September 2013 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:
- 9/30/13 -- Broad Meadow Brook Sanctuary, Worcester
- An afternoon walk at Broad Meadow Brook, Dunkirk access
yielded the following: 2 Ruby-crowned Kinglet, 2 American Redstart, 8
Yellow-rumped warblers, 3 Blue Birds, 3 Marsh wren, 10 Song sparrows, 2
White-throated Sparrows, 1 Great Blue Heron, 1 Northern Flicker, and the
usual Chickadees, Blue Jays, Downy and Hairy woodpeckers.
(report from Susan LaBree).
- 9/30/13 -- Mount Wachusett, Princeton
- Raptors migrating today:
Turkey Vulture 20 ;
Osprey 1 ;
Northern Harrier 1 ;
Sharp-shinned Hawk 5 ;
Cooper's Hawk 1 ;
Broad-winged Hawk 1 ;
American Kestrel 5 ;
Peregrine Falcon 1 .
- Raptor Observations:
Turkey Vultures are beginning to migrate. Only 20 today but definitely
leaving. Why? This is anyone's guess. May have had the last and final
Broad-winged Hawk for this year today.
- Non-raptor Observations:
Eastern Towhee, Non-migrating TVs, Ravens, and an unidentified crane, and
catbirds. Odd - no juncos or goldfinches.
(report from Steve Olson);
- 9/30/13 -- Millbury
-
A Broad-winged Hawk was heard calling while I was at the office today.
(report from Susan LaBree).
- 9/29/13 -- Quabog IBA, Brookfields
-
Today we birded the QUABOG IBA (the Brookfields). Our intention was to
cover the lakes and hike Wells State park. BUT, when we arrived Lake Quabog
was solid fog, so we went to the Quabog WMA and started to see SPARROWS.
Lots of sparrows. So we birded there, behind two ball fields (weedy rank
fields);, and Elm Hill Mass Audubon property. Later, after the fog lifted, we
went back to Quabog and got very little.
- Here is the complete list:
Turkey Vulture (2);
Mute Swan (1);
Wood Duck (8);
Mallard (7);
Sharp-shinned Hawk (1);
Red-shouldered Hawk (2);
Red-tailed Hawk (1);
Ring-billed Gull (22);
Mourning Dove (13);
Red-bellied Woodpecker (3);
Yellow-bellied Sapsucker (1);
Downy Woodpecker (5);
Hairy Woodpecker (2);
N Flicker (8);
"empid sp." (1);
Eastern Phoebe (22);
Warbling Vireo (1);
Blue Jay (43);
A Crow (13);
Black-capped Chickadee (48);
Tufted Titmouse (1);
White-breasted Nuthatch (14);
Carolina Wren (7);
House Wren (4);
Ruby-crowned Kinglet (16);
E Bluebird (13);
A Robin (18);
Gray Catbird (51);
N Mockingbird (1);
Cedar Waxwing (52);
N Parula (1);
Magnolia Warbler (1);
Yellow-rumped Warbler (32);
Pine Warbler (1);
Palm Warbler (24);
Blackpoll Warbler (6);
C Yellowthroat (17);
E Towhee (2);
Chipping Sparrow (52);
Clay-colored Sparrow (1 feeding on the ground in company of some Chippies;
Savvies and 2 White-crowneds);
Field Sparrow (3);
Savannah Sparrow (16);
Song Sparrow (77: including 1 ad feeding a just-fledged and still somewhat
downy around the edges young);
Lincoln's Sparrow (7);
White-throated Sparrow (187: everywhere we went in numbers);
White-crowned Sparrow (6imm);
N Cardinal (26);
Rose-breasted Grosbeak (1);
Indigo Bunting (3);
Red-winged Blackbird (9);
House Finch (6);
A Goldfinch (10);
- PLUS: Butterflies included 1 Bronze Copper; and we saw 1 Eastern Garter
Snake.
(report from Mark Lynch/Sheila Carroll).
- 9/29/13 -- Mount Wachusett, Princeton
- Raptors migrating today:
-------------------------------------------------------------------
Species Day's Count Month Total Season Total
------------------ ----------- -------------- --------------
Black Vulture 0 1 1
Turkey Vulture 0 8 8
Osprey 2 152 160
Bald Eagle 0 87 87
Northern Harrier 1 24 25
Sharp-shinned Hawk 5 281 288
Cooper's Hawk 0 67 70
Northern Goshawk 0 2 2
Red-shouldered Hawk 0 0 0
Broad-winged Hawk 0 35048 35069
Red-tailed Hawk 0 7 7
Rough-legged Hawk 0 0 0
Golden Eagle 0 0 0
American Kestrel 3 92 95
Merlin 1 22 24
Peregrine Falcon 1 21 21
Unknown Accipiter 0 8 8
Unknown Buteo 0 2 2
Unknown Falcon 0 0 0
Unknown Eagle 0 0 0
Unknown Raptor 3 78 78
Total: 16 35900 35945
----------------------------------------------------------------------
- Raptor Observations:
Nothing spectular. When birds came close, they provided excellent views.
- Non-raptor Observations:
Kid's Fest was in full swing and many kids on the Summit.
(report from Steve Olson)
- 9/28/13 -- Mount Wachusett, Princeton
- Raptors migrating today:
Turkey Vulture 7 ;
Osprey 7 ;
Bald Eagle 2 ;
Northern Harrier 1 ;
Sharp-shinned Hawk 19 ;
Cooper's Hawk 2 ;
Broad-winged Hawk 39 ;
American Kestrel 6 ;
Merlin 2 .
- Raptor Observations:
2 Bald Eagles - 1 mature & 1 immature. 7 TVs were unmistakenly migrating
(very early). Around noon a kettle of 33 Broad-wingeds appeared and kettled
to the SW. Very nice!
- Non-raptor Observations:
Juncos, Eastern Towhees, 2 dozen Bluejays, and catbirds.Also, had a ton of
kids on the Summit who were taking the Chairlift from the Ski Area where a
Kids' Fest was being held.
(report from Steve Olson)
- 9/28/13 -- Barre Falls Dam, Barre
- Raptors migrating today:
Turkey Vulture 7 ;
Osprey 4 ;
Bald Eagle 1 ;
Sharp-shinned Hawk 24 ;
Cooper's Hawk 4 ;
Red-shouldered Hawk 1 ;
Broad-winged Hawk 9 ;
Red-tailed Hawk 2 ;
American Kestrel 4 ;
Merlin 2 .
- Raptor Observations:
Juvenile Bald Eagle. At 3:30 PM EDT 7 Turkey Vultures, followed by 5
Broad-wingeds, followed by 6 Sharp-shinneds formed 3 species-distinct
kettles at very high altitudes.
(report from Bart Kamp)
- 9/27/13 -- Barre Falls Dam, Barre
- Raptors migrating today:
Turkey Vulture 13 ;
Osprey 2 ;
Bald Eagle 1 ;
Sharp-shinned Hawk 8 ;
Cooper's Hawk 2 ;
Broad-winged Hawk 65 ;
Red-tailed Hawk 1 ;
Golden Eagle 1 ;
American Kestrel 2 .
- Raptor Observations:
An adult Bald Eagle was found with a kettle of more than 50 broadwings
above it. The Golden Eagle was a juvenile.
- Non-raptor Observations:
28 Canada Geese, 1 Ruby-throated Hummingbird and a Great Egret was feeding
along the river above the dam. We saw it when it took off.
(report from Bart Kamp)
- 9/27/13 -- Mount Wachusett, Princeton
- Raptors migrating today:
Osprey 5 ;
Bald Eagle 1 ;
Northern Harrier 6 ;
Sharp-shinned Hawk 16 ;
Cooper's Hawk 6 ;
Northern Goshawk 1 ;
Broad-winged Hawk 125 ;
American Kestrel 7 ;
- Raptor Observations:
Bald Eagle was mature bird. At 3:30pm, a kettle of 118 Broad-winged Hawks
appeared out of nowhere above the fire tower and eventually peeled to the
SW. A truly Heart-stopping moment. A beautiful sight!
- Non-raptor Observations:
Lots of TVs, non-migrating Red-tailed Hawks, Catbirds, and Eastern Towhees.
(report from Steve Olson)
- 9/26/13 -- Ware River Watershed IBA, Rutland
-
This morning we birded a bit in the southeast corner of the WARE
RIVER WATERSHED IBA. We hiked a bit on the rail trail, birded Whitehall
Pond, and then along Prison Camp Road. The road graders were out beyond the
prison camp, so we left. No many migrant passerines out at all, but we had
some interesting birds. Highlights only:
Great Blue Heron (3);
Turkey Vulture (1);
Wood Duck (16);
Mallard (14);
Killdeer (3);
Solitary Sandpiper (1);
Least Sandpiper (2);
WHITE-RUMPED SANDPIPER (1: studied at end. My first for this location);
Belted Kingfisher (1);
Red-bellied Woodpecker (1);
Hairy Woodpecker (4);
N Flicker (3);
LEAST FLYCATCHER (1: seen and heard calling many times);
E Phoebe (10);
Philadelphia Vireo (1);
Red-eyed Vireo (1);
Winter Wren (1);
House Wren (2);
Ruby-crowned Kinglet (4);
Hermit Thrush (4);
WARBLERS:
N Parula (1);
Yellow-rumped (4);
Blackpoll (1);
C Yellowthroat (4);
E Towhee (2);
Song Sparrow (5);
Swamp Sparrow (7);
White-throated Sparrow (12);
- Plus: 1 young PORCUPINE walking across a field.
- We then stopped at THAYER POND in Rutland (also on the rail trail) and had:
Double-crested Cormorant (1);
Great Egret (1);
Wood Duck (5);
Killdeer (2);
Semipalmated Sandpiper (1);
E Phoebe (2);
Black-throated Blue Warbler (1);
Yellow-rumped Warbler (3).
(report from Mark Lynch/Sheila Carroll).
- 9/26/13 -- Barre Falls Dam, Barre
- Raptors migrating today:
Turkey Vulture 18 ;
Osprey 11 ;
Bald Eagle 1 ;
Sharp-shinned Hawk 23 ;
Cooper's Hawk 10 ;
Red-shouldered Hawk 1 ;
Broad-winged Hawk 11 ;
Red-tailed Hawk 1 ;
American Kestrel 12 ;
Merlin 2 ;
Peregrine Falcon 2 .
- Non-raptor Observations:
82 Canada Geese
(report from Bart Kamp)
- 9/26/13 -- Mount Wachusett, Princeton
- Raptors migrating today:
Black Vulture 1 ;
Osprey 2 ;
Bald Eagle 1 ;
Northern Harrier 3 ;
Sharp-shinned Hawk 8 ;
Cooper's Hawk 3 ;
Broad-winged Hawk 47 ;
American Kestrel 6 ;
Merlin 1 ;
Peregrine Falcon 4 .
- Raptor Observations:
Very slow start with few raptors until 3:00 pm. After that and the birds
started to migrate with more frequency.
A rare Black Vulture for this site. Also a Kettle materialized out of
nowhere in the late pm.
- Non-raptor Observations:
Raven, Turkey Vultures, Juncos, Flock of Geese, and Towhees.
(report from Steve Olson)
- 9/26/13 -- Westborough WMA, Westborough
- At the Big Chauncey Ball-fields Entrance,
I had 2 Rusty Blackbirds. This spot has been awesome during this fall
migration. Photos on
my flickr! (report from Justin Lawson).
- 9/25/13 -- Mount Wachusett, Princeton
- Raptors migrating today:
Osprey 9 ;
Bald Eagle 5 ;
Northern Harrier 2 ;
Sharp-shinned Hawk 27 ;
Cooper's Hawk 7 ;
Broad-winged Hawk 14 ;
American Kestrel 7 ;
Merlin 1 ;
- Raptor Observations:
Had 3 immature and 2 mature Bald Eagles.
- Non-raptor Observations:
Towhees, Juncos, TVs, and 15 Ravens during the day.
(report from Steve Olson)
- 9/25/13 -- Wachusett Reservoir IBA, Sterling/Clinton
-
This morning we birded some of the spots in the WACHUSETT RESERVOIR IBA:
Sterling Peat; the Waushacums; Coachlace Pond and of course a few stops at
Wachusett Reservoir itself. A stop at the powerline crossing on Campground
Road between the Waushacums turned up a large flock of warblers moving north
along the sunny side of the tree line. This group of birds included 30+
Black-throated Green Warblers. All the shorebirds were found at Sterling
Peat and Sterling Airport.
Common Loon (1);
Double-crested Cormorant (27);
Great Blue Heron (3);
Turkey Vulture (3);
Canada Goose (3);
Mallard (33);
Blue-winged Teal (1);
Green-winged Teal (23);
Greater Scaup (4: Coachlace);
Red-tailed Hawk (2);
Wild Turkey (4);
Killdeer (14: 5 at Sterling Airport);
Greater Yellowlegs (6);
Lesser Yellowlegs (1);
Solitary Sandpiper (1);
Least Sandpiper (4);
Pectoral Sandpiper (3);
Ring-billed Gull (41);
Belted Kingfisher (1);
Yellow-bellied Sapsucker (1);
E Phoebe (14);
Blue-headed Vireo (5);
Warbling Vireo (1 singing);
Philadelphia Vireo (1);
Red-eyed Vireo (1);
House Wren (2);
Gray Catbird (33);
American Pipit (4);
WARBLERS:
N Parula (5);
Black-throated Blue (1m);
Yellow-rumped (26);
Black-throated Green (35);
Pine (20: many singing);
Palm (7);
Blackpoll (9);
Black and White (2);
C Yellowthroat (20)
E Towhee (11);
Chipping Sparrow (20);
- PLUS; among the butterflies we had were (1); Great Spangled Fritillary (very
worn); and a Viceroy flying out and about in the 47F weather at Sterling Peat
first thing this AM.
(report from Mark Lynch/Sheila Carroll).
- 9/24/13 -- Mount Wachusett, Princeton
- Raptors migrating today:
Osprey 13 ;
Bald Eagle 7 ;
Sharp-shinned Hawk 10 ;
Cooper's Hawk 6 ;
Broad-winged Hawk 1 ;
American Kestrel 6 ;
Merlin 1 ;
Peregrine Falcon 4 .
- Raptor Observations:
Had an impressive adult Bald Eagle who lifted off very close to Summit.
Later, had a mature Bald Eagle who two immature Bald Eagles around him.
Four mature Bald Eagles and three immatures.
- Non-raptor Observations:
Raven-3, Geese-25, Chimney Swifts-2, and Turkey Vultures-2.
(report from Steve Olson)
- 9/24/13 -- Sterling Peat, Sterling
-
Highlights of a late afternoon trip to Sterling Peat with Dave Grant were: 1
Pied-billed Grebe, 1 Solitary Sandpiper, 6 Greater Yellowlegs, 1 Lesser
Yellowlegs,
3 Pectoral Sandpipers and 2 Least Sandpipers.
(report from Bart Kamp).
- 9/23/13 -- Barre Falls Dam, Barre
- Raptors migrating today:
Osprey 3 ;
Bald Eagle 2 ;
Sharp-shinned Hawk 5 ;
Cooper's Hawk 1 ;
Broad-winged Hawk 16 ;
American Kestrel 1 .
- Non-raptor Observations:
9 Canada Geese, 1 Ruby-throated Hummingbird and 3 Monarch Butterflies.
(report from Bart Kamp)
- 9/23/13 -- Mount Wachusett, Princeton
- Raptors migrating today:
Turkey Vulture 1 ;
Osprey 4 ;
Bald Eagle 6 ;
Sharp-shinned Hawk 23 ;
Cooper's Hawk 6 ;
Broad-winged Hawk 74 ;
American Kestrel 12 ;
Merlin 1 ;
Peregrine Falcon 1 .
- Raptor Observations:
A better day than expected. We had 6 Bald Eagles-all immature birds. Best
sight of day and the season was a Turkey Vulture migrating to SW with a
peel of 22 Broad-winded Hawks following behind!
- Non-raptor Observations:
Catbird, Towhees, 40 Comorants, and 4 Ravens. Usual amount of Juncos.
(report from Steve Olson)
- 9/22/13 -- Barre Falls Dam, Barre
- Raptors migrating today and this season:
-------------------------------------------------------------------
Species Day's Count Month Total Season Total
------------------ ----------- -------------- --------------
Black Vulture 0 0 0
Turkey Vulture 0 0 0
Osprey 12 78 78
Bald Eagle 0 31 31
Northern Harrier 0 2 2
Sharp-shinned Hawk 10 177 177
Cooper's Hawk 5 42 42
Northern Goshawk 0 0 0
Red-shouldered Hawk 0 2 2
Broad-winged Hawk 190 16005 16005
Red-tailed Hawk 0 5 5
Rough-legged Hawk 0 0 0
Golden Eagle 0 0 0
American Kestrel 4 16 16
Merlin 1 2 2
Peregrine Falcon 2 5 5
Unknown Accipiter 0 0 0
Unknown Buteo 0 0 0
Unknown Falcon 0 0 0
Unknown Eagle 0 0 0
Unknown Raptor 2 9 9
Total: 226 16374 16374
----------------------------------------------------------------------
- Non-raptor Observations:
3 Common Nighthawks and 2 Monarch Butterflies
(report from Bart Kamp)
- 9/22/13 -- Mount Wachusett, Princeton
- Raptors migrating today:
Osprey 2 ;
Bald Eagle 2 ;
Cooper's Hawk 2 ;
Broad-winged Hawk 2 ;
American Kestrel 1 .
- Raptor Observations:
Only the large birds could fly against the wind. Count is small and we
wonder if raptors were not reaching the summit because of the wind. Hoping
tomorrow will be better.Bald Eagles-1 mature, 1 immature. Red-tailed
Hawk-1
(not migrating).
- Non-raptor Observations:
Turkey Vultures-2, and Raven-4. Not much else.
(report from Steve Olson)
- 9/21/13 -- Moose Hill Wildlife Management Area, Paxton
-
A very brief stop due to time restraints. In a five minute span I had 1
Connecticut, 1 Tennessee, and 2 Cape May Warblers in the same bush along the
hedge row. This area is set up to be very good for sparrows this fall. Time
will tell. In the early evening we had a male Black-throated Blue Warbler
briefly on the Hummingbird feeder. (report from Rodney Jenkins)
- 9/21/13 -- Mount Wachusett, Princeton
- Raptors migrating today and this season:
------------------------------------------------------------------
Species Day's Count Month Total Season Total
------------------ ----------- -------------- --------------
Black Vulture 0 0 0
Turkey Vulture 0 0 0
Osprey 2 108 116
Bald Eagle 0 63 63
Northern Harrier 0 11 12
Sharp-shinned Hawk 4 173 180
Cooper's Hawk 0 35 38
Northern Goshawk 0 1 1
Red-shouldered Hawk 0 0 0
Broad-winged Hawk 3 34746 34767
Red-tailed Hawk 0 7 7
Rough-legged Hawk 0 0 0
Golden Eagle 0 0 0
American Kestrel 6 44 47
Merlin 1 15 17
Peregrine Falcon 0 9 9
Unknown Accipiter 0 3 3
Unknown Buteo 0 1 1
Unknown Falcon 0 0 0
Unknown Eagle 0 0 0
Unknown Raptor 0 42 42
Total: 16 35258 35303
----------------------------------------------------------------------
- Raptor Observations:
Very few. Force of the wind may have left many below the summit and we
would not have seen them. Total of 16 raptors.
- Non-raptor Observations:
Turkey Vultures-2, Red Start-1, and Raven-4.
(report from Steve Olson)
- 9/21/13 -- Leesville Pond, Worcester/Auburn
-
There were 2 American Wigeons at Leesville Pond today.
(report from Alan Marble).
- 9/20/13 -- Mount Wachusett, Princeton
- Raptors migrating today:
Osprey 6 ;
Sharp-shinned Hawk 24 ;
Cooper's Hawk 2 ;
Broad-winged Hawk 17 ;
Red-tailed Hawk 1 ;
American Kestrel 2 ;
Merlin 1 ;
Peregrine Falcon 1 .
- Raptor Observations:
Very slow day. It was not a day for raptors to be flying. A lot of
sharpies. 1 red-tailed hawk of 5 was migrating.
- Non-raptor Observations:
Loads of Turkey Vultures-18, Raven-7,Chimney Swifts-2, and
Warblers on road to Summit, and Catbirds.
(report from Steve Olson)
- 9/20/13 -- Barre Falls Dam, Barre
- Raptors migrating today:
Osprey 6 ;
Sharp-shinned Hawk 8 ;
Cooper's Hawk 4 ;
Broad-winged Hawk 23 ;
Red-shouldered Hawk 1 ;
(phone report from Dave Grant)
- 9/19/13 -- Ware River Watershed IBA, Barre/Rutland
-
We birded the western edge of the Ware River IBA, basically
Gilbert and Granger Roads along the Burnshirt and Ware Rivers. The habitat
is mostly dense mixed forest with some over grown fields and small ponds
crossed by narrow dirt roads. Birding in the fall migration season here is
tough and we missed many birds that stayed high up in the trees and passed
through too quickly to ID. Our strategy (as always) was to listen for
chickadees, then spish and screech owl like crazy and see what comes in.
There are long stretches of road with few (and sometimes no) birds. Also
"warbler neck" is a real issue.
- Complete list:
Great Blue Heron (2)
Turkey Vulture (4)
Canada Goose (3)
Wood Duck (13: all in 1 small beaver pond deep in the forest accessible by a
narrow trail)
Red-tailed Hawk (1)
Ruffed Grouse (1 flushed)
Wild Turkey (2ad w/6 very young birds)
Belted Kingfisher (1)
Red-bellied Woodpecker (1)
Downy Woodpecker (3)
Hairy Woodpecker (13)
N Flicker (6)
Pileated Woodpecker (2)
E Phoebe (28)
Yellow-throated Vireo (1)
Blue-headed Vireo (11: almost all singing)
Red-eyed Vireo (16)
Blue Jay (41)
A Crow (7)
C Raven (1)
Black-capped Chickadee (83)
Tufted Titmouse (2)
Red-breasted Nuthatch (4)
White-breasted Nuthatch (18)
Brown Creeper (3)
MOURNING CLOAK.
Carolina Wren (2: near cemetery on periphery)
House Wren (1)
Ruby-crowned Kinglet (1)
Hermit Thrush (12: including 1 just fledged bird)
A Robin (4)
Gray Catbird (9)
WARBLERS:
Tennessee (1)
Chestnut-sided (6)
Magnolia (3)
Yellow-rumped (31)
Black-throated Green (2)
Pine (44)
Palm (1 "yellow")
Bay-breasted (1)
Blackpoll (16)
Black and White (3)
A Redstart (3)
Ovenbird (1)
C Yellowthroat (17)
Scarlet Tanager (2)
E Towhee (7)
Chipping Sparrow (33)
Song Sparrow (11)
Swamp Sparrow (13)
White-throated Sparrow (1)
N Cardinal (2)
Purple Finch (1)
A Goldfinch (3)
- Plus: a few butterflies including (1) Mourning Cloak; (2 very worn) Great
Spangled Fritillary; and (1) E Tailed Blue. Odes included: Many meadowhawk
species; Fragile Forktail; and 1 photographed Canada Darner.
(report from Mark Lynch/Sheila Carroll).
- 9/19/13 -- Barre Falls Dam, Barre
- Raptors migrating today:
Osprey 11 ;
Bald Eagle 2 ;
Sharp-shinned Hawk 20 ;
Cooper's Hawk 7 ;
Broad-winged Hawk 614 ;
Red-tailed Hawk 2 ;
American Kestrel 2 .
-
Non-raptor Observations:
3 Monarch Butterflies
(report from Bart Kamp)
- 9/19/13 -- Mount Wachusett, Princeton
- Raptors migrating today:
Osprey 4 ;
Bald Eagle 7 ;
Sharp-shinned Hawk 19 ;
Cooper's Hawk 3 ;
Broad-winged Hawk 395 ;
Red-tailed Hawk 1 ;
American Kestrel 14 ;
Peregrine Falcon 1 .
- Raptor Observations:
Naturally, after the numbers of Broad-wingeds seen in recent days, the site
didn't expect much. Still there is evidence that there a few remaining to
the N. Most of the flights occurred in am. More Bald Eagles (4 matures and
3 immatures). Still, there were more birds than we thought would fly
through.
- Non-raptor Observations:
Turkey Vultures (5), Commorant-1, Chimney Swifts-2, Juncos, & Raven-1
(report from Steve Olson)
- 9/18/13 -- Ekblaw Sanctuary, Paxton
-
The annual build up of Wood Duck numbers on Eames Pond peaked last week at
70, almost all being female/juvinule. On the 17th I had 4 Blue-winged Teal.
Amazingly, today I had a juv. Bairds Sandpiper with a Killdeer on the
muddy section somewhat distant from the lookout at the sanctuary. (scope
needed).
There has also been a D-C Cormorant for the last week. It seems a little out
of place on such a shallow body of water. (report from Rodney Jenkins)
- 9/18/13 -- Mount Wachusett, Princeton
- Raptors migrating today:
Osprey 9 ;
Bald Eagle 8 ;
Northern Harrier 1 ;
Sharp-shinned Hawk 10 ;
Cooper's Hawk 5 ;
Broad-winged Hawk 12272 ;
American Kestrel 4 ;
Merlin 6 ;
Peregrine Falcon 3 .
- Raptor Observations:
An exceptional day for Broad-winged movement. Many of the kettles were
scope birds but definitely there. Another great Bald Eagle day. 5 Mature
Bald Eagles and 3 immature birds. Surprising number of Merlins around.
- Non-raptor Observations:
Turkey Vultures-6, Ravens-2, Commorants-2, and Chimney Swifts-3(went after
a mature Bald Eagle)!
(report from Steve Olson)
- 9/17/13 -- Mount Wachusett, Princeton
- Raptors migrating today:
Osprey 4 ;
Bald Eagle 11 ;
Northern Harrier 4 ;
Sharp-shinned Hawk 11 ;
Cooper's Hawk 12 ;
Broad-winged Hawk 2972 ;
Red-tailed Hawk 1 ;
American Kestrel 6 ;
Merlin 1 ;
Peregrine Falcon 1 .
- Raptor Observations:
Another great Broad-winged day. 5th day in a row that count was in four
digit figures. Lots of Bald Eagles (6 mature, 5 immature). Also big
increase in Sharpies and Cooper's Hawks. One Red-tailed Hawk was migrating.
Another banner day.
- Non-raptor Observations:
Raven-4, Canadian Geese-12,Towhees, & Juncos.
(report from Steve Olson)
- 9/17/13 -- Barre Falls Dam, Barre
- Raptors migrating today:
Osprey 3 ;
Bald Eagle 2 ;
Sharp-shinned Hawk 15 ;
Cooper's Hawk 3 ;
Broad-winged Hawk 1594 ;
American Kestrel 1 .
- Raptor Observations:
Broadwing kettles were very high and hard to find against the clear sky.
(report from Bart Kamp)
- 9/17/13 -- Ware River Watershed IBA, Rutland/Oakham/Hubbardston
-
Today we birded the SE section of the WARE RIVER WATERSHED
IBA in a corner of Rutland, Oakham and Hubbardston. The starting temp was
35F, and there was frost on the small fields, so it was definitely time to
break out with the sweatshirt and fleece. It took awhile to warm up to the
40s and eventually 50s. There were several nice discrete groups of
passerines moving rapidly through the forest especially in areas where the
sun was first warming an edge. BUT Many birds passed by un-identified
because of the habitat (dense forest).
- Great Blue Heron (3);
Turkey Vulture (1);
Wood Duck (10);
Mallard (19);
Sharp-shinned Hawk (1);
Broad-winged Hawk (flock of 8 rose up out of a wooded lot at 9AM, circled
and headed SSW);
Wild Turkey (6);
Killdeer (1);
Solitary Sandpiper (3);
Least Sandpiper (2);
Belted Kingfisher (2);
Downy Woodpecker (3);
Hairy Woodpecker (3);
N Flicker (5);
Least Flycatcher (1);
E Phoebe (41);
Blue-headed Vireo (5);
Philadelphia Vireo (1);
Red-eyed Vireo (19);
Blue Jay (42: moving in small groups);
Black-capped Chickadee (107);
Tufted Titmouse (2);
Red-breasted Nuthatch (5);
White-breasted Nuthatch (11);
Brown Creeper (4);
House Wren (9);
Swainson's Thrush (1);
Hermit Thrush (8);
A Robin (38);
Gray Catbird (29);
Cedar Waxwing (7);
WARBLERS:
N Parula (6);
Chestnut-sided (3);
Magnolia (6);
Cape May (1);
Yellow-rumped (31);
Black-throated Green (18);
Pine (55);
Prairie (1);
Blackpoll (61);
Black and White (2);
A Redstart (2);
Ovenbird (1);
C Yellowthroat (13);
YELLOW-BREASTED CHAT (1: back of Prison Camp field. Very uncommon fall
migrant in the County);
Scarlet Tanager (2);
E Towhee (43);
Chipping Sparrow (13);
Song Sparrow (3);
Swamp Sparrow (6);
White-throated Sparrow (3);
Dark-eyed Junco (1);
N Cardinal (3);
Indigo Bunting (1);
Red-winged Blackbird (1);
Purple Finch (1f/imm);
A Goldfinch (5);
- Despite the cold temps, we still had a few butterflies including (4)
MOURNING CLOAK.
(report from Mark Lynch/Sheila Carroll).
- 9/16/13 -- Barre Falls Dam, Barre
- Raptors migrating today:
Osprey 5 ;
Bald Eagle 3 ;
Sharp-shinned Hawk 19 ;
Cooper's Hawk 6 ;
Broad-winged Hawk 1254 ;
American Kestrel 1 .
- Raptor Observations:
Big Broadwing lift off just after Noon EDT. The showers had ended and the
clouds briefly started to break.
- Non-raptor Observations:
2 Monarch Butterflies
(report from Bart Kamp)
- 9/16/13 -- Mount Wachusett, Princeton
- Raptors migrating today:
Osprey 2 ;
Bald Eagle 3 ;
Cooper's Hawk 1 ;
Broad-winged Hawk 1791 ;
Merlin 2 .
- Raptor Observations:
More Broad-winged hawks than were expected given the weather conditions.
Migration period was short-11:00 to 1:00 but with large numbers. Bald
Eagles-allimmature but one was close to being an adult.
- Non-raptor Observations:
Ravens-2, Juncos, & Towhees.
(report from Steve Olson)
- 9/15/13 -- Barre Falls Dam, Barre
- Raptors migrating today:
Osprey 13 ;
Bald Eagle 13 ;
Northern Harrier 1 ;
Sharp-shinned Hawk 13 ;
Cooper's Hawk 6 ;
Broad-winged Hawk 11445 ;
Red-tailed Hawk 1 ;
American Kestrel 1 ;
Peregrine Falcon 2 .
- Raptor Observations:
From a little after 11:00 AM EDT to 3:00 PM EDT we were overwhelmed by
thousands of Broadwinged Hawks. The flight seemed endless. At times there
were muliple kettles of hundreds of hawks connected by rivers of hawks
between them. Also at times we had hundreds of hawks passing both north and
south of the site at the same time. Fortunately there were watchers willing
to look in other directions while existing kettles were being counted. It
was a memorable day.
- Non-raptor Observations:
1 Monarch Butterfly
(report from Bart Kamp)
- 9/15/13 -- Wachusett Meadows Wildlife Sanctuary, Princeton
-
We observed approximately 3000 broadwings while leading a program
for Mass Audubon from Brown Hill this PM. First groups were seen between 1:00
and 2:00 were very high and drifting to west southwest. Later groups
emerged from the trees between Brown Hill and Mt Wachusett and gave the
group great views as they passed just overhead. Also observed were: 1
Osprey, 1 Northern harrier (very low across the hill for a great look), 1
immature Northern goshawk (not migrating), 2 Red-tailed (also not
migrating), and several Turkey vultures just coming and going. Total
observation time 2 hours. Great show for the 1st time program participants.
(report from Dick Knowlton).
- 9/15/13 -- Mount Watatic, Ashburnham
- Raptors migrating today:
Turkey Vulture 4 ;
Osprey 11 ;
Bald Eagle 11 ;
Sharp-shinned Hawk 5 ;
Cooper's Hawk 2 ;
Broad-winged Hawk 2797 .
- Raptor Observations:
Good activity all day with the bulk of the flight to the east and some nice
kettles streaming overhead. Although only 4 days of coverage this fall, a
falcon of any type has yet to recorded!
(report from Tom Pirro).
- 9/15/13 -- Mount Wachusett, Princeton
- Raptors migrating today:
Osprey 23 ;
Bald Eagle 15 ;
Northern Harrier 4 ;
Sharp-shinned Hawk 8 ;
Cooper's Hawk 1 ;
Northern Goshawk 1 ;
Broad-winged Hawk 14471 ;
American Kestrel 1 ;
Merlin 2 ;
Peregrine Falcon 2 .
Raptor Observations:
The fifth largest Broad-winged hawk migration in a single day in the past
24 years. Outstanding! Many Bald Eagles- 8 mature birds and 7 immature
birds.
Non-raptor Observations:
Sapsucker, Juncos, Towhees, Ravens, & lots of Commorants.
(report from Steve Olson)
- 9/15/13 -- Worcester
- This morning along St. Nicholas Ave I had 5 Common Yellowthroats, 3 Am Redstarts, 2 Palm Warblers, 3 Yellow-rumped Warblers, 1 Orange Crowned Warbler, 1 Wilson's Warbler,
4 Yellow Warblers, 2 Humming Birds, and 2 Warbling Vireos. (report
from Dave Grant).
- 9/15/13 -- Quabog IBA, Brookfields/Sturbridge
-
We birded the QUABOG IBA in parts of the Brookfields and
Sturbridge, making brief stops at Lake Quabog and Wickabog (once the fog
lifted); took a short hike in the Quabog WMA and then worked Wells State
Park. NB: All hawks and vultures were seen in Wells.
- Double-crested Cormorant (3);
Great Blue Heron (4);
Great Egret (1: north end of Wickabog);
Turkey Vulture (9);
Canada Goose (66);
Mute Swan (1);
Wood Duck (6);
Mallard (22);
Hooded Merganser (4 female plumage);
Osprey (1);
Bald Eagle (2ad: 1 seen among large kettle of Broad-wings);
Sharp-shinned Hawk (1);
Red-shouldered Hawk (3 circling together and calling, seen long before the
big movement of Broad-wings);
Broad-winged Hawk (2142: all seen between 12:25 and 1:25 from the end of the
powerlines trail, near where the heron rookery is. They were streaming from
the NE and heading SW. Though they were high, they were all visible with the
un-aided eye. It was quite a spectacle and we showed the hawks to
non-birding passing hikers);
Red-tailed Hawk (8);
Wild Turkey (11+1ad with a very young chick);
Ring-billed Gull (24);
Mourning Dove (21);
Belted Kingfisher (1);
Red-bellied Woodpecker (1);
Downy Woodpecker (4);
Hairy Woodpecker (5);
N Flicker (7);
Pileated Woodpecker (3);
E Phoebe (17);
Yellow-throated Vireo (1);
Blue-headed Vireo (2);
Warbling Vireo (3: singing);
Red-eyed Vireo (5);
Blue Jay (31);
A Crow (14);
C Raven (3);
Black-capped Chickadee (29);
Tufted Titmouse (10);
Red-breasted Nuthatch (2);
White-breasted Nuthatch (8);
Carolina Wren (6);
House Wren (3);
Hermit Thrush (1);
Wood Thrush (1);
A Robin (8);
Gray Catbird (39);
Cedar Waxwing (21);
Warblers:
N Parula (2);
Magnolia (1);
Black-throated Green (2);
Pine (4);
Blackpoll (3);
A Redstart (3);
Ovenbird (1);
C Yellowthroat (9);
Scarlet Tanager (2);
E Towhee (6);
Chipping Sparrow (25);
Field Sparrow (6);
Song Sparrow (17);
Swamp Sparrow (15);
N Cardinal (21);
Rose-breasted Grosbeak (1);
Indigo Bunting (1);
C Grackle (1);
House Finch (4);
A Goldfinch (22);
- Plus: Eastern Coyote (1 photographed);; another nice display of Bottle
Gentian at Wells.
(report from Mark Lynch/Sheila Carroll).
- 9/14/13 -- Mount Wachusett, Princeton
- Raptors migrating today:
Osprey 10 ;
Sharp-shinned Hawk 21 ;
Cooper's Hawk 5 ;
Broad-winged Hawk 1536 ;
Red-tailed Hawk 2 ;
American Kestrel 3 .
- Raptor Observations:
Because cloud ceiling was 4,000 feet, peels of BWs were not seen until over
the summit. A very late flight of BWs
in late pm (3:45 to 4:45)- large group got the final thermal. Heading SW.
- Non-raptor Observations:
Raven-3, Swallows, Hummingbirds-3, Juncos on road to summit. Towhees.
(report from Steve Olson)
- 9/14/13 -- Barre Falls Dam, Barre
- Raptors migrating today:
Osprey 3 ;
Bald Eagle 6 ;
Sharp-shinned Hawk 46 ;
Cooper's Hawk 5 ;
Broad-winged Hawk 770 ;
American Kestrel 2 .
- Raptor Observations:
Broadwings began rising from the woods shortly after 8:00 AM EDT. Largest
kettle was about 50 birds.
- Non-raptor Observations:
5 Monarch Butterflies
(report from Bart Kamp)
- 9/14/13 -- Mount Watatic, Ashburnham
- Raptors migrating today:
Osprey 4 ;
Bald Eagle 4 ;
Sharp-shinned Hawk 4 ;
Cooper's Hawk 2 ;
Broad-winged Hawk 908 .
- Raptor Observations:
Non migrants included 2 RS, 1 RT, TV's. Good morning flight , dropping way
off mid day and finishing stronger
- Non-raptor Observations:
2 Cliff Swallows, 8 Ravens most noteables
(report from Tom Pirro).
- 9/13/13 -- Ware River Watershed IBA, Rutland/Barre
-
We spent today birding the southern parts of the WARE RIVER WATERSHED
IBA: Prison Camp Road, part of Coldbrook Rd and Granger Rd. Migrants were in
a few discrete flocks and there was a lot of quiet forest in between those.
Totals:
Double-crested Cormorant (1ad: Ware River);
Turkey Vulture (9);
Canada Goose (44);
Wood Duck (16);
Osprey (2);
Broad-winged Hawk (4);
Red-tailed Hawk (2);
A Kestrel (1f);
Killdeer (1);
E SCREECH OWL (1: rare in these parts NW of Worcester);
Chimney Swift (3 migrating);
Belted Kingfisher (1);
Downy Woodpecker (8);
Hairy Woodpecker (3);
N Flicker (12);
OLIVE-SIDED FLYCATCHER (3 minimum: all near or in the Prison Camp area);
E Wood Peewee (4);
E PHOEBE (54: huge movement. Everywhere we went. Along most parts of the
forested roads);
Yellow-throated Vireo (5: all singing);
Warbling Vireo (2);
Red-eyed Vireo (9);
Blue Jay (25);
A Crow (2);
C Raven (1);
Black-capped Chickadee (78);
Red-breasted Nuthatch (6);
White-breasted Nuthatch (19);
House Wren (3);
Hermit Thrush (8);
A Robin (23);
Gray Catbird (48);
Brown Thrasher (1);
Cedar Waxwing (25);
WARBLERS:
Tennessee (2);
Magnolia (2);
Cape May (1);
Black-throated Blue (6);
Yellow-rumped (12);
Black-throated Green (14);
Pine (29);
Prairie (1);
Blackpoll (21);
Black and White (1);
A Redstart (7);
Ovenbird (5);
C Yellowthroat (22);
Scarlet Tanager (3);
E Towhee (2);
Chipping Sparrow (23);
Song Sparrow (8);
Swamp Sparrow (7);
N Cardinal (3);
Indigo Bunting (1);
Purple Finch (2);
A Goldfinch (4);
- PLUS: amazing showing of CLOSED GENTIAN and a nice area of NODDING LADIES
TRESSES. Dragonflies included Orange Bluet; Canada, Variable and
Black-tipped Darners; 12 Spotetd Skimmer and many hundreds Meadowhawk sp.
(report from Mark Lynch/Sheila Carroll).
- 9/13/13 -- Mount Wachusett, Princeton
- Raptors migrating today:
Osprey 21 ;
Bald Eagle 8 ;
Sharp-shinned Hawk 29 ;
Cooper's Hawk 3 ;
Broad-winged Hawk 1058 ;
Red-tailed Hawk 2 ;
American Kestrel 1 ;
Peregrine Falcon 1 ;
- Raptor Observations:
Wonderful show by a Peregrine Falcon in pm. Spend twenty minutes or so
displaying his prowness. Had 8 Bald Eagles with the last three afternoon
birds being full adults. The Broadwings are moving. Extremely favorable
winds for migration.
- Non-raptor Observations:
Mockingbird, Juncoes, Chimney Swifts, Ravens (6), TVs, Hummingbird, &
Towhee.
(report from Steve Olson)
- 9/12/13 -- Barre dump, Barre
-
Had over 50 Turkey Vultures today roosting in the dead trees of a
swamp near the Barre Dump entrance.
Didn't see any Black Vultures but most of the birds took to the air around
9:30am
(report from Scott Ricker).
- 9/12/13 -- Mount Wachusett, Princeton
- Raptors migrating today:
Sharp-shinned Hawk 4 ;
Broad-winged Hawk 1 ;
American Kestrel 1 .
- Raptor Observations:
Two migrating birds tried to head to SW and were blown down below the
Summit of the mountain. Very few birds trying to migrate today. Wind is too
strong.
- Non-raptor Observations:
TVs-6, Towhees, Catbird, 1 Raven, and a dozen Chimney Swifts.
(report from Steve Olson)
- 9/11/13 -- Mount Wachusett, Princeton
- Raptors migrating today:
Osprey 2 ;
Bald Eagle 1 ;
Sharp-shinned Hawk 1 .
- Raptor Observations:
Because of weather conditions, very few raptors moving. Just too hot. We
did have a non-migrating Northern Goshawk. Not a Broadwing in sight!
- Non-raptor Observations:
Raven-2 & very vocal.
(report from Steve Olson)
- 9/11/13 -- Sterling Peat, Sterling
-
I stopped by Sterling Peat at 2:30 PM earlier this afternoon. While
exploring the west side mud flats, I was able to pick out a juvenile
BAIRD'S SANDPIPER foraging with a small group of Least Sandpipers. The
distinctive lighter coloration, larger overall size and much longer wings
allowed me to identify it from a good distance away with my naked eye. I
left at 3:30PM to meet my girlfriend for dinner, and returned at 5:15PM and
stayed until 6:30. The bird continued to feed along the edges of the
peninsulas and the small lagoon on the far western edge of the pond. All of
the birds, including the baird's, were very skittish and would flush
whenever a large bird flew over. It appears that the peregrine that was
reported by John Walsh yesterday has a big affect on the shorebirds at this
location. Here is a
photo taken of the baird's during my second visit once
the sun had lowered beneath the treeline.
Note: I did not
pursue the bird, rather anticipating which direction the bird was feeding
and allowed the peep to approach me. Hopefully this bird sticks around for
a few more days, and it would be appreciated if people who try for this
bird provide updates, both positive and negative.
(report from Josh Gahagan).
- 9/10/13 -- Sterling Peat/Muddy pond, Sterling
-
Briefly stopped by Sterling Peat/ Muddy Pond today @ 6PM to check on
the shorebirds , etc. that have been reported there recently, and a
peregrine falcon show up. It circled around the whole area several times
and stooped once, though pulled out of it without a strike. Looked like
possibly an immature bird but without sun against the gray clouds it was
tough to call. Looked dark, but behavior, size and mustache on cheek left
no doubt. It stayed for about 15 minutes and then headed off east.
(report from John Walsh).
- 9/9/13 -- Mount Wachusett, Princeton
- Raptors migrating today: Osprey 9 ; Bald Eagle 3 ; Sharp-shinned Hawk 4 ; Cooper's Hawk 2 ; Broad-winged Hawk 85 ; Merlin 1 .
- Raptor Observations: More raptors were around considering the weather conditions. Interesting encounter with with an immature Red-tailed Hawk fighting with a single Broadwing. A very nice show.All the Bald Eagles seen were mature birds.
- Non-raptor Observations: Hummingbird-1, Towhee, Catbird, Turkey Vultures-5 or more., Comorants-2, Raven-2.
(report from Steve Olson)
- 9/9/13 -- Barre Falls Dam, Barre
- Raptors migrating today:
Osprey 2 ; Sharp-shinned Hawk 10 ;
Broad-winged Hawk 16 .
(report from Bart Kamp)
- 9/8/13 -- Mount Watatic, Ashburnham
- Raptors migrating today:
Osprey 3 ;
Bald Eagle 1 ;
Sharp-shinned Hawk 5 ;
Broad-winged Hawk 43 .
- Raptor Observations:
another light day, non-mirant RT, RS and TVs'
(report from Tom Pirro).
- 9/8/13 -- Sterling Peat, Sterling
-
Today we birded STERLING PEAT for a while, looking for the Baird's
[see report below]. We
dipped on that but did have the following. Note: birds came and went while
we were there.
- Green heron (8: minimal);
Canada Goose (1);
Wood Duck (9);
A Black Duck (3);
Mallard (44);
BLUE-WINGED TEAL (1f type);
Hooded Merganser (5 immature);
Cooper's Hawk (1imm);
Semipalmated Plover (1);
Killdeer (6);
Greater Yellowlegs (3);
Solitary Sandpiper (5);
Spotted Sandpiper (1);
Semipalmated Sandpiper (2);
Least Sandpiper (11);
Belted Kingfisher (2);
Hairy Woodpecker (1);
Warbling Vireo (1 still singing);
Red-eyed Vireo (1);
Barn Swallow (2);
House Wren (4);
Gray Catbird (11);
Brown Thrasher (1imm);
Cedar Waxwing (15);
Yellow Warbler (1);
Prairie Warbler (2);
C Yellowthroat (1);
Rose-breasted Grosbeak (1);
A Goldfinch (4);
- PLUS: a very nice display of NODDING LADIES TRESSES, the last orchid to
bloom in the year in MA.
(report from Mark Lynch/Sheila Carroll).
- 9/8/13 -- Mount Wachusett, Princeton
- Raptors migrating today:
Osprey 5 ;
Bald Eagle 3 ;
Northern Harrier 1 ;
Sharp-shinned Hawk 12 ;
Cooper's Hawk 1 ;
Broad-winged Hawk 60 ;
American Kestrel 1 .
- Raptor Observations:
No sign of local kestrels.
- Non-raptor Observations:
TV-1 (may have been migrating)., Chimney Swifts-6, Ravens-5. NOTE: There
may be no 9/7/13 data.
(report from Steve Olson)
- 9/7/13 -- Royalston/Winchendon
- Today we birded the Otter River SP/Birch Hill Dam parcel in
Royalston and Winchendon. The day started fine with a few small groups of
warblers, but by mid-morning most migrants just vanished and birding was
slow. Totals below:
- Great Blue Heron (4);
Turkey Vulture (2);
Wood Duck (13);
Mallard (2);
Barred Owl (1);
Ruby-throated Hummingbird (1);
Belted Kingfisher (3);
Downy Woodpecker (1);
Hairy Woodpecker (3);
N Flicker (4);
Pileated Woodpecker (1);
E Phoebe (19);
Blue-headed Vireo (2);
Blue Jay (18);
A Crow (2);
C Raven (1);
Black-capped Chickadee (144);
Red-breasted Nuthatch (26);
White-breasted Nuthatch (3);
House Wren (2);
Hermit Thrush (2);
A Robin (4);
Gray Catbird (13);
Cedar Waxwing (7);
WARBLERS:
Black-throated Blue (2);
Yellow-rumped (27);
Black-throated Green (5);
Pine (32);
Bay-breasted (1);
Blackpoll (3);
Ovenbird (4);
LOISIANA WATERTHRUSH (1: along Miller's River in Royalston. This is my
personal latest record for this species ever);
C Yellowthroat (23)
Scarlet Tanager (1);
E Towhee (4);
Chipping Sparrow (18);
Song Sparrow (7);
Swamp Sparrow (8);
White-throated Sparrow (9);
N Cardinal (3);
Bobolink (1);
A Goldfinch (2);
- PLUS: Butterflies included E Comma, E Tailed Blue and a Variegated
Fritillary. There was a great show of dragonflies along the Millers River
that included Fawn Darner and a late Dragonhunter. The sighting of the day
was of 8+ huge FISHING SPIDERS (7 with egg cases underneath, 1 guarding a
nursery of 100+ spiderlings); all in 1 small area. Sheila got some great
shots.
(report from Mark Lynch/Sheila Carroll).
- 9/7/13 -- Sterling Peat, Sterling
-
Between 4:00 PM and 5:00 PM this afternoon at Sterling Peat I flushed an
American Bittern, saw a Merlin perched on the big dead tree on the east side
and watched a juvenile BAIRD'S SANDPIPER feeding on the small islands on the
west side.
(report from Bart Kamp).
- 9/7/13 -- Barre Falls Dam, Barre
- Raptors migrating today:
Osprey 5 ;
Sharp-shinned Hawk 18 ;
Cooper's Hawk 4 ;
Broad-winged Hawk 7 .
- Non-raptor Observations:
3 Ruby-throated Hummingbirds
(report from Bart Kamp).
- 9/6/13 -- Mount Wachusett, Princeton
- Raptors migrating today:
Northern Harrier 1 ;
Sharp-shinned Hawk 12 ;
Broad-winged Hawk 65 ;
American Kestrel 1 .
- Raptor Observations:
Three Red-tailed hawks around (local residents not migrating)
- Non-raptor Observations:
Ravens-3
(report from Steve Olson)
- 9/6/13 -- North Brookfield
-
Had my first Lincoln's Sparrow of the fall in the back lot at the sewer
plant. Also a minimum of 6 Indigo Buntings of varied plumages. One bird all
blue, one half blue, one with just some blue in the wings and the others
were brown juvs. (report from Rodney Jenkins)
- 9/5/13 -- Mount Wachusett, Princeton
- Raptors migrating today:
Osprey 1 ;
Bald Eagle 3 ;
Sharp-shinned Hawk 3 ;
Broad-winged Hawk 15 .
- Raptor Observations:
Finally got a few Broadwings. Had 3 Bald Eagles and all were immature.
Still a slow day. Odd that Sharpies and Ospreys aren't moving on a day like
today. Resident Red-tailed Hawk showed up.
- Non-raptor Observations:
Turkey vultures-7, Catbird-1, Eastern Towhee-1, Ravens-2,
Chimney Swifts-4.
(report from Steve Olson)
- 9/5/13 -- Barre Falls Dam, Barre
- Raptors migrating today:
Osprey 2 ;
Bald Eagle 3 ;
Sharp-shinned Hawk 6 ;
Cooper's Hawk 1 ;
Broad-winged Hawk 5 ;
Red-tailed Hawk 1 ;
Merlin 1 ;
Peregrine Falcon 1 .
- Raptor Observations:
None of the Bald Eagles were adults. Not migrating: 3 Broadwings, 1
Red-shouldered hawk, 3 Redtails and 10-15 Turkey Vultures.
- Non-raptor Observations:
2 Ruby-throated Hummingbirds and 2 Monarch Butterflies
(report from Bart Kamp).
- 9/4/13 -- Mount Wachusett, Princeton
- Raptors migrating today:
Osprey 5 ;
Bald Eagle 1 ;
Sharp-shinned Hawk 5 ;
Broad-winged Hawk 2 ;
American Kestrel 2 ;
Unknown Buteo 1 .
- Raptor Observations:
1st Bald Eagle of the season - mature bird. Still slow and raptors are not
moving much.A lot of distant birds. Wind was most likely the factor.
- Non-raptor Observations:
Chimney swifts-4, Junco-1, Catbird-1, Eastern Towhee-1, and Turkey
Vultures-19.
(report from Steve Olson)
- 9/4/13 -- Sterling Peat, Sterling
-
I visited Sterling Peat this afternoon for a few hours and decided to bring
my kayak along. The water level on the west side has dropped significantly
since my last visit early last month, yet numbers of shorebirds are rather
low. I was keeping my fingers crossed for a Buff-Breasted, but instead
found 6 Killdeer, 1 Semipalmated Plover, 3 Solitary Sandpipers, 1 Spotted
Sandpiper, 10 Least Sandpipers, and 1 Greater Yellowlegs. Also saw 3 Green
Herons and about 15 Black Ducks. I hoped to capture better images of Green
Herons but I was surprised at how skittish they were, even when I was in my
kayak. Two juveniles were found on the grassy berm between the two ponds
hunting in the shallows, and I found one adult in the stump field on the
eastern edge of the main pond. Very cool birds to watch and it is nice to
have some close by!
(report from Josh Gahagan).
- 9/3/13 -- Mount Wachusett, Princeton
- Raptors migrating today:
Osprey 5 ;
Sharp-shinned Hawk 6 ;
Broad-winged Hawk 3 ;
American Kestrel 2 ;
Merlin 1 .
- Raptor Observations:
Not that many raptors moving right now. Temperature may be a factor. Rather
odd, we have not had any Bald Eagles in the count. Migration is just
starting and not many raptors leaving yet.
- Non-raptor Observations:
Crow-1, Turkey Vultures-12, Raven-1, Cedar Waxwings-7, Junco-1, and
Catbird-1.
(report from Steve Olson)
- 9/2/13 -- Worcester Ariport, Worcester
-
At 3:30 this afternoon there were 2 American Golden Plovers on the Worcester
Airport runway just south of the east side parking lot.
(report from Bart Kamp)
For previous sightings, see
August 2013 Archives or
Archive Index