Ben Griffith and I led an all day pelagic trip last Tuesday aboard the "Granite State" out of Rye Harbor, NH. The trip was organized by the Seacoast Chapter of NH Audubon.
We started off by heading out to the Isles of Shoals where we did a quick tour of Square Rock, Lunging Island, and White and Seavey Islands. Here we located some specialty Island birds at this date including American Oystercatcher, Black Guillemot, and Great Cormorants. And once again, we spotted an adult Northern Gannet sitting on Square Rock. Funny how this always happens....never juveniles or sub-adults.....always adults. Generally Northern Gannets are rarely seen sitting on land.
We then continued offshore to an area known as "Old Scantum" where there had been recent whale activity. We found the whales, but they were uncooperative, so we chased them around a bit while encountering numerous Wilson's Storm-Petrels and an occasional small flock of Red-necked Phalaropes. While chasing the whales north past Old Scantum to a point approximately 10 miles ESE of the Isles of Shoals we chanced upon the rarest bird of the day and possibly the rarest bird ever seen in NH! A CHILEAN SKUA! While we didn't know that it was a Chilean Skua at the time, we knew it was a Skua. It was extremely wary, but we continually pursued it for over 30 minutes. Unfortunately, we never got too close and the gray, cloudy skies didn't help, but we managed to get lots of photos. At this time we were uncertain whether it was the most likely South Polar Skua or the very rare Great Skua.....we didn't know there was a 3rd option!!
We then resumed our planned route back south and east and found more Phalaropes (including Red!) as well as an occasional Cory's Shearwater. Manx Shearwaters were a bit more wary, but we managed some decent views. The most common shearwater is generally Great Shearwater, but we managed only a single flyby down the side of the boat. We worked over Jeffrey's Ledge and even off the eastern edge of Jeffrey's, but it was rather quiet out there so we turned back.
Heading back in we ran into an incredible pod of roughly 50 Common Bottlenose Dolphins! This species is different (larger and more pelagic) from the typical bottlenose dolphin now known as Tamanend's Bottlenose Dolphin and found south along the coastal beaches to Florida. The pod gave an incredible show as they rode the wakes and jumped high out of the water several times. As we headed in, someone spotted a jaeger on the water and as we turned to try to relocate it, it flew and Ben quickly announced LONG-TAILED JAEGER! Sadly, it just kept flying and flying.....but Captain Pete continued the pursuit and we finally caught up to it! A beautiful juvenile Long-tailed Jaeger!
Finally, we were running late and turned and cruised home.....but there was more excitement! As we passed through the area of the previous skua sightings, we relocated the Skua! This time we had very brief views, but VERY CLOSE views and in great lighting. It passed by the side of the boat and continued out of sight. But not before a few people got the best photos of the day of this bird. These photos showed some semblance of a Great Skua so we excitedly announced that it was a Great Skua! But when we got home, it was apparent something was wrong! The first thing I said to Jane when I uploaded the photos onto my computer was: "Jane, look at the strange color of this Skua!" Then Sam Zhang, who wasn't even on the boat started texting me. And then Ben texted me. It soon became apparent that this bird looked like a CHILEAN SKUA! The Chilean Skua is a species that breeds off the southern coast of Argentina and Chile, with wandering birds found as far north as Peru (one report in Ecuador) and Brazil. They are not known for long migrations like the South Polar Skua. THERE ARE NO RECORDS FOR NORTH AMERICA AND POSSIBLY NO RECORDS FOR THE NORTHERN HEMISPHERE FOR CHILEAN SKUA!
Ben Griffith has been working very hard on researching Chilean Skua and seeking opinions of Skua experts from around the world. Thus far, I don't know of anyone that has any doubt that this bird is within the range of variation of pure Chilean Skua and all have ruled out the possibility that this is any other species. The Chilean Skua is actually the most distinctive of all of the Skuas! The only "fly in the ointment" is that this species is not known for long migrations and the unlikeliness of this occurrence is generating some "what-if" scenarios. There is a HYPOTHETICAL possibility that this is a hybrid South Polar X Chilean Skua which expresses itself phenotypically as a pure Chilean Skua but adopts the DNA from a South Polar Skua which tells it to head north!
For lots of photos and a bit more discussion of the Chilean Skua, see this checklist:
Thanks to Holly Bauer for organizing this trip through the Seacoast Chapter and to Captain Pete Reynolds and crew for helping to spot whales and birds!
8:00 AM - 5:30 PM Cloudy with brisk NW winds in the morning, clearing in the afternoon with winds dying down. Seas 1 to 3 feet.
Birds ----------- Common Eider 86 Ruby-throated Hummingbird 1 migrating between Rye harbor and Isles of Shoals American Oystercatcher 3 all on Lunging. Black-bellied Plover 2 Semipalmated Plover 2 Hudsonian Whimbrel 1 on Seavey Island RED PHALAROPE 3 mixed in with Red-necked Phalaropes. Red-necked Phalarope 119 scattered in mats of Rockweed offshore. Ruddy Turnstone 3 on Lunging Island Sanderling 23 Semipalmated Sandpiper 8 LONG-TAILED JAEGER 1 juvenile which we chased and caught! POMARINE JAEGER 1 adult/subadult which flew by and disappeared. CHILIAN SKUA 1. Bird of the day! Year! Life! Black Guillemot 2 at Isles of Shoals Bonaparte's Gull 2 Laughing Gull 5 Ring-billed Gull 5 American Herring Gull 69 Great Black-backed Gull 202 Lesser Black-backed Gull 11. Mix of adults and juveniles offshore. Common Tern 8 Wilson's Storm-Petrel 351. Scattered throughout the trip. CORY'S SHEARWATER 36 GREAT SHEARWATER 1 brief flyby of only one for the day. MANX SHEARWATER 6. Scarce in recent years. Nice to see a few even if tough to approach. shearwater sp. 2 Northern Gannet 3. One adult SITTING on Square Rock. Great Cormorant 7.Most around Isles of Shoals, but one flyby of adult offshore. Double-crested Cormorant 184 Bald Eagle 1. Adult in Rye harbor. Belted Kingfisher 1 in Rye harbor. Merlin 1 on White Island Peregrine Falcon 1 on White Island. Tree Swallow 4 in Rye harbor. Barn Swallow 1 in Rye harbor. Cedar Waxwing 14. Flock of 10 and flock of 4 far offshore! passerine sp. 1
Marine Life ------------------ Humpback Whale - 6. Repeated sightings and some nice fluke shows, but generally not cooperative. One named "Chromosome". Minke Whale - 1 COMMON BOTTLENOSE DOLPHIN - 50. Spectacular performance! Riding the bow and stern wakes and swimming under the bow. Numerous full body breaches. Extended long views, photos, and videos!
Mola Mola (Ocean sunfish) - Several Blue Shark - 3+ with one large individual
Observation start time: 08:00:00 Observation end time: 14:00:00 Total observation time: 6 hours
Official Counter: Craig Jackson
Observers: Bill Shapiro
Visitors: While there were some hikers who came through, the only visitor who helped me observe for an hour was Bill Shapiro
Weather: Strong (3-4, mostly 4) NW winds throughout the watch with maximum gusts beginning at 16 km/hr and increasing to 30, before tapering off to 22 km/hr. Cloud cover -- At the beginning of the watch, there was a mackerel sky covering 50% of the sky south of the watch while the north was totally blue sky. Soon however, cumulus clouds started building up in the northwest and started streaming rapidly toward the southeast. Soon, however, after the cumulus clouds had passed, cloud cover decreased such that at the end of the watch, the only clouds was a low band of clouds to the south. Temperature -- 17-20�C
Raptor Observations: Given the strong northwest winds (ideal winds for this site) I would have thought I might have had a decent movement. But only two possible migrants were seen. Non-migrating - 4 TV's, 1 CH, and 2 RT
Non-raptor Observations: One Green Darner Dragonfly and one other smaller dragonfly
Predictions: Light NW winds will shift toward the east tomorrow morning. Not promising for migration ======================================================================== Report submitted by Craig Jackson (<crleja1949...>)
The Crested Caracara that has apparently been seen for several days was present today in the marsh at Duck Harbor in Wellfleet. While we watched it, it never flew but spent most of its time walking in the marsh, presumably foraging. It sometimes perched up on a log to rest and preen. When it was walking it was often impossible to see in the vegetation. This afternoon, at least, it was in the vicinity of the solar-powered weather station, so searching in that vicinity from different angles (from Griffin Island Road or from the fire road that goes along the marsh from where Griffin Island Road makes a sharp turn) might reveal the bird.
To provide contrast and display the range of shape, size, and behavior among the falconids, a pair of Merlins buzzed by.
Observation start time: 05:00:00 Observation end time: 16:00:00 Total observation time: 11 hours
Official Counter: John Weeks
Observers: Gary Adamson, Jim Reid, John Weeks, Steve Tysz
Visitors: Pam Kirk, with adorable miniature Irish setter Birdy.
Weather: Hazy blue skies (again), with minimal cloud-cover (20% decreasing to 1%) -- poor conditions for spotting raptors. Wind NW 3-10 mph. Temperature 60s F.
Raptor Observations: A disappointing count, in view of the favorable wind direction. Largest group of Broad-wings consisted of five birds. Not counted as migrants: Turkey Vulture, adult Bald Eagle, Cooper's Hawk, Red-shouldered Hawk, 2 Red-tailed Hawks. Additonal observers: Martha Lacrosse and John Violette.
Non-raptor Observations: Passerines continued to be incredibly scarce, with no warblers present at all. Is this somehow related to the summer wildfires in Canada? Observed: 7 Canada Geese, Wood Duck, Mourning Dove, Ruby-throated Hummingbird, Chimney Swift, Northern Flicker, Blue Jay, 2 American Crows, American Goldfinch. Monarchs: 15. Another spotted lanternfly. Predictions: Variable light airs, with even fewer birds. No watch planned. ======================================================================== Report submitted by John Weeks (<aerie.john...>)
Date: 9/14/26 7:37 am From: Richard George <richard...> Subject: Re: [MASSBIRD] September 7, 2026 Northern Essex County: Anyone else had a large drop in yardbird activity past few days?
The town sprayed from the road on 8/20 - no idea what they sprayed, as they neither told us that they would spray, nor with what. I don't believe either of my directly adjacent neighbors have sprayed this year - we certainly don't spray our own - but at least one upwind neighbor has.
Out of interest, I also extracted the daily number of species from my data, for a more direct comparison with Matt S - and that seems relatively unchanged year-on-year, as opposed to the number of individual calls, which dropped.
So… while I'm not overly delighted that the town sprayed without information, it's hard to see if it had an effect. I can't think of any significant weather differences either, and if anything our yard is messier, I mean wilder and more bird-friendly, this year.
Richard George Wakefield MA <richard...>
---
On Sun, Sep 13, 2026, at 8:13 PM, GLENN D'ENTREMONT wrote: > Did a neighbor spray their year for insects? That would be one explanation for the dearth of birds. > > Glenn > Glenn d'Entremont: <gdentremont1...> Stoughton, MA >> On 09/13/2026 4:20 PM EDT Karen Idoine <kidoine...> wrote: >> >> >> Without recording or visual data to back up my anecdotal observations, I can only say that on Thursday 9/10 and Friday 9/11 I felt the relatively sudden dirth of familiar birds eerily disturbing. Finally, on Friday I did see, in our swamp, a Sharp-shinned Hawk preening in a tall snag and a Solitary Sandpiper foraging on the exposed mud flats, presumably migrants. But the many species seen in the meadow, beaver ponds, forest and shrubby areas, as well as bathing in the bird bath and feeding on the steady supply of offered soldier fly larvae were absent. Even the Merlin app didn’t pick up any calls or sounds from the nearby forest. Finally, on Saturday I saw one Blue Jay and an Eastern Phoebe. It’s usually quite birdy here and on Friday I thought of posting about this strange quiet and lack of sightings, so it’s interesting to see the posts from Matt and Richard. I know that birds go quieter, usually in August when molting; could this be an explanation? But all at! once for 15 -20 species I see almost daily? >> >> Karen Idoine >> Wendell, MA >> >> >>> On Sep 12, 2026, at 9:49 PM, Richard George <richard...> wrote: >>> Like Mike, I also have a PUC at my home in Wakefield, and I also have a Haikubox in the same yard that's now been running a little over 3 years. It's noticeable in its recorded total that this year has been consistently quieter since 1st June, compared to previous years, and that the latest levels are the lowest they've been this year since the first few days of January, almost the lowest ever. >>> >>> I can't attach the calls-per-day chart here, but it's uploaded at >>> https://static.aws.parsingphase.dev/haikubox/detections/All%20species%20(3124572)%202026-09-12.png >>> >>> Anecdotally, I've also noticed the seeds and suet in the feeders being consumed abnormally slowly over the last week or so - usually I need to refill at least one of them every couple of days, but they're lasting twice that or longer at the moment. >>> >>> -- >>> Richard George >>> Wakefield MA >>> <richard...> >>> >>> On Mon, Sep 7, 2026, at 8:41 AM, Matt S. wrote: >>>> Hi All, >>>> >>>> I live in New Hampshire, but my yard abuts Merrimac, and, nearly, Haverhill. I've noticed that starting on Saturday the 5th there appears to have been a huge drop in bird activity in my yard, and squirrel numbers as well. Typically I need to refill my feeders daily, but the food I put out in the early evening of the 5th is still untouched, and my feeders remain full. As long as I've lived here I have never had my tube feeder last more than a day, and now we're almost at 2, and the feeder is basically untouched. I saw one chickadee one time yesterday. >>>> >>>> I also have a Birdweather PUC that records the bird sounds in my yard, and lists them out by species with the number of times each species was heard. Around this time of year I would expect to have at least 15 species picked up, and probably closer to 20, and most of those picked up a couple dozen times. Yesterday it picked up 6 species, and most of those once or twice, aside from a Bluejay which was picked up maybe 12 times. >>>> >>>> I thought maybe there was a raptor roosting nearby, but I did not see anything in the woods around the feeder when I looked, and other than the usual red-tailed hawks and barred owls which are always around, I have not seen anything unusual. >>>> >>>> Anyone else in the area noticing this? Perhaps in northern Essex County? It's not from migration, since a good chunk of these birds would be residents, and I have data from previous year showing roughly what to expect. I put my feeder on a new shepherd's hook since the previous one broke, and thought maybe they did not like it, but again squirrels wouldn't probably care about this. Plus, it's not just lower feeder visits, it's my whole yard, since the listening device isn't picking up anything either. >>>> >>>> That's all for now, >>>> >>>> Matt S. >>>> Newton, NH >>>> <Accipiter22...> >>>
Date: 9/14/26 5:19 am From: Perls, Thomas <thperls...> Subject: Re: [MASSBIRD] September 7, 2026 Northern Essex County: Anyone else had a large drop in yardbird activity past few days?
Get Outlook for iOS<https://aka.ms/o0ukef> ________________________________
From: <massbird-approval...> <massbird-approval...> on behalf of Karen Idoine <kidoine...>
Sent: Monday, 14 September 2026 07:39:29
To: Massbird MASSBIRD <massbird...>
Subject: Fwd: [MASSBIRD] September 7, 2026 Northern Essex County: Anyone else had a large drop in yardbird activity past few days?
From: Karen Idoine <kidoine...>
Date: September 13, 2026 at 8:17:01 PM EDT
To: GLENN D'ENTREMONT <gdentremont1...>
Subject: Re: [MASSBIRD] September 7, 2026 Northern Essex County: Anyone else had a large drop in yardbird activity past few days?
No insecticides here in more than 50 years. Herbicide control of invasives 12 years ago on a small area. And, we are surrounded by thousands of acres of Audubon Sanctuary, State Forest and Wildlife Management land!
On Sep 13, 2026, at 8:13 PM, GLENN D'ENTREMONT <gdentremont1...> wrote:
Did a neighbor spray their year for insects? That would be one explanation for the dearth of birds.
Glenn
Glenn d'Entremont: <gdentremont1...> Stoughton, MA
On 09/13/2026 4:20 PM EDT Karen Idoine <kidoine...> wrote:
Without recording or visual data to back up my anecdotal observations, I can only say that on Thursday 9/10 and Friday 9/11 I felt the relatively sudden dirth of familiar birds eerily disturbing. Finally, on Friday I did see, in our swamp, a Sharp-shinned Hawk preening in a tall snag and a Solitary Sandpiper foraging on the exposed mud flats, presumably migrants. But the many species seen in the meadow, beaver ponds, forest and shrubby areas, as well as bathing in the bird bath and feeding on the steady supply of offered soldier fly larvae were absent. Even the Merlin app didn’t pick up any calls or sounds from the nearby forest. Finally, on Saturday I saw one Blue Jay and an Eastern Phoebe. It’s usually quite birdy here and on Friday I thought of posting about this strange quiet and lack of sightings, so it’s interesting to see the posts from Matt and Richard. I know that birds go quieter, usually in August when molting; could this be an explanation? But all at once for 15 -20 species I see almost daily?
Karen Idoine
Wendell, MA
On Sep 12, 2026, at 9:49 PM, Richard George <richard...> wrote:
Like Mike, I also have a PUC at my home in Wakefield, and I also have a Haikubox in the same yard that's now been running a little over 3 years. It's noticeable in its recorded total that this year has been consistently quieter since 1st June, compared to previous years, and that the latest levels are the lowest they've been this year since the first few days of January, almost the lowest ever.
Anecdotally, I've also noticed the seeds and suet in the feeders being consumed abnormally slowly over the last week or so - usually I need to refill at least one of them every couple of days, but they're lasting twice that or longer at the moment.
--
Richard George
Wakefield MA
<richard...>
On Mon, Sep 7, 2026, at 8:41 AM, Matt S. wrote:
Hi All,
I live in New Hampshire, but my yard abuts Merrimac, and, nearly, Haverhill. I've noticed that starting on Saturday the 5th there appears to have been a huge drop in bird activity in my yard, and squirrel numbers as well. Typically I need to refill my feeders daily, but the food I put out in the early evening of the 5th is still untouched, and my feeders remain full. As long as I've lived here I have never had my tube feeder last more than a day, and now we're almost at 2, and the feeder is basically untouched. I saw one chickadee one time yesterday.
I also have a Birdweather PUC that records the bird sounds in my yard, and lists them out by species with the number of times each species was heard. Around this time of year I would expect to have at least 15 species picked up, and probably closer to 20, and most of those picked up a couple dozen times. Yesterday it picked up 6 species, and most of those once or twice, aside from a Bluejay which was picked up maybe 12 times.
I thought maybe there was a raptor roosting nearby, but I did not see anything in the woods around the feeder when I looked, and other than the usual red-tailed hawks and barred owls which are always around, I have not seen anything unusual.
Anyone else in the area noticing this? Perhaps in northern Essex County? It's not from migration, since a good chunk of these birds would be residents, and I have data from previous year showing roughly what to expect. I put my feeder on a new shepherd's hook since the previous one broke, and thought maybe they did not like it, but again squirrels wouldn't probably care about this. Plus, it's not just lower feeder visits, it's my whole yard, since the listening device isn't picking up anything either.
Date: 9/14/26 4:44 am From: Karen Idoine <kidoine...> Subject: Fwd: [MASSBIRD] September 7, 2026 Northern Essex County: Anyone else had a large drop in yardbird activity past few days?
Date: 9/13/26 5:17 pm From: GLENN D'ENTREMONT <gdentremont1...> Subject: Re: [MASSBIRD] September 7, 2026 Northern Essex County: Anyone else had a large drop in yardbird activity past few days?
Did a neighbor spray their year for insects? That would be one explanation for the dearth of birds.
Glenn
Glenn d'Entremont: <gdentremont1...> Stoughton, MA
> On 09/13/2026 4:20 PM EDT Karen Idoine <kidoine...> wrote:
>
>
> Without recording or visual data to back up my anecdotal observations, I can only say that on Thursday 9/10 and Friday 9/11 I felt the relatively sudden dirth of familiar birds eerily disturbing. Finally, on Friday I did see, in our swamp, a Sharp-shinned Hawk preening in a tall snag and a Solitary Sandpiper foraging on the exposed mud flats, presumably migrants. But the many species seen in the meadow, beaver ponds, forest and shrubby areas, as well as bathing in the bird bath and feeding on the steady supply of offered soldier fly larvae were absent. Even the Merlin app didn’t pick up any calls or sounds from the nearby forest. Finally, on Saturday I saw one Blue Jay and an Eastern Phoebe. It’s usually quite birdy here and on Friday I thought of posting about this strange quiet and lack of sightings, so it’s interesting to see the posts from Matt and Richard. I know that birds go quieter, usually in August when molting; could this be an explanation? But all at once for 15 -20 species I see almost daily?
>
> Karen Idoine
> Wendell, MA
>
>
>
> > On Sep 12, 2026, at 9:49 PM, Richard George <richard...> wrote:
> > Like Mike, I also have a PUC at my home in Wakefield, and I also have a Haikubox in the same yard that's now been running a little over 3 years. It's noticeable in its recorded total that this year has been consistently quieter since 1st June, compared to previous years, and that the latest levels are the lowest they've been this year since the first few days of January, almost the lowest ever.
> >
> > I can't attach the calls-per-day chart here, but it's uploaded at
> > https://static.aws.parsingphase.dev/haikubox/detections/All%20species%20(3124572)%202026-09-12.png > >
> > Anecdotally, I've also noticed the seeds and suet in the feeders being consumed abnormally slowly over the last week or so - usually I need to refill at least one of them every couple of days, but they're lasting twice that or longer at the moment.
> >
> > --
> > Richard George
> > Wakefield MA
> > <richard...>
> >
> > On Mon, Sep 7, 2026, at 8:41 AM, Matt S. wrote:
> >
> > > Hi All,
> > >
> > > I live in New Hampshire, but my yard abuts Merrimac, and, nearly, Haverhill. I've noticed that starting on Saturday the 5th there appears to have been a huge drop in bird activity in my yard, and squirrel numbers as well. Typically I need to refill my feeders daily, but the food I put out in the early evening of the 5th is still untouched, and my feeders remain full. As long as I've lived here I have never had my tube feeder last more than a day, and now we're almost at 2, and the feeder is basically untouched. I saw one chickadee one time yesterday.
> > >
> > > I also have a Birdweather PUC that records the bird sounds in my yard, and lists them out by species with the number of times each species was heard. Around this time of year I would expect to have at least 15 species picked up, and probably closer to 20, and most of those picked up a couple dozen times. Yesterday it picked up 6 species, and most of those once or twice, aside from a Bluejay which was picked up maybe 12 times.
> > >
> > > I thought maybe there was a raptor roosting nearby, but I did not see anything in the woods around the feeder when I looked, and other than the usual red-tailed hawks and barred owls which are always around, I have not seen anything unusual.
> > >
> > > Anyone else in the area noticing this? Perhaps in northern Essex County? It's not from migration, since a good chunk of these birds would be residents, and I have data from previous year showing roughly what to expect. I put my feeder on a new shepherd's hook since the previous one broke, and thought maybe they did not like it, but again squirrels wouldn't probably care about this. Plus, it's not just lower feeder visits, it's my whole yard, since the listening device isn't picking up anything either.
> > >
> > > That's all for now,
> > >
> > > Matt S.
> > > Newton, NH
> > > <Accipiter22...> mailto:<Accipiter22...> > > >
> >
> >
>
Date: 9/13/26 5:05 pm From: Barbara Volkle <barb620...> Subject: [MASSBIRD] Wachusett Mountain (13 Sep 2026) No Raptors, but a special look back to 1978 & 1983
Date: Sun, 13 Sep 2026 21:25:38 +0000 From: <reports...> Subject: Wachusett Mountain (13 Sep 2026) No Raptors, but a special look back to 1978 & 1983
Raptor Observations: In celebration of our 50th anniversary year on Wachusett, here's a look back at some special events on this date:
9/13/1978 - the 7th largest Broad-winged Hawk daily count (10,086), the 7th largest Total Raptor count (10,213) and the 9th largest Osprey count (46) in Wachusett Mt history. Observers - Nancy Clayton, Leif Robinson, Michael Sporer and Paul Roberts. Paul gave this account to Neil Currie in the New England Hawk Watch report in 1978: "Four observers, led by Nancy Clayton, were on the summit of Wachusett early. After four hours only 129 hawks had been recorded and some speculation regarding departure was surfacing when, at 11:52, Michael Sporer called out that he had 6 Broad-wings thermalling northeast of the summit. Following these birds, Mike discovered the biggest kettle he had ever seen. Several hundred Broad-wings were rising above the first kettle. I looked to the top of the largest group only to find the sky littered with Broad-wings from horizon to horizon. We can't know how many birds had already passed from view, but within fifteen minutes we had 2,387 hawks, almost invisible to the naked eye, pass directly overhead. We tallied an additional 1,598 in the next half-hour. From that time, until the observers left the lookout over 5000 (more) hawks were seen. Most of these were observed beyond the range of unaided vision."
9/13/1983 - the largest ever Broad-winged Hawk daily count (19,912), the largest ever Total Raptor count (20,106), the largest ever Northern Harrier count (50) and the 2nd largest Osprey count (70) in Wachusett Mt history. The primary counters noted that day were Paul Roberts, Bart Kamp, Jim Samdahl, Chris Floyd, Norma Holmes, Katie Durham and Leif Robinson. In the 1983 Eastern Massachusetts Hawk Watch yearly report (subtitled "September 13th was a very good year"), Paul Roberts wrote: "It was the hottest September in 113 years, in more ways than one!" "The weather "deteriorated" on the 13th, with a moderate wind blowing out of the northeast. The sky was predominantly overcast. The "tail" of the big flight of the 12th seemed to be passing, with extraordinary numbers of harriers and Osprey. The birds did not seem to be finding really good lift, so they moved low and close to the mountain. The flight appeared to taper as the ceiling continued to drop. This reporter was preparing to return to the office for a half-day when the dike broke. Over 2600 hawks, including 14 Osprey, 7 harriers, and a Bald Eagle exploded over the summit between 11 a.m. and noon. Kettle after kettle, often totalling thousands of birds teemed off and over the summit - low. Then a literal river of broadwings became apparent. This river of broadwings moving from kettle to kettle stretched across the horizon as far as the eye could see, even when using high-power scopes! The birds remained low, close to the mountain, and were moving slowly. It was the most incredible, the most beautiful natural phenomenon this reporter's ever observed. An estimated 16,000 hawks passed the mountain between noon and 1 pm. The numerous hawkwatchers on the summit were mesmerized by the sudden, close "materialization" of so many hawks. Counting procedures lapsed momentarily, so we relied on running estimates of the "first wave." All-time daily records for Northern Harrier and Osprey were established, but we no doubt missed many of these and other species that passed between 11 a.m and 1 p.m. The flight proved even more incredible when we learned two other, relatively distant Massachusetts hawkwatch sites had observed comparable movement" (Southwick MA - 12,381 Broad-wings, Mt Tom - 5,310 Broad-wings). "At least three rivers of hawks were moving through Massachusetts, cutting a swath at least 40 miles wide! Or even more incredible, perhaps the river was itself a front 40 miles wide! And birds were missed. When Bart Kamp arrived on the summit of Wachusett at 7:10 a.m. on the 14th, the birds were already pouring over the mountain!"
Non-raptor Observations:
Predictions: We're expecting clear skies, temps in the 60's, moderate to low humidity, and solid 11-13 mph winds out of the NW. Strong NW winds all over New England tomorrow should bring a good flight in our direction. ======================================================================== Report submitted by ERIC MUELLER (<ericmueller1912...>) Wachusett Mountain information may be found at: http://www.massbird.org/emhw
Walk led by Sandy Oxley and Rita Grossman for the Brookline Bird Club at the Boxborough Birders.
---------- Forwarded message --------- From: <do-not-reply...> Date: Sun, Sep 13, 2026 at 3:21=E2=80=AFPM Subject: eBird Report - Fruitlands Museum, Harvard, 100-132 Prospect Hill Road, Sep 12, 2026 To: <rgibesgrossman...>
Fruitlands Museum, Harvard, 100-132 Prospect Hill Road, Worcester, Massachusetts, US Sep 12, 2026 7:00=E2=80=AFAM - 9:20=E2=80=AFAM Protocol: Traveling 1.7 mile(s) Checklist Comments: Sunny. 48F at start. Calm and no wind. Extremely quiet and some common species either not seen or nor heard (with certainty)= . 29 species (+1 other taxa)
Canada Goose 56 Mourning Dove 3 Double-crested Cormorant 2 Flyover Red-bellied Woodpecker 3 Downy Woodpecker 3 Eastern Wood-Pewee 2 Eastern Phoebe 2 Blue Jay 15 American Crow 9 Black-capped Chickadee 9 Tufted Titmouse 6 White-breasted Nuthatch 3 Red-breasted Nuthatch 5 Brown Creeper 1 Carolina Wren 2 European Starling 35 Conservative count Gray Catbird 10 Northern Mockingbird 1 Hermit Thrush 1 American Robin 21 Probably conservative count Cedar Waxwing 15 Flyover House Finch 1 Chipping Sparrow 3 Song Sparrow 2 Common Yellowthroat 1 Magnolia Warbler 1 Female Pine Warbler 1 new world warbler sp. 8 Perhaps more. Brief sightings low to bushes or in low canopy and could not positively identify. Northern Cardinal 2 Rose-breasted Grosbeak 1
Date: 9/13/26 2:27 pm From: Barbara Volkle <barb620...> Subject: [MASSBIRD] 9/11 Whimbrel at Belle Isle Marsh, etc.
Thanks to Paul Peterson for the following report.
Barbara Volkle Northborough,MA <barb620...>
*
Date: Sun, 13 Sep 2026 19:33:19 +0000 (UTC) From: Paul Peterson <petersonpaul63...> Subject: 9/11 Whimbrel at Belle Isle Marsh, etc.
On Friday, I birded from 12:00=4:40. I started at Fishermen's Bend Park in Winthrop. From thence, I went to a very dead Winthrop Beach (high tide). I then concluded at Belle Isle Marsh. The WHIMBREL was certainly a very nice surpirse. Also, I had a surpisingly high number of butterfly species. Unless noticed, all birds were from Belle Isle.
Great Blue Heron 1 Great Egret 13 Snowy Egret 18 Red-tailed Hawk 1 Cooper's Hawk 1 Peregrine Falcon 1 Semipalmated Plover 1 (where are they all?) Killdeer 1+ Winthrop Beach Black-bellied Plover 10 Fishermen's Bend Park WIMBREL 1 Furthest panne down; on back side near water's edge; repeatedly popped up its head while feeding Least Sandpiper 10 peep sp. 6 Lesser Yellowlegs 7 Greater Yellowlegs 3 two at Fishermen's Bend Park dowitcher sp. 1 Fishermen's Bend Park Solitary Sandpiper 1 American Oystercatcher 40 F.B. P. also two at Winthrop Beach LEPIDS:
Monarch 7 Spring Azure 4 including one at Winthrop Beach Red Admiral 1 Mourning Cloak 1 Cabbage White 20 Orange Sulphur 10 Clouded Sulphur 3 Horace's Duskywing ? 1 Pearl Crescent 1
Observation start time: 08:15:00 Observation end time: 15:00:00 Total observation time: 6.75 hours
Official Counter: Craig Jackson
Observers: Carole Powers, Jack Miano
Visitors: In addition to the annual visit of the Northeastern outing club, not all of whom came today, Paul Effah, Pacifique Ishimwe, Esther Bang, and Jaden Uram talked with me about the hawks and my site.
Weather: Light (2) ESE-SE winds throughout the watch with gusts of 8 km/hr until the last hour when they increased to 12km/hr. For the first three hours there was 0% cloud cover. Then gradually cirrus clouds began to form to the south, increasingly covering more of the sky until by the last hour at least 75% of the sky had cirrus clouds. Temperature went from 17-23*C
Raptor Observations: Except for one OS that flew high south over the Rock, the few other migrating raptors were very distant and could only be seen by Carole and/or Jack since the were standing on the highest part of the Rock. Non-migrating -- One OS seen flying toward the northeast and at least several RT Hawks seen at various times in the afternoon
Non-raptor Observations:
Predictions: Tomorrow, Sunday, fairly heaven rain is expected throughout the day. However, Monday NW winds are predicted to increase and be strong around midday, and stay moderately strong for the rest of the day. Since these are the best winds at this site, I am hopeful that there might be a larger movement of raptors than we have previously had. ======================================================================== Report submitted by Craig Jackson (<crleja1949...>)
Date: 9/13/26 1:52 pm From: Soheil Zendeh <sohzendeh...> Subject: [MASSBIRD] Next Bear Creek, Saugus, walk on Sunday, September 27 at 9 am
Folks,
We are restarting walks at Bear Creek Sanctuary, Saugus. The next walk is on Sunday, September 27 at 9 am. Details for attending this walk are below.
Bear Creek is an upland sanctuary built on the WINWaste (formerly Wheelabrator) landfill at the northeast corner of Rumney Marsh in Saugus and Revere. Access information is below. Wear waterproof walking shoes and be prepared to hike 3 4 miles. The property is mostly very open, so be prepared for sun, wind and weather.
This walk is free and open to the public, but also note that this property is accessible by invitation only and visitors need to be chaperoned at all times. Please allow roughly 4 hours for this field trip. The actual length of the trip depends on conditions and the birds present. It's usually difficult to break up the party if you need to be somewhere in the early afternoon. Come prepared to stay with the group.
WINWaste company has graciously stocked up on some extra pairs of binoculars, so if you or someone you know wants to learn about birds and birding, come on down. Please let Geoff Wilson <s2ary...> know you're coming so we can have a head count.
Bear Creek Sanctuary access is via the WINWaste plant, 100 Salem Turnpike (Rte 107), Saugus. The rotary at the intersection of Rtes 60 and 107 is about 1 miles southwest of the plant and about 1 mile east of Rte 1 exit on Rte 60. When traveling northeast on 107, if you go over the Ballard Street bridge (just after a set of lights) youve gone too far turn back. Here is a link to google maps:
When you arrive, drive through the plant gates, park in the parking lot immediately and wait for the group. Please do not drive farther into the property without an escort.
Date: 9/13/26 1:29 pm From: Karen Idoine <kidoine...> Subject: Re: [MASSBIRD] September 7, 2026 Northern Essex County: Anyone else had a large drop in yardbird activity past few days?
Without recording or visual data to back up my anecdotal observations, I can only say that on Thursday 9/10 and Friday 9/11 I felt the relatively sudden dirth of familiar birds eerily disturbing. Finally, on Friday I did see, in our swamp, a Sharp-shinned Hawk preening in a tall snag and a Solitary Sandpiper foraging on the exposed mud flats, presumably migrants. But the many species seen in the meadow, beaver ponds, forest and shrubby areas, as well as bathing in the bird bath and feeding on the steady supply of offered soldier fly larvae were absent. Even the Merlin app didn’t pick up any calls or sounds from the nearby forest. Finally, on Saturday I saw one Blue Jay and an Eastern Phoebe. It’s usually quite birdy here and on Friday I thought of posting about this strange quiet and lack of sightings, so it’s interesting to see the posts from Matt and Richard. I know that birds go quieter, usually in August when molting; could this be an explanation? But all at once for 15 -20 species I see almost daily?
Karen Idoine
Wendell, MA
> On Sep 12, 2026, at 9:49 PM, Richard George <richard...> wrote:
>
> Like Mike, I also have a PUC at my home in Wakefield, and I also have a Haikubox in the same yard that's now been running a little over 3 years. It's noticeable in its recorded total that this year has been consistently quieter since 1st June, compared to previous years, and that the latest levels are the lowest they've been this year since the first few days of January, almost the lowest ever.
>
> I can't attach the calls-per-day chart here, but it's uploaded at
> https://static.aws.parsingphase.dev/haikubox/detections/All%20species%20(3124572)%202026-09-12.png >
> Anecdotally, I've also noticed the seeds and suet in the feeders being consumed abnormally slowly over the last week or so - usually I need to refill at least one of them every couple of days, but they're lasting twice that or longer at the moment.
>
> --
> Richard George
> Wakefield MA
> <richard...>
>
> On Mon, Sep 7, 2026, at 8:41 AM, Matt S. wrote:
>> Hi All,
>>
>> I live in New Hampshire, but my yard abuts Merrimac, and, nearly, Haverhill. I've noticed that starting on Saturday the 5th there appears to have been a huge drop in bird activity in my yard, and squirrel numbers as well. Typically I need to refill my feeders daily, but the food I put out in the early evening of the 5th is still untouched, and my feeders remain full. As long as I've lived here I have never had my tube feeder last more than a day, and now we're almost at 2, and the feeder is basically untouched. I saw one chickadee one time yesterday.
>>
>> I also have a Birdweather PUC that records the bird sounds in my yard, and lists them out by species with the number of times each species was heard. Around this time of year I would expect to have at least 15 species picked up, and probably closer to 20, and most of those picked up a couple dozen times. Yesterday it picked up 6 species, and most of those once or twice, aside from a Bluejay which was picked up maybe 12 times.
>>
>> I thought maybe there was a raptor roosting nearby, but I did not see anything in the woods around the feeder when I looked, and other than the usual red-tailed hawks and barred owls which are always around, I have not seen anything unusual.
>>
>> Anyone else in the area noticing this? Perhaps in northern Essex County? It's not from migration, since a good chunk of these birds would be residents, and I have data from previous year showing roughly what to expect. I put my feeder on a new shepherd's hook since the previous one broke, and thought maybe they did not like it, but again squirrels wouldn't probably care about this. Plus, it's not just lower feeder visits, it's my whole yard, since the listening device isn't picking up anything either.
>>
>> That's all for now,
>>
>> Matt S.
>> Newton, NH
>> <Accipiter22...> <mailto:<Accipiter22...>
Observation start time: 10:30:00 Observation end time: 14:00:00 Total observation time: 3.5 hours
Official Counter: Craig Jackson
Observers: Visitors: Matt Scott stopped by to chat
Weather: In the first half hour, the winds were moderate (level 3, with gusts p to 22 km/hr, before switching more to the west northwest and becoming less strong toward the end of the watch when gusts had gradually diminished to 13 km/hr. The sky was originally cloudless, but around 11 AM (EST) cirrus clouds started forming toward the south, covering originally 20% of the sky, but diminishing in the next hours to 15% and then 7%. Temperature started at 20*C and got up to 22*C.
Raptor Observations: Only two migrating raptors were seen -- an immature Red-shouldered Hawk and a Sharp-shinned Hawk. Both flew in from the east very close to the observer, maybe 25 yard away at most. Non-migrating -- an immature Bald Eagle was seen soaring and harassed by several raptors, including at least one Cooper's Hawk. Another time a Red-tailed Hawk was seen being harassed by either the same or a different Cooper's Hawk.
Non-raptor Observations:
Predictions: Little movement expected as the winds will shift toward the east ======================================================================== Report submitted by Craig Jackson (<crleja1949...>)
Observation start time: 07:00:00 Observation end time: 15:00:00 Total observation time: 7.47 hours
Official Counter: Brian Rusnica
Observers: Dan Lounsbury
Visitors: The highlight of this morning was a personal one for me, as longtime friends of the Mt. Watatic hawkwatch, Dan Lounsbury and Caitlin Callahan, got engaged in the morning light of the East summit! Congratulations Dan and Caitlin - thank you for choosing our special mountain for such a special moment. XO
We had a tremendous group from the Three Rivers Bird Club, who helped us spot many great birds today. My thanks to Rich Skorski, Delaney Cantrill, Jacob Llodra, Isabell Llodra, Kate Francissen, Henry Lucier, Sam Hogan, Suzi Wambuzi. We also had a great time with regular visitors Joe Turcotte, Linda Hunnewell, Alex Riina, Kelsey Harris, and Lizzie Crawford. And my thanks to first time visitors Rob Huselid, Erica Lawton, Ryan Wieboldt, Shri Sampat.
Also, someone hiked up with a cat!
Weather: Crisp morning, cloudless but very hazy, with light winds out of the East. Increasing warmth and cloud cover and a full shift to WSW winds by the afternoon. Raptor Observations: A slow start blossomed into an extremely fun flight throughout the mid-morning. Broad-winged Hawks streamed right at the summit in small, relatively-slow moving groups for the better of 2 hours today. Gliding primarily in the from the NE, they would grab an updraft or thermal from Watatic before gliding out. We had great looks at many low, close adult Broad-wings allowing ample opportunities to study the field marks of adult plumage. Across the eastern ridges, we picked up several small kettles in the vicinity of Blood Hill in Ashby. Bigger groups were few and far between but anyone who was present for the morning flight was satisfied with our quality views at the closer hawks and longer looks. Bald Eagles were prevalent throughout the day, with many individuals in perfect migratory form and still another handful of locals seemingly just playing around in the light winds. A couple of Merlins cruised over the summit. A juvenile Red-shouldered Hawk made a compelling attempt to be counted by soaring by high overhead. Non-migrant Raptors: Turkey Vulture 13 Bald Eagle 6 Red-shouldered Hawk 1 Red-tailed Hawk 3
Non-raptor Observations: American Redstart 1 Blue-headed Vireo 1 Cape May Warbler 1 Common Raven 18 Ruby-throated Hummingbird 1
Predictions: Rain throughout the morning; no watch planned. We'll monitor closely on the chance the rain terminates early enough to make an afternoon watch possible. Currently we have our eyes squarely locked on Monday's ideal wind conditions. ======================================================================== Report submitted by Brian Rusnica (<brian_rusnica...>) Mount Watatic information may be found at: http://www.massbird.org/emhw
Date: 9/13/26 10:03 am From: Josh <opihi...> Subject: Re: [MASSBIRD] Not birds-Lantern Fly - Squaw Rock/Nickerson park
Hi Glenn,
Just came across this press release about the lanternfly, from the state department of agriculture, link to it below. The answer to your question comes toward the end: "agricultural officials request that individuals consult the state's official SLF distribution map before submitting a report. If a sighting occurs in a city or town already designated as infested—particularly within and surrounding Springfield, Worcester, and Attleboro—filing a report is optional. However, if a spotted lanternfly is detected in an un-infested city or town, residents are strongly encouraged to take a photo of the insect and submit a report via mass.gov/slf. “ The web version of the release includes clickable links to both the distribution map and the page for submitting a report.
> On Sep 7, 2026, at 9:29 PM, GLENN D'ENTREMONT <gdentremont1...> wrote: > > By chance I found a Lantern Fly at the flat area on the north side of the quarry at the former Squaw Rock (now Nickerson Park) in Squantum. > I was surprised at the small size and the difficulty to capture it. It eluded me, but am concerned about this. > Does anyone know if this needs to be reported to anywhere else? > Glenn > Glenn d'Entremont: <gdentremont1...> Stoughton, MA
Observation start time: 07:30:00 Observation end time: 15:00:00 Total observation time: 7.5 hours
Official Counter: John Weeks
Observers: Allen Bird Club, Gary Adamson, John Weeks
Visitors: Today we held the Allen Bird Club's annual hawkwatch picnic.
Weather: Lots of hazy sunshine with gauze-thin clouds slowly gave way to thickening high-altitude stratus clouds (rain is to set in overnight). Light wind ENE shifting to SE then SW, never exceeding 7 mph. Temperature 62-72 F.
Raptor Observations: Given the wind direction(s), I expected a disappointing flight, and my expectation was not disappointed. The largest kettle comprised only 15 Broad-wings. Not counted as migrants: 2 Black Vultures, 2 Turkey Vultures, adult Bald Eagle, Cooper's Hawk, 2 Red-shouldered Hawks, Red-tailed Hawk.
Non-raptor Observations: Mourning Dove, Ruby-throated Hummingbird, 3 Chimney Swifts, Red-bellied Woodpecker, Northern Flicker, Pileated Woodpecker, Eastern Phoebe, Blue Jay, American Crow, 2 Common Ravens, Black-capped Chickadee, Tufted Titmouse, 9 Cedar Waxwings, 2 American Goldfinches. One (!) skulking warbler refused to show ID. Monarchs: 11. First spotted lanternfly (horrors) on Blueberry Hill.
Predictions: Rain; no watch planned. ======================================================================== Report submitted by John Weeks (<aerie.john...>)
Observation start time: 07:30:00 Observation end time: 15:00:00 Total observation time: 7.5 hours
Official Counter: John Weeks
Observers: Allen Bird Club, Gary Adamson, John Weeks
Visitors: Today we held the Allen Bird Club's annual hawkwatch picnic.
Weather: Lots of hazy sunshine with gauze-thin clouds slowly gave way to thickening high-altitude stratus clouds (rain is to set in overnight). Light wind ENE shifting to SE then SW, never exceeding 7 mph. Temperature 62-72 F.
Raptor Observations: Given the wind direction(s), I expected a disappointing flight, and my expectation was not disappointed. The largest kettle comprised only 15 Broad-wings. Not counted as migrants: 2 Black Vultures, 2 Turkey Vultures, adult Bald Eagle, Cooper's Hawk, 2 Red-shouldered Hawks, Red-tailed Hawk.
Non-raptor Observations: Mourning Dove, Ruby-throated Hummingbird, 3 Chimney Swifts, Red-bellied Woodpecker, Northern Flicker, Pileated Woodpecker, Eastern Phoebe, Blue Jay, American Crow, 2 Common Ravens, Black-capped Chickadee, Tufted Titmouse, 9 Cedar Waxwings, 2 American Goldfinches. One (!) skulking warbler refused to show ID. Monarchs: 11. First spotted lanternfly (horrors) on Blueberry Hill.
Predictions: Rain; no watch planned. ======================================================================== Report submitted by John Weeks (<aerie.john...>)
Date: 9/12/26 6:58 pm From: Richard George <richard...> Subject: Re: [MASSBIRD] September 7, 2026 Northern Essex County: Anyone else had a large drop in yardbird activity past few days?
Like Mike, I also have a PUC at my home in Wakefield, and I also have a Haikubox in the same yard that's now been running a little over 3 years. It's noticeable in its recorded total that this year has been consistently quieter since 1st June, compared to previous years, and that the latest levels are the lowest they've been this year since the first few days of January, almost the lowest ever.
Anecdotally, I've also noticed the seeds and suet in the feeders being consumed abnormally slowly over the last week or so - usually I need to refill at least one of them every couple of days, but they're lasting twice that or longer at the moment.
-- Richard George Wakefield MA <richard...>
On Mon, Sep 7, 2026, at 8:41 AM, Matt S. wrote: > Hi All, > > I live in New Hampshire, but my yard abuts Merrimac, and, nearly, Haverhill. I've noticed that starting on Saturday the 5th there appears to have been a huge drop in bird activity in my yard, and squirrel numbers as well. Typically I need to refill my feeders daily, but the food I put out in the early evening of the 5th is still untouched, and my feeders remain full. As long as I've lived here I have never had my tube feeder last more than a day, and now we're almost at 2, and the feeder is basically untouched. I saw one chickadee one time yesterday. > > I also have a Birdweather PUC that records the bird sounds in my yard, and lists them out by species with the number of times each species was heard. Around this time of year I would expect to have at least 15 species picked up, and probably closer to 20, and most of those picked up a couple dozen times. Yesterday it picked up 6 species, and most of those once or twice, aside from a Bluejay which was picked up maybe 12 times. > > I thought maybe there was a raptor roosting nearby, but I did not see anything in the woods around the feeder when I looked, and other than the usual red-tailed hawks and barred owls which are always around, I have not seen anything unusual. > > Anyone else in the area noticing this? Perhaps in northern Essex County? It's not from migration, since a good chunk of these birds would be residents, and I have data from previous year showing roughly what to expect. I put my feeder on a new shepherd's hook since the previous one broke, and thought maybe they did not like it, but again squirrels wouldn't probably care about this. Plus, it's not just lower feeder visits, it's my whole yard, since the listening device isn't picking up anything either. > > That's all for now, > > Matt S. > Newton, NH > <Accipiter22...>
Observation start time: 08:00:00 Observation end time: 16:00:00 Total observation time: 8 hours
Official Counter: Eric Mueller, Jack Miano
Observers: Bill Ulmer, Carole Powers, David Brown, Deb Gustafson, Jack Miano, Jean Hampel, Jennifer Glagowski, Joanne Hart, Julie Roberts, Lisa Burwell, Marilyn Cugini, Megan Gately, Paul Roberts, Scott Wahlstrom, Ted Purcell, Tom Gottschang
Visitors: Thanks to all of the observers listed above for staring at a mostly clear sky all day. Also thanks to Joe and Lillie Luongo and Bobbye Sandahl for their help, along with others whose names I failed to get. We were so busy that I didn't pay much attention to the hikers and sightseers, but there were quite a few on this relatively nice day, although they didn't stay on the tower very long because of the chilly wind.
Weather: Cooler temps (57-72 F) than yesterday, moderate to low humidity. A light haze left all regular landmarks visible.Winds from the NW to WNW were stiffer than predicted, with frequent gusts of 12 to 16 mph. The only clouds were around the periphery. Raptor Observations: A good, solid count after 2 days of bupkis. A pleasantly surprising number of Bald Eagles passed through, including one loose group of 8. There were no really big kettles of Broad-wings (6, 15, 5, 11, 5, 6, 5, 8, 9, 20, 6, 8, 6, 10, 8, 10, 10, 5 & 11) but birds kept moving through steadily after 9:00 am EST. Many of the birds were distant or very high - tough spotting with few clouds to help.
Non-migrating raptors: Black Vulture-1, TV-6 (maybe more), Bald Eagle-5, Red-shoulder-2, Red-tail-4
In celebration of our 50th anniversary year on Wachusett, here's a look back at events on this date: In 1985, the 22nd largest Broad-wing flight (4,842), 15th largest Sharp-shin flight (108) and 20th largest daily count of all raptors (5,050) in Wachusett Mt history
In 2001, no migrating raptors were counted. Authorities evacuated the summit, fearing that the communications equipment there might be harmed after the hijacking and crashing of 4 airliners by terrorists.
In 2017, Rod Chase wrote: Up until 2pm our hourly counts ranged from 45 to 451. Most kettles formed and quickly blew apart. Then at 3pm the skies filled with BW's in huge peels and groups of 250, 370, 515, 650 with a steady supply of smaller groups high and low! 2700+ BW's in a 1/2 hr. stretch in middle of hour; 3148 birds for the hour and a most beautiful kettle near the end from ground to clouds in the west!! In the last hour: not one bird of any kind in the sky; there was a perched Eastern phoebe ... Counter: Rod Chase. Observers: Paul Roberts, Dave Brown, Kevin Ryan, Mark Morris, Bill Rasku, Colleen Tank, Bill LaFleche, Christie Restell, Susan Williamson, Ursula and Dave Goodine, George Cove, Mike Beath, Steve Farrell, Mark Milnamow, Joseph Drega, Marty McNamara, Steve and Kathy Olson. (Eric�s note: 4,894 Broad-wings counted, 21st largest in Wachusett Mt history; 4,935 total raptors, 22nd largest daily count) Non-raptor Observations: Blue Jay-1, Comm Raven-19 (all in one group), Cedar WW-5, Gr Catbird-1, D-E Junco-1, E Towhee-2.
Predictions: Another cool start to the morning with temps in the upper 50's to lower 70's, with low humidity. Clear skies in the morning and partly cloudy after noon, with 5-7 mph winds from the SE to SSW. The birds are moving well now, so mild southerly winds shouldn't be much of an impediment. ======================================================================== Report submitted by ERIC MUELLER (<ericmueller1912...>) Wachusett Mountain information may be found at: http://www.massbird.org/emhw
Observation start time: 08:15:00 Observation end time: 14:00:00 Total observation time: 5.75 hours
Official Counter: Eric Mueller
Observers: Dave Small, Fay Baird, John Edmondson, Lena Ficco, Paul Vanderhoof, Scott Carlson, Tom Gottschang
Visitors: Thanks to our crew today who coordinated so well with me despite the crowds of sightseers on the platform. We had much appreciated help most of the day from Liv and Ken - you're both welcome back any time. Dallas and his friend Ken, and Chris and Kendra stopped by to check the skies for a while. A group from MA Audubon's Wachusett Meadow wildlife sanctuary came up just in time to see the Broad-wing push. Hundreds of hikers and sightseers and lots of dogs on the summit.
Weather: A hazy day where it was sometimes hard to figure out where the horizon was. Coupled with a mostly clear sky in the morning, it was often difficult to describe to others where the bird that you were looking at was located. It also resulted in several Unidentified raptors. That improved a bit as more clouds appeared in the afternoon. Landmarks like Boston, Mt Greylock, the VT mountains and the Pawtuckaways in NH remained ghosts at best all day. The wind was 4-7 mph from the SE to S all day. Temps rose from 57 to 75 F.
Raptor Observations: A bit of any odd day. A few birds rose soon after we arrived, but the fun started just before 9:00 AM EST when small kettle after small kettle of Broad-wings rose up on the southeastern side of the mountain. We had 3 double-digit kettles (18, 27 & 10) which helped raise the hour's total count to 116 (114 BWs). The action was non-stop until 10:00 am when the flight cut back suddenly to onesy-twosey counts per sighting, and stayed that way to the end of the session. Mt Watatic's heavy flight continued for another hour after ours, but then dropped off as well. The southerly winds weren't strong and birds were getting good height on the afternoon thermals. Puzzling...
Non-migrating raptors: Black Vulture-3 (single group, included in the migrating count per hawkcount.org data supervisor's request) TV-4 (maybe more), Bald Eagle-3 (2 Ad, 1 Imm), Red-shoulder-2, Red-tail-4 (all in one kettle).
Non-raptor Observations: Non-raptors: Blue Jay-1, Comm Raven-12, Cedar WW-2, E Towhee-2.
Predictions: Sunday looks to be a washout with substantial rain predicted until mid-afternoon. We won't conduct a watch unless the forecast changes radically. A day of rest for the weary. ======================================================================== Report submitted by ERIC MUELLER (<ericmueller1912...>) Wachusett Mountain information may be found at: http://www.massbird.org/emhw
I live in Exeter, NH wooded area near Exeter River. I have had an extreme drop in yard bird activity at feeder over the past 2 weeks. Never had anything like this before. Hummers are still coming but local year round birds have all but stopped. Down to 2 bird visits/day. I do still hear birds ihigh up n the woods but not the usual cacophony.
> On Sep 9, 2026, at 9:14 AM, massbird-digest <owner-massbird-digest...> wrote: > > > massbird-digest Wednesday, September 9 2026 Volume 18 : Number 894 > > > > > ---------------------------------------------------------------------- > > Date: Tue, 8 Sep 2026 11:42:02 +0000 (UTC) > From: Lynette Leka <lynetteleka...> > Subject: Re: [MASSBIRD] September 7, 2026 Northern Essex County: Anyone else had a large drop in yardbird activity past few days? > > - <------...> > Content-Type: text/plain; charset=UTF-8 > Content-Transfer-Encoding: quoted-printable > > I live in Newbury, MA, forest surrounded by salt marsh, so my yard usually= > hosts an abundance of birds. In late June I take all my feeders down, exce= > pt for hummingbird; but I keep 3 baths going (clean/refill at least daily),= > and still log in 10-15 species each day. A couple of weeks ago that began = > to drop off, and now down to nearly zero - the forest has also gone silent. > > - ------------------------------------ > (by)..."not noticing birds in one's daily environment, one misses a whole s= > egment of life on earth that can deliver joy every day." Bruce M. Beehler, = > 2019 > > > > Lynette Leka > Newbury, MA 01951 > email: <lynette.leka...> > > > > > On Monday, September 7, 2026 at 08:58:32 PM EDT, Liz Pease <lizpease@g= > mail.com> wrote: =20 > =20 > Things have been pretty steady here in Salisbury, Matt. The only noticeabl= > y oddity is that I have not seen a blue jays in weeks. They usually stalk m= > e when I'm out in the yard (even when I'm walking the dog in the neighborho= > od), asking where the peanuts are, but they have been absent for a bit now.= > Sure hoping they return soon. > Anyone in your area put up new feeders, perhaps? That's all I can think of! > Liz <Peaselizpease...>, MA > On Mon, Sep 7, 2026 at 9:11=E2=80=AFAM Matt S. <accipiter22...> wrot= > e: > > Hi All, > I live in New Hampshire, but my yard abuts Merrimac, and, nearly, Haverhill= > .=C2=A0 I've noticed that starting on Saturday the 5th there appears to hav= > e been a huge drop in bird activity in my yard, and squirrel numbers as wel= > l.=C2=A0 Typically I need to refill my feeders daily, but the food I put ou= > t in the early evening of the 5th is still untouched, and my feeders remain= > full.=C2=A0 As long as I've lived here I have never had my tube feeder las= > t more than a day, and now we're almost at 2, and the feeder is basically u= > ntouched. I saw one chickadee one time yesterday.=C2=A0=C2=A0 > I also have a Birdweather PUC that records the bird sounds in my yard, and = > lists them out by species with the number of times each species=C2=A0was he= > ard.=C2=A0 Around this time of year I would expect to have at least 15 spec= > ies picked up, and probably closer to 20, and most of those picked up a cou= > ple dozen times.=C2=A0 Yesterday it picked up 6 species, and most of those = > once or twice, aside from a Bluejay which was picked up maybe=C2=A012 times= > .=C2=A0=C2=A0 > I thought maybe there was a raptor roosting nearby, but I did not see anyth= > ing in the woods around the feeder when I looked, and other than the usual = > red-tailed hawks and barred owls which are always around, I have not seen a= > nything unusual.=C2=A0 > Anyone else in the area noticing this?=C2=A0 Perhaps in northern Essex Coun= > ty?=C2=A0 It's not from migration, since a good chunk of these birds would = > be residents, and I have data from previous year showing roughly what to ex= > pect.=C2=A0 I put my feeder on a new shepherd's hook since the previous one= > broke, and thought maybe they did not like it, but again squirrels wouldn'= > t probably care about this.=C2=A0 Plus, it's not just lower feeder visits, = > it's my whole yard, since the listening device isn't picking up anything ei= > ther.=C2=A0=C2=A0 > That's all for now, > Matt S.Newton, <NHAccipiter22...> > > > - --=20 > Liz Pease > (she, her, hers) > =20 > - <------...> > Content-Type: text/html; charset=UTF-8 > Content-Transfer-Encoding: quoted-printable > > <div> I live in Newbury, MA, forest surrounded by salt marsh= > , so my yard usually hosts an abundance of birds. In late June I take all = > my feeders down, except for hummingbird; but I keep 3 baths going (clean/r= > efill at least daily), and still log in 10-15 species each day. A couple o= > f weeks ago that began to drop off, and now down to nearly zero - the fores= > t has also gone silent.<br><br>------------------------------------<br>(by)= > ..."not noticing birds in one's daily environment, one misses a wh= > ole segment of life on earth that can deliver joy every day." Bruce M.= > Beehler, 2019<br><br><br><br>Lynette Leka<br>Newbury, MA 01951<br>email: l= > <ynette.leka...><br><br><br><br><br> </div> <div= > class=3D"yahoo_quoted" style=3D"margin:10px 0px 0px 0.8ex;border-left:1px = > solid #ccc;padding-left:1ex;"> <div style=3D"font-fa= > mily:'Helvetica Neue', Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif;font-size:13px;color:#2= > 6282a;"> <div> On Mon= > day, September 7, 2026 at 08:58:32 PM EDT, Liz Pease <<lizpease...>= > > wrote: </div> <div><br></div> = > <div><br></div> = > <div><div id=3D"yiv2269173674"><div><div dir=3D"ltr">Things have been = > pretty steady here in Salisbury, Matt. The only noticeably oddity is that I= > have not seen a blue jays in weeks. They usually stalk me when I'm out in = > the yard (even when I'm walking the dog in the neighborhood), asking where = > the peanuts are, but they have been absent for a bit now. Sure hoping they = > return soon.<div><br clear=3D"none"></div><div>Anyone in your area put up n= > ew feeders, perhaps? That's all I can think of!</div><div><br clear=3D"none= > "></div><div>Liz Pease</div><div><a rel=3D"nofollow noopener noreferrer" sh= > ape=3D"rect" ymailto=3D"mailto:<lizpease...>" target=3D"_blank" href= > =3D"mailto:<lizpease...>"><lizpease...></a></div><div>Salisbury, = > MA</div></div><br clear=3D"none"><div id=3D"yiv2269173674yqt71256" class=3D= > "yiv2269173674yqt6064142143"><div class=3D"yiv2269173674gmail_quote yiv2269= > 173674gmail_quote_container"><div dir=3D"ltr" class=3D"yiv2269173674gmail_a= > ttr">On Mon, Sep 7, 2026 at 9:11=E2=80=AFAM Matt S. <<a rel=3D"nofollow = > noopener noreferrer" shape=3D"rect" ymailto=3D"mailto:<accipiter22...>= > " target=3D"_blank" href=3D"mailto:<accipiter22...>">accipiter22@gmail= > .com</a>> wrote:<br clear=3D"none"></div><blockquote style=3D"margin:0px= > 0px 0px 0.8ex;border-left:1px solid rgb(204,204,204);padding-left:1ex;" cl= > ass=3D"yiv2269173674gmail_quote"><div dir=3D"ltr">Hi All,<div><br clear=3D"= > none"></div><div>I live in New Hampshire, but my yard abuts Merrimac, and, = > nearly, Haverhill. I've noticed that starting on Saturday the 5th the= > re appears to have been a huge drop in bird activity in my yard, and squirr= > el numbers as well. Typically I need to refill my feeders daily, but = > the food I put out in the early evening of the 5th is still untouched, and = > my feeders remain full. As long as I've lived here I have never had m= > y tube feeder last more than a day, and now we're almost at 2, and the feed= > er is basically untouched. I saw one chickadee one time yesterday. &nb= > sp;</div><div><br clear=3D"none"></div><div>I also have a Birdweather PUC t= > hat records the bird sounds in my yard, and lists them out by species with = > the number of times each species was heard. Around this time of = > year I would expect to have at least 15 species picked up, and probably clo= > ser to 20, and most of those picked up a couple dozen times. Yesterda= > y it picked up 6 species, and most of those once or twice, aside from a Blu= > ejay which was picked up maybe 12 times. </div><div><br cle= > ar=3D"none"></div><div>I thought maybe there was a raptor roosting nearby, = > but I did not see anything in the woods around the feeder when I looked, an= > d other than the usual red-tailed hawks and barred owls which are always ar= > ound, I have not seen anything unusual. </div><div><br clear=3D"none">= > </div><div>Anyone else in the area noticing this? Perhaps in northern= > Essex County? It's not from migration, since a good chunk of these b= > irds would be residents, and I have data from previous year showing roughly= > what to expect. I put my feeder on a new shepherd's hook since the p= > revious one broke, and thought maybe they did not like it, but again squirr= > els wouldn't probably care about this. Plus, it's not just lower feed= > er visits, it's my whole yard, since the listening device isn't picking up = > anything either. </div><div><br clear=3D"none"></div><div>That's= > all for now,</div><div><br clear=3D"none"></div><div>Matt S.</div><div>New= > ton, NH</div><div><a rel=3D"nofollow noopener noreferrer" shape=3D"rect" ym= > ailto=3D"mailto:<Accipiter22...>" target=3D"_blank" href=3D"mailto:Acc= > <ipiter22...>"><Accipiter22...></a></div></div></blockquote></div= >> </div><div><br clear=3D"all"></div><div><br clear=3D"none"></div><span cla= > ss=3D"yiv2269173674gmail_signature_prefix">-- </span><br clear=3D"none"><di= > v dir=3D"ltr" class=3D"yiv2269173674gmail_signature"><div dir=3D"ltr"><div = > dir=3D"ltr"><div dir=3D"ltr"><div dir=3D"ltr"><div dir=3D"ltr"><div dir=3D"= > ltr"><div dir=3D"ltr"><div dir=3D"ltr"><div><span style=3D"font-size:12.8px= > ;">Liz Pease</span><br clear=3D"none"></div><div><span style=3D"font-size:1= > 2.8px;">(she, her, hers)</span></div><div><br clear=3D"none"></div></div></= > div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div> = > </div> </div> > - <------...> > > ------------------------------ > > Date: Tue, 8 Sep 2026 19:52:46 -0400 > From: Barbara Volkle <barb620...> > Subject: [MASSBIRD] West Hill Dam banding 9/8 > > Thanks to Strickland Wheelock for this report. > > Barbara Volkle > Northborough, MA > <barb620...> > > * > Date: Tue, 8 Sep 2026 21:43:20 +0000 (UTC) > From: Strickland Wheelock <skwheelock...> > Subject: West Hill Dam banding 9/8 > > After a few relatively quiet banding days, today [9/8] was active with > 21 captures in the first 3 net runs - hopefully the start of many busy > mornings this fall migration at West Hill Dam in Uxbridge. What really > jump started the morning on the 2nd run when the birds were getting > active was 1 of the marsh nets had 10 captures hanging there - 2 male Am > Redstarts, 1 Blk&Wht Warbler, 2 Tufted Titmouse and 5 Blk-c Chickadees. > The bushes around the net had more warblers moving about. The other nets > had 2 Warbling Vireos, an adult male Am Redstart [stunning], 3 E > Towhees, 2 Downy Woodpeckers, 3 more Tufted Titmouse - shockingly no > Catbirds capture although you could hear them calling.There were plenty > of other species from Yellow-thr Vireos, E Bluebirds, various warblers & > sparrows, etc near the nets - soon the larger numbers of warblers, > thrushes & other surprises will be visiting us as we progress into > Sept.There is a banding & birding trip this coming Sat [9/12] from > Drumlin Farm as we band Sat morning and visit 2 nearby birding locations > in the afternoon. Great chance to see up-close details of aging, molt, > ID as we process each bird. > https://www.massaudubon.org/programs/drumlin-farm/104321= > - -bird-banding-at-west-hill > > Strickland Wheelock > Uxbridge MA > > ------------------------------ > > Date: Tue, 8 Sep 2026 20:07:31 -0400 > From: Barbara Volkle <barb620...> > Subject: [MASSBIRD] Blueberry Hill (08 Sep 2026) 37 Raptors > > Date: Tue, 8 Sep 2026 23:59:54 +0000 > From: <reports...> > Subject: Blueberry Hill (08 Sep 2026) 37 Raptors > > > Blueberry Hill > Granville, Massachusetts, USA > Daily Raptor Counts: Sep 08, 2026 > - ------------------------------------------------------------------- > > Species Day's Count Month Total Season Total > - ------------------ ----------- -------------- -------------- > Black Vulture 0 0 0 > Turkey Vulture 0 0 0 > Osprey 3 3 3 > Bald Eagle 0 0 0 > Northern Harrier 0 0 0 > Sharp-shinned Hawk 3 10 10 > Cooper's Hawk 1 3 3 > American Goshawk 0 0 0 > Red-shouldered Hawk 0 0 0 > Broad-winged Hawk 29 78 78 > Red-tailed Hawk 0 0 0 > Rough-legged Hawk 0 0 0 > Golden Eagle 0 0 0 > American Kestrel 1 3 3 > Peregrine Falcon 0 0 0 > Merlin 0 0 0 > Unknown Accipitrine 0 1 1 > Unknown Buteo 0 0 0 > Unknown Eagle 0 0 0 > Unknown Falcon 0 0 0 > Unknown Vulture 0 0 0 > Unknown Raptor 0 2 2 > > Total: 37 100 100 > - ---------------------------------------------------------------------- > > Observation start time: 08:15:00 Observation end time: 16:00:00 Total > observation time: 7.75 hours > > Official Counter: John Weeks > > Observers: Gary Adamson, John Weeks > > Weather: > Blue sky again, with fleeting clouds and much more haze than yesterday. > Wind NW shifting to WNW, then W at the end; 2-8 mph, dropping slightly in > the afternoon. Temperature 70-75 F. > > Raptor Observations: > A modest flight today; the birds were hard to see in the hazy glare to the > east, where many of them flew. Three Ospreys, our first of the season, > were welcome sights. No coverage between 3:30 and 4:00 EDT. Not counted as > migrants: Black Vulture, 2 Turkey Vultures, 2 Bald Eagles (adult and > immature), Cooper's Hawk, adult Red-tailed Hawk. > > Non-raptor Observations: > One lone warbler today: a female Common Yellowthroat; this dearth of > warblers is unprecedented. Others: Ruby-throated Hummingbird, Downy > Woodpecker, Northern Flicker, Eastern Phoebe, Blue Jay, American Crow, > Common Raven, Black-capped Chickadees (2), Tufted Titmouse, Red-breasted > Nuthatch, Eastern Bluebirds (flock of 12), American Goldfinches (flock of > 4). Monarchs: 2. > ======================================================================== > Report submitted by John Weeks (<aerie.john...>) > > > More site information at hawkcount.org: > https://hawkcount.org/siteinfo.php?rsite=107 > > ------------------------------ > > Date: Wed, 9 Sep 2026 06:09:49 -0700 > From: "Al Curtis" <killdeer89...> > Subject: [MASSBIRD] Al Curtis > > This is a multi-part message in MIME format > > - --FQ3sjRFJNhnl6xjkFr6JbugiidsLn=_eS9 > Content-Type: text/plain; charset="iso-8859-1" > Content-Transfer-Encoding: quoted-printable > > > Hi=20 > > Let me know if you receive this=20 > > Thanks > > Al Curtis > > - --FQ3sjRFJNhnl6xjkFr6JbugiidsLn=_eS9 > Content-Type: text/html; charset="iso-8859-1" > Content-Transfer-Encoding: quoted-printable > > > <html><head> > <meta http-equiv=3D"Content-Type" content=3D"text/html; charset=3Diso-= > 8859-1"> > <META name=3D"viewport" content=3D"width=3Ddevice-width, initial-sca= > le=3D1"> <META name=3D"format-detection" content=3D"telephone=3Dno"> <= > title>Al Curtis</title> > </head> > <body style=3D"BACKGROUND-COLOR: #ffffff" bgColor=3D#ffffff> <P align= > =3Dleft><FONT size=3D3 face=3DArial>Hi </FONT></p><p align=3Dleft><FON= > T face=3DArial>Let me know if you receive this </FONT></p><p align=3Dl= > eft><FONT color=3D#000000 size=3D3 face=3D"Times New Roman">Thanks</FO= > NT></p><p align=3Dleft>Al Curtis</P></body> > </html> > > - --FQ3sjRFJNhnl6xjkFr6JbugiidsLn=_eS9-- > > ------------------------------ > > End of massbird-digest V18 #894 > ******************************* >
Observation start time: 08:00:00 Observation end time: 12:00:00 Total observation time: 3.5 hours
Official Counter: Brian Rusnica
Observers: Andrew Bolton
Visitors: Andrew Bolton
Weather: Warm, classic late-summer day. Moderate NW breeze, scattered clouds only with distant frontal boundary to the south.
Raptor Observations: What originally was scheduled as just a "cargo hike" turned into a short hawkwatch with the perfect wind conditions. Unfortunately we had to end early to prep for the EMHW Meeting tonight and certainly missed out on hundreds of Broad-wings coming through this afternoon. Andrew Bolton added 4 Broad-wings after I left at noon EDT. Thank you Andrew!
Non-migrant Raptors Turkey Vulture 14 Bald Eagle 3
Non-raptor Observations: Common Raven 18 AMERICAN PIPIT 1 - flushed off summit at 9am
Predictions: Light winds turning from E to S will hopefully not impede any migrants in the area. Join us at the summit as Three Rivers Bird Club leads a field trip to the Hawkwatch, leaving at 7:30am from the Bennet Road entrance. ======================================================================== Report submitted by Brian Rusnica (<brian_rusnica...>) Mount Watatic information may be found at: http://www.massbird.org/emhw
Observation start time: 08:15:00 Observation end time: 14:15:00 Total observation time: 6 hours
Official Counter: John Weeks
Observers: John Weeks
Weather: Sunny; cloud-cover decreased from 30% to 2% or less. Wind NW 2-8 mph, shifting in the last two hours to WNW 2-5 mph. Temperature 65-72 F. Haze throughout the watch along the horizons.
Raptor Observations: The right wind blew, but perhaps a little too early in the season. A handful of kettles formed, then dispersed quickly; the largest contained 30 Broad-wings. Not counted as migrants: Black Vulture, 3 Turkey Vultures, Cooper's Hawk, Red-shouldered Hawk, 2 Red-tailed Hawks.
Non-raptor Observations: Mourning Dove, Downy Woodpecker, Blue Jay, American Crow, Black-capped Chickadees (2), Tufted Titmice (3), American Goldfinches (4), Field Sparrow, Chestnut-sided Warbler, Prairie Warbler. Monarchs: 8. ======================================================================== Report submitted by John Weeks (<aerie.john...>)
Date: 9/11/26 8:11 am From: Barbara Volkle <barb620...> Subject: [MASSBIRD] Eastern Mass Hawk Watch Annual Meeting: Friday Sept 11 - Middlesex Community College, Bedford MA
Thanks to Shawn Carey for the following announcement.
Barbara Volkle Northborough, MA <barb620...> *
* * * * *From:*Shawn Carey <scarey...> *Sent:*Wednesday, September 9, 2026 at 04:53:28 PM EDT *Subject:*Eastern Mass Hawk Watch Annual Meeting: Friday Sept 11 - Middlesex Community College, Bedford MA
*Eastern Mass Hawk Watch Annual Meeting*
Date: Friday September 11, 2026
Social Hour: 6:00 PM Meeting: 7:00 PM
Location: Middlesex Community College in Bedford, MA.
For driving directions and a detailed campus map (plenty of free parking) visithttps://massbird.org/emhw/annual-meeting/
Our keynote speaker this year is*Mark Wilson*, Wildlife Photojournalist and Teacher Naturalist, presenting his "*Ten Wild Photos, Ten Wild Stories*"*:*
/Join noted wildlife photojournalist and teacher naturalist Mark Wilson in a unique slide program that explores some of Mark’s best wildlife photos taken over 30 years in some surprising places. Mark will present ten select images. Each image will be discussed in-depth as to how and why it was made. Supporting photos will help explain. Topics of discussion will include photo techniques, equipment, ethics and natural history, and staying comfortable and healthy in harsh environments. Aspiring beginner photographers and traveled veterans alike will find inspiration to assess and improve their own work. Non-photographers get to peek under the lens cap and see how a pro comes up with knock-out photos./
Mark Wilson was a staff photographer for the Boston Globe for 23 years. During those years he also wrote regular columns on photography and birds for the Globe. His wildlife photos have appeared in a wide variety of publications including/National Geographic/(Oct. 1992 cover, bullfrog). Mark and Marcia Wilson work as a team in the field, exploring remote areas that few people get to visit. In 2001 they completed a 19-day canoe trip down a North Slope River in Alaska’s Arctic Refuge. That trip is the basis for a chapter Mark wrote for the book/Arctic Wings/.
The meeting is free and open to the public (donations appreciated). A social hour with beverages, appetizers and snacks starts at 6:00 PM, followed at 7:00 PM by a brief business meeting and the keynote presentation.
The business meeting will review EMHW Watch Sites and how you can visit or participate this upcoming migration season! We’ll also have the return of our famous raffle, including many raptor-related and birding items and some fantastic photography. Join us for a great evening!
If you are interested in contributing raffle items, refreshments, or helping EMHW with the meeting, please let us know <ate.masshawkwatch...> we'll be in contact!
Our web sitemassbird.org/EMHW <http://massbird.org/EMHW>is always full of Eastern Mass Hawk Watch news, including complete information about the meeting - we looking forward to seeing you next month!
Shawn Carey Vice President, Eastern Mass Hawk Watch
Date: 9/10/26 10:07 pm From: Barbara Volkle <barb620...> Subject: [MASSBIRD] Ann Hanscom's banding site
Thanks to Strickland Wheelock for this post.
Barbara Volkle Northborough, MA <barb620...>
*
Date: Thu, 10 Sep 2026 18:22:26 +0000 (UTC) From: Strickland Wheelock <skwheelock...> Subject: Ann Hanscom's banding site
One of my favorite fall banding locations in Oct/Nov is at Ann Hanscom's private property in Uxbridge where hundreds of birders over the years have enjoyed along with me the passion Ann put into creating sections of the property for butterflies, birds resulting in capturing 100's of birds each fall - some days we are capturing so many birds that we shut nets down or just extract & release when flocks suddenly hit the nets. Mixed among these hundreds of captures are volumes of finches, juncos, many sparrows like Swamp & Wht-thr, late warblers like Yellow-rumped, N Waterthrush, Orange-cr, nice mixture of thrushes, woodpeckers like Sapsuckers, even a Yellow-br Chat for 3 days, etc This private historic property on 215 Hazel St has 28 acres of woods, barn & pasture for horses, marsh, gardens, stream with still trout plus a lovely house build in 1739 where Ann & John lived for many years. Unfortunately, John unexpectedly passed away recently, and Ann conveyed to me that her hope is that a family with a passion for the birds and wildlife would be interested in purchasing the house & property as the house and property would be more than 1 person can deal with. So I am passing Ann's wishes along that if someone would love to live in a quiet, lovely town on a historic property groomed for wildlife & wildflowers, this is very rare special opportunity. If this amazing property is of interest, contact <a_J_hanscom...> for more information. Goal is to keep this lovely, peaceful property in the hands of folks who would appreciate an historic house, beautiful gardens, lawns, sections of the lawn groomed for butterflies & finches, woods with owls/hawks - if you are interested in having horses, all set up for them.
Observation start time: 08:15:00 Observation end time: 14:00:00 Total observation time: 5.75 hours
Official Counter: Mark Morris
Observers: Ed Bogle, Greg McGuane, Joanne Hart, Joe Fountain, Lisa Burwell, Ted Purcell
Visitors: Mark thanks all of the observers listed above who braved the strong winds.
In addition to the usual hikers and sightseers, Pat Simmons, Jody Naze and Dave Shattuck stopped in.
Weather: The summit was covered loosely with fog for the first 45 minutes that eroded eventually into mostly cloudy skies, with some lingering low clouds and persistent haze throughout the duration. Winds were active throughout primarily from the West at 10-18 mph with gusts regularly into the 20's and reaching 30 mph in the last two hours. Temps were in the mid to upper 70's. Visibility was fair as we were able to just make out Mt. Monadnock, the Pawtuckaways, and the Boston skyline.
Raptor Observations: This was a day that all the Raptors, migrating or local, did not want to go high because of the stiff West winds all day. We only had 6 migrating Raptors, but adding in the non-migrants, we had a respectable 9 species tallied. Mark witnessed an early dog fight between a Red-shoulder and 2 Broad Wings sparring out to the East. Several times, we had at least 3 Bald Eagles rise together, with one group being all immature birds. The highlight of today�s count was Joe Fountain and Mark watching a pair of Merlins rise up over the Oak trees to the NW and chase each other around, with the female doing these tight, supersonic turns in the wind like a jet fighter! That was worth today�s efforts!
In celebration of our 50th anniversary year on Wachusett, here's a look back at events on this date: In 1978, 252 migrating raptors were counted, including 216 Broad-wings and 10 Ospreys. In 1983, 147 migrating raptors were counted, including 130 Broad-wings. In 2005, Jane Stein wrote: Slightly hazy blue sky made spotting difficult, and with many birds getting great lift, a lot may have gotten by us unobserved. One of our best Bald Eagle days with a total of 9, but oddly only 9 Osprey. Counter: Jane Stein. Observers: Ann Howe, Dale Bryant, Paul Roberts, Ted Mara, along with Fay and Peter Vale, Vic Himber, John and Anna Gargas, Dave and Ursula Goodine, Jackie Boucher, Eliot Taylor. (Eric�s note: 383 birds counted, including 332 Broad-wings.)
Non-raptor Observations: Non-raptors: R.T.Hummingbird-1, Chimney Swift-1, Blue Jay-4, Comm Raven-4, Cedar WW-1, E.Towhee-3, A.Goldfinch-1
Predictions: A mild cold front is passing through Thursday evening, bringing cooler temperatures (low 60's to 70 F) on Friday, drier air, clear skies and 7-9 mph NW to WNW winds. This should get the birds that were hunkered down today back up into the air and headed our way again. ======================================================================== Report submitted by ERIC MUELLER (<ericmueller1912...>) Wachusett Mountain information may be found at: http://www.massbird.org/emhw
Observation start time: 11:15:00 Observation end time: 13:15:00 Total observation time: 2 hours
Official Counter: John Weeks
Observers: Gary Adamson
Weather: Mostly sunny, with cumulus clouds; Wind W 3-12 mph. Temperature (est.) upper 70s to low 80s.
Raptor Observations: Nine Broad-wings migrating, seven of them in one kettle to the east; only other migrants were 2 Sharp-shins and an unidentified raptor. Not counted as migrants: 2 Black Vultures, 9 Turkey Vultures, 5 Bald Eagles (4 adults and one immature), Red-shouldered Hawk, Red-tailed Hawk.
Non-raptor Observations: Three Common Ravens playing in the wind; 2 Chimney Swifts.
Predictions: Sunshine and moderate NW winds are predicted; could be the beginning of something big... ======================================================================== Report submitted by John Weeks (<aerie.john...>)
Observation start time: 08:15:00 Observation end time: 13:30:00 Total observation time: 5.25 hours
Official Counter: Eric Mueller
Observers: Fay Baird, Jean Hampel, Lisa Burwell, Scott Carlson, Scott Wahlstrom, Ted Purcell
Visitors: My thanks to all of the observers for their patience and companionship as we endured a less than fruitful session.
We had the usual complement of hikers and sightseers - maybe 60-70 in total.
Weather: The day began with a temperature inversion that formed a dark haze line to our East that extended as far north and as far south as I could see. Steam rising from the energy generation plant in Manchester NH initially stopped at that line, but later apparently had enough power that it formed its own little cumulus cloud just above the line. In any case, this inversion, combined with moderate cloud cover, resulted in stable air that likely provided little lift for the birds. Visbility was better to the West, but not enough to expose the VT mountains or Greylock. Temps rose from 60 to 74 F, and the wind was southerly at 3-5 mph.
Raptor Observations: The birds were apparently wholly unimpressed by the weather conditions, and for the 2nd day in a row, we didn't see any raptors (migrating or local) for over 2-1/2 hours to begin the day. Between 11:02 and 11:14 am EST, 3 Sharp-shins passed by, and after that, we saw no further migrating birds. Non-migrating raptors weren't in great abundance either: TV-4, Bald Eagle-2 (1 Ad, 1 Imm), Sharp-shin-1, Red-shoulder-1, Red-tail-2 (1 Ad, 1 Juv), Unident buteo-2.
In celebration of our 50th anniversary year on Wachusett, here's a look back at events on this date: In 1978, 115 Broad-wings, 3 Ospreys and 13 Unidentified buteos were counted in 4 hours of observation time
In 2017, Rod Chase wrote: "Bulk of flight was between 11am and 1pm. First large kettles of BW's for this year were 196 at 11:50am and 310 from 12:20-12:30pm. Such a fine rush: many close and high overhead with kettles east, north and west. Counter: Rod Chase. Observers: Bill Rasku, Paul Roberts, Ted Mara, Ann Howe, Blaire Elzenbeck, Joe Bourget, Mark Morris, Colleen Tank, Tom Gottschang, Christine Restell, Tom McNamara, Julie Roberts, Dan Rossman and whoever I missed." (Eric�s note: the day�s final count was 840 migrating raptors, including 803 Broad-wings)
Non-raptor Observations: Non-raptors: D-C Cormorant-1, Chim Swift-4, Cedar WW-14, Blue Jay-3, Comm Raven-3, Gr Catbird-1, E Towhee-2.
Predictions: Expecting partly cloudy skies, temps in the upper 70's and strong westerly winds in the 14-16 mph range, and likely gusts up into the 20's. ======================================================================== Report submitted by ERIC MUELLER (<ericmueller1912...>) Wachusett Mountain information may be found at: http://www.massbird.org/emhw
Observation start time: 08:15:00 Observation end time: 16:00:00 Total observation time: 7.75 hours
Official Counter: John Weeks
Observers: Gary Adamson, John Weeks
Weather: Blue sky again, with fleeting clouds and much more haze than yesterday. Wind NW shifting to WNW, then W at the end; 2-8 mph, dropping slightly in the afternoon. Temperature 70-75 F.
Raptor Observations: A modest flight today; the birds were hard to see in the hazy glare to the east, where many of them flew. Three Ospreys, our first of the season, were welcome sights. No coverage between 3:30 and 4:00 EDT. Not counted as migrants: Black Vulture, 2 Turkey Vultures, 2 Bald Eagles (adult and immature), Cooper's Hawk, adult Red-tailed Hawk.
Non-raptor Observations: One lone warbler today: a female Common Yellowthroat; this dearth of warblers is unprecedented. Others: Ruby-throated Hummingbird, Downy Woodpecker, Northern Flicker, Eastern Phoebe, Blue Jay, American Crow, Common Raven, Black-capped Chickadees (2), Tufted Titmouse, Red-breasted Nuthatch, Eastern Bluebirds (flock of 12), American Goldfinches (flock of 4). Monarchs: 2. ======================================================================== Report submitted by John Weeks (<aerie.john...>)
Date: 9/8/26 5:01 pm From: Barbara Volkle <barb620...> Subject: [MASSBIRD] West Hill Dam banding 9/8
Thanks to Strickland Wheelock for this report.
Barbara Volkle Northborough, MA <barb620...>
* Date: Tue, 8 Sep 2026 21:43:20 +0000 (UTC) From: Strickland Wheelock <skwheelock...> Subject: West Hill Dam banding 9/8
After a few relatively quiet banding days, today [9/8] was active with 21 captures in the first 3 net runs - hopefully the start of many busy mornings this fall migration at West Hill Dam in Uxbridge. What really jump started the morning on the 2nd run when the birds were getting active was 1 of the marsh nets had 10 captures hanging there - 2 male Am Redstarts, 1 Blk&Wht Warbler, 2 Tufted Titmouse and 5 Blk-c Chickadees. The bushes around the net had more warblers moving about. The other nets had 2 Warbling Vireos, an adult male Am Redstart [stunning], 3 E Towhees, 2 Downy Woodpeckers, 3 more Tufted Titmouse - shockingly no Catbirds capture although you could hear them calling.There were plenty of other species from Yellow-thr Vireos, E Bluebirds, various warblers & sparrows, etc near the nets - soon the larger numbers of warblers, thrushes & other surprises will be visiting us as we progress into Sept.There is a banding & birding trip this coming Sat [9/12] from Drumlin Farm as we band Sat morning and visit 2 nearby birding locations in the afternoon. Great chance to see up-close details of aging, molt, ID as we process each bird. https://www.massaudubon.org/programs/drumlin-farm/104321= -bird-banding-at-west-hill
Date: 9/8/26 4:49 am From: Lynette Leka <lynetteleka...> Subject: Re: [MASSBIRD] September 7, 2026 Northern Essex County: Anyone else had a large drop in yardbird activity past few days?
I live in Newbury, MA, forest surrounded by salt marsh, so my yard usually hosts an abundance of birds. In late June I take all my feeders down, except for hummingbird; but I keep 3 baths going (clean/refill at least daily), and still log in 10-15 species each day. A couple of weeks ago that began to drop off, and now down to nearly zero - the forest has also gone silent.
------------------------------------
(by)..."not noticing birds in one's daily environment, one misses a whole segment of life on earth that can deliver joy every day." Bruce M. Beehler, 2019
Lynette Leka
Newbury, MA 01951
email: <lynette.leka...>
On Monday, September 7, 2026 at 08:58:32 PM EDT, Liz Pease <lizpease...> wrote:
Things have been pretty steady here in Salisbury, Matt. The only noticeably oddity is that I have not seen a blue jays in weeks. They usually stalk me when I'm out in the yard (even when I'm walking the dog in the neighborhood), asking where the peanuts are, but they have been absent for a bit now. Sure hoping they return soon.
Anyone in your area put up new feeders, perhaps? That's all I can think of!
Liz <Peaselizpease...>, MA
On Mon, Sep 7, 2026 at 9:11 AM Matt S. <accipiter22...> wrote:
Hi All,
I live in New Hampshire, but my yard abuts Merrimac, and, nearly, Haverhill. I've noticed that starting on Saturday the 5th there appears to have been a huge drop in bird activity in my yard, and squirrel numbers as well. Typically I need to refill my feeders daily, but the food I put out in the early evening of the 5th is still untouched, and my feeders remain full. As long as I've lived here I have never had my tube feeder last more than a day, and now we're almost at 2, and the feeder is basically untouched. I saw one chickadee one time yesterday.
I also have a Birdweather PUC that records the bird sounds in my yard, and lists them out by species with the number of times each species was heard. Around this time of year I would expect to have at least 15 species picked up, and probably closer to 20, and most of those picked up a couple dozen times. Yesterday it picked up 6 species, and most of those once or twice, aside from a Bluejay which was picked up maybe 12 times.
I thought maybe there was a raptor roosting nearby, but I did not see anything in the woods around the feeder when I looked, and other than the usual red-tailed hawks and barred owls which are always around, I have not seen anything unusual.
Anyone else in the area noticing this? Perhaps in northern Essex County? It's not from migration, since a good chunk of these birds would be residents, and I have data from previous year showing roughly what to expect. I put my feeder on a new shepherd's hook since the previous one broke, and thought maybe they did not like it, but again squirrels wouldn't probably care about this. Plus, it's not just lower feeder visits, it's my whole yard, since the listening device isn't picking up anything either.
That's all for now,
Matt S.Newton, <NHAccipiter22...>
Observation start time: 08:15:00 Observation end time: 16:00:00 Total observation time: 7.75 hours
Official Counter: Bill Rasku
Observers: Carole Powers, Janet Kovner, Joanne Hart, Joe Fountain, Scott Carlson, Ted Purcell, Tom Gottschang
Visitors: We had a great turnout of observers. In addition to the people listed above, we got much appreciated help from the Lin family (Han Ting, Melanie, Michael and Nori), Rich Horlich, Dan Tannenbaum, Dallas Wait, and Joanna and Mike Smith. Thanks to everyone for a great job today!
The summit was crowded with many hundreds of well-behaved holiday sightseers, enjoying the sunshine and the somewhat fuzzy view. Our friends Carl and Peggy stopped by for a visit.
Weather: A cloudless sky, and temps ranging from 59 to 79 F. Strong winds from the NNW settled down after the first 2 hours to 7-8 mph from the NW for the rest of the day. Hazy air despite the low humidity, but all of the normal landmarks were visible and somewhat clearer in the last 2 hours.
Raptor Observations: Another busy day, which is great news this early in the season. We're guessing that the NNW and NW winds are continuing to guide the flight in our direction (many fewer birds were counted at the Mt Putney, VT site.) The vast majority of the birds passed by on the west side of the mountain, and many birds rode up the side of the mountain and passed by quickly which kept everyone on their toes trying to ID them. The busiest hour was between 10:00 and 11:00 am EST when 84 Broad-wings passed through, including 2 kettles of 10 and 15 birds apiece. Bald Eagles and Sharp-shins were also abundant. 10 birds that were flying way below the horizon and only visible for a few seconds had to be classified as Unidentified Raptors.
One big surprise among the non-migrating raptors was the appearance of a kettle of 9 Black Vultures in the late afternoon. As they flew east, Bill watched them for almost half an hour just in case they might turn into migrants, but no such luck, although we did have our first migrating BV of the season earlier in the day. The other non-migrating birds were TV-11 (also late in the day), Bald Eagle-8 (5 Ad, 3 Imm), and Red-tail-3
Non-raptor Observations: Non-raptors: R-T Hummingbird-1, Comm Raven-4. We couldn't hear the resident Towhees over the din of the holiday crowd.
As we left the summit, the katydids created a cacophony of sound with their skritchy stridulations, especially along the asphalt path leading down to the parking lot.
Predictions: The NW winds are expected to continue tomorrow at 7-8 mph, so we're expecting another strong count. Temps will be in the mid-60s to mid-70s with moderate humidity which should be very comfortable for us, and the skies should be partly cloudy which is perfect for spotting high-flying birds. ======================================================================== Report submitted by ERIC MUELLER (<ericmueller1912...>) Wachusett Mountain information may be found at: http://www.massbird.org/emhw
Observation start time: 08:45:00 Observation end time: 16:00:00 Total observation time: 7.25 hours
Official Counter: John Weeks
Observers: Gary Adamson, Jim Reid, John Weeks
Visitors: Local resident Wes and his yellow lab Dinah.
Weather: Hazy blue skies with scattered, evanescent clouds. Wind NW 3-5 mph early, increasing to 5-12 mph, then diminishing slightly. Temperature 66-74 F.
Raptor Observations: The first stirrings of a true flight, with 49 Broad-wings trickling through singly or in small groups. Just as I was about to despair of ever seeing even one falcon, two male Kestrels swept in together just after 3:30 EDT. Not counted as migrants: Black Vulture, 2 Turkey Vultures, 2 Bald Eagles (adult and immature), Cooper's Hawk, Red-shouldered Hawk, Red-tailed Hawk.
Non-raptor Observations: Very quiet on the Hill today; not a single warbler seen or heard. Mourning Dove,COMMON NIGHTHAWK, Northern Flicker, Red-eyed Vireo, Blue Jay, American Crow, Tree Swallow, Black-capped Chickadee, House Wren, 2 Cedar Waxwings, Purple Finch, 2 Goldfinches. Monarchs: 4. ======================================================================== Report submitted by John Weeks (<aerie.john...>)
Date: 9/7/26 6:02 pm From: Liz Pease <lizpease...> Subject: Re: [MASSBIRD] September 7, 2026 Northern Essex County: Anyone else had a large drop in yardbird activity past few days?
Things have been pretty steady here in Salisbury, Matt. The only noticeably
oddity is that I have not seen a blue jays in weeks. They usually stalk me
when I'm out in the yard (even when I'm walking the dog in the
neighborhood), asking where the peanuts are, but they have been absent for
a bit now. Sure hoping they return soon.
Anyone in your area put up new feeders, perhaps? That's all I can think of!
Liz Pease
<lizpease...>
Salisbury, MA
On Mon, Sep 7, 2026 at 9:11 AM Matt S. <accipiter22...> wrote:
> Hi All,
>
> I live in New Hampshire, but my yard abuts Merrimac, and, nearly,
> Haverhill. I've noticed that starting on Saturday the 5th there appears to
> have been a huge drop in bird activity in my yard, and squirrel numbers as
> well. Typically I need to refill my feeders daily, but the food I put out
> in the early evening of the 5th is still untouched, and my feeders remain
> full. As long as I've lived here I have never had my tube feeder last more
> than a day, and now we're almost at 2, and the feeder is basically
> untouched. I saw one chickadee one time yesterday.
>
> I also have a Birdweather PUC that records the bird sounds in my yard, and
> lists them out by species with the number of times each species was heard.
> Around this time of year I would expect to have at least 15 species picked
> up, and probably closer to 20, and most of those picked up a couple dozen
> times. Yesterday it picked up 6 species, and most of those once or twice,
> aside from a Bluejay which was picked up maybe 12 times.
>
> I thought maybe there was a raptor roosting nearby, but I did not see
> anything in the woods around the feeder when I looked, and other than the
> usual red-tailed hawks and barred owls which are always around, I have not
> seen anything unusual.
>
> Anyone else in the area noticing this? Perhaps in northern Essex County?
> It's not from migration, since a good chunk of these birds would be
> residents, and I have data from previous year showing roughly what to
> expect. I put my feeder on a new shepherd's hook since the previous one
> broke, and thought maybe they did not like it, but again squirrels wouldn't
> probably care about this. Plus, it's not just lower feeder visits, it's my
> whole yard, since the listening device isn't picking up anything either.
>
> That's all for now,
>
> Matt S.
> Newton, NH
> <Accipiter22...>
>
How does marsh restoration benefit shorebirds? What impacts will the Stage Island impoundment restoration have on birding opportunity? Who are those people in the marsh?! Join us for a special 'Marsh Restoration for Birders' presentation next Thursday September 10 at 6pm at the refuge visitor center. Refuge biologist Nancy Pau will discuss different restoration processes, salt marsh ecology, the historic human-made alterations to Plum Island's salt marshes, as well as bird populations and viewing opportunities. There will be time for questions, sharing of wildlife observation data, and conversations around management, restoration, and the natural and human-caused shifts in habitat and wildlife. This program is free, but registration is required for auditorium capacity: bit.ly/parkerriversignup <https://bit.ly/parkerriversignup?fbclid=IwcGRvZgVleHRuA2FlbQIxMABicmlkETE0NEFBd1dsWGc5bXVsZ2hzc3J0YwZhcHBfaWQQMjIyMDM5MTc4ODIwMDg5MgABHhCWvj9ymnlNmjE3JBa_ps2Wc1PQvj1psbMtU9u43BpJAY2S-1bHYFuInseM_aem_lnnun4CEcc-1X7ZQXTzSdw>
Date: 9/7/26 8:13 am From: Dick Hughes <hughesful...> Subject: Re: [MASSBIRD] September 7, 2026 Northern Essex County: Anyone else had a large drop in yardbird activity past few days?
Hi Matt,
Very interesting topic, thanks! I’ve lived for 20 years in the Rowley woods
in terrain and habitat similar to nearby Georgetown-Rowley and Willowdale
State Forests. My yearly bulk seed order hasn’t varied much over the years.
The ups and downs of my backyard birds seem to not have a completely clear
pattern, with a couple of exceptions.
First, a lot fewer Chickadees. That’s consistent both at my feeders and in
the woods. Next, a lot more Titmouses. Haven’t seen more than 1 Hairy
Woodpecker in the neighborhood for 5 years, whereas 20 years ago they were
a daily treat. Feeder visits from Red Bellies are declining.
It’s been a bumper year for Chipping Sparrows, but 2 years ago almost
none. I hesitate to speculate on explanations, but I’ve noticed a
consistent drop off of several species’ feeder visits in the 2nd half of
August - Goldfinches, House Finches and Chipping Sparrows are mostly gone
from my neighborhood.
Best,
Dick Hughes
On Mon, Sep 7, 2026 at 9:03 AM Matt S. <accipiter22...> wrote:
> Hi All,
>
> I live in New Hampshire, but my yard abuts Merrimac, and, nearly,
> Haverhill. I've noticed that starting on Saturday the 5th there appears to
> have been a huge drop in bird activity in my yard, and squirrel numbers as
> well. Typically I need to refill my feeders daily, but the food I put out
> in the early evening of the 5th is still untouched, and my feeders remain
> full. As long as I've lived here I have never had my tube feeder last more
> than a day, and now we're almost at 2, and the feeder is basically
> untouched. I saw one chickadee one time yesterday.
>
> I also have a Birdweather PUC that records the bird sounds in my yard, and
> lists them out by species with the number of times each species was heard.
> Around this time of year I would expect to have at least 15 species picked
> up, and probably closer to 20, and most of those picked up a couple dozen
> times. Yesterday it picked up 6 species, and most of those once or twice,
> aside from a Bluejay which was picked up maybe 12 times.
>
> I thought maybe there was a raptor roosting nearby, but I did not see
> anything in the woods around the feeder when I looked, and other than the
> usual red-tailed hawks and barred owls which are always around, I have not
> seen anything unusual.
>
> Anyone else in the area noticing this? Perhaps in northern Essex County?
> It's not from migration, since a good chunk of these birds would be
> residents, and I have data from previous year showing roughly what to
> expect. I put my feeder on a new shepherd's hook since the previous one
> broke, and thought maybe they did not like it, but again squirrels wouldn't
> probably care about this. Plus, it's not just lower feeder visits, it's my
> whole yard, since the listening device isn't picking up anything either.
>
> That's all for now,
>
> Matt S.
> Newton, NH
> <Accipiter22...>
>
Date: 9/7/26 6:18 am From: Matt S. <accipiter22...> Subject: Re: [MASSBIRD] Parker River birding, 9/6
Hi Jon,
They're mismanaging the impoundments. The more cynical among us believe
that they're doing this to lower shorebird numbers using the impoundments
so that they can more easily justify destroying them.
Matt
On Sun, Sep 6, 2026 at 11:04 PM Jon Woolf <jswoolf01...> wrote:
> I was down Massachusetts way this afternoon, and decided to stop by Plum
> Island for an hour or two, to look for shorebirds. I wound up being
> shocked at the lack of shorebirds. Of all birds, to be honest, but
> particularly shorebirds. What is going on with the management there?
> The Salt Pannes were so low they were mostly mudflats, and Bill Forward
> Pool was all ugly green algae. The only birds in binocular range of
> Hellcat dike were some cormorants and one peep; there were a lot more
> birds at the far end of the pool, but most were Canada geese, a couple
> of egrets, and what I think were three Glossy Ibis. The only place I
> found any shorebirds was the North Pool Overlook, and that was a
> single-species flock of forty or fifty Yellowlegs resting and preening.
> Did I just get a bad day, or is this normal for Plum Island these days?
>
> -- Jon Woolf
> Manchester, NH
>
>
>
>
>
Date: 9/7/26 5:51 am From: Matt S. <accipiter22...> Subject: [MASSBIRD] September 7, 2026 Northern Essex County: Anyone else had a large drop in yardbird activity past few days?
Hi All,
I live in New Hampshire, but my yard abuts Merrimac, and, nearly, Haverhill. I've noticed that starting on Saturday the 5th there appears to have been a huge drop in bird activity in my yard, and squirrel numbers as well. Typically I need to refill my feeders daily, but the food I put out in the early evening of the 5th is still untouched, and my feeders remain full. As long as I've lived here I have never had my tube feeder last more than a day, and now we're almost at 2, and the feeder is basically untouched. I saw one chickadee one time yesterday.
I also have a Birdweather PUC that records the bird sounds in my yard, and lists them out by species with the number of times each species was heard. Around this time of year I would expect to have at least 15 species picked up, and probably closer to 20, and most of those picked up a couple dozen times. Yesterday it picked up 6 species, and most of those once or twice, aside from a Bluejay which was picked up maybe 12 times.
I thought maybe there was a raptor roosting nearby, but I did not see anything in the woods around the feeder when I looked, and other than the usual red-tailed hawks and barred owls which are always around, I have not seen anything unusual.
Anyone else in the area noticing this? Perhaps in northern Essex County? It's not from migration, since a good chunk of these birds would be residents, and I have data from previous year showing roughly what to expect. I put my feeder on a new shepherd's hook since the previous one broke, and thought maybe they did not like it, but again squirrels wouldn't probably care about this. Plus, it's not just lower feeder visits, it's my whole yard, since the listening device isn't picking up anything either.
Observation start time: 09:30:00 Observation end time: 15:45:00 Total observation time: 6.25 hours
Official Counter: Eric Mueller
Observers: Cindy Rost, David Brown, Jack Miano, Joanne Hart, Tom Gottschang
Visitors: Thanks to our observers today - David, Cindy, Tom, Jack and Joanne - great work, team! Many hundreds of sightseers and visitors from the festival down at the ski area. We spoke to many people about our work here. Richard Spedding stopped by to see how we were doing. Bruce and his cat-on-a-leash, Wild Thing, made their daily visit and posed for photos - "High five! (but no claws this time".
Weather: An interesting day weatherwise, with temperatures noticeably cooler than the past week (57-66 F), dark cloudy skies and a stream of isolated rain storms coming down from the north most of the day. We somehow managed to avoid at least 10 of these rain cells until the skies began to clear around 2:00 pm EST. The northerly winds were lighter than predicted, averaging about 3-5 mph.
Raptor Observations: We started over an hour later than usual because of clouds at the summit after early morning rains. The remaining low cloud cover seemed to put a damper on the migration - only 10 migrating raptors passed by in the first 2-1/2 hrs. But as noon approached, birds began to pass through with some regularity. Then at 12:45 pm EST, our season's first kettle of Broad-wings (11) appeared to the north, and the flight really began to take off. We counted 3 other BW kettles (5, 13 & 5), and we ended up staying to 3:45 pm (almost 2 hours later than usual) as the birds kept streaming through. Our total of 115 migrants was the highest amount for any Sept 6 in our history that I could find. I'm wondering if the cooler temperatures got the birds moving early in the season.
Non-migrating raptors: probably the most unusual sighting of the day was a group of 7 Bald Eagles that circled together south of the mountain (2 Ad, 2 Juv, 3 Imm.) I can't remember the last time that we saw so many eagles in one group. Black Vulture-3 (one group), TV-9, Bald Eagle-7 (possibly more; many sightings today), Red-shoulder-1, Red-tail-2 (maybe more), Merlin-1.
Congratulations to our sister site, Mount Watatic, for an awesome count of 282 birds today, and to our friends at Pack Monadnock for a count of 327. Truly unusual counts this early in September.
In celebration of our 50th anniversary year on Wachusett, here's a look back to this date in 2003. Jane Stein wrote: �1 local BW immature goofing off all day in the area, dubbed Junior by observers.� (77 migrating birds total - Eric) �Because of severe state budget crunch, the reservation is now charging a fee to drive to the summit of $2 per car. A state parks pass can be purchased for $35, but it's a calendar-year pass, which expires December 31. There are also no porta-johns at the summit currently, and there may not be until October.�
Non-raptor Observations: Non-raptors: R-B Gull-1 (flyby), R-T Hummer-1, Cedar WW-3, Comm Raven-12, D-E Junco-1, E Towhee-2.
Predictions: Monday should be a much sunnier day, and warmer with temps into the low 70's, plus solid 10-11 mph winds from the NNW. We could have another very good flight if the strong winds guide more of the Broad-wings our way. ======================================================================== Report submitted by ERIC MUELLER (<ericmueller1912...>) Wachusett Mountain information may be found at: http://www.massbird.org/emhw
Date: 9/6/26 8:08 pm From: Eric Mueller <ericmueller1912...> Subject: Re: [MASSBIRD] On Seeing Hawks When Birding/Hawkwatching with Others
Hi birders,
I'd like to add one more rule to Paul's very helpful list. If you're
participating at an organized hawk watch (or even with a group of friends)
and are counting birds in a kettle or a stream of birds, please count
silently! Others around you probably started counting a second or two
ahead of, or behind, you and it's incredibly easy to lose count when people
are calling out different numbers all at the same time. Once you're done
counting, compare notes with those around you, and report your consensus
number to the official counter.
Raptors have started migrating already. The Wachusett Mountain hawk watch
reported 115 migrating birds today (9/06), including 60 Broad-winged Hawks,
25 Sharp-shinned Hawks, and 13 American Kestrels, while the Watatic
Mountain watch reported 282 migrating birds today, including 233
Broad-wings. Get your eyes to the sky...you may be amply rewarded.
Best,
Eric
Eric Mueller
Clinton MA
<ericmueller1912...>
On Sun, Sep 6, 2026 at 7:26 PM PAUL ROBERTS <phawk254...> wrote:
> Recently I have been reminded how many people don’t really know how to
> help birding colleagues find and enjoy watching a hawk in flight. Perhaps
> they just haven’t thought about it. Or most of the birds they spot and
> “share” are stationary. Perched on a branch. Sitting on a post. Pecking in
> the mud. During hawk migration time, most of the birds you hope to see will
> be in flight, possibly going as fast as 50-60 mph! Be prepared. Think and
> speak quickly.
>
> Once you spot a hawk flying and want your companions to see the hawk)s),
> call out where the bird IS. Don’t shout “look where I’m looking,” because
> you are wasting your friends’ precious time looking at you and not finding
> the bird.” If you know it’s possibly a “rarity,” say “possible eagle” or
> “large falcon” which tells people they should get on this bird as quickly
> as possible. Ne conscious of where y9ou are looking, so you don't take your
> eyes off the bird.
>
>
> 1. First, call out loudly if it is flying *above or below the horizon*!
> It’s much easier for companions to find a bird above the horizon.
> 2. If above, *how high*? Just above the horizon? Low and coming right
> at you? High and about to pass overhead? “Watch out, it is heading into the
> sun!” If coming directly towards you, you need to describe it quickly.
> 3. If flying across the sky, immediately say “streaking or *streaming
> right*”
> “*streaming left*.” If there is a large building or terrestrial
> feature on the horizon, give people a clue. At Wachusett we might say,”
> bird streaming low right about to go over Boston,” or streaking high over
> Wachusett Reservoir,” or farther away, “streaming over the slope of Mount
> Monadnock.” You are giving people a chance to find a fast moving and
> possibly uncommon raptor.
> 4. If the bird is soaring, you have a little more time. Again, *look
> for a feature on the terrain* or in the sky. “A kettle of hawks
> soaring over Gardner (a town), drifting towards Mt. Grace.” Or when it
> stops soaring, “streaming towards the horizon headed to Mt. Grace.”
> 5. If there are clouds, or jet contrails, refer to any that can be
> quickly distinguished by most companions. When there are big clouds (which
> often happens on good days), use a clock analogy. “At about 2 o’clock in
> the big cloud, streaming toward the edge.” “About to leave the cloud and go
> into a blue streak.” Sometines it helps to use planes in sight as a
> reference, but especially on the weekends there might be ten planes in view
> at one time. Be as specific as you can QUICKLY.
> 6. If a really good day and you have a good-sized kettle (minimum 5
> hawks, maximum in the thousands), go right to the top of the kettle to see
> if birds are already streaming (peeling) off the top of the thermal (column
> of hot rising air that birds use for lift). Then look down to the bottom to
> see if birds are streaming into the bottom of that thermal. (They may be
> coming into view from another more distant peel.)
>
> If you want to count the kettle, go right to the top front of the kettle
> and look to see if birds are peeling off, streaming in the direction of
> migration. If so, try to find the leaders in that stream off the top.
> Speaking from experience, hundreds, even thousands, of birds might have
> passed overhead before anyone spotted this kettle. You may be in the rare
> ”rivers of hawks” situation.
>
> 7. If a bird is interacting with another, note that aloud. “Two small
> hawks
> dogfighting.” Or “small hawk attacking a much larger hawk.”
>
> 8. If the bird is below the horizon, it’s much more difficult for
> companions to find. Give them any landmark you can. “About to go over the
> wind farm,” “the sun farm,” or “a church tower.” Occasionally you might
> luck out if the bird stops streaming and starts soaring again to gain
> altitude. If late in the season and the mystery bird is eagle-sized, follow
> it going away.
> 9. *Clear blue sky days* can be killers. There are few if any
> reference points. Cumulus clouds, even small ones, can be life savers. If
> high, a bird approaching overhead may occupy only a few seconds of arc,
> virtually invisible until it gets directly overhead. Pray for clouds. If
> you see gliders or planes, focus on them, which will help your eye spot
> hawks that might otherwise pass unnoticed.
> 10. If you have a very distant bird, say it is a “pepper speck,” or a
> “scope only” bird before giving directions. This helps other immensely. If
> any of several remarkable hawk spotters says “they’re only specks” wait to
> look until he/she says they are getting closer. On one of our most
> remarkable days, we had thousands of hawks that never came closer than
> being “scope only” birds. Other days they have passed directly overhead.
> 11. At many locations, there may be a lot of constant background
> chatter. If you spot a kettle or a possible highly uncommon bird, yell it
> out. If an organized count, be sure the lead counter is informed. Realize
> it may also be windy, so shout out to your left and your right, especially
> if birds are coming closer to your observation point.
>
> If you are attentive, half all the birds you see should be flying away,
> but that is usually not what happens. If activity is slow, follow birds
> you’ve identified going away, so you become more familiar with what that
> species looks like going away.
>
> Every day in the field can be different. Some days the numbers can be
> magical. Other days, you may see only a few dozen hawks, but you may have
> spectacular views; “life views” of one or more. The only thing we can say
> with relative certainty is that the more often you get out and look, the
> more likely you are to see more.
>
> Finally, you can go to established sites like Wachusett or Watatic (check
> the Eastern Mass Hawk Watch site for more information), or just hawk watch
> locally from a local park, cemetery, or hill. I’ve had “good migration
> days” when my best flights have been from the work parking lot in
> Billerica, the grocery parking lot in Shrewbury, or on Mass. Ave in
> Cambridge. For the next three weeks or so, you have your best chances to
> see significant numbers of migrating hawks anywhere, usually between 10 and
> 4 pm EDT. Especially on the first or second day of the arrival of a cold
> front.
>
> I'd also like to inform anyone interested in learning more about hawk
> identification and migration that I will be giving an online presentation
> on hawk identification and migration for Mass Audubon this Tuesday evening,
> September 8, from 7:00 to 8:30 p.m. Advanced registration is required. $20
> for members, $24 for nonmembers. For more information and to register go
> to
>
>
> massaudubon.org/programs/mass-audubon-education/101818-birds-of-massachusetts-hawk-migration
> <https://www.massaudubon.org/programs/mass-audubon-education/101818-birds-of-massachusetts-hawk-migration> >
> Good hawking!
>
> Paul
>
> Paul M. Roberts
> Medford, MA
> <phawk254...>
>
Date: 9/6/26 7:53 pm From: Jon Woolf <jswoolf01...> Subject: [MASSBIRD] Parker River birding, 9/6
I was down Massachusetts way this afternoon, and decided to stop by Plum Island for an hour or two, to look for shorebirds. I wound up being shocked at the lack of shorebirds. Of all birds, to be honest, but particularly shorebirds. What is going on with the management there? The Salt Pannes were so low they were mostly mudflats, and Bill Forward Pool was all ugly green algae. The only birds in binocular range of Hellcat dike were some cormorants and one peep; there were a lot more birds at the far end of the pool, but most were Canada geese, a couple of egrets, and what I think were three Glossy Ibis. The only place I found any shorebirds was the North Pool Overlook, and that was a single-species flock of forty or fifty Yellowlegs resting and preening. Did I just get a bad day, or is this normal for Plum Island these days?
Observation start time: 09:00:00 Observation end time: 16:00:00 Total observation time: 6.25 hours
Official Counter: Brian Rusnica
Observers: Visitors: None. A day hiker said the magic words, "I just saw a group of 4 hawks over there, their tail pattern when black-white-black." NICE!
Weather: A soaking rain persisted till just before 9am EDT local time, so counting started right around 10am in humid conditions with a light N wind and low clouds throughout. A second spot shower threatened the summit at 1pm but as it passed, winds picked up. Beautiful high cumulus conditions through the rest of the count with N winds turning NW and stiffening. Raptor Observations: The count this morning was about on par with yesterday; a steady trickle of single raptors for the first 2.5 hours after a late start due to rain. Just before 1pm, an ominous stormcloud was dumping rain due to the North on the Lyndeborough mountains and part of the Wapack ridge, so I decided to avoid a wet hike down and tried to beat the shower. After I had packed up and made my way nearly to the treeline, I just happened to catch a single streaming Osprey, blasting south ahead of the stormcloud. Right behind it, a Broad-wing on the glide, followed by 2 more, and then a Sharpie and eventually about a dozen more Broad-wings. I have seen this behavior once before, when migrants seem to be surfing on the gusting air mass ahead of a front coming through. I stayed just long enough to ensure no more were coming, and started receiving the first sprinkles of rain.
About 15 minutes down the mountain, I stopped at a viewpoint to check for any other stragglers from the rain; however the air had cleared, the wind had picked up, and the rain seemed to have made just a glancing blow. After some hemming and hawing, I painfully decided to retreat back up to the summit, just to ensure nothing else was moving. I was quickly and handsomely rewarded. Immediately I found a kettle of 5 Broad-wings wheeling over Pack Monadnock. Within a few minutes, a column of 35 Broad-wings appeared over the true summit. We were in business. For the next 90 minutes or so, it was streams and kettles of 10-30. Several Bald Eagles found their way into the streams, and a healthy number of Sharpies mingled in as well. Altogether a great start to the season, and hard to believe I nearly gave up on this flight!
Non-raptor Observations: COMMON NIGHTHAWK 1 Common Raven 25 Ruby-throated Hummingbird 1
Predictions: NW winds continue! No rain on the forecast. Looks like a great chance to catch more Broad-wings trying to beat the traffic. ======================================================================== Report submitted by Brian Rusnica (<brian_rusnica...>) Mount Watatic information may be found at: http://www.massbird.org/emhw
Observation start time: 08:15:00 Observation end time: 13:00:00 Total observation time: 4.75 hours
Official Counter: Eric Mueller
Observers: John Edmondson, Paul Vanderhoof, Tom Gottschang
Visitors: Hundreds of sightseers on this holiday weekend. Some soggy hikers who got caught in the rain on their way up.
My thanks to Tom, John and Paul for their excellent work today.
Weather: A mostly cloudy day with temps that bounced up and down between 69 and 73 F after the first hour. Winds were generally from the NE at 4-7 mph with occasional gusts to 12 mph. Visibility was good with Boston and the VT mountains visible almost all of the session. A rain cell appeared to the NE around noon, and finally hit us at 1:20 pm EDT. Paul and I stuck around to see if the cell would pass by quickly, but after 40 minutes, it was still raining lightly and visibility on the summit was poor, so we left. Radar later showed more rain cells moving down from the north.
Raptor Observations: We improved on yesterday's results (40 vs 31 migrants), and undoubtedly would have done even better if the rain storm hadn't interrupted the flow. It did appear that a number of birds moved ahead of the storm, including small groups of Broadwings and Sharpies. We were pleased again to see 7 different raptor species pass through. One Osprey passed by with something smallish in its talons, and John's photo revealed what looked like the remains of a fish. We're guessing that it had to leave its feeding grounds before finishing its meal, perhaps the result of a marauding Bald Eagle.
There wasn't much variety today in the non-migrating raptors - TV-19, Bald Eagle-3 (Ad-1, Imm-2) and Red-tail-2 (Juv).
In celebration of our 50th anniversary year on Wachusett, here's a look back to this date in 2020. Rod Chase wrote: �Another day with some nice surprises -- including more than twice yesterday's count (58 total today.) The nice surprises: 2 RS (Red-shoulder) adults 9:40 and 10:32; 2 Black Vultures at 9:47 with the "chopped off tail" and white showing on the end of wings �� �A 3rd BV also passed, not as close, at 1:15.�� �Finally, we had a subadult Golden Eagle moving early in September?! The large underwing white patches were visible, the white at base of tail seen only when it banked to turn though tail not fully open so I couldn't see the white bands on tail; however, the smaller white patches on top of wing also visible.� (note from Eric - I was walking up to the tower just as the GE left. Missed seeing it by "that much". Had to wait until November to see my first Golden)
Non-raptor Observations: Non-raptors: D-C Cormorant-6 (flyby),Cedar WW-2, MODO-1, Comm Raven-12, D-E Junco-6, E Towhee-2.
Predictions: Another promising day with even cooler temperatures (high 50's to mid-60's), 5-8 mph winds from NNE to NNW, and mostly cloudy conditions changing to partly cloudy around noon. There is the possibility of some showers in the area ending by 8 am that might leave some fog/clouds at the summit. Check the Wachusett ski area web cams at https://www.wachusett.com/the-mountain/media-center/webcams/ for some idea of conditions at the top. Dress warmly in any case. ======================================================================== Report submitted by ERIC MUELLER (<ericmueller1912...>) Wachusett Mountain information may be found at: http://www.massbird.org/emhw
Observation start time: 08:00:00 Observation end time: 12:00:00 Total observation time: 4 hours
Official Counter: Brian Rusnica
Observers: Visitors: None
Weather: Brisk and clear air to start, mostly cloudy with a solid NNW-NNE breeze. By 12pm EDT, full overcast and a shower had rolled in. Sat through one shower but the flight died off; ended the watch at 1pm and avoided the next shower. Raptor Observations: A solid trickle of raptors pitching southward in the favorable winds. First bird of the day was the season's first Northern Harrier, quartering to the SW, being catapulted along by the bouncy breeze. Small groups of Bald Eagles headed south together, and some day hikers got to take in a naked eye adult cruising above the true summit.
Non-raptor Observations: Common Raven 16 Ruby-throated Hummingbird 5
Predictions: North winds continue! A possible local shower early may mean a later start. Hopefully we will be watching!
If you count any raptors at Mount Watatic, please email your sightings at <14hawks8owls...> Thank you!
Contiguous daily coverage at Mount Watatic for Eastern Mass Hawk Watch starts on September 12th and runs through September 27th. Please join us at the summit this Fall! ======================================================================== Report submitted by Brian Rusnica (<brian_rusnica...>) Mount Watatic information may be found at: http://www.massbird.org/emhw
Observation start time: 08:15:00 Observation end time: 15:00:00 Total observation time: 6.75 hours
Official Counter: Eric Mueller
Observers: Carole Powers, Jack Miano, Laura de la Flor, Mark Burns, Susan Moses, Tom Gottschang
Visitors: At least 150 hikers, bikers and sightseers, including a class from Clinton High School. Our friend Carl and several other people brought up their binoculars to check out the birds and the view.
Weather: A beautiful day on the mountain with almost clear skies that gave way to that "Goldilocks" amount of puffy cumulus clouds (40-60%) which yields lots of light but a great background against which to see the birds and help others locate them. High humidity made for hazy air at the start of the day, but that eased off by noon, so the Boston skyline and the VT mountains became visible. The winds were in a near-Goldilocks mode, coming from the WNW at 5-7 mph with occasional gusts to 12 mph.
Raptor Observations: 31 migrating birds today - the best total of the season so far. Broad-wings dominated the count, but we spotted 6 other species as well. We were hoping for more Bald Eagles, but two promising migrants teased us by heading SW for quite a distance, only to turn around at the last minute and head back north - there's 10 minutes that I'll never get back again. The birds came at us from all different heights and angles.
Non-migrating raptors: Black Vulture - 1 TV - 19 (all rising together from NE of the mountain just before 10 am EDT) Bald Eagle - 3 (1 Ad, 1 Imm, 1 Juv) Sharp-shin - 1 Cooper's Hawk - 1 Broad-wing - 3 (2 Ad, 1 Juv) Red-shoulder - 1 Red-tail - 4 (2 Ad, 2 Juv - maybe more) Amer Kestrel - 1 Unident Accipiter - 1
In celebration of our 50th anniversary year on Wachusett, here's a look back to this date in 2020. Rod Chase wrote: �The afternoon added an AK (Kestrel), 3 ML (Merlin), the last BE (Bald Eagle), BW (Broad-wing) and and The Surprise. Two distant birds went by from NE to NW then back to the east before approaching and passing very high over our tower. They could have been classified as unidentified until, finally, on the west side, they came down and circled just long to show some form and the reddish color underneath on the body and out onto the wing coverts and a long, squared tail that, in maneuvers, showed a flare and hard-to-see light stripes; also 'fingers' at the end of the long and narrow wings. Two immature Mississippi Kites, fer sure! Non-raptor Observations: Non-raptors: gull sp-1 (likely a Herring Gull), Cedar WW-5, R-T Hummer-1, Chim Swift-2, Blue Jay-1, Comm Raven-3, R-E Vireo-1, D-E Junco-1, E Towhee-2.
Predictions: Saturday's forecast has improved from this morning. Rain is now expected to hold off until 2 pm or later, so we should be able to get in most of a full watch. Skies are expected to vary between partly and fully cloudy, with 6-8 mph NE winds. Temps should be cooler, topping out at 68 F, with relatively high humidity. I'm hoping for another good count. ======================================================================== Report submitted by ERIC MUELLER (<ericmueller1912...>) Wachusett Mountain information may be found at: http://www.massbird.org/emhw
Date: 9/4/26 5:07 pm From: Barbara Volkle <barb620...> Subject: [MASSBIRD] West Hill Dam banding trip - 9/12
Thanks to Strickland Wheelock for this post.
Barbara Volkle Northborough, MA <barb620...>
*
Date: Fri, 4 Sep 2026 19:10:58 +0000 (UTC) From: Strickland Wheelock <skwheelock...> Subject: West Hill Dam banding trip - 9/12
One of the exciting trips of the season from Drumlin Farm is coming out to West Hill Dam in Uxbridge to my bird banding station. Our 1st days were Aug 29th & 30th - now 9/4 - 9/6th to catch the early part of fall migration. Overall, the captures have mostly been local species with a mixture of some fall migrants - several E Phoebes, Am Redstart, N Waterthrush, C Yellowthroat, Warbling Vireo, Field Sparrows mixed with many Gray Catbirds, Pine Warb= lers, N Cardinals, House & Carolina Wrens, Song Sparrows, etc. in 3 days - today we flushed a Ruffed Grouse [major surprise] & caught a hummingbird. Higher up in the trees, we have spotted several migrant warbler species that need to drop lower. The frustrating challenge is that we normally don't have time to check out all those migrants on our net runs given we need to keep up with all the new captures - for example, 2 yrs back in the fall, 1 net had 17 captures after having just checked it 25 mins early - what a mixture of several warbler species, vireos, flycatchers, sparrows, buntings, thrushes! Still singing/calling are the Scarlet Tanagers, Yellow-thr Vireos, Rose-br Grosbeaks, various woodpeckers, etc around us - shortly the flood of migrants should be on the way where each net run we expect multiple captures keeping us non-stop aging, sexing & banding these birds before we head out for another run - an amazing learning experience looking at molt, eye color & other key ID features.Following banding & lunch, we will bird a few other top birding locations in Uxbridge - River Bend Farm & the Uxbridge Community Gardens [sparrow heaven] to locate more migrants to add to the list for the day.If interested, you can contact this site as the 12th is coming soon - love to show you what we lovingly do most mornings. https://www.massaudubon.org/programs/drumlin-farm/104321-bird-banding-at-west-hill
Date: 9/4/26 8:22 am From: Cliff Cook <ccook13...> Subject: [MASSBIRD] Report from Overnight August 24-35 Pelagic to the Edge of the Continental Shelf
To All
I hope you enjoy reading this trip report from August 24-25 overnight Brookline Bird Club pelagic trip to the edge of the continental shelf and gulf stream waters south of Hyannis:
Observation start time: 12:00:00 Observation end time: 14:30:00 Total observation time: 2.5 hours
Official Counter: Eric Mueller
Observers: Visitors: Not a lot of people while I was there - maybe 25 in total. Morning seems to be the preferred time to climb the mountain.
Weather: Thick, low-hanging clouds covered the summit until close to 11 am EST. The clouds rose slowly, so even at the delayed time that I started the watch, the clouds still covered the top 300-400 ft of Mt Monadnock, and never cleared it entirely before I left. The high humidity caused hazy air and limited the view to about 25 miles to the north and west. The Boston skyline faded from view after the first hour. Temps rose from 71 to 75 F, and there was a very weak westerly wind.
Raptor Observations: I conducted a very foreshortened watch due both to the lingering clouds at the summit this morning, and to the rainstorm that began at 2:30 pm EST. I did manage to spot 2 Ospreys that passed southeast of the mountain about 2 minutes apart.
Only a few local raptors appeared while I was present. Non-migrating raptors: TV-3 (possibly more), Broad-wing-1 (Juv), Red-tail-1 (Adult)
In celebration of our 50th anniversary year on Wachusett, here's a look back to this date in 2019. Rod Chase wrote: 10am hour started with SS high on east side who went to the S side of hill and peeled SW. Minutes later a ML (Merlin) appeared high in the NE and came close to us on N side. Three Common Ravens decided to team up and the ML nonchalantly rebuffed them all. One raven attempted payback from below and above just to our west. We didn't see any feathers fall but raven exited flapping for cover. The magician rose on thermal to SW and winged away without looking back. Non-raptor Observations: I didn't see a lot of bird activity on the summit while I was there, likely due in part to my late arrival. Non-raptors: Cedar WW-2, Blue Jay-1, Gr Catbird-1, Amer Goldfinch-1, D-E Junco-6, E Towhee-2. There was a massive swarm of breeding flying ants on the tower, necessitating repeated moving of my equipment.
Predictions: A much better forecast for Friday with sunny skies changing over to partly cloudy by noon, temps from the high 60's to high 70's, moderate humidity, and WNW to NW winds at 7-9 mph. These are typically excellent conditions for a good flight here. ======================================================================== Report submitted by ERIC MUELLER (<ericmueller1912...>) Wachusett Mountain information may be found at: http://www.massbird.org/emhw
Date: 9/3/26 1:45 am From: Phil Brown <ecocmail...> Subject: [MASSBIRD] Essex County Ornithological Club September 04, 2026 meeting: Scott Weidensaul - The Return of the Oystercatcher
Friday, September 4th, 7:45pm Saving Birds to Save the Planet ECOC Meeting 7:30-7:45pm* (all are welcome to join) *7-7:30pm special viewing of a pop-up display with original artworks from the Boreal Wilderland book In-person | Morse Auditorium, PEM Please see the ECOC web site at https://massbird.org/ecoc to either pre-register and bring your ticket with you or to join via Zoom. Free and open to the public
The future of birds may seem grim, but surprisingly, from gnatcatchers and waterfowl to select groups of forest songbirds, some bird populations are soaring. Habitats and species that once neared extinction are now multiplying around the world because bird conservation is making things better.
In this talk based on his newest book, The Return of the Oystercatcher: Saving Birds to Save the Planet, best-selling author and researcher Scott Weidensaul highlights the recovery efforts that are not only preventing declines in bird population, but helping some birds to thrive, sharing stories of hope and progress in the face of seemingly insurmountable odds. Weidensaul also recounts the initiatives at the heart of these recoveries. The result is a roadmap of environmental resilience in some of the most unlikely places, a tiny island in the middle of the Pacific, the vast boreal forest that spans Canada, a hereditary estate in England, and a watery wilderness at the edge of a Ukrainian war zone. Weidensaul tells the story of what’s working in bird conservation—and what can work for the rest of the planet.
Prior to and following the program, attendees can enjoy a special pop-up display of original artworks featured in the newly released Boreal Wilderland: Art, Science, and Adventure in Earth’s Greatest Wilderness by wildlife artist and naturalist Rob Mullen. An installation of several works will be on view outside Morse Auditorium from 7-7:30pm and following the program.
A book signing for The Return of the Oystercatcher (April, 2026) and Boreal Wilderland (August, 2026) follows the lecture.
This event is co-hosted by the Peabody Essex Museum and made possible by a gift from Tim and Joanie Ingraham in memory of longstanding ECOC member and PEM Trustee Emeritus Dorothy (Dotty) Addams Brown.
Bio: Scott Weidensaul is the author of nearly 30 books on natural history, including the Pulitzer Prize finalist “Living on the Wind” and his New York Times bestseller “A World on the Wing.” His latest book, “Return of the Oystercatcher,” showcases what’s working for bird conservation around the world. Weidensaul is a contributing editor for Audubon magazine, a columnist for Bird Watcher’s Digest, and writes for a variety of other publications including Living Bird. He is a Fellow of the American Ornithological Society and an active field researcher, studying saw-whet owl migration for 30 years, as well as winter hummingbirds in the East, bird migration in Alaska, and the winter movements of snowy owls through Project SNOWstorm, which he co-founded.
-- Phil Brown Webmaster for: Essex County Ornithological Club <ecocmail...>
You are receiving this notice because you subscribed to the Essex County Ornithological Club mailing list. Should you wish to unsubscribe please send a note <toecocmail...> with "Unsubscribe" in the subject line.
Observation start time: 08:15:00 Observation end time: 14:00:00 Total observation time: 5.75 hours
Official Counter: Eric Mueller
Observers: Fay Baird, Tom Gottschang
Visitors: Not a lot of visitors to the summit today, est. 30-40, probably due to the low cloud cover for so much of the day.
Weather: At the beginning of the watch, the summit was covered by low-lying clouds that hid the surrounding landscape until 9:30 am EST when the view to the west began to emerge. The clouds finally cleared the summit at 10 am, but remained fairly low until the afternoon. The summit of Mt Mondadnock was in the clouds for our entire session. The air remained hazy, but we could see the Boston skyline, all of the southern NH mountains and Mt Grace. Temps ranged from 59 to 75 F, and winds stayed fairly steady at 4-7 mph from the SE.
Raptor Observations: With the cloud cover remaining low for so long, I wondered if we would see any birds migrate today, but as soon as the summit began to clear, local TVs and a Red-shoulder popped into view, and the first migrating birds (Osprey & Broad-wing) flew by just after 10 am EST. Ospreys and Bald Eagles made up most of the migrants today.
We also had an active non-migrating population including a family of 4 Red-shoulders that all circled up together on the east side of the mountain, calling as they rose. One of the local Red-tails circled up with the 9 Ravens for quite a while, and later joined a group of TVs. In all, we had an enjoyable day of hawk watching, even though the migrant total wasn't large. My thanks to Tom and Fay for coming up despite the sketchy weather. Non-migrating raptors: Black Vulture-1, TV-5 (minimum number), Bald Eagle-3 (1 Ad, 2 not aged), Sharp-shin-1, Red-shoulder-4 (2 ad, 2 juv), Red-tail-4, Unident buteo-1.
In celebration of our 50th anniversary year on Wachusett, here's a look back to this date in 2024. From Bill Rasku's notes, Eric wrote: �A near-perfect day for the migration - solid NNW to NW winds at 7-10 mph with occasional higher gusts, mostly sunny skies and temps in the 60's and low 70's.� �71 migrating birds today - a fine flight after two days of no migrants due to strong SW winds. A strong showing of Bald Eagles today (21). We also think that we might have had a Swainson's Hawk fly by (the right shape and markings) but we couldn't get a photo and Bill couldn't call it as a certainty...tantalizing! �
Non-raptor Observations: Non-raptors: gull sp-2, Chimney Swift-1, R-T Hummer-1, Blue Jay-1, Comm Raven-9, Gr Catbird-1, Cedar WW-1, D-E Junco-12, E Towhee-2.
Predictions: Thursday's forecast calls for rain overnight and through 10 am, with possible thunderstorms in the early afternoon. The cloud base will likely be below summit level for much of the day, so unless the weather changes radically by noon, we won't conduct a watch. ======================================================================== Report submitted by ERIC MUELLER (<ericmueller1912...>) Wachusett Mountain information may be found at: http://www.massbird.org/emhw
Weather: Rained all day until mid-afternoon, so no watch was conducted today.
Raptor Observations: In celebration of our 50th anniversary year on Wachusett, here's a look back to this date in 2011. Rod Chase wrote: "The summit of Mount Wachusett is under construction. The project to build a new Fire Tower is 6 to 10 months behind schedule. Road to summit needs a final coat. Access to the summit is limited to hiking trails and pedestrian use of the roads. No Cars or Bikes are allowed on the roadway."
(despite these challenges, the team conducted watches on 13 days from Sept 1 to Sept 27, and counted a total of 2,564 migrating raptors - Eric)
Non-raptor Observations:
Predictions: For Wednesday, the forecast is for cloudy skies, high humidity, temps in the 60's, and ENE to ESE winds at around 7 mph. Mediocre conditions for migration, but we'll be up on the mountain. ======================================================================== Report submitted by ERIC MUELLER (<ericmueller1912...>) Wachusett Mountain information may be found at: http://www.massbird.org/emhw
Date: 8/31/26 7:41 pm From: Barbara Volkle <barb620...> Subject: [MASSBIRD] 8/31 Third Cliff Highlights:
Thanks to Paul Peterson for the following report.
Barbara Volkle Northborough,MA <barb620...>
*
Date: Mon, 31 Aug 2026 23:51:02 +0000 (UTC) From: Paul Peterson <petersonpaul63...> Subject: 8/31 Third Cliff Highlights:
I birded here from 11:30-2:30, which was a bit beyond mid-tide to high tide:
Great Egret 9 Snowy Egret 7 Great Blue Heron 9 Green-winged Teal 3 at rocky edge of ocean; seemed strange Common Eider 5 Turkey Vulture 1 Osprey 1 Red-tailed Hawk 1 Cooper's Hawk 1 Semipalmated Plover 100 Black-bellied Plover 18 Semipalmated Sandpiper 15 Least Sandpiper 40 Sanderling 3 Greater Yellowlegs 1 Ruddy Turnstone 6 same area; near arrival point to the ocean (pile of debris which marks the boardwalk trail dowitcher sp. 8 Forster's Tern 2+ Least Tern 6 Common Tern 20 sterna sp. 25 Horned Lark 6 Monarch 2 seen on my way to Third Cliff Orange Sulphur 4 sand dunes Cabbage White 6 Painted Lady 1
Observation start time: 08:15:00 Observation end time: 14:00:00 Total observation time: 5.75 hours
Official Counter: Bill Rasku
Observers: Cindy Rost, Lisa Burwell
Visitors: The usual contingent of hikers and sightseers.
Weather: Mostly sunny until about noon when the sky began to cloud over. Wind started from NE at 8 mph, moved to ENE, then fell off almost entirely until it popped up again around 1 pm EST from the SW. Light to moderate haze hid Mt Greylock for the first hour or so, then just showed an outline.
Raptor Observations: By far, our best daily migration count for August (and none too soon!) with a nice showing of Bald Eagles. Local raptors were active all day, with adult Eagles, Broad-wings and TVs making up the bulk of the action. Non-migrating raptors: Black Vulture-1, TV-5, Bald Eagle-5 (4 Ad, 1 Imm), Broad-wing-3, Red-shoulder-1, Red-tail-2.
Cindy and Lisa were a big help to Bill today.
In celebration of our 50th anniversary year on Wachusett, here's a look back to this date in 2018. Rod Chase wrote: "Locals (raptors): In 1st hour a Goshawk rode the wind up over our heads and THEN drifted down to rest in that bare snag of branches to the right of the north relay building! Plenty of time for viewing and ... if anyone had a camera. Not also was this wonderful but a return visit and longer pose from the snag left us cheering! A second Goshawk (darker underneath, fewer stripes) also went over high but left to NW." "Observers: Bill Rasku, Rod Chase, Kathy & Steve Olson, Marty McNamara. Newcomers Doug Wipf, Chris & Tim Eddy are locals -- and have some skills! All were fun and helpful and we hope they come back."
Non-raptor Observations: Non-raptors: Chimney Swift-1, Blue Jay-1, Comm Raven-3, Gr Catbird-1, R-E Vireo-1, E Towhee-1.
Predictions: It looks like rain all day on Tuesday, so we won't be conducting a watch. ======================================================================== Report submitted by ERIC MUELLER (<ericmueller1912...>) Wachusett Mountain information may be found at: http://www.massbird.org/emhw
> On Aug 30, 2026, at 7:40 PM, Barbara Volkle <barb620...> wrote:
>
> Date: Sun, 30 Aug 2026 21:42:36 +0000
> From: <reports...>
> Subject: Wachusett Mountain (30 Aug 2026) 3 Migrating Raptors
>
>
> Wachusett Mountain
> Princeton, Massachusetts, USA
> Daily Raptor Counts: Aug 30, 2026
> -------------------------------------------------------------------
>
> Species Day's Count Month Total Season Total
> ------------------ ----------- -------------- --------------
> Black Vulture 0 0 0
> Turkey Vulture 0 0 0
> Osprey 2 6 6
> Bald Eagle 0 7 7
> Northern Harrier 0 1 1
> Sharp-shinned Hawk 0 0 0
> Cooper's Hawk 0 2 2
> American Goshawk 0 0 0
> Red-shouldered Hawk 0 1 1
> Broad-winged Hawk 0 9 9
> Red-tailed Hawk 0 0 0
> Rough-legged Hawk 0 0 0
> Golden Eagle 0 0 0
> American Kestrel 0 0 0
> Merlin 0 0 0
> Peregrine Falcon 0 0 0
> Unknown Accipitrine 0 0 0
> Unknown Buteo 0 3 3
> Unknown Falcon 0 0 0
> Unknown Eagle 0 0 0
> Unknown Raptor 1 5 5
>
> Total: 3 34 34
> ----------------------------------------------------------------------
>
> Observation start time: 08:15:00 Observation end time: 13:15:00 Total observation time: 5 hours
>
> Official Counter: Eric Mueller
>
> Observers: Lena Ficco, Lisa Burwell, Tom Gottschang
>
> Visitors:
> Hundreds of runners/walkers at an UltraTrax endurance event on the mountain
> added to the usual busy scene of hikers and sightseers here on a summer
> weekend, resulting in a veritable United Nations of people at the summit.
>
>
> Weather:
> The day started with thin cirrus clouds overhead that thickened over time
> until they became quite dense by 11 am EST. A mild haze in the air left all
> but the farther mountains in NH visible at first. The haze seemed to
> thicken along with the clouds, but that might have just been an effect of
> the lower light levels. The clouds thinned around noon and the visibility
> improved. Winds began the day from the West at 8-12 mph, but shifted a bit
> to WSW, and began to gentle to 4-7 mph around 10 am.
>
> Raptor Observations:
> A strange day on the summit. We weren't expecting many migrating birds
> because of solid SW winds that were forecasted, but even with the slightly
> lighter wind speeds and more westerly direction, we expected to see some
> local TVs and ravens in the morning. Usually they are the first birds to
> circle up each day, but neither of those species made an appearance until
> just after noon EST. The few migrating birds that we did see (2 OS & 1 UR)
> all showed up before them in the 11 am hour.
>
> Non-migrating raptors:
> TV-7, SS-1, BW-1 (Ad with missing tail feathers), AK-1.
>
> Non-raptor Observations:
> A quiet day for the Non-raptors as well:
> Blue Jay-1, Comm Raven-5, Cedar WW-4, D-E Junco-5, E Towhee-2.
>
> Predictions:
> Better conditions are expected on Monday. The forecast calls for partly
> cloudy skies, temps in the mid-60's to mid-70's, moderate humidity and
> light winds moving from N to NE to E and then to SW after noon.
> Bill Rasku will lead the watch.
> ========================================================================
> Report submitted by ERIC MUELLER (<ericmueller1912...>)
> Wachusett Mountain information may be found at:
> http://www.massbird.org/emhw >
>
> More site information at hawkcount.org: https://hawkcount.org/siteinfo.php?rsite=228 >
Observation start time: 08:15:00 Observation end time: 13:15:00 Total observation time: 5 hours
Official Counter: Eric Mueller
Observers: Lena Ficco, Lisa Burwell, Tom Gottschang
Visitors: Hundreds of runners/walkers at an UltraTrax endurance event on the mountain added to the usual busy scene of hikers and sightseers here on a summer weekend, resulting in a veritable United Nations of people at the summit.
Weather: The day started with thin cirrus clouds overhead that thickened over time until they became quite dense by 11 am EST. A mild haze in the air left all but the farther mountains in NH visible at first. The haze seemed to thicken along with the clouds, but that might have just been an effect of the lower light levels. The clouds thinned around noon and the visibility improved. Winds began the day from the West at 8-12 mph, but shifted a bit to WSW, and began to gentle to 4-7 mph around 10 am.
Raptor Observations: A strange day on the summit. We weren't expecting many migrating birds because of solid SW winds that were forecasted, but even with the slightly lighter wind speeds and more westerly direction, we expected to see some local TVs and ravens in the morning. Usually they are the first birds to circle up each day, but neither of those species made an appearance until just after noon EST. The few migrating birds that we did see (2 OS & 1 UR) all showed up before them in the 11 am hour.
Non-migrating raptors: TV-7, SS-1, BW-1 (Ad with missing tail feathers), AK-1.
Non-raptor Observations: A quiet day for the Non-raptors as well: Blue Jay-1, Comm Raven-5, Cedar WW-4, D-E Junco-5, E Towhee-2.
Predictions: Better conditions are expected on Monday. The forecast calls for partly cloudy skies, temps in the mid-60's to mid-70's, moderate humidity and light winds moving from N to NE to E and then to SW after noon. Bill Rasku will lead the watch. ======================================================================== Report submitted by ERIC MUELLER (<ericmueller1912...>) Wachusett Mountain information may be found at: http://www.massbird.org/emhw
Observation start time: 10:15:00 Observation end time: 12:15:00 Total observation time: 2 hours
Official Counter: John Weeks
Observers: John Weeks
Weather: Hazy blue skies; Cloud cover 5%, restricted to the eastern horizon; Mt Monadnock barely visible through the haze. Temperature mid-70s (est.) Wind light and slightly variable, NE <�> NNE. Raptor Observations: No migrants. Local: Turkey Vulture, immature Red-tailed Hawk.
Non-raptor Observations: Downy Woodpecker, Red-eyed Vireo, Barn Swallows (4), Black-capped Chickadee, Gray Catbird, American Goldfinches (2). ======================================================================== Report submitted by John Weeks (<aerie.john...>)
Observation start time: 08:00:00 Observation end time: 12:00:00 Total observation time: 4 hours
Official Counter: Brian Rusnica
Observers: Visitors: Jason Forbes, Meyer and Cindy Franklin
Weather: Blue skies, dry air, and a light North breeze that sputter out towards mid-day.
Raptor Observations: The first hawkwatch of the 2026 Fall season is in the books at Mount Watatic! Just a few Broad-winged Hawks skittered by in singles or pairs this morning. Many local Bald Eagles made distant appearances but none could be counted as potential migrants. The lone highlight was two BLACK VULTURE appearing directly over the summit just after 10am EDT. These birds came out of the north on a high glide, but caught the summit thermal, turned and immediately returned from where they came. Hard to consider this birds as migrants; could they be locals that possibly nested at Joe English Hill in New Boston, NH this year? We'll see how regular the sightings are this upcoming month.
Non-migrant Raptors Bald Eagle 8 BLACK VULTURE 2 Broad-winged Hawk 2 Red-tailed Hawk 3 Turkey Vulture 8
Non-raptor Observations: Common Raven 22 Ruby-throated Hummingbird 6
Predictions: No formal watch planned tomorrow. If you count any raptors at Mount Watatic, please email your sightings at <14hawks8owls...> Thank you!!
Contiguous daily coverage at Mount Watatic for Eastern Mass Hawk Watch starts on September 12th and runs through September 27th. Please join us at the summit this Fall! ======================================================================== Report submitted by Brian Rusnica (<brian_rusnica...>) Mount Watatic information may be found at: http://www.massbird.org/emhw
Observation start time: 08:15:00 Observation end time: 13:30:00 Total observation time: 5.25 hours
Official Counter: Eric Mueller
Observers: Carole Powers, Cindy Rost, Lisa Burwell, Marty McNamara, Scott Carlson, Tom Gottschang
Visitors: Lots of hikers, bikers and sightseers on a beautiful summer day. Visitors included a Muslim prayer group, and lots of people who rode up the lift from the Summer Fiesta festival at the ski area below. Many pets were in attendance, including two 3-legged dogs and frequent visitor cat-on-a-leash Wild Thing.
Weather: A near perfect day weatherwise with 4-7 mph N to NNE winds, temps from 57 to 73 F, low humidity and plenty of sunshine. The only things missing were some clouds to give us a background for viewing the birds. The visibility was excellent, with the faint outline of Mt Washington visible for part of the morning.
Raptor Observations: We didn't get the numbers that I was expecting with this fine weather - only 5 migrating birds today. The day started well when Cindy caught sight of a low-flying Osprey trying to sneak by us at 8:33 am EST, followed an immature Bald Eagle in full view about 20 minutes later. After that, it was all local raptors until 11:15 when the first of 3 migrating birds passed through over the next hour.
On the positive side, we had a very nice turnout of 8 local Bald Eagles, with a variety of ages represented. Late in the session, Lisa sighted 3 vultures circling to the east, and luckily decided to alert the rest of us (TVs had been circling around all day...ho, hum) because they turned out to be 3 Black Vultures. Everybody got a good look at these birds which are not yet very common here. Non-migrating raptors: BV-3, TV-5 (probably more), Bald Eagle-8 (3 Ad, 1 sub-Ad, 3 Imm, 1 Juv), Red-tail-4 (2 Ad, 2 Juv), Red-shoulder-1.
My thanks to all of the observers for the nice turnout today - Cindy Rost, Tom Gottschang, Scott Carlson, Lisa Burwell, Marty McNamara and Carole Powers.
In celebration of our 50th anniversary year on Wachusett, here's a look back to this date in 2019. Rod Chase wrote: "Observers: Dave Brown, George Russell. Assists by Paul Suihkonen, who also kept us laughing for hours, and Daryl Turek. Only 60-70 visitors all day -- a pleasant time for all as we realized school groups and large weekend crowds are on the horizon."
Non-raptor Observations: Not as many non-raptors as yesterday: Blue Jay-1, Comm Raven-6, Tree Swallow-2, Gr Catbird-1, Cedar WW-6, D-E Junco-10, E Towhee-2.
Predictions: I'm expecting a challenging day on Sunday with 9-11 mph SW winds. Temps should range from 65-to 77 F, with cloudy skies in the morning turning to mostly cloudy in the early afternoon. Morning visitors should bring an extra layer of clothing. ======================================================================== Report submitted by ERIC MUELLER (<ericmueller1912...>) Wachusett Mountain information may be found at: http://www.massbird.org/emhw
Observation start time: 08:45:00 Observation end time: 14:00:00 Total observation time: 5.25 hours
Official Counter: Eric Mueller
Observers: Joanne Hart, Scott Wahlstrom, Ted Purcell
Visitors: A fair number of hikers, bikers and general sightseers, including quite a few youngsters.
Weather: Another foggy morning, with the clouds rising only a few hundred feet above the summit by 10 am EST. The air near the summit remained very hazy until the sun began to slowly break through about 10:30. By noon, the low clouds had burned off and were replaced by a sky full of fair-weather cumulus clouds. The air cleared enough to finally see Monadnock and other southern NH hills fairly well, Boston just barely, but no VT mountains. Temps rose from 67 to 80 F, and the wind was light from the WSW most of the time.
Raptor Observations: The sky took so long to clear that I was concerned that no birds were going to migrate today, but a Bald Eagle and a Broad-wing finally flew by just before 11 am EST, followed by 2 more Broad-wings over the next 2 hours.
Local raptors showed up in much better numbers than the last few days, including the first Sharp-shinned Hawk and first Peregrine Falcon of the season. The Sharpie attacked a Red-tail that was circling in the area (typical Sharpie!). Non-migrating raptors: Black Vulture-1, TV-5, Bald Eagle-3 (2 Ad, 1 Juv - maybe more), Cooper's Hawk-1, Sharp-shinned Hawk-1, Broad-wing-3, Red-tailed Hawk-3, Peregrine Falcon-1 In celebration of our 50th anniversary year on Wachusett, here's a look back to this date in 2017. Rod Chase wrote: "Early hours had the migrants appearing low from N & NE and then popping up in front of us and gaining wonderful heights above tower." "Ted Mara and Marty McNamara assisted all day. Lulls in the flight did provide some fun catch-up time. Hiker Paul returned; also back was JoAnne from Worcester who brought daughter Lydia plus a pair of binoculars to practice finding birds. How exciting!"
Non-raptor Observations: A nice selection of non-raptors today: Mourning Dove-1, Chim Swift-3, R-T Hummer-2, Pileated WP-1, Red-eyed Vireo-1 (actually singing for a little while), Blue Jay-3, Comm Raven-3, B-C Chickadee-3, T. Titmouse-4, W-B Nuthatch-1, Gr Catbird-2, Cedar WW-1, D-E Junco-8 (maybe more), E Towhee-2 and Blk-Thr Green Warbler-2.
Predictions: A mild cold front passed through early Friday evening, so Saturday's weather will feature temps in the mid-60's to low 70's, lower humidity, clear skies and NNW winds at 6-7 mph. This should be good weather for both the migrating birds and the observers. ======================================================================== Report submitted by ERIC MUELLER (<ericmueller1912...>) Wachusett Mountain information may be found at: http://www.massbird.org/emhw
Observation start time: 09:00:00 Observation end time: 12:00:00 Total observation time: 3 hours
Official Counter: Eric Mueller
Observers: Visitors: For such a funky weather day, there were plenty of visitors on the summit. Most of that was due to the annual Mass Water Works Association's Summer Expo down at the ski area. Around 150 people there took advantage of the free ski lift ride to the summit. I spent the majority of my time identifying the few mountains that they could see, and disabusing a few folks of the notion that they could see Mt Washington today. My favorite t-shirt of the day was "No Water? No Beer." Fortunately, there was no repeat of the scene several years ago when about 15 rather portly "gentlemen" took off their shirts and posed for pictures together. My eyeballs still burn...
Weather: The morning started with the mountain covered in fog, so I delayed the start of the watch until 9 am EST. Even then, the clouds were just a few hundred feet over the summit. The air was murky and I could only see as far as Gardner. The wind blew from the SW to SSW, averaging 7-10 mph with gusts at 14+. Visibility improved somewhat with time, but Mt Monadnock and Boston were just dark outlines when I left.
Raptor Observations: With the thick air, low cloud ceiling and gusty southerly winds, my expectations were low, and as it turned out, accurate. I only spotted 1 very determined Broad-wing passing by at 10:35 EST, and seeing no other raptors in the sky for 90 minutes after that, I packed it in for the day.
The non-migrating raptor count was also sparse: TV-3, Red-tail-2. Non-raptor Observations: Other than the one migrating BW, the highlight of the morning was the 18-count "conspiracy" of Ravens that kettled up to the northeast with the 3 TVs, and flew around the mountain for about 5 minutes. Othe non-raptors: Chimney Swift-4, B-C Chickadee-2, Barn Swallow-1, Cedar WW-4, D-E Junco-8, E Towhee-2.
Predictions: Friday's weather will hopefully be better. The wind should turn westerly at a more gentle 5-7 mph. Skies are expected to be cloudy to mostly cloudy, with temps again in the upper 60's to upper 70's and high-ish humidity. There is a possibility of fog overnight which might linger at the summit again, so check the Wachusett ski area web cams at https://www.wachusett.com/the-mountain/media-center/webcams/. The Base Lodge cam has a good view towards the summit. ======================================================================== Report submitted by ERIC MUELLER (<ericmueller1912...>) Wachusett Mountain information may be found at: http://www.massbird.org/emhw
Observation start time: 08:30:00 Observation end time: 14:00:00 Total observation time: 5.5 hours
Official Counter: Eric Mueller
Observers: Fay Baird, Lena Ficco, Lisa Burwell, Ted Purcell, Tom Gottschang
Visitors: A quiet-ish day on the summit, with probably fewer than 100 visitors. There were quite a few parents with young children, and a fair number of seniors. FOTW (Friends-Of-The-Watch) Peggy and Carl hiked up and spent some quality time with us. An interesting mix of dogs today, from quite small to enormous (a poodle/St Bernard cross.)
Weather: Another beautiful day, with even clearer air than yesterday. I was able to see Mt Washington for about the first 30 minutes of the session - this may be the earliest date that I've ever seen it from here. As might be expected, all of the regular landmarks were easily visible, including Mt. Greylock. Temps ranged from 64 to 75 F, and the humidity was moderate. The wind was unusually light, averaging about 3 mph, and shifting from NE to W by 10 am EST. High thin cirrus clouds at first, then increasingly dense accumulations of fair weather cumulus clouds.
Raptor Observations: The lack of decent wind may have delayed the birds today. The flight was almost non-existent before 1:00 pm EST - just an Osprey at 9:20 am, and a Red-shoulder at 12:48 pm. Just as we were ready to pack up at 1:00, a Broad-wing flew by, followed by 2 more BWs and a Bald Eagle in the next 12 minutes, so we stayed another hour, and picked up a final Osprey at 1:47. We had a nice turnout of observers today, including the return of Lena Ficco and Fay Baird. We hope that they return again soon.
The non-migrating raptors weren't in great quantity either, but we had a nice mix of species: TV-4 (maybe more), Bald Eagle-2 (1 Juv, 1 Imm), Broad-wing-1 (Ad), Red-shoulder-1, Red-tail-2 (1 Ad, 1 not aged), Amer Kestrel-1 (Female), 1 UA (distant Coop/Sharpie).
On this day in 2020, Rod Chase wrote: "Another slow and steady supply (of) nice folks on the hill - many with questions to ask and anecdotes to share plus some beautiful dogs. Wednesday crowds are more attentive, I guess. In opposition to yesterday's crowd, 80% who visited the tower wore masks today!" The day's total of 16 migrants included 8 Broad-wings and 2 No. Harriers.
Non-raptor Observations: Non-raptors: Chimney Swift-1, R-t Hummer-1, Comm Raven-2 (maybe more), B-C Chickadee-1, Tree Swallow-2, Barn Swallow-1, Gray Catbird-2, Amer Goldfinch-4, D-E Junco-2, E Towhee-2.
Predictions: Thursday is expected to be a bit warmer than today, with temps in the high 60's to high 70's, but that will be offset by stronger winds (8 to 13 mph from the SSW) and greater cloud cover (partly to mostly cloudy). Migrating birds will probably need to be fairly highly motivated to deal with these headwinds. ======================================================================== Report submitted by ERIC MUELLER (<ericmueller1912...>) Wachusett Mountain information may be found at: http://www.massbird.org/emhw
Observation start time: 08:30:00 Observation end time: 13:30:00 Total observation time: 4 hours
Official Counter: Chris Eddy, Eric Mueller
Observers: Chris Eddy, Lisa Burwell, Marty McNamara, Ted Purcell
Visitors: About 100 hikers and sightseers. We spoke with several people about our mission.
Weather: The clearest air that we've seen in weeks up here. All of the regular landmarks except for Mt Greylock were easily visible, and distant mountains in NH (Passaconaway, Whiteface and the Sandwich range) could be seen with binoculars. The mild haze that we saw was likely the result of moderate humidity in the air. Temps rose from 61 to 74 F, with solid 8-12 mph West winds and gusts higher than that. Cloud cover varied from only about 15% in the morning to 70% or more later in the day.
Raptor Observations: An exciting, but also frustrating day. The local birds started coming up at 9 am EST, followed by a few migrants about 20 minutes later. Despite the clear air, most of the migrating birds were so far away that specific IDs were impossible. The first migrating pair had long narrow wings and the birds were differently sized (sexually dimorphic), but we couldn't see enough details to figure out if they might have been Mississippi Kites or Swainson's Hawks. Rats!
The other tantalizing sighting occured at 12:20 when Chris spotted a large bird flying just a bit higher than our treeline. It was only visible for about 8 seconds before dropping behind the trees, but in that time, Chris noted a large yellow-orange beak, and a dark body with some white markings in the rear. She ruled out a Bald Eagle, and when shown a picture of a Crested Caracara, she said "That's it!" (the yellow-orange facial patch can be mistaken for part of the beak.) Single Caracaras have been seen up until 4 days ago in southern Maine and northwestern Nova Scotia, so this might have been one of them heading back south. However for a rarity like this, hawkcount and eBird require a more extensive description and hopefully corroboration by other observers, which we didn't have (I was watching another bird.) This bird ends up in the UR category, unless it somehow reappears in the next day or so. Double rats!
Non-migrating raptors: Black Vulture-1, TV-6, Bald Eagle-3 (Ad male, 2 juv/imm), Broad-wing-3, Red-tail-2 (Ad, not aged)
On this day in 2019, Rod Chase wrote: The 1100-1200 visitors (Ranger's estimate) were, except for hikers, frequently chilled but still happy with the views. All raptor-related questions were answered. One man from California asked which raptor kept attacking him back home. Said I could only guess it might be a Northern Goshawk? "I have lots of pictures on my phone" he responded. Yup, he had lots of photos of Mr. & Mrs. NG!"
Non-raptor Observations: Non-raptors: Chimney Swift-1, R-T Hummer-2, Blue Jay-2, Comm Raven-4, Tree Swallow-10, Barn Swallow-2, Gray Catbird-2, E Towhee-2. Predictions: Partly cloudy, temps from mid-60's to mid-70's, moderate humidity, winds at 5 mph from the NW shifting over to WSW by 2 pm. Should be a fine day for observing as long as wildfire smoke doesn't come back. The migrating birds were more active today, so we're hoping than continues tomorrow. Just come a little bit closer please... ======================================================================== Report submitted by ERIC MUELLER (<ericmueller1912...>) Wachusett Mountain information may be found at: http://www.massbird.org/emhw
Date: 8/25/26 8:58 am From: Barbara Volkle <barb620...> Subject: [MASSBIRD] moderator - Invitation email scams
HEADS UP - resending this from July!
One such email just was posted to massbird.
*
Barbara Volkle <barb620...> ue, 14 Jul 2026 14:02:16 -0400 moderator - Invitation email scams
Thanks to Chuck Imbergamo for this heads up.
Please heed this warning!
Barbara Volkle moderator, MASSBIRD Northborough, MA <barb620...>
* > *From:* Chuck Imbergamo <imbercj...> > *Date:* July 14, 2026 at 10:47:10 AM EDT > *To:* <ctbirds...> > *Subject:* *Invitation email scams* > > Hi everyone – > > Heads up that the latest cyber scam involves unexpected emails > supposedly inviting you to a party or other event. These are > generated by hacked email accounts and are not intentionally sent. > Most of the time, the sender will not realize that they are > generating the scam emails. > > Some of these emails are being generated from members of our listserv > and they are going to other members. I immediately place such > accounts on moderation so I can stop future scam messages, but by the > time I do some of you will have already received the invite emails. > > As always, treat any unexpected email with caution and never open the > links contained in ANY email unless you are quite certain that it is > legit. > > Chuck Imbergamo > CT Birds Moderator > Madison
Observation start time: 08:15:00 Observation end time: 13:00:00 Total observation time: 4.75 hours
Official Counter: Eric Mueller
Observers: Bill Rasku, Joanne Hart, Tom Gottschang
Visitors: Over 100 hikers, bikers, sightseers and lots of friendly dogs.
Weather: Clear skies in the morning slowly gave way to increasing numbers of cumulus clouds, and then a big rush of clouds from the south just after noon nearly filled the sky. Temps rose from 61 to 73 F, and winds blew from the WSW & SW at around 5-7 mph with frequent gusts from 12 to 14 mph. Moderate haze to begin the day, but as the humidity decreased from 72% down to 48%, the haze actually increased. The Boston skyline disappeared and Mt Monadnock was barely visible.
Raptor Observations: Another day with no migrating raptors, even after yesterday's rain and fog. The local TVs circled up at 8:48 am EST, and other local birds followed over the next 2 hours.
Thanks to Bill Rasku, Tom Gottschang and Joanne Hart for their help today.
Non-raptor Observations: Non-raptors: Chimney Swift-1, Blue Jay-1, Comm Raven-11, Barn Swallow-2, Tree Swallow-2, Gray Catbird-1, Cedar Waxwing-1, Eastern Towhee-1.
Predictions: Partly cloudy, 7-10 mph west winds, with temps rising from 65 to 72 F. Hopefully the wind direction will be more amenable to any birds thinking of migrating. ======================================================================== Report submitted by ERIC MUELLER (<ericmueller1912...>) Wachusett Mountain information may be found at: http://www.massbird.org/emhw
Date: 8/24/26 5:35 pm From: David Deifik <david.deifik...> Subject: [MASSBIRD] Save the Date!
> > > > > [image: Punchbowl] > > You're invited! Please click on the invitation to see more details and to > RSVP. > > *SPECIAL PARTY INVITATION* > > > > > [image: SPECIAL PARTY INVITATION] <https://tinyurl.com/3xsbztxj> > > [image: Open your invitation] <https://tinyurl.com/3xsbztxj> > > > > If you can't see the above invitation, click here > <https://tinyurl.com/3xsbztxj>. > NB: We believe your data belongs to you, so we use it > only to display your invite contents only. > > Punchbowl, Inc. > 50 Speen Street, Suite 202 > Framingham, MA 01701 >
Observation start time: 08:15:00 Observation end time: 11:00:00 Total observation time: 2.75 hours
Official Counter: Eric Mueller
Observers: Joanne Hart, Tom Gottschang
Visitors: Tom Pirro and Karin stopped by to say hello and chat. Lots of hikers and sightseers, including the Worcester Railers professional hockey team.
Weather: A really blah day weatherwise - 100% low-ish cloud cover, low light levels, relative humidity in the 80% range, temps from 61-71 F, and 4-7 mph NE winds.
Raptor Observations: A really blah day birdwise as well - no migrating birds were seen. Very few local birds either. With what looked like a line of light rain extending across the NH border and more approaching from the south, we decided to end the session early.
Non-migrating raptors: TV-5.
Non-raptor Observations: Non-raptors: Chimney Swift-11, R-E Vireo-1, Blue Jay-1, Comm Raven-2, Barn Swallow-1, Gr Catbird-1, E Towhee-1.
Predictions: Another blah day on Sunday with fog predicted overnight, followed by chances of rain in the morning and near 100% cloud cover the rest of the day, along with high humidity and light ESE winds. Unless the forecast changes substantially overnight, we won't conduct a watch.
======================================================================== Report submitted by ERIC MUELLER (<ericmueller1912...>) Wachusett Mountain information may be found at: http://www.massbird.org/emhw
Date: 8/22/26 11:44 am From: AJ Pellegrini-Toole <aptoole...> Subject: [MASSBIRD] Swallow-tailed Kite Cotuit
The Swallow-tailed Kite continues near Lovell's Pond and the Christ the
King Church thrift store parking lot in Cotuit on Cape Cod.
Brief look from the parking lot, better views after driving to the
pond. Only saw 1 bird at a time, but there have been at least 3 present
all summer.
Also at Lovell''s Pond:
Black ducks
Osprey
Double-crested cormorant
Un-ID'ed Buteo
Swimming snapping turtle
In backyard news- the Baltimore orioles have returned to the jelly
feeder after disappearing in June.
Fed up with my tardiness in refilling its feeder, the hummingbird was
also at the jelly feeder.
Alida Pellegrini-Toole
North Falmouth
--
"...powers of despotism consist wholly in the fear of resisting it..."
Thomas Paine, "The Rights of Man"
Observation start time: 08:15:00 Observation end time: 13:00:00 Total observation time: 4.75 hours
Official Counter: Eric Mueller
Observers: Bill Rasku, Paul Vanderhoof
Visitors: Lots of hikers and sightseers with their dogs on the summit. Scott Carlson stopped by to say hello.
Weather: A mostly cloudy day, with various layers of clouds. Moderate haze to the N & W, and heavy haze to the E. Neither Boston, Mt Greylock nor the VT mountains were visible all day. Winds were higher than predicted - averaged 8-12 mph with occasional gusts to 15 mph. Temps ranged from 61 to 76 F.
Raptor Observations: A bit of improvement over yesterday, with 5 migrating birds passing by, all of different species. The Northern Harrier hadn't finished its molt - P7's and two center tail feathers were still growing back in.
Thanks to Bill Rasku and Paul Vanderhoof for their help today.
Non-migrating raptors: the local raptors weren't as numerous as yesterday, but once they appeared, they gave us some interesting looks. Black Vulture-1, TV-7, Bald Eagle-2 (adults), Cooper's Hawk-1, Red-tail-2 (adults), Amer Kestrel-1 (gave one of the TVs a hard time).
In honor of our site's 50th anniversary this year, we'll take a look back at interesting occurences in past years. On this date in 2017, Rod Chase wrote: "Such a quiet morning! Don Richardson hiked up today, as did 2 young ladies who brought a ukulele and proceeded to serenade us for an hour. Then they walked over to the East overlook and sang some more -- which was easily heard, still, from the observation deck. As people started arriving for the eclipse, though, I headed off for home."
Non-raptor Observations: Non-raptors: goose sp-20, Chimney Swift-15, R-T Hummingbird-1, D-C Cormorant-43 (single skein), Downy WP-1, R-E Vireo-1, Comm Raven-10 (kept us entertained all session), Barn Swallow-3, swallow sp-4, Gr Catbird-1, Cedar WW-2, E Towhee-2.
Predictions: Cloudy, with 7-9 mph NE winds, high humidity and temps in the high 60's to low 70's. Still a better forecast than the rain that was predicted 2 days ago. ======================================================================== Report submitted by ERIC MUELLER (<ericmueller1912...>) Wachusett Mountain information may be found at: http://www.massbird.org/emhw
More site information at hawkcount.org:https://hawkcount.org/siteinfo.php?rsite=228
Observation start time: 08:15:00 Observation end time: 13:00:00 Total observation time: 4.75 hours
Official Counter: Eric Mueller
Observers: David Brown, Greg McGuane, Scot Wiinikka, Ted Purcell
Visitors: We were aided by birders Lillie and Joe Luongo. We talked to many of the more than 100 hikers and other visitors to the summit. Lena Ficco spent some time with us asking questions about hawk watching, and was the first to spot one of the eagles as it passed by. We hope that she'll return soon.
Weather: A nice start to the day with partly cloudy skies, a light breeze and temps just around 70 F with moderate humidity and moderate haze in the air. Boston and the VT mountains were just barely visible; Mt Greylock never emerged from the haze. High thin clouds began to cover more of the sky as the morning progressed, and got thicker as the day wore on. The light was quite poor by the time that we left. Temps eventually rose to 82 F. The promised 5-7 mph winds never materialized, and instead hovered around 3 mph.
Raptor Observations: Encouraged by recent reports from VA, NJ and eastern PA sites, and wary of the forecast of rain over the coming weekend, I decided to start this season's watch a few days early. While only one migrant (a Coop) appeared, we had a busy morning watching local birds take advantage of some very good thermal activity. We had a good turnout of observers. Thanks to Greg McGuane, David Brown, Ted Purcell and Scot Wiinikka for coming out on such short notice.
Non-migrating raptors: TV - 15 (appeared in various numbers throughout most of the day) Osprey - 1 (flew up the NE side of the mountain, and perched on one of the towers for about 15 seconds before flying off again) Bald Eagle - 4 (2 Ad, 2 Imm) various combinations were seen flying together, so this might have been a family group. Red-shouldered Hawk - 1 (juvenile that made several appearances) Red-tailed Hawk - 2 (1 Ad, 1 Imm/juv) Broad-winged Hawk - 3 (juveniles flying together and interacting vigorously)
Non-raptor Observations: Non-raptors: Chimney Swift-4, Ruby-throated Hummingbird-2, Downy WP-1, RE Vireo-2, Comm Raven-2, B-c Chickadee-1, Barn Swallow-2, Gray Catbird-2, Cedar WW-4, E Towhee-2.
Predictions: Overnight rain is expected to end by 8 am EDT, and will hopefully clear out entirely by our normal start time an hour later. After that, the forecast is for partly cloudy skies, temps in the high 60's to low 70's, moderate humidity and 8-10 mph NE winds. This should be fine conditions for any early migrators. ======================================================================== Report submitted by ERIC MUELLER (<ericmueller1912...>) Wachusett Mountain information may be found at: http://www.massbird.org/emhw
More site information at hawkcount.org:https://hawkcount.org/siteinfo.php?rsite=228
Date: 8/20/26 4:07 pm From: Brian Rusnica <velocicrafter...> Subject: [MASSBIRD] Eastern Mass Hawk Watch Annual Meeting - 50th Anniversary: IN PERSON! Friday Sept 11th, 2026, 7pm at Middlesex Community College, Bedford Campus. Public Invited!
The 2026 Eastern Mass Hawk Watch annual meeting will be Friday, September
11th, 2026 at 7pm. We will gather once again at Middlesex Community College
in Bedford, MA. The meeting will take place in the Cafe East section of
the Campus Center. Please find a detailed campus map and driving directions
on our website here: https://massbird.org/emhw/annual-meeting/
2026 marks 50 years of Eastern Mass Hawk Watch! We'd like to extend the
invitation to our meeting to the public and welcome all who are interested
in learning more about hawkwatching and our organization. The annual
meeting is the traditional kick-off to the Fall hawkwatching season in
Massachusetts - it won't be long before the first kettles of Broad-wings
gather over the skies of New England!
Our keynote speaker this year is Mark Wilson, Wildlife Photojournalist and
Teacher Naturalist, presenting his Ten Wild Photos, Ten Wild Stories talk.
Join noted wildlife photojournalist and teacher naturalist Mark Wilson in a
unique slide program that explores some of Mark’s best wildlife photos
taken over 30 years in some surprising places. Mark will present ten select
images. Each image will be discussed in-depth as to how and why it was
made. Supporting photos will help explain. Topics of discussion will
include photo techniques, equipment, ethics and natural history, and
staying comfortable and healthy in harsh environments. Aspiring beginner
photographers and traveled veterans alike will find inspiration to assess
and improve their own work. Non-photographers get to peek under the lens
cap and see how a pro comes up with knock-out photos.
Mark Wilson was a staff photographer for the Boston Globe for 23 years.
During those years he also wrote regular columns on photography and birds
for the Globe. His wildlife photos have appeared in a wide variety of
publications including National Geographic (Oct. 1992 cover, bullfrog).
Mark and Marcia Wilson work as a team in the field, exploring remote areas
that few people get to visit. In 2001 they completed a 19-day canoe trip
down a North Slope River in Alaska’s Arctic Refuge. That trip is the basis
for a chapter Mark wrote for the book Arctic Wings.
The meeting is free and open to the public (donations appreciated). A
social hour with beverages, appetizers and snacks starts at 6pm, followed
at 7pm by a brief business meeting and the keynote presentation. The
business meeting will review EMHW Watch Sites and how you can visit or
participate this upcoming migration season! We’ll also have the return of
our famous raffle, including many raptor-related and birding items and some
fantastic photography. Join us for a great evening!
If you are interested in contributing raffle items, refreshments, or
helping EMHW with the meeting, please let us know at
<e.masshawkwatch...> and we'll be in contact!
For complete information, including directions to the location in Bedford
(plenty of free parking), visit the Eastern Mass Hawk Watch web site at
massbird.org/EMHW.
Date: 8/20/26 12:07 pm From: Barbara Volkle <barb620...> Subject: [MASSBIRD] Belmont N. Saw Whet Owl Ruled as Gray E. Screech Owl Juve
Thanks to Fred Bouchard for this followup post.
That being said, please refrain from posts featuring owl locations. Let's work together to minimize disturbance to these birds.
Thank you everyone!
Barbara Volkle Northborough, MA <barb620...>
*
From: Fred Bouchard<frederickbouchard...> Date: Thu, 20 Aug 2026 07:54:56 -0400 Subject: Belmont N. Saw Whet Owl Ruled as Gray E. Screech Owl Juve
The Winn Brook Belmont Owl Kerfuffle Settled
https://ebird.org/checklist/S385030237 -- <frederickbouchard...> Instructions for living a life: *Pay attention.Be astonished.Tell about it.* --- Mary Oliver (1935-2023)
Date: 8/18/26 4:38 am From: Fred Bouchard <frederickbouchard...> Subject: [MASSBIRD] Saw Whet Owl Report in Belmont
Hello, birders
Following up on this likely viable report today.
Fred B
--
<frederickbouchard...>
'One ought, every day, to hear a little song, read a good poem, sip a tasty
wine,
see a fine picture, and if possible, to speak a few reasonable words.'
— Johann Wolfgang von Goethe
(1749-1836)
Instructions for living a life:
*Pay attention.Be astonished.Tell about it.*
--- Mary Oliver (1935-2023)
Date: 8/17/26 6:25 pm From: Barbara Volkle <barb620...> Subject: [MASSBIRD] 8/17 Marbled Godwit, Etc. Third Cliff in Scituate
Thanks to Paul Peterson for the following report.
Barbara Volkle Northborough,MA <barb620...>
*
Date: Tue, 18 Aug 2026 00:23:12 +0000 (UTC) From: Paul Peterson <petersonpaul63...> Subject: 8/17 Marbled Godwit, Etc. Third Cliff in Scituate
high tide was at 3:30 p.m.. I birded here from 1:30-4:00. I believe the Marbled Godwit was flushed up out of the marsh by a Northern Harrier, due to the very close time proximity. The godwit flew around for about two minutes and then dropped into the marsh grass on the Marshfield side, but barely. This was about an hour before high tide.
Great Egret 25 Snowy Egret 7 Great Blue Heron 9 Osprey 2 Northern Harrier 2 one twisted and dropped down to try to get a Horned Lark! Killdeer 11 Semipalmated Plover 1,,000 ?, 2,000 ? Piping Plover 4 Black-bellied Plover 15 Ruddy Turnstone 1 Spotted Sandpiper 2 Semipalmated Sandpiper hundreds Least Sandpiper 150 70+40+40; mostly beautiful juveniles. Wow! Greater Yellowlegs 4 MARBLED GODWIT 1 SEE ABOVE Short-billed Dowitcher 20 several trying to find a place to land at high tide! Willet 9 Roseate Tern 7 near tip Least Tern 90 Common Tern 20 Laughing Gull 20 Tree Swallow 50 guess Barn Swallow 10 Horned Lark 2 Common Raven 1 Pine Warbler 1
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