Observation start time: 07:00:00 Observation end time: 15:00:00 Total observation time: 8 hours
Official Counter: Donald Manchester
Observers: Michael Brokenshire
Visitors: 17 visitors
Weather: Sunny with moderate NW winds
Raptor Observations: 1 Great Horned Owl (first for site) being mobbed by 6 American Crows
Non-raptor Observations: 53 Blue Jays (migrants)
1 Fowlers Toad vocalizing (first of year)
1 Tiger Swallowtail (first of year) ======================================================================== Report submitted by Melissa Lowe (<mlowe...>) Pilgrim Heights information may be found at: http://massaudubon.org/wellfleetbay-hawkwatch
Site Description: The Pilgrim Heights Hawk Watch is located in the town of North Truro, MA on Cape Cod, approximately 100 miles southeast of Boston. The site is located within the Cape Cod National Seashore and is the only formal site located on Cape Cod. The site (elevation 50ft), is at the second or northernmost overlook along an interpretive trail that runs through the area. The trail is accessed only by foot but is open to the public. Currently the site is used, with permission from the Cape Cod National Seashore, for the spring migration, a 6-8 week period within the months of March through June. Historically, the heaviest flights have occurred during the last week of April and first week of May. At least 8 species are recorded as regular migrants at the site. There is a large migratory movement of non-raptor species including seabirds, gulls, ducks and passerines to name a few. The site is also known for observing butterfly and dragonfly migrants. Whale sightings off-shore are also common during these months. Muskrat, otter and white-tailed deer are common residents.
Directions to site: Pilgrim Heights is located within the Cape Cod National Seashore in North Truro on the east side of Route 6, just north of the Truro and Provincetown town line. Park in the first parking lot and take the Small's Swamp Trail to the second overlook. It is an easy walk down the trail, approximately one-half mile from parking lot.
Observation start time: 07:00:00 Observation end time: 14:00:00 Total observation time: 7 hours
Official Counter: Donald Manchester
Observers: Bob & Maryellen Stone
Visitors: 9 visitors
Weather: Sunny with moderate W winds becoming partly cloudy with moderate NW winds
Raptor Observations:
Non-raptor Observations: 1 Black-billed Cuckoo, 1 Purple Martin (first of year), 1 Black-crowned Night Heron
1 Spicebush Swallowtail (first of year) ======================================================================== Report submitted by Melissa Lowe (<mlowe...>) Pilgrim Heights information may be found at: http://massaudubon.org/wellfleetbay-hawkwatch
Site Description: The Pilgrim Heights Hawk Watch is located in the town of North Truro, MA on Cape Cod, approximately 100 miles southeast of Boston. The site is located within the Cape Cod National Seashore and is the only formal site located on Cape Cod. The site (elevation 50ft), is at the second or northernmost overlook along an interpretive trail that runs through the area. The trail is accessed only by foot but is open to the public. Currently the site is used, with permission from the Cape Cod National Seashore, for the spring migration, a 6-8 week period within the months of March through June. Historically, the heaviest flights have occurred during the last week of April and first week of May. At least 8 species are recorded as regular migrants at the site. There is a large migratory movement of non-raptor species including seabirds, gulls, ducks and passerines to name a few. The site is also known for observing butterfly and dragonfly migrants. Whale sightings off-shore are also common during these months. Muskrat, otter and white-tailed deer are common residents.
Directions to site: Pilgrim Heights is located within the Cape Cod National Seashore in North Truro on the east side of Route 6, just north of the Truro and Provincetown town line. Park in the first parking lot and take the Small's Swamp Trail to the second overlook. It is an easy walk down the trail, approximately one-half mile from parking lot.
This morning there were three Mississippi Kites at Gay's Head on Martha's Vineyard. Yesterday morning I had a Swallow-tailed Kite at the same location. It's worth keeping an eye out if you're on the coast. More details in the ebird checklists below.
Date: 5/22/19 6:19 pm From: Sebastian Jones <sebastianojones...> Subject: [MASSBIRD] Brookline Bird Club McLaughlin Woods Walk, 5/22
Hi Massbirders, A group of 14 of us birded McLaughlin Woods <https://ebird.org/hotspot/L897808> in Boston this morning, and after the official walk ended several of us continued combing through the park, adding a few more species along the way. Things were unusually quiet birdwise (or loud otherwise, with the mowing crew out and about), and we ended up with 36 species. Highlights included a Cape May Warbler and 10 other warbler species, though they were hardly cooperative.
For those on the walk this morning who'd like to join the shared eBird checklist, click this link <https://ebird.org/shared?subID=UzU2NjE3MzQ3&s=t> (if that doesn't work for some reason, just shoot me an email).
Next week will be our last outing for the spring, Wednesday at 7:30. Hopefully we'll get one final wave of migrants to end the season on a high. More info about that May 29th walk can be found here <https://www.brooklinebirdclub.org/tripevent/mclaughlin-woods-migrants-boston-5/>. We'll meet at the bleachers next to the lower baseball field, per usual. The spot is accessible by T (a short walk from the Jackson Square stop on the Orange Line) and there's usually ample parking along Fisher and Parker Hill Avenues. This customized google map <https://tinyurl.com/McLaughlinWoods> has more information on the location of our meeting spot, how to walk over from the T, and where parking is usually available.
Best, Sebastian Jones Jamaica Plain, MA
---------- Forwarded message --------- From: <ebird-checklist...> Date: Wed, May 22, 2019 at 8:56 PM Subject: eBird Report - McLaughlin Woods, May 22, 2019 To: <sebastianojones...>
McLaughlin Woods, Suffolk, Massachusetts, US May 22, 2019 7:25 AM - 9:56 AM Protocol: Traveling 1.1 mile(s) Comments: Brookline Bird Club walk braving mowers, throngs of loud school children, and mostly uncooperative birds. 36 species
Rock Pigeon (Feral Pigeon) 1 Mourning Dove 2 Chimney Swift 2 Herring Gull 1 Downy Woodpecker 1 Northern Flicker 1 Least Flycatcher 2 Eastern Kingbird 1 Red-eyed Vireo 1 Blue Jay 4 Black-capped Chickadee 2 Tufted Titmouse 1 White-breasted Nuthatch 1 Carolina Wren 3 American Robin 12 Gray Catbird 6 European Starling 8 House Finch 1 Chipping Sparrow 1 White-throated Sparrow 1 Baltimore Oriole 1 Common Grackle 3 Ovenbird 2 Black-and-white Warbler 1 Common Yellowthroat 5 American Redstart 8 Cape May Warbler 1 Northern Parula 5 Including one female bird that seemed to have a broken wing unfortunately. Magnolia Warbler 4 Including one doing an almost spot on impression of Acadian Flycatcher, which it repeated several times over the course of 10-15 minutes. Blackburnian Warbler 1 Blackpoll Warbler 1 Black-throated Blue Warbler 1 Wilson's Warbler 1 Northern Cardinal 2 Indigo Bunting 1 Seen by several group members at the lower ball field right at the start of the walk House Sparrow 12
Anyone who hasn’t seen enough nighthawks yet this spring (and you can’t ever see too many) should head outside and sky-watch right now. No really big flights yet, but I’ve had 2-3 birds pass over my yard at least 3 separate times. Could be the same 2-3 individuals passing back and forth, but I strongly suspect 3 separate groups. Looked at Western Mass Birders on Facebook, and saw another report by Fred Baumgarten of 8 flying over Smith College, plus one sighted over Athol by Scott Lachance. So, seems to be some general movement happening for the species this evening, at least over the western part of the state...
Date: 5/22/19 2:29 pm From: David Weaver <cygnus-dkw...> Subject: [MASSBIRD] Plum Island (Parker River NWR) - 05-22-2019
David Moon and I led today's Wednesday Morning Birding program out of Joppa Flats Education Center on to Plum Island and Parker River National Wildlife Refuge in search of wood-warblers -- and I am happy to say, with some success! It was a beautiful day with partly cloudy skies, temps in the upper 50s to low 60s, and winds NW/5-10 mph. The biggest concentrations of warbler activity were in the grove of Sassafras in the S-curves and the Black Tupelo or Blackgum trees just north of Goodno Crossing. It was a very satisfying morning to be on the island . . . .
Our list:
Mute Swan (4) - ads; 1, marsh w. boat ramp; 3, small pannes. Wild Turkey (1) Double-crested Cormorant (8) Turkey Vulture (1) Osprey (2) - 1 on nest w. boat ramp. [Bald Eagle (2) - juvs, Joppa Flats.] Killdeer (2) - main panne. Willet (~ 6) - various. Herring Gull Great Black-backed Gull (1) Least Tern (1) - main panne. Mourning Dove (1) Downy Woodpecker (1) - S-curves. [Willow Flycatcher (2) - PRNWR HQ vicinity.] Empidonax sp. (1) - n. Goodno Crossing. Eastern Kingbird (2) - n. Goodn Crossing. Blue-headed Vireo (1) - New Pines. Red-eyed Vireo (4) - Goodno Crossing. Blue Jay (2) American Crow (1) Purple Martin (~ 12) - lot #1. Tree Swallow (3) Black-capped Chickadee (2) - S-curves. Red-breasted Nuthatch (1) - S-curves. American Robin (4) Gray Catbird - common. Northern Mockingbird (3) Brown Thrasher (2) Black-and-white Warbler (1) - S-curves. Common Yellowthroat - common. American Redstart - common. Cape May Warbler (6) - n. Goodno Crossing. Northern Parula - common. Magnolia Warbler (4) - 3, S-curves; 1, n. Goodno Crossing. Bay-breasted Warbler (2) - n. Goodno Crossing. Blackburnian Warbler (2) - S-curves. Yellow Warbler - common. Chestnut-sided Warbler (4) - 2, S-curves; 2, n. Goodno Crossing. Black-throated Blue Warbler (1) - S-curves. Yellow-rumped Warbler (~ 10) - thicket at main panne, S-curves, & n. Goodno Crossing. Black-throated Green Warbler (~ 7) - S-curves & n. Goodno Crossing. Canada Warbler (1) - n. Goodno Crossing. Eastern Towhee - common. Song Sparrow (3) Northern Cardinal (2) Rose-breasted Grosbeak (1) - female, s. Goodno Crossing. Indigo Bunting (1) - "1st spring male," roadside feeding on dandelion seeds, s. Goodno Crossing (thanks, Tom!). Red-winged Blackbird - common. Common Grackle - common. Brown-headed Cowbird (3) Orchard Oriole (1) - S-curves. Baltimore Oriole (4) Purple Finch (1) - s. Goodno Crossing. American Goldfinch (2) - S-curves. House Sparrow
We will meet again next week back at Joppa Flats at 0930 for Wednesday Morning Birding. For more information about Joppa Flats programs, call David Moon or Dave Larson at 978-462-9998.
Please note that Wednesday Evening Birding is being conducted during the month of May. Meet at Joppa Flats Education Center at 5:30 for the 2-hour program.
Date: 5/22/19 1:51 pm From: alice morgan <morgan.alice...> Subject: [MASSBIRD] repost: Little Blue Heron at Ward's Pond, Brookline MA
I saw this bird briefly as I walked to the pond from the nearby street (Pond Ave). It moved immediately toward the pond and disappeared. I did not remain long myself (about 20 minutes) and did not see it again.
-- Alice & Dane Morgan Brookline & S. Dartmouth, MA
Date: 5/22/19 1:16 pm From: Nash, Matthew (DCR) <matthew.nash...> Subject: [MASSBIRD] Belle Isle Marsh and other DC state parks FREE Nature Programs
North Region Coastal District Department of Conservation and Recreation One Eliot Circle Contact: Matthew Nash Revere, MA 02151 781-656-1485
Find yourself in a DCR State Park Join a DCR Park interpreter to learn about the wonderful natural and cultural history of your state parks. All Programs are FREE and open to the public. Children must be accompanied by an adult. For program cancellations phone 978-937-2094 ext. 121, one hour before start time. Rain Cancels. Bring Water. Strongly recommend sunscreen, a hat, sunglasses and footwear suitable for walking on the beach, and on paths. For more information phone 781-656-1485 or email <Matthew.Nash...> For a listing of programs at other DCR state parks visit https://www.mass.gov/service-details/upcoming-programs-and-events
The Department of Conservation and Recreation manages over 150 state parks and oversees more than 450,000 acres throughout Massachusetts. These protected lands include mountains, freshwater beaches, saltwater beaches, and much more. The DCR works to ensure the accessibility and quality of our natural resources, recreational facilities, and great historic landscapes for the health and happiness of people across Massachusetts.
Belle Isle Marsh Reservation
An Oasis for Birds Saturdays, June 1 & 15 8:00 a.m.-9:00 a.m. Suitable for adults and children ages 10 and older accompanied by an adult. Discover the abundant birdlife at Belle Isle Marsh Reservation, a restored wildlife sanctuary. We will walk while birding for a distance of a mile on easy level terrain. Some binoculars and a spotting scope will be provided but please bring these items if you have them. Insect repellant is recommended and please follow the instructions on the label. Reasonable accommodations available upon request. Co-sponsored by the Friends of Belle Isle Marsh. Meet at: On or near the boardwalk to the right of the Bulletin Board, located on 1399 Bennington Street, East Boston. Parking is on a paved lot and is free of charge. Accessible by public transportation: MBTA Blue line, Beachmont Station. Exit station, turn right, at intersection cross State Road/Bennington Street, travel right along Bennington Street to park entrance on the left. Visit www.MBTA.com for bus and train information.
At the New England Aquarium:
Stewardship by Design Saturday, June 8 9:30 a.m.-12:00 p.m. Suitable for Adults. Create ideas for meaningful and impactful volunteer projects that solve both the ongoing concerns of visitors and the negative impacts of people on resident wildlife, in the DCR state parks of Constitution Beach and Belle Isle Marsh (East Boston), Revere and Winthrop Beaches. Register at https://serve.neaq.org/calendar For questions or more information contact Matthew Nash at <Matthew.Nash...> Co-sponsored by the Liveblue Service Corps of the New England Aquarium. Meet at: Full opportunity address and directions will be sent to you by email after you sign up
Location Varies:
Nature Inspired Design I (Bio-mimicry) Saturdays, June 15 10:00 a.m. -12:00 p.m. Suitable for adults and teenagers accompanied by an adult. Nature possesses time-tested and sustainable strategies for survival and there are an estimated 8.7 million species on the Earth that we can learn from. Join us as we take a closer look at nature to solve human design challenges and learn ways to live sustainably. Note: the date, location and activities are different for workshops I & II in this series. These workshops function independently of each other, so you may attend as many workshops as you like. Meet at: DCRs Belle Isle Marsh located on 1399 Bennington St, Boston, MA. Near the boardwalk to the right of the Bulletin Board, Parking is on a paved lot and is free of charge. Accessible by public transportation: MBTA Blue line, Beachmont Station. Exit station, turn right, at intersection cross State Road/Bennington Street, travel right along Bennington Street to park entrance on the left. Visit www.MBTA.com for bus and train information.
Nature Inspired Design II (Bio-mimicry) Saturday, June 29 10:00 a.m.-12:00 p.m. Suitable for adults and teenagers accompanied by an adult. See description above. Note: the date, location and activities are different for workshops I & II in this series. These workshops function independently of each other, so you may attend as many workshops as you like. Meet at: DCRs North Region Coastal District Office at One Eliot Circle Revere, MA (The tan DCR building at the corner of Dolphin Avenue). Free Parking available along Revere Beach Boulevard. Accessible by Public Transportation: MBTA Blue line Revere Beach Station, turn right on Revere Beach Boulevard and travel to One Eliot Circle, Revere, MA. Visit www.MBTA.com for bus and train information.
At the Parlin Library, Everett MA
A Visit to your State Park Saturday, June 22 2:00 p.m. Join a DCR Visitor Services Supervisor, who will discuss the details of DCRs Parking pass which allows you to park free of charge at many of our state parks and is available for loan at the Parlin Library in Everett. He will also provide a brief presentation that includes the history of the state parks, an introduction to the diversity of experiences available to park visitors, and some of the services that we provide. His talk will conclude with time for questions and answers. Meet at: Parlin Memorial Library 410 Broadway Everett, MA 02149
###
Matthew Nash Visitor Services Supervisor DCR North Region Coastal District One Eliot Circle Revere, MA 02151 (781) 656-1485
Date: 5/22/19 1:14 pm From: Kat Birder <katbirder...> Subject: [MASSBIRD] BBC Walk report, Minute Man NHP, May 22, 2019
A strong breeze at times made birds easier to hear than see but we had some nice looks at nesting Baltimore Orioles, Scarlet Tanager, and Indigo Bunting. I find that there is always a surprise at this location and today's surprise was a Yellow-throated Vireo singing near the Smith House ruins. We were not able to locate the bird at that time but I did return with another birder later in the morning and we were able to get good views.
Minute Man NHP - Hartwell/ Vernal Pool Trail, Middlesex, Massachusetts, US May 22, 2019 6:45 AM - 8:45 AM Protocol: Traveling 0.9 mile(s) Comments: BBC - Spring Migrants at Minute Man NHP - Leader: Kathy Dia - Sunny 50's to 60's F strong breeze.. We walked from the Hartwell lot to the Vernal Pool loop, stopped at the Bloody Angle and back up the Battle Rd. 38 species
Canada Goose 2 Wild Turkey 2 Mourning Dove 1 Red-bellied Woodpecker 2 Downy Woodpecker (Eastern) 2 Hairy Woodpecker (Eastern) 1 Eastern Wood-Pewee 2 Eastern Phoebe 1 Eastern Kingbird 1 Yellow-throated Vireo 1 Heard but not seen on the walk. Will Martens and I took a walk in at 12:30 and were able to locate the bird singing loudly on a maple on the Battle Rd. just east of the Smith House ruins. Red-eyed Vireo 7 Blue Jay 3 Black-capped Chickadee 5 Tufted Titmouse 4 White-breasted Nuthatch (Eastern) 3 House Wren 1 Blue-gray Gnatcatcher 1 Wood Thrush 1 American Robin 9 Gray Catbird 1 Cedar Waxwing 1 American Goldfinch 2 Chipping Sparrow 4 Song Sparrow 1 Baltimore Oriole 7 Brown-headed Cowbird 2 Ovenbird 3 Blue-winged Warbler 1 Nashville Warbler 2 Common Yellowthroat 3 American Redstart 7 In recent year's there have been one to two nesting pairs in this area but this year there are likely multiple. Northern Parula 1 Magnolia Warbler 1 Black-throated Green Warbler 2 Scarlet Tanager 2 Vernal Pool area. Northern Cardinal 1 Rose-breasted Grosbeak 4 Indigo Bunting 2 One seen near Smith house. One chip note heard just west of Hartwell Tavern (area INBU pair seen several days ago)
Date: 5/22/19 10:48 am From: Jon Woolf <jswoolf01...> Subject: [MASSBIRD] NHA Spring Pelagic Trip - last call
Listfolk,
There's still time to sign up for NH Audubon's spring Pelagic Birding Trip. We have plenty of room left, and the long-range weather forecast looks good, so if you were thinking about signing up, now's the time!
To recap:
WHAT: An all-day trip into the Gulf of Maine, looking for pelagic birds (although we'll also check out any whales and other marine life that we encounter). As always, we've chartered the whale-watching boat /Granite State/ for this day of birding along Jeffreys Ledge and wherever else the birds may lead us.
WHEN: Monday, May 27th (Memorial Day).
WHERE: Meet dockside at Rye Harbor at 7:30AM for an 8:00AM departure. We should return to Rye Harbor around 5pm.
WHAT TO BRING: Binoculars, of course. A lunch if you want to. A digital camera if you have one -- these trips often produce excellent photo opportunities for both whales and birds. Weather on the open water is unpredictable, so dress warm, in multiple layers. Certainly bring sunscreen, and either sunglasses or a hat. Bring motion-sickness pills if you're vulnerable to seasickness. /Granite State/'s seating is mostly wooden benches, so a seat cushion is a good idea if you have trouble with sitting on hard surfaces.
WHAT TO EXPECT: Hopefully, good weather and lots of interesting birds!
REGISTRATION: You must register in advance for this trip. We need a minimum of 30 people to pay for the trip. We've set a maximum of 50 so that the boat doesn't get too crowded. Cost is $70 for NH Audubon members, $90 for non-members.
To sign up, please either call or email Massabesic Audubon Center (phone 603-668-2045, email <mac...>), or use the NH Audubon website: https://nh-audubon-nature-store.myshopify.com/products/mac-pelagic-trip-1 To go with the trip, I will be holding a 1-hour workshop at Massabesic Center on Saturday May 25th, as a basic introduction to the most common pelagic birds and how to identify them. Since we generally see both whales and birds on these trips, the workshop also includes information on the common whales of the Gulf of Maine.
Contact either MAC or me with any questions you might have. Please be certain that you leave a phone number or email address where you can be contacted on Sunday May 26th, in case we have to cancel due to weather. There is no rain date; we go on the 27th, or not at all.
-- Jon Woolf Manchester, NH (Massabesic Audubon Center Volunteer)
Date: 5/22/19 9:25 am From: Robert Ross <plumisl...> Subject: [MASSBIRD] Parker River Indigo Bunting
There was an rather ratty looking Indigo Bunting hanging around the Hellcat parking lot right at the trail start yesterday evening. Also, a juvenile male Orchard Oriole kept popping up. Both made several appearances at around 6:30-7:00 PM.
I am told there is a nesting pair of Indigos near the water tower in Oak Hill Cemetery and other are reporting 3-4 nesting pairs at Martin Burns.
Date: 5/22/19 5:32 am From: Mary Keleher <maryeak...> Subject: [MASSBIRD] Mississippi Kite Mashpee
This morning I observed a Mississippi Kite flying in from the north at the Willowbend Country Club in Mashpee. It headed south/southeast. It might be woth checking coastal areas in Cotuit, Mashpee & Falmouth. Mary KeleherMashpee, MA
Date: 5/22/19 5:16 am From: Barbara Volkle <barb620...> Subject: [MASSBIRD] Thank you Boston Birders
Thanks to Gilbert Conn for the following message.
Barbara Volkle
Northborough, MA
<barb620...>
*
From: "Gilbert Conn" <gilconn...> Subject: Thank you Boston Birders Date: Tue, 21 May 2019 21:19:08 -0700
Hello:
What a surprise to receive birding information from all of you who were nice enough to take the time to answer my inquiry - Paul, Josh, M. Badger, Sarah, Robert, Correne(George), Brad, K Pike, and Becky.
Between all of your suggestions, there is probably a week's worth of birding we could do just around Boston. So we've extended our stay in the City....just kidding! Sounds like the Mount Auburn Cemetery is a must to visit, even if most of the birds will not be around. The Arnold Arboretum came up strong, as well as, Franklin Park and Jamaica Pond, and thanks, Josh, for the whale watch recommendation - I never would have thought of that one! We're going to a Red Sox game, so will check out the Muddy River area. Actually, what we don't catch this time will give us the incentive to visit your great City, again, another year. (I've been at least four times in the past, and was actually walking around Fenway Park in 2004 as the Red Sox won in St. Louis.)
Thank you all, again, for your kindness.. now, if anyone has any other non-birding off-the-beaten-path suggestions for the already seasoned Boston traveler.......
<html xmlns:v=3D"urn:schemas-microsoft-com:vml" = xmlns:o=3D"urn:schemas-microsoft-com:office:office" = xmlns:w=3D"urn:schemas-microsoft-com:office:word" = xmlns:m=3D"http://schemas.microsoft.com/office/2004/12/omml" = xmlns=3D"http://www.w3.org/TR/REC-html40"><head><meta = http-equiv=3DContent-Type content=3D"text/html; = charset=3Dus-ascii"><meta name=3DGenerator content=3D"Microsoft Word 15 = (filtered medium)"><style><!-- /* Font Definitions */ @font-face {font-family:"Cambria Math"; panose-1:2 4 5 3 5 4 6 3 2 4;} @font-face {font-family:Calibri; panose-1:2 15 5 2 2 2 4 3 2 4;} /* Style Definitions */ p.MsoNormal, li.MsoNormal, div.MsoNormal {margin:0in; margin-bottom:.0001pt; font-size:11.0pt; font-family:"Calibri",sans-serif;} a:link, span.MsoHyperlink {mso-style-priority:99; color:#0563C1; text-decoration:underline;} a:visited, span.MsoHyperlinkFollowed {mso-style-priority:99; color:#954F72; text-decoration:underline;} span.EmailStyle17 {mso-style-type:personal-compose; font-family:"Calibri",sans-serif; color:windowtext;} .MsoChpDefault {mso-style-type:export-only; font-family:"Calibri",sans-serif;} @page WordSection1 {size:8.5in 11.0in; margin:1.0in 1.0in 1.0in 1.0in;} div.WordSection1 {page:WordSection1;} --></style><!--[if gte mso 9]><xml> <o:shapedefaults v:ext=3D"edit" spidmax=3D"1026" /> </xml><![endif]--><!--[if gte mso 9]><xml> <o:shapelayout v:ext=3D"edit"> <o:idmap v:ext=3D"edit" data=3D"1" /> </o:shapelayout></xml><![endif]--></head><body lang=3DEN-US = link=3D"#0563C1" vlink=3D"#954F72"><div class=3DWordSection1><p = class=3DMsoNormal>Hello:<o:p></o:p></p><p = class=3DMsoNormal><o:p> </o:p></p><p class=3DMsoNormal>What a = surprise to receive birding information from all of you who were nice = enough to take the time to answer my inquiry - Paul, Josh, M. Badger, = Sarah, Robert, Correne(George), Brad, K Pike, and = Becky.<o:p></o:p></p><p class=3DMsoNormal>Between all of your = suggestions, there is probably a week's worth of birding we could do = just around Boston. So we've extended our stay in the = City……….just kidding! Sounds like the Mount = Auburn Cemetery is a must to visit, even if most of the birds will not = be around. The Arnold Arboretum came up strong, as well as, = Franklin Park and Jamaica Pond, and thanks, Josh, for the whale watch = recommendation - I never would have thought of that one! We're = going to a Red Sox game, so will check out the Muddy River area. = Actually, what we don't catch this time will give us the incentive to = visit your great City, again, another year. (I've been at least = four times in the past, and was actually walking around Fenway Park in = 2004 as the Red Sox won in St. Louis.)<o:p></o:p></p><p = class=3DMsoNormal><o:p> </o:p></p><p class=3DMsoNormal>Thank you = all, again, for your kindness…. now, if anyone has any other = non-birding off-the-beaten-path suggestions for the already seasoned = Boston = traveler…………………<o:p></o:p></p><= p class=3DMsoNormal><o:p> </o:p></p><p = class=3DMsoNormal>Sincerely,<o:p></o:p></p><p = class=3DMsoNormal><o:p> </o:p></p><p class=3DMsoNormal>Gil = Conn<o:p></o:p></p><p class=3DMsoNormal>Pasadena, = California<o:p></o:p></p><p = class=3DMsoNormal><o:p> </o:p></p></div></body></html> ------=_NextPart_000_00A5_01D5101A.D4AF9AD0--
Date: 5/21/19 7:39 pm From: <mjo...> Subject: [MASSBIRD] thrush walk at Harold Parker State Park
The weather cooperated with a temperature of 72 F and mostly overcast skies on May 19, 2019 for the annual thrush walk in Harold Parker State Forest, attended by Bob Muldoon and Mike Onyon.
Our mission each year is to get 4 species of thrush in the same area (wood thrush, hermit thrush, veery and robin), plus, by tradition, ovenbird (yes, the ovenbird is a warbler, but we include it because it is so thrush-like). Our goal was met within an hour of birding along the wooded trails.
This was birding by ear, with sightings considered a bonus. Not a mosquito was encountered, unlike some past years where we were dogged by clouds of the insects.
The walk got off to an auspicious start at 7:30 PM with an immediate wood thrush, robin and ovenbird. The pickings became slimmer until we heard a hermit thrush around 8 PM. We became concerned as dusk rapidly descended, but we pressed on, undeterred. Finally at 8:22 PM we heard a couple of veeries: the Hail Mary Pass that pulled us back from the precipice of failure.
Also of note were dozens of tree frogs trilling loudly from arboreal perches from all locations covered.
What better way could there be to spend an evening in May than the annual thrush walk?
Date: 5/21/19 4:10 pm From: Bates, David Westfall,M.D. <dbates...> Subject: [MASSBIRD] Cattle Egret in Dunstable
Still present this a.m. at 5:54, by the red barn, same spot described by Jason Forbes.
David Bates
<dbates...>
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dispose of the e-mail.
Date: 5/21/19 4:10 pm From: Sandy <sandyselesky...> Subject: [MASSBIRD] Big wave Monday at Parker Riverff
I am surprised no one posted anything about the great number of warblers in trees all day yesterday at the S- curves closer to the maintenance buildings and especially on the Pine Trail. I wasn't counting since I was busy trying for closer pictures so spent most of my day on the lot 5 connector path from the Pines trail by the low white flowering bushes where at least 20+ Magnolias, 2-3 Canada Warblers and 1-2 Blackburnians kept going in and out of them catching small flies and caterpillars. There was another Canada giving close looks off the trail and a couple of close Chesnut sided Warblers and Red-eyed Vireos. Never saw so many Canadas and for such consistent close-up looks and photographic opportunities!! I heard there were 3 Canadas in the same flowering tree at the S-curves too (I saw one on my way out later plus pretty sure I saw an Indigo Bunting). Lots of Black- throated Greens and I was told Bay-breasted at the S-curves plus many Redstarts and more Red-eyed Vireos ! too. The Purple Martins are back and bringing nesting material to the housing by the restrooms.
It's one of your friendly, neighborhood eBird Hotspot reviewers again! Once again, I need everyone's assistance. Along with submitting requests to add new hotspots, please keep an eye out for any that have spelling errors or any that need to be moved/renamed/etc. If you find something that needs to be addressed, please email me (<joseph.bourget...>). In the case of renaming, please include some form of proof. If an area is privately owned/restricted access/etc, please let me know ASAP so I can rename the hotspot to include that (I *REALLY *don't want Law Enforcement Officers/Military Police called on any of you).
I will try to get back to you as soon as I possibly can, and most issues brought to my attention are generally solved within one day. If they aren't, feel free to follow up.
Date: 5/21/19 12:53 pm From: John Nelson <jnelson...> Subject: [MASSBIRD] West Gloucester Whip-poor-will, Barred Owl, Others
Last night around 11:00 I heard one Eastern Whip-poor-will at the only place I know on Cape Ann to find whip-poor-wills, in the Tompson Street Reservation woodlands along Bray St. in West Gloucester. As a bonus a nearby Barred Owl was calling loudly the whole time I was there.
This morning I walked Dykes Pasture Road in West Gloucester, a wide dirt trail that begins at Laurel St., parallels Lily Pond, and ends at a reservoir. Highlights included 4 Blue-gray Gnatcatchers, 3 Eastern Wood-Pewees, a Nashville Warbler, and 3 Red-eyed Vireos. Two of the vireos, presumably fighting over territory, were singing repeatedly, loudly, and with a lot of variation while chasing one another so fast and furiously that it took me five minutes to actually get one in my binoculars.
In our yard in West Gloucester, as many as five Baltimore Orioles, 4-5 Downy Woodpeckers, one Red-bellied Woodpecker, at least two Gray Catbirds, and two Ruby-throated Hummingbirds have been competing to eat at a buffet that includes a suet feeder, some oranges, and a hummingbird feeder. In past years my wife Mary and I have often seen Downy Woodpeckers at the hummingbird feeder, but this year, for the first time, a Red-bellied Woodpecker has been making several daily visits to the hummingbird feeder. Two Great Crested Flycatchers sing almost continuously around the yard but don't partake of the buffet.
Westborough WMA is currently holding a couple of Gray-cheeked/Bicknell's Thrushes, along with a Yellow-bellied Flycatcher. All three of these birds are along the wide trail that runs along the western shore of Chauncy Lake. This collection of birds was located about 200 meters from the sharp right-hand turn (east) in this trail as it bends around the north side of the lake. You'll know you're in the right spot when you see a freshly-cut stump from a fairly large tree right in the edge of the trail.
Photos and recordings in the checklist below. With tonight's winds from the north I expect the birds will be in the area tomorrow.
Date: 5/21/19 11:57 am From: Peter Trull <petrull...> Subject: [MASSBIRD] Great-crested Flycatchers
Massbirders,
Many sources provide preferred measurements for various bird species nesting boxes. I’ve made them all and have concludes that the birds could care less. I have Chickadees in a bluebird box and great-crested flycatchers in a screech owl box (2nd year in a row, different screech owl box) out side the window, hoping to provide good images when they start feeding young in June.
Peter Trull
Brewster
<petrull...>
www.petertrull.org
Date: 5/21/19 9:45 am From: Mardi Dickinson <mardi1d...> Subject: [MASSBIRD] Jeff Spendelow PhD on Roseate Terns - BirdCallsRadio
Birders et al,
I thought many of your would be interested in my next guest Jeff Spendelow PhD on Roseate Terns and his expert knowledge and life long study on this species. Perfect time of year to learn more about these beauties. https://bit.ly/2akUsxp
Date: 5/20/19 9:28 pm From: Tim Factor <tef617...> Subject: [MASSBIRD] Boston Public Garden sightings 5/20
Several noteworthy birds this (5/20) morning at the Public Garden. Of greatest interest for most people probably will be a Prothonotary Warbler in the big green-leafed Norway Maple nearest the Taj hotel. Here are two of the least crummy photos I managed: https://photos.app.goo.gl/aRJNpd8JdwJU2b379 and https://photos.app.goo.gl/eNnZ2wabwcJzxKyv7 . It didn't vocalize in the couple of minutes I watched it. Maybe a female? It did seem less vivid than others I've seen. I was unable to find it again on subsequent passes. That was my second PROW sighting at the Garden (Linda Ferraresso discovered one a few Mays ago) so less of a rarity to me than the Yellow-billed Cuckoo I also found, my first ever at the BPG and something of a patch nemesis bird. Other sightings of note: a singing Tennessee Warbler and a female Mourning Warbler in the same river birch tree, Bay-breasted and (heard only) Canada Warblers, Lincoln Sparrow, and an Alder Flycatcher, a Traill's-type by sight identifiable as Alder based on its distinctive "reap!" call.
Somebody, probably more than one somebody, is marking posts to Massbird as spam. It's been going on for a while but it's increased markedly the last few weeks.
Are you that somebody? Cut it out. You completely misunderstand what a spam filter is for and how mailing lists work. You're not marking spam, you're marking legitimate posts to the list. If there's something in your inbox you don't want to read then just don't read it. It's that simple and easy. But when you mark something as spam your mail carrier and eventually others will move legitimate posts from that poster to everyone's spam folder effectively banning that poster from the list. It's not for you to decide what posts the rest of us can see. If you think a post is inappropriate then tell Barbara and let her deal with it. Otherwise ignore it. Or set up a filter in your mail reader that only applies to you - search on "create filter <your email reader>" for instructions. In gmail, for example, it takes about five mouse clicks.
You're not that somebody? Then please go to your spam folder and mark any and all Massbird posts there as not spam or move them to your inbox - which approach to use will depend on your mail reader. If enough people do that it'll counteract the spam filtering and everyone will once again be able to see eveyone else's posts. Thanks.
With the moderator's permission, I'm posting a request from a researcher:
Leslie,
Was anyone able to get a song recording of the Mourning Warbler? I am studying songs of migrants to better understand their migratory movements. If you hear any more or could you please spread the word, that would be great. A SmartPhone recording is good enough for this project.
Dr. Jay Pitocchelli Professor, Biology Department Saint Anselm College Manchester, NH 03102 Voice: 603 641 7397 <jpitocch...>
Things started very slow at the Neck this a.m. but picked up as the temperature rose and sun came out. Thanks to Suzanne Sullivan for reporting an Olive-sided Flycatcher. It moved around a lot and took a lot of patience since it was not singing!
Other birds seen: Eastern Kingbird Eastern Wood Pewee Great Crested Flycatcher Least Flycatcher Yellow-bellied Flycatcher
Warblers: Northern Waterthrush Black and White Common Yellowthroat American Redstart Northern Parula Magnolia Bay-breasted (seen by Suzanne) Blackburnian Chestnut-sided Blackpoll Black-throated Blue Wilson’s
Other usual suspects as well as White-throated sparrow, Baltimore Oriole, and Blue-Gray Gnatcatcher.
Date: 5/20/19 11:52 am From: CRAIG GIBSON <cbgibson...> Subject: [MASSBIRD] Speaker: Prof. John Marzluff!
Greetings all,
On behalf of the Crow Patrol, and the the many intrepid souls who made a visit to the City of Lawrence this past winter to see the winter crow roost, please consider this upcoming event with Prof. John Marzluff. It will be hosted at the Memorial Hall Library in Andover, MA. The library is accepting registrations online, see the link below.
Dana Duxbury-Fox has been working overtime to schedule a visit to the Boston area by Prof. Marzluff since she, Bob, and I attended a three day workshop on Corvids last June, in the North Cascades National Park, 3 hours NE of Seattle. Dana deserves great credit for her tireless efforts in pulling this wonderful event together!
In response to a number of emails from earlier today requesting more background information, thought those of you with an interest, might appreciate further details. Prof. Marzluff is a dynamic and engaging speaker with a wealth of knowledge on Crows and Corvids. Don't miss the fun, sign up today!!
Crows are mischievous, playful, social, and passionate. They have brains that are huge for their body size and exhibit an avian kind of eloquence. They mate for life and associate with relatives and neighbors for years. And because they often live near people—in our gardens, parks, and cities—they are also keenly aware of our peculiarities, staying away from and even scolding anyone who threatens or harms them and quickly learning to recognize and approach those who care for and feed them, even giving them numerous, oddly touching gifts in return. The ongoing connection between humans and crows—a cultural co-evolution—has shaped both species for millions of years. And the characteristics of crows that allow this symbiotic relationship are language, delinquency, frolic, passion, wrath, risk-taking, and awareness—seven traits that humans find strangely familiar.
With his extraordinary research on the intelligence and startling abilities of corvids—crows, ravens, and jays—scientist John Marzluff tells amazing stories of these brilliant birds in Gifts of the Crow, shining a light on their fascinating characteristics and behaviors.
John Marzluff https://environment.uw.edu/faculty/john-marzluff/ is James W. Ridgeway Professor of Wildlife Science at the University of Washington. His graduate (Northern Arizona University) and initial post-doctoral (University of Vermont) research focused on the social behavior and ecology of jays and ravens. He was especially interested in communication, social organization, and foraging behavior (e.g., The Pinyon Jay, 1992, Academic Press). His current research brings this behavioral approach to pressing conservation issues including raptor management, management of pest species, and assessment of nest predation. His book, In the Company of Crows and Ravens(with Tony Angell, 2005 Yale U. Press) blends biology, conservation, and anthropology to suggest that human and crow cultures have co-evolved. He is currently a member of the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service’s Recovery Team for the critically endangered Mariana Crow, a former member of the Washington Biodiversity Council, and a Fellow of the American Ornithologist's Union.
Date: 5/20/19 9:17 am From: Barbara Volkle <barb620...> Subject: [MASSBIRD] Curlew Sandpiper - Monomoy NWR, Morris Island, Chatham
Curlew Sandpiper reported via Cape Cod Birds on Facebook and via ebird. Reported yesterday and still present today at Monomoy NWR--Morris Island, Massachusetts.Reported today in the same location (Monomoy NWR Morris Island, taking the visitor center trail down the stairs to the beach and headed west, in a mudflat exposed during lower tides where people like to dig clams). Barbara Volkle Northborough, MA <barb620...>
Date: 5/20/19 5:50 am From: Jim Berry <jim.berry3...> Subject: [MASSBIRD] barred owl at home, May 19, 2019
142 County Rd., Ipswich (home) May 19, 2019 12:15 AM - 12:17 AM Comments: I heard a barred owl close outside the back window as I went to bed. 1 species
Barred Owl 1 This owl, which I had heard several nights earlier, had a different call--not in pattern, but stylistically. It never varied from the 8-hoot pattern, but the fourth note was clipped, not as long as usual for the species, and the 8th note was not followed by a gargle or even much of a drop in pitch--it too was cut off "too soon." This individual's song is therefore unique in my memory and makes the bird easy to ID, as it called exactly the same way several nights apart.
Date: 5/20/19 5:11 am From: <lfkramer...> Subject: [MASSBIRD] Mourning Warbler present and singing, Mount Auburn Cemetery, 7AM, on Indian Ridge hillside across from Halcyon Pond
Had to leave but the bird was present, singing, moving around for at least an hour. Thanks to a very helpful BBC group getting everyone on the bird. Good luck!
Date: 5/20/19 5:08 am From: Phil Brown <nebirdsplus...> Subject: [MASSBIRD] possible Swainson's Warbler - Arcadia - East Hampton - 05-19-19
Mike Stone asked that I post this to MassBird..... send any questions to Mike at <mikestone01...>
I usually don't post sightings so I was wondering if someone could put this out for me - this morning 5-19 my brother and I found a Swainson's Warbler at Arcadia Wildlife Area in Easthampton, MA. If you go behind the visitor center and go right , follow the path to the back where 3 paths converge and you are looking down at the water/pond. The warbler was close to the ground within bushes and understory. Very drab plain looking bird with brownish to olive-brown upper parts and wings - underparts completely whitish to off-white with no streakings or markings whatsoever. Prominent whitish "eyebrow" really stood out . Heavy pointed bill . We believe we may have heard it singing after googling its song . Sorry but no photo obtained. We were unable to refind to get other birders on it but hopefully somebody can refind it - thanks ,- Mike Stone
Date: 5/19/19 6:47 pm From: Matt S. <accipiter22...> Subject: [MASSBIRD] May 19, 2019 Parker River NWR - 80+ species, bay-breasteds, cape-mays, chestnut-sideds. Tons of activity after the rain
Hi All,
I tried to beat the rain and get some AM birding in at Parker River, which I did. It poured out for about 40 minutes, but I stuck around. As it tapered I headed over to the Pines Trail, which I think is the most under-rated part of Parker, there's almost always great birding there no matter what season. As soon as the rain died down I got out before the winds picked back up. I had probably the best 30 minutes of birding that I've experienced. There are 15 warblers species that I saw at Parker today, and I saw at least one of each of them at the Pines Trail in those 30 minutes. I also saw a Rose-Breasted Grosbeak, several towhees, thrushes, and a couple ravens (carrying what looked like food to one of the pines...nesting?), along with bobolinks, a cedar waxwing, 3 hummingbirds, red-eyed vireos, and warbling vireos. It was one of those times I was glad I had my camera because a lot of the birds were flitting around too fast, and in too great numbers, for me to identify entirely.
I didn't really check out the beaches since wet sand didn't seem fun to trudge through, so I'll leave others to comment on the pelagics.
80 species (+2 other taxa)
Canada Goose (Branta canadensis) 2 Mute Swan (Cygnus olor) 4 Gadwall (Mareca strepera) 1 Mallard (Anas platyrhynchos) 21 American Black Duck (Anas rubripes) 5 Green-winged Teal (Anas crecca) 2 Wild Turkey (Meleagris gallopavo) 2 Rock Pigeon (Feral Pigeon) (Columba livia (Feral Pigeon)) 2 Mourning Dove (Zenaida macroura) 2 Chimney Swift (Chaetura pelagica) 7 Ruby-throated Hummingbird (Archilochus colubris) 3 Black-bellied Plover (Pluvialis squatarola) 7 Semipalmated Plover (Charadrius semipalmatus) 2 Killdeer (Charadrius vociferus) 1 Least Sandpiper (Calidris minutilla) 19 Semipalmated Sandpiper (Calidris pusilla) 1 Greater Yellowlegs (Tringa melanoleuca) 3 Willet (Tringa semipalmata) 11 Lesser Yellowlegs (Tringa flavipes) 2 Ring-billed Gull (Larus delawarensis) 10 Herring Gull (Larus argentatus) 15 Great Black-backed Gull (Larus marinus) 2 Least Tern (Sternula antillarum) 2 Double-crested Cormorant (Phalacrocorax auritus) 4 Great Blue Heron (Ardea herodias) 3 Great Egret (Ardea alba) 5 Snowy Egret (Egretta thula) 3 Turkey Vulture (Cathartes aura) 9 Single group Osprey (Pandion haliaetus) 1 Bald Eagle (Haliaeetus leucocephalus) 1 Red-tailed Hawk (Buteo jamaicensis) 1 Red-bellied Woodpecker (Melanerpes carolinus) 1 Downy Woodpecker (Dryobates pubescens) 2 Hairy Woodpecker (Dryobates villosus) 1 Pictures and a video. I'll attach photos after I get them off camera Northern Flicker (Colaptes auratus) 2 American Kestrel (Falco sparverius) 1 Eastern Kingbird (Tyrannus tyrannus) 4 Warbling Vireo (Vireo gilvus) 3 Red-eyed Vireo (Vireo olivaceus) 4 Blue Jay (Cyanocitta cristata) 5 American Crow (Corvus brachyrhynchos) 4 Common Raven (Corvus corax) 2 Pine loop. I think they're breeding there Purple Martin (Progne subis) 6 Tree Swallow (Tachycineta bicolor) 4 Barn Swallow (Hirundo rustica) 6 Black-capped Chickadee (Poecile atricapillus) 2 Tufted Titmouse (Baeolophus bicolor) 1 White-breasted Nuthatch (Sitta carolinensis) 1 Marsh Wren (palustris Group) (Cistothorus palustris [palustris Group]) 1 Swainson's Thrush (Catharus ustulatus) 4 American Robin (Turdus migratorius) 4 Gray Catbird (Dumetella carolinensis) 10 Northern Mockingbird (Mimus polyglottos) 1 Cedar Waxwing (Bombycilla cedrorum) 1 American Goldfinch (Spinus tristis) 2 Chipping Sparrow (Spizella passerina) 2 Song Sparrow (Melospiza melodia) 5 Swamp Sparrow (Melospiza georgiana) 2 Eastern Towhee (Pipilo erythrophthalmus) 19 Bobolink (Dolichonyx oryzivorus) 9 Baltimore Oriole (Icterus galbula) 3 Red-winged Blackbird (Agelaius phoeniceus) 8 Red-winged Blackbird (Red-winged) (Agelaius phoeniceus [phoeniceus Group]) 4 Common Grackle (Quiscalus quiscula) 25 Black-and-white Warbler (Mniotilta varia) 2 Common Yellowthroat (Geothlypis trichas) 15 American Redstart (Setophaga ruticilla) 11 Cape May Warbler (Setophaga tigrina) 1 Northern Parula (Setophaga americana) 7 Magnolia Warbler (Setophaga magnolia) 4 Bay-breasted Warbler (Setophaga castanea) 4 2 females hanging out on dune loop by the road. Just found another two in one of my photos from the Pine Trail Yellow Warbler (Setophaga petechia) 18 most common...everywhere Yellow Warbler (Northern) (Setophaga petechia [aestiva Group]) 2 Chestnut-sided Warbler (Setophaga pensylvanica) 3 Blackpoll Warbler (Setophaga striata) 2 Black-throated Blue Warbler (Setophaga caerulescens) 3 all females Pine Warbler (Setophaga pinus) 1 Singing in pines at pine loop Yellow-rumped Warbler (Setophaga coronata) 6 Black-throated Green Warbler (Setophaga virens) 1 Wilson's Warbler (Cardellina pusilla) 3 Northern Cardinal (Cardinalis cardinalis) 2 Rose-breasted Grosbeak (Pheucticus ludovicianus) 1 Male, Pine Loop
Fruitlands Museum, Harvard, 100-132 Prospect Hill Road <https://maps.google.com/?q=100-132+Prospect+Hill+Road&entry=gmail&source=g>, Worcester, Massachusetts, US May 18, 2019 6:40 AM - 10:00 AM Protocol: Traveling 2.3 mile(s) Comments: Sunny, cloudless at the start, warming to nearly 70 degrees 47 species
Canada Goose 20 Wild Turkey 3 Mourning Dove 1 Chimney Swift 1 Great Blue Heron 2 Turkey Vulture 4 Red-tailed Hawk 5 Red-bellied Woodpecker 1 Downy Woodpecker 1 Pileated Woodpecker 1 Eastern Wood-Pewee 2 Eastern Phoebe 2 Eastern Kingbird 2 Warbling Vireo 1 Red-eyed Vireo 4 Blue Jay 2 Tree Swallow 5 Barn Swallow 2 Black-capped Chickadee 1 Tufted Titmouse 1 Eastern Bluebird 2 Veery 1 Hermit Thrush 1 Wood Thrush 2 American Robin 4 Gray Catbird 4 Northern Mockingbird 3 European Starling 5 American Goldfinch 2 Chipping Sparrow 10 Song Sparrow 1 Eastern Towhee 1 Red-winged Blackbird 20 Common Grackle 8 Ovenbird 6 Blue-winged Warbler 3 Black-and-white Warbler 4 Common Yellowthroat 2 American Redstart 1 Northern Parula 1 Yellow Warbler 1 Chestnut-sided Warbler 2 Pine Warbler 1 Scarlet Tanager 2 Northern Cardinal 1 Rose-breasted Grosbeak 4 Indigo Bunting 2
Date: 5/19/19 10:34 am From: Jim Berry <jim.berry3...> Subject: [MASSBIRD] Fwd: eBird Report - Bradley Palmer SP, May 19, 2019
Bradley Palmer SP, Hamilton May 19, 2019 7:45 AM - 10:35 AM Protocol: Traveling 2.0 mile(s) Comments: I went in from the Hamilton (east) end and finally heard a couple pewees. Other highlights were a scarlet tanager (I've heard hardly any this spring), 2 more yellow-throated vireos, and 12 warbler species. No swallows or nuthatches. 39 species (+1 other taxon)
Larus sp. 3 flyovers Red-bellied Woodpecker 8 Downy Woodpecker 1 Hairy Woodpecker 1 Northern Flicker 1 not seen Eastern Wood-Pewee 2 both singing Great Crested Flycatcher 2 Yellow-throated Vireo 2 heard two, saw one of them Red-eyed Vireo 0 This is a surprise for the location (all forest) and date. Blue Jay 7 American Crow 1 Black-capped Chickadee 4 Tufted Titmouse 18 Veery 3 all by calls--still have not heard one sing, which is the case almost every year until late May Wood Thrush 4 American Robin 6 Gray Catbird 12 one carried nest material American Goldfinch 1 Chipping Sparrow 3 Song Sparrow 3 Swamp Sparrow 1 Eastern Towhee 1 Baltimore Oriole 2 Red-winged Blackbird 10 Brown-headed Cowbird 2 Common Grackle 1 Ovenbird 27 all singing males Northern Waterthrush 7 all singing males Black-and-white Warbler 3 Common Yellowthroat 8 all singing males American Redstart 2 Northern Parula 2 Magnolia Warbler 3 Yellow Warbler 1 Chestnut-sided Warbler 2 One of these sang a peculiar song, consisting of 5 fast notes on one pitch, followed by a slightly longer terminal note sung with emphasis. I don't recall ever hearing one of these birds sing a song like that, and I had to track him down and see the singer singing to have any idea what warbler this was. Black-throated Blue Warbler 2 Pine Warbler 2 Wilson's Warbler 1 Scarlet Tanager 1 Northern Cardinal 3 Rose-breasted Grosbeak 5 all singing males
Date: 5/19/19 10:34 am From: Sophia Wong <skpwong6...> Subject: [MASSBIRD] Possible Varied Thrush
A fiend of mine at Cape Ann wanted to report a Varied Thrush seen in her yard yesterday. She is familiar with them and positive of the sighting though she hasn’t seen one since she lived in Alaska. She will continue to monitor her yard and try to get a pic if it returns. Just wanted to let folks know to be in the lookout.
Do you remember the first time you saw a Pileated Woodpecker? I remember mine like it was yesterday... Because it WAS yesterday! :-D Wow! What an impressive bird! Found him just off the Independence Greenway path in Peabody near mile marker 2.5. And I don't know about yours, but my Pileated viewing experience beat every Warbler viewing experience I ever had. :-) Happy Birding! Mr. Shilo McDonald, LynnBird Watcher and Bolt EV driver ShiloCM at Yahoo dot com
Date: 5/19/19 6:02 am From: MFB <badgerm...> Subject: [MASSBIRD] Trip report Magazine Beach Park -- May 19, 2019
We had a wonderful group of about 12 birders this morning at Magazine Beach. While it was much less birdy than it has been in the past few weeks, we still managed to eek out 9 warbler species, observed goldfinches fighting like dragons and even got a decent look at a Peregrine. Black-crowned night herons were numerous. We did not get to see the Osprey that has been a frequent visitor around the BU bridge.
Wilson’s warbler loves this spot and they are quiet bold here.
Nice to see more birds coming back to this great little urban green patch.
M. Badger
Magazine Beach Park May 19, 2019 6:30 AM Traveling 1.30 miles 120 Minutes All birds reported? Yes Comments: Submitted from eBird for iOS, version 1.9.0 Build 9
X Canada Goose X Mallard X Rock Pigeon (Feral Pigeon) X Herring Gull X Double-crested Cormorant X Black-crowned Night-Heron X Belted Kingfisher—rattle heard 2x X Peregrine Falcon X Eastern Phoebe X Eastern Kingbird—good spot, likely nesting here X Warbling Vireo X American Robin X Gray Catbird X Northern Mockingbird X European Starling X House Finch X American Goldfinch X Song Sparrow X Baltimore Oriole X Red-winged Blackbird X Brown-headed Cowbird X Common Grackle X Black-and-white Warbler X Nashville Warbler X Common Yellowthroat X American Redstart X Northern Parula X Magnolia Warbler X Yellow Warbler X Yellow-rumped Warbler X Wilson's Warbler -- Seen well, possibly two X House Sparrow
Observation start time: 08:00:00 Observation end time: 11:30:00 Total observation time: 3 hours
Official Counter: Mark Schoene
Observers: Mark Schoene Visitors: Many
ps. End of year sale: Amer Kestrel magnets, see webpage of EMHW
Weather: NNW wind, 15mph gusting to 27, sunny, clear, and temperature a comfortable 15-18 c. Wind turned NE after 10am slowing migration.
Raptor Observations: Unusually late number of falcons causing me to use the term "rebels" Our observer checking on the site was surprised on how the fork in our migration expectations was removed.
Local raptors were TV 12, OS 4, BE 2, RT 1, CH 1
Non-raptor Observations: Major migration on the Island and late for this location. Notables were large numbers of Goldfinches
Predictions: Showers predicted mid-morning followed by S winds and sunny weather. It could be Interesting ======================================================================== Report submitted by Ted Mara (<tedmara...>) Plum Island MA information may be found at: http://www.massbird.org/emhw
Hammond Pond, Middlesex, Massachusetts, US May 18, 2019 7:30 AM - 10:05 AM Protocol: Traveling 2.0 mile(s) Comments: A lovely morning with no big surprises compared to previous years, except the lack of Great Crested Flycatcher. 35 species
Other taxa: A pair (unknown if mated) of rock climbers.
Canada Goose (Branta canadensis) 4 American Black Duck (Anas rubripes) 1 Mourning Dove (Zenaida macroura) 2 Semipalmated Sandpiper (Calidris pusilla) 2 Solitary Sandpiper (Tringa solitaria) 1 Red-bellied Woodpecker (Melanerpes carolinus) 2 Downy Woodpecker (Dryobates pubescens) 1 Northern Flicker (Colaptes auratus) 1 Eastern Phoebe (Sayornis phoebe) 1 Warbling Vireo (Vireo gilvus) 7 Red-eyed Vireo (Vireo olivaceus) 3 Blue Jay (Cyanocitta cristata) 2 American Crow (Corvus brachyrhynchos) 1 Tree Swallow (Tachycineta bicolor) 3 Black-capped Chickadee (Poecile atricapillus) 4 Tufted Titmouse (Baeolophus bicolor) 2 White-breasted Nuthatch (Sitta carolinensis) 2 Veery (Catharus fuscescens) 1 Wood Thrush (Hylocichla mustelina) 1 American Robin (Turdus migratorius) 8 Gray Catbird (Dumetella carolinensis) 3 House Finch (Haemorhous mexicanus) 1 American Goldfinch (Spinus tristis) 3 Song Sparrow (Melospiza melodia) 2 Baltimore Oriole (Icterus galbula) 5 Red-winged Blackbird (Agelaius phoeniceus) 4 Common Grackle (Quiscalus quiscula) 5 Black-and-white Warbler (Mniotilta varia) 2 American Redstart (Setophaga ruticilla) 4 A location record; different birds based on distance and location Northern Parula (Setophaga americana) 3 Magnolia Warbler (Setophaga magnolia) 1 Yellow Warbler (Setophaga petechia) 3 Yellow-rumped Warbler (Setophaga coronata) 2 Scarlet Tanager (Piranga olivacea) 3 Two seen together before the train tracks, and one on the other side (Houghton Garden) of the tracks Northern Cardinal (Cardinalis cardinalis) 1
Two of the sanctuaries you listed (Broadmoor and Waseeka) are both somewhat far from Boston, especially since you won’t have a vehicle. Both of those sanctuaries are deep in MetroWest, 45-60 minutes from Boston. Tidmarsh is in Plymouth, also a bit far from the city.
One other thought… there are probably a number of birders on this list who would be willing to take you birding for the day to areas outside of the city, such as the ones you mentioned or even to more “interesting” areas such as Parker River Wildlife Refuge. Of course, it’s up to you if you want to go with strangers, but all birders are strange, right? 😊 Just put the request out there and see who responds.
Good luck, and I hope you have fun.
Yours,
Brad Dinerman
Ashland MA
From: <massbird-approval...> <massbird-approval...> On Behalf Of Gilbert Conn
Sent: Saturday, May 18, 2019 3:09 PM
To: <Massbird...>
Subject: [MASSBIRD] Birding Boston
Hello Birders
My wife and I will be staying in Boston for four days in early June. We would like to get in a day of birding, if possible, but will not have a vehicle. We would like to find an area close to the City if possible, reachable within proximity to public transportation (MTA). We are particularly interested In finding resident landside birds.
I found a few sanctuaries on-line, but have no detailed information on them:
Broadmoor Wildlife Sanctuary; Waseeka wildlife Sanctuary; Tidmarsh Wildlife Sanctuary
Any help in finding a location(s) would be greatly appreciated.
Date: 5/18/19 3:16 pm From: Miles Brengle <brenglema...> Subject: [MASSBIRD] Daniel Boone Park, Ipswich - May 18
Massbird,
I spent almost the entire day birding Boone Park to see how many species I could tally in a day at my patch. I finished with 80 species...not bad for a dinky wooded hilltop! Here is my complete checklist from the day (photos to be attached in a day or two):
If you have any questions about the park or my checklist from today, I would be happy to answer them. The next two days should be equally as fun up there...good birding!
My wife and I will be staying in Boston for four days in early June. We would like to get in a day of birding, if possible, but will not have a vehicle. We would like to find an area close to the City if possible, reachable within proximity to public transportation (MTA). We are particularly interested In finding resident landside birds.
I found a few sanctuaries on-line, but have no detailed information on them:
Date: 5/18/19 1:34 pm From: Sean Williams <seanbirder...> Subject: [MASSBIRD] Mississippi Kite, Provincetown- 5/18
Hello,
At 1:10 PM this afternoon, a Mississippi Kite flew over Provincetown, visible from the Provincelands Visitor Center. Sometimes these birds stick around for a couple days, so it might be worth a hawk watch if you are in the area tomorrow. The visitor center has an observation deck. The kite was seen by Jeff Offerman, Blair Nikula, Peter and Jeremiah Trimble, and myself.
Good birding, Sean Williams Westboro, MA <seanbirder...>
Mbers, earlier this afternoon while looking at gulls at the outfall there, 4 glossy ibis flew overhead heading towards MarbleheadJoeSent from my Verizon, Samsung Galaxy smartphone
Subject birds still present on Route 1A Rowley in the pans by the brown Ranch house.Good birding, SueSue McGrathNewburyport BirdersNewburyportSent via the Samsung Galaxy S7, an AT&T 4G LTE smartphone
Date: 5/18/19 8:38 am From: Joe Battenfeld <jbattenfeld...> Subject: [MASSBIRD] Summer Tanager, Hall’s Pond
Massbirders Found a male adult Summer Tanager at Hall’s Pond in Brookline late this morning in the Rhodedendron garden at south end of Pond. Got great looks before it flew into woods. Bright red all around with large Tanager bill. Also at Halls Pond were a chestnut-sided Warbler and Wilson’s Warbler.
Joe Battenfeld Roslindale <jbattenfeld...>
Date: 5/18/19 5:28 am From: Paul Champlin <skua99...> Subject: [MASSBIRD] Gooseberry migrant Red-bellieds, R-b Nuthatches, Nelson's Sparrow, etc.
I spent two hours perched atop the mound of dirt at the Gooseberry parking lot (Westport, MA), and observed a marginally decent morning flight. As is typical for this location, the host of species (and a stiff, northerly breeze) suggested early May rather than the 18th. 3 Migrant Eastern Kingbirds, 4 American Robins, 8 Baltimore Orioles, 3 Catbirds, 5 Yellow Warblers, 2 Yellow-rumps, and a few other typically early-May species were pleasant to see making the jump from the island to the mainland, adding to the many resident Doves, Robins, Catbirds, Yellows, Common Yellowthroats. A constant flow of Double-crested Cormorants and Common Loons with a sprinkling of Great Cormorants and Red-throated Loons kept me busy during the lulls in activity, as did brief incursions of various terns. Surprising species that migrated to the mainland were 3 different Red-bellied Woodpeckers (two at once... I think this may be the first for me in the spring at that location), 5 Red-breasted Nuthatches, and a Nelson's Sparrow that sang at least twice, then eventually made its way across the causeway. A Scarlet Tanager, 8 Cedar Waxwing, Red-eyed Vireo, Prairie, Blackpoll, Black-throated Green warblers, and a few other migrants were fun additions, but several waves of migrants were high overhead, moving north.
Gooseberry (the only place I really bird anymore) is often best for spring warblers, tanagers, flycatchers, etc. in late May, so there's still plenty of time for a good day or two there (though the weather really does call the shots at that location).
Date: 5/18/19 4:20 am From: Jonathan Glover <jglover76...> Subject: [MASSBIRD] summer tanager
Summer Tanager behind Mormon Church in Foxboro on 140 near Dairy Queen. Path entrance is way in the back of the parking lot. Take the first left off the path in 200 feet. It was about another 100 feet on the right. Got a good look and a recording.
Date: 5/17/19 6:37 pm From: Linda Ferraresso <tattler1...> Subject: [MASSBIRD] BBC walk Mt. Auburn Cemetery, May 17, 2019
In spite of the drizzle and cold temperature (yes it was a glove day though some of us thought we were past that!), there were migrants to enjoy. @4 birders were not to be daunted by Mother Nature - we had 13 species of Warblers, though no sign of the Cape May show from yesterday (yes, we spent a fair amount of time at that tree). On a drizzly day like today, we had high expectations of a thrush show, but American Robins and one Veery were the only cast of characters in the Thrush show this a.m. Also of note was the lack of bird song from most of the warblers - Warbling Vireo were belting it out, and the Parulas were singing harmony, but mostly the migrants were silent.
All in all, it was a fine day at Mt Auburn Cemetery! Linda
Mt. Auburn Cemetery, Middlesex, Massachusetts, US May 17, 2019 6:00 AM - 8:45 AM Protocol: Traveling 1.0 mile(s) Comments: BBC walk started at 50 degrees with cloud cover (though sun rise was spectacular) but turned to drizzle for most of the trip. 41 species
Wild Turkey 1 Mourning Dove 1 Chimney Swift 3 Ruby-throated Hummingbird 2 Great Blue Heron 2 Red-tailed Hawk 1 Enjoying a gray squirrel as a breakfast treat. Red-bellied Woodpecker 2 Northern Flicker 2 Eastern Kingbird 3 Blue-headed Vireo 1 Warbling Vireo 11 Blue Jay 5 Barn Swallow 2 Black-capped Chickadee 2 Red-breasted Nuthatch 1 White-breasted Nuthatch 1 Veery 1 American Robin 16 Gray Catbird 2 Cedar Waxwing 3 American Goldfinch 2 Chipping Sparrow 3 White-throated Sparrow 1 Song Sparrow 1 Baltimore Oriole 4 Red-winged Blackbird 2 Common Grackle 9 Ovenbird 2 Black-and-white Warbler 4 Nashville Warbler 1 Common Yellowthroat 12 American Redstart 8 Northern Parula 9 Magnolia Warbler 5 Blackburnian Warbler 1 Blackpoll Warbler 2 Black-throated Blue Warbler 2 Yellow-rumped Warbler 1 Black-throated Green Warbler 3 Wilson's Warbler 1 Northern Cardinal 4
Sorry- aberrant Red-belly pic-forgot to mention my info:Judy Parrot-WillisNorth Andover
On Friday, May 17, 2019, 8:45:23 PM EDT, Carolyn Longworth <bvm1290...> wrote:
A colleague sent this photos of a yellow male Downy Woodpecker. She thought it was a Pine Warbler at first glance, then realized it was an aberrant Downy. We wondered if anyone else had seen birds like this. We did find examples online, so know it's not rare, but it's unusual..Still it's an interesting bird.https://clongworth.smugmug.com/Birds/Xantho/i-VgBsn7x/A
--
Carolyn Longworth
Acushnet, MA
bvm1290atgmail.com
Bird sightings at:
A colleague sent this photos of a yellow male Downy Woodpecker. She thought it was a Pine Warbler at first glance, then realized it was an aberrant Downy. We wondered if anyone else had seen birds like this. We did find examples online, so know it's not rare, but it's unusual.. Still it's an interesting bird. https://clongworth.smugmug.com/Birds/Xantho/i-VgBsn7x/A
Spent a couple hours birding early this morning, before the rain, over at the Independence Greenway in west Peabody. Didn’t have to walk more than 500 feet, before finding several different species of warblers all in the same tree.
They were the usual suspects, for the most part. But high up in the canopy, I did catch a glimpse of what MAY have been a Cape May Warbler.
I didn’t include the bird on my eBird report, because it disappeared just as soon as I spotted it. And having never seen one, I’m not 100% sure it is, what I saw. May... be? May... be not?
Besides, my neck was not so subtly asking me to stop looking. Yeouch!
Happy Birding!
Mr. Shilo McDonald, LynnElectric Car Enthusiast and Bird NerdShiloCM at Yahoo dot com
Observation start time: 07:00:00 Observation end time: 13:00:00 Total observation time: 6 hours
Official Counter: Donald Manchester
Observers: Visitors: 4 Visitors
Weather: Partly cloudy, light winds shifting from W to N
Raptor Observations:
Non-raptor Observations: 5 Common Loons (migrants), 36 Cedar Waxwings, 88 Blue Jays (migrants) ======================================================================== Report submitted by Melissa Lowe (<mlowe...>) Pilgrim Heights information may be found at: http://massaudubon.org/wellfleetbay-hawkwatch
Site Description: The Pilgrim Heights Hawk Watch is located in the town of North Truro, MA on Cape Cod, approximately 100 miles southeast of Boston. The site is located within the Cape Cod National Seashore and is the only formal site located on Cape Cod. The site (elevation 50ft), is at the second or northernmost overlook along an interpretive trail that runs through the area. The trail is accessed only by foot but is open to the public. Currently the site is used, with permission from the Cape Cod National Seashore, for the spring migration, a 6-8 week period within the months of March through June. Historically, the heaviest flights have occurred during the last week of April and first week of May. At least 8 species are recorded as regular migrants at the site. There is a large migratory movement of non-raptor species including seabirds, gulls, ducks and passerines to name a few. The site is also known for observing butterfly and dragonfly migrants. Whale sightings off-shore are also common during these months. Muskrat, otter and white-tailed deer are common residents.
Directions to site: Pilgrim Heights is located within the Cape Cod National Seashore in North Truro on the east side of Route 6, just north of the Truro and Provincetown town line. Park in the first parking lot and take the Small's Swamp Trail to the second overlook. It is an easy walk down the trail, approximately one-half mile from parking lot.
There's an error in the current blue book and on the BBC website for the Hamond Pond Reservation walk. It is Saturday, May 18, not the 19th. Sorry for the short notice.
Date: 5/17/19 12:15 pm From: Jonathan Center <jbcenter...> Subject: [MASSBIRD] Otter Slide Trail, Carlisle Conservation Land - Good afternoon for Thrushes
Otter Slide Trail, Carlisle Conservation Land, Middlesex, Massachusetts, US
May 16, 2019 3:30 PM - 5:40 PM
Protocol: Traveling
1.0 mile(s)
Comments: The Otter Slide Trail is part of the Carlisle town conservation lands and the trail head is located off of Curve Street and opposite of the Cranberry Bog Conservation Land. The trail runs parallel to a canal that serves as the out flow to the cranberry bog. Habitat is deciduous woodland with pine and some hemlock. Parts are fairly dense with fallen logs and up-turned stumps. It is not a loop trail and comes to an end at Old Morse Trail which may be used for horse back riding. Otter Slide Trail is about one mile long. Never observed Otter here despite its name.
15 species
Observation start time: 08:00:00 Observation end time: 12:00:00 Total observation time: 4 hours
Official Counter: Donald Manchester
Observers: Visitors: 3 Visitors
Weather: Mostly cloudy early becoming partly cloudy by mid day. Light NW winds.
Raptor Observations:
Non-raptor Observations: 1 White-winged Scoter, 10 Common Loons (Migrants)
1 American Lady ======================================================================== Report submitted by Melissa Lowe (<mlowe...>) Pilgrim Heights information may be found at: http://massaudubon.org/wellfleetbay-hawkwatch
Site Description: The Pilgrim Heights Hawk Watch is located in the town of North Truro, MA on Cape Cod, approximately 100 miles southeast of Boston. The site is located within the Cape Cod National Seashore and is the only formal site located on Cape Cod. The site (elevation 50ft), is at the second or northernmost overlook along an interpretive trail that runs through the area. The trail is accessed only by foot but is open to the public. Currently the site is used, with permission from the Cape Cod National Seashore, for the spring migration, a 6-8 week period within the months of March through June. Historically, the heaviest flights have occurred during the last week of April and first week of May. At least 8 species are recorded as regular migrants at the site. There is a large migratory movement of non-raptor species including seabirds, gulls, ducks and passerines to name a few. The site is also known for observing butterfly and dragonfly migrants. Whale sightings off-shore are also common during these months. Muskrat, otter and white-tailed deer are common residents.
Directions to site: Pilgrim Heights is located within the Cape Cod National Seashore in North Truro on the east side of Route 6, just north of the Truro and Provincetown town line. Park in the first parking lot and take the Small's Swamp Trail to the second overlook. It is an easy walk down the trail, approximately one-half mile from parking lot.
Date: 5/17/19 8:07 am From: Jim McCoy <jfmccoy...> Subject: [MASSBIRD] Hooded Warbler in Melrose
Lots of birds at Ell Pond in Melrose this morning. I had a singing Hooded Warbler to the right of "The Beach" just south of the dog area. Also had a Wilson's near the bridge, and both a female Orchard Oriole and a Black-crowned Night Heron by the northeast corner of the pond. Very birdy all around--there seemed to be a couple of Redstarts in every tree.
Date: 5/16/19 2:58 pm From: Linda Ferraresso <tattler1...> Subject: [MASSBIRD] BBC walk Boston Public Garden, May 16, 2019
Boston Public Garden, Suffolk, Massachusetts, US May 16, 2019 6:30 AM - 9:15 AM Protocol: Traveling 0.5 mile(s) Comments: BBC trip on a beautiful sunny day, started at 51 degrees but warmed up quickly 37 species (+1 other taxa)
Mute Swan 2 domestic Mallard 23 with 6 ducklings Rock Pigeon (Feral Pigeon) 28 Mourning Dove 2 Chimney Swift 13 gull sp. 11 Double-crested Cormorant 4 Red-tailed Hawk 1 Downy Woodpecker 1 Northern Flicker 1 Peregrine Falcon 1 interacting with a gull sp for a split second. Heard first and saw the bird flying away. Least Flycatcher 1 Blue-headed Vireo 1 Blue Jay 2 Veery 1 Swainson's Thrush 1 Hermit Thrush 1 late American Robin 7 Gray Catbird 19 European Starling 1 American Goldfinch 2 White-throated Sparrow 17 Baltimore Oriole 2 Common Grackle 3 Ovenbird 4 Black-and-white Warbler 3 Nashville Warbler 1 Common Yellowthroat 23 conservative count; they were everywhere American Redstart 2 Cape May Warbler 1 Northern Parula 9 Magnolia Warbler 1 Yellow Warbler 18 Black-throated Blue Warbler 2 Yellow-rumped Warbler 1 Scarlet Tanager 1 Northern Cardinal 1 House Sparrow X
On my way home earlier this afternoon, I made a quick stop at Kings Beach on the Swampscott/Lynn Line and was surprised to see an adult Laughing Gull bathing with the collection of Ring-bill, Herring and 2 Great black-backed gulls. When I ran into Suzanne Sullivan yesterday she mentioned we should be looking for gulls! She really is a gull whisperer!
Linda
-- Linda Ferraresso Salem, MA tattler1(at)comcast(dot)net
"Faith is the bird that feels the light and sings when the dawn is still dark" - Tagore
Date: 5/16/19 1:50 pm From: Sam Miller <zamziller...> Subject: [MASSBIRD] Orange-crowned, Tennessee, continuing Brewster's, Heald Street Orchard, Pepperell, May 16, 2019
Carla and I birded Heald Street Orchard today and had some nice birds. More information in the eBird report below. Sam Miller and Carla Dengler Acton, MA
> > Heald Street Orchard, Pepperell, Middlesex, Massachusetts, US > May 16, 2019 7:02 AM - 12:52 PM > Protocol: Traveling > 2.0 mile(s) > 49 species (+1 other taxa) > > Canada Goose 1 > Wild Turkey 1 > Mourning Dove 3 > Ruby-throated Hummingbird 4 > Turkey Vulture 2 > Red-bellied Woodpecker 2 > Least Flycatcher 1 > Great Crested Flycatcher 1 > Blue-headed Vireo 1 > Red-eyed Vireo 3 > Blue Jay 8 > American Crow 3 > Tree Swallow 8 > Black-capped Chickadee 4 > Tufted Titmouse 3 > House Wren (Northern) 5 > Eastern Bluebird 4 > American Robin 5 > Gray Catbird 18 > Cedar Waxwing 7 > Purple Finch 1 > Pine Siskin 3 Interacting with the Tennessee and a male Indigo Bunting in a small sapling along the north edge of the orchards. Nice group! > Field Sparrow 6 > White-throated Sparrow 3 > Song Sparrow (melodia/atlantica) 8 > Lincoln's Sparrow 1 North edge. > Eastern Towhee 2 > Baltimore Oriole 5 > Red-winged Blackbird (Red-winged) 2 > Common Grackle (Bronzed) 1 > Ovenbird 2 > Blue-winged Warbler 8 Minimum. Not a high count for this location. > Brewster's Warbler (hybrid) 1 Continuing. Seems to range fairly widely. Seen along the western edge of the orchard block that occupies the southeast corner, and later, near the dell, where the little creek crosses the path on the south edge. > Black-and-white Warbler 1 > Tennessee Warbler 1 Excellent views at eye level and below; sang several times. Along north edge of property. > Orange-crowned Warbler 1 Seen well for several minutes, off and on, in the southeast corner of the orchard, working the apple blossoms; sang fairly frequently. Dark olive-green overall, smudgy streaking on breast, yellow-olive underneath, pale eye arcs, hint of line through eye. Carla got a recording of it singing; we'll try to upload it at some point. > Nashville Warbler 1 > Common Yellowthroat 16 > American Redstart 4 > Northern Parula 7 > Magnolia Warbler 4 > Blackburnian Warbler 1 > Yellow Warbler (Northern) 11 > Chestnut-sided Warbler 3 > Black-throated Green Warbler 1 > Scarlet Tanager 1 > Northern Cardinal 9 > Rose-breasted Grosbeak 2 > Indigo Bunting 2 > House Sparrow 1 > > View this checklist online at https://ebird.org/view/checklist/S56362744 > > This report was generated automatically by eBird v3 (https://ebird.org/home)
Date: 5/16/19 1:48 pm From: Larry O'Bryan <lobryan...> Subject: [MASSBIRD] Mount Auburn Cemetery May 16
I was joined by about 25 birders on this beautiful sunny morning, low 50's. Very nice variety of birds, although not huge numbers. My complete list follows.
Mt. Auburn Cemetery, Middlesex, Massachusetts, US May 16, 2019 6:00 AM - 8:30 AM
Protocol: Traveling
2.0 mile(s)
48 species (+1 other taxa)
Canada Goose 2
Mallard 3
Wild Turkey 3
Rock Pigeon (Feral Pigeon) 1
Mourning Dove 4
Ruby-throated Hummingbird 1
gull sp. 3
Double-crested Cormorant 2
Cooper's Hawk 1
Red-tailed Hawk 2
Red-bellied Woodpecker 2
Downy Woodpecker 1
Northern Flicker 2
Blue-headed Vireo 1
Warbling Vireo 2
Red-eyed Vireo 1
Blue Jay 5
American Crow 4
Black-capped Chickadee 2
Tufted Titmouse 2
White-breasted Nuthatch 1
Swainson's Thrush 1
American Robin 17
Gray Catbird 4
Purple Finch 1
American Goldfinch 2
Chipping Sparrow 5
White-throated Sparrow 1
Song Sparrow 2
Baltimore Oriole 5
Red-winged Blackbird 4
Common Grackle 10
Ovenbird 3
Northern Waterthrush 1
Black-and-white Warbler 8
Nashville Warbler 3
Common Yellowthroat 1
American Redstart 3
Cape May Warbler 3 Seen in the same tree they have been for the past four days. Other birders reported four, but we saw only three.
Date: 5/16/19 1:26 pm From: Trimble, Jeremiah <jtrimble...> Subject: [MASSBIRD] South Cape Beach State Park - Gull-billed Tern
Hello Massbirders,
A Gull-billed Tern was spotted between the New Seabury Country Club and South Cape Beach State Park in Mashpee between 28 April and May 1st. It was first reported on Facebook on a private area of New Seabury Country Club. On subsequent days, including the checklists linked below, it was seen from the state park, including roosting on the public beach. It has not been reported to MASSBIRD and did not go out on eBird needs emails, so I thought it would be worthwhile posting it here so that others might be on the lookout for this lingering bird and excellent sighting!
Female. Distant scope looks. She kept disappearing behind tall grass but when visible the chestnut neck color was quite obvious. Thanks to Doug Chickering, Paul Peterson and others for reporting yesterday they had returned to Pikuls again this year.
Date: 5/16/19 6:18 am From: Lakshminarayanan Sundaresan <lsundaresan...> Subject: [MASSBIRD] Kentucky at Marblehead Neck - Yes
Bird was seen at the pines behind the hill, behind the pond at the far end of the sanctuary. He was walking around on leaf litter to the west of the trail around 9 AM.
Date: 5/16/19 4:47 am From: Patrick Fellion <pgfellion...> Subject: [MASSBIRD] Worm-eating Warbler in Cunningham Park Milton
On a quick tour (9 minutes) through Cunningham Park in Milton I was treated to a singing Worm-eating Warbler! The bird was heard from the first parking area on the southwestern corner of the park by the red barn. It was quite birdy this morning; wish I had more time. I never see other birders here, but this is a great park, especially along the pipeline right-of-way near a scrub-shrub wetland to the east.
Other warblers seen/heard: Ovenbird Black-and-white American redstart Northern parula Magnolia Pine Black-throated green
Date: 5/16/19 4:40 am From: Lucas Hale <lhale...> Subject: [MASSBIRD] Green lawn Kentucky Warbler 5/15 - Yes
The Kentucky Warbler was present on the thicketed bank by the small pond
with the stone bridge through the middle of it last night until about 8:00
pm. The bird stayed close to the leaf litter and was very secretive
(possibly due to the presence of a large Cooper’s Hawk in the area
earlier). Excellent views from the areas above (up the stone staircase) and
to the right (near headstones with American flags) from 7:40-7:55 pm. Hope
he sticks around for others to enjoy!!
Lucas Hale
Concord, MA
--
*Lucas Hale *I *Junior Healthcare Data Engineer*
iSpecimen Inc. I 450 Bedford Street, Lexington, MA 02420
c: 978-831-3445 e: <lhale...>
Observation start time: 07:45:00 Observation end time: 11:00:00 Total observation time: 3.25 hours
Official Counter: Ted Mara
Observers: Mark Schoene, Ted Mara
Visitors: About 20
Weather: 5-10mph winds from the NW slowing and becoming overcast and slow
Raptor Observations: Raptors were rare mirroring what was happening on the Island.
Local raptors were only 1 TV, 1 OS, 1 NH, and 2 AK
Non-raptor Observations: Lack of hawkfood migrants slowed everything. New was a Whimbrel, migrating were a dozen BlueJays, and a Belted Kingfisher.
Predictions: N winds turning E, showers, poor coastal migration on Plum is ending the raptor season with a whimper. ======================================================================== Report submitted by Ted Mara (<tedmara...>) Plum Island MA information may be found at: http://www.massbird.org/emhw
It's that time of year again, the time when the Wilson's Phalarope(s) return to the former Pikuls Pan along Route 1A in the town of Rowley. I saw it at 6:00 p.m. I met Doug C. there, who deove me to the spot along Parker st. where the CATTLE EGRET WAS!
Mt. Auburn Cemetery, Middlesex, Massachusetts, US May 15, 2019 5:00 PM - 7:15 PM Protocol: Traveling 1.5 mile(s) Comments: There was quite a lot of activity compared with previous years for this walk. 58 degrees at the start, dropping quick by the end; slight breeze. We ran out of time to explore the Dell (cemetery gates close at 7:00). 34 species (+1 other taxa)
Mallard (Anas platyrhynchos) 1 Wild Turkey (Meleagris gallopavo) 3 Mourning Dove (Zenaida macroura) 2 Common Nighthawk (Chordeiles minor) 1 In the same oak tree in the dry dell. Chimney Swift (Chaetura pelagica) 11 gull sp. (Larinae sp.) 1 Great Blue Heron (Ardea herodias) 1 Halcyon Pond. We observed it catch and eat two of what appeared to be goldfish or small koi--very red. Red-tailed Hawk (Buteo jamaicensis) 1 Red-bellied Woodpecker (Melanerpes carolinus) 2 Downy Woodpecker (Dryobates pubescens) 1 Blue-headed Vireo (Vireo solitarius) 2 Red-eyed Vireo (Vireo olivaceus) 1 Blue Jay (Cyanocitta cristata) 1 Black-capped Chickadee (Poecile atricapillus) 3 Hermit Thrush (Catharus guttatus) 1 American Robin (Turdus migratorius) X Gray Catbird (Dumetella carolinensis) 5 Cedar Waxwing (Bombycilla cedrorum) 7 Spectacle Pond American Goldfinch (Spinus tristis) 3 Chipping Sparrow (Spizella passerina) 2 White-throated Sparrow (Zonotrichia albicollis) 1 Song Sparrow (Melospiza melodia) 4 Baltimore Oriole (Icterus galbula) 5 Red-winged Blackbird (Agelaius phoeniceus) 2 Common Grackle (Quiscalus quiscula) 9 Black-and-white Warbler (Mniotilta varia) 2 Common Yellowthroat (Geothlypis trichas) 1 American Redstart (Setophaga ruticilla) 2 Northern Parula (Setophaga americana) 2 Black-throated Blue Warbler (Setophaga caerulescens) 1 Pine Warbler (Setophaga pinus) 1 Yellow-rumped Warbler (Setophaga coronata) 3 Black-throated Green Warbler (Setophaga virens) 2 Wilson's Warbler (Cardellina pusilla) 1 Spectacle Pond Northern Cardinal (Cardinalis cardinalis) 2
Date: 5/15/19 4:58 pm From: David Weaver <cygnus-dkw...> Subject: [MASSBIRD] Rowley, Newbury, & West Newbury - 05-15-2019
David Moon and I led today's edition of Wednesday Morning Birding out of Joppa Flats Education Center. Knowing from an early-morning visit to Plum Island that things were pretty quiet birdwise, we ventured inland. Skies were cloudy, brightening now and then, temps were in the middle 50s, and winds were light and variable.
Our list:
Canada Goose (~ 12) - Scotland Road. Wild Turkey (3) - Rowley. Double-crested Cormorant (1) - Joppa Flats. Great Blue Heron (1) - Newman Road, Newbury. Great Egret (2) - Newman Road, Newbury. Snowy Egret (8) - various, but mostly Newman Road, Newbury. Glossy Ibis (1) - Newman Road, Newbury. Turkey Vulture (4) - Rowley. Osprey (1) Cooper's Hawk (1) - Martin Burns WMA, Newbury. Yellowlegs sp. (~ 7) - Newman Road, Newbury. Willet (5) - various. Herring Gull (2) - Rowley. Rock Pigeon - various. Mourning Dove (2) - Rowley. Great Horned Owl (1) - Rough Meadows, Rowley. Red-bellied Woodpecker (1) - Rough Meadows, Rowley. Eastern Phoebe (1) - Martin Burns WMA, Newbury. Great Crested Flycatcher (2) - Rough Meadows, Rowley. Eastern Kingbird (3) - Rough Meadows, Rowley. Blue Jay (1) - Rough Meadows, Rowley. Black-capped Chickadee (3) - Rough Meadows, Rowley. Tufted Titmouse (2) - Rough Meadows, Rowley. White-breasted Nuthatch (2) - Rough Meadows, Rowley. House Wren (1) - FOY, Martin Burns WMA, Newbury. Blue-gray Gnatcatcher (2) - Pikes Bridge Road, W. Newbury. American Robin - common. Gray Catbird (1) - Rowley. Northern Mockingbird (2) - 1, Rowley; 1, Joppa Flats. Ovenbird (4) - 2, Martin Burns WMA, Newbury; 2, Pikes Bridge Road, W. Newbury. Blue-winged Warbler (1) - Pikes Bridge Road, W. Newbury. Black-and-white Warbler (2) - Pikes Bridge Road, W. Newbury. Common Yellowthroat - common. American Redstart (2) - 1, Martin Burns WMA, Newbury; 1, Pikes Bridge Road, W. Newbury. Northern Parula (2) - 1, Rough Meadows, Rowley; 1, Martin Burns WMA, Newbury. Yellow Warbler (2) - Pikes Bridge Road, W. Newbury. Black-throated Blue Warbler (1) - Martin Burns WMA, Newbury. Eastern Towhee (3) - Martin Burns WMA, Newbury. Chipping Sparrow (2) - Rough Meadows, Rowley. Northern Cardinal (2) Rose-breasted Grosbeak (1) - Martin Burns WMA, Newbury. Red-winged Blackbird Common Grackle Brown-headed Cowbird (2) - 1, Rough Meadows, Rowley; 1, Martin Burns WMA, Newbury. Orchard Oriole (2) - Rough Meadows, Rowley. Baltimore Oriole (4) - 1, Rough Meadows, Rowley; 3, Martin Burns WMA, Rowley.
We will meet again next week back at Joppa Flats at 0930 for Wednesday Morning Birding. For more information about Joppa Flats programs, call David Moon or Dave Larson at 978-462-9998.
Date: 5/15/19 4:39 pm From: GLENN D'ENTREMONT <gdentremont1...> Subject: Re: [MASSBIRD] Warblers on the ground
One of the most interesting things we witnessed at Mt Auburn Sunday was a male Robin which began chasing warblers out of the top of a large tree. It would chase one out and land. Then after another, then another. It was 10-15 birds it chased. We could only think this was defending a food source, one which is fleeting and difficult to find given the cold temps and rainy conditions. These birds are visual feeders so looking for caterpillars moving in such conditions is difficult. The Robin is probably feeding young or close to it.
Glenn
Glenn d'Entremont: <gdentremont1...> Stoughton, MA
> On May 14, 2019 at 11:57 PM Josh <opihi...> wrote:
>
> Hi MassBirders,
>
> Not a warbler, but something even stranger to see on the ground, I think: an Eastern Wood-Pewee! It was at Tri-town Beach in South Deerfield; not just at the general location but on the actual beach itself, away from any trees. It was making short flights from spot to spot and snatching up insects off of the sand. Clearest sight yet that the ongoing cool, damp weather is making life difficult for insect-eating birds, especially those that depend on flying insects as most of their 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/nedsa/ >
> http://bugguide.net/user/view/2399 > https://www.facebook.com/opihi >
>
>
Massbirders,Today I photographed a Kentucky Warbler at the Marblehead Neck Wildlife Sanctuary. It was last seen along the Warbler Trail in the bend/corner area before Migration Overlook. Also of note, yesterday I photographed a Cedar Waxwing sitting atop a tree at the Lynn / Salem line on Route 107. Happy Birding to all! Mr. Shilo McDonald, Lynn, MAGeologist, Technologist, Photographer, Electric Vehicle Enthusiast and Avid BirderShiloCM at Yahoo dot com
Date: 5/15/19 2:15 pm From: Jim Berry <jim.berry3...> Subject: [MASSBIRD] farm fields and New England Biolabs, Ipswich, May 15, 2019: VIRA with 4 chicks
Argilla-Northgate-Essex Rd. Fields Complex, Ipswich May 15, 2019 9:00 AM - 9:50 AM Protocol: Traveling 2.0 mile(s) Comments: I made one stop on each of the 3 roads, looking in vain for a white-faced ibis. 16 species; highlights only
Double-crested Cormorant 2 Great Blue Heron 1 Glossy Ibis 70 They flew from the farm pond (where they were too far away to examine with a scope) over to the horse paddocks on Essex Rd. So I drove over there and studied them as well as I could (many were obscured, though I eventually got to see most in the scope), but did not see any white-faces. Turkey Vulture 1 Barn Swallow 4 Savannah Sparrow 4 Song Sparrow 2 Bobolink 3
New England Biolabs, Ipswich May 15, 2019 10:00 AM - 12:35 PM Protocol: Traveling 0.75 mile(s) Comments: Zero migrant warblers, but the highlight was a VIRGINIA RAIL WITH 4 BABIES. Also finally heard a warbling vireo and a green heron. 33 species (+1 other taxon); partial list:
Virginia Rail 9 5 adults (I actually saw 3 of them). Two were paired and had 4 tiny black fluffballs that looked like they couldn't have been over a day or two old, although BNA says "Precocial chicks leave the nest within 3–4 days after hatching," and these chicks were clearly out of the nest. The first adult, with whom I counted the 4 (minimum) chicks, later brooded them, I thought to keep them warm. I had never seen this before with rails. (BNA says "Both male and female parents brood the chicks immediately after departure from nest, occasionally dividing up large broods. Chicks are brooded constantly by parents for first 4–7 days, then less and less during the following 2 weeks." So I guess it was not just due to the cold weather.) Then the mate came along and one of the young started to go with him or her, but when he or she returned a few seconds later the chick decided to rejoin its siblings under the warm belly of the brooding parent. What a treat to watch the private lives of these birds without disturbing them.
Sora 0 could not get one to respond Green Heron 1 Glossy Ibis 2 Bald Eagle 1 immature Red-tailed Hawk 1 Red-bellied Woodpecker 2 Great Crested Flycatcher 1 Warbling Vireo 1 Tree Swallow 0 Normally this place is rife with swallows by this time, but not this cold rainy spring. Marsh Wren 0 surprisingly, none of these either Eastern Bluebird 1 Wood Thrush 1 Gray Catbird 13 American Goldfinch 8 Song Sparrow 6 Swamp Sparrow 4 Bobolink 1 Baltimore Oriole 4 Red-winged Blackbird 35 Common Yellowthroat 3 Yellow Warbler 3 Northern Cardinal 7 Rose-breasted Grosbeak 1
Date: 5/15/19 11:58 am From: Sebastian Jones <sebastianojones...> Subject: [MASSBIRD] Brookline Bird Club McLaughlin Woods Walk, 5/15
Hi Massbirders, A group of 14 of us birded McLaughlin Woods <https://ebird.org/hotspot/L897808> in Boston this morning, and after the official walk ended several of us continued combing through the spot for another hour or so. We ended up with 41 species, highlights of which included 2 Cape May Warblers, one especially stealthy and uncooperative Lincoln's Sparrow and a number of other migratory birds (11 warbler species). Full checklist below.
For those on the walk this morning who'd like to join the shared eBird checklist, click this link <https://ebird.org/shared?subID=UzU2MzAyODI4&s=t> (if that doesn't work for some reason, just shoot me an email).
Walks will continue weekly throughout May, Wednesdays at 7:30 am. More info about the next walk on May 22 can be found here <https://www.brooklinebirdclub.org/tripevent/mclaughlin-woods-migrants-boston-4/>. We'll meet at the bleachers next to the lower baseball field, per usual. The spot is accessible by T (a short walk from the Jackson Square stop on the Orange Line) and there's usually ample parking along Fisher and Parker Hill Avenues. This customized google map <https://tinyurl.com/McLaughlinWoods> has more information on the location of our meeting spot, how to walk over from the T, and where parking is usually available.
Best, Sebastian Jones Jamaica Plain, MA
---------- Forwarded message --------- From: <ebird-checklist...> Date: Wed, May 15, 2019 at 9:47 AM Subject: eBird Report - McLaughlin Woods, May 15, 2019 To: <sebastianojones...>
McLaughlin Woods, Suffolk, Massachusetts, US May 15, 2019 7:29 AM - 9:34 AM Protocol: Traveling 1.1 mile(s) Comments: Brookline Bird Club walk. Sunny and cool. Slow going at the start with some fairly uncooperative birds but ended on a nice note with a couple Cape Mays. 41 species (+1 other taxa)
Wild Turkey 1 Rock Pigeon (Feral Pigeon) 4 Mourning Dove 2 Chimney Swift 1 Ruby-throated Hummingbird 1 Downy Woodpecker 2 Northern Flicker 1 Least Flycatcher 3 Two tangle, one lower ball field Blue-headed Vireo 1 On path up from lower ball field Blue Jay 3 Black-capped Chickadee 3 Tufted Titmouse 1 White-breasted Nuthatch 1 House Wren 1 Carolina Wren 4 Veery 2 1 main stairs, 1 Iroquois Street Woods American Robin 7 Gray Catbird 7 Northern Mockingbird 1 European Starling 12 House Finch 1 American Goldfinch 1 Chipping Sparrow 2 White-throated Sparrow 5 Lincoln's Sparrow 1 Continuing Iroquois Street Woods. Extremely uncooperative, not sure how many got a chance to see it. Swamp Sparrow 1 Like yesterday, with Lincoln Sparrow at Iroquois Street Woods. Baltimore Oriole 1 Common Grackle 1 Ovenbird 12 Spread throughout various areas of park. Leading a walk so less meticulous of a count, though seemingly less than yesterday. Northern Waterthrush 2 Black-and-white Warbler 4 Nashville Warbler 4 Common Yellowthroat 5 Cape May Warbler 2 Together in trees at the top tangle, viewed from the orchard/along the edge of the top field. One singing at times. Northern Parula 11 Magnolia Warbler 2 Black-throated Blue Warbler 2 Prairie Warbler 1 Wilson's Warbler 1 warbler sp. (Parulidae sp.) 1 Possible Canada singing towards lower ball field, though didn't get enough of the song to be certain. Northern Cardinal 4 House Sparrow 15
Date: 5/15/19 10:23 am From: Barbara Volkle <barb620...> Subject: [MASSBIRD] May 15, 2019 Mount Auburn Cemetery Cambridge - Nighthawk roosting on the Ridge!
Thanks to Matt S. for this post.
Barbara Volkle
Northborough, MA
<barb620...>
*
May 15, 2019 Mount Auburn Cemetery Cambridge - Nighthawk roosting on the Ridge!
Wed, 15 May 2019 09:40:29 -0400
Hi Everyone,
I'll pass along a full list later, but in the meantime I wanted to alert people to the presence of a nighthawk sleeping on Indian Ridge. When you go to the dry dell, walk all the way to the end and turn left onto Indian Ridge. Almost immediately on your left there will be an oak tree with tons of yellow buds on it. On the middle left of the tree are two branches that are fully exposed, running left. The bottom one is thinner, and the upper one is thicker. This thicker branch, if you scan along it, has a nighthawk roosting on it. TONS of good looks and an opportunity for photographing.
Date: 5/15/19 8:51 am From: Childs, Jackson <jchilds...> Subject: [MASSBIRD] Mt. Auburn, 5/15/19
Glorious morning at Mt. Auburn, perfect conditions, abundant migrants in the sunlight, generally quite tame. I'd be interested to see detailed lists. I'm not so good at counting birds, but there were singing Parulas in seemingly every tree, I would guess 100+ for the cemetery? It's so interesting how the composition changes from day to day. Ovenbirds were especially common, many Black-throated Blue and Magnolia, Canada, Chestnut-sided and Tennessee warblers in numbers, still several Prairie and Nashville warblers. Usual other species. Heard only one Blackpoll, no Bay-breasted or Cape May, although the latter was reported.
Date: 5/14/19 9:05 pm From: Josh <opihi...> Subject: Re: [MASSBIRD] Warblers on the ground
Hi MassBirders,
Not a warbler, but something even stranger to see on the ground, I think: an Eastern Wood-Pewee! It was at Tri-town Beach in South Deerfield; not just at the general location but on the actual beach itself, away from any trees. It was making short flights from spot to spot and snatching up insects off of the sand. Clearest sight yet that the ongoing cool, damp weather is making life difficult for insect-eating birds, especially those that depend on flying insects as most of their prey…
Date: 5/14/19 7:30 pm From: Karen Idoine <kidoine...> Subject: Re: [MASSBIRD] Warblers on the ground
We came across a Scarlet Tanager, looking exhausted, in the middle of Mountain Road in Greenfield. A woman had seen it ahead of her and stopped to protect it from potentially faster, less observant drivers behind. We stopped with the idea of helping to move it off the road and into the woods, but it flew away just as I was opening my door. I couldn’t help but wonder if it was tired and hungry due to the cold, wet weather and a paucity of insects...
Karen Idoine Wendell, MA
> On May 14, 2019, at 8:57 PM, Neil Hayward <neil.hayward...> wrote: > > After reading Chris Floyd's commentary about tired and hungry warblers at Mount Auburn this past week, I was just about to head out there this afternoon when I flushed a small bird off my driveway. It was a female Black-throated Blue Warbler. She spent the next five minutes hopping on the driveway and the very small patch of yard next to the house. She looked tired and hungry, and would often hop within a foot of where I was standing. Certainly the most unusual yard bird I've had in urban Cambridge (I live between Harvard and Porter Squares). > > Mount Auburn was overcast this afternoon, very cold, but still birdy. The dell was chock full of Ovenbirds and an accommodating Wood Thrush. I also finally managed to catch up with a Wilson's Warbler working the edge of spectacle with a flock of American Redstarts. Northern Parulas continue to be the most abundant warbler. > > Good birding, > –Neil > > Neil Hayward > Cambridge, MA
To: <wwebb24...> Sent: Wednesday, May 08, 2019 8:15 PM Subject: eBird Report - Mt. Auburn Cemetery, Cambridge, MA, May 8, 2019
> Mt. Auburn Cemetery, Cambridge, MA, Middlesex, Massachusetts, US > May 8, 2019 9:27 AM - 12:30 PM > Protocol: Traveling > 1.5 mile(s) > Comments: Sky partly cloudy. Temp about 60. With few exceptions, I do > not count birds unless they number 1 or 2; anything more receives the > dreaded "X". > 25 species > > Mallard X > Mourning Dove 2 Heard only. > Great Blue Heron 1 > Turkey Vulture 1 > Red-tailed Hawk 1 Circled over cemetery. Later, as we were finishing > our walk, the same hawk landed in a nearby tree. > Red-bellied Woodpecker X Heard only. > Northern Flicker 1 Heard only. > Great Crested Flycatcher 1 Heard only. > Blue Jay 2 > Black-capped Chickadee 1 Heard only. > White-breasted Nuthatch 1 > American Robin X > Baltimore Oriole X > Red-winged Blackbird 1 > Common Grackle X > Worm-eating Warbler 1 Best looks ever at one seen for some days > feeding in a tree on Indian Ridge. > Black-and-white Warbler X > Cape May Warbler 1 > Northern Parula X > Blackburnian Warbler 1 > Yellow Warbler 1 > Yellow-rumped Warbler 1 > Black-throated Green Warbler X > Northern Cardinal 2 Heard only. > House Sparrow X > > View this checklist online at https://ebird.org/view/checklist/S56022252 > > This report was generated automatically by eBird v3 > (https://ebird.org/home)
Date: 5/14/19 7:05 pm From: Neil Hayward <neil.hayward...> Subject: [MASSBIRD] Warblers on the ground
After reading Chris Floyd's commentary about tired and hungry warblers at
Mount Auburn this past week, I was just about to head out there this
afternoon when I flushed a small bird off my driveway. It was a female
Black-throated Blue Warbler. She spent the next five minutes hopping on the
driveway and the very small patch of yard next to the house. She looked
tired and hungry, and would often hop within a foot of where I was
standing. Certainly the most unusual yard bird I've had in urban Cambridge
(I live between Harvard and Porter Squares).
Mount Auburn was overcast this afternoon, very cold, but still birdy. The
dell was chock full of Ovenbirds and an accommodating Wood Thrush. I also
finally managed to catch up with a Wilson's Warbler working the edge of
spectacle with a flock of American Redstarts. Northern Parulas continue to
be the most abundant warbler.
Also, birders should take care not park on grass (as at Mt Auburn, that means park with tires only on pavement) and not obstruct intersections. Local birders there expressed concern that others coming to see this bird would not observe rules and upset the cemetery staff. Indeed, several of us outsiders were asked by a staffer to move our cars to a side road. There was extra sensitivity on account of a military funeral there today.
This is an extraordinary place to bird (previously unknown to the non-locals I talked to). We should be sure that birders continue to be tolerated.
Chris Floyd
Lexington
<chrisf...>
From: <massbird-approval...> <massbird-approval...> On Behalf Of anhinga3
Sent: Tuesday, May 14, 2019 5:05 PM
To: MassBird Posts <massbird...>
Subject: [EXT] [MASSBIRD] Kentucky warbler, Yes! 500PM, Greenlawn Cemetery
Hi MassBirders,
The Kentucky warbler is being seen at Greenlawn Cemetery in Salem, MA. It is working the small hillside next to the pond.
Another quick bird walk at Magazine Beach in Cambridge. We had 39 species earlier this week, including Wilson’s warbler.
M. Badger
Cambridge,MA
*Bird Walk at Magazine Beach Sun., May 19 @ 6:30-8am
Meet at the stone Powder Magazine at 6:30 am. We will explore the park, look and listen for migrating birds and search for residents and nesting species. Beginners and young birders with a parent are welcome. Please email leader M. Badger at <Mfbadger...> if you are coming and to reserve a pair of binoculars if you need them. Rain or high wind cancels.
Hi MassBirders, The Kentucky warbler is being seen at Greenlawn Cemetery in Salem, MA. It is working the small hillside next to the pond. Good Birding! Laura de la Flor Salem, MASent from my Verizon, Samsung Galaxy smartphone
Date: 5/14/19 10:49 am From: Paul Guidetti <guidettipaul...> Subject: Re: [MASSBIRD] Massachusetts Daily Field Card
Good afternoon all,
A while back, I made a word doc version of this that is editable. I haven't
used it in a while but can try and find it if anyone is interested.
Paul Guidetti
Westford, MA
On Tue, May 14, 2019 at 12:51 PM Soheil Zendeh <sohzendeh...> wrote:
>
> https://drive.google.com/file/d/1SLQI18c5Y3B1JYu3-9QN01-79XAm4lKc/view?usp=sharing >
> * Folks, About a week ago my friend Neil Calabro inquired about a card
> published by MassAudubon that listed Massachusetts birds. Turns out that
> for a number of reasons (including the fact that the list order keeps
> getting shuffled by the genomics works in progress and also the fact that
> no none uses paper any more), MAS does not publish that list any more. I
> have posted a copy of it to google drive and the link is above. This one
> was published in 2005 and may have been among the last ones they printed.
> In my experience, this list was and remains a handy and compact reference
> guide which uses typography (bold type, italics, special symbols etc) to
> convey a lot of information about our local birds. The weeks – months of
> occurrence shorthand alone makes it valuable for beginner birders who
> wonder, for example, if that water bird they’re seeing could possibly be a
> loon or maybe it’s a cormorant. The 9A – 5C (first week of September to
> third week of May) tag for Common Loon of course does not mean that you
> absolutely cannot find Common Loons in Massachusetts outside of those
> dates. They in fact breed in the state (indicated by bold type in the list)
> and * indicates “scattered reports throughout the year”. The list also
> italicizes the name so you know it is listed by the Massachusetts Natural
> Heritage program, and there is a cross indicating that it is a rare and
> local breeder. So, lots of information in a tiny space. Things change of
> course and 2005 reality may not be 2019 reality for some species. Also, the
> list does not help with geographic or elevational variations. The frequency
> graphs you can generate from ebird are a far more powerful tool for keeping
> track of birds. But as I mentioned this card can be useful for someone just
> starting to look at our birds and wondering what all the migration fuss is
> about. This list really lays it out for you. Soheil Zendeh 42 Baker Ave
> Lexington, MA 02421 *
>
Observation start time: 09:00:00 Observation end time: 14:00:00 Total observation time: 5 hours
Official Counter: Donald Manchester
Observers: Visitors: 29 visitors
Weather: Partly cloudy with light NW winds becoming sunny in the afternoon
Raptor Observations: 2 Local Northern Harriers
Non-raptor Observations: 1 Common Raven, 1 Baltimore Oriole (first of year), 50+ Northern Gannets, 1 Common Yellowthroat (first of year), 2 Belted Kingfishers ======================================================================== Report submitted by Melissa Lowe (<mlowe...>) Pilgrim Heights information may be found at: http://massaudubon.org/wellfleetbay-hawkwatch
Site Description: The Pilgrim Heights Hawk Watch is located in the town of North Truro, MA on Cape Cod, approximately 100 miles southeast of Boston. The site is located within the Cape Cod National Seashore and is the only formal site located on Cape Cod. The site (elevation 50ft), is at the second or northernmost overlook along an interpretive trail that runs through the area. The trail is accessed only by foot but is open to the public. Currently the site is used, with permission from the Cape Cod National Seashore, for the spring migration, a 6-8 week period within the months of March through June. Historically, the heaviest flights have occurred during the last week of April and first week of May. At least 8 species are recorded as regular migrants at the site. There is a large migratory movement of non-raptor species including seabirds, gulls, ducks and passerines to name a few. The site is also known for observing butterfly and dragonfly migrants. Whale sightings off-shore are also common during these months. Muskrat, otter and white-tailed deer are common residents.
Directions to site: Pilgrim Heights is located within the Cape Cod National Seashore in North Truro on the east side of Route 6, just north of the Truro and Provincetown town line. Park in the first parking lot and take the Small's Swamp Trail to the second overlook. It is an easy walk down the trail, approximately one-half mile from parking lot.
Date: 5/14/19 4:35 am From: Eduardo del Solar <delsolar...> Subject: [MASSBIRD] Boston warblers, finally here!
My backyard in the Jones Hill section of Dorchester, after a very active early spring, has had very little warbler activity till yesterday early morning. It looks like there has been an invasion of American Redstarts and Northern Parulas, simply way too many to count them! Also a few Magnolias, Black-throated blue, Black-and white warblers. Many Hermit Thrushes on the ground in territorial dispute with Catbirds. Long wait but so many photographic opportunities. Looks like a great start of the day again! Will post images after this wave is gone.
Date: 5/13/19 8:28 pm From: Floyd, Chris <chrisf...> Subject: [MASSBIRD] Remarkable Bird Viewing in Mt Auburn Today, 5/13
Although the cloud-filtered light was somewhat difficult at times, viewing conditions were unusually good with many birds sheltering in the lower limbs of trees or on or just above the ground in hedges. Despite the filtered light, photography good was for these low birds, which more often stayed still in one spot long enough to get multiple opportunities for a good shot. Highlights for me were great looks at low Tennessee and Cape May and a nice group of thrushes.
These birds won't leave tonight, and birding could be great again tomorrow after the rain subsides.
Date: 5/13/19 6:43 pm From: Linda Ferraresso <tattler1...> Subject: [MASSBIRD] Kentucky Warbler - Greenlawn Cemetery Salem
On a second-hand report, this afternoon I checked out "the small pond with a bridge at Greenlawn Cemetery in Salem" ( the only information I had but it was enough to find the place) and re-found the Kentucky Warbler originally found by Steve Ross earlier in the day. The bird never sang. And it was relatively secretive though it showed itself 3-4 times the hour I was there. It favored the scrubby hillside but was seen twice in the small trees around the edge of the pond, once along the side of the pond then it went under the bridge, but mostly kept going back to the hillside.
Also in the same area were 3 Black-throated Blues, 2 American Redstart, a Northern Parula, a Black and White, 2 Magnolia, a pair of Common Yellowthroat, a singing Pine, a pair of Eastern Phoebe and a Great Crested Flycatcher. The winds were picking up and the pond was in a somewhat sheltered area.
Thanks to Nancy from Salem who mentioned it to me at Marblehead Neck though she wasn't so lucky when she was at the cemetery earlier.
Linda
-- Linda Ferraresso Salem, MA tattler1(at)comcast(dot)net
"Faith is the bird that feels the light and sings when the dawn is still dark" - Tagore
Date: 5/13/19 6:06 pm From: Floyd, Chris <chrisf...> Subject: [MASSBIRD] RE: BBC Mt Auburn Walk Tuesday, 14 May
BBC Mt Auburn Hopefuls,
Confirming my regrets, I will not be at Mt Auburn tomorrow at 6 AM to lead the scheduled BBC walk. The forecast weather at that time looks too unpleasant to me for comfortable or productive birding. Good luck to those who do get there early. Lots of birds (including many thrushes) were in Mt Auburn today, with excellent viewing, since they were largely sheltering low out of the raw wind. They aren't going anywhere tonight.
I may give it go after the steady rain quits, probably about 9 AM according to forecasts I've just watched.
Chris Floyd
Lexington
<chrisf...>
From: Floyd, Chris
Sent: Sunday, May 12, 2019 3:17 PM
To: Massbird <massbird...>
Subject: BBC Mt Auburn Walk Tuesday, 14 May
With regrets, I am giving advance notice to prospective participants that I am unlikely to show up to lead this walk, assuming the current forecasts hold (Monday night NE winds and rain, with prob. of precip. not going below 50% until after 9 AM).
Rainy conditions can be good in Mt Auburn for seeing migrants, particularly thrushes on the ground, but what's forecast early seems too inclement to be productive. Later in the morning might be quite good for thrushes.
I will give definitive notice on Massbird on Monday night of my plans for Tuesday. No matter what the weather mid-May, intrepid birders seem to show up at the gate at 6 AM. So I would not be so bold as to say this trip is canceled.
This is a fascinating sound by Field Sparrow and has apparently learned song of two species from the area(s) of its upbringing-Chipping Sparrow and Prairie Warbler.
Perhaps 20 years ago there was a Field Sparrow in Myles Standish State Forest in Plymouth/Carver which had learned the song of Prairie Warbler. The bird sang in Field Sparrow, but the notes went up the scale like Prairie and ended more rapidly like the bouncing ball Field Sparrow song. Wish I could have recorded that one; I only encountered it once. I watched it sing so know the species ID was correct (I had to find it as I couldn't believe what I was hearing!).
Glenn
Glenn d'Entremont: <gdentremont1...> Stoughton, MA
> On May 12, 2019 at 4:02 PM Neil Hayward <opororniswarbler...> wrote:
>
> Jason, Massbirders,
>
> The aberrant Field Sparrow was still present at Mt. Auburn as of yesterday. It was to the north of the entrance to the dell, on Central.
>
> Here's a recording I made of it:
> https://ebird.org/view/checklist/S56131481 >
> The recording has two song types: a trill and a trill ending with 3 clear whistles. The trill sounds like a Chipping Sparrow. The same song, with the trill and the 3 whistles, was recorded by Robert Jilek on April 24, and has been seen and heard regularly since. It seems likely that the bird will be here for the summer.
>
> Good birding,
> –Neil
>
> Neil Hayward
> Cambridge
>
>
>
> On Sun, May 12, 2019 at 3:28 PM Jason Forbes < <jason...> mailto:<jason...> > wrote:
>
> > > The BBC group had a fairly good time for the first hour or two before the rain became too heavy. It was a bit dark to look up at Indian Ridge but there were cooperative birds at Halcyon and Spectacle. The rain seemed to shut down most activity although we did have another pocket heading back from the Dell.
> > Red-bellied Woodpecker - went to track one down for some of our foreign guests and it took 5 minutes of looking to realize the bird was smarter than us and calling from inside a hole, although it did eventually stick a head out
> > Great Crested Flycatcher - 2
> > Blue-headed Vireo - 1
> > Common Raven - 1
> > Red-breasted Nuthatch - 1
> > Ruby-crowned Kinglet - 1
> > Veery - 1
> > Ovenbird - 2
> > Tennessee Warbler - 1 (Halcyon, thanks Jim)
> > Cape May Warbler - 1 (Spectacle)
> > Blackpoll Warbler - 2
> > 14 warblers total also included many Black-and-white, Common Yellowthroat, American Redstart, Northern Parula, Magnolia, Yellow-rumped, and Black-throated Green plus a few Yellow, Chestnut-sided, and Black-throated Blue. Didn't hear any reports of the Worm-eating, Orange-crowned, or Cerulean but they certainly could still be around.
> > Sparrow sp - I need to go back to other recordings but the oddball Field Sparrow may still be around, on the walking only road northwest of the Dell. We heard a trilled song with a few extra notes at the end but it stopped before we actually found the bird.
> >
> > Gave a very quick check of Fresh Pond and Cambridge Res on my way home but the rain didn't seem to drop anything in.
> >
> > Jason
> >
> > --
> > Jason Forbes
> > Waltham, MA
> > <jason...> mailto:<jason...> > > http://www.brewsterslinnet.com > >
> > >
>
Observation start time: 08:00:00 Observation end time: 11:00:00 Total observation time: 3 hours
Official Counter: Mark Schoene
Observers: Mark Schoene Visitors: Judd Nathan
Weather: NE winds 10-15 mph with gusts to 25. Clear visibility with 50% cc. Rain expected later in the day
Raptor Observations: 4 raptors fighting strong sea breeze and head winds
Local raptors: OS 4, SS 1, AK 3
Non-raptor Observations: Piping Plover update via Plover Warden: As of 5/9/19 29, 9 countable nests, 6 eggs. General migration was slow
Predictions: Rain. Winds keeping raptors on inland migration routes and keeping coastal count low ======================================================================== Report submitted by Ted Mara (<tedmara...>) Plum Island MA information may be found at: http://www.massbird.org/emhw
Date: 5/13/19 2:03 pm From: Barbara Volkle <barb620...> Subject: [MASSBIRD] Upcoming program featuring live owls - Mark and Marcia Wilson - 5/18
Thanks to Wendy Howes (<curiousbooks...>) for the following.
Barbara Volkle
Northborough, MA <barb620...>
*
Sponsored by WARE RIVER NATURE CLUB ALASKA WILDERNESS: A CANOE JOURNEY INTO THE ARCTIC NATIONAL WILDLIFE REFUGE presented by Mark and Marcia Wilson of EYES ON OWLS Saturday May 18th 10:30 a.m. Rutland Public Library 280 Main Street (Route 122A) Rutland Visit Alaska’s storied Arctic National Wildlife Refuge with two seasoned naturalists! In this land of 24-hour summer sun, you’ll meet some of the mammals, birds, plants and insects that thrive in our continent’s most remote wilderness – the arctic tundra. This program includes a colorful slide show and live owl appearance, and will treat you to intimate views of Snowy Owls at the nest, caribou maneuvering icy river crossings and Barren Ground Grizzly Bear foraging the tundra. Close-ups of Musk Ox introduce you to a rarely seen species of prehistoric appearance. Peregrine Falcons, Yellow-billed Loons, King Eiders and Buff-breasted Sandpipers join the nesting fray. Meet lemmings, jaegers and Arctic Foxes. Here above the Arctic Circle, learn how light and weather, mosquitoes and lemmings, play into the symphony of life in the remote arctic ecosystem. In June and July 2001, Marcia and Mark Wilson spent nineteen days canoeing the Canning River on the western edge of the Arctic Refuge. Paddling north from a gravel riverbank that served as an airstrip in the Brooks Range, the Wilsons navigated a 17-foot folding canoe to explore seventy miles of arctic wilderness. With stunning photos and passionate commentary drawn from this trip and 5 other visits to the arctic, the Wilsons open a window to the arctic summer. This program is supported in part by a grant from the Rutland Cultural Council, a local agency which is supported by the Mass Cultural Council, a state agency. It is free and open to all.
Date: 5/13/19 1:50 pm From: Miles Brengle <brenglema...> Subject: [MASSBIRD] Re: Hooded Warbler - Daniel Boone Park, Ipswich - 5/13
Initially found by Phil Brown.
On Mon, May 13, 2019 at 4:17 PM Miles Brengle <brenglema...> wrote:
> Female on north side of Baker’s Pond (just southwest of parking area),
> calling often seen at 4:00pm
> --
> Miles Brengle
> Ipswich, Mass.
> <brenglema...>
>
--
Miles Brengle
Ipswich, Mass.
<brenglema...>
Date: 5/13/19 1:40 pm From: Josh <opihi...> Subject: Re: [MASSBIRD] Decline in bird habitat in Massachusetts this year
Hi MassBirders,
As with Mount Auburn, the brush-clearing at Plymouth Airport seems to be an example of a short-term loss in exchange for a more significant long-term benefit. Apparently expansion of the airport destroyed habitat used by Upland Sandpipers and Grasshopper and Vesper Sparrows. All three of those species are state-listed, the sandpiper as endangered, the two sparrows as threatened. It sounds like the brush is being cleared to create new habitat for these three species, in mitigation for habitat destroyed by recent expansion of the airport:
Date: 5/13/19 10:17 am From: Bird Watcher's Supply & Gift <birdwsg...> Subject: [MASSBIRD] White-faced ibis
Phil Brown called the store at 1:10 to report a White-faced ibis in the Pikul's pannes at Tendercrop Farm, Rt 1A, Rowley. the bird was seen among a group of ~55 Glossy ibis and was quite close to the road.
Barrett S Bacall
Steve Grinley Bird Watcher's Supply & Gift 194 Route 1, Newburyport, MA 01950 <Birdwsg...> 978-462-0775 www.birdwatcherssupplyandgifts.com
Date: 5/13/19 5:29 am From: Sebastian Jones <sebastianojones...> Subject: [MASSBIRD] Little Blue Heron, Belle Isle Marsh
Hi Massbirders,There's a Little Blue Heron currently (8 am) on the main pannes at Belle Isle Marsh. To your left from the main boardwalk, though better views from the main path probably. Also a couple Virginia Rails making a racket and at least one Saltmarsh Sparrow. No sign of the Seaside Sparrow, though who knows--- they're secretive birds. Hoping these emails sent from Android devices finally work again! Best,Sebastian JonesJamaica Plain, MA
Had a fun day of birding the outer cape on Saturday with the following highlights:
Race Point: https://ebird.org/view/checklist/S56211240 Impressive numbers of Bonaparte’s Gulls with thousands present and at least 4 Little Gulls mixed in.
3 Iceland Gulls
2 Lesser Black-backed Gulls
6 Manx Shearwaters
Pond Village section of Truro: https://ebird.org/view/checklist/S56184173 Another 13 warbler species highlighted by a singing male Cape May
young male Painted Bunting(!!)
This was a very confusing bird initially, but eventually seen well feeding on grass seeds. Photos in the ebird checklist (more to be added eventually). I apologize for the delay in reporting, but this bird didn’t seem to be loyal to the area and attempts to locate the bird after the initial two sightings were not successful.
Happy birding,
Liam Waters
Sharon
Sent from my phone so please excuse any errors.
I led a delightful small group at Woodsom Farm in Amesbury this morning.
Woodsom Farm, Amesbury: Common Loon, Turkey Vulture, Red-tailed Hawk, Northern Harrier [male], Bobolink, Eastern Meadowlark, Savannah Sparrow, Song Sparrow, Yellow Warbler, American Redstart, Brown Thrasher, Baltimore Oriole, Gray Catbird, Northern Mockingbird, Barn Swallow, Tree Swallow, Chimney Swift, Red-winged Blackbird, Common Grackle, European Starling, American Robin, Mallard, Red-bellied Woodpecker, Northern Flicker, Pileated Woodpecker, Spotted Sandpiper, Great Blue Heron, House Sparrow, American Crow, Blue Jay, Northern Cardinal
Date: 5/12/19 4:53 pm From: Jim Berry <jim.berry3...> Subject: [MASSBIRD] Clark Pond and Crane Beach, Ipswich, May 12, 2019
Clark Pond, Ipswich May 12, 2019 7:25 AM - 7:50 AM Protocol: Stationary Comments: Checked for waterfowl, rails, etc. No rails. 24 species; partial list:
Mute Swan 1 (mate prob. hidden on nest in reeds) Willet (Eastern) 4 Least Tern 2 Double-crested Cormorant 15 Great Blue Heron 1 American Crow 4 Common Raven 1 Odd place for one. Tree Swallow 40 rough estimate Barn Swallow 4 Marsh Wren 2 singing Northern Waterthrush 1 singing Common Yellowthroat 1 Yellow Warbler 2
Crane Beach, Ipswich May 12, 2019 8:10 AM - 10:50 AM Protocol: Traveling 1.5 mile(s) Comments: I walked down the beach (SE) a mile, then reversed course and walked up the beach (NW) about half a mile to the rocks at the base of Castle Hill. Beach only; land birds were seen or heard from the beach, boardwalks, or parking lot. No swallows! 29 species
Brant (Atlantic) 20 exact count Gadwall 2 Pair. I don't often see this species along the beach. Common Eider 50 More probable eiders in the distance toward Little Neck. Long-tailed Duck 33+ loose flock offshore Red-breasted Merganser 54+ loose flock offshore, mostly females Wild Turkey 3 One at gate, two at base of Castle Hill. Piping Plover 26 (20 SE of parking lot, 6 NW. Much courting going on.) Killdeer 1 Sanderling 165 Close count. No other shorebirds with them, unfortunately. Many in transition to breeding plumage. Willet (Eastern) 7 Ring-billed Gull 7 Herring Gull 85 Great Black-backed Gull 20 Least Tern 80 Common Tern 25 Common Loon 5 Double-crested Cormorant 16 Great Egret 3 Bald Eagle 1 immature flying along the beach American Robin 2 Gray Catbird 3 Brown Thrasher 1 Northern Mockingbird 2 Field Sparrow 2 Both singing near parking lot. Savannah Sparrow 1 Singing from beach grass. Song Sparrow 10 Eastern Towhee 6 Red-winged Blackbird 3 Yellow Warbler 1
Date: 5/12/19 3:37 pm From: Regina Harrison <onebirdlife...> Subject: Re: [MASSBIRD] Decline in bird habitat in Massachusetts this year
Hello all,
If the brushy habitat you are referring to at Mount Auburn was the tangle
of forsythia along Hazel Path (between Palm Ave and the Tower), please rest
assured that planting is progressing in that area with a variety of
fruiting and flowering shrubs and trees that will be of more benefit to
birds in the long run than that forsythia was, including many native
species which as we all know host more native insects, which is what our
native birds eat (forsythia, being a non-native, is a bit of a food
desert). Work in the area has been delayed by the spring rains but you
should see more plants going in as time goes by. I know it has been a
disappointment this year to find the area changed, but I think by next
year--even by this fall--it should become an improved bird habitat. The
design is intended to make humans feel as though they are in a secluded,
natural environment and I think the birds will feel the same way--and find
more to eat!
I'm happy to answer any questions if anyone would like to contact me
directly.
Best,
Regina Harrison (birder and Cemetery employee)
Woburn, MA
<onebirdlife...>
On Sun, May 12, 2019 at 8:44 AM <blafley...> wrote:
> Chris and Massbirders,
>
> Thanks for raising this issue and I would encourage folks to let the
> airport and cemetery know how you feel. As Einstein once said, “The world
> will not destroyed by those who do evil, but by those who watch them
> without doing anything.”
>
> Bill Lafley
> New Salem
> <blafley...>
>
> > On May 12, 2019, at 5:57 AM, Chris Leuchtenburg <cleuchtenburg...>
> wrote:
> >
> > Two companions and I had a glorious day of Birdathon, starting with
> Whippoorwills before dawn and including good looks at a Worm-eating
> Warbler.
> >
> > But I was saddened to see the devastation at Plymouth airport where
> large areas of brush and small trees that used to attract a community of
> Prairie Warblers had been cleared. My better hearing companions managed to
> catch snatches of Prairie Warbler song in the distance, but it is not the
> same at all.
> >
> > Added to the conversion of Cumberland Farms to fenced in marijuana
> farming and the clearing out of unkempt bushy habitat at Mount Auburn, this
> has been a dreadful year for birds in Eastern Massachusetts. This is the
> way it happens, drip, drip, drip. No single person thinks that removing a
> little brush can have much effect, but repeated over and over, year after
> year, the result is a steady slipping away of bird habitat.
> >
> > Chris Leuchtenburg
> > Newton, MA
>
>
Date: 5/12/19 2:20 pm From: Susan Hedman <2winterwren...> Subject: [MASSBIRD] Cape May and more- Eastern Point Gloucester May 12, 2019
A group of six birders walked Eastern Point in overcast cool weather. Minimal breeze, brief showers around 8:15 pared the group down to 4. Showers ended and the day brightened. Managed to see and hear some very nice birds.
Subject: eBird Report - Eastern Point General Area, May 12, 2019 Eastern Point General Area, Essex, Massachusetts, US May 12, 2019 6:31 AM - 11:14 AM Protocol: Traveling 3.591 mile(s) 60 species
Brant (Branta bernicla) 14 Mallard (Anas platyrhynchos) 4 Common Eider (Somateria mollissima) 25 Mourning Dove (Zenaida macroura) 1 Chimney Swift (Chaetura pelagica) 12 Semipalmated Plover (Charadrius semipalmatus) 7 Short-billed Dowitcher (Limnodromus griseus) 1 Spotted Sandpiper (Actitis macularius) 9 Wow! A small flock ocean side of the dike at Brace Cove Greater Yellowlegs (Tringa melanoleuca) 2 Herring Gull (Larus argentatus) 70 On breakwater Great Black-backed Gull (Larus marinus) 20 On breakwater Double-crested Cormorant (Phalacrocorax auritus) 12 Swimming in Niles Pond and also in ocean Great Egret (Ardea alba) 2 Niles Pond Cooper's Hawk (Accipiter cooperii) 1 Alarm calls, Bird flew out of the woods and eventually landed on a nest on Fort Hill Ave. Red-bellied Woodpecker (Melanerpes carolinus) 1 Downy Woodpecker (Dryobates pubescens) 2 Northern Flicker (Colaptes auratus) 1 Merlin (Falco columbarius) 2 Seen flying and perched Willow Flycatcher (Empidonax traillii) 1 Empid. flycatcher, yellow green gray with strong wing bars and eye ring making soft wit call upright flycatcher stance Eastern Phoebe (Sayornis phoebe) 2 Blue Jay (Cyanocitta cristata) 3 American Crow (Corvus brachyrhynchos) 6 Northern Rough-winged Swallow (Stelgidopteryx serripennis) 15 Tree Swallow (Tachycineta bicolor) 15 Barn Swallow (Hirundo rustica) 15 Black-capped Chickadee (Poecile atricapillus) 2 Tufted Titmouse (Baeolophus bicolor) 1 House Wren (Troglodytes aedon) 3 Carolina Wren (Thryothorus ludovicianus) 2 Veery (Catharus fuscescens) 1 On edge of road near retreat, reddish brown back and tail American Robin (Turdus migratorius) 4 Gray Catbird (Dumetella carolinensis) 25 Pretty much every where European Starling (Sturnus vulgaris) 2 House Finch (Haemorhous mexicanus) 4 American Goldfinch (Spinus tristis) 2 Chipping Sparrow (Spizella passerina) 9 White-crowned Sparrow (Zonotrichia leucophrys) 2 Along edge of road near retreat White-throated Sparrow (Zonotrichia albicollis) 10 Savannah Sparrow (Passerculus sandwichensis) 3 On edge of road near parking lot Song Sparrow (Melospiza melodia) 6 Swamp Sparrow (Melospiza georgiana) 2 Eastern Towhee (Pipilo erythrophthalmus) 1 Red-winged Blackbird (Agelaius phoeniceus) 12 Brown-headed Cowbird (Molothrus ater) 4 Common Grackle (Quiscalus quiscula) 8 Ovenbird (Seiurus aurocapilla) 6 Mostly heard Northern Waterthrush (Parkesia noveboracensis) 2 Singing Black-and-white Warbler (Mniotilta varia) 6 Mostly seen no song Common Yellowthroat (Geothlypis trichas) 13 American Redstart (Setophaga ruticilla) 1 Cape May Warbler (Setophaga tigrina) 1 Yellow belly, heavily streaked chest, chestnut brown patch in face. by retreat road to Brace Cove Northern Parula (Setophaga americana) 18 Variety of males and females very vocal widespread Yellow Warbler (Setophaga petechia) 15 Chestnut-sided Warbler (Setophaga pensylvanica) 1 Blackpoll Warbler (Setophaga striata) 2 Black-throated Blue Warbler (Setophaga caerulescens) 4 Yellow-rumped Warbler (Setophaga coronata) 13 Black-throated Green Warbler (Setophaga virens) 8 More heard than seen Northern Cardinal (Cardinalis cardinalis) 3 House Sparrow (Passer domesticus) 2
The recording has two song types: a trill and a trill ending with 3 clear
whistles. The trill sounds like a Chipping Sparrow. The same song, with the
trill and the 3 whistles, was recorded by Robert Jilek on April 24, and has
been seen and heard regularly since. It seems likely that the bird will be
here for the summer.
Good birding,
–Neil
Neil Hayward
Cambridge
On Sun, May 12, 2019 at 3:28 PM Jason Forbes <jason...>
wrote:
> The BBC group had a fairly good time for the first hour or two before the
> rain became too heavy. It was a bit dark to look up at Indian Ridge but
> there were cooperative birds at Halcyon and Spectacle. The rain seemed to
> shut down most activity although we did have another pocket heading back
> from the Dell.
> Red-bellied Woodpecker - went to track one down for some of our foreign
> guests and it took 5 minutes of looking to realize the bird was smarter
> than us and calling from inside a hole, although it did eventually stick a
> head out
> Great Crested Flycatcher - 2
> Blue-headed Vireo - 1
> Common Raven - 1
> Red-breasted Nuthatch - 1
> Ruby-crowned Kinglet - 1
> Veery - 1
> Ovenbird - 2
> Tennessee Warbler - 1 (Halcyon, thanks Jim)
> Cape May Warbler - 1 (Spectacle)
> Blackpoll Warbler - 2
> 14 warblers total also included many Black-and-white, Common Yellowthroat,
> American Redstart, Northern Parula, Magnolia, Yellow-rumped, and
> Black-throated Green plus a few Yellow, Chestnut-sided, and Black-throated
> Blue. Didn't hear any reports of the Worm-eating, Orange-crowned, or
> Cerulean but they certainly could still be around.
> Sparrow sp - I need to go back to other recordings but the oddball Field
> Sparrow may still be around, on the walking only road northwest of the
> Dell. We heard a trilled song with a few extra notes at the end but it
> stopped before we actually found the bird.
>
> Gave a very quick check of Fresh Pond and Cambridge Res on my way home but
> the rain didn't seem to drop anything in.
>
> Jason
>
> --
> Jason Forbes
> Waltham, MA
> <jason...>
> www.brewsterslinnet.com
>
Speaking as someone who had never seen the Common Yellowthroat before yesterday, I can tell you it is most undeserving of its name. There is nothing common or ordinary about it. What a beautiful bird!
The masked crusader was last seen at 7:30 this morning, jumping from branch to branch in the trees on Victory Road adjacent Floating Bridge Pond in Lynn. - Mr. Shilo McDonald, Lynn, MAGeologist, Technologist, Photographer, Electric Vehicle Enthusiast and Avid BirderShiloCM at Yahoo dot com
The BBC group had a fairly good time for the first hour or two before the rain became too heavy. It was a bit dark to look up at Indian Ridge but there were cooperative birds at Halcyon and Spectacle. The rain seemed to shut down most activity although we did have another pocket heading back from the Dell. Red-bellied Woodpecker - went to track one down for some of our foreign guests and it took 5 minutes of looking to realize the bird was smarter than us and calling from inside a hole, although it did eventually stick a head out Great Crested Flycatcher - 2 Blue-headed Vireo - 1 Common Raven - 1 Red-breasted Nuthatch - 1 Ruby-crowned Kinglet - 1 Veery - 1 Ovenbird - 2 Tennessee Warbler - 1 (Halcyon, thanks Jim) Cape May Warbler - 1 (Spectacle) Blackpoll Warbler - 2 14 warblers total also included many Black-and-white, Common Yellowthroat, American Redstart, Northern Parula, Magnolia, Yellow-rumped, and Black-throated Green plus a few Yellow, Chestnut-sided, and Black-throated Blue. Didn't hear any reports of the Worm-eating, Orange-crowned, or Cerulean but they certainly could still be around. Sparrow sp - I need to go back to other recordings but the oddball Field Sparrow may still be around, on the walking only road northwest of the Dell. We heard a trilled song with a few extra notes at the end but it stopped before we actually found the bird.
Gave a very quick check of Fresh Pond and Cambridge Res on my way home but the rain didn't seem to drop anything in.
Jason
-- Jason Forbes Waltham, MA <jason...> www.brewsterslinnet.com
Date: 5/12/19 12:23 pm From: Floyd, Chris <chrisf...> Subject: [MASSBIRD] BBC Mt Auburn Walk Tuesday, 14 May
With regrets, I am giving advance notice to prospective participants that I am unlikely to show up to lead this walk, assuming the current forecasts hold (Monday night NE winds and rain, with prob. of precip. not going below 50% until after 9 AM).
Rainy conditions can be good in Mt Auburn for seeing migrants, particularly thrushes on the ground, but what's forecast early seems too inclement to be productive. Later in the morning might be quite good for thrushes.
I will give definitive notice on Massbird on Monday night of my plans for Tuesday. No matter what the weather mid-May, intrepid birders seem to show up at the gate at 6 AM. So I would not be so bold as to say this trip is canceled.
Date: 5/12/19 8:44 am From: Warren Tatro <wtatro...> Subject: [MASSBIRD] Ipswich River Wildlife Sanctuary, May 12, 2019
> Hello Massabirders,
I led my annual “Warbler Workshop” for the Ipswich River Sanctuary in Topsfield this morning. We managed 15 species either seen or heard, with the highlights a stunning Blackburnian and goods looks of a singing Tennessee. We had cloudy, cool, and a brief shower made for tough lighting conditions but overall not a bad morning
Warren Tatro Peabody, MA <wtatro...>
> Ipswich River Wildlife Sanctuary, Essex, Massachusetts, US > May 12, 2019 6:00 AM - 10:00 AM > Protocol: Traveling > 1.0 mile(s) > Comments: This was a program I led for the sanctuary, concentrating on Warblers. > 59 species > > Canada Goose 7 2 adults and 5 goslings. > Mallard 2 > Mourning Dove 1 > Chimney Swift 5 > Ruby-throated Hummingbird 2 > Killdeer 1 > Great Blue Heron 1 > Red-tailed Hawk 2 > Red-bellied Woodpecker 2 > Downy Woodpecker 2 > Great Crested Flycatcher 2 > Eastern Kingbird 2 > Yellow-throated Vireo 2 > Warbling Vireo 2 > Red-eyed Vireo 2 > Blue Jay 1 > American Crow 2 > Tree Swallow 25 > Bank Swallow 1 > Barn Swallow 10 > Black-capped Chickadee 5 > Tufted Titmouse 5 > White-breasted Nuthatch 1 > House Wren 2 > Blue-gray Gnatcatcher 2 > Eastern Bluebird 2 > Veery 1 > American Robin 10 > Gray Catbird 5 > American Goldfinch 1 > Chipping Sparrow 4 > White-throated Sparrow 10 > Savannah Sparrow 2 > Song Sparrow 2 > Swamp Sparrow 2 > Orchard Oriole 1 > Baltimore Oriole 5 > Red-winged Blackbird 20 > Common Grackle 25 > Ovenbird 3 > Northern Waterthrush 1 > Black-and-white Warbler 5 > Tennessee Warbler 1 > Nashville Warbler 2 > Common Yellowthroat 50 By far, the second most common species seen today-only surpassed by the Yellow-rumps. > American Redstart 10 > Northern Parula 15 > Magnolia Warbler 2 > Blackburnian Warbler 1 > Yellow Warbler 2 > Chestnut-sided Warbler 1 > Blackpoll Warbler 2 > Black-throated Blue Warbler 3 > Yellow-rumped Warbler 100 Could have easily been more. > Wilson's Warbler 2 Heard only. > Scarlet Tanager 1 > Northern Cardinal 2 > Rose-breasted Grosbeak 4 > House Sparrow 10 > > View this checklist online at https://ebird.org/view/checklist/S56173033 > > This report was generated automatically by eBird v3 (https://ebird.org/home)
Date: 5/12/19 8:38 am From: Sebastian Jones <sebastianojones...> Subject: [MASSBIRD] Seaside Sparrow, Belle Isle Marsh, Boston
Hi Massbirders, Starting Friday evening and continuing through this morning there has been a Seaside Sparrow at Belle Isle Marsh in Boston, next to the main boardwalk, singing in the grasses just off to the right. We heard the bird singing late Friday and obtained a poor recording, though never were able to see it. Marshall Iliff was able to photograph it this morning. Outside Parker River NWR and some spots on the Cape, this is a fairly rare species and I figured there might be some interest. Hopefully it sticks around!
Date: 5/12/19 7:57 am From: Kevin Ryan <kr1946...> Subject: [MASSBIRD] Beautiful feeder bird
Hello allLooked out at my feeders this morning to see if my Siskins were still here and had quite a surprise. On my sunflower ( chips ) feeder there was a beautiful maleIndigo Bunting. I don't remember having one in my yard in 40 years. Has anyone ever had one at their feeders? And I still have at least 4 Siskins.Kevin Ryan Easton
Date: 5/12/19 5:45 am From: <blafley...> Subject: Re: [MASSBIRD] Decline in bird habitat in Massachusetts this year
Chris and Massbirders,
Thanks for raising this issue and I would encourage folks to let the airport and cemetery know how you feel. As Einstein once said, “The world will not destroyed by those who do evil, but by those who watch them without doing anything.”
Bill Lafley New Salem <blafley...>
> On May 12, 2019, at 5:57 AM, Chris Leuchtenburg <cleuchtenburg...> wrote: > > Two companions and I had a glorious day of Birdathon, starting with Whippoorwills before dawn and including good looks at a Worm-eating Warbler. > > But I was saddened to see the devastation at Plymouth airport where large areas of brush and small trees that used to attract a community of Prairie Warblers had been cleared. My better hearing companions managed to catch snatches of Prairie Warbler song in the distance, but it is not the same at all. > > Added to the conversion of Cumberland Farms to fenced in marijuana farming and the clearing out of unkempt bushy habitat at Mount Auburn, this has been a dreadful year for birds in Eastern Massachusetts. This is the way it happens, drip, drip, drip. No single person thinks that removing a little brush can have much effect, but repeated over and over, year after year, the result is a steady slipping away of bird habitat. > > Chris Leuchtenburg > Newton, MA
Another fun but tiring Birdathon. About 20 hours in the field with a 3 hour nap. Areas covered: Bolton Flats, Wachusett Reservoir, Westboro, Upton on Friday. Then Wesport, Dartmouth, Fairhaven, Freeport, Fall River, New Bedford, Somerset and Upton on Saturday. 147 total bird species. One noteworthy potential bird I did not count was a singing possible Cerulean Warbler in Freetown along Blossom Road, at the brook by the headquarters. We did not see the bird. It was calling the 4th call type in the Ibird app. Not sure what all types of their calls are mimicked by Black-throated Blue Warblers, so we did not count to be safe, I have heard them mimic other call types.
Brant Canada Goose Mute Swan Wood Duck - many at Bolton Flats Northern Shoveler - pair while Kayaking at Bolton Flats Gadwall Mallard American Black Duck Black x Mallard Green-winged Teal - Bolton Flats Common Eider Surf Scoter Black Scoter - 120+ off Gooseberry Neck Common Goldeneye Red-breasted Merganser Wild Turkey Pied-billed Grebe - Egypt Lane Ponds Rock Pigeon Mourning Dove Common Nighthawk - 1 Bolton Flats Whip-poop-will - 4 Chimney Swift Ruby-throated Hummingbird Clapper Rail - Egypt Lane saltmarsh King Rail - I have heard them sometimes at Bolton Flats while Kayaking, but this time I finally saw one. In a different area than usual. Virginia Rail Sora - 7 at Bolton Flats. good year for them there. 3 together while Kayaking while still hearing others in the distance. Sandhill Crane - while Kayaking at Bolton Flats, by Farm Pond beaver lodge. American Oystercatcher American Golden-Plover - Faihaven, marsh east of Egypt Lane Semipalmated Plover Piping Plover Killdeer Sanderling Least Sandpiper American Woodcock Spotted Sandpiper Solitary Sandpiper - many at Bolton Flats while kayaking. Lesser Yellowlegs - tons at Bolton Flats Willet Greater Yellowlegs - tons at Bolton Flats Ring-billed Gull Herring Gull Great Black-backed Gull Least Tern Common Tern Common Loon Cory's Shearwater - Gooseberry Neck. Surprise large shearwater. Seen heading east up into Buzzard's Bay. Long languid shearwater flight, with few strong flaps and long glides. Broad-winged, white below, brownish above and lighter pale brown head and neck. Very early, or maybe a non-breeding wanderer. Northern Gannet - Gooseberry Neck Double-crested Cormorant American Bittern - Bolton Flats Great Blue Heron Great Egret Snowy Egret Yellow-crowned Night-Heron - Star of the Sea Drive, Dartmouth Turkey Vulture Osprey Cooper's Hawk Red-shouldered Hawk Red-tailed Hawk Barred Owl Long-eared Owl Northern Saw-whet Owl Red-bellied Woodpecker Downy Woodpecker Hairy Woodpecker Northern Flicker American Kestrel Merlin - Bolton Flats Eastern Wood-Pewee - Blossom Road, Freetown Eastern Phoebe Great Crested Flycatcher Eastern Kingbird White-eyed Vireo - Star of the Sea Drive, Dartmouth Yellow-throated Vireo Warbling Vireo Red-eyed Vireo Blue Jay American Crow Fish Crow Common Raven - Bolton Flats and Demarest Lloyd SP. Tree Swallow Northern Rough-winged Swallow Cliff Swallow - Acoaxet Barn Swallow Black-capped Chickadee Tufted Titmouse White-breasted Nuthatch Brown Creeper - singing all over, several towns and locations House Wren - all over, 100+ for the day Winter Wren - several but I had one Nocturnal bird singing Marsh Wren - many Bolton Flats Carolina Wren Blue-gray Gnatcatcher Eastern Bluebird Veery Hermit Thrush Wood Thrush American Robin Gray Catbird Brown Thrasher Northern Mockingbird European Starling House Sparrow House Finch Purple Finch American Goldfinch Eastern Towhee Chipping Sparrow Field Sparrow Vesper Sparrow - Bolton Flats Savannah Sparrow Grasshopper Sparrow - Bolton Flats Saltmarsh Sparrow - Allen's Pond WS Seaside Sparrow - Allen's Pond WS Swamp Sparrow White-throated Sparrow Bobolink Orchard Oriole - Demarest Lloyd SP Baltimore Oriole Red-winged Blackbird Brown-headed Cowbird Rusty Blackbird - Bolton Flats and Gooseberry Neck Common Grackle Scarlet Tanager Northern Cardinal Rose-breasted Grosbeak Indigo Bunting
Warblers: Ovenbird Worm-eating Blue-winged - several singing Golden-winged song Black-and-white Orange-crowned - 2 Gooseberry Neck, one at tower, one flying off from parking lot. Kentucky - female at the curve along Division Road south of the Pig Farm in Dartmouth/Westport. This is a wooded marsh, there is a for sale sign by where the bird was seen. This is a usual breeding area for the Waterthrush and Worm-eating. New bird for me for Birdathon, It's actually been several years since I have seen one in Mass. Magnolia Yellow Black-throated Blue Pine Yellow-rumped Prairie Black-throated Green Northern Waterthrush Common Yellowthroat Northern Parula American Redstart
Date: 5/12/19 3:04 am From: Chris Leuchtenburg <cleuchtenburg...> Subject: [MASSBIRD] Decline in bird habitat in Massachusetts this year
Two companions and I had a glorious day of Birdathon, starting with Whippoorwills before dawn and including good looks at a Worm-eating Warbler.
But I was saddened to see the devastation at Plymouth airport where large areas of brush and small trees that used to attract a community of Prairie Warblers had been cleared. My better hearing companions managed to catch snatches of Prairie Warbler song in the distance, but it is not the same at all.
Added to the conversion of Cumberland Farms to fenced in marijuana farming and the clearing out of unkempt bushy habitat at Mount Auburn, this has been a dreadful year for birds in Eastern Massachusetts. This is the way it happens, drip, drip, drip. No single person thinks that removing a little brush can have much effect, but repeated over and over, year after year, the result is a steady slipping away of bird habitat.
After birding all morning in the Connecticut River Valley, Stacey and I returned home to find that our neighbors had been watching the best bird of the day - a second year male Summer Tanager! (Feeding on wasps, it turned out). There have been a few birds of this species reported in the Connecticut River Valley, Cape Cod, and elsewhere over the past few days, but Shelburne Falls seems a bit less likely. Photos can be seen embedded in the following eBird list: https://ebird.org/view/checklist/S56155675. I have no direct experience with non-adult Summer Tanager, so correct me if I am wrong on the ageing and sexing of this individual. Good birding,
Observation start time: 07:30:00 Observation end time: 13:00:00 Total observation time: 5.5 hours
Official Counter: Bob Secatore, Brian Rusnica
Observers: Bob Secatore , David Goodine, Mark Schoene, Ursula Goodine
Visitors: Many
Weather: NW-NNW moderate winds, 13-15mph, partly cloudy with good visibility Raptor Observations: Kestrels still migrating late for this site.
Local raptors: TV 8, OS 4, NH 2, RT 3
Non-raptor Observations: Late FOY Common Tern, Com. Yellowthroat, Blue Gray Gnatcatcher, and 8 RT Hummingbirds
Predictions: P/C cloudy N winds 50's favorable for very late migrants to this site ======================================================================== Report submitted by Ted Mara (<tedmara...>) Plum Island MA information may be found at: http://www.massbird.org/emhw
Site Description: The Plum Island Hawk Watch is located in parking lot #1 of the Parker River Wildlife Refuge on Plum Island, Newburyport, MA, approximately 32 miles northeast of Boston. It is a volunteer-run spring watchsite with coverage between mid March to mid May.
Directions to site: > From Interstate 95 take exit 57 for Route 113, (Newburyport). Travel east on Rte 113 (which becomes Route 1A in Newbury) for a distance of 3.5 miles to the intersection with Rolfes Lane (there is a traffic light at this intersection). Take a left onto Rolfes Lane and follow to the end of the road which terminates at a stop sign. Take a right at the stop sign. This is the Plum Island Turnpike/Water Street, the only access to Plum Island. Follow the Plum Island Turnpike until you go over the Sgt. Donald Wilkerson Bridge. After you have crossed the Bridge, take your first right. This road will lead you directly to the entrance to Parker River National Wildlife Refuge. The hawkwatch site is Parking Lot #1 of the Parker River National Wildlife Refuge on Plum Island, Newburyport, MA.
Date: 5/11/19 5:57 pm From: Hank Levesque <hlevesque...> Subject: [MASSBIRD] How many Hummers can fit into a Volkswagen Beetle? - Middleboro
Apologies for yet another RT Hummingbird post in the midst of Spring migration, but our 8’ by 12’ porch area set a new record of sorts this evening between 7:30 and 8:10.
Our largest feeder has 10 holes, which seems like overkill (and overcrowding) for one feeder. Several times this evening, we had 8 hummers feeding peacefully, shoulder to shoulder, at one of those larger feeders (sort of like Volkswagen Beetle stuffing back in the 60's). At the same time, my wife counted 8 more at various other porch feeders and flowers for a total of 16. It was too dark to look through the house at two other feeders on opposite sides of the house for other hummers. There were still 6 feeding (last call) when we moved into the house.
With last year's high count of approx. two dozen in mid-August, we had nothing like this in May.
I'm thinking that, as with a hawk watch, more eyes might make for more hummers, so a signup sheet might be necessary. Right now, my biggest concern is the future price of sugar.
Of note on our bike ride around our complex today: 2 Northern Waterthrush calling 2 Black-throated Blue Warblers 1 pair of Red-bellied Woodpeckers in and out of a tree hole 1 Scarlet Tanager 1 American Redstart hawking 1 Veery Many Yellow Warblers, Common Yellowthroats, Black-and-white Warblers, Ovenbirds Many Painted Lady Butterflies 1 Six-Spotted Tiger Beetle
Date: 5/11/19 5:46 pm From: Stephen Mirick <smirick...> Subject: [MASSBIRD] Cape Ann Birdathon (King Eider, Harlequin Duck, 18 species of warblers, etc.)
Cape Ann, MA, Essex, Massachusetts, US May 11, 2019 5:20 AM - 5:20 PM Comments: Jane and I covering Cape Ann for Joppa Flats and Massachusetts Audubon Birdathon. Cloudy in AM and clearing with moderate NW winds. Migration overnight. A few nice pockets of warblers. Mostly early May migrants including LOTS of Black-and-whites and Northern Parulas. Not a lot of Magnolias. Poor showing of flycatchers and vireos except Blue-headeds. 107 species (+1 other taxa)
Brant 3 Canada Goose 2 Mallard American Black Duck 2 KING EIDER 1 Perennial adult male from Elk's Club. Distant off right side of Salt Island. Common Eider HARLEQUIN DUCK 1 Female hugging shoreline at Andrew's Point. Much smaller than eiders. Circular white spot, short bill. Surf Scoter Common. White-winged Scoter Fairly common. Black Scoter Common. Long-tailed Duck A few. Bufflehead 1 Female on Niles Pond. Red-breasted Merganser A few. Wild Turkey Rock Pigeon (Feral Pigeon) Mourning Dove Chimney Swift Ruby-throated Hummingbird Several. Semipalmated Plover Killdeer 0 None! Dunlin 18 Flock on rocks off Pebbly Beach. Purple Sandpiper 1 With flock of Dunlin off Pebbly Beach. Least Sandpiper Spotted Sandpiper Solitary Sandpiper 1 At Daan and Noel's pond. Greater Yellowlegs JAEGER SP. 1 Remarkable sighting of adult/subadult passing OVER LAND at Halibut Point. Picked out by Jane a it flew south over the headquarter building. Consistent with Parasitic. Black Guillemot 4 Two at Andrew's Point. Two at Eastern Point. Laughing Gull 1 One adult at Andrew's. Remarkably one of the only for Joppa teams. Ring-billed Gull Herring Gull Great Black-backed Gull Red-throated Loon 2 On water together at Andrew's Point. Common Loon Not a lot. A small number migrating. Northern Gannet 225 Spectacular dawn flight of birds for date. Flying SE out of bay heading southeast. Great Cormorant 1 One or two immatures on distant rocks. Double-crested Cormorant Great Blue Heron 0 None. Great Egret 1 Snowy Egret 1 Green Heron 2 Turkey Vulture Red-tailed Hawk Red-bellied Woodpecker Downy Woodpecker Northern Flicker Merlin At least 2 or 3 at Andrew's Point early. Peregrine Falcon 1 One year old off Locust Grove Cemetery. Eastern Phoebe Great Crested Flycatcher Eastern Kingbird 2 Only two. Blue-headed Vireo Common with several+ for the day. Warbling Vireo 1 Only 1. Blue Jay 100 Every year we get a big flock like this at Halibut Point. Always a great sight as they flock together and try to fly north over the ocean, but always return to the point. American Crow Fish Crow 1 Calling at Waring Field. COMMON RAVEN 1 At least one large chick IN NEST in Spruce Tree in downtown Gloucester! Northern Rough-winged Swallow Tree Swallow Barn Swallow Black-capped Chickadee Tufted Titmouse Red-breasted Nuthatch 2 White-breasted Nuthatch House Wren Carolina Wren Blue-gray Gnatcatcher Several for the day from several locations. Ruby-crowned Kinglet 3 Swainson's Thrush 3 American Robin Gray Catbird Brown Thrasher Northern Mockingbird 0 Missed this species! European Starling House Finch Purple Finch 2 Two or three. American Goldfinch 110 Count of migrating birds early at Andrew's Point. Chipping Sparrow White-crowned Sparrow 2 or 3. White-throated Sparrow Still a lot of White-throats around. Savannah Sparrow Song Sparrow Swamp Sparrow 2 Eastern Towhee Orchard Oriole 4 3 adult males at Waring Field. 1 immature male at Halibut Point. Baltimore Oriole Red-winged Blackbird Brown-headed Cowbird Common Grackle Ovenbird A few. Northern Waterthrush 1 Black-and-white Warbler Abundant. At least one or two at every stop. Nashville Warbler About 3. Common Yellowthroat Abundant. American Redstart 3 CAPE MAY WARBLER 1 Beautiful adult male at community garden. Northern Parula Abundant. Magnolia Warbler A few, but not a lot. Blackburnian Warbler 2 Yellow Warbler Chestnut-sided Warbler Blackpoll Warbler 3 Black-throated Blue Warbler A few. Pine Warbler Yellow-rumped Warbler Several. Black-throated Green Warbler A few. Wilson's Warbler 2 Scarlet Tanager 1 Female at Eastern Point. Northern Cardinal Rose-breasted Grosbeak House Sparrow
Lovely male found late this PM, Saturday by Laura D, Mark B. & I at the Seaside Cemetery in Lanesville, MA. Was working low in bushes at edge of woods on right side of the east entrance up to the corner that turns down the hill to the tiny white house. Was a very busy bird and needless to say, the best one!Denise Sent from my Verizon 4G LTE Tablet
Date: 5/11/19 4:37 pm From: David Scott <dscott0313...> Subject: [MASSBIRD] Mt Auburn 5/11 - birds!
I was at Mt Auburn from 6-8am this morning, many more birds than a couple of days ago. Many Parula, B&W warblers, multiple BTG, BTB, Magnolia, Redstart, Ovenbird. Worm-eating Warbler popped up on Indian Ridge first thing, Cape May and Prairie there as well. Tennessee and Chestnut-sided by Halcyon Pond. Blackpoll above the Dry Dell.
Date: 5/11/19 4:33 pm From: Robert Ross <plumisl...> Subject: [MASSBIRD] Worm-eating Warbler at Hellcat, Plum Island
Initial spotting at 4:35 PM, Saturday, 5/11. Just off Hellcat trail prior to Goodno Woods and prior to stand of aspens on right, first spotted down low to the left of the trail, then moved right (facing North) across trail, and into brush. Popped up two additional times and last seen further down toward Goodno Swamp area, before platform, again low, on ground, about 25 feet off boardwalk.
Warblers are finally in. Blackburnian pair, Chestnut-sided, Common Yellowthroat, Black-throated Green and Blue, Yellows, Ovenbird, Northern Waterthrush, Nashville, Magnolia, and the ubiquitous Yellow-Rumps, all along Hellcat Trail. Bay-breatsted at Pines Trail.
Date: 5/11/19 2:41 pm From: Frederick Collins <tcbirder...> Subject: [MASSBIRD] End of day Birding
Excellent Bird A Thon today with special treat of five pine siskins on my thistle feeder at five pm. Nice way to start the close down of the day’s count. Good Birding, Tom Collins Pittsfield.
Date: 5/11/19 11:45 am From: Joe Battenfeld <jbattenfeld...> Subject: [MASSBIRD] Arnold Arboretum Warblers
Hello Massbirders:Lots of Warbler activity even in late morning when I went out to walk the Peters Hill side of the Arboretum in Roslindale. Most were in the big oaks on south side. - Cape May Warbler-Bay-breasted Warbler Blackburnian Warbler-Black-throated Green Warbler-Black-throated Blue Warbler-Yellow-rumped Warbler -Yellow Warbler -Northern Parula (more than a dozen)
-Black and White Warbler -Veery-Baltimore Orioles -Orchard Oriole
Joe Battenfeld Roslindale <jbattenfeld...>
Date: 5/11/19 11:33 am From: Lindsey Nichols <pepper.please...> Subject: [MASSBIRD] Great day at My. Auburn Cemetery - Cape May, Worm-eating, Blackburnians
Mass birders,
I birded off the beaten path from 8:30am to afternoon. Highlights were 17 warbler species (including Cape May, Blackburnian, Prairie, Tennessee, Magnolia, Nashville, ovenbird), and scads of scarlet tanagers.
Worm-eating warbler - on Fountain road, on the shady slope (feeding in short flowering tree with pink flowers) on one side of road.
Date: 5/11/19 10:05 am From: Sue McGrath <newburyportbirders...> Subject: [MASSBIRD] Battis Farm & Lake Gardner, Amesbury - 5/11
Birders,
I led a walk at Battis Farm & Lake Gardner in Amesbury today, 5/11, from 7:30 - 9:30 am:
Eastern Bluebird, Red-winged Blackbird, Northern Mockingbird, American Goldfinch, Song Sparrow, Common Grackle, Rose-breasted Grosbeak, Orchard Oriole, Baltimore Oriole, Gray Catbird, Downy Woodpecker, Red-bellied Woodpecker, Hairy Woodpecker, Bobolink, American Crow, Great Crested Flycatcher, Ovenbird, Common Yellowthroat, American Robin, Brown-headed Cowbird, European Starling, House Sparrow, Great Blue Heron
Date: 5/11/19 9:55 am From: Childs, Jackson <jchilds...> Subject: Re: [MASSBIRD] Probable Cerulean Warbler at Mt. Auburn
Yes I saw this bird and wasn't a 100% sure but this is clearly a drab female Cerulean.
Cemetery very active this morning, tons of song in Dell, likely 20+ warbler species. Weirdly seemed like more Prairie warblers than Yellow-rumped.
Jackson Childs
<jchilds...>
Arlington, MA
________________________________
From: <massbird-approval...> <massbird-approval...> on behalf of Ninad Thakoor <ninadst...>
Sent: Saturday, May 11, 2019 11:28:16 AM
To: <massbird...>
Subject: [MASSBIRD] Probable Cerulean Warbler at Mt. Auburn
Around 9:50 am, I had a probable Cerulean Warbler from the Violet Path in the Dell. eBird checklist with some photos is at:
Date: 5/11/19 4:45 am From: Jon Woolf <jswoolf01...> Subject: [MASSBIRD] NH Audubon spring Pelagic Birding Trip
Hi all,
Time's slipping away to sign up for Massabesic Audubon Center's spring Pelagic Birding Trip. To recap:
As with last fall's trip, this one marks something of a milestone: the first of these spring trips was ten years ago, in May 2009. And like we did that year, we've scheduled the trip for Memorial Day. This year, that's May 27th. Otherwise, the plan hasn't changed much since last year:
WHAT: An all-day trip into the Gulf of Maine, looking for pelagic birds (although we'll also check out any whales and other marine life that we encounter). As always, we've chartered the whale-watching boat /Granite State/ for this day of birding along Jeffreys Ledge and wherever else the birds may lead us. We'll leave dockside at 8am and stay at sea the whole day. We should return to Rye Harbor around 5pm.
WHEN: Monday, May 27th (Memorial Day).
WHERE: Meet dockside at Rye Harbor at 7:30AM for an 8:00AM departure.
WHAT TO BRING: Binoculars, of course. A lunch if you want to. A digital camera if you have one -- these trips often produce excellent photo opportunities for both whales and birds. Weather on the open water is unpredictable, so dress warm, in multiple layers in case you get too warm and need to take off a layer. Certainly bring sunscreen, and either sunglasses or a hat. Bring motion-sickness pills if you're vulnerable to seasickness. /Granite State/'s seating is mostly wooden benches, so a seat cushion is a good idea if you have trouble with sitting on hard surfaces.
WHAT TO EXPECT: Hopefully, good weather and lots of interesting birds!
REGISTRATION: You must register in advance for this trip. We need a minimum of 30 people to pay for the trip. We've set a maximum of 50 so that the boat doesn't get too crowded. Cost is $70 for NH Audubon members, $90 for non-members.
Contact either MAC or me with any questions you might have. Please be certain that you leave a phone number or email address where you can be contacted on Sunday May 26th, in case we have to cancel due to weather. There is no rain date; we go on the 27th, or not at all.
To go with the trip, I will be holding a 1-hour workshop at Massabesic Center on Saturday May 25th, as a basic introduction to the most common pelagic birds and how to identify them. Since we generally see both whales and birds on these trips, the workshop also includes information on the common whales of the Gulf of Maine.
My thanks go out to all who have made these trips a success in past years, and I hope to see you again this year ... along with as many new faces as we can fit! :-)
-- Jon Woolf Manchester, NH (Massabesic Audubon Center Volunteer)
Date: 5/10/19 9:17 pm From: Josh <opihi...> Subject: [MASSBIRD] Red Phalarope in South Deerfield!
Hi MassBirders,
I had lots of fun birding during what time I had today, which as usual for this month I’m not going to talk about because it’s too late, and somebody else found something more exciting. Specifically, Ted Gilliland found a Red Phalarope at Tri-Town Beach!
Date: 5/10/19 2:21 pm From: Larry O'Bryan <lobryan...> Subject: [MASSBIRD] Mount Auburn Cemetery May 10
A raw morning, even at 50 degrees. Generally quiet. Most of the listed birds were found either on Lime Avenue (highlight being the worm-eating warbler), or on Bellwort Path in a large oak tree (highlight being the prairie warbler). My complete list follows.
Mt. Auburn Cemetery, Middlesex, Massachusetts, US May 10, 2019 6:00 AM - 8:45 AM
Protocol: Traveling
2.0 mile(s)
Comments: A rather raw 50 degree morning. Cloudy with light wind.
45 species (+1 other taxa)
Canada Goose 2
Mallard 3
Wild Turkey 2
Mourning Dove 2
Chimney Swift 1
gull sp. 6 Fly overs, all together
Great Blue Heron 1
Red-tailed Hawk 1
Red-bellied Woodpecker 2
Downy Woodpecker 1
Northern Flicker 3
Great Crested Flycatcher 1
Warbling Vireo 5
Blue Jay 7
American Crow 2
Common Raven 1
Black-capped Chickadee 1
Tufted Titmouse 2
Red-breasted Nuthatch 1
White-breasted Nuthatch 2
Ruby-crowned Kinglet 2
American Robin 24
Gray Catbird 3
American Goldfinch 2
Chipping Sparrow 6
White-throated Sparrow 4
Song Sparrow 1
Baltimore Oriole 6
Red-winged Blackbird 8
Brown-headed Cowbird 4
Common Grackle 10
Worm-eating Warbler 1 Seen in flowering crab apple tree on Lime Avenue by entire group. One or more Worm-eating warblers have been observed there and in the dry dell several days this week.
Date: 5/10/19 7:47 am From: Louise Barteau <lbarteau...> Subject: Re: [MASSBIRD] chickadees at hummingbird feeder
Yesterday I watched in disbelief as a male Red-bellied Woodpecker figured out how to use the hummingbird feeder to the great dismay of the Baltimore Orioles, House Finches and several RT Hummingbirds. Have put up a second feeder that only hummingbirds can access because the bigger birds can drain the feeder so quickly.So interesting to watch him figure it out though. And saw him come back several times for more.
Louise, West Island, Fairhaven
> On May 9, 2019, at 1:18 PM, Ian Nisbet <icnisbet...> wrote: > > Chickadees and Downy Woodpeckers have been coming to my hummingbird feeders for many years. In the last two years they have been joined by Tufted Titmice, and this year I have seen a House Finch and a Hairy Woodpecker trying, though I don't think they were successful in getting any nectar. The yellow wasp guards prevent these larger birds from getting to the nectar, but the woodpeckers and orioles just pull them off and throw them away. > > Ian Nisbet. > > On 5/8/2019 9:24 PM, Charlie wrote: >> I have seen chickadees feeding at tree wound sap flows right beside mourning cloak butterflies so there is a natural precedent. >> >> Charlie Patterson >> Norwell, Ma >> <chaspatt...> >> >> Sent from Middle Earth. >> >>> On May 8, 2019, at 11:50 AM, Alvin T Laasanen <laasanen...> wrote: >>> >>> I have also had chickadees coming to my hummingbird feeder recently in >>> addition to the hummingbirds. This morning there was a female Oriole >>> also there struggling to get its bill into the opening. >>> >>> Alvin Laasanen >>> Sterling MA >>> <laasanen...> >>> >>>> On 5/8/2019 10:38 AM, Robert Rotberg wrote: >>>> I have chickadees regularly drinking from the hummingbird feeder. Is this common? Occasionally downy woodpeckers, too. >>>> >>>> Robert Rotberg >>>> Lexington >>> >>> >> >>
Date: 5/10/19 1:39 am From: Robert Mussey <mussey.robert...> Subject: [MASSBIRD] early whip-poor-will
That lovely urgent, non-stopcall is back, for the earliest of the year appearance in our neighborhood, at 4:00 AM. Usually they sing at night, not this one. So welcome to hear again!
I’ve been trying to write up a post about all of the spring migration fun that I’ve seen over the past week or so, but keep being busy until too late at night. And I’ve done it again tonight. But wanted to get word out about a few other people’s sightings, even if I’m too sleepy to write up my own:
Summer Tanager, photographed by George Hall at the Arcadia MAS sanctuary on Thursday.
Yellow-breasted Chat, spotted Wednesday at Orchard Hill on the UMass-Amherst campus by Ben Peters.
White-eyed Vireo - two of them found on Thursday! One by Larry Therrien at Quabbin Park, the other by Corvus Sylvia near the far southeast end of the Turners Falls Airport.
Common Gallinule - Chuck Johnson, acting on a tip from a homeowner, saw one Tuesday in Williamstown, on private property.
Date: 5/9/19 7:01 pm From: David Sibley <sibleyguides...> Subject: Re: [MASSBIRD] Very surprising aberrantly-colored Black-Throated Green Warbler
Ted,
You are correct. Melanin pigments are controlled separately from
carotenoids, and the variations of albinism/leucism affect only melanin.
Melanin can be deposited in a growing feather with great precision to form
spots, streaks, bars and other complex patterns within a single feather.
Carotenoids are only applied broadly on whole feathers and across whole
groups of feathers.
On a Black-throated Green Warbler the entire head is colored yellow and the
familiar pattern is produced with melanin. A heavy dose of melanin on the
throat covers the yellow and makes the throat black, and a lighter dose of
melanin (gray) on the crown and eyeline combines with yellow and makes
those parts olive-greenish.
Your bird is simply lacking melanin on the head, and this allows the bright
yellow pigment all over the head to show. The identical lack of melanin on,
say, a Song Sparrow would produce a white head, because Song Sparrow has
only melanin pigments and no carotenoids.
So this striking bird is simply a “partial albino” Black-throated Green
Warbler
David Sibley
Deerfield
On Thu, May 9, 2019 at 7:34 PM Theodore Gilliland <tedgilliland...>
wrote:
> Hi All,
>
>
>
> Today at Mitch’s Way in Hadley, Hampshire County, I had a very surprising
> aberrantly-colored Black-Throated Green Warbler (at least, that’s my
> assessment). Attached is an Ebird checklist with photos. I considered the
> possibility of some extremely rare vagrants as upon first impression the
> bird had characteristics of a Hermit Warbler or HermitXTownsends hybrid.
> However, a pure Hermit would have a grayer mantle and limited streaking on
> the breast and flanks. The bird has a greenish back and extensive
> streaking. A male HermitXTownsends hybrid should have yellowish on the
> breast or dark on the throat, though there are many variations. I’ve
> included a few photos that show the underside; there appears to be some
> yellowish patches on the vent, which is one of the more reliable
> characteristics for Black-throated Green. On closer examination, the bird
> has a pale bill (it should be black on all the taxa mentioned above), a few
> white primaries or outer secondary feathers, and pale feet (should be
> black). This seems to suggest the bird has some type of melanin deficiency
> that is causing its odd appearance. If my understanding is correct,
> melanins that control the black and brown coloration of feathers are
> produced via a separate mechanism than the carotenoids that control the
> yellows, oranges and reds (melanins are produced in the cells, carotenoids
> from diet). Perhaps that has a role in this bird’s surprising appearance?
> Happy to have input from anyone who may know more about bird coloration, or
> other things I may be missing.
>
>
>
> Ebird checklist:
>
> https://ebird.org/view/checklist/S56039616 >
>
>
>
>
> Best regards,
>
>
>
>
>
> Ted Gilliland
>
> South Hadley
>
>
>
> --
Best,
David
<Sibleyguides...>
www.sibleyguides.com
Date: 5/9/19 4:54 pm From: <jcolemanarch...> Subject: Re: [MASSBIRD] Very surprising aberrantly-colored Black-Throated Green Warbler
That’s an impressively logical analysis Ted. Had I encountered that bird I’m not sure where I would have run with it. Knowing what a Hermit and Townshends are supposed to look like but with no direct experience with either would not have helped. Cool bird! I’ll be curious to see what kind of consensus emerges.
Jeremy Coleman, Sherburne Falls
Sent from my iPhone
> On May 9, 2019, at 12:41 PM, Theodore Gilliland <tedgilliland...> wrote:
>
> Hi All,
>
> Today at Mitch’s Way in Hadley, Hampshire County, I had a very surprising aberrantly-colored Black-Throated Green Warbler (at least, that’s my assessment). Attached is an Ebird checklist with photos. I considered the possibility of some extremely rare vagrants as upon first impression the bird had characteristics of a Hermit Warbler or HermitXTownsends hybrid. However, a pure Hermit would have a grayer mantle and limited streaking on the breast and flanks. The bird has a greenish back and extensive streaking. A male HermitXTownsends hybrid should have yellowish on the breast or dark on the throat, though there are many variations. I’ve included a few photos that show the underside; there appears to be some yellowish patches on the vent, which is one of the more reliable characteristics for Black-throated Green. On closer examination, the bird has a pale bill (it should be black on all the taxa mentioned above), a few white primaries or outer secondary feathers, and pale feet (should be black). This seems to suggest the bird has some type of melanin deficiency that is causing its odd appearance. If my understanding is correct, melanins that control the black and brown coloration of feathers are produced via a separate mechanism than the carotenoids that control the yellows, oranges and reds (melanins are produced in the cells, carotenoids from diet). Perhaps that has a role in this bird’s surprising appearance? Happy to have input from anyone who may know more about bird coloration, or other things I may be missing.
>
> Ebird checklist:
> https://ebird.org/view/checklist/S56039616 >
>
> Best regards,
>
>
> Ted Gilliland
> South Hadley
>
>
>
Date: 5/9/19 4:36 pm From: Wayne Petersen <wpetersen...> Subject: [MASSBIRD] Mass Audubon Bird-a-thon
Massbirders,
This is a last minute reminder that Mass Audubon's annual Bird-a-thon (BAT) will take place this weekend between 6 p.m. Friday evening and 6 p.m. Saturday evening. Full details about how to participate in this annual birding and fund raising event are available at https://www.massaudubon.org/get-outdoors/birds-birding/bird-a-thon Interested birders and sponsors are also invited to contact their local sanctuary for more specific details. Last year Bird-a-thon raised over $275,000, once again making this Mass Audubon's largest annual fund raising event. Dollars raised during the BAT represent a hugely important source of support for much of the bird and other conservation work that is annually undertaken by Mass Audubon. I hope to see many of you in the field during BAT, and also encourage you to participate by financially sponsoring one or another Mass Audubon team or program.
Good birding this weekend!
Wayne R. Petersen
Director of Massachusetts Important Bird Area (IBA) Program
Mass Audubon
208 South Great Road
Lincoln, MA 01773
<wpetersen...>
(781) 259-2178
Date: 5/9/19 4:36 pm From: Michael Baird <rkramden1994...> Subject: [MASSBIRD] Lowell Cemetery/Concord River Greenway 5/9/19
A gorgeous spring morning on the Greenway and in the cemetery on a trip co-sponsored by Lowell Parks and Conservation Trust and Brookline Bird Club. If you decide to visit the Lowell Cemetery, please respect the areas marked "do not enter". Good birding Mike Baird Lowell, MA
Lowell Cemetery, Middlesex, Massachusetts, US May 9, 2019 6:30 AM - 10:00 AM Protocol: Traveling 1.5 mile(s) Comments: 16 folks joined me for a bird walk co-sponsored by the Lowell Parks and Conservation Trust and the Brookline Bird Club on a spectacular spring morning with blue skies, very little wind and temps starting in the 40s and rising steadily. We spent a good deal of time on the adjacent Concord River Greenway getting great looks at Yellow and Yellow-rumped Warblers and Baltimore Orioles before finishing in the cemetery and picking up some additional species. 44 species
Wood Duck 1 Mallard 4 Rock Pigeon (Feral Pigeon) 1 Mourning Dove 2 Chimney Swift 25 This is a low estimate and I have never seen this many Swifts over the Concord River at one time in spring before. All the more curious as the derelict brick chimney on Centennial Island was recently dismantled. Ring-billed Gull 1 Double-crested Cormorant 2 Great Blue Heron 1 Turkey Vulture 2 Red-tailed Hawk 1 Red-bellied Woodpecker 1 Downy Woodpecker 1 Northern Flicker 2 Eastern Phoebe 1 Eastern Kingbird 1 Warbling Vireo 6 Blue Jay 3 American Crow 3 Common Raven 1 Tufted Titmouse 3 White-breasted Nuthatch 1 American Robin 15 European Starling 4 American Goldfinch 3 White-throated Sparrow 4 Still singing, surprised they haven't gone north yet. Song Sparrow 4 Baltimore Oriole 6 Red-winged Blackbird 2 Brown-headed Cowbird 3 Common Grackle 4 Black-and-white Warbler 3 Nashville Warbler 1 Common Yellowthroat 2 American Redstart 1 Northern Parula 7 Magnolia Warbler 1 Yellow Warbler 10 Chestnut-sided Warbler 1 Blackpoll Warbler 1 Black-throated Blue Warbler 1 Yellow-rumped Warbler 20 Northern Cardinal 3 Rose-breasted Grosbeak 1 House Sparrow 2
Date: 5/9/19 4:36 pm From: Theodore Gilliland <tedgilliland...> Subject: [MASSBIRD] Very surprising aberrantly-colored Black-Throated Green Warbler
Hi All,
Today at Mitch’s Way in Hadley, Hampshire County, I had a very surprising
aberrantly-colored Black-Throated Green Warbler (at least, that’s my
assessment). Attached is an Ebird checklist with photos. I considered the
possibility of some extremely rare vagrants as upon first impression the
bird had characteristics of a Hermit Warbler or HermitXTownsends hybrid.
However, a pure Hermit would have a grayer mantle and limited streaking on
the breast and flanks. The bird has a greenish back and extensive
streaking. A male HermitXTownsends hybrid should have yellowish on the
breast or dark on the throat, though there are many variations. I’ve
included a few photos that show the underside; there appears to be some
yellowish patches on the vent, which is one of the more reliable
characteristics for Black-throated Green. On closer examination, the bird
has a pale bill (it should be black on all the taxa mentioned above), a few
white primaries or outer secondary feathers, and pale feet (should be
black). This seems to suggest the bird has some type of melanin deficiency
that is causing its odd appearance. If my understanding is correct,
melanins that control the black and brown coloration of feathers are
produced via a separate mechanism than the carotenoids that control the
yellows, oranges and reds (melanins are produced in the cells, carotenoids
from diet). Perhaps that has a role in this bird’s surprising appearance?
Happy to have input from anyone who may know more about bird coloration, or
other things I may be missing.
Date: 5/9/19 4:36 pm From: David Scott <dscott0313...> Subject: [MASSBIRD] BBC Mt Auburn trip 5/9
About 20 birders joined the BBC walk this morning. Another cold start, but at least it was sunny.
We saw around 45 species over nearly three hours, with the highlights being Scarlet Tanager and Prairie Warbler up on the hill east of the Dell. Another group reported hearing the Worm-eating Warbler, but we didn't hear of anyone seeing it. Good looks at a Tennessee Warbler near the Dry Dell. Most common warblers continue to be Parula and Nashville.
Date: 5/9/19 2:37 pm From: David Moon <dmoon...> Subject: [MASSBIRD] Plum Island 5-8-2019, and Chimney Swift roost
Hello Massbirders -
Susan Yurkus and I led Wednesday Morning Birding yesterday in cool, sunny conditions. While I was greeted outside my door in Amesbury with warbler songs, Plum Island was a bit slow, though the thicket behind the Main Panne was busy with Yellow-rumped warblers and a few others. In our evening outing, however, that same area was alive with a different set of warblers and other migrants. Let's hope the forecast system from the south brings plenty of birds for Bird-a-thon!
I also want folks to know that there is a nice little Chimney Swift Roost to observe in Newburyport. Last night 50 - 60 birds put down in a chimney on the building next to (northwest of) the Black Cow restaurant. The show took place from 8:05 until 8:15 last night, with clear skies. It might be earlier if it is overcast. When it ends, there is not a swift to be seen. We will watch this roost to see how big the numbers get as migration progresses.
Our List:
Canada Goose (8) - pairs at various locations.
Mute Swan (6) - Main Panne :(.
American Black Duck (1) - North Pool.
Wild Turkey (2) - 1, PI Airport; 1, S-curves
Mourning Dove - common.
Killdeer (4) - 2, Main Panne; 2, Bil Forward Pool.
Greater Yellowlegs (6) - pannes and Wardens.
Willet - common.
Lesser Yellowlegs (18) - various.
Herring Gull - common.
Great Black-backed Gull (4) - North Marsh.
Double-crested Cormorant - common.
Great Blue Heron (2) - North Marsh.
Great Egret (20) - various.
Snowy Egret (1) - South Pannes.
Little Blue Heron (1) - North of Wardens.
Osprey (8) - 4, North Marsh; 3, off of Hellcat; 1, Pines platform.
Northern Harrier (3) - 2, North Marsh; 1, Bill Forward Pool.
Red-tailed Hawk (2) - 1, Joppa Flats; 1, S-curves.
Hairy Woodpecker (1) - S-curves.
Northern Flicker (1) - Dunes trail swamp.
American Kestrel (1) - Dunes trail flyover.
Blue Jay (7) - Migrating past parking lot #1.
Purple Martin (15) - parking lot #1.
Tree Swallow - common.
Barn Swallow (25) - some migrating north, others at Wardens setting up shop.
Black-capped Chickadee (3) - 1, parking lot #1; 2, Hellcat.
Ruby-crowned Kinglet (1) - Hellcat.
American Robin - common.
Gray Catbird (6) - various.
Brown Thrasher (1) - singing in thicket south of Parking lot #1.
Northern Mockingbird (2) - various.
European Starling - common.
House Sparrow - common.
House Finch (1) - Visitor Center.
Purple Finch (1) - Hellcat.
American Goldfinch - common.
Black-and-white Warbler (1) - S-cruves.
Common Yellowthroat (2) - 1, S-curves; 1, Hellcat.
Northern Parula (1) S-curves.
Yellow Warbler (8) various.
Yellow-rumped Warbler (12) - 10, Main Panne thicket; 2, Hellcat.
Eastern Towhee - common.
Savannah Sparrow (1) - Hellcat.
Song Sparrow - common.
Red-winged Blackbird - common.
Common Grackle - common.
Brown-headed Cowbird (1) Hellcat.
Orchard Oriole (2) 1, Main Panne thicket; 1, Hellcat.
Baltimore Oriole (2) - 1, Main Panne thicket; 1, Hellcat.
Additional birds Wednesday Evening:
Northern Parula (8) - Main Panne Thicket.
Blue-headed Vireo (1) - Main Panne Thicket.
Black-throated Green Warbler (1) - Main Panne Thicket.
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: 5/9/19 10:24 am From: Ian Nisbet <icnisbet...> Subject: Re: [MASSBIRD] chickadees at hummingbird feeder
Chickadees and Downy Woodpeckers have been coming to my hummingbird feeders for many years. In the last two years they have been joined by Tufted Titmice, and this year I have seen a House Finch and a Hairy Woodpecker trying, though I don't think they were successful in getting any nectar. The yellow wasp guards prevent these larger birds from getting to the nectar, but the woodpeckers and orioles just pull them off and throw them away.
Ian Nisbet.
On 5/8/2019 9:24 PM, Charlie wrote: > I have seen chickadees feeding at tree wound sap flows right beside mourning cloak butterflies so there is a natural precedent. > > Charlie Patterson > Norwell, Ma > <chaspatt...> > > Sent from Middle Earth. > >> On May 8, 2019, at 11:50 AM, Alvin T Laasanen <laasanen...> wrote: >> >> I have also had chickadees coming to my hummingbird feeder recently in >> addition to the hummingbirds. This morning there was a female Oriole >> also there struggling to get its bill into the opening. >> >> Alvin Laasanen >> Sterling MA >> <laasanen...> >> >>> On 5/8/2019 10:38 AM, Robert Rotberg wrote: >>> I have chickadees regularly drinking from the hummingbird feeder. Is this common? Occasionally downy woodpeckers, too. >>> >>> Robert Rotberg >>> Lexington >> >> > >
Date: 5/9/19 10:16 am From: Joan Stoner <jsstoner...> Subject: [MASSBIRD] Great Meadows Concord weekly survey
Great Meadows NWR--Concord Unit, Middlesex, Massachusetts, US May 9, 2019 7:09 AM - 10:39 AM Protocol: Traveling 2.23 mile(s) Comments: Weekly survey; from 40s to near 60. Sunny. Joan,Kathy,Will,Kevin,Alan, Langdon,Carol,Julia,Larry,Tom 57 species (+1 other taxa)
Date: 5/9/19 9:04 am From: Robert Ross <plumisl...> Subject: [MASSBIRD] Fwd: Worm-eating Warbler and Tree Sparrow
HI:
Failed to add Mount Auburn Cemetery as the location of my last email report!
Sincerely,
Bob Ross Newbury, MA 781-535-9277 ---------- Forwarded message --------- From: Robert Ross <plumisl...> Date: Thu, May 9, 2019 at 11:01 AM Subject: Worm-eating Warbler and Tree Sparrow To: <Massbird...>
Worm-eating Warbler, Tree Sparrow, Yellow Warbler, Northern Parula, Warbling Vireo, and Baltimore Oriole all in the same snow crabapple tree on Spruce Ave., left off Crystal, just up from the Azalea Path pond at 7:15-8:15 this AM, 5/9.
Photo of Worm-eating Warbler at ebird CHECKLIST S56040081
Date: 5/9/19 8:09 am From: Robert Ross <plumisl...> Subject: [MASSBIRD] Worm-eating Warbler and Tree Sparrow
Worm-eating Warbler, Tree Sparrow, Yellow Warbler, Northern Parula, Warbling Vireo, and Baltimore Oriole all in the same snow crabapple tree on Spruce Ave., left off Crystal, just up from the Azalea Path pond at 7:15-8:15 this AM, 5/9.
Photo of Worm-eating Warbler at ebird CHECKLIST S56040081
Date: 5/8/19 9:00 pm From: Jim Berry <jim.berry3...> Subject: [MASSBIRD] Bonanza at Willowdale SF, Ipswich, May 8, 2019
Willowdale SF (east), Ipswich May 8, 2019 7:35 AM - 12:30 PM Protocol: Traveling 3.0 mile(s) Comments: The weather dam broke this morning and I had a great walk in Willowdale, entering from Topsfield Rd. at Gravelly Brook and walking a loop to the west and north. I set my all-time record for ovenbirds with 66, and I suspect most of those birds were not there yesterday. Other highlights were 4 yellowthroats, 2 BTB warblers, 3 wood thrushes, a Lincoln's sparrow, a pair of broad-wings soaring, 3 Baltimore orioles, a raven, a La. waterthrush in a new location, and at least 4 EVENING GROSBEAKS at a feeder across East St. from the forest. Details below. 46 species
Mute Swan 2 perennial breeding pair on the big beaver pond by Rt. 1 Wood Duck 1 Mallard 1 Mourning Dove 6 Double-crested Cormorant 1 adult on the beaver pond Broad-winged Hawk 2 presumed pair soaring over my head and calling Red-bellied Woodpecker 8 Downy Woodpecker 4 Pileated Woodpecker 1 Great Crested Flycatcher 1 Eastern Kingbird 1 Blue-headed Vireo 2 Blue Jay 20 Common Raven 1 flew over my car croaking as I was leaving Tree Swallow 6 Black-capped Chickadee 19 Tufted Titmouse 23 White-breasted Nuthatch 8 Carolina Wren 1 Blue-gray Gnatcatcher 1 Hermit Thrush 2 Wood Thrush 3 American Robin 1 Gray Catbird 10 European Starling 2
Evening Grosbeak 4 At least 4 at Roberta's feeder across East St. from the forest at the outlet for the beaver pond. I heard them calling before I saw them. Evenly paired, which is promising. I watched the two females in a hemlock and in a crab apple, but they were just feeding and not gathering nest material. (The species has never been confirmed nesting in Essex County.)
American Goldfinch 12 Chipping Sparrow 19 White-throated Sparrow 11 Song Sparrow 7
Lincoln's Sparrow 1 Reddish cap, fine breast streaking, buffy malars and buffy band across upper breast, a bit of a crest. It might have been singing its pretty song, though I haven't heard the species sing in years and did not see it in the act. Not really early. They become uncommon in 5B in the county.
Ovenbird 66 All but two were singing males. I studiously avoided double-counting to the extent of letting a few birds go when there was any doubt. This sets my new record for the forest and the county. My previous record was 58, also in WSF, on May 9, 1998.
Louisiana Waterthrush 1 All previous records here were in Gravelly Brook. This bird was singing over a slow-moving stream about half a mile to the west. Northern Waterthrush 3 One sang near the LOWA for a stark contrast in songs. Nashville Warbler 1 Common Yellowthroat 4 Yellow Warbler 1 Black-throated Blue Warbler 2 Pine Warbler 12 Yellow-rumped Warbler (Myrtle) 5 Scarlet Tanager 0 I expected this sp. to have arrived on the warm front, but I didn't hear any. Northern Cardinal 2
Date: 5/8/19 8:00 pm From: Madeleine Linck <madeleine.linck...> Subject: [MASSBIRD] A goose with an injured wing in Rehoboth
I had a second hand report of a goose with a possible broken wing on a pond in Rehoboth this evening. I wonder if anyone knows of a list of licensed wildlife rehabbers in Bristol County. Or the contact info for a local CO who might deal with an injured goose. I am assuming a Canada Goose but I will try to check in the morning. Madeleine Linck Rehoboth, MA
Date: 5/8/19 6:31 pm From: Charlie <chaspatt...> Subject: Re: [MASSBIRD] chickadees at hummingbird feeder
I have seen chickadees feeding at tree wound sap flows right beside mourning cloak butterflies so there is a natural precedent.
Charlie Patterson Norwell, Ma <chaspatt...>
Sent from Middle Earth.
> On May 8, 2019, at 11:50 AM, Alvin T Laasanen <laasanen...> wrote: > > I have also had chickadees coming to my hummingbird feeder recently in > addition to the hummingbirds. This morning there was a female Oriole > also there struggling to get its bill into the opening. > > Alvin Laasanen > Sterling MA > <laasanen...> > >> On 5/8/2019 10:38 AM, Robert Rotberg wrote: >> I have chickadees regularly drinking from the hummingbird feeder. Is this common? Occasionally downy woodpeckers, too. >> >> Robert Rotberg >> Lexington > > >
Date: 5/8/19 5:47 pm From: Sebastian Jones <sebastianojones...> Subject: [MASSBIRD] Brookline Bird Club McLaughlin Woods Walk, 5/8
Hi Massbirders, A group of 24 of us birded McLaughlin Woods <https://ebird.org/hotspot/L897808> in Boston this morning, and after the official walk ended several of us continued combing through the spot for a few more hours. We were rewarded with a nice variety of species, 57 in total, highlights of which included 12 warbler species, a Lincoln's Sparrow (thanks to Paul Peterson who found it and tipped off the remaining walk participants), three Thrush species, Orchard and Baltimore Orioles and two Bobolink, a rare treat for this particular spot. Full checklist below.
For those on the walk this morning who'd like to join the shared eBird checklist , click this link <https://ebird.org/shared?subID=UzU2MDA0ODgy&s=t> (if that doesn't work for some reason, just shoot me an email).
Walks will continue weekly throughout the May, Wednesdays at 7:30 am. More info about the next walk on May 15 can be found here <https://www.brooklinebirdclub.org/tripevent/mclaughlin-woods-migrants-boston-3/>. We'll meet at the bleachers next to the lower baseball field, per usual. The spot is accessible by T (a short walk from the Jackson Square stop on the Orange Line) and there's usually ample parking along Fisher and Parker Hill Avenues. This customized google map <https://tinyurl.com/McLaughlinWoods> has more information on the location of our meeting spot, how to walk over from the T, and where parking is usually available.
Best, Sebastian Jones Jamaica Plain, MA
---------- Forwarded message --------- From: <ebird-checklist...> Date: Wed, May 8, 2019 at 8:17 PM Subject: eBird Report - McLaughlin Woods, May 8, 2019 To: <sebastianojones...>
McLaughlin Woods, Suffolk, Massachusetts, US May 8, 2019 7:29 AM - 11:23 AM Protocol: Traveling 1.1 mile(s) Comments: Brookline Bird Club walk from 7:30-8:30, then continuing with some participants after. Thanks to Paul Peterson for the tip on the Lincoln's Sparrow.
57 species
Rock Pigeon (Feral Pigeon) 3 Mourning Dove 2 Chimney Swift 3 Ruby-throated Hummingbird 1 Herring Gull 4 Red-tailed Hawk 3 Yellow-bellied Sapsucker 1 Spotted by Linda F. Downy Woodpecker 1 Northern Flicker 1 Least Flycatcher 2 Great Crested Flycatcher 1 Eastern Kingbird 1 Blue-headed Vireo 3 Warbling Vireo 2 Blue Jay 7 American Crow 2 Barn Swallow 1 Black-capped Chickadee 4 Tufted Titmouse 2 Red-breasted Nuthatch 1 White-breasted Nuthatch 2 House Wren 2 Blue-gray Gnatcatcher 1 Ruby-crowned Kinglet 6 Veery 2 One Iroquois Street Woods, one main section Hermit Thrush 2 Both Iroquois Street Woods Wood Thrush 3 2 end of dirt path, one Iroquois Street Woods American Robin 11 Gray Catbird 8 Northern Mockingbird 1 European Starling 4 House Finch 2 American Goldfinch 4 Chipping Sparrow 3 White-throated Sparrow 10 Lincoln's Sparrow 1 Heard/seen by Paul Peterson who alerted us. Heard mostly, then seen briefly. Alan made a recording. Eastern Towhee 1 Bobolink 2 Unusual here. Heard singing and then spotted atop one of the trees just adjacent to the orchard. Photos. (Initially thought there was only one but reviewing photos there was a second in a nearby tree). Orchard Oriole 3 Baltimore Oriole 2 Brown-headed Cowbird 1 Ovenbird 1 Blue-winged Warbler 1 Black-and-white Warbler 8 Nashville Warbler 4 Common Yellowthroat 3 American Redstart 2 Northern Parula 8 Magnolia Warbler 4 Yellow Warbler 2 Blackpoll Warbler 1 Black-throated Blue Warbler 2 Yellow-rumped Warbler 1 Black-throated Green Warbler 1 Northern Cardinal 2 Rose-breasted Grosbeak 5 Pair along dirt path, 3 Iroquois Street House Sparrow 17
Second year male Orchard Oriole? If so, that would not be the first time those have been confused. Jeremy Coleman, Shelburne Falls
Sent from my iPhone
> On May 8, 2019, at 5:20 PM, Spector, David (Biology) <spectord...> wrote: > > This was posted to the Connecticut list. I'm just forwarding. Audubon's seems extraordinarily unlikely. > > -----Original Message----- > From: CTBirds [mailto:<ctbirds-bounces...>] On Behalf Of Michael & Jean DiBenedetto via CTBirds > Sent: Wednesday, May 08, 2019 5:07 PM > To: <ctbirds...> > Subject: [CT Birds] Westfield, MA Audubon's Oriole > > At automotive business on 22 Little River Road, 4 p.m., AUDUBON'S ORIOLE with 4 Baltimore Orioles in apple trees next to parking lot. Life bird for both of us, but no doubt about the ID. > Mike and Jean DiBenedetto, East Hartford > > _______________________________________________ > This list is provided by the Connecticut Ornithological Association (COA) for the discussion of birds and birding in Connecticut. > For subscription information visit >
My Fellow Massbirdians,Today at the Nahant Thicket (in Nahant), I found an American Redstart AND a Magnolia Warbler. Both are FOL's for me!* :-)
*(For those of you who are newer to birding than I am, FOL means First of Life!)
Happy Birding!
Mr. Shilo McDonaldLynn, MassachusettsShiloCM at yahoo dot com
Date: 5/8/19 2:26 pm From: Spector, David (Biology) <spectord...> Subject: [MASSBIRD] FW: [CT Birds] Westfield, MA Audubon's Oriole
This was posted to the Connecticut list. I'm just forwarding. Audubon's seems extraordinarily unlikely.
-----Original Message----- From: CTBirds [mailto:<ctbirds-bounces...>] On Behalf Of Michael & Jean DiBenedetto via CTBirds Sent: Wednesday, May 08, 2019 5:07 PM To: <ctbirds...> Subject: [CT Birds] Westfield, MA Audubon's Oriole
At automotive business on 22 Little River Road, 4 p.m., AUDUBON'S ORIOLE with 4 Baltimore Orioles in apple trees next to parking lot. Life bird for both of us, but no doubt about the ID. Mike and Jean DiBenedetto, East Hartford
_______________________________________________ This list is provided by the Connecticut Ornithological Association (COA) for the discussion of birds and birding in Connecticut. For subscription information visit
Date: 5/8/19 2:08 pm From: alice morgan <morgan.alice...> Subject: [MASSBIRD] Leverett Pond, Brookline/Boston
not a lot doing, but you can hear Warbling Vireo and see a Spotted Sandpiper and at least one Baltimore Orioke, as well as a Black and White Warbler, in addition to more common birds.
-- Alice & Dane Morgan Brookline & S. Dartmouth, MA
Date: 5/8/19 2:01 pm From: Peter Trull <petrull...> Subject: [MASSBIRD] Beech Forest - Provincetown, second Hooded of the spring.
Sent from Mail for Windows 10
Massbirders, Each morning seems better than the day before. Still not jumping, but some beautiful birds in the beech forest this morning. Hooded Warbler and Summer Tanager made for a nice day.
Ebird list below.
Peter Trull
Brewster
<petrull...>
www.petertrull.org
Date: 5/8/19 8:57 am From: Alvin T Laasanen <laasanen...> Subject: Re: [MASSBIRD] chickadees at hummingbird feeder
I have also had chickadees coming to my hummingbird feeder recently in addition to the hummingbirds. This morning there was a female Oriole also there struggling to get its bill into the opening.
Alvin Laasanen Sterling MA <laasanen...>
On 5/8/2019 10:38 AM, Robert Rotberg wrote: > I have chickadees regularly drinking from the hummingbird feeder. Is this common? Occasionally downy woodpeckers, too. > > Robert Rotberg > Lexington
I will be leading a short neighborhood birdwalk on Monday the 13th at 6:30-8 or so. (Everyone welcome—please email me in advance for info) So I went late morning to scope out what’s currently around. Some nice birds. I hope they stick around!
Nashville Warbler American Redstart Wilson’s Warbler Yellow Warbler Peregrine Falcon Warbling vireo Blue headed vireo Indigo bunting Eastern Kingbird
Date: 5/8/19 6:43 am From: Neil Hayward <opororniswarbler...> Subject: [MASSBIRD] BBC Mt. Auburn trip Weds May 8
A neat half century of species at Mt. Auburn today with 14 species of warbler. Highlights were excellent looks at the continuing Worm-eating Warbler, a pair of bright Cape May Warblers, a glowing Blackburnian, a singing Least Flycatcher and no rain! eBird checklist below.
Good birding,
- Neil
Neil Hayward
Cambridge
Mt. Auburn Cemetery
May 8, 2019
6:00 AM
Traveling
2.30 miles
168 Minutes
All birds reported? Yes
Comments: Submitted from eBird for iOS, version 1.9.0 Build 9
3 Mallard
6 Wild Turkey
6 Mourning Dove
4 Chimney Swift
1 Herring Gull
2 gull sp.
2 Great Blue Heron
1 Red-tailed Hawk
2 Red-bellied Woodpecker
1 Downy Woodpecker
1 Northern Flicker
1 Peregrine Falcon
1 Least Flycatcher -- Willow Pond. Singing.
1 Great Crested Flycatcher
4 Blue-headed Vireo
5 Warbling Vireo
6 Blue Jay
1 Northern Rough-winged Swallow -- Willow Pond
1 Tufted Titmouse
2 Red-breasted Nuthatch
1 White-breasted Nuthatch
1 Hermit Thrush
16 American Robin
1 Gray Catbird
6 Cedar Waxwing
4 House Finch
4 American Goldfinch
6 Chipping Sparrow
2 White-throated Sparrow
1 Song Sparrow
1 Eastern Towhee
8 Baltimore Oriole
2 Red-winged Blackbird
3 Brown-headed Cowbird
12 Common Grackle
1 Ovenbird -- Reported from Dell.
1 Worm-eating Warbler -- Dry dell. Relocated by Dave Williams. Warm brown warbler with striped head. Silent. Feeding among blossom.
3 Black-and-white Warbler
5 Nashville Warbler -- Probably an undercount. Continues to be most common warbler.
1 Common Yellowthroat
1 American Redstart -- Reported by David Scott.
2 Cape May Warbler -- Together in oak tree southwest of Laurel. Bright red face, yellow head, black streaks across breast and flanks. White wing patch. Singing.
10 Northern Parula
2 Magnolia Warbler -- Reported by David Scott along Indian Ridge. Another later in “Cape May tree”
1 Blackburnian Warbler -- Laurel. Wow!
2 Yellow Warbler
1 Black-throated Blue Warbler -- Dry dell. Very confiding. Singing.
1 Yellow-rumped Warbler (Myrtle)
1 Black-throated Green Warbler
4 Northern Cardinal
3 House Sparrow
Everyone's going crazy over Warblers and I'm over here oohing and awing over a Savannah Sparrow. :-D Found him today at Chandler Hovey Park on Marblehead Neck. And he was a beaut! Happy Birding!- Mr. Shilo McDonald, Lynn, MAShiloCM at Yahoo dot com
Date: 5/7/19 6:25 pm From: Linda Ferraresso <tattler1...> Subject: Re: [MASSBIRD] BBC trip Marblehead Neck Wildlife Sanctuary, May 7,
Mea Culpa and many thanks to Davis Noble for noting a mistake in my earlier report - we observed 5 Common Grackles, NOT 5 Rusty Blackbirds. It has been amended in eBird.
Linda
On 5/7/2019 7:56 PM, Linda Ferraresso wrote: > With sunny skies, though still glove weather (under 50 degrees!), more > migrants are arriving. > Nine species of warblers and one very cooperative Black-crowned Night > Heron were the > highlights, with great looks at the Great Crested Flycatcher too. > Red-eyed Vireo arrived though > Blue-headed still trumps it in numbers. > Lovely spring birding morning! > Linda > > > Marblehead Neck Wildlife Sanctuary (Mass Audubon), Essex, > Massachusetts, US > May 7, 2019 6:30 AM - 9:30 AM > Protocol: Traveling > 1.0 mile(s) > Comments: BBC trip, 48 degrees, sunny with a light SW wind > 41 species (+1 other taxa) > > Brant 2 Flyovers > Mallard 2 > Wild Turkey 2 > Mourning Dove 1 > Chimney Swift 1 > gull sp. 6 > Double-crested Cormorant 21 flyovers > Black-crowned Night-Heron 3 1 at front pond, 2 flyovers > Cooper's Hawk 2 male and female > Downy Woodpecker 2 > Great Crested Flycatcher 1 > Blue-headed Vireo 2 > Red-eyed Vireo 1 > Blue Jay 4 > American Crow 4 > Tree Swallow 1 > Black-capped Chickadee 7 > Tufted Titmouse 2 > Red-breasted Nuthatch 2 > Brown Creeper 1 > House Wren 2 > Blue-gray Gnatcatcher 1 > Ruby-crowned Kinglet 3 > American Robin 1 > Gray Catbird 8 > European Starling 1 > American Goldfinch 10 > White-throated Sparrow 4 > Eastern Towhee 1 > Red-winged Blackbird 6 > Brown-headed Cowbird 3 > Common Grackle 5 > Ovenbird 2 > Northern Waterthrush 2 > Black-and-white Warbler 6 > Nashville Warbler 3 > Common Yellowthroat 2 > Northern Parula 3 > Black-throated Blue Warbler 1 male > Prairie Warbler 1 > Black-throated Green Warbler 1 > Northern Cardinal 3 > > View this checklist online at https://ebird.org/view/checklist/S55980970 > > This report was generated automatically by eBird v3 > (https://ebird.org/home) > >
-- Linda Ferraresso Salem, MA tattler1(at)comcast(dot)net
"Faith is the bird that feels the light and sings when the dawn is still dark" - Tagore
Date: 5/7/19 5:02 pm From: Linda Ferraresso <tattler1...> Subject: [MASSBIRD] BBC trip Marblehead Neck Wildlife Sanctuary, May 7,
With sunny skies, though still glove weather (under 50 degrees!), more migrants are arriving. Nine species of warblers and one very cooperative Black-crowned Night Heron were the highlights, with great looks at the Great Crested Flycatcher too. Red-eyed Vireo arrived though Blue-headed still trumps it in numbers. Lovely spring birding morning! Linda
Marblehead Neck Wildlife Sanctuary (Mass Audubon), Essex, Massachusetts, US May 7, 2019 6:30 AM - 9:30 AM Protocol: Traveling 1.0 mile(s) Comments: BBC trip, 48 degrees, sunny with a light SW wind 41 species (+1 other taxa)
Brant 2 Flyovers Mallard 2 Wild Turkey 2 Mourning Dove 1 Chimney Swift 1 gull sp. 6 Double-crested Cormorant 21 flyovers Black-crowned Night-Heron 3 1 at front pond, 2 flyovers Cooper's Hawk 2 male and female Downy Woodpecker 2 Great Crested Flycatcher 1 Blue-headed Vireo 2 Red-eyed Vireo 1 Blue Jay 4 American Crow 4 Tree Swallow 1 Black-capped Chickadee 7 Tufted Titmouse 2 Red-breasted Nuthatch 2 Brown Creeper 1 House Wren 2 Blue-gray Gnatcatcher 1 Ruby-crowned Kinglet 3 American Robin 1 Gray Catbird 8 European Starling 1 American Goldfinch 10 White-throated Sparrow 4 Eastern Towhee 1 Red-winged Blackbird 6 Brown-headed Cowbird 3 Rusty Blackbird 5 Ovenbird 2 Northern Waterthrush 2 Black-and-white Warbler 6 Nashville Warbler 3 Common Yellowthroat 2 Northern Parula 3 Black-throated Blue Warbler 1 male Prairie Warbler 1 Black-throated Green Warbler 1 Northern Cardinal 3
Date: 5/7/19 4:15 pm From: John Liller <john.liller...> Subject: [MASSBIRD] New Yard Bird - Grafton
I just had a Brown Thrasher land on our hanging tray feeder. I am not sure if it counts as a feeder bird because it landed for one second before taking off, without taking any food. -- ------------------------- John Liller Mathematics Department Goalkeeper Coach, Girls Varsity Soccer 81 Providence St. Worcester, MA 01604 Phone 508-754-5302 Fax 508-754-6571 <john.liller...>
WORCESTER ACADEMY is a co-ed day and boarding school for grades 6 to 12 and postgraduates. Our urban setting, diverse community, and challenging curriculum provide students with a solid, real-world education. Information at www.worcesteracademy.org.
Date: 5/7/19 3:56 pm From: bank1941 <bank1941...> Subject: [MASSBIRD] Ravens in Salem
Mbers, Sunday i got a new yardbird with a flyover of a Fish Crow and today 2 Ravens flew over the deck, and I suspect they are nesting again this year at the nearby Aggregate Stone Quarry. Later in the day a male hummer made its foy appearance. I bet tomorrow will bring an American Crow into the mix.
Date: 5/7/19 3:09 pm From: Young, John (DPU) <john.young...> Subject: [MASSBIRD] North Truro birds 5/4
Massbirders:
Unusual in my experience on the outer Cape was a collection of six spotted thrushes, representing four species, well-seen on the Woods Trail that comes out of the Highland Center in North Truro, on Saturday. Wood thrushes and veeries in particular are hard to find out where the sand runs out. Additional unusual birds for the area were a very handsome worm-eating warbler, pretty unusual for the area, a pair of siskins, and an evening grosbeak (heard only), plus two late golden-crowned kinglets, all in lovely Long Nook, a long hanging valley that runs east from the Little Pamet area of Truro. And an orange-crowned warbler at Pond Village, North Truro.
I mention all this here and clog up your inboxes because many of these have been disappeared from the so-called Massachusetts Rare Bird Alert -- silently, like dissidents in Argentina. They shall be remembered.
Date: 5/7/19 3:02 pm From: caroline <carolinawrencarolinawren...> Subject: [MASSBIRD] What a week!
Wow-what a birdy week it's been! Confirmed nestlings in the ravens' nest in downtown Gloucester. Then I had the first ever R B grosbeak in my yard, along with multiple male orioles and a RT hummingbird!and then there were the FOY chimney swifts over Blynman Canal, and to top it off a glossy ibis and black vulture flew over my deck! So grateful for beautiful connections to our natural world! Caroline Haines Gloucester <Songbirder...>
Sent from my iPhone-please excuse brevity, typos, or insults.
Date: 5/7/19 11:15 am From: Sebastian Jones <sebastianojones...> Subject: [MASSBIRD] Raptors on the move around Boston
Hi Massbirders, Just a reminder to keep an eye out for migrating hawks as you hit your passerine spots today. At McLaughlin Woods this mid-morning/early afternoon (which is atop Mission Hill in Boston) I had some pretty good raptor action: 1 Red-shouldered Hawk, 2 Broad-winged Hawks, 1 Bald Eagle and a minimum of 4 Red-tailed Hawks, in addition to several Turkey Vultures and a few hawk sp that were too far away to ID, though probably more Red-tails (and, of course, no shortage of Herring Gulls riding the same winds). Things seemed to slow down as I was leaving about an hour ago, but given these conditions it's probably worth having a scan from places like Millennium Park, Peter's Hill at the Arboretum, etc.
Date: 5/7/19 10:51 am From: MFB <badgerm...> Subject: [MASSBIRD] Dinged on Yellow throated vireo at Mount Auburn
Spent some time trying to re-locate this vireo. Got tantalizingly glimpses of something interesting in the same general location only to finally get great looks at a crisp, cooperative female black-throated blue.
Consolation prizes were an ebullient Canada song (near the top of Harvard hill, heard not seen) and great looks at (and crappy pictures of) a worm-eating warbler. M. Badger
It was a fun morning of birding at Mt. Auburn. I dont have much to add but wanted to clarify that the Worm-eating Warbler was found by others prior to being seen by myself and Jeff Offermann. The BBC group with Chris Floyd was on the bird when we arrived at the Dry Dell.
Good birding,
Jeremiah Trimble
Cambridge, MA
____________________
Ornithology - MCZ
Harvard University
________________________________
From: <massbird-approval...> <massbird-approval...> on behalf of William Freedberg <4mrfish...>
Sent: Tuesday, May 7, 2019 11:32 AM
To: <massbird...>
Subject: [MASSBIRD] Mt. Auburn Worm-eating, 15spp warbler
Massbirders,
Mt. Auburn this morning produced a Worm-eating Warbler in the dry dell (originally found by J Trimble and J Offerman, it was said), as well as:
6 Blue-headed Vireos
7+ Nashvilles singing all over
3 Blackburnian Warblers between Indian ridge and the dry dell, plus 1 behind the tower
1 Prairie Warbler at Indian ridge
1 Orchard Oriole at Auburn Lake
Numerous Parulas, Yellow-rumps, and 10 other species of warbler, but nothing exceptional. Birds are fairly silent and not singing much. Additional reports of Orange-crowned and Magnolia, but I got on neither.
A Least Flycatcher was singing a snappy "Che-bek" on the north side of fresh pond in Cambridge.
Date: 5/7/19 8:55 am From: Barbara Volkle <barb620...> Subject: [MASSBIRD] Sandhill Crane in Barre, MA
Thanks to Dave Larson for this delayed email form 5/4.
Barbara Volkle
Norhtborough, MA
<barb620...>
*
Alison O’Hare asked me to post the following: “Just confirmed presence of Sandhill Crane in Barre in farm field on Old Stage Rd, visible from rd. Could you post for me? Thank you.”
Date: 5/7/19 8:31 am From: William Freedberg <4mrfish...> Subject: [MASSBIRD] Mt. Auburn Worm-eating, 15spp warbler
Massbirders,
Mt. Auburn this morning produced a Worm-eating Warbler in the dry dell (originally found by J Trimble and J Offerman, it was said), as well as:
6 Blue-headed Vireos 7+ Nashvilles singing all over 3 Blackburnian Warblers between Indian ridge and the dry dell, plus 1 behind the tower 1 Prairie Warbler at Indian ridge 1 Orchard Oriole at Auburn Lake
Numerous Parulas, Yellow-rumps, and 10 other species of warbler, but nothing exceptional. Birds are fairly silent and not singing much. Additional reports of Orange-crowned and Magnolia, but I got on neither.
A Least Flycatcher was singing a snappy "Che-bek" on the north side of fresh pond in Cambridge.
Date: 5/7/19 8:29 am From: Robert Ross <plumisl...> Subject: [MASSBIRD] Encouraging Signs
Though the migration has been slow, there are some encouraging signs from Plum Island. I saw my first catbird yesterday in the brambles off the Hellcat dunes trail. Two wood thrushes were chasing each other nearby. A white-crowned sparrow dug into the leaf litter. On the South end of the Island, near Sandy Point, yellow warblers are here. Though I still have not seen a common yellowthroat, another ubiquitous migrant, the black and white warblers are plentiful. All are commenting on the numbers of blue-headed vireos, found all over the Island. There are also numerous ruby- and golden-crowned kinglets. Off the Pines Trail, a purple finch appeared, though seemingly alone. A strange turn of events to find so few warblers yet a Lawrence's on the Island.
Got to Mt Auburn relatively late again but the consensus seems to be more birds than yesterday but not the number many hoped for. The best bird of the morning seems to have been a Worm Eating Warbler seen in the Dry Dell at least as late as 9 AM. Also heard reports of a singing Orange Crowned Warbler around the Dell.
Date: 5/7/19 7:09 am From: Eduardo del Solar <delsolar...> Subject: [MASSBIRD] birding Cape May, images
Earlier this spring I visited Cape May (April 21-24) hoping to find some song birds and warblers that nest there and seldom get here. I also did a one morning short trek to Cape May Point State park and surrounding beaches where it was too early for shorebird migration season. Most of the images I am sharing are from the Belleplain State Forest where local warblers were quite active. Images of birds photographed are below: Prothonotary warbler, Yellow-throated Warbler, Black-and-white Warbler, Yellow-rumped Warbler, Pine Warbler, Blue-gray Gnatcatcher and White-eyed Vireo. American Robin, nesting Eastern Bluebird, Eastern Phoebe, Chipping Sparrow (everywhere), American Crow, Red-winged Blackbird and Turkey Vulture . Red-bellied Woodpecker and a pair of mating Downy Woodpeckers. Osprey, Great Egret, Common Terns, Franklin’s Gull at the Point Park.
Link below has all images from this trip:
http://www.delsolar.org/webs/birds/capemay19/content/_32A4676_large.html Eduardo del Solar
<delsolar...>
Boston, Mass
http://delsolar.org
Finally had an actual catbird (as opposed to the mockbird that tricked me a few weeks ago) here in Salisbury yesterday, as well as a brief sighting of a hummingbird as it zipped away from the feeder around dusk.
My mother, who is just down the road from me, had a catbird as well, and her first orioles of the season.
Lots of chimney swifts twittering above me as I dropped my daughter off at school in downtown Newburyport this morning as well.
Happy birding!
-- Liz Pease *freelance writer, editor, and proofreader* lizpease.com
Date: 5/6/19 9:17 pm From: William Freedberg <4mrfish...> Subject: [MASSBIRD] Finally, good winds & promising radar...
Massbirders,
Finally, after a fairly lackluster early migration (at least in Eastern MA), there is a fairly strong movement of birds tonight. There is at least a good amount of turnover and fairly high densities of birds moving overhead. Tomorrow should be a good day to check inland sites in particular. Radar:
Date: 5/6/19 8:34 pm From: Joe Battenfeld <jbattenfeld...> Subject: [MASSBIRD] Indigo Bunting, Millennium Park West Roxbury
Hi Massbirders:We had a beautiful male Indigo Bunting late Monday afternoon at Millennium Park in West Roxbury. It was feeding with a flock of Savannah Sparrows in the grass along paved path near the canoe landing and lower parking lot. Also had an Osprey, Baltimore Oriole, 3 Yellow Warblers, 24 Savannah Sparrows and 2 Gray Catbirds.
Joe Battenfeld Roslindale <jbattenfeld...>
Date: 5/6/19 1:30 pm From: Steven Simpson <steven.simpson...> Subject: [MASSBIRD] Early Empidonax Flycatcher, Webster Woods, Chestnut Hill
I had a silent Empidonax FC in the scrub along the Hammond Pond shore at lunchtime today. If compelled, I would guess it was a Least. Also: Yellow-rumps Two Spotted Sandpipers (on a bar out in Hammond Pond) The Blue-gray Gnatcatcher that breeds near the bridge over the brook every summer (or its twin) was back and noisily tearing into spider webs.
Interesting you should mention that - I saw one this morning hanging around my Rhododendrons (PJMs, early bloomers)
-----Original Message----- From: <massbird-approval...> <massbird-approval...> On Behalf Of David Weaver Sent: Monday, May 6, 2019 1:42 PM To: massbird <massbird...> Subject: [MASSBIRD] First hummer! - 05-06-2019
At 1330 today, had first hummer at the feeder - a female Ruby-throated Hummingbird. First sighting last year was on May 11.
Date: 5/6/19 8:36 am From: Cliff Cook <ccook13...> Subject: [MASSBIRD] Mt Auburn Yellow Throated Vireo and Continuing Orange Crowned Warbler
This morning a Yellow Throated Vireo was present and calling intermittently near the intersection of Poplar and Beech on the north side of the Dell. An Orange Crowned Warbler is present by the southwest slope of Auburn/Spectacle Lake in an apple tree. Amazingly, this seems to be the same bird that has been present for over a week now. I got to the Cemetery late and did not spend a lot of time there. Scattering of warblers and other migrants but no wave, not even a small one. There do seem to be migrating Blue Jays passing through.
Date: 5/6/19 5:15 am From: Lynette Leka <lynetteleka...> Subject: [MASSBIRD] American Tree Sparrow return migration getting later?
a small band of 3 or 4 were feeding on my deck (Newbury) this morning - prompted me to look up my records: 2017 last yard sighting was 4/15, 2018 was 4/22, and now 2019 I saw them here on 4/24, 4/25, 5/1, and 5/6
------------------------------------
Lynette Leka Newbury, MA 01951 email: <lynette.leka...>
Date: 5/5/19 10:04 pm From: Josh <opihi...> Subject: Re: [MASSBIRD] Turner's Rod and Gun Club
Judy and MassBirders,
I visit the TFR&GC fairly often. I’ve spoken to at least two of the club members, both of whom were very friendly. One of them, a guy named John who is usually smoking, is interested in and fairly knowledgeable about birds. On New Year’s Day of 2003, several years before I moved to Amherst, Shawn Smolen-Morton found a Red-headed Woodpecker at the club; John was there at the time and still brings up what an impressive crowd of birders showed up to see it.
When I first learned about the club, I was told by one of the longtime local birders that there was a sort of informal handshake agreement that birders were allowed to visit so long as they behaved pretty much as Bill Lafley has described: stay out of the way, be quiet, don’t block the road or boat ramp, don’t damage anything or make any mess, etc. It helps that I visit mostly on weekday mornings during the colder parts of the year, times when the club is very sparsely populated by its members and usually has no events scheduled. Any time that I drive down and find a large number of people or cars present, I turn around and leave.
> On May 5, 2019, at 11:43 AM, <blafley...> wrote:
>
> Judy,
>
> I can’t really speak officially for the club but in my experience when there are members there they have not said anything to me. That said I generally park where I am not in the way, drive slowly and don’t stay too long. In years past when I birded there more often I have sent a donation to the club saying I was a birder and appreciated birding there.
>
> Good luck,
>
> Bill Lafley
> New Salem
>
> On May 5, 2019, at 10:11 AM, judy parrot-willis <jep_willis...> <mailto:<jep_willis...>> wrote:
>
>> We had attempted to visit the above location yesterday and chose to abort due to a sign stating: 'members only', so curious as to how birders made it down to the waterfront yesterday. Not familiar with this area until yesterday. Are they amenable to 'us foreigners' being there if NOT members.Thanks for any words of wisdom!
>> Judy Parrot-Willis
>> North Andover, MA
Date: 5/5/19 8:05 pm From: DOUGLAS E CHICKERING <dovekie...> Subject: [MASSBIRD] Great Moment in Birding
Massbirders:
Birding on Plum this morning produced one of those transcendent and spectacular moments that suddenly appear during an ordinary, gray day of birding. From out of the chilly, colorless day. A day with little foliage day; and the threat of rain, or at least mist, an extraordinary surprise burst forth. A brilliant Lawrence’s Warbler suddenly popped into view at the crosswalk at Hellcat among astonished and perplexed group of birders. It took a little while to recognize the identity of the bird. After all, not many had ever seen one. But there it was in all its blazing glory. I wasn’t one the birders who were there at the first appearance but came along early enough before the bird was identified and still was not completely identified from the brief looks. Several of the more experienced observers theorized that it was likely a Lawrence’s Warbler. The bird reappeared after a short interlude and it became clear that this was indeed a Lawrence’s Warbler. In the chilled day it moved around a lot; sometimes only glimpsed deep in the underbrush, and sometimes in a clear opening for all to see. Naturally the word spread over the island and out over the texts and e-mails and the observer’s numbers grew quickly. The new arrivals were afraid they had missed it and the crowd was divided from those who were eager to inform the new comers that the bird was active, seemed to stay around and even though was out of sight for the moment would surely come back. And regularly did just that, sometimes flitting around the edge of the road by the crosswalk, and sometimes making its way fitfully in the bushes north. I think that everyone who stayed got a better than average look. I left after an hour or so when the Lawrence’s Warbler flew to the top of a bare high deciduous tree and then headed west and away. That was it for me I had terrific looks and had to run some errands that couldn’t be set aside. But I did find the time to return in the late afternoon. I was surprised when I returned to find that the Warbler was still in the same approximate location. I joined Warren Tatro (who had not seen the bird; much to his chagrin). We waited impatiently at the crosswalk, occasionally starting at the movement of Yellow-rumped Warblers, and Kinglets and a Blue-gray gnatcatcher. Then Warren caught sight of the Lawrence’s as it darted across the road and began feeding and continuing the pattern of great looks, followed by glimpses followed by brief appearances. When Warren left, I was joined by Bob Secator who was in that state of agonizing anxiety of arriving too late to see a spectacular bird. A little later we were joined by Katherine (I’m sorry I don’t have her last name). We searched the underbrush right after he arrived and found ourselves searching signs of movement or a spot of yellow in the dull brown tangles. To no avail. Then I had just glanced to my left.
“There it is Bob, It’s right here beside me.” Sure, enough the Lawrence’s had somehow emerged from nowhere and was calmly feeding not two feet from me. It proceeded to take short flights and stop at the grass giving up better than spectacular views as it fed in a semi-casual fashion so close that at times, I couldn’t use my binoculars. In this fashion it moved north in the underbrush right at the edge of the road and the grass that separated the pavement from the underbrush.
In the gray day, and the fading afternoon the Warbler seemed to glow. The back was gray. But it was a vibrant gray, a tone and richness beyond description. There was a large light-yellow patch on the wings and the yellow on the belly reached up into the head and neck were that was a classic Golden-winged pattern of black at the throat and around the eyes. The black was clear and perfect in shape and up in the face the yellow grew deeper and richer. But I though the highlight of plumage was the crown. I don’t think I have ever witnessed such a yellow. It shone in the fading light as if drawing upon an inner energy that seemed incandescent. It almost seemed it had come from a different reality, sometimes catching a reddish hue, sometimes changing to pure gold. It was a sight that recorded by many camera’s but partially because all photographs are two dimensional, they can’t quite duplicate that special beauty. A sight that attempt cling to in our memories but know that this too will fade in time, we must be satisfied with the moment that were rewarded with an in-depth encounter with the awesome beauty of the natural world.
The Blue Grosbeak reported over a week ago at Delaney WMA was still present this morning. From the boat ramp parking area on Harvard Road in Stow take the main path to the large field. The bird is frequenting the slope of the steep hill and upper plateau across and at the back of the large field. Also notable was a Magnolia Warbler seen with a mixed migrant flock in a clearing some distance away. Surprising lack of raptors.
Cliff Cook Watertown
5 Canada Goose 6 Mute Swan 3 Wood Duck 3 Mallard 8 Mourning Dove 2 Chimney Swift 1 Killdeer 2 Spotted Sandpiper 1 Double-crested Cormorant 4 Great Blue Heron 1 Osprey 6 Downy Woodpecker 1 Pileated Woodpecker 2 Northern Flicker 1 Great Crested Flycatcher 1 Eastern Kingbird 5 Blue-headed Vireo 7 Warbling Vireo 1 Blue Jay 3 American Crow 40 Tree Swallow 6 Barn Swallow 15 Black-capped Chickadee 7 Tufted Titmouse 1 Red-breasted Nuthatch 7 White-breasted Nuthatch 1 Brown Creeper 2 Blue-gray Gnatcatcher 1 Ruby-crowned Kinglet 2 Eastern Bluebird 15 American Robin 3 Gray Catbird 11 American Goldfinch 18 Chipping Sparrow 12 Song Sparrow 3 Swamp Sparrow 2 Eastern Towhee 1 Baltimore Oriole 30 Red-winged Blackbird 8 Brown-headed Cowbird 14 Common Grackle 4 Ovenbird 2 Black-and-white Warbler 1 Common Yellowthroat 1 Magnolia Warbler -- Early migrant but not unexpected. Adult male with yellow underparts and heavy black streaking and necklace. White panel in place of wingbars. 4 Yellow Warbler 1 Palm Warbler 9 Pine Warbler 22 Yellow-rumped Warbler 8 Northern Cardinal 1 Blue Grosbeak -- Continuing bird. Grosbeak style beak with primarily blue plumage. Rusty wing bars. Suspect this is a first year make as blue was not uniformly vibrant and many feather edges were showing rusty brown color.
Date: 5/5/19 6:14 pm From: Barbara Volkle <barb620...> Subject: [MASSBIRD] eBird Report - Walt's Yard, Westwood, MA, May 4, 2019
thanks to Walt Webb for this post.
Barbara Volkle
Northboro, MA <barb620...>
> To: <wwebb24...> > Sent: Saturday, May 04, 2019 3:54 PM > Subject: eBird Report - Walt's Yard, Westwood, MA, May 4, 2019 > > >> Walt's Yard, Westwood, MA, Norfolk, Massachusetts, US >> May 4, 2019 7:30 AM - 1:30 PM >> Protocol: Stationary >> Comments: As part of Global Big Day, I periodically looked through my >> kitchen window to check my feeders & back yard for birds, from about >> 7:30 AM to 1:30 PM. Early showers then overcast. Temps 50s. >> 18 species >> >> Mourning Dove 4 >> Red-bellied Woodpecker 2 >> Downy Woodpecker 2 >> Northern Flicker 1 >> Blue Jay 2 >> Black-capped Chickadee 2 >> Tufted Titmouse 2 >> White-breasted Nuthatch 1 >> American Robin 1 >> European Starling 2 >> House Finch 1 >> Song Sparrow 1 >> Red-winged Blackbird 1 >> Brown-headed Cowbird 2 >> Common Grackle 2 >> Northern Cardinal 2 >> Rose-breasted Grosbeak 2 First male was joined by a second one on the >> mixed seed feeder! What a sight! A first for me & the first male to >> visit my feeders in 11 years. (I had a female on my window feeders >> two years ago.) >> House Sparrow 5 >> >> View this checklist online at https://ebird.org/view/checklist/S55789503 >> >> This report was generated automatically by eBird v3 >> (https://ebird.org/home) > > Walt Webb > Westwood, MA > <wwebb24...>
Hello, hello,I have two First of Lifes to report! Saw, heard and took pictures of an Upland Sandpiper and a Northern Bobwhite this morning, while walking Bear Creek Wildlife Sanctuary (Saugus). Mr. Shilo McDonaldLynn, MassachusettsShiloCM at yahoo dot com
Date: 5/5/19 11:15 am From: bank1941 <bank1941...> Subject: [MASSBIRD] New yard bird
Mbers, surprised to no end yesterday, to hear and see a Fish Crow flying over the deck and equally disappointed not to have any hummers yet this year. Joe
Date: 5/5/19 9:13 am From: Linda <tattler1...> Subject: [MASSBIRD] Wompatuck SP -- May 5, 2019
Two other adventurous souls braved the forecast to join Eddie Giles and I on what turned out to be a great birding morning at Wompatuck. We started slow then had nice flocks of birds many feeding on the ground or below eye level. We had crippling looks at a male Scarlet Tanager. And nary a drop of rain!! Full report below. Blue- headed count is not a typo!!
Linda
> > Wompatuck SP > May 5, 2019 > 6:35 AM > Traveling > 4.10 miles > 270 Minutes > All birds reported? Yes > Comments: 48-52 degrees, overcast. > Submitted from eBird for iOS, version 1.9.0 Build 9 > > 1 Canada Goose > 1 Wood Duck > 2 Mallard > 2 Mourning Dove > 1 Spotted Sandpiper > 1 Solitary Sandpiper > 2 gull sp. > 3 Double-crested Cormorant > 1 Turkey Vulture > 1 Broad-winged Hawk > 1 Belted Kingfisher > 8 Red-bellied Woodpecker > 4 Downy Woodpecker > 3 Northern Flicker > 3 Eastern Phoebe > 1 Great Crested Flycatcher > 19 Blue-headed Vireo -- Common on every path we walked. > 5 Blue Jay > 2 American Crow > 2 Fish Crow > 2 Northern Rough-winged Swallow > 2 Tree Swallow > 3 Barn Swallow > 3 Black-capped Chickadee > 17 Tufted Titmouse > 2 Red-breasted Nuthatch > 1 Brown Creeper > 2 Winter Wren > 10 Blue-gray Gnatcatcher > 1 Ruby-crowned Kinglet > 3 Wood Thrush > 3 American Robin > 2 Gray Catbird > 2 American Goldfinch > 20 Chipping Sparrow > 7 White-throated Sparrow > 1 Savannah Sparrow > 8 Song Sparrow > 1 Swamp Sparrow > 12 Eastern Towhee > 3 Red-winged Blackbird > 4 Brown-headed Cowbird > 20 Ovenbird > 1 Louisiana Waterthrush > 1 Northern Waterthrush > 2 Blue-winged Warbler > 14 Black-and-white Warbler > 1 Blackburnian Warbler > 1 Yellow Warbler > 2 Palm Warbler > 7 Pine Warbler > 41 Yellow-rumped Warbler > 3 Black-throated Green Warbler > 1 Scarlet Tanager > 2 Northern Cardinal > > Number of Taxa: 55 > > > Sent from my iPhone > > Linda Ferraresso > Salem, MA > <Tattler1...>
Date: 5/5/19 9:10 am From: Neil Hayward <opororniswarbler...> Subject: [MASSBIRD] BBC seeking Blue Book Editor
Dear Massbirders,
The BBC is seeking a new bulletin editor. The editor copy edits and
oversees the stakeholder review, proofing, and design process for four
bulletins per year. Editing the bulletin takes 5-10 hours per bulletin, and
is a great way to feel connected to the club and learn about our many
trips!
We are seeking someone with a strong editorial toolset (writing,
copyediting, proofreading), attention to detail, and project coordination
skills. Familiarity with the Adobe Creative Suite a plus!
If you're interested please reply directly to me at: <neil.hayward...>
Thank you and now back to birding!
–Neil
Neil Hayward
President
Brookline Bird Club
brooklinebirdclub.org
Date: 5/5/19 8:50 am From: <blafley...> Subject: Re: [MASSBIRD] Turner's Rod and Gun Club
Judy,
I can’t really speak officially for the club but in my experience when there are members there they have not said anything to me. That said I generally park where I am not in the way, drive slowly and don’t stay too long. In years past when I birded there more often I have sent a donation to the club saying I was a birder and appreciated birding there.
Good luck,
Bill Lafley
New Salem
> On May 5, 2019, at 10:11 AM, judy parrot-willis <jep_willis...> wrote:
>
> We had attempted to visit the above location yesterday and chose to abort due to a sign stating: 'members only', so curious as to how birders made it down to the waterfront yesterday. Not familiar with this area until yesterday. Are they amenable to 'us foreigners' being there if NOT members.Thanks for any words of wisdom!
> Judy Parrot-Willis
> North Andover, MA
(Note, you can modify the URL above for other states by replacing the two letter state code.)
Scott Spangenberg Amherst, NH
> On May 4, 2019, at 10:09 PM, Neil Calabro <neil.calabro1...> wrote: > > Hi everyone, > Many of you are likely owners of a fold out guide to when various bird species are found in Massachusetts, in what amounts, and whether they breed here. Many of you use to track when migratory birds can be expected to arrive. I used to own one but lost my copy. I think Mass. Audubon used to publish it. I called the shop at Drumlin Farm seeking a replacement and was told they no longer stock it. Do any of you have a copy that you could scan and email to me offline? > Thanks! > Neil Calabro > Brookline, MA > neil.calabro at mac.com
Date: 5/5/19 7:18 am From: judy parrot-willis <jep_willis...> Subject: [MASSBIRD] Turner's Rod and Gun Club
We had attempted to visit the above location yesterday and chose to abort due to a sign stating: 'members only', so curious as to how birders made it down to the waterfront yesterday. Not familiar with this area until yesterday. Are they amenable to 'us foreigners' being there if NOT members.Thanks for any words of wisdom!Judy Parrot-WillisNorth Andover, MA
Date: 5/5/19 6:09 am From: Neil Hayward <opororniswarbler...> Subject: [MASSBIRD] BBC: Mt Auburn Sunday May 5
The birds on this morning’s Brookline Bird Club trip were a lot more inspiring than the weather. Colorful highlights were a silent Blackburnian Warbler and two singing male Rose-breasted Grosbeaks. eBird checklist below.
Neil Hayward
Cambridge, MA
Mt. Auburn Cemetery
May 5, 2019
6:03 AM
Traveling
2.37 miles
144 Minutes
All birds reported? Yes
Comments: Brookline Bird Club trip led by Neil Hayward.
Overcast, high 40s, dry to light drizzle.
Submitted from eBird for iOS, version 1.9.0 Build 9
2 Canada Goose
3 Mallard
3 Wild Turkey
6 Mourning Dove
1 gull sp.
2 Great Blue Heron
1 Red-tailed Hawk
3 Red-bellied Woodpecker
1 Downy Woodpecker
2 Northern Flicker
2 Least Flycatcher
1 Great Crested Flycatcher
2 Blue-headed Vireo
1 Warbling Vireo
8 Blue Jay
1 American Crow
1 Common Raven
1 Black-capped Chickadee
1 Tufted Titmouse
1 White-breasted Nuthatch
1 Blue-gray Gnatcatcher
1 Ruby-crowned Kinglet
1 Hermit Thrush
16 American Robin
2 American Goldfinch
8 Chipping Sparrow
5 White-throated Sparrow
1 Eastern Towhee
1 Orchard Oriole
9 Baltimore Oriole
12 Red-winged Blackbird
4 Brown-headed Cowbird
12 Common Grackle
2 Ovenbird
1 Black-and-white Warbler
6 Nashville Warbler
3 Northern Parula
1 Blackburnian Warbler
3 Yellow Warbler
2 Yellow-rumped Warbler
1 Black-throated Green Warbler
2 Northern Cardinal
2 Rose-breasted Grosbeak
2 House Sparrow
Date: 5/5/19 5:34 am From: Glenn Long <hdtwblg...> Subject: [MASSBIRD] East Natick
4/May/2019 East Natick
We had a very surprising day in the yard yesterday with five grosbeaks. Four Rose-breasteds and one Evening.Our first Evening since 1985.We also had an uptick in Pine Siskin with six.
Glenn Long
East Natick
From: <ebird-checklist...><mailto:<ebird-checklist...>>
May 4, 2019 5:40 AM - 1:40 PM
Protocol: Stationary
26 species
Date: 5/4/19 8:06 pm From: Neil Calabro <neil.calabro1...> Subject: [MASSBIRD] OT: Bird Migration/Breeding Guide for Mass.
Hi everyone, Many of you are likely owners of a fold out guide to when various bird species are found in Massachusetts, in what amounts, and whether they breed here. Many of you use to track when migratory birds can be expected to arrive. I used to own one but lost my copy. I think Mass. Audubon used to publish it. I called the shop at Drumlin Farm seeking a replacement and was told they no longer stock it. Do any of you have a copy that you could scan and email to me offline? Thanks! Neil Calabro Brookline, MA neil.calabro at mac.com
> On May 4, 2019, at 7:10 PM, Janet Sherwood <sherwood63...> wrote: > > Got plenty of husky ones in So Dartmouth. > >> On May 4, 2019 at 4:58 PM Paul Guidetti <guidettipaul...> wrote: >> >> ...at the risk of jinxing myself, has anyone else noticed that there are no chipmunks around? >> >> Paul Guidetti >> Westford MA > >
Date: 5/4/19 6:05 pm From: George Gove <gwgove...> Subject: [MASSBIRD] Common Loons
I counted 78 Common Loons from Gate 36 at Wachusett Reservoir. The Loons were way out mostly resting on the water and the water was extremely calm, appearing like a mirror.
In Princeton today, we heard two singing Winter Wrens, saw 4 Bobolinks in a field, heard Black-throated Green Warblers, an Ovenbird, and Gnatcatchers. We also saw a Red-breasted Nuthatch at the feeders at Wachusett Meadow.
George Gove & Judy GordonMarlboro
Observation start time: 07:00:00 Observation end time: 14:00:00 Total observation time: 7 hours
Official Counter: Brian Rusnica
Observers: Brian Rusnica
Visitors: None
Weather: Light winds all day, 100% overcast, rain ended at 7:30am
Raptor Observations: Unfavorable conditions yielded 5 Merlins. No AKs or SS
Local (non migrants) raptors: TV 6, OS 8, NH 2, CH 1, RT 3
Non-raptor Observations: 42 species seen from lot #1. FOYs Nashville Warblers, Blue-headed Vireos, and Belted Kingfishers Predictions: Not great, weather cloudy, mid 50s, 20-30% chance of showers, wind has 6-8mp, easterly components. ======================================================================== Report submitted by Ted Mara (<tedmara...>) Plum Island MA information may be found at: http://www.massbird.org/emhw
> On May 4, 2019 at 4:58 PM Paul Guidetti <guidettipaul...> wrote: > > ...at the risk of jinxing myself, has anyone else noticed that there are no chipmunks around? > > Paul Guidetti > Westford MA >
Date: 5/4/19 4:09 pm From: Barbara Volkle <barb620...> Subject: [MASSBIRD] Mansfield - American Kestrel, rb nut
Thanks to Denise Cabral for the following.
Barbara Volkle
Northborough, MA
<barb620...>
*
On a short walk around the Mansfield Animal Shelter, off Fruit St., my daughter and I spotted a male American Kestrel flying and hunting all around the (no-trespassing) fields behind the Mansfield Airport, next to the animal shelter.
There was one pale probably female Red-breasted Nuthatch near the feeders. Towhees, pine warblers, song, and chipping sparrows were common.
Date: 5/4/19 4:09 pm From: <blafley...> Subject: [MASSBIRD] Pine Siskins - New Salem
Hello,
Had 12 Pine Siskins, 4 DEJuncos and 6 Purple Finches and 18 White-throated Sparrows at the feeders today. Must be stuck trying to get North.
On a gray day we also had over 60 species of birds and many wildflowers on a long loop walk from the house. Spring is here!
Thought the 7 flyover loons was pretty neat but I guess there were a few more than that around the past couple days.
New Salem 2, Franklin, Massachusetts, US
May 4, 2019 9:33 AM - 12:38 PM
Protocol: Traveling
6.0 mile(s)
65 species
Canada Goose 1
American Black Duck 3
Hooded Merganser 1 Female
Common Merganser 2
Wild Turkey 2
Mourning Dove 2
Ruby-throated Hummingbird 1
Common Loon 11 7 flyovers
Double-crested Cormorant 1
Great Blue Heron (Blue form) 1
Sharp-shinned Hawk 1
Red-shouldered Hawk 1
Barred Owl 1 Calling in the middle of day
Yellow-bellied Sapsucker 5
Red-bellied Woodpecker 2
Downy Woodpecker 2
Hairy Woodpecker 1
Pileated Woodpecker 3
Northern Flicker (Yellow-shafted) 1
Merlin 1 Behind library
Least Flycatcher 1
Eastern Phoebe 4
Blue-headed Vireo 5
Blue Jay 16 12 migrating over trees
American Crow 2
Common Raven 1
Tree Swallow 2
Barn Swallow 3
Black-capped Chickadee 6
Tufted Titmouse 4
Red-breasted Nuthatch 1
White-breasted Nuthatch 2
House Wren 2
Winter Wren 1
Blue-gray Gnatcatcher 3
Ruby-crowned Kinglet 1
Veery 1
Wood Thrush 1
American Robin 5
Gray Catbird 1
European Starling 4
House Finch 5
Purple Finch 6 At feeder
Pine Siskin 12 At feeder. Accurate count
American Goldfinch 6
Chipping Sparrow 10
Dark-eyed Junco (Slate-colored) 7 4 at feeder, 3 along road
White-throated Sparrow 18
Song Sparrow 3
Swamp Sparrow 1
Eastern Towhee 1
Red-winged Blackbird (Red-winged) 10
Brown-headed Cowbird 12
Common Grackle 4
Ovenbird 3
Black-and-white Warbler 4
Common Yellowthroat 1
Northern Parula 1
Blackburnian Warbler 2
Pine Warbler 8
Yellow-rumped Warbler (Myrtle) 7
Black-throated Green Warbler 15
Northern Cardinal 3
Rose-breasted Grosbeak 1
House Sparrow 1
Date: 5/4/19 3:46 pm From: HENRIETTA YELLE <hy.ce...> Subject: [MASSBIRD] Mini fallout in our Lexington Yard
When the rain stopped this morning and it warmed up a bit, I ventured outside about 9:30am and was rewarded with a magical half-hour surrounded by birds coming through Sutherland Woods and over our little hill. Within a couple of hours, things had quieted down and we had THREE new yard birds. ** We're up to 88. Today's yard list below.
Date: 5/4/19 3:46 pm From: Matt S. <accipiter22...> Subject: [MASSBIRD] May 4, 2019 Mount Auburn Cemetery, Cambridge - Female Scarlet Tanager, Blue-Winged Warbler, Blackburnian Warbler, Tons of Nashvilles
Hi All,
Took a trip after the rain ended to see what was going on at Mount Auburn....Nashvilles were out and about, the 4 count is probably low but I didn't want to double. On the side of Spectacle Pond opposite the ridge there's a large tree that the Warblers love, kind of lined up with the bridge between the two 'lenses' of spectacle. Today a blue-winged was chowing down in it. That's #129 for me at Mount Auburn. I had a list of 6 species I had somehow missed at Mount Auburn over the years and I've seen two of them this past week (field sparrow being the other). Also of note, the ridge had a blackburnian, and a female scarlet tanager.
That's all for now
Matt S. Brighton, MA Accipiter22 (a) Gmail.com
Mt. Auburn Cemetery, Middlesex, Massachusetts, US May 4, 2019 8:22 AM - 10:26 AM Protocol: Traveling 2.74 mile(s) 44 species (+1 other taxa)
Canada Goose (Branta canadensis) 2 Mallard (Anas platyrhynchos) 2 Wild Turkey (Meleagris gallopavo) 1 Mourning Dove (Zenaida macroura) 3 Red-tailed Hawk (Buteo jamaicensis) 1 Red-bellied Woodpecker (Melanerpes carolinus) 2 Downy Woodpecker (Dryobates pubescens) 1 Northern Flicker (Colaptes auratus) 2 Northern Flicker (Yellow-shafted) (Colaptes auratus auratus/luteus) 1 Blue-headed Vireo (Vireo solitarius) 2 Blue Jay (Cyanocitta cristata) 4 American Crow (Corvus brachyrhynchos) 1 Black-capped Chickadee (Poecile atricapillus) 2 Tufted Titmouse (Baeolophus bicolor) 1 White-breasted Nuthatch (Sitta carolinensis) 1 Carolina Wren (Thryothorus ludovicianus) 1 Blue-gray Gnatcatcher (Polioptila caerulea) 1 Hermit Thrush (Catharus guttatus) 1 American Robin (Turdus migratorius) 13 Gray Catbird (Dumetella carolinensis) 1 Northern Mockingbird (Mimus polyglottos) 1 European Starling (Sturnus vulgaris) 4 American Goldfinch (Spinus tristis) 5 Chipping Sparrow (Spizella passerina) 2 White-throated Sparrow (Zonotrichia albicollis) 4 Song Sparrow (Melospiza melodia) 4 Baltimore Oriole (Icterus galbula) 1 Red-winged Blackbird (Agelaius phoeniceus) 2 Brown-headed Cowbird (Molothrus ater) 1 Common Grackle (Quiscalus quiscula) 6 Blue-winged Warbler (Vermivora cyanoptera) 1 Pictures coming. Seen by dozens #129 at Mount Auburn. Black-and-white Warbler (Mniotilta varia) 1 Nashville Warbler (Oreothlypis ruficapilla) 4 American Redstart (Setophaga ruticilla) 2 Heard only Northern Parula (Setophaga americana) 4 Magnolia Warbler (Setophaga magnolia) 1 singing male Blackburnian Warbler (Setophaga fusca) 1 Male along Indian ridge Yellow Warbler (Setophaga petechia) 2 Black-throated Blue Warbler (Setophaga caerulescens) 2 Heard only Pine Warbler (Setophaga pinus) 1 Yellow-rumped Warbler (Setophaga coronata) 2 Black-throated Green Warbler (Setophaga virens) 3 Scarlet Tanager (Piranga olivacea) 1 Northern Cardinal (Cardinalis cardinalis) 4 House Sparrow (Passer domesticus) 2
----- Original Message ----- From: <ebird-checklist...> To: <wwebb24...> Sent: Saturday, May 04, 2019 3:54 PM Subject: eBird Report - Walt's Yard, Westwood, MA, May 4, 2019
> Walt's Yard, Westwood, MA, Norfolk, Massachusetts, US > May 4, 2019 7:30 AM - 1:30 PM > Protocol: Stationary > Comments: As part of Global Big Day, I periodically looked through my > kitchen window to check my feeders & back yard for birds, from about 7:30 > AM to 1:30 PM. Early showers then overcast. Temps 50s. > 18 species > > Mourning Dove 4 > Red-bellied Woodpecker 2 > Downy Woodpecker 2 > Northern Flicker 1 > Blue Jay 2 > Black-capped Chickadee 2 > Tufted Titmouse 2 > White-breasted Nuthatch 1 > American Robin 1 > European Starling 2 > House Finch 1 > Song Sparrow 1 > Red-winged Blackbird 1 > Brown-headed Cowbird 2 > Common Grackle 2 > Northern Cardinal 2 > Rose-breasted Grosbeak 2 First male was joined by a second one on the > mixed seed feeder! What a sight! A first for me & the first male to visit > my feeders in 11 years. (I had a female on my window feeders two years > ago.) > House Sparrow 5 > > View this checklist online at https://ebird.org/view/checklist/S55789503 > > This report was generated automatically by eBird v3 > (https://ebird.org/home)
Date: 5/4/19 3:35 pm From: Linda Ferraresso <tattler1...> Subject: [MASSBIRD] Marblehead Neck Wildlife Sanctuary -- May 4, 2019
More migrants today, though still very little song (except for the Northern Waterthrushes!). Bring on the sun to jumpstart the chorus! A nice day, and while still cloudy and chilly, no rain!!
Linda
Marblehead Neck Wildlife Sanctuary (Mass Audubon) May 4, 2019 8:15 AM Traveling 0.50 miles 120 Minutes All birds reported? Yes Comments: Submitted from eBird for iOS, version 1.9.0 Build 9
4 Mallard -- Male, female and 2 ducklings 2 Wild Turkey 1 Mourning Dove 1 Chimney Swift 2 gull sp. 5 Common Loon -- Flyovers, one calling 1 Belted Kingfisher 2 Downy Woodpecker 1 Northern Flicker 3 Least Flycatcher 6 Blue-headed Vireo 2 Blue Jay 2 Tree Swallow 4 Black-capped Chickadee 2 Tufted Titmouse 2 White-breasted Nuthatch 1 House Wren 3 Blue-gray Gnatcatcher 2 Ruby-crowned Kinglet 3 Veery 2 Hermit Thrush 3 Wood Thrush -- One singing 2 American Robin 1 Gray Catbird 1 House Finch 2 American Goldfinch 7 White-throated Sparrow 1 Song Sparrow 1 Eastern Towhee 3 Red-winged Blackbird 6 Common Grackle 2 Ovenbird 4 Northern Waterthrush - all very vocal!A 5 Black-and-white Warbler 3 Nashville Warbler 1 Blackburnian Warbler 2 Yellow Warbler 1 Palm Warbler 8 Yellow-rumped Warbler 2 Black-throated Green Warbler 2 Northern Cardinal 1 Rose-breasted Grosbeak
General consensus is that I’m just lucky...I was wondering if two things
were happening. 1. My eradication program was more successful than I
thought or 2. The mild winter with more rain and flooding drowned them
while they were snoozing in their burrows.
Time will tell, I think!
Paul
On Sat, May 4, 2019 at 4:58 PM Paul Guidetti <guidettipaul...> wrote:
> ...at the risk of jinxing myself, has anyone else noticed that there are
> no chipmunks around?
>
> Paul Guidetti
> Westford MA
>
Date: 5/4/19 12:33 pm From: Josh <opihi...> Subject: [MASSBIRD] Giant fallout of Common Loons on Wachusett Res.
Hi MassBirders,
Learned through FaceBook that yesterday afternoon, Joe Bourget, Mark Lynch, and Sheila Carroll counted
**FOUR HUNDRED AND SIXTY-FIVE**
Common Loons on the Wachusett Reservior.
Joe noted that over 400 were still present this morning.
And here I thought that the waterbird fallout on Barton Cove was epic!
Mark and Sheila visited the Quabbin earlier in the day and saw (among many other things) a Black Tern. Larry Therrien saw what might have been the same individual this morning.
Speaking of Barton Cove, I heard that after I left yesterday, a flock of Black Scoters, 10+ Bonaparte’s Gulls, and a pair of Gadwall arrived, the loon count there increased to 30, the White-winged Scoter total to 24, and the Buffleheads to 63!
Date: 5/4/19 11:49 am From: Jim Berry <jim.berry3...> Subject: [MASSBIRD] Donovan Reservation, Hamilton, May 4, 2019
Donovan Reservation, Hamilton May 4, 2019 9:40 AM - 12:45 PM Protocol: Traveling 2.0 mile(s) Comments: I birded parts of this big place thoroughly, looking for new arrivals, but the only one was a wood thrush. Highlights were that, a raven, and a bald eagle. And my count of towhees outnumbered even the red-winged blackbirds. But I found no orioles or bobolinks, both of which should be here if they are anyplace. And not a single tree swallow or chimney swift over the grassy hilltop. 39 species (+4 other taxa)
Mourning Dove 7 Herring Gull 3 flyovers Larus sp. 30 flyovers in distant flock Turkey Vulture 2 Bald Eagle 1 immature flew over hilltop heading west Red-tailed Hawk 1 Buteo sp. 1 Red-bellied Woodpecker 4 Downy Woodpecker 2 Hairy Woodpecker 1 Northern Flicker 1 not seen Northern Flicker (Yellow-shafted) 2 apparent pair, both seen American Kestrel 1 female Eastern Phoebe 1 Blue-headed Vireo 5 Blue Jay 16 American Crow 4 Common Raven 1 flew over hilltop croaking Barn Swallow 1 Black-capped Chickadee 8 Tufted Titmouse 10 White-breasted Nuthatch 2 House Wren 3 Carolina Wren 1 Wood Thrush 1 singing American Robin 16 Gray Catbird 1 European Starling 2 American Goldfinch 9 Chipping Sparrow 3 Field Sparrow 1 White-throated Sparrow 1 Song Sparrow 17 Eastern Towhee 32 Red-winged Blackbird 29 Brown-headed Cowbird 9 Common Grackle 1 Ovenbird 4 Black-and-white Warbler 3 Black-throated Green Warbler 4 warbler sp. (Parulidae sp.) 1 Northern Cardinal 13 Rose-breasted Grosbeak 2
Date: 5/4/19 11:49 am From: Bird Watcher's Supply & Gift <birdwsg...> Subject: [MASSBIRD] Little egret, Rt 1A Rowley
Mike Emmons from the South Shore Birding Club called the store at 2:10 to report a Little egret at Tendercrop Farm, Rt 1A in Rowley. The bird was spotted in a puddle. It flew off but may still be found in the area. He also reported spotting earlier 3 American pipits at the Topsfield Fairgrounds and a Yellow-throated vireo at the Nahant stump dump.
Barrett S Bacall
Steve Grinley Bird Watcher's Supply & Gift 194 Route 1, Newburyport, MA 01950 <Birdwsg...> 978-462-0775 www.birdwatcherssupplyandgifts.com
Date: 5/4/19 11:30 am From: Jim Malone <jamesjr_54...> Subject: [MASSBIRD] eBird -- Marblehead Neck Wildlife Sanctuary (Mass Audubon) -- May 4, 2019
Marblehead Neck Wildlife Sanctuary (Mass Audubon) May 4, 2019 8:00 AM Traveling 0.50 miles 60 Minutes All birds reported? Yes Comments: Dozens of blue-headed vireos. My count is probably low. Submitted from eBird for iOS, version 1.9.0 Build 9
4 Mallard 2 Wild Turkey 1 Downy Woodpecker 1 Pileated Woodpecker 1 Northern Flicker 26 Blue-headed Vireo -- Dozens. 26 is on the low end. Similar in Nahant May3. 1 Blue Jay 2 American Crow 2 Tree Swallow 2 Black-capped Chickadee 3 Tufted Titmouse 3 White-breasted Nuthatch 1 House Wren 1 Carolina Wren 2 Blue-gray Gnatcatcher 2 Ruby-crowned Kinglet 4 Hermit Thrush 3 American Robin 1 Gray Catbird 2 House Finch 1 Chipping Sparrow 6 White-throated Sparrow 2 Song Sparrow 2 Eastern Towhee 2 Red-winged Blackbird 5 Common Grackle 1 Northern Waterthrush 3 Black-and-white Warbler 1 Northern Parula 6 Yellow-rumped Warbler 3 Black-throated Green Warbler 2 Northern Cardinal 2 Rose-breasted Grosbeak
Massbirders,While cleaning out what I thought was an abandoned nest box, a very surprised Black-capped Chickadee returned to find the front wall of his home wide open. And his nest missing.
I added fresh wood chips and returned his nest (minus some of its material, which had fallen/separated/blown away) posthaste.
Any chance he'll continue using my nest box as his home? Has my novice mistake totally ruined the Chickadees week (and mine)?
Anyone with any nest box experience feel free to write me personally. I feel absolutely terrible about this. I swear all signs pointed to an abandoned nest.
Sullenly,Mr. Shilo McDonaldLynn, MassachusettsShilo at Yahoo dot com
Date: 5/4/19 10:09 am From: Paul Rennert <rennertp...> Subject: [MASSBIRD] American Kestrel Pair, Medfield
Yesterday I found a male American Kestrel on the wires overlooking the grassy fields on the south side of Hospital Road (McCarthy Park). I went back early today (May 4th) and the male is now paired up.
Also notable was a Chimney Swift yesterday afternoon, and a Prairie Warbler singing this morning. ...................
Question. Does anyone know of any bird that sings like Leconte’s Sparrow. I had a bird singing the Leconte’s song in the yard at the NW corner of the Hartford Ave, Linwood and Granite St intersection in Uxbridge. Drove by a couple times and heard it calling, them found a place nearby to park and walked back but no luck finding the bird.
Also of note I a Prothonotary Warbler singing this morning in downtown Douglas along rt16 just south of the waterfall on that side of the road.
Date: 5/4/19 9:05 am From: Maurice Gilmore <petegilmore79...> Subject: [MASSBIRD] Fwd: eBird Report - Cold Spring Park, Newton, May 4, 2019
Hi Folks,
Cold Spring Park made us work for each bird, but revealed some migrants this am.
Pete Gilmore Newton <petegilmore79...>
---------- Forwarded message --------- From: <ebird-checklist...> Date: Sat, May 4, 2019 at 10:43 AM Subject: eBird Report - Cold Spring Park, Newton, May 4, 2019 To: <Petegilmore79...>
Cold Spring Park, Newton, Middlesex, Massachusetts, US May 4, 2019 7:30 AM - 10:00 AM Protocol: Traveling 2.0 mile(s) Comments: 52F, calm, overcast, two periods of drizzle 43 species
Date: 5/4/19 7:59 am From: Naeem Yusuff <naeem.yusuff...> Subject: [MASSBIRD] Me Auburn 5/4
Hi all,
A pretty good morning at Mt Auburn, despite the drab weather!
Some highlights
Yellow-rumped warbler -10Northern parula - 5Yellow warbler - 3Nashville warbler - 4Magnolia warbler - 1Black and white warbler - 5Northern waterthrush - 1 (willow pond)(Also saw one very tantalizing waterthrush, broad eye stripe, very whitish underparts. near the Indian Ridge underpass on the Halcyon side. In a very goofy spot- walking amongst puddles in the road. Not singing, of course. That would have made life easier)Blue headed vireo - 6Least flycatcher - 2Great crested flycatcher - 1Hermit thrush - 1Veery - 1Swainson’s thrush - 2
Happy Star Wars Day,
Naeem
Date: 5/3/19 7:15 pm From: Sandy <sandyselesky...> Subject: [MASSBIRD] RT Hummingbird and turkeys in Westford
My male finally arrived today at my feeder - 2 days earlier than last year. Great to see him again.
Several chipping sparrows are also back and coming to the sunflower feeder.
7-8 male turkeys have been displaying together as a group and following 1-2 females in our backyard the past few days in an hilarious attempt to attract their attention. (More of them are in our community.). Always fun to watch!
Date: 5/3/19 4:13 pm From: <treeswallow5...> Subject: Re: [MASSBIRD] The "Girls" are Back In Town - Hummer dramas in Middleboro
Holy Crap...What a video!! I thought that only happened in Arizona or Louisiana!!! You guys are soooo lucky!!! Amazing!!
Mike Maurer
Marion, MA
"The time to save a species is while it is still common" Rosalie Edge, Founder of Hawk Mountain Sanctuary
-----Original Message-----
From: Hank Levesque <hlevesque...>
To: massbird <massbird...>
Sent: Fri, May 3, 2019 6:21 pm
Subject: [MASSBIRD] The "Girls" are Back In Town - Hummer dramas in Middleboro
Unlike Thin Lizzy's "The Boys Are Back In Town" (circa 1976), our three male hummers were thrilled to see our first female of the
year. We've had males for a week now, but very much lethargic (if a hummer can be that). Long periods of sitting either at a
feeder, or a nearby bush. They certainly perked up this afternoon with the young lady's appearance. With five feeders on three
different sides of the house, we can see the drama unfold as each male performs, flashing his throat and performing acrobatics for
the interested female.
Last year in August, on our porch we had nearly two dozen buzzing around a setup of three large feeders, along with four single-hole
feeders. It was an amazing site (and sound). Here's a link to a video showing two of the three large feeders, and four single
feeders, on a typical late afternoon. Pretty amazing site.
Date: 5/3/19 3:24 pm From: Hank Levesque <hlevesque...> Subject: [MASSBIRD] The "Girls" are Back In Town - Hummer dramas in Middleboro
Unlike Thin Lizzy's "The Boys Are Back In Town" (circa 1976), our three male hummers were thrilled to see our first female of the year. We've had males for a week now, but very much lethargic (if a hummer can be that). Long periods of sitting either at a feeder, or a nearby bush. They certainly perked up this afternoon with the young lady's appearance. With five feeders on three different sides of the house, we can see the drama unfold as each male performs, flashing his throat and performing acrobatics for the interested female.
Last year in August, on our porch we had nearly two dozen buzzing around a setup of three large feeders, along with four single-hole feeders. It was an amazing site (and sound). Here's a link to a video showing two of the three large feeders, and four single feeders, on a typical late afternoon. Pretty amazing site.
Date: 5/3/19 2:12 pm From: Josh <opihi...> Subject: [MASSBIRD] Great migration day in western MA
Hi MassBirders,
I haven’t had time to post much here lately, but today, just had to make time for it. Not sure how things are in eastern MA, but the western part of the state is having a wonderful day bird-wise. Quoting from a post by Dave McLain, of Mass Audubon’s Arcadia Sanctuary, to the Western Mass Birders group on FaceBook:
"Huge fallout day. Birds everywhere. Get outside. Even in the rain. 87 species. Bonaparte’s Gull, both yellowlegs, bobolinks, 18 warbler species including bay-breasted and Canada. 3 vireos. And all the colorful ones except indigo."
And another post from Chuck Stern: "Amazing day. This morning at Orchard Hill: Black and white, Yellow-rumped, Nashville, Blackburnian, Chestnut-sided and Yellow warblers, Blue-headed and Warbling vireos, among others"
As for me, I started the day, like most weekdays, at Barton Cove, just after dropping my son off at school about 100 yards away. It had been fun this week: it went from a Ruddy Duck and my FOY Warbling Vireo on Monday; to 8 Horned Grebes, a pair of Lesser Scaup, and a Bonaparte’s Gull on Tuesday; to a five-species swallow flock (Tree, Barn, Bank, Rough-winged, and Cliff) Wednesday; to a trio of Red-necked Grebes on Thursday. And then today… totally blew the roof off!
The weather today was calmer and less rainy than the last couple, so I expected less bird activity. So much for that idea; I pulled onto Riverview Drive and found the water nearby swarming with birds! There had been a few Bufflehead around all week, all marked as unusually late by eBird, but today there were at least 38! Among them were a pair of Ring-necked Ducks (also late per eBird), and 7 Horned Grebes; meanwhile, I could hear a Common Loon yodeling in the background. Saw a group of birds approaching, pointed my optics their way: 7 Red-breasted Mergansers! Can’t tell you how many times I’ve scoured the cove looking for just *one* of them… At some point a Northern Harrier came skimming down the shoreline and right over my car. Scanning further into the background, I spotted the loon that I’d been hearing and 9 of its buddies, plus a raft of 5 Long-tailed Ducks; then a string of dark birds came flying down the river and Into the cove: 8 White-winged Scoters, and after I looked down at my phone for a minute to post about all this on FaceBook, when I looked up again, a second group of 10 White-wings had appeared as well! I felt like I was looking at the ocean from Cape Ann or maybe Nantucket, instead of looking at the Connecticut River from Gill…
One last impressive sighting from the Cove this morning, labeled as “rare” by eBird: I’d tallied about 30 Double-crested Cormorants on the cove from the Gill side. After I circulated around to the other side in Turners Falls, and encountered Greg Watkevich, Al Richards, and Chuck Stern at Unity Park, a multi-V flock of at least 80 more cormorants came flying in. We didn’t see where they landed, but they must have found some friends, because not much later, a raft of cormorants came swimming out from behind the island were the local Bald Eagle pair nests, which by my count numbered 195! It looked like you could walk from the island to the shore on cormorant backs without getting your feet wet...
I finally tore myself away, but with this much action, I had to check a couple of other places to see if they had any goodies. Greg said he’d been to the Rod & Gun Club earlier, and did well on warblers, but on the water only had a couple of Lesser Yellowlegs which had flown off. Chuck said he was going there too, so I skipped the club to save time. The power canal was much quieter except for an odd couple, a Bufflehead with a Horned Grebe. I continued down to Tri-town Beach in South Deerfield, where there was *another* Horned Grebe; they seemed to be everywhere today!
I figured that my birding had jumped the shark for the day at that point. But there was a muddy cornfield with a few puddles nearby, and I still haven’t ever managed to find a snipe for my Franklin County list, so stopped there for a look. Still no snipe…. But, in a wet grassy ditch along one side of the cornfield, an American Bittern, my first ever in Franklin County, species number 220!
Life returned somewhat to normal after that. But only somewhat. Our dog needed a walk, so I took her along Amethyst Brook near our backyard, and during that walk heard my first Ovenbirds of the year, plus Pine, Palm, and Black-and-White Warblers, a Brown Creeper, and a Blue-headed Vireo. Plus, noticed that our local Eastern Phoebe was sitting on her nest! Hope she doesn’t hatch her eggs too soon, not so many insects flying to feed them yet…
I had one last little surprise in store. After an appointment, was on my way to the local convenience store for a quick snack, and was driving past Wentworth Farm Conservation Area. A car came up behind me driving fast, so I pulled over into the Wentworth parking area to let them pass, and my pulling in scattered a small flock of sparrows. Most of them were Chipping, but I had binoculars in the car (of course), so took a look to be sure, and one turned out to be an adult White-crowned Sparrow!
Date: 5/3/19 1:23 pm From: Lindsey Nichols <pepper.please...> Subject: [MASSBIRD] Highlights from Boston Public Garden this afternoon
Massbirders,
I went out around 2:30 pm, and stayed out in spite of steady rain alternating with drizzle. Thoroughly drenched, but in good birdy spirits! Highlights included:
- Yellow-throated vireo (patch bird for me!) - Blue-headed vireos (some singing) - Blue-gray gnatcatcher - Veery - Woodthrush - Nashville warbler (first of year for me) - Black-throated green warbler (fos as well) - Northern parula - Ruby-crowned kinglets
Date: 5/3/19 1:14 pm From: Jim Berry <jim.berry3...> Subject: [MASSBIRD] Willowdale SF (east), Ipswich, May 3, 2019
Willowdale SF (east), Ipswich May 3, 2019 8:35 AM - 11:55 AM Protocol: Traveling 3.0 mile(s) Comments: I walked a long loop from Topsfield Rd., covering, among other places, the wide marsh along Gravelly Brook where the trail crosses it on a low dike behind Turner Hill. Highlights were a broad-winged hawk, an early veery, a raven, and at least 3 Virginia rails in the aforesaid marsh. Warbler variety was limited, however, and at times the forest was silent. 33 species (+1 other taxon)
Wood Duck 1 Mourning Dove 8 Virginia Rail 3 At least this many, calling from 3 different spots in the marsh; a mixture of ticket calls and grunts. No soras called. Broad-winged Hawk 1 owl sp. 1 Large--barred or horned. Seen poorly as it flew away from me. Could not get it to respond. Downy Woodpecker 1 Hairy Woodpecker 4 Pileated Woodpecker 1 female Northern Flicker 2 not seen Blue-headed Vireo 4 only one sang Blue Jay 1 Common Raven 1 Black-capped Chickadee 11 Tufted Titmouse 11 White-breasted Nuthatch 4 Winter Wren 1 singing; I may have heard a mate giving alarm calls Carolina Wren 1 rare in this forest Veery 1 Silent, as usual for early veeries. Only one other time have I entered a veery this early in ebird in Essex County (May 3, 2010). American Robin 2 American Goldfinch 4 Chipping Sparrow 3 White-throated Sparrow 2 Song Sparrow 4 Swamp Sparrow 1 Eastern Towhee 1 Red-winged Blackbird 25 Brown-headed Cowbird 3 Common Grackle 1 Ovenbird 8 all warblers except the palms were singing males Northern Waterthrush 6 Black-and-white Warbler 1 Palm Warbler (Yellow) 2 Pine Warbler 8 Northern Cardinal 2
Late yesterday afternoon, 'Sentry' arrived (he is constantly on alert on his perch), already wreaking havoc on our first arrival, 'Fred', poor thing. So much for being there first! Both were/are feeding heavily each visit so their journey was well rewarded. We also have our annual 'duck pond' in the lower end of our lawn-......no mallards yet but did have a GBH perusing the lawn close to it-first time that's happened! but only can assume it made an accurate assessment of the pond-a tad too shallow for 'Big Guy' and after 5min., took off for our neighborhood 'beaver dam' pond a block away. Today we had our first Rose-breasted Grosbeaks, a pair, at the platform feeder. Guess winter is officially DONE but April showers are literally 'spilling' into May.Judy Parrot-WillisNorth Andover, MA
Date: 5/3/19 11:24 am From: David Pettee <brookfarm...> Subject: [MASSBIRD] Fresh Pond
I have been walking around Fresh Pond regularly this week to track migration, and today, things began to change: four Yellow Warblers, one Northern Parula, one Black-and-white Warbler, a Scarlet Tanager, two Warbling and Blue-headed Vireos and a spectacular Common Loon in breeding plumage.
Observation start time: 08:00:00 Observation end time: 11:00:00 Total observation time: 3 hours
Official Counter: Donald Manchester
Observers: Weather: Cloudy and calm with very gentle N winds
Raptor Observations:
Non-raptor Observations: 10 migrating Common Loon, First of year Chipping Sparrow, first of year Belted Kingfisher ======================================================================== Report submitted by Melissa Lowe (<mlowe...>) Pilgrim Heights information may be found at: http://massaudubon.org/wellfleetbay-hawkwatch
Site Description: The Pilgrim Heights Hawk Watch is located in the town of North Truro, MA on Cape Cod, approximately 100 miles southeast of Boston. The site is located within the Cape Cod National Seashore and is the only formal site located on Cape Cod. The site (elevation 50ft), is at the second or northernmost overlook along an interpretive trail that runs through the area. The trail is accessed only by foot but is open to the public. Currently the site is used, with permission from the Cape Cod National Seashore, for the spring migration, a 6-8 week period within the months of March through June. Historically, the heaviest flights have occurred during the last week of April and first week of May. At least 8 species are recorded as regular migrants at the site. There is a large migratory movement of non-raptor species including seabirds, gulls, ducks and passerines to name a few. The site is also known for observing butterfly and dragonfly migrants. Whale sightings off-shore are also common during these months. Muskrat, otter and white-tailed deer are common residents.
Directions to site: Pilgrim Heights is located within the Cape Cod National Seashore in North Truro on the east side of Route 6, just north of the Truro and Provincetown town line. Park in the first parking lot and take the Small's Swamp Trail to the second overlook. It is an easy walk down the trail, approximately one-half mile from parking lot.
Date: 5/3/19 11:13 am From: Robert Baron <rjbaron1021...> Subject: [MASSBIRD] [Massbird] Hooded Warbler at Broad Meadow Brook Wildlife Sanctuary!
Broad Meadow Brook Wildlife Sanctuary, May 3, 8:30-10:30
Canada Goose Wood Duck Mallard Great Blue Heron (on nest at Green Heron Pond) Mourning Dove Red-bellied Woodpecker Northern Flicker Eastern Phoebe Blue Jay Tree Swallow Black-cappe Chicadee House Wren Eastern Bluebird American Robin Yellow-rumped Warbler Hooded Warbler (on trail from Power-lines to Green Heron Pond) Field Sparrow Song Sparrow White-throated Sparrow Northern Cardinal Rose-breasted Grossbeak Red-winged Blackbird Common Grackle American Goldfinch
Date: 5/3/19 9:04 am From: Andrea Bean <abean60...> Subject: [MASSBIRD] FOY birds
Massbirders, I have my FOY Baltimore Oriole and Rose-breasted Grosbeak today at my feeders. Still no hummer. Spring is here....so they say! Andrea Bean Peabody MA
Date: 5/3/19 8:49 am From: Frederick Collins <tcbirder...> Subject: [MASSBIRD] FOY hummingbird
Massbirders: First of year hummingbird at my feeder at 11:33 am today. Sipping my mixture in a steady downpour for at least a minute with temps in low fifties. Tom Collins Pittsfield, Ma.
Date: 5/3/19 7:57 am From: Kyle Wilmarth <kyle.wilmarth...> Subject: [MASSBIRD] Lesser Black-backed Gull, East Haverhill
Last night around 6pm I had a nice subadult Lesser Black-backed Gull among the gulls at Kimball Farm on East Broadway. Photos: https://flic.kr/p/2fLHWf2
Date: 5/3/19 2:20 am From: <jcolemanarch...> Subject: Re: [MASSBIRD] Long-tailed Ducks in Breeding plumage Gloucester Harbor
Like many of my peers I grew up with “Oldsquaw” but understand the name change. It has been pointed out that it manages to demean 3 groups at once! Other AOU name changes seem far less reasonable. The IOU is better at respecting history.
Sent from my iPhone
> On May 2, 2019, at 5:52 PM, linda pivacek <lpivacek...> wrote:
>
> Thanks Susan, nice report. I like "Old Squaw" way better.
>
> Linda
>
> Linda Pivacek, Nahant, <lpivacek...>
>
>> On May 2, 2019 at 5:04 PM Susan Hedman <2winterwren...> wrote:
>>
>> Monday afternoon I took a look at the Harbor and found a couple of large flocks of Long-tailed Ducks all in alternate plumage. We don’t usually get to see this that often. They were also quite vocal reminding me of their former name Old Squaw. I thought the sound was beautiful. I was looking from Eastern Point Rd just past Niles Beach.
>>
>> --
>> Susan Hedman, Gloucester
>> "I believe in God, only I spell it Nature." Frank Lloyd Wright
>>
Date: 5/2/19 2:57 pm From: linda pivacek <lpivacek...> Subject: Re: [MASSBIRD] Long-tailed Ducks in Breeding plumage Gloucester Harbor
Thanks Susan, nice report. I like "Old Squaw" way better.
Linda
Linda Pivacek, Nahant, <lpivacek...>
> On May 2, 2019 at 5:04 PM Susan Hedman <2winterwren...> wrote:
>
> Monday afternoon I took a look at the Harbor and found a couple of large flocks of Long-tailed Ducks all in alternate plumage. We don’t usually get to see this that often. They were also quite vocal reminding me of their former name Old Squaw. I thought the sound was beautiful. I was looking from Eastern Point Rd just past Niles Beach.
>
> --
> Susan Hedman, Gloucester
> "I believe in God, only I spell it Nature." Frank Lloyd Wright
>
>
Date: 5/2/19 2:11 pm From: Susan Hedman <2winterwren...> Subject: [MASSBIRD] Long-tailed Ducks in Breeding plumage Gloucester Harbor
Monday afternoon I took a look at the Harbor and found a couple of large
flocks of Long-tailed Ducks all in alternate plumage. We don’t usually get
to see this that often. They were also quite vocal reminding me of their
former name Old Squaw. I thought the sound was beautiful. I was looking
from Eastern Point Rd just past Niles Beach.
--
Susan Hedman, Gloucester
"I believe in God, only I spell it Nature." Frank Lloyd Wright
Date: 5/2/19 1:59 pm From: Shilo McDonald <shilocm...> Subject: [MASSBIRD] just like Baseball Cards, 'cept different
Hi there,For a First of Life! I found a Rose-breasted Grosbeak in my back yard not an hour ago. :-) While I am still very new to Birding, already I'm hooked. Over the past few months, I've installed four nesting boxes in my yard (various types) to go with 5 different feeders. Purchased several birding books and audiobooks, including the highly recommended Birding by Ear. Attended several birding walks. And just last week, I planted a Kousa Dogwood tree behind my house specifically to attract more birds. Now, I don't know about you? But, a big part of what's made my new hobby so addictive is eBird. Sometimes bird watching is a bit like a Scavenger Hunt. And for me anyways, checking off the names of birds I've ID'd adds a great deal of satisfaction to Birding. And I suspect also for you? As I've read on MassBird a similar excitement over your First of Season / Year / Life posts. And in that way, Birding is also a bit like collecting baseball cards. You want to collect a whole set / whole team / favorite players (favorite birds). Only you can't trade with other Birders for the ones you need. Hmm... Or can you?? Is trading birds allowed? Because if so, I'll trade you an Eastern Towhee + a Ruby-crowned Kinglet for a Grasshopper Sparrow + a Cackling Goose? ;-) Happy Birding!And thank you for sharing your tips, tricks, and lessons learned! This tenderfoot truly appreciates it. Sincerely,Mr. Shilo McDonald, LynnShiloCM at yahoo dot com
Date: 5/2/19 1:42 pm From: Susan Hedman <2winterwren...> Subject: [MASSBIRD] Oystercatchers and Ibis Manchester MA 5/2
This afternoon on the way home to Gloucester I saw 20 Glossy Ibis feeding in a wet field on Bridge Street. Then a doing a quick cruise through Black and White Beaches on Ocean St, I found a pair of A.Oystercatchers feeding at low tide in the rain.
-- Susan Hedman, Gloucester "I believe in God, only I spell it Nature." Frank Lloyd Wright
Date: 5/2/19 12:33 pm From: John Nelson <jnelson...> Subject: [MASSBIRD] Association of Massachusetts Birding Clubs
The Association of Massachusetts Birding Clubs was founded in 2016 to improve communication within the birding community and work toward common goals. The Association now includes 19 clubs representing well over 4000 birders from across the state.
One mission of the Association is conservation advocacy. In recent months the Association has signed on as a co-sponsor of a Massachusetts Act to Protect Pollinators, which would reduce residential use of pesticides, and we have signed on to an American Bird Conservancy petition that opposes any weakening in interpretation or enforcement of the Migratory Bird Treaty Act. We also encourage members to participate in Citizen Science projects, like breeding bird censuses of Mass Fish and Wildlife properties, reporting of sightings of state-listed breeding birds, and current Mass Audubon projects such as the Eastern Meadowlark Survey and an Avian Collision Team survey of window strikes in downtown Boston.
Many member clubs have also joined the New England Birding Calendar, sponsored by the journal *Bird Observer, *which provides a service to birders by listing club field trips and other events across Massachusetts and New England. You can access the calendar at www.birdingcalendar.com
The Association will hold its next meeting from 10:00 to 12:30 on Sunday, July 14 at the Mass Fish and Wildlife offices at Westborough WMA in Westborough. All meetings and the Association's Google Group are open to any individual member of any member club. If you have questions, want to join the Google Group, or need further information, you can contact me privately.
John Nelson Acting Chair, Association of Massachusetts Birding Clubs Chair, Brookline Bird Club Conservation and Education Committee
Date: 5/2/19 11:22 am From: Daniel McDermott <dmcdermott1996...> Subject: [MASSBIRD] Vesper Sparrow, Chelmsford 5/2/19
Hi Massbirds,
Fairly rainy and cloudy day but there is a VESPER SPARROW feeding at the Wotton St baseball fields in Chelmsford. It’s been in the open allowing for easy viewing since 1:45pm
Date: 5/2/19 9:38 am From: Kat Birder <katbirder...> Subject: [MASSBIRD] Fwd: eBird Report - Great Meadows NWR--Concord Unit, May 2, 2019
What a spectacular morning. One of the best in my nine years with Alan's survey team. A good reminder that a rainy day may be great birding weather in the right habitat! For photos follow link at end of list..
Great Meadows NWR--Concord Unit, Middlesex, Massachusetts, US May 2, 2019 8:30 AM - 11:00 AM Protocol: Traveling 1.0 mile(s) Comments: Weekly species census. Light rain 50's F. 48 species (+1 other taxa)
Canada Goose 10 Mute Swan 4 Wood Duck 8 Mallard 3 Hooded Merganser 1 On nest box Mourning Dove 2 Chimney Swift 1 Virginia Rail 3 Sora 1 Running across main Dike Tr several timies (mid-dike past the flooded area) Greater Yellowlegs 5 Flew over Lower Pool twice Ring-billed Gull 1 Caspian Tern 1 Large tern with bright red-orange bill. Spotted by Cris. Photos. Black Tern 1 Adult in breeding plumage feeding in air and hunting water surface of Lower Pool with Swallows. Stunning. Velvet black body with gray-white wings and tail. Spotted by Alan and survey group at 9:10 am. Still present an hour later. Photos post shortly Double-crested Cormorant 24 Group of three and group of 21. Great Blue Heron 2 Osprey 1 Bald Eagle 1 Red-tailed Hawk 2 Red-bellied Woodpecker 2 Downy Woodpecker (Eastern) 2 Hairy Woodpecker (Eastern) 4 Several calling and seen along railroad grade and dike Northern Flicker (Yellow-shafted) 4 Warbling Vireo 3 Blue Jay 2 Northern Rough-winged Swallow 1 Tree Swallow 145 Bank Swallow 3 Barn Swallow 40 Cliff Swallow 8 Mostly staying together hunting with other swallows in Lower pool. Squared off tail, head lamp, rump patch. Black-capped Chickadee 7 Tufted Titmouse 6 White-breasted Nuthatch (Eastern) 2 Marsh Wren 4 Blue-gray Gnatcatcher 4 Eastern Bluebird 1 American Robin 19 American Goldfinch 8 Song Sparrow 9 Swamp Sparrow 10 sparrow sp. 2 Red-winged Blackbird 60 Common Grackle 80 Northern Waterthrush 1 Sang softly a couple times below railroad grade in wet area Yellow Warbler 5 Pine Warbler 3 Yellow-rumped Warbler (Myrtle) 2 Northern Cardinal 3 Rose-breasted Grosbeak 1 Railroad grade House Sparrow 3
Date: 5/2/19 8:25 am From: Young, John (DPU) <john.young...> Subject: [MASSBIRD] big media birds
As highlighted on the first page of the Boston Globe, there are two very large barn swallows that have showed up in Dewey Square, opposite South Station in Boston. They give me the impression of being of an old world subspecies but perhaps others would have more defined views on that. I will concede that in spite of their length and breadth, their depth is only nominal. While on big media, check out the Bing home page today for a cool bird photo.
Date: 5/2/19 6:46 am From: Maurice Gilmore <petegilmore79...> Subject: [MASSBIRD] Fwd: eBird -- Mt. Auburn Cemetery -- May 2, 2019
Hi Folks,
Even with Baltimore Orioles glowing in blossoming fruit trees and a Yellow Warbler at Willow Pond, singing, another dank morning.
Pete Gilmore Newton, MA <petegilmore79...>
---------- Forwarded message --------- From: Maurice Gilmore <petegilmore79...> Date: Thu, May 2, 2019 at 9:37 AM Subject: eBird -- Mt. Auburn Cemetery -- May 2, 2019 To: Pete Gilmore <petegilmore79...>
Mt. Auburn Cemetery May 2, 2019 5:46 AM Traveling 2.00 miles 65 Minutes All birds reported? Yes Comments: 44F, calm, drizzle started at 7:55. Submitted from eBird for iOS, version 1.9.0 Build 9
3 Mallard 1 Wild Turkey 7 Mourning Dove 4 Red-bellied Woodpecker 3 Northern Flicker (Yellow-shafted) 2 Blue Jay 1 Common Raven 4 Black-capped Chickadee 3 Tufted Titmouse 1 White-breasted Nuthatch (Eastern) 13 American Robin 2 European Starling 3 American Goldfinch 11 Chipping Sparrow 1 White-throated Sparrow 6 Song Sparrow (melodia/atlantica) 3 Baltimore Oriole 6 Brown-headed Cowbird 19 Common Grackle 1 Yellow Warbler 3 Yellow-rumped Warbler (Myrtle) 4 Northern Cardinal 3 House Sparrow
Date: 5/1/19 3:53 pm From: Regina Harrison <onebirdlife...> Subject: Re: [MASSBIRD] Flicker challenge
They have loads of suet--I think the woodpecker is using the chimney to amplify his territorial drumming.
Regina Harrison <onebirdlife...> Woburn, MA
On Wed, May 1, 2019 at 4:16 PM Jane Moosbruker <jamoos...> wrote:
> *Try putting out suet for them. They peck on my house only when their > feeder is empty!* > > > > Jane Moosbruker, Ph.D. > > <Jamoos...> > > *From:* <massbird-approval...> [mailto: > <massbird-approval...>] *On Behalf Of *Regina Harrison > *Sent:* Wednesday, May 01, 2019 11:54 AM > *To:* MASSBIRD > *Subject:* Re: [MASSBIRD] Flicker challenge > > > > One of my local woodpeckers (I routinely have Downy, Hairy and Red-bellied > woodpeckers, along with Northern Flickers, and haven't been able to see > which one it is) has been drumming on our steel chimney cap--I kept hearing > this strange thrumming noise that sounded like it was coming from our > furnace. It was the resonance of the drumming on the steel cap carrying > down through the house along the steel chimney liner! Rather alarming, but > all's well that ends well. > > > > Regina Harrison > > <onebirdlife...> > > Woburn, MA > > > > On Tue, Apr 30, 2019 at 10:40 PM Charles Patterson <chaspatt...> > wrote: > > I have the same problem with Downy Woodpeckers. I'm sure they are looking > for food under the shingles but at sunrise when I'm trying to sleep it is > annoying. I tried yelling at them but they just came back. Finally I > pulled out my bird app and cued a Coopers Hawk call. We have Coopers so > they know the call. It works for that day at least. > > > > Charlie Patterson > > Norwell, Ma > > <chaspatt...> > > On 4/30/2019 7:32 PM, Madeleine Linck wrote: > > Is it actually doing a nest cavity or is it going after insect larvae? > There are often wasp larvae under cedar shingles and woodpeckers hear them > and go after them for food. Hardware cloth might be a deterrent. Also > Google Attack Spider on the web. It looks ridiculous but when there is bird > motion the fake spider comes down! Balloons can help, but birds get used > to them, especially if they want to eat the larvae hidden behind the wood. > > > > Madeleine Linck > > Rehoboth > > > > On Tue, Apr 30, 2019, 2:59 PM Eddie <emgiles62...> wrote: > > On 4/30/2019 7:56 AM, alice morgan wrote: > > A Flicker has decided to excavate outside one of our bedrooms, > > starting daily at dawn. Any thoughts on how we can discourage it? > > In a tree outside your window or into your actual home? If it's > the former, why would you discourage it? I'd be thrilled! > > > Eddie > > ************************************** > Eddie Giles > East Bridgewater, MA > <emgiles62...> > > > > <https://www.avast.com/sig-email?utm_medium=email&utm_source=link&utm_campaign=sig-email&utm_content=emailclient&utm_term=icon> Virus-free. > www.avast.com > <https://www.avast.com/sig-email?utm_medium=email&utm_source=link&utm_campaign=sig-email&utm_content=emailclient&utm_term=link> > <#m_250145493206712402_DAB4FAD8-2DD7-40BB-A1B8-4E2AA1F9FDF2> >
Date: 5/1/19 3:27 pm From: Jonathan Center <jbcenter...> Subject: Re: [MASSBIRD] Flicker challenge
I wonder if we realize that woodpeckers do this in the spring for territorially reasons and are actually not looking for food. Flickers particularly like to drum on metal. But they do it also looking for food. Now that I think about it I have had problems with Downys doing the same on my shutters. They will eventually stop for both reasons..
Jonathan
-----Original Message-----
From: Jane Moosbruker <jamoos...>
To: 'Regina Harrison' <onebirdlife...>; 'MASSBIRD' <massbird...>
Sent: Wed, May 1, 2019 4:33 pm
Subject: RE: [MASSBIRD] Flicker challenge
#yiv4818827427 #yiv4818827427 -- _filtered #yiv4818827427 {font-family:Calibri;panose-1:2 15 5 2 2 2 4 3 2 4;} _filtered #yiv4818827427 {font-family:Tahoma;panose-1:2 11 6 4 3 5 4 4 2 4;} _filtered #yiv4818827427 {panose-1:2 11 6 6 2 2 2 3 2 4;} _filtered #yiv4818827427 {font-family:Georgia;panose-1:2 4 5 2 5 4 5 2 3 3;} #yiv4818827427 #yiv4818827427 p.yiv4818827427MsoNormal, #yiv4818827427 li.yiv4818827427MsoNormal, #yiv4818827427 div.yiv4818827427MsoNormal {margin:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;font-size:12.0pt;font-family:New;} #yiv4818827427 a:link, #yiv4818827427 span.yiv4818827427MsoHyperlink {color:blue;text-decoration:underline;} #yiv4818827427 a:visited, #yiv4818827427 span.yiv4818827427MsoHyperlinkFollowed {color:purple;text-decoration:underline;} #yiv4818827427 p {margin-right:0in;margin-left:0in;font-size:12.0pt;font-family:New;} #yiv4818827427 span.yiv4818827427EmailStyle18 {color:black;font-weight:bold;font-style:normal;text-decoration:none none;} #yiv4818827427 .yiv4818827427MsoChpDefault {} _filtered #yiv4818827427 {margin:1.0in 1.0in 1.0in 1.0in;} #yiv4818827427 div.yiv4818827427WordSection1 {} #yiv4818827427 Try putting out suet for them. They peck on my house only when their feeder is empty! Jane Moosbruker, <Ph.D.Jamoos...>: <massbird-approval...> [mailto:<massbird-approval...>] On Behalf Of Regina Harrison
Sent: Wednesday, May 01, 2019 11:54 AM
To: MASSBIRD
Subject: Re: [MASSBIRD] Flicker challenge One of my local woodpeckers (I routinely have Downy, Hairy and Red-bellied woodpeckers, along with Northern Flickers, and haven't been able to see which one it is) has been drumming on our steel chimney cap--I kept hearing this strange thrumming noise that sounded like it was coming from our furnace. It was the resonance of the drumming on the steel cap carrying down through the house along the steel chimney liner! Rather alarming, but all's well that ends well. Regina <Harrisononebirdlife...>, MA On Tue, Apr 30, 2019 at 10:40 PM Charles Patterson <chaspatt...> wrote:
I have the same problem with Downy Woodpeckers. I'm sure they are looking for food under the shingles but at sunrise when I'm trying to sleep it is annoying. I tried yelling at them but they just came back. Finally I pulled out my bird app and cued a Coopers Hawk call. We have Coopers so they know the call. It works for that day at least. Charlie PattersonNorwell, <Machaspatt...> 4/30/2019 7:32 PM, Madeleine Linck wrote:
Is it actually doing a nest cavity or is it going after insect larvae? There are often wasp larvae under cedar shingles and woodpeckers hear them and go after them for food. Hardware cloth might be a deterrent. Also Google Attack Spider on the web. It looks ridiculous but when there is bird motion the fake spider comes down! Balloons can help, but birds get used to them, especially if they want to eat the larvae hidden behind the wood. Madeleine LinckRehoboth On Tue, Apr 30, 2019, 2:59 PM Eddie <emgiles62...> wrote:
On 4/30/2019 7:56 AM, alice morgan wrote:
> A Flicker has decided to excavate outside one of our bedrooms,
> starting daily at dawn. Any thoughts on how we can discourage it?
In a tree outside your window or into your actual home? If it's
the former, why would you discourage it? I'd be thrilled!
Eddie
**************************************
Eddie Giles
East Bridgewater, MA
<emgiles62...>
Good idea. Also, the drumming on metal is an announcement of availability. Chimney toppers is a favorite and closer to the ground they'll drum on old oil drums used as rubbish barrels.
> On May 1, 2019 at 4:16 PM Jane Moosbruker <jamoos...> wrote: > > > Try putting out suet for them. They peck on my house only when their feeder is empty! > > > > Jane Moosbruker, Ph.D. > > <Jamoos...> mailto:<Jamoos...> > > From: <massbird-approval...> [mailto:<massbird-approval...>] On Behalf Of Regina Harrison > Sent: Wednesday, May 01, 2019 11:54 AM > To: MASSBIRD > Subject: Re: [MASSBIRD] Flicker challenge > > > > One of my local woodpeckers (I routinely have Downy, Hairy and Red-bellied woodpeckers, along with Northern Flickers, and haven't been able to see which one it is) has been drumming on our steel chimney cap--I kept hearing this strange thrumming noise that sounded like it was coming from our furnace. It was the resonance of the drumming on the steel cap carrying down through the house along the steel chimney liner! Rather alarming, but all's well that ends well. > > > > Regina Harrison > > <onebirdlife...> mailto:<onebirdlife...> > > Woburn, MA > > > > On Tue, Apr 30, 2019 at 10:40 PM Charles Patterson <chaspatt...> mailto:<chaspatt...> > wrote: > > > > > > I have the same problem with Downy Woodpeckers. I'm sure they are looking for food under the shingles but at sunrise when I'm trying to sleep it is annoying. I tried yelling at them but they just came back. Finally I pulled out my bird app and cued a Coopers Hawk call. We have Coopers so they know the call. It works for that day at least. > > > > > > > > Charlie Patterson > > > > Norwell, Ma > > > > <chaspatt...> mailto:<chaspatt...> > > > > On 4/30/2019 7:32 PM, Madeleine Linck wrote: > > > > > > > > > > Is it actually doing a nest cavity or is it going after insect larvae? There are often wasp larvae under cedar shingles and woodpeckers hear them and go after them for food. Hardware cloth might be a deterrent. Also Google Attack Spider on the web. It looks ridiculous but when there is bird motion the fake spider comes down! Balloons can help, but birds get used to them, especially if they want to eat the larvae hidden behind the wood. > > > > > > > > > > > > Madeleine Linck > > > > > > Rehoboth > > > > > > > > > > > > On Tue, Apr 30, 2019, 2:59 PM Eddie <emgiles62...> mailto:<emgiles62...> > wrote: > > > > > > > > > > > > > > On 4/30/2019 7:56 AM, alice morgan wrote: > > > > > A Flicker has decided to excavate outside one of our bedrooms, > > > > > starting daily at dawn. Any thoughts on how we can discourage it? > > > > > > > > In a tree outside your window or into your actual home? If it's > > > > the former, why would you discourage it? I'd be thrilled! > > > > > > > > > > > > Eddie > > > > > > > > ************************************** > > > > Eddie Giles > > > > East Bridgewater, MA > > > > <emgiles62...> mailto:<emgiles62...> > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > https://www.avast.com/sig-email?utm_medium=email&utm_source=link&utm_campaign=sig-email&utm_content=emailclient&utm_term=icon > Virus-free. www.avast.com https://www.avast.com/sig-email?utm_medium=email&utm_source=link&utm_campaign=sig-email&utm_content=emailclient&utm_term=link >
Try putting out suet for them. They peck on my house only when their feeder is empty!
Jane Moosbruker, Ph.D.
<Jamoos...>
From: <massbird-approval...> [mailto:<massbird-approval...>] On Behalf Of Regina Harrison
Sent: Wednesday, May 01, 2019 11:54 AM
To: MASSBIRD
Subject: Re: [MASSBIRD] Flicker challenge
One of my local woodpeckers (I routinely have Downy, Hairy and Red-bellied woodpeckers, along with Northern Flickers, and haven't been able to see which one it is) has been drumming on our steel chimney cap--I kept hearing this strange thrumming noise that sounded like it was coming from our furnace. It was the resonance of the drumming on the steel cap carrying down through the house along the steel chimney liner! Rather alarming, but all's well that ends well.
Regina Harrison
<onebirdlife...>
Woburn, MA
On Tue, Apr 30, 2019 at 10:40 PM Charles Patterson <chaspatt...> wrote:
I have the same problem with Downy Woodpeckers. I'm sure they are looking for food under the shingles but at sunrise when I'm trying to sleep it is annoying. I tried yelling at them but they just came back. Finally I pulled out my bird app and cued a Coopers Hawk call. We have Coopers so they know the call. It works for that day at least.
Charlie Patterson
Norwell, Ma
<chaspatt...>
On 4/30/2019 7:32 PM, Madeleine Linck wrote:
Is it actually doing a nest cavity or is it going after insect larvae? There are often wasp larvae under cedar shingles and woodpeckers hear them and go after them for food. Hardware cloth might be a deterrent. Also Google Attack Spider on the web. It looks ridiculous but when there is bird motion the fake spider comes down! Balloons can help, but birds get used to them, especially if they want to eat the larvae hidden behind the wood.
Madeleine Linck
Rehoboth
On Tue, Apr 30, 2019, 2:59 PM Eddie <emgiles62...> wrote:
On 4/30/2019 7:56 AM, alice morgan wrote:
> A Flicker has decided to excavate outside one of our bedrooms,
> starting daily at dawn. Any thoughts on how we can discourage it?
In a tree outside your window or into your actual home? If it's
the former, why would you discourage it? I'd be thrilled!
Eddie
**************************************
Eddie Giles
East Bridgewater, MA
<emgiles62...>
Date: 5/1/19 12:16 pm From: Linda Ferraresso <tattler1...> Subject: [MASSBIRD] Boston Public Garden walk cancelled tomorrow May 2
Dear Birders,
It is with a heavy heart that I am cancelling the BBC walk at the Boston Public Garden tomorrow. Rain is predicted til at least 9 a.m., temperature in the 40's and easterly winds. Not the best environment for birders or migrating birds. Patiently waiting for a change in this weather pattern! May the sun shine soon and the migrants take flight to our fair land!!
Linda
-- Linda Ferraresso Salem, MA tattler1(at)comcast(dot)net
"Faith is the bird that feels the light and sings when the dawn is still dark" - Tagore
Date: 5/1/19 9:40 am From: Jay Pitocchelli <jpitocch...> Subject: [MASSBIRD] Request for assistance – song recordings of migrating Mourning Warblers
It is year 5 of this project and I am once again writing to request your help and participate in a Citizens Science Project that involves recording migrating Mourning Warbler songs.Our lab is trying to determine what role song can play in understanding migratory connectivity in this species.We are interested in whether different song populations of the Mourning Warbler (Western, Eastern, Nova Scotia, Newfoundland) migrate together or separately to their respective breeding areas.Here is a link to a map with previous years’ results based on recordings from over 100 birders.
All you need is a smartphone with a voice recording app and some luck.Videos with recordings are also helpful.The web page link below describes the project and how to make recordings on your Smartphone in more detail.Please send song recordings to the Mourning Warbler Sound Lab (jpitocch AT anselm.edu).
Date: 5/1/19 9:04 am From: Sebastian Jones <sebastianojones...> Subject: [MASSBIRD] Brookline Bird Club McLaughlin Woods Walk, 5/1
Hi Massbirders, A group of 14 of us birded McLaughlin Woods in Boston this morning. Over the course of an hour, we encountered 30 species including a nice early-season feeding flock comprised of Northern Parula, Blue-gray Gnatcatcher, Red-breasted Nuthatch, and Blue-headed Vireo, among others. The complete checklist is below.
For those on the walk this morning who'd like to join the shared eBird checklist , click this link <https://ebird.org/shared?subID=UzU1NjI2NDE4&s=t> (if that doesn't work for some reason, just shoot me an email).
Walks will continue weekly throughout the May, Wednesdays at 7:30 am. More info about the next walk can be found here <https://www.brooklinebirdclub.org/tripevent/mclaughlin-woods-migrants-boston-2/>. We'll meet at the bleachers next to the lower baseball field, per usual. The spot is accessible by T (a short walk from the Jackson Square stop on the Orange Line) and there's usually ample parking along Fisher and Parker Hill Avenues.
Best, Sebastian Jones Jamaica Plain, MA
---------- Forwarded message --------- From: <ebird-checklist...> Date: Wed, May 1, 2019 at 9:54 AM Subject: eBird Report - McLaughlin Woods, May 1, 2019 To: <sebastianojones...>
McLaughlin Woods, Suffolk, Massachusetts, US May 1, 2019 7:41 AM - 8:43 AM Protocol: Traveling 1.06 mile(s) 30 species
Wild Turkey 1 Rock Pigeon (Feral Pigeon) 1 Mourning Dove 2 Chimney Swift 1 Herring Gull 3 Double-crested Cormorant 1 Red-tailed Hawk 1 Downy Woodpecker 3 Northern Flicker 3 Blue-headed Vireo 1 Blue Jay 3 Black-capped Chickadee 3 Tufted Titmouse 2 Red-breasted Nuthatch 1 White-breasted Nuthatch 1 Carolina Wren 1 Blue-gray Gnatcatcher 2 Ruby-crowned Kinglet 1 American Robin 8 European Starling 3 House Finch 2 American Goldfinch 1 Chipping Sparrow 1 White-throated Sparrow 8 Song Sparrow 1 Brown-headed Cowbird 1 Northern Parula 2 Yellow-rumped Warbler 1 Northern Cardinal 4 House Sparrow 4
Date: 5/1/19 9:01 am From: Regina Harrison <onebirdlife...> Subject: Re: [MASSBIRD] Flicker challenge
One of my local woodpeckers (I routinely have Downy, Hairy and Red-bellied woodpeckers, along with Northern Flickers, and haven't been able to see which one it is) has been drumming on our steel chimney cap--I kept hearing this strange thrumming noise that sounded like it was coming from our furnace. It was the resonance of the drumming on the steel cap carrying down through the house along the steel chimney liner! Rather alarming, but all's well that ends well.
Regina Harrison <onebirdlife...> Woburn, MA
On Tue, Apr 30, 2019 at 10:40 PM Charles Patterson <chaspatt...> wrote:
> I have the same problem with Downy Woodpeckers. I'm sure they are looking > for food under the shingles but at sunrise when I'm trying to sleep it is > annoying. I tried yelling at them but they just came back. Finally I > pulled out my bird app and cued a Coopers Hawk call. We have Coopers so > they know the call. It works for that day at least. > > > Charlie Patterson > > Norwell, Ma > > <chaspatt...> > On 4/30/2019 7:32 PM, Madeleine Linck wrote: > > Is it actually doing a nest cavity or is it going after insect larvae? > There are often wasp larvae under cedar shingles and woodpeckers hear them > and go after them for food. Hardware cloth might be a deterrent. Also > Google Attack Spider on the web. It looks ridiculous but when there is bird > motion the fake spider comes down! Balloons can help, but birds get used > to them, especially if they want to eat the larvae hidden behind the wood. > > Madeleine Linck > Rehoboth > > On Tue, Apr 30, 2019, 2:59 PM Eddie <emgiles62...> wrote: > >> On 4/30/2019 7:56 AM, alice morgan wrote: >> > A Flicker has decided to excavate outside one of our bedrooms, >> > starting daily at dawn. Any thoughts on how we can discourage it? >> >> In a tree outside your window or into your actual home? If it's >> the former, why would you discourage it? I'd be thrilled! >> >> >> Eddie >> >> ************************************** >> Eddie Giles >> East Bridgewater, MA >> <emgiles62...> >> >
Date: 5/1/19 2:42 am From: Peter Trull <petrull...> Subject: Re: [MASSBIRD] Flicker challenge
A red coffee can lid or plastic lid colored red tacked to the area will do it..... try it...
Peter Trull
Brewster
<petrull...>
Sent from my iPhone
> On Apr 30, 2019, at 10:30 PM, Charles Patterson <chaspatt...> wrote:
>
> I have the same problem with Downy Woodpeckers. I'm sure they are looking for food under the shingles but at sunrise when I'm trying to sleep it is annoying. I tried yelling at them but they just came back. Finally I pulled out my bird app and cued a Coopers Hawk call. We have Coopers so they know the call. It works for that day at least.
>
>
>
> Charlie Patterson
>
> Norwell, Ma
>
> <chaspatt...>
>
>> On 4/30/2019 7:32 PM, Madeleine Linck wrote:
>> Is it actually doing a nest cavity or is it going after insect larvae? There are often wasp larvae under cedar shingles and woodpeckers hear them and go after them for food. Hardware cloth might be a deterrent. Also Google Attack Spider on the web. It looks ridiculous but when there is bird motion the fake spider comes down! Balloons can help, but birds get used to them, especially if they want to eat the larvae hidden behind the wood.
>>
>> Madeleine Linck
>> Rehoboth
>>
>>> On Tue, Apr 30, 2019, 2:59 PM Eddie <emgiles62...> wrote:
>>> On 4/30/2019 7:56 AM, alice morgan wrote:
>>> > A Flicker has decided to excavate outside one of our bedrooms,
>>> > starting daily at dawn. Any thoughts on how we can discourage it?
>>>
>>> In a tree outside your window or into your actual home? If it's
>>> the former, why would you discourage it? I'd be thrilled!
>>>
>>>
>>> Eddie
>>>
>>> **************************************
>>> Eddie Giles
>>> East Bridgewater, MA
>>> <emgiles62...>
I have the same problem with Downy Woodpeckers. I'm sure they are looking for food under the shingles but at sunrise when I'm trying to sleep it is annoying. I tried yelling at them but they just came back. Finally I pulled out my bird app and cued a Coopers Hawk call. We have Coopers so they know the call. It works for that day at least.
Charlie Patterson
Norwell, Ma
<chaspatt...>
On 4/30/2019 7:32 PM, Madeleine Linck wrote: > Is it actually doing a nest cavity or is it going after insect > larvae? There are often wasp larvae under cedar shingles and > woodpeckers hear them and go after them for food. Hardware cloth might > be a deterrent. Also Google Attack Spider on the web. It looks > ridiculous but when there is bird motion the fake spider comes down! > Balloons can help, but birds get used to them, especially if they want > to eat the larvae hidden behind the wood. > > Madeleine Linck > Rehoboth > > On Tue, Apr 30, 2019, 2:59 PM Eddie <emgiles62...> > <mailto:<emgiles62...>> wrote: > > On 4/30/2019 7:56 AM, alice morgan wrote: > > A Flicker has decided to excavate outside one of our bedrooms, > > starting daily at dawn. Any thoughts on how we can discourage it? > > In a tree outside your window or into your actual home? If it's > the former, why would you discourage it? I'd be thrilled! > > > Eddie > > ************************************** > Eddie Giles > East Bridgewater, MA > <emgiles62...> <mailto:<emgiles62...> >
Date: 4/30/19 4:56 pm From: Bonnie & Bob Buxton <bbxt...> Subject: [MASSBIRD] Rose-breasted Grosbeak in Merrimac
Our first-of-the-season Rose-breasted Grosbeak arrived at the feeder today, a beautiful male with lots of red on his breast. Lovely bird, a most-welcome sight! Good birding to all, Bonnie & Bob BuxtonMerrimac, MAbbxt(AT)comcast.net
Is it actually doing a nest cavity or is it going after insect larvae? There are often wasp larvae under cedar shingles and woodpeckers hear them and go after them for food. Hardware cloth might be a deterrent. Also Google Attack Spider on the web. It looks ridiculous but when there is bird motion the fake spider comes down! Balloons can help, but birds get used to them, especially if they want to eat the larvae hidden behind the wood.
Madeleine Linck Rehoboth
On Tue, Apr 30, 2019, 2:59 PM Eddie <emgiles62...> wrote:
> On 4/30/2019 7:56 AM, alice morgan wrote: > > A Flicker has decided to excavate outside one of our bedrooms, > > starting daily at dawn. Any thoughts on how we can discourage it? > > In a tree outside your window or into your actual home? If it's > the former, why would you discourage it? I'd be thrilled! > > > Eddie > > ************************************** > Eddie Giles > East Bridgewater, MA > <emgiles62...> >
Date: 4/30/19 1:00 pm From: Craig Jackson <jalecr49...> Subject: [MASSBIRD] Spring Warbler Survey
Do you bird Mt Auburn Cemetery or some other spot regularly? If so, would you like to participate in a Spring Warbler Survey, counting all birds on a regular route at least once every three days during the month of May? If your answer is in the affirmative, please email Craig Jackson ( <crleja1949...>) to find out more about the project. Thank you.
Date: 4/30/19 12:04 pm From: Gary Freedman <gmf7162...> Subject: RE: [MASSBIRD] Bobwhite in Fitchburg
I think I have posted same before. I know people buy Bobwhites to train hunting dogs. The NOBO are kept in a small covered pen with a one-way door. When they are flushed by the dog and fly away, they often return to their pen (when safe) to enjoy the company of other birds and free meals. I've had first-hand experience with this as my son in MT hunt's upland game (I know...no comments on hunting birds, please!). I watched him train Elsa his English Setter. She's an amazing dog. He's an amazing trainer.
That being said, we'll never know if this bird is truly wild or bought/released or even from a game hunting resort. Birds change their boundaries all the time. I remember as a kid seeing a Cardinal in eastern MA was an unusual treat.
Good birding!
Gary Freedman Stow, MA
From: <massbird-approval...> [mailto:<massbird-approval...>] On Behalf Of Diana F. Sent: Tuesday, April 30, 2019 1:39 PM To: MASSBIRD Subject: [MASSBIRD] Bobwhite in Fitchburg
My brother just called me and said he had a female Bobwhite under his feeder on Fisher Road in Fitchburg. This is so rare I was wondering if anyone else has seen any Bobwhites in the area?
He borders apple orchards, woods and many fields so it is a good habitat for them.
Date: 4/30/19 11:59 am From: Eddie <emgiles62...> Subject: Re: [MASSBIRD] Flicker challenge
On 4/30/2019 7:56 AM, alice morgan wrote: > A Flicker has decided to excavate outside one of our bedrooms, > starting daily at dawn. Any thoughts on how we can discourage it?
In a tree outside your window or into your actual home? If it's the former, why would you discourage it? I'd be thrilled!
Eddie
************************************** Eddie Giles East Bridgewater, MA <emgiles62...>
Date: 4/30/19 10:44 am From: Diana F. <diana.fru...> Subject: [MASSBIRD] Bobwhite in Fitchburg
My brother just called me and said he had a female Bobwhite under his feeder on Fisher Road in Fitchburg. This is so rare I was wondering if anyone else has seen any Bobwhites in the area?
He borders apple orchards, woods and many fields so it is a good habitat for them.
Date: 4/30/19 9:42 am From: Floyd, Chris <chrisf...> Subject: [MASSBIRD] Norfolk "Airport"; Cattle Egret Continuing 4/29
Massbirders other than those already familiar with the area will likely be confused when first visiting this eBird hotspot - I certainly was, going just by what scant information there was in eBird reports and on Massbird and my visualiation of the area based on this current Google Maps image:
As I drove along Leland Road, I was looking for an obvious runway or other sign of an airfield, but this one no longer stands out on account of overgrowth and the low elevation of the runway. The "Norfolk Airfield" building shown is gone, replaced by a housing development. I drove right on at first and didn't realize I was in the right spot until on return I spotted a white bird out in the grass!
I'm curious to know when this airport was decommissioned.
Anyway, it was great to visit this beautiful grassland and get such a nice close look at a Cattle Egret, on publicly accessible land (vice a distant scope view across vast private property as is more normal for the Essex County birds).
From: <massbird-approval...> [mailto:<massbird-approval...>] On Behalf Of alice morgan
Sent: Tuesday, April 30, 2019 7:57 AM
To: <massbird...>
Subject: [MASSBIRD] Flicker challenge
A Flicker has decided to excavate outside one of our bedrooms, starting daily at dawn. Any thoughts on how we can discourage it?
--
Alice & Dane Morgan
Brookline & S. Dartmouth, MA
You can try nailing bright mylar strips or balloons near the chosen area. Woodpecker can be very persistant.
Date: 4/29/19 6:00 pm From: <environment...> <environment...> Subject: [MASSBIRD] Eagle vs Great Black-backed Gull
Walking along Old Garden Beach path in Rockport Saturday evening at dusk we saw a juvenile bald eagle dive into the water near shore and pull up what turned out to be a juvenile Great Black-backed Gull. The eagle was able to carry the gull to a rock on shore and for the next 10-15 minutes struggled with it with a small flock of gulls circling overhead. The eagle then took off leaving the gull behind. We saw the gull swimming away, but it appeared its wing may have been broken. Dave PetersonRockport
____________________________________________________________
Sad News For Meghan Markle And Prince Harry
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Date: 4/29/19 5:52 pm From: Susan Hedman <2winterwren...> Subject: [MASSBIRD] ManchesterEssexConservation Trust and Coolidge Reservation, Apr 28, 2019
I ran my Manchester walk yesterday and we managed to avoid the rain till
7:30.
At MECT land the highlight was a pair of gnatcatchers and seeing the female
sit in the nest a few times. Over at Coolidge Point the Egret/Heron show
was missing some of the usual characters. We missed Little Blue Heron,
Glossy Ibis and Black-crowned Night Heron! This is quite unusual as these
species are often there in good numbers and we know that they are being
seen in Essex County. Did they come in early and we missed them? I don’t
know but I might have to give this a redo next week.
FOY Northern rough-winged swallows today in Berkshire section of Lanesboro early am. Four in number along with a lone Tree Swallow. Tom Collins Pittsfield,Ma
Observation start time: 06:45:00 Observation end time: 16:30:00 Total observation time: 9.75 hours
Official Counter: Judd Nathan, Paul M. Roberts, Tom Graham
Observers: Bob Secatore, Kathryn Chihowski, Sam Miller, Ted Mara, Tom Graham
Visitors: Tom Wetmore and Phyllis Hodge, and about 15 individuals who stopped by, 1 of whom had great views of her first Merlin and was very excited.
Weather: Beautiful sunny day with moderate NW winds on a moderate clearing cold front. Seemingly ideal for good migration, which we have not had so far this year.
Raptor Observations: Weird movement all day long, with peak hours being 10 birds at 12-1 EST, and 11 birds at 3-4. Birds were low, and as temps rose, they did too, with some birds including several Osprey and a Peregrine rising to limits of binocular vision. Ospreys, way out over ocean, were deemed migrating. Spectacular views of Merlins, largely adult males. Had apparently local Peregrine and immature and adult Cooper's hawks flying N to S into refuge to hunt, one Peregrine tail- chasing a Willet as far as we could see.NH included 2 fem, 1 imm. Local birds included 10 TVs, 5 OS, 2 CH, 2 RT, 1-2 PF. Strangely, no eagle sightings today. Non-raptor Observations: Had multiple adult Northern Gannets from the hawk watch platform, and small numbers of C Grackles and Rw Blackbirds migrating, but overall numbers far lower than in previous weeks. Had dozens of apparently migrating Purple Martins, which at times mobbed migrating Sharpshins high up and avoided migrating Merlins. The island was very quiet for passerines all day.
Predictions: SE winds and rain are forecast for tomorrow. Most of the week will be wet with showers and SE winds. ======================================================================== Report submitted by Paul Roberts (<phawk254...>) Plum Island MA information may be found at: http://www.massbird.org/emhw
As a volunteer for the Parker River NWR, I will be leading several Whip-poor-will walks during the month of May. Preregistration is required; enrollment limited to 15 people and this is a free program. Please visit the refuge web page on times and dates.
Date: 4/29/19 10:57 am From: Jonathan Center <jbcenter...> Subject: [MASSBIRD] BBC trip eBird Report - Oxbow NWR (Worcester County), Apr 28, 2019
Brookline Bird Club trip to Oxbow NWR in Harvard on Sunday, Apr. 28. Best bird a very yellow Palm Warbler seen at eye level near the end of the walk. Also two brief looks of two Blue-gray Gnatcatcher and a distant Raven. Phoebes seemed to be everywhere. Full report below.
Jonathan <Centerjbcenter...>
Oxbow NWR (Worcester County), Worcester, Massachusetts, US
Apr 28, 2019 8:00 AM - 11:00 AM
Protocol: Traveling
3.0 mile(s)
Comments: Brookline Bird Club scheduled morning walk. We birded main parking lot, the bridge over the Nashua River, Still River Depot Rd., rail road tracks in both directions (portions of the tank road near the parking lot was flooded and water too high to cross even w/ high boots), crossed over from rail tracks and accessed the Turnpike Trail down to pond/swamp area. Cold, raw and overcast morning. Rather quiet. It felt more like early April than late April.
24 species
Canada Goose (Branta canadensis) 4
Wood Duck (Aix sponsa) 2
Mourning Dove (Zenaida macroura) 7
Great Blue Heron (Ardea herodias) 1
Red-tailed Hawk (Buteo jamaicensis) 1
Belted Kingfisher (Megaceryle alcyon) 1
Northern Flicker (Colaptes auratus) 1
Eastern Phoebe (Sayornis phoebe) 7
Blue Jay (Cyanocitta cristata) 2
Common Raven (Corvus corax) 1
Tree Swallow (Tachycineta bicolor) 22
Barn Swallow (Hirundo rustica) 5
Black-capped Chickadee (Poecile atricapillus) 1
Blue-gray Gnatcatcher (Polioptila caerulea) 2
Eastern Bluebird (Sialia sialis) 2
American Robin (Turdus migratorius) 4
European Starling (Sturnus vulgaris) 1
American Goldfinch (Spinus tristis) 2
Red-winged Blackbird (Agelaius phoeniceus) 10
Brown-headed Cowbird (Molothrus ater) 3
Common Grackle (Quiscalus quiscula) 2
Palm Warbler (Setophaga palmarum) 1
Pine Warbler (Setophaga pinus) 1
Northern Cardinal (Cardinalis cardinalis) 2
Date: 4/29/19 9:32 am From: Barbara Volkle <barb620...> Subject: [MASSBIRD] Blue Grosbeak - Delaney WMA, Stow
Nick Tepper reports on the Central Mass Birders facebook page (with photo) about an hour ago:
Blue Grosbeak continues at Delaney WMA on the grassy plateau to the south of the bowl. Hawking insects and vocal. Listen for the “pit” call. Ring-necked Ducks continue as well.
Date: 4/29/19 7:27 am From: Bird Watcher's Supply & Gift <birdwsg...> Subject: [MASSBIRD] Great Crested Flycatcher, Grosbeak, Ipswich 4/29
Ava Steenstrup called at 10:00am to report that she and Carol Decker found a GREAT-CRESTED FLYCATCHER and a male ROSE-BREASTED GROSBEAK at Daniel Boone Park in Ipswich this morning. Both birds were along the path toward the water tower.
Steve Grinley Bird Watcher's Supply & Gift 194 Route 1, Newburyport, MA 01950 <Birdwsg...> 978-462-0775 www.birdwatcherssupplyandgifts.com
Date: 4/29/19 5:11 am From: g watkevich <gwatkevich...> Subject: [MASSBIRD] Golden Plover
Hello Massbirders,
The Golden Plover located earlier by Jeff Johnstone can still be viewed from the Admin Blg at the Orange Airport. Also a couple Horned Larks.
Greg Watkevich
Sent from my Samsung smartphone, an AT&T 4G LTE smartphone
Date: 4/29/19 2:51 am From: Peter Trull <petrull...> Subject: [MASSBIRD] Cool hummer
Massbirders, I was standing at the kitchen window...... 5:39 AM, 38•f, male humming bird drinking from feeder. Never would’ve thought I’d see a hummer at that temp..... Peter Trull Brewster <petrull...>
Observation start time: 07:00:00 Observation end time: 11:30:00 Total observation time: 4.5 hours
Official Counter: Brian Rusnica
Observers: Bob Secatore , Janet Kovner, Nancy Givens
Visitors: Doug Chickering, Judd Nathan, Mark Timmerman, Steve Lifman, Tom Graham
Weather: Cloudy with light, cool West winds. Cloudy cover increased from 50% to 100% at 10am.
Raptor Observations: Confusing long winged Falcon turned into BW from photo study
Local raptors: TV 12, OS 6, BE 4, NH 2, RT 3
Non-raptor Observations: None
Predictions: Increased clouds and West winds will depend on what is the pipeline for migrants ======================================================================== Report submitted by Ted Mara (<tedmara...>) Plum Island MA information may be found at: http://www.massbird.org/emhw
A fun sunny morning. Not much but summer residents at Wompatuck today but interesting sightings still. There were a few migrants (non-breeders), but few.
The group began with a sitting (sunning?) Broad-winged Hawk from the parking lot. A Barred Owl presented itself, a Northern Mockingbird was flying south high over the main road; this bird is not normally here as limited habitat. I think this was a migrant, but why south flying?
An Osprey with fish did a display over our heads.
Louisiana Waterthrush was at the stream from Holly Pond (Aaron Brook?) and was singing at times from the entrance to about 3/4ths of the road. Eddie located a phoebe nest in the back of a overturned root system of a massive White Pine. At least 4 Winter Wrens and flyover Siskin and Evening Grosbeaks were interesting. We finally ran into Northern Waterthrush in the back of the loop with two birds and as we were leaving that spot a Black-throated Green Warbler sang several times.
Two more Broad-wings did a territorial squabble over the trail.
We ended the day with a pair of Pileated Woodpeckers which eventually went to a nest hole.
8 warblers. We commented on what we were expecting based on the week's reports: no Great Crested Flycatcher, Blue-headed Vireo, Ruby-crowned Kinglet, Gray Catbird, Scarlet Tanager or Rose-breasted Grosbeak.
List below.
Glenn
Glenn d'Entremont: <gdentremont1...> Stoughton, MA
> On April 28, 2019 at 9:16 PM <ebird-checklist...> wrote: > > > Wompatuck SP, Plymouth, Massachusetts, US > Apr 28, 2019 5:15 AM - 11:00 AM > Protocol: Traveling > 5.0 mile(s) > Comments: BBC trip, Glenn d'Entremont/Eddie Giles co-leaders, 8 participants > 45 species > > Canada Goose 2 > Wood Duck 2 > Mallard 3 > Mourning Dove 5 > Osprey (carolinensis) 2 one with fish doing display > Broad-winged Hawk 3 > Barred Owl (Northern) 2 > Red-bellied Woodpecker 2 > Downy Woodpecker (Eastern) 3 > Hairy Woodpecker (Eastern) 1 > Pileated Woodpecker 2 pair, found nest hole > Northern Flicker (Yellow-shafted) 4 > Eastern Phoebe 5 > Blue Jay 8 > American Crow 2 > Tree Swallow 3 > Black-capped Chickadee 23 > Tufted Titmouse 13 > Red-breasted Nuthatch 3 > White-breasted Nuthatch (Eastern) 4 > Brown Creeper 8 > Winter Wren 4 > Carolina Wren 1 > Blue-gray Gnatcatcher (caerulea) 7 > Hermit Thrush 1 > American Robin 7 > Northern Mockingbird 1 > Purple Finch (Eastern) 1 > Pine Siskin 1 > American Goldfinch 8 > Chipping Sparrow 16 > Song Sparrow 6 > Eastern Towhee 10 > Red-winged Blackbird (Red-winged) 5 > Brown-headed Cowbird 12 > Common Grackle 9 > Ovenbird 11 > Louisiana Waterthrush 1 > Northern Waterthrush 2 > Black-and-white Warbler 7 > Palm Warbler (Yellow) 1 > Pine Warbler 13 > Yellow-rumped Warbler (Myrtle) 12 > Black-throated Green Warbler 1 > Northern Cardinal 11 > > View this checklist online at https://ebird.org/view/checklist/S55525141 > > This report was generated automatically by eBird v3 (https://ebird.org/home)
Date: 4/28/19 5:19 pm From: Matthew Clark <mjcfromct...> Subject: [MASSBIRD] Ipswich River Wildlife Sanctuary - Female Scarlet Tanager
Productive morning birding at Ipswich River Wildlife Sanctuary. Dozens upon dozens of Yellow-Rumped and Palm Warblers, and a female Scarlet Tanager. Couldn't locate any males.
Date: 4/28/19 2:38 pm From: judy parrot-willis <jep_willis...> Subject: [MASSBIRD] Turkey hunting season at Martin Burns WMA
Just an fyi for those considering visiting Martin Burns WMA in Newbury in the near future. We were told by a very pleasant fellow practicing at the shooting range there this last Sat. that turkey season opens tomorrow, Monday, 4/29, and will run for 4wks. He stated the rule is they must stop hunting by noon each day.................................SO..............just thought to pass on to anyone to bring out their orange wardrobe and use your 'visibility/orange attire/cloak' for the next four wks! (Not ever sited a wild turkey there yet, but....................................... Judy Parrot-WillisNorth Andover, MA
4/28/2019: Longmeadow (Pondside): Many swallows including Tree, Rough-winged, Bank, Barn, Cliff (the most of this last species I have ever seen here);3-3:30 p.m.
Date: 4/28/19 1:53 pm From: John Nelson <jnelson...> Subject: [MASSBIRD] Essex wetlands highlights
Late this morning I checked the marsh behind Shea Bros. furniture (on Rt. 133) and Island Road, both in Essex. Some highlights:
15 Glossy Ibis (13 at SB, 2 on IR) 6 Great Egrets (4 at SB, 2 on IR) 15 Snowy Egrets (11 at SB, 4 on IR) 23 Greater Yellowlegs (21 at SB, 2 on IR) 2 Lesser Yellowlegs (SB) 1 Willet (IR) 1 Marsh Wren (IR)
I also saw an immature Bald Eagle flying over New England Biolabs in Ipswich. I searched in vain for a Cattle Egret along Rt. 133 and Northgate Road in Ipswich.
Date: 4/28/19 1:41 pm From: Linda Ferraresso <tattler1...> Subject: [MASSBIRD] RT Hummingbird Salem 4/28
Had my first RT Hummingbird at my feeder about 3:30 this afternoon. This is the earliest I have had a hummer since living in Salem by 6 days! Hope it warms up for the little guy!
Linda
-- Linda Ferraresso Salem, MA tattler1(at)comcast(dot)net
"Faith is the bird that feels the light and sings when the dawn is still dark" - Tagore
Date: 4/28/19 7:00 am From: Mary Ellen <lemmel...> Subject: [MASSBIRD] Vesper Sparrows Millennium Park West Roxbury
Hello,
Two Vesper Sparrows seen at Millennium Park today 9:30am
Continuing since Ryan Doherty had one yesterday; foraging in Road shoulder right before right turn to the boat ramp, on the left side.
They flew into the tree along the fence then back down to grass and road.
Date: 4/28/19 5:50 am From: Matt S. <accipiter22...> Subject: [MASSBIRD] 04/27/2019 Quiet Day At Mount Auburn Cemetery
Hi All,
After the rain cleared I hoped there would be a burst of activity at Mount Auburn. That was not really the case; I saw a solitary palm warbler and that was it for warblers. Also saw a few RK Kinglets, and a female Towhee, which was nice.
I ran into Rob and he helped me find the odd field sparrow. It was actually a Mount Auburn first for me. For those not familiar there's a male field sparrow with a completely different song than usual, it sounds pretty much like a richer chipping sparrow. I'm curious to see what he attracts. I attached a sonogram to the checklist here: https://ebird.org/view/checklist/S55492727
That's all for now.
Matt S Brighton, MA Accipiter22 (@) Gmail.com
---- Mt. Auburn Cemetery, Middlesex, Massachusetts, US Apr 27, 2019 8:13 AM - 9:34 AM Protocol: Traveling 4.43 mile(s) 22 species
Mallard (Anas platyrhynchos) 1 Wild Turkey (Meleagris gallopavo) 2 Mourning Dove (Zenaida macroura) 2 Red-tailed Hawk (Buteo jamaicensis) 2 Downy Woodpecker (Dryobates pubescens) 1 Blue Jay (Cyanocitta cristata) 4 American Crow (Corvus brachyrhynchos) 2 Black-capped Chickadee (Poecile atricapillus) 2 Tufted Titmouse (Baeolophus bicolor) 1 Ruby-crowned Kinglet (Regulus calendula) 2 American Robin (Turdus migratorius) 10 American Goldfinch (Spinus tristis) 2 Chipping Sparrow (Spizella passerina) 1 Field Sparrow (Spizella pusilla) 1 Male seen by several observers this week, with a very odd song. Sounds like a chipping Sparrow. Watched him sing for several minutes. Going to upload picture and sonogram. Dark-eyed Junco (Junco hyemalis) 4 White-throated Sparrow (Zonotrichia albicollis) 1 Eastern Towhee (Pipilo erythrophthalmus) 1 Female Red-winged Blackbird (Agelaius phoeniceus) 2 Brown-headed Cowbird (Molothrus ater) 1 Stalking a Robin nest Common Grackle (Quiscalus quiscula) 5 Palm Warbler (Setophaga palmarum) 1 Northern Cardinal (Cardinalis cardinalis) 5
Cattle Egret seen earlier in Essex by Margo and Steve, was refound in the agricultural fields between Rt 133, Argilla Rd and Northgate Rd. I arrived about 2:15 to find Phil Brown looking at the bird from the first access point on Northgate Rd. It was near the gravel road that bisects the field complex.
-- Susan Hedman, Gloucester "I believe in God, only I spell it Nature." Frank Lloyd Wright
Observation start time: 07:00:00 Observation end time: 14:30:00 Total observation time: 7.5 hours
Official Counter: Brian Rusnica, Ted Mara
Observers: Bob Secatore , Brian Rusnicka, Harry Wales, Herrrick Wales, Joe Bourget, Judd Nathan, Kathryn Chihowski, Paul Roberts, Tom Graham, Ursula Goodine
Visitors: Dave Goodine, Julie Roberts, Lynette Leka, Tom Wetmore
Weather: Intermittent showers, cold with wind 10-27mph WSW to NW and temperatures 7-9 centigrade. Mostly cloudy 50-100% cc with visibility increasing after am rains 1K to 5K to 10 K.
Raptor Observations: Strong winds kept migration low. Merlins were over half the total, with an immature BE migrating up the coast. Local raptors: TV 4, OS 5, BE 2(ad), NH 2, CH 1, RT 2, PG 2
Non-raptor Observations: Weather stifeled most movement
Predictions: Could surprise with W winds and showers later in the day. ======================================================================== Report submitted by Ted Mara (<tedmara...>) Plum Island MA information may be found at: http://www.massbird.org/emhw
A male Ruby-throated Hummingbird came to my feeder in North Falmouth this evening (27 April).?? I saw two Indigo Buntings (MF) at Bourne Farm in North Falmouth on 24 April.
> .On April 27, 2019 at 11:43 AM David Gibson <20cabot...> wrote:
>
> Hi all, I've watched and photographed a Killdeer family since before hatch. I wrote the following in another forum about what took place after I'd been watching the Killdeer family for over an hour (my most recent stretch):
> "For no apparent reason, the parents decided to usher the chicks out of the meadow (lots of food, safety, and quiet), under the gate (they'd been in a gated preserve), across a busy road (there was no traffic at the time), onto some railroad tracks, and then to a small marshy area just beyond."
>
> Well, I went back to the area this a.m. The family had returned to that meadow (the breeding site). I carefully moved in, and at a "safe distance" sat down and began taking pictures with my 500mm Canon. In a matter of 4 or 5 minutes, the above scene played out all over again. The parents ushered their chicks out of the meadow and back to the railroad tracks. And I left the area with a clear understanding as to why they had done that in the first place. After I had written the above, someone responded and took me to task for "acting like a predator." This is a tough pill to swallow, but it turns out that she was probably right. And someone else has since reminded me that "it’s especially important during breeding season to give even more space to nature’s families."
> Dave Gibson
> https://birdpartner.com/ >
>
Date: 4/27/19 9:32 am From: Bird Watcher's Supply & Gift <birdwsg...> Subject: [MASSBIRD] Cattle Egret update
At 12:15p the cattle egret lifted and flew 100 yards east and landed in the farm with cattle and horses It landed somewhere behind the red barn not visible at the moment. Steve&Margo
Date: 4/27/19 9:09 am From: David Gibson <20cabot...> Subject: [MASSBIRD] A bird photographer's cautionary tale
Hi all, I've watched and photographed a Killdeer family since before hatch.
I wrote the following in another forum about what took place after I'd been
watching the Killdeer family for over an hour (my most recent stretch):
"For no apparent reason, the parents decided to usher the chicks out of the
meadow (lots of food, safety, and quiet), under the gate (they'd been in a
gated preserve), across a busy road (there was no traffic at the time),
onto some railroad tracks, and then to a small marshy area just beyond."
Well, I went back to the area this a.m. The family had returned to that
meadow (the breeding site). I carefully moved in, and at a "safe distance"
sat down and began taking pictures with my 500mm Canon. In a matter of 4 or
5 minutes, the above scene played out all over again. The parents ushered
their chicks out of the meadow and back to the railroad tracks. And I left
the area with a clear understanding as to why they had done that in the
first place. After I had written the above, someone responded and took me
to task for "acting like a predator." This is a tough pill to swallow, but
it turns out that she was probably right. And someone else has since
reminded me that "it’s especially important during breeding season to give
even more space to nature’s families."
Dave Gibson
https://birdpartner.com/
Date: 4/27/19 9:08 am From: Marjorie Watson <marjwtsn...> Subject: [MASSBIRD] Fwd: [Maine-birds] LITTLE EGRET - Gilsland Farm, Falmouth, 27 Apr
Just forwarding message. Maybe the Plum Island Little Egret has returned to Gilsland Farm Falmouth ME.
Marjorie Watson
Georgetown MA
Sent from my iPhone
Begin forwarded message:
> From: "'Doug Hitchcox' via Maine birds" <maine-birds...>
> Date: April 27, 2019 at 11:34:59 AM EDT
> To: Bird Alerts <maine-birds...>
> Subject: [Maine-birds] LITTLE EGRET - Gilsland Farm, Falmouth, 27 Apr
> Reply-To: Doug Hitchcox <dhitchcox...>
>
> The (a) Little Egret is back at Gilsland Farm in Falmouth. Just found during our first walk of the Maine Spring Live event here today. Currently with three Snowy Egrets in the marsh off the North Meadow.
>
> Good birding,
>
>
> Doug Hitchcox
>
>
>
>
Date: 4/27/19 8:30 am From: Jane Moosbruker <jamoos...> Subject: RE: [MASSBIRD] FOY Hummingbird
I had one at the feeder in Acton on Thursday!
Jane Moosbruker, Ph.D. <Jamoos...>
-----Original Message----- From: <massbird-approval...> [mailto:<massbird-approval...>] On Behalf Of John Sent: Saturday, April 27, 2019 9:53 AM To: <massbird...> Subject: [MASSBIRD] FOY Hummingbird
I put the Hummingbird feeder out on Thursday. Friday morning a male Ruby Throated Hummingbird showed up!!! That is the earliest we have had one in our yard!!!
Date: 4/27/19 6:59 am From: John <john.mcelligott3...> Subject: [MASSBIRD] FOY Hummingbird
I put the Hummingbird feeder out on Thursday. Friday morning a male Ruby Throated Hummingbird showed up!!! That is the earliest we have had one in our yard!!!
Date: 4/27/19 6:53 am From: Steve Arena <pokedaddy151...> Subject: [MASSBIRD] Race Point 4/26/19 - Manx Shearwaters
Hi Massbirders
I spent the afternoon yesterday at Race Point and wanted to share my sightings - specifically Manx Shearwater.
Mid afternoon, in three fast moving flocks of 63, 339, and 29, Manx Shearwater were streaming by very quickly out past the rips. They were not even remotely dallying but were clearly migrating. I have never experienced anything like this before. To be clear, these weren't flopping around in the surf. They were out past the rips and required a scope. If you blinked, you missed them.
Steve Westboro
Race Point, Barnstable, Massachusetts, US Apr 26, 2019 12:37 PM - 4:31 PM Protocol: Traveling 6.0 mile(s) Comments: Low tide 1125 therefore rising. Wind ESE 15-20 with higher gusts. Good except when it rained
Manx Shearwater movement was surreal. 23 species
- Canada Goose 2 - Common Eider 16 - White-winged Scoter (North American) 12 - Black Scoter 4 - Oldsquaw 7 3 drakes; 4 hens - Red-breasted Merganser 1200 Estimate by 50's. distributed across Race Point Beach, huge flocks the length of Race Point South. Feeding nearshore with the gulls. - Red-necked Grebe 2 One bird approaching alternate plumage - Piping Plover 11 - Sanderling 15 - Parasitic Jaeger 3 All at/near adult. 1 @ 1400 dynamically soaring with the Manx; 1 inshore harassing the gulls @ 1515 pics; 1 @ 1545 coming in from the east tacking westward - Bonaparte's Gull 425 RPS on rising tide - Laughing Gull 434 One flock of 156 RPS. Second flock of 178 RPS. Estimate by 5's along RPB to the Cove 100. Included 4 2cy. - Ring-billed Gull 15 - Herring Gull (American) 50 - Iceland Gull (kumlieni) 25 Min. Mostly first cycle. several adults including one that was most probably thayeri. - Lesser Black-backed Gull 3 2 adult, 1 2cy - Great Black-backed Gull 175 - Red-throated Loon 85 All loons were flying SE into the wind. - Common Loon 45 All loons were flying SE into the wind. - Manx Shearwater 434 * Migrating. Amazing. @1305 while scanning west to east from the mid way point between RPB and the Cove, an extremely fast moving flock (63) was dynamically soaring east to west out past the rips. I kept my scope in one spot and then at 1325, 339 repeated the first flock, again @ 1325, 29 zipped through. An additional 3 were within the rips feeding with the gulls and some even sat with them. I had not expected this. The past few years, I have spent time staring at the ocean along RPS counting migrating jaegers. I had never expected to witness this. The conditions were ideal. Strong ESE winds (15-20 with higher gusts), and the soup lifting. - Northern Gannet 300 - Double-crested Cormorant 450 - American Kestrel 1 ad female
Steve ------------------------------------------------- Westborough, Massachusetts
Date: 4/27/19 12:11 am From: John <john.mcelligott3...> Subject: [MASSBIRD] FOY Hummingbird
I put the Hummingbird feeder out on Thursday. Friday morning a male Ruby Throated Hummingbird showed up!!! That is the earliest we have had one in our yard!!!
I should have also mentioned I will be birding a different area and will not be at the main entrance at 5:00. You will need to contact me for a meeting place.
Thank you.
Glenn
Glenn d'Entremont: <gdentremont1...> Stoughton, MA
> On April 26, 2019 at 8:27 PM GLENN D'ENTREMONT <gdentremont1...> wrote: > > > I am co-leading the Brookline Bird Club trip to Wompatuck on Sunday 4/28. We are meeting at the main entrance at 6:30. The gate will be closed (unless there is some event) until 7:30. We will be walking the trails from the main parking area before the gate opens. > > > If you would like to begin earlier I will be going earlier than that start time. This means meeting at 5:00. > > > If you would like to join me please contact me before 7:00 p.m. Saturday.. > > > Glenn > > > Glenn d'Entremont: <gdentremont1...> Stoughton, MA >
I am co-leading the Brookline Bird Club trip to Wompatuck on Sunday 4/28. We are meeting at the main entrance at 6:30. The gate will be closed (unless there is some event) until 7:30. We will be walking the trails from the main parking area before the gate opens.
If you would like to begin earlier I will be going earlier than that start time. This means meeting at 5:00.
If you would like to join me please contact me before 7:00 p.m. Saturday..
Glenn
Glenn d'Entremont: <gdentremont1...> Stoughton, MA
Date: 4/26/19 12:16 pm From: Jim Berry <jim.berry3...> Subject: [MASSBIRD] Parker River National Wildlife Refuge, Apr 26, 2019
Parker River National Wildlife Refuge Apr 26, 2019 8:35 AM - 12:00 PM Protocol: Traveling 6.5 mile(s) Comments: The little egret was a one-day wonder, at least as of the day after. There were almost no snowies on the island this morning, so seeing the little egret was too much to hope for. But I hope it is still around. Meanwhile, the wind and drizzle meant that I had the refuge almost to myself, so I birded it to Lot 7 and found several new arrivals (for me, anyway). 40 species (+1 other taxon)
Canada Goose 19 Mute Swan 6 3 scattered pairs Gadwall 8 Mallard 11 American Black Duck 65 Mallard x American Black Duck (hybrid) 1 Bufflehead 4 Bill Forward Pool (BFP) Red-breasted Merganser 4 Wild Turkey 7 2 toms with 2 hens and 3 isolated hens Mourning Dove 3 Killdeer 2 Greater Yellowlegs 1 Willet (Eastern) 1 (Marshall Iliff and Ryan Dougherty said they saw/heard a couple pairs near the gate, but I didn't hear any there.) Herring Gull 25 Great Black-backed Gull 1 Double-crested Cormorant 13 all adults Great Egret 15 Snowy Egret 1 They didn't show up this morning. Turkey Vulture 1 Osprey 4 birds on all 3 platforms Northern Harrier 1 adult female Downy Woodpecker 3 Hairy Woodpecker 1 female at s-curves Northern Flicker (Yellow-shafted) 1 Blue Jay 4 Purple Martin 2 One pair holed up in their gourd. I don't envy them with this weather. Tree Swallow 260 rough estimate of flying birds, most over BFP Barn Swallow 20 estimate of birds flying with TRES American Robin 4 Brown Thrasher 1 Male singing from tree in North Pool field Northern Mockingbird 1 Purple Finch 4 2 singing, 2 calling American Goldfinch 2 Field Sparrow 1 Singing at s-curves Song Sparrow 11 Eastern Towhee 21 Red-winged Blackbird 30 Brown-headed Cowbird 6 Common Grackle 14 Palm Warbler (Yellow) 1 Yellow-rumped Warbler (Myrtle) 3
Observation start time: 07:15:00 Observation end time: 14:00:00 Total observation time: 6.75 hours
Official Counter: Brian Rusnica
Observers: Tom Graham
Visitors: Doug Chickering, Sue McGrath
Weather: Brisk with scattered clouds. Weak variable winds; NW switching to SE, then mid morning strengthening Raptor Observations: NH still coming, SS starting to build
Local raptors: TV 10, OS 6, RT 4
Non-raptor Observations: 38 species
Highlights: 380 Double Crested Cormorants, 375 Tree Swallows, FOY Brown Thrasher, 2 Fish Crows, 6 Purple Martins
Predictions: Numorous showers, SE winds. ======================================================================== Report submitted by Ted Mara (<tedmara...>) Plum Island MA information may be found at: http://www.massbird.org/emhw
Date: 4/25/19 3:02 pm From: linda pivacek <lpivacek...> Subject: Re: [MASSBIRD] Little Egret south of Lot 3 pans PRNWR
congrats on this ID ladies!!! not an easy one. Linda
Linda Pivacek, Nahant
> On April 25, 2019 at 9:47 AM Marjorie <marjwtsn...> mailto:<marjwtsn...> > wrote: > > > Found by Andrea Bean and me with Snowy Egrets. 2 very long plumes. > > Sent from my iPhone >
Date: 4/25/19 11:31 am From: Shilo McDonald <shilocm...> Subject: [MASSBIRD] Tree + Barn Swallows, Marblehead Neck
Around 11 AM today, I photographed 3 Tree Swallows and 2 Barn Swallows at the Marblehead Neck Wildlife Sanctuary. I was standing on Vireo Loop, facing the Private Wetlands. Also photographed while there, a Great Egret in the Audubon Pond. Mr. Shilo McDonaldLynn, MAShiloCM at Yahoo dot com
Date: 4/25/19 9:53 am From: Kat Birder <katbirder...> Subject: [MASSBIRD] Great Meadows NWR--Concord Unit- Weekly species census-- Apr 25, 2019
Great Meadows NWR--Concord Unit Apr 25, 2019 6:45 AM Traveling 2.50 miles 220 Minutes All birds reported? Yes Comments: Weekly species census for the NWR. Sunny with a few clouds 40-57F. Submitted from eBird for iOS, version 1.9.0 Build 9
32 Canada Goose -- Occ nest 3 Mute Swan 9 Wood Duck 6 Mallard 1 American Black Duck 2 Hooded Merganser -- Visiting poss nest site 5 Mourning Dove 3 Virginia Rail 1 Killdeer 3 Great Blue Heron 1 Turkey Vulture 1 Northern Harrier 4 Red-bellied Woodpecker 5 Downy Woodpecker (Eastern) 3 Northern Flicker (Yellow-shafted) 1 Warbling Vireo 1 Blue Jay 16 American Crow 1 Northern Rough-winged Swallow -- A bit degraggled; missing some tail feathers 12 Tree Swallow 4 Barn Swallow 12 Black-capped Chickadee 13 Tufted Titmouse 3 White-breasted Nuthatch (Eastern) 1 Brown Creeper 1 Marsh Wren -- Nest building 5 Blue-gray Gnatcatcher 1 Ruby-crowned Kinglet 12 American Robin 13 American Goldfinch 2 Chipping Sparrow 18 Song Sparrow 7 Swamp Sparrow 100 Red-winged Blackbird 3 Brown-headed Cowbird 100 Common Grackle 1 Palm Warbler 3 Pine Warbler 8 Yellow-rumped Warbler (Myrtle) 5 Northern Cardinal 2 House Sparrow
Number of Taxa: 41
Kathy Dia for the Great Meadows Survey Team Concord, MA
Date: 4/25/19 8:12 am From: John Kamerud <jqkamerud...> Subject: [MASSBIRD] Black-throated blue
Decided to do some birding before work this morning, at Al Rettelle Reservation in Andover. I was walking along the Loop Trail where it parallels the Merrimack River, seeing nothing but the usual suspects, when I heard an unfamiliar call. Couldn't see the bird at first, so I pished a bit. I was treated by the sight of a male Black-throated Blue Warbler, flitting among the branches in plain view. Black face, blue back, white underside and small bright white patch on the wings. I haven't seen one for several years, and never this early. In fact, I'm wondering if this could be an early record for Massachusetts or at least Essex County.
The only other FOY for me was a singing Carolina Wren.
