September 2012 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:
- 9/30/12 -- Ware River Watershed IBA, Rutland, Barre, Oakham
-
This morning we birded the southern section of the WARE RIVER WATERSHED IBA
(parts of Rutland, Barre, Oakham), never quite making it far enough north to
reach Barre Falls Dam. The weather was dank, dreary, started off misting and
evolved into rain. We were going to bag it after we came across a nice
movement of birds working the canopy and got very wet trying to make them
out against the gloom and rain, getting our bins wet in the bargain. But we
didn't. We stuck with it and by mid-morning it was just dank, which was an
improvement. We came across a few nice pockets of migrants, but it was
better weather for fungi, which were springing up all over the forest floor
because of the wet conditions. There were times in the rain when it felt
like we were in Matango II.
- Complete list:
Turkey Vulture (1);
Canada Goose (flock of 11 overhead);
Sharp-shinned Hawk (3: including 1 bird that was constantly harassing a
flicker on the ground);
A Kestrel (hunting the prison camp area);
Mourning Dove (6);
Belted Kingfisher (1);
Red-bellied Woodpecker (1);
Downy Woodpecker (5);
Hairy Woodpecker (6);
N Flicker (9);
E Phoebe (10);
Blue-headed Vireo (7);
Red-eyed Vireo (1);
Blue Jay (52: including a migrating flock of 20 birds);
A Crow (1);
C Raven (1);
Black-capped Chickadee (174: a number of large flocks of 20-30+ birds moving
through the forest);
Tufted Titmouse (16);
Red-breasted Nuthatch (141);
White-breasted Nuthatch (18);
Brown Creeper (2);
Carolina Wren (1 in brushy swamp in forest where it obviously did not
breed);
Golden-crowned Kinglet (11);
Ruby-crowned Kinglet (10);
Hermit Thrush (16);
Gray Catbird (23);
WARBLERS:
N Parula (1);
Magnolia (1);
Cape May (1: getting late for the interior of state);
Yellow-rumped (101);
Black-throated Green (5);
Pine (59: a handful singing in the rain);
Palm (18: all "yellow");
Blackpoll (81);
Black and White (2);
C Yellowthroat (22);
E Towhee (37);
Swamp Sparrow (22);
White-throated Sparrow (84);
White-crowned Sparrow (1);
N cardinal (1);
Rose-breasted Grosbeak (1);
Purple Finch (9).
(report from Mark Lynch/Sheila Carroll).
- 9/30/12 -- Manchaug, Sutton
-
At 5.30 I had the first of season PineSiskin at my feeders in Manchaug
Sutton. (report from Michael Joubert).
- 9/29/12 -- Wheeler Pond, Berlin
-
There was a pair of Gadwall on Wheeler Pond today.
(report from Nickilas Paulson).
- 9/29/12 -- Warwick
- This morning we birded WARWICK, Massachusetts. Located north of
Orange and on the New Hampshire border, the small town of Warwick is in
extreme NE Franklin County. Warwick has lots of State Forest property, a
large area of conservation land, several small marshy ponds and lots of
hiking trails. Unfortunately, The weather Saturday was pretty poor: drizzle,
mist, cloudy and generally dark and dank, particularly in the forest.
Habitats included large tracts of mixed forest (very dark on Saturday); lots
of hemlock stands and farmland. RT.78, connecting Rt. 2A to New Hampshire,
runs south to north bisecting the town.
- One caveat: if you are thinking of birding Warwick, realize that your
Western Massachusetts road atlas will show a number of roads that either do
not exist or are impassable all the way through. This was true even of
Google Earth maps, which outlined the same roads even if they weren't there.
One road was cut in half by a beaver marsh that has obviously been there for
a few years. Several other "roads" were really foot trails. Some of the dirt
roads were in poor shape due to the recent rains. Still, Warwick is a fine
place to explore offering some great birding opportunities.
- Complete list:
Canada Goose (2);
Wood Duck (2);
Osprey (1);
Red-shouldered Hawk (1);
Wild Turkey (54);
Virginia Rail (4);
Mourning Dove (3);
Belted Kingfisher (1);
Red-bellied Woodpecker (1);
Downy Woodpecker (4);
Hairy Woodpecker (7);
N Flicker (17);
Pileated Woodpecker (2);
E Phoebe (10);
Blue-headed Vireo (3 singing birds);
Red-eyed Vireo (1);
Blue Jay (32);
A Crow (33);
C Raven (1);
Black-capped Chickadee (98);
Tufted Titmouse (8);
Red-breasted Nuthatch (18);
White-breasted Nuthatch (11);
Brown Creeper (2);
Carolina Wren (1);
Golden-crowned Kinglet (29);
Ruby-crowned Kinglet (7);
E Bluebird (9);
Hermit Thrush (1);
A Robin (11);
Gray Catbird (5);
WARBLERS:
Magnolia (1);
Yellow-rumped (59);
Black-throated Green (1);
Palm (2);
Blackpoll (32);
Black and White (1);
C Yellowthroat (21: this included a young bird with a deformed bill: longer
than usual with a pronounced downward curve to tip);
E Towhee (6);
Chipping Sparrow (87);
Savannah Sparrow (1);
Song Sparrow (14);
Lincoln's Sparrow (2);
Swamp Sparrow (54);
White-throated Sparrow (65);
White-crowned Sparrow (1);
Dark-eyed Junco (32);
N Cardinal (1);
Indigo Bunting (1);
C Grackle (2);
Brown-headed Cowbird (1);
A Goldfinch (7);
- Plus: (3); RIVER OTTERS cavorting together; 1 very young and torpid Snapping
Turtle rescued from the middle of a road; great show on fungi including many
Amanita sp.
(report from Mark Lynch/Sheila Carroll).
- 9/28/12 -- Fitchburg Airport
-
Late this morning I heard then saw an American Golden Plover flying high
over the Fitchburg Airport. While I didn't see it on the ground, a foraging
coyote had just flushed some Canada Geese and likely had done the same
to the plover... which likely circled the field and then moved east and
didn't appear to have any intentions of returning.
Also seen were 3 Horned Lark and several dozen sparrows, also flushed by the
coyote. All the sparrows I was able to ID were Savannahs.
(report from Tom Pirro).
- 9/27/12 -- Barre Falls Dam, Barre
- Migrating raptors today:
-------------------------------------------------------------------
Species Day's Count Month Total Season Total
------------------ ----------- -------------- --------------
Black Vulture 0 0 0
Turkey Vulture 0 0 0
Osprey 3 77 77
Bald Eagle 1 28 28
Northern Harrier 0 10 10
Sharp-shinned Hawk 41 327 327
Cooper's Hawk 6 92 92
Northern Goshawk 1 2 2
Red-shouldered Hawk 1 8 8
Broad-winged Hawk 6 4713 4713
Red-tailed Hawk 4 14 14
Rough-legged Hawk 0 0 0
Golden Eagle 0 0 0
American Kestrel 2 66 66
Merlin 1 17 17
Peregrine Falcon 0 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 17 17
Total: 67 5377 5377
----------------------------------------------------------------------
- Raptor Observations:
Birds were very high and would have passed unseen had there been no clouds.
- Non-raptor Observations:
20 Canada Geese.
(report from Bart Kamp).
- 9/27/12 -- 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 5 150 150
Bald Eagle 0 48 48
Northern Harrier 0 17 17
Sharp-shinned Hawk 23 222 222
Cooper's Hawk 11 97 97
Northern Goshawk 0 0 0
Red-shouldered Hawk 1 1 1
Broad-winged Hawk 19 7777 7777
Red-tailed Hawk 2 3 3
Rough-legged Hawk 0 0 0
Golden Eagle 0 0 0
American Kestrel 6 56 56
Merlin 2 16 16
Peregrine Falcon 1 5 5
Unknown Accipiter 1 22 22
Unknown Buteo 0 1 1
Unknown Falcon 0 1 1
Unknown Eagle 0 1 1
Unknown Raptor 13 73 73
Total: 84 8490 8490
----------------------------------------------------------------------
-
Raptor Observations:
Had many local Red-tailed Hawks around most of the day- 5.
Turkey Vultures Galore - at least 14 throughout the day.
- Non-raptor Observations:
Ravens-5;
Yellow Rumped Warblers-20 in a flock over Summit.
Cedar Waxwing-1;
Blue Jays-4 on the Summit.
Eastern Towhee-1 female with others singing in shrubs.
(report from Steve Olson)
- 9/25/12 -- Mount Wachusett, Princeton
- Raptors migrating today:
Osprey 1 ;
Bald Eagle 1 ;
Northern Harrier 1 ;
Broad-winged Hawk 2 .
- Raptor Observations:
2 resident Turkey Vultures which got some lift and actually kited for
awhile. Smaller raptors couldn't fight the wind and stayed on the ground.
Bald Eagle was an immature.
Wind was so strong that one BW tried to peel right and got blown to the
left around the mountain. Doubt if he got far.
- Non-raptor Observations:
Blue Jays moving low to Oak Trees. No Juncos in sight.
(report from Steve Olson)
- 9/25/12 -- Barre Falls Dam, Barre
- Migrating raptors today:
Bald Eagle 4 ;
Northern Harrier 1 ;
Sharp-shinned Hawk 8 ;
Cooper's Hawk 4 ;
Broad-winged Hawk 14 ;
American Kestrel 5 .
- Raptor Observations:
10-15 Turkey Vultures and 5 Redtails not migrating.
- Non-raptor Observations:
6 Monarch Butterflies
(report from Bart Kamp)
- 9/24/12 -- Mount Wachusett, Princeton
- Raptors migrating today:
Osprey 2 ;
Bald Eagle 4 ;
Sharp-shinned Hawk 11 ;
Cooper's Hawk 1 ;
Broad-winged Hawk 29 ;
American Kestrel 2 .
- Raptor Observations:
Bald Eagles-1 unaged (too distant), 1 immature, 2 matures.
Unusual encounter between a Raven & Sharpie: Sharpie dove on Raven & bit
the back of the neck.
- Non-raptor Observations:
Duck-2;
Ravens-5;
Hummingbird-1.
(report from Steve Olson)
- 9/24/12 -- Barre Falls Dam, Barre
- Migrating raptors today:
Osprey 3 ;
Bald Eagle 7 ;
Northern Harrier 1 ;
Sharp-shinned Hawk 22 ;
Cooper's Hawk 5 ;
Red-shouldered Hawk 1 ;
Broad-winged Hawk 29 ;
American Kestrel 4 ;
Merlin 2 .
- Raptor Observations:
Good cloud cover, not many migrants.
- Non-raptor Observations:
16 Monarch Butterflies.
(report from Bart Kamp).
- 9/24/12 -- All Faith's Cemetery, Worcester/Auburn
-
This morning, at the waste area at All Faith's Cemetery, there was 1,
possibly 2 Lincoln's Sparrows and a Dark-eyed Junco.
(report from Alan Marble).
- 9/23/12 -- Bolton Flats WMA, Bolton
-
The Forbush Bird Club had a great trip to Bolton Flats,
including sections to the north and south of
route 117, Pine Hill Road grasslands, and a brief stop at the red barn
entrance off route 110. The conditions in the early morning were good
for birding the tree line and thickets along the plowed farm field.
Swamp and Savannah Sparrows have increased here in the last week. The
raptor show was excellent all morning with 2 Merlins, 3 American
Kestrels, a Northern Harrier, Sharp-shinned Hawks, a Coopers Hawk, 2
Red-shouldered Hawks taking advantage of the recently turned field.
Everyone had great looks at the flock of American Pipits (about 40) in
the field as well. By early morning, the winds started picking up,
which made thicket birding much more difficult. We still managed to
"T-up" some great birds. Notable misses were marsh birds like Virginia
Rail, Sora, and Marsh Wren, but the water level is much lower than
previous years. Kim Allen wrote a good narrative of the trip on her
blog. Here is the
complete
trip list. (report from Kevin Bourinot).
- 9/23/12 -- Mount Watatic, Ashburnham
- Migrating raptors today:
Turkey Vulture 6 ;
Osprey 2 ;
Bald Eagle 2 ;
Sharp-shinned Hawk 14 ;
Cooper's Hawk 3 ;
Broad-winged Hawk 93 ;
American Kestrel 2 .
- Raptor Observations:
Very few kettles, largest being 21 and 23.
- Non-raptor Observations:
55 migrating Canada Geese, 1 Great Black-backed gull, 1 Common Nighthawk, 1
Cliff Swallow, 3 DC Cormorants and a few migrant Blue Jays passed over the
summit.
(report from Tom Pirro).
- 9/23/12 -- Mount Wachusett, Princeton
- Raptors migrating today:
Osprey 3 ;
Bald Eagle 2 ;
Sharp-shinned Hawk 5 ;
Cooper's Hawk 1 ;
Broad-winged Hawk 37 ;
American Kestrel 1 ;
Merlin 3 ;
Unknown Accipiter 1 .
- Raptor Observations:
Truly disappointing, given ideal weather. Never had more than 4 Broadwings
in one field of view. Birds were getting lift and gliding quickly by. Could
easily have missed individuals passing at a distance, but never saw any
concentrations of birds soaring or gliding. Both Bald Eagles were full
adults. Had three Merlins come head-on to the summit. All three caught
insects, presumably dragonflies, in midair and ate them in flight, and all
soared off the south side of the mountain affording superb views.
- Non-raptor Observations:
1 Ruby-throated HUmmingbird (sparse this fall); 1 Chimney Swift, 9 Racing
Pigeons, 20 Canada Geese migrating, 55 Monarchs. Had 1 Common Loon in
breeding plumage in Wachusett Lake.
- Note:
Today should have been the big day. Detroit River had the biggest Broadwing
flight of the season in eastern North America today on this cold front.
There could be lots of Broadwings to come in New England, and tomorrow
could be the day. (Or it could not.)
(report from Paul Roberts)
- 9/23/12 -- Barre Falls Dam, Barre
- Migrating raptors today:
Osprey 4 ;
Bald Eagle 1 ;
Northern Harrier 1 ;
Sharp-shinned Hawk 25 ;
Cooper's Hawk 6 ;
Broad-winged Hawk 25 ;
Red-tailed Hawk 2 ;
American Kestrel 6 ;
Peregrine Falcon 1 .
Raptor Observations:
Hawks were very high and hard to find.
Non-raptor Observations:
36 Monarch Butterflies
(report from Bart Kamp)
- 9/22/12 -- Otter River SP/Birch Hill WMA, Royalston/Winchendon
-
This morning we birded the OTTER RIVER STATE PARK/BIRCH HILL WILDLIFE
MANAGEMENT AREA complex in Royalston and Winchendon (basically both sides of
the Otter River). Nothing extraordinary, but a few nice flocks of birds. A
large flock of Pine Warblers, with a few Yellow-rumps, was working the shore
of Lake Dennison.
- Birds: Great Blue Heron (3);
Turkey Vulture (1);
Wood Duck (5);
A Black Duck (5);
Mallard (2);
A Kestrel (1imm);
Ruffed Grouse (1 walking across road);
Wild Turkey (12);
Virginia Rail (1);
Mourning Dove (2);
Belted Kingfisher (2);
Red-bellied Woodpecker (4);
Downy Woodpecker (1);
Hairy Woodpecker (5);
N Flicker (5);
Pileated Woodpecker (1);
E Phoebe (16);
Blue-headed Vireo (4 singing birds);
Blue Jay (30);
A Crow (6);
Black-capped Chickadee (131);
Red-breasted Nuthatch (41);
White-breasted Nuthatch (7);
Brown Creeper (1);
E Bluebird (2);
A Robin (57);
Gray Catbird (6);
Cedar Waxwing (6);
WARBLERS:
Yellow-rumped (41);
Black-throated Green (4);
Pine (89);
Blackpoll (13);
Black and White (3);
C Yellowthroat (6);
E Towhee (7);
Song Sparrow (12);
Swamp Sparrow (39);
White-throated Sparrow (21);
Dark-eyed Junco (1);
N Cardinal (5);
Purple Finch (2);
A Goldfinch (5);
- PLUS: a good flight of Mourning Cloaks and Monarchs, but the best butterfly
of the day was a FIERY SKIPPER well photo-documented by Sheila.
(report from Mark Lynch/Sheila Carroll).
- 9/22/12 -- Barre Falls Dam, Barre
- Migrating raptors today:
Osprey 7 ;
Sharp-shinned Hawk 8 ;
Cooper's Hawk 5 ;
Red-tailed Hawk 1 ;
American Kestrel 2 .
Raptor Observations:
1 Red-tail not migrating.
Non-raptor Observations:
5 Double-crested Cormorants and 16 Monarch Butterflies.
(report from Bart Kamp)
- 9/21/12 -- Ware River Watershed IBA, Barre
-
This morning we birded the WARE RIVER WATERSHED IBA; this time our route
took us along the Burnshirt River, making a brief stop at Barre Falls Dam,
then down Coldbrook Road and then into a small part of Rutland State Park.
There were a number of nice flocks of birds first thing in the morning, but
numbers and variety dropped off after 11AM. It was interesting to note that
the warbler flocks along the Burnshirt first thing in the morning were all
moving NORTH along the river. It was also a dramatically different mix of
species than last weekend, with more Yellow-rumped and Pine Warblers and a
narrower variety. The hawkwatchers at Barre Falls Dam were having a slow
day, at least when we were there.
- List of birds:
Great Blue Heron (1);
Turkey Vulture (2);
Wood Duck (4);
Red-shouldered Hawk (1);
Red-tailed Hawk (1);
A Kestrel (1);
Wild Turkey (1);
Mourning Dove (4);
Belted Kingfisher (1);
Red-bellied Woodpecker (2);
Downy Woodpecker (4);
Hairy Woodpecker (14);
N Flicker (12);
Pileated Woodpecker (2);
E Wood Peewee (1);
E Phoebe (59);
Blue-headed Vireo (8: 4 still singing);
Warbling Vireo (1);
Philadelphia Vireo (1);
Red-eyed Vireo (19);
Blue Jay (23);
A Crow (4);
Black-capped Chickadee (169);
Tufted Titmouse (24);
Red-breasted Nuthatch (96);
White-breasted Nuthatch (45);
Brown Creeper (14: 3 singing);
Winter Wren (2);
Ruby-crowned Kinglet (1);
E Bluebird (7);
Hermit Thrush (23);
A Robin (13);
Gray Catbird (4);
WARBLERS:
Nashville (1);
Black-throated Blue (1m);
Yellow-rumped (66);
Black-throated Green (8);
Pine (123);
Prairie (1);
Palm (1);
Blackpoll (117);
Black and White (1);
Ovenbird (1);
Connecticut (1imm);
C Yellowthroat (2);
Scarlet Tanager (7);
E Towhee (18);
Chipping Sparrow (66);
Song Sparrow (17);
Swamp Sparrow (2);
White-throated Sparrow (17);
Dark-eyed Junco (2);
N cardinal (2);
C Grackle (114: 2 huge flocks feeding and moving in deep forest);
Purple Finch (13);
NO CROSSBILLS
A Goldfinch (14);
- PLUS: a good Monarch migration; (3); Mourning Cloak; (6); Pearl Crescent.
(1); Short-tailed Shrew; a number of Red-backed Salamander and (1);
Northern
Watersnake rescued from being run over. Fantastic show of odes, mostly
darners and meadowhawks.
(report from Mark Lynch/Sheila Carroll).
- 9/21/12 -- Barre Falls Dam, Barre
- Migrating raptors today:
Osprey 3 ;
Sharp-shinned Hawk 6 ;
Cooper's Hawk 3 ;
Broad-winged Hawk 3 ;
Red-tailed Hawk 1 ;
American Kestrel 4 ;
Merlin 2 .
- Non-raptor Observations:
131 Monarch Butterflies
(report from Bart Kamp)
- 9/21/12 -- Mount Wachusett, Princeton
- Raptors migrating today:
Osprey 2 ;
Bald Eagle 2 ;
Northern Harrier 1 ;
Sharp-shinned Hawk 1 ;
Cooper's Hawk 1 ;
Broad-winged Hawk 11 ;
American Kestrel 1 .
- Raptor Observations:
Bald Eagles - 2 immatures;
Very few other species - not flying with poor weather conditions.
- Non-raptor Observations:
Ravens-3;
Commorants - 13;
Juncos - 6;
Towhee - could hear them but unknown number in shrubs on Summit.
(report from Steve Olson)
- 9/20/12 -- Mount Wachusett, Princeton
- Raptors migrating today:
Osprey 14 ;
Bald Eagle 1 ;
Northern Harrier 3 ;
Sharp-shinned Hawk 30 ;
Cooper's Hawk 8 ;
Broad-winged Hawk 540 ;
American Kestrel 10 ;
Merlin 2 .
- Raptor Observations:
Bald Eagle - i immature late in the day.
Had 5 resident Red-tailed Hawks-most were juveniles with 1 adult.
Resident TVs made an appearence as the winds decreased in the PM.
- Non-raptor Observations:
Blue Jays-8 or more on Summit.
Ravens-5;
Gulls-3;
Juncos-6.
(report from Steve Olson)
- 9/20/12 -- Berlin
- Highlights at
Gates Pond from 0800-0900: Hairy Woodpecker 1,
Brown Creeper 2, Red-breasted Nuthatch 12,
Double-crested Cormorant 2, Black-and-white Warbler 1, Pine Warbler 2,
Gray Catbird 1. The Common Loon from yesterday was gone. (report from Randy Langer)
- 9/20/12 -- Barre Falls Dam, Barre
- Migrating raptors today:
Osprey 4 ;
Bald Eagle 1 ;
Northern Harrier 1 ;
Sharp-shinned Hawk 20 ;
Cooper's Hawk 2 ;
Broad-winged Hawk 585 ;
Red-tailed Hawk 1 ;
Merlin 1 .
- Raptor Observations:
Most hawks before noon; very few afternoon.
- Non-raptor Observations:
50+ Monarch Butterflies
(report from Bart Kamp)
- 9/19/12 -- Berlin
- Today I took a walk around Gates Pond here in Berlin.
Highlights from 1600-1700 hrs were 2 Double-crested cormorant,1 Red tailed
hawk,1 Osprey,1 Great blue heron,1 Common loon,1 Hairy woodpecker,
1 Broad-winged hawk,
and1 Gray catbird. (report from Randy Langer).
- 9/19/12 -- Barre Falls Dam, Barre
- Migrating raptors today:
Osprey 9 ;
Sharp-shinned Hawk 51 ;
Cooper's Hawk 9 ;
Broad-winged Hawk 92 ;
Red-tailed Hawk 1 ;
American Kestrel 7 ;
Merlin 4 .
- Raptor Observations:
Not migrating: 3 Red-shouldered Hawks, 4 Red-tailed Hawks and 8 Turkey
Vultures.
- Non-raptor Observations:
1 Ruby-throated Hummingbird and 72 Monarch Butterflies.
(report from Bart Kamp)
- 9/19/12 -- Mount Wachusett, Princeton
- Raptors migrating today:
Osprey 10 ;
Bald Eagle 4 ;
Northern Harrier 1 ;
Sharp-shinned Hawk 12 ;
Cooper's Hawk 6 ;
Broad-winged Hawk 1629 ;
American Kestrel 3 ;
Merlin 1 ;
Peregrine Falcon 1 .
- Raptor Observations:
2 Resident Red-tailed Hawks;
Few Turkey Vultures - couldn't handle the wind.
Bald Eagles - 2 Matures & 2 Immatures.
An unexpected exceptional day. More Broadwings than we would have thought
possible for a day like today.
- Non-raptor Observations:
Juncos on road to summit - 3 or 4.
Yellow Rumped Warblers - 4;
Blue Jays - 10.
(report from Steve Olson)
- 9/17/12 -- Mount Wachusett, Princeton
- Raptors migrating today:
Osprey 26 ;
Bald Eagle 2 ;
Northern Harrier 4 ;
Sharp-shinned Hawk 17 ;
Cooper's Hawk 5 ;
Broad-winged Hawk 1864 ;
American Kestrel 4 .
- Raptor Observations:
The biggest count day of this season.
Red-tailed Hawks - 4 Residents.
Turkey Vultures - 20 Local residents seen throughout the day.
Bald Eagles-1 Mature, 1 Immature.
- Non-raptor Observations:
Non-Raptor Birds:
Raven-4;
Chimney Swifts-3;
Yellow-Rumped Warbler-2;
Junco-5.
(report from Steve Olson)
- 9/17/12 -- Leesville Pond (All Faith's Cemetery), Auburn/Worcester
-
Afternoon sightings for September 17, included the following: Green Heron,
2 Mute Swans and many Canadian Geese, including one with a yellow band
collar with tag number 08MJ.
(report from Joan Crowell).
- 9/17/12 -- Barre Falls Dam, Barre
- Migrating raptors today:
Osprey 9 ;
Bald Eagle 2 ;
Sharp-shinned Hawk 23 ;
Cooper's Hawk 6 ;
Broad-winged Hawk 289 ;
American Kestrel 1 ;
Peregrine Falcon 1 .
Raptor Observations:
2 immature Bald Eagles
Non-raptor Observations:
1 Common Nighthawk, 3 Palm Warblers and 25 Monarch Butterflies.
(report from Bart Kamp)
- 9/16/12 -- Mount Wachusett, Princeton
- Raptors migrating today:
Osprey 25 ;
Bald Eagle 2 ;
Northern Harrier 1 ;
Sharp-shinned Hawk 28 ;
Cooper's Hawk 6 ;
Broad-winged Hawk 583 ;
American Kestrel 2 ;
Unknown Accipiter 5 .
- Raptor Observations:
For the second day in a row, not a bad day, but definitely not what was
expected. Winds were strong enough to break up thermals, so few organized
kettles. Everything was scattered about, forcing observers to pull
individuals and groups of 2-10 birds out of blue. 12 kettles of more than
10 birds usually found because several birds were against the few clouds.
Many small groups of hawks were seen by only part of the platform as they
passed east or west of the platform. It was challenging to find birds north
of us unless they were along or below the horizon. Two Bald Eagles, 1
adult, 1 subadult. 3 local Redtails and 1 local Cooper's Hawk. Three
Broad-winged Hawks were seen flying with full crops! Some spectacular
individual flybys by Osprey, 2 kestrels, and some broadwings.
- Non-raptor Observations:
Had up to 7 Common Ravens at one time 2 Chimney Swifts, 2 Eastern
Bluebirds, several Tree Swallows. Following animpressive MOnarch flight
yesterday, had fewer than 20 today.
(report from Paul Roberts).
- 9/16/12 -- Barre Falls Dam, Barre
- Migrating raptors today:
Osprey 13 ;
Bald Eagle 1 ;
Northern Harrier 1 ;
Sharp-shinned Hawk 10 ;
Cooper's Hawk 4 ;
Red-shouldered Hawk 1 ;
Broad-winged Hawk 149 ;
Red-tailed Hawk 3 ;
American Kestrel 5 ;
Merlin 1 .
- Raptor Observations:
1 Immature Bald Eagle. Not migrating: 2 Northern Goshawks, 2 Red-shouldered
Hawks, 1 Broadwing Hawk, 3-4 Red-tailed Hawks and 7 Turkey Vultures.
- Non-raptor Observations:
3 Chimney Swifts, 1 Common Nighthawk and 68 Monarch Butterflies.
(report from Bart Kamp)
- 9/16/12 -- Mount Watatic, Ashburnham
- Migrating raptors today:
Osprey 12 ;
Bald Eagle 1 ;
Northern Harrier 1 ;
Sharp-shinned Hawk 10 ;
Cooper's Hawk 2 ;
Broad-winged Hawk 57 ;
Merlin 1 .
- Raptor Observations:
The day started out slow then tapered off. A few local RT's and nice close
in adult RS.
- Non-raptor Observations:
Birds of the day were 2 Cliff Swallows that passed the watch just after 4PM
ST, also an AM. Pipit, 52 migrating Canada Goose.
(report from Tom Pirro).
- 9/16/12 -- Rutland State Park, Rutland/Barre
-
I birded Rutland State Park today and had some good pockets of
migrants including 3 CAPE MAY WARBLERS and 1 TENNESSEE WARBLER.
Photos at my blog.
(report from Kevin Bourinot).
- 9/15/12 -- Mount Wachusett, Princeton
- Raptors migrating today:
Osprey 10 ;
Bald Eagle 5 ;
Northern Harrier 1 ;
Sharp-shinned Hawk 14 ;
Cooper's Hawk 16 ;
Broad-winged Hawk 639 ;
American Kestrel 6 ;
Merlin 1 ;
Peregrine Falcon 1 ;
Unknown Accipiter 2 .
- Raptor Observations:
Not the day many observers were hoping for. Started slow following front.
Most birds between 11-12:45. Birds achieved good altitudes, but were blown
east and then pursued steep glides west. By early afternoon, mainly 1-2
birds, with many broadwings kiting into the strong winds and then dropping
down. By last three hours many broadwings working hard. I think many tired
out and stopped moving. Of five Bald Eagle, 3 adults, 1 subadult, 1 unaged.
Continuing good Cooper's movement. Had one large female Cooper's on HGH
(Hawk Growth Hormone) seen multiple times (local bird). Had one imm
migrating Broadwing pass with bulging crop, prompting initial impression of
large accipiter. Had one large imm female Peregrine pass low in front of
tower. Afternoon was like pulling hen's teeth to find birds. Had at least
16 local Turkey Vultures and 3-4 local Red-tailed Hawks, inc 2 juveniles.
- Non-raptor Observations:
A few passerines ("Baypoll" warblers) pass early. 2 DC Cormorant. Had over
150 Monarchs migrating, especially in the morning with winds that seemed
too strong for the hawks. Few Painted Ladies.
(report from Paul Roberts).
- 9/15/12 -- Mount Watatic, Ashburnham
- Migrating raptors today:
Osprey 3 ;
Bald Eagle 1 ;
Sharp-shinned Hawk 29 ;
Cooper's Hawk 3 ;
Broad-winged Hawk 349 ;
Red-tailed Hawk 1 ;
American Kestrel 4 ;
Merlin 1 ;
Peregrine Falcon 1 .
- Raptor Observations:
A mid day push but didn;t materialize into the late day flight we'd hoped
for. Imm NG showed nice at close range
- Non-raptor Observations:
5 Tree Swallows, 1 DC Cormorant, 50 to 100 Monarchs.
(report from Tom Pirro)
- 9/15/12 -- Barre Falls Dam, Barre
- Migrating raptors today:
Osprey 7 ;
Bald Eagle 2 ;
Sharp-shinned Hawk 22 ;
Cooper's Hawk 7 ;
Broad-winged Hawk 295 ;
American Kestrel 10 ;
Merlin 3 ;
Peregrine Falcon 1 ;
- Raptor Observations:
High and fast, not much kettling. Both eagles were immatures.
- Non-raptor Observations:
1 Chimney Swift, 1 Tree Swallow, 1 Common Nighthawk, 1 Ruby-throated
Hummingbird and 124 Monarch Butterflies.
(report from Bart Kamp)
- 9/15/12 -- Ware River Watershed, Rutland/Barre
-
We spent the morning birding the southern section of the WARE RIVER
WATERSHED IBA: Between Rutland State Park and Barre Falls Dam and adjacent
areas. We hit the area just as the rain stopped. Early on there were several
nice pockets of migrants, but by mid-morning migrants were much harder to
find due in part to the increasing winds. Very early on we had one rapidly
moving group (to the S/SSW) of passerines that totaled well over 200 birds.
As is typical with fall birding in forested lots, there were long stretches
with few birds. We listened for chickadees, then spished and screech owled
and more often than not migrants came in with the chickadees. When we hit
Bare Falls Dam, we spent a little time with the group of dedicated
hawkwatchers at the upper lot. While we were there, they were not having
huge numbers, but there was a nice variety of birds passing. Monarchs were
passing all morning.
Weather after the rain, was cool with increasing winds through the morning.
- Total list:
Great Blue Heron (2);
Turkey Vulture (2);
Osprey (1);
Bald Eagle (2imm+1ad);
Sharp-shinned Hawk (7);
N Goshawk (1imm);
Broad-winged Hawk (18);
Red-tailed Hawk (4);
A Kestrel (2);
Merlin (1);
Wild Turkey (5);
Mourning Dove (4);
Ruby-throated Hummingbird (1);
Yellow-bellied Sapsucker (1);
Downy Woodpecker (8);
N Flicker (9);
E Wood Peewee (1: still singing);
E Phoebe (52);
Blue-headed Vireo (1: still singing);
Philadelphia Vireo (1);
Blue Jay (38);
A Crow (1);
C Raven (4);
Black-capped Chickadee (136);
Red-breasted Nuthatch (121);
White-breasted Nuthatch (11);
House Wren (2);
Golden-crowned Kinglet (3: 1-3 pairs breed in this IBA);
Ruby-crowned Kinglet (1);
Hermit Thrush (4);
A Robin (4);
Gray Catbird (23);
Cedar Waxwing (2);
WARBLERS:
Tennessee (3: this species is typically uncommon in Worcester County in
fall, so this is unusual);
Nashville (3);
N Parula (1);
Chestnut-sided (1);
Magnolia (2);
Cape May (2 see note under Tennessee);
Black-throated Blue (1m);
Yellow-rumped (41);
Black-throated Green (18);
Blackburnian (3);
Pine (94: several still singing);
Prairie (1);
Blackpoll (134);
Black and White (3);
Mourning (1imm);
C Yellowthroat (25);
Scarlet Tanager (14);
E Towhee (11);
Chipping Sparrow (2);
Swamp Sparrow (17);
White-throated Sparrow (2);
N Cardinal (6);
Purple Finch (2);
Red Crossbill (5);
A Goldfinch (32);
-
PLUS: still some nice blooms of Bottle Gentian; a Porcupine walking across
the road just south of the hawkwatch lot; butterflies included Mourning
Cloak; Question Mark and a very good flight of Monarchs at the hawkwatch
site.
(report from Mark Lynch/Sheila Carroll).
- 9/14/12 -- Mount Wachusett, Princeton
- Raptors migrating today:
Osprey 14 ;
Bald Eagle 1 ;
Sharp-shinned Hawk 9 ;
Cooper's Hawk 1 ;
Broad-winged Hawk 22 ;
American Kestrel 4 ;
Peregrine Falcon 1 .
- Raptor Observations:
Bald Eagle was immature.
Resident non-migrating turkey Vultures and Red-tailed Hawk were around
most of the day.
- Non-raptor Observations:
Tree Swallows-10
Ravens-8
Nighthawk-1 (Odd seen during the day)
Junco-8
Chimney Swift-7
(report from Steve Olson)
- 9/13/12 -- Eames Pond, Paxton
- From the Forbush Bird Club's Exblaw Sanctuary lookout, I counted a minimum of 80
Wood Ducks, 8 Green-winged Teal, 2 Killdeer and 7 Least Sandpipers. The
sandpipers were on exposed muck that now protrudes above water level.
Landbirds were scarce, but I was thrilled to watch a WORM-EATING WARBLER
eating a worm at eye level. (report from Rodney Jenkins).
- 9/13/12 -- Mount Wachusett, Princeton
- Raptors migrating today:
Osprey 1 ;
Bald Eagle 2 ;
Sharp-shinned Hawk 7 ;
Broad-winged Hawk 17 ;
American Kestrel 1 ;
Merlin 1 ;
Unknown Accipiter 1 .
- Raptor Observations:
5 Resident TVs, 4 Resident Red-tailed hawks, 2 were juveniles and playing
with each other. Dogfight between a Merlin and a Sharpie in early PM. Fun
to watch. The two bald eagles were a mature and an immature.
- Non-raptor Observations:
Raven - 1
Barn swallow - 1
Yellow-Rumped warblers - 5 or 6
Juncos - gathering on summit. - 5 or 6
Towhees singing in the shrubs.
Hairy Woodpecker - 1
(report from Steve Olson)
- 9/13/12 -- High Ridge WMA, Westminster
-
The following were seen and/or heard from a 4 mile walk at the High Ridge
WMA this morning:
Wood Duck 1;
Turkey Vulture 1;
Red-shouldered Hawk 1 (juv.);
Red-tailed Hawk 1;
Mourning Dove 1;
Ruby-throated Hummingbird 2;
Belted Kingfisher 1;
Downy Woodpecker 7;
Hairy Woodpecker 3;
Northern Flicker 7;
Olive-sided Flycatcher 1 (on a snag being harassed by an Eastern Wood
PeeWee);
Eastern Wood-Pewee 5;
Eastern Phoebe 10;
Philadelphia Vireo 2;
Red-eyed Vireo 9;
Blue Jay 38;
American Crow 2;
Common Raven 5 (working a dead Moose, I suspect the moose was a road that
was disposed of...in an out of way field);
Black-capped Chickadee 53;
Tufted Titmouse 2;
Red-breasted Nuthatch 6;
White-breasted Nuthatch 19;
House Wren 5;
Ruby-crowned Kinglet 1;
Swainson's Thrush 2;
Hermit Thrush 1;
American Robin 28;
Gray Catbird 13;
Cedar Waxwing 12;
Ovenbird 1;
Northern Waterthrush 1;
Black-and-white Warbler 6;
Nashville Warbler 1;
Common Yellowthroat 23;
American Redstart 10;
Northern Parula 4;
Magnolia Warbler 2;
Chestnut-sided Warbler 1;
Blackpoll Warbler 8;
Black-throated Blue Warbler 2;
Pine Warbler 11;
Yellow-rumped Warbler 4;
Prairie Warbler 1;
Black-throated Green Warbler 13;
Song Sparrow 5;
Swamp Sparrow 4;
White-throated Sparrow 3;
Scarlet Tanager 1;
Rose-breasted Grosbeak 1;
House Finch 1;
American Goldfinch 6;
(report from Tom Pirro).
- 9/13/12 -- Barre Falls Dam, Barre
- Migrating raptors today:
Osprey 1 ;
Northern Harrier 1 ;
Sharp-shinned Hawk 10 ;
Cooper's Hawk 5 ;
Broad-winged Hawk 6 ;
American Kestrel 1 .
- Non-raptor Observations:
1 Ruby-throated Hummingbird; 26 Monarch Butterflies
(report from Bart Kamp)
- 9/13/12 -- Whitinsville
- A meditative stroll in the woods behind my house yielded the usual
nuthatches and chickadees, but also a still singing Eastern Wood Pewee as
well as a still singing (with tired voice) Black-throated Blue Warbler. A
turkey vulture and osprey circled above my house as well, the latter likely
being a resident of a nest I found earlier this year here -- on a radio or
satellite tower that is visible from a hiking trail that parallels the Blackstone
River. (report from Jenifer Glagowski).
- 9/12/12 -- Mount Wachusett, Princeton
- Raptors migrating today:
Osprey 8 ;
Bald Eagle 6 ;
Northern Harrier 1 ;
Sharp-shinned Hawk 10 ;
Cooper's Hawk 8 ;
Broad-winged Hawk 239 ;
Merlin 1 .
- Raptor Observations:
Had 41 TVs around the summit and getting good lift throughout the day. Also
had 2 resident Red-tailed Hawks floating around.
6 Bald Eagles-1 mature and 5 immature. Nicest sight was three together
with an immature at the top, a mature in the middle, and another immature
below.
- Non-raptor Observations:
Hummingbird-1;
Raven-4;
Chimney Swifts-8;
Flock of 60 Canada Geese
(report from Steve Olson)
- 9/12/12 -- Quabbin Reservoir Overlook, New Salem
- Despite a light breeze from the southwest,
which normally is an unfavorable wind direction for migrating hawks in the
fall, we counted 500+ birds from the New Salem overlook in 1 1/2 hours. Most
were broad-wings kettling over the reservoir and streaming west. Several
red-shoulders came up in the excitement, with several ospreys, two bald
eagles, a couple of sharp-shins, one Cooper's and one non-migratory
red-tail. The largest broad-wing kettle was over the mid-reservoir and had
about 150 birds. After 1pm the movement shut down.
(report from David Brown)
- 9/12/12 -- Barre Falls Dam, Barre
- Migrating raptors today:
Osprey 1 ;
Bald Eagle 5 ;
Northern Harrier 1 ;
Sharp-shinned Hawk 14 ;
Cooper's Hawk 6 ;
Broad-winged Hawk 788 ;
American Kestrel 1 .
- Raptor Observations:
There was one group of 650+ broadwings shortly before 11:00 AM EDT. There
was a kettle of 4 broadwings with 4 Bald eagles. Bald Eagles for the day: 2
adult, 1 sub-adult. 2 immature
- Non-raptor Observations:
43 Monarch Butterflies
(report from Bart Kamp)
- 9/11/12 -- Wachusett Reservoir Gate 36, Sterling
-
Today around 5:30 pm there were 2 Pipits on the rocky shoreline at gate 36.
Also seen were 1 meadowlark, 1 kingfisher, 2 loons and 1 blue heron.
(report from Jean Holm).
- 9/11/12 -- Barre Falls Dam, Barre
- Migrating raptors today:
Osprey 6 ;
Bald Eagle 3 ;
Northern Harrier 1 ;
Sharp-shinned Hawk 33 ;
Cooper's Hawk 16 ;
Northern Goshawk 1 ;
Red-shouldered Hawk 2 ;
Broad-winged Hawk 2140 ;
Red-tailed Hawk 1 ;
American Kestrel 5 ;
Merlin 1 ;
Peregrine Falcon 2 .
- Raptor Observations:
Hawks unusually low for the site all day. Many kettles and streams
overhead. Largest kettle 350+ broadwings. Not migrating:4 Redtails and 12
Turkey Vultures.
- Non-raptor Observations:
1 young buck White-tailed deer, 2 Ruby-throated Hummingbirds and 38 Monarch
Butterflies.
(report from Bart Kamp)
- 9/11/12 -- Mount Wachusett, Princeton
- Raptors migrating today:
Osprey 13 ;
Bald Eagle 4 ;
Sharp-shinned Hawk 19 ;
Cooper's Hawk 9 ;
Broad-winged Hawk 1727 ;
American Kestrel 4 ;
Merlin 1 .
- Raptor Observations:
Local resident Turkey Vultures were low in the Valleys. One Sharpie had a
full crop. One Broadwing was hunting on the fly and got something in
mid-air.
Bald Eagles-4- One was mature while the other three were immatures.
- Non-raptor Observations:
Hummingbird - 1
Ravens - 4
(report from Steve Olson)
- 9/11/12 -- Mount Watatic, Ashburnham
- Migrating raptors today:
Turkey Vulture 1 ;
Osprey 4 ;
Bald Eagle 4 ;
Northern Harrier 2 ;
Sharp-shinned Hawk 21 ;
Cooper's Hawk 5 ;
Broad-winged Hawk 890 ;
Red-tailed Hawk 1 ;
American Kestrel 2 ;
Merlin 1 .
- Raptor Observations:
Best push between 1-2pm ST, with more than 50% of the day's total
passing,largest kettle 225 with 3 BE's and a TV hat seemed to jump on the
migration band-waggon (all juv.)
- Non-raptor Observations:
Am. Pipit, RT Hummingbird, ravens
(report from Tom Pirro).
- 9/10/12 -- Barre Falls Dam, Barre
- Migrating raptors today:
Osprey 2 ;
Northern Harrier 1 ;
Sharp-shinned Hawk 9 ;
Cooper's Hawk 3 ;
Broad-winged Hawk 258 ;
American Kestrel 3 ;
Merlin 1 .
- Raptor Observations:
2 kettles of 30-40 Broadwings. The numbers of hawks dropped as it got
cloudy; picked up a little when the clouds began to break.
- Non-raptor Observations:
3 Ruby-throated Hummongbirds and 96 Monarch Butterflies
(report from Bart Kamp)
- 9/10/12 -- Mount Wachusett, Princeton
- Raptors migrating today:
Osprey 7 ;
Bald Eagle 4 ;
Northern Harrier 1 ;
Sharp-shinned Hawk 14 ;
Cooper's Hawk 6 ;
Broad-winged Hawk 350 ;
American Kestrel 7 ;
Merlin 1 ;
Unknown Accipiter 1 .
- Raptor Observations:
Because of wind, resident Turkey Vultures were scrace most of the day. The
resident Red-tailed Hawk made three brief appearences.
Bald Eagles - 2 mature, 1 immature, and 1-age identified.
- Non-raptor Observations:
1 Common Loon
3 Ravens
(report from Steve Olson)
- 9/9/12 -- Ware River Watershed, Rutland/Barre
-
This morning we birded a few of the roads in the southern section of
the WARE RIVER IBA, mostly around Rutland State Park. We did not get to bird
the important Prison Camp area this time because a large group of hunting
dog enthusiasts were there doing "field trials", running dogs and firing off
shots. Initially the weather was wet, cool and overcast, but eventually it
cleared, though it remained cool. It was the first time I had to don a
sweater for inland birding since last spring. Lots of people were out
walking running dogs early, apparently not minding the news of the local
recent deaths due to EEE and cases of West Nile. Of course we were there
too.
- There were several nice pockets of migrants, a very different mix of species
from last week, but it was tough going sometimes: these pockets were
separated by long stretches of few birds, and when we did see them, height
and lighting was sometimes an issue. Typical inland forest migration
birding. Many birds were staying high in oaks, foraging furiously in leaf
clusters.
- Complete list:
Great Blue Heron (2: 1 bird was seen at dawn standing in the middle of a
small parking lot for the rail trail);
Broad-winged Hawk (1 perched);
Merlin (1 perched atop a dead snag in the middle of the forest);
Mourning Doves (3);
Red-bellied Woodpecker (1);
Yellow-bellied Sapsucker (1);
Downy Woodpecker (6);
Hairy Woodpecker (7);
N Flicker (11);
Olive-sided Flycatcher (1: sat high in a dead snag for several minutes while
Sheila took some shots. At one point, a male brightly colored CAPE MAY
WARBLER perched right above it, which may have been the first time in MA we
had an Olive-sided and Cape May in one small binocular view);
E Wood Peewee (3);
E Phoebe (17);
Blue-headed Vireo (1);
Red-eyed Vireo (4: none singing);
Blue Jay (33);
Black-capped Chickadee (125);
RED-BREASTED NUTHATCH (149: just everywhere);
White-breasted Nuthatch (13);
Brown Creeper (6: 1 still singing);
House Wren (7);
Swainson's Thrush (1: my first of the fall);
Wood Thrush (1);
A Robin (23);
Gray Catbird (17: numbers would have been much higher if we birded the
Prison Camp area);
Cedar Waxwing (3);
WARBLERS:
Tennessee (1);
N Parula (2);
Chestnut-sided (3);
Magnolia (5);
Cape May (2);
Black-throated Blue (2m);
Yellow-rumped (19);
Black-throated Green (13);
Blackburnian (8);
Pine (27);
Prairie (1);
Blackpoll (29);
Black and White (9);
A Redstart (7);
Ovenbird (1);
Connecticut (1imm);
C Yellowthroat (13);
Scarlet Tanager (1);
E Towhee (38);
Chipping Sparrow (6);
Song Sparrow (2);
Rose-breasted Grosbeak (1);
Red-winged Blackbird (2);
Common Grackle (flock of 60+ moving and feeding in oak tree tops);
Purple Finch (10);
Red Crossbill (9 in 1s and 2s and then a tight flock of 16);
A Goldfinch (7);
RE: THE ROUTE 56 OVERLOOK FIELD, LEICESTER.
On Saturday early morning (9/8 at 7:15AM); we checked the area and had
American Golden Plover (1); Buff-breasted Sandpiper (1); and Killdeer(11).
When we re-checked the field at 11:15 the same day, we had (26) Killdeer and
no other shorebirds.
Today at 7AM we checked the field and had (38) Killdeer and no other
shorebirds. Returning at 12:30PM, we again checked the field and had NO
shorebirds, NO Killdeer. We did have (24) Killdeer a bit further north on
Rt. 56 at Kettlebrook Reservoir as well as (1) Spotted Sandpiper.
(report from Mark Lynch/Sheila Carroll).
- 9/9/12 -- Mount Watatic, Ashburnham
- Migrating raptors today:
Osprey 3 ;
Bald Eagle 2 ;
Northern Harrier 1 ;
Sharp-shinned Hawk 20 ;
Cooper's Hawk 4 ;
Broad-winged Hawk 130 ;
American Kestrel 5 ;
Merlin 1 .
Raptor Observations:
Increasing activity as the day progressed, largest stream of BW's was 30.
Non-raptor Observations:
RT Hummingbird (3);, Blackpoll Warbler (10+);, Ch. Swift
(report from Tom Pirro).
- 9/9/12 -- Barre Falls Dam, Barre
- Migrating raptors today:
Osprey 2 ;
Northern Harrier 1 ;
Sharp-shinned Hawk 13 ;
Cooper's Hawk 2 ;
Broad-winged Hawk 21 ;
American Kestrel 8 ;
Peregrine Falcon 1 .
Raptor Observations:
1 Redtail not migrating.
Non-raptor Observations:
1 Ruby-throated Hummingbird, 5 Tree Swallows, 1 Chimney Swift and 89
Monarch Butterflies.
(report from Bart Kamp)
- 9/9/12 -- Mount Wachusett, Princeton
- Raptors migrating today:
Osprey 4 ;
Bald Eagle 4 ;
Northern Harrier 2 ;
Sharp-shinned Hawk 12 ;
Cooper's Hawk 16 ;
Broad-winged Hawk 61 ;
American Kestrel 4 ;
Merlin 3 ;
Unknown Buteo 1 ;
Unknown Eagle 1 .
- Raptor Observations:
Only ONE Redtail, presumed local. Relatively small numbers of Turkey
Vultures, all deemed local. No raptors under seemingly good conditions for
first three hours of coverage. Then surprising numbers of Cooper's Hawks
and Merlins. Most birds were "nickel and dime", alone and not getting great
lift above height of a mountain until mid-afternoon. Had four Bald Eagles
in less than an hour. First was adult. Other three were Basic 1 or 2. All
seen well. Broadwings did not show great lift until early afternoon. Had
one broadwing "insecting" while quite high.); Surprisingly few Osprey.
- Non-raptor Observations:
HEAVY butterfly movement, well in excess of 100 Monarchs. Approx. 30
Painted Ladies, and several Black Swallowtails. Had two Common Loons
migrating east. Good dragonfly movement as well.
(report from Paul Roberts).
- 9/8/12 -- Rutland State Park, Barre
-
I counted a flock of 29 RED CROSSBILLS in Rutland State Park this
afternoon. They were seen in a swamp off Coldbrook Road about 0.5
miles in from the route 122 entrance and on the left. After a tip from
two birders (Dave and....sorry!), I waited about 20 minutes when the
large flock flew in. They seemed to be feeding in the pines and
spruces surrounding the swamp and then perching in the dead trees
while using the swamp below for drinking. I believe Peter Morlock
originally spotted this flock earlier in the day.
Photos at
www.kevinbourinot.blogspot.com.
(report from Kevin Bourinot).
- 9/8/12 -- Coldbrook Rd, Barre
-
This morning I saw a flock of 30 or so Red Crossbills perched up in a dead
snag along Coldbrook Rd, Barre. They were preening, not feeding and were
flying to different trees and eventually off towards Rt 122.
(report from Peter Morlock).
- 9/8/12 -- Rt. 56 Overlook of Worcester airport, Leicester
-
The American Golden Plover was still present in the plowed field this
morning in the company of 19 Killdeer. I could not locate the Buff-Breasted
Sandpipers in the half-hour I was there from 10:00 AM to 10:30 AM. (report
from Ed Kittredge).
- 9/8/12 -- RT. 56 airport overlook field, Leicester
-
We checked the dirt farm field at 7:15AM this morning, and again at 11:15AM.
Results:
- 7:15:
American Golden Plover (1);
Killdeer (11);
Buff-breasted Sandpiper (1);
- 11:15 (windier):
Killdeer (26; many hunkered down).
(report from Mark Lynch/Sheila Carroll).
- 9/7/12 -- Mount Wachusett, Princeton
- Raptors migrating today:
Bald Eagle 2 ;
Sharp-shinned Hawk 2 ;
Broad-winged Hawk 5 .
Raptor Observations:
All raptors seen got very good lift from thermals in the morning. As the
day continued, thermals disappeared.
Turkey vultures - 9, all residents but had good lift. The Bald Eagles were
immature birds and headed Northwest away from the summit.
Non-raptor Observations:
(report from Steve Olson)
- 9/7/12 -- Rt. 56 overlook of Worcester airport, Leicester
-
We headed out to the small Rt. 56 plowed field at the overlook of Worcester
Airport this evening after reading Rick Quimby's report. As we arrived
several birders already had the (2) BUFF-BREASTED SANDPIPERS in scope view.
We watched them for awhile. Killdeer and Savannah Sparrows were also out in
the field . Sheila and I headed out to the main terminal to see if we could
find the AMERICAN GOLDEN PLOVER Rick also found flying into the field at
dusk. We heard the plover call as it flew over the main terminal and a
minute later got a phone call from Alan Marble (at the Rt. 56 site) that the
bird had landed there. Again: at dusk. Amazing coordination! We headed back
to Rt. 56 and got good views of the plover.
- Birds recorded:
Red-tailed Hawk (2);
A Kestrel (1);
American Golden Plover (1);
Killdeer (23 between the RT. 56 field and the runways);
Buff-breasted Sandpiper (2: some of the best views I have had);
Savannah Sparrow (7+);
Bobolink (2).
Note added: Here are two photos taken by Sheila of the
BUFF-BREASTED SANDPIPERS:
(
photo 1|
photo 2).
(report from Mark Lynch/Sheila Carroll).
- 9/7/12 -- Rt. 56 overlook of Worcester airport, Leicester
-
At 4:45 pm, the golden plover was in the newly harrowed and planted field
along with at least 10 killdeer, and two buff breasted sandpipers. They were
seen feeding in the field, and then scattered when three crows and a hawk,
either cooper's or sharp shinned arrived. (report from Kathy Van Schoick)
- 9/6/12 -- Bolton Flats WMA, Bolton
-
Today between 10:45am and 11:40am my father Ken Paulson walked the
main entrance area from rt 117 of Bolton Flats WMA. The highlight was a
Nelson's Sparrow about halfway down along the main stretch along the edge of
the field.
(report from Nickilas Paulson).
- 9/6/12 -- Mount Wachusett, Princeton
- Raptors migrating today:
Osprey 5 ;
Sharp-shinned Hawk 6 ;
Cooper's Hawk 1 ;
Broad-winged Hawk 1 ;
American Kestrel 1 .
Raptor Observations:
RT (Resident) - 1, Turkey vultures - 10 - throughout the day and getting
initial lift but unable to maintain the height.
Non-raptor Observations:
10 Chimney Swifts flying over the summit.
(report from Steve Olson).
- 9/6/12 -- Rt. 56 overlook of Worcester airport, Leicester
- At 6:40 pm I tried for the Buff-breasted Sandpipers, and after seeing
many Killdeer (10+), I finally found two Buff-breasted Sandpipers. They
were in the plowed area, almost to the edge of what you can see before
the field dips down out of view. I watched for a while, and was about to
leave when a different bird flew in close from the left. To my pleasant
surprise it was an American Golden Plover. I left it there around 7:05
when the light was failing. (report from Rick Quimby).
- 9/6/12 -- Devens
-
- There was an American Golden Plover at Rogers field in Devens this
afternoon. The bird took off when they began mowing the field.
Photos
here.
- Yesterday (9/5), I searched for the Red-Headed Woodpecker I reported on
Tuesday, but couldn't relocate it.
(report from Kevin Bourinot).
- 9/6/12 -- Barre Falls Dam, Barre
- Migrating raptors today:
Osprey 1 ;
Sharp-shinned Hawk 8 ;
Cooper's Hawk 1 ;
American Kestrel 1 .
Raptor Observations:
Not migrating: 2 Broadwings and 1 Redtail
Non-raptor Observations:
1 Chimney Swift, 4 Ruby-throated Hummingbirds and 20 Monarch Butterflies.
(report from Bart Kamp)
- 9/6/12 -- Worcester Airport overlook on Rt. 56, Leicester
-
After hearing about the Buff-breasted Sandpiper that Bart Kamp reported
yesterday, I headed up to the airport and actually found 2 in the plowed
field. There was also a Northern Harrier (M)
cruising the edge of the field near the woods and 18 or so Killdeers. I
noticed that the road had been worked on but there were no workers there
around 11:00 AM.
(report from Peter Morlock).
- 9/5/12 -- Mount Wachusett, Princeton
- Raptors migrating today:
Sharp-shinned Hawk 2 ;
Broad-winged Hawk 1 .
- Weather:
Heavy downpours in early to mid AM. Finally let up around mid-morning.
- Raptor Observations:
Some activity. Most raptors not flying. Most likely drying out.
Yesterday (9/4) no migrants were observed.
- Non-raptor Observations:
Non-Raptor birds included Raven-4, Crow-2
(report from Steve Olson). - 9/5/12 -- Worcester Airport, Worcester
-
We birded the Worcester Airport area for about an hour and a half this
evening and had the following:
Great Blue Heron (1);
Osprey (2 migrants);
A Kestrel (3);
Chimney Swift (3);
Killdeer (19 at field on Rt. 56; 3 more at airport terinal);
BUFF-BREASTED SANDPIPER (1: found by Barton Kamp in the afternoon in the
small plowed field on Rt. 56. When we first arrived, it was not visible, but
eventually flew up with some Killdeer and landed in perfect view.);
COMMON NIGHTHAWK (136: seen from terminal parking lot coming in from the
northeast and flying south, south southeast);
Savannah Sparrow (4);
Bobolink (8);
Note added 9/6/12:
For those wanting to look for the Buff-breasted Sandpiper, that section of
Rt. 56 is being RE-PAVED and is likely to be unbirdedable during work hours.
(report from Mark Lynch/Sheila Carroll).
- 9/5/12 -- Phillipston
- Around 6:10 this evening I had an adult MISSISSIPPI KITE flying over my
house heading south. Also between 5:30 and 6:30 p.m. (all at a fairly high
altitude considering the time of day) were an adult Bald Eagle,
Sharp-shinned Hawk and Tur key Vulture. (report from John Williams).
- 9/5/12 -- Route 56 airport overlook, Leicester
-
At 4:30 this afternoon in the plowed field on the east side of Route 56 in
Leicester there was a BUFF-BREASTED
SANDPIPER. There was also a Least Sandpiper and 10-15 Killdeer.
(report from Bart Kamp).
- 9/5/12 -- Millbury
-
This morning about 7:45, I was driving through Millbury and saw some
vultures drying their wings in a Spruce tree at the corner of Highland
Street
and Prospect Street. When I drove over there to check them out, I was very
happy to find a BLACK VULTURE with outstretched wings along with 7 Turkey
Vultures.
(report from Alan Marble).
- 9/4/12 -- Grant Rd., Devens
-
I found an adult Red-headed Woodpecker this afternoon during my lunch
break. The location is Birch Circle in Devens, which is a great area
for birding. It's a series of paved streets in an old overgrown army
neighborhood. Ideal for tick-free birding! Brown Thrashers, Eastern
Towhees, Prairie Warblers, Field Sparrows and Indigo Buntings are
breeders and are found everywhere in here. Park at the dirt pull off
on Grant Road. The woodpecker was seen not too far in from there. I
should also note that there were good numbers of Northern Flickers,
Red-bellied Woodpeckers, Hairy Woodpeckers, and both nuthatches in the
same area.
Photos on my blog:
http://www.kevinbourinot.blogspot.com/
(report from Kevin Bourinot).
- 9/4/12 -- Westminster
-
Some noteable behavior today from a juvenile Yellow-bellied Sapsucker that
was flycatching from atop a dead tree. Also joining in were 2 White-breasted
Nuthatches and a Red-eyed Vireo. I had seen Red-breasted Nuthatches flycatch
before, last weekend being most recent, but never a sapsucker.
(report from Tom Pirro).
- 9/3/12 -- Barre Falls Dam, Barre
- Migrating raptors today:
Bald Eagle 1 ;
Red-shouldered Hawk 3 ;
Broad-winged Hawk 7 .
Raptor Observations:
Not counted as migrating: 1 Sharp-shinned, 1 Cooper's and 2 Red-tails.
Non-raptor Observations:
Migrating: 6 Double-crested Cormorants, 1 Ruby-throated Hummingbird, 2
Monarch Butterflies.
(report from Bart Kamp)
- 9/3/12 --Main St. Manchaug, Sutton
-
Counting CommonNightHawks tonight I managed to get 50 for two hours out .All
birds came in from the East and were feeding in the area before heading
North West .These birds put on a good show and after two straight nights of
empty skys nice to have a few. (report from Michael Joubert).
- 9/3/12 -- Sterling/Westminster
- Hilights from Sterling Peat:
Great Egret 2;
Green Heron 1;
Merlin 1 (chased a Least Sand. for 3 or 4 minutes, zigging and zagging back
and forth with the Least Sand eventually escaping);..yesterday I'd seen a
Merlin in Westminster being harrassed by a Ruby-throated Hummingbird...);
Semipalmated Plover 1 Juv;
Solitary Sandpiper 2;
Spotted Sandpiper 3;
Least Sandpiper 40;
- Westminster, near the landfill off rte 31:
Turkey Vulture 20;
Bald Eagle 1 imm.;
Raven 1;
Red Crossbill (25-30 heard calling and seen as they flew passed headed SW,
toward Mt. Wachusett).
(report from Tom Pirro). - 9/3/12 -- Mount Wachusett, Princeton
- Raptors migrating today:
None observed in 2.75 hrs.
Raptor Observations:
Locals seen low on the mountain included 2 TVs, 2 RTs (1 second yr), and 1
BW
(report from Paul Roberts).
- 9/3/12 -- Petersham and New Salem
-
This morning we birded parts of the towns of PETERSHAM and NEW SALEM. There
were several nice pockets of birds interspersed with long stretches of
silence. For simplicity's sake, I have combined the lists for both towns:
Double-crested Cormorant (1);
Great Blue Heron (5);
Green Heron (1);
Turkey Vulture (1);
Wood Duck (12);
Mallard (7);
Red-shouldered Hawk (1);
Virginia Rail (3);
Mourning Dove (7);
Belted Kingfisher (1);
Yellow-bellied Sapsucker (3);
Downy Woodpecker (1);
Hairy Woodpecker (10);
Pileated Woodpecker (3);
E Phoebe (15);
Red-eyed Vireo (35);
Blue Jay (46);
A Crow (23);
C Raven (2);
Black-capped Chickadee (147);
Tufted Titmouse (24);
Red-breasted Nuthatch (92);
White-breasted Nuthatch (24);
Carolina Wren (1);
Veery (1);
Wood Thrush (2);
A Robin (63);
Gray Catbird (16);
Cedar Waxwing (4);
WARBLERS:
Chestnut-sided (1);
Yellow-rumped (13);
Black-throated Green (19);
Blackburnian (4);
Pine (51);
Bay-breasted (2);
Black and White (5);
A Redstart (1);
Ovenbird (2: 1 sang a number of times);
C Yellowthroat (7);
Scarlet Tanager (7);
Chipping Sparrow (2);
Swamp Sparrow (1);
N Cardinal (2);
Rose-breasted Grosbeak (2);
PURPLE FINCH (16);
RED CROSSBILL (5);
A Goldfinch (9);
(report from Mark Lynch/Sheila Carroll).
- 9/2/12 -- Barre transfer station, Barre
-
We stopped by the Barre transfer station in the early morning en route to
Northfield. At the transfer station and in the swamp behind it there were 52
TURKEY VULTURES and 2 BLACK VULTURES. Among the Tutkey Vultures, there were
at least 4 young birds, hatched this year and newly fledged. At times these
looked somewhat like Black Vultures.
(report from Mark Lynch/Sheila Carroll).
- 9/2/12 -- Mount Wachusett, Princeton
- Raptors migrating today:
Bald Eagle 2 ;
Northern Harrier 1 ;
Cooper's Hawk 1 ;
Broad-winged Hawk 1 ;
Red-tailed Hawk 1 ;
Peregrine Falcon 1 .
Raptor Observations:
Both Bald Eagles were immature.
Locals included 7 TVs and 3 RTs.
(report from Paul Roberts).
- 9/2/12 -- Rt 56 airport overlook, Leicester
-
Winds: 15+mph; partly cloudy/very cloudy to the east.
Time: 5PM-6:30PM
-
Common Nighthawk (1 dense flock of 70 migrating high and fast in the Cumulus
clouds heading NW. If it were not for the clouds, we probably would not have
seen them);
- Also seen:
Turkey Vulture (3);
Osprey (1);
Sharp-shinned Hawk (1);
A Kestrel (3);
Merlin (1);
Killdeer (19: in the small field that was being plowed at the time; at the
terminal: another 5);
Bobolink (26);
(report from Mark Lynch/Sheila Carroll).
- 9/1/12 -- Wachusett Meadow Wildlife Sanctuary, Princeton
-
Highlights of the Forbush Bird Club trip were a Black-billed Cuckoo calling, found just
off the road by the caretaker's house and fairly low on a tree branch, female Scarlet Tanager,
Yellow-bellied Sapsucker, Yellow-throated Vireo and Black-and-white
Warbler. Here is the
complete trip list.
(report from Joan Gallagher)
- 9/1/12 -- Ware River Watershed IBA, Rutland/Oakham/Barre
-
This morning we birded some of the southern part of the WARE RIVER IBA
located in parts of Rutland, Oakham and Barre. The habitat consists of large
tracts of mixed forest; some small stands of hemlock; small overgrown
fields; beaver marshes and two narrow rivers. At dawn, numbers of migrants
could be seen, but not identified, rapidly moving through the treetops
heading southeast. Later in the morning, small groups of birds were found in
a number of locations, often feeding in areas of oaks. There were decent
numbers today of several species: phoebe, peewee, blue jays and of course
Red-breasted Nuthatches. It is interesting that we found only small numbers
of this species birding in towns in northern Worcester County last weekend.
- Complete list:
Double-crested Cormorant (1imm in a beaver marsh);
Great Blue Heron (4);
Turkey Vulture (2);
Canada Goose (37);
Wood Duck (11);
Mallard (1);
Sharp-shinned Hawk (2);
Cooper's Hawk (1);
Red-tailed Hawk (1);
Mourning Dove (10);
C Nighthawk (11: heading west in mid-morning);
Chimney Swift (2);
Ruby-throated Hummingbird (1);
Belted Kingfisher (1);
Yellow-bellied Sapsucker (1);
Downy Woodpecker (2);
Hairy Woodpecker (7);
N Flicker (3);
Pileated Woodpecker (3);
Olive-sided Flycatcher (1);
E Wood Peewee (26);
E Phoebe (65: everywhere);
Great Crested Flycatcher (1);
E Kingbird (6);
Yellow-throated Vireo (2: still singing);
Blue-headed Vireo (3);
Warbling Vireo (1);
Red-eyed Vireo (78);
Blue Jay (74: movements of small flocks in morning);
A Crow (8);
Tree Swallow (4);
Barn Swallow (9);
Black-capped Chickadee (167);
Tufted Titmouse (18);
RED-BREASTED NUTHATCH (188);
White-breasted Nuthatch (16);
Brown Creeper (4);
House Wren (3);
E Bluebird (1);
A Robin (7);
Gray Catbird (32);
Cedar Waxwing (15: 4 yng birds);
WARBLERS:
N Parula (1);
CAPE MAY (1: very uncommon in Worcester County in fall);
Black-throated Blue (4);
Yellow-rumped (9: including 1 very young and very downy bird);
Black-throated Green (24);
Blackburnian (2);
Pine (59);
Bay-breasted (3);
Black and White (6);
A Redstart (13);
C Yellowthroat (21);
Scarlet Tanager (11);
E Towhee (7);
Chipping Sparrow (33);
Song Sparrow (2);
Swamp Sparrow (7);
N Cardinal (2);
Rose-breasted Grosbeak (5);
Dickcissel (1);
Bobolink (6: overhead);
Baltimore Oriole (13);
Purple Finch (4);
RED CROSSBILL (6);
A Goldfinch (14);
- Also:
Butterflies (were few which was a bit surprising): Cabbage White (3);
Painted Lady (1); Mourning Cloak (1); Monarch (7);.
E Garter Snake (1); many Gray Tree Frogs heard
A very nice show of Closed/Bottle Gentian.
(report from Mark Lynch/Sheila Carroll).
For previous sightings, see
August 2012 Archives or
Archive Index
