned Kinglet (1); Pine Siskins (overhead); many Yellow-rumped Warblers and a few Palms. Rusty Blackbirds (at least 5).Red-winged Blackbird (150+ at dawn).

  We also checked out other ponds in the area: BARTLETT POND (Northboro): Pied-billed Grebe (1); Mute Swan (5); Green-winged Teal (5); Mallard (6); A Black Duck (1); Killdeer (3); Pectoral Sandpiper (1); Rusty Blackbird (12).

  CHAUNCY LAKE (Westboro): Common Loon (1); Ruddy Duck (12). Yellow-rumps.

  SuAsCo (Westboro): Pied-billed Grebe (1); Mute Swan (83); Canada Goose (16), Green-winged Teal (6); Killdeer (1). Yellow-rumps.

  NB: hunting is in full swing here and hunters were parked near the boat launch at Little Chauncy. They HAD been duck hunting and were now pheasant hunting up the hill to the Westboro WMA fields. We had a nice talk with them. Think about wearing some hunters orange when going out into in WMAs and other places where folks hunt through well into December in the interior. There is also a model airplane field adjacent and small planes were buzzing the area all morning. ALSO: Please don't use tapes at sites for rarities.
  (report from Mark Lynch/Sheila Carroll).

  10/23/15 -- Mount Wachusett, Princeton

  Raptors observed today: Turkey Vulture 4 ; Bald Eagle 3 ; Northern Harrier 1 ; Sharp-shinned Hawk 5 ; Cooper's Hawk 4 ; Red-shouldered Hawk 2 ; American Kestrel 2 ;

  Raptor Observations: 3 immature bald eagles, 2 Red-Shouldered Hawks

  Non-raptor Observations: 10 Ravens, 5 local Red-Tailed Hawks, 5 non-migrating TVs. Migrating Juncos, Blue Jays, Hooded Warbler, 5 Canada Geese.
  (report from Rod Chase)

  10/22/15 -- Lake Lashaway, East Brookfield

  A quick stop at the town beach produced the continuing Semipalmated Plover, 3 Pectoral Sandpipers, 1 Greater Yellowlegs, 17 Killdeer and a Dunlin. (report from Rodney Jenkins)

  10/21/15 -- Holden/Rutland

  Highlights of morning tour of my Worcester CBC sector:

  Chaffins Pond: Pied -billed Grebe (1); Killdeer (3); Wood Duck(24); Ring-necked Duck (20); Coopers Hawk versus Blue Jay dive bombing action, hard to tell who was hassling who. Water levels extremely low and choked with lily pads, made ducks tricky to count.

  Alden Research Lab: Yellow-rumped Warblers (10);Golden-Crowned Kinglet(1); great looks, low in the shrubs. Ruby-Crowned Kinglet (1); Pine Warbler (2);

  Muschaupauge Road: Killdeer (3); Rock Dove (100); Brown-headed Cowbird (100);,Eastern Phoebe (1); Canada Geese (40); Dark-eyed Junco (10); The Pigeon and cowbird flock was restless so hard to get a firm count. They were feeding in the drive of the turkey farm. The cowbirds were predominantly male with an interesting feeding behavior of tail aimed skyward in exaggerated manner.

  Eagle Lake: Double Crested Cormorant (1); American Black Duck (14); Wood Duck(15)
  (report from Lisa Hennin).

  10/21/15 -- Westborough WMA

  I just found A PURPLE GALLINULE in the Little Chauncy Marsh. Photographed! Does this top the Northern Wheatear?! (report from Justin Lawson).

  10/21/15 -- Institute Park, Worcester

  Highlights today at 2 pm were 3 BC Night-Herons (1 ad, 2 imm), 1 Mute Swan, 1 Cooper's Hawk (prowling the woods near the apartments), 1 Hermit Thrush, and 2 Blackpoll Warblers. The adult BC Night-Heron has been present since Oct 23 (presumably the same one -- always in the same spot), and the two immatures were just seen today.

  Other highlights from the previous week:

  10/15/15: 1 Blackpoll Warbler

  10/14/15: 4 Am Black Ducks, 2 Wood Ducks, 2 Mute Swan, 5 Yellow-rumped Warblers

  10/13/15: 2 Mute Swan, 1 Ruby-crowned Kinglet, 4 Yellow-rumped Warblers
  (report from Rick Quimby).

  10/21/15 -- Wachusett Reservoir

  Highlights were 1 BRANT, 3 White-winged Scoters, 10 Bufflehead, 4 Red-necked Grebe, and 2 Bonaparte's Gulls. (report from Justin Lawson).

  10/21/15 -- Quabog IBA, Brookfields

  We got out for a few hours today to check a few of the ponds of the QUABOG IBA (Brookfields) and had the following: Common Loon (2); Horned Grebe (1); Double-crested Cormorant (3); Great Blue Heron (3); Canada Goose (6: very low count); Mute Swan (2); A Black Duck (9); Mallard (65); Ring-necked Duck (17); Greater Scaup (2); Bufflehead (4: 3m+1f); Common Goldeneye (1f); Hooded Merganser (21); Common Merganser (3); Ruddy Duck (24); Bald Eagle (2ad); Red-tailed Hawk (1); Semipalmated Plover (1); Killdeer (12); Greater Yellowlegs (3); Pectoral Sandpiper (1); Ring-billed Gull (51); Great Black-backed Gull (1); Belted Kingfisher (1); Ruby-crowned Kinglet (3); E Bluebird (7); American Pipit (8); Yellow-rumped Warbler (53); Red-winged Blackbird (145+); Pine Siskin (3)
  (report from Mark Lynch/Sheila Carroll).

  10/19/15 -- Worcester

  Had about 100 TVs circling over the old Spags schoolhouse at 5 pm today -- not sure where they are roosting. (report from Paul Dufault).

  10/19/15 -- Brookfields

  Today at Lake Lashaway: 5 Blue-winged Teal, 4 Hooded Mergansers, 2 Common Mergansers, 2 Killdeer, 4 Greater Yellowlegs, 1 SEMIPALMATED PLOVER (photographed), 1 Sharp-shinned Hawk. 

  Today at Orlando's Farm: 20 Ruddy Ducks and 4 Northern Pintails ( up from 2 the day before)

  Yesterday (10/18) at Notre Dame Cemetery: 15 American Pipits in front of dirt mound. 

  Yesterday (10/18) at Bolton Flats: 1 Sharp-shinned Hawk; 2 Red-tailed Hawk; 20 Rock Pigeon (Feral Pigeon); 2 Mourning Dove; 1 Red-bellied Woodpecker; 1 Downy Woodpecker; 1 Northern Flicker (Yellow-shafted); 1 Eastern Phoebe; 8 Blue Jay; 10 American Crow; 8 Black-capped Chickadee; 2 White-breasted Nuthatch; 2 Eastern Bluebird; 1 American Robin: 1 Gray Catbird; 2 Common Yellowthroat; 3 Yellow-rumped Warbler (Myrtle); 8 Chipping Sparrow; 1 Field Sparrow; 2 Dark-eyed Junco (Slate-colored); 1 White-crowned Sparrow (leucophrys); 4 White-throated Sparrow; 27 Savannah Sparrow; 39 Song Sparrow; 1 Lincoln's Sparrow; 44 Swamp Sparrow; 2 Northern Cardinal; 60 Red-winged Blackbird; 3 Common Grackle; 1 House Finch; 5 American Goldfinch
  (report from Justin Lawson).

  10/19/15 -- North Brookfield Sewer Plant

  Today, 1 Lincoln's and 1 White-crowned Sparrow. White crowns are extremely scarce this fall.
  (report from Rodney Jenkins)

  10/18/15 -- Wachusett Reservoir & vicinity

  This afternoon, 10 members of the Forbush Bird club held our yearly birding trip around the Wachusett Reservoir IBA. Locations included River Road/Thomas Basin, Sterling Peat, West Waushacum Lake, The Quag, rail trail (Sterling center entrance);, East Waushacum Lake, Gates 36, 39, Mile Hill Road overlook, Gate 8, Gate 17, and gate 25. Despite the low temps (starting at 38F);, high winds, and occasional snow fall, we had an excellent trip. We had a few pockets of (non-yellow-rumped); migrant warblers, and yesterday's cold front definitely "put down" down some migrants on the body of the reservoir.

  Highlights of 57 species recorded: Wood Duck (11); American Black Duck (2); Green-winged Teal (4); Ring-necked Duck (6); White-winged Scoter (4 - 3m, 1f); Black Scoter (96 - One skittish raft in the North, taking off, flying around, and landing again); Ruddy Duck (2); Common Loon (22); Horned Grebe (4); Red-necked Grebe (2); Double-crested Cormorant (31); Great Blue Heron (3); Turkey Vulture (5); Osprey (1); Bald Eagle (3); Red-tailed Hawk (7); Killdeer (16); Bonaparte's Gull (1); Belted Kingfisher (1); Red-bellied Woodpecker (4); Hairy Woodpecker (1); Northern Flicker (2); Eastern Phoebe (2); Brown Creeper (2); Golden-crowned Kinglet (3); Eastern Bluebird (15); European Starling (252); American Pipit (16); Blackpoll Warbler (1); Palm Warbler (9); Yellow-rumped Warbler (54); Black-throated Green Warbler (1); Field Sparrow (1); White-throated Sparrow (12); Savannah Sparrow (3); Song Sparrow (8); Swamp Sparrow (1); Red-winged Blackbird (7); Common Grackle (9); House Finch (6);
  (report from Kevin Bourinot).

  10/18/15 -- Moose Hill WWMA, Paxton

  Highlights at Moose Hill WWMA today were: 4 Ruby-crowned Kinglets, 150+ Yellow-rumped Warblers, 44 Yellow Palm Warblers, 1 Western Palm Warbler (for those who care), 1 Black-throated Green and 1 Blackpoll Warbler, 125+ Chipping Sparrows, 50+ White-throated Sparrows, (NO White-crowned!) 1 Lincoln's Sparrow, 35 Song Sparrows, only 10 Swamp Sparrows and 6 Rusty Blackbirds.

  Yesterday (10/17) I saw an adult Snow Goose with 30 Canada's fly over the house.
  (report from Rodney Jenkins)

  10/18/15 -- Mount Wachusett, Princeton

  Raptors observed today: Osprey 1 ; Sharp-shinned Hawk 15 ; Cooper's Hawk 4 ; Rough-legged Hawk 4 ; American Kestrel 3 ; Merlin 1 .

  Raptor Observations: 2 Turkey Vultures & 3 Red-Tailed Hawks.

  Non-raptor Observations: Yellowrump warblers, Blue Jays, Canada Geese
  (report from Rod Chase)

  10/18/15 -- Mount Watatic, Ashburnham

  Raptors observed today: Turkey Vulture 3 ; Sharp-shinned Hawk 16 ; Cooper's Hawk 1 ; Red-shouldered Hawk 2 ; Red-tailed Hawk 4 .

  Raptor Observations: non migrating 3 BE's and 2 RT's. The brakes were put on a slowish flight by heavy clouds and several snow squalls.

  Non-raptor Observations: A dozen + Ravens, 90 migrating Canada Geese, 2 C. Loons moving southbound.
  (report from Tom Pirro)

  10/17/15 -- Wachusett Reservoir

  We had a nice last MAS class trip to WACHUSETT RESERVOIR, even though the windy conditions made it difficult to bird at times. We visited: Gates 8, 10, 17, 25, 37, Scar Hill Bluffs, and finally the dam.

  BIRDS seen included: Common Loon (12); Double-crested Cormorant (38); Turkey Vulture (1); Canada Goose (102); A Black Duck (2); Mallard (6); Blue-winged Teal (1); Green-winged Teal (4); Common Merganser (24); Osprey (2); Bald Eagle (1ad: nice views); Red-tailed Hawk (3: incuding pair in display flight); Bonaparte's Gull (1); Blue-headed Vireo (1); Golden-crowned Kinglet (2); Ruby-crowned Kinglet (1); Hermit Thrush (1); American Pipit (7); Yellow-rumped Warbler (39: we got to watch some feasting on the berries of Poison Ivy); Palm Warbler (10); Blackpoll Warbler (1); Savannah Sparrow (9)
  (report from Mark Lynch/Sheila Carroll).

  10/14/15 -- Leicester

  At the reservoir on Mullberry St/rt.56 I had a rather late Least Sandpiper. Also, 1 Solitary Sandpiper and 4 Killdeer. There was no sign of any of them on October 15. (report from Rodney Jenkins)

  10/12/2015 -- Barre Falls Dam, Barre

  Great teamwork at the hawkwatch today, from Liam Hart, Bill Lafleche, Dave Grant, and Donna Schilling, produced nine species of raptors in an impossibly blue sky.  Migrants: Turkey Vulture 3; Osprey 3; Bald Eagle (subadult) 1; Sharp-shinned Hawk 8; Cooper's Hawk 2; Red-tailed Hawk 2; American Kestrel 2; Merlin 1; Peregrine Falcon 1. (report from Donna Schilling)

  10/11/15 -- Quabog IBA, Brookfields/Sturbridge

  Our MAS class trip today was to the Quabog IBA in the Brookfields/Sturbridge area. We really only hit a very few spots within that IBA. We started at far too foggy Lake Quabog (though we managed 3 yellowlegs there), then off to a hike at Wells State Park, then back to Lake Quabog, on to Quacumquasit Wildlife Management Area and ended up at Lake Lashaway. We missed entirely the Richardson WMA, Lake Wickabog, Elm Hill MAS and the new East Quabbin Land Trust property, and that's just for starters.

  Birds included: Double-crested Cormorant (3); Great Blue Heron (9: including 1 that attempted to eat a turtle, but eventually gave up); Canada Goose (361); Wood Duck (4); A Black Duck (6); Mallard (28); Green-winged Teal (3); Cooper's Hawk (1); Red-tailed Hawk (3); Killdeer (2); Greater Yellowlegs (5); Solitary Sandpiper (1); Belted Kingfisher (2); Red-bellied Woodpecker (4); Yellow-bellied Sapsucker (2); Downy Woodpecker (3); Hairy Woodpecker (6); N Flicker (6); Pileated Woodpecker (1: great views as it flew across our view); Eastern Phoebe (2); Golden-crowned Kinglet (3); Ruby-crowned Kinglet (8); Hermit Thrush (5); Gray Catbird (12); Yellow-rumped Warbler (3); Palm Warbler (2); C Yellowthroat (1);

  SPARROWS: Eastern Towhee (7); Chipping (6); Field (2); Savannah (9); Song (19); Swamp (24); White-throated (43); Dark-eyed Junco (2);.

  Red-winged Blackbird (60+); Rusty Blackbird (11);

  We also had a great display of blooming WITCH HAZEL.
  (report from Mark Lynch).

  10/10/2015 -- Barre Falls Dam, Barre

  Today, following a cold front, Barre Falls hawk watchers recorded: Bald Eagle 1; Northern Harrier 2; Sharp-shinned Hawk 14; Cooper's Hawk 2; Broad-winged Hawk (imm.) 1; American Kestrel 1. Additional observations included 534 Canada Geese, migrating. (report from Donna Schilling)

  10/10/15 -- Wachusett Reservoir

  Today we birded Wachusett Reservoir. We started by hiking Gate 8, and also went to Scar Hill Bluffs, Gate 17, River Road, several gates along the dike and ended at the dam. Birds seen included: Common Loon (13); Double-crested Cormorant (56); Canada Goose (23); Mallard (11); SURF SCOTER (4: 1 from the dike, 3 others in the outflow pond on the other side of the dam, which is a very weird place for them); Common Goldeneye (1f continues); RED-BREASTED MERGANSER (1f); Red-tailed Hawk (1); Spotted Sandpiper (1); Common Raven (3); Golden-crowned Kinglet (8); Ruby-crowned Kinglet (9); Eastern Bluebird (16); Hermit Thrush (1); Yellow-rumped Warbler (11); (report from Mark Lynch/Sheila Carroll).

  10/8/15 -- Mount Wachusett, Princeton

  Raptors observed today: Black Vulture 1 ; Turkey Vulture 2 ; Osprey 1 ; Northern Harrier 1 ; Sharp-shinned Hawk 27 ; Cooper's Hawk 3 ; American Kestrel 10 ; Merlin 1 ; Peregrine Falcon 1 .

  Raptor Observations: 2 immature Bald Eagles (non-migrating) flew to North. Plenty of Sharpies

  Non-raptor Observations: 9 Gulls, 3 Ravens & 18 Cormorants in late PM.
  (report from Rod Chase)

  10/8/15 -- Mile Hill Rd, Wachusett Reservoir, Clinton

  At Mile Hill Rd, there were 14 White-winged Scoters, 3 Black Scoter, 1 Red-necked Grebe, and 2 Bonaparte's Gulls. The scoters are species #194 and 195 photographed this year in Worcester County.

  Also at Quabog Pond: 1 Killdeer-2 Bonaparte's Gull
  I have never had better looks at Bonies in this county than today. Birds flew in within 20 feet of me. photos on my flickr.
  (report from Justin Lawson).

  10/7/15 -- Mount Wachusett, Princeton

  Raptors observed today: Turkey Vulture 8 ; Bald Eagle 8 ; Sharp-shinned Hawk 2 ; Cooper's Hawk 1 ; Golden Eagle 2 ; American Kestrel 2 .

  Raptor Observations: Good Bald Eagle day with total of eleven but three immatures were flying North (not migrating). 2 Immature Golden Eagles. Locals: Red-Tailed Hawk, Turkey Vultures
  (report from Rod Chase)

  10/5/15 -- Mount Wachusett, Princeton

  Raptors observed today: Osprey 1 ; Bald Eagle 1 ; Northern Harrier 1 ; Sharp-shinned Hawk 3 ; Red-tailed Hawk 2 ; Peregrine Falcon 1 .

  Raptor Observations: I mature Bald Eagle. 2 migrating Red-Tailed Hawks moving from NE to SW.
  (report from Rod Chase)

  10/5/15 -- Gate 36 Wachusett Reservoir, Sterling

  I was able to see the Northern Wheatear that Justin Lawson found on the dike at Gate 36 Wachusett today between 3:50-4:20. (report from Scott Ricker).

  10/4/15 -- Sterling

  In Sterling I had

  Wachusett Reservoir Dike: Northern Wheatear, 10 American Pipit, 13 Common Loon, 8 DC Comorant.

  Coachlace Pond: 2 Lesser Scaup

  Newell Hill Road: 8 Eastern Blue Birds

  Sterling Peat: 4 White throated sparrows
  Also a ruby-throated hummingbird at my sisters at Ledge Crest Drive off Airport Drive (Worcester).
  (report from Susan LaBree).

  10/4/15 -- Mount Wachusett, Princeton

  Raptors observed today: Osprey 3 ; Bald Eagle 4 ; Northern Harrier 3 ; Sharp-shinned Hawk 14 ; Cooper's Hawk 2 ; American Kestrel 1 ; Merlin 1 ; Peregrine Falcon 1 .

  Raptor Observations: Local birds - 6 Turkey Vultures and 4 Red-Tailed Hawks. 4 Bald Eagles - 3 mature & 1 immature.

  Non-raptor Observations: Ravens - 6, Blue Jays - 19, & Phoebes - 8.
  (report from Rod Chase)

  10/4/15 -- Quabbin Park, Quabbin Reservoir

  Despite the wind and cold, my MAS class had a great trip to SOUTH QUABBIN/QUABBIN PARK: Common Loon (2); Double-crested Cormorant (2); Great Blue Heron (1); Turkey Vulture (2); Wood Duck (17); American Black Duck (21); Blue-winged Teal (1); Green-winged Teal (2); Bald Eagle (3: 2ad+1 sub ad); Red-tailed Hawk (2); Ring-billed Gull (111); Mourning Dove (18); Belted Kingfisher (1); Hairy Woodpecker (3); Northern Flicker (7); Pileated Woodpecker (1); Eastern Phoebe (5); Blue Jay (166: obvious movement west); American Crow (37); Common Raven (2); Black-capped Chickadee (11); Tufted Titmouse (1); Red-breasted Nuthatch (2); White-breasted Nuthatch (3); House Wren (1); Ruby-crowned Kinglet (5); Swainson's Thrush (1); American Robin (3); Gray Catbird (13); Yellow-rumped Warbler (6); Eastern Towhee (5); Chipping Sparrow (7); Savannah Sparrow (1); Song Sparrow (12); Swamp Sparrow (3); White-throated Sparrow (14); Northern Cardinal (1); American Goldfinch (8);

  Other vertebrates seen included great views of: Eastern Coyote; River Otter (3); Eastern Garter Snake (4); Milk Snake (1).
  (report from Mark Lynch/Sheila Carroll).

  10/3/15 -- Gate 36, Wachusett Reservoir, Sterling

  The Wheatear (see 10/1 report) continues to put on a good show feeding and sitting up on the rocks of the dike as of today. Here are some photos of the Wheatear. (report from Garry Kessler).

  10/3/15 -- Sterling Meadows, Sterling

  I have an eastern Phoebe in back of my patio at Sterling Meadows, seen about three times at around 11 o'clock sitting on the fence -- really cool! (report from Anita Griffis).

  10/1/15 -- Institute Park, Worcester

  Highlights during the past week:

  10/1/15 (at dusk): 1 DC Cormorant, 1 GB Heron, 1 Black-crowned Night-Heron, 1 Belted Kingfisher, 1 Red-bellied Woodpecker, 1 E Phoebe, 1 Yellow-rumped Warbler, 1 Black-throated Green Warbler, 1 Pine Warbler, 4 C Grackle

  9/29/15: 1 Black-crowned Night-Heron

  9/28: 1 GB Heron, 2 Green Herons, 1 Mute Swan, 1 Gray Catbird, 1 Yellow-rumped Warbler
  (report from Rick Quimby).

  10/1/15 -- Gate 36, Wachusett Reservoir, Sterling

  This afternoon I found a NORTHERN WHEATEAR at Gate 36 (in Sterling near the Clinton line on the northwest side of the reservoir). Pics will be on blog. (report from Justin Lawson).

  9/29/15 -- Berlin

  My wife (just got married) and I were treated to a concert of barred owls this evening (2135hrs). From what we could gather based upon location and number of calls, I'd say we had three or four owls in our front and back yard simultaneously. (report from Randy Langer).

  9/29/15 -- Westborough WMA

  Today Tim Spahr and Matt Garvey found a Clay-colored Sparrow around the abandoned shack at the Ballfields Entrance in the thickets near the Norway Spruce. Photos are here. This was my 189th bird photographed on the year in Worcester County for my Worcester County Photographic Big Year. Updates on my blog. (report from Justin Lawson).

  9/28/15 -- Rice Ciry Pond, Uxbridge

  One of the Great Egrets is still being seen at Rice City Pond on Hartford Ave in Uxbridge as of today. (report from Beth Milke)

  9/27/15 -- Ware River Watershed IBA

  Birds seen in the WARE RIVER WATERSHED IBA today with our MAS class: Turkey Vulture (2); Canada Goose (74); Wood Duck (33); Mallard (1); Broad-winged Hawk (66: including 1 kettle of 60); Wild Turkey (10); Spotted Sandpiper (1); Mourning Dove (1); Belted Kingfisher (1); Red-bellied Woodpecker (1); Downy Woodpecker (4); Hairy Woodpecker (3); N Flicker (2); E Phoebe (10); Blue-headed Vireo (14); Red-eyed Vireo (1); Blue Jay (46); A Crow (3); C Raven (2); Black-capped Chickadee (63); Red-breasted Nuthatch (4); White-breasted Nuthatch (6); Ruby-crowned Kinglet (15); Gray-cheeked Thrush (1); Swainson's Thrush (1+); Hermit Thrush (4+); A Robin (30+); Gray Catbird (42); Cedar Waxwing (8);

  WARBLERS: Tennessee (1); Yellow-rumped (11); Black-throated Green (1); Pine (13); Black and White (3); C Yellowthroat (6)

  SPARROWS: E Towhee (13); Chipping (14); Song (11); Swamp (13);.

  N Cardinal (2); Red-winged Blackbird (15);.

  RUTLAND: THAYER POND: Double-crested Cormorant (1); Wood Duck (14); Killdeer (2);
  (report from Mark Lynch/Sheila Carroll).

  9/27/15 -- Mount Wachusett, Princeton

  Raptors observed today: Osprey 4 ; Bald Eagle 3 ; Sharp-shinned Hawk 8 ; Cooper's Hawk 1 ; Broad-winged Hawk 13 ; American Kestrel 1 ; Peregrine Falcon 1 .

  Raptor Observations: Very quiet today. The raptors may have left for the season. Locals: 2 Red-Tailed Hawks; 12 or more Turkey Vultures.

  Non-raptor Observations: Blue Jays, Juncos, American Towhees
  (report from Rod Chase)

  9/27/15 -- Barre Falls Dam, Barre

  Weekend totals (9/26-9/27) from the Barre Falls Hawk Watch were:  Osprey 7; Bald Eagle 1; Sharp-shinned Hawk 9; Cooper's Hawk 1; BROAD-WINGED HAWK 675; Red-tailed Hawk 1; American Kestrel 1. 

  On 9/26, at 12:55 pm EST, 600 Broad-wings suddenly appeared in our northern view as if by magic, anchored by a single Osprey. In just 3 minutes, they were gone. Forming the perfect coda to this astonishing spectacle was one adult Bald Eagle. A similar, but much less dramatic, event occurred Sunday morning (9/27) when a kettle of 65 Broad-wings materialized in the blue sky.  On both days only a handful of additional Broad-winged Hawks were observed.

  Non-raptor observations:  1 Snow Goose, traveling with Canada Geese.  162 Canada Geese; 2 Monarch Butterflies.
  (report from Donna Schilling).

  9/26/15 -- Westboro/Northboro

  Today we birded a few areas in the WESTBORO WMA. Birds variety was poor. Highlights, such as they were:

  WESTBORO WMA: Great Blue Heron (3); Canada Goose (60); Wood Duck (3); Sharp-shinned Hawk (1); Red-shouldered Hawk (1); Pileated Woodpecker (3); E Phoebe (9); E Bluebird (4); Gray Catbird (46); Yellow-rumped Warbler (1); Pine Warbler (1); Palm Warbler (5); C Yellowthroat (6); White-throated Sparrow (8); Indigo Bunting (2); Red-winged Blackbird (22);

  Then, at BARTLETT POND, NORTHBORO: Double-crested Cormorant (1); Great Blue Heron (1); Green Heron (2); Mute Swan (5); Killdeer (3); Spotted Sandpiper (2); American Pipit (6); Northern Waterthrush (1);

  At SuAsCo, Westboro: Double-crested Cormorant (12); Great Blue Heron (1); Great Egret (1); Mute Swan (48); Canada Goose (75); Mallard (29); Green-winged Teal (7); Blue-winged Teal (1);
  (report from Mark Lynch/Sheila Carroll).

  9/26/15 -- Mount Watatic, Ashburnham

  Raptors observed today, and season summary:

  -------------------------------------------------------------------
  Species            Day's Count    Month Total   Season Total
  ------------------ ----------- -------------- --------------
  Black Vulture                0              0              0
  Turkey Vulture               5              8              8
  Osprey                      18             71             72
  Bald Eagle                   3             55             58
  Northern Harrier             3              8              8
  Sharp-shinned Hawk          56            263            266
  Cooper's Hawk                7             77             78
  Northern Goshawk             0              0              0
  Red-shouldered Hawk          0              0              0
  Broad-winged Hawk          769           5692           5723
  Red-tailed Hawk              0              0              0
  Rough-legged Hawk            0              0              0
  Golden Eagle                 0              0              0
  American Kestrel             7             38             38
  Merlin                       1             45             45
  Peregrine Falcon             0              8              8
  

  Raptor Observations: Nice morning, though initially a few very "blinky" kettles were very distant to east. Then a nice dense group ~325 were within reasonable range to the NW, then a few more "Blinky" kettles to the NW, coming off or rather toward "Pack". We were thinking maybe Pack had another big flight and surpassed 20K for the season? we'll see, hopefully someone got MuCullough's birds!..we got a piece of it and were pleased.

  Non-raptor Observations: ~425 Canada Geese, 3 DC Corms, 1/2 dozen Monarchs, a few dozen ravens.
  (report from Tom Pirro)

  9/26/15 -- Mount Wachusett, Princeton

  Raptors observed today, and season summary:

  ------------------ ----------- -------------- --------------
  Black Vulture                0              1              1
  Turkey Vulture               0              0             12
  Osprey                       6            180            187
  Bald Eagle                   7            110            118
  Northern Harrier             3             15             16
  Sharp-shinned Hawk           9            289            295
  Cooper's Hawk                4             62             68
  Northern Goshawk             0              0              0
  Red-shouldered Hawk          0             10             12
  Broad-winged Hawk           54          11158          11189
  Red-tailed Hawk              0              2             12
  Rough-legged Hawk            0              0              0
  Golden Eagle                 0              2              2
  American Kestrel             3             93            101
  Merlin                       0             25             26
  Peregrine Falcon             2             30             30
  

  Raptor Observations: Local Birds: 10 Turkey Vultures, 2 Immature Red-Tailed Hawks playing throughout the day. Some dog-fighting with Sharpies dive-bombing immature Red-Tailed Hawks. Broad-Winged Hawks are staying north of Mount Wachusett.

  Non-raptor Observations: 7 Ravens, 146 Canada Geese, Commorant.
  (report from Rod Chase)

  9/25/15 -- Mount Wachusett, Princeton

  Raptors observed today: Osprey 13 ; Bald Eagle 3 ; Sharp-shinned Hawk 33 ; Cooper's Hawk 3 ; American Kestrel 8 ; Merlin 2 ; Peregrine Falcon 1 .

  Raptor Observations: No Broad-Winged Hawks seen. Lots of Osprey and Sharpie activity. Local Turkey Vultures, immature Red-Tailed Hawks playing all day. Bald Eagles were all immatures.

  Non-raptor Observations: Blue Jays, Juncos, Ravens & Canadian Geese.
  (report from Rod Chase)

  9/25/15 -- All Faiths Cemetery/Leesvile Pond, Worcester

  Today I walked down the bank on the extreme right side of the cemetery, where a bench is next to the shore.I saw a Great Blue Heron next to the shore. I started snapping pictures when I heard a female voice say "He is stuck" A young amorous couple was having lunch on the bench near the juvenile Great Blue Heron, which was tangled up in fishing line . I took off my shoes and socks, waded in to help the nervous GBH .I turned around to ask the couple to retrieve a knife from my backpack, and they had disappeared. I was able to snap the line which was wrapped around the bird all over it and untangle the line which was stuck in between the feathers of his wing. His (or her) wing was badly damaged, and he could not fly.I called The Fish and Wildlife, they instructed me to call The Animal Rescue League in Boston. I got an answering machine and left a message. It would require a canoe, or rowboat, and maybe a large net to rescue this wounded animal.It is probably hiding near the shore at the end of the cemetery on the right, maybe in between the shore and the tiny island next to the peninsula. Any help or suggestions to save this bird would be nice. (report from Brian Mulhearn)

  9/24/15 -- Mount Wachusett, Princeton

  Raptors observed today:

  -------------------------------------------------------------------
  Species            Day's Count    Month Total   Season Total
  ------------------ ----------- -------------- --------------
  Black Vulture                0              1              1
  Turkey Vulture               0              0             12
  Osprey                       4            161            168
  Bald Eagle                   4            100            108
  Northern Harrier             2             12             13
  Sharp-shinned Hawk          26            247            253
  Cooper's Hawk                7             55             61
  Northern Goshawk             0              0              0
  Red-shouldered Hawk          0             10             12
  Broad-winged Hawk           25          11104          11135
  Red-tailed Hawk              0              2             12
  Rough-legged Hawk            0              0              0
  Golden Eagle                 1              2              2
  American Kestrel             6             82             90
  Merlin                       1             23             24
  Peregrine Falcon             1             27             27
  

  Raptor Observations: Second Golden Eagle of the season. A lot of Sharpies. Local Juvenile Red-Tailed Hawks putting on a show most of the day. Local Turkey Vultures.

  Non-raptor Observations: Blue Jays, Juncos, and kettle of 10 Ravens.
  (report from Rod Chase)

  9/24/15 -- Quinapoxet Reservoir, Holden

  This morning from the chain link fence at the Quinapoxet Reservoir I saw a Stilt Sandpiper. It was feeding close to the fence. Some crows walking nearby made it nervous. It took off and flew out of sight to the west side. (report from Bart Kamp).

  9/23/15 -- Mount Wachusett, Princeton

  Raptors observed today: Osprey 11 ; Bald Eagle 6 ; Sharp-shinned Hawk 10 ; Cooper's Hawk 4 ; Red-shouldered Hawk 1 ; Broad-winged Hawk 23 ,

  Raptor Observations: Bald Eagles were a mixture of mature & immature birds. Broad-Wing flight never happened. Even with lots of Sun, there were few thermals created. Local Red-Shouldered Hawk and 4 Red-Tailed Hawks (local mature & immature).

  Non-raptor Observations: Blue Jays; Three American Towhees; 25+ Ravens - One was a kettle of 14 birds.
  (report from Rod Chase)

  9/22/15 -- Mount Wachusett, Princeton

  Raptors observed today: Osprey 1 ; Bald Eagle 1 ; Sharp-shinned Hawk 1 ; Broad-winged Hawk 2 ; American Kestrel 1 .

  Raptor Observations: Local Red-Tailed Hawks (immature)-4. Local Turkey Vultures. 1 Local Black Vulture - 1 year bird (seen in AM & PM). Unconfirmed report of three more Juvenile 1 Year Black Vultures feeding on same carrion in same place. Bald Eagle was a mature bird. Most of migrating Broad-Winged Hawks were held to the North due prevailing upper SE Wind.

  Non-raptor Observations: 4 to 5 Juncos on Summit. American Towhees, Blue Jays.
  (report from Rod Chase)

  9/21/15 -- Mount Watatic, Ashburnham

  Raptors observed today: Turkey Vulture 3 ; Osprey 4 ; Bald Eagle 2 ; Northern Harrier 1 ; Sharp-shinned Hawk 40 ; Cooper's Hawk 4 ; Broad-winged Hawk 259 ; American Kestrel 11 ; Merlin 8 ; Peregrine Falcon 1 .

  Raptor Observations: Several close SS, AK's and BW's. Local RT's put a nice show. Several TV"s milling about and a few were likely on the move. Largest BW kettle was 62 and few in the 20's, for a while in the morning it looked like there might be a "late inning rally", but mother nature brought in the closer. Not a big day but very nice! Merlins continued to show well for our site.

  Non-raptor Observations: A few ravens put on a ridiculously close display of acrobatics and vocalization....that's what I want to be when I grow up! 1 C. Loon,headed west, likely a local bird out for a wing stretch.
  (report from Tom Pirro)

  9/21/15 -- Mount Wachusett, Princeton

  Raptors observed today: Osprey 8 ; Bald Eagle 4 ; Sharp-shinned Hawk 38 ; Cooper's Hawk 3 ; Red-shouldered Hawk 2 ; Broad-winged Hawk 369 ; American Kestrel 18 ; Merlin 5 .

  Raptor Observations: Bulk of Broad-Winged Activity in the morning. Less activity as the PM progressed. 4 Mature Bald Eagles. Sharpie dive-bombing a Red-Tailed Hawk Local Merlin, Local Turkey Vultures.

  Non-raptor Observations: American Towhee; Juncos; Blue Jays; 10 Ravens.
  (report from Rod Chase)

  9/20/15 -- Bolton Flats, Bolton

  Highlights of the Forbush Bird Club trip to Bolton Flats WMA were flights of American Robins and red-winged blackbirds leaving roosts, many Eastern Phoebes with the majority seen from the red barn entrance off rt 110, and hawks migrating throughout mid-morning. Specific numerical highlights were Wood Duck (6); Double-crested Cormorant (2); Osprey (1); Sharp-shinned Hawk (4); Cooper's Hawk (4); Broad-winged Hawk (4); Red-tailed Hawk (5); Northern Flicker (8); Pileated Woodpecker (2); American Kestrel (3); Eastern Phoebe (24); Eastern Bluebird (6); American Robin (151); Gray Catbird (14); Cedar Waxwing (5); Common Yellowthroat (17); Palm Warbler (11); Chipping Sparrow (1); Savannah Sparrow ( 8); Song Sparrow (32); Lincoln's Sparrow (5); Swamp Sparrow (16); Indigo Bunting (1); Bobolink (15); Red-winged Blackbird (470); Common Grackle (36); American Goldfinch (29).
  (report from Kevin Bourinot, fide Deb Berard).

  9/20/15 -- Mount Wachusett, Princeton

  Raptors observed today: Osprey 22 ; Bald Eagle 15 ; Northern Harrier 1 ; Sharp-shinned Hawk 35 ; Cooper's Hawk 4 ; Red-shouldered Hawk 4 ; Broad-winged Hawk 911 ; American Kestrel 10 ; Merlin 4 ; Peregrine Falcon 1 .

  Raptor Observations: Bald Eagles - 5 Adult, 9 immature. Another 8 or so roaming around. Also many local TVs, Red-Tailed Hawks, Broad-Winged Hawks and a Cooper's Hawk. 3 Broad-Winged Hawks with full crops; over a dozen Broad-Winged kettles with 20 to 50 birds.

  Non-raptor Observations: Juncos, American Towhees, Catbirds, & Blue Jays. Also a banner year for acorns.
  (report from Rod Chase)

  9/20/15 -- Quaboag IBA

  Today we birded the QUABOG IBA visiting all 4 large ponds/lakes; Elm Hill MAS and hiked in the new E Quabbin Land Trust area Pynchon Mill (across from the north end of Lake Wickabog). Land birds were tough to come by. The water at Lake Quabog has lowered a bit and the edge along the southeastern side had all the shorebirds.

  Highlights: Great Blue Heron (6); Green Heron (1); Blue-winged Teal (2); Green-winged Teal (2); Bald Eagle (2ad); Red-shouldered Hawk (1); Killdeer (6); Greater Yellowlegs (6); Semipalmated Sandpiper (1); Least Sandpiper (12); Belted Kingfisher (1); Pileated Woodpecker (1); E Phoebe (21); Blue-headed Vireo (1); Winter Wren (1);

  WARBLERS: Pine (3 singing); Black and White (1); C Yellowthroat (8)

  Swamp Sparrow (11); Indigo Bunting (2); Red-winged Blackbird (flock of 22 in marsh)
  (report from Mark Lynch/Sheila Carroll).

  9/20/15 -- Mount Watatic, Ashburnham

  Raptors observed today: Osprey 13 ; Bald Eagle 6 ; Northern Harrier 1 ; Sharp-shinned Hawk 39 ; Cooper's Hawk 5 ; Broad-winged Hawk 476 ; American Kestrel 2 ; Merlin 4 .

  Raptor Observations: Largest BW kettle was just over 40, with a few others in the 20 range and several in the teens. A local RT or two in the area. Still many TV's "on the fence".

  Non-raptor Observations: 3 monarch butterflies, yellow-rumped and Blackpoll warblers, several Ravens and Pileated Woodpecker being the most noteable
  (report from Tom Pirro)

  9/19/15 -- Otter River, Winchendon/South Royalston

  Today we birded the Otter River SF-Birch Hill Dam parcel in Winchendon and South Royalston. Bird numbers and variety were very low and we went through many areas that had nothing. Many breeding birds have left and most migrants were absent. Highlights: Wood Duck (23); A Black Duck (2); Sharp-shinned Hawk (1); A Kestrel (3); Merlin (1); Ruby-throated Hummingbird (1); E Phoebe (42); Blue-headed Vireo (3); Red-eyed Vireo (1); Blue Jay (52); Red-breasted Nuthatch (41); House Wren (2); Hermit Thrush (1);

  WARBLERS: Yellow-rumped (10); Black-throated Green (7); Pine (63); Palm (4); Blackpoll (1); Black and White (1); C Yellowthroat (21)

  Lincoln Sparrow (1); Swamp Sparrow (21); White-throated Sparrow (22);
  (report from Mark Lynch/Sheila Carroll).

  9/19/15 -- Mount Watatic, Ashburnham

  Raptors observed today: Osprey 2 ; Bald Eagle 4 ; Sharp-shinned Hawk 16 ; Cooper's Hawk 9 ; Broad-winged Hawk 85 ; American Kestrel 7 ; Merlin 4 ; Peregrine Falcon 3 .

  Raptor Observations: Very few Broad-winged kettles seemed to form in the winds today - a few groups of ambitious 'Wings got together, but seemed to be losing migratory progress. However, we were treated to several very close looks by the Accipiters and Falcons today. A Coop/Sharpie tandem played overhead, delighting visitors with a close look at these cousins. A handful of Peregrine Falcons also made for delightful viewing.

  Non-raptor Observations: Red-tailed Hawks again were prominent today - at least 7 individuals with 5 being airborne at one point. I'm not exactly sure when to call them migrants vs. locals, but it was rather exciting to find 5 together. 17 Turkey Vultures (non-migrating) and 5 Common Ravens rounded out the day.
  (report from Brian Rusnica).

  9/19/15 -- Mount Wachusett, Princeton

  Raptors observed today: Osprey 7 ; Bald Eagle 3 ; Sharp-shinned Hawk 1 ; Broad-winged Hawk 71 ; American Kestrel 2 ; Merlin 1 ; Peregrine Falcon 1 .

  Raptor Observations: Low number of Raptors flying due to SW winds. Local birds - 4 Red-Tailed Hawks, 1 Peregrine Falcon, 2 Sharp-Shinned Hawks, 8 Turkey Vultures.

  Non-raptor Observations: American Towhees - 3 and variety of Juncos. Ravens - 16
  (report from Rod Chase)

  9/18/15 -- Mount Watatic, Ashburnham

  Raptors observed today: Osprey 4 ; Bald Eagle 5 ; Sharp-shinned Hawk 7 ; Cooper's Hawk 4 ; Broad-winged Hawk 187 ; American Kestrel 1 ; Merlin 4 ; Peregrine Falcon 1 .

  Raptor Observations: Broad-wings seemed to be kettling early over the West side of Watatic, but that action did not continue as the South winds took over. My closest looks of the year for Bald Eagles occurred today - with a 2nd or 3rd year bird going directly over the summit, and a full adult passing below it. We had a few inter-species fights as per usual - including a Peregrine getting pricked by a Kestrel, and a Merlin assailing a Red-tail. Photo highlights from the season can be found here.

  Non-raptor Observations: The most local Red-tailed Hawk action of my season occurred today as well, with probably 5 individuals passing over the summit at various times throughout the day - none appeared to be migrants. Also, the usual 16 Turkey Vultures (non-migrating) and a few Common Ravens.
  (report from Brian Rusnica).

  9/18/15 -- Mount Wachusett, Princeton

  Raptors observed today: Osprey 16 ; Bald Eagle 7 ; Sharp-shinned Hawk 16 ; Cooper's Hawk 1 ; Broad-winged Hawk 430 ; American Kestrel 7 ; Merlin 1 ; Peregrine Falcon 2 .

  Raptor Observations: 3 Local Red-Tailed Hawks, 1 Cooper's Hawk, 1 Peregrine Falcon. Obvious reduction in number of migrating birds

  Non-raptor Observations: Juncos & American Towhees
  (report from Rod Chase)

  9/17/15 -- Mount Watatic, Ashburnham

  Raptors observed today: Osprey 6 ; Bald Eagle 8 ; Sharp-shinned Hawk 18 ; Cooper's Hawk 13 ; Broad-winged Hawk 2475 ; American Kestrel 3 ; Merlin 3 .

  Raptor Observations: Completely quiet until 10:15am EDT, when the kettles began to emerge from the green off the east side of Watatic. About 500 Broad-wings per hour came through over the next 5 hours... some huge kettles and some very long streams. The pinnacle of the day was a massive, super-kettle at 2:05pm EDT - with 275 'Wings in a massive column off the East side of the mountain. Several kettles were within naked eye sight of the summit. Great day for Broad-wings, nothing noteworthy on the other species.

  Non-raptor Observations: 27 Turkey Vultures (non-migrating), 6 Common Ravens, 2 Red-tailed Hawks (non-migrating), 15 Canada Geese, and 2 Barn Swallows.
  (report from Brian Rusnica).

  9/17/15 -- Mount Wachusett, Princeton

  Raptors observed today: Osprey 34 ; Bald Eagle 5 ; Northern Harrier 3 ; Sharp-shinned Hawk 14 ; Cooper's Hawk 5 ; Broad-winged Hawk 5433 ; American Kestrel 6 ; Merlin 1 ; Peregrine Falcon 4 .

  Raptor Observations: Local TV s - 9, Red-Tailed Hawks (Local mature & immature),1 Unconfirmed Northern Goshawk, & 1 Local Merlin.

  Non-raptor Observations: American Towhees; Blue Jays; Juncos
  (report from Rod Chase)

  9/17/15 -- Ware River Watershed IBA

  Today we birded around the southern section of the Ware River Watershed IBA. Migrants were tough to come by and there were long stretches of forest where we hardly turned up any birds. We stopped by the Barre Falls hawkwatch site and when we were there, the dedicated hawkwatchers were having a slow day (so far) and the clear skies weren't making it any easier.

  Highlights: Great Blue Heron (3); Wood Duck (25); N Harrier (1); Sharp-shinned Hawk (2); NORTHERN GOSHAWK (1imm: seen very well perched and flying); Red-shouldered Hawk (1); Belted Kingfisher (3); N Flicker (16); E Wood Peewee (6); E Phoebe (28); Yellow-throated Vireo (1); Blue-headed Vireo (10); Red-eyed Vireo (4); House Wren (6); Swainson?s Thrush (1); Hermit Thrush (7); Cedar Waxwing (51);

  WARBLERS: N Parula (3); Chestnut-sided (1); Black-throated Blue (1); Yellow-rumped (6); Black-throated Green (22); Blackburnian (1); Pine (34); Prairie (2); Palm (1); Blackpoll (1: our first for the fall migration season); Black and White (2); A Redstart (4); C Yellowthroat (24)

  E Towhee (23); Rose-breasted Grosbeak (2);.

  Still many darner species flying and Buck Moths are beginning to be seen zipping over fields.
  (report from Mark Lynch/Sheila Carroll).

  9/16/15 -- Mount Wachusett, Princeton

  Raptors observed today: Osprey 8 ; Bald Eagle 6 ; Northern Harrier 1 ; Sharp-shinned Hawk 17 ; Cooper's Hawk 4 ; Broad-winged Hawk 1537 ; American Kestrel 4 ; Merlin 1 ; Peregrine Falcon 2 .

  Raptor Observations: 4 Local Red-Tailed Hawks; 5 local Turkey Vultures; After 1:00 PM, Broad-Wings migration dried up and basically stopped for the PM.

  Non-raptor Observations: 2 American Towhees; 5 Ravens;
  (report from Rod Chase)

  9/16/15 -- Mount Watatic, Ashburnham

  Raptors observed today: Osprey 9 ; Bald Eagle 7 ; Northern Harrier 1 ; Sharp-shinned Hawk 25 ; Cooper's Hawk 10 ; Broad-winged Hawk 735 ; American Kestrel 7 ; Merlin 5 ; Peregrine Falcon 1 .

  Raptor Observations: 2 to 3 "local" RT's, 1 ad and 1 juv. RS, 3-4 BE's , and a few dozen uncommitted TV's. Larger kettles ranged from the 40 to 70 range. Non-raptor Observations: 2 RT hummingbird, 1 Am. Pipit, a very vocal Pileated Woodpecker, Blue-headed Vireo, Yellow-rumped and Blackpoll Warblers. Flying ants from hell, not hundreds, not thousands but millions, covered us once the wind died off and large plumes seriously obstructing our view to the east for the late morning.
  (report from Brian Rusnica).

  9/16/15 -- Berlin

  I had a small kettle (35) of broad-winged hawks right overhead at my place here in Berlin this morning around 10:30. Never seen them circling here before. (report from Randy Langer).

  9/16/15 -- Barre Falls Dam, Barre

  On a day that felt like mid-July, Barre Falls' observers tallied: Osprey 8; Bald Eagle 2; Northern Harrier 4; Sharp-shinned Hawk 24; BROAD-WINGED HAWK 1089; American Kestrel 1.

  Non-raptor observations: 1 Monarch Butterfly.
  (report from Donna Schilling)

  9/15/15 -- Mount Watatic, Ashburnham

  Raptors observed today: Osprey 6 ; Bald Eagle 6 ; Northern Harrier 1 ; Sharp-shinned Hawk 29 ; Cooper's Hawk 8 ; Broad-winged Hawk 451 ; Merlin 2 . Raptor Observations: All was quiet until a slight dip in windspeed around 9:30am EDT, and then the kettling began! Broad-wings were assembling across the horizon in groups of 10-20, and peeling south with no resistance. For the next four hours, the pace continued - culminating with a huge mass of 55 birds around 12:30pm EDT. Very exciting! My only regret is how many distant kettles I might have missed as I was tracking the closer ones.
  The afternoon count was not as strong - and my suspicion is that I missed many high-altitude groups "in the blue", rising in the warm air. Still a great day for 'Wings, and Sharpies too!

  Non-raptor Observations: 18 Turkey Vultures (non-migrating), 8 Common Ravens, 1 Red-tailed Hawk (non-migrating), 15 Canada Geese, 1 Gull sp.
  (report from Brian Rusnica).

  9/15/15 -- Barre Falls Dam, Barre

  Several Central MA observers enjoyed the first good hawk flight of the season today at Barre Falls.  Totals for 9/15:  Osprey 4; Bald Eagle 2; Northern Harrier 1; Sharp-shinned Hawk 3; Cooper's Hawk 1; Red-shouldered Hawk 1; BROAD-WINGED HAWK 522; American Kestrel 2.

  Non-raptor observations:  4 Monarch Butterflies.
  (report from Donna Schilling).

  9/15/15 -- Mount Wachusett, Princeton

  Raptors observed today: Osprey 16 ; Bald Eagle 18 ; Sharp-shinned Hawk 30 ; Cooper's Hawk 6 ; Broad-winged Hawk 2027 ; Golden Eagle 1 ; American Kestrel 7 ; Peregrine Falcon 3 ;

  Raptor Observations: 1 local Red-Shouldered Hawk; 1 local Cooper's Hawk; 7 local Turkey Vultures

  Non-raptor Observations: 6 Ravens; American Towhees singing (not seen); 6 Juncos
  (report from Rod Chase)

  9/14/15 -- Mount Wachusett, Princeton

  Raptors observed today: Sharp-shinned Hawk 1 ; Cooper's Hawk 1 ; Broad-winged Hawk 6 ;

  Raptor Observations: Local Turkey Vulture - 2; Local Cooper's Hawk - 1; Local Red-Tailed Hawks - 2; Local Broad-Winged Hawk - 1

  Non-raptor Observations: Ravens - 8; Towhee - 1(seen) but others around; Local Blue Jays 3
  (report from Rod Chase)

  9/14/15 -- Mount Watatic, Ashburnham

  Raptors observed today: Osprey 2 ; Bald Eagle 8 ; Northern Harrier 1 ; Sharp-shinned Hawk 5 ; Cooper's Hawk 5 ; Broad-winged Hawk 161 ; Merlin 2 ; Peregrine Falcon 1 .

  Raptor Observations: Striking bird on the approach to Watatic - an adult Red-shouldered Hawk (non-migrant) was hunting in a beaver pond near Wag Hill Road. Photos on my Flickr account. Other than that, fierce early winds meant only the strong flyers were up when I arrived. First bird of the day was a feisty Peregrine Falcon. However, around 12:15pm EDT, the winds eased a bit, and a huge flight picked up in advance of a line of showers around 1:30pm. Broad-wings were abundant in this hour - over 150 kettling and peeling in the stiff west wind! Unfortunately, after the shower, very little migrant action to report. Still best day of the season and a very exciting afternoon!

  Photo Highlights from this Fall Season can be found here.
  • Non-raptor Observations: 22 Common Ravens, 14 Turkey Vultures (non-migrating), 2 Red-tailed Hawks (non-migrating) and 1 very confused Double-Crested Cormorant.
    (report from Brian Rusnica).

  9/12/15 -- Mount Wachusett, Princeton

  Raptors observed today: Black Vulture 1 ; Osprey 6 ; Bald Eagle 6 ; Northern Harrier 1 ; Sharp-shinned Hawk 12 ; Cooper's Hawk 1 ; Broad-winged Hawk 57 ; American Kestrel 1 ; Merlin 1 .

  Raptor Observations: Local Broad-Wings - 2; Local Red-Tailed Hawks - 6; Local Turkey Vultures - 25; The 11th Black Vulture ever recorded at MT. Wachusett. (Thanks to Drumlins Farm Peregrine Bird Club)

  Non-raptor Observations: Ravens - 5; Hummingbird - 1; Chimney Swift - 1; Common Loon - 1; Tree Swallow - 3.
  (report from Rod Chase)

  9/12/15 -- Mount Watatic, Ashburnham

  Raptors observed today: Osprey 1 ; Bald Eagle 3 ; Sharp-shinned Hawk 17 ; Cooper's Hawk 9 ; Broad-winged Hawk 55 ; Merlin 3 ; Peregrine Falcon 1 .

  Raptor Observations: The 10am EDT hour seemed like the opening of the gates we were waiting for: 40 birds that hour rode thermals near the East Summit, bringing several Broad-wings close to the site. Rest of the day sputtered and slowed to a trickle by afternoon. Inter-species highlights were a Peregrine Falcon vs. Common Raven dogfight, as well as a brief Merlin vs. Broad-winged Hawk tussle. Photo Highlights from this Fall Season can be found here.

  Non-raptor Observations: 15+ Ravens throughout the day, 10 non-migrant Turkey Vultures, 2 non-migrant Red-tailed Hawks, 2 non-migrant Bald Eagles, 3 Ruby-throated Hummingbirds, 1 Yellow-rumped Warbler, 1 Black-throated Green Warbler
  (report from Brian Rusnica).

  9/11/15 -- Mount Wachusett, Princeton

  Raptors observed today: Osprey 4 ; Bald Eagle 6 ; Sharp-shinned Hawk 9 ; Cooper's Hawk 7 ; Broad-winged Hawk 9 ; American Kestrel 4 ; Merlin 3 ; Peregrine Falcon 4 ;

  Raptor Observations: 3 Red-Shouldered Hawks (Local); 10 and more immature & mature Red-Tailed Hawks (Local) & some nice shows of immatures playing; 11 local Turkey Vultures. A nice show of a PG fighting an immature Red-Tailed Hawk.

  Non-raptor Observations: Ravens - 3; Juncos - 2
  (report from Rod Chase)

  9/10/15 -- Uxbridge

  2 Great Egrets were at J.Whitin Pond off E. Hartford Avenue near the Rte 122 intersection. Egrets have been seen here and/or at Rice City Pond since July 25. (report from Beth Milke)

  9/10/15 -- Quabog Pond Boat Ramp, Brookfield

  This morning there were 3 Lesser Yellowlegs, 1 Greater Yellowlegs, 11 Killdeer, 4 Semipalmated Plovers, 50+ Least Sandpipers, 2 Blue-winged Teal, and 1 Northern Shoveler.  (report from Justin Lawson).

  9/9/15 -- Mount Wachusett, Princeton

  Raptors observed today: Osprey 2 ; Sharp-shinned Hawk 1 ; Peregrine Falcon 1 .

  Raptor Observations: 16 Local Turkey Vultures; 7 Red-Tailed Hawks (local)

  Non-raptor Observations: 8 Ravens 2 Chimney Swifts
  (report from Rod Chase).

  9/8/15 -- Mount Wachusett, Princeton

  Raptors observed today: Sharp-shinned Hawk 6 ; Broad-winged Hawk 1 ; Merlin 1 .

  Raptor Observations: Turkey Vultures - 11 local; Immature & mature Broad Wing -2; 11 Local Turkey Vultures; 2 Local Broad-Wings (Mature & Immature); 1 Local Red-Shouldered.
  (report from Rod Chase).

  9/8/15 -- Quinapauxet Reservoir, Holden

  This AM there was a group of 4 AMERICAN GOLDEN PLOVERS (adult post breeding) and 1juvenile BLACK-BELLIED PLOVER. The latter was separate from the flock of golden plovers. We watched them for 15+ minutes, then drove south to the overlook of the southern part of the reservoir, and the Golden Plovers had flown in those 5 seconds! The Black-bellied remained. Other birds there included Common Loon (1 calling); Double-crested Cormorant (3); Green-winged Teal (3); Killdeer (17); Greater Yellowlegs (6); Lesser Yellowlegs (2); Spotted Sandpiper (3); Solitary Sandpiper (1); Semipalmated Sandpiper (1); Least Sandpiper (5). (report from Mark Lynch/Sheila Carroll).

  9/7/15 -- Mount Watatic, Ashburnham

  Raptors observed today: Osprey 2 ; Bald Eagle 1 ; Sharp-shinned Hawk 5 ; Cooper's Hawk 2 ; Broad-winged Hawk 11 ; Merlin 3 .

  Raptor Observations: Slow trickle of single birds today. Highlights were a pair of Merlins engaged in a fierce dogfight off the East summit.

  Non-raptor Observations: 2 non-migrant Red-tailed Hawks, 5 Common Ravens, 15 non-migrant Turkey Vultures.
  (report from Tom Pirro)

  9/6/15 -- Mount Wachusett, Princeton

  Raptors observed today: Osprey 2 22 29 Bald Eagle 2 19 27 Sharp-shinned Hawk 2 30 36 Cooper's Hawk 1 12 18 Broad-winged Hawk 6 28 59 Peregrine Falcon 1 8 8

  Raptor Observations: immature BE, Local Merlin - Feisty; Red-Tailed Hawks (6 local); 14 Turkey Vultures (local)
  (report from Rod Chase).

  9/6/15 -- Ware River Watershed IBA

  Today we birded a few roads in the southern sections of the WARE RIVER WATERSHED IBA. Most of the birds were seen before 9AM, and then activity slacked off dramatically.

  Highlights: Great Blue Heron (1); Wood Duck (23); Sharp-shinned Hawk (2); Red-shouldered Hawk (2); Ruby-throated Hummingbird (2); Belted Kingfisher (1); N Flicker (6); Pileated Woodpecker (5); E Wood Peewee (2); E Phoebe (21); Blue-headed Vireo (8); Red-eyed Vireo (15); Philadelphia Vireo (1: Sheila got a pic); C Raven (2); Tree Swallow (1); Red-breasted Nuthatch (17); House Wren (2); Veery (1); Hermit Thrush (8); Gray Catbird (47);

  WARBLERS: Nashville (1); Yellow (1); Chestnut-sided (11); Magnolia (2); Black-throated Blue (2); Yellow-rumped (9); Black-throated Green (20); Blackburnian (4); Pine (6); Prairie (4); Black and White (2); Ovenbird (2); C Yellowthroat (11)

  Scarlet Tanager (3); E Towhee (26); Rose-breasted Grosbeak (2);

  Plus: an outstanding display of CLOSED GENTIAN (1000+ plants); and FRINGED GENTIAN also out.
  (report from Mark Lynch/Sheila Carroll).

  9/5/15 -- Wachusett Meadows Wildlife Sanctuary, Princeton

  Highlights of the Forbush Bird Club walk included good close looks at two young Common Ravens, an immature Broad-winged Hawk that was a challenge to identify (but luckily hawk watchers Donna & Dave were there). Eastern Phoebes were everywhere and a young porcupine slowly ascended a nearby tree. There were 35 recorded species, including Ruby-throated Hummingbird; Yellow-bellied Sapsucker; Eastern Wood-pewee; Red-eyed Vireo; House Wren; Gray Catbird; Cedar Waxwing; Ovenbird; Common Yellowthroat; Eastern Towhee; Chipping Sparrow; Song Sparrow; Rose-breasted Grosbeak; Brown-headed Cowbird; (report from Joan Gallagher)

  9/5/15 -- Mount Watatic, Ashburnham

  Raptors observed today: Osprey 4 ; Bald Eagle 2 ; Sharp-shinned Hawk 6 ; Cooper's Hawk 1 ; Broad-winged Hawk 28 ; Merlin 6 .

  Raptor Observations: Slow but steady trickle of migrants: non-migrat raptors included Juv. Red-tailed, Red-shouldered, 2or 3 Coppers, 3 Bald Eagles and a few ad. Broad-wings that still appeared to be holding territory. A few dozens Turkey Vurltures were milling about the area.

  Non-raptor Observations: 6 Ruby-throated hummingbirds, including one that made contact with a Merlin. Other notable species included 2 Tree and Barn Swallows, 2 north bound C. Nighthawks, 15-20 ravens scattled about.
  (report from Tom Pirro)

  9/5/15 -- Mount Wachusett, Princeton

  Raptors observed today: Osprey 4 ; Bald Eagle 7 ; Northern Harrier 1 ; Sharp-shinned Hawk 6 ; Cooper's Hawk 3 ; Red-shouldered Hawk 1 ; Broad-winged Hawk 9 ; Red-tailed Hawk 2 ; American Kestrel 1 ; Merlin 1 ; Peregrine Falcon 4 .

  Raptor Observations: 8 Turkey Vultures, 1 local Cooper's Hawk,1 Local Broad-wing.5 Local Red-Tailed Hawks. Between 1:49 pm & 2:36 - 4 Pergrine Falcons in 47 minutes heading south. Red-Shouldered Hawk (Local?)

  Non-raptor Observations: Ravens -3
  (report from Rod Chase).

  9/5/15 -- Gate 43, Quabbin Reservoir

  Late this afternoon in the cove at the end of the short paved road from the Quabbin gate 43 porta-potty among the shorebirds were 3 Semipalmated Plovers. (report from Bart Kamp).

  9/5/15 -- Otter River SF, Winchenden/South Royalston

  Today we birded the wooded parcel between (and including); OTTER RIVER SF and BIRCH HILL DAM ACE. Birds were very much in discrete mixed species flocks and though these flocks were moving, it was tough to say if it was actual migration or just "staging" for migration. There were long stretches with no birds, then you would suddenly come across a flock and you would try to see as many as you could before they continued on through the forest.

  Highlights: Double-crested Cormorant (1); Great Blue Heron (3); Turkey Vulture (8); Wood Duck (22); Sharp-shinned Hawk (2); Broad-winged Hawk (6); Wild Turkey (22); Barred Owl (1); Ruby-throated Hummingbird (1); N Flicker (5); Pileated Woodpecker (2); E Wood Peewee (1); E Phoebe (37); Blue-headed Vireo (1); Warbling Vireo (1); Red-eyed Vireo (14); C Raven (2); Red-breasted Nuthatch (36); House Wren (4); Winter Wren (2); Blue-gray Gnatcatcher (1: this species definitely does not breed here); Gray Catbird (56);

  WARBLERS: Nashville (2: 1 bird continually sang the last part of its song alternating with constant chip notes); Chestnut-sided (8); Black-throated Blue (2); Yellow-rumped (27: many just fledged birds); Black-throated Green (15); Blackburnian (1); Pine (95); Prairie (1); Bay-breasted (1: an obvious migrant); Black and White (4); A Redstart (4); Ovenbird (3); Louisiana Waterthrush (1); C Yellowthroat (35)

  Scarlet Tanager (4); E Towhee (17); White-throated Sparrow (16); Baltimore Oriole (1)
  (report from Mark Lynch/Sheila Carroll).

  9/4/15 -- Mount Wachusett, Princeton

  Raptors observed today: Osprey 12 ; Bald Eagle 8 ; Northern Harrier 1 ; Sharp-shinned Hawk 14 ; Cooper's Hawk 1 ; Broad-winged Hawk 7 ; American Kestrel 4 ; Merlin 1 ; Peregrine Falcon 2 .

  Raptor Observations: Red-Tailed Hawks (14 Local) - not leaving. Bald Eagles - 8 (4 immature) & 4 mature. Turkey Vultures - 6 local. Cooper's Hawk - 1 local Merlin - 1 local Red-Shouldered Hawk - 1 local

  Non-raptor Observations: Raven - 2 Chimney Swifts - 5 to 6
  (report from Rod Chase).

  9/3/15 -- Mount Wachusett, Princeton

  Raptors observed today: Bald Eagle 1 ; Sharp-shinned Hawk 5 ; Cooper's Hawk 3 ; Broad-winged Hawk 6 ; American Kestrel 2 ; Merlin 1 .

  Raptor Observations: 17 Local Turkey Vultures; 1 Local Broadwing; 16 Red-Tailed Hawks (locals)
  (report from Rod Chase).

  9/3/15 -- Quinapoxet Reservoir, Holden

  This morning we checked QUINAPOXET RESERVOIR. NB: All Worcester reservoirs ar strictly OFF LIMITS, so you need to check what areas you can see from the road, and in the case of Quinapoxet, through a chain link fence along Princeton Street. Luckily, some great shorebird habitat is right in front of you. A scope is needed.

  Double-crested Cormorant (2); Great Blue Heron (3); Bald Eagle (1ad: every time we have visited this spot, we have had at least 1 Bald Eagle); Killdeer (17); Greater Yellowlegs (7); Lesser Yellowlegs (3); Spotted Sandpiper (4); Solitary Sandpiper (2); Least Sandpiper (7); Semipalmated Sandpiper (3); BUFF-BREASTED SANDPIPER (1)
  (report from Mark Lynch/Sheila Carroll).

  9/2/15 -- Mount Wachusett, Princeton

  Raptors observed today: Osprey 3 ; Sharp-shinned Hawk 1 ; Cooper's Hawk 2 ; Red-shouldered Hawk 1 ; American Kestrel 1 ; Merlin 1 .

  Raptor Observations: Red-Tailed Hawks - 11 (local), some mature, some immature. TV's (local) 22

  Non-raptor Observations: Cat birds, Blue Jays, Barn Swallows - 3, Junco - 1, Chimney swifts - 4
  (report from Rod Chase)

  9/1/15 -- Mount Wachusett, Princeton

  Raptors observed today: Osprey 1 ; Bald Eagle 1 ; Sharp-shinned Hawk 2 ; Cooper's Hawk 2 ; Red-shouldered Hawk 1 ; American Kestrel 2 ; Peregrine Falcon 1 .
  (report from Rod Chase)

  For previous sightings, see August 2015 Archives or Archive Index