MASSBIRD
Received From Subject
11/29/23 7:32 pm BBC Pelagics <bbcpelagics...> [MASSBIRD] 12/2 BBC Pelagic Confirmed
11/29/23 5:22 pm Barbara M Volkle <barb620...> [MASSBIRD] Wachusett Mountain (29 Nov 2023) 2 Migrating Raptors
11/29/23 2:14 pm Fred Bouchard <frederickbouchard...> [MASSBIRD] Belmont Great Horned Owls Put On Brief Show, 11/29/23, 4:40pm
11/29/23 2:22 am Nicholas Komar <mocinno65...> [MASSBIRD] Possible Short-tailed Shearwater, Barnstable County, Nov 28, 2023
11/28/23 8:44 am Barbara M Volkle <barb620...> [MASSBIRD] Wachusett Mountain (27 Nov 2023) 0 Raptors
11/28/23 8:08 am Barbara M Volkle <barb620...> [MASSBIRD] Wachusett Mountain (24 Nov 2023) 6 Migrating Raptors
11/27/23 9:00 pm Barbara M Volkle <barb620...> [MASSBIRD] Blueberry Hill (25 Nov 2023) 2 Raptors
11/27/23 6:09 pm Barbara M Volkle <barb620...> [MASSBIRD] Orange-crowned Warbler, etc. at Arnold Arboretum
11/26/23 2:06 pm Bill Lafley <blafley...> [MASSBIRD] Where are all the birds?
11/26/23 9:33 am Haynes Miller <hrm...> [MASSBIRD] Nahanton Park, Newton: Yellow-breasted Chat
11/25/23 2:06 pm Katherine Zhang <katherine.dutton22...> [MASSBIRD] Magnolia Warbler
11/25/23 1:05 pm Maurice Gilmore <petegilmore79...> [MASSBIRD] Dingle peninsula birding
11/25/23 12:45 pm Phil Brown <ecocmail...> [MASSBIRD] Essex County Ornithological Club December 01, 2023 Meeting Reminder - The Everglades: Before and After
11/25/23 11:05 am Karsten Hartel <karstenehartel...> [MASSBIRD] Ash-Throated Flycatcher at Danehy Park
11/25/23 3:22 am Essex County Ornithological Club <ecocmail...> [MASSBIRD] Essex County Ornithological Club December 01, 2023 Meeting
11/24/23 6:36 pm Barbara M Volkle <barb620...> [MASSBIRD] Danvers to Salisbury scouting trip
11/24/23 6:14 pm Barbara M Volkle <barb620...> [MASSBIRD] 11/24 Jamaica Plain Ducks
11/24/23 5:51 pm Barbara M Volkle <barb620...> [MASSBIRD] Blueberry Hill (23 Nov 2023) Raptors
11/24/23 4:35 pm <blafley...> [MASSBIRD] Black Vultures- Hadley
11/24/23 11:21 am Pamela Sowizral <psowizral...> [MASSBIRD] Great birds at Drumlin Farm
11/24/23 3:46 am <blafley...> [MASSBIRD] White-winged Crossbills - New Salem
11/23/23 7:48 pm Barbara M Volkle <barb620...> [MASSBIRD] Wachusett Mountain (23 Nov 2023) 22 Migrating Raptors
11/23/23 5:44 pm Fred Bouchard <frederickbouchard...> [MASSBIRD] Belmont Thanksgiving
11/22/23 10:53 am Matt S. <accipiter22...> [MASSBIRD] Parking at Great Pond Reservoir in Randolph?
11/22/23 8:43 am BBC Pelagics <bbcpelagics...> [MASSBIRD] 12/2 BBC Pelagic– Space Available!
11/21/23 6:33 pm Barbara M Volkle <barb620...> [MASSBIRD] 11/21 Pine Banks Park Winter Wrens, Sapsucker, etc.
11/21/23 6:19 pm Barbara M Volkle <barb620...> [MASSBIRD] Wachusett Mountain (21 Nov 2023) 7 Migrating Raptors
11/21/23 5:39 pm Matt S. <accipiter22...> [MASSBIRD] November 21, 2023 BBC North Shore Waterfowl Expedition: The Great Fowling. 26 waterfowl species
11/21/23 1:29 pm Lynette Leka <lynetteleka...> Re: [MASSBIRD] Matt Clark video from Bear Creek walk on Nov 19
11/20/23 7:27 pm Barbara M Volkle <barb620...> [MASSBIRD] Northampton-Amherst Christmas Bird Count Sunday, December 17, 2023
11/20/23 7:17 pm Barbara M Volkle <barb620...> [MASSBIRD] Blueberry Hill (20 Nov 2023) 7 Raptors
11/20/23 6:50 pm Barbara M Volkle <barb620...> [MASSBIRD] Wachusett Mountain (20 Nov 2023) 6 Migrating Raptors
11/19/23 7:46 pm Barbara Volkle <barb620...> [MASSBIRD] Blueberry Hill (16 Nov 2023) Raptors
11/19/23 7:40 pm Barbara Volkle <barb620...> [MASSBIRD] Pinnacle Rock (19 Nov 2023) 13 Raptors
11/19/23 12:55 pm CRAIG GIBSON <cbgibson...> [MASSBIRD] Winter Crow Roost videos!
11/18/23 6:32 pm Barbara Volkle <barb620...> [MASSBIRD] Wachusett Mountain (18 Nov 2023) 2 Migrating Raptors, incl dark morph Rough-leg
11/18/23 6:06 pm Barbara Volkle <barb620...> [MASSBIRD] Pinnacle Rock (18 Nov 2023) 2 Raptors
11/18/23 4:56 pm Bill Lafley <blafley...> Re: [MASSBIRD] Not a Morning Birder
11/18/23 1:18 pm Mark Fairbrother <bogelfin...> [MASSBIRD] Cattle Egret and Wilson's Warbler 11.18
11/18/23 5:28 am Shilo McDonald <smcdonald...> [MASSBIRD] Not a Morning Birder
11/18/23 3:40 am Denise Cabral <goshawk3...> [MASSBIRD] Black Vultures, Palmer-Wilbraham line
11/17/23 8:20 pm Barbara Volkle <barb620...> [MASSBIRD] Wachusett Mountain (17 Nov 2023) 1 Migrating Raptor
11/17/23 5:38 pm Barbara Volkle <barb620...> [MASSBIRD] 11/17 Arlington Reservoir Highlights
11/17/23 1:34 pm Cliff Cook <ccook13...> [MASSBIRD] BBC Ipswich River Sanctuary Trip Cancellation
11/16/23 4:39 pm Barbara Volkle <barb620...> [MASSBIRD] Wachusett Mountain (16 Nov 2023) 4 Migrating Raptors
11/16/23 2:25 pm Barbara Volkle <barb620...> [MASSBIRD] Program Cancellation: Belle Isle Marsh Birding Trip for Sat,11/18/2023
11/15/23 5:04 pm Barbara Volkle <barb620...> [MASSBIRD] Great Pond Randolph Thirteen Duck Species, etc.
11/15/23 12:11 pm Barbara M Volkle <barb620...> [MASSBIRD] Hammond's Flycatcher - Westborough
11/15/23 11:07 am Barbara M Volkle <barb620...> [MASSBIRD] Blueberry Hill (12 Nov 2023) 2 Raptors
11/14/23 6:32 pm Barbara M Volkle <barb620...> [MASSBIRD] RFI -- red crossbill feeding observations
11/14/23 6:03 pm Barbara M Volkle <barb620...> [MASSBIRD] Pinnacle Rock (14 Nov 2023) 2 Raptors
11/14/23 6:00 pm Barbara M Volkle <barb620...> [MASSBIRD] Wachusett Mountain (14 Nov 2023) 2 Migrating Raptors
11/13/23 7:20 pm Barbara M Volkle <barb620...> [MASSBIRD] 11/11 Pine Siskins at D. Blakely Hoar Sanctuary, ETC.
11/13/23 7:14 pm Barbara M Volkle <barb620...> [MASSBIRD] 11/13 Sears Land in Weston Highlights
11/13/23 7:10 pm Barbara M Volkle <barb620...> [MASSBIRD] Pinnacle Rock (12 Nov 2023) Raptors
11/13/23 5:34 pm Barbara M Volkle <barb620...> [MASSBIRD] Pinnacle Rock (13 Nov 2023) Raptors
11/13/23 5:32 pm Barbara M Volkle <barb620...> [MASSBIRD] Pinnacle Rock (13 Nov 2023) Raptors
11/13/23 5:14 pm Matt Cammack <mdcammack1...> [MASSBIRD] Costa Rica Tour Guide
11/13/23 4:28 pm Matt Cammack <mdcammack1...> [MASSBIRD] Costa Rica Birding Guide
11/12/23 3:00 pm Barbara Volkle <barb620...> [MASSBIRD] Wachusett Mountain (12 Nov 2023) 23 Migrating Raptors
11/12/23 2:18 pm MJ Keeler <maryjane.keeler...> Re: [MASSBIRD] No Chickadees Yet at Feeders
11/12/23 1:44 pm Josh <opihi...> Re: [MASSBIRD] No Chickadees Yet at Feeders
11/12/23 7:46 am Barbara Volkle <barb620...> [MASSBIRD] Birding the NH coast - Sat
11/12/23 7:26 am Barbara Volkle <barb620...> [MASSBIRD] Blueberry Hill (11 Nov 2023) 5 Raptors
11/11/23 9:27 pm Barbara Volkle <barb620...> [MASSBIRD] Pinnacle Rock (07 Nov 2023) 2 Raptors
11/11/23 9:15 pm Barbara Volkle <barb620...> [MASSBIRD] Pinnacle Rock (11 Nov 2023) 40 Raptors
11/11/23 3:32 pm Fred Bouchard <frederickbouchard...> [MASSBIRD] great horned owl continues in belmont
11/11/23 3:08 pm Barbara Volkle <barb620...> [MASSBIRD] Wachusett Mountain (11 Nov 2023) 50 Migrating Raptors
11/11/23 2:38 pm Barbara Volkle <barb620...> [MASSBIRD] Pinnacle Rock (10 Nov 2023) 1 Raptors
11/11/23 2:12 pm Aimée Sands <amsproductions...> Re: [MASSBIRD] No Chickadees Yet at Feeders
11/11/23 12:48 pm Richard George <richard...> Re: [MASSBIRD] No Chickadees Yet at Feeders
11/11/23 8:36 am Johnathon Benson <johnathonl87...> Re: [MASSBIRD] No Chickadees Yet at Feeders
11/11/23 8:22 am Marty Burns <mistermarty55...> Re: [MASSBIRD] No Chickadees Yet at Feeders
11/11/23 7:24 am Barbara Volkle <barb620...> Re: [MASSBIRD] No Chickadees Yet at Feeders
11/11/23 3:13 am <blafley...> Re: [MASSBIRD] No Chickadees Yet at Feeders
11/10/23 5:04 pm Ian Nisbet <icnisbet...> Re: [MASSBIRD] No Chickadees Yet at Feeders
11/10/23 4:52 pm Barbara Volkle <barb620...> [MASSBIRD] No Chickadees Yet at Feeders
11/10/23 3:22 pm Barbara Volkle <barb620...> [MASSBIRD] Black-headed Gulls, Snipe Harriers, Etc. Belle Isle
11/10/23 3:09 pm Barbara Volkle <barb620...> [MASSBIRD] Wachusett Mountain (10 Nov 2023) 12 MIgrating Raptors, incl 2 Golden Eagles
11/10/23 2:40 pm <blafley...> [MASSBIRD] Quabbin Reservoir- Gate 35
11/10/23 1:00 pm Steven Simpson <steveshrike...> [MASSBIRD] Kite Over Burlington
11/9/23 8:26 pm Barbara Volkle <barb620...> [MASSBIRD] 11/9 Long-billed Dowitcher at Belle Isle, Etc.
11/8/23 8:28 pm Barbara Volkle <barb620...> [MASSBIRD] Blueberry Hill (08 Nov 2023) 15 Raptors
11/8/23 8:20 pm Barbara Volkle <barb620...> [MASSBIRD] Pinnacle Rock (08 Nov 2023) 21 Raptors
11/8/23 8:16 pm Barbara Volkle <barb620...> [MASSBIRD] Wachusett Mountain (08 Nov 2023) 39 Migrating Raptors
11/8/23 3:01 pm <blafley...> [MASSBIRD] Waterfowl - N Quabbin
11/8/23 5:44 am Perls, Thomas T <thperls...> Re: [MASSBIRD] Belize guides?
11/8/23 5:18 am Pete Sperber <psperber...> [MASSBIRD] Belize guides?
11/7/23 7:30 pm Barbara Volkle <barb620...> [MASSBIRD] 11/7 Rose-breasted Grosbeak, Etc. at Arnold Arboretum
11/6/23 8:28 pm Barbara Volkle <barb620...> [MASSBIRD] Clay colored sparrow - Gloucester
11/6/23 8:14 pm Barbara Volkle <barb620...> [MASSBIRD] 11/6 Great Variety in Winthrop
11/6/23 8:13 pm Barbara Volkle <barb620...> [MASSBIRD] Wachusett Mountain (06 Nov 2023) 17 Migrating Raptors
11/6/23 2:14 pm Fred Bouchard <frederickbouchard...> [MASSBIRD] Non-E-Bird Report: Rte 2, Belmont to Athol, 11/6/2023
11/6/23 11:58 am alice morgan <morgan.alice...> [MASSBIRD] BEKI
11/5/23 6:34 pm Barbara M Volkle <barb620...> [MASSBIRD] Mount Watatic (05 Nov 2023) 88 Raptors
11/5/23 6:33 pm Barbara M Volkle <barb620...> [MASSBIRD] Blueberry Hill (05 Nov 2023) 6 Raptors
11/5/23 6:24 pm Barbara M Volkle <barb620...> [MASSBIRD] Pinnacle Rock (05 Nov 2023) 2 Raptors
11/5/23 6:23 pm Barbara M Volkle <barb620...> [MASSBIRD] NH Coast Field Trip for Brookline Bird Club (King Eider, BTGreen, Warblers, Whimbrel)
11/5/23 6:05 pm Barbara M Volkle <barb620...> [MASSBIRD] Wachusett Mountain (05 Nov 2023) 43 Migrating Raptors
11/5/23 6:03 pm Barbara M Volkle <barb620...> [MASSBIRD] 11/4 Hammond Pond and Houghton Garden
11/5/23 4:06 pm Barbara M Volkle <barb620...> [MASSBIRD] Pelagic spots available for BBC Nov 18 (weather date Nov 19), Nantucket Shoals Trip
11/5/23 11:40 am Pamela Sowizral <psowizral...> [MASSBIRD] Birds at Drumlin Farm
11/5/23 5:10 am Barbara M Volkle <barb620...> [MASSBIRD] Owls/Banding
11/4/23 9:30 pm Barbara M Volkle <barb620...> [MASSBIRD] Blueberry Hill (04 Nov 2023) 7 Raptors
11/4/23 7:08 pm Barbara M Volkle <barb620...> [MASSBIRD] Blueberry Hill (04 Nov 2023) 7 Raptors
11/4/23 7:06 pm Barbara M Volkle <barb620...> [MASSBIRD] Wachusett Mountain (04 Nov 2023) 4 Raptors incl another Golden Eagle
11/4/23 12:31 pm <Dave...> [MASSBIRD] Petersham-New Salem Quabbin trip November 4th
11/4/23 6:57 am Barbara M Volkle <barb620...> [MASSBIRD] Wachusett Mountain (03 Nov 2023) No watch conducted. Going up Sat & Sun.
11/4/23 3:15 am Barbara M Volkle <barb620...> [MASSBIRD] Wachusett Mountain (03 Nov 2023) No watch conducted. Going up Sat & Sun.
11/4/23 2:38 am Barbara M Volkle <barb620...> [MASSBIRD] Blueberry Hill (03 Nov 2023) 21 Raptors
11/4/23 2:34 am Barbara M Volkle <barb620...> [MASSBIRD] Pinnacle Rock (03 Nov 2023) 6 Raptors
11/3/23 4:20 pm Leslie Kramer <kramer.lf...> [MASSBIRD] Brookline Bird Club Technology Coordinator Needed
11/3/23 3:56 am Phil Brown <ecocmail...> [MASSBIRD] Essex County Ornithological Club Meeting Reminder - November 10, 2023 - 7:45pm - Bicycling, Birding, and #BLM Across America in a Summer of Chaos
11/2/23 6:58 pm Barbara M Volkle <barb620...> [MASSBIRD] Blueberry Hill (02 Nov 2023) 35 Raptors
11/2/23 6:22 pm Barbara M Volkle <barb620...> [MASSBIRD] Wachusett Mountain (02 Nov 2023) 108 Migrating Raptors including a Golden Eagle
11/2/23 6:20 pm Barbara M Volkle <barb620...> [MASSBIRD] Pinnacle Rock (02 Nov 2023) 3 Raptors
11/2/23 4:20 am Josh <opihi...> [MASSBIRD] Tufted Duck in Holyoke!
11/1/23 7:09 pm Barbara M Volkle <barb620...> [MASSBIRD] Surf Scoter and Black Scoters, Etc. at Jamaica Pond
11/1/23 11:40 am Denise Cabral <goshawk3...> [MASSBIRD] Phoebe in Brimfield
11/1/23 8:56 am Barbara M Volkle <barb620...> [MASSBIRD] Wachusett Mountain (31 Oct 2023) 145 Migrating Raptors
10/31/23 6:09 pm Barbara M Volkle <barb620...> [MASSBIRD] Pinnacle Rock (31 Oct 2023) 1 Raptors
10/31/23 6:05 pm Barbara M Volkle <barb620...> [MASSBIRD] Blueberry Hill (31 Oct 2023) 17 Raptors
10/31/23 11:35 am Shilo McDonald <smcdonald...> [MASSBIRD] Mass Bird Audio Recordings
10/31/23 7:40 am John Liller <john.liller...> [MASSBIRD] Black Vulture in Worcester on 10/31/23
10/31/23 5:15 am Fred Bouchard <frederickbouchard...> [MASSBIRD] Another Full Moon, Another Horned Owl Duet
 
Back to top
Date: 11/29/23 7:32 pm
From: BBC Pelagics <bbcpelagics...>
Subject: [MASSBIRD] 12/2 BBC Pelagic Confirmed
Hello Massbirders,
As an update, the 12/2 BBC pelagic trip to the Nantucket Shoals will be
able to run thanks to favorable weather conditions. Registrants should keep
an eye on their inboxes for additional information; if anyone else is
interested in signing up for this trip there are still a few spots left:
https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSd8EgWeqgZlhedupV5d5OCq0PJCfFvI7bfemDWvQzOTu7hLlw/viewform?usp=sf_link

Thanks!
BBC Pelagic Committee

 

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Date: 11/29/23 5:22 pm
From: Barbara M Volkle <barb620...>
Subject: [MASSBIRD] Wachusett Mountain (29 Nov 2023) 2 Migrating Raptors

Date: Wed, 29 Nov 2023 23:00:59 +0000
From: <reports...>
Subject: Wachusett Mountain (29 Nov 2023) 2 Migrating Raptors


Wachusett Mountain
Princeton, Massachusetts, USA
Daily Raptor Counts: Nov 29, 2023
-------------------------------------------------------------------

Species Day's Count Month Total Season Total
------------------ ----------- -------------- --------------
Black Vulture 0 0 3
Turkey Vulture 0 31 810
Osprey 0 0 155
Bald Eagle 1 66 310
Northern Harrier 0 3 40
Sharp-shinned Hawk 0 10 334
Cooper's Hawk 0 10 142
American Goshawk 0 0 1
Red-shouldered Hawk 0 109 147
Broad-winged Hawk 0 0 15073
Red-tailed Hawk 1 70 128
Rough-legged Hawk 0 1 1
Golden Eagle 0 4 4
American Kestrel 0 0 97
Merlin 0 1 38
Peregrine Falcon 0 0 17
Unknown Accipiter 0 2 35
Unknown Buteo 0 22 41
Unknown Falcon 0 0 10
Unknown Eagle 0 1 2
Unknown Raptor 0 18 175

Total: 2 348 17563
----------------------------------------------------------------------

Observation start time: 09:45:00 Observation end time: 12:15:00 Total
observation time: 2.5 hours

Official Counter:
Observers: Bill Rasku

Visitors:
None mentioned. Eric entered the data here, but was not present for the
watch.

There is construction on the fire road portion of North Rd. Be careful
around the machinery if you walk up during the work week.


Weather:
A blustery day with W winds averaging 12-16 mph with gusts over 25 mph.
Temps never made it above the freezing mark. Cloud coverage started at
20%, soon increased to 95% and then cleared to 30% as Bill was leaving.
Visbility was excellent although the cloud cover was low enough to block
the view of the VT mountains.

Raptor Observations:
You just can't keep Bill off of the mountain some days. He hiked up to
the
North Rd observation point. There were just a few raptors out today in
the
strong westerly winds.

Non-migrating raptors:
Bald Eagle - 1 adult
Red-tailed Hawk - 1

Non-raptor Observations:
Canada Goose - 10
duck sp - 3
gull sp - 5
Amer Crow - 4
Comm Raven - 3
Red Crossbill - 1
WB Nuthatch - 1
Plus one male R-N Pheasant in the road on the drive out - probably a
stocked bird.


Predictions:
No watch planned, but you never know when Bill, Marty or Paul might get
the
itch to hike up.
========================================================================
Report submitted by ERIC MUELLER (<ericmueller1912...>)
Wachusett Mountain information may be found at:
http://www.massbird.org/emhw


More site information at hawkcount.org:
https://hawkcount.org/siteinfo.php?rsite=228


 

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Date: 11/29/23 2:14 pm
From: Fred Bouchard <frederickbouchard...>
Subject: [MASSBIRD] Belmont Great Horned Owls Put On Brief Show, 11/29/23, 4:40pm
Heard local GHOWs outside window, unusually early evening. Went to front
yard to hear more clearly. Called my neighbor over as he was parking next
door. I pointed out the owls' distinctive triplet, one low one a third
higher (say, C + E). As we listened, one flew in silhouette to the top of a
35' spruce across the street. Immediately the other flew in and they mated
for 3". We flipped our wigs!
--
<frederickbouchard...>
78 farnham st
belmont 02478 ma
617-484-6692
www.fredbouchard.wordpress.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)

Instructions for living a life:


*Pay attention.Be astonished.Tell about it.*
--- Mary Oliver (1935-2023)

 

Back to top
Date: 11/29/23 2:22 am
From: Nicholas Komar <mocinno65...>
Subject: [MASSBIRD] Possible Short-tailed Shearwater, Barnstable County, Nov 28, 2023
On Tuesday shortly after noon I photographed a dark shearwater at
Corporation Beach. Based on review of photos, I believe this could be
Short-tailed Shearwater. Photos and description/discussion are available on
eBird at https://ebird.org/checklist/S155406109. If not Short-tailed
Shearwater,

 

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Date: 11/28/23 8:44 am
From: Barbara M Volkle <barb620...>
Subject: [MASSBIRD] Wachusett Mountain (27 Nov 2023) 0 Raptors

Date: Tue, 28 Nov 2023 16:05:31 +0000
From: <reports...>
Subject: Wachusett Mountain (27 Nov 2023) 0 Raptors


Wachusett Mountain
Princeton, Massachusetts, USA
Daily Raptor Counts: Nov 27, 2023
-------------------------------------------------------------------

Species Day's Count Month Total Season Total
------------------ ----------- -------------- --------------
Black Vulture 0 0 3
Turkey Vulture 0 31 810
Osprey 0 0 155
Bald Eagle 0 65 309
Northern Harrier 0 3 40
Sharp-shinned Hawk 0 10 334
Cooper's Hawk 0 10 142
American Goshawk 0 0 1
Red-shouldered Hawk 0 109 147
Broad-winged Hawk 0 0 15073
Red-tailed Hawk 0 69 127
Rough-legged Hawk 0 1 1
Golden Eagle 0 4 4
American Kestrel 0 0 97
Merlin 0 1 38
Peregrine Falcon 0 0 17
Unknown Accipiter 0 2 35
Unknown Buteo 0 22 41
Unknown Falcon 0 0 10
Unknown Eagle 0 1 2
Unknown Raptor 0 18 175

Total: 0 346 17561
----------------------------------------------------------------------

Observation start time: 13:30:00 Observation end time: 15:00:00 Total
observation time: 1.5 hours

Official Counter:
Observers: Marty McNamara

Weather:
Temps in the low 40's, mostly cloudy, WNW winds in the teens with gusts
to
almost 30 mph

Raptor Observations:
Marty gave it the old college try and went up to the North Rd
observation
point for 90 minutes in the afternoon, but there were no raptors,
migrating
or otherwise, to be seen in the face of the strong winds.

Eric entered the data here, but was not present on the mountain.

Non-raptor Observations:
gull sp - 2 (migrating)
Amer Crow - 3 locals

Predictions:
No watch planned at this time.
========================================================================
Report submitted by ERIC MUELLER (<ericmueller1912...>)
Wachusett Mountain information may be found at:
http://www.massbird.org/emhw


More site information at hawkcount.org:
https://hawkcount.org/siteinfo.php?rsite=228


 

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Date: 11/28/23 8:08 am
From: Barbara M Volkle <barb620...>
Subject: [MASSBIRD] Wachusett Mountain (24 Nov 2023) 6 Migrating Raptors

Date: Tue, 28 Nov 2023 15:51:37 +0000
From: <reports...>
Subject: Wachusett Mountain (24 Nov 2023) 6 Migrating Raptors


Wachusett Mountain
Princeton, Massachusetts, USA
Daily Raptor Counts: Nov 24, 2023
-------------------------------------------------------------------

Species Day's Count Month Total Season Total
------------------ ----------- -------------- --------------
Black Vulture 0 0 3
Turkey Vulture 0 31 810
Osprey 0 0 155
Bald Eagle 2 65 309
Northern Harrier 0 3 40
Sharp-shinned Hawk 1 10 334
Cooper's Hawk 0 10 142
American Goshawk 0 0 1
Red-shouldered Hawk 0 109 147
Broad-winged Hawk 0 0 15073
Red-tailed Hawk 3 69 127
Rough-legged Hawk 0 1 1
Golden Eagle 0 4 4
American Kestrel 0 0 97
Merlin 0 1 38
Peregrine Falcon 0 0 17
Unknown Accipiter 0 2 35
Unknown Buteo 0 22 41
Unknown Falcon 0 0 10
Unknown Eagle 0 1 2
Unknown Raptor 0 18 175

Total: 6 346 17561
----------------------------------------------------------------------

Observation start time: 11:15:00 Observation end time: 14:30:00 Total
observation time: 3.25 hours

Official Counter:
Observers: Paul Vanderhoof

Weather:
Cool, windy day with temps in the low 40's and brisk W to NW winds that
increased around noon into the teens with gusts to 25 mph. Mostly sunny.
Some haze over the VT mountains, and heavy cloud cover at the northern
horizon (VT and NH.)

Raptor Observations:
Paul made his observations from the North Rd overlook, where conditions
were comfortable at first with sun on the overlook and the west winds
mostly blocked by the nearby trees (new winter gear helped too!) Of
course,
the sun moved behind the trees just as the wind picked up.
He got some nice looks at passing raptors. Just before noon, an immature
female Sharpie passed low nearby. A few minutes later, an adult eagle
passed directly overhead at medium height heading SW at the same time as
a
local RT was moving in the same direction down below.

Paul also got some nice looks at active local Red-tails and Bald Eagles,
along with the local winter passerines which kept him entertained
between
the migrants.

Non-migrating raptors:
Bald Eagle - 2 (both immatures, dogfighting with each other)
Red-tailed Hawk - 3 (all adults. Just before noon, one was chasing a
tight
flock of 100+ birds - blackbirds or starlings? Later, all 3 were near
each
other with two interacting and showing clear male/female size
dimorphism.)

Eric entered the data here, but was not present on the mountain.
Non-raptor Observations:
Canada goose - 95 (approx number) fly-by
Downy WP - 1
Amer Crow - 27 fly-by
Comm Raven - 1
BC Chickadee - 1
GC Kinglet - 1
WB Nuthatch - 1
Snow Bunting - 7
Pine Siskin - 3
Red Crossbill - 5
Amer Goldfinch - 1
Song Sparrow - 1
Grackle - 2
passerine - several flocks of unidentified birds.

Predictions:
No watch planned.
========================================================================
Report submitted by ERIC MUELLER (<ericmueller1912...>)
Wachusett Mountain information may be found at:
http://www.massbird.org/emhw


More site information at hawkcount.org:
https://hawkcount.org/siteinfo.php?rsite=228


 

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Date: 11/27/23 9:00 pm
From: Barbara M Volkle <barb620...>
Subject: [MASSBIRD] Blueberry Hill (25 Nov 2023) 2 Raptors

Date: Mon, 27 Nov 2023 23:01:46 +0000
From: <reports...>
Subject: Blueberry Hill (25 Nov 2023) 2 Raptors


Blueberry Hill
Granville, Massachusetts, USA
Daily Raptor Counts: Nov 25, 2023
-------------------------------------------------------------------

Species Day's Count Month Total Season Total
------------------ ----------- -------------- --------------
Black Vulture 0 0 0
Turkey Vulture 0 46 292
Osprey 0 0 18
Bald Eagle 0 2 15
Northern Harrier 0 4 30
Sharp-shinned Hawk 0 1 204
Cooper's Hawk 0 0 22
American Goshawk 0 0 1
Red-shouldered Hawk 0 16 21
Broad-winged Hawk 0 0 2526
Red-tailed Hawk 2 23 33
Rough-legged Hawk 0 0 0
Golden Eagle 0 0 0
American Kestrel 0 0 122
Peregrine Falcon 0 0 9
Merlin 0 4 17
Unknown Accipiter 0 0 0
Unknown Buteo 0 0 2
Unknown Eagle 0 0 1
Unknown Falcon 0 0 0
Unknown Vulture 0 0 0
Unknown Raptor 0 4 12

Total: 2 100 3325
----------------------------------------------------------------------

Observation start time: 10:30:00 Observation end time: 14:00:00 Total
observation time: 3.5 hours

Official Counter: John Weeks

Observers: John Weeks

Weather:
Partly to mostly cloudy; cloud-cover was high and thin (cirrostratus?).
Wind NW 2-10 mph, diminishing and shifting to WNW late. Temperature
31-34
F.

Raptor Observations:
Two Red-tails. Not counted: immature Bald Eagle (appeared to be the same
bird seen daily for several weeks now), Red-tail. We did not see a
single
Golden Eagle all season.

Non-raptor Observations:
Canada Geese (flock of 13), Mourning Doves (3), Blue Jay, American Crow,
Common Raven, American Robins (flock of 29+), American Goldfinch,
Dark-eyed
Juncos (6), Red-winged Blackbird.

Although we have had seasons with fewer migrating raptors (usually the
result of fewer hours of coverage), this one felt depressingly anemic.
Especially so, when it is stacked up against the sensational seasons
recorded at several other New England sites -- kudos to you folks! Not
only were raptors scarce, but many non-raptors were no-shows or almost
so: few Canada Geese, no Snow Geese, one measly flock of ducks all fall,
only
two Snow Buntings, no Horned Larks, no Shrikes, strikingly few warblers
(both numbers and species) -- the list goes on and on...
Predictions:
Last day -- we are done.
========================================================================
Report submitted by John Weeks (<aerie.john...>)


More site information at hawkcount.org:
https://hawkcount.org/siteinfo.php?rsite=107


 

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Date: 11/27/23 6:09 pm
From: Barbara M Volkle <barb620...>
Subject: [MASSBIRD] Orange-crowned Warbler, etc. at Arnold Arboretum
Thanks to Paul Peterson for this report.

Barbara Volkle
Northborough,MA
<barb620...>

*

Date: Mon, 27 Nov 2023 22:24:17 +0000 (UTC)
From: Paul Peterson <petersonpaul63...>
Subject: Orange-crowned Warbler, etc. at Arnold Arboretum


I birded here from 10:45-4:15.

Sharp-shinned Hawk 1
Cooper's Hawk 1
Red-tailed Hawk 1
Mourning Dove 50
YELLOW-BELLIED SAPSUCKER 1 at Loring Greenough House before I hit the
arboretum!
Red-breasted Nuthatch 1 F.O.F.
RUBY-CROWNED KINGLET 3 Bussey Brook Meadow
Golden-crowned Kinglet 8 seemingly everywhere
Carolina Wren 4+
ORANGE-CROWNED WARBLER 1 Bussey Brook Meadow; seen from grafitti wall
where cattails end; next to train tracks
Swamp Sparrow 3
White-throated Sparrow 45
Song Sparrow 12
Red-winged Blackbird 1
White-tailed Deer 1
wasp nest 4
Baltimore Oriole nest 1
Dawn Redwood with SIX TRUNKS 1 (near Sequoias)
American Smoketree 1( bizarre)

Paul Peterson
<petersonpaul63...>
Boston

 

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Date: 11/26/23 2:06 pm
From: Bill Lafley <blafley...>
Subject: [MASSBIRD] Where are all the birds?
Hello,

That seems to be the question of the fall and although I don’t have a definitive answer this AM I walked at Gate 31 in New Salem and encountered a couple flocks of songbirds. On the way out there was a mixed flock of what I estimated to be 35-40 (probably missed many) birds moving high over the road from one pine stand to another as the road passes through a lot of pine (mostly White with some Pitch Pine mixed in).

Bill Lafley
New Salem
<blafley...>

Quabbin Reservoir--Gate 31, Franklin, Massachusetts, US
Nov 26, 2023 9:34 AM - 11:28 AM
Protocol: Traveling
2.1 mile(s)
22 species

Mallard 43
American Black Duck 5
Ring-necked Duck 12
Hooded Merganser 12
Common Merganser 10
Ring-billed Gull 1
Bald Eagle 1
Belted Kingfisher 1
Downy Woodpecker 1
Blue Jay 2
American Crow 3
Black-capped Chickadee 14
Tufted Titmouse 4
Golden-crowned Kinglet 5
White-breasted Nuthatch 2
Red-breasted Nuthatch 3
Brown Creeper 2
Red Crossbill 2 Jip, jip, Jipping around the boat ramp area
Pine Siskin 6
American Goldfinch 6
Dark-eyed Junco (Slate-colored) 42
White-throated Sparrow 5

 

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Date: 11/26/23 9:33 am
From: Haynes Miller <hrm...>
Subject: [MASSBIRD] Nahanton Park, Newton: Yellow-breasted Chat
I found a Yellow-breasted Chat at 9:20 this morning in the brush near the
bathouse at the lower garden of Nahanton Park, Newton.

Also, 3 Eastern Bluebirds at the upper garden.

Haynes Miller
Newton

 

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Date: 11/25/23 2:06 pm
From: Katherine Zhang <katherine.dutton22...>
Subject: [MASSBIRD] Magnolia Warbler
I had great looks at a magnolia warbler at Squantum Point Park in Quincy at
coordinates
42.30029° N, 71.03775° W today around 3 PM. Looks like the last reported
sighting in eBird this year for the park was early October. It was a
female/immature with faint white wing bars, light streaking on flanks, and
vibrant yellow belly. I got good looks at the black tipped tail with white
underside. Really beautiful bird. Total of 26 species sighted.


Katie Zhang
Waltham, MA
<Katherine.dutton22...>

 

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Date: 11/25/23 1:05 pm
From: Maurice Gilmore <petegilmore79...>
Subject: [MASSBIRD] Dingle peninsula birding
Hi Folks,

We have a grandson getting married near the Dingle Peninsula next
spring. Would anyone who knows a local birder who knows the local
geography and birds please email me
at : <petegilmore79...>

Thanks in advance for any info, Pete

 

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Date: 11/25/23 12:45 pm
From: Phil Brown <ecocmail...>
Subject: [MASSBIRD] Essex County Ornithological Club December 01, 2023 Meeting Reminder - The Everglades: Before and After
Friday, December 1, 2023, 7:45pm
The Everglades: Before and After
ECOC meeting 7:30-7:45pm
In-person | Morse Auditorium, PEM
Please pre-register (*see below) and bring your ticket with you
Or join on Zoom (*see below)
Free and open to the public

*Pre-register or join via Zoom on the ECOC home page:
https://massbird.org/ecoc/

The Florida Everglades are the largest subtropical wilderness in the
United States. Join Tom Tyning, naturalist, birder and Berkshire
Community College professor of environmental science, on an exploration
of the remarkable mix of physical and biological features that make the
Everglades a unique ecosystem on Earth. Major efforts are now underway
to restore the natural flow and quality of water to Everglades National
Park. Tyning will briefly describe the history and ecological importance
of this enormous “river of grass” and highlight some of the Everglades’
360 species of birds, as well as reptiles, insects and wildflowers.

This event is co-hosted by the Peabody Essex Museum and supported by the
Lowell Institute.

About the Presenter

Tom Tyning has been a Professor of Environmental Science at Berkshire
Community College since 1999. Previously, he was a field biologist and
Master Naturalist for Mass Audubon for 24 years. He also served for 15
years as an adjunct professor in the Environmental Studies Program at
Antioch New England Graduate School, at Springfield College and at MCLA.
For 25 years, he wrote a weekly nature column for the Springfield
Union-News. He also authored A Guide to Amphibians and Reptiles.

Tyning was instrumental in jumpstarting the installation of salamander
tunnels in Amherst, MA and creating the Massachusetts Herpetological
Atlas through Mass Audubon. He received both his BS (Wildlife Biology)
and Masters (Organismic and Evolutionary Biology) from the University of
Massachusetts Amherst.

Directions to PEM: https://massbird.org/ecoc/directions/

--
Phil Brown
Webmaster for:
Essex County Ornithological Club
<ecocmail...>

 

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Date: 11/25/23 11:05 am
From: Karsten Hartel <karstenehartel...>
Subject: [MASSBIRD] Ash-Throated Flycatcher at Danehy Park
Seen well about noon time at Sherman St. end of Park. Mostly low in large
willows. No Camera. Very pale *Myiarchus *being quite active in low
vegetation and not teeing -up.

Karsten Hartel, Arlington.

 

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Date: 11/25/23 3:22 am
From: Essex County Ornithological Club <ecocmail...>
Subject: [MASSBIRD] Essex County Ornithological Club December 01, 2023 Meeting
The Everglades: Before and After with Tom Tyning

[IMAGE]

Friday, December 1, 2023, 7:45pm The Everglades: Before and After ECOC
meeting 7:30-7:45pm In-person | Morse Auditorium, PEM Please pre-register
here and bring your ticket with you Or join on Zoom here Free and
open to the public

The Florida Everglades are the largest subtropical wilderness in the
United States. Join Tom Tyning, naturalist, birder and Berkshire
Community College professor of environmental science, on an
exploration of the remarkable mix of physical and biological features
that make the Everglades a unique ecosystem on Earth. Major efforts
are now underway to restore the natural flow and quality of water to
Everglades National Park. Tyning will briefly describe the history and
ecological importance of this enormous “river of grass” and
highlight some of the Everglades’ 360 species of birds, as well as
reptiles, insects and wildflowers.

This event is co-hosted by the Peabody Essex Museum and supported by
the Lowell Institute.

About the Presenter

Tom Tyning has been a Professor of Environmental Science at Berkshire
Community College since 1999. Previously, he was a field biologist and
Master Naturalist for Mass Audubon for 24 years. He also served for 15
years as an adjunct professor in the Environmental Studies Program at
Antioch New England Graduate School, at Springfield College and at
MCLA. For 25 years, he wrote a weekly nature column for the
Springfield Union-News. He also authored A Guide to Amphibians and
Reptiles.

Tyning was instrumental in jumpstarting the installation of salamander
tunnels in Amherst, MA and creating the Massachusetts Herpetological
Atlas through Mass Audubon. He received both his BS (Wildlife Biology)
and Masters (Organismic and Evolutionary Biology) from the University
of Massachusetts Amherst.

Directions to PEM: https://massbird.org/ecoc/directions/

This email was sent by Essex County Ornithological Club, Essex Street,
Salem, Massachusetts, 01970, United States (US)

Unsubscribe
 

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Date: 11/24/23 6:36 pm
From: Barbara M Volkle <barb620...>
Subject: [MASSBIRD] Danvers to Salisbury scouting trip
Thanks to Strickland Wheelock for this report.

Barbara Volkle
Northborough,MA
<barb620...>

*
Date: Sat, 25 Nov 2023 01:01:17 +0000 (UTC)
From: Strickland Wheelock <skwheelock...>
Subject: Danvers to Salisbury scouting trip


One of the exciting parts doing birding trips is the scouting, finding
new locations to show folks plus myself. The trip to be is Sat 12/9 from
MetroWest Drumlin Farm called Salisbury/Plum Island - to be posted next
week.

This Friday 11/24 was cool and breezy, but very productive with 79
species, several special ones.New to me & Leslie Bostrom was the
Putnamville Reservoir site in Danvers - a wonderful mixture of ducks,
shorebirds & passerines.Right off a pair of Red Crossbills, both
Kinglets - then in the water 4 N Shovellers, many Ruddy Ducks & C
Mergansers, Green-w Teal, Bufflehead, both scaup species, Coots, C Loon,
Killdeer, Semipalmated Plovers & Gt Yellowlegs -a total of 35 species in
maybe 30 minutes. Stopped next at the Spencer-Peirce-Little Farm to
enjoy a E Screech Owl, 1 Lapland Longspur mixed in a flock of N Horned
Larks plus many Savannah Sparrows.Plum Island was a very quick stop
finding many N Pintails & Gadwalls & Green-winged Teal plus a Blk-b
Plover, Tree & 1 Field Sparrows & when we heard of a Long-eared Owl at
Salisbury Beach SP - off we went. On the way to Salisbury, made a quick
stop at Perkins Park to enjoy Cedar Waxwings, 4 immature Blk-cr
Night-Herons, Hooded Mergansers, Green-w Teal, Gt Blue Heron &
others.The highlight of the day was this beautiful Long-eared Owl low in
a Cedar Tree in Salisbury !! After enjoying the owl, we scanned the
breakwater & ocean for what we could find - a Merlin flew along the
breakwater flushing 2 Purple Sandpipers and several Sanderlings - in the
ocean were many Wht-w Scoters plus a few Surf & Black Scoters, several C
Eiders, nice flock of Long-tailed Ducks, both Red-thr & Common Loons, a
few distant flying Blk Guillemots & N Gannets. Our next to last stop
was along River Rd in W Newbury checking the C. Goldeneyes for a
Barrow's [no luck], viewing more Greater Scaup & Bufflehead - along the
road were a few Yellow-rumped Warblers.Official last stop was Cherry
Hill Reservoir where we had many Common Mergansers plus a few Hooded,
Bufflehead, many Ruddy Ducks, Greater Scaup,, Green-w Teal plus Gt Blue
Heron. Hated leaving stuck at 79 species - needed a vulture,
Ring-necked Duck, something to hit 80 for this wonderful day of
scouting.Besides this trip 12/9 to the Newburyport/Salisbury area, there
are 4 other day trips posted - means more scouting.

Strickland Wheelock
Uxbridge MA

https://www.massaudubon.org/programs/drumlin-farm/89920-birds-of-westport
https://www.massaudubon.org/programs/drumlin-farm/89921-mission-possible
https://www.massaudubon.org/programs/drumlin-farm/89922-birding-the-wilds-of-cape-ann
https://www.massaudubon.org/programs/drumlin-farm/89923-rhode-island-duck-bonanza


 

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Date: 11/24/23 6:14 pm
From: Barbara M Volkle <barb620...>
Subject: [MASSBIRD] 11/24 Jamaica Plain Ducks
Thanks to Paul Peterson for these two reports, which I've combined for
clarity.

Barbara Volkle
Northborough,MA
<barb620...>

*
Date: Fri, 24 Nov 2023 20:54:47 +0000 (UTC)
From: Paul Peterson <petersonpaul63...>
Subject: 11/24 Jamaica Plain Ducks


I birded the chain of four ponds in Jamaica Plain from 11:45-2:30. I
started at Leverett, and ended at Jamaica:

Great Blue Heron 1
NORTHERN PINTAIL1 LEVERETT POND
Green-winged Teal 2 ditto
Mallard x
American Black Duck 1 Ward's Pond
Wood Duck 4 ditto
Ring-necked Duck 8 including six L.P.; two J.P.
Hooded Merganser 55 including fifty-three Jamaica Pond
Brown Creeper 1
Golden-crowned Kinglet 3
Carolina Wren 1
White-throated Sparrow 2
Dark-eyed Junco 8

Paul Peterson
<petersonpaul63...>
Boston

*
Date: Fri, 24 Nov 2023 21:10:54 +0000 (UTC)
From: Paul Peterson <petersonpaul63...>
Subject: GadwallX Northern Pintail Hybrid on Leverett Pond in Jamaica
Plain


Correction on that previous post. I should have looked at my Sibley
before posting. I now think this duck is a hybrid
NorthernPintailXGadwall hybrid. The head color isn't correct, nor is the
bill color for pintail.

Paul Peterson
<petersonpaul63...>
Boston

 

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Date: 11/24/23 5:51 pm
From: Barbara M Volkle <barb620...>
Subject: [MASSBIRD] Blueberry Hill (23 Nov 2023) Raptors

Date: Fri, 24 Nov 2023 22:10:45 +0000
From: <reports...>
Subject: Blueberry Hill (23 Nov 2023) Raptors


Blueberry Hill
Granville, Massachusetts, USA
Daily Raptor Counts: Nov 23, 2023
-------------------------------------------------------------------

Species Day's Count Month Total Season Total
------------------ ----------- -------------- --------------
Black Vulture 0 0 0
Turkey Vulture 0 46 292
Osprey 0 0 18
Bald Eagle 0 2 15
Northern Harrier 0 4 30
Sharp-shinned Hawk 0 1 204
Cooper's Hawk 0 0 22
American Goshawk 0 0 1
Red-shouldered Hawk 0 16 21
Broad-winged Hawk 0 0 2526
Red-tailed Hawk 0 21 31
Rough-legged Hawk 0 0 0
Golden Eagle 0 0 0
American Kestrel 0 0 122
Peregrine Falcon 0 0 9
Merlin 0 4 17
Unknown Accipiter 0 0 0
Unknown Buteo 0 0 2
Unknown Eagle 0 0 1
Unknown Falcon 0 0 0
Unknown Vulture 0 0 0
Unknown Raptor 0 4 12

Total: 0 98 3323
----------------------------------------------------------------------

Observation start time: 10:15:00 Observation end time: 14:15:00 Total
observation time: 4 hours

Official Counter: John Weeks

Observers: John Weeks

Visitors:
Highlight of the day (really) was meeting a local resident with his
adorable, snow-white pomsky (Pomeranian-husky mix).


Weather:
Mostly sunny; cloud-cover (low-scudding cumuli) increased from 30% to
50%,
then decreased almost to zero by the end of the watch. Wind NW, gusting
up
to 17 mph. Temperature 40-42 F.

Raptor Observations:
Goose eggs. Not migrating: two Bald Eagles (adult and the regularly seen
immature bird), two Red-tailed Hawks.

Non-raptor Observations:
Mourning Doves (4), American Crows (10), Common Ravens (2), Black-capped
Chickadees (2), American Robin, American Goldfinches (4), American Tree
Sparrow (first of the season), Dark-eyed Junco, Red-winged Blackbird.

Predictions:
Skipping tomorrow (weather forecast is virtually identical to today's).
Will try again on Saturday, with moderate NW/WNW wind predicted.
========================================================================
Report submitted by John Weeks (<aerie.john...>)


More site information at hawkcount.org:
https://hawkcount.org/siteinfo.php?rsite=107


 

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Date: 11/24/23 4:35 pm
From: <blafley...>
Subject: [MASSBIRD] Black Vultures- Hadley
Hello,

This afternoon there were 3 Black Vultures soaring behind Whole Foods on Route 9. Obviously they are making healthier food choices than the Fish Crows that hang out at McDonalds.

Bill Lafley
New Salem
<blafley...>

 

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Date: 11/24/23 11:21 am
From: Pamela Sowizral <psowizral...>
Subject: [MASSBIRD] Great birds at Drumlin Farm
The past week has been wonderful birding at Drumlin Farm starting with last Sunday when Jay D. found a western kingbird which was relocated a day later, and again this morning (southwest corner of the crops / Boyce field). Full species list from November 21-24 below. Along with the WEKI, highlights include snow buntings, pine siskins, YB sapsuckers, a late eastern phoebe, orange-crowned warbler, and purple finches.

Pam Sowizral
Mass Audubon's Drumlin Farm
Lincoln



Wild Turkey 3

Canada Goose 3

Wood Duck 2

Mallard 4

Hooded Merganser 2

Mourning Dove 10

Red-tailed Hawk 2

Northern Harrier 1

Cooper's Hawk 2

Yellow-bellied Sapsucker 4

Red-bellied Woodpecker 2

Downy Woodpecker 3

Hairy Woodpecker 1

Pileated Woodpecker 1

Northern Flicker 1

Eastern Phoebe 1

Western Kingbird 1

Blue Jay 9

American Crow 3

Common Raven 1

Black-capped Chickadee 7

Tufted Titmouse 2

Golden-crowned Kinglet 1

White-breasted Nuthatch 3

Red-breasted Nuthatch 1

Carolina Wren 3

European Starling 60

Northern Mockingbird 1

Eastern Bluebird 7

Hermit Thrush 1

American Robin 12

Cedar Waxwing 35

House Sparrow 5

House Finch 4
Purple Finch 3

Pine Siskin 6

American Goldfinch 10

American Pipit 9

Field Sparrow 2

Dark-eyed Junco 10

White-throated Sparrow 8

Song Sparrow 5

Savannah Sparrow 5
American Tree Sparrow 1

Snow Bunting 18

Red-winged Blackbird 40
Common Grackle 5

Yellow-rumped Warbler 1

Pine Warbler 1

Orange-crowned Warbler 1

Northern Cardinal 6



 

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Date: 11/24/23 3:46 am
From: <blafley...>
Subject: [MASSBIRD] White-winged Crossbills - New Salem
Hello,

Yesterday AM we walked from the house to the reservoir to primarily look for the salmon moving up Hop Brook from Quabbin. Did not see any salmon but on the way back we heard then saw 3 WW Crossbills in a White Pine heavily laden with pine cones. Hopefully they are moving in like the siskins and Red Crossbills to take advantage of the abundant pine cone crop.
Also saw 32 W Turkeys in a farm field up the road. Brave souls.

Bill Lafley
New Salem
<blafley...>


 

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Date: 11/23/23 7:48 pm
From: Barbara M Volkle <barb620...>
Subject: [MASSBIRD] Wachusett Mountain (23 Nov 2023) 22 Migrating Raptors

Date: Thu, 23 Nov 2023 22:35:47 +0000
From: <reports...>
Subject: Wachusett Mountain (23 Nov 2023) 22 Migrating Raptors


Wachusett Mountain
Princeton, Massachusetts, USA
Daily Raptor Counts: Nov 23, 2023
-------------------------------------------------------------------

Species Day's Count Month Total Season Total
------------------ ----------- -------------- --------------
Black Vulture 0 0 3
Turkey Vulture 0 31 810
Osprey 0 0 155
Bald Eagle 5 63 307
Northern Harrier 0 3 40
Sharp-shinned Hawk 1 9 333
Cooper's Hawk 0 10 142
American Goshawk 0 0 1
Red-shouldered Hawk 3 109 147
Broad-winged Hawk 0 0 15073
Red-tailed Hawk 9 66 124
Rough-legged Hawk 0 1 1
Golden Eagle 0 4 4
American Kestrel 0 0 97
Merlin 0 1 38
Peregrine Falcon 0 0 17
Unknown Accipiter 0 2 35
Unknown Buteo 4 22 41
Unknown Falcon 0 0 10
Unknown Eagle 0 1 2
Unknown Raptor 0 18 175

Total: 22 340 17555
----------------------------------------------------------------------

Observation start time: 10:45:00 Observation end time: 14:00:00 Total
observation time: 3.25 hours

Official Counter:
Observers: Bill Rasku

Visitors:
About a dozen hikers. A Thanksgiving Day morning hike up Wachusett Mt
seems to be a tradition for a lot of people.

Weather:
Moderate gusty winds from the NW, temps in the 40's, and generally sunny
skies. Excellent visibility.

Raptor Observations:
Bill didn't have any family obligations through mid-afternoon, so he
took
advantage of the good migration weather and spent several hours at the
North Rd overlook. He was rewarded with a nice turnout of migrating
birds,
as well as a very active cohort of locals. A fair number of the
migrating
birds were too far from the mountain to get a solid ID.

Non-migrating raptors:
Bald Eagle - 5 (3 adult, 2 imm. 2 of the adults were seen flying
together
a couple of times. There may have been more)
Red-tailed Hawk - 4 (3 hanging out together.)

Non-raptor Observations:
Amer Crow - 25 (flying east)
Comm Raven - 6
DE Junco -1
WB Nuthatch - 1

Predictions:
We don't currently have any volunteers for Friday, but if you go up,
please
send Eric your sightings (his email address is in the Site Profile.)
========================================================================
Report submitted by ERIC MUELLER (<ericmueller1912...>)
Wachusett Mountain information may be found at:
http://www.massbird.org/emhw


More site information at hawkcount.org:
https://hawkcount.org/siteinfo.php?rsite=228


 

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Date: 11/23/23 5:44 pm
From: Fred Bouchard <frederickbouchard...>
Subject: [MASSBIRD] Belmont Thanksgiving
It's eight pm on a calm moonlit evening in Belmont.
Do you know where your Great Horned Owls are?
My local pair were tooting softly out back in the big maple.
--
<frederickbouchard...>
78 farnham st belmont

 

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Date: 11/22/23 10:53 am
From: Matt S. <accipiter22...>
Subject: [MASSBIRD] Parking at Great Pond Reservoir in Randolph?
Hi All,

I am going to attempt to see the Barrow's Goldeneye that is hanging
out at Great Pond Reservoir in Randolph, but I cannot tell from a map
where I am able to park there. Can anyone lend some assistance?

Thanks,

Matt S.
Newton, MA
<Accipiter22...>

 

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Date: 11/22/23 8:43 am
From: BBC Pelagics <bbcpelagics...>
Subject: [MASSBIRD] 12/2 BBC Pelagic– Space Available!
Hello Massbirders,
The Brookline Bird Club is running a pelagic trip to the Nantucket Shoals
on December 2, 2023 (originally scheduled for 11/18 but delayed due to
weather). We'll be taking the Helen H out to look for sea ducks, alcids,
tubenoses, jaegers and any other birds and marine wildlife we can find and
have some spots left for those interested. You can find more information
about the trip and sign up using this link:

https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSd8EgWeqgZlhedupV5d5OCq0PJCfFvI7bfemDWvQzOTu7hLlw/viewform?usp=sf_link

**N.B. If you signed up for the 11/18 trip and asked us to carry over your
registration to 12/2 you DO NOT need to fill out the form again**

Thanks!
BBC Pelagic Committee

 

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Date: 11/21/23 6:33 pm
From: Barbara M Volkle <barb620...>
Subject: [MASSBIRD] 11/21 Pine Banks Park Winter Wrens, Sapsucker, etc.
Thanks to Paul Peterson for this report.

Barbara Volkle
Northborough,MA
<barb620...>

*
Date: Tue, 21 Nov 2023 23:54:56 +0000 (UTC)
From: Paul Peterson <petersonpaul63...>
Subject: 11/21 Pine Banks Park Winter Wrens, Sapsucker, etc.


I birded this beautiful place in Malden and Melrose from 12:30-3:40.

accipiter sp. 1
Hairy Woodpecker 1+
Yellow-bellied Sapsucker 1
Common Raven 1
Golden-crowned Kinglet 3+ constantly moving about
WINTER WREN 2 in small cattail marsh at dead-end of esker
White-throated Sparrow 20+
Song Sparrow 5
Swamp Sparrow 1 in the small, above-mentioned cattail marsh
Dark-eyed Junco 10

P.S. No sign of the Townsend's Warbler

Paul Peterson
<petersonpaul63...>
Boston

 

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Date: 11/21/23 6:19 pm
From: Barbara M Volkle <barb620...>
Subject: [MASSBIRD] Wachusett Mountain (21 Nov 2023) 7 Migrating Raptors

Date: Wed, 22 Nov 2023 00:25:18 +0000
From: <reports...>
Subject: Wachusett Mountain (21 Nov 2023) 7 Migrating Raptors


Wachusett Mountain
Princeton, Massachusetts, USA
Daily Raptor Counts: Nov 21, 2023
-------------------------------------------------------------------

Species Day's Count Month Total Season Total
------------------ ----------- -------------- --------------
Black Vulture 0 0 3
Turkey Vulture 0 31 810
Osprey 0 0 155
Bald Eagle 1 58 302
Northern Harrier 1 3 40
Sharp-shinned Hawk 0 8 332
Cooper's Hawk 0 10 142
American Goshawk 0 0 1
Red-shouldered Hawk 2 106 144
Broad-winged Hawk 0 0 15073
Red-tailed Hawk 2 57 115
Rough-legged Hawk 0 1 1
Golden Eagle 0 4 4
American Kestrel 0 0 97
Merlin 0 1 38
Peregrine Falcon 0 0 17
Unknown Accipiter 0 2 35
Unknown Buteo 0 18 37
Unknown Falcon 0 0 10
Unknown Eagle 0 1 2
Unknown Raptor 1 18 175

Total: 7 318 17533
----------------------------------------------------------------------

Observation start time: 09:45:00 Observation end time: 13:30:00 Total
observation time: 3.75 hours

Official Counter:
Observers: Bill Rasku, Dave Brown

Visitors:
15 hikers and 2 riders on horseback passed by.


Weather:
Suuny skies morphing to high thin clouds at noon and then darkening
somewhat at 1 pm. Temps in the low to mid-30's, winds from E and SE at
4-7
mph and increasing to 12 mph around 1 pm. Great visibility.

Raptor Observations:
We saw 7 migrating raptors today from 4 different species, which is a
good
result for this time of year. Oddly, we didn't see any local raptors
flying around. The watch was held at the North Road observation point on
the NW slope of Mt Wachusett, rather than at the summit.

Non-raptor Observations:
A good day for non-raptors. Dave ID'ed a Red Crossbill, and a Barred Owl
was heard calling.
Other birds:
Canada Goose - 6 (fly-by)
Pileated WP - 1
Blue Jay - 4
Amer Crow - 40
Comm Raven - 2
BC Chickadee - 1
WB Nuthatch - 1


Predictions:
Rain all tonight and through the 1 pm hour on Wednesday, so no watch is
planned. We're also not planning on conducting a watch on Thanksgiving
Day.
========================================================================
Report submitted by ERIC MUELLER (<ericmueller1912...>)
Wachusett Mountain information may be found at:
http://www.massbird.org/emhw


More site information at hawkcount.org:
https://hawkcount.org/siteinfo.php?rsite=228


 

Back to top
Date: 11/21/23 5:39 pm
From: Matt S. <accipiter22...>
Subject: [MASSBIRD] November 21, 2023 BBC North Shore Waterfowl Expedition: The Great Fowling. 26 waterfowl species
Hi All,

Dave Williams led a great waterfowl search today on the north shore,
encompassing Putnamville Reservoir, Cherry Hill, and Parker River.
It was a fun time; I had never been to Putnamville before, which looks
like a great little spot with good viewing. We ended up at 26 species
of waterfowl on the trip, and 58 species overall. The highlight (for
me) was a septet of shovelers at Parker River that were right along
the shore at Stage Island Pool. We had a rare peep sighting with some
semipalmated plover at Putnamville, and an Eagle show at Lot 7 of
Parker, where we got to see a juvenile land right at the end of the
rocks, posing for a while. There was a LOT of activity further out at
both Lot 1 and Lot 7, but heat shimmer doomed IDs...I like to think
there were multiple lifers out there teasing me. It was a really fun
trip with a great group and Dave is a great leader; if you want to
learn more about ID'ing waterfowl I highly recommend his trips.

After the BBC trip ended I hung around Parker River and hit a few
spots to see what land-birds were around, and aside from some snow
bunting and tree sparrows there was not a ton. I keep hoping for a
lifer lark sparrow to drop on my head. Overall, the trend I've seen
of lower winter sparrows seems to be continuing.

That's all for now,

Matt S.
Newton,MA
<Accipiter22...>
-----------------------


Topsfield Fairgrounds, Essex, Massachusetts, US
Nov 21, 2023 7:15 AM - 7:44 AM
Protocol: Stationary
6 species

Canada Goose (Branta canadensis) 2
Mourning Dove (Zenaida macroura) 2
American Crow (Corvus brachyrhynchos) 1
European Starling (Sturnus vulgaris) 16
American Robin (Turdus migratorius) 1
House Sparrow (Passer domesticus) 3

View this checklist online at https://ebird.org/checklist/S154897347

This report was generated automatically by eBird v3 (https://ebird.org/home)

----------------
Putnamville Reservoir, Essex, Massachusetts, US
Nov 21, 2023 7:57 AM - 8:37 AM
Protocol: Traveling
0.07 mile(s)
26 species

Canada Goose (Branta canadensis) 64
Mute Swan (Cygnus olor) 3
Gadwall (Mareca strepera) 2
Mallard (Anas platyrhynchos) X 180ish
American Black Duck (Anas rubripes) 3
Northern Pintail (Anas acuta) 6
Green-winged Teal (Anas crecca) 6
Lesser Scaup (Aythya affinis) 3
Bufflehead (Bucephala albeola) 7
Hooded Merganser (Lophodytes cucullatus) 32
Common Merganser (Mergus merganser) 3
Ruddy Duck (Oxyura jamaicensis) 31
Mourning Dove (Zenaida macroura) 3
American Coot (Fulica americana) 32
Semipalmated Plover (Charadrius semipalmatus) 4 Pics,
Greater Yellowlegs (Tringa melanoleuca) 2
Ring-billed Gull (Larus delawarensis) 2
Double-crested Cormorant (Nannopterum auritum) 1
Downy Woodpecker (Dryobates pubescens) 1
Blue Jay (Cyanocitta cristata) 3
American Crow (Corvus brachyrhynchos) 1
Black-capped Chickadee (Poecile atricapillus) 2
Tufted Titmouse (Baeolophus bicolor) 1
Golden-crowned Kinglet (Regulus satrapa) 1
White-breasted Nuthatch (Sitta carolinensis) 2
Carolina Wren (Thryothorus ludovicianus) 1

View this checklist online at https://ebird.org/checklist/S154900282

This report was generated automatically by eBird v3 (https://ebird.org/home)

---------------

Cherry Hill Reservoir, Essex, Massachusetts, US
Nov 21, 2023 9:20 AM - 9:59 AM
Protocol: Traveling
0.7 mile(s)
17 species

Mallard (Anas platyrhynchos) X
Green-winged Teal (Anas crecca) 8
Greater Scaup (Aythya marila) 2
Lesser Scaup (Aythya affinis) 6
Bufflehead (Bucephala albeola) 7
Hooded Merganser (Lophodytes cucullatus) 22
Common Merganser (Mergus merganser) 16
Ruddy Duck (Oxyura jamaicensis) 34
Ring-billed Gull (Larus delawarensis) 2
Double-crested Cormorant (Nannopterum auritum) 1
Great Blue Heron (Ardea herodias) 2
Belted Kingfisher (Megaceryle alcyon) 1
American Crow (Corvus brachyrhynchos) 2
Common Raven (Corvus corax) 2
Northern Mockingbird (Mimus polyglottos) 1
Song Sparrow (Melospiza melodia) 1
Red-winged Blackbird (Agelaius phoeniceus) 1

View this checklist online at https://ebird.org/checklist/S154905054

This report was generated automatically by eBird v3 (https://ebird.org/home)

---------------

Parker River NWR, Essex, Massachusetts, US
Nov 21, 2023 10:21 AM - 12:10 PM
Protocol: Traveling
9.15 mile(s)
31 species (+1 other taxa)

Canada Goose (Branta canadensis) 8
Mute Swan (Cygnus olor) 4
Northern Shoveler (Spatula clypeata) 7
American Wigeon (Mareca americana) 2
Mallard (Anas platyrhynchos) 2
American Black Duck (Anas rubripes) 128
Northern Pintail (Anas acuta) 5
Green-winged Teal (Anas crecca) 13
Greater Scaup (Aythya marila) 2
Lesser Scaup (Aythya affinis) 2
Common Eider (Somateria mollissima) 3
White-winged Scoter (Melanitta deglandi) 20
Black Scoter (Melanitta americana) 63
Long-tailed Duck (Clangula hyemalis) 2
Red-breasted Merganser (Mergus serrator) 4
Horned Grebe (Podiceps auritus) 4
Red-necked Grebe (Podiceps grisegena) 2
Mourning Dove (Zenaida macroura) 2
Black-bellied Plover (Pluvialis squatarola) 1
alcid sp. (Alcidae sp.) 1
Ring-billed Gull (Larus delawarensis) 3
Herring Gull (Larus argentatus) 7
Great Black-backed Gull (Larus marinus) 4
Red-throated Loon (Gavia stellata) 21
Common Loon (Gavia immer) 1
Northern Gannet (Morus bassanus) 12
Great Blue Heron (Ardea herodias) 1
Northern Harrier (Circus hudsonius) 2
Bald Eagle (Haliaeetus leucocephalus) 1
European Starling (Sturnus vulgaris) 300
White-throated Sparrow (Zonotrichia albicollis) 1
Song Sparrow (Melospiza melodia) 2

View this checklist online at https://ebird.org/checklist/S154913049

This report was generated automatically by eBird v3 (https://ebird.org/home)

------------------
This portion was solo

Parker River NWR, Essex, Massachusetts, US
Nov 21, 2023 12:10 PM - 1:33 PM
Protocol: Traveling
6.34 mile(s)
21 species

Canada Goose (Branta canadensis) 49
Mute Swan (Cygnus olor) 1
Gadwall (Mareca strepera) 1
Mallard (Anas platyrhynchos) 5
American Black Duck (Anas rubripes) 65
Northern Pintail (Anas acuta) 13
Green-winged Teal (Anas crecca) 42
Bufflehead (Bucephala albeola) 1
Hooded Merganser (Lophodytes cucullatus) 44
Great Blue Heron (Ardea herodias) 1
Downy Woodpecker (Dryobates pubescens) 1
American Crow (Corvus brachyrhynchos) 2
Black-capped Chickadee (Poecile atricapillus) 4
American Robin (Turdus migratorius) 21
House Finch (Haemorhous mexicanus) 4
Snow Bunting (Plectrophenax nivalis) 2 Bill forward, fly over
American Tree Sparrow (Spizelloides arborea) 8
White-throated Sparrow (Zonotrichia albicollis) 4
Song Sparrow (Melospiza melodia) 1
Red-winged Blackbird (Agelaius phoeniceus) 6
Northern Cardinal (Cardinalis cardinalis) 1

View this checklist online at https://ebird.org/checklist/S154917919

This report was generated automatically by eBird v3 (https://ebird.org/home)

 

Back to top
Date: 11/21/23 1:29 pm
From: Lynette Leka <lynetteleka...>
Subject: Re: [MASSBIRD] Matt Clark video from Bear Creek walk on Nov 19
what a fabulous video! thanks so much for sharing!

------------------------------------
(by)..."not noticing birds in one's daily environment, one misses a whole segment of life on earth that can deliver joy every day." Bruce M. Beehler, 2019



Lynette Leka
Newbury, MA 01951
email: <lynette.leka...>




On Tuesday, November 21, 2023 at 11:29:42 AM EST, Soheil Zendeh <sohzendeh...> wrote:

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Folks,

 

Our friend Matt Clark shot some video on Sunday's Bear Creek walk -- I just got it and so did not include it in the trip summary I sent yesterday. I think it's his best video that I've seen. Don't miss the slow-motion segment which shows how Lapland Longspurs strip grass seeds to feed themselves; it  is a must watch.

 

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=sg3HW6fCC-Q

 

Soheil Zendeh

Lexington, MA

 

Back to top
Date: 11/20/23 7:27 pm
From: Barbara M Volkle <barb620...>
Subject: [MASSBIRD] Northampton-Amherst Christmas Bird Count Sunday, December 17, 2023
Thanks to Janice Jorgensen and Amanda Kallenbach for this announcement.

Barbara Volkle
Northborough,MA
<barb620...>

*


From: "Janice F. Jorgensen" <jjpcpanama...>
CSubject: Northampton-Amherst Christmas Bird Count Sunday, December 17,
2023
Date: Sun, 19 Nov 2023 12:21:31 -0500


The largest birding event in Western Massachusetts is the Northampton
Christmas Bird Count. It covers 24 hours (rain, sleet, snow, or shine)
from midnight to midnight on December 17th, 2023. The goal for the 24
hours is to find, identify, and count all birds within a 15-mile
diameter “count circle” centered in the Hadley Cemetery on Cemetery
Road.

Some folks start searching at midnight for owls. Others begin at
sunrise. Some spend the entire day, others a couple of hours. No one is
too young or too senior to participate. Beginners are welcome – we’ll
make sure you join a group with at least one experienced birdwatcher.
We hope you’ll join us for this great day. You will probably make new
friends, learn a bit, laugh a lot, and get a great workout. We’ll be
hosting a Zoom meeting for participants before the event to get everyone
up to speed

Can I sign up to be a Feeder Watcher? You can even participate from home
as long as you are within the CBC circle. You can count birds that visit
your feeders. Check to be sure you are in the circle, and please contact
the compilers at <cbc...> to be included. Feeder
watchers will receive the FEEDER WATCHER compiling sheet on Saturday
afternoon. If you did not receive one, email <cbc...>
, and we will send you one.


SAVE THIS DATE. MANO CBC December 17, 2023

Janice F. Jorgensen and Amanda Kallenbach- Co-compilers
<cbc...>
Northampton (MANO) CBC
https://tinyurl.com/CBCMANO


Janice F. JorgensenHadley, MA 01035
<jjpcpanama...>


 

Back to top
Date: 11/20/23 7:17 pm
From: Barbara M Volkle <barb620...>
Subject: [MASSBIRD] Blueberry Hill (20 Nov 2023) 7 Raptors

Date: Tue, 21 Nov 2023 00:57:59 +0000
From: <reports...>
Subject: Blueberry Hill (20 Nov 2023) 7 Raptors

Blueberry Hill
Granville, Massachusetts, USA
Daily Raptor Counts: Nov 20, 2023
-------------------------------------------------------------------

Species Day's Count Month Total Season Total
------------------ ----------- -------------- --------------
Black Vulture 0 0 0
Turkey Vulture 3 46 292
Osprey 0 0 18
Bald Eagle 0 2 15
Northern Harrier 1 4 30
Sharp-shinned Hawk 0 1 204
Cooper's Hawk 0 0 22
American Goshawk 0 0 1
Red-shouldered Hawk 1 16 21
Broad-winged Hawk 0 0 2526
Red-tailed Hawk 2 21 31
Rough-legged Hawk 0 0 0
Golden Eagle 0 0 0
American Kestrel 0 0 122
Peregrine Falcon 0 0 9
Merlin 0 4 17
Unknown Accipiter 0 0 0
Unknown Buteo 0 0 2
Unknown Eagle 0 0 1
Unknown Falcon 0 0 0
Unknown Vulture 0 0 0
Unknown Raptor 0 4 12

Total: 7 98 3323
----------------------------------------------------------------------

Observation start time: 10:30:00 Observation end time: 13:45:00 Total
observation time: 3.25 hours

Official Counter: John Weeks

Observers: John Weeks

Weather:
Sunny; cloud-cover 0-5%; wind NNW~NW~N 5-13 mph. Temperature 33-36 F.

Raptor Observations:
Seven migrants, including three straggling Turkey Vultures and one
Harrier
that quartered the hilltop. Buteos continue to disappoint. Not counted
as
migrants: immature Bald Eagle, 2-3 Red-tailed Hawks. Two Red-tails
locked
talons and executed a somersault high in the air.

Non-raptor Observations:
Canada Geese (est. 100 in a single flock), Blue Jay, American Crows (7),
Common Raven, Black-capped Chickadee, Pine Siskin perched in a tree,
American Goldfinches (13), Dark-eyed Juncos (12).
========================================================================
Report submitted by John Weeks (<aerie.john...>)


More site information at hawkcount.org:
https://hawkcount.org/siteinfo.php?rsite=107

 

Back to top
Date: 11/20/23 6:50 pm
From: Barbara M Volkle <barb620...>
Subject: [MASSBIRD] Wachusett Mountain (20 Nov 2023) 6 Migrating Raptors

Date: Mon, 20 Nov 2023 21:19:44 +0000
From: <reports...>
Subject: Wachusett Mountain (20 Nov 2023) 6 Migrating Raptors


Wachusett Mountain
Princeton, Massachusetts, USA
Daily Raptor Counts: Nov 20, 2023
-------------------------------------------------------------------

Species Day's Count Month Total Season Total
------------------ ----------- -------------- --------------
Black Vulture 0 0 3
Turkey Vulture 0 31 810
Osprey 0 0 155
Bald Eagle 4 57 301
Northern Harrier 0 2 39
Sharp-shinned Hawk 1 8 332
Cooper's Hawk 0 10 142
American Goshawk 0 0 1
Red-shouldered Hawk 1 104 142
Broad-winged Hawk 0 0 15073
Red-tailed Hawk 0 55 113
Rough-legged Hawk 0 1 1
Golden Eagle 0 4 4
American Kestrel 0 0 97
Merlin 0 1 38
Peregrine Falcon 0 0 17
Unknown Accipiter 0 2 35
Unknown Buteo 0 18 37
Unknown Falcon 0 0 10
Unknown Eagle 0 1 2
Unknown Raptor 0 17 174

Total: 6 311 17526
----------------------------------------------------------------------

Observation start time: 10:00:00 Observation end time: 14:00:00 Total
observation time: 4 hours

Official Counter: Eric Mueller

Observers: Marty McNamara

Visitors:
Approx 20 hikers and several dogs. One person stopped and asked about
our
work.


Weather:
The temperature hung in around 31F for the entire session. NW to NNW
winds
at 4-7 mph, with gusts to 15 mph during the 1st hour, 12 mph in the 2nd
&
3rd hours, and calming in the final hour. Sunny all day, with fine
visibility.

Raptor Observations:
The watch was conducted at the North Rd observation point (.78 mi NW
from
and 486 ft lower than the summit.) The birds were getting some lift by
circling, so there was probably some thermal activity. The juvenile bald
eagle that appeared around noon time and the sub-adult at 1:20 pm both
flew
quite close and gave us good looks. Today's count puts us over 300 Bald
Eagles for the season for the 2nd year in a row.

Non-migrating raptors:
Bald Eagle - 2 (adult and juv)
Red-tailed Hawk - 2 (at least 1 adult)
Unident. buteo - 1 (a distant bird, likely a Red-tail)

Non-raptor Observations:
Canada goose - 142 (migrating groups of 32 & approx 110)
Amer Crow - 23 (10 migrating W, and 13 headed east)
Comm Raven - 2
GC Kinglet - 4 (on the road up)
WB Nuthatch - 1 (on the road up)

Predictions:
Tuesday's forecast is for partly cloudy skies, temps in the low to mid
30's, low humidity, and 5-10 mph E to ESE winds. Bill wants to give it
another try at North Rd which should be well sheltered from the wind.
========================================================================
Report submitted by ERIC MUELLER (<ericmueller1912...>)
Wachusett Mountain information may be found at:
http://www.massbird.org/emhw


More site information at hawkcount.org:
https://hawkcount.org/siteinfo.php?rsite=228


 

Back to top
Date: 11/19/23 7:46 pm
From: Barbara Volkle <barb620...>
Subject: [MASSBIRD] Blueberry Hill (16 Nov 2023) Raptors
Date: Sun, 19 Nov 2023 23:58:18 +0000
From: <reports...>
Subject: Blueberry Hill (16 Nov 2023) Raptors


Blueberry Hill
Granville, Massachusetts, USA
Daily Raptor Counts: Nov 16, 2023
-------------------------------------------------------------------

Species Day's Count Month Total Season Total
------------------ ----------- -------------- --------------
Black Vulture 0 0 0
Turkey Vulture 0 43 289
Osprey 0 0 18
Bald Eagle 0 2 15
Northern Harrier 0 3 29
Sharp-shinned Hawk 0 1 204
Cooper's Hawk 0 0 22
American Goshawk 0 0 1
Red-shouldered Hawk 0 15 20
Broad-winged Hawk 0 0 2526
Red-tailed Hawk 0 19 29
Rough-legged Hawk 0 0 0
Golden Eagle 0 0 0
American Kestrel 0 0 122
Peregrine Falcon 0 0 9
Merlin 0 4 17
Unknown Accipiter 0 0 0
Unknown Buteo 0 0 2
Unknown Eagle 0 0 1
Unknown Falcon 0 0 0
Unknown Vulture 0 0 0
Unknown Raptor 0 4 12

Total: 0 91 3316
----------------------------------------------------------------------

Observation start time: 10:00:00 Observation end time: 14:00:00 Total
observation time: 4 hours

Official Counter: John Weeks

Observers: John Weeks

Weather:
Mostly sunny (cloud-cover went from 0% to 25%); wind light WNW shifting to
W. Temperature 54-58 F.

Raptor Observations:
Zero. Zip. Nada. Not counted as migrant: immature Bald Eagle. Found an owl
pellet on the picnic table; there being no paint to watch drying, I was
thereby enthralled.

Non-raptor Observations:
Mourning Dove, Blue Jays (4), American Crow, Common Raven, Black-capped
Chickadee, Tufted Titmouse, American Robins (3), Pine Siskin, American
Goldfinches (2), Dark-eyed Juncos (10).
========================================================================
Report submitted by John Weeks (<aerie.john...>)


More site information at hawkcount.org:
https://hawkcount.org/siteinfo.php?rsite=107

 

Back to top
Date: 11/19/23 7:40 pm
From: Barbara Volkle <barb620...>
Subject: [MASSBIRD] Pinnacle Rock (19 Nov 2023) 13 Raptors

Date: Sun, 19 Nov 2023 23:35:39 +0000
From: <reports...>
Subject: Pinnacle Rock (19 Nov 2023) 13 Raptors


Pinnacle Rock
Malden, Massachusetts, USA
Daily Raptor Counts: Nov 19, 2023
-------------------------------------------------------------------

Species Day's Count Month Total Season Total
------------------ ----------- -------------- --------------
Black Vulture 0 0 0
Turkey Vulture 1 37 59
Osprey 0 0 18
Bald Eagle 0 0 7
Northern Harrier 0 0 2
Sharp-shinned Hawk 0 8 90
Cooper's Hawk 1 4 16
American Goshawk 0 0 0
Red-shouldered Hawk 0 1 6
Broad-winged Hawk 0 0 8
Red-tailed Hawk 11 37 37
Rough-legged Hawk 0 0 0
Golden Eagle 0 0 0
American Kestrel 0 0 0
Merlin 0 1 7
Peregrine Falcon 0 0 1
Unknown Accipiter 0 2 4
Unknown Buteo 0 0 2
Unknown Falcon 0 0 4
Unknown Eagle 0 0 0
Unknown Raptor 0 2 17

Total: 13 92 278
----------------------------------------------------------------------

Observation start time: 10:00:00 Observation end time: 15:00:00 Total
observation time: 5 hours

Official Counter: Craig Jackson

Observers: Bill Shapiro, Jack Miano

Weather:
Moderate (2) WNW winds became stronger with gusts of 18 mph before
switching to stronger (3) NW winds with maximum gusts of 13 mph. Cloud
cover - watch began with 0% before cumulus clouds moved in. Clouds then
mostly moved out before another group of cumulus clouds mostly covered the
sky by the end of the watch. Temperature went from 3-7° C.

Raptor Observations:
Fair movement of rotors for this late in the season. Almost all Red-tailed
Hawks and most that could be aged were adults.
Non-migrating -- there seemed to be a male and female Cooper's Hawk and at
least three RT

Non-raptor Observations:


Predictions:
This is the final day of what has been in numbers an average hawkwatch
season, but in many other ways has been an anomaly, primarily due to the
lack of favorable wind conditions during the month of October.
========================================================================
Report submitted by Craig Jackson (<crleja1949...>)


More site information at hawkcount.org:
https://hawkcount.org/siteinfo.php?rsite=239

 

Back to top
Date: 11/19/23 12:55 pm
From: CRAIG GIBSON <cbgibson...>
Subject: [MASSBIRD] Winter Crow Roost videos!
Greetings all,

The Crows have returned for another exciting overnight communal roosting season and the
numbers continue to grow on a weekly basis!

For those with an interest, the crow roost blog has been updated and include two spectacular
videos:

Oct. 23: staging at Mill 240 building, aerial views, and video

Oct. 27: staging with Harvest full moon, aerial views, and video

Nov 11: after sunset photos documenting roosting Crows at both ends of the Duck Bridge, and
on the east and west side of the bridge as well.

Link: https://www.wintercrowroost.com/crow-patrol/

We'll be hosting a ZOOM event in early December to preview the roosting season, explore the new
roost counting guide, and to celebrate and "welcome back" this amazing annual avian spectacle!!

Enjoy,

Craig Gibson
2023 Crow Patrol
Lawrence, MA

cbgibson AT comcast.net
 

Back to top
Date: 11/18/23 6:32 pm
From: Barbara Volkle <barb620...>
Subject: [MASSBIRD] Wachusett Mountain (18 Nov 2023) 2 Migrating Raptors, incl dark morph Rough-leg
Date: Sun, 19 Nov 2023 02:13:00 +0000
From: <reports...>
Subject: Wachusett Mountain (18 Nov 2023) 2 Migrating Raptors, incl dark
morph Rough-leg


Wachusett Mountain
Princeton, Massachusetts, USA
Daily Raptor Counts: Nov 18, 2023
-------------------------------------------------------------------

Species Day's Count Month Total Season Total
------------------ ----------- -------------- --------------
Black Vulture 0 0 3
Turkey Vulture 0 31 810
Osprey 0 0 155
Bald Eagle 0 53 297
Northern Harrier 1 2 39
Sharp-shinned Hawk 0 7 331
Cooper's Hawk 0 10 142
American Goshawk 0 0 1
Red-shouldered Hawk 0 103 141
Broad-winged Hawk 0 0 15073
Red-tailed Hawk 0 55 113
Rough-legged Hawk 1 1 1
Golden Eagle 0 4 4
American Kestrel 0 0 97
Merlin 0 1 38
Peregrine Falcon 0 0 17
Unknown Accipiter 0 2 35
Unknown Buteo 0 18 37
Unknown Falcon 0 0 10
Unknown Eagle 0 1 2
Unknown Raptor 0 17 174

Total: 2 305 17520
----------------------------------------------------------------------

Observation start time: 12:00:00 Observation end time: 15:00:00 Total
observation time: 3 hours

Official Counter:
Observers: Bill Rasku

Visitors:
None reported


Weather:
An almost totally cloudy sky with rain most of the morning opened up to an
almost totally cloudless sky within 3 hours. Temps dropped from noon to 3
pm. Solid N to NW winds. Only the base of Mt. Monadnock was visible at
noon, but completely visible by 3 pm.

Raptor Observations:
You just can't keep some people off of the mountain. Bill Rasku thought
that there might be something to see after the rain passed this morning,
so he went up to the North Rd observation point at noon. He only saw two
migrating raptors, but they were good ones. A Northern Harrier passed close
to the mountain at 1:52, and then our first Rough-legged Hawk of the season
also flew past nearby. The RL was a dark morph with no white on it at all.
It was a noticeably long-winged bird with the characteristic RL dihedral -
up sharply from the body and flattened out along the rest of the wing.
We've been waiting for this bird all season!

Non-migrating raptors:
Bald Eagle - 1 imm
Red-tailed Hawk - 2

Non-raptor Observations:
Mallard - 3 (fly-by)
duck sp - 8 (fly-by)
Blue Jay - 5
Amer Crow - 3
Comm Raven - 1
Downy WP - 1


Predictions:
Sunny but with strong W winds on Sunday. No plans to hike up, but if the
inspiration strikes you, please send your sightings to Eric at the email
address on the Site Description page.
========================================================================
Report submitted by ERIC MUELLER (<ericmueller1912...>)
Wachusett Mountain information may be found at:
http://www.massbird.org/emhw


More site information at hawkcount.org:
https://hawkcount.org/siteinfo.php?rsite=228

 

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Date: 11/18/23 6:06 pm
From: Barbara Volkle <barb620...>
Subject: [MASSBIRD] Pinnacle Rock (18 Nov 2023) 2 Raptors

Date: Sat, 18 Nov 2023 22:47:20 +0000
From: <reports...>
Subject: Pinnacle Rock (18 Nov 2023) 2 Raptors


Pinnacle Rock
Malden, Massachusetts, USA
Daily Raptor Counts: Nov 18, 2023
-------------------------------------------------------------------

Species Day's Count Month Total Season Total
------------------ ----------- -------------- --------------
Black Vulture 0 0 0
Turkey Vulture 0 36 58
Osprey 0 0 18
Bald Eagle 0 0 7
Northern Harrier 0 0 2
Sharp-shinned Hawk 0 8 90
Cooper's Hawk 0 3 15
American Goshawk 0 0 0
Red-shouldered Hawk 0 1 6
Broad-winged Hawk 0 0 8
Red-tailed Hawk 2 26 26
Rough-legged Hawk 0 0 0
Golden Eagle 0 0 0
American Kestrel 0 0 0
Merlin 0 1 7
Peregrine Falcon 0 0 1
Unknown Accipiter 0 2 4
Unknown Buteo 0 0 2
Unknown Falcon 0 0 4
Unknown Eagle 0 0 0
Unknown Raptor 0 2 17

Total: 2 79 265
----------------------------------------------------------------------

Observation start time: 14:00:00 Observation end time: 16:00:00 Total
observation time: 2 hours

Official Counter: Craig Jackson

Observers:
Weather:
Strong to moderate NW winds with gusts up to 15 mph; Cloud cover went from
45-30%, but most of the sky to the north and northwest was cloudless.
Temperature was 5° C

Raptor Observations:
Two RT seen migrating
One adult RT was not migrating

Non-raptor Observations:
A great Blue Heron was observed

Predictions:
Hoping that the very strong NW winds today blew some birds to the coast.
Tomorrow's winds will be from the W but somewhat lighter, and will be the
last day of the fall hawkwatch at this site.
========================================================================
Report submitted by Craig Jackson (<crleja1949...>)


More site information at hawkcount.org:
https://hawkcount.org/siteinfo.php?rsite=239

 

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Date: 11/18/23 4:56 pm
From: Bill Lafley <blafley...>
Subject: Re: [MASSBIRD] Not a Morning Birder
Hi Shilo,

That is an impressive list of birds, good job. As a long time birder I would like to add another perspective on early morning birding. I go out early most mornings to spend time at local ponds, lakes and walking in local natural areas to discover birds that are there. I find birds are more active and vocal earlier in the day so the chances of finding interesting species locally increase. I spend little time driving around going to places where other birders found birds (I don’t get eBird alerts) because I would much prefer to be walking in the woods or observing a wetland than driving my car. Sure I may not amass as impressive list of birds for the month or year or whatever time period one wants to choose but I find the time spent in the outdoors and the sense of discovery of what I might find to be more fulfilling than a long list of bird species on a computer somewhere. As for the second cup of coffee I have a Yeti to sip between walks.

Bill Lafley
New Salem
<blafley...>

> On Nov 18, 2023, at 8:33 AM, Shilo McDonald <smcdonald...> wrote:
>
> Good Morning MassBird,
> I'm not a morning birder. I reserve my mornings for futzing around in
> the native plant garden, restocking the backyard feeders, and having
> that first cup of freshly ground coffee.
>
> I mention it, because people assume as a birder, I'm an early morning
> birder. Nope. I do most of my birding after 10 AM. I'm more alert by
> then. My eyes and ears are wide open. And I've probably already had my
> second cup of freshly ground coffee. :-)
>
> So, if you're not a morning person. Or if you're not an early morning
> birding person. No worries. You don't have to be to see great birds.
> In fact, not one of the birds in this list, did I see before 10:30 AM.
> And these were my Life Birds!
>
> Date Time Species Location
> 13-NOV 1:45 PM Western Tanager (Manomet)
> 5-NOV 12:30 PM Summer Tanager (Gloucester)
> 4-NOV 1:15 PM Tufted Duck (Holyoke)
> 12-SEP 12:15 PM Ash-throated Flycatcher (Chatham)
> 12-JUL 4:45 PM Blue Grosbeak (Falmouth)
> 6-JUL 11:00 AM Northern Bobwhite (Dartmouth)
> 1-JUN 11:15 AM Cerulean Warbler (Marblehead)
> 3-MAY 6:30 PM Red Phalarope (Lynn)
> 5-MAY 10:30 AM Red-necked Phalarope (Rockport)
> 30-JAN 12:30 PM Western Grebe (Winthrop)
> 22-JAN 11:00 AM Trumpeter Swan (Northbridge)
> 9-JAN 11:15 AM Loggerhead Shrike (Saugus)
>
> Happy (mid-morning to late afternoon) Birding!
>
> Shilo McDonald
> Lynn, Massachusetts
> <SMcDonald...>

 

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Date: 11/18/23 1:18 pm
From: Mark Fairbrother <bogelfin...>
Subject: [MASSBIRD] Cattle Egret and Wilson's Warbler 11.18
We had the Cattle Egret near the airport in Northampton this afternoon, in
the little pasture just by the north end of the runway. It was on the roof
of one of the small buildings, then foraging in the grass along the airport
fence.
We then found the continuing Wilson's Warbler flitting around in the little
park just behind the greenhouses at Mt. Holyoke College in South Hadley.

Mark Fairbrother
Montague, MA 01351

 

Back to top
Date: 11/18/23 5:28 am
From: Shilo McDonald <smcdonald...>
Subject: [MASSBIRD] Not a Morning Birder
Good Morning MassBird,
I'm not a morning birder. I reserve my mornings for futzing around in
the native plant garden, restocking the backyard feeders, and having
that first cup of freshly ground coffee.

I mention it, because people assume as a birder, I'm an early morning
birder. Nope. I do most of my birding after 10 AM. I'm more alert by
then. My eyes and ears are wide open. And I've probably already had my
second cup of freshly ground coffee. :-)

So, if you're not a morning person. Or if you're not an early morning
birding person. No worries. You don't have to be to see great birds.
In fact, not one of the birds in this list, did I see before 10:30 AM.
And these were my Life Birds!

Date Time Species Location
13-NOV 1:45 PM Western Tanager (Manomet)
5-NOV 12:30 PM Summer Tanager (Gloucester)
4-NOV 1:15 PM Tufted Duck (Holyoke)
12-SEP 12:15 PM Ash-throated Flycatcher (Chatham)
12-JUL 4:45 PM Blue Grosbeak (Falmouth)
6-JUL 11:00 AM Northern Bobwhite (Dartmouth)
1-JUN 11:15 AM Cerulean Warbler (Marblehead)
3-MAY 6:30 PM Red Phalarope (Lynn)
5-MAY 10:30 AM Red-necked Phalarope (Rockport)
30-JAN 12:30 PM Western Grebe (Winthrop)
22-JAN 11:00 AM Trumpeter Swan (Northbridge)
9-JAN 11:15 AM Loggerhead Shrike (Saugus)

Happy (mid-morning to late afternoon) Birding!

Shilo McDonald
Lynn, Massachusetts
<SMcDonald...>

 

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Date: 11/18/23 3:40 am
From: Denise Cabral <goshawk3...>
Subject: [MASSBIRD] Black Vultures, Palmer-Wilbraham line
Driving on rte 20 on the Palmer-Wilbraham line yesterday about 2:45 pm, spotted a pair of Black Vultures circling fairly low. Really great look.
Denise Cabral Brimfield 
 

Back to top
Date: 11/17/23 8:20 pm
From: Barbara Volkle <barb620...>
Subject: [MASSBIRD] Wachusett Mountain (17 Nov 2023) 1 Migrating Raptor

Date: Sat, 18 Nov 2023 01:42:38 +0000
From: <reports...>
Subject: Wachusett Mountain (17 Nov 2023) 1 Migrating Raptor


Wachusett Mountain
Princeton, Massachusetts, USA
Daily Raptor Counts: Nov 17, 2023
-------------------------------------------------------------------

Species Day's Count Month Total Season Total
------------------ ----------- -------------- --------------
Black Vulture 0 0 3
Turkey Vulture 0 31 810
Osprey 0 0 155
Bald Eagle 0 53 297
Northern Harrier 0 1 38
Sharp-shinned Hawk 1 7 331
Cooper's Hawk 0 10 142
American Goshawk 0 0 1
Red-shouldered Hawk 0 103 141
Broad-winged Hawk 0 0 15073
Red-tailed Hawk 0 55 113
Rough-legged Hawk 0 0 0
Golden Eagle 0 4 4
American Kestrel 0 0 97
Merlin 0 1 38
Peregrine Falcon 0 0 17
Unknown Accipiter 0 2 35
Unknown Buteo 0 18 37
Unknown Falcon 0 0 10
Unknown Eagle 0 1 2
Unknown Raptor 0 17 174

Total: 1 303 17518
----------------------------------------------------------------------

Observation start time: 14:30:00 Observation end time: 15:15:00 Total
observation time: 0.75 hours

Official Counter:
Observers: Bill Rasku

Visitors:
The inestimable Mary Jane Rasku.


Weather:
Warm with temps near 60, very strong SW winds, mostly cloudy.
Raptor Observations:
No watch was planned because of the strong SW winds, but Bill took his wife
up to the North Rd observation point to check out the view, and saw a
Sharpie go by. It's all good! They didn't see any local raptors in the
short time that they were up there.

Non-raptor Observations:
duck sp - 10 (migrating)
Amer Crow - 3
BC Chickadee - 1
GC Kinglet - 1
Amer Bluebird - 1

Predictions:
Rain is predicted overnight and into the morning. We're not planning on
conducting a formal watch.
========================================================================
Report submitted by ERIC MUELLER (<ericmueller1912...>)
Wachusett Mountain information may be found at:
http://www.massbird.org/emhw


More site information at hawkcount.org:
https://hawkcount.org/siteinfo.php?rsite=228

 

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Date: 11/17/23 5:38 pm
From: Barbara Volkle <barb620...>
Subject: [MASSBIRD] 11/17 Arlington Reservoir Highlights
Thanks to Paul Peterson for this report.

Barbara Volkle
Northborough,MA
<barb620...>

*

Date: Fri, 17 Nov 2023 21:35:02 +0000 (UTC)

From: Paul Peterson <petersonpaul63...>
Subject: 11/17 Arlington Reservoir Highlights


Green-winged Teal 59
Northern Pintail 1
Hooded Merganser 11
Ruddy Duck 14
Bufflehead 3
Red-tailed Hawk 1
American Coot 1
Greater Yellowlegs 1
Lesser Yellowlegs 1 flew up, up up and out (seen from Lex Farm)
Golden-crowned Kinglet 1+
White-throated Sparrow 1 Lex F ARM
Pine Siskin 1

Paul Peterson
<petersonpaul63...>
Boston




 

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Date: 11/17/23 1:34 pm
From: Cliff Cook <ccook13...>
Subject: [MASSBIRD] BBC Ipswich River Sanctuary Trip Cancellation
The Brookline Bird Club field trip scheduled for tomorrow, saturday
November 18 at Ipswich River Mass Audubon sanctuary has been cancelled due
to anticipated por weather conditions.

Cliff Cook
Watertown

 

Back to top
Date: 11/16/23 4:39 pm
From: Barbara Volkle <barb620...>
Subject: [MASSBIRD] Wachusett Mountain (16 Nov 2023) 4 Migrating Raptors

Date: Thu, 16 Nov 2023 23:42:31 +0000
From: <reports...>
Subject: Wachusett Mountain (16 Nov 2023) 4 Migrating Raptors


Wachusett Mountain
Princeton, Massachusetts, USA
Daily Raptor Counts: Nov 16, 2023
-------------------------------------------------------------------

Species Day's Count Month Total Season Total
------------------ ----------- -------------- --------------
Black Vulture 0 0 3
Turkey Vulture 0 31 810
Osprey 0 0 155
Bald Eagle 1 53 297
Northern Harrier 0 1 38
Sharp-shinned Hawk 0 6 330
Cooper's Hawk 0 10 142
American Goshawk 0 0 1
Red-shouldered Hawk 0 103 141
Broad-winged Hawk 0 0 15073
Red-tailed Hawk 2 55 113
Rough-legged Hawk 0 0 0
Golden Eagle 0 4 4
American Kestrel 0 0 97
Merlin 1 1 38
Peregrine Falcon 0 0 17
Unknown Accipiter 0 2 35
Unknown Buteo 0 18 37
Unknown Falcon 0 0 10
Unknown Eagle 0 1 2
Unknown Raptor 0 17 174

Total: 4 302 17517
----------------------------------------------------------------------

Observation start time: 09:00:00 Observation end time: 14:00:00 Total
observation time: 5 hours

Official Counter: Eric Mueller

Observers: Bill Rasku

Visitors:
Between 30 & 40 hikers and various dogs. It was nice to have Carl and
Peggy drop by again.


Weather:
The wind was higher than predicted last night (7-9 mph with higher gusts),
more W than WNW, and there was a moderate to heavy band of brownish haze
that extended to about 3,000 ft, possibly indicating a temperature
inversion.

Raptor Observations:
The birds either weren't impressed with the weather, or there just aren't
many birds left. Only 2 local raptors spotted, and 4 migrants.

Non-migrating raptors:
Bald Eagle - 1 adult
Red-tailed hawk - 1 adult

Non-raptor Observations:
duck sp - 5
Blue Jay - 4
Amer Crow - 27 (all heading east)
Comm Raven - 3
DE Junco - 1
CG Kinglet - 1

Predictions:
No plans for conducting a watch for the next few days. Strong SW winds on
Friday, rain on Saturday morning, and strong W winds on Sunday. Monday
currently looks like the next likely day. Still looking for our first
Rough-legged Hawk.
========================================================================
Report submitted by ERIC MUELLER (<ericmueller1912...>)
Wachusett Mountain information may be found at:
http://www.massbird.org/emhw


More site information at hawkcount.org:
https://hawkcount.org/siteinfo.php?rsite=228

 

Back to top
Date: 11/16/23 2:25 pm
From: Barbara Volkle <barb620...>
Subject: [MASSBIRD] Program Cancellation: Belle Isle Marsh Birding Trip for Sat,11/18/2023
Thanks to Matthew Nash for this update.

Barbara Volkle
Northborough,MA
<barb620...>

*



From: "Nash, Matthew (DCR)" <matthew.nash...>
Subject: Program Cancellation: Belle Isle Marsh Birding Trip for Sat
11/18/2023
Date: Thu, 16 Nov 2023 15:44:17 +0000



The Birding Belle Isle (aka an oasis for birds) program scheduled for
Saturday, Nov 18th 7:30-8:30 am at DCR's Belle Isle Marsh in East Boston
has bee=n cancelled due to an inclement weather forecast. This program
is sponsored by the DCR, Brookline Bird Club and Friends of Belle Isle
Marsh.



Matthew Nash
Visitor Services Supervisor
DCR North Region Coastal District
One Eliot Circle
Revere, MA 02151
(781) 656-1485

Find yourself in a DCR Park!
Follow@ | Tag# MassDCR
[http://scalablesocialmedia.com/wp-content/uploads/2010/12/twitterbird.jpg=
] [Instagram for email]

 

Back to top
Date: 11/15/23 5:04 pm
From: Barbara Volkle <barb620...>
Subject: [MASSBIRD] Great Pond Randolph Thirteen Duck Species, etc.
Thanks to Paul Peterson for this report.

Barbara Volkle
Northborough,MA
<barb620...>

*

Date: Wed, 15 Nov 2023 23:47:24 +0000 (UTC)
From: Paul Peterson <petersonpaul63...>
Subject: Great Pond Randolph Thirteen Duck Species, etc.


This place was absolutely alive with birds, especially ducks. It is
famous in the fall for its ducks. I birded from 1:00-4:05 p.m. I started
at the very southern end (Oak St.) I then walked the path from
there(hard to find) that goes along  the entire edge of the  southern
half of the reservoir on the Randolph side. Then it was out to the
entire length of the dike. I exited via Norroway Ave.

Great Blue Heron 2
Northern Pintail 5 "the arm" near Norroway Ave.
American Wigeon 5
Green-winged Teal 41+  including twenty on "the arm"
American Black Duck 4
Mallard Duck 63  thirty on "the arm"
Ring-necked Duck 300  wild guess; spread out
Lesser Scaup 3
scaup sp. 12
Ruddy Duck 200 wild guess; spread out
Bufflehead 12
BARROW'S GOLDENEYE 1  almost all  way down dike if coming from Randolph
sideÂ
Common Goldeneye 25
Common Merganser 22
Hooded Merganser 71 twenty on "the arm" near Norroway Ave.
American Coot 27
Belted Kingfisher 2 "the arm"; their usual area)
Hairy Woodpecker 1
Brown Creeper 1
WINTER WREN 2  one at marshy pond near beginning of dike; one near Oak
St. in dense brush (seen)
Golden-crowned Kinglet 8 exact count
Swamp Sparrow 4  in above-mentioned marshy pond
American Tree Sparrow 1 on dike
Song Sparrow 4+
Snow Bunting 50 flying around at Braintree treatment plant; seen from dike

Paul Peterson
<petersonpaul63...>
Boston

 

Back to top
Date: 11/15/23 12:11 pm
From: Barbara M Volkle <barb620...>
Subject: [MASSBIRD] Hammond's Flycatcher - Westborough
Tim Spahr located a Hammond's Flycatcher this morning.

https://ebird.org/checklist/S154498826

Last report I saw indicated is was seen upstream of the bridge, but not
relocated.

Thanks to all who reported.


Barbara Volkle
Northborough, MA
<barb620...>

 

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Date: 11/15/23 11:07 am
From: Barbara M Volkle <barb620...>
Subject: [MASSBIRD] Blueberry Hill (12 Nov 2023) 2 Raptors

Date: Wed, 15 Nov 2023 14:39:10 +0000
From: <reports...>
Subject: Blueberry Hill (12 Nov 2023) 2 Raptors


Blueberry Hill
Granville, Massachusetts, USA
Daily Raptor Counts: Nov 12, 2023
-------------------------------------------------------------------

Species Day's Count Month Total Season Total
------------------ ----------- -------------- --------------
Black Vulture 0 0 0
Turkey Vulture 1 43 289
Osprey 0 0 18
Bald Eagle 0 2 15
Northern Harrier 0 3 29
Sharp-shinned Hawk 0 1 204
Cooper's Hawk 0 0 22
American Goshawk 0 0 1
Red-shouldered Hawk 0 15 20
Broad-winged Hawk 0 0 2526
Red-tailed Hawk 1 19 29
Rough-legged Hawk 0 0 0
Golden Eagle 0 0 0
American Kestrel 0 0 122
Peregrine Falcon 0 0 9
Merlin 0 4 17
Unknown Accipiter 0 0 0
Unknown Buteo 0 0 2
Unknown Eagle 0 0 1
Unknown Falcon 0 0 0
Unknown Vulture 0 0 0
Unknown Raptor 0 4 12

Total: 2 91 3316
----------------------------------------------------------------------

Observation start time: 10:30:00 Observation end time: 13:30:00 Total
observation time: 3 hours

Official Counter: John Weeks

Observers: John Weeks

Visitors:
A couple from Fairfield, CT, on a quad. Ronnie, a garden designer.


Weather:
Mostly sunny; light NW to N winds. Temperature 35-39 F.

Raptor Observations:
Another meager flight, despite the favorable wind. This may be my last
day,
depending on the weather forecast for the coming week.

Non-raptor Observations:
Blue Jays (6), American Crows (3), Black-capped Chickadee, Tufted
Titmouse,
American Goldfinch, Dark-eyed Juncos (4).
========================================================================
Report submitted by John Weeks (<aerie.john...>)


More site information at hawkcount.org:
https://hawkcount.org/siteinfo.php?rsite=107


 

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Date: 11/14/23 6:32 pm
From: Barbara M Volkle <barb620...>
Subject: [MASSBIRD] RFI -- red crossbill feeding observations
Thanks to Dr. Cody Porter for this request.

Barbara Volkle
Northborough,MA
<barb620...>
*

From: C <empidonaxdvg...>
Date: Tue, 14 Nov 2023 16:53:09 -0600
Subject: RFI -- red crossbill feeding observations
To: <GABO-L...>, <Massbird...>,
<birdnet...>,
<mou-net...>, <NATURENB...>


Hi all,

I’m writing to follow up on my previous requests for observations of
eastern red crossbills feeding on conifers. Given that Christmas Bird
Count season is rapidly approaching, I figured now would be a good time
to remind folks about the types of observations I’m collating as a part
of a multi-year project on crossbill feeding ecology. This is also an
interesting time of year from a crossbill foraging perspective, as this
is when crossbills begin shifting to feeding on conifers other than
those they were feeding on throughout the late summer and early fall.


I’m looking for audio recordings of crossbill calls from the eastern
US/Great Lakes with information on the conifers the birds are feeding
on. The recordings do not have to be made with any advanced equipment –
most phone recordings are sufficient. Pictures of the conifer cones are
most helpful. However, if you are comfortable with conifer
identification, notes on which conifers birds are feeding on are also
valuable.

Based on contributions from several folks across the eastern US, I’ve
accumulated over 600 (!) records of eastern red crossbills and the
conifers they’re feeding on. If you’re interested, I’ve posted a little
blurb on my website
(https://ckporter.weebly.com/eastern-red-crossbill-ecology.html)
illustrating and describing the preliminary data for type 12, the
crossbill I have the most data for and am most interested in for this
project.

Although there are some intriguing patterns in the data so far,
describing the feeding ecology of type 12 and other eastern call types
will require much more data across many seasons and years. So, if you
have crossbills in your area, please consider uploading recordings and
conifer information to eBird. I’ve also created an iNaturalist project
(link below) where observations can be uploaded. If you don’t use eBird
or iNaturalist, please feel free to send me any observations directly.

Thanks a ton for considering my request. Please feel free to reach out
with any questions! Also, please pass this onto anyone you think might
be interested in participating.

Good birding,

Dr. Cody Porter

Ames, Iowa



iNaturalist project link:
https://www.inaturalist.org/projects/feeding-ecology-of-eastern-red-crossbills

Project description link:
https://ckporter.weebly.com/eastern-red-crossbill-ecology.html



 

Back to top
Date: 11/14/23 6:03 pm
From: Barbara M Volkle <barb620...>
Subject: [MASSBIRD] Pinnacle Rock (14 Nov 2023) 2 Raptors

Date: Tue, 14 Nov 2023 21:39:43 +0000
From: <reports...>
Subject: Pinnacle Rock (14 Nov 2023) 2 Raptors


Pinnacle Rock
Malden, Massachusetts, USA
Daily Raptor Counts: Nov 14, 2023
-------------------------------------------------------------------

Species Day's Count Month Total Season Total
------------------ ----------- -------------- --------------
Black Vulture 0 0 0
Turkey Vulture 0 36 58
Osprey 0 0 18
Bald Eagle 0 0 7
Northern Harrier 0 0 2
Sharp-shinned Hawk 0 8 90
Cooper's Hawk 0 3 15
American Goshawk 0 0 0
Red-shouldered Hawk 0 1 6
Broad-winged Hawk 0 0 8
Red-tailed Hawk 2 24 24
Rough-legged Hawk 0 0 0
Golden Eagle 0 0 0
American Kestrel 0 0 0
Merlin 0 1 7
Peregrine Falcon 0 0 1
Unknown Accipiter 0 2 4
Unknown Buteo 0 0 2
Unknown Falcon 0 0 4
Unknown Eagle 0 0 0
Unknown Raptor 0 2 17

Total: 2 77 263
----------------------------------------------------------------------

Observation start time: 09:15:00 Observation end time: 15:00:00 Total
observation time: 5.75 hours

Official Counter: Craig Jackson

Observers:
Weather:
Light to moderate (1-2) NW-NNW winds, with maximum gusts of 14 mph (at
end
of day). Cloud cover varied throughout the day. The watch began with 50%
cirrus, but cumulostratus clouds moved in until about 75% of the sky was
covered. These clouds then moved out such that only 15% of the sky was
covered. More clouds then moved in until 95% of the sky was covered, but
then moved out and cumulus clouds moved in such that at the end of the
watch 40% of the sky was covered. Temperature went fro 1-5°C

Raptor Observations:
Only two RT Hawks observed migrating

Non-raptor Observations:
14 Canada Geese, 1 Raven, and 2 Dark-eyed Juncos

Predictions:
Tomorrow looks worse than today. Winds from NW are not predicted to be
strong again until after Saturday's predicted rain.
========================================================================
Report submitted by Craig Jackson (<crleja1949...>)


More site information at hawkcount.org:
https://hawkcount.org/siteinfo.php?rsite=239


 

Back to top
Date: 11/14/23 6:00 pm
From: Barbara M Volkle <barb620...>
Subject: [MASSBIRD] Wachusett Mountain (14 Nov 2023) 2 Migrating Raptors



Date: Tue, 14 Nov 2023 23:33:54 +0000
From: <reports...>
Subject: Wachusett Mountain (14 Nov 2023) 2 Migrating Raptors


Wachusett Mountain
Princeton, Massachusetts, USA
Daily Raptor Counts: Nov 14, 2023
-------------------------------------------------------------------

Species Day's Count Month Total Season Total
------------------ ----------- -------------- --------------
Black Vulture 0 0 3
Turkey Vulture 0 31 810
Osprey 0 0 155
Bald Eagle 0 52 296
Northern Harrier 0 1 38
Sharp-shinned Hawk 0 6 330
Cooper's Hawk 0 10 142
American Goshawk 0 0 1
Red-shouldered Hawk 0 103 141
Broad-winged Hawk 0 0 15073
Red-tailed Hawk 2 53 111
Rough-legged Hawk 0 0 0
Golden Eagle 0 4 4
American Kestrel 0 0 97
Merlin 0 0 37
Peregrine Falcon 0 0 17
Unknown Accipiter 0 2 35
Unknown Buteo 0 18 37
Unknown Falcon 0 0 10
Unknown Eagle 0 1 2
Unknown Raptor 0 17 174

Total: 2 298 17513
----------------------------------------------------------------------

Observation start time: 13:30:00
Observation end time: 15:00:00
Total observation time: 1.5 hours

Official Counter:

Observers: Bill Rasku

Visitors:
Occasional hikers


Weather:
A cloudier day than what was forecasted. NW winds at 8-14 mph, gustier
laster in the afternoon. Temps in the high 30's to low 40's.

Raptor Observations:
Eric got waylaid by a faulty furnace at home, so our observation plans
went
by the wayside. Bill took time out of his day to make a quick run up to
the North Road overlook in case the sky cleared. It didn't in the 90
minutes he was up there, but he saw 2 Red-tails move through. Good
effort!

Non-migrating raptors:
Bald Eagle - 1 imm
Red-tailed Hawk - 2

Non-raptor Observations:
GC Kinglet - 1
Gull sp - 4
Comm Raven - 2
Amer Crow - 170 migrating

Predictions:
Partly cloudy, temps in the 40's, moderate WSW to SW winds. Not much
interest in hiking up for these conditions. Thursday looks like a much
more inviting day.
========================================================================
Report submitted by ERIC MUELLER (<ericmueller1912...>)
Wachusett Mountain information may be found at:
http://www.massbird.org/emhw


More site information at hawkcount.org:
https://hawkcount.org/siteinfo.php?rsite=228


 

Back to top
Date: 11/13/23 7:20 pm
From: Barbara M Volkle <barb620...>
Subject: [MASSBIRD] 11/11 Pine Siskins at D. Blakely Hoar Sanctuary, ETC.
Thanks to Paul Peterson for this report.

Barbara Volkle
Northborough,MA
<barb620...>

*

Date: Tue, 14 Nov 2023 01:21:16 +0000 (UTC)
From: Paul Peterson <petersonpaul63...>
Subject: 11/11 Pine Siskins at D. Blakely Hoar Sanctuary, ETC.


In Brookline:

Cooper's Hawk 1
Red-tailed Hawk 1
Winter Wren 1 boardwalk behind tennis courts(annual favorite spot
Golden-crowned Kinglet 4
Ruby-crowned Kinglet 2
Swamp Sparrow 4
Red-winged Blackbird 40
Common Grackle 50
Pine Siskin 9 heard calling immediately; eventually came to alders next
to me
Raccoon 1 in its perennial hole(seven or more years now?

Paul Peterson
<petersonpaul63...>
Boston

 

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Date: 11/13/23 7:14 pm
From: Barbara M Volkle <barb620...>
Subject: [MASSBIRD] 11/13 Sears Land in Weston Highlights
Thanks to Paul Peterson for this report.

Barbara Volkle
Northborough,MA
<barb620...>

*

Date: Tue, 14 Nov 2023 01:15:06 +0000 (UTC)
From: Paul Peterson <petersonpaul63...>
Subject: 11/13 Sears Land in Weston Highlights


I went to try to find the two Blue-winged Teal that were reported on the
Weston Station Pond in the Boston Sunday Globe. No luck. This pond is a
part of the ninety acre Sears Land. There are fields, swamp, ponds, and
woods here.

Northern Shoveler 1 ad. male
Green-winged Teal 5
Wood Duck 1
American Black Duck 3
Mallard Duck 14
accipiter sp. 1
Hairy Woodpecker 1+
BLUE-HEADED VIREO 1 beautiful; pond
Winter Wren 1 edge of swamp
Golden-crowned Kinglet 1
Hermit Thrush 1
White-throated Sparrow 10 weedy area below Mass Central Rail Trail
Wayside(narrow path parallels rail trail for a bit
Dark-eyed Junco 7 most with above species
Red Squirrel 3
Gray Squirrel 1+
White-tailed Deer 1
RIVER OTTER 2 Weston Station Pond; hunting, eating; cute and AWESOME!!

Paul Peterson
<petersonpaul63...>
Boston




 

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Date: 11/13/23 7:10 pm
From: Barbara M Volkle <barb620...>
Subject: [MASSBIRD] Pinnacle Rock (12 Nov 2023) Raptors

Date: Mon, 13 Nov 2023 21:11:24 +0000
From: <reports...>
Subject: Pinnacle Rock (12 Nov 2023) Raptors


Pinnacle Rock
Malden, Massachusetts, USA
Daily Raptor Counts: Nov 12, 2023
-------------------------------------------------------------------

Species Day's Count Month Total Season Total
------------------ ----------- -------------- --------------
Black Vulture 0 0 0
Turkey Vulture 0 36 58
Osprey 0 0 18
Bald Eagle 0 0 7
Northern Harrier 0 0 2
Sharp-shinned Hawk 0 8 90
Cooper's Hawk 0 3 15
American Goshawk 0 0 0
Red-shouldered Hawk 0 1 6
Broad-winged Hawk 0 0 8
Red-tailed Hawk 0 22 22
Rough-legged Hawk 0 0 0
Golden Eagle 0 0 0
American Kestrel 0 0 0
Merlin 0 1 7
Peregrine Falcon 0 0 1
Unknown Accipiter 0 2 4
Unknown Buteo 0 0 2
Unknown Falcon 0 0 4
Unknown Eagle 0 0 0
Unknown Raptor 0 2 17

Total: 0 75 261
----------------------------------------------------------------------

Observation start time: 08:30:00 Observation end time: 12:00:00 Total
observation time: 3.5 hours

Official Counter: Craig Jackson

Observers:
Weather:
Light (2) N winds, with maximum gusts of 14 mph; Cloud cover -
concentrated
cumulus clouds covering 95-90% of the sky; Temperature -- (-)1-1°C

Raptor Observations:
no movement of raptors
An adult RT perched on a nearby pine and five hikers got to view it
through
my scope. There was also what appeared to be a non-migrating CH

Non-raptor Observations:
2 Ravens, 11 Crows together on the nearby tower, and 20 American Robins
were birds identified that were one interest

Predictions:
moderate to light winds are not terribly promising. Tuesday may be
better
as NW winds will increase in strength
========================================================================
Report submitted by Craig Jackson (<crleja1949...>)


More site information at hawkcount.org:
https://hawkcount.org/siteinfo.php?rsite=239


 

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Date: 11/13/23 5:34 pm
From: Barbara M Volkle <barb620...>
Subject: [MASSBIRD] Pinnacle Rock (13 Nov 2023) Raptors

Date: Mon, 13 Nov 2023 21:29:07 +0000
From: <reports...>
Subject: Pinnacle Rock (13 Nov 2023) Raptors


Pinnacle Rock
Malden, Massachusetts, USA
Daily Raptor Counts: Nov 13, 2023
-------------------------------------------------------------------

Species Day's Count Month Total Season Total
------------------ ----------- -------------- --------------
Black Vulture 0 0 0
Turkey Vulture 0 36 58
Osprey 0 0 18
Bald Eagle 0 0 7
Northern Harrier 0 0 2
Sharp-shinned Hawk 0 8 90
Cooper's Hawk 0 3 15
American Goshawk 0 0 0
Red-shouldered Hawk 0 1 6
Broad-winged Hawk 0 0 8
Red-tailed Hawk 0 22 22
Rough-legged Hawk 0 0 0
Golden Eagle 0 0 0
American Kestrel 0 0 0
Merlin 0 1 7
Peregrine Falcon 0 0 1
Unknown Accipiter 0 2 4
Unknown Buteo 0 0 2
Unknown Falcon 0 0 4
Unknown Eagle 0 0 0
Unknown Raptor 0 2 17

Total: 0 75 261
----------------------------------------------------------------------

Observation start time: 08:15:00 Observation end time: 13:00:00 Total
observation time: 4.75 hours

Official Counter: Craig Jackson

Observers:
Weather:
Light (1) NW-NNW winds, with maximum gusts of 8 mph; Cloud cover -- the
watch began with 20% cloud cover with most clouds on the SE horizon.
Gradually, clouds moved in from the west until about 60% if the sky was
covered. These clouds then moved out until only 7 % of the sky was
covered, with almost all clouds on the eastern horizon. As I left cirrus
clouds were beginning to move in from the west. The temperature when I
started was (-)3°C and only got up to 2° at the end of the watch

Raptor Observations:
No raptors were observed at all

Non-raptor Observations:
5 Dark-eyed Juncos were feeding in the pines and on the ground at the
beginning of the watch. There were also 2 Common Ravens flying together

Predictions:
Tomorrow NW winds will be increasing in the morning up to 10 mph before
getting less strong. These less strong winds will continue into
Wednesday.
The strong NW winds may bring migrants
========================================================================
Report submitted by Craig Jackson (<crleja1949...>)


More site information at hawkcount.org:
https://hawkcount.org/siteinfo.php?rsite=239


 

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Date: 11/13/23 5:32 pm
From: Barbara M Volkle <barb620...>
Subject: [MASSBIRD] Pinnacle Rock (13 Nov 2023) Raptors

Date: Mon, 13 Nov 2023 21:11:24 +0000
From: <reports...>
Subject: Pinnacle Rock (12 Nov 2023) Raptors


Pinnacle Rock
Malden, Massachusetts, USA
Daily Raptor Counts: Nov 12, 2023
-------------------------------------------------------------------

Species Day's Count Month Total Season Total
------------------ ----------- -------------- --------------
Black Vulture 0 0 0
Turkey Vulture 0 36 58
Osprey 0 0 18
Bald Eagle 0 0 7
Northern Harrier 0 0 2
Sharp-shinned Hawk 0 8 90
Cooper's Hawk 0 3 15
American Goshawk 0 0 0
Red-shouldered Hawk 0 1 6
Broad-winged Hawk 0 0 8
Red-tailed Hawk 0 22 22
Rough-legged Hawk 0 0 0
Golden Eagle 0 0 0
American Kestrel 0 0 0
Merlin 0 1 7
Peregrine Falcon 0 0 1
Unknown Accipiter 0 2 4
Unknown Buteo 0 0 2
Unknown Falcon 0 0 4
Unknown Eagle 0 0 0
Unknown Raptor 0 2 17

Total: 0 75 261
----------------------------------------------------------------------

Observation start time: 08:30:00 Observation end time: 12:00:00 Total
observation time: 3.5 hours

Official Counter: Craig Jackson

Observers:
Weather:
Light (2) N winds, with maximum gusts of 14 mph; Cloud cover -
concentrated
cumulus clouds covering 95-90% of the sky; Temperature -- (-)1-1°C

Raptor Observations:
no movement of raptors
An adult RT perched on a nearby pine and five hikers got to view it
through
my scope. There was also what appeared to be a non-migrating CH

Non-raptor Observations:
2 Ravens, 11 Crows together on the nearby tower, and 20 American Robins
were birds identified that were one interest

Predictions:
moderate to light winds are not terribly promising. Tuesday may be
better
as NW winds will increase in strength
========================================================================
Report submitted by Craig Jackson (<crleja1949...>)


More site information at hawkcount.org:
https://hawkcount.org/siteinfo.php?rsite=239


 

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Date: 11/13/23 5:14 pm
From: Matt Cammack <mdcammack1...>
Subject: [MASSBIRD] Costa Rica Tour Guide
Hello. Please let me know if folks have any recommendations for a tour guide in the Manuel Antonio area of Costa Rica. Thanks very much.

Matt Cammack
Milton, MA
<mdcammack1...>

 

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Date: 11/13/23 4:28 pm
From: Matt Cammack <mdcammack1...>
Subject: [MASSBIRD] Costa Rica Birding Guide

Hello. Please let me know if folks have any recommendations for a guide in the Manuel Antonio area of Costa Rica. Thanks very much.

Matt Cammack
Milton, MA
<mdcammack1...>

 

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Date: 11/12/23 3:00 pm
From: Barbara Volkle <barb620...>
Subject: [MASSBIRD] Wachusett Mountain (12 Nov 2023) 23 Migrating Raptors

Date: Sun, 12 Nov 2023 22:41:40 +0000
From: <reports...>
Subject: Wachusett Mountain (12 Nov 2023) 23 Migrating Raptors


Wachusett Mountain
Princeton, Massachusetts, USA
Daily Raptor Counts: Nov 12, 2023
-------------------------------------------------------------------

Species Day's Count Month Total Season Total
------------------ ----------- -------------- --------------
Black Vulture 0 0 3
Turkey Vulture 1 31 810
Osprey 0 0 155
Bald Eagle 1 52 296
Northern Harrier 0 1 38
Sharp-shinned Hawk 0 6 330
Cooper's Hawk 1 10 142
American Goshawk 0 0 1
Red-shouldered Hawk 8 103 141
Broad-winged Hawk 0 0 15073
Red-tailed Hawk 8 51 109
Rough-legged Hawk 0 0 0
Golden Eagle 0 4 4
American Kestrel 0 0 97
Merlin 0 0 37
Peregrine Falcon 0 0 17
Unknown Accipiter 0 2 35
Unknown Buteo 4 18 37
Unknown Falcon 0 0 10
Unknown Eagle 0 1 2
Unknown Raptor 0 17 174

Total: 23 296 17511
----------------------------------------------------------------------

Observation start time: 09:45:00 Observation end time: 14:45:00 Total
observation time: 5 hours

Official Counter: Eric Mueller

Observers: Bill Rasku, Marty McNamara

Visitors:
At least 200 hikers (including several unhappy infants) and lots of
dogs. Carl and one of his hiking buddies dropped by.


Weather:
The sunny skies that were predicted didn't fully show up until almost 1:00
pm, and the winds, although northerly, were often less than 4 mph. There
was a bit more haze in the air than yesterday, so Boston was a bit
difficult to see, but the cloud cover to the north was high enough that we
could make out the ghostly white shape of Mt Washington through binoculars.
Temps were in the low to mid 30's.

Raptor Observations:
With 60% cloud cover until noon and light winds all day, the birds were
getting little lift, and most were seen down low. Even gulls were having
to repeatedly flap their wings while trying to circle up on thermals. The
surprise bird of the day was a single late Turkey Vulture.

Non-migrating raptors:
Bald Eagle - 2 (1 ad, 1 imm)
Red-tailed Hawk - 2 (1 ad, 1 imm)



Non-raptor Observations:
Canada Goose - 17 (fly-by)
gull sp - 7 (circling in the general vicinity of the Fitchburg City
landfill)
Blue Jay - 4
Amer Crow - 72 (migrating)
Comm Raven - 3
Downy WP - 1
BC Chickadee - 4
T Titmouse - 1
WB Nuthatch - 1
DE Junco - 2
GC Kinglet - 1
Song Sparrow - 1
passerine - 2



Predictions:
Sunny to partly cloudy, temps in the mid-30's to low 40's, and light winds,
mostly from SW. Eric can't make it, but Bill might go up.

Wachusett Mt ski area has started to make snow, so walking on the lower
part of the auto road is no longer an option. Hikers will have to use
marked trails, or walk up the North Rd or Administration Rd from
Westminster/W. Princeton Rd.
========================================================================
Report submitted by ERIC MUELLER (<ericmueller1912...>)
Wachusett Mountain information may be found at:
http://www.massbird.org/emhw


More site information at hawkcount.org:
https://hawkcount.org/siteinfo.php?rsite=228

 

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Date: 11/12/23 2:18 pm
From: MJ Keeler <maryjane.keeler...>
Subject: Re: [MASSBIRD] No Chickadees Yet at Feeders
My usuals are visiting the feeders, altho they seem to get a little bit of
a late start because of the cold. The Blue Jays certainly let the
neighborhood know when I’m coming out with food. Putting out safflower is
good for the cardinals - they like it.

On Sun, Nov 12, 2023 at 4:50 PM Josh <opihi...> wrote:

> Hi MassBirders,
>
> I’m not seeing chickadees at my feeders lately, but still seeing and
> hearing plenty out in the woods beyond our yard. As Bill suggests, I think
> there’s so much other food out there that they don’t feel the need to hang
> around our feeders. Only birds coming to feeders with much regularity here
> are woodpeckers on the suet. Also like Bill, I’ve noticed lots of Pine
> Siskins around the past few weeks; none at my feeders, though a couple came
> by the bird bath this morning after I cleaned and refilled it last night.
> Both siskins and goldfinches have been going to town on my wife’s
> Anise-Hyssop patch the past few days, they *love* those seeds. (Good plant
> for hummingbirds too, when they’re in town)
>
> Good birding,
>
> Josh
>
>
> Joshua S. Rose, Ph.D.
> Amherst, MA
> https://www.facebook.com/opihi
>
> Vice-president, Hampshire Bird Club
> https://hampshirebirdclub.org/
>
> Northeast Chapter head, Dragonfly Society of the Americas
> https://www.dragonflysocietyamericas.org/northeastdsa
>
> Citizen science pages:
> http://bugguide.net/user/view/2399
> https://www.inaturalist.org/observations/opihiman
> https://ebird.org/profile/MTk1MTQw/US-MA
>
>
>
> > On Nov 11, 2023, at 6:07 AM, <blafley...> wrote:
> >
> > Hello,
> >
> > I have had the same experience here in New Salem. I started feeding
> birds about a month ago and had hardly any birds for a couple weeks. With
> the weather getting colder and we have had a couple light ice storms birds
> are starting to show up.
> > I mentioned in a post a while ago that I think one of the reasons may be
> the abundance of natural food, especially White Pine. Never seen so many
> cones on the trees. On walks around here I encounter flocks (some quite
> large) of Pine Siskins everywhere but have only had one at the feeder and
> only saw it once.
> >
> > Bill Lafley
> > New Salem
> > <blafley...>
> >>
> >> *
> >>
> >> From: Walt Webb <waltwebb24...>
> >> Date: Fri, 10 Nov 2023 15:24:25 -0500
> >> Subject: No Chickadees Yet at Feeders
> >>
> >>
> >> My backyard feeders have been up for two weeks and yet there have been
> no
> >> chickadees visiting them. Has anyone else noticed this absence at their
> >> feeders? Or what could explain it
> >>
> >> Walter Webb
> >> Westwood, MA
> >> <waltwebb24...>
> >>
> >
>
>
>

 

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Date: 11/12/23 1:44 pm
From: Josh <opihi...>
Subject: Re: [MASSBIRD] No Chickadees Yet at Feeders
Hi MassBirders,

I’m not seeing chickadees at my feeders lately, but still seeing and hearing plenty out in the woods beyond our yard. As Bill suggests, I think there’s so much other food out there that they don’t feel the need to hang around our feeders. Only birds coming to feeders with much regularity here are woodpeckers on the suet. Also like Bill, I’ve noticed lots of Pine Siskins around the past few weeks; none at my feeders, though a couple came by the bird bath this morning after I cleaned and refilled it last night. Both siskins and goldfinches have been going to town on my wife’s Anise-Hyssop patch the past few days, they *love* those seeds. (Good plant for hummingbirds too, when they’re in town)

Good birding,

Josh


Joshua S. Rose, Ph.D.
Amherst, MA
https://www.facebook.com/opihi

Vice-president, Hampshire Bird Club
https://hampshirebirdclub.org/

Northeast Chapter head, Dragonfly Society of the Americas
https://www.dragonflysocietyamericas.org/northeastdsa

Citizen science pages:
http://bugguide.net/user/view/2399
https://www.inaturalist.org/observations/opihiman
https://ebird.org/profile/MTk1MTQw/US-MA



> On Nov 11, 2023, at 6:07 AM, <blafley...> wrote:
>
> Hello,
>
> I have had the same experience here in New Salem. I started feeding birds about a month ago and had hardly any birds for a couple weeks. With the weather getting colder and we have had a couple light ice storms birds are starting to show up.
> I mentioned in a post a while ago that I think one of the reasons may be the abundance of natural food, especially White Pine. Never seen so many cones on the trees. On walks around here I encounter flocks (some quite large) of Pine Siskins everywhere but have only had one at the feeder and only saw it once.
>
> Bill Lafley
> New Salem
> <blafley...>
>>
>> *
>>
>> From: Walt Webb <waltwebb24...>
>> Date: Fri, 10 Nov 2023 15:24:25 -0500
>> Subject: No Chickadees Yet at Feeders
>>
>>
>> My backyard feeders have been up for two weeks and yet there have been no
>> chickadees visiting them. Has anyone else noticed this absence at their
>> feeders? Or what could explain it
>>
>> Walter Webb
>> Westwood, MA
>> <waltwebb24...>
>>
>


 

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Date: 11/12/23 7:46 am
From: Barbara Volkle <barb620...>
Subject: [MASSBIRD] Birding the NH coast - Sat
Thanks to Strickland Wheelock for this report.

Barbara Volkle
Northborough,MA
<barb620...>

*


Date: Sun, 12 Nov 2023 14:08:16 +0000 (UTC)
From: Strickland Wheelock <skwheelock...>
Subject: Birding the NH coast - Sat


Sat. 11/11 was a challenging day - no rain on a sunny day but the
non-stop strong breeze from the north kept the temperatures on an extra
cool side - maybe cold possibly. The wind kept the passerines buried for
the most part but the only plus was that the wind was from the north
keeping the seas flat allowing for many good finds & looks.This hardy
group of participants left Drumlin Farm/MetroWest sanctuary & headed for
a quick stop at Salisbury Beach SP hoping for an owl [no luck] but did
enjoy a N Harrier working the marsh & a Cooper's Hawk working the
parking lot.Next stop was Dodge Pond in Hampton where we enjoyed a nice
mixture/looks of 2 Pied-billed Grebes, 1 Coot, several Ring-necked
Ducks, many Mallards & a few Black Ducks, 1 Gt-Blue Heron.  Next stop at
Hampton Beach SP was a highlight where we were surrounded by swirling
flocks of approx.150 to 200 Snow Buntings - what a show - nearby 2
cooperative N Horned Larks allowed for close looks in the short grass.
On the breakwater was 1 Sanderling but quiet on ocean birds.Next stop
was Eel Pond where we enjoyed a nice mixture of Buffleheads, Lesser &
Greater Scaups - on the opposite side of the road was Jenness Beach were
scanning the ocean we encountered many Red-thr Loons and a few Common
Loons - another surprise highlight of the day was a lone Pacific Loon
relatively close to where we were viewing - than a Blk-legged Kittiwake
passed by a little further out - on the ocean were many Surf Scoters
mixed with a few Black & Wht-winged Scoters plus Red-breasted Mergansers
& Long-tailed Ducks - not a bad stop!Quick stop at Goss Farm looking for
passerines - not many but did enjoy an E Bluebird & Red-tailed Hawk.Next
stop was Rye Harbor SP where the wind was blasting - did have a very
late Barn Swallow, a few Snow Buntings in the grass and all the same mix
of scoters, a few C Eiders & Long-tailed Ducks plus many Red-thr Loons
around the Point.Next stop was especially productive at the pull off for
Pulpit Rocks - close up were 2 Red-necked Grebes that everyone had great
looks at, a little behind them were a pair of Horned Grebes - then a Blk
Guillemot flew in & landed - again many of all the sea ducks and loons
to enjoy, esp as the sun was lighting up the beauty of the Surf Scoters
which were common at all spots.Another pull off before Odiorne Point we
came across another surprise mixed among all the sea ducks & loons was a
female King Eider - always a challenge separating from the female C
Eiders.Last real stop was the bridge off Rt 1a at Odiorne Point looking
for shorebirds given low tide - given low tide, no Whimbrel or
Yellowlegs but ended with a Lesser Blk-backed Gull - a bird I am told
has been in the same area for 14 years.
In the end, this hardy group of birders enjoyed 56 species with many
highlights along the way - for most all, the Snow Bunting show at
Hampton Beach SP swirling around us was the top highlight of many.
Like always, thanks to Dan Fournier, Leslie Bostrom and Lindsay Neubeck
for all their work helping the participants locating the birds plus all
their field spotting - a great team.

Strickland Wheelock
Uxbridge MA

 

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Date: 11/12/23 7:26 am
From: Barbara Volkle <barb620...>
Subject: [MASSBIRD] Blueberry Hill (11 Nov 2023) 5 Raptors

Date: Sun, 12 Nov 2023 13:05:31 +0000
From: <reports...>
Subject: Blueberry Hill (11 Nov 2023) 5 Raptors


Blueberry Hill
Granville, Massachusetts, USA
Daily Raptor Counts: Nov 11, 2023
-------------------------------------------------------------------

Species Day's Count Month Total Season Total
------------------ ----------- -------------- --------------
Black Vulture 0 0 0
Turkey Vulture 1 42 288
Osprey 0 0 18
Bald Eagle 0 2 15
Northern Harrier 0 3 29
Sharp-shinned Hawk 0 1 204
Cooper's Hawk 0 0 22
American Goshawk 0 0 1
Red-shouldered Hawk 1 15 20
Broad-winged Hawk 0 0 2526
Red-tailed Hawk 2 18 28
Rough-legged Hawk 0 0 0
Golden Eagle 0 0 0
American Kestrel 0 0 122
Peregrine Falcon 0 0 9
Merlin 1 4 17
Unknown Accipiter 0 0 0
Unknown Buteo 0 0 2
Unknown Eagle 0 0 1
Unknown Falcon 0 0 0
Unknown Vulture 0 0 0
Unknown Raptor 0 4 12

Total: 5 89 3314
----------------------------------------------------------------------

Observation start time: 10:15:00 Observation end time: 15:15:00 Total
observation time: 5 hours

Official Counter: John Weeks

Observers: John Weeks

Weather:
Variably cloudy (cumulus; cover 50%, decreasing to 25%). Wind NW 3-12 mph.
Temperature 41-44 F.

Raptor Observations:
No printable comments.

Non-raptor Observations:
Hairy Woodpecker, Blue Jay, American Crows (40), Tufted Titmouse, Eastern
Bluebirds (flock of 9), American Goldfinches (2), Dark-eyed Juncos (10),
blackbird species (3).
========================================================================
Report submitted by John Weeks (<aerie.john...>)


More site information at hawkcount.org:
https://hawkcount.org/siteinfo.php?rsite=107

 

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Date: 11/11/23 9:27 pm
From: Barbara Volkle <barb620...>
Subject: [MASSBIRD] Pinnacle Rock (07 Nov 2023) 2 Raptors

Date: Sat, 11 Nov 2023 23:31:29 +0000
From: <reports...>
Subject: Pinnacle Rock (07 Nov 2023) 2 Raptors


Pinnacle Rock
Malden, Massachusetts, USA
Daily Raptor Counts: Nov 07, 2023
-------------------------------------------------------------------

Species Day's Count Month Total Season Total
------------------ ----------- -------------- --------------
Black Vulture 0 0 0
Turkey Vulture 0 4 26
Osprey 0 0 18
Bald Eagle 0 0 7
Northern Harrier 0 0 2
Sharp-shinned Hawk 2 4 86
Cooper's Hawk 0 0 12
American Goshawk 0 0 0
Red-shouldered Hawk 0 0 5
Broad-winged Hawk 0 0 8
Red-tailed Hawk 0 4 4
Rough-legged Hawk 0 0 0
Golden Eagle 0 0 0
American Kestrel 0 0 0
Merlin 0 1 7
Peregrine Falcon 0 0 1
Unknown Accipiter 0 0 2
Unknown Buteo 0 0 2
Unknown Falcon 0 0 4
Unknown Eagle 0 0 0
Unknown Raptor 0 0 15

Total: 2 13 199
----------------------------------------------------------------------

Observation start time: 12:45:00 Observation end time: 13:45:00 Total
observation time: 1 hours

Official Counter: Craig Jackson

Observers: Jack Miano

Weather:
Moderate (3) WSW winds; Cloud cover -- 30%; Temperature 19°C

Raptor Observations:
2 SS migrating
An RT Hawk and an SS were not migrating
Official counter was not on site

Non-raptor Observations:
An RB Woodpecker and a Dark-eyed Junco were observed
========================================================================
Report submitted by Craig Jackson (<crleja1949...>)


More site information at hawkcount.org:
https://hawkcount.org/siteinfo.php?rsite=239

 

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Date: 11/11/23 9:15 pm
From: Barbara Volkle <barb620...>
Subject: [MASSBIRD] Pinnacle Rock (11 Nov 2023) 40 Raptors

Date: Sat, 11 Nov 2023 23:18:35 +0000
From: <reports...>
Subject: Pinnacle Rock (11 Nov 2023) 40 Raptors


Pinnacle Rock
Malden, Massachusetts, USA
Daily Raptor Counts: Nov 11, 2023
-------------------------------------------------------------------

Species Day's Count Month Total Season Total
------------------ ----------- -------------- --------------
Black Vulture 0 0 0
Turkey Vulture 21 36 58
Osprey 0 0 18
Bald Eagle 0 0 7
Northern Harrier 0 0 2
Sharp-shinned Hawk 0 6 88
Cooper's Hawk 2 3 15
American Goshawk 0 0 0
Red-shouldered Hawk 0 1 6
Broad-winged Hawk 0 0 8
Red-tailed Hawk 15 22 22
Rough-legged Hawk 0 0 0
Golden Eagle 0 0 0
American Kestrel 0 0 0
Merlin 0 1 7
Peregrine Falcon 0 0 1
Unknown Accipiter 2 2 4
Unknown Buteo 0 0 2
Unknown Falcon 0 0 4
Unknown Eagle 0 0 0
Unknown Raptor 0 2 17

Total: 40 73 259
----------------------------------------------------------------------

Observation start time: 07:00:00 Observation end time: 15:30:00 Total
observation time: 8.5 hours

Official Counter: Craig Jackson

Observers: Bill Shapiro, Darren Josey, Jack Miano

Visitors:
In addition to the many hikers, including members of the Appalachian
Mountain Club,Darren Josey and his 4-year old daughter, Esther, stopped to
observe with us for a short while, and Hanang Himawan stopped to talk about
the hawks being seen at the Rock over the years and hawk migration in
general.


Weather:
Moderate to strong (3) NW winds throughout the day, with maximum gusts of
17 mph; Cloud cover began at 3%, and gradually increased as cumulus clouds
moved in from the northwest until 35% of the sky was filled with scattered
cumulus clouds. The clouds then moved south of the Rock, with the whole
northern sky being cloudless and at the end of the watch there was 0% cloud
cover. Temperature went from 2-6°C before dropping back to 5°C

Raptor Observations:
A fairly good movement of raptors with mostly TV's (more than half the
total number of raptors, and a new daily record for this site) and most of
the other birds were RT Hawks.
At least two and probably more RT's were not migrating today

Non-raptor Observations:
30 Canada Geese were migrating; at least one Common Raven was in the area,
and about 50 American Robins were seen flying south, but whether they were
migrating or merely leaving a roost for the day, only to return, is
unknown.

Predictions:
On Sunday winds will be less strong and mostly from the NNW. These winds
seem to be favorable for continued migration, which may continue into
Monday with equally strong NW winds. The longer-range prediction is that
winds from the NW will become stronger on Tuesday morning, which again may
bring more migrants.

========================================================================
Report submitted by Craig Jackson (<crleja1949...>)


More site information at hawkcount.org:
https://hawkcount.org/siteinfo.php?rsite=239

 

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Date: 11/11/23 3:32 pm
From: Fred Bouchard <frederickbouchard...>
Subject: [MASSBIRD] great horned owl continues in belmont
hi birders
we've heard at least one, sometimes two,
quietly calling not far from an ajar night window.
this has been fairly consistent since october 1.
time can vary -- early evening, early morning.
typically, on a single note: hu-hu-hu-hoo-hoo.
another may return the call from a short distance.
we've had screech owls annually in the aug/sept window,
but this is new -- and a delight.
fred b & mary ellen rigano
--
<frederickbouchard...>
78 farnham st
belmont 02478 ma
617-484-6692
www.fredbouchard.wordpress.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)

Instructions for living a life:


*Pay attention.Be astonished.Tell about it.*
--- Mary Oliver (1935-2023)

 

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Date: 11/11/23 3:08 pm
From: Barbara Volkle <barb620...>
Subject: [MASSBIRD] Wachusett Mountain (11 Nov 2023) 50 Migrating Raptors

Date: Sat, 11 Nov 2023 22:56:12 +0000
From: <reports...>
Subject: Wachusett Mountain (11 Nov 2023) 50 Migrating Raptors


Wachusett Mountain
Princeton, Massachusetts, USA
Daily Raptor Counts: Nov 11, 2023
-------------------------------------------------------------------

Species Day's Count Month Total Season Total
------------------ ----------- -------------- --------------
Black Vulture 0 0 3
Turkey Vulture 0 30 809
Osprey 0 0 155
Bald Eagle 4 51 295
Northern Harrier 0 1 38
Sharp-shinned Hawk 2 6 330
Cooper's Hawk 1 9 141
American Goshawk 0 0 1
Red-shouldered Hawk 28 95 133
Broad-winged Hawk 0 0 15073
Red-tailed Hawk 6 43 101
Rough-legged Hawk 0 0 0
Golden Eagle 0 4 4
American Kestrel 0 0 97
Merlin 0 0 37
Peregrine Falcon 0 0 17
Unknown Accipiter 0 2 35
Unknown Buteo 4 14 33
Unknown Falcon 0 0 10
Unknown Eagle 1 1 2
Unknown Raptor 4 17 174

Total: 50 273 17488
----------------------------------------------------------------------

Observation start time: 10:00:00 Observation end time: 15:00:00 Total
observation time: 5 hours

Official Counter: Eric Mueller

Observers: Bill Rasku, Paul Vanderhoof, Tom Gottschang

Visitors:
At least 250 people who hiked up the mountain, including quite a few
families with young kids, plus at least 40 dogs.


Weather:
A cool, sunny day that was made cold by an 8-12 mph NW wind that sometimes
gusted up to 18 mph - in other words, a classic mid-November day for hawk
migration. There was a light haze in the air but visbility was very good
to excellent. The only keeping us from seeing Mt. Washington was a
persistent bank of clouds at 3500 - 4000 ft to the north. We could see
snow on a couple of south-facing ski trails at Bromley, and a lot of snow
in the air near other VT ski areas.

Raptor Observations:
The Red-shoulders came on strong today. Their flight is running later than
usual this year. Bill and Eric both saw an eagle that could have been a
Golden, but couldn't nail down the ID for certain. We had quite a few
distant birds that we couldn't ID.

Non-migrating raptors:
Bald Eagle - 3 (all imm)
Red-tailed Hawk - 4 (2 adult, 2 imm. Miniumum number - repeated
appearances all day)

Non-raptor Observations:
Canada Goose - 52 (migrating)
egret sp - 1 (migrating - a distant large, all-white bird with a wide
wingspan and trailing legs)
gull sp -10 (likely Ring-bills that were circling over the Fitchburg city
landfill)
Comm Merganser - 2 (flyby)
Blue Jay - 4
Comm Raven - 2
Amer Crow 172 (163 migrating SW/W, and 9 heading E)
DE Junco - 4
BC Chickadee - 4
WB Nuthatch - 2
GC Kinglet - 1


Predictions:
Another good day for the migration - sunny, a few degrees colder, and
slightly gentler (5-7 mph) NNW winds. We plan on hiking up.
========================================================================
Report submitted by ERIC MUELLER (<ericmueller1912...>)
Wachusett Mountain information may be found at:
http://www.massbird.org/emhw


More site information at hawkcount.org:
https://hawkcount.org/siteinfo.php?rsite=228

 

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Date: 11/11/23 2:38 pm
From: Barbara Volkle <barb620...>
Subject: [MASSBIRD] Pinnacle Rock (10 Nov 2023) 1 Raptors

Date: Sat, 11 Nov 2023 22:18:37 +0000
From: <reports...>
Subject: Pinnacle Rock (10 Nov 2023) 1 Raptors


Pinnacle Rock
Malden, Massachusetts, USA
Daily Raptor Counts: Nov 10, 2023
-------------------------------------------------------------------

Species Day's Count Month Total Season Total
------------------ ----------- -------------- --------------
Black Vulture 0 0 0
Turkey Vulture 0 15 37
Osprey 0 0 18
Bald Eagle 0 0 7
Northern Harrier 0 0 2
Sharp-shinned Hawk 0 6 88
Cooper's Hawk 0 1 13
American Goshawk 0 0 0
Red-shouldered Hawk 0 1 6
Broad-winged Hawk 0 0 8
Red-tailed Hawk 1 7 7
Rough-legged Hawk 0 0 0
Golden Eagle 0 0 0
American Kestrel 0 0 0
Merlin 0 1 7
Peregrine Falcon 0 0 1
Unknown Accipiter 0 0 2
Unknown Buteo 0 0 2
Unknown Falcon 0 0 4
Unknown Eagle 0 0 0
Unknown Raptor 0 2 17

Total: 1 33 219
----------------------------------------------------------------------

Observation start time: 08:45:00 Observation end time: 14:00:00 Total
observation time: 5.25 hours

Official Counter: Craig Jackson

Observers:
Weather:
Light (1) WNW winds shifted to slightly stronger (2) W winds; Cloud cover
was 100% the entire watch; Temperature went from 5-8°C

Raptor Observations:
Only one migrating raptor
A non-migrating immature RT was harassed by a CH that was also not
migrating

Non-raptor Observations:
30 migrating Canada Geese and one Raven

Predictions:
Stronger NW winds may bring migrating raptors
========================================================================
Report submitted by Craig Jackson (<crleja1949...>)


More site information at hawkcount.org:
https://hawkcount.org/siteinfo.php?rsite=239

 

Back to top
Date: 11/11/23 2:12 pm
From: Aimée Sands <amsproductions...>
Subject: Re: [MASSBIRD] No Chickadees Yet at Feeders
Hardly any chickadees, only 2 or 3 titmice, 1 woodpecker, no nuthatches in Jamaica Plain near Forest Hills Cemetery. Very unusual and worrisome.
Aimée Sands
<amsproductions...>

> On Nov 11, 2023, at 3:43 PM, Richard George <richard...> wrote:
>
> I can vouch for plenty of Chickadees on feeders in Wakefield at the moment; I don’t know that they’ve ever really been absent over the summer & fall.
>
> —
> Richard George
> Wakefield MA
> <richard...>
>
>> On Nov 11, 2023, at 10:20 AM, Barbara Volkle <barb620...> wrote:
>>
>> Thanks to Walt Webb for this follow up.
>>
>> Barbara Volkle
>> Northborough,MA
>> <barb620...>
>>
>> *
>>
>> From: Walt Webb <waltwebb24...>
>> Date: Sat, 11 Nov 2023 09:44:55 -0500
>> Subject: Re: [MASSBIRD] No Chickadees Yet at Feeders
>>
>>
>>
>> Hi, Bill (and Linda),
>>
>> Paul Kinnaly in next-door Dedham also reports an absence of chickadees at
>> his feeders. Despite the availability of natural food, it would seem to me
>> that there still should be at least a few curious chicks visiting feeders.
>> Oh, well, I'm not too concerned and expect them to find my
>> elders eventually (especially when the winter weather begins to settle in).
>>
>> Walt Webb
>> Westwood, MA
>> <waltwebb24...>
>


 

Back to top
Date: 11/11/23 12:48 pm
From: Richard George <richard...>
Subject: Re: [MASSBIRD] No Chickadees Yet at Feeders
I can vouch for plenty of Chickadees on feeders in Wakefield at the moment; I don’t know that they’ve ever really been absent over the summer & fall.


Richard George
Wakefield MA
<richard...>

> On Nov 11, 2023, at 10:20 AM, Barbara Volkle <barb620...> wrote:
>
> Thanks to Walt Webb for this follow up.
>
> Barbara Volkle
> Northborough,MA
> <barb620...>
>
> *
>
> From: Walt Webb <waltwebb24...>
> Date: Sat, 11 Nov 2023 09:44:55 -0500
> Subject: Re: [MASSBIRD] No Chickadees Yet at Feeders
>
>
>
> Hi, Bill (and Linda),
>
> Paul Kinnaly in next-door Dedham also reports an absence of chickadees at
> his feeders. Despite the availability of natural food, it would seem to me
> that there still should be at least a few curious chicks visiting feeders.
> Oh, well, I'm not too concerned and expect them to find my
> elders eventually (especially when the winter weather begins to settle in).
>
> Walt Webb
> Westwood, MA
> <waltwebb24...>


 

Back to top
Date: 11/11/23 8:36 am
From: Johnathon Benson <johnathonl87...>
Subject: Re: [MASSBIRD] No Chickadees Yet at Feeders
Not only just for feeders. This year I've seen a remarkably low number of
Chickadees. This is probably anecdotal, but at my feeder I've only recorded
4 all season.

Johnathon Benson
Waltham, MA

On Sat, Nov 11, 2023, 11:28 AM Marty Burns <mistermarty55...> wrote:

> We are getting plenty of customers, including chickadees, at our
> Northampton feeder. I wonder if this is an east-vs-west feeder issue and if
> so, why that would be.
>
> Mary Burns
> Florence, MA
>
> Sent from my iPhone
>
> > On Nov 11, 2023, at 10:32 AM, Barbara Volkle <barb620...>
> wrote:
> >
> > Thanks to Walt Webb for this follow up.
> >
> > Barbara Volkle
> > Northborough,MA
> > <barb620...>
> >
> > *
> >
> > From: Walt Webb <waltwebb24...>
> > Date: Sat, 11 Nov 2023 09:44:55 -0500
> > Subject: Re: [MASSBIRD] No Chickadees Yet at Feeders
> >
> >
> >
> > Hi, Bill (and Linda),
> >
> > Paul Kinnaly in next-door Dedham also reports an absence of chickadees at
> > his feeders. Despite the availability of natural food, it would seem to
> me
> > that there still should be at least a few curious chicks visiting
> feeders.
> > Oh, well, I'm not too concerned and expect them to find my
> > elders eventually (especially when the winter weather begins to settle
> in).
> >
> > Walt Webb
> > Westwood, MA
> > <waltwebb24...>
>
>

 

Back to top
Date: 11/11/23 8:22 am
From: Marty Burns <mistermarty55...>
Subject: Re: [MASSBIRD] No Chickadees Yet at Feeders
We are getting plenty of customers, including chickadees, at our Northampton feeder. I wonder if this is an east-vs-west feeder issue and if so, why that would be.

Mary Burns
Florence, MA

Sent from my iPhone

> On Nov 11, 2023, at 10:32 AM, Barbara Volkle <barb620...> wrote:
>
> Thanks to Walt Webb for this follow up.
>
> Barbara Volkle
> Northborough,MA
> <barb620...>
>
> *
>
> From: Walt Webb <waltwebb24...>
> Date: Sat, 11 Nov 2023 09:44:55 -0500
> Subject: Re: [MASSBIRD] No Chickadees Yet at Feeders
>
>
>
> Hi, Bill (and Linda),
>
> Paul Kinnaly in next-door Dedham also reports an absence of chickadees at
> his feeders. Despite the availability of natural food, it would seem to me
> that there still should be at least a few curious chicks visiting feeders.
> Oh, well, I'm not too concerned and expect them to find my
> elders eventually (especially when the winter weather begins to settle in).
>
> Walt Webb
> Westwood, MA
> <waltwebb24...>

 

Back to top
Date: 11/11/23 7:24 am
From: Barbara Volkle <barb620...>
Subject: Re: [MASSBIRD] No Chickadees Yet at Feeders
Thanks to Walt Webb for this follow up.

Barbara Volkle
Northborough,MA
<barb620...>

*

From: Walt Webb <waltwebb24...>
Date: Sat, 11 Nov 2023 09:44:55 -0500
Subject: Re: [MASSBIRD] No Chickadees Yet at Feeders



Hi, Bill (and Linda),

Paul Kinnaly in next-door Dedham also reports an absence of chickadees at
his feeders. Despite the availability of natural food, it would seem to me
that there still should be at least a few curious chicks visiting feeders.
Oh, well, I'm not too concerned and expect them to find my
elders eventually (especially when the winter weather begins to settle in).

Walt Webb
Westwood, MA
<waltwebb24...>

 

Back to top
Date: 11/11/23 3:13 am
From: <blafley...>
Subject: Re: [MASSBIRD] No Chickadees Yet at Feeders
Hello,

I have had the same experience here in New Salem. I started feeding birds about a month ago and had hardly any birds for a couple weeks. With the weather getting colder and we have had a couple light ice storms birds are starting to show up.
I mentioned in a post a while ago that I think one of the reasons may be the abundance of natural food, especially White Pine. Never seen so many cones on the trees. On walks around here I encounter flocks (some quite large) of Pine Siskins everywhere but have only had one at the feeder and only saw it once.

Bill Lafley
New Salem
<blafley...>
>
> *
>
> From: Walt Webb <waltwebb24...>
> Date: Fri, 10 Nov 2023 15:24:25 -0500
> Subject: No Chickadees Yet at Feeders
>
>
> My backyard feeders have been up for two weeks and yet there have been no
> chickadees visiting them. Has anyone else noticed this absence at their
> feeders? Or what could explain it
>
> Walter Webb
> Westwood, MA
> <waltwebb24...>
>

 

Back to top
Date: 11/10/23 5:04 pm
From: Ian Nisbet <icnisbet...>
Subject: Re: [MASSBIRD] No Chickadees Yet at Feeders
I put up my sunflower feeder in early October and there was a chickadee
on it within 16 seconds. There have been plenty since -- at least a
dozen every day.

Ian Nisbet, North Falmouth

On 11/10/2023 7:48 PM, Barbara Volkle wrote:
> Thanks to Walt Webb for this post.
>
> Barbara Volkle
> Northborough,MA
> <barb620...>
>
> *
>
> From: Walt Webb <waltwebb24...>
> Date: Fri, 10 Nov 2023 15:24:25 -0500
> Subject: No Chickadees Yet at Feeders
>
>
> My backyard feeders have been up for two weeks and yet there have been no
> chickadees visiting them. Has anyone else noticed this absence at their
> feeders? Or what could explain it
>
> Walter Webb
> Westwood, MA
> <waltwebb24...>
>

 

Back to top
Date: 11/10/23 4:52 pm
From: Barbara Volkle <barb620...>
Subject: [MASSBIRD] No Chickadees Yet at Feeders
Thanks to Walt Webb for this post.

Barbara Volkle
Northborough,MA
<barb620...>

*

From: Walt Webb <waltwebb24...>
Date: Fri, 10 Nov 2023 15:24:25 -0500
Subject: No Chickadees Yet at Feeders


My backyard feeders have been up for two weeks and yet there have been no
chickadees visiting them. Has anyone else noticed this absence at their
feeders? Or what could explain it

Walter Webb
Westwood, MA
<waltwebb24...>

 

Back to top
Date: 11/10/23 3:22 pm
From: Barbara Volkle <barb620...>
Subject: [MASSBIRD] Black-headed Gulls, Snipe Harriers, Etc. Belle Isle
Thanks to Paul Peterson for this report.

Barbara Volkle
Northborough,MA
<barb620...>

*


Date: Fri, 10 Nov 2023 21:44:29 +0000 (UTC)
From: Paul Peterson <petersonpaul63...>
Subject: Black-headed Gulls, Snipe Harriers, Etc. Belle Isle


I arrived at Morton St. on the Winthrop side of Belle Isle and
immediately saw the two Black-headed Gulls on the water. I also covered
the main section of Belle Isle:

Green-winged Teal 16
Northern Harrier 2  immature
Red-tailed Hawk 3
Dunlin 4
Black-bellied Plover 10
Greater Yellowlegs 1
Wilson's Snipe 1  flushed

Black-headed Gull 2
Bonaparte 55

Paul Peterson
<petersonpaul63...>
Boston
Swamp Sparrow 5

 

Back to top
Date: 11/10/23 3:09 pm
From: Barbara Volkle <barb620...>
Subject: [MASSBIRD] Wachusett Mountain (10 Nov 2023) 12 MIgrating Raptors, incl 2 Golden Eagles
Date: Fri, 10 Nov 2023 22:16:33 +0000
From: <reports...>
Subject: Wachusett Mountain (10 Nov 2023) 12 MIgrating Raptors, incl 2
Golden Eagles


Wachusett Mountain
Princeton, Massachusetts, USA
Daily Raptor Counts: Nov 10, 2023
-------------------------------------------------------------------

Species Day's Count Month Total Season Total
------------------ ----------- -------------- --------------
Black Vulture 0 0 3
Turkey Vulture 0 30 809
Osprey 0 0 155
Bald Eagle 4 47 291
Northern Harrier 0 1 38
Sharp-shinned Hawk 0 4 328
Cooper's Hawk 0 8 140
American Goshawk 0 0 1
Red-shouldered Hawk 2 67 105
Broad-winged Hawk 0 0 15073
Red-tailed Hawk 3 37 95
Rough-legged Hawk 0 0 0
Golden Eagle 2 4 4
American Kestrel 0 0 97
Merlin 0 0 37
Peregrine Falcon 0 0 17
Unknown Accipiter 0 2 35
Unknown Buteo 0 10 29
Unknown Falcon 0 0 10
Unknown Eagle 0 0 1
Unknown Raptor 1 13 170

Total: 12 223 17438
----------------------------------------------------------------------

Observation start time: 10:00:00 Observation end time: 15:00:00 Total
observation time: 5 hours

Official Counter:
Observers: Bill Rasku, Paul Vanderhoof

Visitors:
Our friends Carl and Albert stopped by, along with a contingent of hikers.


Weather:
A mostly overcast day, but with a narrow streak of blue far to the N and
NE. Temps in the mid-40's with strong gusty winds out of the W. A light
bluish haze in the air, but visibility was very good except for some of the
VT mountains.

Raptor Observations:
A light day for raptors, but Bill was rewarded with two Golden Eagles (an
adult and an immature) that flew at or below the horizon line. Otherwise, a
mix of Bald Eagles, Red-shoulders and Red-tails.
Non-migrating raptors:
Bald Eagle - 3 (2 adult, 1 imm)
Red-tailed Hawk - 2

Non-raptor Observations:
The biggest day this season for migrating Canada Geese in 21 different
groups including a slightly odd group of 2. Crows passed by all day in
variously sized groups - all heading East (to the roost in Lawrence?) Also
our first Eider of some type - the first in quite a while here. Paul saw
his first Pine Siskins of the season down at the base of the mountain,
flocking with goldfinches and chickadees.

Canada Goose - 466 (migrating)
Comm Loon - 1 (migrating)
eider sp - 1
Blue Jay - 3
Amer Crow - 84 (flying East)
Comm Raven - 5
Pine Siskin - 2
Amer Goldfinch - x
BC Chickadee - x
WB Nuthatch - 2
GC Kinglet - 1
passerine sp -4




Predictions:
We'll be going up this weekend. Hoping for a strong flight on Saturday -
solid NW winds (10+ mph), clear skies and temps in the 40's.

Sunday should also be a good day with slightly gentler winds but cooler
temps (mostly in the 30's.)

If you come up, dress very warmly.
========================================================================
Report submitted by ERIC MUELLER (<ericmueller1912...>)
Wachusett Mountain information may be found at:
http://www.massbird.org/emhw


More site information at hawkcount.org:
https://hawkcount.org/siteinfo.php?rsite=228

 

Back to top
Date: 11/10/23 2:40 pm
From: <blafley...>
Subject: [MASSBIRD] Quabbin Reservoir- Gate 35
Hello,

Nice walk at Gate 35 this AM. Comfortable at first but wind picked up and dropped the comfort level. Through the scope watched a beautiful coyote run along the far shore for several minutes. It paused several times.

Bill Lafley
New Salem
<blafley...>

Quabbin Reservoir--Gate 35, Franklin, Massachusetts, US
Nov 10, 2023 8:12 AM - 10:16 AM
Protocol: Traveling
2.58 mile(s)
Checklist Comments: Watched coyote through scope as it ran, pausing frequently, along far shore of cove. 5.25 miles round trip.
27 species

Canada Goose 5
American Black Duck 6
White-winged Scoter 3
Bufflehead 2
Common Merganser 12
Ruddy Duck 1
Horned Grebe 3
Mourning Dove 1
Greater Yellowlegs 2 Flushed from shore. Large shorebird with prominent white rump. Landed and gave good scope views. Long yellow legs and long slightly upturned bill.
Dunlin 1 Small, plump peep on point of sandy island. Long, slightly downcurved bill and darker upper breast.
Ring-billed Gull 32
Common Loon 8 Accurate count
Bald Eagle 3
Red-bellied Woodpecker 1
Downy Woodpecker 2
Pileated Woodpecker 1
Blue Jay 5
American Crow 2
Black-capped Chickadee 5
Tufted Titmouse 4
Golden-crowned Kinglet 1
White-breasted Nuthatch 1
American Robin 4
Pine Siskin 9
Dark-eyed Junco 34
White-throated Sparrow 4
Song Sparrow 1

 

Back to top
Date: 11/10/23 1:00 pm
From: Steven Simpson <steveshrike...>
Subject: [MASSBIRD] Kite Over Burlington
A literal heads-up: I saw (what I believe to be) a Mississippi Kite flying
West over Market Basket in Burlington at 3:50 this afternoon (Friday).
Steven Simpson
Arlington

 

Back to top
Date: 11/9/23 8:26 pm
From: Barbara Volkle <barb620...>
Subject: [MASSBIRD] 11/9 Long-billed Dowitcher at Belle Isle, Etc.
Thanks to Paul Peterson for this report.

Barbara Volkle
Northborough,MA
<barb620...>

*


Date: Thu, 9 Nov 2023 22:59:58 +0000 (UTC)
From: Paul Peterson <petersonpaul63...>
Subject: 11/9 Long-billed Dowitcher at Belle Isle, Etc.


I first hit the small sliver of Belle Isle off Saratoga St.. I then went
over the bridge into Winthrop to bird the Morton St. section of Belle
Isle. I was looking for the Black-headed Gulls. I also had the
Long-billed Dowitcher on my mind:

Great Blue Heron 3  sliver of Belle Isle
Red-tailed Hawk 1
LONG-BILLED DOWITCHER 1 Morton St. mudflats
Dunlin 3
Greater Yellowlegs 1
Bonaparte's Gull 25+
Laughing Gull 4
Swamp Sparrow 3  sliver
Field Sparrow 1+  sliver

Paul McPartland then drove me to Castle Island/Pleasure Bay in South
Boston so that I perhaps could find the Forster's Terns:

Common Loon 1
Red-throated Loon 3
Ruddy Turnstone 6+ usual spot near entrance out onto the dike and the
first sluice
Golden-crowned Kinglet 1
Yellow-rumped Warbler 1
Swamp Sparrow 1
Dark-eyed Junco 2
SNOW BUNTING 3 at and near the grassy circle on the dike

Paul Peterson
<petersonpaul63...>
Boston

 

Back to top
Date: 11/8/23 8:28 pm
From: Barbara Volkle <barb620...>
Subject: [MASSBIRD] Blueberry Hill (08 Nov 2023) 15 Raptors
Date: Thu, 9 Nov 2023 00:24:03 +0000
From: <reports...>
Subject: Blueberry Hill (08 Nov 2023) 15 Raptors


Blueberry Hill
Granville, Massachusetts, USA
Daily Raptor Counts: Nov 08, 2023
-------------------------------------------------------------------

Species Day's Count Month Total Season Total
------------------ ----------- -------------- --------------
Black Vulture 0 0 0
Turkey Vulture 1 41 287
Osprey 0 0 18
Bald Eagle 1 2 15
Northern Harrier 1 3 29
Sharp-shinned Hawk 0 1 204
Cooper's Hawk 0 0 22
American Goshawk 0 0 1
Red-shouldered Hawk 1 14 19
Broad-winged Hawk 0 0 2526
Red-tailed Hawk 11 16 26
Rough-legged Hawk 0 0 0
Golden Eagle 0 0 0
American Kestrel 0 0 122
Peregrine Falcon 0 0 9
Merlin 0 3 16
Unknown Accipiter 0 0 0
Unknown Buteo 0 0 2
Unknown Eagle 0 0 1
Unknown Falcon 0 0 0
Unknown Vulture 0 0 0
Unknown Raptor 0 4 12

Total: 15 84 3309
----------------------------------------------------------------------

Observation start time: 09:45:00 Observation end time: 14:30:00 Total
observation time: 4.75 hours

Official Counter: John Weeks

Observers: Gary Adamson, John Weeks

Weather:
Cold (temperature 33-39 F), with NW wind 3-12 mph in the morning, tapering
to 2-8 mph in the afternoon. Cloud-cover increased steadily from near zero
to 95% by watch's end.

Raptor Observations:
Honestly, another day of frustration. Even with NW wind all day, the birds
simply won't come this way. Our entire season is beginning to resemble a
rounding error for many other sites...

Non-raptor Observations:
Most of the local birds were silent and seemed to be hunkered down. Canada
Geese (43), Barred Owl, Blue Jay, American Crow, Common Ravens (3), Eastern
Bluebirds (6), Hermit Thrush, Purple Finch, Pine Siskin, American
Goldfinch, finch species (5), Dark-eyed Juncos (3), Song Sparrow.

Predictions:
Tomorrow's forecast is unpropitious: freezing rain in the morning, with
cloudy skies and variable, southerly winds in the afternoon. No watch
planned.
========================================================================
Report submitted by John Weeks (<aerie.john...>)


More site information at hawkcount.org:
https://hawkcount.org/siteinfo.php?rsite=107

 

Back to top
Date: 11/8/23 8:20 pm
From: Barbara Volkle <barb620...>
Subject: [MASSBIRD] Pinnacle Rock (08 Nov 2023) 21 Raptors

Date: Thu, 9 Nov 2023 02:21:38 +0000
From: <reports...>
Subject: Pinnacle Rock (08 Nov 2023) 21 Raptors


Pinnacle Rock
Malden, Massachusetts, USA
Daily Raptor Counts: Nov 08, 2023
-------------------------------------------------------------------

Species Day's Count Month Total Season Total
------------------ ----------- -------------- --------------
Black Vulture 0 0 0
Turkey Vulture 11 15 37
Osprey 0 0 18
Bald Eagle 0 0 7
Northern Harrier 0 0 2
Sharp-shinned Hawk 4 6 88
Cooper's Hawk 1 1 13
American Goshawk 0 0 0
Red-shouldered Hawk 1 1 6
Broad-winged Hawk 0 0 8
Red-tailed Hawk 2 6 6
Rough-legged Hawk 0 0 0
Golden Eagle 0 0 0
American Kestrel 0 0 0
Merlin 0 1 7
Peregrine Falcon 0 0 1
Unknown Accipiter 0 0 2
Unknown Buteo 0 0 2
Unknown Falcon 0 0 4
Unknown Eagle 0 0 0
Unknown Raptor 2 2 17

Total: 21 32 218
----------------------------------------------------------------------

Observation start time: 07:45:00 Observation end time: 15:00:00 Total
observation time: 7.25 hours

Official Counter: Craig Jackson

Observers: Bill Shapiro, Bud Porter

Weather:
Day began with very strong (4) NW winds with gusts of 18 mph, and only
moderated to level 3 with gusts up to 12-13 mph continuing throughout the
afternoon. Cloud cover began with low lying clouds covering about 25% of
the sky. The sky gradually cleared until only 3% of the sky had clouds
making following and/or finding birds in blue sky difficult. Later in
afternoon cirrus clouds moved in and at end of watch were covering about
50% of the sky. Temperature started at 0° C and only rose to 4°C.

Raptor Observations:
Given the winds I had expected more birds and until I was packing up had
only had a small movement of raptors. Fortunately, Bill Shapiro was on the
Rock with me as I was packing up and shouted "Ten raptors on the horizon!"
Thus, just before leaving we added 11 TV's which were moving together, more
than doubling our count.
Non-migrating raptors -- early in the day two CH were seen moving N-NE
probably being blown by the wind. There were also at least two and
possibly more RT that were not migrating

Non-raptor Observations:
Most surprising were two grackles migrating. Other interesting birds seen
were about 120 migrating Canada Geese, 4 DC Cormorants, a Yellow-shafted
Flicker, 2 Common Ravens, and a Dark-eyed Junco.

Predictions:
After tomorrow's predicted rain, Friday will have moderate to strong W
winds, changing to NW on Saturday and continuing into Sunday. Conditions
this weekend may be good for migrating hawks.
========================================================================
Report submitted by Craig Jackson (<crleja1949...>)


More site information at hawkcount.org:
https://hawkcount.org/siteinfo.php?rsite=239



--b1_dcf99d4995f566fa4896f8df6109685c
Content-Type: text/html; charset=iso-8859-1
Content-Transfer-Encoding: 8bit

<b>Pinnacle Rock</b><br>Malden, Massachusetts, USA<br><br><table
border=1><tr><td colspan=4 bgcolor=c0c0e0><b>Daily Raptor Counts:
</b>Nov 08, 2023</td></tr><tr><td><b><font
color=2020c0>Species</font></b></td><td><font color=2020c0>Day's
Count</font></td><td><font color=2020c0>Month Total</font></td><td><font
color=2020c0>Season Total</font></td></tr><tr><td>Black Vulture</td><td
align=right>0</td><td align=right>0</td><td align=right>0</td></tr>
<tr><td>Turkey Vulture</td><td align=right>11</td><td
align=right>15</td><td align=right>37</td></tr>
<tr><td>Osprey</td><td align=right>0</td><td align=right>0</td><td
align=right>18</td></tr>
<tr><td>Bald Eagle</td><td align=right>0</td><td align=right>0</td><td
align=right>7</td></tr>
<tr><td>Northern Harrier</td><td align=right>0</td><td
align=right>0</td><td align=right>2</td></tr>
<tr><td>Sharp-shinned Hawk</td><td align=right>4</td><td
align=right>6</td><td align=right>88</td></tr>
<tr><td>Cooper's Hawk</td><td align=right>1</td><td
align=right>1</td><td align=right>13</td></tr>
<tr><td>American Goshawk</td><td align=right>0</td><td
align=right>0</td><td align=right>0</td></tr>
<tr><td>Red-shouldered Hawk</td><td align=right>1</td><td
align=right>1</td><td align=right>6</td></tr>
<tr><td>Broad-winged Hawk</td><td align=right>0</td><td
align=right>0</td><td align=right>8</td></tr>
<tr><td>Red-tailed Hawk</td><td align=right>2</td><td
align=right>6</td><td align=right>6</td></tr>
<tr><td>Rough-legged Hawk</td><td align=right>0</td><td
align=right>0</td><td align=right>0</td></tr>
<tr><td>Golden Eagle</td><td align=right>0</td><td align=right>0</td><td
align=right>0</td></tr>
<tr><td>American Kestrel</td><td align=right>0</td><td
align=right>0</td><td align=right>0</td></tr>
<tr><td>Merlin</td><td align=right>0</td><td align=right>1</td><td
align=right>7</td></tr>
<tr><td>Peregrine Falcon</td><td align=right>0</td><td
align=right>0</td><td align=right>1</td></tr>
<tr><td>Unknown Accipiter</td><td align=right>0</td><td
align=right>0</td><td align=right>2</td></tr>
<tr><td>Unknown Buteo</td><td align=right>0</td><td
align=right>0</td><td align=right>2</td></tr>
<tr><td>Unknown Falcon</td><td align=right>0</td><td
align=right>0</td><td align=right>4</td></tr>
<tr><td>Unknown Eagle</td><td align=right>0</td><td
align=right>0</td><td align=right>0</td></tr>
<tr><td>Unknown Raptor</td><td align=right>2</td><td
align=right>2</td><td align=right>17</td></tr>
<tr><td><b><font color=c02020>Total:</font></b></td><td
align=right><font color=c02020>21</font></td><td align=right><font
color=c02020>32</font></td><td align=right><font
color=c02020>218</font></td></tr></table><br><br><table cellspacing=2
cellpadding=2><tr><td>Observation start time: </td><td>07:45:00
</td></tr><tr><Td>Observation end time: </td><Td>15:00:00
</td></tr><tr><td>Total observation time: </td><td>7.25
hours</td></tr><tr><td>Official Counter</td><td>Craig
Jackson</td></tr><tr><td>Observers: </td><td>Bill Shapiro, Bud
Porter</td></tr></table><br><br><b>Weather:</b><br>Day began with very
strong (4) NW winds with gusts of 18 mph, and only
moderated to level 3 with gusts up to 12-13 mph continuing throughout the
afternoon. Cloud cover began with low lying clouds covering about 25% of
the sky. The sky gradually cleared until only 3% of the sky had clouds
making following and/or finding birds in blue sky difficult. Later in
afternoon cirrus clouds moved in and at end of watch were covering about
50% of the sky. Temperature started at 0° C and only rose to
4°C.<br><br><b>Raptor Observations:</b><br>Given the winds I had
expected more birds and until I was packing up had
only had a small movement of raptors. Fortunately, Bill Shapiro was on the
Rock with me as I was packing up and shouted "Ten raptors on the horizon!"
Thus, just before leaving we added 11 TV's which were moving together, more
than doubling our count.
Non-migrating raptors -- early in the day two CH were seen moving N-NE
probably being blown by the wind. There were also at least two and
possibly more RT that were not migrating<br><br><b>Non-raptor
Observations:</b><br>Most surprising were two grackles migrating. Other
interesting birds seen
were about 120 migrating Canada Geese, 4 DC Cormorants, a Yellow-shafted
Flicker, 2 Common Ravens, and a Dark-eyed
Junco.<br><br><b>Predictions:</b><br>After tomorrow's predicted rain,
Friday will have moderate to strong W
winds, changing to NW on Saturday and continuing into Sunday. Conditions
this weekend may be good for migrating hawks.<br><br><hr>Report
submitted by Craig Jackson (<a
href="mailto:<crleja1949...>"><crleja1949...></a>)<br>More
information at <a href="https://hawkcount.org">hawkcount.org</a>: [<a
href="https://hawkcount.org/siteinfo.php?rsite=239">Site Profile</a>]
[<a
href="https://hawkcount.org/day_summary.php?rsite=239&ryear=2023&rmonth=11&rday=08">Day
Summary</a>] [<a
href="https://hawkcount.org/month_summary.php?rsite=239&ryear=2023&rmonth=11">Month
Summary</a>]<br><br><hr><br>



--b1_dcf99d4995f566fa4896f8df6109685c--

 

Back to top
Date: 11/8/23 8:16 pm
From: Barbara Volkle <barb620...>
Subject: [MASSBIRD] Wachusett Mountain (08 Nov 2023) 39 Migrating Raptors
Date: Wed, 8 Nov 2023 22:10:57 +0000
To: <massbird...>
Subject: Wachusett Mountain (08 Nov 2023) 39 Migrating Raptors


Wachusett Mountain
Princeton, Massachusetts, USA
Daily Raptor Counts: Nov 08, 2023
-------------------------------------------------------------------

Species Day's Count Month Total Season Total
------------------ ----------- -------------- --------------
Black Vulture 0 0 3
Turkey Vulture 0 30 809
Osprey 0 0 155
Bald Eagle 3 43 287
Northern Harrier 0 1 38
Sharp-shinned Hawk 3 4 328
Cooper's Hawk 3 8 140
American Goshawk 0 0 1
Red-shouldered Hawk 19 65 103
Broad-winged Hawk 0 0 15073
Red-tailed Hawk 6 34 92
Rough-legged Hawk 0 0 0
Golden Eagle 0 2 2
American Kestrel 0 0 97
Merlin 0 0 37
Peregrine Falcon 0 0 17
Unknown Accipiter 1 2 35
Unknown Buteo 2 10 29
Unknown Falcon 0 0 10
Unknown Eagle 0 0 1
Unknown Raptor 2 12 169

Total: 39 211 17426
----------------------------------------------------------------------

Observation start time: 09:15:00 Observation end time: 13:15:00 Total
observation time: 4 hours

Official Counter:
Observers: Bill Rasku, Kurt Mangsen, Paul Vanderhoof

Visitors:
Some hikers - none stayed very long.


Weather:
Very cold and windy, although mostly sunny. Temps 35-39 F, NW winds in the
teens with gusts to 26 mph.

Raptor Observations:
Bill and the team lasted as long as they could in the cold and strong
winds. The birds were getting good lift, especially early on, probably from
the winds. Very few birds were seen down low, and most were at quite a
distance from the mountain.

Non-migrating raptors:
Bald Eagle - 1 (imm)
Red-tailed Hawks - 2

Non-raptor Observations:
Canada Goose - 20 (migrating)
Blue Jay - 1
Amer Crow - 31 (migrating)
Comm Raven - 15
Amer Robin - 29 (migrating)
WB Nuthatch - 1

UL (Unidentified Leaf) - many (mimicking Sharpies)



Predictions:
For Thursday, freezing rain early in the morning and light rain until about
2 pm. No watch will be conducted.

Friday's weather is predicted to be mediocre at best (low 40's and 10-20
mph W winds. We'll probably save our energy for the weekend when NW winds
return.
========================================================================
Report submitted by ERIC MUELLER (<ericmueller1912...>)
Wachusett Mountain information may be found at:
http://www.massbird.org/emhw


More site information at hawkcount.org:
https://hawkcount.org/siteinfo.php?rsite=228

 

Back to top
Date: 11/8/23 3:01 pm
From: <blafley...>
Subject: [MASSBIRD] Waterfowl - N Quabbin
Hello,

Great time of year to check out your local ponds and lakes. Over the past week or so there has been lots of waterfowl on the move.
Mallards
Black Ducks
Canada Geese
Brant - Orange WMA
N Pintail - Harvard Pond
L. Scaup- S. Spectacle Pond/Kiwanis Pk
G. Scaup - Lake Mattawa
Bufflehead - L. Mattawa/Kiwanis Pk./ S Spectacle Pond(14!)
C. Merganser - L Mattawa/Quabbin
Red-breasted Merganser - Quabbin
Common Loon - Quabbin
Red-necked Grebe - Quabbin
Green-winged Teal - Orange WMA/Harvard Pond
Blue-winged Teal - Orange WMA
Wood Duck - Kiwanis Pk
Ring-necked Duck - Kiwanis Pk (135)
Hooded Merganser - Orange WMA/Quabbin
White-winged Scoter - L Mattawa

Bill Lafley
New Salem
<blafley...>

 

Back to top
Date: 11/8/23 5:44 am
From: Perls, Thomas T <thperls...>
Subject: Re: [MASSBIRD] Belize guides?
The most fantastic birding experience in Beliz is Chan Chich lodge. They have two birding walks a day. We saw many endemics. Fantastic lodging and food as well (your son will love the pool!).

Also they have expeditions to the mountains where we saw king vulture, royal eagle, bat falcon, alpomato falcon, white hawk and a river boating trip to see birds and fantastic mayan ruins with all three trogans. You can either drive from Belize City but a six-eight hour drive. Better for much less money and much more comfort to fly in and out on Javier Air service. There is an air strip 20 min from the lodge.

Thomas Perls MD

On Nov 8, 2023, at 8:30 AM, Pete Sperber <psperber...> wrote:


Hi everyone!

My family and I will be in Belize for a week in February and my 13 year old son and I are hoping to hire a guide to help us do some birding while we're there. I was hoping the Massbird community might have some names and contact information for some guides in Belize.

Please contact me directly with any thoughts, suggestions or ideas you may have.

Many thanks in advance and happy birding!

-Pete Sperber
Newton, MA
 

Back to top
Date: 11/8/23 5:18 am
From: Pete Sperber <psperber...>
Subject: [MASSBIRD] Belize guides?
Hi everyone!

My family and I will be in Belize for a week in February and my 13 year old
son and I are hoping to hire a guide to help us do some birding while we're
there. I was hoping the Massbird community might have some names and
contact information for some guides in Belize.

Please contact me directly with any thoughts, suggestions or ideas you may
have.

Many thanks in advance and happy birding!

-Pete Sperber
Newton, MA

 

Back to top
Date: 11/7/23 7:30 pm
From: Barbara Volkle <barb620...>
Subject: [MASSBIRD] 11/7 Rose-breasted Grosbeak, Etc. at Arnold Arboretum
Thanks to Paul Peterson for this report.

Barbara Volkle
Northborough,MA
<barb620...>

*

Date: Tue, 7 Nov 2023 18:52:24 +0000 (UTC)
From: Paul Peterson <petersonpaul63...>
Subject: 11/7 Rose-breasted Grosbeak, Etc. at Arnold Arboretum


I was quite surprised to walk up Bussey Hill Rd. in the arboretum when I
looked down into the deciduous, natural, oak woods and beheld an adult
male ROSE-BREASTED GROSBEAK in one of those two dead trees. It was
interested in the tree hole. A Northern Flicker came and drove it away,
only for it to return tp that spot. I birded here from9:40-12:30.

Red=tailed Hawk 1
Mourning Dove 35
Common Raven 1
Golden-crowned Kinglet 1+
Winter Wren 1 calling from edge of marsh about four hundred yards down
from the visitors center
Carolina Wren 3
Yellow-rumped Warbler 1+
Northern Cardinal 20
ROSE-BREASTED GROSBEAK 1 See Above
White-throated Sparrow 15
Swamp Sparrow 2  in marsh opposite visitors center
Common Grackle 60
PURPLE FINCH 1 seen from cement berm in marsh opposite visitors center
House Finch 30
White-tailed Deer 1
Easteern Chipmunk
Gray Squirrel
dragonfly sp. (big, blue ode)

Paul Peterson
<petersonpaul63...>
Boston

 

Back to top
Date: 11/6/23 8:28 pm
From: Barbara Volkle <barb620...>
Subject: [MASSBIRD] Clay colored sparrow - Gloucester
Thanks to Caroline Haines for this report.

Barbara Volkle
Northborough,MA
<barb620...>

*

From: caroline <carolinawrencarolinawren...>
Subject: Clay colored sparrow
Date: Mon, 6 Nov 2023 20:02:15 +0000


Have a clay colored sparrow foraging in my back yard in Gloucester all
day today. Caroline Haines
<Songbirder...>
Gloucester

 

Back to top
Date: 11/6/23 8:14 pm
From: Barbara Volkle <barb620...>
Subject: [MASSBIRD] 11/6 Great Variety in Winthrop
Thanks to Paul Peterson for this report.

Barbara Volkle
Northborough,MA
<barb620...>

*


Date: Tue, 7 Nov 2023 01:28:34 +0000 (UTC)
From: Paul Peterson <petersonpaul63...>
Subject: 11/6 Great Variety in Winthrop


I birded in Winthrop from 1:15-4:30. I started at Belle Isle Marsh on
Winthrop side, then to Belle Isle Cemetery, then Lewis Lake, then
Fisherman's Bend Park, then Crystal Cove, then Winthrop

Red-necked Grebe 1  in front of middle sister
Horned Grebe 1
Red-throated Loon 5
Black-crowned Night-Heron 1  flew out of Lewis Lake at night
Grerat Egret 2
Great Blue Heron 1  Lewis Lake
Brant 5
Hooded Merganser 5   Lewis Lake
Common Eider 9
Bufflehead 18
Red-tailed Hawk 1
Semipalmated Plover 1  with plovers and Dunlin
Black-bellied Plover 16
Dunlin 21  Morton St. next to boat yard
Greater Yellowlegs 9 including eight Crystal Cove
Lesser Yellowlegs 1  Belle Isle from very long boardwalk
Monk Parakeet 1  Lewis Lake
Dark-eyed Junco 12
Field Sparrow 1 cemetery with juncos
White-throated Sparrow 3 with above two species
LAPLAND LONGSPUR 1 Winthrop Beach calling, then seen

Paul Peterson
<petersonpaul63...>
Boston

 

Back to top
Date: 11/6/23 8:13 pm
From: Barbara Volkle <barb620...>
Subject: [MASSBIRD] Wachusett Mountain (06 Nov 2023) 17 Migrating Raptors

Date: Tue, 7 Nov 2023 01:22:31 +0000
From: <reports...>
Subject: Wachusett Mountain (06 Nov 2023) 17 Migrating Raptors


Wachusett Mountain
Princeton, Massachusetts, USA
Daily Raptor Counts: Nov 06, 2023
-------------------------------------------------------------------

Species Day's Count Month Total Season Total
------------------ ----------- -------------- --------------
Black Vulture 0 0 3
Turkey Vulture 0 30 809
Osprey 0 0 155
Bald Eagle 0 40 284
Northern Harrier 0 1 38
Sharp-shinned Hawk 0 1 325
Cooper's Hawk 2 5 137
American Goshawk 0 0 1
Red-shouldered Hawk 6 46 84
Broad-winged Hawk 0 0 15073
Red-tailed Hawk 9 28 86
Rough-legged Hawk 0 0 0
Golden Eagle 0 2 2
American Kestrel 0 0 97
Merlin 0 0 37
Peregrine Falcon 0 0 17
Unknown Accipiter 0 1 34
Unknown Buteo 0 8 27
Unknown Falcon 0 0 10
Unknown Eagle 0 0 1
Unknown Raptor 0 10 167

Total: 17 172 17387
----------------------------------------------------------------------

Observation start time: 09:45:00 Observation end time: 13:00:00 Total
observation time: 3.25 hours

Official Counter:
Observers: Bill Rasku, Kurt Mangsen

Visitors:
In addition to the usual groups of hikers, John Neiman and his shy Sheltie,
Gus, came up to visit.


Weather:
Mostly overcast all day, but the clouds were high and let through quite a
bit of light in the morning. There was a shelf of darker clouds that formed
a line just north of us, yet there was less haze to the north. Winds from
the SE all session, but the upper level clouds seemed to be moving in a
different direction. Temps in the mid-40's all day. Rain began to
threaten around 1 pm, so we headed down the mountain before it arrived.

Raptor Observations:
Not a busy day with the SE winds and the threatening skies. Five of the
Red-tails in the second hour kettled up together to the west of us before
flying off.

Non-migrating raptors:
Bald Eagle - 2 (1 adult and 1 not aged)
Red-tailed Hawk - 3

Non-raptor Observations:
Our first "more than a handful" group of migrating Crows this season, and
the largest group of Snow Buntings that we've seen this year.

Canada Goose - 3 (two groups)
Amer Crow - 33
Comm Raven - 2
Snow Bunting - 16
Amer Robin - 1
DE Junco - 1

Predictions:
Warmer temps on Tuesday, but the strong SW and WSW winds will probably keep
down the flight, so we won't be conducting a watch.

Wednesday will be clear and cold, with brisk NW winds, so the flight should
be good. We'll probably go up for as long as we can take the cold.
========================================================================
Report submitted by ERIC MUELLER (<ericmueller1912...>)
Wachusett Mountain information may be found at:
http://www.massbird.org/emhw


More site information at hawkcount.org:
https://hawkcount.org/siteinfo.php?rsite=228

 

Back to top
Date: 11/6/23 2:14 pm
From: Fred Bouchard <frederickbouchard...>
Subject: [MASSBIRD] Non-E-Bird Report: Rte 2, Belmont to Athol, 11/6/2023
Rte 2 West, Belmont to Athol, 11/6/2023 9:09 AM -- 10:15 AM
Protocol: Traveling by car, riding shotgun; plus driver
63.27 mile(s)
7 bird species

Waterfowl 0
Rock Pigeon (Feral Pigeon) 192 [Concord 6, Leominster 50, Gardner 53, et
al]
Mourning Dove 1
Red-tailed Hawk 3 [low]
Unidentified Raptor [near Mt. Wachusett]
Downy Woodpecker 1
Great Horned Owl 1 [probable, Phillipston]
Blue Jay 0 [stunning miss]
American Crow 3 [low]
European Starling 155 [140 at Rte 128 junction, et al]
American Robin 9 [Johnny Appleseed rest stop, Leominster]
House Sparrow 8 [Athol Shell Station]
passerines 4

Roadkill

Raccoon 2
Red Fox 1
Opossum 1
Skunk 1
Squirrel 3
Unidentified 4

Miscellaneous

Wasps Nests 7 [high?]

You cannot view this checklist online at https://ebird.org/checklist/S
<https://ebird.org/checklist/S153425007>xxxxxx0000

--
<frederickbouchard...>
78 farnham st
belmont 02478 ma
617-484-6692
www.fredbouchard.wordpress.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)

Instructions for living a life:


*Pay attention.Be astonished.Tell about it.*
--- Mary Oliver (1935-2023)

 

Back to top
Date: 11/6/23 11:58 am
From: alice morgan <morgan.alice...>
Subject: [MASSBIRD] BEKI
Surprised to see a kingfisher on the dock next door in Dartmouth!

--
Alice & Dane Morgan
Brookline & S. Dartmouth, MA

 

Back to top
Date: 11/5/23 6:34 pm
From: Barbara M Volkle <barb620...>
Subject: [MASSBIRD] Mount Watatic (05 Nov 2023) 88 Raptors



Date: Mon, 6 Nov 2023 00:51:08 +0000
From: <reports...>
Subject: Mount Watatic (05 Nov 2023) 88 Raptors


Mount Watatic
Ashburnham, Massachusetts, USA
Daily Raptor Counts: Nov 05, 2023
-------------------------------------------------------------------

Species Day's Count Month Total Season Total
------------------ ----------- -------------- --------------
Black Vulture 0 0 1
Turkey Vulture 4 4 49
Osprey 0 0 32
Bald Eagle 69 69 189
Northern Harrier 1 1 8
Sharp-shinned Hawk 1 1 197
Cooper's Hawk 0 0 29
American Goshawk 0 0 0
Red-shouldered Hawk 3 3 7
Broad-winged Hawk 0 0 12225
Red-tailed Hawk 0 0 4
Rough-legged Hawk 0 0 0
Golden Eagle 0 0 0
American Kestrel 0 0 22
Merlin 0 0 18
Peregrine Falcon 0 0 1
Unknown Accipiter 1 1 2
Unknown Buteo 5 5 5
Unknown Falcon 0 0 0
Unknown Eagle 3 3 3
Unknown Raptor 1 1 23

Total: 88 88 12815
----------------------------------------------------------------------

Observation start time: 08:00:00
Observation end time: 16:00:00
Total observation time: 8 hours

Official Counter:

Observers: Jon Skinner

Visitors:
Busy day of hikers on the mountain.


Weather:
Winds W to NW, steady between 6-8mph gusting to 14mph. Overcast to
partly
cloudy, temps 43-50F.

Raptor Observations:
eBird Checklist: https://ebird.org/checklist/S153853301)

Commentary from Jon Skinner on Bald Eagle count:
This appears to possibly be the highest count of Bald Eagles in the
state.
This was the first day with NW winds in about a week and looked to be a
great window for eagles to be migrating.

When it came to determining if a bird was a migrant, I was conservative
about making the call. All of the birds I counted as migrants followed
the
same pattern of behavior: slowly climbing a thermal before gliding off
in a
southerly direction. I didn't follow every bird to make sure they
continued
moving but at this time of year, I feel like that behavior is a good
indicator of a migrating bird.

For the eagles that I determined weren't migrating, I saw behavior that
included simply flying any other direction than south, diving steeply,
etc.
There were a few birds (mostly sub-adults) that engaged in "sky-dance"
behavior and didn't seem keen on moving south even after watching for a
little while, so I counted them as locals. it's possible they did
eventually move on.

Non-migrant Raptors:
9 Bald Eagle
3 Red-tailed Hawk
4 Eagle sp.
1 Raptor sp.

Non-raptor Observations:
eBird Checklist: https://ebird.org/checklist/S153853301

12 Common Raven
9 American Black Duck
1 Common Loon
1 Purple Finch


Predictions:
No formal count planned. Please email any sightings and data to Brian
Rusnica at <14hawks8owls...>
========================================================================
Report submitted by Brian Rusnica (<brian_rusnica...>)
Mount Watatic information may be found at:
http://www.massbird.org/emhw


More site information at hawkcount.org:
https://hawkcount.org/siteinfo.php?rsite=229


 

Back to top
Date: 11/5/23 6:33 pm
From: Barbara M Volkle <barb620...>
Subject: [MASSBIRD] Blueberry Hill (05 Nov 2023) 6 Raptors


Date: Mon, 6 Nov 2023 00:58:27 +0000
From: <reports...>
Subject: Blueberry Hill (05 Nov 2023) 6 Raptors


Blueberry Hill
Granville, Massachusetts, USA
Daily Raptor Counts: Nov 05, 2023
-------------------------------------------------------------------

Species Day's Count Month Total Season Total
------------------ ----------- -------------- --------------
Black Vulture 0 0 0
Turkey Vulture 3 40 286
Osprey 0 0 18
Bald Eagle 0 1 14
Northern Harrier 0 2 28
Sharp-shinned Hawk 0 1 204
Cooper's Hawk 0 0 22
American Goshawk 0 0 1
Red-shouldered Hawk 1 13 18
Broad-winged Hawk 0 0 2526
Red-tailed Hawk 2 5 15
Rough-legged Hawk 0 0 0
Golden Eagle 0 0 0
American Kestrel 0 0 122
Peregrine Falcon 0 0 9
Merlin 0 3 16
Unknown Accipiter 0 0 0
Unknown Buteo 0 0 2
Unknown Eagle 0 0 1
Unknown Falcon 0 0 0
Unknown Vulture 0 0 0
Unknown Raptor 0 4 12

Total: 6 69 3294
----------------------------------------------------------------------

Observation start time: 10:00:00
Observation end time: 14:30:00
Total observation time: 4.5 hours

Official Counter: John Weeks

Observers: John Weeks

Visitors:
I had a grand conversation, which offered some compensation for one
hour's
worth of zero migrants, with local resident Roger Hinkel. A couple with
a
toddler passed by; the husband was in shorts! They visited last year
also,
with their two dogs instead of the baby. Finally, birders Debbie Munson
and Andy Schroeder spent an hour or so with me; Debbie spotted the
eagle,
which unfortunately didn't migrate.


Weather:
Northwest winds 2-9 mph (which should have been ideal), but the clouds
steadily increased and thickened, squelching what thermals there were at
the outset. Temperature 50-56 F.

Raptor Observations:
Three buteos and three vultures. Not counted as migrants: immature
Bald
Eagle, two hunting Red-tails.

Non-raptor Observations:
Very little activity on the Hill today, aside from the to-ing and
fro-ing
of the Juncos (16). Blue Jays (2), American Crow, Golden-crowned
Kinglets
(2 or 3), Chipping Sparrow (unexpected).
========================================================================
Report submitted by John Weeks (<aerie.john...>)


More site information at hawkcount.org:
https://hawkcount.org/siteinfo.php?rsite=107


 

Back to top
Date: 11/5/23 6:24 pm
From: Barbara M Volkle <barb620...>
Subject: [MASSBIRD] Pinnacle Rock (05 Nov 2023) 2 Raptors



Date: Sun, 5 Nov 2023 21:54:00 +0000
From: <reports...>
Subject: Pinnacle Rock (05 Nov 2023) 2 Raptors


Pinnacle Rock
Malden, Massachusetts, USA
Daily Raptor Counts: Nov 05, 2023
-------------------------------------------------------------------

Species Day's Count Month Total Season Total
------------------ ----------- -------------- --------------
Black Vulture 0 0 0
Turkey Vulture 0 4 26
Osprey 0 0 18
Bald Eagle 0 0 7
Northern Harrier 0 0 2
Sharp-shinned Hawk 2 2 84
Cooper's Hawk 0 0 12
American Goshawk 0 0 0
Red-shouldered Hawk 0 0 5
Broad-winged Hawk 0 0 8
Red-tailed Hawk 0 4 4
Rough-legged Hawk 0 0 0
Golden Eagle 0 0 0
American Kestrel 0 0 0
Merlin 0 1 7
Peregrine Falcon 0 0 1
Unknown Accipiter 0 0 2
Unknown Buteo 0 0 2
Unknown Falcon 0 0 4
Unknown Eagle 0 0 0
Unknown Raptor 0 0 15

Total: 2 11 197
----------------------------------------------------------------------

Observation start time: 07:15:00
Observation end time: 15:00:00
Total observation time: 7.75 hours

Official Counter: Craig Jackson

Observers:

Visitors:
Among the many hikers Steven Marcello and Patrick Jakubik stopped to ask
me
about the details of hawk migration. Bill Shapiro also came with his
friend and his friend's son but did not stay to observe hawks (as
nothing
was being seen)


Weather:
Light (1) West winds changed to WNW and strengthened slightly to level
2;
maximum gusts were 8.5 mph; Cloud cover -- started as 95 % and stayed
about
the same until 2 PM when it started to clear to 70% and continued
clearing
until the end of the watch.; Temperature -- 6-12-11 C

Raptor Observations:
2 SS Hawks seen soaring and heading SE were presumed to be migrants

Non-raptor Observations:
More than 50 American Robins were observed flying south in the morning.
Whether these were migrants or just birds flying from a nighttime roost
to
feed is impossible to tell

Predictions:
Tomorrow Monday winds will be mostly from the east, so I do not expect
any
movement. Tuesday will bring winds from the SW, and those winds are
predicted to shift to the NW on Wednesday and beginning fairly strong
and
moderating throughout the day. Wednesday may be the most productive day
for migrating hawks that we have had on the Rock for quite some while.
========================================================================
Report submitted by Craig Jackson (<crleja1949...>)


More site information at hawkcount.org:
https://hawkcount.org/siteinfo.php?rsite=239


 

Back to top
Date: 11/5/23 6:23 pm
From: Barbara M Volkle <barb620...>
Subject: [MASSBIRD] NH Coast Field Trip for Brookline Bird Club (King Eider, BTGreen, Warblers, Whimbrel)
Thanks to Steve and Jane Mirick for this report.

Barbara Volkle
Northborough,MA
<barb620...>


*


Date: Sun, 5 Nov 2023 17:19:34 -0500
From: Steve Mirick <smirick...>
Subject: NH Coast Field Trip for Brookline Bird Club (King Eider,
BTGreen
Warblers, Whimbrel)


Jane and I led our annual Field Trip for the BBC along the NH coast
today. We had about 15 intrepid birders join us in search of rarities.
Unfortunately, the mega-rarities seem to be in Maine and Massachusetts
lately, and we had to work for what we got in NH. But the weather was
great and the company was spectacular!

We birded from 9:15 AM to 3:00 PM visiting Hampton Beach State Park,
Bicentennial Park in Hampton, Eel Pond in Rye, Pulpit Rocks in Rye, and
Odiorne Point State Park in Rye. Our group was "all over the place" as
people came and left and came back over the day. The report of a
roosting BARN OWL in Salisbury, MA caused havoc with the trip as people
went down to see it! 🙂

We ended up with about 66 species of birds, but also had 5 species of
butterfies (Cabbage White, Orange Sulphur, Clouded Sulphur, MONARCH, and
RED ADMIRAL) and 1 species of dragonfly (Autumn Meadowhawk).

Canada Goose
Gadwall 2 Continuing females in Eel Pond
American Black Duck 13
Green-winged Teal 1 in Eel Pond
Ring-necked Duck 3 in Eel Pond
Lesser Scaup 7 in Eel Pond
KING EIDER 1 Continuing female. Today at Pulpit Rocks in Rye. We
missed it on the first attempt, but got it the 2nd time.
Common Eider
Surf Scoter
White-winged Scoter
Black Scoter
Long-tailed Duck
Bufflehead
Red-breasted Merganser
Horned Grebe
Red-necked Grebe
Rock Pigeon (Feral Pigeon)
American Coot 1 in Eel Pond
Black-bellied Plover 33 in Hampton Harbor and Rye Harbor
WHIMBREL 1 continuing bird in harbor by "Wooden Bridge" at Odiorne in
Rye. Record late date for New Hampshire.
Greater Yellowlegs 4
Sanderling 23
Dunlin 120 in Hampton harbor
Black Guillemot 3
Bonaparte's Gull 18
Ring-billed Gull
Herring Gull
Great Black-backed Gull
Lesser Black-backed Gull 1. "Woody" the adult LBBG continues from
Wooden Bridge in Rye.
Red-throated Loon 53. Not a large number migrating, but lots in the
water.
Common Loon 10
Great Cormorant 1
Double-crested Cormorant 1,124. Almost all if these counted
migrating in several large flocks in morning. A high count for
November.
Great Blue Heron 3
Northern Harrier 2
Sharp-shinned Hawk 1
Red-tailed Hawk 4
Red-bellied Woodpecker
Downy Woodpecker
Peregrine Falcon 3
Blue Jay
American Crow
Black-capped Chickadee
Tufted Titmouse
Horned Lark 10 at Hampton Beach SP
Ruby-crowned Kinglet 2 at Odiorne Point SP
Golden-crowned Kinglet 5
Carolina Wren
European Starling
Northern Mockingbird
Eastern Bluebird
Hermit Thrush 1 at Odiorne
American Robin
House Sparrow
American Pipit 1
House Finch
American Goldfinch
Snow Bunting 70 at Hampton Beach SP
Dark-eyed Junco
White-throated Sparrow
Song Sparrow
Swamp Sparrow
Palm Warbler (Western) 1 at Odiorne Point SP
Yellow-rumped Warbler 3 at Odiorne Point SP
BLACK-THROATED GREEN WARBLER 2 very late birds. Incredibly TWO for
the day. One at Bicentennial Park in Hampton and one at Odiorne.
Northern Cardinal


Steve & Jane Mirick
Bradford, MA


 

Back to top
Date: 11/5/23 6:05 pm
From: Barbara M Volkle <barb620...>
Subject: [MASSBIRD] Wachusett Mountain (05 Nov 2023) 43 Migrating Raptors
Date: Mon, 6 Nov 2023 00:49:25 +0000
From: <reports...>
Subject: Wachusett Mountain (05 Nov 2023) 43 Migrating Raptors


Wachusett Mountain
Princeton, Massachusetts, USA
Daily Raptor Counts: Nov 05, 2023
-------------------------------------------------------------------

Species Day's Count Month Total Season Total
------------------ ----------- -------------- --------------
Black Vulture 0 0 3
Turkey Vulture 2 30 809
Osprey 0 0 155
Bald Eagle 29 40 284
Northern Harrier 1 1 38
Sharp-shinned Hawk 1 1 325
Cooper's Hawk 2 3 135
American Goshawk 0 0 1
Red-shouldered Hawk 0 40 78
Broad-winged Hawk 0 0 15073
Red-tailed Hawk 3 19 77
Rough-legged Hawk 0 0 0
Golden Eagle 0 2 2
American Kestrel 0 0 97
Merlin 0 0 37
Peregrine Falcon 0 0 17
Unknown Accipiter 1 1 34
Unknown Buteo 0 8 27
Unknown Falcon 0 0 10
Unknown Eagle 0 0 1
Unknown Raptor 4 10 167

Total: 43 155 17370
----------------------------------------------------------------------

Observation start time: 09:45:00 Observation end time: 14:30:00 Total
observation time: 4.75 hours

Official Counter: Eric Mueller

Observers: Dan Rossman, Tom Gottschang

Visitors:
Hundreds of hikers today, and lots of dogs (especially Golden
Retrievers.)


Weather:
The day started out darker than what was forecasted last night. A small
patch of sunlight appeared for a short time around 10:30 am, but there
was
no substantial blue sky until noon, so thermal activity was limited.
Mild W
to WNW winds instead of the forecasted NW winds. Temps held in the low
50's
all day. There was a moderate haze that kept the views of Boston very
fuzzy, and we couldn't see Mt Greylock or the VT mountains at all.

Raptor Observations:
A great day for Bald Eagles - we counted 29 migrating birds and at least
4
locals. This was our highest daily BE total ever for a November day, and
was our 2nd highest daily total ever. BE ages - Adult 9, Sub-adult - 1,
Immature - 14, Juvenile - 1, not aged - 4 (probably not adults.)
However,
we were surpassed by the flight at Mt. Watatic where Jon Skinner
reported
seeing 78 Bald Eagles today, all but 9 of which were migrating.

With the dark skies, west winds and no thermals, the birds didn't start
moving until 10:45 am, but kept moving through steadily after that. The
birds were able to get good height using the moderate winds for uplift.

Non-migrating raptors:
Bald Eagle - 4 (2 adults, 2 imm. Minimum number - repeated appearances
all
day.)
Cooper's Hawk - 1
Red-tailed Hawk - 2 (both adults)

Non-raptor Observations:
(includes birds seen on the hikes up and down)
Snow Bunting - 2
Blue Jay - 2
Amer Crow - 5 (unusual up here, possibly migrating)
Comm Raven - 3
BC Chickadee - 1
Tufted Titmouse - 2
DE Junco - 6


Predictions:
Cool temps starting in the 40's and dropping into the high 30's by noon,
with 5-6 mph NE to SE winds and mostly cloudy skies. It could be good
eagle weather again. Bill Rasku will hike up in the morning to arrive by
around 10 am.
========================================================================
Report submitted by ERIC MUELLER (<ericmueller1912...>)
Wachusett Mountain information may be found at:
http://www.massbird.org/emhw


More site information at hawkcount.org:
https://hawkcount.org/siteinfo.php?rsite=228

 

Back to top
Date: 11/5/23 6:03 pm
From: Barbara M Volkle <barb620...>
Subject: [MASSBIRD] 11/4 Hammond Pond and Houghton Garden


Thanks to Paul Peterson for this report.


Barbara Volkle
Northborough,MA
<barb620...>

*

Date: Sun, 5 Nov 2023 19:35:57 +0000 (UTC)
From: Paul Peterson <petersonpaul63...>
Subject: 11/4 Hammond Pond and Houghton Garden

I birded here from 11:00-3:30 p.m.
Pied-billed Grebe 2
Great Blue Heron 2
Ring-necked Duck 35
Hairy Woodpecker 1
Northern Flicker 1
Eastern Phoebe 1
Common Raven 1
Ruby-crowned Kinglet 1+
Golden-crowned Kinglet 8 one in full crown display=WOW!
Winter Wren 1 across from the Houghton Garden gate that's almost at
the train tracks
Carolina Wren 3
Yellow-rumped Warbler 10
White-throated Sparrow 20
Swamp Sparrow 2
Song Sparrow 7
Common Grackle 150
PURPLE FINCH 2 at Chestnut Hill Station! in tree top at edge

Paul Peterson
<petersonpaul63...>
Boston

 

Back to top
Date: 11/5/23 4:06 pm
From: Barbara M Volkle <barb620...>
Subject: [MASSBIRD] Pelagic spots available for BBC Nov 18 (weather date Nov 19), Nantucket Shoals Trip


Thanks to Naeem Yusuff for this announcement.

Go to www.brooklinebirdclub.org and scroll down page to find the link
to registration.



Barbara Volkle
Northborough,MA
<barb620...>


*




Date: Sun, 5 Nov 2023 15:13:03 +0000 (UTC)
From: Naeem Yusuff <naeem.yusuff...>
Subject: Pelagic spots available for BBC Nov 18
(weather date Nov 19) Nantucket Shoals Trip

There are a few spots still
available for the BBC pelagic trip Nov 18 (weather date Nov 19) to the
Nantucket Shoals.More information (including the registration link) can
be found at November 18, 2023 BBC Pelagic Registration - Brookline Bird
Club November 18, 2023 BBC Pelagic Registration - Brookline Bird Club
Eric Swanzey |

Regards,Naeem Yusuff
Brookline Bird Club Pelagic Committee
Cambridge, MA

 

Back to top
Date: 11/5/23 11:40 am
From: Pamela Sowizral <psowizral...>
Subject: [MASSBIRD] Birds at Drumlin Farm
Some nice birds this week at Drumlin Farm. This morning's check list below - surprise was a brown thrasher. Other species from this past week included clay-colored and white-crowned sparrows, palm and pine warblers, great blue heron, chipping sparrow, yellow-bellied sapsucker, and purple finches.

Pam Sowizral
Mass Audubon's Drumlin Farm
Lincoln


Canada Goose 2
Mallard 5
Wild Turkey 3
Mourning Dove 2
Killdeer 1
Sharp-shinned Hawk 1
Red-shouldered Hawk 1
Red-tailed Hawk 1
Red-bellied Woodpecker 1
Downy Woodpecker 5
Northern Flicker 1
Blue Jay 4
American Crow 5
Common Raven 1
Black-capped Chickadee 1
Tufted Titmouse 4
Golden-crowned Kinglet 1
White-breasted Nuthatch 5
Carolina Wren 8
European Starling 28
Brown Thrasher 1
Northern Mockingbird 3
Eastern Bluebird 10
Hermit Thrush 1
American Robin 60
Cedar Waxwing 32
House Sparrow 7
American Pipit 20
House Finch 15
American Goldfinch 2
Dark-eyed Junco 15
White-throated Sparrow 25
Savannah Sparrow 9
Song Sparrow 17
Swamp Sparrow 2
Red-winged Blackbird 15
Brown-headed Cowbird 4
Northern Cardinal 9


 

Back to top
Date: 11/5/23 5:10 am
From: Barbara M Volkle <barb620...>
Subject: [MASSBIRD] Owls/Banding

Thanks to Strickland Wheelock for this report.

Barbara Volkle
Northborough,MA
<barb620...>

*

Date: Sun, 5 Nov 2023 10:37:05 +0000 (UTC)
From: Strickland Wheelock <skwheelock...>
Subject: Owls/Banding

Northern Saw-Whet Owls are so special which a group of participants from
Drumlin Farm experienced 1st hand Thus night. Our evening started at
5:30 pm at River Bend Farm in Uxbridge exploring one trail at the Farm.
At the taller tree line, our evening started with a bang having a Barred
Owl fly in and sat over our heads starring at us - further back towards
the field, a Saw-Whet started squealing at us as we walked by - once in
the field. a pair o= f Gt Horned Owls were calling in the distance - all
this was an appetizer.C= lose by is a longtime banding site of N
Saw-whet Owls where we were given special permission to visit with only
limited number of participants. Here the participants had the
opportunity to walk with the banders to the net sies, watch the owls
being extracted & returned to the banding table.The education we all
were given in how to age and sex these owls by using weight, w= ing
cord, molt of the wing feathers in detail and other features, how they
determined the health of the owl, etc. Once the owl was completed
examined and banded, the participants were shown how to hold the owl and
to release = these precious owls. By 10 pm, we headed back to Drumlin
Farm having experienced 10 owls being banded & examined and all
participants blown away watching, learning and holding these owls. Sat
morning, we banded a short time at this private residence on Uxbridge
where we have banded for the past month, then closed the nets down for
the season. In the short time banding, we caught 15 birds that included
10 Junco= s plus Goldfinch, Swamp & Song Sparrows. There still were
surprising many passerines still flying about like Purple Finches, Cedar
Waxwings, Yellow-r = Warblers, Cardinals, Goldfinches, 4 woodpecker
species & many Juncos - a Sh= arp-shinned Hawk also made an appearance
looking for a quick meal. Now the long wait until next spring to
continue our studies at West Hill Dam. Overall, this fall banding season
was exceptionally active everyday with large numbers and large variety
of species.

Strickland Wheelock
Uxbridge MA

 

Back to top
Date: 11/4/23 9:30 pm
From: Barbara M Volkle <barb620...>
Subject: [MASSBIRD] Blueberry Hill (04 Nov 2023) 7 Raptors

Date: Sat, 4 Nov 2023 23:21:10 +0000
From: <reports...>
Subject: Blueberry Hill (04 Nov 2023) 7 Raptors

Blueberry Hill
Granville, Massachusetts, USA
Daily Raptor Counts: Nov 04, 2023
-------------------------------------------------------------------

Species Day's Count Month Total Season Total
------------------ ----------- -------------- --------------
Black Vulture 0 0 0
Turkey Vulture 3 37 283
Osprey 0 0 18
Bald Eagle 0 1 14
Northern Harrier 1 2 28
Sharp-shinned Hawk 0 1 204
Cooper's Hawk 0 0 22
American Goshawk 0 0 1
Red-shouldered Hawk 1 12 17
Broad-winged Hawk 0 0 2526
Red-tailed Hawk 0 3 13
Rough-legged Hawk 0 0 0
Golden Eagle 0 0 0
American Kestrel 0 0 122
Peregrine Falcon 0 0 9
Merlin 1 3 16
Unknown Accipiter 0 0 0
Unknown Buteo 0 0 2
Unknown Eagle 0 0 1
Unknown Falcon 0 0 0
Unknown Vulture 0 0 0
Unknown Raptor 1 4 12

Total: 7 63 3288
----------------------------------------------------------------------

Observation start time: 08:00:00 Observation end time: 14:00:00 Total
observation time: 6 hours

Official Counter: John Weeks

Observers: Gary Adamson, Janice Zepko, John Weeks

Visitors:
Local resident John and his dog Oscar.


Weather:
Cloudy all day (80-100% CLCV); dense haze to northeast. Wind SW early,
then W 5-10, tapering off to nothing. Temperature 47-low 60s F.

Raptor Observations:
The merest trickle of migrants. No coverage from 1:00 to 1:30 EDT.
Non-raptor Observations:
Hairy Woodpecker, Pileated Woodpecker, Blue Jay, American Crows (2),
Common
Raven, Tufted Titmouse, Golden-crowned Kinglets (6+), Eastern Bluebirds
(6), Hermit Thrushes (2), American Robins (61; 55 in one flock), Purple
Finches (2), American Goldfinch, Dark-eyed Juncos (5), Northern
Cardinal.

Predictions:
With NW winds predicted, there could be a decent flight tomorrow.
========================================================================
Report submitted by John Weeks (<aerie.john...>)


More site information at hawkcount.org:
https://hawkcount.org/siteinfo.php?rsite=107

 

Back to top
Date: 11/4/23 7:08 pm
From: Barbara M Volkle <barb620...>
Subject: [MASSBIRD] Blueberry Hill (04 Nov 2023) 7 Raptors

Date: Sat, 4 Nov 2023 23:21:10 +0000
From: <reports...>
Subject: Blueberry Hill (04 Nov 2023) 7 Raptors

Blueberry Hill
Granville, Massachusetts, USA
Daily Raptor Counts: Nov 04, 2023
-------------------------------------------------------------------

Species Day's Count Month Total Season Total
------------------ ----------- -------------- --------------
Black Vulture 0 0 0
Turkey Vulture 3 37 283
Osprey 0 0 18
Bald Eagle 0 1 14
Northern Harrier 1 2 28
Sharp-shinned Hawk 0 1 204
Cooper's Hawk 0 0 22
American Goshawk 0 0 1
Red-shouldered Hawk 1 12 17
Broad-winged Hawk 0 0 2526
Red-tailed Hawk 0 3 13
Rough-legged Hawk 0 0 0
Golden Eagle 0 0 0
American Kestrel 0 0 122
Peregrine Falcon 0 0 9
Merlin 1 3 16
Unknown Accipiter 0 0 0
Unknown Buteo 0 0 2
Unknown Eagle 0 0 1
Unknown Falcon 0 0 0
Unknown Vulture 0 0 0
Unknown Raptor 1 4 12

Total: 7 63 3288
----------------------------------------------------------------------

Observation start time: 08:00:00 Observation end time: 14:00:00 Total
observation time: 6 hours

Official Counter: John Weeks

Observers: Gary Adamson, Janice Zepko, John Weeks

Visitors:
Local resident John and his dog Oscar.


Weather:
Cloudy all day (80-100% CLCV); dense haze to northeast. Wind SW early,
then W 5-10, tapering off to nothing. Temperature 47-low 60s F.

Raptor Observations:
The merest trickle of migrants. No coverage from 1:00 to 1:30 EDT.
Non-raptor Observations:
Hairy Woodpecker, Pileated Woodpecker, Blue Jay, American Crows (2),
Common
Raven, Tufted Titmouse, Golden-crowned Kinglets (6+), Eastern Bluebirds
(6), Hermit Thrushes (2), American Robins (61; 55 in one flock), Purple
Finches (2), American Goldfinch, Dark-eyed Juncos (5), Northern
Cardinal.

Predictions:
With NW winds predicted, there could be a decent flight tomorrow.
========================================================================
Report submitted by John Weeks (<aerie.john...>)


More site information at hawkcount.org:
https://hawkcount.org/siteinfo.php?rsite=107

 

Back to top
Date: 11/4/23 7:06 pm
From: Barbara M Volkle <barb620...>
Subject: [MASSBIRD] Wachusett Mountain (04 Nov 2023) 4 Raptors incl another Golden Eagle

Date: Sat, 4 Nov 2023 22:52:45 +0000
From: <reports...>
Subject: Wachusett Mountain (04 Nov 2023) 4 Raptors incl another Golden
Eagle


Wachusett Mountain
Princeton, Massachusetts, USA
Daily Raptor Counts: Nov 04, 2023
-------------------------------------------------------------------

Species Day's Count Month Total Season Total
------------------ ----------- -------------- --------------
Black Vulture 0 0 3
Turkey Vulture 3 28 807
Osprey 0 0 155
Bald Eagle 0 11 255
Northern Harrier 0 0 37
Sharp-shinned Hawk 0 0 324
Cooper's Hawk 0 1 133
American Goshawk 0 0 1
Red-shouldered Hawk 0 40 78
Broad-winged Hawk 0 0 15073
Red-tailed Hawk 0 16 74
Rough-legged Hawk 0 0 0
Golden Eagle 1 2 2
American Kestrel 0 0 97
Merlin 0 0 37
Peregrine Falcon 0 0 17
Unknown Accipiter 0 0 33
Unknown Buteo 0 8 27
Unknown Falcon 0 0 10
Unknown Eagle 0 0 1
Unknown Raptor 0 6 163

Total: 4 112 17327
----------------------------------------------------------------------

Observation start time: 09:15:00 Observation end time: 15:00:00 Total
observation time: 5.75 hours

Official Counter: Eric Mueller

Observers: Chris Eddy, Dan Rossman, Jean Hampel, JoAnne Hart

Visitors:
Many hundreds of people on the summit today - hikers, sightseers who
came
up on the ski lift, and runners participating in a trail race (part of
which involved carrying 10 lb bags of sand - oy!)


Weather:
Overcast all day with high stratus clouds that only let filtered
sunlight
through occasionally. There was some sunshine in NH to our NW for the
first
few hours. Westerly winds starting at 7-10 mph, then easing to 1-3 mph
by
the end of the session. Temps from 47 to 56 F. Moderate haze most of the
day - Mt Greylock and the VT mountains only became visible in the last
hour
of the watch.
Raptor Observations:
A very slow day, but with one bright spot - our 2nd Golden Eagle of the
season (a 1 or 2 year old with some white showing out towards the
"hands"
on both the upper and lower sides of the wings, but little or no white
on
the base of the tail.) Kudos to Chris Eddy for spotting the eagle and
noticing that it looked different than a BE, and to Dan Rossman for
making
the ID.

Only 3 TVs beyond that. The cloud cover wasn't letting much, if any,
thermal activity form, and the westerly winds weren't providing much
lift. The TVs were struggling to get any lift and had to flap their
wings
repeatedly. Pack Mondanock and Mt Putney both had few birds in the air.

Non-migrating raptors:
Bald Eagle - 1 (immature)

Non-raptor Observations:
Snow Bunting - 4
Blue Jay - 1
Comm Raven - 1
Amer Robin - 1
DE Junco - 4


Predictions:
Sunday should be a better day for migrating birds - NW winds at 5-10
mph,
45-55% sun/cloud mix, and temps in the 50's. We will be hiking up to
start
the watch at 9 am EST (remember to turn your clocks back!)
========================================================================
Report submitted by ERIC MUELLER (<ericmueller1912...>)
Wachusett Mountain information may be found at:
http://www.massbird.org/emhw


 

Back to top
Date: 11/4/23 12:31 pm
From: <Dave...>
Subject: [MASSBIRD] Petersham-New Salem Quabbin trip November 4th
Good day all,

November 4th Athol Bird and Nature Club field trip to Quabbin Reservoir. 18
friends and members of the ABNC birded the New Salem and Petersham sections
of North Quabbin from Gate 29 - Gate 40 Highlights included 40 Rusty
Blackbirds in a small swamp with winterberry, a total of 60 Green-winged
Teal in 2 locations. Plus many fun sightings and time with friends. The list
is below.

https://ebird.org/tripreport/169553?welcome=true

Species observed:

14 Mallard Anas platyrhynchos

6 American Black Duck Anas rubripes

60 Green-winged Teal Anas crecca

1 White-winged Scoter Melanitta deglandi

1 Common Goldeneye Bucephala clangula

3 Hooded Merganser Lophodytes cucullatus

16 Common Merganser Mergus merganser

3 Mourning Dove Zenaida macroura

1 Greater Yellowlegs Tringa melanoleuca

70 Ring-billed Gull Larus delawarensis

13 Common Loon Gavia immer

1 Double-crested Cormorant Nannopterum auritum

3 Bald Eagle Haliaeetus leucocephalus

2 Belted Kingfisher Megaceryle alcyon

1 Red-bellied Woodpecker Melanerpes carolinus

3 Downy Woodpecker Dryobates pubescens

1 Hairy Woodpecker Dryobates villosus

1 Pileated Woodpecker Dryocopus pileatus

1 Northern Flicker Colaptes auratus

4 Blue Jay Cyanocitta cristata

1 American CrowCorvus brachyrhynchos

1 Common Raven Corvus corax

2 Black-capped Chickadee Poecile atricapillus

1 White-breasted Nuthatch Sitta carolinensis

1 Red-breasted Nuthatch Sitta canadensis

2 Brown Creeper Certhia americana

1 Eastern Bluebird Sialia sialis

1 Hermit Thrush Catharus guttatus

38 American Robin Turdus migratorius

2 Cedar Waxwing Bombycilla cedrorum

32 Pine Siskin Spinus pinus

4 American Goldfinch Spinus tristis

1 Field Sparrow Spizella pusilla

66 Dark-eyed Junco Junco hyemalis

34 White-throated Sparrow Zonotrichia albicollis

4 Song Sparrow Melospiza melodia

2 Swamp Sparrow Melospiza georgiana

40 Rusty Blackbird Euphagus carolinus

2 Common Grackle Quiscalus quiscula

1 Northern Cardinal Cardinalis cardinalis

3 Otter swimming in Quabbin



Dave Small

978-413-1772
Athol Bird and Nature Club

<Dave...> <mailto:<Dave...>

www.atholbirdclub.org <http://www.atholbirdclub.org/>

Millers River Environmental Center

100 Main Street, Athol Ma 01331

The Environmental Center is now open by appointment and available for use by
our partners






 

Back to top
Date: 11/4/23 6:57 am
From: Barbara M Volkle <barb620...>
Subject: [MASSBIRD] Wachusett Mountain (03 Nov 2023) No watch conducted. Going up Sat & Sun.

Date: Fri, 3 Nov 2023 23:14:07 +0000
From: <reports...>
Subject: Wachusett Mountain (03 Nov 2023) No watch conducted. Going up
Sat & Sun.


Wachusett Mountain
Princeton, Massachusetts, USA
Daily Raptor Counts: Nov 03, 2023
-------------------------------------------------------------------

Species Day's Count Month Total Season Total
------------------ ----------- -------------- --------------
Black Vulture 0 0 3
Turkey Vulture 0 25 804
Osprey 0 0 155
Bald Eagle 0 11 255
Northern Harrier 0 0 37
Sharp-shinned Hawk 0 0 324
Cooper's Hawk 0 1 133
American Goshawk 0 0 1
Red-shouldered Hawk 0 40 78
Broad-winged Hawk 0 0 15073
Red-tailed Hawk 0 16 74
Rough-legged Hawk 0 0 0
Golden Eagle 0 1 1
American Kestrel 0 0 97
Merlin 0 0 37
Peregrine Falcon 0 0 17
Unknown Accipiter 0 0 33
Unknown Buteo 0 8 27
Unknown Falcon 0 0 10
Unknown Eagle 0 0 1
Unknown Raptor 0 6 163

Total: 0 108 17323
----------------------------------------------------------------------

(No count conducted today)



Weather:
Sunny, but with a 15-20 mph SW wind so we didn't conduct a watch.

Raptor Observations:


Non-raptor Observations:


Predictions:
Mostly cloudy with temps in the upper 40's and mid-50's, 5-10 mph winds
from W to WSW. Not a great wind direction, but the birds weren't moving
today, so they should be ready to go again with a more tolerable wind
speed.

The auto road is closed for the season, but the ski lift will be running
on
Saturday during the Food Truck fest at the ski area if you don't feel
like
hiking up.
========================================================================
Report submitted by ERIC MUELLER (<ericmueller1912...>)
Wachusett Mountain information may be found at:
http://www.massbird.org/emhw


More site information at hawkcount.org:
https://hawkcount.org/siteinfo.php?rsite=228

 

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Date: 11/4/23 3:15 am
From: Barbara M Volkle <barb620...>
Subject: [MASSBIRD] Wachusett Mountain (03 Nov 2023) No watch conducted. Going up Sat & Sun.

Date: Fri, 3 Nov 2023 23:14:07 +0000
From: <reports...>
Subject: Wachusett Mountain (03 Nov 2023) No watch conducted. Going up
Sat & Sun.


Wachusett Mountain
Princeton, Massachusetts, USA
Daily Raptor Counts: Nov 03, 2023
-------------------------------------------------------------------

Species Day's Count Month Total Season Total
------------------ ----------- -------------- --------------
Black Vulture 0 0 3
Turkey Vulture 0 25 804
Osprey 0 0 155
Bald Eagle 0 11 255
Northern Harrier 0 0 37
Sharp-shinned Hawk 0 0 324
Cooper's Hawk 0 1 133
American Goshawk 0 0 1
Red-shouldered Hawk 0 40 78
Broad-winged Hawk 0 0 15073
Red-tailed Hawk 0 16 74
Rough-legged Hawk 0 0 0
Golden Eagle 0 1 1
American Kestrel 0 0 97
Merlin 0 0 37
Peregrine Falcon 0 0 17
Unknown Accipiter 0 0 33
Unknown Buteo 0 8 27
Unknown Falcon 0 0 10
Unknown Eagle 0 0 1
Unknown Raptor 0 6 163

Total: 0 108 17323
----------------------------------------------------------------------

(No count conducted today)



Weather:
Sunny, but with a 15-20 mph SW wind so we didn't conduct a watch.

Raptor Observations:


Non-raptor Observations:


Predictions:
Mostly cloudy with temps in the upper 40's and mid-50's, 5-10 mph winds
from W to WSW. Not a great wind direction, but the birds weren't moving
today, so they should be ready to go again with a more tolerable wind
speed.

The auto road is closed for the season, but the ski lift will be running
on
Saturday during the Food Truck fest at the ski area if you don't feel
like
hiking up.
========================================================================
Report submitted by ERIC MUELLER (<ericmueller1912...>)
Wachusett Mountain information may be found at:
http://www.massbird.org/emhw


More site information at hawkcount.org:
https://hawkcount.org/siteinfo.php?rsite=228


 

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Date: 11/4/23 2:38 am
From: Barbara M Volkle <barb620...>
Subject: [MASSBIRD] Blueberry Hill (03 Nov 2023) 21 Raptors
Date: Sat, 4 Nov 2023 00:50:26 +0000
From: <reports...>
Subject: Blueberry Hill (03 Nov 2023) 21 Raptors


Blueberry Hill
Granville, Massachusetts, USA
Daily Raptor Counts: Nov 03, 2023
-------------------------------------------------------------------

Species Day's Count Month Total Season Total
------------------ ----------- -------------- --------------
Black Vulture 0 0 0
Turkey Vulture 18 34 280
Osprey 0 0 18
Bald Eagle 0 1 14
Northern Harrier 0 1 27
Sharp-shinned Hawk 0 1 204
Cooper's Hawk 0 0 22
American Goshawk 0 0 1
Red-shouldered Hawk 1 11 16
Broad-winged Hawk 0 0 2526
Red-tailed Hawk 0 3 13
Rough-legged Hawk 0 0 0
Golden Eagle 0 0 0
American Kestrel 0 0 122
Peregrine Falcon 0 0 9
Merlin 1 2 15
Unknown Accipiter 0 0 0
Unknown Buteo 0 0 2
Unknown Eagle 0 0 1
Unknown Falcon 0 0 0
Unknown Vulture 0 0 0
Unknown Raptor 1 3 11

Total: 21 56 3281
----------------------------------------------------------------------

Observation start time: 11:00:00
Observation end time: 13:30:00
Total observation time: 2.5 hours

Official Counter: John Weeks

Observers: Gary Adamson

Weather:
Strong SW winds; other weather data not recorded.

Raptor Observations:
Twenty-one raptors, all but three of them Turkey Vultures, were
undeterred
by the day's headwinds. Not counted as a migrant: Red-tailed Hawk.

Non-raptor Observations:
American Crows (45+ in one murder).
========================================================================
Report submitted by John Weeks (<aerie.john...>)


More site information at hawkcount.org:
https://hawkcount.org/siteinfo.php?rsite=107




 

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Date: 11/4/23 2:34 am
From: Barbara M Volkle <barb620...>
Subject: [MASSBIRD] Pinnacle Rock (03 Nov 2023) 6 Raptors
Date: Sat, 4 Nov 2023 00:57:18 +0000
From: <reports...>
Subject: Pinnacle Rock (03 Nov 2023) 6 Raptors


Pinnacle Rock
Malden, Massachusetts, USA
Daily Raptor Counts: Nov 03, 2023
-------------------------------------------------------------------

Species Day's Count Month Total Season Total
------------------ ----------- -------------- --------------
Black Vulture 0 0 0
Turkey Vulture 2 4 26
Osprey 0 0 18
Bald Eagle 0 0 7
Northern Harrier 0 0 2
Sharp-shinned Hawk 0 0 82
Cooper's Hawk 0 0 12
American Goshawk 0 0 0
Red-shouldered Hawk 0 0 5
Broad-winged Hawk 0 0 8
Red-tailed Hawk 3 4 4
Rough-legged Hawk 0 0 0
Golden Eagle 0 0 0
American Kestrel 0 0 0
Merlin 1 1 7
Peregrine Falcon 0 0 1
Unknown Accipiter 0 0 2
Unknown Buteo 0 0 2
Unknown Falcon 0 0 4
Unknown Eagle 0 0 0
Unknown Raptor 0 0 15

Total: 6 9 195
----------------------------------------------------------------------

Observation start time: 11:15:00
Observation end time: 15:00:00
Total observation time: 3.75 hours

Official Counter: Craig Jackson

Observers:

Weather:
Moderate (3) WSW winds changing to lighter (2) SW winds with gusts uo to
13
mph; Cloud cover -- 60-30-1-7%; Temperature -- 8-12??C

Raptor Observations:
few raptors migrating

Non-raptor Observations:
Most interesting sighting was a large dragonfly (probably Green Darner)
flying around the Rock

Predictions:
lighter SW winds are not promising although they may bring hawks, but I
don't expect to be there. Sinday will have west winds which may be more
promising
========================================================================
Report submitted by Craig Jackson (<crleja1949...>)


More site information at hawkcount.org:
https://hawkcount.org/siteinfo.php?rsite=23


 

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Date: 11/3/23 4:20 pm
From: Leslie Kramer <kramer.lf...>
Subject: [MASSBIRD] Brookline Bird Club Technology Coordinator Needed
The Brookline Bird Club is seeking a volunteer Technology Coordinator (aka
Chief Technologist) who is comfortable using and maintaining the Club's
website and supporting other technologies used to communicate with members
and among board members and volunteers. It is estimated that this work
routinely averages about 3-5 hours weekly absent any unexpected
troubleshooting.



The website runs on WordPress and integrates with CiviCRM, an open source
CRM software designed for use by nonprofits. As needed, the Tech
Coordinator will need to assist with developing and implementing design
changes through WordPress. At the current time the Tech Coordinator is also
responsible for content updates supplied by Club volunteers. This position
also administers CiviCRM, software that handles membership management,
event registration, and member communications.


Further details are available to serious candidates. We appreciate your
interest! Are you interested in applying? Please email us at:
<president...>


Leslie Kramer

Lkramer AT brooklinebirdclub.org

 

Back to top
Date: 11/3/23 3:56 am
From: Phil Brown <ecocmail...>
Subject: [MASSBIRD] Essex County Ornithological Club Meeting Reminder - November 10, 2023 - 7:45pm - Bicycling, Birding, and #BLM Across America in a Summer of Chaos
*Friday, November 10, 2023, 7:45pm */(Revised program date)//*Bicycling,
Birding, and #BLM Across America in a Summer of Chaos*/ECOC meeting
7:30-7:45pm In-person | Morse Auditorium, PEM Please pre-register here
<https://www.pem.org/events/bicycling-birding-and-blm-across-america-in-a-summer-of-chaos>and
bring your ticket with you Or join on Zoom here
<https://us06web.zoom.us/j/88311796752?<pwd...>Free
and open to the public

     Through vivid photographs and videos, Dr. Scott V. Edwards,
professor and curator of ornithology at Harvard University, brings us
along on his 76-day, 3,800-mile bicycle trek across the United States in
the summer of 2020, when the world was leveled by a pandemic and
outraged by the murders of George Floyd, Breonna Taylor and others. As
he recollects riding through varied landscapes and communities with
“Black Lives Matter” signs affixed to his bicycle, Edwards will reflect
upon the people, landscapes and birds that he encountered, and convey
the challenges, generosity and hope that inspired and surprised him
throughout his journey. His two-wheeled story is a clarion call to
people from all walks of life to enjoy the open road, make connections
across divides and help break down stereotypes attached to people of
color in the United States – all with binoculars in hand.

     This lecture is made possible by a generous gift from The Echo
Charitable Foundation. It is co-sponsored by the PEM.

About the Presenter

     Dr. Scott V. Edwards’ interest in ornithology and natural history
began when he was a child growing up in Riverdale, the Bronx, where he
undertook his first job in environmental science at an environmental
institute called Wave Hill. He received his undergraduate degree from
Harvard in 1986. As an undergraduate, Edwards took a year off from his
studies to learn what it is that biologists do. He spent six months
volunteering at the Smithsonian National Museum of Natural History in
Washington, DC, then gained his first field experience assisting with
research on the natural history and conservation of native birds in
Hawaii and northern California.

     He returned to Harvard to finish his degree, and enrolled in the
PhD program in Zoology at the University of California, Berkeley. After
9 years teaching at the University of Washington, he returned to Harvard
as a professor in 2003. His research on the evolution of birds has taken
him around the world, and he has devoted his career to increasing the
presence of BIPOC in the environmental sciences. He has won numerous
awards both for his research and for his efforts to increase diversity
in the biological sciences.

For directions to Peabody Essex Museum please see:
https://massbird.org/ecoc/directions/
<https://massbird.org/ecoc/directions/>

--
Phil Brown
Webmaster for:
Essex County Ornithological Club
<ecocmail...>

 

Back to top
Date: 11/2/23 6:58 pm
From: Barbara M Volkle <barb620...>
Subject: [MASSBIRD] Blueberry Hill (02 Nov 2023) 35 Raptors

Date: Fri, 3 Nov 2023 00:47:35 +0000
From: <reports...>
Subject: Blueberry Hill (02 Nov 2023) 35 Raptors

Blueberry Hill
Granville, Massachusetts, USA
Daily Raptor Counts: Nov 02, 2023
-------------------------------------------------------------------

Species Day's Count Month Total Season Total
------------------ ----------- -------------- --------------
Black Vulture 0 0 0
Turkey Vulture 16 16 262
Osprey 0 0 18
Bald Eagle 1 1 14
Northern Harrier 1 1 27
Sharp-shinned Hawk 1 1 204
Cooper's Hawk 0 0 22
American Goshawk 0 0 1
Red-shouldered Hawk 10 10 15
Broad-winged Hawk 0 0 2526
Red-tailed Hawk 3 3 13
Rough-legged Hawk 0 0 0
Golden Eagle 0 0 0
American Kestrel 0 0 122
Peregrine Falcon 0 0 9
Merlin 1 1 14
Unknown Accipiter 0 0 0
Unknown Buteo 0 0 2
Unknown Eagle 0 0 1
Unknown Falcon 0 0 0
Unknown Vulture 0 0 0
Unknown Raptor 2 2 10

Total: 35 35 3260
----------------------------------------------------------------------

Observation start time: 09:00:00 Observation end time: 14:00:00 Total
observation time: 5 hours

Official Counter: John Weeks

Observers: Dick Haas, Gary Adamson, John Weeks

Visitors:
Local resident John and his dog Oscar; John recently mowed the path
around
the perimeter of the blueberry field.


Weather:
Clear, with a touch of haze, to start; variably cloudy in the afternoon
(CLCV 40% > 30% > 5%). Wind NW 2-7 mph. Temperature 32-42 F. Patches of
snow were plainly visible on the cliff face of Mt Tom.

Raptor Observations:
Red-tails and Red-shouldered Hawks have been MIA thus far. Today saw
what I
hope is the beginning, albeit modest, of real movement by the buteos
through this area. The Harrier was a gray ghost. Not counted as
migrants:
immature Bald Eagle, two Red-tailed Hawks.
Non-raptor Observations:
First SNOW BUNTINGS (2) of the season -- it's about time! Canada Geese
(ca. 100), Common Loon, Blue Jay, American Crows (53), Common Raven,
Black-capped Chickadee, Tufted Titmouse, White-breasted Nuthatch, Hermit
Thrush, Purple Finch, Pine Siskins (flock of ca. 20), American
Goldfinch,
Dark-eyed Juncos (11),
========================================================================
Report submitted by John Weeks (<aerie.john...>)


More site information at hawkcount.org:
https://hawkcount.org/siteinfo.php?rsite=107


 

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Date: 11/2/23 6:22 pm
From: Barbara M Volkle <barb620...>
Subject: [MASSBIRD] Wachusett Mountain (02 Nov 2023) 108 Migrating Raptors including a Golden Eagle

Date: Thu, 2 Nov 2023 23:36:16 +0000
From: <reports...>
Subject: Wachusett Mountain (02 Nov 2023) 108 Migrating Raptors
including a Golden Eagle


Wachusett Mountain
Princeton, Massachusetts, USA
Daily Raptor Counts: Nov 02, 2023
-------------------------------------------------------------------

Species Day's Count Month Total Season Total
------------------ ----------- -------------- --------------
Black Vulture 0 0 3
Turkey Vulture 25 25 804
Osprey 0 0 155
Bald Eagle 11 11 255
Northern Harrier 0 0 37
Sharp-shinned Hawk 0 0 324
Cooper's Hawk 1 1 133
American Goshawk 0 0 1
Red-shouldered Hawk 40 40 78
Broad-winged Hawk 0 0 15073
Red-tailed Hawk 16 16 74
Rough-legged Hawk 0 0 0
Golden Eagle 1 1 1
American Kestrel 0 0 97
Merlin 0 0 37
Peregrine Falcon 0 0 17
Unknown Accipiter 0 0 33
Unknown Buteo 8 8 27
Unknown Falcon 0 0 10
Unknown Eagle 0 0 1
Unknown Raptor 6 6 163

Total: 108 108 17323
----------------------------------------------------------------------

Observation start time: 08:00:00 Observation end time: 15:00:00 Total
observation time: 7 hours

Official Counter: Eric Mueller

Observers: Bill Rasku, Paul Vanderhoof

Visitors:
The usual collection of hikers.

Bill Rasku did a great job anchoring the watch all day with help from
Paul
Vanderhoof.

Weather:
A frosty, clear day with plenty of sun, and moderate NW winds all day.
There was very little haze and visibility was excellent. Snow-covered
Mount Washington was visible all day (126 miles distant.) Temps rose
from
31 to 40 F, but even with the sun out, the winds made it bitterly cold.

Raptor Observations:
The below-freezing temperatures and NW winds appear to have inspired the
raptors to move today with over 100 counted. This was the largest flight
of
Red-shouldered Hawks for us all season, and Bill got a great view of the
first Golden Eagle of the season here - an adult that nearly filled the
view through his binoculars.
Non-migrating raptors:
Turkey Vulture - 2
Bald Eagle - 3 (1 adult, 2 imm)
Red-tailed Hawk - 2

Non-raptor Observations:
Snow Bunting - 4 (the largest number yet this season)
Comm Loon - 2 (fly-by)
Blue Jay - 1
Comm Raven - 3
BC Chickadee - 1
WB Nuthatch - 1
DE Junco - 1

Bill saw a Ruffed Grouse on his drive home.

Predictions:
Sunny on Friday, but with 10-20 mph SW winds, we're going to skip the
watch. Saturday and Sunday look to be more likely candidates.
========================================================================
Report submitted by ERIC MUELLER (<ericmueller1912...>)
Wachusett Mountain information may be found at:
http://www.massbird.org/emhw


More site information at hawkcount.org:
https://hawkcount.org/siteinfo.php?rsite=228



 

Back to top
Date: 11/2/23 6:20 pm
From: Barbara M Volkle <barb620...>
Subject: [MASSBIRD] Pinnacle Rock (02 Nov 2023) 3 Raptors

Date: Thu, 2 Nov 2023 22:32:58 +0000
From: <reports...>
Subject: Pinnacle Rock (02 Nov 2023) 3 Raptors


Pinnacle Rock
Malden, Massachusetts, USA
Daily Raptor Counts: Nov 02, 2023
-------------------------------------------------------------------

Species Day's Count Month Total Season Total
------------------ ----------- -------------- --------------
Black Vulture 0 0 0
Turkey Vulture 2 2 24
Osprey 0 0 18
Bald Eagle 0 0 7
Northern Harrier 0 0 2
Sharp-shinned Hawk 0 0 82
Cooper's Hawk 0 0 12
American Goshawk 0 0 0
Red-shouldered Hawk 0 0 5
Broad-winged Hawk 0 0 8
Red-tailed Hawk 1 1 1
Rough-legged Hawk 0 0 0
Golden Eagle 0 0 0
American Kestrel 0 0 0
Merlin 0 0 6
Peregrine Falcon 0 0 1
Unknown Accipiter 0 0 2
Unknown Buteo 0 0 2
Unknown Falcon 0 0 4
Unknown Eagle 0 0 0
Unknown Raptor 0 0 15

Total: 3 3 189
----------------------------------------------------------------------

Observation start time: 08:45:00 Observation end time: 14:30:00 Total
observation time: 5.75 hours

Official Counter: Craig Jackson

Observers: Bill Shapiro

Weather:
Light (2) NW winds throughout with gusts up to 9 mph; Cloud cover --
10-0%;
Temperature -- 0-5°C

Raptor Observations:
Very few migrating raptors

Non-raptor Observations:


Predictions:
Tomorrow winds will be from the SW but stronger than today. May provide
lift for migrating TV's.
========================================================================
Report submitted by Craig Jackson (<crleja1949...>)


More site information at hawkcount.org:
https://hawkcount.org/siteinfo.php?rsite=239
 

Back to top
Date: 11/2/23 4:20 am
From: Josh <opihi...>
Subject: [MASSBIRD] Tufted Duck in Holyoke!
Hi MassBirders,

Ted Gilliland found a Tufted Duck in Holyoke yesterday, on the Whiting Street Reservoir:

https://ebird.org/checklist/S153554612

The species seems to show up in eastern MA every winter, but this appears to be the state’s first record west of eastern Worcester County.

Good birding,

Josh



Joshua S. Rose, Ph.D.
Amherst, MA
https://www.facebook.com/opihi

Vice-president, Hampshire Bird Club
https://hampshirebirdclub.org/

Northeast Chapter head, Dragonfly Society of the Americas
https://www.dragonflysocietyamericas.org/northeastdsa

Citizen science pages:
http://bugguide.net/user/view/2399
https://www.inaturalist.org/observations/opihiman
https://ebird.org/profile/MTk1MTQw/US-MA




 

Back to top
Date: 11/1/23 7:09 pm
From: Barbara M Volkle <barb620...>
Subject: [MASSBIRD] Surf Scoter and Black Scoters, Etc. at Jamaica Pond
Thanks to Paul Peterson for this report.

Barbara Volkle
Northborough,MA
<barb620...>

*

Date: Wed, 1 Nov 2023 20:51:17 +0000 (UTC)
From: Paul Peterson <petersonpaul63...>
Subject: Surf Scoter and Black Scoters, Etc. at Jamaica Pond

I birded the chain of Jamaica Plain ponds from 2:00-4:30, starting at
Leverett Pond and ending at Jamaica Pond:

Wood Duck 32 all but one at Leverett Pond
Green-winged Teal 3 L.P.
American Wigeon 2 L.P.
Ring-necked Duck 3
Hooded Merganser 13 J.P.
Surf Scoter 1 ad. male (leader of the scoter pack)
Black Scoter 3 J.P.
Ruddy Duck 6
American Coot 2 J.P. at the island
Golden-crowned Kinglet 5
Yellow-rumped Warbler 1

Paul Peterson
<petersonpaul63...>
Boston

 

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Date: 11/1/23 11:40 am
From: Denise Cabral <goshawk3...>
Subject: [MASSBIRD] Phoebe in Brimfield
There have been some pretty nutty birds here this fall, but just now, at 2 pm, I was entertained by a chipping Eastern Phoebe for about ten minutes. It was hopping around feeding on something in my gray birches, tail wagging when it sat still for a second.
Denise Cabral Paige Hill Rd Brimfield
 

Back to top
Date: 11/1/23 8:56 am
From: Barbara M Volkle <barb620...>
Subject: [MASSBIRD] Wachusett Mountain (31 Oct 2023) 145 Migrating Raptors
Date: Wed, 1 Nov 2023 15:01:01 +0000
From: <reports...>
Subject: Wachusett Mountain (31 Oct 2023) 145 Migrating Raptors


Wachusett Mountain
Princeton, Massachusetts, USA
Daily Raptor Counts: Oct 31, 2023
-------------------------------------------------------------------

Species Day's Count Month Total Season Total
------------------ ----------- -------------- --------------
Black Vulture 0 1 3
Turkey Vulture 100 745 779
Osprey 0 24 155
Bald Eagle 11 104 244
Northern Harrier 1 18 37
Sharp-shinned Hawk 3 150 324
Cooper's Hawk 2 78 132
American Goshawk 0 0 1
Red-shouldered Hawk 4 25 38
Broad-winged Hawk 0 2 15073
Red-tailed Hawk 11 49 58
Rough-legged Hawk 0 0 0
Golden Eagle 0 0 0
American Kestrel 1 36 97
Merlin 2 20 37
Peregrine Falcon 0 10 17
Unknown Accipiter 0 13 33
Unknown Buteo 0 9 19
Unknown Falcon 1 9 10
Unknown Eagle 0 1 1
Unknown Raptor 9 75 157

Total: 145 1369 17215
----------------------------------------------------------------------

Observation start time: 09:00:00
Observation end time: 15:00:00
Total observation time: 6 hours

Official Counter: Eric Mueller

Observers: Bill Rasku, Marty McNamara, Paul Vanderhoof, Tom
Gottschang

Visitors:
Only hikers now that the auto road has been closed for the winter -
maybe
30 people and several dogs, including 2 little Pomeranians that walked
all
the way up.


Weather:
Chilly (38-44 F), mild WNW to N winds. Sunny in the morning, with
cumulus
clouds increasing to 50% coverage in the afternoon. Very mild haze, all
landmarks were easily visible including the 2nd-level NH mountains
(Passaconaway, Whiteface and the rest of the Sandwich Range.) We could
make
out a very fuzzy Mt Washington for a short while.

Raptor Observations:
A fine day for migration, especially after 2 days of rain (no watches
conducted on 10/29 or 10/30) and 4 days of unusually warm weather before
that. We hiked up to arrive at 9 AM EST and started seeing migrating
birds
within 10 minutes. We had several kettles/streams of TVs - qty 10, 20,
18 &
10. The juvenile harrier came close enough for us to see the orange
wash
on its body and its owl-like face.

Non-migrating raptors:
Bald Eagle - 4 (2 adults, 2 juv)
Red-shouldered Hawk - 1
Red-tailed Hawk - 4 (2 adults, 2 juv. Minimum numbers, repeated
appearances)
Amer Kestrel - 1 (hunting locally)


Non-raptor Observations:
Canada Goose - 40 (migrating. We're still surprised by how few times
we've
seen them pass by this season)
DC Cormorant - 2 (migrating)
gull sp - 8
Blue Jay - 2
Amer Crow - 6 (appeared to be migrating)
Comm Raven - 6
BC Chickadee - 2
WB Nuthatch - 1
DE Junco - 2


Predictions:
No watch on Wednesday - too cold and cloudy to justify the hike.
Possible
snow showers in the morning.

We expect to go up on Thursday (11/02) - sunny, temps in the high 30's
to
mid-40's, and 5-8 mph WNW to W winds. Should be another good migration
day.
========================================================================
Report submitted by ERIC MUELLER (<ericmueller1912...>)
Wachusett Mountain information may be found at:
http://www.massbird.org/emhw


More site information at hawkcount.org:
https://hawkcount.org/siteinfo.php?rsite=228


 

Back to top
Date: 10/31/23 6:09 pm
From: Barbara M Volkle <barb620...>
Subject: [MASSBIRD] Pinnacle Rock (31 Oct 2023) 1 Raptors



Date: Tue, 31 Oct 2023 20:40:47 +0000
From: <reports...>
Subject: Pinnacle Rock (31 Oct 2023) 1 Raptors


Pinnacle Rock
Malden, Massachusetts, USA
Daily Raptor Counts: Oct 31, 2023
-------------------------------------------------------------------

Species Day's Count Month Total Season Total
------------------ ----------- -------------- --------------
Black Vulture 0 0 0
Turkey Vulture 1 22 22
Osprey 0 5 18
Bald Eagle 0 7 7
Northern Harrier 0 0 2
Sharp-shinned Hawk 0 17 82
Cooper's Hawk 0 6 12
American Goshawk 0 0 0
Red-shouldered Hawk 0 5 5
Broad-winged Hawk 0 0 8
Red-tailed Hawk 0 0 0
Rough-legged Hawk 0 0 0
Golden Eagle 0 0 0
American Kestrel 0 0 0
Merlin 0 3 6
Peregrine Falcon 0 0 1
Unknown Accipiter 0 1 2
Unknown Buteo 0 0 2
Unknown Falcon 0 1 4
Unknown Eagle 0 0 0
Unknown Raptor 0 3 15

Total: 1 70 186
----------------------------------------------------------------------

Observation start time: 07:00:00
Observation end time: 14:00:00
Total observation time: 7 hours

Official Counter: Craig Jackson

Observers:

Weather:
Light(2) NW winds changing to even lighter(1) NNW winds at 12 PM;
Maximum
gust was 10 mph earlier in the morning but for most of watch highest
gusts
of wind were 6-7 mph; Cloud cover -- 10%; although southeast horizon had
cirrus clouds, the sky from west to east was totally clear for most of
the
watch, with cumulus clouds beginning to appear 11 AM, but never covering
more than 3% of that portion of the sky; Temperature went from 1-5C

Raptor Observations:
Only one migrating raptor! Two distant probable RT Hawks were observed
soaring before disappearing into the blue sky. Although they may have
been
migrating, they were not counted as doing so.

Non-raptor Observations:


Predictions:
Tomorrow will have light winds from the North, before the predicted rain
in
the afternoon. Thursday, after Wednesday's rain, may bring migrants as
winds will be from the West.
========================================================================
Report submitted by Craig Jackson (<crleja1949...>)


More site information at hawkcount.org:
https://hawkcount.org/siteinfo.php?rsite=239


 

Back to top
Date: 10/31/23 6:05 pm
From: Barbara M Volkle <barb620...>
Subject: [MASSBIRD] Blueberry Hill (31 Oct 2023) 17 Raptors



Date: Tue, 31 Oct 2023 20:33:51 +0000
From: <reports...>
Subject: Blueberry Hill (31 Oct 2023) 17 Raptors


Blueberry Hill
Granville, Massachusetts, USA
Daily Raptor Counts: Oct 31, 2023
-------------------------------------------------------------------

Species Day's Count Month Total Season Total
------------------ ----------- -------------- --------------
Black Vulture 0 0 0
Turkey Vulture 13 228 246
Osprey 0 3 18
Bald Eagle 1 6 13
Northern Harrier 0 16 26
Sharp-shinned Hawk 1 68 203
Cooper's Hawk 1 15 22
American Goshawk 1 1 1
Red-shouldered Hawk 0 5 5
Broad-winged Hawk 0 1 2526
Red-tailed Hawk 0 10 10
Rough-legged Hawk 0 0 0
Golden Eagle 0 0 0
American Kestrel 0 34 122
Peregrine Falcon 0 3 9
Merlin 0 9 13
Unknown Accipiter 0 0 0
Unknown Buteo 0 2 2
Unknown Eagle 0 1 1
Unknown Falcon 0 0 0
Unknown Vulture 0 0 0
Unknown Raptor 0 3 8

Total: 17 405 3225
----------------------------------------------------------------------

Observation start time: 09:00:00
Observation end time: 14:00:00
Total observation time: 5 hours

Official Counter: John Weeks

Observers: John Weeks

Visitors:
Local resident Paul, with his sweet-natured Australian Shepherd,
Charlie.
(Charlie jumped into the back of my Subaru last year while I was
unpacking
my gear -- an amusing and pleasant surprise.)


Weather:
AM: sunny; slight haze; wind NNW 2-7 mph. PM: increasing cloudiness
(CLCV
10% —> 50%); wind shifting from NW to NE, 2-8 mph. Temperature 39-46 F.

Raptor Observations:
Mostly Turkey Vultures. First American Goshawk of the season, harassed
by
a Sharp-shin that looked like a blackbird up against the larger bird.
While
watching Juncos feeding on millet that I had scattered earlier, I heard
a
jet-plane-like whoosh approaching from behind me. it was produced by an
adult Cooper's Hawk, probably a female, streaking towards the feeding
Juncos. She came so close to my right ear that I could feel the
pressure
wave as she passed.

Non-raptor Observations:
Red-bellied Woodpecker, Hairy Woodpecker, Blue Jays (2), American Crows
(8), Common Raven, Black-capped Chickadee,
Tufted Titmouse, Ruby-crowned Kinglet, White-breasted Nuthatch, Eastern
Bluebird, Purple Finches (3), Pine Siskins (50+; one flock alone
contained
at least 40 birds), American Goldfinches (3), Field Sparrow, Dark-eyed
Juncos (18), Savannah Sparrows (4), Song Sparrow, Palm Warbler.
========================================================================
Report submitted by John Weeks (<aerie.john...>)


More site information at hawkcount.org:
https://hawkcount.org/siteinfo.php?rsite=107


 

Back to top
Date: 10/31/23 11:35 am
From: Shilo McDonald <smcdonald...>
Subject: [MASSBIRD] Mass Bird Audio Recordings
Afternoon All,
Thanks to Phil Brown's Yellow-headed Blackbird, I now have seen 337
species within the Commonwealth (Lifetime). And of those, I've
submitted to eBird the audio recordings for 174 of them. (Recordings
made with Voice Memo app on iPhone. Spectrogram analysis performed
using Audacity for Mac.)

Here's my most recent Plum Island eBird Report which includes 83
Photos and 4 Audio Recordings: https://ebird.org/checklist/S153435662

Text only report below.

Happy Birding,
Shilo McDonald
Lynn, Massachusetts
<SMcDonald...>

Parker River NWR, Essex, Massachusetts, US
Oct 29, 2023 3:30 PM - 5:20 PM
Protocol: Traveling
5.0 mile(s)
Checklist Comments: Went to Plum Island after Doug Checkering's
Celebration of Life.
49 species

Canada Goose 16
Mute Swan 2 North Pool.
Gadwall 50
American Wigeon 4 Bill Forward Pool.
Mallard 100
American Black Duck 500
Northern Pintail 40
Green-winged Teal 750 It's hard to count them all. This is a
conservative estimate. And also -- easily the most Green-winged Teal
I've ever seen altogether. Bill Forward Pool.
Ring-necked Duck 4 Salt Pannes.
Lesser Scaup 4 Scope views from the dike. Way in the back of the
Bill Forward Pool.
Bufflehead 2 Ocean side / Parker River.
Pied-billed Grebe 1 in the North Pool. Seen from Hellcat Dike.
Horned Grebe 1 Ocean side / Parker River.
Mourning Dove 3
American Coot 2 Together in the North Pool. Seen from Hellcat Dike.
Black-bellied Plover 20 Bill Forward Pool.
Long-billed Dowitcher 4
Lesser Yellowlegs 4 Bill Forward Pool.
Greater Yellowlegs 25 Bill Forward Pool.
Red Knot 2 Bill Forward Pool.
Sanderling 5 Bill Forward Pool.
Dunlin 100 Bill Forward Pool.
White-rumped Sandpiper 20 Bill Forward Pool.
Herring Gull 32
Great Black-backed Gull 2
Common Loon 5 Ocean side / Parker River.
Double-crested Cormorant 125
Great Egret 1
Great Blue Heron 1
Northern Harrier 1 Harassing a Red-tailed Hawk.
Red-tailed Hawk 1 Perched atop the Hellcat Tower. Minding his own
business. Preening mostly. Except for when he was harassed by an
American Kestrel. Or when he was harassed by a Northern Harrier. Those
jerks. ;-)
American Kestrel 1 Scaring up the shore birds in Bill Forward Pool.
Blue Jay 2
American Crow 1
Black-capped Chickadee 1
Golden-crowned Kinglet 1
Gray Catbird 1
American Robin 4
Cedar Waxwing 1
American Pipit 11 Flew over the dike all together. Vocalizing with
a rising "pip-it" as they flew.
American Goldfinch 1
Dark-eyed Junco 2
White-throated Sparrow 3
Song Sparrow 2
Swamp Sparrow 1
Red-winged Blackbird 3
Common Grackle 5
Common Yellowthroat 1
Yellow-rumped Warbler 1

 

Back to top
Date: 10/31/23 7:40 am
From: John Liller <john.liller...>
Subject: [MASSBIRD] Black Vulture in Worcester on 10/31/23
As I drove to Worcester Academy for work this morning, I had a Black
Vulture being chased by a group of crows over the Rice Square School on
Massasoit Rd in Worcester.

John


------------------
John Liller
Mathematics Department
Assistant Coach, Girls Varsity Soccer
81 Providence St.
Worcester, MA 01604
Phone 508-754-5302
Fax 508-754-6571
<john.liller...>

WORCESTER ACADEMY is a co-ed day and boarding school for grades 6 to 12 and
postgraduates. Our urban setting, diverse community, and challenging
curriculum provide students with a solid, real-world education. Information
at www.worcesteracademy.org.

 

Back to top
Date: 10/31/23 5:15 am
From: Fred Bouchard <frederickbouchard...>
Subject: [MASSBIRD] Another Full Moon, Another Horned Owl Duet
second show in october (1st and 29th):
https://ebird.org/checklist/S153372571

--
<frederickbouchard...>

Instructions for living a life:


*Pay attention.Be astonished.Tell about it.*
--- Mary Oliver (1935-2023)

 

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