September 2010 Central Mass Bird Sightings
Sightings are listed in reverse chronological order. The email
address of birders submitting reports, as well as other
Central Massachusetts birding info can be found via the
Central Mass Bird Update homepage.
Bird News:
Bird Sightings:
- 9/30/10 -- Barre Falls Dam, Barre
- Migrating raptors today:
-------------------------------------------------------------------
Species Day's Count Month Total Season Total
------------------ ----------- -------------- --------------
Black Vulture 0 0 0
Turkey Vulture 0 7 7
Osprey 22 152 152
Bald Eagle 3 43 43
Northern Harrier 0 19 22
Sharp-shinned Hawk 17 545 548
Cooper's Hawk 4 44 44
Northern Goshawk 0 1 1
Red-shouldered Hawk 0 0 0
Broad-winged Hawk 1 4817 4819
Red-tailed Hawk 0 3 5
Rough-legged Hawk 0 0 0
Golden Eagle 0 0 0
American Kestrel 3 115 116
Merlin 0 26 26
Peregrine Falcon 2 6 6
Unknown Accipiter 0 0 0
Unknown Buteo 0 0 0
Unknown Falcon 0 0 0
Unknown Eagle 0 0 0
Unknown Raptor 1 8 9
Total: 53 5786 5798
----------------------------------------------------------------------
Raptor Observations:
Not migrating: 15 Turkey Vultures, 1 Bald eagle and 6 Redtails.
Non-raptor Observations:
6 Monarch Butterflies.
(report from Bart Kamp).
- 9/29/10 -- Mount Wachusett, Princeton
- Raptors migrating today:
-------------------------------------------------------------------
Species Day's Count Month Total Season Total
------------------ ----------- -------------- --------------
Black Vulture 0 0 0
Turkey Vulture 0 0 0
Osprey 6 38 38
Bald Eagle 5 15 15
Northern Harrier 0 5 5
Sharp-shinned Hawk 3 80 80
Cooper's Hawk 2 26 26
Northern Goshawk 0 0 0
Red-shouldered Hawk 0 2 2
Broad-winged Hawk 2 1360 1360
Red-tailed Hawk 0 0 0
Rough-legged Hawk 0 0 0
Golden Eagle 0 0 0
American Kestrel 2 21 21
Merlin 1 9 9
Peregrine Falcon 0 2 2
Unknown Accipiter 0 12 12
Unknown Buteo 0 2 2
Unknown Falcon 0 0 0
Unknown Eagle 0 0 0
Unknown Raptor 0 254 254
Total: 21 1826 1826
------------------ ----------- -------------- --------------
Raptor Observations:
Definitely a Bald Eagle day, 4 of the 5 birds were migrating. 4 Mature Bald
Eagles and 1 Immature.
Non-raptor Observations:
Ravens - 2, Juncos were plentiful.
(report from Steve Olson).
- 9/26/10 -- Barre Falls Dam, Barre
- Migrating raptors today:
Turkey Vulture 7 ;
Osprey 54 ;
Northern Harrier 1 ;
Sharp-shinned Hawk 63 ;
Cooper's Hawk 6 ;
Northern Goshawk 1 ;
Broad-winged Hawk 59 ;
Red-tailed Hawk 2 ;
American Kestrel 5 ;
Merlin 4 .
Raptor Observations:
A parade of Osprey until 1:00 EDT.
Non-raptor Observations:
127 Canada Geese, 100's of Blue Jays, 8 Monarch Butterflies, 1 White-tailed
Deer.
(report from Bart Kamp);.
- 9/26/10 -- Gate 49-45, Quabbin Reservoir
-
We spent today still atlasing from GATES 49-45 in south eastern
QUABBIN (2 blocks). Fall Migration is certainly in its latter stages, but
still nice numbers and varieties of passerines were seen. It was also quite
a day for woodpeckers. Totals below:
Common Loon (2imm+1ad);
Canada Goose (2);
Wood Duck (22);
A Black Duck (48);
Mallard (3);
Sharp-shinned Hawk (1);
Cooper's hawk (1imm);
Ruffed Grouse (1);
Yellow-billed Cuckoo (1);
EASTERN SCREECH OWL (new species for this block. We never searched for it
because we "assumed" it wasn't to be found at Quabbin. So, for this block we
have Barred, Great Horned and N Saw-whet logged in the atlas, but not
screech. Next year during breeding season we will put in a full court press
search);
Barred Owl (1);
Red-bellied Woodpecker (8);
Yellow-bellied Sapsucker (6);
Downy Woodpecker (18);
Hairy Woodpecker (13);
N Flicker (2);
Pileated Woodpecker (5);
E Phoebe (9);
Blue-headed Vireo (18: a few still singing);
Red-eyed Vireo (12);
Blue Jay (94);
A Crow (7);
Black-capped Chickadee (213);
Tufted Titmouse (28);
Red-breasted Nuthatch (34);
White-breasted Nuthatch (35);
Brown Creeper (9);
House Wren (2);
Winter Wren (2);
Golden-crowned Kinglet (4);
Ruby-crowned Kinglet (16);
E Bluebird (3);
Swainson's Thrush (2);
Hermit Thrush (28);
A Robin (25);
Gray Catbird (26);
WARBLERS:
Nashville (1);
N Parula (6);
Magnolia (3);
Yellow-rumped (19);
Pine (57: a few still singing);
Palm (3);
Blackpoll (92);
Black and White (12);
A Redstart (3);
Ovenbird (1);
C Yellowthroat (3);
E Towhee (45: had a young bird being fed by an adult thus observing
CONFIRMED behavior at this late date);
Song Sparrow (6);
Lincoln?s Sparrow (2);
Swamp Sparrow (2);
White-throated Sparrow (144);
Dark-eyed Junco (22);
Purple Finch (9);
A Goldfinch (19);
PLUS: Ribbon Snake; numerous Green Frogs; 1 Spring Peeper photo?d; and just
for the heck of it, we counted CHIPMUNKS. Total: 251.
(report from Mark Lynch/Sheila Carroll).
- 9/26/10 -- Auburn Sportsman's Club, Auburn
-
The migration surge has continued uninterrupted, with good numbers and
varieties passing through. Today was memorable and most remarkable for
thrushes, including one very special bird. On a day with few warblers
(northern waterthrush being the exception), we captured on just one round 4
different thrush species, including GRAY CHEEKED THRUSH (!), Swainson's
Thrush, Wood Thrush, and Robin. The first two of those species are headed to
the Amazon, where we've seen them and banded them on several expeditions. It
was an extraordinary moment being able to photograph all of them together,
demonstrating the subtle differences in their plumages. It was a
once-in-several-years opportunity.
The second notable capture was a diminutive brown creeper, that little bird
we so often hear up in the canopy -- and occasionally even see, typically
flying to the base of a tree and foraging for insects, going up the trunk in
a spiral fashion. Upon reaching a suitable height, it will once again fly to
the base of another nearby tree and continue its methodical feeding
behavior.
(report from Mark Blazis).
- 9/25/10 -- Mount Wachusett, Princeton
- Raptors migrating today:
-------------------------------------------------------------------
Species Day's Count Month Total Season Total
------------------ ----------- -------------- --------------
Black Vulture 0 0 0
Turkey Vulture 0 0 0
Osprey 3 32 32
Bald Eagle 0 10 10
Northern Harrier 0 5 5
Sharp-shinned Hawk 0 77 77
Cooper's Hawk 0 24 24
Northern Goshawk 0 0 0
Red-shouldered Hawk 0 2 2
Broad-winged Hawk 6 1358 1358
Red-tailed Hawk 0 0 0
Rough-legged Hawk 0 0 0
Golden Eagle 0 0 0
American Kestrel 1 19 19
Merlin 0 8 8
Peregrine Falcon 0 2 2
Unknown Accipiter 0 12 12
Unknown Buteo 0 2 2
Unknown Falcon 0 0 0
Unknown Eagle 0 0 0
Unknown Raptor 0 254 254
Total: 10 1805 1805
----------------------------------------------------------------------
Non-raptor Observations:
Late migrating chimney swift.
(report from Paul Roberts).
- 9/25/10 -- Tucker Pond, Sutton
-
I checked this morning after work for the Little Blue Heron with camera in
hand with no luck. This evening at Main St. Manchaug in Sutton,
I had 5 Chimney Swifts along with two Common
Nighthawks, feeding on flying ants from 5:15 through 6:15, and still present when
I left. I also have a Hairy Woodpecker at my suet feeder as I am typing this
(6:18 pm). (report from Michael Joubert)
- 9/25/10 -- Auburn Sportsman's Club, Auburn
-
Today was special. We had so many migrants, we wound up closing the nets.
There were more birds than we could handle. You received a report of the rare
chat that we caught earlier in the month. The last chat was caught in 2007,
as Mary Sharkey chronicled. For us to capture our second chat of this fall
banding season today is truly remarkable. They tend to be seen, in those
special years, in association with hurricanes. Fronts from the south may be
the cause of their coming up here. I wouldn't be surprised that Igor helped
us out.
In addition, we had large numbers of myrtle warblers today.
Today was also special for the number of ticks we found on birds. Three
species provided Ixodes damini scapularis, the deer tick that causes Lyme
disease. Mattie deftly removed them to ship over to Yale, where their DNA
will be analyzed. A robin, a Swainson's thrush, and a house wren (with 5
ticks!) were parasitized by the ticks -- all species that spend time in
low, shrub brush habitat that deer also prefer.
A diminutive winter wren was also a special migrant today. We carefully
compared it to the more common house wren that we coincidentally caught at
the same time. It was easy to distinguish the rare little bird: it had a
distinctive buffy eye brow and barring on its flanks. Being a third smaller
made it distinctively different, as well. Quite a character, with its little
cocked tail held high the whole time.
(report from Mark Blazis).
- 9/25/10 -- Barre Falls Dam, Barre
- Migrating raptors today:
Osprey 1 ;
Sharp-shinned Hawk 14 ;
Cooper's Hawk 3 ;
Broad-winged Hawk 2 ;
American Kestrel 7 ;
Merlin 1 .
Non-raptor Observations:
6 Eastern Bluebirds, 2 Monarch Butterflies.
(report from Bart Kamp)
- 9/24/2010 -- Oakham
-
Around 3:30 PM today, my wife and I found an immature Black
Vulture roosting in a tree on Adams Road. For 2 to 3 minutes, the Vulture
stayed perfectly still and then proceed to fly out and over Adams Pond.
(report from Steve & Kathy Olson).
- 9/24/10 -- Tucker Pond, Sutton
-
At 6:45 at Tucker Pond in Sutton I hab an adult Little Blue Heron along with 2
Great Blue Herons. The pond location is right on Putnam Hill road.
(report from Michael Joubert).
- 9/23/10 -- Barre Falls Dam, Barre
- Migrating raptors today:
Osprey 10 ;
Northern Harrier 1 ;
Sharp-shinned Hawk 35 ;
Cooper's Hawk 4 ;
Broad-winged Hawk 391 ;
American Kestrel 6 ;
Merlin 2 .
Non-raptor Observations:
66 Canada Geese
(report from Bart Kamp).
- 9/23/10 -- Mount Wachusett, Princeton
- Raptors migrating today:
Osprey 7 ;
Northern Harrier 3 ;
Sharp-shinned Hawk 4 ;
Cooper's Hawk 3 ;
Red-shouldered Hawk 1 ;
Broad-winged Hawk 125 ;
American Kestrel 2 .
Raptor Observations:
Had a spectular Immature Female Northern Harrier in Late pm. Also, rather
odd, no Bald Eagles were flying. Still, a nice day to watch and, as well,
very nice birders.
Non-raptor Observations:
Raven - 1;
Juncos - 5.
(report from Steve Olson).
- 9/22/10 -- Mount Wachusett, Princeton
- Raptors migrating today:
Broad-winged Hawk 16 ;
American Kestrel 1 .
Raptor Observations:
Very slim!
Non-raptor Observations:
Robin (Immature) 1
Eastern Towhee - 3
Junco -2
(report from Steve Olson).
- 9/21/10 -- Mount Wachusett, Princeton
- Raptors migrating today:
Osprey 1 ;
Bald Eagle 1 ;
Broad-winged Hawk 15 .
Raptor Observations:
1 Mature Bald Eagle - late morning
Non-raptor Observations:
3 Common Ravens
5 Eastern Towhee
(report from Steve Olson).
- 9/21/10 -- Barre Falls Dam, Barre
- Migrating raptors today:
Osprey 1 ;
Bald Eagle 1 ;
Sharp-shinned Hawk 35 ;
Cooper's Hawk 2 ;
Broad-winged Hawk 46 ;
American Kestrel 5 ;
Merlin 4 .
Raptor Observations:
Not migrating: 1 Northern Goshawk, 6 Redtailed Hawks.
Non-raptor Observations:
4 Palm Warblers, 1 Ruby-throated Hummingbird, 6 Monarch Butterflies.
(report from Bart Kamp).
- 9/21/10 -- Auburn Sportsman's Club, Auburn
-
Today was another special migration day. Magnolia warblers, parulas,
black-and-whites, purple finches, red-eyed vireos, and phoebes came in good
numbers, but the species of note was ruby throated hummingbirds! As soon as
we begin catching them in the fall, I know their migration back to Mexico
and Central America has begun in earnest. All of us who feed hummingbirds
with nectar feeders can expect them to sadly vanish almost overnight during
the third week of September every year. Just as all of our insectivores,
like warblers, are leaving by the millions as our insects up north are about
to be frosted out for the year, so too do the nectar feeders who depend on
flowers leave us now.
(report from Mark Blazis).
- 9/21/10 -- Mount Wachusett, Princeton
- Raptors migrating today:
Osprey 1 ;
Bald Eagle 1 ;
Broad-winged Hawk 15 .
Raptor Observations:
1 Mature Bald Eagle - late morning
Non-raptor Observations:
3 Common Ravens
5 Eastern Towhee
(report from Steve Olson).
- 9/21/10 -- Broad Meadow Brook Sanctuary, Worcester
-
I recorded the following highlights this morning:
Great Blue Heron ( 2 );
Green Heron ( 1 );
Sharp-shinned Hawk ( 1 );
Red-tailed Hawk ( 1 );
Solitary Sandpiper ( 1 );
Red-bellied Woodpecker ( 1 );
Hairy Woodpecker ( 2 );
Northern Flicker ( 3 );
Eastern Phoebe ( 9 );
Blue-headed Vireo ( 2 );
Red-eyed Vireo ( 2 );
Marsh Wren ( 1 );
Gray Catbird ( 11 );
Brown Thrasher ( 1 );
Cedar Waxwing ( 1 );
American Redstart ( 1 );
Common Yellowthroat ( 7 );
Eastern Towhee ( 1 );
Song Sparrow ( 16 );
Lincoln's Sparrow ( 1 );
Swamp Sparrow ( 1 );
Scarlet Tanager ( 1 );
(report from John Liller).
- 9/20/10 -- Mount Watatic, Ashburnham
- Migrating raptors today:
Osprey 9 ;
Bald Eagle 1 ;
Northern Harrier 5 ;
Sharp-shinned Hawk 109 ;
Cooper's Hawk 5 ;
Broad-winged Hawk 629 ;
American Kestrel 12 .
Raptor Observations:
Nice conditions produced a good flight, most BW's in the AM, a few kettles
of 60ish. Our best SS flight of the season.
(report from Tom Pirro).
- 9/20/10 -- Mount Wachusett, Princeton
- Raptors migrating today:
Osprey 3 ;
Bald Eagle 5 ;
Sharp-shinned Hawk 26 ;
Cooper's Hawk 8 ;
Broad-winged Hawk 298 ;
American Kestrel 9 ;
Merlin 1 .
Raptor Observations:
4 Mature Bald Eagles & 1 immature.
Non-raptor Observations:
Flock of 20 Common Ravens and 5 Eastern Towhee. As noted in previous
reports, only way to summit is hiking. Also, it appears that no one looked
for Raptors on the 18th & 19th of September. We may have missed a lot of
birds.
(report from Steve Olson).
- 9/20/10 -- Barre Falls Dam, Barre
- Migrating raptors today:
Osprey 6 ;
Bald Eagle 4 ;
Northern Harrier 2 ;
Sharp-shinned Hawk 58 ;
Cooper's Hawk 1 ;
Broad-winged Hawk 731 ;
American Kestrel 5 ;
Merlin 4 .
Raptor Observations:
If it weren't for the few scattered clouds the count for the day would have
been considerable lower.
(report from Bart Kamp).
- 9/20/10 -- Auburn Sportsman's Club, Auburn
- Last night, the winds were favorable for a great wave of migrants to settle
into our region. We began the morning with black-throated blue warblers and
ended the morning with a surge of movement in the swamp. One net had 20
birds in it, including multiple northern parulas, northern waterthrushes,
yellow-throats, and black-and-white warblers.
The show-stopper was a yellow-shafted
flicker, which was a stunner in the eyes of several Connecticut visitors to
the station. And for good reason. This was the bird that a youthful Roger
Tory Peterson once witnessed up close and tried to touch. He described to
Helen and me how as it flew off from his attempted touch, it cast a splash
of golden yellow from its wings and tail that dazzled him and set him out
irretrievably on a life dedicated to bird study, painting, and ultimately,
the creation of the revolutionary field guide to North American birds that
changed the world and its appreciation of birds.
The diminutive blue, yellow, white, and green northern parula warblers,
weighing only 8 grams -- about 16 of them would barely equal the weight of a
stick of butter -- are on their way to the tropics as far as northern
Argentina. Truly amazing. (report from Mark Blazis).
- 9/19/10 -- Auburn Sportsman's Club, Auburn
- Sunday, Sept. 19 was a birdbanding day we'll chat about for a long time.
It's been 8 years since we last captured a YELLOW-BREASTED CHAT!!!!!!!!!!!
This southern species, more expected from Virginia down to Florida this time
of year winters in eastern Mexico down to Panama. It is brilliantly
gorgeous, with a bright yellow throat and breast, contrasting with a white
belly, an olive back, and white spectacles and eyering - a real stunner, as
well as a rarity in this part of the country. Helen was appropriately
emotional, as all of you who know her might expect.
Magnolia warblers, towhees, more sparrows, black-and-whites, yellow-throats,
phoebes, and our regular cast of countless catbirds and year-round
residents. Forgot to mention yesterday's Carolina wren, and Craig Anderson's
and my encounter with a mink along the stone wall across the street from the
Club. It was hunting for breakfast and gave us a 5-second glimpse into its
quick furtiveness.
(report from Mark Blazis).
- 9/19/10 -- Rt. 202, New Salem
- Today our MAS IBA class attempted a hawkwatch from a new
location: Lover's Leap overlook off Rt. 202 in New Salem, part of the
Quabbin IBA. We were there from 8AM-1PM. We had only modest numbers of
hawks, but this spot looks extremely promising. Total list:
Double-crested Cormorant (2);
Turkey Vulture (14);
Canada Goose (12);
Wood Duck (1);
A Black Duck (6);
Mallard (2);
Bald Eagle (2ad);
Sharp-shinned Hawk (12);
Cooper's Hawk (1imm);
Broad-winged Hawk (53);
Red-tailed Hawk (8);
A Kestrel (2);
Merlin (1: caught dragonfly in mid-migration flight);
Peregrine Falcon (1);
Chimney Swift (2);
Ruby-throated Hummingbird (2);
Belted Kingfisher (1 migrating very high to the west and north);
Yellow-bellied Sapsucker (5);
Downy Woodpecker (3);
Hairy Woodpecker (2);
Pileated Woodpecker (2);
E Phoebe (3);
Blue-headed Vireo (9);
Red-eyed Vireo (1);
Blue Jay (53);
A Crow (16);
C Raven (4);
Tree Swallow (2);
Black-capped Chickadee (23);
Tufted Titmouse (8);
Red-breasted Nuthatch (4: 1 bird flew down from the sky and landed in a pine
in back of us);
White-breasted Nuthatch (8);
A Robin (17);
Gray Catbird (6);
Cedar Waxwing (33);
WARBLERS:
Nashville (1);
N Parula (12);
Cape May (1);
Black-throated Blue (1 m that sang off and on the entire time we were there);
Yellow-rumped (6);
Black-throated Green (1);
Pine (1m singing);
Blackpoll (11);
A Redstart (2);
Connecticut (1imm);
Scarlet Tanager (1);
White-throated Sparrow (2);
Red-winged Blackbird (12);
Purple Finch (15);
A Goldfinch (14);
- After the New Salem hawk watch, at 2PM Sheila and I made a quick trip
into Gate 35 Quabbin (Shutesbury 10) to look for shorebirds etc. Highlights
included:
Common Loon (4ad+2imm);
Double-crested Cormorant (1);
Mute Swan (1);
Common Merganser (3);
Bald Eagle (1ad);
Broad-winged Hawk (1);
Merlin (1);
A Golden Plover (1);
Semipalmated Plover (9);
Killdeer (2);
Lesser Yellowlegs (1);
Least Sandpiper (1);
Ring-billed Gull (13);
Pileated Woodpecker (2);
BLACK-CAPPED CHICKADEE (a migrating group of 84: in 2 flocks that moved
south along the Gate 35 road and then started to fly high out over the
water, retreated back to the forest edge and south along the North Dana
Penninsula).
Butterflies included 2 E Tailed Blues; 1 Red Admiral and 12 Monarchs
nectaring at the south end of the road.
(report from Mark Lynch/Sheila Carroll).
- 9/19/10 -- Barre Falls Dam, Barre
- Migrating raptors today:
Osprey 5 ;
Bald Eagle 9 ;
Northern Harrier 2 ;
Sharp-shinned Hawk 57 ;
Cooper's Hawk 6 ;
Broad-winged Hawk 1060 ;
Red-tailed Hawk 1 ;
American Kestrel 20 ;
Merlin 3 .
Raptor Observations:
487 Broadwings 3-4 PM EDT. Only one of the Bald Eagles was an adult.
Non-raptor Observations:
2 Common Nighthawks, 35 Monarch Butterflies and swarms of gnats.
(report from Bart Kamp).
- 9/19/10 -- Mount Watatic, Ashburnham
- Migrating raptors today:
Osprey 13 ;
Bald Eagle 3 ;
Northern Harrier 1 ;
Sharp-shinned Hawk 51 ;
Broad-winged Hawk 1849 ;
American Kestrel 3 .
Raptor Observations:
A nice flight during what appeared to be sub-optimal conditions.
Non-raptor Observations:
10-20 monarchs, 6 Chimney Swifts and the usual dozen Ravens scattered about
the ara.
(report from Tom Pirro).
- 9/18/10 -- Auburn Sportsman's Club, Auburn
- The birdbanding gods were good us today. Last night, they sent
just the right winds to carry large numbers of migrants south.
It was a huge day for Canada warblers, common yellow throats, redstarts, and
especially magnolias. Even veerys and Swainson's thrushes, bound for the
Amazon, joined the flocks. We also began catching good numbers of sparrows
that have begun migrating and will compromise the majority of our captures
in another few weeks. Song, white-throated, and swamp sparrows, in
particular, were numerous.
(report from Mark Blazis).
- 9/18/10 -- Fruitlands Museum, Harvard
-
This morning we did a hawk watch at the Fruitlands Museum's
overlook, as part of a program on hawk migration. We were at the
spot from 8AM till noon. Despite it being a Big Day at locations like
Watatic and Goat Peak, we only had small numbers of hawks from here. Part of
the problem was a solid overcast sky that never broke up (at least here) all
morning. Total list for spot:
Double-crested Cormorant (1);
Great Blue Heron (1);
Turkey Vulture (4);
Canada Goose (49);
Wood Duck (4);
Osprey (10);
Sharp-shinned Hawk (3);
Broad-winged Hawk (18);
Red-tailed Hawk (5);
A Kestrel (3);
Merlin (1 hotly pursuing a moDo);
Ring-billed Gull (2);
Herring Gull (7);
Rock Pigeon (3);
Mourning Dove (3);
Red-bellied Woodpecker (1);
Hairy Woodpecker (2);
N Flicker (9);
Pileated Woodpecker (1);
E Phoebe (3);
Blue Jay (28);
Black-capped Chickadee (6);
Tufted Titmouse (6);
White-breasted Nuthatch (4);
E Bluebird (4);
A Robin (195: all moving north);
Gray Catbird (5);
Cedar Waxwing (1);
E Starling (124);
Yellow-rumped Warbler (4);
Blackpoll Warbler (11);
Connecticut Warbler (1imm);
N Cardinal (2);
Rose-breasted Grosbeak (1);
Chipping Sparrow (5);
Song Sparrow (2);
C Grackle (22);
Purple Finch (6);
House Finch (3);
A Goldfinch (8);
(report from Mark Lynch/Sheila Carroll).
- 9/18/10 -- Barre Falls Dam, Barre
- Migrating raptors today:
Osprey 8 ;
Bald Eagle 3 ;
Northern Harrier 9 ;
Sharp-shinned Hawk 28 ;
Cooper's Hawk 2 ;
Broad-winged Hawk 346 ;
American Kestrel 4 ;
Peregrine Falcon 1 .
Raptor Observations:
Site day record high 9 Northern Harriers.
Non-raptor Observations:
9 Common Nighthawks, 1 Lincoln's Sparrow, 2 American Pipits.
(report from Bart Kamp).
- 9/18/10 -- Mount Watatic, Ashburnham
- Migrating raptors today:
Turkey Vulture 4 ;
Osprey 14 ;
Bald Eagle 3 ;
Northern Harrier 3 ;
Sharp-shinned Hawk 66 ;
Cooper's Hawk 1 ;
Broad-winged Hawk 4402 ;
American Kestrel 5 .
Raptor Observations:
Most birds passed through between 10:30 and and 12:30 Standard time. Many
passing far to the east several fine kettles ended up close to the the hill
for some nice views. Clouds thickened in our area early afternoon and birds
seemed to be loosing lift, later PM some open sky arrived.
Non-raptor Observations:
American Pipit 1 , about 40-50 monarchs.
(report from Tom Pirro).
- 9/18/10 -- West Hill Park, Northbridge
-
One Slate-colored Junco was netted this morning at West Hill Park,
Northbridge. The 7th full morning of banding brought 30 birds of 12 species
into the nets, including 4 recaptures (two banded earlier this season and
two banded a year ago.) (report from Beth Milke).
- 9/18/10 -- Sterling
- Highlights from the old Kristoff Pig Farm at the end of Merrill
Road in Sterling: 5 Wood Ducks, 1 close perched and then flying
Red-shouldered Hawk,1 Red-tailed Hawk, 1 A. Kestrel, 1 Merlin, 1 Lincoln's
Sparrow and 2
Purple Finches.
- Highlights from Sterling Peat: The Little Blue Heron continues with
10 Great Egrets and 5 Great Blue Herons. Also 1 Osprey, 1 Northern Harrier
and 1 American Kestrel.
(report from Alan Marble).
- 9/17/10 -- Mount Wachusett, Princeton
- Raptors migrating today:
Osprey 5 ;
Sharp-shinned Hawk 5 ;
Broad-winged Hawk 13 ;
American Kestrel 1 .
Raptor Observations:
All birds were low, using orographic lift. One Broad-winged Hawk and on
Sharp-shinned Hawk flew by with full crop.
Non-raptor Observations:
Non-Raptors: 1 Common Raven
(report from Paul Roberts).
- 9/17/10 -- Mount Watatic, Ashburnham
- Migrating raptors today:
Turkey Vulture 1 ;
Osprey 11 ;
Bald Eagle 1 ;
Northern Harrier 2 ;
Sharp-shinned Hawk 21 ;
Broad-winged Hawk 653 ;
American Kestrel 2 .
Raptor Observations:
Most of our flight was well to the east at scope distances, lack of
sunshine and wind likely "killed" our chances of a continued late day push.
Non-raptor Observations:
Common Loon, Common Nighthawk, about 15 Monarchs, one migrating Great Blue
Heron and 3 very distant egrets to the north that were north of the NH
border (likely Greats).
(report from Tom Pirro).
- 9/17/10 -- Barre Falls Dam, Barre
- Migrating raptors today:
Osprey 13 ;
Northern Harrier 2 ;
Sharp-shinned Hawk 22 ;
Cooper's Hawk 4 ;
Broad-winged Hawk 73 ;
American Kestrel 6 ;
Merlin 1 ;
Peregrine Falcon 1 .
Non-raptor Observations:
1 American Pipit, 6 Monarch Butterflies.
(report from Bart Kamp).
- 9/16/10 -- Barre Falls Dam, Barre
- Migrating raptors today:
Osprey 9 ;
Northern Harrier 1 ;
Sharp-shinned Hawk 72 ;
Cooper's Hawk 2 ;
Broad-winged Hawk 427 ;
American Kestrel 8 .
Raptor Observations:
The birds were low because of weak thermals.
Non-raptor Observations:
1 Ruby-throated Hummingbird, 15 Monarch Butterflies
(report from Bart Kamp).
- 9/16/10 -- Mount Wachusett, Princeton
- Raptors migrating today:
Osprey 2 ;
Bald Eagle 1 ;
Northern Harrier 2 ;
Sharp-shinned Hawk 14 ;
Cooper's Hawk 6 ;
Broad-winged Hawk 307 ;
American Kestrel 1 ;
Merlin 1 .
Raptor Observations:
A good day and very productive for the migrations.
Non-raptor Observations:
1 (Ruby-Throated Hummingbird). A flock of 20 Ravens that pretended they
were Broad-winged hawks. A fascinating display. Very unusual and I've never
seen anything like this. Other hawk watchers were impressed as well.
[ed. note: this is perhaps the same group of Ravens reported by
Simon Hennin -- see below]
(report from Steve Olson).
- 9/16/10 -- Trout Brook conservation area, Holden
-
Lisa and I spent an hour or so at Trout Brook
late morning today. While there we saw a group of 21 ravens pass over,
alerted first by call - though it seemed that only 1 bird was calling at a
time. They first streamed into view - all in a glide - but then started to
circle up just like a Broadwing kettle before streaming off again once
they'd gained more altitude. We'd never seen that many together before, nor
that particular behavior.
(report from Simon Hennin).
- 9/16/10 -- Mount Watatic, Ashburnham
- Migrating raptors today:
Turkey Vulture 9 ;
Osprey 12 ;
Bald Eagle 4 ;
Sharp-shinned Hawk 26 ;
Cooper's Hawk 2 ;
Broad-winged Hawk 186 ;
American Kestrel 8 ;
Merlin 1 .
Raptor Observations:
Often with "off" winds, i.e. from the sw or s, the limited flight was in
close. We had exceptional views of many of today's raptors. One imm. NG was
in close mixing it up with a few local RT's.
Non-raptor Observations:
~10-15 Monarchs, 1 C. Loon, 7 C. Goose, 3 Chimney Swifts.
(report from Tom Pirro.
- 9/16/10 -- All Faith's Cemetery/Leesville Pond, Worcester
-
This morning's sightings included 8 Double-crested Cormorants, a Green
Heron, a Great Blue Heron, 4 Mute Swans, a few Wood Ducks,
and too many Canadian Geese. (report from Joan Crowell).
- 9/15/10 -- Mount Wachusett, Princeton
- Raptors migrating today:
Osprey 2 ;
Bald Eagle 2 ;
Sharp-shinned Hawk 14 ;
Cooper's Hawk 3 ;
Broad-winged Hawk 457 ;
American Kestrel 3 ;
Merlin 3 .
Raptor Observations:
Most of the movement was between 9 AM & Noon. Most of the birds were very
high. Both Bald Eagles were mature adults.
Non-raptor Observations:
4 Common Ravens. Highlight was 2 Ravens grasping each other's feet and
plummeting hundreds of feet in a death spiral(both birds survived). 1
Yellow-bellied Sapsucker and 1 (Ruby-throated) Hummingbird.
(report from Paul Roberts).
- 9/15/10 -- Mount Watatic, Ashburnham
- Migrating raptors today:
Osprey 9 ;
Bald Eagle 7 ;
Northern Harrier 1 ;
Sharp-shinned Hawk 16 ;
Cooper's Hawk 4 ;
Broad-winged Hawk 829 ;
Red-tailed Hawk 1 ;
American Kestrel 6 .
Raptor Observations:
Majority of the flight was in the morning. A few kettles of BW's between 50
and 70 birds.
1 "local" RS, RT and NG
Non-raptor Observations:
30-40 Monarchs, 2 Common Loons.
(report from Tom Pirro).
- 9/15/10 -- Barre Falls Dam, Barre
- Migrating raptors today:
Osprey 1 ;
Bald Eagle 7 ;
Sharp-shinned Hawk 44 ;
Cooper's Hawk 3 ;
Broad-winged Hawk 1270 ;
American Kestrel 12 ;
Merlin 5 .
Raptor Observations:
Most of the raptors were unusually low throughout the day. Only one osprey
was recorded. All of the Bald Eagles were adults.
Non-raptor Observations:
25 monarch butterflies.
(report from Bart Kamp).
- 9/14/10 -- Sterling Peat, Sterling
- Here are photos taken at Sterling Peat of the
Imature Little Blue Heron/|
Buff-breasted Sandpiper.
(photos from Richard Johnson fide Stanley Selkow).
- 9/14/10 -- Barre Falls Dam, Barre
-
Osprey 3 ;
Bald Eagle 6 ;
Northern Harrier 1 ;
Sharp-shinned Hawk 31 ;
Cooper's Hawk 3 ;
Broad-winged Hawk 175 ;
American Kestrel 20 ;
Merlin 2 ;
Peregrine Falcon 1 .
Raptor Observations:
The first Broadwing of the day arrived about 2:00 PM EDT. All of the Bald
Eagles were adults.
Non-raptor Observations:
3 Common Nighthawks at noon EDT. 2 Ruby-throated hummingbirds, 28 Monarch
Butterflies.
(report from Bart Kamp).
- 9/14/10 -- Mount Watatic, Ashburnham
- Migrating raptors today:
Osprey 4 ;
Bald Eagle 2 ;
Northern Harrier 2 ;
Sharp-shinned Hawk 14 ;
Cooper's Hawk 5 ;
Broad-winged Hawk 157 ;
American Kestrel 2 ;
Merlin 3 .
Raptor Observations:
Slow morning with a better afternoon.
Non-raptor Observations:
18 Monarch Butterflies, ~ Scarlet Tanager calling on the hike up, 15-20
distant Ravens.
(report from Tom Pirro).
- 9/13/10 -- Gate 28, Wachusett Reservoir
-
I went birding today at Wachusett Reservoir DCR Gate 9 off
of rt 110, from 11:37am-12:44pm. There are a few ponds at this gate if you
stay to the left and walk on the well driven path. At the first pond I
came across there was a Great Blue Heron and 2 Spotted Sandpipers. There is
another pond after that and there were 5 Mallards (3 males, 2 females) , 2
american black ducks, 1 blue-winged teal, and 1 american wigeon (female
type) . There is construction of some sort going on in there and the road
is very close to both ponds. When several trucks drove in the wigeon
flushed, I was able to see the reddish line on it's side and big white patch
under the wing to positively ID it as american. Other species of note:
eastern towhee -1, gray catbird -3,
N. Parula -1, black and white warbler -1,
common yellowthroat -1, belted kingfisher -1, harry woodpecker -1,
N. flicker -1.
(report from Jessica Johnson).
- 9/13/10 -- Sterling Peat, Sterling
-
I visited and was fortunate to view the Little Blue Heron both
yesterday (9/12) and today. Today there were 10 Great
Egrets and the Little Blue Heron. Otherwise it was fairly quiet, and
yesterday's White-rumped Sandpiper was NOT present today. The Little
Blue posed nicely for photographs, I have posted a few on my blog
(tpirro.blogspot.com). (report from Tom Pirro).
- 9/12/10 -- Bolton Flats WMA, Bolton
-
The Forbush Bird Club had a great trip to Bolton Flats WMA this morning.
There were virtually no warbler movements or shorebirds present, but we
still had some great birds. Highlights were a SORA that was in plain view
for all to see and a CLAY-COLORED SPARROW seen by two of us as it perched
briefly in the small tree at the "T". Swamp Sparrow numbers have picked up
dramatically along the 117 entrance trail and groups of WILSON'S SNIPE were
also seen flying around throughout the morning. There is still evidence that
American Goldfinches are actively breeding at least in the Nashua River
Watershed as we saw some feeding young this morning and I also had one on a
nest last week in Devens.
Here is the
complete list of species recorded.
(report from Kevin Bourinot).
- 9/12/10 -- Auburn Banding Station, Auburn
- The birdbanding gods were good to us last night. They provided excellent
winds to bring us numerous and varied neotropical migrants. Last night was
notable for a large flight of Eastern Phoebes flying in, along with our
first movement of Traill's flycatchers. Traill's is a term for either Willow
or Alder Flycatchers, which are, without hearing their voices, almost
indistinguishable at this time of year. They separated evolutionary-wise not
long ago, developing different and distinctive songs, and preferring
different breeding habitats.
It was fun to capture two species of thrushes - Veery and Swainson's - both
of which will migrate south to the Amazon and arrive before our team next
February.
Warblers included mostly common yellow throats, ovenbirds, northern water
thrushes, and black-and-whites.
The next two weeks should be peak. We may band Thursday and/or Friday in
addition to next weekend. Keep looking skyward for broad-winged hawks this
week.
(report from Mark & Helen Blazis).
- 9/12/10 -- Sterling Peat, Sterling
-
I was at Sterling Peat at 6 a.m. to look for the immature Little Blue
Heron. Thanks to Mike Paskind for the heads-up. At about 6:20, 9 Great
Egrets
flew in. Shortly after, the immature Little Blue Heron joined them and was
still there when I left at 7:30.
(report from Alan Marble).
- 9/12/10 -- Gate 40-35, Quabbin Reservoir
-
We spent the morning atlasing parts of 5 blocks that go from Gate 40-Gate
35, including Dana Commons, the overview of Mt. Zion, Graves Landing, Dugway
Road, and the entire shoreline of the Gate 35 road. With the continuing low
water, shorebirds were present in a number of locations, and good shorebird
habitat is all over Quabbin. The weather was cloudy and got quite breezy by
mid-morning making landbirding quite tough. Totals:
Common Loon (8ad+1imm);
Great Blue Heron (1);
Turkey Vulture (1);
Wood Duck (16);
A Black Duck (4: very young birds, barely able to fly a short hop. Obviously
born here);
Mallard (4);
Ring-necked Duck (1m);
Common Merganser (33);
Osprey (1);
Bald Eagle (1imm);
Sharp-shinned Hawk (3: including a fun sighting of 2 immatures toying with a
large flock of jays: bombing them, chasing them);
Red-tailed Hawk (2);
PEREGRINE FALCON (2imm: with the low water attracting shorebirds, Peregrines
are loving this end of Quabbin);
Ruffed Grouse (2 drumming);
Wild Turkey (9);
Virginia Rail (2);
AMERICAN GOLDEN PLOVER (6: nice views of a flock that flew in and landed on
a small bar close to the Gate 35 road in Worcester County);
Semipalmated Plover (15: small numbers at all coastal locations);
Killdeer (6);
Greater Yellowlegs (14);
Solitary Sandpiper (1);
Spotted Sandpiper (1);
BONAPARTE?S GULL (1 adW);
Ring-billed Gull (13);
Belted Kingfisher (2);
Red-bellied Woodpecker (1);
Yellow-bellied Sapsucker (5);
Downy Woodpecker (12);
Hairy Woodpecker (6);
N Flicker (7);
Pileated Woodpecker (5);
Olive-sided Flycatcher (1: getting late);
E Wood Peewee (3: still singing);
E Phoebe (12);
Blue-headed Vireo (9);
Red-eyed Vireo (16: numbers dramatically decreasing);
Blue Jay (78: significant movement);
A Crow (36);
Black-capped Chickadee (132);
Tufted Titmouse (17);
Red-breasted Nuthatch (36);
White-breasted Nuthatch (17);
House Wren (5);
Hermit Thrush (9);
Wood Thrush (1);
A Robin (4);
Gray Catbird (37);
Cedar Waxwing (10);
WARBLERS:
N Parula (1);
Yellow (1);
Magnolia (8);
CAPE MAY (1);
Black-throated Blue (7: all males);
Yellow-rumped (47);
Black-throated Green (1);
Pine (99);
Bay-breasted (1);
Blackpoll (15);
Black and White (8);
CONNECTICUT (1imm);
C Yellowthroat (15);
Scarlet Tanager (1);
E Towhee (40);
Chipping Sparrow (3);
Song Sparrow (3);
Swamp Sparrow (7);
N Cardinal (6);
Rose-breasted Grosbeak (8);
Purple Finch (1);
A Goldfinch (1);
It may seem hard to believe, but birds weren't the best sightings of the
day:
- We were birding in an little hollow, went around a dirt pile and
there
were 2 MOOSE!
- From Grave's Landing we watched a BOBCAT swim from the Gate 37 shore
(to
the right) all across our field of vision to Leveau Island. We had never
seen a Bobcat swim before: the head and bobtail are held well above the
water. We likely watched this scene for 6-8 minutes, till it hauled out on
shore. A truly huge cat.
(report from Mark Lynch/Sheila Carroll).
- 9/11/10 -- All-Faiths Cemetery/Leesville Pond, Worcester
-
Today's sightings included the Green Heron, 2 Double- crested Cormorants, 2
Mute Swans and male and female Wood Ducks.
(report from Joan Crowell).
- 9/11/10 -- Quabbin Park, Quabbin Reservoir
-
Our MAS "Fall Birding at Massachusetts IBAs" class had a trip to South
Quabbin (Quabbin Park) today. Early in the AM, there were several very good
waves of passerines, but hawkwatching was a bit of a bust. Totals:
Common Loon (1ad);
Double-crested Cormorant (7);
Great Blue Heron (2);
Turkey Vulture (2);
Canada Goose (25);
Wood Duck (12);
Mallard (2);
Osprey (1);
Bald Eagle (3ad+1 sub-ad+1 first year bird);
Sharp-shinned Hawk (2);
Broad-winged Hawk (2);
Red-tailed Hawk (6);
Wild Turkey (10);
Killdeer (18);
Greater Yellowlegs (1);
Ring-billed Gull (28);
Mourning Dove (9);
Belted Kingfisher (1);
Red-bellied Woodpecker (1);
Downy Woodpecker (4);
Hairy Woodpecker (5);
N Flicker (3);
Pileated Woodpecker (3);
E Wood Peewee (9);
"Traill's Flycatcher" type (1);
E Phoebe (18);
Yellow-throated Vireo (3);
Blue-headed Vireo (2);
Warbling Vireo (3);
Philadelphia Vireo (2);
Red-eyed Vireo (26);
Blue Jay (52);
A Crow (27);
Black-capped Chickadee (36);
Tufted Titmouse (4);
Red-breasted Nuthatch (9);
White-breasted Nuthatch (21);
House Wren (3);
E Bluebird (2);
Swainson's Thrush (3);
Hermit Thrush (2);
A Robin (4);
Gray Catbird (48);
Cedar Waxwing (9: 1 juv);
WARBLERS:
Tennessee (1);
N Parula (1);
Chestnut-sided (1);
Magnolia (2);
Yellow-rumped (4);
Black-throated Green (3);
Blackburnian (2);
Pine (16: a number still singing);
Prairie (2: including 1 persistent singer);
Blackpoll (28);
Black and White (4);
A Redstart (1);
C Yellowthroat (6);
Scarlet Tanager (1);
E Towhee (15);
Chipping Sparrow (6);
Field Sparrow (3);
Song Sparrow (2);
Swamp Sparrow (1);
Bobolink (1);
Baltimore Oriole (3m);
A Goldfinch (16);
(report from Mark Lynch/Sheila Carroll)
- 9/11/10 -- Auburn Birdbanding Station, Auburn
-
Despite seemingly good, cooler conditions, last night's north-oriented winds
brought us only average migration results. You just can't ever tell for sure
until you band. Migrants were limited to red-eyed vireos, yellowthroats,
Canada warblers, Northern waterthrushes, towhees, phoebes, and, of course,
gray catbirds. Auburn must be the epicenter of the gray catbird universe.
Permanent residents were much in evidence, with feisty titmice and
chickadees pecking souvenir-marks in Keith and Ken.
Notably absent today were thrushes and uncommon warblers. Every banding day
is different. Tonight's winds are likely to bring in a whole new cast of
characters. Looking skyward, I still haven't seen the vanguard of the
broadwinged hawk flight.
The next 10 days should be peak for warblers. After
that, we'll be getting heavy numbers of finches and various sparrow species.
(report from Mark Blazis).
- 9/11/10 -- Mount Watatic, Ashburnham
- Migrating raptors today:
Turkey Vulture 5 ;
Osprey 6 ;
Bald Eagle 5 ;
Northern Harrier 2 ;
Sharp-shinned Hawk 23 ;
Cooper's Hawk 12 ;
Broad-winged Hawk 313 ;
American Kestrel 13 ;
Merlin 4 ;
Peregrine Falcon 1 .
Raptor Observations:
good movement through out the day with the lagerst BW kettle being 76.
Local RT's and RS's showed nicely, and a few high flying TV's appeared to be on
the move.
Non-raptor Observations:
Lees than 10 Monarchs, 1 RT Hummingbird, a few Canada Geese.
Mount Watatic Hawkwatch information may be found at:
http://massbird.org/EMHW/
(report from Tom Pirro).
- 9/11/10 -- Barre Falls Dam, Barre
- Raptors migrating today:
Osprey 7 ;
Bald Eagle 5 ;
Sharp-shinned Hawk 34 ;
Broad-winged Hawk 122 ;
American Kestrel 1 ;
Peregrine Falcon 1 .
Raptor Observations:
Most birds were seen during the first and last hours.
Non-raptor Observations:
17 Canada Geese, 1 Ruby-throated Hummingbird.
(report from Bart Kamp).
- 9/10/10 -- Barre Falls Dam, Barre
- Raptors migrating today:
Osprey 6 ;
Bald Eagle 4 ;
Sharp-shinned Hawk 24 ;
Cooper's Hawk 3 ;
Broad-winged Hawk 112 ;
American Kestrel 2 .
Raptor Observations:
Movement from start to finish. Not much soaring in the gusty NNW wind.
Largest kettle 15 BW's.
Non-raptor Observations:
Migrating: 12 Ruby-throated Hummingbirds, 57 Monarch Butterflies.
(report from Bart Kamp).
- 9/10/10 -- Stefans Farm Conservation Area, Upton
-
This conservation area is located near Mechanic and Orchard Street across
the street from the Upton Community Garden. A walk from 10:00 am to 12:00 pm
this morning had the following highlights in 3 separate mixed flocks:
House Wren (2);
PHILADEPHIA VIREO (1;) Red-eyed Vireo (1); American Robin (1);
Grey Catbird (4); Eastern Towhee (1); Song Sparrow (3); Common
Yellow-throat (1); Black and White Warbler (3m,3f,1imm); Northern
Parula (1); Scarlet Tanager (1).
(report from Lisa Hennin)
- 9/9/10 -- Mount Wachusett, Princeton
- Hawks migrating today:
Osprey 1 .
Non-raptor Observations:
Junco - 1
Eastern Towhee - 1
(report from Steve Olson).
- 9/9/10 -- Sterling Peat, Sterling
-
Though fewer shorebirds were present today, no yellowlegs, Pectoral and
fewer Least Sandpipers... the Buff-breasted and Stilt Sandpiper continued!
Highlights from a visit to Sterling Peat this afternoon:
Great Egret (8..... a very nice inland total! all feeding in the same
pool, the feeding is essentially like "shooting fish in a barrel");
Killdeer 4 or 5;
Semipalemated Plover 1 (not there yesterday);
Solitary Sandpiper 2;
Spotted Sandpiper 1;
Least Sandpiper 2 or 3;
Stilt Sandpiper 1 it was still present yesterday too, when I left it was
feeding on east side of the pond (where there is actually water));
Buff-breasted Sandpiper 1 continues..what a pleasure to view this handsome
bird at such close range.
A check of the Sterling Airport turned up nothing, but the amusement rides
for the Sterling Fair are being errected.
(report from Tom Pirro).
- 9/8/10 -- Sterling Peat, Sterling
-
Highlights today at Sterling peat was a single Stilt
Sandpiper and Buff-breasted Sandpiper among the common cast.
(report from Tom Pirro).
- 9/7/10 -- Sterling Peat, Sterling
-
When I left Sterling Peat about 3:45pm there was just one Stilt Sandpiper,
an adult
(
photo here).
Four other people including myself were
fortunate enough to find it. It was feeding in the back where the mud flats
meet the pond with a bunch of killdeer. The two Buff-breasted sandpipers
remain along with the 8 Great egrets, 3 Great blue herons, 4 mallards, a
dozen least sandpipers and killdeers, 1 greater yellowlegs, a couple lesser
yellowlegs, several Canada geese. A merlin also flew down flushing the
least sandpipers. (report and photo from Jessica Johnson).
- 9/6/10 -- Mount Wachusett, Princeton
- Hawks migrating today:
Osprey 3 ;
Sharp-shinned Hawk 3 ;
Non-raptor Observations:
Some Red-Tailed Hawks & Turkey Vultures in the area.
(report from Rod Chase).
- 9/6/10 -- West Hill Park, Northbridge
-
A Philadelphia Vireo
(photo here) was netted and banded this morning.
This was the first Philadelphia Vireo banded at the
site, which has operated since 2001. 21 other birds were netted along with
the vireo. (report from Beth Milke)
- 9/6/10 -- Sterling Peat, Sterling
-
This morning, I arrived at Sterling Peat at 10:30 to learn that no one had
seen the Stilt Sandpipers yet. While Richard Spedding and I were checking
out a Merlin in a dead tree, we saw a group of 5 shorebirds flying in from
the east at 11 a.m. They landed in a pool and turned out to be the Stilt
Sandpipers. They were still feeding when I left at 12. The 2 Buff-breasted
Sandpipers are still there, as well as the 8 Great Egrets and a Kestrel.
(report from Alan Marble).
- 9/6/10 -- Gate 40-35, Quabbin Reservoir
-
Today we atlased from Gate 40 (to across from Mt. Zion) to Gate 35,
visiting Dana Commons, Graves Landing, Dugway Road and the shoreline in Gate
35. This route enters sections of 5 Atlas blocks: Shutesbury 10, 11, 12 and
Barre 1 and 2. The low water continues and now shorebirds were found across
from Mt. Zion especially but also (distantly); from Graves Landing looking
out towards Laeveau (scope and good light needed); Very few shorebirds were
seen along the Gate 35 road, though 6 Semipalmated Plovers and a Spotted
Sandpiper (thanks Brad!) were found on the muddy/rocky flats at the end of
the Gate 35 road. Totals:
Common Loon (9ad);
Double-crested Cormorant (5);
Turkey Vulture (4);
Canada Goose (37: phrag island);
Wood Duck (3);
Mallard (7);
Common Merganser (5: phrag island);
Bald Eagle (2 different pairs of adults and 2 immatures. One pair of adults
caught a fish and ate it out on the phrag island);
Sharp-shinned Hawk (3);
Red-shouldered Hawk (1);
Red-tailed Hawk (3);
Wild Turkey (2);
Virginia Rail (2);
Black-bellied Plover (1);
Semipalmated Plover (13);
Killdeer (8);
Lesser Yellowlegs (1);
Spotted Sandpiper (3);
Least Sandpiper (1+ 6 "calidrid sp.");
Pectoral Sandpiper (4);
BUFF BREASTED SANDPIPER (3: lots of great habitat for this "grasspiper" now
at Quabbin.);
Ring-billed Gull (49);
BLACK TERN (1imm: flew in and dove off Grave's Landing and then left south
around Levaeau);
Yellow-bellied Sapsucker (2);
Downy Woodpecker (3);
Hairy Woodpecker (4);
N Flicker (6);
Pileated Woodpecker (2);
E Wood Peewee (2 still singing);
E Phoebe (3);
Blue-headed Vireo (2);
Red-eyed Vireo (21);
Blue Jay (50);
A Crow (5);
C Raven (3);
Tree Swallow (1: phrag island);
Black-capped Chickadee (94);
Tufted Titmouse (7);
Red-breasted Nuthatch (26);
White-breasted Nuthatch (18);
Brown Creeper (1);
House Wren (2);
Veery (1);
Hermit Thrush (10);
Gray Catbird (16);
Cedar Waxwing (3);
WARBLERS:
Nashville (1);
N Parula (2);
Black-throated Blue (3 males: all still singing);
Yellow-rumped (7);
Black-throated Green (7);
Blackburnian (3);
Pine (35: quite a number still singing in all blocks);
Blackpoll (4);
Black and White (1);
A Redstart (1);
C Yellowthroat (8);
Canada (1)
Scarlet Tanager (2);
E Towhee (28);
Chipping Sparrow (5);
Song Sparrow (2);
Swamp Sparrow (6);
Purple Finch (2);
American Goldfinch (4: including 1 female feeding young in nest!);
PLUS: great show of BLACK SADDLEBAGS dragonflies at the end of Gate 35.
(report from Mark Lynch/Sheila Carroll).
- 9/6/10 -- The Quag, Sterling
-
There were 2 Blue-winged Teal and 2 Ring-necked Ducks at "the Quag" in
Sterling. This is the small pond on route 12 adjacent to West Waushacum
pond.
(report from Kevin Bourinot).
- 9/5/10 -- Sterling Peat, Sterling
-
After hawk watching, Donna Schilling, David Grant and I headed for Sterling
Peat to see the Buff-breasted Sandpipers. We arrived at 3:30. We went first
to the south side that overlooks the mud flats. To our surprise we found 5
STILT SANDPIPERS (see
photo 1|
photo 2).
I called Fran McMenemy to find out if they
had been reported. He said that they hadn't been reported and he "put the
word out". After the excitement we did see the 2 previously reported
Buff-breasted Sandpipers and the 8 Great Egrets were still there.
(report and photos from Bart Kamp).
- 9/5/10 -- Birdbanding station, Auburn
-
The migration is definitely in full swing. Thanks to Mattie Vandenboom and
Dr. Reich opening nets before sunrise, our new nets along the rifle range
scored big. The swamp nets were additionally very productive, particularly
later in the morning. Neotropical migrants caught today included a good
variety of many warblers: Canadas, Yellowthroats, Ovenbirds, Northern Water
thrushes, Magnolias, and Parulas. It was great to see a bird that will
arrive in the Amazon before we're scheduled to leave: the Swainson's Thrush.
A large number of Eastern Phoebes were caught, as well, besides the regular
cast of characters, like catbirds (I think we're at the epicenter of their
world population), chickadees, titmice, robins, etc.
Since the birds
are migrating down here from the North, primarily on North West winds, this
entire week looks potentially very productive. Every day is different,
depending on what the previous nights winds carry in for us.
(report from Mark & Helen Blazis)
- 9/5/10 -- Barre Falls Dam, Barre
- Raptors migrating today:
Osprey 3 ;
Sharp-shinned Hawk 1 ;
Cooper's Hawk 1 ;
Broad-winged Hawk 2 ;
American Kestrel 1 .
Raptor Observations:
Not migrating: 2 Sharp-shinned Hawks, 1 Cooper's Hawk, 8 Redtails, 2
Broadwings and 8 Turkey Vultures.
Non-raptor Observations:
1 Ruby Throated Hummingbird, 1 Monarch Butterfly
(report from Bart Kamp).
- 9/5/10 -- All-Faiths Cemetery/Leesville Pond, Worcester
-
This morning, I saw the Green Heron and Great Blue Heron, and 3
Double-crested Cormorants were in two separate areas of the pond.
(report from Joan Crowell).
- 9/4/10 -- Wachusett Meadow Wildlife Sanctuary, Princeton
-
The Forbush Bird Club held a trip at Mass Audubon's Wachusett Meadow
Wildlife Sanctuary on September 4, 2010. The weather was clear, calm and
comfortable after a rainy evening as a result of Hurricane Earl. Trip leader
Joan Zumpfe was assisted by the sanctuary's caretaker Dick Knowlton who led
the group along the trails. Here is the
complete list of the
34 species recorded.
(report from Joan Zumpfe)
- 9/4/10 -- Banding Station, Auburn
-
I was intrigued by the prospects of what we'd band, following the night of
the most-friendly, near-hurricane Earl. To my surprise, we had some good
migrant numbers, highlighted by numerous American redstarts, yellowthroats,
ovenbirds, and a black and white. We even got some ticks, which Larry deftly
removed. It was gratifying watching Mattie set up and run the station, like
the pro she is, and Helen direct the instruction. The rifle range nets were
particularly productive. Keith's yeoman work preparing those lanes greatly
paid off. Hopefully, he's camping with good sunsets.
Tomorrow (9/5) and Monday (9/6), we'll be banding as well. With northwest winds, we should
get a new cast of characters coming in. The fall migration is building.
(report from Mark & Helen Blazis).
- 9/4/10 -- Gate 35, Quabbin Reservoir
-
Early Saturday AM we headed into Gate 35 and gate 22 Quabbin, part of the
SHUTESBURY 10 block. Nothing that would indicate a fall out from the mild
hurricane on the coast, but still a nice variety of shorebirds. The water
levels here have fallen low enough that now there are number of small bars,
islands and shorebirds were even found on the flats off the very end of the
southern end of the road. By 8:30, the winds really picked up making birding
difficult. Totals:
Common Loon (10ad);
Double-crested Cormorant (1);
Turkey Vulture (1);
Canada Goose (51);
Green-winged Teal (flock of 24);
Common Merganser (37);
Bald Eagle (1imm+2ad);
Sharp-shinned Hawk (1);
Peregrine Falcon (1imm: when this flew and landed: everything (gulls, ducks,
shorebirds); for quite a distance around, left. Good look at the perched
birds legs revealed it was unbanded);
Ruffed Grouse (1ad w/3 precocial yg);
Wild Turkey (10);
Semipalmated Plover (16);
Greater Yellowlegs (11);
Spotted Sandpiper (3);
Least Sandpiper (28+ 40+ "calidrid sp." Too far out to ID);
Pectoral Sandpiper (12);
Sanderling (1);
Buff-breasted Sandpiper (1);
Ring-billed Gull (66: variety of plumages/ages including juv);
Herring Gull (1adS);
Downy Woodpecker (1);
Hairy Woodpecker (2);
Eastern Wood Peewee (7: including 1 ad still feeding a begging juv.);
Yellow-throated Vireo (1 still singing);
Blue-headed Vireo (2 still singing);
Red-eyed Vireo (8: several still singing);
Black-capped Chickadee (24);
Tufted Titmouse (12);
White-breasted Nuthatch (3);
American Crow (15);
Common Raven (2);
Hermit Thrush (3);
N Parula (3);
Black-throated Blue Warbler (1m still singing);
Blackburnian Warbler (1imm);
Black-throated Green Warbler (4);
Pine Warbler (3: several still singing);
C. Yellowthroat (6);
Eastern Towhee (6);
Chipping Sparrow (6);
Field Sparrow (1);
A Goldfinch (3);
(report from Mark Lynch/Sheila Carroll).
- 9/4/10 -- All Faith's Cemetery/Leesville Pond, Worcester
- This morning I
saw the green heron. Was also pleased to see two Mute Swans - haven't seen
them for several months. Also observed three Double-crested Cormorants on
the same branch. (report from Joan Crowell).
- 9/4/10 -- Barre Falls Dam, Barre
- Raptors migrating today:
Osprey 3 ;
Sharp-shinned Hawk 7 ;
American Kestrel 9 .
Raptor Observations:
Not migrating: 2 Broadwings, 3 Retails, 10 Turkey Vultures.
(report from Bart Kamp).
- 9/3/10 -- Northbridge
-
At 3:30 on Little Meadow Pond there was a Great Egret, and on Meadow Pond
there were 2 Great Blue Herons. On both ponds together there were 10 to 12 Mute
Swans. (report from Michael Joubert).
- 9/2/10 -- All Faith's Cemetery/Leesville Pond, Worcester
- An early morning walk around All Faith's Cemetery/Leesville
Pond revealed the following. A green heron was having his breakfast.
Numerous wood ducks were observed in many areas. Two Great Blue Heron were
also seen, and two Double-crested Cormorant were standing together on a
branch that extended over the water.
(report from Joan Crowell).
- 9/2/10 -- Sterling Peat, Sterling
-
As of 3:30 both the Baird's and
Buff-breasted
Sandpipers were still present,
along with the 6 Great Egrets.
(report and photo from Bart Kamp).
- 9/2/10 -- High Ridge WMA, Gardner / Sterling Peat, Sterling
-
Jess Johnson and I birded northern Worcester County today, hoping to follow
up Tom Pirro's warblerfest at High Ridge, and then see what else was around.
At the Smith St. entrance of High Ridge WMA, just south of the intersection
of Smith St. and Neighborhood Rd., there is a field on the east side of the
road, and trees on the west. That treeline on the west side of the road was
just alive with birds this morning, with at least two Bay-breasted Warblers,
3 Tennessees, a Nashville, and many more that are listed below. Another
highlight was a slightly early Lincoln's Sparrow, and good numbers of
Red-eyed Vireos and Indigo Buntings. A check on the Old Gardner Rd. entrance
to High Ridge turned up an American Bittern and a Great Egret in the marsh
there, but no previously reported Olive-sided Flycatcher.
From there we headed to Sterling Peat, where within 5 minutes of arriving,
Jess spotted a juvenile Baird's Sandpiper! Elated with this bird, we
proceeded to photograph it in every which way possible. While watching it, I
saw another bird fly in and land right near it: a Buff-breasted Sandpiper. I
got the word out to some local birders, but wasn't able to post until now
because emails from my Blackberry won't go through to Massbird.
Photos of the Lincoln's Sparrow, Bay-breasted Warbler, Baird's and
Buff-breasted Sandpipers can be seen at:
www.flickr.com/photos/uropsalis/sets/72157624740512213/.
Highlights from the two subject locations are below.
- High Ridge WMA--Smith St. Entrance (0630-0845) [46 species total]:
Wood Duck 4;
Cooper's Hawk 1;
Red-tailed Hawk 1;
American Kestrel 1;
Wilson's Snipe 1 Flew over field just S of intersection of Smith St.
and Neighborhood Rd.;
Belted Kingfisher 1;
Northern Flicker (Yellow-shafted) 4;
Empidonax sp. 1 Possible Traill's, seen briefly.;
Eastern Phoebe 15 *High count. Everywhere.;
Blue-headed Vireo 2;
Red-eyed Vireo 18 Two singing;
Red-breasted Nuthatch 3;
House Wren 5;
American Robin 3;
Gray Catbird 6;
Cedar Waxwing 25;
Tennessee Warbler 3 *High count. All with the large flock.;
Nashville Warbler 1 Large flock;
Northern Parula 1 Intersection of first street east of Neighborhood
along Smith.;
Chestnut-sided Warbler 5;
Magnolia Warbler 1 Female.;
Black-throated Blue Warbler 2 Males;
Yellow-rumped Warbler (Myrtle) 2 Molting birds, therefore likely
residents.;
Black-throated Green Warbler 3 Two at large flock.;
Bay-breasted Warbler 2 (Large flock,
photo here);
Black-and-white Warbler 1;
American Redstart 1;
Common Yellowthroat 9;
Song Sparrow 17;
Lincoln's Sparrow 1 (Early. Seen in the stand of trees at the edge
of the field right at the intersection of Smith and Neighborhood.
Photo here);
Swamp Sparrow 2;
White-throated Sparrow 1;
Scarlet Tanager 1;
Rose-breasted Grosbeak 1;
Indigo Bunting 12 Feeding along weedy field edges, calling
frequently.;
Bobolink 21 Flyover flock.;
Purple Finch 4 Flyovers;
- Muddy Pond/Sterling Peat, Sterling (1055-1150):
Great Blue Heron 1;
Great Egret 5;
Turkey Vulture 1;
Killdeer 8;
Spotted Sandpiper 1;
Solitary Sandpiper 5;
Greater Yellowlegs 6;
Lesser Yellowlegs 2;
Least Sandpiper 6;
Baird's Sandpiper 1 (Rare. Juvenile bird spotted by Jess Johnson as
something out of the ordinary, after it being IDed as a Baird's we notified
some local birders who managed to see it up until at least 1pm.
Photos here.);
Buff-breasted Sandpiper 1 (Juvenile bird that flew in from
the grassy edge and landed right next to the Baird's! Photos of this very
cooperative bird can be seen
here.
(report from Ian Davies).
- 9/2/10 -- Sterling Peat, Sterling
-
- I was at Sterling Peat with Ian Davies this morning. There was a juvenile
Baird's Sandpiper and after a few minutes there was also a juvenile
Buff-breasted Sandpiper. They were both still there as of 11:45am. The
usual shorebires were there as well, the five Great Egrets remain. A full
report will becoming later. (report from Jessica Johnson).
-
Ian Davies called me a bit ago and reported a Buff-breasted Sandpiper
and Baid's Sandpiper from Sterling Peat. The birds were present when
i got there just after noon time, I will post a few photos on my
blog. I think Kevin B. is there right now.
The G. Egret count is up to 6!
(report from Tom Pirro).
- 9/1/10 -- The Shoppes at Blackstone Valley, Millbury
-
Kim Allen joined me tonight at the Millbury mall to count Common Nighthawks
from 5-7:15. There were no flying ants visible and virtually all the birds
were flying in a north or northeasterly direction. Their flight was direct
and fast with very little feeding. We had a total of 198. We had a very
large group of 49 Turkey Vultures north of the site. We were unable to
morph
any of them into a Black Vulture though.
(report from Alan Marble).
- 9/1/10 -- Rt.56 overlook of Worcester Airport, Leicester
-
TIME: 5:30PM-7PM
Winds: WSW 4mph
Temp: 86F
Weather: Clear skies, but extremely hazy in the lowlands, so almost all the
nighthawks we saw were fairly close.
Total COMMON NIGHTHAWKs: 513
Details: From 5:40-6:10, birds came in singles or small strung out flocks from the
SE
or directly from the east, often quite low. The birds hit the hill and then
flew all around the north end and proceeded west/southwest.
Then at 6;10 a lull with no birds till 6;20. THEN birds came in directly
from the east and low right over our heads in ones and twos.
Flight was for the most part direct and swift with very little feeding, till
the last half hour. After 6;50PM: no more birds.
(report from Mark Lynch/Sheila Carroll).
- 9/1/10 -- Sterling Peat, Sterling
-
I stopped by Sterling Peat this evening for a bit, the 5 Great Egrets
were still present feeding together in a small pool, and making a
killing! Not a good day to be a Yellow Perch or any fish on that side
of the pond. No big changes in the shorebirds, still a good # of
nighthawks feeding in the area.
Highlights :
Great Blue Heron 3;
Great Egret 5;
Black Duck 1;
Killdeer 15 and about 10 at the Sterling Airport;
Solitary Sandpiper 4;
Spotted Sandpiper 1;
Greater Yellowlegs 4;
Lesser Yellowlegs 1;
Least Sandpiper 18;
Common Nighthawk ~40;
American Robin 250+ (my attention to the robin roost was sporatic
... at best).
(report from Tom Pirro).
- 9/1/10 -- Ramshorn pond, West Millbury
-
Nighthawk totals from Ramshorn pond in West Millbury for the last 3 nights:
- On 8/30 from 6:15 to 7:00 total of 91 heading SW
- On 8/31 from 6:15 to 7:00 total of 28 heading SE
- On 9/01 from 6:00 to 7:30 total of 69 heading SSW
(report from Dan Berard Sr).
- 9/1/10 -- High Ridge Wildlife Management Area, Westminster/Garder
-
I got over to high Ridge WMA late this morning for a few hours, and despite the
heat and humidity there was a nice selection of birds, though the songbirds
had to be coaxed out with a good deal of spishing and screech owl
imitations. Entrance was made from East Gardner Road (Westminster) and then
Smith Street (Gardner):
Highlights:
Great Egreat 1;
Hooded Merganser 5;
Red-shouldered hawk 2 (with 6 of the BW's, at least 1 RS was calling
continuously with a good deal of skirmishing going on...between the 8 birds);
Broad-winged Hawk 7;
Ruby-throated Hummingbird 2;
Olive-sided Flycatcher 1 (in the snags on the north side of the East
Gardner Rd. Marsh);
Least Flycatcher 1;
Yellow-throated Vireo 1;
Blue-headed Vireo 1;
Red-eyed Vireo 6;
Tennessee Warbler 3 (*it took a good deal of work to finally get good looks
at these birds, that were together and skirmishing at times);
Northern Parula 1;
Chestnut-sided Warbler 1;
Black-throated Blue Warbler 2;
Black-throated green Warbler 2;
Magnolia Warbler 1;
American Redstart 2;
Pine Warbler 2;
Black and White Warbler 1;
Bay-breasted Warbler 1 (looked to be a first year type, hint of "bay" on
flanks and buffy undertail coverts);
Wilson's Warbler 1 male;
Common Yellowthroat 10;
Purple Finch 3. (report from Tom Pirro).
For previous sightings, see
August 2010 Archives or
Archive Index
