September 2014 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:

• ONGOING -- Asian Longhorned Beetle Information
• 9/5/14 -- Eastern Mass Hawk Watch Annual Meeting: Focus on Kestrels

Bird Sightings:

9/29/14 -- Mount Wachusett, Princeton

Raptors observed today: Osprey 15 ; Bald Eagle 3 ; Sharp-shinned Hawk 8 ; Broad-winged Hawk 53 ; American Kestrel 6 ; Merlin 1 ; Peregrine Falcon 6 .

Raptor Observations: Bald Eagles (2 immatures, 1 mature); Lots of Peregrine Falcons around. 6 Turkey Vultures, 4 Red-Tail Hawks

Non-raptor Observations: Geese - 8, Ravens - 3, Juncos and Towhees.
(report from Steve Olson).

9/29/14 -- Barre Falls Dam, Barre

Raptors observed today: Osprey 9 ; Bald Eagle 1 ; Sharp-shinned Hawk 9 ; Cooper's Hawk 3 ; Broad-winged Hawk 46 ; American Kestrel 2 .

Non-raptor Observations: 6 Monarch Butterflies.
(report from Bart Kamp).

9/29/14 -- Bolton Flats WMA, Bolton

Today we birded several entrances to Bolton Flats WMA. The sparrow situation is as expected for the fall. At dawn though, as we walked in the main Rt.117 entrance, the trees on the Rt.110 side of the road, out in the marsh all had SAVANNAH SPARROWS teed up: some as many as 5-7 per small tree. We watched as they flew across the path and out into the fields. On the way back out, we saw only a few Savvies and mostly had Swamps and Songs.

Canada Goose (5); Wood Duck (24); Mallard (1); N Harrier (1); Sharp-shinned Hawk (1); A Kestrel (3); Merlin (1); Greater Yellowlegs (1); Solitary Sandpiper (1); Wilson's Snipe (2); Mourning Dove (32); Belted Kingfisher (2); Red-bellied Woodpecker (8); Downy Woodpecker (4); Hairy Woodpecker (9); N Flicker (14); E Phoebe (31); Blue-headed Vireo (2); Blue Jay (83: movement west all morning); A Crow (5); Black-capped Chickadee (34); Tufted Titmouse (2); White-breasted Nuthatch (9); Carolina Wren (3); House Wren (1); Marsh Wren (1); E Bluebird (8); A Robin (2); Gray Catbird (30); N Mockingbird (1);

WARBLERS: N Parula (1); Yellow-rumped (26); Palm (1); Blackpoll (10); C Yellowthroat (17);

SPARROWS: E Towhee (6); Savannah (89); Song (73); Lincoln's (3); Swamp (117); White-throated (43); White-crowned (2imm); N cardinal (13); Rose-breasted Grosbeak (1); Bobolink (2); Red-winged Blackbird (119); Purple Finch (7); A Goldfinch (34);

Plus: We talked to two guys from the Boston Honey Company who own all the skeps that are found inside one of the Rt.110 Bolton Flats entrances. They are having a bad fall because of the drought and are having to put out some additional food in the hives for the bees to eat. They did have a good summer.
(report from Mark Lynch/Sheila Carroll).

9/29/14 -- North Brookfield

I had a juvenile Lark Sparrow this morning at the Sewer Department back lot. The bird flushed up and the white outer tail feathers immediately caught my interest. It teed up for a brief moment (30 seconds) and disappeared into the weeds next to the towns sand piles. After searching for another ten minutes without success the Highway dump truck pulled in and flushed a tremendous amount of mixed Goldfinches, House Finches and sundry others. There are 100+ Goldfinches, 50+ House finches and 50+ Cedar Waxwings. Other species seen before the Highway arrived were at least 6 Pine Siskins, 3 Palm Warblers, 2 Lincoln's Sparrows and an Indigo Bunting. The lark Sparrow was not relocated. It was almost in adult plumage but had some faint streaks and a duller head than a pure adult. (report from Rodney Jenkins)

9/28/14 -- Barre Falls Dam, Barre

Raptors observed today: Osprey 6 ; Sharp-shinned Hawk 12 ; Cooper's Hawk 2 ; Broad-winged Hawk 3 ; American Kestrel 1 ; Merlin 2 ; Peregrine Falcon 1 ;

Raptor Observations: The Peregrine was a juvenile.

Non-raptor Observations: 120 Canada Geese, 8 Monarchs and 1 Painted Lady.
(report from Bart Kamp).

9/28/14 -- Mount Wachusett, Princeton

Raptors observed today: Turkey Vulture 1 ; Osprey 16 ; Bald Eagle 4 ; Northern Harrier 1 ; Sharp-shinned Hawk 20 ; Cooper's Hawk 2 ; Broad-winged Hawk 27 ; Golden Eagle 1 ; American Kestrel 2 .

Raptor Observations: Bald Eagles(3 mature, 1immature). Golden Eagle (mature)! Ted Mara observed the bird the longest time.

Report: It is my opinion that about 1:15 PM today, that I witnessed an adult Golden Eagle on the west side of Mount Wachusett. The bird was heading south. I had a solid 2 minute look through my scope under ideal conditions. I first noticed a large raptor approx. 500 yards out at ridge top level. I knew immediately that this raptor did not have the flight of a Bald Eagle. It was soaring in circles, sometimes in a dihedral, than sometimes flat-winged. It had slow deep deliberate wing beats unlike the quick, stiff, steady rhythm of the Bald Eagle. This matches the description of flight by Mary Liquori (Hawks at a Distance). I also noticed the more tapered wing found on the Golden Eagle. The above side of this raptor showed no white patches and did have golden upper wing coverts. The picture I used for identification is on page 155 (bottom left of the same book}. Because of the sun, I had a good look at this field mark. Plate 20 on Hawks (William S. Clark/Brian K. Wheeler} matches what I observed also. The raptor had a small head, tannish in color, not white or black.

(report from Steve Olson).

9/28/14 -- Ware River Watershed IBA

Today we birded a few areas in the WARE RIVER WATERSHED IBA. Warbler numbers and variety were on the low side but sparrows are on the upswing, especially White-throats. All our raptors were seen while spending some time with the dedicated hawk watchers at Barre Falls Dam.

Highlights: Great Blue Heron (3); Turkey Vulture (7); Canada Goose (176: all migrating south overhead); Wood Duck (17); Mallard (1); Osprey (2); Sharp-shinned Hawk (6); Red-tailed Hawk (2); Merlin (1); Belted Kingfisher (2); Red-bellied Woodpecker (4); Yellow-bellied Sapsucker (1); Downy Woodpecker (9); Hairy Woodpecker (10); N Flicker (5); Pileated Woodpecker (1); E Phoebe (13); Blue-headed Vireo (10: all singing); Red-eyed Vireo (1); C Raven (2); Red-breasted Nuthatch (11); Brown Creeper (3); House Wren (2); Winter Wren (1); Ruby-crowned Kinglet (7); Hermit Thrush (7);

WARBLERS: Black-throated Blue (1f); Yellow-rumped (36); Pine (23); Blackpoll (6); C Yellowthroat (6)

E Towhee (11); Chipping Sparrow (22); Song Sparrow (21); Swamp Sparrow (33); White-throated Sparrow (36); Dark-eyed Junco (2); Purple Finch (4); Pine Siskin (10)

Many darners and meadowhawks still about and a few spreadwings; a nice display of Fringed Gentian. Bottled Gentian was past prime. At the hawkwatch spot we found a caterpillar of the Gallium Sphinx Moth.
(report from Mark Lynch/Sheila Carroll).

9/27/14 -- Mount Wachusett, Princeton

Raptors observed today: Turkey Vulture 8 ; Osprey 9 ; Bald Eagle 7 ; Northern Harrier 1 ; Sharp-shinned Hawk 19 ; Cooper's Hawk 5 ; Broad-winged Hawk 34 ; Red-tailed Hawk 1 ; American Kestrel 3 .

Raptor Observations: View of Northern Harrier was very nice from all angles. Bald Eagles (1 mature and 7 immature).
(report from Steve Olson).

9/26/14 -- Mount Wachusett, Princeton

Raptors observed today: Osprey 5 ; Bald Eagle 3 ; Sharp-shinned Hawk 17 ; Red-shouldered Hawk 1 ; Broad-winged Hawk 128 ; American Kestrel 5 ; Peregrine Falcon 1 .

Raptor Observations: Bald Eagles - 3 mature. Turkey vultures - 4; Red-Tailed hawks - 3 (2 Juveniles playing with mature looking on.

Non-raptor Observations: Comorants - 8; Bat - 1; Ravens - 3;
(report from Steve Olson).

9/25/14 -- Mount Wachusett, Princeton

Raptors observed today: Turkey Vulture 1 ; Osprey 1 ; Sharp-shinned Hawk 2 ; Cooper's Hawk 1 ;

Raptor Observations: Few Raptors flying
(report from Steve Olson).

9/24/14 -- Moose Hill Wildlife Management Area, Paxton

Finally a few migrants. Highlights were, in one hour, 13 Catbirds, 1 Olive Sided Flycatcher (late), 3 Swamp Sparrows, 25 Chipping, 5 White-throated, 12 Song and 3 Lincoln's Sparrows. 6 Yellowthroats and 1 Yellow-Rumped were the only warblers. This year is by far the worst fall migration I have ever seen ! (report from Rodney Jenkins)

9/24/14 -- Mount Wachusett, Princeton

Raptors observed today: Turkey Vulture 14 ; Osprey 22 ; Bald Eagle 10 ; Northern Harrier 1 ; Sharp-shinned Hawk 23 ; Cooper's Hawk 4 ; Northern Goshawk 2 ; Broad-winged Hawk 236 ; American Kestrel 3 ; Peregrine Falcon 5 .

Raptor Observations: Bald Eagles - 7 mature & 3 immature; Some Turkey Vultures are migrating.

Non-raptor Observations: Ravens -15, Canada Geese -12 - migrating south, Towhees - 3 (1 Female, 2 Males, Juncos - 6, & Catbird - 1.
(report from Steve Olson).

9/23/14 -- Mount Wachusett, Princeton

Raptors observed today: Osprey 33 ; Bald Eagle 5 ; Sharp-shinned Hawk 47 ; Cooper's Hawk 4 ; Northern Goshawk 1 ; Broad-winged Hawk 409 ; Red-tailed Hawk 1 ; American Kestrel 3 ; Merlin 1 ; Peregrine Falcon 1 .

Raptor Observations: Local non-migrating Red-Tails - 3. Bald Eagles (1 mature & 4 immature). Peregrine Falcon - juvenile thought to be Taiga breed. Lots of local non-migrating Turkey Vultures.

Non-raptor Observations: Ruby Crowned Kinglet. Towhees; Juncos; Ravens - 7.
(report from Steve Olson).

9/22/14 -- Otter River SP, Winchendon / Birch Hill Dam, Royalston)

Today we birded the forested parcel that includes Otter River State Park (Winchendon) and Birch Hill Dam (SE Royalston). We started off with a few good pockets of birds, but by mid-afternoon the wind really kicked up, making birding challenging. Complete list below: Great Blue Heron (3); Turkey Vulture (4); Wood Duck (13); A Black Duck (2); Mallard (1f: a bird with an injured leg, still hanging with its pal: a large domestic variety); Osprey (2); N Harrier (1juv); Sharp-shinned Hawk (5); N Goshawk (1imm being harassed by a Sharpie. Great views!); Broad-winged Hawk (5); Red-tailed Hawk (1); A Kestrel (2m); Mourning Dove (3); Downy Woodpecker (2); Hairy Woodpecker (3); N Flicker (10); E Phoebe (36); Blue-headed Vireo (3: 2 singing); Red-eyed Vireo (3: 1 singing); Blue Jay (36); A Crow (5); Black-capped Chickadee (86); Tufted Titmouse (6); Red-breasted Nuthatch (7); White-breasted Nuthatch (5); House Wren (2); Ruby-crowned Kinglet (1); Hermit Thrush (3); A Robin (17); Gray Catbird (13); Cedar Waxwing (1);

WARBLERS: Chestnut-sided (1); Magnolia (2); Black-throated Blue (1); Yellow-rumped (31); Black-throated Green (7); Pine (51); Blackpoll (7); Black and White (5); A Redstart (1); Connecticut (1imm); C Yellowthroat (8);

E Towhee (4); Chipping Sparrow (7); Field Sparrow (2); Song Sparrow (12); Swamp Sparrow (23); White-throated Sparrow (4); Dark-eyed Junco (1); Purple Finch (3); A Goldfinch (6);

PLUS: still many darners including Canada, Black-tipped, and Fawn. Even more meadowhawks.
(report from Mark Lynch/Sheila Carroll).

9/22/14 -- Barre Falls Dam, Barre

Raptors observed today: Osprey 8 ; Bald Eagle 4 ; Northern Harrier 1 ; Sharp-shinned Hawk 31 ; Cooper's Hawk 1 ; Broad-winged Hawk 49 ; Red-tailed Hawk 1 ; American Kestrel 13 ; Peregrine Falcon 2 .

Raptor Observations: The wind blew the hawks in all directions. Hawks heading west to our north ended up trying to head west to our south. Soaring hawks were blown back to the east.

Non-raptor Observations: 7 Monarch Butterflies.
(report from Bart Kamp).

9/22/14 -- Mount Wachusett, Princeton

Raptors observed today: Osprey 6 ; Bald Eagle 1 ; Sharp-shinned Hawk 11 ; Broad-winged Hawk 53 ; Red-tailed Hawk 2 ; American Kestrel 8 ; Merlin 5 ;

Raptor Observations: BE - 1immature. A fair amount migrants given the wind conditions. Somewhat surprising. Not too many Turkey Vultures today. Wind too much for them.

Non-raptor Observations: Ravens - 9. Juncos - dozen or better.
(report from Steve Olson)

9/21/14 -- Bolton Flats, Bolton

Highlights of the Forbush Bird Club included Wood Duck (3); Double-crested Cormorant (1); Great Blue Heron (1); Northern Harrier (1); Cooper's Hawk (1); Red-tailed Hawk (3); Killdeer (16); Ruby-throated Hummingbird (2); Belted Kingfisher (1); Red-bellied Woodpecker (4); Northern Flicker (3); American Kestrel (3); Eastern Phoebe (12); Warbling Vireo (1); House Wren ( 4); Marsh Wren (1); Eastern Bluebird (2); American Robin (182); Gray Catbird (15); Cedar Waxwing (27); Common Yellowthroat (5); Magnolia Warbler (1); Prairie Warbler (1); Eastern Towhee (3); Savannah Sparrow (4); Song Sparrow (36); Lincoln's Sparrow (2); Swamp Sparrow (108); White-throated Sparrow (1); Indigo Bunting (1);
(report from Kevin Bourinot).

9/21/14 -- Wachusett Reservoir

Today we did a quick survey of WACHUSETT RESERVOIR after the rain had stopped and had the following: Common Loon (15); Double-crested Cormorant (43); Great Blue Heron (3); Canada Goose (98); Mallard (3); Wild Turkey (1ad w/4 very young birds); Killdeer (13: Clinton HS); Belted Kingfisher (2); Plus: Indian Pipe still coming up at Scar Hill Bluff. (report from Mark Lynch/Sheila Carroll).

9/20/14 -- Mount Wachusett, Princeton

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

Raptor Observations: 20 or more non-migrating TV's. Local non-migrating Red-Tailed Hawks - 2.

Non-raptor Observations: Juncos; Towhees
(report from Steve Olson).

9/20/14 -- Barre Falls Dam, Barre

Raptors observed today: Osprey 4 ; Bald Eagle 1 ; American Kestrel 3 .

Non-raptor Observations: 1 Killdeer.
(report from Bart Kamp).

9/19/14 -- Mount Wachusett, Princeton

Raptors observed today: Osprey 8 ; Bald Eagle 6 ; Northern Harrier 2 ; Sharp-shinned Hawk 48 ; Cooper's Hawk 4 ; Broad-winged Hawk 545 ; American Kestrel 17 ; Merlin 3 ; Peregrine Falcon 2 .

Raptor Observations: Bald Eagles - 3 mature & 3 immature. Plenty of local non-migrating Turkey Vultures (30) and Red-tailed hawks (6).

Non-raptor Observations: Canada Geese - 10. Gulls - 4; Ravens - 4; Towhees - 1 seen (the rest were vocal birds).
(report from Steve Olson).

9/19/14 -- Barre Falls Dam, Barre

Raptors observed today: Bald Eagle 3 ; Sharp-shinned Hawk 9 ; Red-shouldered Hawk 1 ; Broad-winged Hawk 8 ; Merlin 1 .

Raptor Observations: The Merlin streaked across the field in pursuit of (or pursued by) a female Sharp-shinned.

Non-raptor Observations: 1 Palm Warbler, 1 Yellow-rumped Warbler.
(report from Bart Kamp).

9/18/14 -- Barre Falls Dam, Barre

Raptors observed today: Osprey 1 ; Bald Eagle 1 ; Sharp-shinned Hawk 7 ; Cooper's Hawk 1 ; Broad-winged Hawk 348 ; Red-tailed Hawk 1 .

Raptor Observations: Famine & feast. Small streams of Broad-wings mid-morning and early afternoon, but a sparse flight overall despite the beautiful afternoon cumulus clouds.

Non-raptor Observations: 1 Monarch Butterfly and 1 Chimney Swift.
(report from Bart Kamp).

9/18/14 -- Mount Wachusett, Princeton

Raptors observed today: Osprey 19 ; Bald Eagle 12 ; Sharp-shinned Hawk 39 ; Cooper's Hawk 6 ; Broad-winged Hawk 1805 ; American Kestrel 6 ; Merlin 1 ; Peregrine Falcon 1 .

Raptor Observations: Bald eagles were 8 immature birds & 4 mature birds. Local TV's - 20-25.

Non-raptor Observations: Juncos. Towhees. Ravens - 9.
(report from Steve Olson).

9/17/14 -- Mount Wachusett, Princeton

Raptors observed today: Black Vulture 4 ; Osprey 11 ; Bald Eagle 11 ; Northern Harrier 3 ; Sharp-shinned Hawk 38 ; Cooper's Hawk 5 ; Red-shouldered Hawk 1 ; Broad-winged Hawk 1185 ; American Kestrel 8 ; Merlin 2 ; Peregrine Falcon 2 .

Raptor Observations: 11 Bald Eagles (6 mature & 5 immature). First migrating Black Vultures of the season. 30 Turkey Vultures (local).

Non-raptor Observations: Juncos. Towhees.
(report from Steve Olson).

9/17/14 -- Barre Falls Dam, Barre

Raptors observed today: Osprey 6 ; Bald Eagle 1 ; Sharp-shinned Hawk 15 ; Cooper's Hawk 1 ; Broad-winged Hawk 464 ; American Kestrel 3 ; Merlin 1 .

Raptor Observations: Broad-wingeds observed in streams or rapidly dissipating small kettles.The Bald Eagle was an adult.

Non-raptor Observations: 9 Monarch Butterflies
(report from Bart Kamp).

9/17/14 -- Wells SP, Sturbridge

Today we hiked around WELLS STATE PARK in Sturbridge. It was a mediocre migration day there, with almost no raptors and few warblers. Still, it was a beautiful hike: down the powerlines, into the forest and over the one way paved road around the campgrounds. Highlights: Great Blue Heron (1); Wood Duck (4); Sharp-shinned Hawk (1); Red-shouldered Hawk (1); Ruby-throated Hummingbird (1); Belted Kingfisher (2); Pileated Woodpecker (1); E Phoebe (5); Warbling Vireo (1 singing); Red-eyed Vireo (1); House Wren (4); MARSH WREN (1 in grassy marsh. We have had one other Marsh Wren in this same area in the fall years back); Blue-gray Gnatcatcher (1); Wood Thrush (1);

WARBLERS: Yellow-rumped (2); Pine (12: 3 still singing); Blackpoll (2); Black and White (7); A Redstart (1); C Yellowthroat (10);

PLUS: Nodding Ladies Tresses and Closed/Bottle Gentian. Nice flight of meadowhawks included a Banded Meadowhawk (photographed);.The only butterfly w ehad was a worn Great Spangled Frittilary

BEFORE we hit Wells, we stopped at KETTLEBROOK RESERVOIR #2 in Leicester and had: Double-crested Cormorant (2); Killdeer (17); Solitary Sandpiper (1); Spotted Sandpiper (1); Least Sandpiper (5); Belted Kingfisher (1);

At LAKE QUABOG, Brookfield: Great Blue Heron (4); Great Egret (1); Green-winged Teal (3);
(report from Mark Lynch/Sheila Carroll).

9/15/14 -- Mount Wachusett, Princeton

Raptors observed today: Osprey 2 ; Bald Eagle 3 ; Northern Harrier 3 ; Sharp-shinned Hawk 15 ; Northern Goshawk 1 ; Broad-winged Hawk 1941 ; American Kestrel 8 ; Merlin 1 ; Peregrine Falcon 2 ; Unknown Accipiter 2 .

Raptor Observations: 1 BW was a dark morph. 2 local adult Bald Eagles "battling" over Boston for 5 minutes. Redtails & TV's for the slow hours. Bald Eagles (2 mature & 1 immature.

Non-raptor Observations: Ravens - 9; Juncos - 6.
(report from Steve Olson).

9/15/14 -- Barre Falls Dam, Barre

Raptors observed today: Osprey 1 ; Bald Eagle 5 ; Sharp-shinned Hawk 8 ; Broad-winged Hawk 2374 ;

Raptor Observations: A two-part Broad-winged flight. Broad-wingeds began lifting off at 8 AM EST, forming increasingly larger kettles over the next 3 hours. The morning's total was 995. After a noontime lull , the afternoon flight was of a completely different nature. Shortly after 1 PM EST we detected a fast-moving river of hawks across the western sky, and recorded an astounding total of 1300+ Broad-wingeds in only 15 minutes.

Non-raptor Observations: 4 Monarch Butterflies, 1 Ruby-throated Hummingbird, and 13 Common Ravens, together.
(report from Bart Kamp).

9/14/14 -- Barre Falls Dam, Barre

Raptors observed today: Osprey 2 ; Bald Eagle 15 ; Northern Harrier 1 ; Sharp-shinned Hawk 32 ; Cooper's Hawk 6 ; Red-shouldered Hawk 2 ; Broad-winged Hawk 2270 ; Red-tailed Hawk 2 ; American Kestrel 11 ; Merlin 1 .

Raptor Observations: 5 adult Bald Eagles

Non-raptor Observations: 10 Double-crested Cormorants and 6 Ruby-throated Hummingbirds migrating.
(report from Bart Kamp).

9/14/14 -- Mount Watatic, Ashburnham

Raptors observed today: Osprey 3 ; Bald Eagle 4 ; Sharp-shinned Hawk 16 ; Broad-winged Hawk 1522 ; American Kestrel 1 .

Raptor Observations: Nice morning flight but slowed after 10AM ST

Non-raptor Observations: 5 Ruby-throated Humming birds past, 5 Monarch butterflies.
(report from Tom Pirro).

9/14/14 -- Mount Wachusett, Princeton

Raptors observed today: Osprey 13 ; Bald Eagle 39 ; Northern Harrier 4 ; Sharp-shinned Hawk 24 ; Cooper's Hawk 10 ; Northern Goshawk 1 ; Broad-winged Hawk 7649 ; American Kestrel 13 ; Merlin 2 ; Peregrine Falcon 2 .

Raptor Observations: Record number of Bald Eagles - 30 mature, 9 immature. Local Red-Tailed Hawks playing all day. Local Goshawk made 3 appearances during the day.

Non-raptor Observations: 3 Hummingbirds. 1 or 2 Towhees made their presence known.
(report from Steve Olson).

9/13/14 -- Mount Wachusett, Princeton

Raptors observed today: Osprey 5 ; Bald Eagle 6 ; Sharp-shinned Hawk 10 ; Cooper's Hawk 2 ; Broad-winged Hawk 407 ; American Kestrel 4 ;

Raptor Observations: Turkey Vultures (non-migrating)- at least 27 or more. 6 Bald Eagles - 3 mature birds & 3 immature birds. Surprised at the number of Broad-Winged Hawks getting lift and moving, given the weather conditions.

Non-raptor Observations: Flicker -1; Tree Swallows - 3; Pileated Woodpecker (Adult Male)
(report from Steve Olson).

9/13/14 -- Mount Watatic, Ashburnham

Raptors observed today: Osprey 3 ; Bald Eagle 5 ; Northern Harrier 2 ; Sharp-shinned Hawk 13 ; Broad-winged Hawk 1866 ; American Kestrel 8 .

Raptor Observations: Lift was tough for the today's flight, however the NE wind direction was optimal for this flight. The lift did improve as the morning progressed and many hawks soared into the low cloud deck. Most activity was to the east shifting to the west later on. RT 2 non migrants. TV 20+ non migrants.

Non-raptor Observations: Common Loon 1, Canada Goose 12. Northern Raven 25+ (roving about in all directions, Swallow Sp. 2.
(report from Tom Pirro).

9/13/14 -- Barre Falls Dam, Barre

Raptors observed today: Osprey 1 ; Bald Eagle 4 ; Sharp-shinned Hawk 24 ; Cooper's Hawk 5 ; Broad-winged Hawk 283 ; American Kestrel 1 .

Non-raptor Observations: 3 Monarch Butterflies
(report from Bart Kamp).

9/12/14 -- Barre Falls Dam, Barre

Raptors observed today: Osprey 1 ; Bald Eagle 8 ; Northern Harrier 1 ; Sharp-shinned Hawk 6 ; Cooper's Hawk 1 ; Broad-winged Hawk 404 ; Red-tailed Hawk 1 .

Raptor Observations: 5 of the 8 Bald Eagles were adults.

Non-raptor Observations: 1 Tree swallow; 1 Monarch Butterfly migrating.
(report from Bart Kamp).

9/12/14 -- Mount Wachusett, Princeton

Raptors observed today: Osprey 28 ; Bald Eagle 17 ; Northern Harrier 3 ; Sharp-shinned Hawk 34 ; Cooper's Hawk 11 ; Broad-winged Hawk 1996 ; American Kestrel 15 ; Peregrine Falcon 1 .

Raptor Observations: Turkey Vultures (23 +)- non-migrating. Bald Eagles (17 total), 4 Immature & 13 Mature. Red-Tailed Hawks - playing around the Mountain all day.

Non-raptor Observations: Ravens - 7. Hummingbird - 1. Towhees in the shrubs.
(report from Steve Olson).

9/11/14 -- Wachusett Reservoir

We did a quick check of Wachusett Reservoir this morning and had the following: Common Loon (6); Double-crested Cormorant (31); Canada Goose (60+ at the Wachusett Country Club); Mallard (4); A Black Duck (1); Red-tailed Hawk (1); MERLIN (1 relentlessly chasing a kingfisher, almost driving it down to the grasses inside the dike); Ring-billed Gull (46); Belted Kingfisher (3); Ruby-throated Hummingbird (3); Barn Swallow (7). (report from Mark Lynch/Sheila Carroll).

9/10/14 -- Mount Wachusett, Princeton

Raptors observed today: Turkey Vulture 3 ; Bald Eagle 2 ; Sharp-shinned Hawk 2 ; Broad-winged Hawk 10 ; Red-tailed Hawk 1 .

Raptor Observations: 2 Bald Eagles were immature birds. Very slow day with few birds moving. Turkey Vultures - (non-migrating) - 29. Two Juvenile Red-Tailed Hawks (local) were playing

Non-raptor Observations: American Towhees; Catbird; Tree Swallows;
(report from Steve Olson).

9/9/14 -- Mount Wachusett, Princeton

Raptors observed today: Osprey 4 ; Sharp-shinned Hawk 3 ; Broad-winged Hawk 11 ; American Kestrel 3 ; Merlin 1 ; Peregrine Falcon 2 .

Raptor Observations: Very few Turkey Vultures - no thermals. Local juvenile Red-Tailed Hawks were very playful and entertained a good part of the observation period. An adult would join them at times. Best sight of day - a Red-tailed with a snake in it's talons for lunch on the ski slopes.

Non-raptor Observations: Raven - 1; Junco - 2; Tree Swallows - 6;
(report from Steve Olson).

9/8/14 -- Barre Falls Dam, Barre

Raptors observed today: Osprey 1 ; Bald Eagle 1 ; Sharp-shinned Hawk 1 ; Broad-winged Hawk 6 ; American Kestrel 3 .
(report from Bart Kamp).

9/8/14 -- Mount Wachusett, Princeton

Raptors observed today: Osprey 13 ; Bald Eagle 7 ; Sharp-shinned Hawk 17 ; Cooper's Hawk 7 ; Broad-winged Hawk 35 ; American Kestrel 6 ; Peregrine Falcon 2 ; Unknown Accipiter 3 .

Raptor Observations: Turkey Vultures - 20 or more throughout the day (non-migrating). Red-Tailed Hawk throughout the day (a local). Bald Eagles were 1immature and 6 mature.

Non-raptor Observations: Juncos - 6; Ravens - 10 or more (Actually had a kettle of 6); Crows; Cedar Waxwings - 2;
(report from Steve Olson).

9/7/14 -- Mount Wachusett, Princeton

Raptors observed today: Osprey 5 ; Bald Eagle 4 ; Sharp-shinned Hawk 12 ; Cooper's Hawk 7 ; Broad-winged Hawk 69 ; American Kestrel 5 ; Merlin 5 ; Peregrine Falcon 1 .

Raptor Observations: Turkey Vultures-lots-(local, non-migrating); Red-Tailed Hawks (local, non-migrating); Bald Eagles - 1 immature, 3 adult

Non-raptor Observations: Commorant -1; Ravens - 5;
(report from Steve Olson).

9/7/14 -- Barre Falls Dam, Barre

Raptors observed today: Sharp-shinned Hawk 5 ; Broad-winged Hawk 6 ;

Raptor Observations: 2 Red-shouldered Hawks not migrating.

Non-raptor Observations: 1 Ruby-throated Hummingbird, 2 Tree Swallows and 6 Monarch Butterflies migrating. 1 Pileated Woodpecker.
(report from Bart Kamp).

9/7/14 -- Ware River Watershed IBA

Today we birded the southeastern part of the WARE RIVER WATERSHED IBA: from Barre Falls Dam south to Rutland State Park along the Army Corps of Engineers dirt road system. There was some huge disc golf tournament at Barre Falls Dam, so after spending a little time with the dedicated hawkwatchers there, we quickly gave that location a wide berth. Early this morning about 2:30 AM I had woken up and noticed that (1) it was gently raining and that (2) I was hearing migrants fly over the city of Worcester. Though I heard only thrushes and some bobolinks, I felt this "could" be a decent migration day. As is typical of fall migration in heavily forested tracts, our strategy today was to listen for chickadees and then spish and screech owl and see what else came in. This meant there were long stretches with few or no birds.

Partial list: Sharp-shinned Hawk (2); Red-shouldered Hawk (2); Broad-winged Hawk (1); Red-tailed Hawk (1); Yellow-billed Cuckoo (2); Ruby-throated Hummingbird (2); Belted Kingfisher (2); Pileated Woodpecker (1); Olive-sided Flycatcher (1); E Wood Pewee (6: all still calling); E Phoebe (33); E Kingbird (2: moving along the river); Blue-headed Vireo (2); Warbling Vireo (1); Red-eyed Vireo (18); House Wren (8); Veery (3);

WARBLERS: Blue-winged (1); Nashville (1); Chestnut-sided (3); Magnolia (4); Black-throated Blue (6); Yellow-rumped (10); Black-throated Green (11); Blackburnian (3); Pine (41); Prairie (6); Bay-breasted (1); Blackpoll (2); Black and White (6); A Redstart (13); Ovenbird (2); C Yellowthroat (39);

Scarlet Tanager (8); E Towhee (29); Swamp Sparrow (27);

PLUS: an amazing number of dragonflies including what must have been 1000+ meadowhawks and MANY (100+); darners. We actually spent some time studying and photographing these. Closed/Bottle Gentian is in bloom, another sure sign of the end of summer.
(report from Mark Lynch/Sheila Carroll).

9/6/14 -- Quabog IBA/Kettlebrook Reservoirs

Today we started the morning checking on a few of the ponds in the Quabog IBA in the Brookfields and had the following highlights: Great Blue Heron (3); Great Egret (1: north end of Wickabog); Canada Goose (5); Wood Duck (1: low); Mallard (26); Bald Eagle (2 imm at Quabog); Wild Turkey (3); Ring-billed Gull (79: mostly ad post breeding); Warbling Vireo (2 still singing);

THEN we headed to WELLS STATE PARK, Sturbridge, which is also part of the Quabog IBA. We did a loop hike down the powerlines to the small heron rookery, then though the forest to the interior loop road and back to the car. Wood Duck (7); Hooded Merganser (1); Ruby-throated Hummingbird (6); Pileated Woodpecker (2); Olive-sided Flycatcher (1); E Wood Pewee (1 singing); E Phoebe (9); Yellow-throated Vireo (2 singing); Red-eyed Vireo (3); House Wren (3); Chestnut-sided Warbler (1); Black-throated Green Warbler (3); Prairie Warbler (4); Pine Warbler (8: several still singing); A Redstart (2); C Yellowthroat (11); Scarlet Tanager (2); Rose-breasted Grosbeak (1); Non-bird highlights included finding a Pigeon Tremex, a large horntail wasp species.

On the way home we checked the Kettlebrook Reservoirs:

Kettlebrook#2 still had low water: Hooded Merganser (4juv); Killdeer (17); Solitary Sandpiper (7); Spotted Sandpiper (3); Semipalmated Sandpiper (1); Least Sandpiper (8);

Kettlebrook#3 still had low water, but we had no birds there of note.

Kettlebrook#4 had higher water and we only found a cormorant and Great Blue.
(report from Mark Lynch/Sheila Carroll).

9/5/14 -- Mount Wachusett, Princeton

Raptors observed today: Northern Harrier 1 ; Broad-winged Hawk 7 ;

Raptor Observations: 1 Northern Goshawk ( Local-non-migrating); 2 Red-Tailed Hawks (local - non-migrating); 5 Turkey Vultures (local - non-migrating);
(report from Steve Olson).

9/4/14 -- Mount Wachusett, Princeton

Raptors observed today: Osprey 2 ; Northern Harrier 1 ; Sharp-shinned Hawk 14 ; Cooper's Hawk 2 ; Northern Goshawk 1 ; Broad-winged Hawk 24 ; American Kestrel 1 ; Unknown Accipiter 1 .

Raptor Observations: 10 - 12 non-migrating Turkey Vultures; Northern Goshawk (Local bird - non-migrating in late PM.

Non-raptor Observations: Finches; Tree Swallows
(report from Steve Olson).

9/3/14 -- Mount Wachusett, Princeton

Raptors observed today: Bald Eagle 2 ; Sharp-shinned Hawk 10 ; Cooper's Hawk 3 ; Red-shouldered Hawk 1 ; Broad-winged Hawk 21 ; American Kestrel 2 ; Merlin 2 .

Raptor Observations: 2 Bald Eagles were close to maturity. Some white on head & tail on both birds. Non-migrating Red-Tailed Hawks - 4; Non-migrating Turkey Vultures - 8

Non-raptor Observations: Ravens - 5; Finches - 8
(report from Steve Olson).

9/2/14 -- Mount Wachusett, Princeton

Raptors observed today: Osprey 1 ; Bald Eagle 2 ; Sharp-shinned Hawk 4 ; Cooper's Hawk 1 ; Broad-winged Hawk 14 ; Merlin 1 .

Raptor Observations: 2 Bald Eagles were immature. 20 or more non-migrating Turkey Vultures Northern Goshawk (local) seen three times today and mingled once with TVs.

Non-raptor Observations: Juncos - 6; Chimney Swifts - 2; Cedar Waxwings - 8.
(report from Steve Olson).

9/1/14 -- Gardner

At around 5 pm, a Bald Eagle soared across the Gardner Municipal Golf Course. Swooped across the 18th fairway and circled back across the 17th fairway landing on the 18 fairway. I managed to get a picture from a distance but in my effort to get closer, the bird took flight and landed over on the 17th fairway. The sad thing that I noticed was that it was missing the claw from its right leg. I only saw the thigh as it took off and landed on the ground rather clumsily on the one leg. (report from Jim Diamond).

9/1/14 -- Sterling Peat/Wachusett Reservoir/The Kettlebrook Reservoirs

We started Monday SEPTEMBER 1 at STERLING PEAT: Great Blue Heron (3); Green Heron (7); Wood Duck (5); Mallard (14); Sharp-shinned Hawk (1); Red-tailed Hawk (1); A Kestrel (1); Killdeer (2: another 17 at Sterling Airport); Greater Yellowlegs (2); Lesser Yellowlegs (1); Solitary Sandpiper (2); Spotted Sandpiper (3); Least Sandpiper (8+); Belted Kingfisher (1); ALSO: great display of NODDING LADIES TRESSES, the last blooming orchid of the season.

THEN: at WACHUSETT RESERVOIR: Common Loon (14); Double-crested Cormorant (35); Canada Goose (101); Common Merganser (5); Wild Turkey (1); E Wood Pewee (5);

KETTLEBROOK RESERVOIR #2, LEICESTER: Double-crested Cormorant (1); Killdeer (2); Spotted Sandpiper (2); Solitary Sandpiper (4); Least Sandpiper (10); Nearby: GIANT SWALLOWTAIL (1);

KETTLEBROOK RESERVOIR#3, PAXTON: Double-crested Cormorant (1); Great Blue Heron (2); Killdeer (1); Solitary Sandpiper (1); Least Sandpiper (1); Pine Warbler (1 singing);

The water level at Kettlebrook#4 has gone up since the dam repair and there were no shorebirds there.
(report from Mark Lynch/Sheila Carroll).

9/1/14 -- Mount Wachusett, Princeton

Raptors observed today: Sharp-shinned Hawk 4 ; Broad-winged Hawk 9 ; Peregrine Falcon 1 ; Unknown Accipiter 1 .

Raptor Observations: Not many raptors moving. 15 to 20 non-migrating Turkey Vultures
(report from Steve Olson).

For previous sightings, see August 2014 Archives or Archive Index