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.
- 9/30/08 -- Mount Wachusett, Princeton
-
Mount Wachusett
Princeton, Massachusetts, USA
Daily Raptor Counts: Sep 30, 2008
-------------------------------------------------------------------
Species Day's Count Month Total Season Total
------------------ ----------- -------------- --------------
Black Vulture 0 0 0
Turkey Vulture 0 0 0
Osprey 2 140 140
Bald Eagle 0 44 44
Northern Harrier 0 10 10
Sharp-shinned Hawk 2 152 152
Cooper's Hawk 0 27 27
Northern Goshawk 0 0 0
Red-shouldered Hawk 0 2 2
Broad-winged Hawk 0 5316 5316
Red-tailed Hawk 0 0 0
Rough-legged Hawk 0 0 0
Golden Eagle 0 1 1
American Kestrel 1 51 51
Merlin 1 6 6
Peregrine Falcon 0 1 1
Unknown Accipiter 0 0 0
Unknown Buteo 0 0 0
Unknown Falcon 0 1 1
Unknown Eagle 0 0 0
Unknown Raptor 1 81 81
Total: 7 5832 5832
----------------------------------------------------------------------
Raptor Observations:
Birds were not moving because little thermals were created. A very slow day
for the raptors.
(report from Bill LaFleche fide Steve Olson).
- 9/28/08 -- Quabbin Park, Quabbin Reservoir
-
We spent the morning birding around Quabbin Park (aka: "South Quabbin"). The
weather was variable to say the least: showers and rain on the way out. At
Quabbin Park there was fog, dense at times, mist, overcast, drizzle, and
even some patches of blue sky. Birds, especially passerines, were tough to
come by. We had one modest wave near the spillway and that was it. Most
landbirds were seen west of the rotary. Complete list:
Common Loon (3);
Double-crested Cormorant (1);
Great Blue Heron (1);
Turkey Vulture (6 in Hardwick);
Canada Goose (38);
Wood Duck (8);
Bald Eagle (1imm);
Sharp-shinned Hawk (1);
Wild Turkey (33);
Virginia Rail (1);
Killdeer (8: at State trout hatchery);
Ring-billed Gull (10);
Mourning Dove (8);
Red-bellied Woodpecker (1);
Downy Woodpecker (6);
Hairy Woodpecker (5);
N Flicker (1);
Pileated Woodpecker (1);
Eastern Phoebe (6);
Blue-headed Vireo (1);
Blue Jay (31);
A Crow (26);
C Raven (2);
Black-capped Chickadee (32);
Tufted Titmouse (7);
White-breasted Nuthatch (9);
Eastern Bluebird (17);
A Robin (4);
Gray Catbird (5);
Black-throated Blue Warbler (1);
Yellow-rumped Warbler (1);
Black-throated Green Warbler (2);
Pine Warbler (3);
Prairie Warbler (1);
Blackpoll (20);
E Towhee (13);
Chipping Sparrow (19);
Savannah Sparrow (12);
Song Sparrow (17);
Swamp Sparrow (1);
White-throated Sparrow (6);
N Cardinal (9);
Rose-breasted Grosbeak (1);
House Finch (4);
A Goldfinch (2);
NB: "leaf peeping" season is here, and Quabbin Park is a prime destination
for those so inclined, so birders should plan on getting here early on
weekends for the next several weeks, before the throngs descend.
(report from Mark Lynch/Sheila Carroll).
- 9/28/08 -- Rutland State Forest
-
I birded Rutland State Forest along Prison Camp Road this morning. There
were a few good waves of migrants, especially Yellow-rumped and Blackpoll
Warblers. There were also many Ruby-crowned Kinglets and a good variety of
sparrows. While I was walking along the road I heard some weird noises
coming from the brush behind me. A few moments later I turned around to see
two Northern Bobwhites slowly crossing the road.
Photos can be seen
here. Highlights were:
Wood Duck 2;
Ruffed Grouse 3;
Wild Turkey 6;
Northern Bobwhite 2;
Great Blue Heron 2;
Barred Owl 1;
Yellow-bellied Sapsucker 1;
Hairy Woodpecker 2;
Northern Flicker 4;
Eastern Phoebe 13;
Yellow-throated Vireo 1;
Blue-headed Vireo 5;
Red-eyed Vireo 1;
House Wren 2;
Ruby-crowned Kinglet 8;
Hermit Thrush 1;
American Robin 11;
Gray Catbird 9;
Cedar Waxwing 15;
Tennessee Warbler 1;
Nashville Warbler 1;
Chestnut-sided Warbler 1;
Black-throated Blue Warbler 2;
Yellow-rumped Warbler 21;
Black-throated Green Warbler 1;
Pine Warbler 5;
Palm Warbler 4;
Blackpoll Warbler 16;
Black-and-white Warbler 1;
Common Yellowthroat 6;
Eastern Towhee 3;
Chipping Sparrow 5;
Field Sparrow 3;
Song Sparrow 8;
Lincoln's Sparrow 1;
Swamp Sparrow 4;
White-throated Sparrow 1;
Purple Finch 2;
(report from Kevin Bourinot).
- 9/27/08 -- Brookfields
-
We spent about 3 hours this morning birding a few hours in the Brookfields
before the rain began in earnest. Most of our time was spent in the block we
atlased this year, north of Rt. 9. Weather was damp and misty with no wind.
Birds were in small pockets and those were few and far between. There were
no "waves" or other indication of passerines on the move. Warblers in
particular were in short supply and sparrow numbers were also low.
Double-crested Cormorant (1);
Canada Goose (29);
Wood Duck (3);
Mallard (26);
Bald Eagle (1ad);
Sharp-shinned Hawk (1);
Cooper?s Hawk (1);
Wild Turkey (29);
Ring-billed Gull (2);
Mourning Dove (37);
Red-bellied Woodpecker (1);
Yellow-bellied Sapsucker (1);
Downy Woodpecker (7);
Hairy Woodpecker (6);
N Flicker (4);
Eastern Phoebe (11);
Red-eyed Vireo 92);
Blue Jay (35);
A Crow (13);
Black-capped Chickadee (58);
Tufted Titmouse (8);
White-breasted Nuthatch (13);
House Wren (1);
Eastern Bluebird (7);
A Robin (95+);
Gray Catbird (59);
E Starling (680+);
Cedar Waxwing (67);
Yellow-rumped Warbler (2);
Pine Warbler (1m still singing);
Blackpoll (3);
Connecticut Warbler (1imm);
C Yellowthroat (3);
Scarlet Tanager (1);
E Towhee (7);
Chipping Sparrow (22);
Song Sparrow (28);
Lincoln?s Sparrow (3);
Swamp Sparrow (27);
N Cardinal (59);
Red-winged Blackbird (40+);
C Grackle (70+);
Purple Finch (4);
A Goldfinch (3);
PLUS: White-tailed Deer (10);; Gray Squirrels and Chipmunks everywhere.
(report from Mark Lynch/Sheila Carroll).
- 9/25/08 -- Barre Falls Dam, Barre
-
Migrant raptors today:
Osprey 3 ;
Bald Eagle 3 ;
Northern Harrier 1 ;
Sharp-shinned Hawk 24 ;
Cooper's Hawk 2 ;
Broad-winged Hawk 1 ;
Red-tailed Hawk 1 ;
Peregrine Falcon 1 .
Raptor Observations:
Not migrating:1 adult northern goshawk, 1 red-shoulder, 2 redtails, 1
sharpy, 2 Cooper's hawks and 10-15 turkey vultures.
Non-raptor Observations:
41 Canada geese, 1 belted kingfisher and 1 green heron.
(report from Bart Kamp).
- 9/24/08 -- Barre Falls Dam, Barre
-
Migrant raptors today:
Turkey Vulture 7 ;
Osprey 13 ;
Bald Eagle 3 ;
Northern Harrier 1 ;
Sharp-shinned Hawk 27 ;
Cooper's Hawk 1 ;
Broad-winged Hawk 6 ;
American Kestrel 1 ;
Merlin 1 ;
Peregrine Falcon 1 .
Non-raptor Observations:
143 Canada geese and 6 monarch butterflies.
(report from Bart Kamp).
- 9/24/08 -- Worcester
-
Three mornings (about 4:00) in the last two weeks I had a Screech Owl Across
the street from my house. One morning I played a tape and saw it fly into a
tree in my yard. Great way to start the day! (report from John Shea).
- 9/23/08 -- Barre Falls Dam, Barre
-
Migrant raptors today:
Osprey 6 ;
Bald Eagle 8 ;
Northern Harrier 4 ;
Sharp-shinned Hawk 45 ;
Cooper's Hawk 2 ;
Red-shouldered Hawk 1 ;
Broad-winged Hawk 244 ;
American Kestrel 4 ;
Merlin 4 .
Raptor Observations:
Most of the broadwings were in one large kettle of 150 at 2 PM EDT.
Non-raptor Observations:
A noisy calling and drumming pair of pileated woodpeckers, 39 Canada geese
and 27 monarch butterflies.
(report from Bart Kamp).
- 9/21/08 -- Mount Watatic, Ashburnham
- Migrating raptors today:
-------------------------------------------------------------------
Species Day's Count Month Total Season Total
------------------ ----------- -------------- --------------
Black Vulture 0 0 0
Turkey Vulture 0 2 2
Osprey 0 109 109
Bald Eagle 0 17 17
Northern Harrier 1 13 13
Sharp-shinned Hawk 12 201 201
Cooper's Hawk 1 18 18
Northern Goshawk 0 0 0
Red-shouldered Hawk 0 0 0
Broad-winged Hawk 1 6685 6685
Red-tailed Hawk 0 6 6
Rough-legged Hawk 0 0 0
Golden Eagle 0 1 1
American Kestrel 4 58 58
Merlin 1 23 23
Peregrine Falcon 0 1 1
Unknown Accipiter 0 0 0
Unknown Buteo 0 0 0
Unknown Falcon 0 1 1
Unknown Eagle 0 0 0
Unknown Raptor 1 3 3
Total: 21 7138 7138
----------------------------------------------------------------------
Raptor Observations:
Slow migration day.
Non-raptor Observations:
I took the longer hike over Nutting Hill. A Ruffed Grouse flew past during
the hike, a Northern Goshawk was in pursuit, about a 100 feet behind.
Hilights from the hike included Blue-headed, Red-eyed and Philidelphia
Vireo (BH and the Philly were singing!) Warblers inluded Magnolia, N.
Parula, BT Blue, BT Green, Yellow-rumped, Blackpoll, Black and White and
Pine. RT Hummingbird past over Nutting Hill.
(report from Tom Pirro).
- 9/21/08 -- Barre Falls Dam, Barre
-
Migrant raptors today:
-------------------------------------------------------------------
Species Day's Count Month Total Season Total
------------------ ----------- -------------- --------------
Black Vulture 0 0 0
Turkey Vulture 0 2 2
Osprey 1 67 67
Bald Eagle 1 22 24
Northern Harrier 0 4 4
Sharp-shinned Hawk 13 192 193
Cooper's Hawk 5 17 17
Northern Goshawk 0 0 0
Red-shouldered Hawk 0 3 3
Broad-winged Hawk 2 4972 4976
Red-tailed Hawk 0 3 5
Rough-legged Hawk 0 0 0
Golden Eagle 0 0 0
American Kestrel 2 23 23
Merlin 1 10 11
Peregrine Falcon 2 2 2
Unknown Accipiter 0 0 0
Unknown Buteo 0 0 0
Unknown Falcon 0 0 0
Unknown Eagle 0 0 0
Unknown Raptor 1 5 5
Total: 28 5322 5332
----------------------------------------------------------------------
Non-raptor Observations:
16 monarch butterflies
(report from Bart Kamp).
- 9/21/08 -- Quabog IBA, Brookfields
-
We spent the morning birding at just a few stops in the QUABOG IBA in the
Brookfields. Warbler numbers and variety were nothing compared to the big
waves we experienced birding the WARE RIVER WATERHED IBA yesterday. Still,
there were noteworthy large movement of phoebes, jays and catbirds and an
interesting mix of species. This varied area of WMAs, ponds, marshes and
fields is always fun to bird in fall. Complete list:
Pied-billed Grebe (1);
American Bittern (1: we had great views watching this bird hunt along the
grassy edge of Coys Brook for about 20 minutes);
Great Blue Heron (10);
Green Heron (1);
Turkey Vulture (4);
Canada Goose (20);
Wood Duck (3);
Mallard (6);
Bald Eagle (1ad, perched above the old nest on Lake Quabog);
Sharp-shinned Hawk (5);
Broad-winged Hawk (1);
Red-tailed Hawk (2);
Virginia Rail (3);
Solitary Sandpiper (1: this bird was standing on a small island of grasses
in the middle of a small brook and was continually bombed by about 6
phoebes, which flew from bank to bank, making dives at the bird);
Mourning Dove (19);
Ruby-throated Hummingbird (1f staying in a small area on the edge of a marsh
and apparently feeding on aphids on leaves);
Belted Kingfisher (3);
Downy Woodpecker (23);
N Flicker (21);
Eastern Phoebe (37);
Blue-headed Vireo (1);
Red-eyed Vireo (13);
Blue Jay (86);
A Crow (44);
Black-capped Chickadee (85);
Tufted Titmouse (26);
White-breasted Nuthatch (19);
Carolina Wren (1:low);
Eastern Bluebird (4);
Hermit Thrush (1);
A Robin (35);
Gray Catbird (162);
E Starling (271);
Cedar Waxwing (18);
WARBLERS:
N Parula (2);
Chestnut-sided (1);
Yellow-rumped (2);
Black-throated Green (1);
Pine (2);
Blackpoll (30);
C Yellowthroat (22);
Chipping Sparrow (16);
Savannah Sparrow (10);
Song Sparrow (26);
Lincoln's Sparrow (1);
Swamp Sparrow (74);
N Cardinal (49);
Rose-breasted Grosbeak (5);
Indigo Bunting (1);
Red-winged Blackbird (143);
C Grackle (490+);
Purple Finch (2);
House Finch (3);
A Goldfinch (18: including adults still feeding young);
House Sparrow (59);
PLUS: E. Cottontail (many);; White-tailed Deer (4);; Long-tailed Weasel (1);; a
number of Praying Mantids; and a great show of Closed Bottled Gentian.
Butterflies included a single Great Spangled Fritillary.
(report from Mark Lynch/Sheila Carroll).
- 9/20/08 -- Barre Falls Dam, Barre
-
Migrant raptors today:
Sharp-shinned Hawk 8 ;
Broad-winged Hawk 8 ;
American Kestrel 1 .
(report from Bart Kamp).
- 9/20/08 -- Mount Watatic, Ashburnham
- Migrating raptors today:
Osprey 2 ;
Bald Eagle 2 ;
Sharp-shinned Hawk 10 ;
Cooper's Hawk 5 ;
Broad-winged Hawk 12 ;
American Kestrel 9 ;
Merlin 2 ;
Peregrine Falcon 1 ;
Raptor Observations:
Slow day, but some nice looks at many bird including an immature Peregrine
chasing a Raven. A late day Merlin was playing catch with a Monarch
Butterfly.
Non-raptor Observations:
Up to 18 Ravens overhead in a kettle and keeping us "on our toes" most of
the day. First American Pipit of the fall. A spider that had captured and
was eating a dragonfly (yes it was that slow);!
(report from Tom Pirro).
- 9/20/08 -- Ware River Watershed
-
Our MAS (Broad Meadow Brook) class on fall migration in state IBAs had a
morning field trip to the WARE RIVER WATERSHED IBA. Temps ranged from 32
(before dawn)-65, meaning that fleeces and warm weather hats were dug out
for the first time this season. We had several really nice waves of warblers
and other passerines. There were good numbers of Blackpolls, BT Greens,
Pines, Yellow-rumps, Parulas, vireos and phoebes moving rapidly through the
forest and marshes. Blue jays were also very much on the move and we noticed
that at least locally, it is a very poor acorn crop this year. We spent some
time hawkwatching, but very few hawks were moving today, most Broadwings
having apparently passed last Thursday. Complete list:
Turkey Vulture (1);
Wood Duck (3);
Sharp-shinned Hawk (7: we watched a pair of immature Sharpies harass a flock
of jays relentlessly as well as a pair of Pileateds);
Broad-winged Hawk (2);
Red-tailed Hawk (1);
Mourning Dove (2);
Barred Owl (Barre Falls parking lots before dawn);
Belted Kingfisher (1);
Yellow-bellied Sapsucker (1);
Downy Woodpecker (4);
Hairy Woodpecker (3);
N Flicker (20);
Pileated Woodpecker (2: 1 harassed bird flew in and landed on a tree right
in front of our group);
E Wood Peewee (1: still singing);
Eastern Phoebe (73: especially along field edges and water courses);
Blue-headed Vireo (27: a number still singing);
Red-headed Vireo (37);
Blue Jay (83);
A Crow (2);
Common Raven (3);
Black-capped Chickadee (66);
Tufted Titmouse (7);
Red-breasted Nuthatch (8);
White-breasted Nuthatch (14);
Brown Creeper (4);
House Wren (1);
Eastern Bluebird (6);
Wood Thrush (5);
A Robin (13);
Gray Catbird (44);
Cedar Waxwing (19);
WARBLERS:
Tennessee (1);
N Parula (31);
Yellow (1);
Chestnut-sided (9);
Magnolia (3);
Yellow-rumped (57);
Black-throated Green (38);
Blackburnian (2);
Pine (110);
Prairie (8);
Bay-breasted (2);
Blackpoll (286);
Connecticut (1);
C Yellowthroat (13);
Scarlet Tanager (6);
E Towhee (31);
Chipping Sparrow (48);
Savannah Sparrow (3);
Song Sparrow (6);
Lincoln?s Sparrow (2);
Swamp Sparrow (3);
White-throated Sparrow (2);
N Cardinal (4);
Rose-breasted Grosbeak (3);
A Goldfinch (3);
PLUS: Buttefflies included Cabbage White, Clouded and Orange Sulphurs;
Aphrodite Fritillary (1 very worn);, American Lady (1);; Mourning Cloak (3);;
Monarch.
AND: Blooms included Nodding Lady?s Tresses; Closed Gentian (excellent
display);; Obedient Flower (a few still blooming);; N Pitcher Plant.
AND: Bridled Shiner (state listed);.
Sheila will post some pictures from the class trip later today on her
blog. (report from
Mark Lynch/Sheila Carroll).
- 9/19/08 -- Mount Watatic, Ashburnham
- Migrating raptors today:
Osprey 9 ;
Bald Eagle 5 ;
Northern Harrier 5 ;
Sharp-shinned Hawk 41 ;
Cooper's Hawk 3 ;
Broad-winged Hawk 198 ;
Red-tailed Hawk 1 ;
American Kestrel 24 ;
Merlin 3 ;
Raptor Observations:
Most of the birds passed during the morning.
Non-raptor Observations:
Ruffed Grouse flushed on the hike up, 3 C. Loons moving north west.
(report from Tom Pirro).
- 9/19/08 -- Barre Falls Dam, Barre
-
Migrant raptors today:
Osprey 3 ;
Bald Eagle 1 ;
Northern Harrier 2 ;
Sharp-shinned Hawk 25 ;
Cooper's Hawk 1 ;
Broad-winged Hawk 31 ;
Red-tailed Hawk 1 ;
American Kestrel 2 .
Non-raptor Observations:
1 common nighthawk and 28 monarch butterflies.
(report from Bart Kamp).
- 9/18/08 -- Mount Watatic, Ashburnham
- Migrating raptors today:
Osprey 25 ;
Bald Eagle 4 ;
Northern Harrier 3 ;
Sharp-shinned Hawk 39 ;
Cooper's Hawk 1 ;
Broad-winged Hawk 5132 ;
Red-tailed Hawk 1 ;
Golden Eagle 1 ;
American Kestrel 7 ;
Merlin 9 .
Raptor Observations:
The wind scattered birds making the counting somewhat difficult. 75% of our
flight was in the AM from 8AM to 11AM STD Time. THE GE was an adult passing
at 1:07 STD Time. Nice day.
Non-raptor Observations:
Few C. Goose moving about 25, 3 Common Loons heading SW early AM. Two
Pileated Woodpeckers calling, in stereo, on the hike down the powerline
trail.
(report from Tom Pirro).
- 9/18/08 -- Barre Falls Dam, Barre
-
Migrant raptors today:
Turkey Vulture 2 ;
Osprey 21 ;
Bald Eagle 9 ;
Northern Harrier 2 ;
Sharp-shinned Hawk 55 ;
Cooper's Hawk 3 ;
Red-shouldered Hawk 1 ;
Broad-winged Hawk 4246 ;
American Kestrel 1 ;
Merlin 2 .
Raptor Observations:
Raptors were moving upon arrival. The numbers increased dramatically at
11:00 AM EDT when kettles of 100-400 broadwings began flying bye. This
lasted until about 1:00 PM EDT. By that time the birds were so high in the
blue that they could be seen only when they were directly overhead.
Non-raptor Observations:
32 Canada geese, 1 common loon, 1 dc cormorant and 14 monarch butterflies.
(report from Bart Kamp).
- 9/17/08 -- Rice City Pond, Uxbridge
-
Late this afternoon, a great egret and a great blue heron
were seen at Rice City Pond. Often, a great egret or two shows up on the
marsh by late Aug-early Sept. A belted kingfisher was active at the time,
eventually circling overhead before flying off to the east. The wild rice
plants harbored many red-winged blackbirds, fluttering and knocking the
seeds into the water. (report from Beth Milke & Nancy Demers)
- 9/17/08 -- Hubbardston
- I didn't notice any particularly dense groups of migrants,
but had Warbling Vireo
and Black-and-White Warbler along with the again predominant Pine,
Yellow-rumped, and Black-throated Green. Most interesting today was hearing
the persistent call of a young Red-eyed Vireo and watching it being fed by
the parent bird even at this late date. When I re-found the two of them a
few hours later the adult bird was foraging at a steady pace and the young
bird was following behind, still nagging, but not getting fed. A learning
curve! As a side note, I observed a female Black-throated Blue Warbler
feeding a full-grown but still-begging fledgling on 9/12.
(report from Wendy Howes).
- 9/17/08 -- Barre Falls Dam, Barre
-
Migrant raptors today:
Osprey 3 ;
Bald Eagle 1 ;
Sharp-shinned Hawk 13 ;
Broad-winged Hawk 96 ;
American Kestrel 2 .
Non-raptor Observations:
1 common nighthawk, 1 rt hummingbird and 65 monarch butterflies.
(report from Bart Kamp).
- 9/17/08 -- Mount Watatic, Ashburnham
- Migrating raptors today:
Turkey Vulture 2 ;
Osprey 28 ;
Bald Eagle 4 ;
Northern Harrier 2 ;
Sharp-shinned Hawk 25 ;
Cooper's Hawk 4 ;
Broad-winged Hawk 771 ;
American Kestrel 4 ;
Merlin 2 ;
Unknown Falcon 1 .
Raptor Observations:
No real big "kettles" but steady action with bulk passing after noon time.
Non-raptor Observations:
Turkey Vultures and Raven milling about, a few passing Barn and a single
Cliff Swallow. Only a few passerines in flight compaired to yesterday. 8
Migrant Canada Goose.
(report from Tom Pirro).
- 9/16/08 -- Mount Watatic, Ashburnham
- Migrating raptors today:
Osprey 26 ;
Northern Harrier 2 ;
Sharp-shinned Hawk 32 ;
Broad-winged Hawk 429 ;
Red-tailed Hawk 1 ;
American Kestrel 3 ;
Merlin 1 .
Raptor Observations:
with few exceptions birds struggled for lift all day
Non-raptor Observations:
lots of passerines , 1000+, in flight even well after dawn, nearly all too
far to ID. the 5% we were able to ID were nearly all Blackpolls. 1 Common
Loon, 280 Canada Goose, 1 RT Hummingbird, 10+ Ravens and lots of TV's
milling about.
(report from Tom Pirro).
- 9/16/08 -- Hubbardston
- As well-reported on the Maine-birds listserve and elswhere, there have
been a couple of nights of excellent conditions for migrant passerines and
birds moving in big numbers. In Hubbardston I came across some moving mixed
flocks which included many Pine, Yellow-rumped, and Black-throated Green
Warblers, mixed in with the odd Blackpoll, A. Redstart, one Cape May (that I
could find) and other unidentified warblers. In the same groups I always
found Red-eyed Vireos. (report from Wendy Howes).
- 9/16/08 -- Barre Falls Dam, Barre
-
Migrant raptors today:
Osprey 6 ;
Sharp-shinned Hawk 12 ;
Cooper's Hawk 1 ;
Broad-winged Hawk 111 ;
American Kestrel 3 .
(report from Bart Kamp).
- 9/15/08 -- Barre Falls Dam, Barre
-
Migrant raptors today:
Osprey 11 ;
Bald Eagle 1 ;
Sharp-shinned Hawk 15 ;
Broad-winged Hawk 5 ;
American Kestrel 3 ;
Merlin 1 .
Raptor Observations:
2 broadwings hunting and carrying prey.
Non-raptor Observations:
3 chimney swifts, 1 tree swallow and 48 monarch butterflies.
(report from Bart Kamp).
- 9/15/08 -- Mount Watatic, Ashburnham
- Migrating raptors today:
Osprey 8 ;
Bald Eagle 1 ;
Sharp-shinned Hawk 4 ;
Broad-winged Hawk 34 ;
Red-tailed Hawk 3 ;
American Kestrel 6 ;
Merlin 4 .
Raptor Observations:
Tough day,birds that "broke" the horizon...as got pushed around lot.
Non-raptor Observations:
Chimney Swifts (4), RT Hummingbird (1), Red-eyed and Philidelphia Vireo
Fair amounts of Blackpoll and Yellow-rumped Warblers.
(report from Tom Pirro).
- 9/13/08 -- Barre Falls Dam, Barre
-
Migrant raptors today:
Osprey 8 ;
Bald Eagle 1 ;
Sharp-shinned Hawk 19 ;
Cooper's Hawk 3 ;
Broad-winged Hawk 44 ;
American Kestrel 3 ;
Merlin 3 .
Raptor Observations:
A common nighthawk dove on a sharp-shinned hawk several times. Some of the
soaring hawks disappeared into the base of the clouds.
Non-raptor Observations:
3 common nighthawks, 68 monarch butterflies and a HUGE hatch of flying
ants.
(report from Bart Kamp).
- 9/13/08 -- Mount Watatic, Ashburnham
- Migrating raptors today:
Osprey 11 ;
Bald Eagle 1 ;
Sharp-shinned Hawk 38 ;
Cooper's Hawk 4 ;
Broad-winged Hawk 108 ;
American Kestrel 1 ;
Merlin 1 ;
(report from Tom Pirro).
Note: Mount Watatic Hawkwatch information may be found at:
massbird.org/EMHW.
- 9/11/08 -- Mount Watatic and Vicinity, Ashburnham
- Highlights included 634 Broadwing Hawks. Details in the
extended trip narrative.
(report from Chris Ellison).
- 9/11/08 -- Barre Falls Dam, Barre
-
Migrant raptors today:
Osprey 6 ;
Bald Eagle 4 ;
Sharp-shinned Hawk 5 ;
Cooper's Hawk 2 ;
Broad-winged Hawk 176 ;
American Kestrel 1 ;
(report from Bart Kamp).
- 9/10/08 -- Barre Falls Dam, Barre
-
Migrant raptors today:
Osprey 7 ;
Bald Eagle 4 ;
Sharp-shinned Hawk 16 ;
Cooper's Hawk 1 ;
Broad-winged Hawk 250 .
Raptor Observations:
An uneven movement of raptors throughout the day. There were up to 31 birds
in the broadwing kettles. All of the bald eagles were adults.
Non-raptor Observations:
1 common nighthawk; 57 monarch butterflies.
(report from Bart Kamp).
- 9/7/08 -- Worcester Airport/Wachusett Reservoir
-
We got out early this morning to see if any interesting birds were put down
locally by the passing tropical storm.
- We started at WORCESTER AIRPORT. From
Mulberry Street we had mostly kestrels, but from the terminal side we had
some shorebirds. Our totals:
American Kestrel (minimally 7);
Wild Turkey (10);
AMERICAN GOLDEN PLOVER (1: walking and feeding along main runway. Sheila got
some distant photos and will post them later on her
blog);
Killdeer (24);
Least Sandpiper (2: these landed on the runway right in front of us on the
terminal side);
Upland Sandpiper (2: seen from terminal side this time);
Savannah Sparrow (7);
- THEN, we headed over to WACHUSETT RESERVOIR. The water on the main body was
being whipped up by the strong winds and very few birds were found.
Highlights included:
Double-crested Cormorant (19);
Great Cormorant (1ad);
Mallard (1);
Green-winged Teal (2);
Osprey (1);
Bald Eagle (1ad: on Cunningham Ledge eating something);
Red-tailed Hawk (1);
Killdeer (14: all in the fields adjacent to Clinton HS; but more could have
been on the roof);
Ring-billed Gull (7);
Belted Kingfisher (1);
- THEN we headed to BOLTON FLATS and the surrounding area hoping to find more
shorebirds put down in flooded fields. We found a few flooded uncultivated
fields, but no shorebirds. A massive Custom Car Rally was at the park, and
the main lot to Bolton Flats was flooded over. We then check other ponds
locally included West Waushacum, but found almost nothing in the way of
waterfowl, gulls etc.
(report from Mark Lynch/Sheila Carroll).
- 9/7/08 -- Barre Falls Dam, Barre
-
Migrant raptors today:
Osprey 1 ;
Sharp-shinned Hawk 6 ;
Broad-winged Hawk 1 ;
Red-tailed Hawk 2 ;
American Kestrel 2 ;
Raptor Observations:
Not migrating: 8 turkey vultures, 4 redtails, 1 broadwing, 1 red-shouldered
hawk.
Non-raptor Observations:
3 rt hummingbirds and 4 monarch butterflies
(report from Bart Kamp).
- 9/6/08 - Wachusett Meadow Sanctuary, Princeton
-
Due to predicted stormy and wet weather, The Forbush Bird Club had only
a single participant, Alan Marble, who took a chance and ventured there. He was
rewarded with no rain, trails that were not that wet and the sighting of a
Northern Goshawk, a Solitary Sandpiper, a Yellow-throated Vireo and 2 Otters
(one was seen eating a frog).Here is Alan's
complete trip
list of 35 species.
(report from Alan Marble fide Joan Zumpfe).
- 9/6/08 -- Northbridge
- Today, and also earlier this past week, I I
heard a possible yellow throated vireo in or near my yard (Corner of Church and
Quaker Street Northbridge). I am about 80% sure it was
yellow-throated...I grew familiar with their song this spring while doing
point counts, spot mapping and nest searching in the Cumberland Mountains of
Tennessee. (report from Jenifer Glagowski).
- 9/6/08 -- Leesville Pond, Worcester
- In addition to mallards, wood ducks, Green Heron, and a Great Blue Heron, there were
Black-crowned Night herons (3 adult, 1 maybe late 1st year.). The water was high.
(report from Garry Kessler).
- 9/6/08 -- Ware River IBA , Rutland
- We did a (relatively); quick run through the southern half of the WARE RIVER
IBA this morning, from Rutland SP up Prison Camp Road to Barre Falls Dam. It
was overcast and increasingly hot and humid. Passerines were very few and
far between especially in dense woodlots. Most birds were in scrub or edge
habitat in open areas. The only significant numbers seen were of phoebes.
Great Blue Heron (4);
Wood Duck (8);
A Black Duck (3imm);
Wild Turkey (19);
Rock Pigeon (1: at dam);
Barred Owl (1);
Belted Kingfisher (3);
Hairy Woodpecker (1);
N Flicker (1);
Eastern Phoebe (36);
Eastern Kingbird (1);
Blue Jay (18);
A Crow (2);
Philadelphia Vireo (2);
Warbling Vireo (2);
Red-eyed Vireo (12);
House Wren (4);
Black-capped Chickadee (22);
White-breasted Nuthatch (2);
Eastern Bluebird (5);
Hermit Thrush (5);
A Robin (24);
Gray Catbird (35);
Cedar Waxwing (14);
WARBLERS:
Yellow (1);
Chestnut-sided (1);
Magnolia (1);
Yellow-rumped (4);
Pine (16);
Black and White (1);
A Redstart (1);
C Yellowthroat (24);
Connecticut Warbler (1imm);
N Cardinal (2);
Rose-breasted Grosbeak (1);
Eastern Towhee (8);
Chipping Sparrow (17);
Field Sparrow (1: singing);
Song Sparrow (9);
Swamp Sparrow (8);
White-throated Sparrow (1imm);
A Goldfinch (7);
PLUS: lots of Gray Tree Frogs calling in the increasing heat and humidity;
and a nice area of NODDING LADIES? TRESSES, the last orchid to bloom in MA.
(report from Mark Lynch/Sheila Carroll).
- 9/6/08 -- Wachusett Reservoir
- After the Ware River IBA, we made a few very quick stops at Wachusett
Reservoir and the immediate area and had the following highlights:
Common Loon (3);
Double-crested Cormorant (30);
Great Blue Heron (1);
Wood Duck (4);
Canada Goose (30);
Mallard (25);
Bald Eagle (2ad);
Killdeer (49: flew off the A-fields of Clinton HS and landed on the roof and
out of sight);
Spotted Sandpiper (1);
COMMON TERN (1);
(report from Mark Lynch/Sheila Carroll).
- 9/6/08 -- Westminster
- HIghlights from 5.5 mile walk around the
neighborhood this morning covering a few streets and an abandoned sandpit
(that looks as if its awaiting the realestate market to turn and become a
new subdivision) and Round Meadow Pond.
Wood Duck 15;
Common Loon 1 adult flying overhead;
Double-crested Cormorant 3;
Great Blue Heron 1;
Turkey Vulture 6;
Sharp-shinned Hawk 1;
Red-tailed Hawk 1;
Spotted Sandpiper 1;
Common Nighthawk 2 headed south west;
Chimney Swift 2;
Ruby-throated Hummingbird 2;
Hairy Woodpecker 1;
Northern Flicker (Yellow-shafted); 8;
Eastern Wood-Pewee 2;
Least Flycatcher 1;
Eastern Phoebe 1;
Blue-headed Vireo 1;
Warbling Vireo 1;
Red-eyed Vireo 6;
Barn Swallow 1;
Carolina Wren 3;
House Wren 10;
Gray Catbird 18;
Brown Thrasher 1;
Cedar Waxwing 20;
Nashville Warbler 1;
Northern Parula 1;
Chestnut-sided Warbler 1;
Magnolia Warbler 2;
Black-throated Blue Warbler 1;
Black-throated Green Warbler 3;
Prairie Warbler 4;
Blackpoll Warbler 7;
Black-and-white Warbler 1;
American Redstart 10;
Common Yellowthroat 6;
Scarlet Tanager 1;
Eastern Towhee 6;
Chipping Sparrow 20;
Field Sparrow 1;
Song Sparrow 6;
Lincoln's Sparrow 1;
Rose-breasted Grosbeak 4;
Indigo Bunting 1;
Red-winged Blackbird 4;
Common Grackle 15;
Baltimore Oriole 1;
(report from Tom Pirro).
- 9/5/08 -- Westminster
- Highlights this morning at a vacant sandpit in
Westminster:
Cooper's Hawk 1;
Northern Flicker (Yellow-shafted) 2;
Eastern Phoebe 3;
Red-eyed Vireo 2;
House Wren 2;
Gray Catbird 15;
Cedar Waxwing 6;
Northern Parula ;2
Chestnut-sided Warbler 3;
Black-throated Blue Warbler;
Yellow-rumped Warbler (Myrtle);
Black-throated Green Warbler;
Prairie Warbler 2;
Blackpoll Warbler 3;
Black-and-white Warbler 1;
American Redstart 6;
Common Yellowthroat 4;
Eastern Towhee 2;
Chipping Sparrow 20;
Field Sparrow 1;
Song Sparrow 2;
Indigo Bunting 4;
(report from Tom Pirro).
- 9/4/08 -- Bikepath, Millbury
-
Highlights from a walk this morning on the bikepath along the Blackstone
River in Millbury: 5 Double-crested Cormorants, 6 Wood Ducks (again, this
year,
there were 2 successful breeding pairs along this stretch of the river), 1
Sharp-shinned Hawk, 3 Solitary Sandpipers, 1 Spotted Sandpiper and 2 Belted
Kingfishers. (report from Alan Marble).
- 9/3/08 -- Sterling Peat
-
I took a quick stop at Sterling Peat this evening and had the following
highlights: Wood Duck (1); American Black Duck (1); BLUE-WINGED TEAL (2);
Green-winged Teal (3); Double-crested Cormorant (2); Great Blue Heron (2);
Green Heron (3); Common Nighthawk (8); Belted Kingfisher (2); Eastern Phoebe
(1); House Wren (1);Gray Catbird (1); Northern Mockingbird (1); Cedar
Waxwing (3); PALM WARBLER (1,The area along the path has consistently
produced early records of this species, spring and fall); Common
Yellowthroat (1); Song Sparrow (3). (report from Kevin Bourinot)
- 9/3/08 -- Notre Dame Cemetery, Worcester
-
I went to Notre Dame Cemetery last night to look for Night Hawks and struck
out, so I went down and checked the pond in the back and saw 1 Great Egret,
10 Wood Ducks, and 6 Canada Geese. From there I went to Leesville Pond and
saw 1 D.C.Cormorant. (report from John Shea).
- 9/1/08 -- Worcester Airport, Mulberry St, Worcester
-
This morning from 9-9:30, I watched an upland sandpiper in the mowed grass
on the left of the access road beyond the fence leading from Mulberry St.
out
to the runway. Eventually, the bird moved out onto the road and then
disappeared into the unmowed grass on the right. I was not able to locate
the second
bird that has been reported by Mark and Sheila.
(report from Alan Marble).
- 9/1/08 -- Mulberry St, Worcester
-
After having seen Mark Lynch's post about two Upland Sandpipers at
the Worcester Airport on 8/27, and having seen Sheila Carroll's
impressive photos of
one of these birds, I went to Mulberry St. in Leicester on the evening of
8/28. I was surprised not to find any other birders there. Looking from the
small burm across the street from the gate, I easily found and had great
looks at one of the birds on the runway access road. On 8/29, I again had
close looks at one of the birds. On 8/30, I again found the bird within ten
feet of the gate. As I continued to look, I found the second bird. After
spending more time watching , I found a third bird on the access road. One
of these birds came within three feet of the chainlink fence gate. I saw the
three Upland Sandpipers again on 8/31 and 9/1. (report from Fran McMenemy).
- 9/1/08 -- Mulberry St, Worcester
-
After visiting the Spidergate Cemetery today (off Mulberry St. in
Leicester),
we decided to look for the upland sandpipers by the gate in
the Worcester Airport fence. There were two, and one approached us to within
30 feet hunting crickets. It would do this, then decide to move far back
down the access road and then approach again providing fleeting
photographic opportunities through the fence line.
(report and photo from Garry Kessler).
For previous sightings, see
August 2008 Archives or
Archive Index
