Observation start time: 11:30:00 Observation end time: 13:45:00 Total observation time: 2.25 hours
Official Counter: John Weeks
Observers: John Weeks
Weather: Nearly overcast to start, with low ceiling; clouds began to break up towards the end (cloud-cover decreased to 80-85%). Wind variable, NW-W-WSW-SW, 3-10 mph. Temperature 42-47 F.
Raptor Observations: Still no Golden Eagle! The female Kestrel zigzagged swiftly across the hilltop and went out of sight. This behavior puzzled me until a Merlin appeared less than a minute later, traveling along the same path. I think it was chasing the other falcon.
Non-raptor Observations: BIRD OF THE DAY: Common Redpoll. I nearly stepped on it when I went in search of a Hermit Thrush I heard near the lookout. It moved only a dozen feet, landed again and began energetically to peck up seeds too small for me to see. It approached to within ten feet of me. I need a better camera than m iPhone 5. Others: Canada Goose (107), Hermit Thrush, Yellow-rumped Warbler (4), Purple Finch (3). ======================================================================== Report submitted by John Weeks (<aerie.john...>)
Observation start time: 08:45:00 Observation end time: 13:30:00 Total observation time: 5.25 hours
Official Counter: Craig Jackson
Observers:
Visitors: Shihen Suga
Weather: Moderate (3) WNW winds throughout watch; temperature -- 1-7°C; cloud cover -- 2-30% beginning in southeastern horizon and eventually to southwest -- thus, through almost the entire watch I was looking into blue cloudless sky
Raptor Observations: Small movement of accipiters; adult Bald eagle that disappeared in blue sky presumed to be migrant; almost all birds flying at height (1) non-migrants: at least 3 (both immature and adult), possibly more, Red-tailed Hawk; 1 Cooper's Hawk
Predictions: tomorrow rain expected, but Wednesday should have strong to very strong NW winds, which will continue at least until Friday. May be a good migration Wednesday and following days ======================================================================== Report submitted by Craig Jackson (<crleja1949...>)
Observation start time: 08:15:00 Observation end time: 15:30:00 Total observation time: 7.25 hours
Official Counter: Rod Chase
Observers: Bill Rasku, Janet Kovner, Nancy Given, Tom Gottschang
Visitors: Observers: Nancy Given, Janet Kovner, Bill Rasku, Tom Gottschang, Rod Chase.
Visitors: It's Sunday. Hundreds! Many of them were "walking ice cubes" by the time they approached the tower.
Weather: Strongest winds and gusts (15-20mph NW with gusts over 30) were in the AM hours - only dropping to 15, gusts 20mph from noon hour on. Late afternoon found the gusts much less frequent -- 20-30 minutes apart. A bigger effect was when the 95% cloud cover started to blow off in mid-afternoon to 60 %and finally 40% near the end. This allowed the sun to finally reach our hill after hours of teasing us from the distance. The chill was reduced only marginally since a 39F start dropped steadily thru the day to 31F in last half hour. For the birds: the reduced wind and a shift to NNW-N won out and slightly less than half our flight arrived in the last hour. The improved sunshine made them easier to find, of course! Visibility was best it has been in a month: 50mi/80km seemed to improve as humidity dropped and the sun lit us up. Only that pesky smoke from out west left distant features light gray though Boston was pretty clear.
Raptor Observations: A mix of 7 species plus unidentified raptors made the final list: TV, SS, CH, RT, AK, ML, PG. Some morning birds were eye-level at their highest but many distant and low. With the dark clouds above we may have missed several who stayed below horizons. Flight direction mostly SSW-SW in the end, but the birds worked hard to get there. ("Oh, not that bad" say the falcons.) Majority birds passed on west side.
Local raptors: BE 3 (or 4?) seen to N; CH 2; RT 4.
Non-raptor Observations: Migrating: Canada Geese 44; Cormorants 53. Locals: Loon 1; Common Ravens 7; Crows 60+/- whirling together on east side of hill. Many Juncos in the bushes today.
Predictions: Monday: Sunny, with a high near 49. West wind around 6 mph. (Sounds nicer ... might make it up there?) ======================================================================== Report submitted by Rod Chase (<rodchase...>) Wachusett Mountain information may be found at: http://www.massbird.org/emhw
Date: 10/21/18 8:43 pm From: Nickilas Paulson <grendelpgill...> Subject: [MASSBIRD] BBC walk to Westboro WMA. 80 species, great fallout of White-throated Sparrows. 10/21
Howdy,
Results from BBC walk to Westboro WMA, with a stop at Bartlett Pond, Northboro and Heirloom Harvest CSV, Westboro. 7;30am to 3pm. Rainy start and no participants, but having seen over a hundred White-throated Sparrows along the road driving to the meeting spot, I figured the storm had brought in a good fallout. It turned out to be a great day to be out birding. It reminded me of years back going up to Parker River and birding the island in a similar fall storm with on and off rain. Just driving the island, the road was loaded with White-throated and White-crowned Sparrows and Palm Warblers. Today was a Sparrow day with over 2500 sparrows, of 13 species, with most being White-throated. Also 7 warbler species. 80 species seen in total.
163 Canada Goose
10 Mute Swan
9 Mallard
12 Green-winged Teal (American)
9 Ring-necked Duck
3 Long-tailed Duck – M/2F. Flyover. Nice to see the streaming tail of the male in flight.
5 Bufflehead
6 Hooded Merganser
2 Ring-necked Pheasant -- F, releases
2 Pied-billed Grebe
4 Rock Pigeon (Feral Pigeon)
70 Mourning Dove
1 Yellow-billed Cuckoo -- Sang. Late. Others have told me it’s been a late migration for them.
40 Horned Lark -- Large flock in Acorn Squash field.
34 Black-capped Chickadee
2 Tufted Titmouse
14 White-breasted Nuthatch
2 House Wren
1 Winter Wren
1 Carolina Wren
1 Golden-crowned Kinglet
58 Ruby-crowned Kinglet -- Fallout. Present throughout in all habitats. Even out in cornstalks. Many very vocal. Often popping out when pishing. Counted by ones.
1 American Tree Sparrow -- Heirloom Harvest, raspberry patch
1 Field Sparrow
1 Fox Sparrow
191 Dark-eyed Junco (Slate-colored)
40 White-crowned Sparrow -- Fallout. All over in mixed flocks. Mostly singles. Most dark lores types, but a few lighter lored. One Gambel's Adult.
1584 White-throated Sparrow -- Huge fallout. Everywhere. Tried to get accurate count by pishing up when heard to count them by ones. Had them before count all along road just driving to WWMA. Some large groups, 240 just in the small field between wooded marsh and ragweed fields. Up to 80 seen in a single view. In all habitats. Only encountered one other fallout like this on Plum Island during a storm.
1 Vesper Sparrow – Field HQ
12 Savannah Sparrow
503 Song Sparrow
7 Lincoln's Sparrow -- Singles, in various spots.
211 Swamp Sparrow
140 Red-winged Blackbird
1 Brown-headed Cowbird
23 Rusty Blackbird -- Most in wooded swamp(18). Singles otherwise.
180 Common Grackle
2 Orange-crowned Warbler -- 3rd ragweed field. Smokestack entrance, near lone tree. Gray-headed one was in acorn squash field(135 side).
1 Orange-crowned Warbler (Gray-headed)
1 Nashville Warbler -- 3rd ragweed field in hedgerow by house. Often persists in this spot.
2 Common Yellowthroat
1 Magnolia Warbler -- Smokestack entrance. Field to the right where waterway goes through field from road. Adult male nonbreeding.
1 Blackpoll Warbler
82 Palm Warbler (Yellow)
281 Yellow-rumped Warbler (Myrtle) – new behavior, watched many of them in the beaver ponds sitting on lily pads and feeding on insects near the water.
8 Northern Cardinal
1 House Sparrow
Nickilas Paulson grendelpgill at yahoo com Upton Ma
Observation start time: 09:30:00 Observation end time: 14:00:00 Total observation time: 4.5 hours
Official Counter:
Observers: Bill Rasku
Visitors: Observer & compiler: Bill Rasku ("Had some time so I thought I'd see if my help was needed. It was.") Thanks Mr. October.
Weather: Sat Oct 20 Total time 9:30 am to 2 pm.
Overcast and fierce wind SW 15mph/24kph gusts to 30/48. 1/3 of Monadnock covered in clouds. Temp 49-53F/9-12C. Sun peeking through in a few spots at 9:30. By 10:30 wind lessened to 5-10mph/8-16kpr and ceiling lifted over Monadnock Partly sunny. By 1 pm more sun, but dark rain clouds approached and wind increased to 10 plus from 1 pm on,still SW.
Raptor Observations: 11:04 Osprey 11:18 SS 11:25 TV 11:31 5 TV Seems they all decided to leave when the wind decreased. All passed to the east of the mountain. SS landed for a moment in oaks, never got any higher. The day's flight in 27 minutes.
Locals: RT (kiting at mountain), mature BE, Distant RT and Raven in aerial duel.
Non-raptor Observations: 4 Common Ravens; 75 Canada Geese.
Predictions: Rain early then strong NW winds with gusts to 30 mph ======================================================================== Report submitted by Rod Chase (<rodchase...>) Wachusett Mountain information may be found at: http://www.massbird.org/emhw
Buffleheads, 7 today at Brace Cove, along with 9 red breasted mergansers, and in Niles Pond~@~Y 2 ruddy ducks. Caroline Haines Gloucester <Songbirder...>
Observation start time: 09:45:00 Observation end time: 16:30:00 Total observation time: 6.75 hours
Official Counter: Craig Jackson
Observers:
Weather: Light rain in morning before watch began; Winds were very strong (4-5) from the northwest the entire watch; temperature -- 4-5-3°C; cloud cover 99-10%
Raptor Observations: Very good movement of raptors -- mostly accipiters, but also 4 Bald Eagles (2 adults, 2 immatures), an immature Red-shouldered Hawk, several Kestrels, and one Merlin; virtually all birds flying low (0,1) Non-migrants: at least 3 Red-tailed Hawks and 1 TV
Non-raptor Observations: Migrating: 85 Canada Geese Other: Great Horned Owl and Brown Creeper seen on path up to site; 1 Raven, 1 Phoebe, and 1 Junco
Predictions: NW-west winds will continue into tomorrow, so might continue to be good; long-range forecast is that strong NW-W winds will again occur on Wednesday continuing at least until Friday and possibly Saturday, so another good movement may occur then ======================================================================== Report submitted by Craig Jackson (<crleja1949...>)
Observation start time: 08:45:00 Observation end time: 14:30:00 Total observation time: 5.75 hours
Official Counter: Craig Jackson
Observers:
Weather: Moderate (2-3) SW-WNW winds; temperature -- 10-14°C; 97-75% cloud cover, clearing in west/northwest became cumulus-filled sky
Raptor Observations: small movement of raptors, mostly accipiters; only second adult male NH seen at this site In all my years of hawk watching; almost all birds flying low (0,1) non-migrants: at least 3 Red-tailed Hawks
Predictions: Expected to be very good with strong Northwest winds ======================================================================== Report submitted by Craig Jackson (<crleja1949...>)
During an afternoon walk I found 34 species despite the wind. Highlights were osprey, northern harrier, merlin, five white-crowned sparrows, vesper sparrow, and lots of palm warblers :)
Pam Sowizral
Mass Audubon's Drumlin Farm
Linocln
Wild Turkey 10
Mourning Dove 2
Killdeer 5
Osprey 1
Northern Harrier 1
Red-tailed Hawk 3
Red-bellied Woodpecker 3
Downy Woodpecker 2
Northern Flicker 1
Merlin 1
Eastern Phoebe 1
Blue-headed Vireo 1
Blue Jay 5
American Crow 2
Black-capped Chickadee 4
Red-breasted Nuthatch 1
White-breasted Nuthatch 2
Eastern Bluebird 8
American Robin 45
Northern Mockingbird 1
European Starling 45
Cedar Waxwing 1
Chipping Sparrow 1
Dark-eyed Junco 1
White-crowned Sparrow 5
White-throated Sparrow 12
Vesper Sparrow 1
Savannah Sparrow 1
Song Sparrow 7
Blackpoll Warbler 4
Palm Warbler 25 Many palms in the crops fields in several locations. This is an accurate count.
Yellow-rumped Warbler 9
Northern Cardinal 1
House Sparrow 8
Date: 10/21/18 12:38 pm From: Jeffrey Boone Miller <jboonemiller...> Subject: [MASSBIRD] Fresh Pond: Black Scoters & Buffleheads
Fresh Pond, Cambridge, Massachusetts, Oct 21, 2018 10:45 AM - 11:45 AM
I was short on time, so waterfowl numbers are estimates, but a notable number of Buffleheads and an uncommon appearance of Black Scoters.
Mallard 2 Ring-necked Duck ~40 Black Scoter ~15 One flock flew in and landed about 100 yards out from western shore. I did not see white on their wings when in flight. Once on the water, the birds were in an alert posture and formed an extremely tight group ~@~T they could have all fit within a hula hoop. Bufflehead ~14 Most I've seen at one time on Fresh Pond. Northwest corner. Ruddy Duck ~16 Pied-billed Grebe 1 North shoreline. Mourning Dove 1 Ring-billed Gull X Herring Gull X Downy Woodpecker 1 Blue Jay 4 White-breasted Nuthatch 1 Northern Mockingbird 1 European Starling 25 American Goldfinch 2 Blackpoll Warbler 1 Yellow-rumped Warbler 6
On Friday (19th) I studied a large flock of Tree Swallows N of Black's Creek estuary in Wollaston. Initially I reported three *Petrochelidon* (cliff/cave swallows) mixed with an estimated 200 Tree Swallows. Yesterday, I had time to sit and study plumages of Cave Swallows in Sibley and am convinced at least 1 of the three birds was juvenile Cave Swallow base on a distinct pale throat. When I returned to the flock on Friday it had decreased to about half without any of the 3 *Petrochelidon* mixed in. Sorry for the delay in reporting. Modified ebird report at https://ebird.org/view/checklist/S49296578 Karsten
Date: 10/20/18 9:02 pm From: Jim Berry <jim.berry3...> Subject: [MASSBIRD] Merrimac Town Forest, Plum Island, and SPL Farm, Newbury, Oct 20, 2018
Here it is with the correct subject line. SPL stands for Spencer Peirce Little.
Merrimac Town Forest Oct 20, 2018 9:15 AM - 11:15 AM Protocol: Traveling 0.5 mile(s) Comments: This was a site walk led by Essex County Greenbelt on a site to be protected adjacent to the town forest. We walked a trail into a beautiful beaver pond (where I had birded during Atlas 2), after which Bonnie Buxton and I walked farther down Battis Road and did some more birding. It was good to bird again in Merrimack after not being there for at least 7 years. 11 species
Ring-necked Duck 1 Turkey Vulture 1 Pileated Woodpecker 1 Very vocal and excited, but we could not determine the cause. Blue Jay 3 American Crow 9 Black-capped Chickadee 4 Tufted Titmouse 2 Eastern Bluebird 1 Red-winged Blackbird 1 Palm Warbler (Yellow) 2 Yellow-rumped Warbler (Myrtle) 6
Parker River National Wildlife Refuge Oct 20, 2018 11:50 AM - 1:35 PM Protocol: Traveling 3.0 mile(s) Comments: I went as far as the sub-hq, where I teamed up with many other birders looking for sparrows. Nobody saw the reported grasshopper sparrow while I was there, but many of us had multiple looks at a clay-colored sparrow. 22 species
Gadwall 2 Eurasian Wigeon 1 m Drake from yesterday, with AMWI in the main salt pan. A drive-by bird! I did not see a female with him. American Wigeon 24 American Black Duck 150 Greater Scaup 1 m main salt pan with wigeons and black ducks Dunlin 4 Greater Yellowlegs 17 Lesser Yellowlegs 1 Herring Gull 5 Great Egret 4 Turkey Vulture 1 Northern Harrier 1 juv. Northern Mockingbird 2 Chipping Sparrow 4 Clay-colored Sparrow 1 Dark-eyed Junco (Slate-colored) 4 White-crowned Sparrow 3 juvs White-throated Sparrow 1 Savannah Sparrow 5 Song Sparrow 9 Palm Warbler (Western) 1 (yes, 1 western palm here at the warden's and 2 yellow palms in Merrimac) Yellow-rumped Warbler (Myrtle) 2
Spencer Peirce Little Farm, Newbury Oct 20, 2018 1:45 PM - 2:45 PM Protocol: Traveling 0.2 mile(s) Comments: Barry Burden and Leslie Kramer joined me here from PI and we looked for sparrows, pipits, etc. 11 species
Herring Gull 3 Red-tailed Hawk 1 Northern Flicker 1 did not see underwing color Blue Jay 4 American Pipit 1 We missed the flock of 30 or so seen earlier today by Constance Lapite. White-crowned Sparrow (Dark-lored) 1 adult White-throated Sparrow 9 Savannah Sparrow 3 Song Sparrow 13 Red-winged Blackbird 1 Yellow-rumped Warbler (Myrtle) 5
Date: 10/20/18 8:56 pm From: Jim Berry <jim.berry3...> Subject: [MASSBIRD] Fwd: eBird Report - Merrimac Town Forest, Oct 20, 2018
Merrimac Town Forest Oct 20, 2018 9:15 AM - 11:15 AM Protocol: Traveling 0.5 mile(s) Comments: This was a site walk led by Essex County Greenbelt on a site to be protected adjacent to the town forest. We walked a trail into a beautiful beaver pond (where I had birded during Atlas 2), after which Bonnie Buxton and I walked farther down Battis Road and did some more birding. It was good to bird again in Merrimack after not being there for at least 7 years. 11 species
Ring-necked Duck 1 Turkey Vulture 1 Pileated Woodpecker 1 Very vocal and excited, but we could not determine the cause. Blue Jay 3 American Crow 9 Black-capped Chickadee 4 Tufted Titmouse 2 Eastern Bluebird 1 Red-winged Blackbird 1 Palm Warbler (Yellow) 2 Yellow-rumped Warbler (Myrtle) 6
Parker River National Wildlife Refuge Oct 20, 2018 11:50 AM - 1:35 PM Protocol: Traveling 3.0 mile(s) Comments: I went as far as the sub-hq, where I teamed up with many other birders looking for sparrows. Nobody saw the reported grasshopper sparrow while I was there, but many of us had multiple looks at a clay-colored sparrow. 22 species
Gadwall 2 Eurasian Wigeon 1 m Drake from yesterday, with AMWI in the main salt pan. A drive-by bird! I did not see a female with him. American Wigeon 24 American Black Duck 150 Greater Scaup 1 m main salt pan with wigeons and black ducks Dunlin 4 Greater Yellowlegs 17 Lesser Yellowlegs 1 Herring Gull 5 Great Egret 4 Turkey Vulture 1 Northern Harrier 1 juv. Northern Mockingbird 2 Chipping Sparrow 4 Clay-colored Sparrow 1 Dark-eyed Junco (Slate-colored) 4 White-crowned Sparrow 3 juvs White-throated Sparrow 1 Savannah Sparrow 5 Song Sparrow 9 Palm Warbler (Western) 1 (yes, 1 western palm here at the warden's and 2 yellow palms in Merrimac) Yellow-rumped Warbler (Myrtle) 2
Spencer Peirce Little Farm, Newbury Oct 20, 2018 1:45 PM - 2:45 PM Protocol: Traveling 0.2 mile(s) Comments: Barry Burden and Leslie Kramer joined me here from PI and we looked for sparrows, pipits, etc. 11 species
Herring Gull 3 Red-tailed Hawk 1 Northern Flicker 1 did not see underwing color Blue Jay 4 American Pipit 1 We missed the flock of 30 or so seen earlier today by Constance Lapite. White-crowned Sparrow (Dark-lored) 1 adult White-throated Sparrow 9 Savannah Sparrow 3 Song Sparrow 13 Red-winged Blackbird 1 Yellow-rumped Warbler (Myrtle) 5
Date: 10/20/18 7:02 pm From: DOUGLAS E CHICKERING <dovekie...> Subject: [MASSBIRD] Waiting
Massbirders:
There is no accurate way to calculate how much of our field experience is taken up with waiting. I think we don’t pay much attention to it. If you want to see the bird, then occasionally you must wait. Perhaps the wait has little impact because at the end of most waits there is a glorious event. Well, today I waited. I’ve done it before but to wait, at one location, after one bird, for five hours can seem to be a little.… well, crazy.
However, it was a glorious, clean, bright cool October day and there really was no better place to be other than the Wardens on Plum Island waiting. Waiting for the wily maddeningly shy Grasshopper Sparrow. And even though the wait seemed excessive I hardly noticed. For this day had all the mitigating characteristics that could break the boredom of the wait. It was a beautiful day. Upper fifties. Nearly no wind. The sky an empty perfect blue reaching up into the cosmos. A crowd that waxed and waned and was convivial and friendly. I was able to chat with old friends and catch up on the latest news and triumphs. But most of all what made the wait bearable, even pleasant, were the birds. There were lots of birds. It was one of those ideal Sparrow days at the Wardens in October. Song Sparrow, Savannah Sparrow. White-crowned sparrow, White-throated Sparrow, Clay-colored Sparrow, Field Sparrow, Junco, Vesper Sparrow (seen by others but not me) and all crowned b! y the Grasshopper Sparrow.
True to its nature; the Grasshopper Sparrow skulked, and lurked and peeked at us from leafy semi-hidden perches, then occasionally vanished into a sparse bush or clump of dried grass. And because there was so many Sparrows around us we were kept busy focusing on every little sudden movement, and every little quick flight of a small bird. Filled with varying mixtures of hope and skepticism we waited. At one point my patience and optimism broke and I had to walk back to my car at lot#2. Just as I got to my car I received a text; drawing me back to the wardens. The bird was being seen. So, I returned. Returned to wait. Close to four-thirty in the afternoon, with the afternoon giving signals that it was closing down, I saw the little varlet. A quick but great look in the deep goldenrod, then another, longer and a little better view. Enough to identify it, then it flew out on a branch of a leafless tree and afforded long – a half minute anyway—look.
So, having seen the bird well, as did everyone still on site, I headed home. Five hours for a little inconsiderate sparrow. It seems like a nice exchange.
Date: 10/20/18 4:24 pm From: Kathy Rawdon <rawdonk...> Subject: [MASSBIRD] cave swallows/ Daniel Webster Wildlife Sanctuary in Marshfield
David Ludlow from North river Audubon reported 4 cave swallows mixed in with the tree swallows over Daniel Webster Wildlife sanctuary during their annual Farm Day today.
He said there were recent sightings in the Glades in Scituate and was staying alert for this possibility.
Date: 10/20/18 3:38 pm From: Bonnie & Bob Buxton <bbxt...> Subject: [MASSBIRD] Merrimac special visitors (Evening Grosbeaks!) did not return Sat afternoon
We did not see the Grosbeaks again Sat afternoon, unfortunately. Hoping they'll return tomorrow and stay longer! Birders are welcome, however please park on the street, being mindful of the deep culvert on each side of the driveway along the road. Walk up the driveway or on the grass to the left side of the house. The birds were skittish, so if you hear or see them, please avoid startling them. Staying back near the Birch tree is probably best. They visited the stream and feeders, but only very briefly, as I watched from inside the house earlier in the afternoon. Other nice birds today included several Purple Finches, 3 White-crowned Sparrows, a Golden-crowned Kinglet, Yellow-rumped Warbler, Red-breasted Nuthatch, and many White-throated Sparrows. Lots of Goldfinches around.... We're hoping for Pine Siskins!
Email me with any questions... I have a few (not great) photos available.
Good birding, Bonnie Buxton Merrimac MA bbxt(AT)comcast.net
The moorhen previously reported from the Tri-town beach in Whately was visible around 12:45 this afternoon. It is now in the company of an American Coot. Also present were a Great Blue Heron and about 100 Canada Geese.
Date: 10/20/18 11:23 am From: Bob & Bonnie Buxton <bbxt...> Subject: [MASSBIRD] Special visitors today in Merrimac
To my complete surprise, we had a small flock of Evening Grosbeaks visit our stream and feeders this afternoon. We've not seen any here since 2009. They made two VERY brief visits and I have not seen them since about 1pm. (it is 2pm as I write this) I did not get an exact count, but estimate perhaps 6 or so. They were very active and moving about quickly, and disappeared quickly too! If anyone would like to try for them, we are at 8 Broad St in Merrimac. We would request that no one park in the driveway, as our neighbors are having their driveway replaced today and they need to use our spaces and our driveway. The best bet would be to park on the street ( Our street is quite busy so park off the road but be VERY careful of a gulley/culvert that is on each side of our driveway along the road.) Walk up our long driveway or walk on the lawn to the left as you face the house. Walk quietly around the left side of the house and the stream and pond are on the left edge of the lawn. The Grosbeaks have been quite skittish, so please take care not to startle them. We are hoping they'll hang around a while! Maybe bring a lightweight chair and sit and wait a bit, maybe they'll return! There are also two White-crowned Sparrows along with several Purple Finches, and one Red-breasted Nuthatch. Lots of White-throated Sparrows, and one or two Juncos.
Date: 10/20/18 10:04 am From: Cherrie Corey <cherrie.corey62...> Subject: Re: [MASSBIRD] Valley White-crowns, late Cape May & Osprey
Josh, I appreciated your white-crowns report this morning…giving context to the solo visitor who briefly appeared in our yard in Marlboro, VT yesterday morning…just 8 miles north of the western Mass. border. This was the first I’ve happened to catch sight of here since we moved up from Mass. last year. This morning we have several pine siskins and a Myrtle warbler foraging about the shrubs, seedy asters, and burn pile. Nothing like crowd-sourced birding to give context to our sometimes meager individual sightings during migration!
Happy autumnal transitions,
Cherrie Corey
Cherrie A. Corey Naturalist and photographer Marlboro, VT Concord, MA (resident emeritus) 978.760.1933 mobile www.senseofplace-concord.com
Date: 10/20/18 9:45 am From: Neil Hayward <opororniswarbler...> Subject: [MASSBIRD] BBC meeting this evening with speaker John Kricher
Dear Mass Birders,
Just a reminder of tonight's entertainment and relaxation after a hard
day's birding. The meeting is free for members and non-members, plus
there's free parking, and a social hour with light refreshements:
The Brookline Bird Club is proud to host JOHN KRICHER as the speaker for
our October 20 meeting. John is an emeritus professor of biology at Wheaton
College, and author of numerous ornithological books, including his highly
successful, *A Neotropical Companion*.
John's talk is titled, "The Trade Off" in which he'll share his insights
into the mystery of bird migration. He will discuss why some species
migrate, and the costs and benefits of doing so. More information on the
talk is at our web site: https://tinyurl.com/ycryhch5
We'll also have two short presentations from this year's scholarship
recipients to the Hog Island camp in Maine.
*When: *Saturday, October 20, 2018
*When should I arrive?* The meeting starts at 7:30 pm. We have a social
hour with light refreshments starting at 6:30 pm.
*Where: *Geological Lecture Theater, Harvard University. 24 Oxford St,
Cambridge.
*But where can I park? *there is FREE parking at the garage at 52 Oxford St.
*Who*: our club meetings are open to members and non-members.
We look forward to seeing you all there!
Good birding,
–Neil
Neil Hayward
President
Brookline Bird Club
www.brooklinebirdclub.org
Date: 10/20/18 8:36 am From: Lesley Mattuchio <leslm...> Subject: [MASSBIRD] Sparrows in Melrose backyard
I just photographed a White-crowned Sparrow, immature, in my backyard in Melrose. Seems to be quite a number of them moving through in MA this year. I also have a lovely Song Sparrow , 4-6 White-throated Sparrows, and 2-3 Juncos as well. Plus a large flock of approximately 50-60 Grackles as well .
Lesley MattuchioMelrose, MA
Observation start time: 08:00:00 Observation end time: 14:00:00 Total observation time: 6 hours
Official Counter: Rod Chase
Observers: Bill Rasku
Visitors: Observers: Bill Rasku, Rod Chase.
Visitors: Kevin Viner and many other friendly birders passed through. Plenty of time available for good questions back and forth about the migration and the EMHW role. Busy morning with several school groups hiking up today. With the low temps and strong gusts many groups moved to sheltered areas near summit while a few more warmly-clothed classes were around for much longer.
Weather: Temp level for first 2 hours at 39F, dropped to 38 but from 11am on rose steadily but from 40 to 48F at 2pm. Cloud cover (high cirrus) started at 5% and in late morning reached 40% for rest of shift. Most clouds were from S to W and later to N but we were in sun most of the day. Visibility fairly good at 20 mi/32km and still distant features like Graylock, the Vermont ski slopes at Snow, Stratton, etc. were discernible as various shades of gray... Wind was, of course, from the dreaded WSW vector all day. Wind speeds, nominal/gusts, started at 7/15 mph but then 10/20+ until 11am. Gusts to only 15 max and less frequency sparked some minor (very minor!) bursts of activity from noon until 1:30pm which is when the frequent and 20+ mph gusts returned.
Raptor Observations:
6 hrs for 7 birds. One early bird was a RT at 8:59. Three others appeared between 11:58 and 12:02 [TV, CH, RT] and the last three [2 TV, 1RT] between 1:08 and 1:21. All were taking advantage of lulls between mostly gusty periods. The last lull ended at 1:30 and by 2PM we cried "Uncle" and headed home.
Locals: TV's 6; RT's 5; CH 1.
Non-raptor Observations: Migrating: 279 Canada Geese in eight groups (ranging from 16 to 85 birds.) Local: 4 Common Ravens.
Predictions: Saturday: A chance of showers, mainly before 10am. Mostly cloudy, with a high near 60. West wind 7 to 10 mph, with gusts as high as 28 mph. Chance of precipitation is 30%. ======================================================================== Report submitted by Rod Chase (<rodchase...>) Wachusett Mountain information may be found at: http://www.massbird.org/emhw
Date: 10/19/18 9:42 pm From: Josh <opihi...> Subject: [MASSBIRD] Valley White-crowns, late Cape May & Osprey
Hi MassBirders,
White-crowned Sparrows seem to be all over the Valley lately. I’d come across a few in Deerfield North Meadows about a week ago, on Thursday 10-11; then saw one at the trailhead of the Fort River Trail on the 14th, and another in Montague on the 16th. But Friday took it to another level.
It started when I took our dog for a walk in the morning. It was one of those mornings when we’d walk toward what appeared to be an inanimate patch of lawn, or flower bed, or clump of weeds, but when we got within a certain distance, it would suddenly erupt into a tornado of birds, mostly Dark-eyed Juncos but also lots of White-throated Sparrows and more than a few Chipping Sparrows. I finally managed to spot a flock of White-throateds on a patch of lawn by the sidewalk across the street from our home, and an adult White-crowned was mixed in.
A couple of errands for my family took me to Hadley. I made a slight detour around the US Fish & Wildlife Service HQ just off Route 9, often a birdy vicinity. It was again this time. One of the first birds I noticed was another White-crowned, an immature this time. I poked around a bit and turned up a Lincoln’s Sparrow as well, plus a Cape May Warbler. This autumn has been and continues to be astoundingly better than usual for Cape Mays….
After a session with my trainer at the Hampshire Athletic Club, I was cooling off outside when I noticed a large bird plunging into the little nearby pond with a splash. Osprey! Getting a bit late for them; not as late as for the Cape May, but still…
My last chance to bird Friday was when I took our dog for a walk at That’s A Plenty Farm, part of the Hadley Honeypot. One of the first birds I saw after we left the car was… another White-crowned Sparrow! Saw both an adult and an immature here. The place was crawling with sparrows, but between the harsh light, the abundant hiding places, and the presence of the dog, I wasn’t able to ID most of them. A Northern Harrier was prowling around this area too.
I see a few other White-crown reports on Western Mass Birders from Friday, topped by Larry Therrien’s report of 23 (!) around Mass Audubon's Arcadia Wildlife Sanctuary and the adjacent West Meadows; he also tallied 10 Lincoln’s, 148 Song Sparrows, and 334 White-throated…
Date: 10/19/18 7:12 pm From: Jim McCoy <jfmccoy...> Subject: [MASSBIRD] Large Rusty Blackbird flock at IRWS
Good morning birding at Plum Island: drake Eurasian Wigeon in fresh plumage at the main pan, two Clay-colored Sparrows at the Wardens, White-crowned Sparrows along the road, Cape May Warbler along the boardwalk at Hellcat, and four Caspian Terns flying across the road toward the ocean just south of Lot 1 on the way off the island.
On the way home, I stopped in at the Ipswich River Wildlife Sanctuary in Topsfield, and had a flock of maybe 80 Rusty Blackbirds feeding on the ground near the observation tower along the river.
Observation start time: 08:00:00 Observation end time: 15:00:00 Total observation time: 7 hours
Official Counter:
Observers: Bill Rasku
Visitors: Counter: Bill Rasku.
Others helping for a while: Mark Ledeboer, Daryl Turek.
Weather: Not provided. [SW winds were forecast, slight chance of shower.]
Raptor Observations: 1 Northern Harrier (female) at 1:28. Only bird of the day was, nevertheless, awesome. Working into stiff breeze and thru spots of light rain nonchalantly -- didn't seem to be effected by either.
Non-raptor Observations: Not provided.
Predictions: N/A [posted 10/19/18 by R.C. after finding Bill's email which I recall reading but regrettably forgot to post. ======================================================================== Report submitted by Rod Chase (<rodchase...>) Wachusett Mountain information may be found at: http://www.massbird.org/emhw
Date: 10/19/18 6:02 pm From: Barbara Volkle <barb620...> Subject: [MASSBIRD] Multiple bald eagle sightings
Thanks to Caroline Haines for this post.
Barbara Volkle Northborough, MA <barb620...>
*
From: caroline haines <chaines49...> Date: Fri, 19 Oct 2018 20:02:26 -0400 Subject: Multiple bald eagle sightings
Last week I had bald eagles in Gloucester Harbor on two occasions. On weds afternoon this week I had three birds over the Annisquam behind Gloucester high school-two soaring and one quite low, so as to be able to identify it as mature. This afternoon I had two adults, also over the Annisquam near the high school. Wow! Caroline Haines Gloucester <Songbirder...> Sent from my iPhone-please excuse brevity, typos, or insults.
Date: 10/19/18 3:24 pm From: James P Smith <keenbirder...> Subject: [MASSBIRD] Whately - Common Gallinule continues 10/19
Greetings birders,
The Common Gallinule found by Josh Rose on Oct 15th continues to forage in and around the small patch of cattails in the SE corner of Tri-town Beach, Whately. I spent about 15 minutes with it this morning and it swam out in front of the cattails at least four times during that period. A scope would be worth while for the best views and I actually ended up taking most of my images through the scope;
Sent out a report that COULD have been in NJ as I was told. This spot is the reservoir in W.Newbury. Sorry for the oversight! Again, full report to follow.Judy Parrot-WillisNorth Andover (much closer then New Jersey!)
At around 12:30 this afternoon, my wife Jill and I located a juvenile Red-necked Grebe just off the cemetery near the former Tamarack Restaurant parking lot. It spent a fair amount of time grooming before diving repeatedly to feed. Best views were from the cemetery bluff looking down at the pond. A Pied-billed Grebe was nearby and was spooked by a passing adult Bald Eagle and not seen again, but the Red-necked Grebe persisted beyond our 20 minute stay.
Date: 10/19/18 10:29 am From: judy parrot-willis <jep_willis...> Subject: [MASSBIRD] Cherry Hill
Quick report. Complete list of land and sea to be submitted later. So as for 'sea': buffleheads, a solo pied-bill grebe, ruddies, ring-necks, osprey, gbhs. Bustling spot today, land and sea. SO guess winter's comin'
Date: 10/19/18 8:08 am From: Barbara Volkle <barb620...> Subject: [MASSBIRD] Townsend's Solitaire - Wellfleet
Thanks to Joe Bourget for posting this on the Massachusetts Rare Bird Alert facebook page this morning.
Barbara Volkle
Northborough, MA <barb620...>
*
Yesterday, Greg Ward found a TOWNSEND'S SOLITAIRE at Wellfleet's Great Island. There was another TOSO banded on Monomoy NWR a few weeks ago, but I do not know if this is the same bird (I cannot see both legs well in the photos).
Observation start time: 07:15:00 Observation end time: 16:30:00 Total observation time: 9.25 hours
Official Counter: Craig Jackson
Observers: Soheil Zendeh
Visitors: Solh Zendeh
Weather: Strong (4-5) NW winds throughout watch; temperature - 1-5-4°C; cloud cover 3-20-3% (mostly looking into blue sky)
Raptor Observations: Good movement of raptors, almost all accipiters, but less than I had expected given the very favorable winds. First Red-shouldered Hawk(adult) of the season Non-migrating: At least 2 and probably more Red-tailed Hawks; one Merlin that moved northeast and disappeared in woods
Non-raptor Observations: 5 DC Cormorant, 75 Canada Geese, 1 Raven, and 1 Phoebe
Predictions: Winds will be strong from the WSW through Saturday, so large movement not expected until Sunday when winds will again be strong from the Northwest ======================================================================== Report submitted by Craig Jackson (<crleja1949...>)
> On October 18, 2018 at 4:49 PM bank1941 <bank1941...> wrote: > > Get your mind out of the gutter > > > > > > Joe Paluzzi > Salem, MA. USA > > > Sent by my Verizon tablet > > -------- Original message -------- > From: Linda Pivacek <lpivacek...> > Date: 10/18/18 3:50 PM (GMT-05:00) > To: Matthew Farnitano <mattfarnitano...>, Migration Productions <semiplover...> > Cc: <jcolemanarch...>, <bank1941...>, massbird <massbird...> > Subject: Re: [MASSBIRD] Yb cuckoo > > > I have seen 3 YB Cuckoos in Nahant since Sunday 10/14. There has been "flocks" of Green Darners as well. One cuckoo at Nahant Thicket was on the ground "struggling" with a darner and another was on the edge of Nahant Rd "fighting" with a darner in the gutter. > > Kinda cuckoo! > > > Linda Pivacek, Nahant, <lpivacek...> > > > > On October 18, 2018 at 3:33 PM Matthew Farnitano <mattfarnitano...> wrote: > > > > > > I just sighted one earlier today at Weld Hill in the Arnold Arboretum. Apparently others have seen (probably the same one) in the area the last few days. > > > > > > > > On Oct 17, 2018, at 2:51 PM, Migration Productions < <semiplover...> mailto:<semiplover...> > wrote: > > > > > > > > > I had a dead Yellow-billed Cuckoo in my parking lot a work last Friday and also had one fly in front of my car this morning on the expressway. > > > > > > On Tue, Oct 16, 2018 at 9:50 PM Jeremy Coleman < <jcolemanarch...> mailto:<jcolemanarch...> > wrote: > > > > > > > > > > I have seen a lot of reports for Yellow-billed Cuckoos during the past week. I spent a few days on Block Island last week and had, at a minimum, 4 individuals. > > > > > > > > Jeremy Coleman > > > > Shelburne Falls, MA > > > > > > > > > > > > On Tue, Oct 16, 2018 at 9:38 PM bank1941 < <bank1941...> mailto:<bank1941...> > wrote: > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > M'bers, Astonishingly, this afternoon while parking my car at the Swampscott Senior Center, I noticed this skulking bird in the underbrush at the back of the lot. Investigation proved to be worthwhile as the subject bird just sat there watching me and munching some kind of insect.. I got great looks at about 30 feet of the undertail, bill and rufous coloration on the wing. A nice surprise anytime seeing these mysterious creatures that are usually heard long before seeing them. > > > > > > > > > > Joe Paluzzi > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > Joe Paluzzi > > > > > Salem, MA. USA > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > Sent by my Verizon tablet > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > >
Get your mind out of the gutterJoe PaluzziSalem, MA. USASent by my Verizon tablet -------- Original message --------From: Linda Pivacek <lpivacek...> Date: 10/18/18 3:50 PM (GMT-05:00) To: Matthew Farnitano <mattfarnitano...>, Migration Productions <semiplover...> Cc: <jcolemanarch...>, <bank1941...>, massbird <massbird...> Subject: Re: [MASSBIRD] Yb cuckoo I have seen 3 YB Cuckoos in Nahant since Sunday 10/14. There has been "flocks" of Green Darners as well. One cuckoo at Nahant Thicket was on the ground "struggling" with a darner and another was on the edge of Nahant Rd "fighting" with a darner in the gutter.Kinda cuckoo!Linda Pivacek, Nahant, <lpivacek...> October 18, 2018 at 3:33 PM Matthew Farnitano <mattfarnitano...> wrote: I just sighted one earlier today at Weld Hill in the Arnold Arboretum. Apparently others have seen (probably the same one) in the area the last few days.On Oct 17, 2018, at 2:51 PM, Migration Productions < <semiplover...> wrote: I had a dead Yellow-billed Cuckoo in my parking lot a work last Friday and also had one fly in front of my car this morning on the expressway. On Tue, Oct 16, 2018 at 9:50 PM Jeremy Coleman < <jcolemanarch...> wrote: I have seen a lot of reports for Yellow-billed Cuckoos during the past week. I spent a few days on Block Island last week and had, at a minimum, 4 individuals.Jeremy ColemanShelburne Falls, MA On Tue, Oct 16, 2018 at 9:38 PM bank1941 < <bank1941...> wrote: M'bers, Astonishingly, this afternoon while parking my car at the Swampscott Senior Center, I noticed this skulking bird in the underbrush at the back of the lot. Investigation proved to be worthwhile as the subject bird just sat there watching me and munching some kind of insect.. I got great looks at about 30 feet of the undertail, bill and rufous coloration on the wing. A nice surprise anytime seeing these mysterious creatures that are usually heard long before seeing them.Joe Paluzzi Joe PaluzziSalem, MA. USASent by my Verizon tablet
I have seen 3 YB Cuckoos in Nahant since Sunday 10/14. There has been "flocks" of Green Darners as well. One cuckoo at Nahant Thicket was on the ground "struggling" with a darner and another was on the edge of Nahant Rd "fighting" with a darner in the gutter.
Kinda cuckoo!
Linda Pivacek, Nahant, <lpivacek...>
> On October 18, 2018 at 3:33 PM Matthew Farnitano <mattfarnitano...> wrote: > > > I just sighted one earlier today at Weld Hill in the Arnold Arboretum. Apparently others have seen (probably the same one) in the area the last few days. > > > > On Oct 17, 2018, at 2:51 PM, Migration Productions < <semiplover...> mailto:<semiplover...> > wrote: > > > > > I had a dead Yellow-billed Cuckoo in my parking lot a work last Friday and also had one fly in front of my car this morning on the expressway. > > > > On Tue, Oct 16, 2018 at 9:50 PM Jeremy Coleman < <jcolemanarch...> mailto:<jcolemanarch...> > wrote: > > > > > > > I have seen a lot of reports for Yellow-billed Cuckoos during the past week. I spent a few days on Block Island last week and had, at a minimum, 4 individuals. > > > > > > Jeremy Coleman > > > Shelburne Falls, MA > > > > > > > > > On Tue, Oct 16, 2018 at 9:38 PM bank1941 < <bank1941...> mailto:<bank1941...> > wrote: > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > M'bers, Astonishingly, this afternoon while parking my car at the Swampscott Senior Center, I noticed this skulking bird in the underbrush at the back of the lot. Investigation proved to be worthwhile as the subject bird just sat there watching me and munching some kind of insect.. I got great looks at about 30 feet of the undertail, bill and rufous coloration on the wing. A nice surprise anytime seeing these mysterious creatures that are usually heard long before seeing them. > > > > > > > > Joe Paluzzi > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > Joe Paluzzi > > > > Salem, MA. USA > > > > > > > > > > > > Sent by my Verizon tablet > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > >
I just sighted one earlier today at Weld Hill in the Arnold Arboretum. Apparently others have seen (probably the same one) in the area the last few days.
> On Oct 17, 2018, at 2:51 PM, Migration Productions <semiplover...> wrote:
>
> I had a dead Yellow-billed Cuckoo in my parking lot a work last Friday and also had one fly in front of my car this morning on the expressway.
>
>> On Tue, Oct 16, 2018 at 9:50 PM Jeremy Coleman <jcolemanarch...> wrote:
>> I have seen a lot of reports for Yellow-billed Cuckoos during the past week. I spent a few days on Block Island last week and had, at a minimum, 4 individuals.
>>
>> Jeremy Coleman
>> Shelburne Falls, MA
>>
>>
>>> On Tue, Oct 16, 2018 at 9:38 PM bank1941 <bank1941...> wrote:
>>>
>>>
>>>
>>>
>>> M'bers, Astonishingly, this afternoon while parking my car at the Swampscott Senior Center, I noticed this skulking bird in the underbrush at the back of the lot. Investigation proved to be worthwhile as the subject bird just sat there watching me and munching some kind of insect.. I got great looks at about 30 feet of the undertail, bill and rufous coloration on the wing. A nice surprise anytime seeing these mysterious creatures that are usually heard long before seeing them.
>>>
>>> Joe Paluzzi
>>>
>>>
>>> Joe Paluzzi
>>> Salem, MA. USA
>>>
>>>
>>> Sent by my Verizon tablet
Date: 10/18/18 9:23 am From: John Nelson <jnelson...> Subject: [MASSBIRD] Brookline Bird Club Young Birder Scholarships
The Brookline Bird Club is pleased to announce that we will
again offer two Young Birder Scholarships to nurture interest in bird study
and conservation among young birders. The 2019 scholarships will cover the
full cost ($1395) of the Coastal Maine Bird Studies for Teens program at
National Audubon’s Hog Island camp on *June* *16-21, 2019*. The cost
includes housing, boat travel, and all meals. Scholarship recipients will
be responsible for transportation costs to and from the camp.
Applicants must be New England residents, ages 14-17, and must
submit a written application and two letters of reference. Preference will
be given to applicants with individual or family BBC memberships. To be
considered a member, an applicant may join the club at the time of
application. All seven of our scholarship recipients have had tremendous
adventures at Hog Island. “I truly had an unforgettable experience at the
Hog Island camp,” wrote 2018 recipient Sam Mroz in a thank-you note to the
BBC, “and I would not have been able to attend without your sponsorship.”
Completed applications and references must be received by the
BBC by *January 15, 2019*. Selection and notification of recipients will be
completed by *February 15, 2019*. You can click on this link to download
the instructions for applicants and an application form:
https://www.brooklinebirdclub.org
Observation start time: 08:30:00 Observation end time: 11:30:00 Total observation time: 3 hours
Official Counter: John Weeks
Observers: John Weeks
Visitors: Local resident Svetlana and her dogs, Andy and Oscar (who doesn't understand about bears).
Weather: Sunny, with a few streaks of cloud (2% cloud-cover). Wind 5-10 mph, W / WSW. Temperature 44-53 F.
Raptor Observations: Hopes of seeing a Golden Eagle dashed again. Not migrating: 3 Bald Eagles, Red-shouldered Hawk, Red-tailed Hawk.
Non-raptor Observations: Eastern Phoebe, Eastern Bluebird (6), American Robin (6), Palm Warbler (11), Yellow-rumped Warbler (5), Purple Finch (3). Many small passerines zoomed through unidentified. Monarchs: 2. ======================================================================== Report submitted by John Weeks (<aerie.john...>)
Observation start time: 09:30:00 Observation end time: 12:30:00 Total observation time: 3 hours
Official Counter: Rod Chase
Observers: John Doyle, Ted Mara
Visitors: About 70 hikers including high school class of 30
Compiler: Ted Mara
Weather: Wind: 5-20mph with gusts to 30mph, WSW, 6-8c, 10-30 cloud cover, visibility 10k
Raptor Observations: Strong winds kept raptors low. Valley was used to the East side of the mountain for migration.
Non-raptor Observations: One juvenile RT managed to kite up briefly for two minutes but that was it. Small birds stayed in the woods.
Predictions: Thursday has winds of 15-25mph, WNW, about 40 degrees. Could be productive if winds stay on low end of prediction. ======================================================================== Report submitted by Ted Mara (<tedmara...>) Wachusett Mountain information may be found at: http://www.massbird.org/emhw
Observation start time: 08:00:00 Observation end time: 16:00:00 Total observation time: 8 hours
Official Counter: Craig Jackson
Observers:
Visitors: Yoshiko (Shihen) Suga, who was of great help spotting hawks
Weather: Strong (4) WNW winds throughout day; temperature 6-10°C; although cloud cover was as much as 20%, sky in northern half of sky was cloudless entire day, so almost all birds were found in blue sky
Raptor Observations: Very good movement of raptors, almost all flying low; mostly accipiters, but also several Bald Eagles, several Northern Harriers and American Kestrels, two Osprey and the first Turkey Vultures that I counted as migrants Non-migrating: one Bald Eagle, at least 5 Red-tailed Hawk, and a Cooper's Hawk that harassed Red-tails
Non-raptor Observations: 60 DC Cormorants, 20 Canada Geese, 1 Raven, and 1 Phoebe 1 Monarch Butterfly
Predictions: Wednesday not expected to be great but Thursday with strong northwest winds should be very good ======================================================================== Report submitted by Craig Jackson (<crleja1949...>)
Observation start time: 07:45:00 Observation end time: 13:00:00 Total observation time: 5.25 hours
Official Counter: Craig Jackson
Observers:
Weather: Moderate (3) WSW winds throughout watch; temperature 6-12°C; 80% (low-lying stratus to north and west) to 1% to 40% (building cumulus clouds)
Raptor Observations: small movement with almost equal numbers of SS and CH. Bald Eagle appeared to be first-year bird (dark back with no markings; underside with distinct white patches (too distant to determine where) non-migrating: At least 3 Red-tailed Hawks and one CH
Predictions: Should be very good - very strong northwest winds ======================================================================== Report submitted by Craig Jackson (<crleja1949...>)
Date: 10/17/18 4:42 pm From: David Weaver <cygnus-dkw...> Subject: [MASSBIRD] Plum Island (Parker River NWR) - 10-17-2018
Susan Yurkus, Dave Williams, and I led today's edition of Wednesday
Morning Birding out of Joppa Flats Education Center on to Parker River Refuge on Plum Island. Skies were partly cloudy, temps in the 50s, and winds WSW-W/10-15 mph.
Our list:
Mute Swan (2) - ads flying north over The Wardens. Gadwall (1) - Stage Island Pool. American Wigeon (~ 25) - pannes & SIP. American Black Duck - common. Mallard Northern Pintail (~ 15) - SIP. Green-winged Teal - common; SIP. Common Eider (~ 15) - Bar Head. White-winged Scoter (7) - Emerson Rocks. Red-breasted Merganser (6) - Bar Head. Red-throated Loon (1) - seven ocean. Common Loon (3) - seven ocean. Double-crested Cormorant - a few small flocks migrating. Great Blue Heron (1) - marsh s. lot #1 middens. Great Egret (~ 20) - various. Turkey Vulture (~ 15) - kettling over Bar Head. Northern Harrier (1) Cooper's Hawk (2) Red-tailed Hawk (2) American Coot (1) - SIP. Greater Yellowlegs (~ 20) - various. Semipalmated Sandpiper (1) - small pannes. Ring-billed Gull (1) - seven beach. Herring Gull Great Black-backed Gull Rock Pigeon - PI Bridge. Merlin (1) - n. end S-curves. Eastern Phoebe (2) - The Wardens. Blue Jay (6) - various. Common Raven (1) - fly by n. of The Wardens. Tree Swallow (1) - SIP. Black-capped Chickadee (1) - Hellcat. Hermit Thrush (1) - Hellcat. American Robin (2) Northern Mockingbird (5) - various. European Starling Yellow-rumped Warbler (7) - Hellcat. Eastern Towhee (1) - Hellcat. Chipping Sparrow (1) - The Wardens. Clay-colored Sparrow (1) - The Wardens. Savannah Sparrow (5) - The Wardens. Grasshopper Sparrow (1) - probable; The Wardens. Song Sparrow - common; The Wardens. White-crowned Sparrows - juvs, common; The Wardens. American Goldfinch (1) - The Wardens.
We will meet again next week back at Joppa Flats at 09:30 for Wednesday Morning Birding. For more information about Joppa Flats programs, call David Moon or Dave Larson at 978-462-9998.
I had a dead Yellow-billed Cuckoo in my parking lot a work last Friday and also had one fly in front of my car this morning on the expressway.
On Tue, Oct 16, 2018 at 9:50 PM Jeremy Coleman <jcolemanarch...> wrote:
> I have seen a lot of reports for Yellow-billed Cuckoos during the past > week. I spent a few days on Block Island last week and had, at a minimum, 4 > individuals. > > Jeremy Coleman > Shelburne Falls, MA > > > On Tue, Oct 16, 2018 at 9:38 PM bank1941 <bank1941...> wrote: > >> >> >> >> >> M'bers, Astonishingly, this afternoon while parking my car at the >> Swampscott Senior Center, I noticed this skulking bird in the underbrush at >> the back of the lot. Investigation proved to be worthwhile as the subject >> bird just sat there watching me and munching some kind of insect.. I got >> great looks at about 30 feet of the undertail, bill and rufous coloration >> on the wing. A nice surprise anytime seeing these mysterious creatures that >> are usually heard long before seeing them. >> >> Joe Paluzzi >> >> >> Joe Paluzzi >> Salem, MA. USA >> >> >> Sent by my Verizon tablet >> >
Date: 10/17/18 10:09 am From: Cliff Cook <ccook13...> Subject: [MASSBIRD] Landscaping for the Birds Workshop Tonight in Waltham
Tonight in Waltham, Claudia Thompson from Grow Native Massachusetts is teaching a workshop on "Landscaping for the Birds". The event will take place at Great Hall at Cedar Hill, 265 Beaver Street in Waltham, MA. Grow native Massachusetts is an organization dedicated to the protection and use of native plants.
Date: 10/17/18 6:01 am From: <blafley...> Subject: [MASSBIRD] Common Gallinule - Whately
Hello,
This AM the previously reported (Thanks Josh) Imm. Gallinule was present in the cattails at Tri-Town Beach. Fog made viewing difficult until after 8 AM.
Observation start time: 09:00:00 Observation end time: 15:00:00 Total observation time: 6 hours
Official Counter: Rod Chase
Observers:
Visitors: Observers: Me, myself and I.
Visitors: A slow but steady flow of hikers all day including 2 small school groups, 4th grade and 7th(?), who were warmed up by the climb for at least 20 minutes! Later we also had trickle of drive-ups who enjoyed the view though some expected more foliage colors. Many short but friendly conversations with people (and dogs) of all ages today helped me thru the raptor-lulls.
Weather: Blustery winds ruled in the morning, slowly lessened after noon although the occasional gusts reappeared in last half-hour. WNW 10-20mph at start with occ. gusts to 25 soon went to NW; 11am-1pm saw 10-15mph with gusts to 20; 1 - 2:30 windspeed 10mph but still occ. 20mph gusts. After 2:30 direction swung to W and restrengthened to our our original settings of 10-20 & gusts of 25mph. Cloud cover 25-30% in AM but then fell slowly to 5% for last hour. Visibility good for 20 miles in morning but also improved with the lowering of humidity in PM and was 50 miles by the last hour.
Raptor Observations: Nearly all flights low and first noticed in NW or N. Also, most passed west of us and eventually made it thru to the SW though 3 birds (2 SS in noon hour and the 1 AK in last hour) struggled to maintain SSW -S direction. First ML and last RT only birds passing on east side.
Locals (and they broke all the day's patterns) were low in number: TV 3; CH 1; RT 3. They could be found at any height, in any direction and any wind strength. They did seem to be smiling more when winds lessened in the afternoon.
Non-raptor Observations: Monarchs: 2 Blue Jays 2; Yellow-rumped Warblers 4 - who flew by in formation at eye-level. Except for local raptors there were no other birds in the air today.(No small planes for that matter. Jetliners and a pair of military transports were all I saw.)
Predictions: Wednesday: A slight chance of showers after 3pm. Mostly sunny, with a high near 57. Southwest wind 7 to 17 mph, with gusts as high as 32 mph. 20% chance of precip. [No reason to be optimistic...]
Thursday: Sunny, with a high near 41. Northwest wind around 15 mph, with gusts as high as 26 mph. [Similar to today. Not bad; we just need raptors!] ======================================================================== Report submitted by Rod Chase (<rodchase...>) Wachusett Mountain information may be found at: http://www.massbird.org/emhw
I have seen a lot of reports for Yellow-billed Cuckoos during the past week. I spent a few days on Block Island last week and had, at a minimum, 4 individuals.
Jeremy Coleman Shelburne Falls, MA
On Tue, Oct 16, 2018 at 9:38 PM bank1941 <bank1941...> wrote:
> > > > > M'bers, Astonishingly, this afternoon while parking my car at the > Swampscott Senior Center, I noticed this skulking bird in the underbrush at > the back of the lot. Investigation proved to be worthwhile as the subject > bird just sat there watching me and munching some kind of insect.. I got > great looks at about 30 feet of the undertail, bill and rufous coloration > on the wing. A nice surprise anytime seeing these mysterious creatures that > are usually heard long before seeing them. > > Joe Paluzzi > > > Joe Paluzzi > Salem, MA. USA > > > Sent by my Verizon tablet >
M'bers, Astonishingly, this afternoon while parking my car at the Swampscott Senior Center, I noticed this skulking bird in the underbrush at the back of the lot. Investigation proved to be worthwhile as the subject bird just sat there watching me and munching some kind of insect.. I got great looks at about 30 feet of the undertail, bill and rufous coloration on the wing. A nice surprise anytime seeing these mysterious creatures that are usually heard long before seeing them. Joe Paluzzi
Had a very nice morning today at the agricultural fields at the end of Fitch's Bridge Rd. in Groton. Excellent weedy habitat throughout almost the entire 75 acre site. No rarities, but great numbers of many species. Highlights of my 3-hour walk - 4 Raptor species including 1 Bald Eagle, 2 Sharpies, 2 Cooper's1 late Solitary Sandpiper1 Snipe flushed from a dry pumpkin patch (not sure which one of us was more startled)8 Sparrow species and 300 birds in total22 Rusty Blackbirds in 3 flocks40 Yellow-rumps8 Palm Warblers Complete checklist is here - https://ebird.org/view/checklist/S49230168 Mike Reschwww.statebirding.blogspot.comPepperell, MA
Date: 10/16/18 1:39 pm From: Alvin T Laasanen <laasanen...> Subject: [MASSBIRD] Sparrows on the move
There must have been a major movement of sparrows last night. Today on my lawn in Sterling there were in addition to the usual Song Sparrows: a Lincoln's Sparrow, couple of Chipping Sparrows, and a FOY Junco plus a few others that flew before I could identify them.
Date: 10/15/18 9:35 pm From: Josh <opihi...> Subject: [MASSBIRD] Deerfield Gallinule Monday, Shutesbury Bufflehead Sunday, and other recent western MA birds
Hi MassBirders,
I was thinking that today (Monday) was good waterbird weather, but found very little around Turners Falls: a kingfisher at Barton Cove, a pair of Ring-necked Ducks and lone Hooded and Common Mergs at the power canal, a family of River Otters at the Rod & Gun Club. But on my way home, on the verge of being late for an appointment, I risked a stop at Tri-Town Beach (between South Deerfield and Whately). Of course, after my last few stops at this same location (when I had more time to spare) had resulted in very few birds, the time that I was running late had to be when something good showed up! I spotted an immature Common Gallinule by the marshy corner of the pond. The viewing conditions were challenging due to the mist, and the bird disappeared into the cattails shortly after I spotted it, reappeared briefly after a few minutes, then promptly disappeared again, and now I was pretty drastically late and had to leave. But while driving home I called a few local birders who tend to be free during the day, including Peter Gagarin and Chuck Stern, who followed up on my tip, relocated the bird, and got some decent photos for confirmation, as did Josh Layfield a bit later in the afternoon:
https://ebird.org/view/checklist/S49214898 <https://ebird.org/view/checklist/S49214898> https://ebird.org/view/checklist/S49217010 <https://ebird.org/view/checklist/S49217010>
I left my copy of Veit and Peterson upstairs, so cannot check it at the moment, but eBird shows only two prior Franklin County records: May 2001 by Chris Beulow, and May 1994 by Bob Packard.
Sunday morning, on my way to pick up my son from the local Quaker meeting, I took a scenic route past Atkins Reservoir in Shutesbury, and was rewarded with a drake Bufflehead snoozing out on the water. eBird flagged it as rare. I checked that night, and could not find any recent mention of the species on MassBird; the most recent eBird records of the species from MA were from early July; and none had been mentioned in Western Mass Birders since May 12. So apparently this was the first southbound Bufflehead to reach the state in this year’s fall migration!
And a sudden little wave of Nelson’s Sparrow sightings across the western end of the state. The first one was the October 7 bird that Josh Layfield found in Northfield, already posted here by James Smith. On that same date, Ken Schopp found another Nelson’s on a private farm in Ashley Falls. They were followed up by a third on October 10 in the East Meadows of Northampton, found by Scott Surner; a bunch of birders tried to relocate it the following day but had to settle for a consolation Clay-colored Sparrow. Somebody just needs to find one in Hamden County now, and all of the western MA counties will be covered…
Date: 10/15/18 6:48 pm From: Jim McCoy <jfmccoy...> Subject: [MASSBIRD] field guides from the 50s or 60s?
I have a friend who is looking for field guides that she loved as a child. Does anyone remember guides matching the description below? Please email me offline if you know what they are.
"Here is what I remember about the books. One was titled BIRDS, the other FLOWERS. They were pocket-sized, perhaps 6 inches tall and 3 inches wide. The cover was black leather, with the single-word title stamped in gold.
Crucially, they were illustrated with PHOTOS, not drawings. On each page was a square photo of the bird, taking up most of the top half of the page. Beneath the photo (in tiny typeface) was information about the bird, in *list* form, i.e. latin name, habitat, feeding etc."
Date: 10/15/18 6:19 am From: Neil Hayward <opororniswarbler...> Subject: [MASSBIRD] Mt Auburn Cemetery - Saturday
Dear Massbirders,
No Painted Redstarts at Mt. Auburn Cemetery, but birds on the move. eBird
checklist below.
–Neil
Neil Hayward
Cambridge, MA
Mt. Auburn Cemetery, Middlesex, Massachusetts, US
Oct 13, 2018 9:21 AM - 12:05 PM
Protocol: Traveling
2.467 mile(s)
Comments: Cambridge Center for Adult Education walk led by Neil Hayward
25 species
Wild Turkey 2
Great Blue Heron 1 Willow Pond
Green Heron 1 Willow Pond
Red-tailed Hawk 2 adult and immature
Red-bellied Woodpecker 1
Downy Woodpecker 1
Eastern Phoebe 3
Blue Jay 6
American Crow 8
Black-capped Chickadee 2
Tufted Titmouse 4
Red-breasted Nuthatch 1
White-breasted Nuthatch 4
Hermit Thrush 2 Indian ridge
American Robin 40
European Starling 18
American Goldfinch 1 Feeding on seed heads at willow pond
White-throated Sparrow 18
Song Sparrow 1
Swamp Sparrow 1 Willow pond
Common Yellowthroat 1 Willow pond
Blackpoll Warbler 6 Probably an undercount. Seemed very numerous in
the dell
Black-throated Blue Warbler 1 Dell
Yellow-rumped Warbler 4 Feeding near ground at willow pond
Northern Cardinal 2
Date: 10/14/18 9:05 pm From: Barbara Volkle <barb620...> Subject: [MASSBIRD] Cuckoo at Salisbury
Thanks to Sandy Selesky for the following report.
Barbara Volkle Northborough, MA <barb620...> *
From: Sandy <sandyselesky...> Date: Sun, 14 Oct 2018 22:52:35 -0400 Subject: Cuckoo at Salisbury
Yellow-billed Cuckoo late this afternoon flew into the trees near the Marsh by the new filling station by the campground entrance of the state reservation but was constantly on the move. Harrier kept soaring back and forth along there as well. Quite a few phoebes, yellow-rumps, white-throated sparrows, mockingbirds, and my friend had a yellow-bellied sapsucker there earlier. Several groups of 4-12+ resting/sleeping monarch butterflies were hanging together in a couple of pine trees to the left of the boat ramp entrance around 5 pm. I had seen some earlier flying and landing on purple aster by the women's restroom area. Beautiful!
Observation start time: 09:00:00 Observation end time: 16:00:00 Total observation time: 7 hours
Official Counter: Rod Chase
Observers: Bill Rasku , Charlie Roche, Darryl Tureq, Susan Williamson, Tom Gottschang
Visitors: Fair amount of hikers. Additional observers: JoAnne Fortin, John Jones, John Ryan
Compiler: Bill Rasku Reporter: Ted Mara
Weather: Wind 5-10, W to SW, Temp. 7-12c, 50% cc, Visibility 10k
Raptor Observations: First GE of year. Sunlight buff gold head with slight dihedral. Seen to the East headed close to front before dipping into Oaks below tree line. 7 of 8 BE were juveniles. Late OS
Non-raptor Observations: Two local RT and 15 Ravens. Other migrants were 39 Can. geese, 6 Ravens, and 3 Monarches
Predictions: Rain tomorrow, rest of week has favorable winds and partly cloudy ======================================================================== Report submitted by Ted Mara (<tedmara...>) Wachusett Mountain information may be found at: http://www.massbird.org/emhw
Date: 10/14/18 8:59 pm From: Barbara Volkle <barb620...> Subject: [MASSBIRD] 10/14/2018 Parker River NWR Newburyport - Wigeon Wonderland, Clay, Colored Sparrow, Hermit Thrush, Bald Eagle.
Thanks to Matt Sabourin for the following post.
Barbara Volkle Northborough, MA <barb620...>
*
From: "Matt S." <accipiter22...> Date: Sun, 14 Oct 2018 21:41:52 -0400 Subject: 10/14/2018 Parker River NWR Newburyport - Wigeon Wonderland, Clay Colored Sparrow, Hermit Thrush, Bald Eagle.
I had a nice time at Parker Today, wasn't much for ocean dwelling birds, which was my main goal for the day, but made up for it by finally crossing Clay Colored Sparrow off my list. It was by the maintenance sheds with a couple Savannahs, a bunch of white-crowneds, some chipping, and some songs. Also saw a hatch year bald eagle soaring over hellcat which was nice. A couple late hermit thrushes, and a ton of yellow-rumped warblers. Red-breasted nutchatches outnumbered their paler counterparts.
That's all for now,
Matt Sabourin <Accipiter22...> Brighton, MA
-------------------------------------
Parker River NWR, Essex, Massachusetts, US Oct 14, 2018 10:11 AM - 3:17 PM Protocol: Traveling 18.95 mile(s) Comments: Going to examine photos of large flotillas of ducks, may be some ruddy ducks in there. 59 species (+2 other taxa)
Brant (Branta bernicla) 4 Canada Goose (Branta canadensis) 45 Mute Swan (Cygnus olor) 3 Gadwall (Mareca strepera) 3 American Wigeon (Mareca americana) 11 Mallard (Anas platyrhynchos) 8 American Black Duck (Anas rubripes) 45 Green-winged Teal (Anas crecca) 14 Rock Pigeon (Feral Pigeon) (Columba livia (Feral Pigeon)) 4 Mourning Dove (Zenaida macroura) 2 Sanderling (Calidris alba) 6 Dunlin (Calidris alpina) 6 Greater Yellowlegs (Tringa melanoleuca) 4 Lesser Yellowlegs (Tringa flavipes) 2 Ring-billed Gull (Larus delawarensis) 3 Herring Gull (Larus argentatus) 14 Great Black-backed Gull (Larus marinus) 4 Common Loon (Gavia immer) 1 Double-crested Cormorant (Phalacrocorax auritus) 72 60+ in one flyover flock Great Blue Heron (Ardea herodias) 1 Great Egret (Ardea alba) 7 Snowy Egret (Egretta thula) 1 Turkey Vulture (Cathartes aura) 5 Northern Harrier (Circus hudsonius) 3 Cooper's Hawk (Accipiter cooperii) 1 Bald Eagle (Haliaeetus leucocephalus) 1 Hatch year. Pictures are forthcoming Red-tailed Hawk (Buteo jamaicensis) 1 Belted Kingfisher (Megaceryle alcyon) 1 Yellow-bellied Sapsucker (Sphyrapicus varius) 1 Eastern Phoebe (Sayornis phoebe) 2 Red-eyed Vireo (Vireo olivaceus) 2 Blue Jay (Cyanocitta cristata) 7 American Crow (Corvus brachyrhynchos) 2 Common Raven (Corvus corax) 1 Picture forthcoming... Pine trail. Was kind of hunched over eating a nut or something on a branch. Black-capped Chickadee (Poecile atricapillus) 9 Tufted Titmouse (Baeolophus bicolor) 2 Red-breasted Nuthatch (Sitta canadensis) 7 White-breasted Nuthatch (Sitta carolinensis) 3 Carolina Wren (Thryothorus ludovicianus) 1 Singing, at hellcat. Heard with group of people 4 people Golden-crowned Kinglet (Regulus satrapa) 2 Ruby-crowned Kinglet (Regulus calendula) 2 Hermit Thrush (Catharus guttatus) 2 American Robin (Turdus migratorius) 8 Gray Catbird (Dumetella carolinensis) 1 Northern Mockingbird (Mimus polyglottos) 5 European Starling (Sturnus vulgaris) 8 American Goldfinch (Spinus tristis) 4 Chipping Sparrow (Spizella passerina) 4 Clay-colored Sparrow (Spizella pallida) 1 Lifer!!! By maintenance sheds there were a lot of sparrow species. Seen by a dozen people. Pictures forthcoming. Field Sparrow (Spizella pusilla) 1 Tentative... Need to examine some photos White-crowned Sparrow (Zonotrichia leucophrys) 6 Haven't seen one of these guys in 2018 White-crowned Sparrow (Dark-lored) (Zonotrichia leucophrys leucophrys/oriantha) 2 White-throated Sparrow (Zonotrichia albicollis) 3 Savannah Sparrow (Passerculus sandwichensis) 2 Song Sparrow (Melospiza melodia) 8 Song Sparrow (melodia/atlantica) (Melospiza melodia melodia/atlantica) 2 Eastern Towhee (Pipilo erythrophthalmus) 4 Blackpoll Warbler (Setophaga striata) 1 Palm Warbler (Setophaga palmarum) 2 Yellow-rumped Warbler (Setophaga coronata) 25 Everywhere. Actual count was in 30s, allowing for doubles with more conservative number Northern Cardinal (Cardinalis cardinalis) 4
Date: 10/14/18 8:57 pm From: Sean Williams <seanbirder...> Subject: [MASSBIRD] Painted Redstart, Cuttyhunk Island- 10/14/2018
Hello all,
Today while on a trip to Cuttyhunk Island, Maili Waters and I were fortunate enough to obtain amazingly cooperative views of the Painted Redstart found by Mike Sylvia at 08:30. Thank you so much, Mike. This is the second state record since the individual in Marblehead Neck in October 1947. The bird was in our view for a few minutes before departing, and apparently either left the island or relocated to some inaccessible area. It was never seen nor heard again after this. It was flashy, active, and vocalizing frequently, so I'm confident our group would have refound it during our exhaustive search efforts had it remained in the area. A full report with many photos can be read here- https://ebird.org/view/checklist/S49201832
Good birding, Sean
-- Sean M. Williams Westborough, Massachusetts <seanbirder...>
Date: 10/14/18 6:01 pm From: Barbara Volkle <barb620...> Subject: [MASSBIRD] PAINTED REDSTART - Cuttyhunk Island (First photo's and narrative)
Thanks to Mike Sylvia for the following post.
Barbara Volkle Northborough, MA <barb620...> *
From: mike sylvia <mikesylvia87...> Subject: PAINTED REDSTART - Cuttyhunk Island (First photo's and narrative) Date: Sun, 14 Oct 2018 23:14:18 +0000
Unbelievable! That's all I can say. What a thrill to find a bird like this at a location I love. Arrived at 635 am after crossing in the Whaler. I made my way up to town "center" gift shop intersection and started working the bushes around it, often good. I located a small mixed flock of sparrows next to the building with White-crowned, clay-colored (3), chipping, and Dickcissal (2), and song. Nice start. barely light. Taking pictures. Sapsucker flew into small bush next to them. Something flew out and crossed street to a tree and landed in sight. Looks like a warbler so I took quick look....black bird, red belly. OMG!!! is the first thing I remember. CAMERA..up! Please don't fly away was the second, third was "I KNOW THIS BIRD WHY CAN'T I REMEMBER IT'S NAME?" I also knew that a large group was headed over and I wanted to tell them. But I was brain farting the name. Google to the rescue. Yes I had to Google AZ warblers to remember. Embarrassed but I was having a mini heart attack. Score. Text out to Liam. Turns out he didn't know what to think or if I had made a mistake. Painted Bunting...
Luckily I got some photo's. 12 good, 20 total blurs. Again it was barley light with cloud cover and wind. Very lucky. In the first photo in flight you tell just how dark it was. Very lucky it didn't fly off. Quite windy. I followed the bird in hopes the group would arrive first but it didn't and flew in the direction of an area I know often has warblers getting out of the wind. I decided to get the group and then chase. They were very close. I directed them to the spot and I kept looking. Nothing.
After probably an hour of searching most people had moved around and I decided to come back to the first spot. Sean and Miala (sp, sorry) were coming up the road and looking for tips. They went off to search and I decided to take a look into a dense hedgerow behind a cottage. As I stuck my head slowly around the corner I saw a bird that I thought was an adult male American Redstart. I was immediately corrected as it turned!! I backed out and called to them. They were not far an I got them on the bird!!! Very psyched. Sean got killer photos. Stay tuned. More texts out to others. Unfortunately the bird sank farther and farther into the thicket and was not found again after the group showed up.
Attached are a few photos, cropped some. I even through in a blurry one. More than not.
Today in Gloucester Harbor and Blynman canal: Bald eagle-mature adult on Ten Pound Island ( seen for several days) A flock of 42 eiders 1 common loon In the canal and marsh: 9 great blue herons 15 great egrets 1 kingfisher 4 eiders 15 cormorants 12 mallards In the adjacent trees: 7 BC night herons ( at least two immature) 1 accipitor 1 songsparrow 1 tree sparrow Fly-over: 1 Merlin Not bad for a late afternoon walk! Caroline Haines <Songbirder...> Gloucester
Observation start time: 08:45:00 Observation end time: 12:30:00 Total observation time: 3.75 hours
Official Counter: John Weeks
Observers: John Weeks
Visitors: Chris Chinni, my wife.
Weather: Variably cloudy (cover ranged from 60% to 80%). Wind variable, from WNW to SW, 3-10 mph. Temperature 45-52 F.
Raptor Observations: Wind direction really wasn't right for a strong flight today. Hopes for a Golden Eagle were dashed.
Non-raptor Observations: Purple Finches (14), Yellow-rumped Warblers (7) and Palm Warblers (2) were the most notable migrants. ======================================================================== Report submitted by John Weeks (<aerie.john...>)
Raptor Observations: Having help (from Jack Miano) for last three hours certainly helped. No migrating birds seen from 2-3 PM. Very good day considering the winds were not that strong and not very northerly -- good movement of accipiters of varying heights; small number of other species migrating Non-migrants -- 2 Adult Bald Eagles circled overhead; Peregrine Falcon landed on tower; Merlin in favorite dead tree;1 CH, 1 OS, at least 3 TV; and at least 3 (and probably more) Red-tailed Hawks
Non-raptor Observations: Migrating -- 65 Canada geese Pileated Woodpecker drumming and seen flying; Raven, Juncos, and Phoebe 5 Monarch Butterflies
Predictions: Rain expected tomorrow, but Tuesday might be good with very strong WNW winds ======================================================================== Report submitted by Craig Jackson (<crleja1949...>)
Predictions: should be better ======================================================================== Report submitted by Craig Jackson (<crleja1949...>)
Date: 10/14/18 1:54 pm From: Peter Trull <petrull...> Subject: [MASSBIRD] Nauset, Beach,
Massbirders, had an early junco in the thickets down Nauset today. Also Palm Warbler and thousands of staging Double-crested Cormorants
Peter Trull
Brewster.
<petrull...>
Nauset, Chatham, Barnstable, Massachusetts, US
Oct 14, 2018 9:30 AM - 11:00 AM
Protocol: Traveling
6.0 mile(s)
23 species
American Black Duck 9
White-winged Scoter (North American) 425
Black Scoter 30
Black-bellied Plover 8
Sanderling 15
Laughing Gull 35
Herring Gull 400
Great Black-backed Gull 70
Red-throated Loon 1
Common Loon 1
Double-crested Cormorant 3000 AT LEAST 4 FLOCKS OF 700+ , ALL STAGING ON BARS AT LOW TIDE.
Great Blue Heron 2
Great Egret 5
Snowy Egret 1
Northern Harrier 2
Northern Flicker (Yellow-shafted) 1
American Crow 11
Horned Lark 7
Dark-eyed Junco (Slate-colored) 1
Savannah Sparrow 3
Song Sparrow 2
Cape May Warbler 1
Palm Warbler 1
Date: 10/14/18 9:39 am From: Pamela Sowizral <psowizral...> Subject: [MASSBIRD] Drumlin Farm this morning
Found some nice sparrows during my survey this morning - white-crowned, white-throated, song, savannah, clay-colored, vesper, chipping and swamp. Was also happy to see an eastern meadowlark. 38 species but missed some easier ones, like cardinal.
Date: 10/14/18 8:14 am From: Maurice Gilmore <petegilmore79...> Subject: [MASSBIRD] Fwd: eBird Report - Cold Spring Park, Newton, Oct 14, 2018
Hi folks,
Here is a list from this am
Pete Gilmore Newton, MA <Petegilmore79...>
---------- Forwarded message --------- From: <ebird-checklist...> Date: Sun, Oct 14, 2018 at 10:47 AM Subject: eBird Report - Cold Spring Park, Newton, Oct 14, 2018 To: <Petegilmore79...>
Cold Spring Park, Newton, Middlesex, Massachusetts, US Oct 14, 2018 8:00 AM - 9:45 AM Protocol: Traveling 1.5 mile(s) Comments: 49F at the start, overcast, sunny for the last 15 minutes, calm. Red squirrel. 28 species
Date: 10/14/18 8:07 am From: Lisa Standley <lisa_standley...> Subject: Re: [MASSBIRD] Fw: eBird Report - Fish Crows Off Sumner St., Norwood, Oct 9, 2018
Hundreds of fish crows are at the Needham Recycling and Transfer Station daily, and often stage in trees around town in flocks of 20-60 before flying off (towards Newton) to roost.
Lisa Standley Needham MA
On 10/13/2018 10:32 AM, Walt Webb wrote: > > ----- Original Message ----- From: <ebird-checklist...> > To: <wwebb24...> > Sent: Saturday, October 13, 2018 10:28 AM > Subject: eBird Report - Off Sumner St., Norwood, Oct 9, 2018 > > >> Off Sumner St., Norwood, Norfolk, Massachusetts, US >> Oct 9, 2018 11:30 AM >> Protocol: Incidental >> Comments: Driving to The Home Depot in Norwood, I had just turned >> into the road off Sumner St. at the Stop & Shop when I heard & saw a >> massive group of Fish Crows. >> 1 species >> >> Fish Crow 50 See comments above. I heard the distinctive nasal >> calls & looked up from my car to see a massive group of Fish Crows >> flying from nearby trees overhead across the parking lots. After >> shopping, I drove back along the same road to Sumner St. & observed >> the murder of crows returning to the grove of trees by the road. I >> have never seen such a large assemblage of either crow species. >> >> View this checklist online at https://ebird.org/view/checklist/S49157258 >> >> This report was generated automatically by eBird v3 (http://ebird.org) > > Walt Webb > Westwood, MA > <wwebb24...>
Date: 10/14/18 8:07 am From: Barbara Volkle <barb620...> Subject: [MASSBIRD] eBird Report - Fish Crows Off Sumner St., Norwood, Oct 9, 2018
From: "Walt Webb" <wwebb24...> Subject: Fw: eBird Report - Fish Crows Off Sumner St., Norwood, Oct 9, 2018 Date: Sat, 13 Oct 2018 10:32:16 -0400
----- Original Message ----- From: <ebird-checklist...> To: <wwebb24...> Sent: Saturday, October 13, 2018 10:28 AM Subject: eBird Report - Off Sumner St., Norwood, Oct 9, 2018
> Off Sumner St., Norwood, Norfolk, Massachusetts, US > Oct 9, 2018 11:30 AM > Protocol: Incidental > Comments: Driving to The Home Depot in Norwood, I had just turned into > the road off Sumner St. at the Stop & Shop when I heard & saw a massive > group of Fish Crows. > 1 species > > Fish Crow 50 See comments above. I heard the distinctive nasal calls > & looked up from my car to see a massive group of Fish Crows flying from > nearby trees overhead across the parking lots. After shopping, I drove > back along the same road to Sumner St. & observed the murder of crows > returning to the grove of trees by the road. I have never seen such a > large assemblage of either crow species. > > View this checklist online at https://ebird.org/view/checklist/S49157258 > > This report was generated automatically by eBird v3 (http://ebird.org)
Date: 10/14/18 8:07 am From: Dan M <danmbagg...> Subject: [MASSBIRD] Re: Immature blackpoll warblers everywhere?
Thanks for all the responses — it appears it’s a ton of blackpolls indeed!
On Sat, Oct 13, 2018 at 9:44 AM Dan M <danmbagg...> wrote:
> In and around Boston lately I’ve been seeing large numbers of a particular
> warbler: yellowish, clear but not-very-bold black eyeline, yellow broken
> eyering, and other marks. They really look exactly like immature blackpoll
> warblers. But out of what must be 40+ of these birds that I’ve seen over
> the past couple of weeks — usually in groups of 3-7 — I haven’t seen a
> single mature blackpoll among them. Which makes me think my ID may well be
> wrong. So: are there any other birds that could easily be mistaken for an
> immature blackpoll warbler, or is it possible I’m just seeing tons of young
> ones with no adults?
>
> Cheers!
>
Date: 10/13/18 9:13 pm From: Walt Webb <wwebb24...> Subject: [MASSBIRD] Fw: eBird Report - Fish Crows Off Sumner St., Norwood, Oct 9, 2018
----- Original Message ----- From: <ebird-checklist...> To: <wwebb24...> Sent: Saturday, October 13, 2018 10:28 AM Subject: eBird Report - Off Sumner St., Norwood, Oct 9, 2018
> Off Sumner St., Norwood, Norfolk, Massachusetts, US > Oct 9, 2018 11:30 AM > Protocol: Incidental > Comments: Driving to The Home Depot in Norwood, I had just turned into > the road off Sumner St. at the Stop & Shop when I heard & saw a massive > group of Fish Crows. > 1 species > > Fish Crow 50 See comments above. I heard the distinctive nasal calls > & looked up from my car to see a massive group of Fish Crows flying from > nearby trees overhead across the parking lots. After shopping, I drove > back along the same road to Sumner St. & observed the murder of crows > returning to the grove of trees by the road. I have never seen such a > large assemblage of either crow species. > > View this checklist online at https://ebird.org/view/checklist/S49157258 > > This report was generated automatically by eBird v3 (http://ebird.org)
Between 2:30-2:45 PM the bird was seen behind the Stone Cow Brewery. Before I arrived it was being seen around the dip in the road. It then moved far to the right along the barb wire fence line on the other side of the small pasture that had a few cows. Very considerate of this bird to come all this way and end up behind a brewery. I took a ride over figuring if I dipped on the bird I would at least come home with some locally brewed beer.
Date: 10/13/18 8:01 pm From: George W Gove <gwgove...> Subject: [MASSBIRD] Say's Phoebe
The Say~@~Ys Phoebe was seen at various times today, Oct 13, at Stone Cow Farm in Barre off Rt 62. It apparently would disappear for various periods of time but was seen at 10:30, noon, 1:30, and 2:15 p.m. in the fields behind the parking lot and the cows.
Apparently it only gets reported in ebird which is not exactly sharing.
This summer in Maine we had Red-breasted Nuthatches everywhere and many siskins in various places. I expected these to appear this fall season. The nuthatches showed up almost immediately and been part of almost every day in the field since late July.
Today was the first day for Pine Siskin with one bird circling the Lexington Community Farm; formerly Bursa Farm.
Glenn
Glenn d'Entremont: <gdentremont1...> Stoughton, MA
Date: 10/13/18 4:19 pm From: Jim McCoy <jfmccoy...> Subject: [MASSBIRD] Vesper, Meadowlark at Mt Hood in Melrose
A late afternoon visit to Mount Hood in Melrose paid off with a couple of good birds: I had a Vesper Sparrow and an Eastern Meadowlark (possibly two), both on the high ground near the southern extremity of the golf course.
Date: 10/13/18 12:18 pm From: Dan M <danmbagg...> Subject: [MASSBIRD] Immature blackpoll warblers everywhere?
In and around Boston lately I’ve been seeing large numbers of a particular
warbler: yellowish, clear but not-very-bold black eyeline, yellow broken
eyering, and other marks. They really look exactly like immature blackpoll
warblers. But out of what must be 40+ of these birds that I’ve seen over
the past couple of weeks — usually in groups of 3-7 — I haven’t seen a
single mature blackpoll among them. Which makes me think my ID may well be
wrong. So: are there any other birds that could easily be mistaken for an
immature blackpoll warbler, or is it possible I’m just seeing tons of young
ones with no adults?
The Say’s Phoebe was at Stone Cow Brewery, Barre, again this morning at 9:45am. With cows at hay feeder in mud and fence line, corner of back parking lot. Quick visit. Not seen before and since.
Predictions: Rain until 3 pm, Good West winds all day, should be productive after 3 pm ======================================================================== Report submitted by Ted Mara (<tedmara...>) Wachusett Mountain information may be found at: http://www.massbird.org/emhw
Observation start time: 11:15:00 Observation end time: 16:00:00 Total observation time: 4.75 hours
Official Counter: Craig Jackson
Observers:
Weather: Earlier rain and totally overcast with NNE winds shifted almost from time I arrived. Thereafter winds were strong (4) from NNW-NW; temperature from 10-13°C; and cloud cover went from 99% - 5% at end of watch
Raptor Observations: Steady stream of migrating accipiters (overwhelmingly SS Hawks) from 11:30 - 3:00 with a smaller number in the last hour Non-migrants -- 2 Bald Eagles (Immature and adult); 1 Turkey Vulture; at least 3 (and probably more) Red-tailed Hawks; 1 Cooper's Hawk and 1 Merlin which alternated sitting in the same seat tree and one time were both in the tree at once
Predictions: Showers likely (50%) in morning but clearing skies and strong westerly winds bode well for continued migration ======================================================================== Report submitted by Craig Jackson (<crleja1949...>)
Date: 10/12/18 10:58 am From: David Larson <dlarson...> Subject: [MASSBIRD] Say's Phoebe in Barre, MA
Alison O'Hare just called to report a Say's Phoebe in Barre, ~1 mile north of Barre Center on Rte 32. The bird is on the property of Carter and Stevens Farm / Stone Cow Brewery at 500 West Street, Barre. Alison said to pull into the parking lot and walk down the hill behind the farmstand on a farm road along a cow pasture. Stay on the farm road. Dave
David M. Larson, Ph.D., Science and Education Coordinator Joppa Flats Education Center, Mass Audubon, 1 Plum Island Turnpike, Newburyport, MA 01950 Telephone: (978) 462-9998 E-mail: <dlarson...> Upcoming tours with space available: Minnesota Winter Boreal Birding - 2/28-3/4/2019 Birding NJ and NY - 5/23-26/2019 Boreal Forest to Prairies - Minnesota and North Dakota - 6/7-15/2019
Date: 10/11/18 8:19 pm From: Barbara Volkle <barb620...> Subject: [MASSBIRD] Eastern Black Rail as a threatened species under the Endangered Species Act comment period open
From facebook today:
U.S. FWS is proposing to list the eastern black rail as a threatened species under the Endangered Species Act. The eastern black rail, a small, secretive marsh bird, has disappeared from much of its historic range. Read more about our proposal below and how you can comment. The Service is accepting comments until December 10, 2018.
Mountain-Prairie Region – Steve Segin, <robert_segin...> <mailto:<robert_segin...>, 303-236-4578
The U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service and its partners are working to protect a small, secretive marsh bird that is in steep decline. Some populations of the eastern black rail <https://www.fws.gov/southeast/wildlife/birds/eastern-black-rail/> along the Atlantic coast have dropped by as much as 90 percent, and with a relatively small total population remaining across the eastern United States, the Service is proposing to list the subspecies as threatened under the Endangered Species Act (ESA).
After a review of the best available scientific and commercial information, the Service determined the eastern black rail meets the definition of threatened because it is likely to become endangered in the foreseeable future throughout all or a significant portion of its range. A peer-reviewed species status assessment, produced by the Service, provides a biological risk assessment using the best available information on threats to the subspecies and evaluates its current condition. It also forecasts the eastern black rail’s biological status under varying future conditions.
Partially migratory, the eastern black rail is known to appear in as many as 36 states plus multiple territories and countries in the Caribbean and Central and South America. One of four subspecies of black rail, the eastern black rail, though rare, is broadly distributed but highly localized, and lives in salt, brackish, and freshwater marshes.
The California black rail subspecies -- confined to central and southern California, western Arizona and Mexico -- is not included in this listing proposal. Two other subspecies of black rail that occur in South America are also not included in this listing proposal.
In April 2010, the Service was petitioned to list the eastern black rail under the ESA. In September 2011, the Service published a 90-day finding indicating listing may be warranted. A settlement agreement in 2013 required the Service to complete a review of the subspecies and submit a 12-month finding to the /Federal Register /by Sept. 30, 2018.
Population size and trend estimates from a 2016 independent assessment of the subspecies indicated declining populations of eastern black rail. Estimates for the Atlantic Coast, ranging from New Jersey south to the Gulf Coast of Florida, are between just 355-815 breeding pairs. Estimates from a Texas research project indicated a population of around 1,300 individuals for the upper Texas Coast – a noted stronghold for the bird prior to Hurricane Harvey in 2017. No true population estimates exist for interior states such as Colorado, Kansas or Oklahoma, but there are small populations in Colorado and Kansas where the bird breeds in the spring and summer. With a lack of consistent monitoring and survey results for the Caribbean and Central America, there is no evidence to suggest that the eastern black rail is present in large numbers in this region, although it is likely the birds occur there.
Primary threats to the eastern black rail include habitat loss due to continued alteration and loss of wetland habitats, land management practices that result in fire suppression (or inappropriately timed fire application that may cause direct mortalities), grazing, haying and mowing, and impounding of wetlands.
In addition, projected sea level rise and associated tidal flooding, increased temperatures, decreased precipitation, increased drought and severe weather events producing flooding or changes in wildfire frequency and intensity are all likely to have significant impacts on eastern black rail populations and their habitat.
The Service is proposing a rule under the ESA’s Section 4(d) that would tailor protections for the bird. These protections include prohibiting certain activities in known eastern black rail habitat during critical time periods, such as nesting and brooding seasons, and post-breeding flightless molt periods. The Service is proposing certain prohibitions on the following activities during the identified critical time periods: approved fire management, haying, mowing, and other mechanical treatments, intensive grazing (only on public lands), and other forms of direct and incidental take <https://www.fws.gov/endangered/esa-library/pdf/ESA_basics.pdf> outlined in the /Federal Register/ notice. In addition, fire management activities not using best management practices to minimize impacts to the subspecies and its habitat are prohibited at all times.
To ensure public safety and meet operational needs for existing infrastructure, the proposed rule would also exempt mowing and mechanical treatment of rights-of-way, fire breaks and transmission corridors from the ESA’s “take <https://www.fws.gov/endangered/esa-library/pdf/ESA_basics.pdf> prohibitions.
The Service is not designating critical habitat for the eastern black rail at this time due to concerns that identifying such areas may attract birders seeking out these shy and elusive birds, placing additional stress on the subspecies. Through the public comment process, we are requesting information on the threats of taking or other human activity, including the impacts of birders to the eastern black rail and its habitat, and the extent to which critical habitat designation might increase those threats.
The Service will accept comments received or postmarked on or before December 10, 2018. Information on how to submit comments is available at www.regulations.gov by searching under docket number FWS–R4–ES–2018–0057.
Date: 10/11/18 2:35 pm From: Neil Hayward <opororniswarbler...> Subject: [MASSBIRD] BBC Meeting: John Kricher talking on October 20 in Cambridge
Dear Massbirders,
The Brookline Bird Club is proud to host JOHN KRICHER as the speaker for
our October 20 meeting. John is an emeritus professor of biology at Wheaton
College, and author of numerous ornithological books, including his highly
successful, *A Neotropical Companion*.
John's talk is titled, "The Trade Off" in which he'll share his insights
into the mystery of bird migration. He will discuss why some species
migrate, and the costs and benefits of doing so. More information on the
talk is at our web site: https://tinyurl.com/ycryhch5
Answers to logistical questions:
*When: *Saturday, October 20, 2018
*When should I arrive?* The meeting starts at 7:30 pm. We have a social
hour with light refreshments starting at 6:30 pm.
*Where: *Geological Lecture Theater, Harvard University. 24 Oxford St,
Cambridge.
*But where can I park? *there is FREE parking at the garage at 52 Oxford St.
*Who*: our club meetings are open to members and non-members.
It'll be a fascinating talk. We look forward to seeing you all there!
Date: 10/11/18 2:11 pm From: George W Gove <gwgove...> Subject: [MASSBIRD] Some Cape Cod Birds
We were on Cape Cod Tuesday and Wednesday this week and had great weather and the following bird hi lites
Many Gannets especially off Herring Cove Beach
Thousands of Double-crested Cormorants at every beach and breakwater especially Provincetown Harbor, off Fort Hill, and on Monomoy, just unbelievable numbers of these birds swimming, fishing, and roosting in huge groups
Eider and Black and White-winged Scoters moving along the coast
Great Egrets here and there with 15 to 20 in the marsh at Fort Hill
Dusk flight of Black-crowned Night Herons at Hemenway Landing with at least 3 Yellow-crowned Night Herons
8 to 12 American Oystercatchers on Monomoy visible from the NWR HQ at Morris Island
Many Black-bellied Plovers, Semipalmated Plovers, Semipalmated Sandpipers. Greater Yellowlegs, and some Dunlin and Ruddy Turnstones at various locations
20+ Forsters Terns in Wellfleet Harbor
5 young Black Skimmers on Thatcher Park Beach seen across the inlet from Seagull Beach in Yarmouth
Date: 10/11/18 7:42 am From: David Moon <dmoon...> Subject: [MASSBIRD] Plum Island 10-10-18
It was a lovely day to be on Plum Island chasing birds yesterday, with sun, temps in the 70's and 80's, and a steady breeze from the west. From the beach platform at parking lot #7, we saw Northern Gannets, a few early wintering loons and scoters, some late migrating shorebirds, a few little passerine migrants in the shrubbery, migrating vultures, and a strong showing of the beginning of the dabbling duck migration out on Stage Island Pool. Mary Margaret Halsey and Doug Chickering let us know about many pipits at the point, so it was an birder's smorgasbord. Dave Weaver will be back to lead next Wednesday, as he almost always is.
Our list:
Canada Goose (25) - Stage Island Pool (SIP) - ~ 15, South Pannes - ~10.
Gadwall (8-10) - SIP.
American Wigeon (20+) - SIP.
American Black Duck - common.
Mallard - common.
Northern Pintail (15+) - SIP.
Green-winged Teal - common.
Common Eider (2) - Emerson Rocks
Scoter sp. (~12) - parking lot #7 (seven) ocean
Common Loon (2) - Emerson Rocks
Northern Gannet (4) - seven ocean
Double-crested Cormorant - common. Many large, migrating flocks.
Great Blue Heron (3) - North Marsh.
Great Egret (20+) - various, but concentrated between Cross Farm hill and Stage Island.
Snowy Egret (1) - North Pool from Hellcat Dike.
Turkey Vulture (8) - various.
Osprey (1) - North Pool.
Northern Harrier (1) - SIP.
Red-tailed Hawk (2) - Hellcat Dike and North Pool Overlook.
Black-bellied Plover (3) - seven beach.
Semipalmated Plover (20+) - seven beach.
Greater Yellowlegs (2) South Pannes.
Sanderling (5) - seven beach.
Dunlin (~20) - seven beach.
Semipalmated Sandpiper (1) - flyover Wardens.
Ring-billed Gull (at least 1) - seven beach.
Herring Gull - common.
Great Black-backed Gull (~5) - seven beach, Sandy point.
Rock Pigeon - "university streets" neighborhood.
Belted Kingfisher (1) - North Pool.
Eastern Phoebe (1) - North Pool Dike.
Blue Jay - common. Migrants?
American Crow (2)
American Robin (4) - Hellcat.
Northern Mockingbird - common. At least six at seven.
European Starling
Cedar Waxwing (2) - roadside.
American Pipit (8+) - Sandy Point near boardwalk. Probably many more.
Yellow-rumped Warbler (4) - various.
Savannah Sparrow - (1) - Wardens.
Song Sparrow (5) - various.
Northern Cardinal (2) - North Dunes thickets.
David Moon
Sanctuary Director
Joppa Flats Education Center
Mass Audubon
1 Plum Island Turnpike
Newburyport, MA 01950
978-462-9998
www.massaudubon.org/joppaflats<http://www.massaudubon.org/joppaflats>
You can't be suspicious of a tree, or accuse a bird or a squirrel of subversion or challenge the ideology of a violet. - Hal Borland
Date: 10/10/18 8:32 pm From: Joe Battenfeld <jbattenfeld...> Subject: [MASSBIRD] Nighthawks, chimney swifts Millennium Park
Hello AllBeautiful late afternoon/evening walk at Millennium Park in West Roxbury produced surprising number of birds, including:- 8 Nighthawks- 2 Chimney Swifts- Tree Swallow - 18 Yellow-rumped Warblers- Palm Warbler - Ruby-crowned Kinglet- Savannah Sparrow - Cooper’s HawkThe Nighthawks, swifts and swallow were all feeding together above the fields on side of hill. It seems pretty late for Nighthawks but warm weather must be keeping them here.
Joe Battenfeld Roslindale <jbattenfeld...>
Sent from Yahoo Mail for iPhone
Date: 10/10/18 7:50 pm From: Lucas Hale <lhale4...> Subject: [MASSBIRD] Fwd: Clay-Colored on Shadyside Ave in Concord
---------- Forwarded message --------- From: Lucas Hale <lhale4...> Date: Wed, Oct 10, 2018 at 5:06 PM Subject: Clay-Colored on Shadyside Ave in Concord To: <majordomo...> <majordomo...>
Feeding on main road now in front of private property signs. Very obvious individual.
Lucas Hale, Concord, MA -- *Lucas Hale *I *Data Analytics Intern* iSpecimen Inc. I 450 Bedford Street, Lexington, MA 02420 c: 978-831-3445 e: <lhale...> -- *Lucas Hale *I *Data Analytics Intern* iSpecimen Inc. I 450 Bedford Street, Lexington, MA 02420 c: 978-831-3445 e: <lhale...>
Date: 10/10/18 11:51 am From: Kathy Rawdon <rawdonk...> Subject: [MASSBIRD] Quincy/ continuing Black Headed gull and skimmers
1 p.m. Continuing adult Black Headed gull on North End of Wollaston Beach( Quincy Shore Dr) at wrack line across from Bayfield Rd associating with 3 juvenile skimmers and ring- billed gulls.
Date: 10/10/18 4:37 am From: Peter Trull <petrull...> Subject: RE: [MASSBIRD] A few nice October Moments
Mr. Chickering has described in his prose a classic example of the symbiotic relationship in birds called commensalism…. Two species benefit from the behavior of one, with benefit to both and no detriment to either. Take note, it’s a classic.
Peter Trull
Brewster
<petrull...>
Sent from Mail for Windows 10
From: DOUGLAS E CHICKERING
Sent: Tuesday, October 9, 2018 10:07 PM
To: Massbird
Cc: Douglas Chickering; sarabirding
Subject: [MASSBIRD] A few nice October Moments
Massbirders:
I was taking my usual Plum Island walk. This time it was from Parking lot#1 to the Wardens and back. I am convinced that the birding is the most productive when doing it on foot. Especially in places like the S Curves. Today as I was walking north in the S Curves and remarking to myself that the birds were few and far between. One or two Song Sparrows lurking in the grass; with accompanying Junco’s leaping up into the brush. Then my attention was suddenly kindled when there was a small, nearly imperceptible, tug in the back side of a bush not three feet in front of me, by the side of the road. I stood still, not even grabbing my binoculars. I knew that any movement on my part risked spooking it. I stood gazing intently to the tugs and jumps in the foliage and within a minute my patience was rewarded. A Ruby-crowned Kinglet, apparently unaware of my presence leapt out to a completely bare twig. The little guy was completely engrossed in tearing apar!
t what appeared to be some dried-up seed pod. He pecked and stabbed at the husk, each time tearing some sort of morsel from it. All the field marks in full display, the colors clear and subtle, he worked diligently. I have had similar experiences with both brands of Kinglet. So, close you think you could reach out and touch one. In their determined foraging they make their way to you, then near you, and then past you. All business and oblivious. I have seen it before. A transcendent few minutes. It never gets old.
Yesterday a few of my birding friends put me on to a strange pleasant little tableau. On the Hellcat Trail where there is a small, slowly vanishing clearing, I was directed to a pattern of holes on a large birch tree. Easy to spot on the side of the tree about nine or ten feet off the ground. The holes of a Yellow-bellied Sapsucker. It was a tight formation, rather than a line of holes. And many of the holes, weren’t holes but small squares. Not only were the holes new they were being used. As we would witness almost immediately after we spotted the holes. A juvenile Yellow-bellied Sapsucker flew to its handiwork and ignoring the impressed audience he began take up the sap and do a little auxiliary pecking. I had been told of this tree and Sapsucker the day before and apparently there was a Black-throated Blue Warbler that also came to the holes to feed when the Sapsucker was away. The Yellow-bellied Sapsucker kept to its perch, slowly, almost sleepi!
ly feeding and occasionally moving around the tree. Then he left. I looked around, and sure enough there was a stunning male Black-throated Bluer Warbler warily hopping from branch, occasionally pausing for a quick look around. If he saw the admiring ensemble he showed no sign of it. He moved by fits and starts up to the Sapsucker holes on the birch before imbibing at the holes. So, we watched as Sapsucker and Black-throated Blue alternated coming to the tree and taking advantage of the running sap. Even though I didn’t think that the sap ran in the fall. The natural world; simultaneously, fascinating, strikingly beautiful, and mysterious.
Later, in the afternoon we had occasion to pass by the tree again and not only was the play continuing but the male Black-throated Blue was joined by a female Black-throated Blue.
During the last few days, in the company of various friends, I had great looks of Pectoral sandpipers; once a flock of ten, an American Bittern and a Barred Owl on Plum Island. Not a spectacular fall so far but spiced up by these and other lyrical, gorgeous moments. It’ll do.
Date: 10/10/18 2:46 am From: Melissa Aldrich <melcaldrich...> Subject: Re: [MASSBIRD] A few nice October Moments
Thanks for sharing!
Melissa Aldrich
413-219-2418
On Tue, Oct 9, 2018, 10:04 PM DOUGLAS E CHICKERING <dovekie...>
wrote:
> Massbirders:
>
>
> I was taking my usual Plum Island walk. This time it was from
> Parking lot#1 to the Wardens and back. I am convinced that the birding is
> the most productive when doing it on foot. Especially in places like the S
> Curves. Today as I was walking north in the S Curves and remarking to
> myself that the birds were few and far between. One or two Song Sparrows
> lurking in the grass; with accompanying Junco’s leaping up into the brush.
> Then my attention was suddenly kindled when there was a small, nearly
> imperceptible, tug in the back side of a bush not three feet in front of
> me, by the side of the road. I stood still, not even grabbing my
> binoculars. I knew that any movement on my part risked spooking it. I stood
> gazing intently to the tugs and jumps in the foliage and within a minute my
> patience was rewarded. A Ruby-crowned Kinglet, apparently unaware of my
> presence leapt out to a completely bare twig. The little guy was
> completely engrossed in tearing apar!
> t what appeared to be some dried-up seed pod. He pecked and stabbed at
> the husk, each time tearing some sort of morsel from it. All the field
> marks in full display, the colors clear and subtle, he worked diligently.
> I have had similar experiences with both brands of Kinglet. So, close you
> think you could reach out and touch one. In their determined foraging they
> make their way to you, then near you, and then past you. All business and
> oblivious. I have seen it before. A transcendent few minutes. It never gets
> old.
>
>
> Yesterday a few of my birding friends put me on to a strange
> pleasant little tableau. On the Hellcat Trail where there is a small,
> slowly vanishing clearing, I was directed to a pattern of holes on a large
> birch tree. Easy to spot on the side of the tree about nine or ten feet off
> the ground. The holes of a Yellow-bellied Sapsucker. It was a tight
> formation, rather than a line of holes. And many of the holes, weren’t
> holes but small squares. Not only were the holes new they were being used.
> As we would witness almost immediately after we spotted the holes. A
> juvenile Yellow-bellied Sapsucker flew to its handiwork and ignoring the
> impressed audience he began take up the sap and do a little auxiliary
> pecking. I had been told of this tree and Sapsucker the day before and
> apparently there was a Black-throated Blue Warbler that also came to the
> holes to feed when the Sapsucker was away. The Yellow-bellied Sapsucker
> kept to its perch, slowly, almost sleepi!
> ly feeding and occasionally moving around the tree. Then he left. I
> looked around, and sure enough there was a stunning male Black-throated
> Bluer Warbler warily hopping from branch, occasionally pausing for a quick
> look around. If he saw the admiring ensemble he showed no sign of it. He
> moved by fits and starts up to the Sapsucker holes on the birch before
> imbibing at the holes. So, we watched as Sapsucker and Black-throated Blue
> alternated coming to the tree and taking advantage of the running sap. Even
> though I didn’t think that the sap ran in the fall. The natural world;
> simultaneously, fascinating, strikingly beautiful, and mysterious.
>
>
> Later, in the afternoon we had occasion to pass by the tree
> again and not only was the play continuing but the male Black-throated Blue
> was joined by a female Black-throated Blue.
>
>
> During the last few days, in the company of various friends, I had great
> looks of Pectoral sandpipers; once a flock of ten, an American Bittern and
> a Barred Owl on Plum Island. Not a spectacular fall so far but spiced up by
> these and other lyrical, gorgeous moments. It’ll do.
>
>
> Doug Chickering
>
>
> Groveland
>
>
> <dovekie...>
>
>
Date: 10/9/18 7:08 pm From: DOUGLAS E CHICKERING <dovekie...> Subject: [MASSBIRD] A few nice October Moments
Massbirders:
I was taking my usual Plum Island walk. This time it was from Parking lot#1 to the Wardens and back. I am convinced that the birding is the most productive when doing it on foot. Especially in places like the S Curves. Today as I was walking north in the S Curves and remarking to myself that the birds were few and far between. One or two Song Sparrows lurking in the grass; with accompanying Junco’s leaping up into the brush. Then my attention was suddenly kindled when there was a small, nearly imperceptible, tug in the back side of a bush not three feet in front of me, by the side of the road. I stood still, not even grabbing my binoculars. I knew that any movement on my part risked spooking it. I stood gazing intently to the tugs and jumps in the foliage and within a minute my patience was rewarded. A Ruby-crowned Kinglet, apparently unaware of my presence leapt out to a completely bare twig. The little guy was completely engrossed in tearing apar! t what appeared to be some dried-up seed pod. He pecked and stabbed at the husk, each time tearing some sort of morsel from it. All the field marks in full display, the colors clear and subtle, he worked diligently. I have had similar experiences with both brands of Kinglet. So, close you think you could reach out and touch one. In their determined foraging they make their way to you, then near you, and then past you. All business and oblivious. I have seen it before. A transcendent few minutes. It never gets old.
Yesterday a few of my birding friends put me on to a strange pleasant little tableau. On the Hellcat Trail where there is a small, slowly vanishing clearing, I was directed to a pattern of holes on a large birch tree. Easy to spot on the side of the tree about nine or ten feet off the ground. The holes of a Yellow-bellied Sapsucker. It was a tight formation, rather than a line of holes. And many of the holes, weren’t holes but small squares. Not only were the holes new they were being used. As we would witness almost immediately after we spotted the holes. A juvenile Yellow-bellied Sapsucker flew to its handiwork and ignoring the impressed audience he began take up the sap and do a little auxiliary pecking. I had been told of this tree and Sapsucker the day before and apparently there was a Black-throated Blue Warbler that also came to the holes to feed when the Sapsucker was away. The Yellow-bellied Sapsucker kept to its perch, slowly, almost sleepi! ly feeding and occasionally moving around the tree. Then he left. I looked around, and sure enough there was a stunning male Black-throated Bluer Warbler warily hopping from branch, occasionally pausing for a quick look around. If he saw the admiring ensemble he showed no sign of it. He moved by fits and starts up to the Sapsucker holes on the birch before imbibing at the holes. So, we watched as Sapsucker and Black-throated Blue alternated coming to the tree and taking advantage of the running sap. Even though I didn’t think that the sap ran in the fall. The natural world; simultaneously, fascinating, strikingly beautiful, and mysterious.
Later, in the afternoon we had occasion to pass by the tree again and not only was the play continuing but the male Black-throated Blue was joined by a female Black-throated Blue.
During the last few days, in the company of various friends, I had great looks of Pectoral sandpipers; once a flock of ten, an American Bittern and a Barred Owl on Plum Island. Not a spectacular fall so far but spiced up by these and other lyrical, gorgeous moments. It’ll do.
Observation start time: 13:30:00 Observation end time: 16:30:00 Total observation time: 3 hours
Official Counter: Rod Chase
Observers:
Visitors: Counter: Rod Chase Visitors: Frannie, Daryl Turek, and smaller quantities of hikers and drivers than usual. True .. overcast, damp and windy but it was warm! Delightful conversations with Monica Flint (lives near Hawk Mountain) and a dear friend from England, Caroline Romijn, who were together for a couple of weeks after not seeing each other for 30 years! Also Brad Shaddock from Cuttyhunk (hope I got that right) who also had bird and other stories that were a great way to pass the last half hour.
Weather: 1:30 - 4:30 EST Barometer 30.24; Humidity 70%.
Wind WSW 5-10mph/8-16kph (with occ. gusts to 20m/32k during first 1.5 hours.) The 100% cloud cover at start did eventually lift and break up to 60%. Unfortunately the cloud base was about 400 feet below summit, though visibility was good below that base (clear for 5mi/8km and fair for 10m/16k.) I went to North Lookout for 1st hour while summit cleared. Temps warm for October: 70F/21 at start and 67/19 at closing.
Raptor Observations: First hour revealed 2 small groups of TV's working from NE to NW who stayed low and were working the low ridges for updraft. Getting whatever height they could they did a steep peel that did advance their eventual arrival past the west gravel pit. From there they worked the ridges that work S or SW. I kept losing them but caught them over and over as they caught enough updraft to peel again. Low but determined travel. This trip was 35-45 minutes but the 7 birds (four plus three approx. 10 minutes behind) were almost the only show in town. There were 2 SS's that winged by low but half as far as the TV's. They also stayed low but made much better time -- also working hard. The only migrant that didn't seem to notice was a Peregrine that blew by just overhead as I was starting down to the parking lot. Wind speed in last 1/2 hour was 3-8mph/5-13kph so he had a small advantage, but only took 8 or 10 minutes to disappear in WSW.
Local raptors: TV 6; RT 2. All had fun riding the wind to NE before entering the haze.
Non-raptor Observations: Monarchs: 4. Besides a few Juncos and a Towhee the only other diversions were Katydid song and a few unidentified warblers working thru the shrubs.
Predictions: Wednesday: Patchy fog before 9am. Otherwise, mostly sunny, with a high near 79. West wind 7 to 9 mph, with gusts as high as 23 mph. ======================================================================== Report submitted by Rod Chase (<rodchase...>) Wachusett Mountain information may be found at: http://www.massbird.org/emhw
Date: 10/9/18 6:05 pm From: Kevin Ryan <kr1946...> Subject: [MASSBIRD] Swallows
Hello all
Just got out of car this afternoon and looked up just in time to see 3 swallows disappearing over the house not sure what they were but don't believe they were tree swallows. Just wish I were able to get a better look.Kevin Ryan Easton
Date: 10/9/18 5:16 pm From: James P Smith <keenbirder...> Subject: [MASSBIRD] Northfield Nelson's Sparrow - 10/07
Greetings birders,
Josh Layfield was fortunate enough to find and document a Nelson's Sparrow in Northfield Meadows on the morning of October 7th. It sounds like the bird teed up nicely for a minute or so but wasn't seen again despite extensive searching in the following days;
Northfield Meadows has also featured up to 3 Vesper Sparrows and up to 5 White-crowned Sparrows as well as the continued (impressive) passage of Cape May Warblers with three seen there today, October 9th.
Date: 10/9/18 4:08 pm From: Haynes Miller <hrm...> Subject: [MASSBIRD] Nahanton Park walk postponded: Oct 13 --> Oct 20
Due to a scheduling mess-up, I have had to postpone the BBC walk I am leading at Nahanton Park, Newton, from this Saturday, Oct 13, to the following Saturday, Oct 20. Still meet at 8:00 at the lot off the Winchester St entrance.
Date: 10/9/18 6:32 am From: Andrew Prazar <andrew.prazar...> Subject: [MASSBIRD] 10/9 - Warblers everywhere - Georgetown
For the second straight day there's been quite a warbler show at Camp Denison in Georgetown. Just outside the Nature Center (small building to the left the Main Lodge towards Baldpate Pond) there have been approximately 75 yellow-rumps and a handful of (what seem to be) blackpoll and pine warblers dripping from the trees and foraging on the ground. I'm not the best at fall warbler ID so perhaps someone with a more discerning eye can pick out something more interesting.
Date: 10/8/18 2:48 pm From: Tim Spahr <tspahr44...> Subject: [MASSBIRD] Bell's Vireo, Fort Hill
Hi Birders, sorry for the belated report but there was a Bell's Vireo at Fort Hill in Eastham today. The bird was in the same thicket where Sean Williams' bird was in 2016. Park in the parking lot at the end of the road, follow the main trail to the first junction (with the large boulder and cedar/juniper tree) and turn left. About 200 meters up this trail on the lefthand side is a freshwater marsh lined with thickets. The bird was in that area, and quite responsive to pishing. It was in the company of 2 Orange-crowned Warblers.
I checked the area later in the day and some birders were on location, and some had seen the bird.
There were a fair few warblers around in the afternoon also including Blackburnian, Nashville, and Wilson's to join the regular Blackpolls. It was a nice day out there!
Hi This morning I let out the dog and heard the distinctive mewing of a Yellow-bellied Sapsucker and even before I found my glasses saw its distinctive backwards hop down one of my black walnuts. It was an immature foraging in the lichens on the tree. I've only recorded them one previous day out of more than 11 years. That one left a number of holes from which the walnut sap oozed for a few days (but no evidence that it returned). I did find some of their hole scars on a couple of species of trees when we bought the house. Mindy LaBranche Rochester, MA
Date: 10/8/18 5:21 am From: Barbara Drummond <bdraraavis...> Subject: [MASSBIRD] special post - house for sale
Barbara has OK’d this post.
The house next door to us in North Andover has just gone on the market. It is a 70’s raised ranch that has been completely renovated by the current owner, a building contractor. The lot (about 1 and 3/4 acres) is partially wooded and abuts a wetland. There are Barred Owls in the woods, and a good variety of species either are resident or pass through. Last week we had Northern Waterthrush, Parula Warbler, and Blackpoll in our back yard, along the edge. We are looking for good neighbors, preferably birders, who would maintain the quiet atmosphere of this neighborhood while enjoying good birding at home.
Date: 10/8/18 5:14 am From: Childs, Jackson <jchilds...> Subject: [MASSBIRD] Dunback Meadow 10/6
It was very birdy here this weekend. When the clouds opened up midday Saturday I saw four Broadwings gaining altitude over the meadow proper. I did a little video with some birds I saw:
I saw them shortly after 4 PM in the same spot behind Oceana Cottages, then followed then across Route 6 to High Head Road, then south of Stott's Crossing on the Shore Road side, where I left them about 5 PM. The birds are often low in the vegetation but do come up on the wires and higher tree perches.
Date: 10/8/18 4:24 am From: Suzanne Sullivan <swampy435...> Subject: [MASSBIRD] Middleton, Danvers Community garden walk
Hey Massbirders,
I will be hosting on behalf of the Ipswich River Watershed Association the
fall walk at the Middleton, Danvers Community garden, next Sunday, Oct.
14th, at 8 a.m. This is a special place with a varied landscape and great
edge bird habitat all around. The Ipswich River flows across the street
here and creates a perfect dynamic for birds to drop in. As always this
time of year, it has been pretty birdie there with lots of sparrow to pick
through. Clay-colored, White-crowned, and Lincoln’s have been regulars. If
things are slow we can always walk around the trails and corn fields. A
link to the location is below. The gardens are located at the
Danvers/Middleton line on Gregory st. Any questions feel free to email me.
The walk starts at 8, rain or shine, but I will be there much earlier if
anyone wants to join me and John.
Date: 10/7/18 10:27 pm From: Jim Berry <jim.berry3...> Subject: [MASSBIRD] Appleton Farm (TTOR), Oct 7, 2018 and Wenham Canal, Oct. 6
Appleton Farm (TTOR), Ipswich Oct 7, 2018 8:30 AM - 12:05 PM Protocol: Traveling 3.0 mile(s) Comments: Kyle Jacoby, the farm naturalist, and I walked about 3 miles on a fall bird survey for the farm. We kept mostly to the northern section of the farm including some of the agricultural fields and wet meadows. We found a decent variety of species but no goldfinches, blackbirds, warblers, or cardinals. 32 species (+1 other taxon)
Canada Goose 15 Wild Turkey 4 m Rock Pigeon (Feral Pigeon) 13 Killdeer 10 Ring-billed Gull 1 Great Blue Heron 2 Turkey Vulture 3 Cooper's Hawk 1 Red-tailed Hawk 3 (1 ad., two juvs.) Yellow-bellied Sapsucker 1 juv. Red-bellied Woodpecker 6 Downy Woodpecker 2 Northern Flicker 4 not seen Northern Flicker (Yellow-shafted) 1 seen Blue Jay 23 American Crow 10 Black-capped Chickadee 4 Tufted Titmouse 5 Red-breasted Nuthatch 3 White-breasted Nuthatch 4 House Wren 2 Carolina Wren 1 Eastern Bluebird 7 American Robin 2 Gray Catbird 1 Northern Mockingbird 1 European Starling 80 American Pipit 1 Chipping Sparrow 17 Savannah Sparrow 4 Song Sparrow 12 Swamp Sparrow 2 House Sparrow 2
Wenham Canal, Wenham Oct 6, 2018 1:00 PM - 3:20 PM Protocol: Traveling 2.0 mile(s) Comments: I walked the two-mile canal out and back from the SE end at the pump station. Almost no warblers. 20 species (+1 other taxon)
Canada Goose 7 Mallard 4 Mourning Dove 1 Herring Gull 1 Great Blue Heron 1 Cooper's Hawk 1 Belted Kingfisher 1 Red-bellied Woodpecker 2 Downy Woodpecker 3 Northern Flicker 1 Peregrine Falcon 1 Chasing a MODO, which got away. Blue Jay 19 American Crow 8 Tree Swallow 1 Black-capped Chickadee 1 Hermit Thrush 1 Gray Catbird 1 Song Sparrow 8 Red-winged Blackbird 14 Yellow-rumped Warbler (Myrtle) 1 warbler sp. (Parulidae sp.) 1 The front was all yellow, but that's all I could see.
eBird isn’t showing any reports more recent than October 4, and I don’t see any hummer sightings mentioned on Western Mass Birders since the end of September… I still have my feeder up, cleaned and refilled it a couple of days ago, but no takers…..
> On Oct 7, 2018, at 8:52 AM, Ida Giriunas <ida8...> wrote:
>
> .Haven’t seen the hummingbird since 10/4. Does anybody still have theirs?
>
> Ida Giriunas
> Reading, MA
Observation start time: 10:30:00 Observation end time: 14:30:00 Total observation time: 4 hours
Official Counter: Rod Chase
Observers: Janet Kovner, John Doyle, Nancy Given, Ted Mara, Tom Gottschang
Visitors: Additional observers: Julie Reade, Randy Yuen, Darryl Tureq
Counters: Ted Mara, Janet Kovner
Hundreds of hikers (many families) and ski lift visitors = chaos
Weather: Heavy fog until 11:30. THen heavy clouds. Winds 2-10 mph, WSW-WNW, 100%cc, Visibility started out at 2k, then up to 10k, flight was generally low.
Raptor Observations: BE was juvenile TVs came in independently and pairs. PG buzzed everything.
Non-raptor Observations: Locals: TV 7, BE 2 adults chasing each other for good distance. RT 1 Monarchies 8.
Predictions: Cloudy, 50s NE-E winds. Interesting ======================================================================== Report submitted by Ted Mara (<tedmara...>) Wachusett Mountain information may be found at: http://www.massbird.org/emhw
I thought many of your would be interested in my talk with Dr. Merlin D. Tuttle, an ecologist, wildlife photographer, and conservationist who has studied bats and championed their preservation for more than 55 years and continues as the Founder of Merlin Tuttle’s Bat Conservation.Enjoy! https://bit.ly/2akUsxp
Observation start time: 13:00:00 Observation end time: 14:00:00 Total observation time: 1 hours
Official Counter: Craig Jackson
Observers: Jack Miano
Weather: Winds ESE; mostly sunny changed to mostly cloudy;
Raptor Observations: Count done by Jack Miano; official observer not present small movement of falcons Local ML on habitual perch; between 2-5 Redtails not migrating
Non-raptor Observations: 45 DC Cormorants migrating; RB Woodpecker and WB Nuthatch ======================================================================== Report submitted by Craig Jackson (<crleja1949...>)
Observation start time: 07:45:00 Observation end time: 12:30:00 Total observation time: 4.75 hours
Official Counter: Craig Jackson
Observers: Soheil Zendeh
Weather: Strong to moderate northerly winds (sometimes NE; sometimes N; sometimes NW); temperature 11-13°C; 10-35-10% cloud cover
Raptor Observations: small movement of accipiters Adult BE thought to be migrant (disappeared in blue sky), but later adult seen moving north presumed to be same bird Merlin on habitual perch: at least 5 non-migrating Redtails; presumed resident CH
Non-raptor Observations: 16 Canada Geese migrating; 1 Eastern Phoebe ======================================================================== Report submitted by Craig Jackson (<crleja1949...>)
Date: 10/7/18 9:47 am From: Pamela Sowizral <psowizral...> Subject: [MASSBIRD] Drumlin Farm - no lark sparrow today
I could not relocate the lark sparrow but still some good birds around Drumlin Farm this morning with 38 species. Best bird of the morning was a brown thrasher.
Pam Sowizral
Mass Audubon's Drumlin Farm
Lincoln
Canada Goose 12
Wild Turkey 7
Mourning Dove 1
Killdeer 6
Sharp-shinned Hawk 1
Cooper's Hawk 1
Red-tailed Hawk 3
Red-bellied Woodpecker 3
Downy Woodpecker 2
Northern Flicker 3
Eastern Phoebe 3
Blue Jay 10
American Crow 2
Common Raven 1
Black-capped Chickadee 8
Tufted Titmouse 3
White-breasted Nuthatch 2
Carolina Wren 2
Ruby-crowned Kinglet 4
Eastern Bluebird 6
American Robin 3
Brown Thrasher 1
Northern Mockingbird 2
European Starling 3
House Finch 1
American Goldfinch 3
Chipping Sparrow 10
White-throated Sparrow 1
Savannah Sparrow 29
Song Sparrow 5
Swamp Sparrow 1
Brown-headed Cowbird 16
Blackpoll Warbler 6
Black-throated Blue Warbler 1
Palm Warbler 20
Yellow-rumped Warbler 2
Northern Cardinal 3
House Sparrow 2
Date: 10/7/18 9:12 am From: <blafley...> Subject: [MASSBIRD] Fwd: [fws-news] Service Proposes to List the Eastern Black Rail as Threatened Under the Endangered Species Act. 9
Hello,
As birders we should all stop and think about the second to last paragraph of this article.....
Bill Lafley
New Salem
<blafley...>
Begin forwarded message:
> From: FWS News and Information <fws-news...>
> Date: October 7, 2018 at 3:03:40 AM EDT
> To: <fws-news...>
> Subject: [fws-news] Service Proposes to List the Eastern Black Rail as Threatened Under the Endangered Species Act. 9
> Reply-To: <fws-news...>
>
> **************************************************************
>
> Press Release
>
> Service Proposes to List the Eastern Black Rail as Threatened Under the Endangered Species Act
>
> October 5, 2018
> Contact(s):
> Southwest Region – Lesli Gray, <lesli_gray...>, 972-439-4542
>
> Midwest Region – Georgia Parham, <georgia_parham...>, 812-334-4261 x 1203
>
> Southeast Region – Jennifer Koches, <jennifer_koches...>, 843-727-4707 x 214
>
> Northeast Region – Meagan Racey, <meagan_racey...>, 413-253-8558
>
> Mountain-Prairie Region – Steve Segin, <robert_segin...>, 303-236-4578
>
> The U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service and its partners are working to protect a small, secretive marsh bird that is in steep decline. Some populations of the eastern black rail along the Atlantic coast have dropped by as much as 90 percent, and with a relatively small total population remaining across the eastern United States, the Service is proposing to list the subspecies as threatened under the Endangered Species Act (ESA).
>
> After a review of the best available scientific and commercial information, the Service determined the eastern black rail meets the definition of threatened because it is likely to become endangered in the foreseeable future throughout all or a significant portion of its range. A peer-reviewed species status assessment, produced by the Service, provides a biological risk assessment using the best available information on threats to the subspecies and evaluates its current condition. It also forecasts the eastern black rail’s biological status under varying future conditions.
>
> Partially migratory, the eastern black rail is known to appear in as many as 36 states plus multiple territories and countries in the Caribbean and Central and South America. One of four subspecies of black rail, the eastern black rail, though rare, is broadly distributed but highly localized, and lives in salt, brackish, and freshwater marshes.
>
> The California black rail subspecies -- confined to central and southern California, western Arizona and Mexico -- is not included in this listing proposal. Two other subspecies of black rail that occur in South America are also not included in this listing proposal.
>
> In April 2010, the Service was petitioned to list the eastern black rail under the ESA. In September 2011, the Service published a 90-day finding indicating listing may be warranted. A settlement agreement in 2013 required the Service to complete a review of the subspecies and submit a 12-month finding to the Federal Register by Sept. 30, 2018.
>
> Population size and trend estimates from a 2016 independent assessment of the subspecies indicated declining populations of eastern black rail. Estimates for the Atlantic Coast, ranging from New Jersey south to the Gulf Coast of Florida, are between just 355-815 breeding pairs. Estimates from a Texas research project indicated a population of around 1,300 individuals for the upper Texas Coast – a noted stronghold for the bird prior to Hurricane Harvey in 2017. No true population estimates exist for interior states such as Colorado, Kansas or Oklahoma, but there are small populations in Colorado and Kansas where the bird breeds in the spring and summer. With a lack of consistent monitoring and survey results for the Caribbean and Central America, there is no evidence to suggest that the eastern black rail is present in large numbers in this region, although it is likely the birds occur there.
>
> Primary threats to the eastern black rail include habitat loss due to continued alteration and loss of wetland habitats, land management practices that result in fire suppression (or inappropriately timed fire application that may cause direct mortalities), grazing, haying and mowing, and impounding of wetlands.
>
> In addition, projected sea level rise and associated tidal flooding, increased temperatures, decreased precipitation, increased drought and severe weather events producing flooding or changes in wildfire frequency and intensity are all likely to have significant impacts on eastern black rail populations and their habitat.
>
> The Service is proposing a rule under the ESA’s Section 4(d) that would tailor protections for the bird. These protections include prohibiting certain activities in known eastern black rail habitat during critical time periods, such as nesting and brooding seasons, and post-breeding flightless molt periods. The Service is proposing certain prohibitions on the following activities during the identified critical time periods: approved fire management, haying, mowing, and other mechanical treatments, intensive grazing (only on public lands), and other forms of direct and incidental take outlined in the Federal Register notice. In addition, fire management activities not using best management practices to minimize impacts to the subspecies and its habitat are prohibited at all times.
>
> To ensure public safety and meet operational needs for existing infrastructure, the proposed rule would also exempt mowing and mechanical treatment of rights-of-way, fire breaks and transmission corridors from the ESA’s “take” prohibitions.
>
> The Service is not designating critical habitat for the eastern black rail at this time due to concerns that identifying such areas may attract birders seeking out these shy and elusive birds, placing additional stress on the subspecies. Through the public comment process, we are requesting information on the threats of taking or other human activity, including the impacts of birders to the eastern black rail and its habitat, and the extent to which critical habitat designation might increase those threats.
>
> The Service will accept comments received or postmarked on or before December 10, 2018. Information on how to submit comments is available at www.regulations.gov by searching under docket number FWS–R4–ES–2018–0057.
>
> For more information visit: https://www.fws.gov/southeast/wildlife/birds/eastern-black-rail/ >
> The mission of the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service is working with others to conserve, protect, and enhance fish, wildlife, plants, and their habitats for the continuing benefit of the American people. We are both a leader and trusted partner in fish and wildlife conservation, known for our scientific excellence, stewardship of lands and natural resources, dedicated professionals, and commitment to public service. For more information on our work and the people who make it happen, visit www.fws.gov.
>
> For more information on our work and the people who make it happen, visit http://www.fws.gov/. Connect with our Facebook page, follow our tweets, watch our YouTube Channel and download photos from our Flickr page.
>
> ***************************************************************************
>
> You are subscribed to fws-news, an email list for news releases and other official announcements of the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service. News releases are also available online at http://www.fws.gov/news/ >
> To modify or cancel your subscription, please visit https://www.fws.gov/lists/options/fws-news. You may also cancel by sending an email message to <fws-news-request...> with the word "unsubscribe" in the subject line.
>
> Questions concerning a particular news release or item of information should be directed to the person listed as the contact. General comments or observations concerning the content of the information should be directed to Malcomb Barsella (<malcomb_barsella...>) in the Office of External Affairs. Messages sent directly to this list will not be answered.
>
> ***************************************************************************
Date: 10/7/18 9:12 am From: Jeffrey Offermann <offermann...> Subject: [MASSBIRD] Black Skimmers, Black-headed Gull Wollaston Beach
Massbird,
Three juvenile Black Skimmers have joined the Black-headed Gull first reported by Vin Zollo at Wollaston Beach in Quincy, just northwest of the Squantum Yacht Club.
Jeffrey Offermann Dorchester, MA <offermann.jeffrey...>
Date: 10/7/18 7:56 am From: <dave.williams6...> Subject: [MASSBIRD] Reading Town Forest - Dickcissel, Red-shouldered hawk
Finally saw my Town "life" Dickcissel this morning in the Reading Town Forest. Five species of Woodpeckers, a Red-shoulder hawk, White-throated sparrows, and Golden-crowned kinglets all made for an enjoyable morning of birding. A complete list of the birds seen today can be found her: https://ebird.org/view/checklist/S49012861
The DICK and RSHA were birds #127 & 128 for my BirdReadingMA project, a Town of Reading collaborative "Big Year". I have documented 180 species for the Town through my research for this project. Come bird in Reading and share your eBird checklist with BirdReadingMA
Date: 10/6/18 9:50 pm From: Marsha Salett <msalett...> Subject: [MASSBIRD] October 2018 issue of Bird Observer now online
Massbirders,
Bird Observer announces that its October 2018 issue is now online at www.birdobserver.org
Where to Go Birding highlights "Fall Birding the Keene, New Hampshire, Area" by Steven Lamonde. Articles feature "The Secret Lives of the Gulls of Appledore" by Sarah Courchesne, Wayne Petersen's memorial tribute to "Kathleen S. (Betty) Anderson: June 15, 1923August 24, 2010," and a Field Note by Megara Bell.
As usual, we include regular columns by Martha Steele and Mark Lynch, Neil Haywards "Bygone Birds" and "Bird Sightings for May/June 2018," and Wayne Petersen's "At A Glance." Richard Johnson's Photo Essay is about Godwits.
The cover art features Edgar Allan Slothman's Common Gallinule.
Date: 10/6/18 8:35 pm From: Linda Ferraresso <tattler1...> Subject: [MASSBIRD] BBC Trip Nahanton Park , Oct 6, 2018
A very enthusiastic group joined me at Nahanton Park in Newton this a.m. We started out with a late Chimney Swift and ended up with a puzzling Sparrow. Initially it was seen at a quite a distance, and we couldn't get much on it. One of the participants mentioned after it went into the bushes, she had a few photos. I've sent them out to get some opinions and will report out what the decision is. Six species of sparrows ( maybe 7, we'll see!) and 7 species of wood warblers was pretty nice for October 6! The Nashville also came in to bath in the same puddle as the female Purple Finch. What a treat!
Notably absent were Palm Warbler and Indigo Bunting which are usually found in the gardens at Nahanton Park at this time of year. Eastern Phoebes are usually common, and we only squeaked one out late in the a.m.
Cheers, Linda
Nahanton Park , Middlesex, Massachusetts, US Oct 6, 2018 8:00 AM - 12:30 PM Protocol: Traveling 1.0 mile(s) Comments: Beautiful fall day for the BBC trip; most birds in the lower garden 32 species (+1 other taxa)
Canada Goose 2 Mourning Dove 5 Chimney Swift 1 1 flyover at the beginning of the trip gull sp. 12 Great Blue Heron 3 Cooper's Hawk 1 Red-bellied Woodpecker 2 Downy Woodpecker 2 Eastern Phoebe 1 Red-eyed Vireo 2 Blue Jay 16 Black-capped Chickadee 2 Tufted Titmouse 4 White-breasted Nuthatch 2 American Robin 76 Gray Catbird 7 House Finch 36 Purple Finch 1 female, bathing in a puddle with House Finches ; nice comparison American Goldfinch 19 Chipping Sparrow 6 White-crowned Sparrow 1 White-throated Sparrow 5 Savannah Sparrow 11 Song Sparrow 23 Swamp Sparrow 1 Black-and-white Warbler 1 Nashville Warbler 1 Common Yellowthroat 1 Northern Parula 1 Blackpoll Warbler 5 Pine Warbler 1 Yellow-rumped Warbler 2 Northern Cardinal 4
Date: 10/6/18 12:36 pm From: mike sylvia <mikesylvia87...> Subject: [MASSBIRD] Cuttyhunk Island - Mouring Warbler, Philadelphia Warbler, No Say's Phoebe - Very different from last week
My son Corvus and I traveled to Cutty this morning in the dark and arrived at 635 am. We walked the bulk of the island and hit many of the areas I did last week. Birds species, numbers and behavior very different. Last week birds in higher numbers. Very responsive to phishing and screech owl imitation were not this week at all. Not even towhees. Most birds seen skulking around vegetation feeding or resting where they were very active and mobile last week.
Common Raven also notable for the island. Some photos on link.
Cuttyhunk Island, Dukes, Massachusetts, US Oct 6, 2018 6:30 AM - 11:30 AM
Protocol: Traveling
2.0 mile(s)
58 species
American Black Duck 2
Common Eider 1
Mourning Dove 5
Greater Yellowlegs 5
Willet (Western) 1 seen at roost. Large very pale bird. 20 ft away from boat
Laughing Gull 14
Herring Gull 6
Great Black-backed Gull 2
Double-crested Cormorant 38
Great Blue Heron 3
Northern Harrier 1
Sharp-shinned Hawk 1
Cooper's Hawk 4
Red-tailed Hawk 2
Belted Kingfisher 1
Yellow-bellied Sapsucker 3
Red-bellied Woodpecker 1
Downy Woodpecker 1
Hairy Woodpecker 1
Northern Flicker 14
Eastern Phoebe 6
Blue-headed Vireo 1
Philadelphia Vireo 1
Red-eyed Vireo 3
Blue Jay 27
American Crow 10
Common Raven 1 Bird seen flying and calling and being harassed by Cooper's Hawk
Tree Swallow 8
Black-capped Chickadee 3
Tufted Titmouse 1
Red-breasted Nuthatch 6
White-breasted Nuthatch 1
Brown Creeper 2
Carolina Wren 2
Golden-crowned Kinglet 8
American Robin 75
Gray Catbird 10
Northern Mockingbird 1
European Starling 42
Cedar Waxwing 18
House Finch 20
American Goldfinch 1
Dark-eyed Junco 4
White-crowned Sparrow 2
White-throated Sparrow 2
Song Sparrow 10
Eastern Towhee 8
Red-winged Blackbird 3
Brown-headed Cowbird 23
Mourning Warbler 1 bird seen well ~20 feet away. Green back no wing bars, yellow chest to vent. Gray hood and thin split eye-ring
Cape May Warbler 3 2 photographed and included. 3rd bird seen with another at close range and in good light.
Northern Parula 2
Blackpoll Warbler 1
Yellow-rumped Warbler 12
Black-throated Green Warbler 3
Wilson's Warbler 2 1 bird perched and photographed 15 feet away and visible for over 30 minutes. Adult male seen in good light full black cap.
Observation start time: 08:00:00 Observation end time: 15:00:00 Total observation time: 7 hours
Official Counter: Rod Chase
Observers: Bill Rasku, Chris Eddy, Dave Brown, Doug Wipf, Jared Keyes, Susan Williamson, Ursula Goodine
Visitors: Observers: Bill Rasku, Dave Brown, Jared Keyes, Susan Williamson, Ursula & Dave Goodine, Ed Norris, Joe Drega, Chris Eddy,Bill Caines, Jeff Hendrickx, Jerry Tabler, Bill Caines, Jack Doolin, Jim, David Pihl.
Visitors: hiker Frannie stopped by to catch up. Several school groups hiked up and enjoyed the warm sun and relatively calm conditions
Weather: Several favorable conditions today: Wind from NE except last 2 hours from N. Strength 3-10mph at start with added gusts to 15 in 2nd hour; after that there was gradual decrease in strength until there was little then no wind in the last two hours. Cloud cover was 95% at the beginning though under-the- ceiling visibility was a good 40+ miles all day. Wind and sun rapidly blew the clouds to SW in less than an hour. CC went to 5% from 2nd hour until the winds died. Temp 46F at start rose to 50 by 10am but immediately backed off to 48 & dropped again in last hour to 47F.
Raptor Observations: Another favorable condition? The best thermals were when the winds died and since Turkey Vultures can float thru the air with the best -- they certainly picked up the slack in the last two hours! (Someone might ask "That's just when they arrived?"; I'd say 'yup, we're both right'!) Raptors passed on both sides of summit with more on north side early but south side had plenty of action for the rest of the day. The 24 BW's were another pleasant October surprise but the Bird of the Day was a beautiful and close flyover by the Red-shouldered Hawk. Several well-lit views as he circled up in front before then showing his topside and then wings backlit both top then bottom. I love those moments that'll be etched in the memory cells for a while!
Predictions: Mostly sunny, with a high near 64. Calm wind becoming south around 6 mph in the afternoon. ======================================================================== Report submitted by Rod Chase (<rodchase...>) Wachusett Mountain information may be found at: http://www.massbird.org/emhw
Date: 10/4/18 8:21 pm From: Derek Brown <derekbrownbuild...> Subject: [MASSBIRD] Fwd: eBird Report - conomo point road, Oct 4, 2018
---------- Forwarded message --------- From: <ebird-checklist...> Date: Thu, Oct 4, 2018 at 9:54 PM Subject: eBird Report - conomo point road, Oct 4, 2018 To: <derekbrownbuild...>
conomo point road, Essex, Massachusetts, US Oct 4, 2018 9:00 AM - 10:00 AM Protocol: Traveling 1.0 mile(s) Comments: We walked the last half mile of conomo point road, around conomo point and returned 29 species
Mourning Dove 5 Semipalmated Plover 23 Greater Yellowlegs 1 Ring-billed Gull 16 Herring Gull 31 Great Black-backed Gull 5 Black Skimmer (niger) 1 A juvenile black skimmer approached conomo point, for a distance of about 150 feet. The bird then headed upstream where it circled a low discrete marsh edge for about 5 minutes. Its wings were strickingly black and white, and the depth of wing movement immediately separated it from laughing gull, my first impression. Double-crested Cormorant 800 Great Egret 35 Snowy Egret 12 Turkey Vulture 2 Northern Harrier 1 Belted Kingfisher 2 Merlin 1 Blue-headed Vireo 1 Blue Jay 8 Black-capped Chickadee 3 Tufted Titmouse 4 Red-breasted Nuthatch 1 American Robin 3 Gray Catbird 2 Northern Mockingbird 2 European Starling 17 House Finch 6 Field Sparrow 1 Song Sparrow 2 Common Yellowthroat 1 Blackpoll Warbler 1 House Sparrow 13
Date: 10/4/18 1:04 pm From: Kat Birder <katbirder...> Subject: [MASSBIRD] Great Meadows NWR-- Concord Unit, weekly species census
We are checking our photos to ID flycatcher sp and shorebird sp.
Great Meadows NWR--Concord Unit, Middlesex, Massachusetts, US Oct 4, 2018 7:11 AM - 11:25 AM Protocol: Traveling 2.2 mile(s) Comments: Weekly survey for the NWR. 50's to 60's F. Mostly to partly cloudy , sometimes misting early. Observers: Tom Maxwell, Will Martens, Jared Keyes, Mark Rosenstein, Joan Stoner, Frank Richichi, Pete Pana, Melani Sleder and her aunt Marie from Hungary, Maryellen Stone, Soheil Zendeh, Audrey Cicchetti, and Kathy Dia. We had quite the raptor show this morning. Seven raptor species observed with a great deal of interaction between both the same and different species making for exciting viewing! 41 species (+6 other taxa)
Canada Goose 57 Wood Duck 4 Mallard 9 Northern Pintail 4 One flew out of the Lower Pool; the others were flyovers. duck sp. 1 Mourning Dove 19 Virginia Rail 1 Immature squeaking heard in marsh just past the start of the Dike. A possible second individual heard once on the other side of the Lower Pool. Wilson's Snipe 1 Seen and heard "skype" call shorebird sp. 7 Four large shorebirds: likely Lesser Yellowlegs or Solitary Sandpiper; checking photos. Trailing legs, some barring or markings on undertail and white rump noted by different observers. Three smaller shorebirds. Great Blue Heron 1 Turkey Vulture 1 Osprey 1 Sharp-shinned Hawk 2 Cooper's Hawk 6 At one point four Cooper's Hawks (perhaps a family group) diving and "playing" together above the treeline joined by one Sharp-shinned Hawk and an American Kestrel. Red-tailed Hawk 5 Belted Kingfisher 2 Red-bellied Woodpecker 3 Downy Woodpecker (Eastern) 4 Hairy Woodpecker (Eastern) 1 Northern Flicker (Yellow-shafted) 1 American Kestrel 3 Merlin 1 flycatcher sp. (Tyrannidae sp.) 1 One at start of Dike Tr. and one in the "Holt". No apparent wing bars but backlit. Checking photos. Blue Jay 24 American Crow 2 Common Raven 3 Two flying southeast early and low; vocal and harassing a smaller Cooper's Hawk . Later, one flying north, quite high and vocalizing once. Black-capped Chickadee 10 Tufted Titmouse 14 White-breasted Nuthatch (Eastern) 4 Marsh Wren 4 Carolina Wren 1 American Robin 12 Gray Catbird 5 American Goldfinch 18 Chipping Sparrow 1 White-throated Sparrow 3 Savannah Sparrow (Savannah) 4 On main Dike Song Sparrow 23 Swamp Sparrow 11 sparrow sp. 6 Red-winged Blackbird (Red-winged) 12 Common Grackle 5 blackbird sp. 1 Common Yellowthroat 1 Blackpoll Warbler 6 Yellow-rumped Warbler (Myrtle) 7 warbler sp. (Parulidae sp.) 2
Blue-winged Teal - one at Hell's Kitchen, Northfield on Oct 2nd, with Green-winged Teals and continuing from late September.
Black-bellied Plover - one migrating over Caldwell Road fields, Northfield during heavy rain on Oct 2nd.
Solitary Sandpiper - 2 at Hell's Kitchen, Northfield on Oct 2nd.
Swamp Sparrow - a major fall-out/arrival during the rain on Oct 2nd with an estimated 200 around Caldwell Road fields alone. These birds were not using marshy areas especially but were plentiful in fields, hedgerows and the woodland fringe. Impressive to see.
Connecticut Warbler - one heard, then seen briefly in Deerfield Meadows (Old Deerfield) on Sep 29th with 2 Yellow Warblers at the same location. No pics of the CT Warbler unfortunately.
Cerulean Warbler - one, probably first-winter, seen and heard briefly but well on Pine Meadow Road, Northfield on Sep 28th. No pics unfortunately.
I relocated the lark sparrow this morning in the same section of crops fields where I first found it on Monday. This is not an easy bird to find - often down in the weeds or vegetables and only briefly making an appearance. It is associating with savannah sparrows. Luckily it does perch on the fence near the green gate.
Pam Sowizral
Mass Audubon's Drumlin Farm
Lincoln
Wild Turkey 6
Red-tailed Hawk 1
Downy Woodpecker 3
Eastern Phoebe 5
Red-eyed Vireo 1
Blue Jay 9
American Crow 2
Black-capped Chickadee 2
Tufted Titmouse 2
Red-breasted Nuthatch 1
White-breasted Nuthatch 2
Carolina Wren 2
Eastern Bluebird 16
American Robin 10
Gray Catbird 2
Northern Mockingbird 1
European Starling 24
Cedar Waxwing 24
American Goldfinch 1
Chipping Sparrow 3
Lark Sparrow 1 Took a while but I found the lark sparrow in the same location as previously seen - the southeast corner of our southern most field off Old Sudbury Road - between the green gate and the circle of rocking horses. Brief appearance - did perch on the fence for good looks. Is mixed in with savannah sparrows. If you go to look for the bird please stay on the paths and not walk into the crops as a courtesy to our farmers.
Savannah Sparrow 12
Song Sparrow 5
Blackpoll Warbler 6
Palm Warbler 1
Pine Warbler 2
Yellow-rumped Warbler 2
Northern Cardinal 2
Date: 10/4/18 6:01 am From: Peter Trull <petrull...> Subject: [MASSBIRD] Stellwagen Bank
Massbirders, Great to be back on whale boats again. Two trips this week in northeast wind allowed observations of my fall target species, beautiful Northern Fulmar. Quick shots in good chop and a few other pelagics.
Photo on e bird link below
Peter Trull
Brewster
<petrull...>
Stellwagen Bank--Race Point Waters, Barnstable, Massachusetts, US
Oct 3, 2018 11:33 AM - 2:38 PM
Protocol: Traveling
34.0 mile(s)
Comments: to (almost) the north end of Stellwagen Bank, the 200 line, and back to Provincetown Harbor
10 species
Common Eider 23 In harbor
Surf Scoter 2
Parasitic Jaeger 2
Great Black-backed Gull 155 along the beach
Northern Fulmar 3
Cory's Shearwater 18 Cory's Manx and Greater Shearwaters
Great Shearwater 45
Manx Shearwater 1
Northern Gannet 11
Double-crested Cormorant 300 mostly on p town breakwater
This bird which arrived on 9/28, slim and trim, has fattened up into a butterball in my flower garden and is ready for her long journey to Florida or Mexico/
Ida Giriunas
Reading, MA
Ida Giriunas
From: <massbird-approval...> <massbird-approval...> On Behalf Of Ida Giriunas Sent: Friday, September 28, 2018 1:04 PM To: <MASSBIRD...> Subject: [MASSBIRD] R,T Hummingbird
Just saw a female ruby-throated Hummingbird in my flower garden.
Date: 10/3/18 11:59 am From: David Moon <dmoon...> Subject: [MASSBIRD] Plum Island (Parker River NWR) - 10-3-2018
Plum Island was birdy with passerines and others this morning, as our Wednesday Morning Birding group chased tantalizing reports and actual birds in the thickets. Many towhees and other residents, plus a few migrants. Cormorants stream through, but sea ducks haven't come in any numbers.
Our list:
Gadwall (1) - Bill Forward Pool (BFP).
American Black Duck - common.
Northern Shoveler (5) - BFP.
Green-winged Teal (15) - BFP.
Northern Gannet (4) parking lot #1 ocean.
Double-crested Cormorant - common.
Great Blue Heron (2) - BFP and North Marsh.
Great Egret (10) - various.
Osprey (1) over S-curves.
Northern Harrier (2) North Field; 1, S-Curves marsh; 1.
Cooper's Hawk (2) Hellcat Rd. ;1, S-Curves; 1.
Greater Yellowlegs (~12) - various.
Sanderling (6) parking lot #1 beach.
Herring Gull - common.
Great Black-backed Gull - (~12) various.
Rock Pigeon
Mourning Dove
Belted Kingfisher (2) - S-Curves; 1, Gatehouse area; 1.
Red-bellied Woodpecker (3) - S-Curves.
Yellow-bellied Sapsucker (1) - Hellcat parking lot.
Downy Woodpecker (1) - Hellcat Rd.
Northern Flicker (1) - S-curves.
Merlin (1) - parking lot #1 beach.
Peregrine Falcon (2) - adults, one male, one female, Plum Island Turnpike, atop Seabrook Warning Siren.
Eastern Phoebe (4) - Mostly in North Field.
Blue Jay - common.
American Crow (7) - various.
Common Raven (1) - S-Curves.
Black-capped Chickadee (6) - S-curves.
Red-breasted Nuthatch (2) - S-cures; 1, Hellcat Rd.; 1.
American Robin - common.
Gray Catbird - common.
Northern Mockingbird (1) - Hellcat.
European Starling
Cedar Waxwing - common.
Common Yellowthroat (1) S-curves.
Blackpoll Warbler (2) - S-curves.
Yellow-rumped Warbler (1) - S-curves.
Eastern Towhee - common.
Clay-colored Sparrow - (1) S-curves.
Song Sparrow - common.
White-throated Sparrow - common.
Northern Cardinal - common.
Red-winged Blackbird - (1) Hellcat dike.
Purple Finch (1) Hellcat Rd.
House Sparrow
David Moon
Sanctuary Director
Joppa Flats Education Center
Mass Audubon
1 Plum Island Turnpike
Newburyport, MA 01950
978-462-9998
www.massaudubon.org/joppaflats<http://www.massaudubon.org/joppaflats>
You can't be suspicious of a tree, or accuse a bird or a squirrel of subversion or challenge the ideology of a violet. - Hal Borland
Date: 10/3/18 11:54 am From: Jonathan Gingerich <jon.c.gingerich...> Subject: Re: [MASSBIRD] id help - white vent
Thanks folks! I'm sure Rick is correct. The a display flight would explain
the unnatural motion and the prominence of the fluffed UTCs. I've seen
Cooper's but not displaying - until now:-)
On Tue, Oct 2, 2018 at 9:43 PM Rick Nok <rsheil.nok...> wrote:
> Male Cooper’s hawk doing a flight display.
>
> Sent from my iPhone
>
> > On Oct 2, 2018, at 9:04 PM, Jonathan Gingerich <
> <jon.c.gingerich...> wrote:
> >
> > I was trudging up Spring Hill in Somerville, MA and I saw a medium
> (grouse, duck, small hawk) sized bird doing the same just above me. It was
> dark, stout, with a thick blockish tail. The most striking things about it
> was the broad white band across the vent and the rapid, deep flapping of
> the wings. I have never seen it before, but I figured that should be enough
> to peg it. Well I'm at a loss - maybe a Wilson's Storm-Petrel?? Not sure
> the flight was "fluttery" but like I say it was deep and rapid. Suggestions
> welcome!-)
> > Jon. - Somerville, MA
>
Date: 10/3/18 11:54 am From: <blafley...> Subject: Re: [MASSBIRD] Flicker Flight Oct 1
Hello,
Last week I counted 19 Flickers on our neighbors lawn in the center of New Salem so they are definitely on the move.
Bill Lafley
New Salem
<Blafley...>
> On Oct 3, 2018, at 11:15 AM, Linda Pivacek <lpivacek...> wrote:
>
> Nahant, Stump Dump. on Oct I enjoyed a flight of Northern Flickers, flying by in groups of 4-5. estimate that there were more than 12. Included in the vocal flight was 2 vocal Yellow-Bellied Sapsuckers, and 2 Red-bellied Woodpeckers.
>
> I don't recall seeing a Flicker Flight like this before.
>
> Now I see a report from Keene NH, of a similar flight on the same date, Oct 1.
>
> Try saying Flicker Flight 3 times fast, Linda
>
>
>
> Linda Pivacek, Nahant, <lpivacek...>
Date: 10/3/18 10:38 am From: Kevin Ryan <kr1946...> Subject: [MASSBIRD] Black Vultures
Hello allAt the landfill in Taunton at rte 138 and east Brittania st there were 4 Turkey Vultures and 4 Black Vultures circling overhead..Kevin Ryan Easton
Date: 10/3/18 8:24 am From: Linda Pivacek <lpivacek...> Subject: [MASSBIRD] Flicker Flight Oct 1
Nahant, Stump Dump. on Oct I enjoyed a flight of Northern Flickers, flying by in groups of 4-5. estimate that there were more than 12. Included in the vocal flight was 2 vocal Yellow-Bellied Sapsuckers, and 2 Red-bellied Woodpeckers.
I don't recall seeing a Flicker Flight like this before.
Now I see a report from Keene NH, of a similar flight on the same date, Oct 1.
Date: 10/2/18 6:56 pm From: Tom Murray <tmurray74...> Subject: [MASSBIRD] Baird's Sandpiper in Groton
This afternoon I decided to go out in the rain and see what was around the fields at Fitch's Bride Road. There were a few shorebirds, including a Bairds, and good numbers of sparrows with at least 2 Lincoln's. I also saw a warbler that looked like it could be a Connecticut, but it took off too fast to get a positive ID or any photos.
Here's the eBird list:
Fitch's Bridge Rd., Middlesex, Massachusetts, US
Oct 2, 2018 4:17 PM - 5:45 PM
Protocol: Traveling
1.2 mile(s)
16 species
Wood Duck 2
Mallard 3
Mourning Dove 12
Baird's Sandpiper 1 The Baird's was in the puddles behind the manure piles along with all the Semipalmated Sandpipers.
Semipalmated Sandpiper 8
Cooper's Hawk 1
Eastern Phoebe 2
American Crow 2
Chipping Sparrow 30
White-throated Sparrow 2
Savannah Sparrow 4
Song Sparrow 10
Lincoln's Sparrow 2
Swamp Sparrow 7
Common Yellowthroat 4
Palm Warbler (Yellow) 3
Date: 10/2/18 6:25 pm From: Jonathan Gingerich <jon.c.gingerich...> Subject: [MASSBIRD] id help - white vent
I was trudging up Spring Hill in Somerville, MA and I saw a medium (grouse, duck, small hawk) sized bird doing the same just above me. It was dark, stout, with a thick blockish tail. The most striking things about it was the broad white band across the vent and the rapid, deep flapping of the wings. I have never seen it before, but I figured that should be enough to peg it. Well I'm at a loss - maybe a Wilson's Storm-Petrel?? Not sure the flight was "fluttery" but like I say it was deep and rapid. Suggestions welcome!-) Jon. - Somerville, MA
Date: 10/2/18 5:27 pm From: Barbara Drummond <bdraraavis...> Subject: Re: [MASSBIRD] Any Hummingbirds around?
We have had two females in the garden consistently, and I saw one this afternoon.
> On Oct 2, 2018, at 5:55 PM, judy parrot-willis <jep_willis...> wrote:
>
> Late notice since being away until 10/1, but had an immature male and two females at feeders 9/26 before departing for Me. Having returned, have seen no one today, but been pouring all day! Will keep tabs these next few days.
>
> Judy Parrot-Willis
> North Andover
>
> On Wednesday, September 26, 2018, 5:46:49 PM EDT, Ida Giriunas <ida8...> <mailto:<ida8...>> wrote:
>
>
> Birders:
>
> I saw two hummingbirds yesterday (9/26) in my garden. None today. Does anybody still have them?
>
>
> Ida Giriunas
>
> Reading MA
>
One Saturday morning I had a single adult Lark Sparrow in the south side of Mount Monadnock at low elevation. It was with a flock of chipping sparrows and two white throated (white) sparrows.
Late notice since being away until 10/1, but had an immature male and two females at feeders 9/26 before departing for Me. Having returned, have seen no one today, but been pouring all day! Will keep tabs these next few days.
Judy Parrot-WillisNorth Andover
On Wednesday, September 26, 2018, 5:46:49 PM EDT, Ida Giriunas <ida8...> wrote:
When I stepped out of the Hampshire Athletic Club (Amherst) around 2:15 PM yesterday, I noticed a couple of Turkey Vultures soaring over, then a few more, then a column of at least 10. And one Broad-winged Hawk higher up. And... another hawk. Long, narrow wings; long tail; a bit of a dihedral. I figured Northern Harrier, based on a binocular view. But... I got my scope on it, and the tail, while long, didn't seem quite harrier-long. And the wings were a bit pointy-looking, though angle of view often plays tricks with that character. Sadly, the critter was seriously backlit, so was only a shape, I couldn't get any color or pattern off of it, even with the scope. Have eBirded it as “hawk sp.”, but the wave of western vagrant species that hit our state over the past few days has me wondering… Bird was least seen heading generally southeast, toward Belchertown.
Had a fun weekend hanging out with the Quakers atop Woolman Hill (between Deerfield and Greenfield). The place is a definite contender for the raven capital of the state; I had at least 24 in view at one point, and more were almost definitely out of sight in the trees or down the hill. In 3 hours on Saturday afternoon, I recorded 19 species, of which 8 were raptors! In a similar amount of time Sunday morning, 30 species including a heard-only Rose-breasted Grosbeak (getting late for that one), an unidentified Empid (ditto), Magnolia Warbler, and multiple Blue-headed Vireos and Yellow-bellied Sapsuckers. Slept outside in a tent in between those two and heard a bunch of Barred Owls sparring for turf, but no other owl species (as usual for the Hill). In running some errands off the hill, spied a Green Heron (another one!) at Allard's Lumber in Whately, and a Cape May Warbler (there are so many this year even *I* can't miss them all!) in the courtyard at the Williston Northampton School.
Hopefully everybody in the neighborhood already knows by now, but I haven’t seen it shared here yet, so just in case: there’s an immature Yellow-crowned Night-Heron hanging around Lake Warner in Hadley. According to one of the local residents it has been around for over a month. We birders first found out about it on September 16, when a friend of mine posted a photo on her FaceBook page, and I relayed it to Western Mass Birders (originally misidentifying it as a Black-crowned but James Smith jumped in and corrected my error). Several birders tried but failed to relocate it over the next 10 days, then Mary McKitrick found it one morning by the dam at the south end of the lake on the 26th, and it has been reported from that location just about every day since. However, it has been reported there only in the morning, or in the late afternoon and evening, with many of us (including me) looking there without success between about 10 AM and 4 PM.
The other main birding news of note from the Valley is that the abundant rain recently has generated lots of puddles in recently harvested farm fields, attracting a few shorebirds. There have been at least two Whimbrel reports in the past few weeks, one yesterday and the other back on September 18, both involving heard-only birds calling in flight. Also White-rumped, Semipalmated, Least, Pectoral, and Solitary Sandpipers, both flavors of yellowlegs, and a few Semipalmated Plovers (plus Killdeer, of course). A few Spotted Sandpiper and Snipe were present back in mid-September but not reported more recently. Not bad for a few muddy cornfields!
Most birds reported were in the fenced off south section of cultivated fields adjacent to Old Sudbury Road. Walked from gift shop areas parking and return.
Lark Sparrow is juvenile bird found by Pam Sowizral 10/1; seen by me today several places in fenced off south section of fields: by gate (best views), in tomato rows, in weedy leeks row (difficult - all birds spooky there)
Date: 10/2/18 12:06 pm From: Tom Young <tomyoungnh...> Subject: [MASSBIRD] BBC Field Trip Sunday, September 30
This past Sunday morning, I led a field trip with 5 total participants (myself included) to the brush dump/treatment plant area at the end of Town Farm Road in Ipswich, with a brief visit to Daniel Boone Park afterward. The weather cooperated brilliantly; we had clear skies throughout the morning with little to no wind. Highlights were 2 Lincoln's Sparrows (always a target species for this trip), 6 Indigo Buntings in varying degrees of molt, a Solitary Sandpiper, a rather unexpected Prairie Warbler, and a remarkable number of Blackpoll Warblers, as well as some extraordinary behavior by a wasp (see below, beneath bird list). In all, we had 43 bird species, as follows:
Canada Goose 3 Double-crested Cormorant 18 Turkey Vulture 7 Northern Harrier 1 (soaring high above Daniel Boone park) Red-tailed Hawk 1 Solitary Sandpiper 1 (feeding in a large mud puddle next to a dirt pile) Ring-billed Gull 10+ Herring Gull 5 +/- Rock Pigeon 20+ (at shopping center) Belted Kingfisher 1 (female) Red-bellied Woodpecker 3 Downy Woodpecker 2 Hairy Woodpecker 1 Northern Flicker 1 Eastern Phoebe 4 Blue Jay 20+ American Crow 4 Black-capped Chickadee 6 Tufted Titmouse 5 White-breasted Nuthatch 2 Carolina Wren 2 House Wren 2 American Robin 30+ Gray Catbird 6 Northern Mockingbird 1 European Starling 50 +/- Cedar Waxwing 32 Prairie Warbler 1 Blackpoll Warbler 14 (4 on Town Farm Road, 10 at Daniel Boone Park) Common Yellowthroat 3 warbler, sp. 1 Savannah Sparrow 8 Song Sparrow 20 +/- Lincoln's Sparrow 2 Swamp Sparrow 6 White-throated Sparrow 6 Northern Cardinal 5 Indigo Bunting 6 Red-winged Blackbird 9 Purple Finch 2 House Finch 10+ American Goldfinch 30 +/- House Sparrow 20+
There were also very many insects active during the morning, and we recorded the following: CRICKETS/KATYDIDS/GRASSHOPPERS Carolina Ground Cricket - many heard singing Allard's Ground Cricket - many heard singing Striped Ground Cricket - at least 2 heard singing Fall Field Cricket - many heard singing Snowy Tree Cricket - 3 heard singing Black-horned Tree Cricket - about a half-dozen heard singing Oblong-winged Katydid - 1 heard singing. Rather a late date for this species, which usually sings only at night Red-legged Grasshopper - 10+ Carolina Grasshopper - 2 BUTTERFLIES Monarch - 8 or so Cabbage White - 5+ sulfur, sp. - 3 or 4 MOTHS Chickweed Geometer - 4 (seen flying and perching on weeds)
The highlight of the morning, arguably, was observing the actions of a female thread-waisted wasp. Susan Hedman spotted this wasp carrying a green caterpillar up a sandy slope in the sunlight and told us about its habit of laying an egg inside a dead caterpillar so that the larva could feed on it. So we settled in to watch, and sure enough--the wasp poked the end of its abdomen into the underside of the caterpillar, quickly dug a hole in the sand, put the caterpillar in the hole, and buried it so carefully that you'd never know it was there. Absolutely fascinating behavior!
Observation start time: 08:00:00 Observation end time: 13:30:00 Total observation time: 5.5 hours
Official Counter: Rod Chase
Observers: Bill Rasku, Ted Mara
Visitors: Counting: Ted Mara, Bill Rasku, Rod Chase.
Visiting: 50-75 folks who drove or hiked up today. A dozen or more inquired about the watch and got as much as they wanted.
Weather: Well, Cloud Cover's easy to describe: 100% all day. Wind was 0-1mph or 0-3 except 11-12 hour had some 5mph moments. Temp started at 59F but gradually dropped to 54F at noon and then was 55F at closing. The light breeze was from north all day with minor deviations to NW at 10am and NE at 11am. Our weather bane today was the "foggy bottoms" of clouds which periodically swept into the mountain and shut down visibility to 100 yds. Ted and I spent the first hour checking lower elevation lookouts; visibili- ty of 2 or 5 miles was better but no one was flying thru the cool dampness.
Raptor Observations: Returning to the tower we found Bill had arrived and that we had 3 to 8 mile views depending on direction. We still had to wait nearly an hour before the hill's updraft delivered 3 AKs and 1 TV in very close. (We'd previously noted a kettle of 5 local TVs in the mist, but this TV was on the move.) In the next half hour another 6 birds were literally 'swept in and thru" when the next cloud bottom blew in from the north. This batch of fog shut us down for an hour (10:30-11:30.) Ted headed home and I went to the north lookout again; Bill said he'd read in his car for a while. The sky did brighten a bit at 11:30 and we returned to the tower. We had 1.5 hrs before the next fog would arrive; after an AK, 4 SS's and 3 TV's went thru we thought all was done. Then a Peregrine landed atop the south towers. Bill got his scope on the bird, phone out and camera on, aimed and hit the button as the PG flew off .. but Bill certain he got the end of its tail! Day was done at 1:30.
Hours: 8am - 1:30pm. 5.5 hrs. (minus the 1hr shutdown = 4.5 hrs.) total 21 raptors on the move.
Locals: BE 1 imm. circling low under fog past Gardner; CH 1; TV kettle of 5 plus 3 more; RT 3.
Non-raptor Observations: Monarchs: 12. Others migrating: Blue Jays 9. Locals: 2 Common Ravens, 1 Loon below. Juncos and Towhees busy in the bushes.
Predictions: Showers likely, then showers and possibly a thunder- storm after 4pm. Patchy fog. High near 57. East wind 3 to 5 mph. Chance of precipitation is 80%. New rainfall amounts between a quarter and half of an inch possible. ======================================================================== Report submitted by Rod Chase (<rodchase...>) Wachusett Mountain information may be found at: http://www.massbird.org/emhw
Date: 10/1/18 9:25 am From: Pamela Sowizral <psowizral...> Subject: [MASSBIRD] Drumlin Farm - good finds
While doing a sparrow survey this morning I had 41 species including a lark sparrow which is a new bird for me at Drumlin Farm. Good number of savannah and chipping sparrows, and my first pipit of the fall. Other highlights include an American kestrel, common raven, six purple finches, and a handful of warbler species.
Pam Sowizral
Mass Audubon's Drumlin Farm
Lincoln
Canada Goose 1
Mallard 1
Wild Turkey 11
Mourning Dove 12
Cooper's Hawk 1
Red-tailed Hawk 4
Red-bellied Woodpecker 2
Downy Woodpecker 1
Hairy Woodpecker 2
Northern Flicker 2
American Kestrel 1
Eastern Phoebe 5
Blue-headed Vireo 1
Blue Jay 12
American Crow 2
Common Raven 1
Black-capped Chickadee 7
Tufted Titmouse 3
Red-breasted Nuthatch 2
White-breasted Nuthatch 5
House Wren 2
Eastern Bluebird 9
American Robin 8
Gray Catbird 5
European Starling 37
American Pipit 1
Cedar Waxwing 33
House Finch 2
Purple Finch 6
American Goldfinch 13
Chipping Sparrow 29
Lark Sparrow 1 large sparrow with heavy bill, thick malar stripe, striped head, black eye-line, cheek patch. Immature bird. In weedy patch of leeks along with chipping sparrows - easy to compare size.
White-throated Sparrow 1
Savannah Sparrow 19
Song Sparrow 9
Black-and-white Warbler 1
Blackpoll Warbler 1
Palm Warbler 8
Pine Warbler 2
Yellow-rumped Warbler 3
House Sparrow 20
Observation start time: 08:00:00 Observation end time: 16:00:00 Total observation time: 8 hours
Official Counter: Rod Chase
Observers: Donna Blasko, Janet Kovner, Joe Drega, Nancy Given, Rod Chase, Tom Gottschang
Visitors: Observers: Janet Kovner, Nancy Given, Joe Drega, Tom Gottschang, Donna Blasko (and Bela). Great spotters included Catherine & Richard White, Susan Moses, Penny Jaques, Beth Jacob, Jeanette Martin and Don Clarkson.
Visitors: Hundreds. Ski Lift running from base all day for whatever functions were running below plus many hikers and even more carloads of people up to check foliage and all the new DCR displays on the summit.
Weather: Early winds at 0-3mph were from the NW in 1st hr., then shifted W, NW, W for 2 hours each. Then back to NW for last hour. Wind speed ramped up to 3-5mph at 10am, went calm 11 - noon, back to 3-5 and then 5-8mph at 1pm ("gusts" of 8mph ...) before dropping off again from 2 - 4pm. Temps were more straightforward: 50F at start rose to 59 at 11am and then dropped slowly to 56F by 3pm. Cloud cover started at 20% and rose steadily to 70% during noon hour and then also backed off to40% by 2pm. Most clouds were high and thin with some puffy and darker cumulus strips underneath. All in all, the sun got thru and warmed the cool earth below -- allowing great lift to be available after 10am. What we needed was more birds! Even the visibility was good today -- starting at 10mi/16k until 10am, 20/32 thru noon and 50mi/80km all afternoon.
Raptor Observations: We had some nice, close views of birds scattered throughout the day although the majority were barely 'naked-eye' or, sometimes, hard to find with bino's. And then, those pesky Bald Eagle locals were sneaking around all day and popping up all over the place before returning to home base. They were playful today, however, as they occasionally challenged Ravens, a few RT's and even each other. Most migrants appeared in N or NE. Early birds mostly passed on N side of hill but as temps rose they started passing south side as well. Just enough people to keep track -- especially of the 'specks'-- to identify species when possible and to verify passage. There was a considerable lull in the afternoon. Conversations and good humor prevailed but I was planning to leave at 3:30 when a female NH came flapping in from NNE and passed very close to N towers and, after a brief dip below the oaks, came backup and even closer before working to SW. Ten minutes later a SS followed a very similar, close highway on the north side. Kept me there for the last half-hour of smiles and more hopes for another day.
Locals: BE 5 (ad. & imm. to N; ad. & imm. SE); TV 12; RT 8
Non-raptor Observations: Monarchs: 0nly 4 ... & only in odd numbered hours!? Others migrating: Blue Jays 31. Locals: only 9 Ravens.
Predictions:
A chance of showers, mainly after noon. Cloudy, with a high near 65. West wind 5 to 7 mph becoming calm. Chance of precipitation is 50%. New precipitation amounts of less than a tenth of an inch possible. ======================================================================== Report submitted by Rod Chase (<rodchase...>) Wachusett Mountain information may be found at: http://www.massbird.org/emhw
Observation start time: 07:15:00 Observation end time: 16:00:00 Total observation time: 8.75 hours
Official Counter: Craig Jackson
Observers:
Weather: Moderate (2-4) west to northwest winds, with strongest winds only being gusts; temperature -- 12-17°C; cloud cover -- 1-95%, but always rather thin cirrus-type clouds
Raptor Observations: Small movement of raptors with almost all flying very high (5) Non-migrating: 1 female CH and at least 3 Redtails
Non-raptor Observations: Birds: 20 Canada Geese and 9 DC Cormorants migrating; also 3 Chimney Swifts, 1 Pileated Woodpecker2 Phoebe, 1 Solitary Vireo, and 1 Raven Dragonflies: 10 Green Darners, 1 Black Saddlebag, 1 Wandering Glider, and 1 unidentified Butterflies: 4 Monarch Butterflies
Predictions: winds will be from wrong direction. Long-term forecast is that Sunday will be next good day ======================================================================== Report submitted by Craig Jackson (<crleja1949...>)
Date: 9/30/18 3:17 pm From: Madeleine Linck <madeleine.linck...> Subject: [MASSBIRD] End of season Purple Martin report for Stony Brook Nature Center, Norfolk, Mass
Mass Audubon volunteers at Stony Brook Nature Center monitored Purple Martins on a weekly basis May through August 1st this year.
There were 14 successful pairs of Purple Martins that produced 67 eggs. 53 eggs hatched and 49 baby martins were fledged.
We are hoping to change all housing over to new gourds next year. Madeleine Linck Rehoboth, Mass. MassAudubon volunteer
Date: 9/30/18 3:06 pm From: <kevin.bourinot...> Subject: [MASSBIRD] 9/30 Forbush Bird Club - Wachusett Reservoir IBA
The Forbush Bird Club had a great morning trip through the Wachusett Reservoir IBA. Locations included Thomas Basin, Sterling Peat, East Waushacum, Coachlace Pond, and Wachusett Gates 36, 40, Scar Hill, and South Bay. The weather was perfect and although we didn’t have a great number of waterfowl (this trip is a few weeks earlier than usual), we had some nice mixed pockets of migrant passerines.
8 Canada Goose 4 Mute Swan 20 Mallard 9 Common Merganser 3 Wild Turkey 1 Red-necked Grebe 7 Mourning Dove 1 Spotted Sandpiper 31 Ring-billed Gull 26 Common Loon 42 Double-crested Cormorant 4 Great Blue Heron 2 Turkey Vulture 4 Sharp-shinned Hawk 1 Cooper's Hawk 2 Bald Eagle 5 Red-tailed Hawk 4 Belted Kingfisher 7 Downy Woodpecker 3 Hairy Woodpecker 1 Pileated Woodpecker 3 Northern Flicker 1 Merlin 3 Eastern Phoebe 2 Blue-headed Vireo 1 Red-eyed Vireo 66 Blue Jay 21 American Crow 32 Black-capped Chickadee 22 Tufted Titmouse 4 Red-breasted Nuthatch 12 White-breasted Nuthatch 1 House Wren 2 Carolina Wren 1 Golden-crowned Kinglet 3 Ruby-crowned Kinglet 5 Eastern Bluebird 8 American Robin 15 Gray Catbird 1 Brown Thrasher 1 Northern Mockingbird 4 European Starling 2 Cedar Waxwing 12 Purple Finch 26 American Goldfinch 38 Chipping Sparrow 11 White-throated Sparrow 4 Savannah Sparrow 17 Song Sparrow 5 Swamp Sparrow 1 Eastern Towhee 2 Black-and-white Warbler 7 Common Yellowthroat 2 Northern Parula 1 Magnolia Warbler 4 Blackpoll Warbler 1 Palm Warbler 2 Pine Warbler 42 Yellow-rumped Warbler 13 Northern Cardinal 5 House Sparrow
Date: 9/30/18 2:20 pm From: Mike Sylvia via eBird <ebird-share...> Subject: [MASSBIRD] Mike Sylvia has shared an eBird checklist with you from Cuttyhunk Island on Sep 30, 2018 - 6:20 AM
To accept this checklist into your eBird account, click on the link below:
Bird seen very well and photographed at West end of island. Perched on fence for 15 minutes and still in area when I left. Best mixed unusual species day I have had on the island. I am sure I missed a ton.
Date: 9/30/18 1:55 pm From: Sean Williams <seanbirder...> Subject: [MASSBIRD] Lark Bunting- Provincetown
Hello all,
Neil Blok found a Lark Bunting this morning along the Fire Road to Race Point in Provincetown. Maili Waters and I just observed it at the start of the dike, where the sand turns a bit harder and with a bit more gravel. It’s incredibly obliging, hopping the down the path toward patient and still observers. The exact location is here- https://goo.gl/maps/vR2hCc9YEQ92
Also an early Lapland Longspur was flying around, and a Clay-colored Sparrow was perching in the surrounding bushes.
Date: 9/30/18 8:35 am From: Pamela Sowizral <psowizral...> Subject: [MASSBIRD] Today at Drumlin Farm
I expected more activity but it was still a good morning with my first ruby-crowned kinglet and white-throated sparrow of the fall. Best bird of the morning was a Philadelphia vireo. An absolutely beautiful female redstart was a treat - I saw her in just the right light and her colors were lovely.
Pam Sowizral
Mass Audubon's Drumlin Farm
Lincoln
Red-bellied Woodpecker 2
Downy Woodpecker 3
Northern Flicker 1
Eastern Phoebe 5
Philadelphia Vireo 1
Blue Jay 4
American Crow 1
Black-capped Chickadee 3
Tufted Titmouse 1
Red-breasted Nuthatch 1
White-breasted Nuthatch 2
Ruby-crowned Kinglet 1
Eastern Bluebird 5
American Robin 1
Gray Catbird 4
House Finch 1
American Goldfinch 3
Chipping Sparrow 3
White-throated Sparrow 1
Song Sparrow 3
American Redstart 1
Blackpoll Warbler 1
Yellow-rumped Warbler 3
Date: 9/30/18 8:14 am From: Paul Champlin <skua99...> Subject: [MASSBIRD] B-t Gray Warbler (Gooseberry) and Say's Phoebe (Cuttyhunk)
Looks like the favorable winds at ~2000 feet all week have dumped some southwestern species along the east coast. A half dozen of us had great looks at a Black-throated Gray Warbler at the Gooseberry parking lot (in the same Bush as a Bell's Vireo a few years ago), and it was watched as it made the jump all the way to south end of The Let at Horseneck Beach Reservation. Mike Silvia is having success with a very cooperative Say's Phoebe at Cuttyhunk (I believe, as I write this).
Good time to watch for those early Cave Swallows and just about any of those other oddball birds from distant, warmer regions.
Date: 9/29/18 7:58 pm From: Eddie <emgiles62...> Subject: [MASSBIRD] East Bridgewater Sightings 9/29
Around 3:00 this afternoon, I had an Eastern Phoebe literally taking a 'dip' in my swimming pool. The pool is not yet covered and the bird made a couple of 'plunge dives' on the wing before landing on the skimmer to fluff and preen its feathers.
About 6:00 I had a hummingbird buzz by in my peripheral vision as I was grilling out on the deck. It did not stop at the feeder a few feet away from me but landed in the adjacent Redbud.
At least two Sandhill Cranes have been hopscotching between the fields on Central Street and Walnut Street every day this past week.
Time to disinfect and fill the seed/suet feeders for the upcoming season...
Eddie
************************************** Eddie Giles East Bridgewater, MA <emgiles62...>
Date: 9/29/18 6:45 pm From: Barbara Volkle <barb620...> Subject: [MASSBIRD] Re: Don Wilkinson - sad news
Don Wilkinson lost his battle with stomach cancer yesterday morning. He'd been in a nursing home in Peabody.
Don Wilkinson was an avid birder, and trip leader. Many of us remember times we spent birding with him from Cape Cod to Parker River NWR and beyond.
Don was an accomplished singer, active in classical music in the Boston area. He founded the Nahant Music Festival, which is both a summer music festival and apprentice program.
I did find this clip of him singing several years ago:
Observation start time: 07:00:00 Observation end time: 17:00:00 Total observation time: 10 hours
Official Counter: Craig Jackson
Observers: Jack Miano
Weather: Light west winds turned northwest near end of watch, but although there were occasional moderate gusts (3-4), the winds never were constant; 11-18-17°C; cloud cover - 0-65-40%
Raptor Observations: Moderate movement of migrating hawks, almost all flying very high until the last hour of the watch Non-migrating: At least 4 Turkey Vultures, one Merlin which was at different times during the watch harassed by Blue Jays as it sat on a branch; at least 4 non-migrating Red-tailed Hawks; one Cooper's Hawk
Non-raptor Observations: Birds: one Pileated Woodpecker (only second one seen at this site); Red-breasted Nuthatch; one Horned Lark Other: 8 Monarch butterflies; 4 Green Darners
Predictions: Winds should continue from northwest and be relatively strong. May be good for migration and birds might be closer and lower than today ======================================================================== Report submitted by Craig Jackson (<crleja1949...>)
Observation start time: 08:00:00 Observation end time: 14:00:00 Total observation time: 6 hours
Official Counter: John Weeks
Observers: John Weeks
Visitors: Serious birders Leslie and Joe from Salem, Mass., their cyber-savvy daughter Katherine and their dog Duchess.
Weather: Cloudless skies at first; cloud-cover gradually increased to 50%. Wind NW/WNW 5-12 (15) mph. Temperature 57-64 F.
Raptor Observations: Fewer migrants than I expected, given the favorable wind. Straggling Broad-wings managed just one kettle of four birds. It was quite unusual to see a Merlin but not a single Kestrel. The Harrier was a gray ghost. Not migrating: Turkey Vulture (2), Black Vulture (3), Bald Eagle (4: two adults, two immatures), Red-tail (2).
Non-raptor Observations: Blue Jays (43) and Robins (12) were migrating, along with numerous groups of unidentified small passerines. Others: Belted Kingfisher, Northern Flicker, Yellow-bellied Sapsucker, Red-bellied Woodpecker, Pileated Woodpecker, Eastern Phoebe, Common Raven (6), Red- and White-breasted Nuthatch, Eastern Bluebird (3), Purple Finch (7), American Goldfinch (19). Monarchs: 10. ======================================================================== Report submitted by John Weeks (<aerie.john...>)
Date: 9/29/18 9:05 am From: Robert Mussey <mussey.robert...> Subject: [MASSBIRD] R,T Hummingbird
Nevertheless, still she persisted — female RT hummingbird at my feeders all day, as she has been for the past month when 9 other hummers migrated which were here all season.
me, Milton
Sent from my iPad
> On Sep 28, 2018, at 1:03 PM, Ida Giriunas <ida8...> wrote:
>
> Just saw a female ruby-throated Hummingbird in my flower garden.
>
> Ida Giriunas
> Reading, MA
Date: 9/29/18 8:19 am From: Mary Ellen <lemmel...> Subject: [MASSBIRD] Nahantan Park Newton
Good morning,
Nahantan Park had a nice bunch of warblers and vireos this morning;Scarlett Tanager, Canada Warbler, Blackpolls, Blackburnian, Blue-headed and Red-eyed Vireos and Black-throated Green. Also a White-throated Sparrow in the upper gardens. Enjoy they day!
Date: 9/28/18 5:48 pm From: Barbara Drummond <bdraraavis...> Subject: [MASSBIRD] Don Wilkinson
Birders and Friends of Don
I just found out on Facebook that the gentle Don died this morning. I don’t have any details. Many people have left tributes to Don on Facebook.
Bill and I met Don some years ago when he got interested in birding. He went on several of Bill’s trips around the U.S. He loved birds, nature, people, and life. It was such a pleasure to be in his company.
Observation start time: 08:00:00 Observation end time: 15:00:00 Total observation time: 7 hours
Official Counter: Rod Chase
Observers: Dave Brown, Greg McGuane, Jack Miano, Jared Keyes, John Cannizzo, John Doyle, Judy McGuane, Paul Roberts, Rod Chase, Susan Williamson, Ted Mara, Ursula Goodine
Visitors: Hawking helpers:Ted Mara, John Doyle, Dave Brown, Greg & Judy McGuane, Bill Rasku, Jared Keyes, Dave & Ursula Goodine, Ursula Collinson, Ursula Anwer (YES, 3 Ursulas is a record, methinks), Paul Roberts, Susan Williamson, Paul Sullivan, Ed Norris,Tom Gottschang, Doug Wipf, Susan Belanich, Bill Rasku with wife and two grandchildren, Bill Suihkonen, and Mr.'SpecKtaculer Eyes'Jack Miano came for last 2 hours. 'No bird is too distant' and, thankfully, in the last hour distant specks were brought to the attention of my scope! Don & Janet Richardson brought grandson Wesley up to the summit again. Get kids interested early! Bill Rasku and his wife extended this principle by visiting with their infant grandchildren. I love hawkwatching "family style!"
Visitors included DCR Commissioner Leo Roy who checked our count before giving a speech on the history of DCR as well as the Wachusett story in a formal dedication of the new (and nice) informational displays on the summit. Also, landscape-identifying photos have been added to the observation deck railings. Neat. George Barnes from the Worcester T&G newspaper arrived a little early for the ceremony and joined us on the deck to see how our day was going.
Weather: Wind direction varied between N and NNE thru the AM and then settled at NE in the afternoon although the wind became, generously speaking, 0-1mph with gusts of 3mph for the last half of the shift. Low hourly counts were stable except for a surprising little uptick in the last hour. Temps started at 54F and slowly increased to a high of 60 in the noon hour before falling back to 58F at the end. Cloud cover mostly stable: 80% first hour and 70% there-after. The combination of low and sometimes thick cumulus plus delicate cirrus above was quite beautiful in the late afternoon. Visibility thru haze was 65+ miles though for hawking 15mi/24km was adequate after the 1st hour when it was 8mi/13km thru a stronger low haze.
Raptor Observations: Just seven species in the mix along with several UR's (all between 9:55 & 12:05) that were just too distant for positive identification. Early morning flights were from N & NE and most passed to north side of hill. As the day progressed the path switched with more (not all) birds appearing in NE or E and taking the southside route. Birds got low to modest height early but as the day progressed most got great lift and passed very high up.
Locals: BE - a minimum of 3 adults & 3 immatures. Could be more depending on how many times these six reappeared over and over; TV 8; RT 11; ML 1.
Non-raptor Observations: Monarchs 23. Others migrating: Canada Geese 105; Blue Jays 32; Herring Gull 1; (also Military Transport C130's 8 ...)
Ravens 6. Plus, our 2nd Brown Bat fly-over of the year!?
Predictions: Showers, mainly before 2pm. Areas of fog before 2pm. High near 56. Northeast wind around 8 mph. Chance of precipitation is 90%. [Best bet: Look out the window tomorrow morning. If it looks decent and the winds is from NE ... they're wrong again. I might take a chance; look what they said for last Wednesday where BW's (3+2+3) and a few SS's were going over me at work in the afternoon. Spencer is not on the flyway!] ======================================================================== Report submitted by Rod Chase (<rodchase...>) Wachusett Mountain information may be found at: http://www.massbird.org/emhw
Date: 9/27/18 3:43 pm From: James P Smith <keenbirder...> Subject: [MASSBIRD] Northfiled shorebirds
Greetings birders,
Tuesday's weather event left plenty of standing water in the fields of the northern Pioneer Valley resulting in small fall-out of shorebirds. At Caldwell Road near the Northfield transfer station some sod fields attracted the following:
Sep 25th; Greater Yellowlegs, 2 Pectoral Sandpipers, 2 Semi-p Sandpipers and 2 Least Sandpipers along with 11 American Pipits.
Sep 26th; Greater Yellowlegs, 2 Pectoral Sandpipers, 3 Solitary Sandpipers and 5 Least Sandpipers as well as 35 American Pipits. Also of interest 14 American Kestrels together resting on roadside wires reminding much of migrating Lesser Kestrels in the near East! That's probably the largest single flock of kestrels that I've seen in Franklin County. And again, I found myself impressed with the numbers of Cape May Warblers with 12 recorded, many of them associating with Yellow-rumps along the edge of the cornfields.
Sep 27th; at Four Star Farms on Pine Meadow Road, Northfield, Greater Yellowlegs and Lesser Yellowlegs together providing a nice side by side comparison.
My last sighting up here in the N Quabbin ~@~\hills~@~] was the 19th and it was not at my feeder but was visiting Jewelweed flowers.
Bill Lafley New Salem <blafley...>
> On Sep 27, 2018, at 12:49 PM, Sandy <sandyselesky...> wrote: > > My last sighting at my feeder was Tuesday the 25th (later than past years) all day during the downpours. She had been coming regularly after the male left. Haven't seen her (female or juvenile) since. > > Sandy Selesky > Westford MA > <sandyselesky...> > > Sent from my iPhone
My last sighting at my feeder was Tuesday the 25th (later than past years) all day during the downpours. She had been coming regularly after the male left. Haven't seen her (female or juvenile) since.
Date: 9/26/18 6:43 pm From: Paul Peterson <petersonpaul63...> Subject: [MASSBIRD] Scituate Red Knots, etc.
Lisa Schibley had 38 Red Knots at Scituate's Third Cliff on September 12, so I thought there may be some at that location. I was not disappointed. This a a gorgeous place btw. I birded here from 2:30-6:30, starting near high tide. The walk from the commuter rail station is quite pleasant too.
I had one in my garden ( Melrose ) on Monday ( 24th ) . The ones I have seen in the past couple of weeks have been RTs juveniles. Lesley MattuchioMelrose, MA
At the risk of stating of the obvious, at this time of year it is beneficial to scrutinize those hummers for indicative markings of the Selasphorus birds, either Rufous or Allen’s Hummingbirds, as opposed to Ruby-throats. Sure, the most likely are late rubies, but this is the time of year that some of the more unusual hummers start to show up.
Ken Sejkora
Norton, MA
Sent from Mail for Windows 10
From: Liz Thorstenson
Sent: Wednesday, September 26, 2018 6:47 PM
To: alice morgan
Cc: Ida Giriunas; Massbird
Subject: Re: [MASSBIRD] Any Hummingbirds around?
On Sep 26, 2018, at 5:56 PM, alice morgan <morgan.alice...> wrote:
No hummingbirds here for a few days, despite full feeder. But weather has been lousy.
On Wed, Sep 26, 2018 at 5:42 PM, Ida Giriunas <ida8...> wrote:
Birders:
I saw two hummingbirds yesterday (9/26) in my garden. None today. Does anybody still have them?
Ida Giriunas
Reading MA
--
Alice & Dane Morgan
Brookline & S. Dartmouth, MA
At the risk of stating of the obvious, at this time of year it is beneficial to scrutinize those hummers for indicative markings of the Selasphorus birds, either Rufous or Allen’s Hummingbirds, as opposed to Ruby-throats. Sure, the most likely are late rubies, but this is the time of year that some of the more unusual hummers start to show up.
Ken Sejkora
Norton, MA
Sent from Mail for Windows 10
From: Liz Thorstenson
Sent: Wednesday, September 26, 2018 6:47 PM
To: alice morgan
Cc: Ida Giriunas; Massbird
Subject: Re: [MASSBIRD] Any Hummingbirds around?
On Sep 26, 2018, at 5:56 PM, alice morgan <morgan.alice...> wrote:
No hummingbirds here for a few days, despite full feeder. But weather has been lousy.
On Wed, Sep 26, 2018 at 5:42 PM, Ida Giriunas <ida8...> wrote:
Birders:
I saw two hummingbirds yesterday (9/26) in my garden. None today. Does anybody still have them?
Ida Giriunas
Reading MA
--
Alice & Dane Morgan
Brookline & S. Dartmouth, MA
> On Sep 26, 2018, at 5:56 PM, alice morgan <morgan.alice...> wrote:
>
> No hummingbirds here for a few days, despite full feeder. But weather has been lousy.
>
>> On Wed, Sep 26, 2018 at 5:42 PM, Ida Giriunas <ida8...> wrote:
>> Birders:
>>
>> I saw two hummingbirds yesterday (9/26) in my garden. None today. Does anybody still have them?
>>
>>
>>
>> Ida Giriunas
>>
>> Reading MA
>>
>>
>>
>
>
>
> --
> Alice & Dane Morgan
> Brookline & S. Dartmouth, MA
Date: 9/26/18 3:24 pm From: Robert Mussey <mussey.robert...> Subject: [MASSBIRD] Late RT hummingbird
We have a lone female hummingbird lingering this year at our feeders in Milton, 2 1/2 weeks later than previously recorded in 10 years of keeping track. I keep hoping she doesn’t wait too long. . .
Date: 9/26/18 3:03 pm From: alice morgan <morgan.alice...> Subject: Re: [MASSBIRD] Any Hummingbirds around?
No hummingbirds here for a few days, despite full feeder. But weather has been lousy.
On Wed, Sep 26, 2018 at 5:42 PM, Ida Giriunas <ida8...> wrote:
> Birders: > > I saw two hummingbirds yesterday (9/26) in my garden. None today. Does > anybody still have them? > > > > Ida Giriunas > > Reading MA > > >
-- Alice & Dane Morgan Brookline & S. Dartmouth, MA
Date: 9/26/18 12:50 pm From: David Moon <dmoon...> Subject: [MASSBIRD] Plum Island (Parker River NWR) - 09-26-2018
Joppa Flat's Wednesday Morning Birders had low expectations for our outing today, as there has been a dearth of birds lately. We were happy, then, to have lots to see both at Hellcat Dike and Stage Island Pool, including Stilt Sandpipers and vocalizing Long-billed Dowitchers at Hellcat. The crowd of many shorebirds at Stage Island Pool may have had additional species to be spied out, but with the warm, muggy air the mosquitos were ferocious, and the hour got late. More descriptions and images to come in an expanded report on our blog. https://blogs.massaudubon.org/theflats/
Our List:
Canada Goose (48) - Stage Island Pool (SIP) ); ~40, and some flyovers.
American Black Duck - common.
Mallard - common.
Green-winged Teal - common.
Common Eider (1) - Emerson Rocks.
Black Scoter (4) - Flying north at Emerson Rocks.
Northern Gannet (4) - Far out at sea, from parking lot #7 (seven) beach.
Double-crested Cormorant (15) - various.
Great Blue Heron (3) - Stage Island 2, North Pool 1.
Great Egret (~35) - various.
Turkey Vulture (12) - various.
Osprey (1) - South Marsh.
Northern Harrier (2) - South Marsh , Bill Forward Pool (BFP).
Cooper's Hawk (1) - BFP.
Stilt Sandpiper (2) - North Pool from Hellcat Dike.
Sanderling (15) - seven beach.
Dunlin (~150) - SIP.
Semipalmated Sandpiper (~20) - SIP.
Short-billed Dowitcher (2) - SIP.
Long-billed Dowitcher (2) North Pool from Hellcat Dike (thanks Tom Wetmore!).
Greater Yellowlegs (32) - North Pool from Hellcat Dike; 22, various.
[Bonaparte's Gull (~10) - Off Water St., from Joppa Flats EC.]
Ring-billed Gull (~30 + 1) - Off Water St., from Joppa Flats EC.; ~30, seven beach; 1.
Herring Gull - common.
Great Black-backed Gull (2) - seven beach.
Rock Pigeon
Mourning Dove
Peregrine Falcon (1) - Hellcat Dike.
Blue Jay (1) - Stage Island.
American Crow (1) - Over Pines.
Tree Swallow (2) - Wardens.
Black-capped Chickadee (2) - roadside.
American Robin (1) - Pines.
Gray Catbird (2) - roadside.
Northern Mockingbird (6) - parking lot #1; 4, seven; 2.
European Starling
Cedar Waxwing (20+) - various.
Eastern Towhee (4) - various.
Savannah Sparrow (4) - Warden's.
Song Sparrow (5) - various.
American Goldfinch (1) Stage Island.
House Finch (1) - seven.
David Moon
Sanctuary Director
Joppa Flats Education Center
Mass Audubon
1 Plum Island Turnpike
Newburyport, MA 01950
978-462-9998
www.massaudubon.org/joppaflats<http://www.massaudubon.org/joppaflats>
You can't be suspicious of a tree, or accuse a bird or a squirrel of subversion or challenge the ideology of a violet. - Hal Borland
Date: 9/26/18 12:14 pm From: Mardi Dickinson <mardi1d...> Subject: [MASSBIRD] Helen Hays, Great Gull Island 50th - BirdCallsRadio
Birders et al,
With permission from the list owner.
Thought many of you would be interested in my coverage LIVE on the historic celebration of Helen Hays and Great Gull Island 50th Anniversary. Great Gull Island is a major tern research colony where Helen has directed since 1969 for the American Museum of Natural History. Great Gull Island is largest colony of Roseate Terns in the Western Hemisphere. Enjoy! https://bit.ly/2akUsxp
Date: 9/26/18 9:38 am From: Peter Trull <petrull...> Subject: [MASSBIRD] Nauset Birding Trips, with permission of the moderator.
Massbirders, I’m sending out a feeler to explore the possibility of running a few trips in October to the very productive south tip of Nauset Beach in Chatham. I’m working on a marine science program with a small organization called Pleasant Bay Community Boating. We filled a few unadvertised trips in July (5 participants}, Dr. Sarah Griscom and I will take 5 people for four hours of birding on this expansive environment looking for everything from Peregrines to Parasitic Jaegers, shorebirds to marshbirds. Participants can stick with us upon landing on the beach or go out on your own. Travel by boston whaler from the dock to the beach., four hours, $65. E mail me if you are interested. No dates have been set. E mail me with questions. Wanna go?
Peter Trull
Brewster
<petrull...>
Date: 9/25/18 6:19 pm From: Frank Lehman <frank.lehman...> Subject: [MASSBIRD] Recommendations for Texas Coastal Birding, Late October
Dear List,
I'll be attending a conference in Texas at the end of October, and will have one full day free to explore the Corpus Christi area. I've never been to this part of the country, and there are a lot of birds on my wish-list, including Reddish Egret, Green Jay, Sandwich & Royal Tern, Wilsons/Snowy/Mountain Plover, Olive Sparrow, Buff-Bellied Hummingbird, Yellow/Black Rail, and White-Tailed Hawk. Being close to Aransas NWR, I salivate at the prospect of seeing Whooping Cranes too, though my understanding is late October is simply too early to expect them.
For those of you who know the area, could you provide me (off list) with some recommendations of *musts*? I'm getting help from eBird and available literature on the area too, of course, but first hand accounts are generally more helpful. I'm looking for the most bang-for-my-buck, see-the-most-that's-possible in one day-type advice. Pluses are other types of dramatic wildlife or beautiful scenery, though I'm not averse to going to a fetid waste treatment facility if that's where the birds are.
Date: 9/25/18 9:57 am From: Garry Kessler <gkessler001...> Subject: [MASSBIRD] Off topic: Glyphosate may be harming bees worldwide
I know this is a bit off topic, but think it's of interest nevertheless. There have been many articles about the collapse of insects in Europe and North America and about ecological collapse around the world. Some articles have speculated about causes but most acknowledge that we don't really know why we're seeing the ecological health of the planet decline.
This article has something new to add to the discussion; at least something new to me. While pesticides have been impugned previously, I don't recall seeing an herbicide questioned as harmful to animals. Glyphosate is in wide spread, common use. A popular brand is Roundup. Previously its use by large scale agriculture, in concert with genetically modified crops (GMOs), was thought to be a contributing factor in the the collapse of the monarch population because it facilitated widespread eradication of milkweeds. There was also speculation that GMO pollen might be harmful to insects.
This article finds a more direct relationship to the herbicide and health problems in bees, by harming their gut microflora.
The article is additional reason to be cautious about chemical controls in the environment.
Dickcissel - two found in Franklin County on the same morning, Sep 23rd. One by Eric Huston at Northfield Meadows, still present on the 24th ( https://pioneerbirding.blogspot.com/2018/09/ma-dickcissel-and-much-more-in.html ) and another by Brian Kane at Falls Road, Sunderland. Apparently the latter was not relocated when searched for.
Connecticut Warbler - multiple reports from multiple observers between Sep 19th - 23rd (some with good quality photos and sound recordings) from the West Meadows, Arcadia Wildlife Sanctuary in Easthampton. I was fortunate enough to connect with five on Sep 21st, three of which I sound recorded, the other two being sightings. One of these was rather brief, but the other offered much better views though still resulted in lousy pictures. http://pioneerbirding.blogspot.com/2018/09/ma-connecticut-warblers-5-in-easthampton.html
Marsh Wren - one at Gill Elementary School on Sep 17th. A first for me in the Gill/Franklin County area but ebird didn't even 'blink' when I entered it so I guess it must be something of a banality in the county. Anyhow, I got pretty excited about it. http://pioneerbirding.blogspot.com/2018/09/ma-to-scrub-marsh-wren-in-gill.html
Purple Finch - seemingly an incursion taking place this month with birds being recorded at almost all locations that I visit. For example, 19 at Northfield Meadows on Sep 24th and 6 at the Turner's Falls power canal on the same day.
Date: 9/25/18 8:28 am From: James Clark <jclark...> Subject: [MASSBIRD] RE: Purple Martin totals Crestwood Country club And Clark Family Rehoboth 2018
Thanks Ray, you did a great job!
Jim
-----Original Message----- From: Ray Marr <rmarr2...> Sent: Monday, September 24, 2018 9:27 PM To: Ma birds <massbird...> Cc: James Clark <jclark...>; rachel farrel <pollypie...>; madeleine linck <madeleine.linck...>; ed slattery <slatts1...>; Sue McGrath <newburyportbirders...>; mary keleher <maryeak...>; Virginia Brown <vbrown...> Subject: Purple Martin totals Crestwood Country club And Clark Family Rehoboth 2018
The Crestwood Country Club on Wheeler Avenue hosted 72 pairs of Purple Martins Fledged 267 chicks. Clark family next door hosted 54 pairs of Purple Martins and fledged 220 chicks. Grand total of 126 pairs of Purple Martins and fledged 487 chicks for the state. The one day rain event in June caused the loss of some chicks had it not rained the sites would have fledged over 500 Purple Martin Chicks. The Crestwood Country Club can support up to 84 pairs Of Purple Martins All gourds Conley II The Clarks Can host up to 72 pairs. In 2019 the Crescent gourds will no longer be used Both sites will have in place Troyer conley II only gourds a much superior gourd.
Many Thanks to the Crestwood Country Club and the Clark family.
Date: 9/25/18 7:17 am From: Jeremy Coleman <jcolemanarch...> Subject: [MASSBIRD] Photos, Chatham Mini-Pelagic 9-23-18
The BBC Pelagic trip scheduled for the past weekend was canceled, but we did get out with Captain Kenny Eldridge, Peter North and others for 4 hours in the waters east of Chatham. There wasn't a huge quantity of birdlife, but we did get some good views of the birds we did encounter.
Date: 9/25/18 6:54 am From: Barbara Drummond <bdraraavis...> Subject: Re: [MASSBIRD] Green Herons in the Valley; Dickcissel incursion
On Sept. 23 I was sitting under my deck, watching the usual birds at our feeders. I noticed some movement in a bush not far away, and when I put up the binoculars, there was a female Dickcissel! She sat still for a long while, and when I tried to approach for a photo, she flew down into the weeds and was never seen again. It’s a first for the yard, which is mostly wooded.
Barbara Drummond
> On Sep 24, 2018, at 7:56 PM, Josh <opihi...> wrote: > > Hi MassBirders, > > I haven’t seen a Dickcissel yet this year - I actually was hoping for one in Deerfield, but in vain - but apparently there’s a real invasion of them happening in the past few days. Vermont naturalist Bryan Pfeiffer reported a fallout of them on Monhegan, at least 8 in one day. Here in western MA, Stefan Townsend found one today near Pittsfield, in the community garden at Canoe Meadows; Eric Huston found one yesterday in Northfield Meadows, and people have been reporting up to 3 in the Arcadia/West Meadows area the past couple of days. > > I don’t know how true this is for anyone else, but I’ve seen a *lot* more Green Herons this year than I ever have before. I started reported regularly to eBird in 2011. Here’s what I’ve had here in the Valley, by year, separated out into Hampshire, Franklin, and Hampden counties. > > 2011: 3-0-1 > 2012: 3-0-0 > 2013: 1-0-0 > 2014: 5-0-0. And 2 of the 5 were outside the USF&WS HQ in Hadley, so might have been the same bird seen twice. > 2015: 2-0-0 > 2016: 0-1-0 > 2017: 1-0-0 > 2018: 11-6-4 > > My birding habits do change a bit from year to year, but not *that* much! My 17 sightings this year (so far) have come from 13 different locations, so it’s not just a factor of repeated sightings of a few birds at the same few locations; the only location where I’ve seen the species on multiple dates is Barton Cove, and I counted two of those as just one observation because it was pretty definitely the same bird seen twice in that case. It’s gotten to the point that I’m surprised if I visit a reasonably well-vegetated wetland and *don’t* see one. > > If there’s an epicenter of the Green Heron outbreak, it might be Lake Wallace in Belchertown. Larry Therrien has reported 30+ from there on multiple occasions this summer, with a high of 37 individuals on August 16. Lake Wallace is a decent-sized wetland, but it’s not *that* big! Some of his checklists from that location in August had more Green Herons than Mallards; at least one had more GRHE than all waterfowl species combined; one had more GRHE than all *passerines* combined! And his number of GRHE individuals was greater than his number of species identified on at least one date as well. My mind is officially boggled. > > Anyway, I had another one today. It literally stopped traffic. I was driving down Mill Village Road in Deerfield, pulled over to let a faster-moving car pass me, and just after it passed me it had to stop because a Greenie stumbled out of the riverbank shrubbery into the road. It proceeded to stalk off the road into the ag field on the other side, where I took a few photos of it prowling for prey. > > Good birding! > > Josh > > > Joshua S. Rose, Ph.D. > Amherst, MA > > Webmaster, Hampshire Bird Club > https://hampshirebirdclub.org/ > > Northeast Chapter, Dragonfly Society of the Americas > https://bryanpfeiffer.com/nedsa2018/ > > http://bugguide.net/user/view/2399 > https://www.facebook.com/opihi > >
Observation start time: 08:00:00 Observation end time: 15:00:00 Total observation time: 7 hours
Official Counter: Rod Chase
Observers: Bill LaFleche, Bill Rasku, Chris Eddy, John Linn, Marty McNamara, Paul Roberts, Rod Chase, Ted Mara, Ursula Goodine
Visitors: On deck: Paul Roberts,Ted Mara,Bill Rasku, John Linn, Bill Lafleche, Ursula & Dave Goodine, Paul Sullivan, Dale Monette,Ellen Keane and Andy Sanford, Don Richardson, Chris Eddy and Gina Billi, Dave & Maryinne Kocher (good Osprey finders), Marty McNamara, Janet Castleman, and Ed Norris (got pictures of the Red-shouldered Hawk).
Also: a group of students from Essex North Agricultural and Technical, led by Laura Gallant, came carrying binos & scopes and identification guides (but not wearing enough clothing?... we've all been there!) joined us for an over an hour before a hike to warm up and have lunch.They did return for a bit-- we encouraged a return next year!)
Weather: Visibility was limited at first - 6mi/10km but rapidly improved to 30mi/48km (and further thru the low haze.) Cloud cover 95 to 100% in first 3 hrs' then 95-90% in the afternoon. Sunlight on the ground to the east came within ten miles in PM but never reached us...then moved to far NE thru NW. Wind was shifting from E to ENE causing a weird blip in temps. A constant 45F for many hours went up to 46 then 48 in two hours but then back to 46F in under 45 minutes. (Conjecture: sunlight warming to our east allowed wind to blow some warmer low altitude air up to us; when sunshine moved N the summit temp of 46Fwas quickly reinstated.)
Raptor Observations: Early flights were at all levels. Due to the stronger winds and gusts they appeared NE and N but then rocketed to W or SW within 10 minutes. Catch them if you can! With lower wind speed in afternoon they were around longer. A slight and unusual exception was a Bald Eagle in our last hour who flapped constantly from NE to SSW and passing fairy close on N side of hill! (Did he miss a turn and was now trying to catch up with someone?) The Red-shouldered hawk at noon was close and then overhead for great views. Some pictures too tho' the lack of good light left darkish images :-(
Locals: BE 5 (3 ad. 2 imm.); TV 8; RT 6. ML 1.
Non-raptor Observations: A great Blue Heron fly-by! Canada geese 30 in one group; D.C. Cormorant 1; Blue Jays approx 60. Noted: while on the down road a flock of 200+ would have been hit if I didn't slam on my brakes! I saw them about 4 miles later -- fortunately overhead this time!)
Predictions: Rain, mainly after 10am. The rain could be heavy at times. Patchy fog after 11am. High near 61. East wind 5 to 8 mph. Chance of precipitation is 100%. ======================================================================== Report submitted by Rod Chase (<rodchase...>) Wachusett Mountain information may be found at: http://www.massbird.org/emhw
Observation start time: 12:30:00 Observation end time: 15:00:00 Total observation time: 2.5 hours
Official Counter: John Weeks
Observers: John Weeks
Visitors: Nobody foolish enough.
Weather: Overcast. Wind NE/ENE 5-15 mph. Temperature 48-51 F.
Raptor Observations: Broad-wings were definitely on the move today -- elsewhere. I saw but one small kettle of 12 birds. Bald Eagles were active in the windy conditions. Of six observed, one appeared to be migrating. A male Harrier passed low; any day with a Harrier is a good day in my book. Not migrating: immature Cooper's Hawk, Red-tail.
Non-raptor Observations: Canada Geese (5), Great Blue Heron, Barred Owl (heard), Northern Flicker, Common Ravens (2). Monarchs: 2. ======================================================================== Report submitted by John Weeks (<aerie.john...>)
Date: 9/24/18 7:52 pm From: Ray Marr <rmarr2...> Subject: [MASSBIRD] Purple Martin totals Crestwood Country club And Clark Family Rehoboth 2018
The Crestwood Country Club on Wheeler Avenue hosted 72 pairs of Purple Martins Fledged 267 chicks. Clark family next door hosted 54 pairs of Purple Martins and fledged 220 chicks. Grand total of 126 pairs of Purple Martins and fledged 487 chicks for the state. The one day rain event in June caused the loss of some chicks had it not rained the sites would have fledged over 500 Purple Martin Chicks. The Crestwood Country Club can support up to 84 pairs Of Purple Martins All gourds Conley II The Clarks Can host up to 72 pairs. In 2019 the Crescent gourds will no longer be used Both sites will have in place Troyer conley II only gourds a much superior gourd.
Many Thanks to the Crestwood Country Club and the Clark family.
Dear Birders, There are still openings on the Sunday September 30th pelagic trip from Gloucester MA with Krill Carson, NECWA, et al. We usually go where the birds are best that day, often in and around Stellwagen Bank. Click on this link to get details and to find another link to register and pay:
Date: 9/24/18 5:03 pm From: Josh <opihi...> Subject: [MASSBIRD] Green Herons in the Valley; Dickcissel incursion
Hi MassBirders,
I haven’t seen a Dickcissel yet this year - I actually was hoping for one in Deerfield, but in vain - but apparently there’s a real invasion of them happening in the past few days. Vermont naturalist Bryan Pfeiffer reported a fallout of them on Monhegan, at least 8 in one day. Here in western MA, Stefan Townsend found one today near Pittsfield, in the community garden at Canoe Meadows; Eric Huston found one yesterday in Northfield Meadows, and people have been reporting up to 3 in the Arcadia/West Meadows area the past couple of days.
I don’t know how true this is for anyone else, but I’ve seen a *lot* more Green Herons this year than I ever have before. I started reported regularly to eBird in 2011. Here’s what I’ve had here in the Valley, by year, separated out into Hampshire, Franklin, and Hampden counties.
2011: 3-0-1
2012: 3-0-0
2013: 1-0-0
2014: 5-0-0. And 2 of the 5 were outside the USF&WS HQ in Hadley, so might have been the same bird seen twice.
2015: 2-0-0
2016: 0-1-0
2017: 1-0-0
2018: 11-6-4
My birding habits do change a bit from year to year, but not *that* much! My 17 sightings this year (so far) have come from 13 different locations, so it’s not just a factor of repeated sightings of a few birds at the same few locations; the only location where I’ve seen the species on multiple dates is Barton Cove, and I counted two of those as just one observation because it was pretty definitely the same bird seen twice in that case. It’s gotten to the point that I’m surprised if I visit a reasonably well-vegetated wetland and *don’t* see one.
If there’s an epicenter of the Green Heron outbreak, it might be Lake Wallace in Belchertown. Larry Therrien has reported 30+ from there on multiple occasions this summer, with a high of 37 individuals on August 16. Lake Wallace is a decent-sized wetland, but it’s not *that* big! Some of his checklists from that location in August had more Green Herons than Mallards; at least one had more GRHE than all waterfowl species combined; one had more GRHE than all *passerines* combined! And his number of GRHE individuals was greater than his number of species identified on at least one date as well. My mind is officially boggled.
Anyway, I had another one today. It literally stopped traffic. I was driving down Mill Village Road in Deerfield, pulled over to let a faster-moving car pass me, and just after it passed me it had to stop because a Greenie stumbled out of the riverbank shrubbery into the road. It proceeded to stalk off the road into the ag field on the other side, where I took a few photos of it prowling for prey.
A few days ago there was a post with a link to an article about bird numbers declining and related causes.
According to that article, cats were the largest factor. 2.4 billion birds a year were estimated to be killed by cats.
An issue of The Wildlife Professional magazine published an issue devoted to examining cats and their impact on birds.
I am confident that many or massbird readers would like to review their data.
Date: 9/24/18 8:32 am From: <blafley...> Subject: [MASSBIRD] Pine Siskin, etc - New Salem
Hello,
This morning a Pine Siskin joined the group of Purple, House and Goldfinches at the feeder. Over the weekend there was a Lincoln~@~Ys Sparrow and a couple of Palm Warblers in the shrubs and field out by the sugarhouse.
Date: 9/24/18 5:56 am From: Steven Whitebread <steven1591...> Subject: [MASSBIRD] 64th South Shore Bird Club Fall Roundup
The 64th South Shore Bird Club Fall Roundup was held on Saturday 22nd September. The Fall Roundup is a CBC-style bird count started in 1954 and covers the towns south of Boston from Quincy to Plymouth and inland to Rte 495. It was initiated by Bob Fox, who ran it for 60 years.
This year the birding was generally considered to be slow, probably due in part to the high winds and poor migration conditions, but some teams were also thin on the ground. A total of 144 species and 26,526 individuals were recorded. This is below the average of about 160 species and the high count of 178 species seen in 2017. Greater Scaup, Pied-billed Grebe, Barred Owl, Northern Saw-whet Owl, Ruby-crowned Kinglet, American Pipit and White-throated Sparrow were all seen the previous 4 years, but missed this year. Warblers were generally scarce, but 17 species were found. Sora, Great Shearwater, Red-headed Woodpecker and Northern Rough-winged Swallow were seen in 2018, but not the previous 4 years. Compared to the last 4 years, higher numbers (>2 standard deviations) were seen in Solitary Sandpiper, Turkey Vulture and Common Raven, whereas lower numbers were seen in Mallard, Rock Pigeon, Semipalmated Plover, Killdeer, Greater Yellowlegs, Great Horned Owl, Downy Woodpecker, White-breasted Nuthatch and Eastern Towhee.
101 species have been seen every year for the last 5 years and 132 have been seen in at least 4 of the last 5 years. A total of 303 species have been recorded over the 64 years.
A more detailed analysis of the complete data set is currently being compiled by Bob Fox.
Next year’s Fall Roundup will be held on September 21st (and subsequent third Saturdays in September). Anyone wishing to take part next year can contact Christine (<southshorebirdclub...>).
Observation start time: 08:00:00 Observation end time: 13:00:00 Total observation time: 5 hours
Official Counter: Paul Roberts
Observers: Colleen Tank, Dave Brown, Jack Miano, Janet Kovner, Nancy Given, Sabrina Hepburn, Ursula Goodine
Visitors: Paul Roberts, Dave Brown, Ursula & Dave Goodine, Don Richardson, Chris Heye, Ann Howe, , Susan Williamson, Joe Ritacco, Chris Eddy, Meghan Gately & Matt Bollus, Janet Kovner, Nancy Given, Susan Moses, Will & Genie Martens, Susan Yurkus, Jeanne Li, Rod Cadillac,;Sabrina , Chris, & Judy Hepburn, Bob Parker, Job Dekker, Bud Porter, Mark Letizi, Charlie Roche, Dave Gauthier, Tom Gottshang, Jack Miano, Barbara Volkle & Steve Moore
Weather: The forecast for moderate NW winds today was changed overnight. We had light SW/WSW winds all morning, with a heavy cloud shield to the south creeping north all morning long. There were a few cumulus and light cirrus clouds to the north early, but the air mass appeared stable. Only 6 birds in the first hour. Visibility was 50-75 miles min, temps in the low 50s (F) all day. By 11 a.m. hawk time the cloud shield covered the mountain and the loss of filtered sunlight chilled observers, who began donning heavier gear. by 11:30 we were underneath a heavier cloud shield but could see sunny skies in southern New HAmpshire.
Raptor Observations: The morning started slowly with lone birds low, flying beneath the mountain. Scattered birds with a few small kettles for the second hour. About 10:15 EST we began to see a number of small kettles of Wings, 6-62, first east and south of the mountain and then increasingly north and west, some at the limits of scope vision. For the next hour we had over 50 kettles (5+ hawks) of hawks, many close to or flying over the mountain, affording our best views of the year. By 11:15 the cloud shield had thickened and crept north past us. Observers donned heavier gear as we lost all filtered sunshine. Hawk movement plummeted, dropping off to nothing by 11:30. Our last migrants included one kettle of 8 that kettled low beneath the mountain, soared up to beneath the summit, peeled off and rekettled low again, and then gave up, dropping into the canopy. Another kettle of 6 north of us never got to the level of the observers and gave up, dropping down into the canopy. We did not see another migrant for 90 minutes.
Besides great views of kettles, we had three Pegerines put on good shows as they passed the mountain, and saw at least 6 migrating Bald Eagles, most of which were adults. (Have had a very heavy migration of juveniles so far this year.) One highlight was seeing a dark morph adult Broad-winged Hawk close and well. A small kettle streamed low just over the tower. Gliding head-on in bad filtered light they all looked darkish underneath, but one bird flying directly low overhead had a dark body and wing linings seen in clear sunlight. This is one of only a few we've ever seen at Wachusett. I might have been the only person to see this bird well and called it out. (I've seen numbers both in Corpus Christi and Veracruz.) It glided west of us at eye level. One person might have been able to photograph it. (Pending.) Discussion was halted by the explosion of kettles passing for the next hour.
We saw very little activity by locals. Up to 4 local Redtails were up rarely, with small numbers of Turkey Vultures and at least two non-migrating Bald Eagles. The lift was just not good, so no frolicking flights like we had yesterday. I'm inlcined to believe that with the widespread kettle activity, we missed counting at lest a few accipiters and kestrels, or they might have just been staying lower with the poor lift.
Non-raptor Observations: We had 3 Common Loons and 3 Chimney Swifts fly by the summit.
Predictions: Winds are forecast to be NE at 10 mph in the morning, shifting E around noon. Normally NE winds are favorable for migration at Wachusett. However this year there appear to have been East winds in central Maine and New Hampshire shifting the line of migration a bit farther west than usual. Wachusett has been at roughly 40% of its average annual Broadwing flight. Thus, NE/E winds seem less favorable as their is a reasonable question as to how many Broadwings are left in the pipeline. Mt. Watatic large flight today suggests there have been more Broadwings left than we might have thought. Wachusett does not see Watatic's birds, but Monday is probably the best Broadwing day we'll have at Wachusett for the next 50 weeks. ======================================================================== Report submitted by Paul Roberts (<phawk254...>) Wachusett Mountain information may be found at: http://www.massbird.org/emhw
Observation start time: 08:00:00 Observation end time: 16:00:00 Total observation time: 8 hours
Official Counter: Brian Rusnica
Observers:
Visitors: Only day hikers got to see today's fireworks, as not a single seasoned birdwatcher stopped in. A local group of hikers (Margaret Denoncourt, Carrie Furuya, and Jen Lalmond) found me 16 Broad-wings and were treated to a naked eye view of an adult Bald Eagle around 10:30am. A few other friendly hikers said hello and got a close look at the unmatched spectacle of a massive Broad-winged Hawk flight.
Weather: Comfortable fall temperatures all day. Bright sunshine and clear skies in the morning, and becoming mostly cloudy by afternoon. No significant wind early, and become a light SW > S breeze by the end of the day.
Raptor Observations: Today's single-day count was the largest since 2015 at Mount Watatic, as Broad-winged Hawks passed by in huge numbers this afternoon. A massive hour (865 migrants) between 12-1pm ET was the single busiest I have personally observed in my hawkwatching experience. Making the huge numbers even more memorable was the fact that almost of all that hour's flight were naked eye visible, directly over the Watatic summit. At 12:25pm ET, from my back, I spied a single Broad-wing in my binoculars overhead. I dropped my glass to find that bird leading a massive stream of 250 naked-eye Broad-wings, passing SW directly above me out of nowhere. A huge flight continued in that same path for the next 30 minutes, with the largest single stream being 300 more BWs at 12:45pm ET. Two more massive groups kettled up to the NE at 3:30pm (165 BWs) and 4:10pm (220 BWs).
With today's lighter winds, I could observe more kettling than yesterday's stiff breeze allowed. Several Bald Eagles, both adult and juvenile, were moving today and easily seen welll. A gang of a dozen Turkey Vultures were dipping in so close to the East Summit today that I heard their wing feathers brushing against leaves in the scrub trees. All in all, it was a fine way to close the window on "peak" Broad-winged Hawk season at Watatic this September.
Predictions: Cooler, with moderate ENE winds. While the conditions will be viable for more movement, there will likely be no official count held tomorrow. If you see any migrant movement at Mount Watatic tomorrow, or any other day this Fall, please drop me a line at <14hawks8owls...> and I'll include your data in our reports.
Today's great count would certainly have been helped by having more eyes to the skies. As site coordinators, both Tom Pirro and I would love to have more local birdwatchers join us at Watatic next Fall to help spot birds and enjoy the unmatched experience of hawkwatching on our idyllic mountain. If you've enjoyed reading our reports this Fall, please consider joining us next year, and learning more about hawkwatching by joining Eastern Mass Hawk Watch (http://massbird.org/emhw). If you're curious in any way about hawkwatching, we'd love to hear from you! ======================================================================== Report submitted by Brian Rusnica (<brian_rusnica...>) Mount Watatic information may be found at: http://www.massbird.org/emhw
The Forbush Bird Club had a great morning trip to Bolton Flats WMA along with some of our friends from the Brookline Bird Club. We walked into the 117 north entrance to the “T” and then on a bit along the trail to the west. Some shorebirds are around, but not visible until they flush. Highlights were Sora, Northern Waterthrush, female Indigo Buntings, Lincoln’s Sparrows and everything else we saw.
Complete list:
32 Canada Goose 1 Wood Duck 43 Mallard 1 Virginia Rail 1 Sora 4 Killdeer 1 Pectoral Sandpiper 14 Wilson's Snipe 1 Solitary Sandpiper 5 Greater Yellowlegs 1 Great Blue Heron 1 Northern Harrier 1 Sharp-shinned Hawk 2 Red-shouldered Hawk 2 Belted Kingfisher 3 Red-bellied Woodpecker 4 Downy Woodpecker 2 Hairy Woodpecker 2 Northern Flicker 1 American Kestrel 7 Eastern Phoebe 34 Blue Jay 6 American Crow 12 Black-capped Chickadee 2 White-breasted Nuthatch 1 Eastern Bluebird 8 American Robin 16 Gray Catbird 12 American Goldfinch 9 Savannah Sparrow 19 Song Sparrow 4 Lincoln's Sparrow 45 Swamp Sparrow 350 Red-winged Blackbird 1 Northern Waterthrush 14 Common Yellowthroat 9 Yellow-rumped Warbler 2 Northern Cardinal 3 Indigo Bunting
Observation start time: 08:30:00 Observation end time: 11:30:00 Total observation time: 3 hours
Official Counter: John Weeks
Observers: John Weeks
Visitors: None.
Weather: Mostly cloudy (80-85%), with clear sky only along horizon to N/NE. Wind light and variable, becoming light SW. Temperature 55-64 F.
Raptor Observations: Only six Broad-wings, all immature birds, passed through today. It looks as though the big flights are behind us for this season. One Harrier briefly quartering the field and a female Kestrel lingering for half an hour rounded out the day's migrant roster. Not migrating: Cooper's Hawk, Red-shouldered Hawk (adult).
Non-raptor Observations: Blue Jays continue to stream through (129), and Robins are beginning to move (13). Most interesting passerine was a Rose-breasted Grosbeak, either female or first-winter male. Others: Chimney Swift; Downy, Red-bellied and Pileated Woodpecker; Northern Flicker; Eastern Phoebe; Red-breasted and White-breasted Nuthatch; Black-capped Chickadee; Tufted Titmouse (2); Eastern Bluebird (2); Palm Warbler; Eastern Towhee. One Monarch. ======================================================================== Report submitted by John Weeks (<aerie.john...>)
I did not get out until after noon today but the birding was still good with 34 species. Highlights were osprey, red-shouldered hawk, barred owl, kingfisher, red-breasted nuthatch, six purple finches, and warblers - blackpolls, pine and black-and-white.
Pam Sowizral
Mass Audubon's Drumlin Farm Sanctuary
Lincoln
Wild Turkey 9
Osprey 1
Red-shouldered Hawk 1
Red-tailed Hawk 1
Barred Owl 1
Belted Kingfisher 1
Red-bellied Woodpecker 4
Downy Woodpecker 3
Northern Flicker 2
Eastern Phoebe 4
Red-eyed Vireo 1
Blue Jay 12
American Crow 2
Black-capped Chickadee 5
Tufted Titmouse 4
Red-breasted Nuthatch 1
White-breasted Nuthatch 4
House Wren 1
Carolina Wren 1
Eastern Bluebird 4
American Robin 8
Gray Catbird 7
European Starling 70
Cedar Waxwing 10
House Finch 5
Purple Finch 6
American Goldfinch 5
Chipping Sparrow 4
Song Sparrow 7
Common Grackle 1
Black-and-white Warbler 1
Blackpoll Warbler 6
Pine Warbler 1
Northern Cardinal 3
Date: 9/23/18 12:35 pm From: <lfkramer...> Subject: [MASSBIRD] Brookline Bird Club Tree ID walk today, 9/24
Did you know that White Ash, a bird-friendly tree, has diamond patterns in its bark? Or, that 100-200 organisms live inside leaves? More than 20 birders showed up Sunday morning for the Brookline Bird Club’s Tree Identification walk led by Harvard University botanist Walter Kittredge, and learned this and much more. Toting binoculars and carrying a list of trees found in Belmont-Watertown’s Beaver Brook Reservation, participants studied compound and simple, opposite and alternate leaves, bark textures, tree structures and soil preferences of specific trees. Walter described and passed around leaves from various species of oaks and maples, cherry, beech, birch and ash trees, so we could note differences and similarities among leaf shapes and content. Non-native species such as Glossy Buckthorn, Porcelain Berry and Oriental Bittersweet unfortunately thrive at Beaver Brook, and we identified many examples of these highly invasive vines: “the worst!” Throughout the walk, we considered reasons why certain trees support birds and wildlife better than others: in short, it’s about the insects and other creatures that live on the leaves and bark of some (native) trees and not others, so a chewed-up, hole-ridden leaf is generally a great sign of a bird-friendly tree! Frequent references were made to Doug Tallamy’s Book, Bringing Nature Home , which makes the case for planting native oaks, birches, maples and other native trees that support birds in many ways. At the end of walk, we arrived at and studied a young, impressive White Swamp Oak, while watching a dozen American Robins, 2 Blackpolls, Pine Warbler and a Red-eyed Vireo consuming Bittersweet berries and insects lurking beneath their dense foliage. Birders were not disappointed: we saw some late fall warblers and learned how and why they stopped at Beaver Brook to refuel on their ways elsewhere.
Note: the Brookline Bird Club is planning future conservation-minded walks. Please check our website and massbird for announcements: https://www.brooklinebirdclub.org/
Nice morning in the cemetery. Shorter trees would have been a plus. Mike Baird Lowell, MA rkramden one nine nine four at g mail dot com
Lowell Cemetery, Middlesex, Massachusetts, US Sep 23, 2018 7:48 AM - 10:00 AM Protocol: Traveling 2.1 mile(s) Comments: I birded the Lowell Cemetery on a fine, cool and clear autumn morning. I concentrated on the western side as that was where the activity seemed to be centered. The cold front that went through overnight pushed a nice wave of migrants in to the cemetery but they were mainly high in the trees and extremely active making identification difficult. I also checked the adjacent Concord River greenway and Fort Hill Park. 34 species (+2 other taxa)
Mallard 2 flyover Rock Pigeon (Feral Pigeon) 3 Mourning Dove 15 gull sp. 1 Double-crested Cormorant 2 flyover Great Blue Heron 1 flyover Red-tailed Hawk 1 Red-bellied Woodpecker 2 Downy Woodpecker 3 Northern Flicker 3 Eastern Phoebe 2 Blue-headed Vireo 1 Red-eyed Vireo 2 Blue Jay 6 American Crow 4 Black-capped Chickadee 5 Tufted Titmouse 7 Red-breasted Nuthatch 2 There were most likely more but 2 was highest I could get in any one spot White-breasted Nuthatch 3 Brown Creeper 1 House Wren 1 Carolina Wren 2 American Robin 1 Gray Catbird 2 European Starling 8 House Finch 1 American Goldfinch 4 Chipping Sparrow 12 Dark-eyed Junco 2 Black-and-white Warbler 3 Northern Parula 2 Yellow-rumped Warbler 4 Setophaga sp. 7 2 possible Cape May and 1 possible Black-throated Green, all were too high and tucked in to the leaves to make a an accurate identification. Scarlet Tanager 1 olive-green juvenile/female, leaning toward juvenile due to light wing color Northern Cardinal 2 House Sparrow 5
Date: 9/23/18 8:21 am From: Phil Brown <nebirdsplus...> Subject: [MASSBIRD] migrants over the house 09-23-18 Essex, MA and a request for help with flight call identification
Last night's cold front brought a load of migrants over the house here in Essex. I'm still recording overnight on the deck when conditions are favorable and last night was near perfect with little wind and few Crickets.
I'm still hearing Barred & Great Horned Owls on a fairly regular basis with Screech Owls occasionally.
Another Dickcissel flew over calling this morning, 7:10am which makes for 89 entries into my database for Dickcissel since the 1st one stopped by the yard back in 1999 which helps to explain why Dickcissel doesn't come up as a rare bird in these parts this time of year.
Some of last night's highlights:
Screech Owl Great Horned Owl - 2 Barred Owl -2
Red-breasted Nuthatch calling at 4am Great Blue Heron Black-crowned Night Heron
and quite a few more as listed below.
I added quite a few flight calls to this checklist that I haven't been able to identify and would appreciate any help anyone has to offer. I'd also greatly appreciate any pointers towards web sites or other software that can help with night flight calls. I do have the Old Bird link which I'll share below.
A couple of the flight calls are quite interesting. Thanks for any help you can send along!!
Home - Patch - Essex, MA, Essex, Massachusetts, US Sep 23, 2018 12:05 AM - 7:35 AM Protocol: Stationary Comments: recorded on the deck overnight, big night for migration with the cold front moving through and birded the feeders in the morning 30 species (+1 other taxa)
Canada Goose 14 Mourning Dove 16 Spotted Sandpiper 1 flyover calling 2:30am Great Blue Heron 1 flyover calling 1:45am Black-crowned Night-Heron 1 Cooper's Hawk 2 Eastern Screech-Owl 1 calling nearby 2am Great Horned Owl 2 A Great Horned Owl and Black-crowned Night Heron calling 2am Barred Owl 2 calling nearby 4am Downy Woodpecker 1 Pileated Woodpecker 1 Northern Flicker 1 Blue Jay 4 American Crow 9 Black-capped Chickadee 3 Tufted Titmouse 2 Red-breasted Nuthatch 1 calling in the yard at 4am White-breasted Nuthatch 2 American Robin 1 Gray Catbird 2 European Starling 4 Cedar Waxwing 2 House Finch 4 American Goldfinch 7 Chipping Sparrow 1 Song Sparrow 1 Common Grackle 8 Northern Cardinal 2 Dickcissel 1 flyover calling 7:10am House Sparrow 3 passerine sp. 20 loads of migrants through the night
View this checklist online athttps://ebird.org/view/checklist/S48688188
This report was generated automatically by eBird v3 (http://ebird.org)
Observation start time: 08:00:00 Observation end time: 16:00:00 Total observation time: 8 hours
Official Counter: Rod Chase
Observers: Bill Rasku, Bob Secatore, Dave Brown, Jack Miano, Judy Davis, Kathryn Chihowski, Marcus Rhodes, Paul Roberts, Ted Mara, Ursula Goodine
Visitors: On deck: Paul & Julie Roberts,John Doyle,Ted Mara,Sam Miller,Ron Schlegel,Dave Brown,Bill Rasku,Judy Davis, Bob Secatore, Kathryn Chihowski,John Flagg, Ursula & Dave Goodine,Mary Howard,Mari Badger,Molly Scheffe,Fred Daum,Dan McDermott (Cadillac Mtn.),Glen Davis and Rich Morell,Casey Lauder and Bonnie Gunn,Don Richardson, Chris Heye,Ann Howe,Mark Milnamow,John Rhodes,Susan Williamson,John & Andrea Cannizzo,Joe Ritacco, Marcus Rhodes,John Young,Chris Eddy with cousin Gina Billi, Danielle Miles, Jen & Scott Weaver,Meghan Gately & Matt Bollus,Rob Templeton,Jennifer Whitney,Mike McGinnis, Nick Pacelli,Betsy Kernan,Julie McBride,Mark Rezendes, Mike Sylvia,Daryl Turek,Nancy Demers,Micki Lipsett and John Saleda,and with Brookline Birding Club:Laura de la Flor,Mark Burns,Jane Lothian,and with legibilty problems on my sheet: Linda Ferraresso,Jan Moosebrucker (I hope, let me know!]
Loads of visitors to the hill - many requesting and getting information from the grinning crew.
Weather: NW winds in the morning were just what the hawkers ordered. Speed 10-15mph with gusts from 9-11am peaked 20+mph. After noon the speed dropped off to 2-5mph by closing. The morning wind, however, brought us the rush of raptors we anticipated! Temp. climbed from 55F/14C at start to 61/16.5 at closing. Visibility not a problem: 10mi/16km allowed for good viewing, especially since the cloud cover was high in the sky, varying between 70-80% which allowed 'easy' spotting against the white to gray backdrop.
Raptor Observations: With the stronger morning winds the raptors came by us at all heights -- from below us to high above with routes going around both sides of the hill as well as high overhead! Unfortunately, the mid-afternoon drop in wind speed also reduced the flight numbers; but by then we were still thrilled by the mid- to late morning rush!
Non-raptor Observations: Migrating: 60 Monarchs! Largest number in quite a while. Blue Jays: 55! Canada Geese: 6. Locals: Common Ravens 5 - keeping their distance today plus the usual Juncos, Towhees, etc. in the bushes.
Predictions: Mostly sunny, with a high near 68. Northwest wind around 5 mph becoming calm. ======================================================================== Report submitted by Rod Chase (<rodchase...>) Wachusett Mountain information may be found at: http://www.massbird.org/emhw
-----Two surprises this morning, we found two dying herring gulls, one fairly emaciated adult and one healthily weighted younger. No signs of trauma and both seemingly gasping for breath. Both totally weak, hardly any beak pressure. The other was a possible Sabine gull juv resting with the lesser and greater black backed gulls, 1/4 mile from the tip.
Essex Bay, Essex, Massachusetts, US Sep 22, 2018 11:05 AM - 2:15 PM Protocol: Traveling 2.5 mile(s) Comments: april manganiello and i canoed from clammers' beach essex to the tip of crane's beach and then walked the open ocean side 21 species
White-winged Scoter 1 Red-breasted Merganser 2 Black-bellied Plover 14 juv's Semipalmated Plover 31 Sanderling 11 Dunlin 2 White-rumped Sandpiper 2 Semipalmated Sandpiper 2 Greater Yellowlegs 1 Ring-billed Gull 125 Herring Gull 112 Lesser Black-backed Gull 2 Great Black-backed Gull 81 Double-crested Cormorant 613 Still feeding frenzies in the bay, wild and noisy Great Blue Heron 6 Great Egret 32 Snowy Egret 12 Little Blue Heron 1 Red-tailed Hawk 2 Merlin 1 Barn Swallow 1
Observation start time: 08:00:00 Observation end time: 16:00:00 Total observation time: 8 hours
Official Counter: Brian Rusnica
Observers: Tom Pirro
Visitors: Armand and Greta, Andrew Joslin, Avery Farnham and several groups of friendly day hikers.
Weather: Cool with stiff NW winds all day. Blustery early, and then warming with increasing clouds throughout the day. Ideal conditions for Broad-winged Hawk movement.
Raptor Observations: The best day of the 2018 Season thus far, as we approach the end of the typical Broad-winged Hawk 'peak' window. Streams of Broad-wings were moving on both sides of the summit, low at first and eventually higher with several streams almost overhead. A few kettles formed but mostly we saw the Broad-wings take advantage of the strong, favorable NW winds by jetting past us in long streams. Largest groups were 45, 44, and 42 - but many dozen-strong streams aided our count.
4 Bald Eagles were observed migrating together at 10am ET. A strong count of Sharp-shinned Hawks was also recorded.
1 unidentified Buteo exhibited particularly lanky wings and an unusual tail pattern... we did not see enough to call it a particular vagrant, but we could have gone for a second, closer look at that individual.
Non-raptor Observations: 15 Common Raven 30 Canada Goose 10 Cedar Waxwing 1 Cape May Warbler (photographed by Avery Farnham)
Predictions: Cool, dry, with lighter, variable winds. There are likely still Broad-wings to our North - hopefully another nice showing is in the cards. ======================================================================== Report submitted by Brian Rusnica (<brian_rusnica...>) Mount Watatic information may be found at: http://www.massbird.org/emhw
Date: 9/22/18 4:25 pm From: Jonathan Center <jbcenter...> Subject: [MASSBIRD] BBC Bolton Flats trip tomorrow FLOODING
For folks thinking of attending tomorrow (Sunday, Sept.23) morning's BBC Bolton Flats walk, please BE ADVISED that there is FLOODING from heavy rain earlier this week. Water proof boots of Wellies type are strongly recommended. The short access road off rt. 117 leading to the parking lot is completely flooded, although I got through in my Subaru Legacy this afternoon so is doable.
In addition, there are at least two places where the main dirt road leading north to the flats is flooded. Boots are required here. The spot where the path takes a left right angle turn is flooded and completely impassible even in boots. The south side opposite of the parking lot across rt. 117 is not any better. I was considering of canceling the trip because there is not much where we can go, but decided against it. There still may be good birding near the parking lot and about 1/4 mile along path to the north. Just be advised of the conditions. Thank you.
Jonathan CenterChelmsford <jbcenter...>
Observation start time: 08:00:00 Observation end time: 15:00:00 Total observation time: 7 hours
Official Counter: John Weeks
Observers: David Chapman, Dick Haas, Mike Jenkins, Sharon Stadnick
Visitors: All of our visitors today helped greatly with spotting the birds against an eye-straining sky: newcomer David Chapman, old hands Sharon Stadnick and Mike Jenkins, Tina Lee and her two charming friends from Pakistan, Shagufta and Shagufta's eagle-eyed daughter Wareiah.
Weather: Nearly overcast to start, becoming variably (but mostly) cloudy. Low ceiling early on rose during the day. Visibility good (Mt Monadnock clearly visible 60 miles away). Temp mid-50s to mid-60s. Wind NW/NNW 10-15 (20) mph at first, diminishing gradually to 3-5 mph.
Raptor Observations: They came, finally. Broad-wings appeared singly and in small groups at the outset, flying low and fast like accipiters with shoulder pads. As the wind dropped and the ceiling lifted, they flew high and formed many fleeting kettles of up to 45 birds. A sprinkling of Sharpies, Kestrels, Ospreys and two Harriers brought the day's total to 717 migrants.
Non-raptor Observations: Canada Goose (35), Double-crested Cormorant, Cooper's Hawk, Northern Flicker (2), Blue Jay (119), Common Raven, Tree Swallow (2), Eastern Bluebird (12). Monarchs: 26. ======================================================================== Report submitted by John Weeks (<aerie.john...>)
Observation start time: 08:30:00 Observation end time: 15:00:00 Total observation time: 6.5 hours
Official Counter: Craig Jackson
Observers:
Weather: Steady and strong (4-5) Northwest winds became gusts only by 11 AM, and then pretty much died down throughout rest of watch with fewer and fewer gusts; temperature -- 17-19-18° C; cloud cover -- 90-75-100%
Raptor Observations: Migrating -- small movement with two small "kettles" of Broadwings Non-migrating -- one adult Bald Eagle; one Merlin (adult male) feeding on a distant tree [may have migrated but did not see it leave]; at least three Redtails, and an Osprey that moved north
Non-raptor Observations: Birds: 1 Great Blue Heron; 3 Chimney Swifts Butterflies: 3 Monarchs Dragonflies: 3 Green Darners
Predictions: moderately strong Northwest winds in the morning may bring more birds ======================================================================== Report submitted by Craig Jackson (<crleja1949...>)
Date: 9/22/18 3:10 pm From: Linda Pivacek <lpivacek...> Subject: [MASSBIRD] Black Vulture, Nahant
Black Vulture seen today atop telephone pole at Bailey's Hill near Trimountain Rd. also seen on chimney of nearby Johnson School and visible from Golf Course, although at a distance.
Appears to be the same bird that was reported in Nahant early summer: some feather "disturbance" on left wing. It can fly, but I have never seen it gain significant altitude during several times I have observed it in flight.
