Date: 4/23/18 8:07 am From: Madeleine Linck <madeleine.linck...> Subject: [MASSBIRD] Purple Martins return to Stony Brook nature center in Norfolk Mass
At least 4 adult males and one female at the colony yesterday April 22.
It was a beautiful morning with bright sun and clear skies just after sunrise this morning. Made a short trip from home for looks at nesting Ravens, Peregrine Falcons, and ended up with a close encounter with a male Northern Harrier, as well as a Cooper's Hawk.
The Harrier came into view as I was facing north. It proceeded in a gentle glide, west to east, and came to a stop in the grass 40 feet in front of me. Somehow, it had located a dead starling on the ground and wasted no time ripping it to shreds.
Just a bit later, around the corner, on the pavement, in an area that had earlier caught the attention of the peregrine, discovered a Cooper's Hawk, sitting silently and not moving, with a Mourning Dove in its tight grip.
For those with an interest, 4 photos posted, and more details on Ebird:
Today's Brookline Bird Club trip to Wompatuck met at 7:00 (I got there early to cover woodpecker pond) and there was minimal migration. A probable nest was found for Barred Owl with two birds active. Exact location with not be disclosed, so please do not request. A "western" Palm Warbler was probably the rarest bird found. Swept the corvids again; this makes the 3rd or 4th time. The Golden-crowned Kinglet migration continues; this might be the best I have witnessed in 15/20 years. Perhaps some will remain to nest in proper habitat. Waterthrush at Picture Pond and the bird at Aaron Brook behind the dam seems to not have been present so my prediction might be correct (hard to prove negative).
Today's South Shore Bird Club also met here and comparing notes they did not have anything different; at least before they went to Picture Pond.
Glenn
Glenn d'Entremont: <gdentremont1...> Stoughton, MA
> On April 22, 2018 at 7:56 PM <ebird-checklist...> wrote: > > > Wompatuck SP, Plymouth, Massachusetts, US > Apr 22, 2018 5:45 AM - 10:45 AM > Protocol: Traveling > 7.0 mile(s) > Comments: BBC trip, Eddie G leader, 5 participants (briefly 6) > 43 species (+1 other taxa) > > Canada Goose 2 > Wood Duck 2 > Mallard (Northern) 3 > Wild Turkey 3 > Double-crested Cormorant 2 > Cooper's Hawk 1 ad > Broad-winged Hawk 1 > Mourning Dove 3 > Barred Owl (Northern) 2 pair found by Bob T which appear to be tending/building a nest (exact spot withheld) in crook of tree seemed like three trunks rising leaving a large flat hollow about 20/30 feet up. lots of sticks in place could the nest be started by something else and taken over? Will try to follow up later, might be tough to relocate when trees leave out. > Red-bellied Woodpecker 3 > Downy Woodpecker (Eastern) 10 > Hairy Woodpecker (Eastern) 5 > Northern Flicker (Yellow-shafted) 3 > Pileated Woodpecker 2 > Eastern Phoebe 11 > Blue Jay 9 > American Crow 3 > Fish Crow 1 > Common Raven 1 > Tree Swallow 3 > Black-capped Chickadee 27 > Tufted Titmouse 14 > White-breasted Nuthatch (Eastern) 6 > Brown Creeper 3 > Winter Wren 2 > Golden-crowned Kinglet 7 > Ruby-crowned Kinglet 11 > Hermit Thrush 4 > American Robin 8 > Louisiana Waterthrush 1 > Palm Warbler (Western) 1 yellow undertail coverts contrasting strongly with off whitish belly and lower chest. Yellow on upper chest not as strong as vent, very different from all the other Palms seen during day. Others noted difference as well > Palm Warbler (Yellow) 16 > Pine Warbler 25 > Yellow-rumped Warbler (Myrtle) 3 > Chipping Sparrow 10 > Dark-eyed Junco (Slate-colored) 2 > Song Sparrow 6 > Eastern Towhee 2 > Northern Cardinal 8 > Red-winged Blackbird (Red-winged) 8 > Brown-headed Cowbird 5 > Common Grackle 5 > House Finch 2 > American Goldfinch 14 > > View this checklist online at https://ebird.org/view/checklist/S44845506 > > This report was generated automatically by eBird v3 (http://ebird.org)
Date: 4/22/18 2:16 pm From: <blafley...> Subject: [MASSBIRD] Hawks on move - New Salem
Hello,
While out by the sugarhouse just had 5 Broad-wings and a Red-shouldered Hawk go by heading north. Bit of a high sky (no clouds) today but looks like it could be a good day for hawk movement.
Date: 4/22/18 1:36 pm From: David Williams <dave.williams6...> Subject: [MASSBIRD] BBC North Shore Ramble walk
Fourteen people joined the Ramble on this beautiful morning. Lots of birds were seen, highlights included: Pine, Palm, & Yellow-rumped warblers, Blue-headed vireo, Winter wren, Louisiana waterthrush, Barred owls, Broad-winged hawks, Greater white-fronted goose, Wilson's snipe, Pectoral sandpiper, and Virginia rail. Some folks got on a Yellow-throated vireo and a Blue-gray gnatcatcher. Stops were made at Crooked Pond, Scotland Rd., Cherry Hill Reservoir, Pikes Bridge Road, and we walked the closed Ash St. Complete eBird lists below. Dave Williams Reading, MA
Date: 4/22/18 11:35 am From: Inverno Academy <invernoacademy...> Subject: [MASSBIRD] Lark Sparrow at BPG
Lark Sparrow at BPG on the island was originally found by Dexter H this morning. We saw it at 10am and then it was seen apparently again around 12.30pm by M. Mulqueen.
Date: 4/22/18 9:56 am From: Pamela Sowizral <psowizral...> Subject: [MASSBIRD] Today at Drumlin Farm
We've had a female kestrel at Drumlin Farm for the past week. It has been perched on top of the kestrel box but no male has yet been seen. Fingers crossed. A merlin flew by. Good numbers of savannah sparrows and a nice towhee rounded out the morning.
Pam Sowizral
Mass Audubon's Drumlin Farm
Lincoln
Wild Turkey 2
Red-tailed Hawk 1
Killdeer 5
Mourning Dove 3
Red-bellied Woodpecker 1
Northern Flicker 4
American Kestrel 1
Merlin 1
Eastern Phoebe 1
Blue Jay 4
American Crow 1
Tree Swallow 8
Black-capped Chickadee 9
Tufted Titmouse 1
Ruby-crowned Kinglet 3
Eastern Bluebird 9
American Robin 28
European Starling 5
Palm Warbler 3
Yellow-rumped Warbler 1
Chipping Sparrow 5
White-throated Sparrow 9
Savannah Sparrow 11
Song Sparrow 11
Eastern Towhee 1
Northern Cardinal 8
Red-winged Blackbird 3
Brown-headed Cowbird 1
Common Grackle 1
House Finch 2
American Goldfinch 6
House Sparrow 12
Date: 4/22/18 7:50 am From: Cliff Cook <ccook13...> Subject: [MASSBIRD] CORRECTION: No LA Waterthrush at Wards Pond
Apologies for mangling my previous message. To clarify, as of 9AM the Louisiana Waterthrush had NOT been relocated at Wards or Willow Ponds in Brookline.
Date: 4/22/18 7:29 am From: David Kembel <kembledus...> Subject: [MASSBIRD] Durham nh wheatear
Northern wheatear. Not in Mass. But at oyster tiver forest in durham nh. Follow main trail until it comes to field. Look in branches on ground on right side of trail. Not MA but its a nice day for a drive to durham.
David <kembelKembledus...>
Date: 4/22/18 6:09 am From: Cliff Cook <ccook13...> Subject: [MASSBIRD] Wards Pond no LA Waterthrush
The Louisiana Waterthrush seen yesterday around Wards and Willow Ponds in Brookline has. It been seen this AM. A Winter Wren and Sapsucker have been in the area.
Observation start time: 08:30:00 Observation end time: 18:00:00 Total observation time: 9.5 hours
Official Counter: Ted Mara
Observers: Craig Jackson, Maryellen Stone, Paul Roberts, Ted Mara
Visitors: VISITORS:Andrea Cannizzo, Bonnie Gunn, Casey Loder, Dave Moon, Dennis Kelley, Donna LaRocque, Jeanne's Paine, Julie Roberts, Linda Cunningham, and Mardi Chalmers
OTHER OBSERVERS: Bob Secatore, Bob Stone,Christine Morabito, Dave Goodine, Dave Lipsy, Donna Blasko, Kathryn Chihowski, Jack Miano, John Cannizzo, Judd Nathan, Tom Graham, Tom Wetmore, and Ursula Goodine
Raptor Observations: Non migrating raptors: TV 11, OS 4, BE 3, NH 1, RT 3. Sex breakdown of migrants: NH 5m/8f, AK: 30m/m27&4imm females, ML 13m/8f. Two PG were very high flyovers
Non-raptor Observations: D.C. Cormorants 15, at high levels in ones and twos. No. Gannet 1, Raven 1, many Tree Swallows, Rough-winged 1, Barn Swallow 5
Predictions: Favorable winds, question will be if they are strong enough. Weak wind might cause sea breeze knocking inland the coastal migrants ======================================================================== Report submitted by Ted Mara (<tedmara...>) Plum Island MA information may be found at: http://www.massbird.org/emhw
Date: 4/21/18 7:02 pm From: Cloutier <cloutier...> Subject: [MASSBIRD] Kestrels at Hunt field in Orange
A pair of Kestrels were checking out the nest box between the solar arrays at Hunt Farm off Rt 202 in Orange, MA. One was on the power lines to the solar field and one we on the top of the pole by the road. I hope they stay. 4/21/18 Sue Cloutier New Salem, MA
Date: 4/21/18 6:44 pm From: Sebastian Jones <sebastianojones...> Subject: [MASSBIRD] Spring Migration, McLaughlin Woods, Boston
Hi Massbirders, With warbler season fast approaching, I wanted to do a quick plug for one of the better migrant traps in the Boston area: McLaughlin Woods <https://ebird.org/hotspot/L897808>, which is located up at the top of Mission Hill.
Last spring, I tried to bird the spot daily, if only for a few minutes some days, and it was an incredibly rewarding experience. Over the course of the season, I was able to see 26 warbler species and dozens of other neotropical migrants (flycatchers, thrushes, vireos, tanagers, etc.), including some nice rarities <https://ebird.org/view/checklist/S36939767> and surprises <https://ebird.org/view/checklist/S36992071>. It's an easy spot to get to by car or the T and can be birded fairly comprehensively in a short amount of time.
Ibis flock with one White-faced made a brief stop at Scotland Road mid-afternoon.
David Larson Bradford, MA Sent from my iPhone
> On Apr 21, 2018, at 2:17 PM, Liam Waters <youngeaglewaters...> wrote: > > We just had a White-faced Ibis in a flock of 80 Glossy in the back side of the 1A pans (Pikuls) viewed from old rowley rd. As we were leaving, the flock flew over the road heading west toward rt 1. > > We had looked earlier for them in Ipswich without luck. > Happy birding, > Liam Waters, > Sharon > Sent from my iPhone so please excuse any errors. > >
Encountered twice - first time sang three times from downstream of stone bridge near parking lot, second time chip note and flight from upstream of same stone bridge. May need patience - only encountered for 10 total seconds in the half hour. John O~@~YConnell Medfield Sent from my iPhone
Date: 4/21/18 1:55 pm From: Ian Nisbet <icnisbet...> Subject: [MASSBIRD] Willets - North Falmouth
Two Willets were in the Wild Harbor River this afternoon. Earlier in the day I had a fleeting glimpse of a flying flock of 20-30 shorebirds that I thought were Willets, but I was unable to track them down.
The female Osprey at the nest near my house started incubating on Thursday afternoon, April 19.
Date: 4/21/18 1:18 pm From: anhinga3 <anhinga3...> Subject: [MASSBIRD] BBC Birding Sketchcrawl -- eBird List Apr 21, 2018
Hi MassBirders, I led my BBC Birding Sketchcrawl at Ipswich River Wildlife Sanctuary this morning. Temps ranged from 38° to 51°, there was a light wind, and clear sky. Nice morning to be out.
3 Bufflehead 2 Great Blue Heron 1 Turkey Vulture 1 Killdeer 2 Red-bellied Woodpecker 3 Downy Woodpecker 2 Northern Flicker 1 Pileated Woodpecker 2 Eastern Phoebe 7 Blue Jay 4 American Crow 18 Tree Swallow 20 Black-capped Chickadee 9 Tufted Titmouse 3 White-breasted Nuthatch 14 Ruby-crowned Kinglet 1 Eastern Bluebird 13 American Robin 9 Palm Warbler 3 Pine Warbler 6 Chipping Sparrow 4 Dark-eyed Junco 4 Song Sparrow 3 Swamp Sparrow 7 Northern Cardinal 9 Red-winged Blackbird 5 Brown-headed Cowbird 10 Common Grackle 2 House Finch 24 American Goldfinch 7 House Sparrow
Number of Taxa: 31 Good Birding! Laura de la Flor Salem, MA
We just had a White-faced Ibis in a flock of 80 Glossy in the back side of the 1A pans (Pikuls) viewed from old rowley rd. As we were leaving, the flock flew over the road heading west toward rt 1.
We had looked earlier for them in Ipswich without luck. Happy birding, Liam Waters, Sharon Sent from my iPhone so please excuse any errors.
Date: 4/21/18 10:02 am From: Jason Huestis <jayhuestis...> Subject: [MASSBIRD] Scotland Road Wet Meadow, Newbury
At 12:45 pm there were three Pectoral Sandpipers on the Western edge of the water from the observation platform. Eurasian Wigeon continues and at least 10 Wilson's Snipe.
Raptor Observations: Non migranting raptors: 10 TV, OS 2, BE 1,RT 1, CH 1. Northern Hattiers are still coming through seasonally late and steady. This Spring has seen many adults compared to other years. Today was good for 6 males vs 4 females(1 immature)
Non-raptor Observations: Non raptor migrants included 20 Double Crested Cormorants, hundreds of blackbirds consisting of red wing, grackle, and Cow birds. 15 Cedar Waxwings, 40 Goldfinch
Predictions: Could be productive if the winds stays West and strong ======================================================================== Report submitted by Ted Mara (<tedmara...>) Plum Island MA information may be found at: http://www.massbird.org/emhw
Date: 4/21/18 5:20 am From: Robert Mussey <mussey.robert...> Subject: [MASSBIRD] predicting R-T-Hummingbird arrival
Over many years, I have noticed a reliable predictor of when ruby throated hummingbirds will first arrive -- when my giant solomon seal plants just begin to bloom. The actual date varies widely from year to year depending on the weather. They're now about 4" high, and will bloom at ~ 20" so I predict 10 days before their first arrival about May 1. They usually come here later than to other nearby areas as the Blue Hills trap cold air.
Our giant solomon seal forms a dense stand maybe 6' x 8' in size. The stems curve up, turn horizontal and then downward in an arc, with the white flowers lined up on the underside in a long curving row. The hummers disappear into this dense greenery to sip from the downward facing flowers. The only clue they're in there is the slight waving of the tops of some stems. It seems impossible they can fit between the densely spaced stems, but they do. Their preference for this plant early in the season is evidence the flowers must be full of nectar.
I can't wait for this annual ritual to begin. My feeders are out.
Date: 4/20/18 3:22 pm From: Linda Pivacek <lpivacek...> Subject: [MASSBIRD] Nahant - Bullock's Oriole and parking
Again, thanks to Vi Patek for the call this morning, recognizing that the bird visiting her feeder was "special" and by the time I arrived, had determined it was Bullocks Oriole.
Hopefully it will linger so regarding parking in "no parking" area: since it is not summer beach time there may not be a problem, and I have contacted authorities to ask for consideration. However, if you park in a space at Mass Audubon Thicket, please move on after seeing the bird, to allow others to park.
If anyone sees any Northern Right Whales close to shore at any Cape or Plymouth locations this weekend please report on here or email me: <ansch100...> <mailto:<ansch100...>.
Date: 4/20/18 1:43 pm From: Rick Bowes <rbowes...> Subject: [MASSBIRD] 4/20 Glossy Ibis (3) at Daniel Webster WS - present at 1:45pm
Three Ibis flew over me (maybe 150 ft up) when at the Bluefish River site in Duxbury and did not seem to be landing. When I could not relocate them in marshes north of Duxbury Beach, I followed a hunch and drove over to DWWS. No luck initially, but as I was about to leave, they appeared in the sky and dropped into the panne with the Canada Geese right where I hoped to find them!. All 3 were "regular" Glossy Ibis, i.e., no White-faced GI (though there is white on the face!). I was not far from them, so was able to get some shareable photos. If interested, please see ebird positing: https://ebird.org/view/checklist/S44755631
They appear to have arrived in migrating mode; however, they also seemed quite intent on feeding and weren't particularly rattled by occasional human visitors walking not far away.
I had very little time but did check the north observation shed and found a handsome male Blue-winged Teal at the far end of the pond (photo in ebird list).
Date: 4/20/18 8:59 am From: Linda Pivacek <lpivacek...> Subject: [MASSBIRD] adult male Bullock's Oriole, Nahant
this morning: reported by Vi Patek and visiting her feeder. Seen at the feeder and I watched it again from the MAS Thicket, from the boardwalk at the south end bordering Willow Rd. In red maple tree.
The feeder, on Willow Rd is also visible from the boardwalk in the Thicket.
parking is difficult in the area, although is not such a problem as in summer. there are 2 spots at the MAS Thicket. If you park and see the bird please move on to let others park. another option is car pooling from Nahant Beach parking lot at south end.
Date: 4/20/18 8:58 am From: Diana F. <diana.fru...> Subject: [MASSBIRD] Brooks Estate BBC/MBC walk- Apr 20, 2018
12 Birders joined me on this sunny cool morning. We had lots of great views of Palm Warblers and Ruby Crowned Kinglets and a very cooperative Cooper's Hawk perched in a tree. The biggest surprise was a Blue-headed Vireo.
I hope to schedule more Brooks estate walks in the next few weeks.
Thanks Diana Fruguglietti Woburn <diana.fru...>
Brooks Estate Apr 20, 2018 7:52 AM Traveling 1.62 miles 139 minutes All birds reported? Yes Comments:
2 Canada Goose 6 Mallard 1 Turkey Vulture 1 Cooper's Hawk 3 Red-tailed Hawk 3 Mourning Dove 1 Belted Kingfisher 1 Red-bellied Woodpecker 5 Downy Woodpecker 5 Northern Flicker 7 Eastern Phoebe 1 Blue-headed Vireo -- Mark has photo 8 Blue Jay 4 American Crow 9 Black-capped Chickadee 6 Tufted Titmouse 1 White-breasted Nuthatch 8 Ruby-crowned Kinglet 1 Hermit Thrush 8 American Robin 1 European Starling 8 Palm Warbler 1 Pine Warbler 1 Chipping Sparrow 1 Song Sparrow 4 Dark-eyed Junco 5 White-throated Sparrow 2 Swamp Sparrow 5 Northern Cardinal 1 Brown-headed Cowbird 4 Common Grackle 3 House Finch 8 American Goldfinch 2 House Sparrow
Our Aerial Insectivorous Birds: Current Conservation Issues
Saturday April 28, 2018 8:00 a.m.~@~S 4:30 p.m.
Harvard Forest, Petersham
$35 Students/Members*/ $45 Non-members
Lunch is included
The guild of northeastern avian insectivores~@~Tbirds that specialize in feeding on flying insects~@~Tincludes Whip-poor-wills, Common Nighthawks, Chimney Swifts, several species of swallows and flycatchers, and Purple Martins. Most of these species are experiencing dramatic population declines and range contraction. The magnitude of the declines over the past
25 years has been alarming. For that reason the plight of aerial insectivores
is gaining increased attention among biologists in New England.
This conference will address the ecology and current status of many of these species, particularly in New England; present theories regarding population decline; summarize recent research strategies and findings; and explore citizen science opportunities.
TOPICS & SPEAKERS
Drivers of Aerial Insectivore Declines
Kim Spiller, UMass ECO Graduate School
Threats and Coping Strategies of Neotropical Migrants on the Wintering Grounds: Examples from Southern Mexico
Jessie Knowlton, Wheaton College
The Whip-poor-will: Biology and Conservation of a Crepuscular Enigma
Pam Hunt, New Hampshire Audubon
Artificial Nest Patch Experiments, Monitoring Strategies, and Population Trends of Common Nighthawks in New Hampshire
Rebecca Suomala, New Hampshire Audubon
Mary~@~Ys Mashpee Martins
Mary Keleher, Cape Cod Bird Club
KEYNOTE: The Disappearance of an Almost-Invisible Bird: The Mysterious Biology and Decline of the Chimney Swift
Margaret Rubega, University of Connecticut & Connecticut State Ornithologist
Migratory Connectivity of the Eastern Whip-poor-will
Marja Bakermans, Worcester Polytechnic Institute, and Andrew Vitz, State Ornithologist, Massachusetts Division of Fisheries & Wildlife
Conservation of Cliff and Barn Swallows, Two Species in Decline in the Northeast
Mara Silver, Northeast Swallow Conservation
Life Thru a Lens: Observing Nesting Birds and Bird Activity Through Live Streaming Cams and Camera Traps
Date: 4/19/18 7:03 pm From: William Freedberg <4mrfish...> Subject: [MASSBIRD] Help with Eastern Meadowlark surveys
Birders,
The Massachusetts Audubon Society is seeking volunteers to help with Eastern Meadowlark monitoring. Eastern Meadowlarks are in serious decline in MA and nationwide, and it's critical that we learn more about their habits and habitat if we want to protect them.
Anyone interested in volunteering should visit our Anecdata webpage ( https://anecdata.org/projects/view/187/about ) and select from our list of predetermined survey sites. To view sites on a map, click "add an observation," then click "use a hotspot" in the upper left, and then select "map." There is a link to sign up for a site ( https://drive.google.com/file/d/1g_ZQ_Phf6Gc2cMgOB-ZMrv4zpxgk2wuD/view )mentioned in the project description, and volunteers should put their name down for sites to avoid doubling up and wasting effort.
Surveys involve visiting a site on three days between April 20 and June 15, for any ten-minute period between 5:30AM and 9:30AM (and visits should be seperated by a period of at least three days). Not all of our sites may have meadowlarks, and that's perfectly fine-- it is just as important to know where meadowlarrks are not (and figuring out why) as to know where they are.
MA has lost over 78% of its meadowlarks since the first breeding bird atlas in 1979. Please help us learn more about this species and how to reverse its decline!
Good birding,
Will Freedberg Belmont, MA wfreedberg at massaudubon. org
On April 18 the BBC held its first walk at Mt Auburn Cemetery with 22 exuberant participants and some nice birds. The Brown Creeper and pair of Towhees were highlights!
There will be walks every morning til the middle of May (and some additional ones the rest of the month) at Mt Auburn Cemetery . Please check your Blue Book or the website for start times since they vary.
Good Birding, Linda Ferraresso and Larry O'Bryan
Mt. Auburn Cemetery, Middlesex, Massachusetts, US Apr 18, 2018 6:30 AM - 8:30 AM Protocol: Traveling 2.5 mile(s) Comments: BBC walk - started at 36 degrees, sunny with no wind. Ended at 42 degrees with wind picking up. 33 species (+1 other taxa)
Canada Goose 7 Mallard 4 Wild Turkey 3 Double-crested Cormorant 7 fly overs Turkey Vulture 1 Red-tailed Hawk 1 gull sp. 2 Mourning Dove 5 Great Horned Owl 1 Red-bellied Woodpecker 2 Downy Woodpecker 3 Northern Flicker 5 Eastern Phoebe 3 Blue Jay 4 American Crow 1 Fish Crow 1 Common Raven 1 Black-capped Chickadee 2 Tufted Titmouse 1 White-breasted Nuthatch 2 Brown Creeper 1 Golden-crowned Kinglet 2 Ruby-crowned Kinglet 8 Hermit Thrush 4 American Robin 101 European Starling 6 Chipping Sparrow 6 Dark-eyed Junco 12 Eastern Towhee 2 pair Northern Cardinal 8 Red-winged Blackbird 6 Brown-headed Cowbird 10 Common Grackle 41 American Goldfinch 1
Date: 4/19/18 12:27 pm From: Neil Hayward <opororniswarbler...> Subject: [MASSBIRD] BBC Field Trip: Mt. Auburn Cemetery 4.19
Dear Massbirders,
Two weatherproof birders joined me for this morning's Brookline Bird Club
trip to Mt. Auburn Cemetery. Highlights were kinglets (both species) and
Hermit Thrushes. Lowlights were leaf blowers (which seem to wake up around
8am) and an annoying amount of sleet. eBird checklist below...
Good birding,
–Neil Hayward
Mt. Auburn Cemetery, Middlesex, Massachusetts, US
Apr 19, 2018 6:30 AM - 8:05 AM
Protocol: Traveling
1.0 mile(s)
Comments: BBC walk led by Neil Hayward
23 species (+1 other taxa)
Mallard 2
Wild Turkey 5
Double-crested Cormorant 1 Flying over the dell
gull sp. 1
Mourning Dove 2
Red-bellied Woodpecker 3
Downy Woodpecker 1
Northern Flicker 2
Eastern Phoebe 4 All silent, scattered throughout cemetery. None at
the bridge at Spectacle Lake. Has this nesting site been abandoned?
Blue Jay 4
Black-capped Chickadee 3
Golden-crowned Kinglet 2
Ruby-crowned Kinglet 5
Kinglet sp. 3
Hermit Thrush 2
American Robin 25
Chipping Sparrow 4
Dark-eyed Junco (Slate-colored) 15
White-throated Sparrow 5
Song Sparrow 2
Northern Cardinal 2
Red-winged Blackbird 1
Brown-headed Cowbird 6
Common Grackle 20
American Goldfinch 2
Jim Berry called the store at 12:40 to report that there are now 3 White-faced ibises in the field next to Wolf Hollow on Rt 133 in Ipswich. He also reported 64 Glossy ibises and 10 Snipe in the same area.
Barrett S Bacall
Steve Grinley Bird Watcher's Supply & Gift 194 Route 1 Route 1 Traffic Circle Newburyport, MA 01950 <Birdwsg...> 978-462-0775 www.birdwatcherssupplyandgift.com
Date: 4/19/18 10:19 am From: Kevin Ryan <kr1946...> Subject: [MASSBIRD] Pine warbler
Hello Didn't think I'd still be putting out suet in the middle of April but noticed a pine Warbler picking up seemed unDer the feeder so I grated up some suet and put it out and now have 2 satisfied pine Warblers. Kevin Ryan Easton
Dan Prima called the store at 9:45 to report the White-faced ibis is being seen next to Wolf Hollow on Rt 133 in Ipswich.
Barrett S Bacall
Steve Grinley Bird Watcher's Supply & Gift 194 Route 1 Route 1 Traffic Circle Newburyport, MA 01950 <Birdwsg...> 978-462-0775 www.birdwatcherssupplyandgift.com
Date: 4/19/18 8:14 am From: Alan & Ruth Bragg <alan.ruth.bragg...> Subject: [MASSBIRD] Great Meadows NWR--Concord Unit, Apr 19, 2018
Great Meadows NWR--Concord Unit, Middlesex, Massachusetts, US
Apr 19, 2018 6:31 AM - 9:23 AM
Protocol: Traveling
1.7 mile(s)
Comments: Weekly Survey by NWR Volunteers Janet, Joan, Kathy, Tom,
Will, Kevin and Alan
The dike is flooding at the Lower Impoundment Overflow.
37 species
Mute Swan 8
Wood Duck 16
Northern Shoveler 2
Mallard 3
American Black Duck 2
Green-winged Teal 2
Hooded Merganser 1
Common Merganser 1
Common Loon 1
Pied-billed Grebe 1
Great Blue Heron 4
Osprey 3
Virginia Rail 1
Mourning Dove 1
Red-bellied Woodpecker 1
Downy Woodpecker 1
Hairy Woodpecker 1
Northern Flicker 3
Eastern Phoebe 3
Blue Jay 2
Tree Swallow 50
Black-capped Chickadee 2
Tufted Titmouse 2
White-breasted Nuthatch 3
Marsh Wren 1
American Robin 14
European Starling 5
Palm Warbler 18
Pine Warbler 2
Yellow-rumped Warbler 15
White-throated Sparrow 1
Song Sparrow 12
Swamp Sparrow 8
Northern Cardinal 1
Red-winged Blackbird 36
Common Grackle 44
House Sparrow 4
Date: 4/19/18 8:14 am From: Denise Cabral <goshawk3...> Subject: [MASSBIRD] Towhee West Bridgewater
I have a gorgeous male Eastern Towhee hopping around under my feeder as I write. Maybe spring's here! Also a Red bellied Woodpecker calling from Sugar Maple.
Denise Cabral Walnut St, West Bridgewater goshawk3 at aol.com
Sent from AOL Mobile Mail Get the new AOL app: mail.mobile.aol.com
Observation start time: 06:00:00 Observation end time: 16:00:00 Total observation time: 12 hours
Official Counter: Ted Mara
Observers: Bob Secatore, Craig Jackson, Paul Roberts, Tom Graham
Visitors: Chris Zendeh, Diane Quellhait, Donna Blasko, Dave Williams, Doug Chickering,and Paul Quellhait.
OTHER OBSERVERS: Alan Bragg, Chris Godfrey, Dave Goodine, Dave Williams, Kathy Dia, Kevin Crisptell, Mark Schoene, Ted Mara, Tom Stoner, Ursula Goodine, Will Martens, and Soheil Zendeh
Raptor Observations: PG captured drake Mallard, kill lasted ten exhausting minutes. Clashed with OS while dining. An hour later PG crop full and left prey. Six TVs immediately came late for supper, soon driven off by adult BE. BE left with leftover caucus but soon chased by OS for neighborhood violation. A migrating ML passed with broken leg-a dangled. Also a ML passed with 3,4,5, primaries missing.
Non-raptor Observations: Steady west wind kept non raptors down. Strong numbers of Northern Flickers still continue. BLessed to have Great Meadows National Refuge survey team to assist us today.. Also celebrated Kathy D's 22nd birthday
Predictions: Rain ======================================================================== Report submitted by Ted Mara (<tedmara...>) Plum Island MA information may be found at: http://www.massbird.org/emhw
Date: 4/18/18 2:05 pm From: David Weaver <cygnus-dkw...> Subject: [MASSBIRD] Scotland Rd, Cherry Hill Res, & Plum Island - 04-18-2018
Today, David Moon and I led Wednesday Morning Birding out of Joppa Flats Education Center, first to Scotland Road, which was somewhat of a bust, and then to Cherry Hill Reservoir before backtracking to Plum Island for the balance of the morning. The sky was partly cloudy, temps were in the upper 40s into the low 50s, and the winds were NW/10-20 mph. The great show at Scotland Road appears to be over. All we had on the Common Pasture was one drake Mallard, four Green-winged Teal, a single Great Egret, and a Greater Yellowlegs.
Our list:
Cherry Hill Reservoir & environs -- GREATER WHITE-FRONTED GOOSE (1) - ad., grazing with Canada Geese in pasture across from reservoir. Canada Goose (~ 20) Wood Duck (1) - hen, Moulton Rd. Lesser Scaup (1) - drake. Bufflehead (~ 8) Common Merganser (6) Ruddy Duck (~ 20) Wild Turkey (1) Common Loon (1) Pied-billed Grebe (1) Double-crested Cormorant (2) Red-tailed Hawk (1) Killdeer (2) Wilson's Snipe (~ 12) Mourning Dove (2) Eastern Phoebe (1) - jct. Rt. 1 + Middle St. American Crow Tree Swallow (7) Northern Rough-winged Swallow (1) Black-capped Chickadee (1) - Highfield Rd. Eastern Bluebird (1) American Robin (7) European Starling Song Sparrow (2) Red-winged Blackbird Common Grackle American Goldfinch (2)
Plum Island -- Canada Goose - many. Mute Swan (3) - Bill Forward Pool. Gadwall (2) - pannes. American Black Duck - many. Mallard Northern Shoveler (18) - BFP (thanks, Dave Adrien!). White-winged Scoter (~ 12) - one ocean. Black Scoter (2) - one ocean. Red-breasted Merganser (2) - pannes. [Ring-necked Pheasant (1) - Parker River NWR HQ.] Wild Turkey (3) - roadside, n. North Pool Overlook. Great Blue Heron (1) - migrating over one dunes. Great Egret - common [+ ~ 30 in marsh w. PI Bridge]. Turkey Vulture (1) Osprey (3) - Pines platform 2 + one other at Hellcat. Northern Harrier (7) - migrating, various. Red-tailed Hawk (1) Greater Yellowlegs (1) - pannes. Purple Sandpipers (~ 15) - on #2 groin n. one platform (thanks, Dave Adrien!). Ring-billed Gull (1) - one beach. Herring Gull - many; one beach. Great Black-backed Gull - a few; one beach. Rock Pigeon Mourning Dove [Northern Flicker (5) - n. end PI Airport.] Northern Flicker (2) - BFP dike flyby. American Kestrel (3) - migrating; lot #1. American Crow Tree Swallow (2) European Starling Savannah Sparrow (5) - roadside, n. end S-curves. Song Sparrow (1) Red-winged Blackbird - many. American Goldfinch (1) - lot #1 fly over.
We will meet again next week back at Joppa Flats at 0930 for Wednesday Morning Birding. For more information about Joppa Flats programs, call David Moon or Dave Larson at 978-462-9998.
Date: 4/18/18 11:05 am From: Barbara Volkle <barb620...> Subject: [MASSBIRD] Louisiana Waterthrush at Ward's Pond, Boston
Thanks to Sebastian Jones for the following.
Barbara Volkle
Northborough, MA <barb620...>
*
Hi Massbirders, As of an hour ago, there was a Louisiana Waterthrush at Ward's Pond in Olmstead Park working the edges of the pond. Checklist has more location info: https://ebird.org/view/checklist/S44690878
Date: 4/18/18 8:51 am From: Phil Brown <nebirdsplus...> Subject: [MASSBIRD] White-faced Ibis - Shea Brothers - Rte 133 Essex / Ipswich line - 11am
Hopefully this flock sticks around long enough for Margo G. to get a few photos and for others to see them.
Shea Brothers - Rte 133 - US-MA-Essex-242 John Wise Ave - 42.6539x-70.8073, Essex, Massachusetts, US Apr 18, 2018 10:50 AM - 11:10 AM Protocol: Stationary Comments: a large flock of Ibis with at least one White-faced 9 species
Mallard 3 Double-crested Cormorant 1 Great Egret 2 Glossy Ibis 60 White-faced Ibis 1 the red legs helped find it in the foraging flock until it's head came up showing the red facial skin and white around the face - photos to follow from Margo G. if they stick around long enough Greater Yellowlegs 2 American Crow 4 Tufted Titmouse 2 House Sparrow 2
View this checklist online athttps://ebird.org/view/checklist/S44690634
Raptor Observations: Non migrating raptors: TV 12, OS 2, BE 2, NH 2, RT 0
Non-raptor Observations: GBH 6, Great Egrets 14, Raven 1
Predictions: Forecast favorable with light West winds ======================================================================== Report submitted by Ted Mara (<tedmara...>) Plum Island MA information may be found at: http://www.massbird.org/emhw
Date: 4/18/18 5:37 am From: DOUGLAS E CHICKERING <dovekie...> Subject: [MASSBIRD] Season's opener
Massbirders:
It was undeniably cold this morning as I started down Plum Island. The skies were cloudy and a punishing wind swept in from the west, gaining force across the open marshes. There was a strikingly beautiful Snowy Owl sitting on a set of staddles behind Grape Island. An observer could easily be forgiven for thinking these were the first days of March and not the middle of April. We are all concerned and we are all impatient. Yet even with the grip of winter still having an effect, for the first time this year I could feel the new season coming: not completely here, but not completely absent either.
We were still struggling to get to 50 degrees and everyone at the Hawk watch was muffled against the chill and trying to find a place out of the wind. Even through the wind a beautiful immature Peregrine Falcon, fast and low came skimming over the sand dunes and rushed, effortlessly by us, heading north.
The migrants have also started to arrive; a few scouts for the great cavalcade to come. In the Old Pines, Hellcat and along the road I saw a total of seven Hermit Thrushes that made me think of the distinct possibility of one of the early migrants. Maybe a Pine Warbler, Sapsucker, both brands of kinglet or Solitary Vireo. I didn~@~Yt get any of these but I did have one of those thrilling short encounters. Those delicious, surprising events that are highlights for a day in the field. I was at Hellcat, on the boardwalk and heading for the overlook we call ~@~\Tom Wetmore~@~Ys Bench~@~]. We call it that because right at the end of the trail, where you have a nice overlook of the North Pool and its marsh. There is a wooden bench with ~@~\Tom Wetmore~@~Ys Bench~@~] carved onto the back.
Suddenly I caught a bit of movement. Something had jumped out from under the boardwalk right in front of me. It didn~@~Yt stay a second but immediately hopped back under the boardwalk. There was shallow water and a great deal of underbrush. My judgement and experience quickly sorted through time of year, the way it flicked from under the boardwalk the way it flicked in and out, its coloration all added up to Winter Wren. It popped up again; long enough to make an ID and then hopped away into the dense tangle and then evaporated into a few sudden bits of movement making its way away from me. Winter Wren. Great find. I was doubly overjoyed to discover another one, emerging from under the boardwalk, and then was astounded when I encountered them again on my way back. This time they were together, more or less and one of them slowed down enough for me to get long looks. Long enough the see the tiny white patches along the edge of the folded wing; the rich bro! wn! of the wings and upper parts. Tail up, fidgety and interjected I managed to follow him around where I stood for at least two minutes. A long enough look to be able pause to wonder at this tiny ball energetic perfection. Ah Winter Wrens. There are small yellow blossoms on my forsythia, green buds on the Honeysuckle and a Winter Wrens. Spring?
After all the rain it was great to get outside and see birds today! Eastern Point General Area, Essex, Massachusetts 2.0 mile(s) Comments: Started by looking at Niles Pond, drove to the Lighthouse area, walked in the sanctuary up to Ramparts Road and the field, walked on main road and on trails 38 species
Gloucester, Essex, Massachusetts, US Apr 17, 2018 12:00 PM - 3:00 PM 2.0 mile(s) Comments: Good Harbor Beach and West Gloucester salt marshes and home 13 species
Great Egret (Ardea alba) 4 Snowy Egret (Egretta thula) 3 Turkey Vulture (Cathartes aura) 1 Cooper's Hawk (Accipiter cooperii) 1 Killdeer (Charadrius vociferus) 2 Laughing Gull (Leucophaeus atricilla) 1 American Kestrel (Falco sparverius) 1 Fish Crow (Corvus ossifragus) 2 American Robin (Turdus migratorius) 5 Northern Mockingbird (Mimus polyglottos) 2 Savannah Sparrow (Passerculus sandwichensis) 2 Northern Cardinal (Cardinalis cardinalis) 2 American Goldfinch (Spinus tristis) 2 Susan Hedman
-- Susan Hedman, Gloucester "I believe in God, only I spell it Nature." Frank Lloyd Wright
Date: 4/17/18 3:29 pm From: Josh <opihi...> Subject: [MASSBIRD] Western Mass roundup, plus an interesting urban mammal or two
Hi MassBirders,
I’m actually in eastern MA right now, and occupied with family activities, but jealously viewing bird reports from back out west via the FaceBook group and eBird alerts. A review of what’s happened over the long weekend on the west side of the Quabbin:
Lots of migrants arriving or passing through, including tons of Palm Warblers all over the place, smaller numbers of butter-butts, and reports from multiple locations of Pied-billed Grebe, Northern Shoveler, Blue-winged Teal, Osprey, Broad-winged Hawk, Wilson’s Snipe, Greater Yellowlegs, Great Egret, Louisiana Waterthrush, Hermit Thrush, Brown Thrasher, Eastern Meadowlark, Rusty Blackbird, Ruby-crowned Kinglet, Blue-headed Vireo, Barn and Rough-winged Swallow, Eastern Towhee, and Chipping, Field, Vesper, Swamp, and Savannah Sparrows.
Two different residents of northern Franklin County observed pairs of Evening Grosbeaks in their yards.
Thursday, Eric Huston spotted a remarkably early Eastern Kingbird in Deerfield, Jonathan Pierce had a Bank Swallow at Bartholomew’s Cobble, and Rene Wendell a Purple Martin from Ashley Falls.
Friday, Lynn Pelland reported an early Yellow Warbler near the power canal in Turners Falls.
Sunday, a big wave of Bonaparte’s Gulls passed through the west, as hinted here by Jason Forbes. Dorrie Holmes found a group of 32 on Congamond South Pond, which seemed impressive until Gael Hurley and others found an estimated 135 plus at least one Little Gull on Onotoa Lake! Kyron Hanson heard what sounded like Tundra Swans calling in flight over his home in Pittsfield. Larry Therrien had two Horned Grebes at Winsor Dam. And Lynn Boudreau noted a variety of species on Barton Cove including 6 Bonaparte's Gulls, 2 Red-necked Grebes, 2 Common Loons, and 3 Greater Scaup.
Monday Jonathan Pierce noted a Common Loon influx in the Berkshires, with 14 on Pontoosuc Lake and 6 more on Onota. Dorrie Holmes found 3 on Congamond along with 8 Bonaparte’s Gulls left over from the previous day’s fallout. Greg Ward had two Pectoral Sandpipers in Sheffield.
Today, Tom Collins tallied 14 Common Loons and a Horned Grebe on Onota, and Larry Therrien had two Lesser Scaup at Winsor Dam.
One noteworthy-seeming mammal report from eastern MA: a FaceBook friend sent me a photo on Friday of a Fisher, which he photographed at Hall’s Pond in Brookline! I know that the Fisher population in the state has rebounded over the past few decades, but I still have never seen one, and this location seems remarkably urban for the species…. I relayed the sighting to a few folks who seem to regularly bird that area, and a couple of them looked for the critter over the past day or two, but could not relocate it.
I had what might have been another remarkably urban mammal sighting, though sadly I couldn’t get a photo. I was with my family at the Museum of Science on Sunday; my son and I were relaxing on a bench by the window facing the Charles River, when a small rodent scuttled by. I was struck by the critter’s peculiar shape, hunched posture, and outrageously long tail. Ordinarily I’d have called this one species or the other of jumping mouse, but in Cambridge? Running along a sidewalk by the Charles River? And it didn’t actually jump during the several seconds that I watched it…. Seems maybe even less likely than a Fisher in Brookline.
Date: 4/17/18 1:44 pm From: Barbara Volkle <barb620...> Subject: [MASSBIRD] Eastern Meadowlarks and Gannets
Thanks to David Moon for the following post.
Barbara Volkle Northborough, MA <barb620...>
*
From: David Moon <dmoon...>
To: "<massbird...>" <massbird...> Subject: Eastern Meadowlarks and Gannets Date: Tue, 17 Apr 2018 18:34:35 +0000
Two Eastern Meadowlarks were heard singing, and then seen, at the Headquarters of the Parker River National Wildlife Refuge at around 1:30 pm. Nine Northern Gannets were observed off the northern end of Plum Island. One came very close to the beach at the Newbury town parking lot. Yellowlegs were abundant on the marsh this morning as well. Plenty of birds moving!
Cheers, David
David Moon Sanctuary Director Joppa Flats Education Center Mass Audubon 1 Plum Island Turnpike Newburyport, MA 01950 978-462-9998 www.massaudubon.org/joppaflats<http://www.massaudubon.org/joppaflats>
You can't be suspicious of a tree, or accuse a bird or a squirrel of subver= sion or challenge the ideology of a violet. - Hal Borland
Mass Audubon: Protecting the Nature of Massachusetts. Please consider inves= ting in the work of Joppa Flats by becoming a member<https://secure2.convio= .net/mas/site/Donation2;jsessionid=3D00000000.app274b?df_id=3D4645&4645.don= ation=3Dform1&NONCE_TOKEN=3D87DF451D09EB33BEFB7998B242B18605>. Thank you!
Date: 4/17/18 1:43 pm From: Kevin Ryan <kr1946...> Subject: [MASSBIRD] Raven
Hello all My Raven pair in Easton has made it through hopefully our last snowstorm and has three young ( possibly 4 ) in nest. This is there 3rd consecutive year, one young successfully fledged first year and 3 last year. The nest is on one of the busiest streets in Easton. Kevin Ryan Easton
Date: 4/17/18 9:34 am From: Barbara Volkle <barb620...> Subject: [MASSBIRD] Gardening with Native Plants: Why & How
Thanks to Diana Fruguglietti for the following.
Barbara Volkle Northborough, MA <barb620...>
*
From: "Diana F." <diana.fru...> Subject: Gardening with Native Plants: Why & How
*Passing on information on this talk....* *There will also be a plant sale on May 19th in Waltham at UMass. More information can be found on the Grow Native website (* http://www.grownativemass.org/).
*Thanks* *-Diana Fruguglietti* *Woburn*
* Gardening with Native Plants: Why & How* In this inspiring presentation, our Founder Claudia Thompson will explain why native plants are vital to the ecological health of all lands, using her garden in Cambridge, MA as a case study. She will outline the principles for designing gardens that are beautiful, biodiverse, and full of habitat for birds, butterflies, and other wildlife. Claudia will also connect you to many more recommended resources for learning about native plants, and for sourcing them at nurseries.
*Reading Public Library, *co-sponsored by the Reading Garden Club Thursday, April 26 | 7:00-8:30 pm | 64 Middlesex Ave
This talk is free and open to the public. *Please join us!*
Date: 4/17/18 5:22 am From: <mresch8702...> Subject: [MASSBIRD] Spring Migrants in the Sleet, Pepperell, 4/16
With an inch of sleet covering the ground in an impermeable layer of ice, I had to feel sorry for the early spring migrants in and around my Pepperell yard on the 16th. It all started at dawn - 31 degrees and sleeting - when I spotted a Robin and 2 Phoebes foraging together around the yard most unsuccessfully. Later I had 2 Bluebirds, a Hermit Thrush, and my first Palm Warbler of the year in one tree together looking most unhappy. Interesting groups of birds foraging together - in these difficult conditions do the different species work together to look for food?
Then there was the Chipping Sparrow that searched around the edges of the driveway looking in vain for clear ground. Wonder if it was any better for the newly arrived Pine Warblers, and the Sapsucker that arrived on the 16th, that forage up in the trees instead of near the ground.
But this morning it's a balmy 37 degrees with some clear ground in places - so it's practically spring-like. Can spring be far away? Wait a second, Spring arrived nearly a month ago, or so they say.
Mike Resch www.statebirding.blogspot.com Pepperell, MA
Date: 4/16/18 3:26 pm From: Rick Nok <rsheil.nok...> Subject: Re: [MASSBIRD] Migratory Bird Treaty Act changes
I for one, maybe the only one in this forum, agree with Mr. Gibson. I find
the Heritage Foundation article to be cogent, logical, and rational. I
don’t see how we can criminalize legally permissible activities that
inadvertently result in bird kills. The piece also points out the hypocrisy
in the selective enforcement between favored activities like wind turbines
and solar farms, and non-favored activities (anything oil for instance). I
also find it relevant and rational to point out that cats kill billions
more birds than all corporations combined, yet there is no enforcement or
similar concern there despite the fact that it is an infinitely bigger
problem to the issue of bird mortality. Finally, the exaggerated doomsday
predictions I’m hearing here, like so many before it, always inevitably
fail.
Richard Heil
S. Peabody, MA
On Sun, Apr 15, 2018 at 5:58 PM David Gibson <20cabot...> wrote:
Again, I urge that all of you continue to research this topic, seek the insight provided by environmental and conservation organizations for their insight on the impacts of the MBTA since its inception, and on the impacts of this policy change by the current administration.
The key issues on this subject have been posted, so I ask that we end this thread at this time.
Date: 4/16/18 2:52 pm From: Mimi Bix-Hylan <mimibixh...> Subject: Re: [MASSBIRD] question the source--Heritage Foundation (right-wing organization)
Thank you for your post, Tim. I appreciate it.
Mimi Bix-Hylan
On Mon, Apr 16, 2018 at 5:38 PM, Tim Spahr <tspahr44...> wrote: > Hi Rick, massbirders: > > I am merely quoting from their web site. Mr. Gibson suggested this was not > a partisan message; I disagreed and quoted the web site which indicates this > is a partisan organization that sells their findings. > > What gave you the impression I don't support the values listed here? > > Best, > > Tim > > > > On Mon, Apr 16, 2018 at 5:33 PM, Rick Nok <rsheil.nok...> wrote: >> >> Tim, >> >> Which of those enumerated principles of the Heritage Foundation, which you >> cite and characterize as right wing and partisan do you oppose; free >> enterprise, limited government, individual freedom, traditional American >> values, or a strong national defense? >> >> Richard S. Heil >> Peabody, MA >> >> On Mon, Apr 16, 2018 at 5:22 PM Tim Spahr <tspahr44...> wrote: >>> >>> Hi all, I cannot believe I am weighing in, but I'll try to keep it brief >>> and to the point. >>> >>> The article presented by Mr Gibson is not a journalistic piece. It is an >>> article from a partisan organization. This group--by definition--is >>> partisan and supports republican (aka right-wing) ideology. In *their own >>> words from their own website*: >>> >>> The mission of The Heritage Foundation is to formulate and promote >>> conservative public policies based on the principles of free enterprise, >>> limited government, individual freedom, traditional American values, and a >>> strong national defense. >>> >>> In this case I find it hard to argue with the characterization of the >>> source as anything but right-wing. >>> >>> Best, >>> >>> Tim Spahr >>> >>> >>> >>> >> -- >> Richard Heil > >
Date: 4/16/18 2:50 pm From: Rick Nok <rsheil.nok...> Subject: Re: [MASSBIRD] question the source--Heritage Foundation (right-wing organization)
Tim,
You cited those very principles as evidence of their right wing ideology.
“This group--by definition--is partisan and supports republican (aka
right-wing) ideology. In *their own words from their own website*:”
Richard Heil
Peabody, MA
On Mon, Apr 16, 2018 at 5:38 PM Tim Spahr <tspahr44...> wrote:
> Hi Rick, massbirders:
>
> I am merely quoting from their web site. Mr. Gibson suggested this was
> not a partisan message; I disagreed and quoted the web site which indicates
> this is a partisan organization that sells their findings.
>
> What gave you the impression I don't support the values listed here?
>
> Best,
>
> Tim
>
>
>
> On Mon, Apr 16, 2018 at 5:33 PM, Rick Nok <rsheil.nok...> wrote:
>
>> Tim,
>>
>> Which of those enumerated principles of the Heritage Foundation, which
>> you cite and characterize as right wing and partisan do you oppose; free
>> enterprise, limited government, individual freedom, traditional American
>> values, or a strong national defense?
>>
>> Richard S. Heil
>> Peabody, MA
>>
>> On Mon, Apr 16, 2018 at 5:22 PM Tim Spahr <tspahr44...> wrote:
>>
>>> Hi all, I cannot believe I am weighing in, but I'll try to keep it brief
>>> and to the point.
>>>
>>> The article presented by Mr Gibson is not a journalistic piece. It is
>>> an article from a partisan organization. This group--by definition--is
>>> partisan and supports republican (aka right-wing) ideology. In *their own
>>> words from their own website*:
>>>
>>> The mission of The Heritage Foundation is to formulate and promote
>>> conservative public policies based on the principles of free enterprise,
>>> limited government, individual freedom, traditional American values, and a
>>> strong national defense.
>>>
>>> In this case I find it hard to argue with the characterization of the
>>> source as anything but right-wing.
>>>
>>> Best,
>>>
>>> Tim Spahr
>>>
>>>
>>>
>>>
>>> --
>> Richard Heil
>>
>
> --
Richard Heil
Date: 4/16/18 2:43 pm From: Tim Spahr <tspahr44...> Subject: Re: [MASSBIRD] question the source--Heritage Foundation (right-wing organization)
Hi Rick, massbirders:
I am merely quoting from their web site. Mr. Gibson suggested this was not a partisan message; I disagreed and quoted the web site which indicates this is a partisan organization that sells their findings.
What gave you the impression I don't support the values listed here?
Best,
Tim
On Mon, Apr 16, 2018 at 5:33 PM, Rick Nok <rsheil.nok...> wrote:
> Tim, > > Which of those enumerated principles of the Heritage Foundation, which you > cite and characterize as right wing and partisan do you oppose; free > enterprise, limited government, individual freedom, traditional American > values, or a strong national defense? > > Richard S. Heil > Peabody, MA > > On Mon, Apr 16, 2018 at 5:22 PM Tim Spahr <tspahr44...> wrote: > >> Hi all, I cannot believe I am weighing in, but I'll try to keep it brief >> and to the point. >> >> The article presented by Mr Gibson is not a journalistic piece. It is an >> article from a partisan organization. This group--by definition--is >> partisan and supports republican (aka right-wing) ideology. In *their own >> words from their own website*: >> >> The mission of The Heritage Foundation is to formulate and promote >> conservative public policies based on the principles of free enterprise, >> limited government, individual freedom, traditional American values, and a >> strong national defense. >> >> In this case I find it hard to argue with the characterization of the >> source as anything but right-wing. >> >> Best, >> >> Tim Spahr >> >> >> >> >> -- > Richard Heil >
Date: 4/16/18 2:39 pm From: Rick Nok <rsheil.nok...> Subject: Re: [MASSBIRD] question the source--Heritage Foundation (right-wing organization)
Tim,
Which of those enumerated principles of the Heritage Foundation, which you cite and characterize as right wing and partisan do you oppose; free enterprise, limited government, individual freedom, traditional American values, or a strong national defense?
Richard S. Heil Peabody, MA
On Mon, Apr 16, 2018 at 5:22 PM Tim Spahr <tspahr44...> wrote:
> Hi all, I cannot believe I am weighing in, but I'll try to keep it brief > and to the point. > > The article presented by Mr Gibson is not a journalistic piece. It is an > article from a partisan organization. This group--by definition--is > partisan and supports republican (aka right-wing) ideology. In *their own > words from their own website*: > > The mission of The Heritage Foundation is to formulate and promote > conservative public policies based on the principles of free enterprise, > limited government, individual freedom, traditional American values, and a > strong national defense. > > In this case I find it hard to argue with the characterization of the > source as anything but right-wing. > > Best, > > Tim Spahr > > > > > -- Richard Heil
Date: 4/16/18 2:23 pm From: Tim Spahr <tspahr44...> Subject: [MASSBIRD] question the source--Heritage Foundation (right-wing organization)
Hi all, I cannot believe I am weighing in, but I'll try to keep it brief and to the point.
The article presented by Mr Gibson is not a journalistic piece. It is an article from a partisan organization. This group--by definition--is partisan and supports republican (aka right-wing) ideology. In *their own words from their own website*:
The mission of The Heritage Foundation is to formulate and promote conservative public policies based on the principles of free enterprise, limited government, individual freedom, traditional American values, and a strong national defense.
In this case I find it hard to argue with the characterization of the source as anything but right-wing.
David,
I don’t have a ton of time for a complete refutation, though I would like
to tip my hat to your email. Implying that you are the cool, logical
intellectual while your opponent is a hysterical reactionary - even
helpfully providing instructions to them on how to respond to you - is a
time-honored internet tradition. It was dark in here; thank you for turning
on the gaslight.
I do want to point out that the Heritage Foundation is absolutely a
Mercer-funded conservative (“right wing”) think-tank which publishes
scholarly works in support of its pro-business / anti-regulation mission -
in this case, at the expense of avian life.
That said, while theirs is certainly an interpretation with an agenda,
‘propaganda’ may have been the slightest shade too far.
I appreciate the way they carefully couched their concern-trolling as
preventing Grandma Smith or Little Joey from being prosecuted for a window
strike or a naughty cat and oh - as a side note - “land developers, oil and
gas company workers, and even wind-turbine operators can breathe a little
easier too.”
At a time when there is a rapid movement towards de-regulation and reducing
protections for our public lands via the EPA and Interiors, I certainly
understand and share the concern of Suzanne and others about a more
pro-business (apologies - “pro-Grandma Smith”) interpretation of the MBTA,
which begins the erosion of protection. This in itself may not have a
devastating impact on the avian population, but it sets precedent for
rolling back additional protections. The drip-drip-drip of a rainstorm
erodes a hillside; you’re not too worried until suddenly there’s 2’ of mud
in your living room.
I think we all know who is getting the short end of this stick to perch on,
and it isn’t the land developers and oil companies.
I hope this refutation is cool enough, while also lacking troublesome
passion.
Good birding,
Kathryn Ostermier
Somerville, MA
<Kathryn.Ostermier...>
On Mon, Apr 16, 2018 at 12:29 PM, David Gibson <20cabot...> wrote:
> Suzanne, Would appreciate a more thoughtful response. A little less
> passion, and a little more reason. Coolly refute some of the points made in
> the article. The article isn't propaganda (let alone 'right wing'), but
> represents another, but perhaps not prevailing, point of view. I, and many
> others (including serious birders), do not think that changes to the MBTA
> that reflect its original interpretation/implementation will be calamitous
> for birds or the environment. Dave Gibson, Chesapeake, VA
>
> On Mon, Apr 16, 2018 at 8:29 AM, Suzanne Sullivan <swampy435...>
> wrote:
>
>> Wow what a bunch of right wing propaganda. What an insult to the
>> intelligence of birders. The “dewatering" of the migratory bird act is
>> nothing more than to give relief to corporations in the energy sector for
>> “inadvertently” killing birds with turbines and oil spills. Plain and
>> simple. How about really “draining" the real swamp instead of protections
>> for birds.
>> Suzanne Sullivan
>> Wilmington Ma <swampy435...>
>>
>> On Sun, Apr 15, 2018 at 5:53 PM, David Gibson <20cabot...> wrote:
>>
>>> Hi all, For folks who are concerned about changes that have been made to
>>> the above, here is an article that hopefully will shed some light on those
>>> changes. It isn't all gloom and doom. https://www.heritage.org/crime >>> -and-justice/commentary/bird-regulation-might-have-made-you-
>>> criminal-not-anymore
>>> Dave Gibson Chesapeake, VA
>>>
>>
>>
>>
>> --
>> Suzanne M. Sullivan
>> Wilmington, MA
>> <swampy435...>
>>
>> "The self evident vision of who we are as a free and caring nation, and
>> the ideal to fulfill this destiny is stronger than the division of those
>> who's only vision is of themselves. “ SMB
>>
>> Be the Voice of the River
>> http://www.ipswichriver.org >>
>>
>
I shall gladly refute all the points made in the ignorant if not blatantly
and intentionally misleading article that you posted. With these changes
in interpretation, ALL conservation legislation (I don't see how you can
isolate the cat example as being any different from the others) becomes
moot as any offender (Exxon or BP for oil spills for another examples) can
just say "aw shucks we didn't mean to hurt the poor birds" and emerge
legally blameless. Conservation legislation has to be written such that
corporations cannot duck resposnsibility by claiming that they did not
understand or did not mean any harm. That is the basic reason why
ignorance isn't accepted as a defense , and why it is illegal to keep any
dead birds or marine mammal teeth in your home (to prevent you claiming
that you found them on the beach, when in fact you shot them). All the
examples in your article fall in this category; we have to make culpable
parties guilty of the environmental damage they have caused; otherwise any
such legislation is useless.
On Mon, Apr 16, 2018 at 1:06 PM, Suzanne Sullivan <swampy435...>
wrote:
> David,
> Well I would love to give you a more thoughtful response but I suspect I
> would be banded from Massbird for life, so I better pass. but for now all I
> have to say is https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Internet_troll.
> I won’t respond agin so crawl back under your bridge.
> Suzanne Sullivan
> Wilmington MA
>
> On Mon, Apr 16, 2018 at 12:29 PM, David Gibson <20cabot...> wrote:
>
>> Suzanne, Would appreciate a more thoughtful response. A little less
>> passion, and a little more reason. Coolly refute some of the points made in
>> the article. The article isn't propaganda (let alone 'right wing'), but
>> represents another, but perhaps not prevailing, point of view. I, and many
>> others (including serious birders), do not think that changes to the MBTA
>> that reflect its original interpretation/implementation will be calamitous
>> for birds or the environment. Dave Gibson, Chesapeake, VA
>>
>> On Mon, Apr 16, 2018 at 8:29 AM, Suzanne Sullivan <swampy435...>
>> wrote:
>>
>>> Wow what a bunch of right wing propaganda. What an insult to the
>>> intelligence of birders. The “dewatering" of the migratory bird act is
>>> nothing more than to give relief to corporations in the energy sector for
>>> “inadvertently” killing birds with turbines and oil spills. Plain and
>>> simple. How about really “draining" the real swamp instead of protections
>>> for birds.
>>> Suzanne Sullivan
>>> Wilmington Ma <swampy435...>
>>>
>>> On Sun, Apr 15, 2018 at 5:53 PM, David Gibson <20cabot...> wrote:
>>>
>>>> Hi all, For folks who are concerned about changes that have been made
>>>> to the above, here is an article that hopefully will shed some light on
>>>> those changes. It isn't all gloom and doom.
>>>> https://www.heritage.org/crime-and-justice/commentary/bird-r >>>> egulation-might-have-made-you-criminal-not-anymore
>>>> Dave Gibson Chesapeake, VA
>>>>
>>>
>>>
>>>
>>> --
>>> Suzanne M. Sullivan
>>> Wilmington, MA
>>> <swampy435...>
>>>
>>> "The self evident vision of who we are as a free and caring nation, and
>>> the ideal to fulfill this destiny is stronger than the division of those
>>> who's only vision is of themselves. “ SMB
>>>
>>> Be the Voice of the River
>>> http://www.ipswichriver.org >>>
>>>
>>
>
>
> --
> Suzanne M. Sullivan
> Wilmington, MA
> <swampy435...>
>
> "The self evident vision of who we are as a free and caring nation, and
> the ideal to fulfill this destiny is stronger than the division of those
> who's only vision is of themselves. “ SMB
>
> Be the Voice of the River
> http://www.ipswichriver.org >
>
--
Richard R. Veit
Professor, Biology
CSI/CUNY
2800 Victory Boulevard
Staten Island, NY 10314
718-982-4144
fax 718-982-3852
all of the examples presented in the magazine article are examples of the
following:
if you have a feather from an American robin in your house, you are
technically in violation of the MBTA, could certainly be fined and could
possibly go to jail. But such enforcement has never occurred (or been
successfully prosecuted) and that lack of enforcement applies to ALL the
examples in the article. The law has to be written in this all
encompassing way so that violators cannot say they didn't know it was a
migratory bird or they found it dead on the road or it hit their window.
The law needs to eliminate such loopholes so that actual violators can be
effectively prosecuted.
On Mon, Apr 16, 2018 at 4:29 PM, Richard Veit <rrveit23...> wrote:
> I shall gladly refute all the points made in the ignorant if not blatantly
> and intentionally misleading article that you posted. With these changes
> in interpretation, ALL conservation legislation (I don't see how you can
> isolate the cat example as being any different from the others) becomes
> moot as any offender (Exxon or BP for oil spills for another examples) can
> just say "aw shucks we didn't mean to hurt the poor birds" and emerge
> legally blameless. Conservation legislation has to be written such that
> corporations cannot duck resposnsibility by claiming that they did not
> understand or did not mean any harm. That is the basic reason why
> ignorance isn't accepted as a defense , and why it is illegal to keep any
> dead birds or marine mammal teeth in your home (to prevent you claiming
> that you found them on the beach, when in fact you shot them). All the
> examples in your article fall in this category; we have to make culpable
> parties guilty of the environmental damage they have caused; otherwise any
> such legislation is useless.
>
> On Mon, Apr 16, 2018 at 1:06 PM, Suzanne Sullivan <swampy435...>
> wrote:
>
>> David,
>> Well I would love to give you a more thoughtful response but I suspect I
>> would be banded from Massbird for life, so I better pass. but for now all I
>> have to say is https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Internet_troll.
>> I won’t respond agin so crawl back under your bridge.
>> Suzanne Sullivan
>> Wilmington MA
>>
>> On Mon, Apr 16, 2018 at 12:29 PM, David Gibson <20cabot...> wrote:
>>
>>> Suzanne, Would appreciate a more thoughtful response. A little less
>>> passion, and a little more reason. Coolly refute some of the points made in
>>> the article. The article isn't propaganda (let alone 'right wing'), but
>>> represents another, but perhaps not prevailing, point of view. I, and many
>>> others (including serious birders), do not think that changes to the MBTA
>>> that reflect its original interpretation/implementation will be calamitous
>>> for birds or the environment. Dave Gibson, Chesapeake, VA
>>>
>>> On Mon, Apr 16, 2018 at 8:29 AM, Suzanne Sullivan <swampy435...>
>>> wrote:
>>>
>>>> Wow what a bunch of right wing propaganda. What an insult to the
>>>> intelligence of birders. The “dewatering" of the migratory bird act is
>>>> nothing more than to give relief to corporations in the energy sector for
>>>> “inadvertently” killing birds with turbines and oil spills. Plain and
>>>> simple. How about really “draining" the real swamp instead of protections
>>>> for birds.
>>>> Suzanne Sullivan
>>>> Wilmington Ma <swampy435...>
>>>>
>>>> On Sun, Apr 15, 2018 at 5:53 PM, David Gibson <20cabot...>
>>>> wrote:
>>>>
>>>>> Hi all, For folks who are concerned about changes that have been made
>>>>> to the above, here is an article that hopefully will shed some light on
>>>>> those changes. It isn't all gloom and doom.
>>>>> https://www.heritage.org/crime-and-justice/commentary/bird-r >>>>> egulation-might-have-made-you-criminal-not-anymore
>>>>> Dave Gibson Chesapeake, VA
>>>>>
>>>>
>>>>
>>>>
>>>> --
>>>> Suzanne M. Sullivan
>>>> Wilmington, MA
>>>> <swampy435...>
>>>>
>>>> "The self evident vision of who we are as a free and caring nation, and
>>>> the ideal to fulfill this destiny is stronger than the division of those
>>>> who's only vision is of themselves. “ SMB
>>>>
>>>> Be the Voice of the River
>>>> http://www.ipswichriver.org >>>>
>>>>
>>>
>>
>>
>> --
>> Suzanne M. Sullivan
>> Wilmington, MA
>> <swampy435...>
>>
>> "The self evident vision of who we are as a free and caring nation, and
>> the ideal to fulfill this destiny is stronger than the division of those
>> who's only vision is of themselves. “ SMB
>>
>> Be the Voice of the River
>> http://www.ipswichriver.org >>
>>
>
>
> --
> Richard R. Veit
> Professor, Biology
> CSI/CUNY
> 2800 Victory Boulevard
> Staten Island, NY 10314
> 718-982-4144
> fax 718-982-3852
>
--
Richard R. Veit
Professor, Biology
CSI/CUNY
2800 Victory Boulevard
Staten Island, NY 10314
718-982-4144
fax 718-982-3852
David,
Well I would love to give you a more thoughtful response but I suspect I
would be banded from Massbird for life, so I better pass. but for now all I
have to say is https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Internet_troll.
I won’t respond agin so crawl back under your bridge.
Suzanne Sullivan
Wilmington MA
On Mon, Apr 16, 2018 at 12:29 PM, David Gibson <20cabot...> wrote:
> Suzanne, Would appreciate a more thoughtful response. A little less
> passion, and a little more reason. Coolly refute some of the points made in
> the article. The article isn't propaganda (let alone 'right wing'), but
> represents another, but perhaps not prevailing, point of view. I, and many
> others (including serious birders), do not think that changes to the MBTA
> that reflect its original interpretation/implementation will be calamitous
> for birds or the environment. Dave Gibson, Chesapeake, VA
>
> On Mon, Apr 16, 2018 at 8:29 AM, Suzanne Sullivan <swampy435...>
> wrote:
>
>> Wow what a bunch of right wing propaganda. What an insult to the
>> intelligence of birders. The “dewatering" of the migratory bird act is
>> nothing more than to give relief to corporations in the energy sector for
>> “inadvertently” killing birds with turbines and oil spills. Plain and
>> simple. How about really “draining" the real swamp instead of protections
>> for birds.
>> Suzanne Sullivan
>> Wilmington Ma <swampy435...>
>>
>> On Sun, Apr 15, 2018 at 5:53 PM, David Gibson <20cabot...> wrote:
>>
>>> Hi all, For folks who are concerned about changes that have been made to
>>> the above, here is an article that hopefully will shed some light on those
>>> changes. It isn't all gloom and doom. https://www.heritage.org/crime >>> -and-justice/commentary/bird-regulation-might-have-made-you-
>>> criminal-not-anymore
>>> Dave Gibson Chesapeake, VA
>>>
>>
>>
>>
>> --
>> Suzanne M. Sullivan
>> Wilmington, MA
>> <swampy435...>
>>
>> "The self evident vision of who we are as a free and caring nation, and
>> the ideal to fulfill this destiny is stronger than the division of those
>> who's only vision is of themselves. “ SMB
>>
>> Be the Voice of the River
>> http://www.ipswichriver.org >>
>>
>
--
Suzanne M. Sullivan
Wilmington, MA
<swampy435...>
"The self evident vision of who we are as a free and caring nation, and the
ideal to fulfill this destiny is stronger than the division of those who's
only vision is of themselves. “ SMB
I don't know of any major environmental/conservation organization in the country not vehemently opposed to these changes. If any issue should stir birders towards advocacy, this one is it!
For now, let's focus on the facts in any further discussion of the topic on massbird.
Date: 4/16/18 11:00 am From: David Gibson <20cabot...> Subject: Re: [MASSBIRD] Migratory Bird Treaty Act changes
Suzanne, Would appreciate a more thoughtful response. A little less
passion, and a little more reason. Coolly refute some of the points made in
the article. The article isn't propaganda (let alone 'right wing'), but
represents another, but perhaps not prevailing, point of view. I, and many
others (including serious birders), do not think that changes to the MBTA
that reflect its original interpretation/implementation will be calamitous
for birds or the environment. Dave Gibson, Chesapeake, VA
On Mon, Apr 16, 2018 at 8:29 AM, Suzanne Sullivan <swampy435...>
wrote:
> Wow what a bunch of right wing propaganda. What an insult to the
> intelligence of birders. The “dewatering" of the migratory bird act is
> nothing more than to give relief to corporations in the energy sector for
> “inadvertently” killing birds with turbines and oil spills. Plain and
> simple. How about really “draining" the real swamp instead of protections
> for birds.
> Suzanne Sullivan
> Wilmington Ma <swampy435...>
>
> On Sun, Apr 15, 2018 at 5:53 PM, David Gibson <20cabot...> wrote:
>
>> Hi all, For folks who are concerned about changes that have been made to
>> the above, here is an article that hopefully will shed some light on those
>> changes. It isn't all gloom and doom. https://www.heritage.org/crime >> -and-justice/commentary/bird-regulation-might-have-made-
>> you-criminal-not-anymore
>> Dave Gibson Chesapeake, VA
>>
>
>
>
> --
> Suzanne M. Sullivan
> Wilmington, MA
> <swampy435...>
>
> "The self evident vision of who we are as a free and caring nation, and
> the ideal to fulfill this destiny is stronger than the division of those
> who's only vision is of themselves. “ SMB
>
> Be the Voice of the River
> http://www.ipswichriver.org >
>
Date: 4/16/18 11:00 am From: Mary Bridges <tymaryb...> Subject: [MASSBIRD] finding a birding guide in Boston area
I an hoping to find someone who can serve as a guide in the Boston area. We would like to spend 4-6 hours checking out local birding spots. The date would Saturday May 19th
Mary Bridges Tompkins Young Real Estate Broker/Owner 333 W. Broadway P O Box 518 Portland, Tx 78374 361-877-2228 361-643-2581 Fx 643-5413 <tymaryb...>
Liam Waters confirms that both are still present today. The weather
conditions are similar and it seems reasonable to expect they'll remain at
least through today, though they might clear out with changing conditions
tomorrow as this site is not a regular gull bonanza and in my experience is
good only under stormy conditions.
Since no brachyrhynchus has been available for chasing in Massachusetts
before, and since many believe that Mew Gull should be split at least two
ways and maybe three ways, it would be advisable to go after this one for
anyone who cares about their Massachusetts state list in the long term .It
also would be great to keep track of the gulls here and see if other
rarities drop in, since 9 taxa of gulls were present yesterday.
Best,
Marshall Iliff
eBird Project Leader
On Sun, Apr 15, 2018 at 2:22 PM, Marshall Iliff <miliff...> wrote:
> MASSBIRD,
>
> This morning Vin Zollo found an adult Mew Gull among 100+ Ring-billed at
> Sandy Beach, Cohasset.
>
> It was not present when I arrived at 12:30 (with Kathleen Rawdon) but
> appeared 30 min later. After much study and many photos, it seems very
> likely to be L.c. brachyrhynchus, the western USA/Canada subspecies and
> just the state’s second if so. Subspecies ID hinges on mantle color,
> structure and details of primary pattern and is discussed at (great) length
> in a recent Dutch Birding paper by Peter Adriaens and Chris Gibbins.
>
> Interestingly, I lost it at about 1:45 but spotted an adult, banded L. c.
> canus. This is a different bird than the recent Lynn/Nahant bird as it has
> a color band that seems to show 741.
>
> Much gull activity here in high surf. Seems likely to continue tomorrow
> given the forecast.
>
> Best,
> Marshall Iliff
> --
>
>
> ****************************
> Marshall J. Iliff
> miliff AT aol.com
> Westwood, MA
> ****************************
> eBird Project Leader
> www.ebird.org
> Cornell Lab of Ornithology
> Ithaca, NY
> ****************************
>
--
****************************
Marshall J. Iliff
miliff AT aol.com
Westwood, MA
****************************
eBird Project Leader
www.ebird.org
Cornell Lab of Ornithology
Ithaca, NY
****************************
Date: 4/16/18 7:12 am From: Rick Bowes <rbowes...> Subject: [MASSBIRD] 4/14 Duxbury Beach (a bit long...) some pix
The beach road is finally open end to end for properly stickered vehicles (more re storm damage at end of this post). As for the birds it will be interesting to see if things change; I suspect not much. We'll see how hospitable the High Pines and Plum Hills thickets will be for migrant passerines when the leaves start coming out (or not). As might be expected, the Snowy Owls weathered the events (www.pbase.com/rickbowes/image/167298079 <http://www.pbase.com/rickbowes/image/167298079> and www.pbase.com/rickbowes/image/167298081 <http://www.pbase.com/rickbowes/image/167298081> ). Found one on Friday improbably sharing a snow fence with a Phoebe! (http://www.pbase.com/rickbowes/image/167298080).
Saturday's outing (4/14) featured a beautiful Kestrel, Palm and Yellow-rumped warblers and a bevy of Phoebes and both kinglets. Winter waterfowl numbers are dwindling fast except for the Brant, Red-breasted Mergansers, and Buffleheads who tend to linger. They are well worth longer looks now as, like all species in the run-up to breeding, their plumage, bills and legs are much brighter and shinier than during the winter. The colors are really popping on the mergansers and remaining scoters! Many Red-throated loons have been in the bay (all still in basic plumage) while some Common Loons are fairly far along in their molts. Piping Plovers are much in evidence and appear to be enjoying the many new sandy areas created by the washovers, and the orange string "fences" have already appeared thanks to the conscientious efforts of Mass Audubon's Coastal Waterbird Program (support it please!). A bit ominous for the Piping Plovers, I spotted a healthy looking Coyote on the crest of the dune between High Pines and the 3rd xover. Full ebird list with some additional pix is at https://ebird.org/view/checklist/S44573411.
The amount of damage wreaked by the March no'reasters was significant with impressive washovers depositing feet-deep layers of sand and stones in broad swaths at various points the length of the beach. (some photos taken during the March 3-4 storm from the west side of the Bay are here: http://www.pbase.com/rickbowes/march2018_storm_pix). The road itself has had to be rebuilt in a number of spots especially the High Pines area and snow fencing is a shambles in many places. I've not walked the ocean side, and I'm told the east side of the dune experienced even more serious erosion. That said, it is obvious that without the snow fencing, especially the new extra sturdy stuff put up in key places last summer which is now nearly buried in fist-sized and larger stones, it would have been worse. Also the ongoing efforts each year to plant and protect beach grass and other vegetation unquestionably enabled the dune to survive as well as it did. Restoration continues, and I'm told that the Duxbury Beach Reservation's emergency fund is being seriously depleted and that previously available supplemental funding sources (e.g., FEMA) are not going to be available this time around.
Wow what a bunch of right wing propaganda. What an insult to the
intelligence of birders. The “dewatering" of the migratory bird act is
nothing more than to give relief to corporations in the energy sector for
“inadvertently” killing birds with turbines and oil spills. Plain and
simple. How about really “draining" the real swamp instead of protections
for birds.
Suzanne Sullivan
Wilmington Ma <swampy435...>
On Sun, Apr 15, 2018 at 5:53 PM, David Gibson <20cabot...> wrote:
> Hi all, For folks who are concerned about changes that have been made to
> the above, here is an article that hopefully will shed some light on those
> changes. It isn't all gloom and doom. https://www.heritage.org/ > crime-and-justice/commentary/bird-regulation-might-have-
> made-you-criminal-not-anymore
> Dave Gibson Chesapeake, VA
>
--
Suzanne M. Sullivan
Wilmington, MA
<swampy435...>
"The self evident vision of who we are as a free and caring nation, and the
ideal to fulfill this destiny is stronger than the division of those who's
only vision is of themselves. “ SMB
-- <frederickbouchard...> 78 farnham st belmont 02478 ma 617-484-6692 www.fredbouchard.com
'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)
Date: 4/15/18 11:34 am From: Marshall Iliff <miliff...> Subject: [MASSBIRD] Two Mew Gulls (one canus, one brachyrhynchus) at Cohasset
MASSBIRD,
This morning Vin Zollo found an adult Mew Gull among 100+ Ring-billed at
Sandy Beach, Cohasset.
It was not present when I arrived at 12:30 (with Kathleen Rawdon) but
appeared 30 min later. After much study and many photos, it seems very
likely to be L.c. brachyrhynchus, the western USA/Canada subspecies and
just the state’s second if so. Subspecies ID hinges on mantle color,
structure and details of primary pattern and is discussed at (great) length
in a recent Dutch Birding paper by Peter Adriaens and Chris Gibbins.
Interestingly, I lost it at about 1:45 but spotted an adult, banded L. c.
canus. This is a different bird than the recent Lynn/Nahant bird as it has
a color band that seems to show 741.
Much gull activity here in high surf. Seems likely to continue tomorrow
given the forecast.
Best,
Marshall Iliff
--
****************************
Marshall J. Iliff
miliff AT aol.com
Westwood, MA
****************************
eBird Project Leader
www.ebird.org
Cornell Lab of Ornithology
Ithaca, NY
****************************
Date: 4/15/18 11:17 am From: Nickilas Paulson <grendelpgill...> Subject: [MASSBIRD] Westboro WMA BBC trip and other highlights from Grafton - 4/15
Howdy, Yesterday morning I led a Brookline BC walk to Westboro WMA, I believe I had 12 participants(if I counted correctly). It was a beautiful spring day to be out, beginning of migration with the early 3 warblers species. Also very vocal and visible RC Kinglets. We found a pair of Eastern Bluebirds building a nest. The female had so much nesting material in her beak that you could barely see her. Great migration day for Red-tailed Hawks, several thermals seen being used. Afterwards I birded a few spots in Westboro and Upton and had several FOY birds of note.
A Great Egret at Target in Westboro, in the marsh by the causeway into the parking lot. Vesper and Savannah Sparrows at Tufts University Fields in Grafton. The Vesper was on the fence post by the parking lot for the Wildlife Clinic. Also many more Red-tailed Hawks migrating. I then checked Hennessy Conservation Land in Grafton off Adams Road and Eastabrook Avenue. Very productive spot. Highlights: American Wigeon-pair / Bald Eagle / Hermit Thrush / 23 Yellow Palm Warblers / Vesper Sparrow-singing / 6 Rusty Blackbird-including watching a pair with one making a new for me 3 note call similar to the Tufted Titmouse 3 note call. Also of note there was what appeared to be a Northern Red-tailed Hawk (abieticola) juvenile. Heavier dark blotches on breast, making a strong unbroken breast band thinnest in the middle, darker areas in the forewings. slightly banded tail below, brown tail above. darker to the forewings below than eastern juveniles. First juvenile I have come upon, I have only seen 2 adults before this in MA.
Westborough WMA full list from bird walk including both sides. 13 Canada Goose 15 Mute Swan 10 Wood Duck 7 Mallard 2 Ring-necked Duck 9 Bufflehead 2 Double-crested Cormorant 1 Great Blue Heron 4 Turkey Vulture 1 Sharp-shinned Hawk 3 Cooper's Hawk 14 Red-tailed Hawk (borealis) 60 hawk sp. -- Likely mostly Red-tailed Hawks. Many distant Kettles. Good migration day for them. 1 Virginia Rail - FOY 3 Killdeer 7 Ring-billed Gull 6 Mourning Dove 4 Red-bellied Woodpecker 7 Downy Woodpecker 1 Hairy Woodpecker 8 Northern Flicker (Yellow-shafted) 1 American Kestrel 13 Eastern Phoebe 4 Blue Jay 9 American Crow 14 Tree Swallow 15 Black-capped Chickadee 16 Tufted Titmouse 3 White-breasted Nuthatch 3 Golden-crowned Kinglet 7 Ruby-crowned Kinglet - FOY 4 Eastern Bluebird 27 American Robin 2 European Starling 19 Palm Warbler (Yellow) 9 Pine Warbler 7 Yellow-rumped Warbler (Myrtle) 4 American Tree Sparrow 7 Chipping Sparrow 1 Field Sparrow 3 Dark-eyed Junco (Slate-colored) 4 White-throated Sparrow 22 Song Sparrow 7 Swamp Sparrow 2 Eastern Towhee 5 Northern Cardinal 12 Red-winged Blackbird 6 Brown-headed Cowbird 19 Common Grackle 4 blackbird sp. -- Only seen at bad angles in flight, but shape of Rusties. 2 House Finch 1 Purple Finch 18 American Goldfinch 4 House Sparrow
Nickilas Paulson Upton, Ma grendelpgill @ yahoo . com
Date: 4/15/18 10:04 am From: danafox <danafox...> Subject: Fwd: [MASSBIRD] White-winged Gulls Lawrence & Those Crows
Sent from my Verizon, Samsung Galaxy smartphone -------- Original message --------From: Dana Duxbury-Fox <danafox...> Date: 4/15/18 8:38 AM (GMT-05:00) To: 'Massbird MASSBIRD' <massbird...> Subject: [MASSBIRD] White-winged Gulls Lawrence & Those Crows An edited versionWhile on crow patrol last night (April 14) at 7 PM we were sitting on the south side of the Merrimack River in the Philip J. Riley Park (looking north – across the river parked along a fence). Slightly to our right at the beginning of the road entrance to the park, at the edge of the grass, someone had thrown many old big rolls. We were parked there, I hardly have to say why – watching the evening spectacle of crows across the river and a small flock - many Fish Crows to our right. We have found it easier to watch the crows stage from the south side of the river either from the boathouse on Eaton St. or now this park. There were some leafless small trees along the river and this pile of rolls on a slight mound to our right. Suddenly, both the nearby crows and many gulls started to gather. More and more gulls – some dropping down to grab a roll. I cried out, “Bob white-winged Gulls”. In the end there were at least 4 Iceland Gulls and a Glaucous – all so white. This was April 14th in Lawrence at 7 PM. There were so many gulls. They swirled, dipped to the water, chased one another, some dropping down to feed and kept making circles up and down the river in front of us. Fish crows now quite easy for us to identify in the field were also feeding and moving from the water’s edge to the ground and to the rolls. Now it was hard to focus – we had to keep an eye on the thousand plus crows across the river who were much farther east than any other night and all of these gulls. Finally, when the crows started moving east to roost we had to snap back on Crow Patrol and head over to the other side of the river. We stopped in at the little gray house of the end of December-early January fame just off Broadway St. at the first turn in on the north side of the river to see the gulls which were now roosting along the south side of the river JUST above the dam. Bob counted 340 roosting gulls !!!! but they were too far away and our scope was at home to see them well and the crows were on the move. The crows seemed to be as far east as the Lawrence Girl and Boys Club off of Water Street. We pulled in behind the club and found they were still to the west of us. We had to get nearer the river and went down Caukling St. and found a bumpy old dirt road running parallel to the river with just a few big trees right along the river. This road it appears is used for parking for the many multifamily dwellings. It was dark now and we were off in unfamiliar territory but carry on we did. The crows were in a furtive mood – I have never seen them so undecided – in different flocks they would fly to one set of trees along the river and then move further north amongst these dense multifamily, multistory buildings to the few tall trees. They were beside us then, in front of us and back of us – on and on it went. It was really quite dramatic in the dark of night with these huge flocks milling around us. Truely a murder of crows. Finally, after 8 PM they left the river area and we went back to Water St. were we could see them now and then in trees to the north of us. We pulled down this narrow aly – Thornton St. and found a group at the end of the street densely perched in this big tree. Yes, I do now shutter to think how we have so brazenly moved around Lawrence the part few months. Never could I have projected it. Having Bob to accompany me has made a big difference. Also, when I reflect how many nights I have been in cemeteries and behind churches, I feel the crows are surely protecting us! We have concluded on some pretty thin evidence that the crows still roosting are sub-adults that have not either migrated north to their nesting territories or permanent residents that have moved with their cooperative helpers to their nesting territories in MA and southern NH. You all missed an exciting night – again something new!!!Dana North Andover, MA
Date: 4/15/18 8:53 am From: Andrea Bean <abean60...> Subject: [MASSBIRD] Looking for a Native Plant Landscape Designer
We are looking to hire someone who is very familiar with native plants that could help us with the design and placement of native plants in our yard. We will do the labor, I just need a landscape design plan. Please email me if anyone knows someone. Thank you, Andrea Bean <abean60...>
Date: 4/15/18 5:48 am From: Dana Duxbury-Fox <danafox...> Subject: [MASSBIRD] White-winged Gulls Lawrence & Those Crows
While on crow patrol last night (April 14) at 7 PM we were sitting on the south side of the Merrimack River in the Philip J. Riley Park (looking north - across the river parked along a fence). Slightly to our right at the beginning of the road entrance to the park, at the edge of the grass, someone had thrown many old big rolls. We were parked there, I hardly have to say why - watching the evening spectacle of crows across the river and a small flock - many Fish Crows to our left. We have found it easier to watch the crows stage from the south side of the river either from the boathouse on Eaton St. or now this park.
There were some leafless small trees along the river and this pile of rolls on a slight mound to our right. Suddenly, both the nearby crows and many gulls started to gather. More and more gulls - some dropping down to grab a roll. I cried out, "Bob white-winged Gulls". In the end there were at least 4 Iceland Gulls and a Glaucous - all so white. This was April 14th in Lawrence at 7 PM. There were so many gulls. They swirled, dipped to the water, chased one another, some dropping down to feed and kept making circles up and down the river in front of us. Fish crows now quite easy for us to identify in the field were also feeding and moving from the water's edge to the ground and to the rolls. Now it was hard to focus - we had to keep an eye on the thousand plus gulls across the river who were much farther east than any other night and all of these gulls. Finally, when the crows started moving east to roost we had to snap back on Crow Patrol and head over to the other side of the river.
We stopped in the little gray house of the end of December-early January fame just off Broadway St. at the first turn in on the north side to see the gulls which were now roosting along the south side of the river JUST above the dam. Bob counted 340 roosting gulls !!!! but they were too far away and our scope was at home to see them well and the crows were on the move.
The crows seemed to be as far east as the Lawrence Girl and Boys Club off of Water Street. We pulled in behind the club and found they were still to the west of us. We had to get nearer the river and went down Caukling St. and found a bumpy old dirt road running parallel to the river with just a few big trees right along the river. This road it appears is used for parking for the many multifamily dwellings. It was dark now and we were off in unfamiliar territory but carry on we did. The crows were in a furtive mood - I have never seen them so undecided - they would fly to one set of trees along the river and then move further north amongst these dense multifamily, multistory building to the few tall trees. They were beside us then, in front of us and back of us - on and on it went. It was really quite dramatic in the dark of night with these huge flocks milling around us. Finally, after 8 PM they left the river area and we went back to Water St. were we could see them now and then in trees to the north of us. We pulled down this narrow ally - Thornton St. and found a group at the end of the street densely perched across in this big tree.
Yes, I do now shutter to think how we have so brazenly moved around Lawrence the part few months. Never could I have projected it. Having Bob to accompany me has made a big difference. Also, when I reflect how many nights I have been in cemeteries and behind churches, I feel the crows are surely protecting us!
We have concluded on some pretty thin evidence that the crows still roosting are sub-adults that have not either migrated north to their nesting territories or permanent residents that have moved with their cooperative helpers to their nesting territories in MA and southern NH.
You all missed an exciting night - again something new!!!
Date: 4/14/18 9:59 pm From: Jim Berry <jim.berry3...> Subject: [MASSBIRD] Daniel Boone Park and the town wharf, Ipswich, Apr 14, 2018
Daniel Boone Park, Ipswich
Apr 14, 2018 10:40 AM - 12:15 PM Protocol: Traveling 0.3 mile(s) Comments: I finally found out where the ruby-crowned kinglets are. Baker's Pond was loaded with both kinglet species and palm and yellow-rumped warblers. Many of them were flycatching over the pond. Even 2 or 3 pine warblers joined in the flycatching. 30 species (+1 other taxon); partial list:
Cooper's Hawk 1 Greater Yellowlegs 1 Red-bellied Woodpecker 2 Downy Woodpecker 6 Northern Flicker 2 not seen Northern Flicker (Yellow-shafted) 2 Merlin 1 Eastern Phoebe 1 Fish Crow 1 One twice or two. The American crows seemed not to want it around. Black-capped Chickadee 6 Tufted Titmouse 7 White-breasted Nuthatch 1 Golden-crowned Kinglet 4 Ruby-crowned Kinglet 12 Many males sang and flashed their ruby crowns. What a welcome sound and sight. Hermit Thrush 3 American Robin 23 Palm Warbler (Yellow) 8 Pine Warbler 2 Yellow-rumped Warbler (Myrtle) 7 Dark-eyed Junco (Slate-colored) 4 White-throated Sparrow 1 Brown-headed Cowbird 4 American Goldfinch 12
Ipswich River -- Town Wharf, Ipswich Apr 14, 2018 10:25 AM - 10:30 AM Protocol: Stationary Comments: I went here to see if the rough-winged swallows had arrived and saw one. But no waterfowl or gulls. 3 species
Wild Turkey 6 across the river American Crow 3 Northern Rough-winged Swallow 1
View this checklist online athttps://ebird.org/view/checklist/S44563617
Date: 4/14/18 8:23 pm From: Glenn d'Entremont <gdentremont1...> Subject: [MASSBIRD] Little Blue Heron continues at Ellisville Harbor SP 4/14/18
The Little Blue Heron (LB) continues at Ellisville Harbor SP as seen from Ellisville Road of off Rt 3A in Plymouth (south of Manomet). Patience is needed as this bird was not seen until the last minute. I decided one last scan with the bins before taking down the scope and something caught my attention. It turned out to be a crow head which was moving along a ditch/creek when up popped the LB adult. It seemed to be bothered by the crow and eventually flew closer to me and allowed a nice study. About 15 minutes before the bird appeared.
Glenn
Glenn d'Entremont: <gdentremont1...> Stoughton, MA
Date: 4/14/18 8:19 pm From: Glenn d'Entremont <gdentremont1...> Subject: [MASSBIRD] Wompatuck SP, Hingham et al 4/14/18
Finally, bird lots of bird song. Very noisy for the first 1/2 hour or so with everything territorializing. Through all this I heard what must have been a one car accident on probably Prospect street with screeching tires, a quiet second, then a muffled thud (hit a tree?). Five minutes later sirens. This is about 1 mile (or more) from the Holly Pond Road which is why I even mention it. Sound was carrying well. Interestingly some stuff only began singing when the sun hit the tops of trees. This included the waterthrush behind the dam at Holly Pond. Water level low on Aaron Brook so this bird might not stay? Must have been a push on Golden-crowned kinglets today as I had 10 at Scusset Beach SP. Where are all the White-throateds? What is the Hooded Merganser doing at Boundary Pond seemingly following a male Wood Duck? Had to get my spring birding in before winter (tomorrow it returns).
Glenn
Wompatuck SP, Plymouth, Massachusetts, US Apr 14, 2018 5:45 AM - 8:00 AM Protocol: Traveling 2.0 mile(s) 39 species
Canada Goose 3 Wood Duck 6 Hooded Merganser 1 female, seemingly follow a male Wood Duck Black-crowned Night-Heron 1 Rock Pigeon (Feral Pigeon) X Mourning Dove 1 Barred Owl (Northern) 1 Red-bellied Woodpecker 4 Downy Woodpecker (Eastern) 7 Hairy Woodpecker (Eastern) 3 Northern Flicker (Yellow-shafted) 3 Pileated Woodpecker 1 Eastern Phoebe 6 Blue Jay 15 American Crow 2 Black-capped Chickadee 23 Tufted Titmouse 14 Red-breasted Nuthatch 1 White-breasted Nuthatch (Eastern) 7 Brown Creeper 8 Winter Wren 2 Golden-crowned Kinglet 2 Ruby-crowned Kinglet 7 Hermit Thrush 3 American Robin 13 Louisiana Waterthrush 1 Palm Warbler (Yellow) 16 Pine Warbler 12 Yellow-rumped Warbler (Myrtle) 2 Chipping Sparrow 3 Fox Sparrow (Red) 1 Dark-eyed Junco (Slate-colored) 4 Song Sparrow 4 Northern Cardinal 7 Red-winged Blackbird (Red-winged) 2 Brown-headed Cowbird 6 Common Grackle 8 American Goldfinch 6
Glenn d'Entremont: <gdentremont1...> Stoughton, MA
Yesterday, we saw a snowy owl being chased by three crows and two herring gulls off of Gap Head in Rockport. The crows and gulls chased the owl low over the water across Sandy Bay. The owl circled back to shore towards Straitsmouth Island. Before it disappeared around Gap Head I saw at least one gull strike the owl in the air. Dave PetersonRockport
____________________________________________________________
After Weeks Of Rumors, Joanna Gaines Comes Clean
risingstarnewspaper.com
http://thirdpartyoffers.juno.com/TGL3131/5ad2bea5c36f73ea564c0st03vuc
Date: 4/14/18 7:40 pm From: Josh <opihi...> Subject: Re: [MASSBIRD] Pileated at my suet
We moved into our home in Amherst in 2009. For the first several years, I would occasionally hear and rarely see Pileated off in the woods, usually at a great distance, but almost never would they come anywhere near the house. Then, last March, a female Pileated discovered my suet feeders, first the ones on the deck, then the others just outside my office window. She came in regularly through the rest of the spring, until late June, when I stopped seeing her. The species went back to its usual more distant habits for the rest of the summer, fall, and winter… until a couple of weeks ago, when I saw one at my feeders again, and then another time. Hoping that she’ll become a regular again this spring….
> On Apr 14, 2018, at 3:51 PM, Sandy Selesky <sandyselesky...> wrote:
>
> Does anybody else get Pileated woodpeckers on their deck feeders? I never thought it was possible!!
>
> Sandy Selesky
> Westford, MA
> <sandyselesky...> <mailto:<sandyselesky...>
Date: 4/14/18 6:49 pm From: James P Smith <keenbirder...> Subject: [MASSBIRD] Gill - Sandhill Cranes
Greetings birders,
My son and I had two Sandhill Cranes flying along Main Road in Gill this evening at about 5:30pm. The birds appeared to be looking for a resting/roosting place and touched down briefly in the fields of Upinngil Farm to the west of Main Road but continued north-east soon after. We were unable to relocate them after checking several suitable fields close-by. Although fairly brief, I did manage to take a couple of records shots which can be seen here;
Date: 4/14/18 5:07 pm From: Madeleine Linck <madeleine.linck...> Subject: Re: [MASSBIRD] Pileated at my suet
We regularly had a pair at our suet next to our house in Minnesota. They often brought their young and "spoon fed" them at the feeder. It was plain suet from the grocery store, hung in a wire basket. Also had an occasional red headed woodpecker stop by as well as yellow rumped warblers.
Have yet to see a Pileated at our new home in Rehoboth, Bristol County.
> There is a pair of Pileated Woodpeckers hanging around the woods in my > condo community and especially near my unit. I'm hoping they might have a > nesting hole nearby. We've had Pileated Woodpeckers here before so this is > nothing new but they are always a thrill to see. After 32 years of hanging > bird feeders on the upper deck just 6 feet or so away from the glass slide > doors of our living room, and getting Downies, Hairies, Red-bellied > woodpeckers, and other birds enjoying the suet feeder, always wondering why > a Pileated, even in the harshest of winters, never paid a visit to it, it > finally happened. The female of the pair seems to have taken a liking to > the Nutty suet cake hanging from the pole on my deck railing!! My husband > yelled to me on Thursday to come quickly and there she was. I couldn't > believe my eyes and after taking some cell phone pictures of her that > morning I was finally able to get more decent pictures of her with my good > camera this afternoon when I lucked out again with another visit from her. > I saw her land on the deck railing first after watching those gorgeous > wings spread out as she flew across my backyard from a nearby tree and she > then spent over 6 minutes or so gorging herself at the suet. WOW! Then > she flew back into the woods. I don't know if she'll tell her mate about > this new food supply she's discovered or if she'll continue visiting > periodically but it certainly has been a wonderful surprise and a long time > coming! Does anybody else get Pileated woodpeckers on their deck feeders? > I never thought it was possible!! > > Sandy Selesky > Westford, MA > <sandyselesky...> >
Date: 4/14/18 4:39 pm From: msalett <msalett...> Subject: Re: [MASSBIRD] Pileated at my suet
Hi, Sandy-
Even though there are Pileated Woodpeckers at Ridge Hill Reservation, the conservation land that abuts my house, I have never seen them at my feeders.
Strangely, however, last Tuesday and Wednesday (4/4 and 4/5) I had a Yellow-bellied Sapsucker at the sunflower hearts feeder on my back deck. I have never seen a sapsucker in Needham before. I’ve been away since 4/9 so I don’t expect to see it again by the time I get home.
Ah, the surprises and delights of birding!
Marsha Salett
Needham MA
<msalett...>
Sent from my iPhone
> On Apr 14, 2018, at 12:51 PM, Sandy Selesky <sandyselesky...> wrote:
>
> There is a pair of Pileated Woodpeckers hanging around the woods in my condo community and especially near my unit. I'm hoping they might have a nesting hole nearby. We've had Pileated Woodpeckers here before so this is nothing new but they are always a thrill to see. After 32 years of hanging bird feeders on the upper deck just 6 feet or so away from the glass slide doors of our living room, and getting Downies, Hairies, Red-bellied woodpeckers, and other birds enjoying the suet feeder, always wondering why a Pileated, even in the harshest of winters, never paid a visit to it, it finally happened. The female of the pair seems to have taken a liking to the Nutty suet cake hanging from the pole on my deck railing!! My husband yelled to me on Thursday to come quickly and there she was. I couldn't believe my eyes and after taking some cell phone pictures of her that morning I was finally able to get more decent pictures of her with my good camera this afternoon when I lucked out again with another visit from her. I saw her land on the deck railing first after watching those gorgeous wings spread out as she flew across my backyard from a nearby tree and she then spent over 6 minutes or so gorging herself at the suet. WOW! Then she flew back into the woods. I don't know if she'll tell her mate about this new food supply she's discovered or if she'll continue visiting periodically but it certainly has been a wonderful surprise and a long time coming! Does anybody else get Pileated woodpeckers on their deck feeders? I never thought it was possible!!
>
> Sandy Selesky
> Westford, MA
> <sandyselesky...>
Date: 4/14/18 4:27 pm From: David Gibson <20cabot...> Subject: Re: [MASSBIRD] Pileated at my suet
Sandy, I visited a state park in PA recently and happened by a feeding station in the woods. There were several man-made suet feeders. One was rather large. The large one was filled with suet, provided by the local butcher no doubt. This was no suet cake. I stood behind the blind there and observed a Pileated make many trips to it. I was as surprised as anyone. Had never seen a Pileated at a suet feeder before. Glad you got some good shots! Dave Gibson Chesapeake,VA
On Sat, Apr 14, 2018 at 3:51 PM, Sandy Selesky <sandyselesky...> wrote:
> There is a pair of Pileated Woodpeckers hanging around the woods in my > condo community and especially near my unit. I'm hoping they might have a > nesting hole nearby. We've had Pileated Woodpeckers here before so this is > nothing new but they are always a thrill to see. After 32 years of hanging > bird feeders on the upper deck just 6 feet or so away from the glass slide > doors of our living room, and getting Downies, Hairies, Red-bellied > woodpeckers, and other birds enjoying the suet feeder, always wondering why > a Pileated, even in the harshest of winters, never paid a visit to it, it > finally happened. The female of the pair seems to have taken a liking to > the Nutty suet cake hanging from the pole on my deck railing!! My husband > yelled to me on Thursday to come quickly and there she was. I couldn't > believe my eyes and after taking some cell phone pictures of her that > morning I was finally able to get more decent pictures of her with my good > camera this afternoon when I lucked out again with another visit from her. > I saw her land on the deck railing first after watching those gorgeous > wings spread out as she flew across my backyard from a nearby tree and she > then spent over 6 minutes or so gorging herself at the suet. WOW! Then > she flew back into the woods. I don't know if she'll tell her mate about > this new food supply she's discovered or if she'll continue visiting > periodically but it certainly has been a wonderful surprise and a long time > coming! Does anybody else get Pileated woodpeckers on their deck feeders? > I never thought it was possible!! > > Sandy Selesky > Westford, MA > <sandyselesky...> >
Mark, I'll have to read the document a little more closely then, and do
further research. Laws like this, of course, are always open to
interpretation and then subject to change. And I would also submit, that as
is always the case, because former officials or present officials or any
officials repudiate an interpretation, never means that that interpretation
(the one repudiated) was in fact incorrect. Dave
On Sat, Apr 14, 2018 at 4:21 PM, Mark Faherty <msfaherty...> wrote:
> You are not correct, David. As the article itself points out, it
> fundamentally changes how the law has been interpreted since the 1970s at
> least. It says:
>
> "Seventeen former Interior officials
> <https://www.washingtonpost.com/news/energy-environment/wp/2018/01/12/17-former-wildlife-officials-urge-interior-to-rethink-easing-rules-against-killing-birds/?utm_term=.aa099e61b236>,
> including U.S. Fish and Wildlife directors under presidents Richard Nixon,
> George H.W. Bush, Bill Clinton, George W. Bush and Barack Obama, repudiated
> the reinterpretation when it was first announced in December.
>
> “This legal opinion is contrary to the long-standing interpretation by
> every administration … since at least the 1970s, who held that the
> Migratory Bird Treaty Act strictly prohibits the unregulated killing of
> birds,” the former officials wrote in a letter
> <https://defenders.org/publications/mbta-zinke.pdf> to Interior Secretary
> Ryan Zinke dated Jan. 10."
>
> Mark
>
> On Saturday, April 14, 2018, 10:26:20 AM EDT, David Gibson <
> <20cabot...> wrote:
>
>
> Important to note though, if I'm correct, this only reverses the
> interpretation of the MBTA that was put forth by the previous
> administration. That being the case, the law basically remains unchanged.
> Dave Gibson, Chesapeake, VA
>
>
>
> On Fri, Apr 13, 2018 at 9:34 PM, Jeffrey Boone Miller <
> <jboonemiller...> wrote:
>
> As birders, we understand that the Migratory Bird Treaty of 1918 provides
> a vital legal foundation for bird conservation.
>
> As reported by the Washington Post, however, the Department of the
> Interior has recently re-interpreted (i.e., weakened) the law:
>
> https://tinyurl.com/ wapoMigratoryBirdTreaty
> <https://tinyurl.com/wapoMigratoryBirdTreaty> >
> Readers can reach their own conclusions, but contacting oneâ~@~Ys
> representatives to express support for the original interpretation of the
> law seems, at least to me, the first step that anyone interested in
> protecting birds should take.
>
>
> J. Boone Miller
> Belmont MA
> jboonemiller at icloud.com
>
>
>
>
Date: 4/14/18 3:24 pm From: Eleanor Shavell <e.shavell...> Subject: [MASSBIRD] attempt number two for bird id
hi I didn't realize I couldn't attach a picture...I saw this today at the Arlington Reservoir and would like confirmation that it is a solitary sandpiper.
Predictions: Not favorable, rain ======================================================================== Report submitted by Ted Mara (<tedmara...>) Plum Island MA information may be found at: http://www.massbird.org/emhw
Date: 4/14/18 3:13 pm From: Sandy Selesky <sandyselesky...> Subject: [MASSBIRD] Pileated at my suet
There is a pair of Pileated Woodpeckers hanging around the woods in my condo community and especially near my unit. I'm hoping they might have a nesting hole nearby. We've had Pileated Woodpeckers here before so this is nothing new but they are always a thrill to see. After 32 years of hanging bird feeders on the upper deck just 6 feet or so away from the glass slide doors of our living room, and getting Downies, Hairies, Red-bellied woodpeckers, and other birds enjoying the suet feeder, always wondering why a Pileated, even in the harshest of winters, never paid a visit to it, it finally happened. The female of the pair seems to have taken a liking to the Nutty suet cake hanging from the pole on my deck railing!! My husband yelled to me on Thursday to come quickly and there she was. I couldn't believe my eyes and after taking some cell phone pictures of her that morning I was finally able to get more decent pictures of her with my good camera this afternoon when I lucked out again with another visit from her. I saw her land on the deck railing first after watching those gorgeous wings spread out as she flew across my backyard from a nearby tree and she then spent over 6 minutes or so gorging herself at the suet. WOW! Then she flew back into the woods. I don't know if she'll tell her mate about this new food supply she's discovered or if she'll continue visiting periodically but it certainly has been a wonderful surprise and a long time coming! Does anybody else get Pileated woodpeckers on their deck feeders? I never thought it was possible!!
According to the National Audubon Society~@~Ys summary of the history of the Migratory Bird Treaty Act, the enforcement policy against incidental taking was put into effect in the 1970s (http://www.audubon.org/news/the-history-and-evolution-migratory-bird-treaty-act). So, it appears that >40 years of precedent is being overturned.
J. Boone Miller Belmont MA jboonemiller at icloud.com
Date: 4/14/18 3:13 pm From: <blafley...> Subject: [MASSBIRD] The coyote and the geese
Hello,
This morning in the back of the corn fields on Blackinton Rd in New Salem there was a small group of crows, ducks and about 15-20 Canada Geese. A coyote came towards the group of birds scattering the ducks and crows but the geese just stood their staring at the coyote as if to say ~@~Xmake our day~@~Y. The coyote finally backed away and made a run at a few more crows before heading into the woods.
At the Orange Airport there were 2 singing Vesper Sparrows, a Meadowlark, at least 5 A Kestrels and 4 Killdeer. Also had Rusty Blackbirds on Fay Rd in New Salem.
Date: 4/14/18 3:13 pm From: Paul Peterson <petersonpaul63...> Subject: [MASSBIRD] Boston Public Garden Yesterday
Nice to see two Swamp Sparrows on the island yesterday, along with a Black-crowned Night-Heron. That made a total of eight sparrow species seen yesterday.
Observation start time: 07:15:00 Observation end time: 13:30:00 Total observation time: 6.25 hours
Official Counter: Craig Jackson
Observers: Bob Secatore, Colleen Tank, Judd Nathan, Mark Schoene, Paul Roberts, Tom Wetmore, Ursula Goodine
Visitors: Observers during the day: Paul and Julie Roberts; Colleen Tank; Mark Schoene; Tom Wetmore; David and Ursula Goodine; Judd Nathan; Tom Graham; and Bob Secatore
Weather: Light west to northwest winds until winds shifted toward east at 11 AM; temperature -- 10-15-14°C; cloud cover 20-100%
Raptor Observations: Minor movement of raptors -- 10-15 Turkey Vultures not counted as migrants, but very well could have been Two ospreys on nest platform and male Northern Harrier seen near dunes at end of watch, but not seen migrating
Non-raptor Observations: Migrating: 45 Double-crested Cormorants; 1 Great Blue Heron; about 70 Tree Swallows; 3 Barn Swallows; 9 Northern Flickers; and 2 Goldfinch Non-migrating: 3 Eastern Phoebes; 1 Fish Crow; 2 Golden-crowned Kinglets; 1 Ruby-crowned Kinglet; 6 Savannah Sparrows; 2 Tree Sparrows; and 1 Dark-eyed Junco
Predictions: rain predicted; next probable good day would be next Tuesday ======================================================================== Report submitted by Craig Jackson (<crleja...>) Plum Island MA information may be found at: http://www.massbird.org/emhw
Site Description: The Plum Island Hawk Watch is located in parking lot #1 of the Parker River Wildlife Refuge on Plum Island, Newburyport, MA, approximately 32 miles northeast of Boston. It is a volunteer-run spring watchsite with coverage between mid March to mid May.
Directions to site: >From Interstate 95 take exit 57 for Route 113, (Newburyport). Travel east on Rte 113 (which becomes Route 1A in Newbury) for a distance of 3.5 miles to the intersection with Rolfes Lane (there is a traffic light at this intersection). Take a left onto Rolfes Lane and follow to the end of the road which terminates at a stop sign. Take a right at the stop sign. This is the Plum Island Turnpike/Water Street, the only access to Plum Island. Follow the Plum Island Turnpike until you go over the Sgt. Donald Wilkerson Bridge. After you have crossed the Bridge, take your first right. This road will lead you directly to the entrance to Parker River National Wildlife Refuge. The hawkwatch site is Parking Lot #1 of the Parker River National Wildlife Refuge on Plum Island, Newburyport, MA.
You are not correct, David. As the article itself points out, it fundamentally changes how the law has been interpreted since the 1970s at least. It says:
"Seventeen former Interior officials, including U.S. Fish and Wildlife directors under presidents Richard Nixon, George H.W. Bush, Bill Clinton, George W. Bush and Barack Obama, repudiated the reinterpretation when it was first announced in December.
“This legal opinion is contrary to the long-standing interpretation by every administration … since at least the 1970s, who held that the Migratory Bird Treaty Act strictly prohibits the unregulated killing of birds,” the former officials wrote in a letter to Interior Secretary Ryan Zinke dated Jan. 10."
Mark
On Saturday, April 14, 2018, 10:26:20 AM EDT, David Gibson <20cabot...> wrote:
Important to note though, if I'm correct, this only reverses the interpretation of the MBTA that was put forth by the previous administration. That being the case, the law basically remains unchanged. Dave Gibson, Chesapeake, VA
On Fri, Apr 13, 2018 at 9:34 PM, Jeffrey Boone Miller <jboonemiller...> wrote:
As birders, we understand that the Migratory Bird Treaty of 1918 provides a vital legal foundation for bird conservation.
As reported by the Washington Post, however, the Department of the Interior has recently re-interpreted (i.e., weakened) the law:
Readers can reach their own conclusions, but contacting oneâ~@~Ys representatives to express support for the original interpretation of the law seems, at least to me, the first step that anyone interested in protecting birds should take.
J. Boone Miller
Belmont MA
jboonemiller at icloud.com
Date: 4/14/18 10:51 am From: Donna Cooper <donna.j.cooper...> Subject: [MASSBIRD] MVBC- Ward Reservation -Andover Apr 14, 2018
Ward Reservation Apr 14, 2018 8:00 AM Traveling 2.50 miles 180 Minutes All birds reported? Yes Comments: Submitted from eBird for iOS, version 1.6.5 Build 36
4 Canada Goose 2 Mallard 2 Great Blue Heron 1 Turkey Vulture 1 Sharp-shinned Hawk 2 Herring Gull (American) 2 Mourning Dove 1 Great Horned Owl 1 Barred Owl 3 Red-bellied Woodpecker 1 Downy Woodpecker 2 Hairy Woodpecker 1 Northern Flicker 2 Pileated Woodpecker 1 Eastern Phoebe 1 Blue Jay 5 American Crow 20 Tree Swallow 5 Black-capped Chickadee 2 Tufted Titmouse 3 White-breasted Nuthatch 1 Winter Wren 2 Eastern Bluebird 20 American Robin 2 European Starling 2 Cedar Waxwing 6 Palm Warbler 10 Pine Warbler 3 Yellow-rumped Warbler (Myrtle) 13 Chipping Sparrow 1 Dark-eyed Junco 1 Song Sparrow 8 Red-winged Blackbird 1 Common Grackle 3 House Finch 4 American Goldfinch
Number of Taxa: 36
Donna Cooper Merrimack Valley Bird Club Andover MA
Date: 4/14/18 8:05 am From: Sean Williams <seanbirder...> Subject: [MASSBIRD] Lark Sparrow, High Head, North Truro
Hello all,
An extremely early Lark Sparrow is foraging among Chipping Sparrows, Field Sparrows, and juncos on the lawns just at the top of the hill at High Head in North Truro. Scan the lawns between Alden and Cliff Rd. This was at 10 am with Marshall Iliff, and it’s still here.
We have had five warbler species this morning around the outer Cape with the highlights being early Common Yellowthroat and Northern Parula.
Date: 4/14/18 7:27 am From: David Gibson <20cabot...> Subject: Re: [MASSBIRD] Migratory Bird Treaty re-interpreted (weakened)
Important to note though, if I'm correct, this only reverses the
interpretation of the MBTA that was put forth by the previous
administration. That being the case, the law basically remains unchanged.
Dave Gibson, Chesapeake, VA
On Fri, Apr 13, 2018 at 9:34 PM, Jeffrey Boone Miller <
<jboonemiller...> wrote:
> As birders, we understand that the Migratory Bird Treaty of 1918 provides
> a vital legal foundation for bird conservation.
>
> As reported by the Washington Post, however, the Department of the
> Interior has recently re-interpreted (i.e., weakened) the law:
>
> https://tinyurl.com/wapoMigratoryBirdTreaty >
> Readers can reach their own conclusions, but contacting oneâ~@~Ys
> representatives to express support for the original interpretation of the
> law seems, at least to me, the first step that anyone interested in
> protecting birds should take.
>
> J. Boone Miller
> Belmont MA
> jboonemiller at icloud.com
>
>
>
Date: 4/14/18 6:15 am From: alice morgan <morgan.alice...> Subject: Re: [MASSBIRD] Migratory Bird Treaty re-interpreted (weakened)
This is horrifying.
On Fri, Apr 13, 2018 at 9:34 PM, Jeffrey Boone Miller <
<jboonemiller...> wrote:
> As birders, we understand that the Migratory Bird Treaty of 1918 provides
> a vital legal foundation for bird conservation.
>
> As reported by the Washington Post, however, the Department of the
> Interior has recently re-interpreted (i.e., weakened) the law:
>
> https://tinyurl.com/wapoMigratoryBirdTreaty >
> Readers can reach their own conclusions, but contacting oneâ~@~Ys
> representatives to express support for the original interpretation of the
> law seems, at least to me, the first step that anyone interested in
> protecting birds should take.
>
> J. Boone Miller
> Belmont MA
> jboonemiller at icloud.com
>
>
>
--
Alice & Dane Morgan
Brookline & S. Dartmouth, MA
Readers can reach their own conclusions, but contacting one~@~Ys representatives to express support for the original interpretation of the law seems, at least to me, the first step that anyone interested in protecting birds should take.
J. Boone Miller Belmont MA jboonemiller at icloud.com
Had a short visit to Daniel Webster this afternoon. No binoculars (long story) but there was a very large flock of Brown Headed Cowbirds at the feeder an in the adjacent field. I have never seen so many in one place before. Probably about 50 but they were mixed with Grackles and Red Wings and there was lot of moving around so I'm not sure.
Date: 4/13/18 7:41 pm From: Ray Marr <rmarr2...> Subject: [MASSBIRD] Purple Martin Crestwood Country club and Clark Farm Rehoboth
The First Purple Martin of the season has returned. Crestwood will be adding another 12 Gourds to the club.
Clark family 72 Gourds and Crestwood Country club 84 Conley II gourds. 24 of the Crescent gourds had a
face lift and were replaced with the Conley II holes. Any gourd at Crestwood with banded birds can be trapped the
the bands read. The last 12 Crescent gourds will have a face lift in the fall. Started this few years back and almost
complete. Most all of the new sites in Southern NE are Gourds with Conley holes.
Many Thanks to Crestwood Country club and the Clark Family
Date: 4/13/18 2:28 pm From: Sebastian Jones <sebastianojones...> Subject: [MASSBIRD] Little Blue Heron, Belle Isle Marsh, Boston
Hi Massbirders,The Little Blue Heron found earlier this afternoon by Jeannette Richards and Stephen Lacy around Belle Isle Marsh continues. It is an adult bird and is currently visible from either The Key Wildlife Observation Area or the Winthrop Cemetery-- it's feeding in the channel between the two. Possible it could be scoped from Belle Isle proper, though I'm not sure. Here's eBird hotspot info, including Google maps info for the Key (https://ebird.org/hotspot/L4856056) and the cemetery (https://ebird.org/hotspot/L599123). Best,Sebastian JonesJamaica Plain, MA
This just came through the public eBird RBA (hourly) https://ebird.org/view/checklist/S44527458 Not sure if the bird is still in the same area, or if it continued moving west towards Scusset Beach.
Happy birding,
Liam Waters
Sharon
Date: 4/13/18 11:06 am From: Donald Jones <dwilbertjones...> Subject: [MASSBIRD] Thick-billed Murre, Provincetown Harbor, 4/13
Hi all,
Just had phenomenal looks at a winter plumage Thick-billed Murre in the Provincetown Harbor. The bird was floating, preening, and diving less than 50 feet off the sea wall behind the large parking lot, between the two long piers. I'll upload photos to my eBird checklist when I get home tonight.
Date: 4/13/18 9:16 am From: Marcia Dunham <mdunhamma99...> Subject: [MASSBIRD] Re: Millennium Park
Thanks Peter for catching the typo! Tree Swallows not Tree Sparrows!
On Fri, Apr 13, 2018 at 11:49 AM, Marcia Dunham <mdunhamma99...> wrote:
> Warming weather and sun at Millennium brought in very few migrants this > morning. 1 palm, 2 pine, 1 yellow-rump, some tree sparrows were flying > about, 2 trying out a nest box. > Good birding > > Marcia Dunham > Dedham, Ma > <mdunhamma99...> >
Date: 4/13/18 8:57 am From: Marcia Dunham <mdunhamma99...> Subject: [MASSBIRD] Millennium Park
Warming weather and sun at Millennium brought in very few migrants this morning. 1 palm, 2 pine, 1 yellow-rump, some tree sparrows were flying about, 2 trying out a nest box. Good birding
Date: 4/13/18 4:56 am From: Eduardo del Solar <delsolar...> Subject: [MASSBIRD] Franklin Park/Forest Hills Cemetery
Earlier this week I went to Franklin Park and saw an Eastern Screech Owl basking under the sun. Yesterday I returned to that spot to photograph the basking owl. After that I went Forest Hills Cemetery. Looks like the pair of red tailed hawks I saw mating earlier in the week are setting up nest, a fact I discovered as I saw the male catching prey and flying close to their nest. At Hibiscus Lake grackles were quite active, but no red-wing blackbirds yet. This time I lucked! Instead of seeing the local Kingfisher two of them show up giving a nice display before they flew into the other pond at Franklin Park. Images from yesterday are below.
http://www.delsolar.org/webs/birds/franklinfhc18/content/_32A7918_large.html
Apparently a small fallout of Hermit thrushes yesterday Thursday (12th) based on 7 seen at TTR Old Hill Reservation, Newbury (5 in one binocular view at one time, see https://ebird.org/view/checklist/S44517665 ) and then many along the Parker River road edge.
Non-raptor Observations: Migrants: 12 Great Egrets, 3 GBH, 5 Tree swallows. 6 ceramic Purple Martins (most photographed on Island)
Predictions: Cloudy with rain mid afternoon. West winds favorable for migrants ======================================================================== Report submitted by Ted Mara (<tedmara...>) Plum Island MA information may be found at: http://www.massbird.org/emhw
Date: 4/12/18 9:44 am From: Frank Lehman <frank.lehman...> Subject: [MASSBIRD] Arlington Reservoir -- Blue-Winged Teal, Lesser Black-Backed Gull (?)
Hi all,
I birded Arlington Reservoir this morning, and in addition to the wonderful encounter with my FOY Palm Warblers and Butter-butts, I spotted a few somewhat unusual birds for the location.
First, a candidate for Lesser Black-Backed Gull in breeding plumage. It was hanging out with a flock of mixed gulls right on the pond by the parking lot. I'm definitely not a gull expert, but this bird, which was roughly the size of a Herring Gull, with pretty dark back and very bright yellow legs, caught my attention immediately. I managed to get some poor but probably diagnostic photos of the bird, posted to eBird. I defer to the experts on this one, but thought I'd share anyway.
Second, there was a single Blue-Winged Teal--unusual but not super rare for this location. It was associating with a pair of Mallards, not too far from the northern edge of the pond, where there also happened to be a few Green-Winged Teals and Black Ducks. Also on the pond, 5 Ring-Necked Ducks, 3 Wood Ducks, about 10 Buffleheads, and a few pairs of Mute Swans.
All in all, a great morning!
Best, Frank
-- Frank Lehman, Assistant Professor of Music, Tufts University Director of Undergraduate Studies, Coordinator of Music Theory tufts.academia.edu/FrankLehman
Date: 4/11/18 7:26 pm From: Michael McCarthy <mmccarthy15...> Subject: [MASSBIRD] BBC Field Trip CANCELLED Arnold Arboretum May 5, 2018
The BBC Field Trip scheduled to meet at the Main Gate of the Arnold Arboretum at 8:00 AM on Saturday, May 5, 2018, has been CANCELLED. Bob Mayer will be leading a trip at the same time, but will meet at the Peters Hills Gate on South Street.
Please join us as Wayne Peterson talks about a lifetime of birding in Massachusetts! Wayne is MA Audubon’s Director of the Massachusetts Important Bird Areas (IBA) program. There will be a Social with light refreshments from 6:30-7:30 followed by the BBC Annual Meeting and Wayne’s presentation. Parking is free in the 52 Oxford St. garage. Tell the attendant that you are there for the BBC meeting.
A Lifetime of Bay State Birding: A History of Change in Massachusetts Birdlife
This presentation will offer a reflection on some of the events that have affected Massachusetts bird populations since the middle of the 20th century. Using specific examples, more than a half century of avian change will be viewed through the lens of anthropogenic influences, habitat disruption, biological factors and most recently, how climate change may influence birds in the future that we see inhabiting the Commonwealth today.
Date: 4/11/18 2:12 pm From: David Weaver <cygnus-dkw...> Subject: [MASSBIRD] Scotland Rd & Plum Island - 04-11-2018
David Moon and I led today's edition of Wednesday Morning Birding out of Joppa Flats Education Center. We began the morning at the Common Pasture on Scotland Road and finished on Sandy Point. Skies were partly cloudy, temps in the low 40s, and winds S-SW/5-10 mph.
Our list:
Scotland Road -- Canada Goose Eurasian Wigeon (1) American Wigeon (~ 30) American Black Duck (2) - pr. Green-winged Teal (~ 30) Ring-necked Duck (2) - pond at jct. of Scotland Rd. & Highfield St. Great Egret (1) Glossy Ibis (11) Turkey Vulture (2) Cooper's Hawk (1) - female flew in and took drake Green-winged Teal on Common Pasture - quite the scene! Wilson's Snipe (5) - no doubt there were more. Blue Jay (2) American Crow (5) Black-capped Chickadee (1) Tufted Titmouse (1) American Robin - common. European Starling Song Sparrow - common. Northern Cardinal (~ 5) Red-winged Blackbird - common. Common Grackle
Plum Island -- Brant (~ 15) - Sandy Pt. Canada Goose - common. Mute Swan (2) Gadwall (6) American Black Duck (4) Mallard - a few. Northern Shoveler (10) - North Pool Overlook. Surf Scoter (1) - one ocean. White-winged Scoter (~ 6) - one ocean. Black Scoter (2) - one ocean. Long-tailed Duck (~ 20) - one ocean. Bufflehead (4) - 2, NPO; 2, Bill Forward Pool. Red-breasted Merganser (5) - various. Red-throated Loon (3) - one ocean. Common Loon (2) - one ocean. Horned Grebe (1) - one ocean. Great Blue Heron (2) Great Egret (~ 15) Osprey (1) - Pines platform. Bald Eagle (1) - 3rd yr., flyover, NPO. Northern Harrier (3) - 2 males, 1 female. Red-tailed Hawk (1) Piping Plover (~ 17) - Sandy Pt. Killdeer (2) - pannes. Herring Gull Black-backed Gull Rock Pigeon Mourning Dove Tree Swallow(2) - pannes. American Robin - common. Northern Mockingbird (2) - Sandy Pt. European Starling Song Sparrow - common. Dark-eyed Junco (2) - S-curves. Red-winged Blackbird - common. Common Grackle House Finch (3) - Hellcat parking area. American Goldfinch (1) - flyover parking lot #1. House Sparrow
We will meet again next week back at Joppa Flats at 0930 for Wednesday Morning Birding. For more information about Joppa Flats programs, call David Moon or Dave Larson at 978-462-9998.
I recorded the following this afternoon (4/11/18) at the Broad Meadow Brook Wildlife Sanctuary in Worcester. I did the Troiano-Powerlines-Heron Pond Loop and Sprague Lane from Frog Pond to Wilson Swamp.
Canada Goose (7) Wood Duck (7) Mallard (15) American Black Duck (2) RUFFED GROUSE (1 - flushed from edge of powerlines near kiosk where service road enters woods. The last known record of this species at BMB was a single report in April 2012. Prior to that, the species seemed to disappear in 2006, with breeding last confirmed in 2004.) Wild Turkey (2) Mourning Dove (6) Red-bellied Woodpecker (2) Downy Woodpecker (5) Hairy Woodpecker (1) Northern Flicker (4) Eastern Phoebe (5) Blue Jay (6) American Crow (3) Tree Swallow (10) Black-capped Chickadee (5) Tufted Titmouse (11) White-breasted Nuthatch (6) Carolina Wren (1) Ruby-crowned Kinglet (1 - singing) American Robin (11) Northern Mockingbird (1) Palm Warbler (1) Yellow-rumped Warbler (1) Field Sparrow (1) Dark-eyed Junco (8) White-throated Sparrow (3) Song Sparrow (11) Northern Cardinal (5) Red-winged Blackbird (29) Common Grackle (28) House Finch (12) American Goldfinch (8) House Sparrow (12)
Date: 4/11/18 9:41 am From: James P Smith <keenbirder...> Subject: [MASSBIRD] Gill - Little Gull
Greetings birders,
A lovely adult Little Gull showed up at Barton Cove, Gill this morning, best viewed from the Gill side of the river but also visible from Unity Park in Turner's Falls. It was hanging out with a tiny handful of Ring-billed Gulls. A few heavy crops can be seen here;
Otherwise, it's been fairly quite locally though there was an adult male Red-breasted Merganser at Barton Cove on the 10th and an American Bittern seen on North Cross Road, Gill on April 6th.
Date: 4/10/18 9:03 pm From: Jim Berry <jim.berry3...> Subject: [MASSBIRD] Topsfield Fairgrounds, Willowdale SF, and Crane Beach, Apr 10, 2018
Topsfield Fairgrounds
Apr 10, 2018 7:30 AM - 7:50 AM
Comments: Strickland Wheelock met me at the fairgrounds for a morning of birding. Highlight here was a continuing pair of shovelers. We saw no snipe and no swallows. 7 species (+1 other taxon); partial list
Canada Goose 7 Northern Shoveler 2 Mallard 2 Mallard x American Black Duck (hybrid) 1 Green-winged Teal (American) 30 Killdeer 5
Willowdale SF (east), Ipswich Apr 10, 2018 8:10 AM - 10:20 AM Protocol: Traveling 2.0 mile(s) Comments: We then walked a 2-mile loop in the forest. Though I heard several pine warblers here last week, we found none today, nor palm warblers nor kinglets. 28 species (+1 other taxon); partial list:
Wood Duck 1 American Black Duck 2 Great Blue Heron 2 Flew over a large open swamp. No nests visible. Red-tailed Hawk 1 Mourning Dove 7 Barred Owl 1 Red-bellied Woodpecker 1 Downy Woodpecker 2 Hairy Woodpecker 2 Eastern Phoebe 4 Blue Jay 5 Black-capped Chickadee 13 Tufted Titmouse 8 Red-breasted Nuthatch 1 White-breasted Nuthatch 7 Brown Creeper 3 Eastern Bluebird 1 Song Sparrow 8 Swamp Sparrow 1 Northern Cardinal 1 Red-winged Blackbird 14 Brown-headed Cowbird 5 Common Grackle 10 Purple Finch 1 American Goldfinch 3
View this checklist online athttps://ebird.org/view/checklist/S44444560
Crane Beach, Ipswich Apr 10, 2018 10:50 AM - 12:00 PM Protocol: Traveling 0.5 mile(s) Comments: Then we sampled the beach for a quarter-mile in each direction. Highlight was 8 piping plovers. 16 species; partial list:
American Black Duck 3 Common Eider 90 White-winged Scoter 2 Long-tailed Duck 4 Wild Turkey 2 Common Loon 2 Great Egret 3 Piping Plover 8 4 were together, calling and chasing. Could have been pair formation, courtship, territorial behavior, or a combination of these. We were standing close to them but they seemed to pay us no attention in their excitement. Herring Gull 15 very few gulls! Great Black-backed Gull 4 Northern Mockingbird 1 American Tree Sparrow 2 Song Sparrow 3
View this checklist online athttps://ebird.org/view/checklist/S44452819
Before driving to the beach, we stopped briefly on Northgate Rd. and counted a dozen snipe.
Date: 4/10/18 2:37 pm From: Cliff Cook <ccook13...> Subject: [MASSBIRD] Dennis Oliver
Back in the '80s when I started birding in Massachusetts I quickly learned that the Olivers were two birders to keep an eye out for. They knew where and how to find the good birds and most importantly were happy to share. Dennis was a kind and friendly guy and a top notch border. I wish I had crossed paths with him more in recent years. I knew his health was poor and that limited his time in the field. Nonetheless, I miss his presence. To David and the rest of his family I send my sympathies. You have lost a great brother, uncle and friend.
Date: 4/10/18 5:52 am From: Barbara Howell <bhowell12...> Subject: [MASSBIRD] Dennis Oliver
The birding world lost a gentle giant when it lost Dennis Oliver. Back in the 80's when the Oliver twins, young Jason and I would do the Waltham/Lexington section of the Greater Boston Christmas Bird Count, Dennis always made it fun. He and David also made it a learning experience for me. The brothers always took the time to make sure I finally saw the bird that Dennis would spot so easily.
The trip I took with the Oliver twins and Barbara Drummond to Costa Rica was fun from start to finish. There was no need for a guide.We just rented a car and off we went. Barbara had been there before and spoke the language. The twins spotted the birds and Barbara heard what others didn't. I tagged along learning so much from Dennis and laughing so much with Dennis. Dennis was smart. Dennis was funny. Dennis was a top notch birder. Dennis was a thoughtful, kind, warm human being. Dennis will be greatly missed by all who had the privilege of knowing him.
Barbara Howell, Wayland, MA
Date: 4/9/18 6:28 pm From: Linda <tattler1...> Subject: [MASSBIRD] BBC Westover ARB Walk - date changed to June 9
Hi Massbirders,
My contact at the Westover Air Reserve Base has reached out to say due to a busy schedule of activities on the base June 2, they need to postpone the BBC walk there a week to June 9. Rain date will be June 10.
Your fearless leader will be away that day and unable to lead the walk/serve as intermediary between guests, the base and 2 other bird clubs. Leslie Kramer has graciously agreed to serve as contact for interested birders and coordinate arrangements with base personnel. The base needs the list of participants by 5/15 to perform their clearance activities. In you are interested in this walk, and are available June 9, please contact Leslie at <lesliekramer86...> Note: this walk has limited participation due to base restrictions and historically has a waiting list.
For those who have not been on this trip (and those who have!), the grassland habitat at the base supports the largest population of nesting Upland Sandpipers in New England, as well as Grasshopper Sparrow, Bobolink and other edge birds. This is a rare opportunity to see these birds 'up close and personnel'.
If you have any questions, please contact either Leslie or me.
Thanks for your understanding and patience with an active operating base that works hard to accommodate our birding community.
Best, Linda
-- Linda Ferraresso Salem, MA tattler1(at)comcast(dot)net
"Faith is the bird that feels the light and sings when the dawn is still dark" - Tagore
4/8 - Evening visit with a small group at Woodsom Farm, Amesbury: American Kestrel - 5 Osprey - 1 in flight, heading toward George Burrows Brookside Sanctuary in So. Hampton, NH Red-tailed Hawk Mallard Hooded Merganser - 4 in flight Great Blue Heron - 1 Eastern Phoebe - by pond Blue Jay American Robin Red-winged Blackbird Common Grackle European Starling American Crow Herring Gull
Observation start time: 07:30:00 Observation end time: 17:00:00 Total observation time: 9.5 hours
Official Counter: Judd Nathan, Ted Mara
Observers: Bob Secatore, Craig Jackson, Paul Roberts, Tom Graham
Visitors: Doug Chickering, Sandy Selesky, Sue McGrath, Tom Wetmore
Other Observers: Dave Goodine, Judd Nathan, Ted Mara, Ursula Goodine
Weather: Wind WNW 8-15mph, temperature 1-4c, 10-30%, visibility 20k
Raptor Observations: Non migrating raptors: TV 4, OS 2, NH 2, RT 2, SS 1. Good migration conditions but disappointing numbers, dunno!
Non-raptor Observations: Non raptors migrating: D.C. Cormorants 1, Greater Egrets 9, Kildeer 2, Piping Plovers 16(T. Westmore). Purple Martin village set up - thanks Sue and Doug
Predictions: Some potential, light S-SSW winds. ======================================================================== Report submitted by Ted Mara (<tedmara...>) Plum Island MA information may be found at: http://www.massbird.org/emhw
Site Description: The Plum Island Hawk Watch is located in parking lot #1 of the Parker River Wildlife Refuge on Plum Island, Newburyport, MA, approximately 32 miles northeast of Boston. It is a volunteer-run spring watchsite with coverage between mid March to mid May.
Directions to site: >From Interstate 95 take exit 57 for Route 113, (Newburyport). Travel east on Rte 113 (which becomes Route 1A in Newbury) for a distance of 3.5 miles to the intersection with Rolfes Lane (there is a traffic light at this intersection). Take a left onto Rolfes Lane and follow to the end of the road which terminates at a stop sign. Take a right at the stop sign. This is the Plum Island Turnpike/Water Street, the only access to Plum Island. Follow the Plum Island Turnpike until you go over the Sgt. Donald Wilkerson Bridge. After you have crossed the Bridge, take your first right. This road will lead you directly to the entrance to Parker River National Wildlife Refuge. The hawkwatch site is Parking Lot #1 of the Parker River National Wildlife Refuge on Plum Island, Newburyport, MA.
Date: 4/9/18 3:19 pm From: George W Gove <gwgove...> Subject: [MASSBIRD] Black-crowned Night-Herons
This afternoon at Jenney Pond in Plymouth, we saw 9 Black-crowned Night-Herons on the far bank of the pond from about half way down in the parking lot where there were Gadwall feeding.
We also saw one Little Blue Heron and a Snowy Egret at Ellisville Harbor. Another birder there saw two Little Blue Herons. The Little Blue Heron that we saw popped up from a ditch and preened while standing on cattails. We were there at 12:20 which should have been low tide but the flats were covered with water deep enough for Bufflehead to be diving. Perhaps there is some blockage at the outer beach that prevents the water from outflowing to the bay; we hope this changes before shorebirds arrive so that the flats will be uncovered at low tide.
Date: 4/9/18 1:53 pm From: Sean Williams <seanbirder...> Subject: Re: [MASSBIRD] Race Point activity?
Hi Karen,
Race Point has been variably amazing and slow. For the last couple weeks, the activity has been spectacular, with thousands of alcids, gulls, and ducks. This past weekend, however, was quiet. It really does change significantly day to day. I encourage you to check the eBird hotspot page for Race Point for recent checklists that have been submitted- https://ebird.org/hotspot/L364733
Alan Kneidel and I discovered a massive raft of ~3,000 Red-throated Loons foraging off Newcomb Hollow Beach in Wellfleet. We counted them with a clicker and got 2,958. There were Red-throated Loons literally as far as the eye could see. I recommend anyone passing through to stop to witness this spectacle- https://ebird.org/view/checklist/S44388254
The Sandwich Marina at the east end of the Cape Cod Canal is currently hosting a splendid male "Northern" Common Eider. It was present and easily viewed on April 5th and 7th. Photos can be seen here- https://ebird.org/view/checklist/S44387908
Good birding, Sean
On Mon, Apr 9, 2018 at 4:25 PM, Karen Idoine <kidoine...> wrote:
> I'm going to the Cape for a long weekend 4/13 - 4/16 and I'm curious if > anyone has been tracking bird activity out on Race Point or hawk-watching > at High Head, in Truro? Will be looking for good birding spots on the > outer Cape! > > Thank you, > Karen Idoine > Wendell, MA > > >
-- Sean M. Williams Westborough, Massachusetts <seanbirder...>
I'm going to the Cape for a long weekend 4/13 - 4/16 and I'm curious if anyone has been tracking bird activity out on Race Point or hawk-watching at High Head, in Truro? Will be looking for good birding spots on the outer Cape!
Date: 4/9/18 11:48 am From: Barbara Drummond <bdraraavis...> Subject: [MASSBIRD] Dennis Oliver
Dennis and David go way back with Bill and me in the birding world. Dennis was with us in the heat of Guadalupe Canyon, AZ, searching for Thick-billed Kingbird and Violet-crowned Hummingbird. This was in the days before the Patons opened up their yard to observers. Dennis was with us on the top of the Rockies at Beartooth Pass, as we checked off Black Rosy-Finch. Dennis was with us as we negotiated rainforest waterways by shaky canoe in Ecuador, and when we barely missed being part of a head-on crash in the Andes of that country. And he was with us in our van as we watched a lioness bring down a zebra in Kenya. Through all this he was a wonderful companion, affable and funny. We last saw Dennis in spring of 2017 at Plum Island, thanks to Fay and Peter. He never gave up his love of birds and birding. His spirit remains with us.
Barbara and Bill Drummond North Andover, MA <bdraraavis...>
This was at Drumlin Farm Wildlife Sanctuary in Lincoln, MA for any birder not familiar with the location. (Doubtful, but still needed)
Happy birding!
> On Apr 9, 2018, at 2:31 PM, Johnathon Benson <johnathonl87...> wrote: > > Apologies for the late posting! > > On Saturday evening I led a Woodcock walk with our Teen Birders. We were unsuccessful in finding any but did have quite a few surprising finds. During our dinner the kids noticed a woodpecker outside. We got on it and were able to identify a Yellow-Bellied Sapsucker that gave quite good and extended looks. Later on, while walking the trails, we encountered two Eastern Screech Owls (One in flight over the Drumlin). > > Near the end of our program my fellow leaders and I heard a rather loud and close Northern Saw-Whet Owl near where we do our banding for the species in the end of the year. This was approximately at 9 pm. It was a huge surprise for us as it was the bittersweet departure of our coordinator and camp director. Surely an amazing way to end our program. > > For any birders looking to seek out the owl, our trails are open from dawn to dusk. If you can get close to the farm I would advise people to be on the lookout! > > Good birding, > > Johnathon Benson > Mass Audubon > Waltham, MA
On Saturday evening I led a Woodcock walk with our Teen Birders. We were unsuccessful in finding any but did have quite a few surprising finds. During our dinner the kids noticed a woodpecker outside. We got on it and were able to identify a Yellow-Bellied Sapsucker that gave quite good and extended looks. Later on, while walking the trails, we encountered two Eastern Screech Owls (One in flight over the Drumlin).
Near the end of our program my fellow leaders and I heard a rather loud and close Northern Saw-Whet Owl near where we do our banding for the species in the end of the year. This was approximately at 9 pm. It was a huge surprise for us as it was the bittersweet departure of our coordinator and camp director. Surely an amazing way to end our program.
For any birders looking to seek out the owl, our trails are open from dawn to dusk. If you can get close to the farm I would advise people to be on the lookout!
Date: 4/9/18 8:25 am From: Barbara Volkle <barb620...> Subject: Re: [MASSBIRD] Dennis Oliver
Thanks to John Nelson for the following.
Barbara Volkle Northborough, MA <barb620...>
*
From: John Nelson <jnelson...> Date: Mon, 9 Apr 2018 10:16:46 -0400 Subject: Re: [MASSBIRD] Dennis Oliver
David and Massbirders,
I first met Dennis and David on my first international birding tour, a Brookline Bird Club trip to Ecuador. They were both extremely friendly to me and my wife Mary and enormously helpful as I bumbled around as a novice birder out of my depth. Later I got to work with Dennis when he coordinated the annual breeding bird survey at the Ipswich River WS. For those who didn't know Dennis, he was a topnotch birder but, more importantly, a warm and deeply kind human being who worked to conserve birds and represented the best of the birding community. He had a long, hard struggle with his health, and I was so pleased when I had a chance to chat with him at a BBC lecture last year. I'm saddened by his loss and by David's great loss. I'll miss Dennis, a wonderful man.
John Nelson Gloucester
On Sun, Apr 8, 2018 at 7:35 PM, David Oliver <davido401...> wrote:
> Hello Massbirders, > > My best friend, my fellow birding companion for 45 years, and my twin > brother passed away on Saturday morning. He put up a strong fight but got > much worse since January and he finally lost that battle. He will be waked > at Keefe Funeral Home on Chestnut Street in Arlington on Tuesday from 5 to > 8 pm. I thank everyone who has already sent me thoughts and prayers and > everyone else who will. > > I will miss talking with him ever day but I will remember all the great > times we birded together with all our birding friends across the country > and the world. There have been so many great people that we shared birds > with. You know what would please him, if he knew that everyone who has > birded with him remembers, after reading this, a special or ordinary time > you spent with him in the field sharing your love for birds. I couldn't do > much for him at the end, but tell him about the robins who have suddenly > sprung up everywhere or about all the grackles in the trees outside his > hospital window, even though he couldn't see them. His favorite was the > resident turkey outside Spaulding Hospital and when he was coherent would > always ask about that turkey when I came to visit. > > Dennis and I were born together and I'd like to think holding hands. On > Saturday we held hands again. > > David Oliver > > > David Oliver > Arlington, MA 02476
Date: 4/8/18 7:34 pm From: <dave.williams6...> Subject: [MASSBIRD] BBC North Shore Ramble
Twelve people joined me on a ramble through eastern Essex County. Stops were made at the Topsfield Fair Grounds, Willowdale State Forest(East St.), Daniel Boone Park, Strawberry Hill, Northgate Rd. complex, Shea Bros., and Island Road. Some of the birds seen included Hermit thrush, singing Palm warbler, Eastern meadowlark, Wilson's snipe, Am. kestrel, Osprey, Glossy ibis, Great & Snowy egret. Complete eBird checklists below. The next North Shore Ramble will be on Sunday, April 22. Dave Williams Reading, MA
Date: 4/8/18 6:50 pm From: Glenn d'Entremont <gdentremont1...> Subject: [MASSBIRD] Possible Eared Grebe-Minot, North Scituate, 4/8/18
Today, 4/8/18, an almost complete breeding plumage grebe was observed in the choppy waters off of the seawall at Minot, North Scituate on Glades Road before the Glades entrance.
This bird was constantly diving plus with the wave action could not be seen consistently nor for more than a second or two at any given time. I never got on it with a scope and the other person with a scope got on it for momentary periods, but not often.
It was not far off the shore; inside the farthest rocks and even the second line of rocks. The tide was rising as it was 2:00 pm ish.
The bird appeared to have a black neck and a wispy yellow "fan" opened toward the rear of the neck over the rear of the face. This is more in line with Eared than Horned. Little could be confirmed about the shape of the head or the shape of the back as the situation of wave action, white caps, wind causing shaky scopes made this close to impossible.
We could clearly see the red color several times coming in on the Red-necked Grebes at this site which we were observing with the same conditions so feel we should have seen the red color on this grebe as well as the more solidly yellow patch on the face if Horned.
Interesting there was an Eared Grebe reported on the Marshfield CBC on December 30, 2017 at 4th Cliff, Hummarock.
It would be nice if someone can check this area tomorrow (Monday 4/9).
Thanks.
Glenn
Glenn d'Entremont: <gdentremont1...> Stoughton, MA
We were hiking in the woods in Rockport near Steel Derrick Quarry when we saw an American Bittern standing motionless on the shore of a small quarry (not sure the name, but its just east of Buttman Pit at 42.6664096,-70.6323276). It was strange seeing a bittern in the middle of the woods in a rock edged quarry (only about 75 ft wide) with no emergent vegetation around, just some bare shrubs. Dave Peterson
____________________________________________________________
After Weeks Of Rumors, Joanna Gaines Comes Clean
risingstarnewspaper.com
http://thirdpartyoffers.juno.com/TGL3131/5acabb7857f1d3b780e70st01vuc
Date: 4/8/18 5:49 pm From: David Moon <dmoon...> Subject: [MASSBIRD] Sandhill Cranes at Scotland Rd.
While scouting for woodcocks, my sweetie Carolyn and I spotted three Sandhill Cranes circling the Common Pasture. They were beautiful in the glow of dusk, and disappeared behind trees to the north. Here is a short video<https://youtu.be/APPwi_aK4PQ> Carolyn grabbed with her iPhone. Woodcocks were silent tonight, though.
Date: 4/8/18 5:45 pm From: David Oliver <davido401...> Subject: [MASSBIRD] Dennis Oliver
Hello Massbirders,
My best friend, my fellow birding companion for 45 years, and my twin brother passed away on Saturday morning. He put up a strong fight but got much worse since January and he finally lost that battle. He will be waked at Keefe Funeral Home on Chestnut Street in Arlington on Tuesday from 5 to 8 pm. I thank everyone who has already sent me thoughts and prayers and everyone else who will.
I will miss talking with him ever day but I will remember all the great times we birded together with all our birding friends across the country and the world. There have been so many great people that we shared birds with. You know what would please him, if he knew that everyone who has birded with him remembers, after reading this, a special or ordinary time you spent with him in the field sharing your love for birds. I couldn't do much for him at the end, but tell him about the robins who have suddenly sprung up everywhere or about all the grackles in the trees outside his hospital window, even though he couldn't see them. His favorite was the resident turkey outside Spaulding Hospital and when he was coherent would always ask about that turkey when I came to visit.
Dennis and I were born together and I'd like to think holding hands. On Saturday we held hands again.
David Oliver
David Oliver 60 Pleasant Street Apt 401 Arlington, MA 02476 <davido401...>
Date: 4/8/18 2:21 pm From: Jonathan Center <jbcenter...> Subject: [MASSBIRD] BBC- Ipswich River Wildlife Sanctuary, Apr 8, 2018
The Brookline Bird Club enjoyed a walk around the Mass Audubon's Ipswich River Wildlife Sanctuary in Topsfield. Four participants joined the leader on a cold and windy morning. Best birds were an active Pileated Woodpecker that appeared to be excavating a nest hole and an audible (calling and soft drumming) Yellow-bellied Sapsucker. Both of these birds were in the beech grove beyond the canoe launch area. Warren Tattro had been in this area before our group arrived and had very good looks at the sapsucker. It was an adult male. He pointed to a spot on a tree where it had bored holes for sap and observed it working that area. We waited in this area for 15-20 minutes after Warren left hoping to spot the sapsucker, but we not relocate it.
Other non avian sightings were a beaver swimming (and at point could be seen under water near the Stone Bridge) and a Spotted Turtle seen up-close. My group seemed not to realize that this is a different species than the E. Painted Turtle.
See complete species list below.
Jonathan Center <jbcenter...> Chelmsford
Ipswich River Wildlife Sanctuary, Essex, Massachusetts, US Apr 8, 2018 7:55 AM - 10:50 AM Protocol: Traveling 3.5 mile(s) Comments: Brookline Bird Club trip led by Jonathan Center 27 species
Canada Goose 7 Wood Duck 2 Mallard 4 Bufflehead 4 Great Blue Heron 1 Great Egret 4 Mourning Dove 4 Red-bellied Woodpecker 6 Yellow-bellied Sapsucker 1 Downy Woodpecker 2 Northern Flicker 2 Pileated Woodpecker 1 actively flying from tree to tree, calling often, excavating possible nest hole in beech Blue Jay 1 American Crow 2 Tree Swallow 4 Black-capped Chickadee 10 Tufted Titmouse 8 White-breasted Nuthatch 6 Eastern Bluebird 2 American Robin 3 Dark-eyed Junco 4 Song Sparrow 4 Northern Cardinal 3 Red-winged Blackbird 30 Common Grackle 20 American Goldfinch 2 House Sparrow 3
Date: 4/8/18 10:03 am From: Ron Lockwood <ron.lockwood...> Subject: [MASSBIRD] Sandhill Cranes, Bolton Flats
Hi Everyone,
Had a very nice morning birding Bolton Flats south of Rt. 117. The highlight was two Sandhill Cranes. The birds were in the first cornfield you come to when you hike in from the Rt. 110 entrance. This entrance is the road going to the north immediately to the left of the model airplane runway. There is also a Cumberland Farms store about half a mile to the west of this entrance on Rt. 110 as a reference point. You will need hip waders to get through a flooded area before the cornfield. The birds flew to the southeast. The entrance to the south part of Bolton Flats that is on Rt 117 has very deep water that was higher than my hip waders.
This morning while collecting water samples in the W Br of the Swift River along the New Salem/Shutesbury line it was nice to see a pair of Purple Finches and especially to hear the male singing away. There was also a Hermit Thrush in the same area.
Date: 4/7/18 8:53 pm From: Sabrina Hepburn <s.k.hepburn...> Subject: [MASSBIRD] BBC Trip To Crooked Pond and JB Little Road
The BBC trip this morning led by me and Zack Weber, with 4 participants, began with drizzle and some sleet, becoming progressively nicer as the morning wore on. Many of the birds we typically look for on this yet were not back yet, or were not in good numbers, though a few early spring arrivals were noted especially at JB Little. As previously reported, Crooked Pond, while still accessible, has gotten more difficult with the main trail blocked and flooded - birders should expect they will be using less maintained, steeply sloping and muddy trails to get very far into the reservation.
Bald Hill Reservation--Crooked Pond, Essex, Massachusetts, US
Apr 7, 2018 7:30 AM - 9:15 AM
Protocol: Traveling
1.0 mile(s)
Comments: BBC Trip led by Zack Weber and Sabrina Hepburn, with 4 participants. Snow/light rain in the am, eventually clearing.
16 species
Wood Duck 4
Mallard 3
Ring-necked Duck 2
Mourning Dove 1
Downy Woodpecker 1
Hairy Woodpecker 1
Blue Jay 3
American Crow 2
Black-capped Chickadee 5
Tufted Titmouse 2
White-breasted Nuthatch 1
Brown Creeper 3
Song Sparrow 1
Red-winged Blackbird 5
Brown-headed Cowbird 1
American Goldfinch 2
Boxford-Georgetown, incidental, Essex, Massachusetts, US
Apr 7, 2018 9:15 AM
Protocol: Incidental
Comments: Traveling from Crooked Pond to Crane WMA
4 species
Turkey Vulture 2
Red-tailed Hawk 1
American Robin 1
Dark-eyed Junco 1
Crane Pond WMA--J.B. Little Rd., Essex, Massachusetts, US
Apr 7, 2018 9:45 AM - 11:30 AM
Protocol: Traveling
2.0 mile(s)
Comments: BBC Trip lead by Zack Weber and Sabrina Hepburn. Walked JB Little, down and back
24 species
Canada Goose 2
Wood Duck 1
Green-winged Teal 3
Osprey 1
Belted Kingfisher 1
Red-bellied Woodpecker 1
Downy Woodpecker 2
Eastern Phoebe 1
Blue Jay 2
American Crow 2
Common Raven 1
Black-capped Chickadee 14
Tufted Titmouse 2
White-breasted Nuthatch 1
Brown Creeper 1
Winter Wren 1
Golden-crowned Kinglet 4
Eastern Bluebird 2
American Robin 1
Pine Warbler 1
Song Sparrow 2
Swamp Sparrow 1
Red-winged Blackbird 5
American Goldfinch 2
Crane Beach, Ipswich Apr 7, 2018 12:40 PM - 3:10 PM Protocol: Traveling 2.5 mile(s) Comments: I went to check an osprey nest (empty) and look for piping plovers and purple finches, among others. No swallows. 17 species
Brant 6 Common Eider 25 White-winged Scoter 6 Common Loon 1 Great Blue Heron 1 Piping Plover only 2 in almost a mile of beach Killdeer 1 Ring-billed Gull 4 Herring Gull 30 Great Black-backed Gull 13 Downy Woodpecker 1 Eastern Phoebe 1 American Crow 1 Song Sparrow 6 Red-winged Blackbird 1 Purple Finch 2 m (together) American Goldfinch 2
View this checklist online athttps://ebird.org/view/checklist/S44336061
Observation start time: 07:00:00 Observation end time: 17:00:00 Total observation time: 10 hours
Official Counter: Ted Mara
Observers: Bob Secatore, Bob Stone, Craig Jackson, David Goodine, Doug Chicking, Erik Nielsen, Kathryn Chihowski, Kurt Morgan, Mark Timmerman, Maryellen Stone, Paul Roberts, Ted Mara, Tom Graham, Ursula Goodine
Visitors: Craig Jackson, Maryellen Stone, Paul Roberts, Ted Mara. Other Observers: Bob Secatore, Bob Stone, Dave Goodine, Doug Checkering,Eric Neilson, Kathryn Chihowski, Kurt Morgan, Judd Nathan, Mark Schoene, Mark Timmerman, Tom Graham, Ursula Goodine
Visitors: Ashanti Enver, Kathy Mansfield-Enver,Pam and Rick Loomis, Tom Wetmore
Predictions: Mixed: NE in am, NW and more favorable in pm. ======================================================================== Report submitted by Ted Mara (<tedmara...>) Plum Island MA information may be found at: http://www.massbird.org/emhw
Date: 4/7/18 1:54 pm From: Kevin Ryan <kr1946...> Subject: [MASSBIRD] Tree Swallows
A local pond in Easton held 60 Tree Swallows but I couldn't find any other species. In West Bridgewater on Pleasant st
the March storms took down most of the dead trees in the Great Blue Heron colony but some of the trees with nests remain and 6 were occupied. Kevin Ryan Easton
Date: 4/7/18 11:20 am From: Bert Harris <aramidopsis...> Subject: [MASSBIRD] Roseate Tern sites in June
Hi all,
My family and I will be visiting Boston from Virginia in early June. We would like to spend a day looking for Roseate Terns (June 3rd). Based on eBird it looks like Munn Preserve near New Bedford is a good spot. But I'm guessing that there is not actually a nesting colony there. Given the difficulty of identifying Roseate Terns I was hoping to get a look at one perched. Does anyone have any thoughts on where we might see them perched? I understand that there are colonies on Martha's Vineyard but that's too far for us--we only have one day. Are there regularly scheduled tours to any colonies?
> On April 6, 2018 at 10:20 PM Andrea Bean <abean60...> wrote: > > Yes, this is in Groveland. And just to clarify, my post was just to make people aware that there is hunting in WMAs and suggest that they should always be sure to carry an orange hat or vest while birding during hunting season. As mentioned, this is a safe, and I consider, very fun place to bird, but people should always take precautions no matter where they are. > > Happy birding, > Andrea Bean > > On Fri, Apr 6, 2018 at 9:08 PM, Glenn d'Entremont <gdentremont1...> mailto:<gdentremont1...> > wrote: > > > > > > This apparently is the Crane Pond WMA in Groveland and not the Francis Crane WMA in Falmouth. > > > > > > Glenn > > > > > > Glenn d'Entremont: <gdentremont1...> mailto:<gdentremont1...> Stoughton, MA > > > > > > > On April 6, 2018 at 3:05 PM Andrea Bean <abean60...> mailto:<abean60...> > wrote: > > > > > > Just a heads up to anyone that plans on birding JB LIttle Road/Crane WMA. I was there today and on both ends of the road I was greeted by hunters leaving. It never even entered my mind about hunting season but luckily after I ran into the first set of hunters, I returned to my car for my orange hat. So if you go, be sure to wear orange to stay safe. > > > Happy birding, > > > > > > Andrea Bean > > > <abean60...> mailto:<abean60...> > > > > > > > > > > > >
Date: 4/6/18 7:26 pm From: Andrea Bean <abean60...> Subject: Re: [MASSBIRD] JB Little Road / Crane WMA
Yes, this is in Groveland. And just to clarify, my post was just to make people aware that there is hunting in WMAs and suggest that they should always be sure to carry an orange hat or vest while birding during hunting season. As mentioned, this is a safe, and I consider, very fun place to bird, but people should always take precautions no matter where they are.
Happy birding, Andrea Bean
On Fri, Apr 6, 2018 at 9:08 PM, Glenn d'Entremont <gdentremont1...> wrote:
> This apparently is the Crane Pond WMA in Groveland and not the Francis > Crane WMA in Falmouth. > > > Glenn > > > Glenn d'Entremont: <gdentremont1...> Stoughton, MA > > On April 6, 2018 at 3:05 PM Andrea Bean <abean60...> wrote: > > Just a heads up to anyone that plans on birding JB LIttle Road/Crane WMA. > I was there today and on both ends of the road I was greeted by hunters > leaving. It never even entered my mind about hunting season but luckily > after I ran into the first set of hunters, I returned to my car for my > orange hat. So if you go, be sure to wear orange to stay safe. > Happy birding, > > Andrea Bean > <abean60...> > >
This apparently is the Crane Pond WMA in Groveland and not the Francis Crane WMA in Falmouth.
Glenn
Glenn d'Entremont: <gdentremont1...> Stoughton, MA
> On April 6, 2018 at 3:05 PM Andrea Bean <abean60...> wrote: > > Just a heads up to anyone that plans on birding JB LIttle Road/Crane WMA. I was there today and on both ends of the road I was greeted by hunters leaving. It never even entered my mind about hunting season but luckily after I ran into the first set of hunters, I returned to my car for my orange hat. So if you go, be sure to wear orange to stay safe. > Happy birding, > > Andrea Bean > <abean60...> mailto:<abean60...> >
Observation start time: 07:00:00 Observation end time: 16:30:00 Total observation time: 9 hours
Official Counter: Craig Jackson, Ted Mara
Observers: Bob Secatore, Craig Jackson, David Goodine, Doug Chickering, John Cannizzaro, Judd Nathan, Paul Roberts, Tom Graham, Tom Wetmore, Ursula Goodine
Visitors: Many observers in the morning until 2 PM.
Weather: Very strong (5) west winds throughout watch. Temperature never got above 5°C. Cloud cover almost non-existent until the afternoon when it increased from 10-30% by the end of the watch.
Raptor Observations: Strong movement of both Northern Harriers and American Kestrels with small numbers of Merlins (first two females this Spring) and Turkey Vultures -- 93 raptors in total. Did not count late afternoon Merlin that after appearing to be a migrant began soaring until out-of-sight without giving indication of moving north. In addition to what seemed to be a local Northern Harrier, both an immature and adult Bald Eagle were also noted which appear to be local birds. The vast majority of American Kestrels traveled beachside, and a large majority of the Northern Harriers traveled marsh side. Of those Northern Harriers that did travel up the beach all were male.
Non-raptor Observations: An equal number (if not more) of blackbirds (predominantly grackles) seemed to be moving south as were moving north. Official observer from 8 AM to 2 PM was Ted Mara; from 2 - 4:30 PM official observer was Craig Jackson
Predictions: Winds 10-15 W favorable, cloudy in am, partly cloudy in pm ======================================================================== Report submitted by Ted Mara (<tedmara...>) Plum Island MA information may be found at: http://www.massbird.org/emhw
Site Description: The Plum Island Hawk Watch is located in parking lot #1 of the Parker River Wildlife Refuge on Plum Island, Newburyport, MA, approximately 32 miles northeast of Boston. It is a volunteer-run spring watchsite with coverage between mid March to mid May.
Directions to site: >From Interstate 95 take exit 57 for Route 113, (Newburyport). Travel east on Rte 113 (which becomes Route 1A in Newbury) for a distance of 3.5 miles to the intersection with Rolfes Lane (there is a traffic light at this intersection). Take a left onto Rolfes Lane and follow to the end of the road which terminates at a stop sign. Take a right at the stop sign. This is the Plum Island Turnpike/Water Street, the only access to Plum Island. Follow the Plum Island Turnpike until you go over the Sgt. Donald Wilkerson Bridge. After you have crossed the Bridge, take your first right. This road will lead you directly to the entrance to Parker River National Wildlife Refuge. The hawkwatch site is Parking Lot #1 of the Parker River National Wildlife Refuge on Plum Island, Newburyport, MA.
Predictions: Good west winds for migration, cloudy in am, partly cloudy in pm ======================================================================== Report submitted by Ted Mara (<tedmara...>) Plum Island MA information may be found at: http://www.massbird.org/emhw
Site Description: The Plum Island Hawk Watch is located in parking lot #1 of the Parker River Wildlife Refuge on Plum Island, Newburyport, MA, approximately 32 miles northeast of Boston. It is a volunteer-run spring watchsite with coverage between mid March to mid May.
Directions to site: >From Interstate 95 take exit 57 for Route 113, (Newburyport). Travel east on Rte 113 (which becomes Route 1A in Newbury) for a distance of 3.5 miles to the intersection with Rolfes Lane (there is a traffic light at this intersection). Take a left onto Rolfes Lane and follow to the end of the road which terminates at a stop sign. Take a right at the stop sign. This is the Plum Island Turnpike/Water Street, the only access to Plum Island. Follow the Plum Island Turnpike until you go over the Sgt. Donald Wilkerson Bridge. After you have crossed the Bridge, take your first right. This road will lead you directly to the entrance to Parker River National Wildlife Refuge. The hawkwatch site is Parking Lot #1 of the Parker River National Wildlifee Refuge on Plum Island, Newburyport, MA.
Date: 4/6/18 1:39 pm From: Jim Berry <jim.berry3...> Subject: [MASSBIRD] Trespassing on Raymond land in Ipswich
A member of the Raymond family has emailed me voicing concerns about birders (and I ascertained that they are indeed birders) trespassing on family land, presumably when looking for rare geese. The Raymond family does not own all the land in the huge quadrangle bounded by Essex, Northgate, Argilla, and Heartbreak Roads, but they do own a lot of it. Several years ago the town purchased an Agricultural Preservation Restriction on much of the farm with a trail right-of-way through it for public access. I have used that trail many times, and it offers views of many parts of the property.
However, the trial signs say clearly that wandering off the trails is prohibited, as this is a working farm with many animals and other operations. YOU MUST STAY ON THE TRAIL WHEN WALKING THROUGH THE FARM. There is no other access to the Raymond land. And though I have long had permission from its owner (not the Raymond family) to cross the field on Northgate Rd. to look for birds, that permission does not extend to other birders. Consequently, I seldom use it myself and if I need to I will stop using it so as not to set an example for others. Remember: ALL THE LAND IN THE QUADRANGLE IS PRIVATELY OWNED AND NONE OF IT IS PUBLIC. Thus you are safer viewing any part of it from the roads, as most of us do, and not assuming that as birders we are somehow immune from prosecution.
This is a serious issue. The Raymond family is sensitive about trespass and they may close the property to visitors entirely if trespassers continue to violate the rules as laid out in the signs they have posted. If you are a responsible birder, please hear this and act accordingly. Unfortunately we seem to have some among us who do not observe no-trespassing signs.
Massbirders, Brother George reports a dozen snow geese showed up on the Pamet River (Truro) at low tide this morning. He's pretty sharp. A harbinger of spring, or of snow? John Young Jamaica Plain & Truro
Turkey season? Just don't "gobble" or wear a Lakota headdress! I've birded this area for over 25 years in all seasons with no incidents.
This is the place for birds in the "rough"!
Probably safer here than at PI! No beachweanies to run you down!!
Kirk.
Sent from my Verizon LG Smartphone
------ Original message------
From: Andrea Bean
Date: Fri, Apr 6, 2018 3:12 PM
To: massbird;
Cc:
Subject:[MASSBIRD] JB Little Road / Crane WMA
Just a heads up to anyone that plans on birding JB LIttle Road/Crane WMA. I was there today and on both ends of the road I was greeted by hunters leaving. It never even entered my mind about hunting season but luckily after I ran into the first set of hunters, I returned to my car for my orange hat. So if you go, be sure to wear orange to stay safe.
Happy birding,
Date: 4/6/18 12:12 pm From: Andrea Bean <abean60...> Subject: [MASSBIRD] JB Little Road / Crane WMA
Just a heads up to anyone that plans on birding JB LIttle Road/Crane WMA. I was there today and on both ends of the road I was greeted by hunters leaving. It never even entered my mind about hunting season but luckily after I ran into the first set of hunters, I returned to my car for my orange hat. So if you go, be sure to wear orange to stay safe. Happy birding,
Date: 4/6/18 8:34 am From: Jim Berry <jim.berry3...> Subject: [MASSBIRD] correction to my Crooked Pond posting of April 5
For those few who care, i made a minor mistake in my loop description yesterday. Here is the corrected sentence:
"From post 26 at the top of the draw I went right (i.e., straight) through posts 21, 22, 23, 24, and 25, and from there I went to the right, back down to the main pond trail just below the outlet dam at post 17, completing my loop."
Date: 4/6/18 7:54 am From: Jim Berry <jim.berry3...> Subject: [MASSBIRD] Fwd: eBird Report - Bald Hill Reservation, Apr 5, 2018
Bald Hill Reservation, Boxford
Apr 5, 2018 9:05 AM - 12:10 PM Protocol: Traveling 3.0 mile(s) Comments: Birders should know that conditions at Crooked Pond have really changed. The water level in the pond is higher than I have ever seen it, perhaps by a foot or two (just a guess). The main trail (the old dirt road) along the north side of the pond now appears to be completely under water. So I walked along the south side to the back of the pond. Crossing the dam at the back of the pond is out of the question, because it too is completely underwater. You can barely see where the dam even was! This means that Crooked Pond now extends several hundred yards behind the dam and is much larger. There are many dead trees back there, and though I saw 3 great blue herons there I did not see any nests (yet). I continued up the trail that runs from post 13 up through that draw; this trail too is more flooded than before and also has many downed trees, making the going harder. From post 26 at the top of the draw I went right (i.e., straight) through posts 21, 21, 23! , 24, and 25, and from there I went to the right, back down to the main pond trail just below the outlet dam, completing my loop. On a cold windy day I didn't hear or see many birds, but did find a few less common ones. But even the blackbirds were absent around the pond, probably due in part to the high water level. 17 species
Canada Goose 5 Wood Duck 10 Mallard 1 Hooded Merganser 2 Great Blue Heron 3 Red-bellied Woodpecker 1 Eastern Phoebe 1 Blue Jay 1 American Crow 1 Black-capped Chickadee 7 Tufted Titmouse 7 Red-breasted Nuthatch 1 Brown Creeper 4 (3 singing; saw mate of one) Golden-crowned Kinglet 2 Northern Cardinal 1 Red-winged Blackbird 1 American Goldfinch 2
Date: 4/5/18 7:15 pm From: George W Gove <gwgove...> Subject: [MASSBIRD] American Oystercatchers
We saw two American Oystercatchers at Little Harbor in Wareham on the beach beyond the west end of the parking lot.
Also there, a Great Egret flew in from the ocean, flew over the parking lot, and headed into the marsh behind the parking lot. We also saw two Northern Gannets far out over Buzzards Bay from Little Harbor. The egret and the gannets were struggling in the wind.
Date: 4/5/18 9:47 am From: Fred Bouchard <frederickbouchard...> Subject: [MASSBIRD] Spring Birdwalks Begin @ Hall's Pond & Amory Woods!
Hey Folks! come on down to find the spring migrants and wicked local resident species walks go Tues (Neil Gore leader) and Thursday (Fred Bouchard). 7-8:30 AM, thru May. Fred B
Hall's Pond & Amory Woods, Norfolk, Massachusetts, US Apr 5, 2018 6:55 AM - 8:15 AM Protocol: Traveling 1.2 mile(s) Comments: Sunny, harsh 20-knot n/w winds, 30F+. Nora Dooley a 'drop-in'. Green limited to a few buds, skunk-cabbage shoots pond-side, and frostbent-but-unbowed snowdrops. No turtles out! Accosted by two unruly dogs: cute irish terrier and small greyhound with a ball. Too cold for baseball! 20 species
Canada Goose (Branta canadensis) 6 pair housekeeping on pond; 2 pair flyovers Mallard (Anas platyrhynchos) 7 3 on pond; 2 in cattails; 2 in still-flooded amory swale; tame expecting handouts Double-crested Cormorant (Phalacrocorax auritus) 1 sits quiet on pond snag; lifts off toward Charles after 9am Red-tailed Hawk (Buteo jamaicensis) 1 leisurely coursing over ballfield at 9:15 Ring-billed Gull (Larus delawarensis) 3 Herring Gull (Larus argentatus) 1 Mourning Dove (Zenaida macroura) 0 whirring wings? Barred Owl (Strix varia) 1 has 'barrie' been here all winter? as 12/17, wide-eyed in forked pine 70' from pond. Downy Woodpecker (Picoides pubescens) 2 M on amory oak; F grubbing in golden birch-bark by boardwalk Eastern Phoebe (Sayornis phoebe) 1 in sunny leeward of ballfield Blue Jay (Cyanocitta cristata) 8 noisy, treetopping American Crow (Corvus brachyrhynchos) 1 Common Raven (Corvus corax) 0 two resonant croaks @ 8am; no visual Tufted Titmouse (Baeolophus bicolor) 1 singing American Robin (Turdus migratorius) 33 widespread, esp. on ball field (herded by dogs, pacing joggers); low estimate Dark-eyed Junco (Junco hyemalis) 3 sunny amory side, with robins Song Sparrow (Melospiza melodia) 1 leaf-littering right by cattails Northern Cardinal (Cardinalis cardinalis) 4 pair by boardwalk, another by 24 churchill Red-winged Blackbird (Agelaius phoeniceus) 4 one singing; 3 flyovers Common Grackle (Quiscalus quiscula) 22 half of them rummaging thru leaves in wet swale; rest scattered, 'check'-ing House Finch (Haemorhous mexicanus) 1 singing on ball field House Sparrow (Passer domesticus) 6 tennis courts and 1080 beacon
This report was generated automatically by eBird v3 (http://ebird.org)
-- <frederickbouchard...> 78 farnham st belmont 02478 ma 617-484-6692 www.fredbouchard.com
'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)
Date: 4/5/18 6:35 am From: Pamela Sowizral <psowizral...> Subject: [MASSBIRD] Today at Drumlin Farm
Lots of work and lousy weather have prevented me from birding at Drumlin Farm as much as I would like but I got out this morning and was happy I did as some spring migrants had arrived. Highlights were a sharpie, tree swallows, savannah and fox sparrows. I know some folks do not like turkeys but a male strutting around in full display is quite the sight.
Pam Sowizral
Mass Audubon's Drumlin Farm
Lincoln
Wood Duck 2
Mallard 1
Wild Turkey 9
Sharp-shinned Hawk 1
Red-tailed Hawk 2
Mourning Dove 5
Downy Woodpecker 6
Northern Flicker 3
Blue Jay 5
Tree Swallow 2
Black-capped Chickadee 8
Tufted Titmouse 4
White-breasted Nuthatch 4
Eastern Bluebird 6
American Robin 13
European Starling 14
Fox Sparrow 1
Dark-eyed Junco 3
White-throated Sparrow 7
Savannah Sparrow 1
Song Sparrow 4
Northern Cardinal 8
Red-winged Blackbird 2
House Finch 5
American Goldfinch 11
Date: 4/4/18 8:32 pm From: <phawk254...> Subject: [MASSBIRD] Hawk Migration Forecast for Plum Island Hawk Watch April 4-8, 2018
(Please delete this message unless you are interested in the forecast for hawk migration on Plum Island for the next five days. I've sent out my complete forecast through April 8 and report on recent hawk movement to over 225 people who have requested to receive forecasts for the spring migration (originally subscribing via MassBird). Regrettably, two subsets of subscribers totaling 12 individuals keep bouncing and despite hours of effort I cannot identify the problem yet. Thus I am reaching out to those twelve to inform them of the possibility of one or more good days for hawk migration at Plum, particularly tomorrow, Thursday. The following is only a part of the forecast mailed. If you are subscribed and did not receive this forecast, please email me to that effect so I can be sure I have your correct email address.)
"Remember from our last forecast; strong winds anywhere from the west – good. Weak winds – bad. Winds from N clockwise to S – Bad. How often did you access a detailed weather forecast every day this past week? If you did not check at least twice a day, you flunked the first day of class. Forecasts for both Saturday and Sunday remained essentially what they had been when I wrote my forecast, but the wind direction and especially the speed were altered multiple times before the events.
There are many different sources for online forecasts out there. My current favorite is National Weather Service Forecast Office, Boston, MA with a Point Forecast for Newburyport, MA
You can search for “U.S. Weather Service Forecast for Newburyport, MA”. That should take you to the URL forecast.weather.gov providing current conditions for Lawrence Municipal Airport. To the right of the current conditions click on “Hourly Weather Forecast”, which should take you to the graphical four-day forecast for Newburyport and showing current conditions at Newburyport on the bottom of the page. (I believe you get this only through the U.S. Weather Service.)
The strengths of this is that it forecasts
1. Surface Wind Speed, Direction, and Gusts
2. Precipitation
3. Temperature
on an hourly basis for the next 96 hours. Four days. Because the forecast is more detailed than most you will find doesn’t mean that the details forecast are accurate. The accuracy is highest for the most immediate hours and decreases each day you go out. Everything depends on the precise location of the low or high, and its strength, so the forecast changes specifics frequently, as often as every hour. Wind direction and speed are CRITICAL, much more so than sky cover and temperature. If the wind is from the west, you would prefer it to be strong 12-25 mph. Top wind gusts are forecast, which you’d like to be between 15-40 mph. (Ideally perhaps 20-25 mph).
Today, Wednesday, the winds are warm from the south, with widespread rain. Not good. Thursday looks great, with WNW winds around 15 mph with gusts up to 30 mph all day long. This should be very good for Plum. Dress in heavy winter gear. If you can’t get to the watch, it could be good hawk watching anywhere near the coast. Friday the winds are forecast to be SSW/S/SE/SW gusting up to 25 mph with the possibility of 1-3 inches of snow!!! Saturday winds look to be due West, but at a marginal 8-10 mph. Saturday could be productive, or not, depending on what happens Thursday and what the wind direction and speeds actually are on Saturday. If winds are a bit stronger, there might be a good flight. Check the forecasts Friday. Right now the first few hours of Sunday morning are forecast to be NNW at 8 mph. So Thursday looks best right now, and Saturday might look better by Friday, but live forecasts are now projecting more snow and rain on Saturday. You need to check detailed forecasts at least twice every day, hours apart, and remember the fundamental guidelines I’ve offered."
Date: 4/4/18 6:33 pm From: Jim Berry <jim.berry3...> Subject: [MASSBIRD] Fwd: eBird Report - Willowdale SF (east), Apr 4, 2018
Willowdale SF (east), Ipswich
Apr 4, 2018 12:10 PM - 2:55 PM Protocol: Traveling 3.0 mile(s) Comments: I went in from Topsfield Rd. and walked at least a 3-mile loop to the beaver pond and back (closer to 4 if you count the sections I backtracked). Highlights were 4 or 5 pine warblers, at least 9 tree swallows, and an osprey. 29 species
Canada Goose 2 Mute Swan 2 Nesting pair. As soon as the pair of geese landed, the cob charged them to get them off his pond. The pen never left her nest. This is the third MUSW nest I have seen in the past week. Wood Duck 3 Mallard 1 Green-winged Teal 2 Pair. I didn't get a look at the male's sides. Ring-necked Duck 16 15 males and 1 female Bufflehead 15 mix of sexes Great Blue Heron 1 Osprey 1 This bird sat around and did not fish that I could see; it vocalized only a couple times. It appeared to be waiting for a prospective mate to fly over. (To my knowledge ospreys have never nested at this large beaver pond.) Red-shouldered Hawk 1 Mourning Dove 4 Red-bellied Woodpecker 5 Downy Woodpecker 3 Pileated Woodpecker 1 Eastern Phoebe 2 Blue Jay 6 American Crow 4 Tree Swallow 9 Black-capped Chickadee 11 Tufted Titmouse 18 White-breasted Nuthatch 8 Brown Creeper 2 Heard one sing a couple times. American Robin 6 Finally heard a few sing. Pine Warbler 4 Heard 4 or 5 singing. Saw two of 'em. Song Sparrow 3 Northern Cardinal 2 Red-winged Blackbird 12 Common Grackle 17 American Goldfinch 2
Date: 4/4/18 1:22 pm From: David Weaver <cygnus-dkw...> Subject: [MASSBIRD] Scotland Rd & Plum Island - 04-04-2018
David Moon and I led today's Wednesday Morning Birding program out of Joppa Flats Education Center, first to Common Pasture on Scotland Road and then on to Plum Island. Skies were overcast with occasional mist and some fog; temps stayed in low 40s; and wind was NW/2-5 mph.
Our list:
Scotland Road (Common Pasture) -- SNOW GOOSE (3) - 2 white juvs & 1 white ad; in pasture adjacent to and east of wet meadow. Canada Goose - common. EURASIAN WIGEON (1) - male; with American Wigeons. American Wigeon (~ 30) American Black Duck (4) Northern Shoveler (2) - pair. Green-winged Teal (~ 20) Great Blue Heron (1) Glossy Ibis (11) - in pasture adjacent to and east of wet meadow. Wilson's Snipe (~ 25) Rock Pigeon Mourning Dove American Robin European Starling Song Sparrow (1) Northern Cardinal (1) Red-winged Blackbird - common. Common Grackle - a few.
Plum Island -- Canada Goose - common. Mute Swan (3) - Bill Forward Pool. Gadwall (5) - pannes. American Black Duck - common. Mallard (~ 6) Northern Shoveler (11!) - North Pool Overlook. RING-NECKED DUCK (2) - drakes; NPO. Common Eider (~ 15) - Emerson Rocks. White-winged Scoter (3) - 1, one ocean; 2, seven ocean. Black Scoter (~ 21) - ~ 9, one ocean; ~ 12, Emerson Rocks. Long-tailed Duck (~ 60) - one ocean. Bufflehead (1) - hen, BFP. Red-breasted Merganser (4) - pannes. Wild Turkey (10) - South Field. Common Loon (2) - 1, one ocean; 1, seven ocean. Horned Grebe (8) - 2, one ocean; 6, seven ocean (several moving into breeding plumage). Red-necked Grebe (1) - one ocean. Great Cormorant (1) - flyby, seven ocean. Great Egret (~ 15) - various. Osprey (2) - Pines nesting platform. Northern Harrier (1) - over North Marsh. Cooper's Hawk (1) - apparent male; just n. refuge gate. Piping Plover (3) - seven beach, seen from Bar Head vicinity. Killdeer (2) Herring Gull Great Black-backed Gull Rock Pigeon Mourning Dove Belted Kingfisher (1) - flying south over marsh n. end S-curves. Downy Woodpecker (1) - shrubs roadside, s. lot #2. Northern Flicker (2) - s. end South Field. Merlin (1) - flying south at n. end S-curves. Blue Jay (2) American Crow (1) American Robin Northern Mockingbird (5) European Starling Song Sparrow - common. Northern Cardinal (3) Red-winged Blackbird - common. Common Grackle - common. Brown-headed Cowbird (3) - S-curves.
We will meet again next week back at Joppa Flats at 0930 for Wednesday Morning Birding. For more information about Joppa Flats programs, call David Moon or Dave Larson at 978-462-9998.
Predictions: Poor, rain ======================================================================== Report submitted by Ted Mara (<tedmara...>) Plum Island MA information may be found at: http://www.massbird.org/emhw
I’ve become a proponent of the idea that Eugene Moran WMA in Winsor might now be the most reliable spot in the state for finding Northern Shrikes. Looking at eBird data, it appears that 2004-2005 was the last winter that passed without someone reporting at least one there between November and March. This winter started slowly, with no shrike reports in November or December, but then two in January, three in February, and after a lull of over a month without sightings, two in the final three days of March. There are fewer reports per year there than at Plum Island, but given that the number of birders visiting PI, especially in the winter, is probably 10 to 100 times as many as Moran… Not without reason. Not only is Moran in a much more remote area, and outside of the parking lot can be relatively impenetrable in some winters unless you have skis or snowshoes, but it’s fairly common to bird the place for hours in winter and fail to reach double-digit species; I doubt that this happens at Plum Island very often. Many of the eBird checklists from Moran in winter have fewer than 5 species, but the shrike is often one of them.
I don’t see any reports from there of more than one individual, at least not in the past couple of decades, but on my first visit there in February 2010, I saw one at Moran and then a second about 2 1/2 miles away at the Trustees’ Notchview Reservation.
Of course, the species may have gotten scarcer in and around Moran just as much as it has at Plum Island, except that PI has a much more substantial accumulation of data to prove it.
Actually, just took a closer look at the eBird data. There’s a whole pile of observations entered from the Bird Observer archives, with the location given as the town of Winsor but not the Moran WMA specifically. And several of them do indicate multiple individual shrikes, with a high count of 4, pretty much all from November 2000 through January 2002. After that, only one multiple observation, 2 birds in October 2005. So maybe there is some indication of a decline in shrikes around that area too, or at least of a transitory peak in numbers...
> On Apr 3, 2018, at 1:31 PM, Tom Wetmore <ttw4...> wrote:
>
> Northern Shrikes used to be very regular all winter on the refuge. There used to be days where I would see as many as three and think little of it. But it is a species that, like many others, seems to dropping precipitously in numbers. Thinking back I don't believe I had seen a shrike on the refuge over the past three winters.
>
> Tom Wetmore
>
Date: 4/3/18 1:50 pm From: David Larson <dlarson...> Subject: [MASSBIRD] Lecture: "State of the Birds" - Joan Walsh - Wednesday 7:30 pm
For our Wednesday Evening Lecture on April 4, Joan Walsh, Mass Audubon Bertrand Chair of Natural History and Field Ornithology, will be presenting on State of the Birds - highlighting the trends and effects of climate change on Massachusetts birds. After having rescheduled this talk twice because of March nor'easters, we finally have a good forecast!
This is a great opportunity to learn about this important topic from a dynamic speaker, and come away with some ideas about how to mitigate climate change and its effects on our avifauna.
Date: 4/3/18 10:37 am From: Tom Wetmore <ttw4...> Subject: Re: [MASSBIRD] Northern Shrike
Doug, a quick correction. I don't deserve any credit for the shrike.
The Northern Shrike was found by Bob Murphy this morning. He relayed that information to Warren Tatro and myself when he passed first Warren and then me along the roadway. Bob is one of the few remaining "unconnected" birders so any information from Bob requires bumping into him face to face. This is a bit unfortunate because Bob is one of the best birders I know, and a steady source of good finds.
Warren got to the location first, and he refound it, grabbing me was I was heading out to the lot one platform to look for it, and rushing me back to the spot in his car.
So the bird was already third hand by the time I saw it. In the back of my mind, while scurrying to the location, was the possibility of a Loggerhead. Bob had only said "shrike", not "Northern Shrike." However the bird was indeed "just" a Northern.
Northern Shrikes used to be very regular all winter on the refuge. There used to be days where I would see as many as three and think little of it. But it is a species that, like many others, seems to dropping precipitously in numbers. Thinking back I don't believe I had seen a shrike on the refuge over the past three winters.
Tom Wetmore
> On Apr 3, 2018, at 12:43 PM, Douglas Chickering <dovekie...> wrote: > > Massbirders > I got on the Northern Shrike found by Tom Wetmore this Am. It was in the highest trees on the ocean side of the road between parking lots 1 and 3 > On Plum Island. > > Doug Chickering > Groveland > <Dovekie...> > > Sent from my iPhone >
Date: 4/3/18 9:50 am From: Douglas Chickering <dovekie...> Subject: [MASSBIRD] Northern Shrike
Massbirders I got on the Northern Shrike found by Tom Wetmore this Am. It was in the highest trees on the ocean side of the road between parking lots 1 and 3 On Plum Island.
Date: 4/3/18 7:26 am From: Nash, Matthew (DCR) <matthew.nash...> Subject: [MASSBIRD] RE DCR Belle Isle Marsh Programs
Belle Isle Marsh Reservation
An Oasis for Birds Saturday, April 7 8:00 a.m.-9:00 a.m. Discover the abundant birdlife at Belle Isle Marsh Reservation, a restored wildlife sanctuary. We will walk while birding for a distance of a mile on easy level terrain. Please bring binoculars and a spotting scope if you have them. Reasonable accommodations available upon request. Co-sponsored by the Friends of Belle Isle Marsh. Meet at: Main Parking lot near the bulletin board, located on Bennington Street, East Boston between address 1236 Bennington St., East Boston and 173 Bennington St., Revere. Parking is on a paved lot and is free of charge. Accessible by public transportation: MBTA Blue line, Beachmont Station. Exit station, turn right, at intersection, cross State Road/Bennington Street, travel right along Bennington Street to park entrance on the left. Visit www.MBTA.com for bus and train information.
Winthrop Public Library
Wildlife Gardens for People at Belle Isle Marsh
Saturday, April 7, 2018 10:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. Join DCR Park Staff and members of the Friends of Belle Isle Marsh in an active workshop to learn how we would like to improve the habitat of Belle Isle Marsh for wildlife and people by creating small wildlife garden plots. Be prepared to work in teams as we interview and learn from other park visitors, and generate new ideas of How might we create a legacy of land stewardship that begins at Belle Isle Marsh Reservation and is passed down through several generations? Please bring with you a gardening idea to share that saves time, energy and\or money. Meet at: Winthrop Public Library, Hazlett Room 2 Metcalf Square, Winthrop, MA 02152. Please RSVP to Matthew Nash, DCR Visitor Services Supervisor at <Matthew.Nash...>
Matthew Nash Visitor Services Supervisor DCR North Region Coastal District One Eliot Circle Revere, MA 02151 (781) 485-2804 ext. 105
Date: 4/3/18 5:56 am From: Ida Giriunas <ida8...> Subject: RE: [MASSBIRD] An encounter between a boy and an owl (probably) in snowy woods
Wonderful story, Jonathan, thanks for sending it off.
Ida
From: <massbird-approval...> <massbird-approval...> On Behalf Of Jonathan Center
Sent: Sunday, April 1, 2018 6:14 PM
To: <massbird...>
Subject: [MASSBIRD] An encounter between a boy and an owl (probably) in snowy woods
In today's Boston Sunday Globe's Globe Magazine section is an article titled "Frozen Flight" by Mark Shanahan. I thought people might find it interesting if they get the newspaper or read it online. It recounts what happened to his 12 year son, Beckett after returning from sledding alone in the woods at Middlesex Fells Reservation near their home in Medford. The author spots his son standing dazed in the middle of the street. He goes to see what is matter with him and is shocked to see half his face is bloody and swollen. He asks him what had happened to him and all he can utter is "A bird" and something about it taking his mother and sister. (They were fine and were not with him at the time.) He asks what happened to him he says he does not know.
The father drives Beckett, who appears to be still in shock, to Winchester Hospital where he is seen right away. A nurse cleans his bloody gashes on his face. The nurse is doubtful that a bird could have done that and thinks a sledding accident is more likely. A CAT scan is negative for a fracture. Leaving his son with his mother, the dad retraces his son's foot prints in the snow in the woods and finds a large bloody spot where he must of laid unconscious for a few minutes. After he woke up, he remarkably found his way home. The father is doubtful that his son had a tree even though the doctor thinks that is more likely than a bird.
The hospital allows Beckett to go home to rest. That night his son is unable to sleep, eat, and is glassy eyed. He also throws up several times in the night. I am not a doctor but that sounds like a concussion. First thing in the morning they take him to see his pediatrician. After looking at his wounds, they tell the parents to take him to Boston Children's Hospital where he is admitted immediately. He is given pain medicine and antibiotics. Also rabies shots to his face. He is seen by several specialists. The doctors agree based on his puncture wounds, the force of the blow, and the swelling that a bird of prey is more likely than mammal such as a fox (or a tree trunk). He remains in the hospital for several days being allowed to go home. His concussion improves gradually.
Andrew Vitz, state ornithologist, is consulted. He thinks that a Great Horned Owl would attack with such force if near the nest. This is uncommon, but he receives a couple of reports of bird strikes annually. I would have guessed that the culprit would of have been a Northern Goshawk, but they do not nest in the winter and owls do. They will never know for sure if it was a GHOW and Beckett has no memory of it. His face has healed after a year. There is a gruesome photo of his bloody, swollen face after the attack and another photo of a smiling, attractive boy after his recovery. The article says Beckett is reluctant to take a stroll in the woods unless with an adult. Psychological effects still linger.
If it really was an GHOW than I have continued awe and fascination for this majestic and large bird of prey. I thought people would find the article interesting. I am just paraphrasing it here. Has any heard of an owl this size attacking a person before? Goshawk yes, but GHOW unsure about.
Date: 4/2/18 5:12 pm From: Kevin Ryan <kr1946...> Subject: [MASSBIRD] MIME-Version: 1.0
Hello all My local pair of Ravens have young in the nest but I'm unable to see how many yet, hope they do well with this crazy weather, looks like a lot of dampness in next week. Kevin Ryan Easton
Apr 2, 2018 1:15 PM - 2:25 PM Protocol: Traveling 1.0 mile(s) Comments: I met up with other birders on Northgate Rd. today (number variable) and together we had some great highlights. 11 species
Snow Goose 44 Including 12 blue geese. I watched the entire flock fly around a couple times (just the snows) and got a reasonably accurate count, both in the air and on the ground. (44 was the minimum number.) The vast majority were adults. Canada Goose 230 plus Red-tailed Hawk 1 Killdeer 9 Pectoral Sandpiper 1 Beautiful bird with heavy streaking down the breast that was cut off sharply halfway down. Medium sized bill, greenish-yellow legs. A little smaller than the killdeer. These birds are uncommon in the county the first 2 weeks of April. Wilson's Snipe 5 all shorebirds in mud puddle about equidistant from Essex and Argilla Roads American Crow 6 American Robin 5 European Starling 400 Eastern Meadowlark 4 all together in grass behind mud puddle Red-winged Blackbird 50
Hamlin Reservation, Ipswich Apr 2, 2018 2:25 PM - 3:10 PM Protocol: Traveling 0.1 mile(s) Comments: I went here to look for snowy egrets and found some. Be aware that the bridge to the island is out and the trail roped off. I have no clue when the Trustees will fix it. 13 species
Mallard 1 American Black Duck 20 Green-winged Teal (American) 19 Great Egret 12 exact count Snowy Egret 15 Yellow feet seen when flock flew against dark background. This bird is not rare now--it becomes uncommon the last week of March in Essex County. Mourning Dove 1 Red-bellied Woodpecker 1 Blue Jay 1 American Crow 4 American Robin 1 Song Sparrow 3 Red-winged Blackbird 5 House Finch 1
View this checklist online athttps://ebird.org/view/checklist/S44195124
Then at Shea's on the Ipswich-Essex line I found 4 more great egrets and 2 greater yellowlegs.
Date: 4/2/18 1:28 pm From: megascops.2014 <megascops.2014...> Subject: [MASSBIRD] April 21 presentation: The State of the Birds of Massachusetts with Jon Atwood
<<Posting approved by MASSBIRD moderator>>
All - a birding talk about our very own birds - local and migrants - given by an expert: Jon Atwood, Director of Bird Conservation at Mass Audubon, presents The State of the Birds of MassachusettsSATURDAY - APRIL 21 - 11a.m.at the Stationery Factory, 63 Flansburg Ave., Dalton, MA Jon Atwood has been a practicing ornithologist and conservation biologist for 30 years, specializing in integrating behavioral studies of rare and endangered bird species with habitat conservation planning. Focus of this presentation is on current and predicted impact of climate change on bird species in Massachusetts. You will learn conservation actions that can help mitigate the worst effects of climate change, as well as how to help provide refuge for species most at risk.
MORE INFO: Event details:http://www.thebeatnews.org/BeatTeam/berkshire-earth-expo-environmental-action-fair/#expo State of the Birds in Massachusettshttps://www.massaudubon.org/our-conservation-work/wildlife-research-conservation/statewide-bird-monitoring/state-of-the-birds/
Date: 4/2/18 9:43 am From: Neil Hayward <opororniswarbler...> Subject: [MASSBIRD] Mount Auburn Cemetery–April 1
Dear Massbirders
To those despairing of the April snow showers, a quick visit to Mt Auburn
yesterday produced Eastern Phoebes and a budding magnolia. Spring is here.
Almost.
–Neil Hayward
Cambridge
Mt. Auburn Cemetery, Middlesex, Massachusetts, US
Apr 1, 2018 3:50 PM - 4:57 PM
Protocol: Traveling
1.0 mile(s)
15 species (+1 other taxa)
Mallard (Anas platyrhynchos) 6
Great Blue Heron (Ardea herodias) 1
Red-tailed Hawk (Buteo jamaicensis) 2
gull sp. (Larinae sp.) 1
Mourning Dove (Zenaida macroura) 6
Great Horned Owl (Bubo virginianus) 1
Downy Woodpecker (Picoides pubescens) 1
Northern Flicker (Colaptes auratus) 1
Eastern Phoebe (Sayornis phoebe) 2
Blue Jay (Cyanocitta cristata) 3
Tufted Titmouse (Baeolophus bicolor) 2
Golden-crowned Kinglet (Regulus satrapa) 2
American Robin (Turdus migratorius) 20
Dark-eyed Junco (Slate-colored) (Junco hyemalis hyemalis/carolinensis) 6
Red-winged Blackbird (Agelaius phoeniceus) 1
Common Grackle (Quiscalus quiscula) 14
Date: 4/2/18 9:39 am From: Rick Bowes <rbowes...> Subject: [MASSBIRD] 4/2 - Duxbury - Greater Yellowlegs, Killder
Made a quick check of the Bluefish River Bridge area 2 hours after low tide during the snowfall and found 4 Greater Yellowlegs feeding on the on the flat calling ocvcasionally as the flew from one spot to another. An additional 4 flew over calling noisily but did not land. Also present was a Killdeer. Bothe species were for me Duxbury firsts for 2018. documentation pix at https://ebird.org/view/checklist/S44187243.
Date: 4/2/18 7:34 am From: Marshall Iliff <miliff...> Subject: [MASSBIRD] Use BirdCast to plan your birding
Massbirders,
It is very exciting to be able to announce two great new features on BirdCast this spring.
1) Live migration maps updated every 10 minutes which show the migration underway, moment-by-moment. This is particularly interesting at night and may help you decide whether to go sit outside and listen to the nocturnal migration.
2) Three-day predicted forecasts. This provides a sort of weather forecast for bird migration and may help you decide which weekend day to hit your favorite migration hotspot and which one to use to clean the garage...
(Caveat: remember however that birds aloft at night may or may not be a good predictor of birds on the ground the next morning. Good migration nights that intersect with precipitation are sure to be good, but a run of days with lots of warblers around can change overnight if those birds decide to migrate the night before you go looking for them!)
BirdCast has been a long-running project to use big data tools to analyze radar data, weather data, eBird, and other information to better understand and predict bird migration. This automation is a groundbreaking new step in this project. We can envision a future where this output is available worldwide and used regularly for targeted conservation measures to help mitigate the substantial impact on bird populations from wind farms, lighted office buildings, and other hazards.
Thanks as always to those who use eBird to report their birds. The information you provide continues to fuel new scientific endeavors like this which ultimately help protect the birds we all love.
Best,
Marshall Iliff eBird Project Leader --
**************************** Marshall J. Iliff miliff AT aol.com Westwood, MA **************************** eBird Project Leader www.ebird.org Cornell Lab of Ornithology Ithaca, NY ****************************
Date: 4/2/18 4:35 am From: Fred Bouchard <frederickbouchard...> Subject: [MASSBIRD] saturday's haul of oystercatchers
One pair of Am. Oystercatchers appeared in the Wild Harbor River today. —
Ian Nisbet
We saw a pair on Sister #1 in Winthrop. — Cliff Cook & Fred Bouchard
--
<frederickbouchard...>
78 farnham st
belmont 02478 ma
617-484-6692
www.fredbouchard.com
Date: 4/1/18 8:23 pm From: Marsha Salett <msalett...> Subject: [MASSBIRD] April 2018 Bird Observer now online
Massbirders,
Bird Observer announces that its April 2018 issue is now online at www.birdobserver.org <http://www.birdobserver.org/>.
Where to Go Birding highlights “Birding Miantonomi Memorial Park, Newport, Rhode Island," by Wayne R. Munns, Jr. Articles feature “Grasshopper Sparrow Status and Conservation in Massachusetts and throughout New England” by Andrew Vitz and Chris Buelow, “A Thankful Salute to a Dynamic Duo: Carolyn and John Marsh” by Wayne Petersen, and the “Twenty-first Report of the Massachusetts Avian Records Committee” by Seth M. Williams and Jeremiah R. Trimble.
Field Notes describe “Yellow-crowned Night-heron Displaying” by Marsha C. Salett and Jaden Thompson and “Presumed Gadwall x Green-winged Teal” by Nate Marchessault. As usual, we include regular columns by David Larson and Mark Lynch, as well as Bird Sightings and Bygone Birds for November-December 2017, and Wayne Petersen's "At A Glance."
Observation start time: 07:00:00 Observation end time: 16:00:00 Total observation time: 9 hours
Official Counter: Brian Rusnica, Paul M. Roberts, Ted Mara
Observers: Brian Rusnicka, Janet Kovner, Judd Nathan, Mardi Chalmers, Mark Resendes, Paul Roberts, Tom Graham, Tom Wetmore
Visitors: Primary Observers: Brian Rusnica, Judd Nathan, Paul Roberts, Ted Mara, and Tom Graham. Other Observers: Doug Chickering, Janet Kovner, John Cannizzo, Mardi Chalmers, Mark Resendes Nancy Givens and Tom Westmore Visitors: Andrea Cannizzo, Diane Gum, and John Hazel
Raptor Observations: Non migrants: BE 1, NH 1, OS 2, RT 1, CH 1, PG 1, SNOW 2
AK were 60% males. Today's RL was dark morph w/ dark tail and dorsal vs yesterday's intermediate w/ tail tail bar. Non migrant PG Had missing primary and outer secondary feThers on left wing. No clashes between Pg and ML unlike yesterday
Predictions: Unfavorable, snow showers ======================================================================== Report submitted by Ted Mara (<tedmara...>) Plum Island MA information may be found at: http://www.massbird.org/emhw
Date: 4/1/18 7:13 pm From: Linda <tattler1...> Subject: [MASSBIRD] Late report - Oystercatchers Snake Island Winthrop 3/31
Thanks to Barbara Volkle and Steve Moore's tip, I had 7 American Oystercatcher on Snake Island (from the end of Pico Rd in Winthrop) on Saturday. 4 were sitting on the raft up on the shore, and three were flying around.
Linda
-- Linda Ferraresso Salem, MA tattler1(at)comcast(dot)net
"Faith is the bird that feels the light and sings when the dawn is still dark" - Tagore
Date: 4/1/18 3:21 pm From: Jonathan Center <jbcenter...> Subject: [MASSBIRD] An encounter between a boy and an owl (probably) in snowy woods
In today's Boston Sunday Globe's Globe Magazine section is an article titled "Frozen Flight" by Mark Shanahan. I thought people might find it interesting if they get the newspaper or read it online. It recounts what happened to his 12 year son, Beckett after returning from sledding alone in the woods at Middlesex Fells Reservation near their home in Medford. The author spots his son standing dazed in the middle of the street. He goes to see what is matter with him and is shocked to see half his face is bloody and swollen. He asks him what had happened to him and all he can utter is "A bird" and something about it taking his mother and sister. (They were fine and were not with him at the time.) He asks what happened to him he says he does not know.
The father drives Beckett, who appears to be still in shock, to Winchester Hospital where he is seen right away. A nurse cleans his bloody gashes on his face. The nurse is doubtful that a bird could have done that and thinks a sledding accident is more likely. A CAT scan is negative for a fracture. Leaving his son with his mother, the dad retraces his son's foot prints in the snow in the woods and finds a large bloody spot where he must of laid unconscious for a few minutes. After he woke up, he remarkably found his way home. The father is doubtful that his son had a tree even though the doctor thinks that is more likely than a bird.
The hospital allows Beckett to go home to rest. That night his son is unable to sleep, eat, and is glassy eyed. He also throws up several times in the night. I am not a doctor but that sounds like a concussion. First thing in the morning they take him to see his pediatrician. After looking at his wounds, they tell the parents to take him to Boston Children's Hospital where he is admitted immediately. He is given pain medicine and antibiotics. Also rabies shots to his face. He is seen by several specialists. The doctors agree based on his puncture wounds, the force of the blow, and the swelling that a bird of prey is more likely than mammal such as a fox (or a tree trunk). He remains in the hospital for several days being allowed to go home. His concussion improves gradually.
Andrew Vitz, state ornithologist, is consulted. He thinks that a Great Horned Owl would attack with such force if near the nest. This is uncommon, but he receives a couple of reports of bird strikes annually. I would have guessed that the culprit would of have been a Northern Goshawk, but they do not nest in the winter and owls do. They will never know for sure if it was a GHOW and Beckett has no memory of it. His face has healed after a year. There is a gruesome photo of his bloody, swollen face after the attack and another photo of a smiling, attractive boy after his recovery. The article says Beckett is reluctant to take a stroll in the woods unless with an adult. Psychological effects still linger.
If it really was an GHOW than I have continued awe and fascination for this majestic and large bird of prey. I thought people would find the article interesting. I am just paraphrasing it here. Has any heard of an owl this size attacking a person before? Goshawk yes, but GHOW unsure about.
Date: 4/1/18 11:06 am From: Steve Babbitt <steven.j.babbitt...> Subject: [MASSBIRD] Snow Geese/Greater White-fronted Goose at Northgate Rd Ipswich
At 10:45AM today I had 42 Snow Geese (12 of which were blue morphs) and a Greater White-fronted Goose. They were seen viewed from Northgate Rd in Ipswich mixed with about 350 Canada Geese.
Yes, after my post, some research and discussions revealed that this Broad-wing was less surprising than I thought. I checked Veit and Peterson (thanks to Mark Rines I finally have a copy!), they cited a March 23 record as their earliest. Then I surfed through eBird records from MA in March, and one which was entered by Bird Observer staff (actually seen by Steve Grinley) was dated March 17, 1996. That’s the earliest I’ve found so far, all others have been March 21 or later. Rick Heil noted in a FaceBook comment that eBird listed a couple of dozen records for New England.
BTW, a late addition to the western MA waterbird fallout tally, Bob Drumgool posted very nice photos of a Ross’ Goose from Deerfield, taken yesterday! But he apparently went back today and the bird was gone…
> On Mar 31, 2018, at 4:52 PM, Nickilas Paulson <grendelpgill...> wrote:
>
> I generally expect my local breeding Broad-winged Hawks to arrive either the last week of March or first week of April in Upton SF or my yard. Red-shouldered and Broad-winged Hawks both showed up in the yard this morning.
>
> Nickilas Paulson
> grendelpgill at yahoo . com
> Upton ma
>
> Sent from my iPhone
>
Observation start time: 07:00:00 Observation end time: 15:00:00 Total observation time: 8 hours
Official Counter: Mark Schoene, Ted Mara
Observers: Bob Secatore, Craig Jackson, Harry Wales, Herrrick Wales, John Cannizzaro, Judd Nathan, Kathryn Chihowski, Mark Schoene, Nathan Dubrow, Paul Roberts, Tom Graham, Tom Wetmore
Visitors: Compilers: Mark Schoene, Ted Mara Primary Observers: Brian Rusnica, Harry Wales, Nathan Dubrow, Paul Roberts, Ted Mara Other Observers: Bob Secatore, Craig Jackson, Jake Miller, Judd Nathan, Kathryn Chihowski, Mark Schoene, Tom Graham, Tom Westmore Visitors: Dahlia Miier, Doug Chickering, Julie and Laura Roberts, Janet Kovner, Lucas Miller, Mardi Chalmers, Mary Margret HalseyBE 1,
Raptor Observations: Non migrating raptors: BE 1, NH 2, PG 1, RL 1, RT 2, SNOW 1
Non-raptor Observations: Migrating non raptors: 115 gulls(sp), Glossy Ibis 1, great Blue Herons 5, Kildeer 2, Tree Swallows 26, yellow rump Warbler 1 Great first day for migration. Mark Schoene spot checked 3/15/18 thru 3/30/18 and had no migrating raptors. Kestrel flight excellent until noon east wind knocked it inland.
Predictions: Very favorable, SW winds 10-20mph ======================================================================== Report submitted by Ted Mara (<tedmara...>) Plum Island MA information may be found at: http://massbird.org/EMHW/
Site Description: The Plum Island Hawk Watch is located in parking lot #1 of the Parker River Wildlife Refuge on Plum Island, Newburyport, MA, approximately 32 miles northeast of Boston. It is a volunteer-run spring watchsite with coverage between mid March to mid May.
Directions to site: >From Interstate 95 take exit 57 for Route 113, (Newburyport). Travel east on Rte 113 (which becomes Route 1A in Newbury) for a distance of 3.5 miles to the intersection with Rolfe~Rs Lane (there is a traffic light at this intersection). Take a left onto Rolfe~Rs Lane and follow to the end of the road which terminates at a stop sign. Take a right at the stop sign. This is the Plum Island Turnpike/Water Street, the only access to Plum Island. Follow the Plum Island Turnpike until you go over the Sgt. Donald Wilkerson Bridge. After you have crossed the Bridge, take your first right. This road will lead you directly to the entrance to Parker River National Wildlife Refuge. The hawkwatch site is Parking Lot #1 of the Parker River National Wildlifee Refuge on Plum Island, Newburyport, MA.
Date: 3/31/18 2:40 pm From: Ian Nisbet <icnisbet...> Subject: [MASSBIRD] Oystercatchers - North Falmouth
One pair of Am. Oystercatchers appeared in the Wild Harbor River today. There are at least 5 Ospreys, including both members of the resident pair (female new today).
I generally expect my local breeding Broad-winged Hawks to arrive either the last week of March or first week of April in Upton SF or my yard. Red-shouldered and Broad-winged Hawks both showed up in the yard this morning. No sign yet of last years Cooper's and Goshawk breeders. They are either late, breeding in another spot, or I am missing them.
Nickilas Paulson grendelpgill at yahoo . com Upton ma
Date: 3/31/18 9:20 am From: Jon Woolf <jswoolf01...> Subject: [MASSBIRD] NH Audubon 2018 Spring Pelagic Birding Trip
Listfolk,
The thermometer may still be shivering, but the birds say spring is coming. So it must be time to start thinking about NH Audubon's spring Pelagic Birding Expedition. How the time flies.... 2018 marks ten years we've been doing these trips. This year we're going back to Memorial Day as the date; this year, that's Monday, May 28th. Otherwise, the plan is pretty much the same as in previous years:
WHAT: An all-day trip into the Gulf of Maine, looking for pelagic birds (although we'll also check out any whales and other marine life that we encounter). As always, we've chartered the whale-watching boat /Granite State/ for this day of birding along Jeffreys Ledge and wherever else the birds may lead us. Steve Mirick will be on the microphone, and our hosts will be the highly skilled and experienced Captain Pete Reynolds and his crew. We'll leave dockside at 8am and stay at sea the whole day. We should return to Rye Harbor around 5pm.
WHEN: Monday, May 28th (Memorial Day).
WHERE: Meet dockside at Rye Harbor at 7:30AM for an 8:00AM departure.
WHAT TO BRING: Binoculars, of course. A lunch if you want to. A digital camera if you have one -- these trips often produce excellent photo opportunities for both whales and birds. Weather on the open water is unpredictable, so dress warm, in multiple layers in case you get too warm and need to take off a layer. Certainly bring sunscreen, and either sunglasses or a hat. Bring motion-sickness pills if you're vulnerable to seasickness. /Granite State/'s seating is mostly wooden benches, so a seat cushion is a good idea if you have trouble with sitting on hard surfaces.
WHAT TO EXPECT: Hopefully, good weather and lots of interesting birds! Every trip is different, of course, but past spring trips have produced Northern Gannets, Wilson's Storm-petrels, Great and Sooty shearwaters, Northern Fulmars, Red-necked Phalaropes in breeding plumage (a rare sight indeed), a number of migrants, and a number of near-shore species. We often get good looks at Common and Roseate Terns from the White/Seavey Island tern colony, and Black Guillemots also appear around the Isles of Shoals most years. We've also gotten good looks at several whales of various species. Last year we got a once-in-a-lifetime gem: a wandering BOWHEAD whale!
REGISTRATION: You must register in advance for this trip. We need a minimum of 30 people to pay for the trip. We've set a maximum of 50 so that the boat doesn't get too crowded. Cost is $70 for NH Audubon members, $90 for non-members. Contact Massabesic Audubon Center (phone 603-668-2045, email <mac...>) to sign up. Contact either MAC or me with any questions you might have. Please be certain that you leave a phone number or email address where you can be contacted on Sunday May 27th, in case we have to cancel due to weather. There is no rain date; we go on the 28th, or not at all.
To go with the trip, I will be holding a 1-hour workshop at Massabesic Center on Saturday May 26th, as a basic introduction to the most common pelagic birds and how to identify them. Since we generally see both whales and birds on these trips, the workshop also includes information on the common whales of the Gulf of Maine.
My thanks go out to all who have made these trips a success in past years, and I hope to see you again this year ... along with as many new faces as we can fit! :-)
-- Jon Woolf Manchester, NH (Massabesic Audubon Center Volunteer)
Date: 3/31/18 8:52 am From: Richard Guthrie <richardpguthrie...> Subject: Re: [MASSBIRD] Western MA migration (mostly but not all waterfowl)
Interesting about that Broad-winged Hawk report. There is one reported from Ulster County,NY (about 30 miles west of Great Barrington) from Thursday, and also from an experienced and reliable observer. I don’t think it has been posted on eBird yet.
Richard Guthrie
NewBaltimore NY
Sent from my iPhone
> On Mar 31, 2018, at 10:59 AM, Josh <opihi...> wrote:
>
> Hi MassBirders,
>
> After the birds had been pretty static for most of the first 3/4 of March, the past few days have seen a lot of change in western MA. Some of the action:
>
> Maybe the most surprising, a Broad-winged Hawk reported to eBird. I’d be dubious except that the report was filed by Tom Tyning. He said that he has photos.
>
> A wave of Great Egret sightings yesterday, with 3 at Bennett Meadows WMA in Northfield, 3 more flying over New Salem, and one reported in Easthampton
>
> A bigger wave of Snow Geese, with flocks reported flying over several locations over Berkshire County and a few over Franklin. One flock touched down in New Salem right by Route 202, Larry Therrien found a couple of others in cornfields in Hadley, Sue Lewis added another flock from Worthington, and Gael Hurley yet another from Lee (she also had a trio of Sandhill Cranes fly past there). An eBird report by Ken Schopp from south of Sheffield on Thursday reported 275 Snow Geese plus two Ross'!
>
> Northern Shovelers appeared in all three counties of the Valley, as did Green-winged Teal, and Lesser Scaup in several Franklin and Berkshire County spots and at least one in Hampshire (Winsor Dam). I personally struck out on the shovelers but did well with the scaup, finding three on Barton Cove on Thursday (which I originally misidentified as Greater but told James Smith where the birds were and he straightened out my ID), then a pair at Tri-town Beach the same day, followed by another trio on Leverett Pond (the one actually in the town of Leverett) on Friday. I also stopped by the Turners Falls Rod & Gun Club on Friday and found about 20 GW Teal with a pair of Gadwall, among other species; the Gadwall were most likely part of a trio that James had spotted standing on the retreating edge of the ice at the Cove a day earlier. Larry Therrien topped my teal total with a group of 82, plus a female Blue-winged, on the marsh at Arcadia MAS.
>
> Chuck Stern spotted a Pied-billed Grebe at Barton Cove yesterday. Larry Therrien had a Red-breasted Merganser and an Osprey at Winsor Dam. Jonathan Pierce and Rene Wendell added another RB Merg from Richmond Pond. Peter Gagarin found a pair of American Wigeon at Hell’s Kitchen near Northfield, which he described as “still about 80% iced in."
>
> Tree Swallows, Eastern Phoebes, and Great Blue Herons have been appearing all over the place the past couple of days. Reports of Rusty Blackbirds trickling in from several locations too, with an uptick in American Woodcock and Belted Kingfisher sightings. And I’ve suddenly started hearing Winter Wrens singing all over, with one by the Fort River Trail on Wednesday, another Friday by the Turners Falls power canal, and a third on Friday at the TF Rod & Gun Club.
>
> Good birding!
>
> Josh
>
>
>
> Joshua S. Rose, Ph.D.
> Amherst, MA
> http://bugguide.net/user/view/2399 > https://www.facebook.com/opihi >
>
Date: 3/31/18 8:07 am From: Josh <opihi...> Subject: [MASSBIRD] Western MA migration (mostly but not all waterfowl)
Hi MassBirders,
After the birds had been pretty static for most of the first 3/4 of March, the past few days have seen a lot of change in western MA. Some of the action:
Maybe the most surprising, a Broad-winged Hawk reported to eBird. I’d be dubious except that the report was filed by Tom Tyning. He said that he has photos.
A wave of Great Egret sightings yesterday, with 3 at Bennett Meadows WMA in Northfield, 3 more flying over New Salem, and one reported in Easthampton
A bigger wave of Snow Geese, with flocks reported flying over several locations over Berkshire County and a few over Franklin. One flock touched down in New Salem right by Route 202, Larry Therrien found a couple of others in cornfields in Hadley, Sue Lewis added another flock from Worthington, and Gael Hurley yet another from Lee (she also had a trio of Sandhill Cranes fly past there). An eBird report by Ken Schopp from south of Sheffield on Thursday reported 275 Snow Geese plus two Ross'!
Northern Shovelers appeared in all three counties of the Valley, as did Green-winged Teal, and Lesser Scaup in several Franklin and Berkshire County spots and at least one in Hampshire (Winsor Dam). I personally struck out on the shovelers but did well with the scaup, finding three on Barton Cove on Thursday (which I originally misidentified as Greater but told James Smith where the birds were and he straightened out my ID), then a pair at Tri-town Beach the same day, followed by another trio on Leverett Pond (the one actually in the town of Leverett) on Friday. I also stopped by the Turners Falls Rod & Gun Club on Friday and found about 20 GW Teal with a pair of Gadwall, among other species; the Gadwall were most likely part of a trio that James had spotted standing on the retreating edge of the ice at the Cove a day earlier. Larry Therrien topped my teal total with a group of 82, plus a female Blue-winged, on the marsh at Arcadia MAS.
Chuck Stern spotted a Pied-billed Grebe at Barton Cove yesterday. Larry Therrien had a Red-breasted Merganser and an Osprey at Winsor Dam. Jonathan Pierce and Rene Wendell added another RB Merg from Richmond Pond. Peter Gagarin found a pair of American Wigeon at Hell’s Kitchen near Northfield, which he described as “still about 80% iced in."
Tree Swallows, Eastern Phoebes, and Great Blue Herons have been appearing all over the place the past couple of days. Reports of Rusty Blackbirds trickling in from several locations too, with an uptick in American Woodcock and Belted Kingfisher sightings. And I’ve suddenly started hearing Winter Wrens singing all over, with one by the Fort River Trail on Wednesday, another Friday by the Turners Falls power canal, and a third on Friday at the TF Rod & Gun Club.
Date: 3/30/18 7:49 pm From: <mresch8702...> Subject: [MASSBIRD] Phoebe, Pepperell, 3/30 and Many other Locations (per eBird)
Had my first Phoebe of the year at my Pepperell house today. But more interestingly, I checked eBird and there were many reports of Phoebes today throughout north-central and northeast MA, as well as southern NH, and most are the first for their areas. Quite an impressive first wave of this early spring migrant.
Along with singing Juncos in the yard, maybe Spring really is on its way.
Mike Resch www.statebirding.blogspot.com Pepperell, MA
On 3/30/2018 6:59 PM, bank1941 wrote: > > M'bers, nice to finally hear the peepers in the wetlands behind the > house tonight. > > Joe > > Joe Paluzzi > Salem, MA. USA
-- Linda Ferraresso Salem, MA tattler1(at)comcast(dot)net
"Faith is the bird that feels the light and sings when the dawn is still dark" - Tagore
Peepers are not the only amphibians out and about. Wood Frogs were calling on Wednesday at the Fort River Trail in Hadley (a division of the Silvio O Conte NWR). Last night saw a HUGE migration by Spotted Salamanders at the famous Amherst salamander tunnels. A researcher working there last night, deploying volunteers with notebooks, kept a running tally of the number observed or assisted crossing the road, and finished the night with a count of 357!
Eastern Painted Turtles have been out basking for over a week now, I saw my first on March 19, so reptiles are coming out too…
> On Mar 30, 2018, at 6:59 PM, bank1941 <bank1941...> wrote:
>
>
> M'bers, nice to finally hear the peepers in the wetlands behind the house tonight.
>
>
> Joe
>
>
>
>
> Joe Paluzzi
> Salem, MA. USA
>
>
> Sent by my Verizon tablet
Date: 3/30/18 4:05 pm From: ECOC Mail <ecocmail...> Subject: [MASSBIRD] Essex County Ornithological Club Meeting Reminder Friday, April 6, 2018 - Plus: Speaker’s Box- Special Collection For Plank Fundraiser April 6!
Friday, April 6, 7:45 pm It’s for the Birds! Plus ECOC meeting, 7:30-7:45 pm
Everyone with access to a patch of earth can make a significant contribution toward sustaining biodiversity. Douglas Tallamy, a giant in the natural gardening world and the award-winning author of Bringing Nature Home, shares his deep knowledge of what birds need in landscaped spaces to breed successfully and the important roles native plants play in maintaining food webs for birds.
Discover ways you can transform a garden into a haven for birds and other wildlife. A book signing follows the program. This event is made possible by a generous donation from The Echo Charitable Foundation. Co-sponsored by PEM.
Morse Auditorium, Peabody Essex Museum, Salem. Free and open to the public.
Hello ECOC Members and all attending the upcoming meeting,
As you might have heard, the Friends of Parker River has organized a Boardwalk Plank Fundraiser to raise money to save the Hellcat trail. The Marsh loop has been closed since October 2017 and the other sections of the trail are in rough shape.
The fundraiser aims not only save Hellcat trail, but to improve the safety and accessibility of all the boardwalks on the Parker River National Wildlife Refuge. The initial goal is to raise $100,000 for the Marsh Loop rebuild, which is the most time-critical. The total funding of the Hellcat Trail project will require both government and private grants, which the Friends is also pursuing. Early estimates for the entire project indicate $1 to 4 million may be required. We’ll know more when the design phase is completed, but it’s a big project!
For a donation of $100, individual donors have an opportunity to demonstrate their support by having a plank engraved with a name they specify. The engraved planks, made of synthetic recycled materials, will replace the wooden planks on the refuge’s boardwalks, starting with the boardwalk at Lot #1. All profits from the donations will be provided to the refuge and used specifically for the Hellcat Trail project.
The ECOC council has voted to support this effort with a corporate-level donation of $350. We certainly hope that you will consider donating a plank, but if you cannot or you just want to give a little extra, please consider dropping what you can in the Speaker’s box at the meeting this Friday, April 6, to help us defray the cost. We will pick up the balance of the $350 and anything that we might collect over that amount will also be donated to the fundraiser.
Date: 3/30/18 1:55 pm From: Barbara Volkle <barb620...> Subject: [MASSBIRD] 3/30 Manx Shearwaters and Merlin at Revere Beach, etc.
Thanks to Paul Peterson for this report.
Barbara Volkle Northborough, MA <barb620...>
*
I'm glad I started at the southern end, or I would have missed my F.O.Y. MERLIN atop the roof antenna of the gold apartment building with the balconies on it.
MANX SHEARWATER 6 Wonderland area, a bit south of the Pink Apartments. I was watching three Manx Shearwater just sitting on the water (as they are wont to do) for twenty-five minutes. I had been hoping to see them fly. I got impatient and was just about to leave, when they decided to do just that.. Almost out of nowhere, three more Manx Shearwaters joined them in flight. This lasted only thirty seconds or so. When they settled back down on thwater, there were now six of them, and they had moved closer to the Pink Apartments. This is typical behavior for this species. WHAT FUN!
MERLIN 1 F.O.Y.fanning its tail to reveal the alternating black and white tail stripes
BELLE ISLE HIGHLIGHTS:
Great Egret 2 F.O.Y. Great Blue Heron 4 Brant 31 Green-winged Teal 12 Gadwall 1 Killdeer 4 flyovers Wilson's Snipe 1 F.O.Y. Belted Kingfisher 1 Tree Swallow 2 F.O.Y.
Date: 3/30/18 12:15 pm From: Naeem Yusuff <naeem.yusuff...> Subject: [MASSBIRD] Brookline Bird Club Annual Spring Meeting
Brookline Bird Club Annual Spring Meeting
Friday, April 13, 2018
Harvard University Geo Lecture Hall
Please join us as Wayne Peterson talks about a lifetime of birding in Massachusetts! Wayne is MA Audubon’s Director of the Massachusetts Important Bird Areas (IBA) program. There will be a Social with light refreshments from 6:30-7:30 followed by the BBC Annual Meeting and Wayne’s presentation. Parking is free in the 52 Oxford St. garage. Tell the attendant that you are there for the BBC meeting.
A Lifetime of Bay State Birding: A History of Change in Massachusetts Birdlife
This presentation will offer a reflection on some of the events that have affected Massachusetts bird populations since the middle of the 20th century. Using specific examples, more than a half century of avian change will be viewed through the lens of anthropogenic influences, habitat disruption, biological factors and most recently, how climate change may influence birds in the future that we see inhabiting the Commonwealth today.
Yesterday I saw an Osprey circling above Fresh Pond. Today, also at Fresh Pond, I saw a Great Egret fly over near Black’s Nook and later in my walk by Little Fresh Pond (dog pond) I spotted four Tree Swallows. All FOY for me.
Just left a drake Northern Shoveler quite close to the road, Pleasant St. dabbling on Stevens Pond, w/2 Mute Swans (down/north from location of the conti. Redhead on Lake Cochichewick). Observed it for 30min. Was coming home from the Y in Andover, always heading home this route, passed this fella s.l..o..w..l...y and its WHITE popped out making me stop and get a better look. Never have seen one on Stevens or Lake C. before, so a tad exciting for a dreary day!. If coming, caution when parking on the side of this road- they FLY on it!
Date: 3/30/18 10:16 am From: Nathan Dubrow <nathan.dubrow...> Subject: [MASSBIRD] Snowy Egret- Castle Hill, Ipswich-3/30/18
Hi MassBirders, right now there is a Snowy Egret feeding with eight+ Great Egrets near the entrance to Castle Hill in Ipswich. They are only visible once you pass Castle Hill and park on the side of the causeway to the beach and look to the right back from where you came. They are behind a light grayish house. This is certainly my earliest record so far, and a thrill to get before I head back up to college in two days!
Good birding, Nathan
Nathan Dubrow Ipswich, Ma (Bar Harbor, Me) <nathandubrow...> (<ndubrow21...>)
Date: 3/30/18 9:44 am From: Maurice Gilmore <petegilmore79...> Subject: Re: [MASSBIRD] Topsfield Fish crows and breeding American crows
Hi,
We have had Fish Crows nest near the intersection of Plymouth and
Woodward streets in Newton for three years. This year, all of a sudden
there have been up to 12 Fish Crows, and some moves to keep Amareicam Crows
away. The Fish Crows that I imagine are our “core” pair have not settled on
a spot yet to nest, as I watch. It is a different year for Corvids near
me.
Pete Gilmore
Newton, MA
<Petegilmore79...>
On Fri, Mar 30, 2018 at 8:33 AM James MacDougall <jm3...> wrote:
> Hi,
>
> For over thirty years now, we have had a group of Fish crows visit our
> yard in Topsfield during the week of Easter. And only on Easter. A group of
> 12 flew over yesterday and the local pairs of American crows challenged
> them to move on.
>
> I have made it a rule to only use the two note nasal call of the Fish crow
> for identification at this time of year. I have been fooled by an American
> crow doing a single nasal call during nest building that is nearly
> identical to that of a Fish crow. I read that the female American crow does
> this food begging call during the initial days of breeding. I assume the
> Fish crow has a single nasal call, but for the next couple of weeks, I find
> I canâ~@~Yt trust my ears to tell them apart.
>
>
> Jim MacDougall
>
>
Date: 3/30/18 7:52 am From: alice morgan <morgan.alice...> Subject: [MASSBIRD] Fwd: [wisb] documenting female bird song
I have been interested in what female birds sing for some time -- have just come across some good info on this through the link below...a benefit of having relatives in WI where we try to bird when we visit!
---------- Forwarded message ---------- From: William Mueller <wpmueller1947...> Date: Fri, Mar 30, 2018 at 10:05 AM Subject: [wisb] documenting female bird song To: wisbirdn <wisbirdn...>
William Mueller Director, Western Great Lakes Bird and Bat Observatory WGLBBO online: wglbbo.org <wpmueller1947...> office 262-285-3374 cell 414-698-9108 blog: futureofbirds.blogspot.com Port Washington, WI
Date: 3/30/18 7:26 am From: <phawk254...> Subject: [MASSBIRD] Plum Island Spring Hawk Migration Forecasts Available from Eastern Mass Hawk Watch (EMHW)
For the past several springs the Eastern Massachusetts Hawk Watch (EMHW) has provided an email service providing weather forecasts and basic info on the likelihood of hawk migration for the Plum Island Spring Hawk Watch 1-2 times per week for five weeks. If you are interested in looking for migrating hawks this spring please continue reading.
To join the email list, send an email to <phawk254...> and in the body of the email simply type out your complete name and your email address on separate lines. I will email everyone on the list 1-2 times a week through late April, depending on the weather and migration counts. The list will not be used in other seasons. If you were on the list last year, you should have already received the first forecast for this spring. If you have not received a forecast, please resubscribe. If you were subscribed but have changed your email address since last April, you will need to resubscribe. The Plum Island count should continue until about May 10, but I will not be able to send out forecasts after April 28.
In general, the bulk of the hawks along the northern Massachusetts coast pass between April 1 and May 10. There are no guarantees, but the best days at Plum tend to be the first and second day of a clearing cold front following a stationary front or prolonged rain. The best movement is seen on days with strong winds anywhere from the west (NW to SW). Winds from the north, east and south are generally not productive. Birds can be moving shortly after dawn and into the evening, but generally the bulk of the flight tends to be 9 a.m. EDT to 4 p.m. On really big days numbers might continue until dusk. Individuals might be seen moving at any time.
For weather forecasts, look for a weather web site that provides an hourly forecast at least 2-3 days out, including cloud cover, wind direction and speed, and temperature. More on selecting weather sites in the first forecast. It is critical to check the forecasts at least twice a day because they change frequently. The hawks pay no attention to forecasts. They go with what is!
Please remember that this service is an aid; not a guaranteed forecast of weather or hawk movement. The only way to see the best migration counts is to get out and look as often as possible. The Plum Island Hawk Watch is conducted on the deck at Parking Lot #1 of the refuge.
For more information on when and where to hawk watch, and to join, visit the Eastern Mass Hawk Watch Site at www.massbird.org/EMHW
To see counts from Plum Island for this year and the preceding twelve years, go to www.hawkcount.org and search for Plum Island Hawk Watch.
Date: 3/30/18 5:36 am From: James MacDougall <jm3...> Subject: [MASSBIRD] Topsfield Fish crows and breeding American crows
Hi,
For over thirty years now, we have had a group of Fish crows visit our yard in Topsfield during the week of Easter. And only on Easter. A group of 12 flew over yesterday and the local pairs of American crows challenged them to move on.
I have made it a rule to only use the two note nasal call of the Fish crow for identification at this time of year. I have been fooled by an American crow doing a single nasal call during nest building that is nearly identical to that of a Fish crow. I read that the female American crow does this food begging call during the initial days of breeding. I assume the Fish crow has a single nasal call, but for the next couple of weeks, I find I can~@~Yt trust my ears to tell them apart.
Date: 3/30/18 2:30 am From: Thomas Wetmore <ttw4...> Subject: [MASSBIRD] Plum Island "Commoness Chart"
PI Birders,
Let me call your attention to one of the pages I update on the Plum Island Birds web site nearly every day. I call it the "commoness" chart. It lists all the birds seen on Plum Island that are in my sightings database, ranking the birds by how many days they've been seen on the island since I started the database (so all sightings are from 2002 and later).
This can be a fun chart to check, especially for the more competitive, since we can see which bird is ahead of which bird in the sightings "race". I also color code any changes that have occurred on any given day, making it easy to spot the latest changes. Here is the location of the chart:
Since I update this chart almost every day, any comments I make on its exact contents apply only to the latest version. But if you look at the chart I updated about 15 minutes ago you will see some interesting things:
1. The 21 "commonest" species on the island were all seen yesterday. 2. The 22nd commonest species is the Greater Yellowlegs; it hasn't arrived for the year yet; any day now. 3. The commonest species on the island, the Herring Gull, has been seen on 4,632 days since I started the database. 4. The "rarest" bird seen yesterday was the Iceland Gull, in 229th place; an Iceland Gull has been seen on 114 days since starting the database. 5. The Dark-eyed Junco moved into 81st place yesterday, edging out the American Wigeon which dropped into 82nd place. 6. Likewise the House Finch moved into 44th place, at 2177 days, just ahead of the Brown Thrasher at 2176 days.
FYI, the Herring Gull only recently moved into first place. The Canada Goose had been at the top since nearly the first version of the chart over ten years ago. Why? Well obviously because it has been reported fewer times than the gull for the past while. But why? I don't really know, but it might have something to do with the harsh winter now finally ending.
The chart uses a color coding:
1. Yellow -- the birds seen on the last update. 2. Red (hot!) -- the birds that moved up on the last update. 3. Blue (cool) -- the birds that moved down on the last update.
Take a look at the top of the chart, the first 20 species. If someone were to ask you to name the 20 commonest species on the island, how many of those would have been on your list? Would you have put Northern Harrier in the top twenty? It is in 12th place, having been seen on 3,803 days since the start of the database. I would not have guessed it was so high.
Date: 3/29/18 7:43 pm From: DOUGLAS E CHICKERING <dovekie...> Subject: [MASSBIRD] Spring Forward
Massbirders:
This year the arrival of spring seems to be somewhat of a struggle. Perhaps it seems that way because winter reached it fierce peak in March and I think that caught us all by surprise. As the month wore away, winter was able to maintain its grip. Nights below zero, days dominated by northern breezes from off the North Atlantic, a couple of startling, cruel Nor'easters, and the signs of spring conspicuously absent. A couple of days before Easter and there are no buds in the trees, no color in the brush. I can remember star Magnolia’s blooming in late march more than once in the past and a few green buds popping up in the forsythia. Even the cries of a few Killdeer didn’t break the dreary spell.
However today when I went down to Plum Island there were the signs of spring, welcome and undeniable. By the side of the road there were the mixed clusters of Song Sparrows and Junco’s. There were still a few American Tree Sparrows, another residue of winter, but the Songs Sparrows greatly outnumbered them. I even had a reliable report, from Dave Adrien of a Piping Plover and Great Egret. There was also a strikingly beautiful Great Blue Heron at the Pans. Deep down I feel a little surge of joy when I know that it can’t be long before I spot a Phoebe on a bare twig, pumping its tail, a Great Egret impervious to the chill, working through the shallows of the marshes, and a Tree Swallow on a tilting nesting box.
Sparrows scratching in the grass at the side of the road up and down the island is a sign of spring. A true sign that even a wayward snow squall can’t extinguish. This year, more than usual, I need the arrival of warm days, budding trees and the prospect of Warblers in all their old and familiar places.
Date: 3/29/18 5:27 pm From: Maryellen Stone <mstone816...> Subject: [MASSBIRD] Weekly survey report Great Meadows National Wildlife Refuge 3-29-2018
Great Meadows NWR--Concord Unit, Middlesex, Massachusetts, US
Mar 29, 2018 6:57 AM - 10:52 AM
Protocol: Traveling
3.21 mile(s)
Comments: Weekly survey by NFWS volunteers Chrissy, Soheil, Audrey, Bill, Tom, Kevin, Joan, Will, and Maryellen. Wonderful not to have mush through snow! We were treated to an otter feeding in the upper impoundment. Nice to be able to confirm the Eastern Screech Owl today.
36 species (+1 other taxa)
Date: 3/29/18 3:45 pm From: Carol Mo <cbmolander...> Subject: Re: [MASSBIRD] Osprey - North Falmouth
There are several osprey in Marion, MA. I saw two at the nest closest to the road at Mary's Pond, two at the nest atop the cell tower at the WTP (Wastewater Treatment Plant), and one at Grassi Bog off of Route 6 (enter across the street from Fieldstone Market). Carol Molander, Marion
*Carol B. Molander* <cbmolander...> 508-748-3759 Home 508-641-0991 Cell
On Thu, Mar 29, 2018 at 5:48 PM, Ian Nisbet <icnisbet...> wrote:
> The first osprey returned to the nest near my house in North Falmouth this > afternoon. > > Ian Nisbet, North Falmouth > >
Date: 3/29/18 9:42 am From: Bird Watcher's Supply <birdwsg...> Subject: [MASSBIRD] Swarovski Optics Day - April 8
We would like to invite everyone to our Optics Day with Swarovski Optik on Sunday, April 8, 2018 from 11:00 am to 3:00 pm at Bird Watcher~@~Ys Supply & Gift at the Route 1 Traffic Circle in Newburyport. A Swarovski Representative will be here with their latest products and will answer all of your questions. Come see the new BTX, binocular eyepiece module, for Swarovski~@~Ys newest ATX/STX Spotting Scopes! You can even trade your old Swarovski optics for an instant rebate toward the latest technology!
This is a FREE event where you can view, compare and purchase Swarovski products, and /or any of our other binoculars and scopes, in all price ranges, from Zeiss, Kowa, Nikon, Ricoh Pentax and Opticron, as well as Manfrotto Tripods. There are instant rebates and mail-in rebates on select products from the various manufacturers.
At our Optics Day, everyone will receive an ADDITIONAL discount on all binoculars, scopes and tripods to offset the Massachusetts Sales Tax ~@~S so we will pay the tax, not you!
Bird Watcher's Supply & Gift is celebrating 24 years of serving the birding community. We are a proud, long-time supporter of Mass Audubon, including Bird-a-thon, The Superbowl of Birding, and the MAS Ipswich River WS Annual Audubon Nature Festival. We are also supporters of the Brookline Bird Club and Essex County Greenbelt. We also pass along sightings in support of the Massbird, NHBirds, PlumIslandBirds, and CapeCodBirds communities as well.
There is no pre-registration for this event, just come and enjoy! We hope to see you at our Optics Day on Sunday, April 8!
Steve Grinley Bird Watcher's Supply & Gift 194 Route 1 Route 1 Traffic Circle Newburyport, MA 01950 <Birdwsg...> 978-462-0775 www.birdwatcherssupplyandgift.com
Date: 3/29/18 8:19 am From: John Liller <john.liller...> Subject: [MASSBIRD] Broad Meadow Brook Wildlife Sanctuary - 3/28/18
I recorded the following yesterday afternoon (3/28/18) at the Broad Meadow Brook Wildlife Sanctuary in Worcester. I walked the Troiano-Heron Pond-Powerline loop and also from Sprague Lane to Wilson Swamp.
Canada Goose (2 - Wilson's Swamp) Wood Duck (21 - 11 in Wilson Swamp and 10 in Heron Pond; numerous pairs) Mallard (26 - 6 in brook along Troiano, 2 in Heron Pond, 18 in Wilson's Swamp; numerous pairs) Great Blue Heron (2 - both on nest in Heron Pond) Red-tailed Hawk (1 - soaring over the wet meadow; same or 2nd bird seen over powerlines) Mourning Dove (5) Red-bellied Woodpecker (3) Downy Woodpecker (5) Hairy Woodpecker (1) Blue Jay (9) American Crow (10) FISH CROW (1 - calling; with a group of American Crows) Black-capped Chickadee (9) Tufted Titmouse (8) White-breasted Nuthatch (7) Carolina Wren (2) Golden-crowned Kinglet (1) Eastern Bluebird (1) American Robin (4) Song Sparrow (13) White-throated Sparrow (1) Dark-eyed Junco (6) Northern Cardinal (6) Red-winged Blackbird (34 - all males) Common Grackle (37) House Finch (8) American Goldfinch (2) House Sparrow (8)
Also: 3 Garter Snakes together, 1 Mourning Cloak, and lots of fresh Beaver activity along the Troiano Brookside Trail. And when I reached the southern end of the wet meadow along Troiano, I heard something squeaking at me from the trunk of a tree. It was a Little Brown Bat.
Finally, when I got back to my house in Grafton, I heard 2 Barred Owls dueting.
Made a pass by Great Harbor in Woods Hole this past weekend. Lots of wintering ducks still being seen, with some close to the pier behind the Aquarium.
Had very nice looks at a handful of Long-tailed Ducks, with one lingering in close before going airborne!
For those with an interest, 4 photos posted of takeoff sequence:
I took
a
photo
of a Bald Eagle along the banks of the Lower Mystic Lake
<https://ramsubramanianphotography.smugmug.com/Birds/i-9W37BGb/A> on April
15, 2017. There was a pair of eagles. The eagle in the photo is banded. I
sent over the band ID to Tom French at the Division of Fisheries and
Wildlife.
Below is the account Tom sent over. What an incredible story!
Here is the original banding information for this bird.
Band numbers: 0709-02180, and 9/E burnt orange
Banding date and location: January 30, 2015, MA, Plymouth Co., Lakeville,
Assawompset Pond
Sex: Unknown
Note: This eagle and two others (9/C, 9/D) were found unable to fly at
Assawompset Pond after feeding on a goat placed out on the ice at a
location where road-killed deer have been traditionally (20+ years) put our
for eagles to feed on. It was not realized at the time that the goat had
been euthanized with pentobarbital. 9/E was found on January 20, 2015
completely unconsious. All three birds fully recovered and were released
back at Assawompset Pond.
Date: 3/28/18 6:11 pm From: Jim Berry <jim.berry3...> Subject: [MASSBIRD] Willowdale SF (east), Mar 28, 2018
Willowdale SF (east), Ipswich
Mar 28, 2018 12:00 PM - 2:15 PM Protocol: Traveling 2.0 mile(s) Comments: I walked a 2-mile loop thru the forest from Topsfield Rd. on the south side. I didn't hear everything I wanted to, but I can't complain about the results! 14 species
Wood Duck 2 pair in Gravelly Brook Red-shouldered Hawk 2 Within the first minute of my walk I heard 2 red-shoulders calling almost over my head. I was lucky to observe a little of the male's "sky dance" as described in the BNA account: "Male also performs 'sky-dance,' soaring upward and calling. When female appears, male makes a series of steep dives, each dive checked and followed by a wide spiral and rapid ascent before the next. Circling flight and sky-dance apparently serve for courtship. In one study, courtship flights usually occurred between 11:00 and 13:00 h on clear days." I saw this male make two dives on a clear day right at noon! The larger female followed him, not diving. I heard one of them calling in flight again on my return to my car. I have heard these birds in this forest almost ever year recently but have yet to get a bead on a nest. Mourning Dove 4 2 apparent pairs, both flushed from ground. Downy Woodpecker 2 Hairy Woodpecker 2 2 females in a face-off, pointing their bills straight up and flaring those tail feathers. Pileated Woodpecker 2 One called near me; the other drummed repeatedly, far away from the first. Common Raven 1 Heard one twice; possibly 2 birds. (Heard no jays or crows.) Black-capped Chickadee 16 They sure outnumbered the titmice today. Tufted Titmouse 7 Red-breasted Nuthatch 1 These birds have been hard to find all winter. This one is my first since Nov. 24! White-breasted Nuthatch 3 Brown Creeper 2 Northern Cardinal 1 Red-winged Blackbird 4
On Wed, Mar 28, 2018 at 6:05 PM, Spector, David (Biology) <spectord...>
> wrote:
> The original 1884 description of Nelson’s gull (as a full species) can be
> found here: https://sora.unm.edu/node/4170 >
>
>
> The article by Henry Henshaw concludes with an explanation of the
> etymology to honor the collector of the type specimen:
>
> “I dedicate the species to Mr. E. W. Nelson, as a slight recognition of
> his valuable services to Alaskan ornithology.”
>
>
>
> David Spector
>
> Belchertown, Mass.
>
>
>
>
>
> *From:* <massbird-approval...> [mailto:massbird-approval@ > TheWorld.com] *On Behalf Of *Soheil Zendeh
> *Sent:* Wednesday, March 28, 2018 3:51 PM
> *To:* <wmchilds...>; <massbird...>
> *Subject:* RE: [MASSBIRD] All white feathered gull Nantasket (Leucistic
> Herring Gull)
>
>
>
> Warren, Abby,
>
>
>
> The bill on your bird suggests a second-cycle Glaucous Gull – tubular and
> long with pink basal 3/4 and sharply defined black tip as the final ¼.
>
>
>
> Take a look at the bird I marked as Glaucous Gull in the Deer Island
> flocks last week:
>
> https://flic.kr/s/aHskPz64y7 > <https://na01.safelinks.protection.outlook.com/?url=https%3A%2F%2Fflic.kr%2Fs%2FaHskPz64y7&data=01%7C01%<7Cspectord...>%7Cb4ba4427963a45bc35c408d594e608f0%7C2329c570b5804223803b427d800e81b6%7C0&sdata=sNJ9k65uu3V7JSoY97sh0eCzdLNq8V%2BStVrt6%2Bh0gkA%3D&reserved=0> >
>
>
> The average size of Glaucous is certainly larger than Herring, but there
> are some small ones that are similar in size. They are almost always
> ornerier than Herring.
>
>
>
> Just to be sure there was no Herring Gull component in this bird: Did you
> see any dark feather tips on it?
>
>
>
> The reason I ask is that many years ago I saw a similar “dominant” white
> gull at Revere Beach, but it had some slightly dark smudges on the outer
> primaries, so I was sure it was NOT a Glaucous. I couldn’t figure it out,
> so I sent the description around to various folks and one person , Davis
> Finch (legendary old-school birder, lives in NH) wrote back that it sounded
> like a hybrid Herring x Glaucous. And the only one like it he had ever seen
> was the orneriest gull he knew! That particular hybrid is now known as a
> Nelson’s Gull – no idea who Nelson was. Needless to say, I’ve been looking
> for another Nelson’s ever since.
>
>
>
> *Soheil Zendeh*
>
> *42 Baker Ave
> <https://maps.google.com/?q=42+Baker+Ave+%0D%0A+Lexington,+MA+02421&entry=gmail&source=g>* >
> *Lexington, MA 02421
> <https://maps.google.com/?q=42+Baker+Ave+%0D%0A+Lexington,+MA+02421&entry=gmail&source=g>* >
>
>
>
>
> *Original post:*
>
> Here is a photo
>
> https://photos.app.goo.gl/A4L6IytSLjTn1mza2 >
>
> Warren & Abby Childs
> Norwell
>
Date: 3/28/18 3:41 pm From: Phil Brown <nebirdsplus...> Subject: [MASSBIRD] massbird.org (the web site not the listserve) hacked - please read
Unfortunately the Massbird.org web site was hacked earlier this week, I took it offline for a day, cleaned up the site and it's now back up and running. MassBird.org is currently hosting 4 bird club web sites:
massbird.org/ecoc - Essex County Ornithological Club
massbird.org/emhw - Eastern MA Hawk Watch
massbird.org/nasketucket - Nasketucket Bird Club
massbird.org/pbc - Paskamansett Bird Club
If you visited MassBird.org or any of these web sites in the past week you should be sure to run your virus protection / anti-malware software to be certain you are virus / malwarefree. If you don't have virus / malware protection software it is highly recommended that you install one of the available programs at your earliest convenience.
Being online without virus protection these days is much more than a little risky.
The article by Henry Henshaw concludes with an explanation of the etymology to honor the collector of the type specimen:
“I dedicate the species to Mr. E. W. Nelson, as a slight recognition of his valuable services to Alaskan ornithology.”
David Spector
Belchertown, Mass.
From: <massbird-approval...> [mailto:<massbird-approval...>] On Behalf Of Soheil Zendeh
Sent: Wednesday, March 28, 2018 3:51 PM
To: <wmchilds...>; <massbird...>
Subject: RE: [MASSBIRD] All white feathered gull Nantasket (Leucistic Herring Gull)
Warren, Abby,
The bill on your bird suggests a second-cycle Glaucous Gull – tubular and long with pink basal 3/4 and sharply defined black tip as the final ¼.
The average size of Glaucous is certainly larger than Herring, but there are some small ones that are similar in size. They are almost always ornerier than Herring.
Just to be sure there was no Herring Gull component in this bird: Did you see any dark feather tips on it?
The reason I ask is that many years ago I saw a similar “dominant” white gull at Revere Beach, but it had some slightly dark smudges on the outer primaries, so I was sure it was NOT a Glaucous. I couldn’t figure it out, so I sent the description around to various folks and one person , Davis Finch (legendary old-school birder, lives in NH) wrote back that it sounded like a hybrid Herring x Glaucous. And the only one like it he had ever seen was the orneriest gull he knew! That particular hybrid is now known as a Nelson’s Gull – no idea who Nelson was. Needless to say, I’ve been looking for another Nelson’s ever since.
Date: 3/28/18 2:21 pm From: judy parrot-willis <jep_willis...> Subject: Re: [MASSBIRD] Unusual bird sighting, possible Avocet on Forest st. Middleton
Just checked out the small pond mentioned by Diana, 4:30 today, in Middleton as per her suggestion. Saw a collection of a few domestics obviously being raised adjacent to the pond: Swan geese, muscovy ducks, a handsome male peacock, gorgeous variety of roosters, chickens, two white turkeys, and of the 'wild' sector', only CGs and 4 mallards. Close to my abode, so shall check it out again tomorrow. Also seen near me at Lake Cochichewick this AM at 8AM and again at 11:15AM was the conti. Redhead drake, an immature bald eagle, sharp-shinned hawk, and c.mergansers on the Pleasant St. side. JudyNorth Andover
On Wednesday, March 28, 2018, 1:49:16 PM EDT, Diana F. <diana.fru...> wrote:
A beginner birder friend who was driving down Forest Street in Middleton this morning further up from downtown Middleton saw 2 unusual birds in a very small pond that is visible from road. He sent me a cell phone pic and it looks somewhat like an avocet to me though I can't see the bill. He did say there was a long bill. He is working so cannot return now but if anyone is in that area you might want to check it out. Diana FrugugliettiWoburn
The average size of Glaucous is certainly larger than Herring, but there are some small ones that are similar in size. They are almost always ornerier than Herring.
Just to be sure there was no Herring Gull component in this bird: Did you see any dark feather tips on it?
The reason I ask is that many years ago I saw a similar “dominant” white gull at Revere Beach, but it had some slightly dark smudges on the outer primaries, so I was sure it was NOT a Glaucous. I couldn’t figure it out, so I sent the description around to various folks and one person , Davis Finch (legendary old-school birder, lives in NH) wrote back that it sounded like a hybrid Herring x Glaucous. And the only one like it he had ever seen was the orneriest gull he knew! That particular hybrid is now known as a Nelson’s Gull – no idea who Nelson was. Needless to say, I’ve been looking for another Nelson’s ever since.
Date: 3/28/18 12:22 pm From: David Weaver <cygnus-dkw...> Subject: [MASSBIRD] Scotland Road, Newbury, & Plum Island - 03-28-2018
David Larson and I led today's edition of Wednesday Morning Birding out
of Joppa Flats Education Center, first to the Scotland Road pastures and then on to Plum Island. It turned out to be a beautiful day, the best we've had in some time -- overcast to partly cloudy, 45-50 degrees F, winds variable 2-5 mph. Lots of ducks in the Common Pasture, but pretty quiet on Plum Island.
Our list:
Scotland Road -- Canada Goose Mute Swan (2) - ads, pond at jct of Scotland Rd & HIghfield St. American Wigeon (~ 30) American Black Duck - common. Mallard (~ 35) Northern Shoveler (2) - pr. Northern Pintail (6) Green-winged Teal (~ 200) Ring-billed Gull Herring Gull American Crow Black-capped Chickadee (2) Tufted Titmouse (1) Song Sparrow (2) White-throated Sparrow (1) Northern Cardinal (1) Red-winged Blackbird - common. Common Grackle - a few.
Plum Island -- Canada Goose American Black Duck - common. Mallard - common. Northern Pintail (8) - BFP. Green-winged Teal (4) - BFP. White-winged Scoter (~ 12) - n.end. Long-tailed Duck (~ 8) - n. end. Bufflehead (~ 8) - various. Common Goldeneye (8) - 6, PI River; 2, n. end. Common Merganser (~ 8) - flyby over mouth of Merrimack R. Red-breasted Merganser (~ 15) - various. Red-throated Loon (1) - n.end. Common Loon (~ 10) - n. end. [Bald Eagle (2) - 1 4th yr, 1 3rd yr; perched edge of Merrimack across from and east of PI Airport.] Northern Harrier (1) - female, w. main panne perched on staddle. Red-tailed Hawk (1) - spooked from tree roadside, n. end S-curves. Killdeer (3) Ring-billed Gull Herring Gull Great Black-backed Gull (1) Rock Pigeon - PI bridge. Snowy Owl (2) - 1, on vegetative mound at water's edge due w. parking lot #2; 1, perched atop Coast Guard station n. end. Blue Jay (4) American Crow - common. American Robin European Starling American Tree Sparrow (5) Song Sparrow - common. Dark-eyed Junco (3) Northern Cardinal (2) Red-winged Blackbird - common. Common Grackle - common. House Finch (1) - female, Hellcat.
We will meet again next week back at Joppa Flats at 0930 for Wednesday Morning Birding. For more information about Joppa Flats programs, call David Moon or Dave Larson at 978-462-9998.
Date: 3/28/18 11:49 am From: Barbara Volkle <barb620...> Subject: [MASSBIRD] "Hands-On Bird Science" program at Hog Island - Scholarships!
Thanks to Pete Salmansohn and the National Audubon Society for letting us know about this opportunity.
Barbara Volkle
Northborough, MA
<barb620...>
*
An unusual scholarship opportunity is opening up at the Hog Island Audubon Camp in Maine for their Hands-On Bird Science session, June 10-15.National Audubon will provide several 50% subsidies to individuals who would like attend this program of the "doing of ornithology" -mist netting and bird banding, preparing bird study skins, bird censusing on a 330 acre island, and sound recordings of birds.See the program description at the website, and then, if interested, contact Hog Island program director Eva Matthews Lark at <hogisland...> <mailto:<hogisland...> for more information on how to apply.These scholarships are worth approximately $550 towards the full price of $1095 for this all-inclusive 6-day program, including food, lodging, boat trips, instruction, etc.
Date: 3/28/18 11:43 am From: <wmchilds...> Subject: [MASSBIRD] All white feathered gull Nantasket (Leucistic Herring Gull)
I was watching a family feed some gulls at Nantasket Beach in Hull (by the Red Parrot) and noticed that one had all white feathers. It was as large as the Herring Gulls and the most dominant gull in the group. My guess is that it is a leucistic Herring Gull.
Date: 3/28/18 10:51 am From: Diana F. <diana.fru...> Subject: [MASSBIRD] Unusual bird sighting, possible Avocet on Forest st. Middleton
A beginner birder friend who was driving down Forest Street in Middleton this morning further up from downtown Middleton saw 2 unusual birds in a very small pond that is visible from road. He sent me a cell phone pic and it looks somewhat like an avocet to me though I can't see the bill. He did say there was a long bill. He is working so cannot return now but if anyone is in that area you might want to check it out.
Date: 3/28/18 4:56 am From: Marcia Dunham <mdunhamma99...> Subject: [MASSBIRD] Green-winged Teals -Medfield Charles River
Entrance to Medfield State Hospital is across the road from McCarthy Field, drive to end of pkg lots staying left to newly paved trail to where cul de sac overlooks water. Look left to where river bend to your right in an overflowed wetlands area. Surprisingly nice find.
Date: 3/27/18 4:10 pm From: Jonathan Center <jbcenter...> Subject: [MASSBIRD] BBC Trip Report - Parker River NWR, Mar 24, 2018
A Brookline Bird Club trip was held on Saturday, March 24, 2018. Walked beach south for over one mile in hoping to find Piping Plover. None were found. Best birds were two "Ipswich" Savannah Sparrows observed well at close range. They were grayer and paler than normal sub-species. A flock of Snow Buntings dropped in along the beach and gave nice views. Maybe late for time of year. The trip concluded early by noon. I apologize for the late report.
Jonathan Center <jbcenter...> Chelmsford
Parker River NWR, Essex, Massachusetts, US Mar 24, 2018 9:30 AM - 12:00 PM Protocol: Traveling 2.5 mile(s) Comments: Brookline Bird Club trip led by Jonathan Center. Starting from parking lot # 1 walked south on the beach for over one mile (about 1/4 mile south of the board walk from parking lot 3). Returned to parking lot 1 by way of the board walk for parking lot 2. Could not find any Piping Plovers on the beach. The BBC trip concluded by noon. 13 species
Canada Goose 5 Mallard 2 Surf Scoter 1 White-winged Scoter 2 Horned Grebe 1 Herring Gull 20 Great Black-backed Gull 3 Mourning Dove 2 American Crow 5 European Starling 5 Snow Bunting 20 One flock of 20 flew in from south and dropped in on beach before continuing north. Observed at close range. At least two were males in near breeding plumage: solid black on back and white on under parts and on head. The rest were whitish overall, brownish on back, and tannish around head and sides. White patches in wings was obvious when flying. Carefully counted. Savannah Sparrow (Ipswich) 2 Common Grackle 12
eBird has hotspots for the Randolph, Eastham, and Falmouth Great Ponds (as well as a few in Maine and one in New Hampshire, among others) but I don’t see one for Weymouth yet…. Randolph’s has the longest species list of the four, 200 species vs. 144 for Hatfield’s:
But the abundance of Great Ponds in MA doesn’t throw me quite as much as our having two different Leverett Ponds, only one of which is actually in the town of Leverett….
> On Mar 26, 2018, at 9:28 PM, Glenn d'Entremont <gdentremont1...> wrote:
>
> This is the one in Randolph/Braintree. There are so many Great Ponds in the area (Weymouth, Falmouth, Eastham are ones which come to mind quickly).
>
>
>
> Glenn
>
>
>
> Glenn d'Entremont: <gdentremont1...> Stoughton, MA
>
>> On March 26, 2018 at 8:57 PM 'Paul Peterson' via Boston Birds wrote:
>>
>>
>> I birded from 1:45-6:15.
>>
>> Common Loon 1
>> Red-necked Grebe 2 continuing
>> Pied-billed Grebe 1 with aythia species
>> Great Blue Heron 1
>> Canvasback 1 continuing
>> Ring-necked Duck 100
>> Greater Scaup 25
>> Common Merganser 60
>> Hooded Merganser 4
>> Red-breasted Merganser 1
>> Bufflehead 18
>> Common Goldeneye 8
>> Turkey Vulture 3
>> Red-tailed Hawk 2
>> buteo sp. 1
>> Belted Kingfisher 1
>> Golden-crowned Kinglet 3
>>
>> Paul Peterson
>> <Petersonpaul63...> <mailto:<Petersonpaul63...> >> Boston
>>
>> --
Date: 3/26/18 3:03 pm From: Barbara Volkle <barb620...> Subject: [MASSBIRD] Tundra Swan and King Eider
Today I saw the King Eider in the canal from Scusset Beach about halfway between the parking lot and the end of the canal with thousands of Common Eider and other waterfowl.. Saw it at 11:10am.
I saw the Tundra Swan at 12:10pm from Gate 4 at the Atwood Reservoir in Carver. It was about 75 feet from Gate 4. Thanks to Kathy Rawdon for her directions on ebird.
Date: 3/25/18 8:34 pm From: Joe Battenfeld <jbattenfeld...> Subject: [MASSBIRD] Wilson's Snipe, Woodcock, Millennium Park
blockquote, div.yahoo_quoted { margin-left: 0 !important; border-left:1px #715FFA solid !important; padding-left:1ex !important; background-color:white !important; }
Hello Massbirders:On Sunday afternoon there was a Wilson's Snipe feeding on the sides of the creek that runs along lower paved path at Millennium Park, West Roxbury, Mass.There is also quite a nice chorus of peenting from American Woodcock coming from the woods along the path and along the Charles River. I counted six at the minimum and saw two flying out from the woods to begin courtship flight.On Saturday night, there were two Great Horned Owls hooting in a duet in the woods across the swamp.
Joe BattenfeldRoslindale <jbattenfeld...>
Sent from Yahoo Mail for iPad
Date: 3/25/18 6:10 pm From: Sue McGrath <newburyportbirders...> Subject: [MASSBIRD] Little River Trail, Newburyport - 3/24
Birders,
Yesterday morning, I led a delightful, small group along the Little River Trail, Newburyport:
Yellow-shafted Flicker Downy Woodpecker Common Raven - in flight, displayed & croaked overhead American Crow Turkey Vulture - 4 Red-tailed Hawk Bald Eagle - 3 yr bird Mourning Dove - pair nest building in a cedar American Goldfinch Tufted Titmouse Black-capped Chickadee Blue Jay Northern Cardinal Red-winged Blackbird Canada Goose Mallard American Black Duck X Mallard Red-winged Blackbird Dark-eyed Junco American Robin, Blue Jay, Song Sparrow Swamp Sparrow White-throated Sparrow
Two Ospreys on nests. One on the nest at the back of the parking lot at Roche Brothers at South Cape Village, and another on one of the two nests by the Mashpee River at Quinaquisset Avenue off Rte 28 east of the traffic circle at Mashpee Commons.
Date: 3/25/18 9:12 am From: Ted Gilliland <tgillila...> Subject: [MASSBIRD] Eurasian subspecies Green-winged Teal at the Stony Brook wetlands county name correction.
Dear All,
The Eurasian subspecies Green-winged Teal at the Stony Brook wetlands is located in Hampden County; apologies for the autocorrect error.
Date: 3/25/18 8:38 am From: Ted Gilliland <tgillila...> Subject: [MASSBIRD] Eurasian subspecies Green-winged Teal at the Stony Brook wetlands area, Hampton County
Dear All,
This morning there was a Eurasian subspecies Green-winged Teal at the Stony Brook wetlands area in Hampton County. See the eBird link below for photos and location details.
Date: 3/25/18 8:20 am From: Laura dlF <anhinga3...> Subject: [MASSBIRD] BBC Vernal Equinox Walk 03/24/18
Hi MassBirders!
Yesterday afternoon, I led my Vernal Equinox Walk for the Brookline Bird Club. We birded Cape Ann stopping at Jodrey Fish Pier, Eastern Point, Niles Pond, Back Shore, Granite Pier, Andrews Point, and Halibut Point. The temperature held at about 45df with light winds. We tallied 45 species for the Club list. Following is a complete list of the birds we saw:
Brant - 14 (Gloucester Harbor)
Canada Goose - 350
Gadwall - 2 (Eastern Point)
American Black Duck -7
Mallard - 24
Greater Scaup - 1 (Niles Pond)
Common Eider - 122
Harlequin Duck - 65 (Granite Pier/Andrews Point)
Surf Scoter - 3 (Bass Rocks)
White-winged Scoter - 25 (Jodrey Fish Pier)
Black Scoter - 5 (Andrews point)
Long-tailed Duck - 6
Bufflehead - 60
Common Goldeneye - 18
Red-breasted Merganser - 37
Wild Turkey - 3 (Halibut Point)
Common Loon - 15
Horned Grebe - 1
Red-necked Grebe -3
Great Cormorant - 14
Turkey Vulture - 2
Purple Sandpiper- 5 (Granite Pier)
Ring-billed Gull - 36
Herring Gull - 70
Great Black-backed Gull - 14
Thick-billed Murre -1 (Jodrey Fish Pier in the area where the boats are docked)
Black Guillemot - 5
Rock Pigeon - 88
Mourning Dove - 28
Blue Jay - 3
American Crow - 13
Fish Crow - 1
Black-capped Chickadee - 9
Tufted Titmouse - 3
White-breasted Nuthatch - 1
American Robin - 27
Northern Mockingbird - 1
Song Sparrow - 9
Dark-eyed Junco - 1 (Singing!)
Northern Cardinal - 2
Red-winged Blackbird - 33
Common Grackle - 16
American Goldfinch - 5
House Sparrow - 28
Happy Spring!
Laura H. de la Flor
Salem, MA
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
"So much to learn about Mother Nature .. ... always racing with father time." (lhf)
Date: 3/25/18 8:13 am From: Adam Leiterman <aleiterman...> Subject: [MASSBIRD] FW: Bird workshop series
Hello all, Here is a wonderful opportunity for birders wanting to improve photography skills:
Nature Photography Series Sponsored by Boston Nature Center Location: Boston Nature Center, Mattapan Instructor: Eduardo del Solar - Photographer Audience: Adult Members: $195.00 Nonmembers: $245.00 Nonmembers can join today during checkout and take immediate advantage of member prices. Get ready to take your outdoor photography skills to the next level! Join avian photographer Eduardo del Solar in this hands-on photography workshop series designed to improve your technical and artistic bird photography skills.
The workshop will have the following components each week:
1. Two-hour classroom session focusing on the skills required for photographing birds in several modes (flight, portrait, environmental, and artistic).
2. Two-hour shoot, with the instructor selecting the site and type of images we will shoot.
3. Homework assignments. Each participant will provide the instructor with their best images for the week.
4. Critique of student's three best images, with a focus on improving each participant's skill set.
No specific camera equipment is required-we will work with what you have.
All levels of skill are accepted. Eduardo will individualize instruction based on the skill set of each participant.
Registration is required. Register online or call 617-983-8500 to register by phone. Register by mail: program registration form (PDF 66K) For your own security, DO NOT send credit card information via email. For more information, contact: Boston Nature Center 500 Walk Hill Street Mattapan, MA 02126 <bnc...> Class dates and times: Sat, Apr 07, 2018 7:30 am - 11:30 am Sat, Apr 14, 2018 7:30 am - 11:30 am Sat, Apr 21, 2018 7:30 am - 11:30 am Sat, Apr 28, 2018 7:30 am - 11:30 am
Thanks, Adam
Adam Leiterman Teacher Naturalist
Mass Audubon's Boston Nature Center 500 Walk Hill St. Mattapan, MA 02126 617-983-8500 x6908
Visit www.massaudubon.org to learn more about our conservation, education, and advocacy work.
Date: 3/25/18 7:11 am From: Maurice Gilmore <petegilmore79...> Subject: Re: [MASSBIRD] Cumberland Farms and Wareham notes
Energy sprawl.
Pete Gilmore
On Sat, Mar 24, 2018 at 10:16 PM Glenn d'Entremont <gdentremont1...> wrote:
> I believe it is solar panel "farm". More land removed from nature. > > > Glenn > > > Glenn d'Entremont: <gdentremont1...> Stoughton, MA > > On March 24, 2018 at 6:05 PM mike sylvia <mikesylvia87...> wrote: > > Visited the fields this afternoon for about a 1.5 mile walk about. Lot's > of snow. > > Birds sparse but some good ones: > > > Rough-legged Hawk - 4 three color morphs > > Red-tailed Hawk - 3 > > Northern Harrier - 6 > > Red-winged Blackbird- 1 > > Common Grackle - 4 > > Northern Flicker - 3 > > American Tree Sparrow - 2 > > > Biggest question is, what are all of the pink survey tapes for? Future > house lots? > > > Wareham - Mall > > Fish Crows - 12 > > Common Raven -1 > > > Mike Sylvia > > Lakeville, MA > >
Date: 3/25/18 7:00 am From: Lynette Leka <lynetteleka...> Subject: [MASSBIRD] Sharp-shinned Hawk in yard / Newbury
no bigger than a Mourning Dove - perched on a post in my driveway for quite a while, then took off into the forest, VERY fast maneuvering among the trees
haven't seen one here in years...
------------------------------------
Lynette Leka Newbury, MA 01951 email: <lynette.leka...>
Date: 3/25/18 3:25 am From: Dana Duxbury-Fox <danafox...> Subject: [MASSBIRD] Another Awesome night on Crow Patrol March 24th
That old adage "You should have seen it last night" rang out clear last night.
Bob and I went out about 5:50 PM and looked out across the Merrimack River from Eaton St. in Lawrence over the gated boathouse parking lot. A few crows were moving west and a few coming in from the north headed to the south side of the river.
In a few minutes, we drove back to Andover St. and west to Industrial Drive. The very large flat roofed New Balance Distribution Building (NBB) is straight ahead of you and Haffner's Energy Building is to the right at the stop sign. The birds were heading west over the NBB so we turned left and at the far end of the building we found crows staging to our right in the distant trees beyond the west gated parking lot, in the parking lo, on the road and on the ground on both sides of the marsh. Birds kept streaming in. As there was hardly any traffic, we just sat in the car and studied the birds. The vast array of American Crows (AMCR) calls are fascinating to me punctuated by a Fish Crow's nasal call now and then. We are now getting very good at identifying the smaller, shorter legged Fish Crows with their different posture. There were a few white marked AMCRs with in the rump or secondaries. Was it just whitewash? They seemed to be trying to find small berries which had fallen from a tree with new gray-white buds. One AMCR sitting on the curb at the edge of the parking lot would bend down, puff up and pump as it gave a five-caw series repeatedly even continuing when the others had lifted and moved up to the trees. What was he saying? - of course, it was a he! The rattle call, the comb call and many variations of caws filled the air.
Many crows began to sit on the roof of the NBB. Others would swirl around now and then and change where they perched. Soon they began to move into the trees to the south of the NBB. We turned around, moved to the east end of the tree patch and watched as the numbers grew. Now they started to gather on the flat roof of the building on the south of the street. We turned around and Bob started counting the birds in the trees and as they came off the NBB to sit in the trees, many began to sit of the other roof. As sunset approached, masses of crows would lift and swirl around. We turned around again and faced east. I was sure they would roost in the trees, but I was so wrong.
Again, and again the different flocks- thousands of birds - would rise and settle down again on the other building, some on the snow and some in the trees. It was noisy. For thirty minutes this went on - they just could not make up their mind where they were going to roost. Why? Which crows were leading this massive up and down, here and there? Questions but no answers. We have never seen them so agitated. Suddenly, decisively they all began streaming north over the NBB
We drove east to the open Haffner's parking lot and could not see any crows to the rear of the NBB and could hardly hear them. It is DARK now. Off to the boathouse - no crows along the way or in the trees where they had roosted last night. I couldn't see any across the river in the barely visible tree tops. I got out of the car, a few crows were calling nearby and suddenly high to the left swirling out over the road barely visible were thousands of crows. Never have we seen this - so undecided, so late. Where did they eventually roost? I suspect along the river to the west of us, but I'll never be sure.
I believe it is solar panel "farm". More land removed from nature.
Glenn
Glenn d'Entremont: <gdentremont1...> Stoughton, MA
> On March 24, 2018 at 6:05 PM mike sylvia <mikesylvia87...> wrote: > > Visited the fields this afternoon for about a 1.5 mile walk about. Lot's of snow. > Birds sparse but some good ones: > > Rough-legged Hawk - 4 three color morphs > Red-tailed Hawk - 3 > Northern Harrier - 6 > Red-winged Blackbird- 1 > Common Grackle - 4 > Northern Flicker - 3 > American Tree Sparrow - 2 > > Biggest question is, what are all of the pink survey tapes for? Future house lots? > > Wareham - Mall > Fish Crows - 12 > Common Raven -1 > > Mike Sylvia > Lakeville, MA >
Date: 3/24/18 12:42 pm From: Dana Duxbury-Fox <danafox...> Subject: [MASSBIRD] Lake Cochichewich North Andover
Yesterday the 23rd of March, Bob Fox saw a Tundra Swan flying over at 5 PM. On the lake off of Pleasant St. we saw 16 Common Mergs, 10 Hooded Mergs, 2 Ring-necked Ducks and 2 Buffleheads - but no Redhead then.
Date: 3/24/18 7:21 am From: Eduardo del Solar <delsolar...> Subject: [MASSBIRD] Birding coastal Peru, images
This winter I had the pleasure of visiting Paracas National Reserve, an area of my native Peru I came to know first as a child. It blew my socks then, but the changes in the last 10 years are unbelievable if you are a birder/photographer. Since 2006 new conservation legislation that protects this reserve by placing limits to commercial fishing has given a rebirth of marine and bird wildlife. Species that were almost close to extinction in this area are starting to come back. To those planning to do a trip to coastal Peru, I suggest you include a visit to this national reserve, including adjacent Ballestas Islands, a close visit by power boat. It would be arrogant for me to say that the images I am sharing can capture all the beauty of this desert and it’s bay, but hope you like the birdscapes I have selected in my 5 day shoot as representative of what you would see in this wildlife reserve. You can click on the image of this Guanay Cormorant, to see my Paracas images.
http://delsolar.org/webs/birds/paracas18/content/_32A4570-Edit_large.html
