Date: 1/17/20 6:27 am From: CRAIG GIBSON <cbgibson...> Subject: [MASSBIRD] Crow Art Show: Recap Opening night!
Greetings all,
For those with an interest, two recent postings of note:
Jan.11: Recap of Opening Night for "2020 Celebration of the Winter Crow Roost"
The opening reception for the second annual Crow-themed art show hosted by the Essex Art Center was held on Friday night, Jan. 10, 2019 with a big turnout! In this exhibit, the Art Center celebrates the annual return of more than 20,000 American Crows and Fish Crows to Lawrence for the annual winter roosting season that typically happens between.....
Jan. 14: mayhem then quiet!
Fascinating video (32 secs) of the noisy Crows converging in big numbers into the overnight crow roost
Date: 1/17/20 5:37 am From: Barbara Volkle <barb620...> Subject: [MASSBIRD] MASS AUDUBON 28th ANNUAL BIRDERS MEETING
Thanks to Wayne Petersen for this post.
Barbara Volkle Northborough, MA <barb620...>
*
From: Wayne Petersen <wpetersen...> Subject: MASS AUDUBON 28th ANNUAL BIRDERS MEETING Date: Fri, 17 Jan 2020 13:15:33 +0000
Birders, It's time to sign up for Mass Audubon's 28th Annual Birders Meeting! This year's all-day event is scheduled for Sunday, March 8, 2020, and will take place at the College of the Holy Cross-Hogan Campus Center, Worcester, MA. The theme of the event will be Epic Journeys: Following Bird Migration. Bird migration is one of the most amazing phenomena on the planet. Millions of birds annually fly countless miles between their breeding and wintering areas in search of longer days, warmer climes, and abundant food. The 2020 Birders Meeting will explore some of the reasons why birds migrate, the technology behind the study of migration, and how to plan the best birding days to appreciate and observe migration in Massachusetts, and more.
With the help of supportive sponsors, we have successfully brought together a cadre of engaging speakers from around the country including Peter Marra, Margaret Rubega, Kevin Powers, Mariamar Gutierrez Ramirez, Sean Williams, and Will Freedberg. In addition to providing lunch for attendees the speakers will be joined by top-notch vendors, have access to a rich variety of raffle items, and will draw an enthusiastic group of participants from all over New England.
For full program details and registration information visit http://www.massaudubon.org/birdersmeeting 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: 1/16/20 7:06 pm From: Kathy Dia <katbirder...> Subject: [MASSBIRD] Great Meadows NWR, weekly species census, Jan 16, 2020
Great Meadows NWR--Concord Unit, Middlesex, Massachusetts, US Jan 16, 2020 7:30 AM - 9:40 AM Protocol: Traveling 2.2 mile(s) Checklist Comments: Weekly bird species census for the NWR. Low 30's with light rain all morning. Observers: Alan, Will, Lang, Cris, Tom, Kathy. 18 species (+2 other taxa)
Canada Goose 141 Mute Swan 2 Mallard 12 Mallard/American Black Duck 4 Mourning Dove 1 Great Blue Heron 1 Red-bellied Woodpecker 1 Downy Woodpecker (Eastern) 3 Hairy Woodpecker (Eastern) 2 Blue Jay 3 Black-capped Chickadee 3 Tufted Titmouse 4 White-breasted Nuthatch (Eastern) 2 Marsh Wren 1 Uncommon but regular at this location. Grayish brown wren with partial white eyebrow and cocked tail in the marsh grasses. Silent but easily visible hopping from one grass clump to another and watching us while we watched him/her. North Corner of the lower pool. Eastern Bluebird 8 American Goldfinch 8 American Tree Sparrow 1 Dark-eyed Junco (Slate-colored) 4 Monsen Rd entrance Song Sparrow 7 sparrow sp. 4
Date: 1/16/20 3:54 pm From: Barbara Volkle <barb620...> Subject: Re: [MASSBIRD] Virginia allowing tern colony to be paved over!
Thanks to Dave Gibson for this post.
Barbara Volkle Northborough, MA <barb620...>
*
From: David Gibson <20cabot...> Date: Thu, 16 Jan 2020 18:10:02 -0500 Subject: Re: [MASSBIRD] Virginia allowing tern colony to be paved over!
Glenn, I appreciate your concern, and I share it, but I'm not sure, nor are many people here in Hamptons roads sure, that we can lay all the blame at the feet of the Trump administration (an all too easy thing to do). It appears that the HRBT expansion project, which is literally in my backyard, has been in the works for years. It also appears that the Northam administration (Ralph Northam is the VA Governor) is partly to blame for the fact that the bird colonies might be displaced. Here is what Joe Girgente, a shorebird technician at Virginia Tech, has to say on the matter of paving over South Island: " This was set to happen before Trump took office. Northam initially agreed to build an island for displaced birds, but then quickly changed his mind when he realized he didn't have to, so he is just as much to blame." I'll provide more info to Massbird as I'm able. Warm regards to all, Dave Gibson https://birdpartner.com/
Shilo McDonald, Lynn, MA BBC, MassAudubon and ECOC Member ShiloCM at Yahoo dot Com
JC Phillips Nature Preserve, Essex, Massachusetts, US Jan 16, 2020 10:55 AM - 12:05 PM Protocol: Traveling 1.0 mile(s) Checklist Comments: Bumped into Deborah Diggins, a fellow ECOC member, who was taking Sophie (her dog) for a walk. We had a good chat about birds. Oh and... Also... Mixed in with Ring-necked Ducks... I found a Life Bird!! My first time ever seeing a Canvasback! :-) 22 species (+1 other taxa)
Canada Goose 9 Flying by in V-formation. Mute Swan 1 In the lake. Not close to shore, but photographed anyways. Attached. Canvasback 1 A Life Bird! Hanging out with some Ring-necked Ducks. Reddish brown head and neck. Sloping bill reminiscent of a Common Eider. Very light gray (almost white) back and body. Photos included. Ring-necked Duck 13 12 males. 1 female. Lesser Scaup 6 3 males. 3 females. Bufflehead 1 Female. In Wenham Lake. Common Merganser 99 In Wenham Lake. Exact Count. Not close to shore, but photographed anyways. Attached. Red-breasted Merganser 4 In the lake. Mourning Dove 2 Herring Gull 2 gull sp. 3 Flybys. Turkey Vulture 4 Flew directly overhead. First seen by Deborah Diggins. Bald Eagle 1 Heard only. A whistling horses neigh. Downy Woodpecker 1 Heard only. Pip call. Blue Jay 4 American Crow 3 Seen and heard. Black-capped Chickadee 5 Tufted Titmouse 3 Golden-crowned Kinglet 1 Making a high-pitched trill. Yellow patch on crown. Would not sit still for a photo, but I took one anyways. Attached. White-breasted Nuthatch 4 Seen and heard. But, mostly heard. Yank, yank, yank. European Starling 15 Flying together. American Goldfinch 1 Heard only. Asking a nuthatch for a potato chip. Song Sparrow 1
Date: 1/16/20 2:02 pm From: Paul Guidetti <guidettipaul...> Subject: Re: [MASSBIRD] sudden and nearly total decline in feeder birds
Same here in Westford...very low numbers since about two weeks ago...I was
filling the feeders almost daily and haven’t had to in over a week...
Paul Guidetti
Westford MA
On Thu, Jan 16, 2020 at 3:08 PM Lesley Mattuchio <leslm...> wrote:
> I am in Melrose and there has been a big difference from last winter to
> this winter. I have way less birds this winter and although I have a few
> Blue Jays, last winter I would have 12 at one time in a small tree taking
> turns on the feeders. I had loads and loads of Juncos last winter, only 2-3
> this year. White-throated Sparrows were fairly ( for them ) abundant last
> year, I am lucky to see or hear once in a while.
>
> I do have more than usual House Finches and I have my usual Cardinal pair,
> Red-bellied Woodpecker pair ( possibly 2 pairs) , pair of Hairy
> Woodpeckers, Titmice, Chickadees, Gold Finches, fewer than normal
> White-breasted Nuthatches , Downy woodpeckers ( less than normal ) Home
> Sparrows, and too many Starlings. I have not seen or heard from our
> neighborhood pair of Carolina Wrens since December.
>
> I have not had any notable amount of time where my feeders were empty of
> avian life.
>
> Lesley Mattuchio
> Melrose, MA
>
>
>
>
>
>
> _________________
>
>
> On Thu, Jan 16, 2020, 12:19 Johnathon Benson <johnathonl87...>
> wrote:
>
> I noticed a similar decline at my In-Laws in Natick
>
> Johnathon Benson, Ornithologist
> Teen Birding Program Coordinator
> Mass Audubon’s Drumlin Farm
> <jbenson...>
>
> > On Jan 16, 2020, at 9:01 AM, Lynette Leka <lynetteleka...> wrote:
> >
> > about ten days ago the activity at my feeders abruptly went from a
> routine dozen species, with lots of Goldfinches and House Finches, a couple
> pair of Cardinals and Downy Woodpeckers, plenty of Blue Jays and Mourning
> Doves, etc., to nothing but a Goldfinch or two
> >
> > I've waited out the various weather incidents, but still haven't seen
> any recovery - are others, especially in the North Shore area, experiencing
> anything like this?
> >
> >
> >
> > ------------------------------------
> > (by)..."not noticing birds in one's daily environment, one misses a
> whole segment of life on earth that can deliver joy every day." Bruce M.
> Beehler, 2019
> >
> >
> >
> > Lynette Leka
> > Newbury, MA 01951
> > email: <lynette.leka...>
>
>
Date: 1/16/20 12:00 pm From: Lesley Mattuchio <leslm...> Subject: Re: [MASSBIRD] sudden and nearly total decline in feeder birds
I am in Melrose and there has been a big difference from last winter to this winter. I have way less birds this winter and although I have a few Blue Jays, last winter I would have 12 at one time in a small tree taking turns on the feeders. I had loads and loads of Juncos last winter, only 2-3 this year. White-throated Sparrows were fairly ( for them ) abundant last year, I am lucky to see or hear once in a while.
I do have more than usual House Finches and I have my usual Cardinal pair, Red-bellied Woodpecker pair ( possibly 2 pairs) , pair of Hairy Woodpeckers, Titmice, Chickadees, Gold Finches, fewer than normal White-breasted Nuthatches , Downy woodpeckers ( less than normal ) Home Sparrows, and too many Starlings. I have not seen or heard from our neighborhood pair of Carolina Wrens since December.
I have not had any notable amount of time where my feeders were empty of avian life.
Lesley MattuchioMelrose, MA
_________________
On Thu, Jan 16, 2020, 12:19 Johnathon Benson <johnathonl87...> wrote:
I noticed a similar decline at my In-Laws in Natick
Johnathon Benson, Ornithologist
Teen Birding Program Coordinator
Mass Audubon’s Drumlin Farm
<jbenson...>
> On Jan 16, 2020, at 9:01 AM, Lynette Leka <lynetteleka...> wrote:
>
> about ten days ago the activity at my feeders abruptly went from a routine dozen species, with lots of Goldfinches and House Finches, a couple pair of Cardinals and Downy Woodpeckers, plenty of Blue Jays and Mourning Doves, etc., to nothing but a Goldfinch or two
>
> I've waited out the various weather incidents, but still haven't seen any recovery - are others, especially in the North Shore area, experiencing anything like this?
>
>
>
> ------------------------------------
> (by)..."not noticing birds in one's daily environment, one misses a whole segment of life on earth that can deliver joy every day." Bruce M. Beehler, 2019
>
>
>
> Lynette Leka
> Newbury, MA 01951
> email: <lynette.leka...>
Date: 1/16/20 11:54 am From: Madeleine Linck <madeleine.linck...> Subject: Re: [MASSBIRD] Sick bald eagles in Maine
Having lived in Minnesota many years, every year in November many Bald
Eagles became very weak from lead--- picking up lead from deer hunted with
lead bullets. The Eagles regularly fed on road killed deer and gut piles.
Hunters in Minnesota are now urged to switch to copper bullets to reduce
lead poisoning.
Watching a bald eagle or a trumpeter swan die a slow horrible death from
lead is a very sad sight and one that could be greatly reduced...(the swans
pick up old lead shot found in the bottom sediments of wetlands from years
of water fowl hunting with lead before it was finally banned).
Madeleine Linck
Rehoboth, Mass
On Thu, Jan 16, 2020, 1:39 PM James MacDougall <jm3...> wrote:
Date: 1/16/20 10:34 am From: James MacDougall <jm3...> Subject: [MASSBIRD] Sick bald eagles in Maine
Hi,
Here’s a link to an article from today’s Bangor Daily News that may interest Massbirders. 5 eagles since Jan 1 have been rescued in Maine with high lead in their blood. All have died while receiving care.
Date: 1/16/20 10:16 am From: Andrew Fowlie <ajfowlie999...> Subject: Re: [MASSBIRD] sudden and nearly total decline in feeder birds
Hi
I live in Danvers. I have a flicker, juncos, doves starlings and a downy
actively feeding as I speak. Also saw goldfinch, housefinch, Cardinals,
house sparrows over the last few days.
Things were quiet over the weekend but busier this week.
Andrew
On Thu, Jan 16, 2020, 12:19 Johnathon Benson <johnathonl87...> wrote:
> I noticed a similar decline at my In-Laws in Natick
>
> Johnathon Benson, Ornithologist
> Teen Birding Program Coordinator
> Mass Audubon’s Drumlin Farm
> <jbenson...>
>
> > On Jan 16, 2020, at 9:01 AM, Lynette Leka <lynetteleka...> wrote:
> >
> > about ten days ago the activity at my feeders abruptly went from a
> routine dozen species, with lots of Goldfinches and House Finches, a couple
> pair of Cardinals and Downy Woodpeckers, plenty of Blue Jays and Mourning
> Doves, etc., to nothing but a Goldfinch or two
> >
> > I've waited out the various weather incidents, but still haven't seen
> any recovery - are others, especially in the North Shore area, experiencing
> anything like this?
> >
> >
> >
> > ------------------------------------
> > (by)..."not noticing birds in one's daily environment, one misses a
> whole segment of life on earth that can deliver joy every day." Bruce M.
> Beehler, 2019
> >
> >
> >
> > Lynette Leka
> > Newbury, MA 01951
> > email: <lynette.leka...>
>
>
Date: 1/16/20 9:12 am From: Johnathon Benson <johnathonl87...> Subject: Re: [MASSBIRD] sudden and nearly total decline in feeder birds
I noticed a similar decline at my In-Laws in Natick
Johnathon Benson, Ornithologist Teen Birding Program Coordinator Mass Audubon’s Drumlin Farm <jbenson...>
> On Jan 16, 2020, at 9:01 AM, Lynette Leka <lynetteleka...> wrote: > > about ten days ago the activity at my feeders abruptly went from a routine dozen species, with lots of Goldfinches and House Finches, a couple pair of Cardinals and Downy Woodpeckers, plenty of Blue Jays and Mourning Doves, etc., to nothing but a Goldfinch or two > > I've waited out the various weather incidents, but still haven't seen any recovery - are others, especially in the North Shore area, experiencing anything like this? > > > > ------------------------------------ > (by)..."not noticing birds in one's daily environment, one misses a whole segment of life on earth that can deliver joy every day." Bruce M. Beehler, 2019 > > > > Lynette Leka > Newbury, MA 01951 > email: <lynette.leka...>
Date: 1/16/20 9:01 am From: KIRK Elwell <kirkelwell...> Subject: Re: [MASSBIRD] sudden and nearly total decline in feeder birds
Plenty of AMGOs here in East Kingston NH. As many as 80 at the feeders at times along with 40+/- Juncos. Titmice, Cardinals, WB Nuthatches and Chickadees the normal amount. No noticeable declines.
Lots of Flickers, Red bellied WPs, Hairys, Downys, Carolina Wrens, etc. E. Bluebirds are plentiful here. Lots of Pileated WPs near us
as well. There is a regularly seen or heard( by me) Ruby crowned Kinglet a few houses away and the usual amount of Golden crowned.
Few Sparrows this year though.
Kirk.
Sent from my Verizon LG Smartphone
------ Original message------
From: Liz Pease
Date: Thu, Jan 16, 2020 11:34 AM
To: <Massbird...>;
Cc:
Subject:Re: [MASSBIRD] sudden and nearly total decline in feeder birds
Here in Salisbury, I have plenty of blue jays and juncos, and about the average as far as cardinals go, but definitely fewer chickadees and titmice (mouses?) than a "normal" winter. I don't tend to get a ton of goldfinches normally, but even still, their numbers seem low; I am always surprised these days when I see one. Normal nuthatches (though of course no red-breasted this year), downies, red-bellies, house finches...
I do find doing my bi-weekly Project Feeder Watch count reassuring; it reminds me that my fears about their being fewer birds are often just a reflection of the fact that I'm not always watching carefully.
On Thu, Jan 16, 2020 at 11:22 AM David Wittenberg <davidawittenberg...><mailto:<davidawittenberg...>> wrote:
Ditto in Newton. I was thinking cats, but ...
On Thu, Jan 16, 2020 at 10:50 AM Andrea Bean <abean60...><mailto:<abean60...>> wrote:
Lynette, YES! I live in West Peabody and I am experiencing the exact same thing. I originally thought that it was because of a pair of Cooper's and an occasional Red-tailed that have been hunting in my yard the past month or so.
On Thu, Jan 16, 2020 at 9:00 AM Lynette Leka <lynetteleka...><mailto:<lynetteleka...>> wrote:
about ten days ago the activity at my feeders abruptly went from a routine dozen species, with lots of Goldfinches and House Finches, a couple pair of Cardinals and Downy Woodpeckers, plenty of Blue Jays and Mourning Doves, etc., to nothing but a Goldfinch or two
I've waited out the various weather incidents, but still haven't seen any recovery - are others, especially in the North Shore area, experiencing anything like this?
------------------------------------
(by)..."not noticing birds in one's daily environment, one misses a whole segment of life on earth that can deliver joy every day." Bruce M. Beehler, 2019
Lynette Leka
Newbury, MA 01951
email: <lynette.leka...>
--
Andrea
You cannot get through a single day without having an impact on the world around you. What you do makes a difference, and you have to decide what kind of a difference you want to make.
Jane Goodall
--
"Citizens have the responsibility constitutionally enshrined, more urgent than ever to steer the nations course at the ballot box. " - New York Times
Date: 1/16/20 8:32 am From: Liz Pease <lizpease...> Subject: Re: [MASSBIRD] sudden and nearly total decline in feeder birds
Here in Salisbury, I have plenty of blue jays and juncos, and about the
average as far as cardinals go, but definitely fewer chickadees and titmice
(mouses?) than a "normal" winter. I don't tend to get a ton of goldfinches
normally, but even still, their numbers seem low; I am always surprised
these days when I see one. Normal nuthatches (though of course no
red-breasted this year), downies, red-bellies, house finches...
I do find doing my bi-weekly Project Feeder Watch count reassuring; it
reminds me that my fears about their being fewer birds are often just a
reflection of the fact that I'm not always watching carefully.
Liz
Salisbury
<lizpease...>
On Thu, Jan 16, 2020 at 11:22 AM David Wittenberg <
<davidawittenberg...> wrote:
> Ditto in Newton. I was thinking cats, but ...
>
>
>
> On Thu, Jan 16, 2020 at 10:50 AM Andrea Bean <abean60...> wrote:
>
>> Lynette, YES! I live in West Peabody and I am experiencing the exact
>> same thing. I originally thought that it was because of a pair of Cooper's
>> and an occasional Red-tailed that have been hunting in my yard the past
>> month or so.
>>
>>
>> On Thu, Jan 16, 2020 at 9:00 AM Lynette Leka <lynetteleka...>
>> wrote:
>>
>>> about ten days ago the activity at my feeders abruptly went from a
>>> routine dozen species, with lots of Goldfinches and House Finches, a couple
>>> pair of Cardinals and Downy Woodpeckers, plenty of Blue Jays and Mourning
>>> Doves, etc., to nothing but a Goldfinch or two
>>>
>>> I've waited out the various weather incidents, but still haven't seen
>>> any recovery - are others, especially in the North Shore area, experiencing
>>> anything like this?
>>>
>>>
>>>
>>> ------------------------------------
>>> (by)..."not noticing birds in one's daily environment, one misses a
>>> whole segment of life on earth that can deliver joy every day." Bruce M.
>>> Beehler, 2019
>>>
>>>
>>>
>>> Lynette Leka
>>> Newbury, MA 01951
>>> email: <lynette.leka...>
>>>
>>
>>
>> --
>> Andrea
>> “You cannot get through a single day without having an impact on the
>> world around you. What you do makes a difference, and you have to decide
>> what kind of a difference you want to make.”
>> —Jane Goodall
>>
>
--
"Citizens have the responsibility — constitutionally enshrined, more urgent
than ever — to steer the nation’s course at the ballot box. " - New York
Times
Date: 1/16/20 8:17 am From: David Wittenberg <davidawittenberg...> Subject: Re: [MASSBIRD] sudden and nearly total decline in feeder birds
Ditto in Newton. I was thinking cats, but ...
On Thu, Jan 16, 2020 at 10:50 AM Andrea Bean <abean60...> wrote:
> Lynette, YES! I live in West Peabody and I am experiencing the exact same
> thing. I originally thought that it was because of a pair of Cooper's and
> an occasional Red-tailed that have been hunting in my yard the past month
> or so.
>
>
> On Thu, Jan 16, 2020 at 9:00 AM Lynette Leka <lynetteleka...>
> wrote:
>
>> about ten days ago the activity at my feeders abruptly went from a
>> routine dozen species, with lots of Goldfinches and House Finches, a couple
>> pair of Cardinals and Downy Woodpeckers, plenty of Blue Jays and Mourning
>> Doves, etc., to nothing but a Goldfinch or two
>>
>> I've waited out the various weather incidents, but still haven't seen any
>> recovery - are others, especially in the North Shore area, experiencing
>> anything like this?
>>
>>
>>
>> ------------------------------------
>> (by)..."not noticing birds in one's daily environment, one misses a whole
>> segment of life on earth that can deliver joy every day." Bruce M. Beehler,
>> 2019
>>
>>
>>
>> Lynette Leka
>> Newbury, MA 01951
>> email: <lynette.leka...>
>>
>
>
> --
> Andrea
> “You cannot get through a single day without having an impact on the world
> around you. What you do makes a difference, and you have to decide what
> kind of a difference you want to make.”
> —Jane Goodall
>
Date: 1/16/20 7:46 am From: Andrea Bean <abean60...> Subject: Re: [MASSBIRD] sudden and nearly total decline in feeder birds
Lynette, YES! I live in West Peabody and I am experiencing the exact same
thing. I originally thought that it was because of a pair of Cooper's and
an occasional Red-tailed that have been hunting in my yard the past month
or so.
On Thu, Jan 16, 2020 at 9:00 AM Lynette Leka <lynetteleka...> wrote:
> about ten days ago the activity at my feeders abruptly went from a routine
> dozen species, with lots of Goldfinches and House Finches, a couple pair of
> Cardinals and Downy Woodpeckers, plenty of Blue Jays and Mourning Doves,
> etc., to nothing but a Goldfinch or two
>
> I've waited out the various weather incidents, but still haven't seen any
> recovery - are others, especially in the North Shore area, experiencing
> anything like this?
>
>
>
> ------------------------------------
> (by)..."not noticing birds in one's daily environment, one misses a whole
> segment of life on earth that can deliver joy every day." Bruce M. Beehler,
> 2019
>
>
>
> Lynette Leka
> Newbury, MA 01951
> email: <lynette.leka...>
>
--
Andrea
“You cannot get through a single day without having an impact on the world
around you. What you do makes a difference, and you have to decide what
kind of a difference you want to make.”
—Jane Goodall
Date: 1/16/20 5:54 am From: Lynette Leka <lynetteleka...> Subject: [MASSBIRD] sudden and nearly total decline in feeder birds
about ten days ago the activity at my feeders abruptly went from a routine dozen species, with lots of Goldfinches and House Finches, a couple pair of Cardinals and Downy Woodpeckers, plenty of Blue Jays and Mourning Doves, etc., to nothing but a Goldfinch or two
I've waited out the various weather incidents, but still haven't seen any recovery - are others, especially in the North Shore area, experiencing anything like this?
------------------------------------ (by)..."not noticing birds in one's daily environment, one misses a whole segment of life on earth that can deliver joy every day." Bruce M. Beehler, 2019
Lynette Leka Newbury, MA 01951 email: <lynette.leka...>
Date: 1/15/20 4:48 pm From: Barbara Volkle <barb620...> Subject: [MASSBIRD] 1/15 Birding In Lincoln Today
Thanks to Paul Peterson for this post.
Barbara Volkle Northborough, MA <barb620...>
*
Date: Thu, 16 Jan 2020 00:29:01 +0000 (UTC) From: Paul Peterson <petersonpaul63...> Subject: 1/15 Birding In Lincoln Today
The beauty of EASTER BLUEBIRDS at Mount Misery, as they drop from branches into the swamp for food.. The amazing aerial displays of a pair of COMMON RAVENS over The Food Project fields. The wondrous call of a PILEATED WOODPECKER ringing through the woods at Mount Misery. The neat rattle call of a BELTED KINGFISHER as it fed in the Mount Misery Swamp. A RED-TAILED HAWK dropping down into brush and coming up with a hapless vole at the edge of the Lincoln Community Farm. The loveliness of a flock of GOLDEN-CROWNED KINGLET in the evergreen wood. The beautiful sight of dozens of COMMON MERGANSER way out on Flint Pond. And if that weren't enough, just being surrounded by non-stop tranquil beauty in this bucolic town put me over the top indeed.
Date: 1/15/20 2:00 pm From: John Nelson <jnelson...> Subject: [MASSBIRD] Cape Ann Highlights
A few highlights from my wanderings around Cape Ann this (Wednesday) morning:
Dovekie (viewed in Gloucester Harbor from Rocky Neck Ave concrete barrier, on a tip from Neil Hayward, who'd seen a Dovekie by the Jodrey Fish Pier and watched it drifting toward Rocky Neck)
Common Murre (at Loblolly Cove, Rockport, with 2 Black Guillemots, just beyond the rocky point at south end of cove)
Black-crowned Night-Heron (juvenile, in thicket on pond side of road to retreat house at Niles Pond--previously reported by Shilo McDonald)
Iceland Gull (fly-by in Brace Cove, Gloucester)
2 American Pipits (atop wrack mounds on beach at Brace Cove--seen here regularly for at least the past 5 weeks)
The Orange-crowned Warbler on Doane St. in Gloucester was seen early this morning by the friendly homeowner but not while I was there with a group from the Hampshire Bird Club. The Townsend's Solitaire at Halibut Point in Rockport was seen fairly early in the morning near the Bayview path by Bob Murphy, but I missed it. In numerous outings this winter I've been unable to find a Barrow's Goldeneye at the two Cape Ann spots that are usually the best bets, Loblolly Cove in Rockport and the Marine Station at Hodgkins Cove in Gloucester.
I am writing to friends, colleagues, and family to share my new home phone number, (978) 224-2294. My cell phone also still works: (978) 317 1448.
I am in Salem, Massachusetts, with my sister Louise (Roddie) who is currently living with me. Son Andy still lives here also as does my old friend, Steve Lawrence. Andy has his garage here in Salem. My new phone number here is (978) 224 2294; cell remains (978) 317 1448.
I hope to escape the cold north before long for Florida to visit daughter Gillian and family in Naples. I can be reached there on my cell phone, (978) 317 1448.
I look forward to continuing editing for Bird Observer, regardless of where I am.
Date: 1/14/20 11:48 am From: James MacDougall <jm3...> Subject: [MASSBIRD] Halibut Point
Hi,
Nice weather at Halibut Point this morning, wind light out of the NE, calm sea and tide rising.
I met Jim McCoy out on the rocks and he proceeded to show me a dovekie flying by and a couple of flocks of large alcids flying east out about 1/4 mile offshore. Most were Common murres with a few Razorbills in smaller groups. Over the course of an hour we saw about 70-90 alcids. 3 Razorbirds were sitting on the water directly out from the shoreline at about 300 yards, actively diving.
Other sea birds, Harlequin ducks, Black scoters, Long-tailed ducks, Red-throated loons, Common loons.
A flock of Yellow-rumped warblers in the heath by the exposed rocks.
I did take a walk around the quarry and found another group of YR warblers with a couple of Chickadees feeding on poison ivy. They were accompanied by the Townsend Solitaire. This was on the oceanside of the trail between the Overlook trail and the Bayview trail.
Other land birds included a Pileated woodpecker, Hairy woodpecker, and a Gray Catbird behind the Gott House next to the main entrance.
*Please excuse my previous post. It was accidentally posted before it was written*
Howdy, Birders!
The Drumlin Farm Teen Birders will be participating in a practice session this Saturday, January 18th from 9-4 pm led by myself and Andy Scholten. We spend a lot of time going over natural history, seasonal and weather-related birding techniques, and other topics as they come up in discussion. Id like to invite anyone with teens who will compete next week to join us and get in some additional practice. We have a lot of fun on our trips and always welcome newcomers who might be interested in learning about birding and the field of ornithology.
Date: 1/13/20 2:40 pm From: Barbara Volkle <barb620...> Subject: [MASSBIRD] Guillemot, Iceland Gull, Pipits, Ducks at Eastern Point Gloucester
Thanks to Paul Peterson for this post.
Barbara Volkle Northborough, MA <barb620...>
*
Date: Mon, 13 Jan 2020 22:14:04 +0000 (UTC) From: Paul Peterson <petersonpaul63...> Subject: Guillemot, Iceland Gull, Pipits, Ducks at Eastern Point Gloucester
I birded in Eastern Point in Gloucester today from 12:00-4:20. A nice variety of ducks, etc.:
Great Cormorant 1 Brace Cove Rock American Wigeon 2 Niles Pond and Brace Cove(flew over to pond eventually) Gadwall 4 Niles Pond Greater Scaup 33 ditto Ring-necked Duck 3 ditto Long-tailed Duck 7 Lighthouse Cove BLACK GUILLEMOT 1 base of Dog Bar Breakwater (tip of Eastern Pt.) Wild Turkey 4 Iceland Gull 1 Niles Pond; also one near Gloucester House Restaurant AMERICAN PIPIT 2 wrack line Brace Cove Winter Wren 1 Brace Cove Hermit Thrush 1 Brace Cove
Massbirders,
Martin Wilhelm Mandt (1800-1858) was a German zoologist/physician. In 1822 he described a subspecies of Black Guillemot (Cepphus grylle) and called it C. g. mandtii. A specimen of this subspecies has been in the area of Macmillan wharf, Provincetown for a few weeks, much whiter than the typical C. grylle. Photographed today.
Date: 1/11/20 7:48 pm From: Barbara Volkle <barb620...> Subject: [MASSBIRD] Cape Ann Birding 1/11/20
Thanks to Strickland Wheelockfor this post.
Barbara Volkle Northborough, MA <barb620...>
*
Date: Sun, 12 Jan 2020 01:16:43 +0000 (UTC) From: Strickland Wheelock <skwheelock...> Subject: Cape Ann Birding 1/11/20
Drumlin Farm had a day birding trip to Cape Ann on Sat 1/11/20 under unique conditions [heat] and amazing results. The focus of the trip was pelagic birding and little effort on passerines outside of what species presented themselves - in the end we had 57 species at the few locations we visited - Halibut Point, Andrews Point, Granite Pier, Elks Club, Gloucester Harbor, Niles Pond and Braces Cove. Starting point was Halibut Point early with the incoming tide and with the hope of catching the alcids, ducks, loons, grebes, etc on the move with the sun at our back - not sure how to accurately describe all the non-stop action we experienced there with flybys and many species on the water - 1 Thick-billed Murre, 10 Dovekies, 10+ Razorbills, 10 Blk Guillemots, male & female King Eider, Gannets, Kittiwakes, Glaucous Gull, Purple Sandpiper, Red-necked Grebes, Red-thr & Common Loons, many Harlequin Ducks, Long-tailed Ducks, and other duck species. As we moved on to Andrews Point, just a continuation of all the movement of alcids [ Razorbills, Guillemots], ducks as they swept by the Point - next we stopped at Granite Pier where an adult Lesser Blk-b Gull was roosting on the rocks along with all the common gulls - off shore there was a nice mixture of species to add to the totals. After lunch, we stopped at the Elks Club to scan and enjoyed Horned & Red-n Grebes, more Black Guillemots, Common Goldeneye, Harlequins, scoters, Buffleheads, Red-thr Loons, etc - much to enjoy Further along we scanned Gloucester Harbor on our way to Niles Pond and had our 1st Surf Scoters, Long-tailed Ducks, Gadwalls, C Goldeneyes, Bufflehead, etc Niles Pond is always rewarding with both Lesser & Greater Scaup, Ring-necked Duck, many Red-breasted Mergansers, Bufflehead and 2 immature Iceland Gulls - missed the Night-Heron unfortunately but close by in Braces Cove we enjoyed 2 Am. Wigeon Exceptional day with the mild weather but the sheer numbers of groups [all sizes] of alcids, ducks & pelagic species moving everywhere - once back at DF, a Cooper's Hawk shot over our heads for a nice ending. Next upcoming local trip from Drumlin Farm is Feb 8th which is called Mission Possible where we chase the rarest specie within a 2 hour radius of DF, then from there seek other nearby rarities to fill out the day - that rarity might only appear a day or two before the trip - in the past we enjoyed Ivory Gull, Hawk Owl, etc - always a surprise
Should be good viewing there again late this afternoon (1/11) though the amazing warmth may give rise to much competing human/canine activity on the beach.
Kenoza Lake, Essex, Massachusetts, US Jan 10, 2020 11:47 AM - 12:02 PM Protocol: Traveling 0.2 mile(s) Checklist Comments: Was wondering if the American Wigeon x Mallard hybrid was still around? And it was! 4 species (+1 other taxa)
Mallard 21 American Wigeon x Mallard (hybrid) 1 Very cool looking duck. Blending in with an accommodating group of Mallards. Herring Gull 2 American Crow 11 Song Sparrow 1
Date: 1/10/20 8:50 pm From: Josh <opihi...> Subject: [MASSBIRD] Valley raptor random encounters
Hi MassBirders,
I had a nice run of random raptor encounters on Thursday:
1. I was IDing a couple of Song Sparrows along Meadow Road in Montague when a previously unseen flock of Cedar Waxwings burst into the air, calling. Then I noticed why they'd burst into flight: a Merlin was after them!
2. I pulled over a little ways down the road to type eBird some details about the Merlin, when I heard a Bald Eagle calling. Looked up to see two adults soaring together, one dipping over the other a few times; I'm guessing that the one was trying to interest the other in a little courtship...
3. After some chores at home, was taking the dog to Hadley for a walk on the Fort River Trail. While driving I saw my FOY Northern Harrier coursing over the big hill along Moody Bridge Road east of Maple St.
4. As we were driving home post-walk (during which the only raptor was a heard-only Red-tail), a Peregrine Falcon swooped up and landed atop a telephone pole beside Bay Road, carrying prey! Prey turned out to be a Mourning Dove.
5. Got home, pulled into the driveway, got out of the car... and an adult Cooper's Hawk was perched right above our driveway, maybe 30 feet from where I was standing! And even stayed put while I pulled out the camera and took some photos, in which the hawk was so close that - with my 500mm telephoto lens on - I couldn't get both its head and tail in the view at the same time!
6. Dropped by the Hampshire Athletic Club at 4:30 for a workout, and as I walked across the parking lot, faintly heard a Great Horned Owl hooting in the distance.
And if I go back to Wednesday morning, I can add
7. Ended my Barred Owl "drought" 8 days into 2020, with one perched in the woods just outside the fence of the Turners Falls Airport, in plain sight on a big subcanopy limb, being scolded by a few Blue Jays.
Date: 1/9/20 3:35 pm From: mike sylvia <mikesylvia87...> Subject: [MASSBIRD] Cuttyhunk Island - Unofficial CBC - Sedge Wren
My son Corvus Sylvia and I completed an unofficial CBC of the island today. Owling component yielded no owls. Weather quite variable from sunny to snow flurries.
Winds 12-30 kts.
Temps 20-40 F
54 species
Distance 11.3 miles. Measured on App. 10 hours
We covered almost all areas of the island over the period. All effort were made to avoid overlap and we feel confident that we were successful. Much of the berry crop is almost gone from the island. Eaten mainly by the large flock of Starlings that is still present. Good sea ducks around the island.
Rarest bird Sedge Wren. Late or species high counts for Chipping Sparrow, Brown Thrasher, Virginia Rail, Merlin, Gray Catbird, Song Sparrow, Black Scoter and Common Goldeneye.
Funniest find only 1 Dark-eyed Junco all by itself at the West end in an area I tend to find single odd species.
Brant 6
Canada Goose 42
Gadwall 3
Mallard 4
Common Eider 418 High count, Observed all around the island with main concentrations on East and West end rips
Harlequin Duck 4
Surf Scoter 26
White-winged Scoter 48
Black Scoter 640 High Count. Large congregations of East and West ends of island in rips.
Long-tailed Duck 7
Bufflehead 136 High accurate count. Birds in all areas.
Common Goldeneye 78 Island high count. Small rafts all around island
Red-breasted Merganser 13 low numbers
Horned Grebe 4
Red-necked Grebe 2
Virginia Rail 13 High count. 10 birds heard and 3 seen. Most responded to playback and 3 were flushed. interesting to repeat earlier findings of pairs responding to playback in same areas. Possible breeding pairs holding on to their territory?? Marshy to upland grassy habitats. Over wintering birds.
Purple Sandpiper 2
Razorbill 1
Ring-billed Gull 2
Herring Gull 29
Great Black-backed Gull 13
Common Loon 7
Great Cormorant 9
Northern Harrier 1
Sharp-shinned Hawk 2
Cooper's Hawk 1
Northern Flicker 3
Merlin 3 Three individuals seen and one photographed. All seen on extreme East end of island coming from Nashawena Island and heading West while we were surveying East end. No overlap possible.
American Crow 13
Black-capped Chickadee 16
Tufted Titmouse 5
Golden-crowned Kinglet 2 surprise find. Last seen on island November 15th.
Winter Wren 1
Sedge Wren 1 Very Rare late date. Possible latest winter record for Massachusetts. Last record found is Jan 3. Positive ID seen by both observers three times at close ranges (5-10 feet). Unfortunately no photos. The bird only did short flights and quickly perched then dove into grass. Found in area within 300 yds of the my last sighing this Fall. Habitat same tall grass border to marshy area. Small pale bird with weak flight. Soft mottling over body. Longish tail. Exactly as seen on other bird seen and photographed on 11/2/2019. Bird was first flushed within 5 feet of me and I had eyeball view in fight with bright sun over my shoulder that confirmed ID. We were able to flush it two more times at close range so other observer could see it and confirm. No doubt.
Carolina Wren 5
European Starling 84
Gray Catbird 8 All birds positively Identified. One spot 3 and others either 2 or singles widespread over island.
Brown Thrasher 2 Positive ID of both birds. Two separate locations with visual in good light.
Northern Mockingbird 6
Hermit Thrush 1
American Robin 24
House Sparrow 4
House Finch 21
Purple Finch 1 only second individual seen on island this Fall/Winter
Chipping Sparrow 5 All birds seen and photographed. Positive ID
Field Sparrow 4
Fox Sparrow (Red) 1
Dark-eyed Junco 1 only junco on the island. Thought we were not going to get one. Last species added.
White-throated Sparrow 33
Song Sparrow 59 High Count. Numbers recorded as seen. No overlap. Positive count.
Swamp Sparrow 2
Eastern Towhee 5
Yellow-rumped Warbler 86
Northern Cardinal 18
Date: 1/9/20 2:44 pm From: Barbara Volkle <barb620...> Subject: [MASSBIRD] 1/9 Peregrine Falcons Sheraton in Boston; Also Brown Thrasher in,South Boston
Thanks to Paul Peterson for this report.
Barbara Volkle Northborough, MA <barb620...>
*
Date: Thu, 9 Jan 2020 22:15:46 +0000 (UTC) From: Paul Peterson <petersonpaul63...> Subject: 1/9 Peregrine Falcons Sheraton in Boston; Also Brown Thrasher in South Boston
This afternoon, there were two Peregrine Falcons perched near the top of the building on the side facing Huntington Ave. This is near the Prudential building, and the hideous, all-glass, new towering condo building that casts shadows on the falcons' perching area. Also, the Brown Thrasher continues. I hope this beautiful bird survives the winter. Of course, I viewed the bird from the sidewalks of both streets in the area (I did not trespass) The bird was very easy to find. At L Street Beach, there were thirty-five Greater Scaup at low tide, close to shore, as well as a Red-throated Loon.
The Orange-crowned Warbler is still at Doanne Road, Gloucester. You park on the right at the start of Shore Hill Road. There are three spaces ; when we were there, they were occupied by two SUVs (SUVs always need more Lebensraum), but you can park along the roadside next to the park. This is city property and not posted, so you're OK. You walk down the hill to the last (white) house on the right. The feeders are very visible from the street. There is a parking spot (do not use) just below the house ; if you're in luck, there's a big white van there, and you can creep up and peek around it for a good view. We got invited to do so by the home owner. Otherwise, the best view is from the base of the driveway above the house. The bird seems to come every 15 minutes. Daan Sandee Gloucester, MA <sandee...>
Date: 1/9/20 1:33 pm From: Barbara Volkle <barb620...> Subject: [MASSBIRD] Great Meadows NWR--Concord Unit, Jan 9, 2020
Thanks to Alan Bragg for this post.
Barbara Volkle Northborough, MA <barb620...>
*
From: "Alan & Ruth Bragg" <alan.ruth.bragg...> Date: Thu, 9 Jan 2020 11:25:21 -0500 Subject: Great Meadows NWR--Concord Unit, Jan 9, 2020
Great Meadows NWR--Concord Unit, Middlesex, Massachusetts, US Jan 9, 2020 7:26 AM - 10:08 AM Protocol: Traveling 2.55 mile(s) Checklist Comments: Weekly survey by NWR volunteers Soheil, Audrey, Maryellen, Zena, Frank, Tom, Joan, Lang, Cris & Alan 24 species (+2 other taxa)
Canada Goose 40 Mute Swan 2 Mallard 25 American Black Duck 2 Northern Pintail 1 Continuing Hooded Merganser 1 duck sp. 10 Wild Turkey 18 Virginia Rail 1 Continuing Bald Eagle 1 Red-bellied Woodpecker 5 Downy Woodpecker 7 Hairy Woodpecker 2 Pileated Woodpecker 1 Blue Jay 5 American Crow 4 Common Raven 2 Black-capped Chickadee 15 Tufted Titmouse 2 Golden-crowned Kinglet 2 White-breasted Nuthatch 4 Brown Creeper 2 Carolina Wren 1 American Goldfinch 1 Song Sparrow 9 warbler sp. (Parulidae sp.) 1 Photograph
Date: 1/8/20 5:29 pm From: Tom and Lu Wetmore <ttw4...> Subject: [MASSBIRD] Plum Island Seaside Sparrow
Birders,
I had a Seaside Sparrow in the phrags around Stage Island Pool this morning. It was on the side of the dirt road between the two Sandy Point parking lots, closer to the final lot.
I had pished in a few birds, including a Swamp Sparrow and a Marsh Wren when I saw a sparrow fly in from deeper in the phrags and land in a bush by the side of the road. Assuming it would be another Swamp Sparrow, I got it in the binocs only to discover a beautiful Seaside Sparrow, with bright white throat, bright white malars and bright yellow lores, rich reddish wings, and gray undersides with faint streaking and central spot. My first winter Seaside Sparrow, and the first for my Plum Island database as well.
From: David Gibson <20cabot...> Date: Wed, 8 Jan 2020 18:11:44 -0500 Subject: Birds enrich our lives
Hi MA birders, Here's my latest blog, another in the series about how birds enrich our lives. It includes the usual photos, photo tips, bird photos, attempts at humor, and storiesâincluding a love story. I hope you enjoy it and share it, and I welcome your comments. All the best, great birds, and thanks so much for reading. Here's the link: https://birdpartner.com/2020/01/08/we-love-birds-2/ Dave Gibson https://birdpartner.com/
Date: 1/8/20 2:57 pm From: Barbara Volkle <barb620...> Subject: [MASSBIRD] Plum Island - 01-08-2020
Thanks to Dave Weaver for this correction.
Barbara Volkle Northborough, MA <barb620...>
*
Correction! Somehow overlooked including Northern Shrike. Now included below.
Dave Weaver
-------- Forwarded Message -------- Subject: [PIBirds] Plum Island - 01-08-2020 Date: Wed, 8 Jan 2020 15:59:27 -0500 From: David Weaver <cygnus-dkw...> [plumislandbirds] <plumislandbirds-noreply...> Reply-To: David Weaver <cygnus-dkw...> To: Plum Island Birds <plumislandbirds...>
Dave Williams joined me in leading Joppa Flats' Wednesday Morning Birding program on to Plum Island -- the north end and points south. Skies were cloudy to partly cloudy to clear; temps 32-40 F.; and winds SW-NW/5-15 mph and building. Passerines were in short supply, but outside of that, we had some pretty "good" birds.
Our list:
Brant (7) - Emerson Rocks. Canada Goose - common. Mallard (6) - Bill Forward Pool (BFP). American Black Duck - common. Common Eider (~ 40) - ~ 15, north end; ~ 25, seven ocean. White-winged Scoter (4) - north end. Black Scoter (3) - 1, north end; 2, seven ocean. Long-tailed Duck (~ 15) - ~ 10, north end; 5, seven ocean. Common Goldeneye (3) - 1, north end; 2, Bar Head ocean. Red-breasted Merganser (4) - 3, north end; 1, seven ocean. Horned Grebe (4) - seven ocean. Sanderling (~ 50) - seven beach. Dunlin (~ 80) - seven beach. Ring-billed Gull (2) - 1, north end; 1, seven beach. Herring Gull (6) - 3, north end; 3, seven beach. Great Black-backed Gull (1) - north end. Red-throated Loon (1) - north end. Common Loon (2) - 1, north end; 1, seven ocean. [Northern Harrier (3) - marsh sw PI Bridge w. parking lot.] Northern Harrier (1) - over Middens. [Bald Eagle (2) - imm., 1 perched beneath refuge boat ramp Osprey platform, 1 perched on snag edge of marsh; both sw PI Bridge w. parking lot.] Bald Eagle (1) - ad. on prey in marsh w. North Pool dike (presumably a duck) after having put up a sizeable flock of black ducks; seen from Hellcat dike. [Rough-legged Hawk (1) - hovering over marsh s. PI Bridge w. parking lot.] Rough-legged Hawk (1) - hovering over Cross Farm Hill. Snowy Owl (2) - 1, perched in tree on edge of marsh, S-curves; 1, first seen in marsh immediately w. BFP (later spooked by aforementioned eagle on a flyby; owl landed atop one of BFP blind pines). Northern Shrike (1) - n. edge South Field atop red cedar, ~ 50 yards from refuge road. European Starling - large flock on wires leading to PI Bridge from east.
Next week, January 15, Wednesday Morning Birding will visit Cape Ann. Meet at 9:30 at Gloucester Crossing in front of Marshalls. If you want to hitch a ride in one of Joppa's vans, meet at Joppa Flats for an 8:30 departure. Any questions about Joppa programs, give Dave Larson or David Moon a call at (978) 462-9998.
Date: 1/8/20 1:10 pm From: David Weaver <cygnus-dkw...> Subject: [MASSBIRD] Plum Island - 01-08-2020
Dave Williams joined me in leading Joppa Flats' Wednesday Morning Birding program on to Plum Island -- the north end and points south. Skies were cloudy to partly cloudy to clear; temps 32-40 F.; and winds SW-NW/5-15 mph and building. Passerines were in short supply, but outside of that, we had some pretty "good" birds.
Our list:
Brant (7) - Emerson Rocks. Canada Goose - common. Mallard (6) - Bill Forward Pool (BFP). American Black Duck - common. Common Eider (~ 40) - ~ 15, north end; ~ 25, seven ocean. White-winged Scoter (4) - north end. Black Scoter (3) - 1, north end; 2, seven ocean. Long-tailed Duck (~ 15) - ~ 10, north end; 5, seven ocean. Common Goldeneye (3) - 1, north end; 2, Bar Head ocean. Red-breasted Merganser (4) - 3, north end; 1, seven ocean. Horned Grebe (4) - seven ocean. Sanderling (~ 50) - seven beach. Dunlin (~ 80) - seven beach. Ring-billed Gull (2) - 1, north end; 1, seven beach. Herring Gull (6) - 3, north end; 3, seven beach. Great Black-backed Gull (1) - north end. Red-throated Loon (1) - north end. Common Loon (2) - 1, north end; 1, seven ocean. [Northern Harrier (3) - marsh sw PI Bridge w. parking lot.] Northern Harrier (1) - over Middens. [Bald Eagle (2) - imm., 1 perched beneath refuge boat ramp Osprey platform, 1 perched on snag edge of marsh; both sw PI Bridge w. parking lot.] Bald Eagle (1) - ad. on prey in marsh w. North Pool dike (presumably a duck) after having put up a sizeable flock of black ducks; seen from Hellcat dike. [Rough-legged Hawk (1) - hovering over marsh s. PI Bridge w. parking lot.] Rough-legged Hawk (1) - hovering over Cross Farm Hill. Snowy Owl (2) - 1, perched in tree on edge of marsh, S-curves; 1, first seen in marsh immediately w. BFP (later spooked by aforementioned eagle on a flyby; owl landed atop one of BFP blind pines). Northern Shrike (1) - n. edge South Field atop red cedar, ~ 50 yards from refuge road. European Starling - large flock on wires leading to PI Bridge from east.
Next week, January 15, Wednesday Morning Birding will visit Cape Ann. Meet at 9:30 at Gloucester Crossing in front of Marshalls. If you want to hitch a ride in one of Joppa's vans, meet at Joppa Flats for an 8:30 departure. Any questions about Joppa programs, give Dave Larson or David Moon a call at (978) 462-9998.
Date: 1/7/20 6:02 pm From: Barbara Volkle <barb620...> Subject: [MASSBIRD] Hybrid tufted duck x scaup - Falmouth
Thanks to Peter Crosson for this report.
Barbara Volkle Northborough, MA <barb620...>
*
From: Peter Crosson <capecodbirder...> Date: Tue, 7 Jan 2020 19:13:47 -0500 Subject: Hybrid tufted duck x scaup - Falmouth
Hi all,
I had a neat drake hybrid tufted duck x scaup in Falmouth this AM. Original= ly he was at a distance with a large flock of 500 or so scaup in Perch Pond.= A boat then flushed the flock which headed SW. I figured they might end u= p on Little Pond and so headed that way. After a little searching I turned h= im up again and got some nice close looks and photos. There are multiple va= ntage points onto Little Pond from side streets west of Maravista Ave. if an= yone wants to try for this bird.
Date: 1/7/20 5:37 pm From: Barbara Volkle <barb620...> Subject: [MASSBIRD] 1/6 Cumberland Farms Fields Halifax and Middleboro
Thanks to Paul Peterson for this report.
Barbara Volkle Northborough, MA <barb620...>
*
Date: Tue, 7 Jan 2020 19:30:21 +0000 (UTC) From: Paul Peterson <petersonpaul63...> Subject: 1/6 Cumberland Farms Fields Halifax and Middleboro
I walked from Bridgewater Station to Cumberland Farms Fields, birding all along the way. It's not the destination that matters, but the journey. That surely was the case here. I saw the following birds before I arrived at the fields:
JOURNEY:
RED-SHOULDERED HAWK 1 near Cumberland Farms, on green, huge, abandoned shed (89 River St.) Red-railed Hawk 3 Horned Lark 80 Brown Creeper 2 Golden-crowned Kinglet 9 Eastern Bluebird 8 six in crabs on River St. just west of Route 105 (very near fields) Pine Warbler 1 with five kinglet and two creeper in same spot as last April 4 (Taunton River W.M.A.) Yellow-rumped Warbler 3 Snow Bunting 10
CUMBERLAND FARM FIELDS: (DESTINATION)
Northern Harrier 5 including a "gray ghost" one calling ! Red-tailed Hawk 1 SHORT-EARED OWL 2 at dusk; mostly tussling, screeching! seen from far down main path WOW! Northern Flicker 12 eight in same tree, three in another American Tree Sparrow 22 way down in brushy area Skunk 1 so cute, what a face!
P.S. THERE IS NOWHERE TO PARK, but it is easy to walk in through the space in the locked gate.
Date: 1/7/20 3:58 pm From: Barbara Volkle <barb620...> Subject: [MASSBIRD] 1/4 Muddy River and Leverett Pond
Thanks to Paul Peterson for this report.
Sorry for the delay getting this message out.
Barbara Volkle Northborough, MA <barb620...>
*
From: Paul Peterson <petersonpaul63...> Subject: 1/4 Muddy River and Leverett Pond Date: Sat, 4 Jan 2020 20:42:19 +0000 (UTC)
This is in Jamaica Plain, Longwood, and the Fenway. I covered the entire length of the Muddy River. So surprised to see two large White-throated Sparrow flocks of thirty-two birds and twenty-five birds each in the Fenway. One was at Brookline Ave. and Fenway (actual name of road), the other in the Fenway Victory Gardens. I haven't seen numbers like this in ten years or more anywhere!
Great Blue Heron 4 all in river WOOD DUCK 6 four pond, two river AMERICAN BLACK DUCK 130 all in river Ring-necked Duck 27 pond, except one Common Merganser 4 pond Hooded Merganser 3 one pond, two eiver Red-tailed Hawk 1 Belted Kingfisher 1 pond; ice-free Carolina Wren 1 White-throated Sparrow 66 WOW! Song Sparrow 12 FOX SPARROW 1 Victory Gardens, at that feeder Dark-eyed Junco 1 Red-winged Blackbird 8 American Goldfinch 8 feeding on ground with the largest white-throated flock
P.S. I did not count Mallards, but there definitely were many. What fun!
Date: 1/7/20 3:39 pm From: Barbara Volkle <barb620...> Subject: [MASSBIRD] 1/4 Iceland Gulls at Deer Island in Boston
Thanks to Paul Peterson for this report.
Barbara Volkle Northborough, MA <barb620...>
*
From: Paul Peterson <petersonpaul63...> Subject: 1/4 Iceland Gulls at Deer Island in Boston Date: Tue, 7 Jan 2020 22:10:26 +0000 (UTC)
I spent a few hours here on Sunday. To get here, park at the lot at Point Shirley in Winthrop. The water was rather rough, so it was not the best viewing condition.
Common Loon 2 Red-throated Loon 1 Common Eider 300 Long-tailed Duck 1 Iceland Gull 5 max; usual area a bit past the three yellow sodium hypochlorite tanks COMMON RAVEN 1 Suffolk Downs Station (Blue Line)
Date: 1/7/20 8:32 am From: Barbara Volkle <barb620...> Subject: [MASSBIRD] BBC Walk, Arnold Arboretum, Sun 1/5 AM
Thanks to Bob Mayer for this report.
Barbara Volkle Northborough, MA <barb620...>
From: Bob Mayer <rgmayer38...> Subject: BBC Walk, Arnold Arboretum, Sun 1/5 AM Date: Tue, 7 Jan 2020 09:52:40 -0500
Brendan Keegan and I led a group of more than 50 birders on a walk in = the Arboretum this past Sunday. Nearly all the birds were seen within = 150 yards of the Main Gate , including the feeding station:
Arnold Arboretum, Suffolk, Massachusetts, US Jan 5, 2020 9:00 AM - 10:50 AM Protocol: Traveling 2.0 mile(s) Checklist Comments: 34, sun and clouds, windy; BBC walk 21 species
Mallard 2 pair, Faxon Pond Mourning Dove 6 Red-tailed Hawk 1 Yellow-bellied Sapsucker 2 one immature, one adult, the latter seen = by only a few birders but clearly IDed Red-bellied Woodpecker 1 Downy Woodpecker 3 Blue Jay 5 American Crow 1 Black-capped Chickadee 3 Golden-crowned Kinglet 1 White-breasted Nuthatch 1 Carolina Wren 1 European Starling 10 Northern Mockingbird 1 American Robin 3 House Finch 40 American Goldfinch 5 Dark-eyed Junco 1 White-throated Sparrow 3 Song Sparrow 4 Northern Cardinal 5
Margo and I have been to see the orange-crowned warbler on Doane Street in Gloucester that was reported on eBird. The first time, we did not see the bird in this neighborhood, staying only about 10 or 15 minutes. But more recently we did see the bird visit the feeder a couple of times in during our fifteen minute stay. Each time, we did as the homeowner instructed on eBird, that we park on Shore Hill Rd, near the corner of Wheeler, in front of a small park called Smith Thompson Park, where there is room for about three cars. They requested that we should refrain from driving down Doane St, as it is a narrow road with no available parking.
I have since learned that the homeowner "was furious" this past weekend, when a blue car with several occupants drove down the narrow road trying to observe the bird from the car. Without getting into the discussion of public roads, etc., this is a crowded neighborhood with narrow roads and no parking in many areas, as described by the homeowner. The walk from the designated parking is less than 2 minutes. It was kind (and increasingly rare) for the homeowner to share such a bird. It is inexcusable for recipients of this shared report to ignore the homeowner's request, which is necessary to keep neighbors calm and the bird accessible to others. A few can spoil it for the rest of us.
Access matters so that birders, and others, will continue to be able to see uncommon birds in sensitive areas. Please heed the requests of controlled access in this, and any future requests, that help ensure the opportunity of seeing less common, and even more rare birds, going forward.
Steve Grinley Bird Watcher's Supply & Gift 194 Route 1, Newburyport, MA 01950 <Birdwsg...> 978-462-0775 www.birdwatcherssupplyandgifts.com
Date: 1/6/20 8:08 am From: Brian Rusnica <velocicrafter...> Subject: [MASSBIRD] Monday Jan 13 in Amherst - Hampshire Bird Club program: "Fall Hawkwatching on Mount Watatic"
Greetings!
I’m leading a Hampshire Bird Club program a week from today, Monday January
13th, in Amherst, MA at the Immanuel Lutheran Church at 7:15pm. The topic
will be "Fall Hawkwatching from Mount Watatic", and a brief abstract
follows below. Open to the public.
Raptor Migration provides birders with the opportunity to experience one of
nature’s most mysterious and thrilling spectacles. Massachusetts offers
several sites to observe diurnal raptor migration during Fall, including
the oft-overlooked Mount Watatic. This 1,800 foot peak on the
Massachusetts/New Hampshire border rewards visitors with stunning landscape
views and rustic charm. Each September, it can also provide a unique
vantage point to watch thousands of Broad-winged Hawks on their long
migrant journey. This talk will introduce Mount Watatic, the dozen species
of regular migrant raptors seen there, and a handful of irregular ones too.
We’ll talk about what makes Watatic so underrated, and also answer all your
questions about Hawkwatching – how we count all these birds, where they’re
going, and how we make sure we don’t count the same bird twice.
Date: 1/5/20 7:55 pm From: Linda Ferraresso <tattler1...> Subject: [MASSBIRD] BBC Trip 1/5 : Newburyport and Vicinity
7 birders joined me in braving the winds today, as we stopped at Cashman Park, Salisbury Reservation, and Parker River National Wildlife refuge. Highlights were the female Eastern Towhee at Salisbury, and some nice ducks at the pannes on PRNWR including Gadwall, Pintail, Green-winged Teal and a surprise female Shoveler pointed out by a birder who's name I've forgotten (a big thanks but sorry for forgetting your name) whose granddaughter first spotted the bird!
Cashman Park, Newburyport, Essex, Massachusetts, US
Jan 5, 2020 9:30 AM - 9:45 AM Protocol: Stationary Checklist Comments: BBC trip 33-34 degrees, winds NW 20 mph gusting to 31 mph. 4 species
Salisbury Beach State Reservation, Essex, Massachusetts, US
Jan 5, 2020 9:46 AM - 11:11 AM Protocol: Traveling 2.648 mile(s) Checklist Comments: BBC trip 33-34 degrees, sunny, winds NW 20 mph gusting to 31 mph 26 species (+1 other taxa)
Canada Goose 25 Common Eider 120 Surf Scoter 25 White-winged Scoter 25 Long-tailed Duck 3 Red-breasted Merganser 3 Horned Grebe 1 Mourning Dove 16 Ring-billed Gull 43 Herring Gull 60 Great Black-backed Gull 4 gull sp. 10 Common Loon 2 Great Cormorant 1 Downy Woodpecker 1 American Crow 5 Black-capped Chickadee 1 Tufted Titmouse 2 at feeder approaching the Reservation European Starling 3 Northern Mockingbird 2 House Sparrow 3 American Goldfinch 10 Dark-eyed Junco 20 White-throated Sparrow 3 Song Sparrow 1 Eastern Towhee 1 Beautiful chocolate brown, black, red and white bird claw rly seen in mixed flock with other sparrows. Northern Cardinal 2
Parker River NWR, Essex, Massachusetts, US
Jan 5, 2020 12:07 PM - 2:46 PM Protocol: Traveling 6.0 mile(s) Checklist Comments: BBC trip. Cold (33-34 degrees), bright and very windy(20 mph gusting to 31 mph). Drove to PL7 and back with various stops. 27 species (+1 other taxa)
Canada Goose 675 conservative count Northern Shoveler 1 Female Gadwall 12 Mallard 4 American Black Duck 330 Conservative count Northern Pintail 8 Green-winged Teal 4 Two pair Common Eider 20 Surf Scoter 2 White-winged Scoter 37 Black Scoter 3 Long-tailed Duck 3 Bufflehead 6 Red-breasted Merganser 1 Horned Grebe 1 Mourning Dove 14 Ring-billed Gull 10 Herring Gull 10 Great Black-backed Gull 1 gull sp. 30 Red-throated Loon 2 Common Loon 2 Northern Harrier 2 Cooper's Hawk 1 Red-tailed Hawk 1 Rough-legged Hawk 1 American Crow 2 Song Sparrow 5
-- 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: 1/5/20 4:32 pm From: Barbara Volkle <barb620...> Subject: [MASSBIRD] Dead Red-morph Screech-owl in Medfield
Thanks to Walt Webb for this report.
Barbara Volkle Northborough, MA <barb620...>
*
From: "Walt Webb" <wwebb24...> Subject: Dead Red-morph Screech-owl in Medfield Date: Sun, 5 Jan 2020 17:02:43 -0500
Today (Jan. 5) at noon my birding friend in Medfield called to inform me she had carried home a small dead owl that she found on North Meadows Road (Rt. 27) next to the curb--a possible car victim. When I drove to her home, we identified the body as that of a red-morph Eastern Screech-owl.
Date: 1/5/20 4:13 pm From: Jim Lafley <jimlafley...> Subject: [MASSBIRD] Springfield Crow Roost
This evening Patti Steinman and I went to follow the Springfield crows (majority are American Crows with a few Fish Crows, by vocalizations, joining the group).
They settled in behind the Springfield Boys and Girls Club at 481 Carew St.. They can be viewed in this area from the parking lot of the Shriner’s Hospital for Children which is directly across the street.
We estimated over 8000 birds just before dark. Jim
Date: 1/5/20 4:00 pm From: mike sylvia <mikesylvia87...> Subject: [MASSBIRD] Amazing 14 Pine Warblers at Lakeville Yard
Record High Period Count. All individuals seen simultaneously and positively ID's. Many individuals photographed. Almost all were bright males with a few being brilliantly yellow. All were feeding on natural suet, seeds, or green cutworms they were finding on the ground under tree. All were considered for possible Townsend's or other warblers but none identified. See eBird checklist link below to view photos of a few of them.
Family party allowed for good viewing of feeders and yard today. Record high of 14 Pine Warblers seen all at once smashed the previous record of 5 in December. Quite a treat.
12 species
Mourning Dove 5
Red-bellied Woodpecker 2
Downy Woodpecker 1
Blue Jay 2
Black-capped Chickadee 3
Tufted Titmouse 6
White-breasted Nuthatch 3
Carolina Wren 1
Eastern Bluebird 4
House Finch 2
Dark-eyed Junco 17
Pine Warbler 14
Date: 1/5/20 8:03 am From: Barbara Volkle <barb620...> Subject: [MASSBIRD] Two boat trips yesterday offshore (Dovekies, puffins, and Jaegers)
Thanks to Steve Mirick for this report.
Barbara Volkle Northborough, MA <barb620...>
*
From: Stephen Mirick <smirick...> Subject: Two boat trips yesterday offshore (Dovekies, puffins, and Jaegers) Date: Sun, 5 Jan 2020 10:34:56 -0500
Remarkably, there were two different offshore boat trips yesterday. Becky Suomala summarized her trip in a previous email. They traveled on an "Eastman's" fishing boat out of Hampton, NH roughly due east to an area on the inner edge of Jeffrey's Ledge near "New Scantum" where they stopped to fish. Jane and I, along with Ben Griffith and Leo McKillop traveled aboard the UNH research boat "Gulf Challenger". We went east from New Castle, NH crossing over "Jeffrey's Basin", "Jeffrey's Ledge", and then to a spot on the western part of "Wilkinson's Basin" (deep water). The two trips were similar but separated by roughly 5 miles and likely represent different birds. Neither trip had any opportunity to chase birds. Both trips had remarkably similar lists.
Our trip totals represent one-way totals (mostly outbound) with discussion related to Becky's trip. ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- POMARINE JAEGER 2. We had a dark morph and light morph. Both adults/subadults with one chasing a kittwake in the wake of the boat. Becky also had 2 Pomarine Jaegers. All 4 were in NH waters and appear to be first January records for New Hampshire. https://flic.kr/p/2iae8C7 https://flic.kr/p/2iaepyf
DOVEKIE 2,273+. Fascinating that only 1/10 of this total was counted on the return trip as most of count was of flying birds. Dovekies seem to be flying east in morning hours flying further offshore. Apparently this has been seen on other boat trips out of Hampton this winter. Dovekies were in view continuously as we headed offshore; at times flying in small flocks all across the horizon. On the return trip over the precisely same route, the Dovekies were NOT flying, but sitting on the water as the boat ran over/by them. 1,980+ we counted in NH appears to be a record high count for the State. Becky reported a very similar count of 1,715 birds. Clearly a lot of Dovekies offshore!!! https://flic.kr/p/2ia9j6R https://flic.kr/p/2iabuwh
Common Murre 33. Remarkable how digital photography has allowed birders to ID fast flying alcids on bumpy boats!! Becky reported 67 as well as higher counts of Razorbills and large alcids. https://flic.kr/p/2iaf9hm https://flic.kr/p/2ia9jLD
Razorbill 20
Atlantic Puffin 2. Surprisingly only 2. Both adults or sub-adults. Becky had 2 also.
Black-legged Kittiwake 46. Mostly scattered individuals. Becky reported 132. No doubt this is due to an increase in gull activity around the fishing boat vs. our research boat.
Herring Gull 17 We didn't have many large gulls offshore. When we stopped for water samples, gulls and fulmar flew in to investigate, but very few.
Great Black-backed Gull 9
Northern Fulmar 7. Only 7 well offshore when we stopped for water samples. Some dark morphs. Surprisingly ZERO on Becky's trip.
Date: 1/4/20 6:42 pm From: Liam Waters <liamwaters42...> Subject: [MASSBIRD] American White Pelican -- Truro
Sorry for the belated post, but Maili spotted an American White Pelican flying overhead while we were doing the Truro CBC on Thursday. We saw the bird flying north over High head, then circling over Pilgrim lake, and finally heading south again between 10:05 and 10:25am on 1/2. Who knows where it is now, but worth keeping an eye out for. Apparently there was also a Brown Pelican in Wellfleet Harbor sometime a week or two ago. Other highlights from the count were that Red-breasted Nuthatches do exist, Rusty Blackbirds and a Prairie Warbler in Wellfleet, A Vesper Sparrow and an Eastern Phoebe in Truro, and Chats in both Truro and Wellfleet. Pelican photo and list here https://ebird.org/checklist/S62980675
Stellwagen CBC list here https://ebird.org/checklist/S63020801 with a Sooty Shearwater and new high counts for Common Murre and Dovekie, though we missed Puffin for the first time in recent years (I think).
Date: 1/4/20 5:56 pm From: Barbara Volkle <barb620...> Subject: [MASSBIRD] Snake Island - American Oystercatchers
Thanks to Sean Riley for this report.
Barbara Volkle Northborough, MA <barb620...>
*
From: "Riley, Sean M (DCR)" <sean.m.riley...> Subject: Snake Island - American Oystercatchers Date: Sat, 4 Jan 2020 18:12:23 +0000
Worth mentioning, today Nanci St. George viewed and photographed 3 American Oystercatchers flying out to Snake Island. Pretty darn late, I haven't seen any in months...not sure where they have been hiding out !
-Sean
Sean Riley Belle Isle Marsh Reservation & Rumney Marsh ACEC - Supervisor Department of Conservation & Recreation Eliot House - 1 Eliot Circle, Revere Work Phone: 1-617-312-0971
A friend had a female Baltimore Oriole at her suet feeder in downtown Gloucester this week, and she's got pictures to prove it! Caroline Haines <Songbirder...> Gloucester Sent from my iPhone-please excuse brevity, typos, or insults.
On Sunday December 29 Concord CBC launched its sixtieth count day in calm dry weather with icy patches and treacherous walking on the popular trails. Final participation data are not compiled at this time, but we average 175 field participants and 100 feeder counters with some overlap for a total turnout of about 260 to an occasional 300 on counts that occur after the New Year holiday.
An early December deep freeze may have encouraged many of our birds to book a flight south. Our count day total of 24,825 notched record low abundance and species count plummeted to a ten-year nadir of 73. Compare this with last year’s 52,500 and 88 (with consideration of the Wayland Wash Brook 20,000 robin roost boost). The big freeze closed our ponds and lakes except Hager Pond, which must be situated over a hot spring, but rivers were mostly open with ice-shelved shoulders and coves, and we had a few species of ducks including gadwall, mallard, American black duck, six mallard-black duck hybrids, Northern pintail, green-winged teal, and both common and hooded mergansers. First count records show mallard and American black duck reversed in numbers with black duck (20) and mallard (2) on the first count. Wood duck rarely appears but a gorgeous male was spotted in Concord a day late and was enrolled in count week. Mute swans were reduced and a typical number of Canada gees! e grazed agricultural fields.
Rare bird records this year were two SORA lingering along a spot of open water with three VIRGINIA RAILS in Concord’s Great Meadows. This is the seventh occurrence and first in forty years for sora. Many thanks to our expert medical and ornithological staff (MDs and PhDs) who open a practice at Great Meadows every year and put in a long day, walking ten miles for us. Next year we may add a podiatrist to the team.
High counts include RUBY-CROWNED KINGLET (10), MARSH WREN (11), and an astounding tally of 41 WINTER WRENS, slaying in a single day 2014’s record 17. If there is a wet woodland or marsh edge with thicket tangles, fallen trees and upturned roots one might hear (if not see) this tiny mite of a bird with an exceptionally large personality. Carolina wren (261), though not quite surpassing a record, has repopulated our circle after a bad winter for them several years ago. Call this the Year of the Wren. PINE WARBLER (8) doubled its 2005 record, with four seen at one time by a veteran birder in the Stow sector. GREAT HORNED OWL (67) may achieve a record high count adjusted for participation level, but in absolute number falls short by single individual. CHIPPING SPARROW (5) showed an uptick and is now reliable on the count. We may have a new high for SONG SPARROW (671), but adjusted for lower participation level the 1970 tally of 260 individuals may prevail.
AMERICAN TREE SPARROW (313) hit a record low count, continuing a trend. If not for the hospitality of the Concord and Wayland sectors we’d only have 36! Winter habitat loss caused by mowing and edge clearing on upland town agricultural fields may account for low numbers going forward and weather, climate, and migratory patterns over time should be considered. Gulls are the same old story retold every year.
Birds we don’t see every count also include EASTERN TOWHEE (2) which appears to glom on to a feeder for the winter, and count week birds including WOOD DUCK (1), RED-SHOULDERED HAWK (1), and EASTERN PHOEBE (1). Two unconfirmed count week reports of black vulture (3) and golden eagle (1) remain undocumented and lower case at this writing.
The record of sixty years shows some dramatic changes and switch-a-roos for many species including mallard and black duck, house finch and purple finch, and declining numbers and occurrences for the once reliable and abundant winter finches such as evening grosbeak (1,672 in 1983) and pine siskin (1,258 in 1977); Eastern meadowlark was irregular but reliable; American kestrel was an annual participant in the count and today we are fortunate to see a single individual; ring-necked pheasant and ruffed grouse once appeared on every tally until the last decade of the 20th Century and now have vanished. New birds such as red-bellied woodpecker sashayed in around 1980 along with an abundance of common feeder birds such as tufted titmouse and Northern cardinal.
Many thanks to our sector coordinators for all their work reaching out to volunteers and compiling their data, all our field and feeder participants who stick with us in every kind of weather, to our new young amazingly skilled and motivated birders who set out at 1:30 a.m. and persevere through the evening, and especially to our sponsor SUDBURY VALLEY TRUSTEES and executive director Lisa Vernegaard, who graciously hosts us in SVT’s Wolbach farmhouse for our potluck supper and compilation evening.
Here ends the story of the 60th Concord count but please come back next year, JANUARY 3, 2021, for another adventure in winter birding at its best. A longer summary report with graphs and pictures will appear on our Wordpress site later in January and final results posted early February.
Norman Levey on behalf of the Concord Christmas Bird Count.
POSTSCRIPT: We are hiring! Experienced birders are needed to lead parties in the town of SUDBURY and a sliver of Framingham. Large reservations such as Nobscot and Hop Brook are no longer covered and there is an elbow of the Sudbury River in Framingham that has not been visited in years. The pay is quite low—in fact, zero—but the birding is not to be missed. Feeder counters are welcome. This is a huge town with little coverage and a lot of potential. Lincoln can provide a few field leadership opportunities, too. Please submit résumé to the compiler.
The following is a provisional checklist:
Domestic goose sp. - 1, Hager Pond Canada goose - 2419 Mute swan - 21 Wood duck - 1, CW (count week) Gadwall - 3, Hager Pond Mallard - 884, record 2,413 in 2001 American black duck - 40, record 1973 with 508 MALL X ABDU - 6, I.D.ed by S. Perkins Northern pintail - 1, Hager Pond Green-winged teal - 3 Bufflehead - 6, not every year. Record 22 in 2011 Hooded merganser - 44 Common merganser - 28 Wild turkey - 143, appeared 1997 Rock pigeon - 545, listed on count in 1963, 1,390 in 1980 Mourning dove - 986 VIRGINIA RAIL - 3, Great Meadows Concord Unit SORA - 2, unusual species (US), first since 1980 Ring-billed Gull - 95 Herring gull - 8 Great black-backed gull - 4 Great blue heron - 8 Turkey vulture - 1 Sharp-shinned hawk - 4 Cooper’s hawk - 28 Sharp-shinned/Cooper’s hawk - 1 Bald eagle - 8, Pre-adjusted tally; double counting of one or two possible. Red-shouldered hawk - 1, CW (count week) Concord sector. Never abundant; 7 in 1995. Red-tailed hawk - 142 Eastern screech-owl - 19 Great horned owl - 67, possible high count adjusted; 68 in 2016. Barred owl - 15 Northern saw-whet owl - 10, Record: 45 in 2016. Belted kingfisher - 8 Yellow-bellied sapsucker - 5 Red-bellied woodpecker - 377, HC is 418 in 2016. Downy woodpecker - 795 Hairy woodpecker - 161 Pileated woodpecker - 41 Northern flicker - 50 Merlin - 1 Blue jay - 2025, Good mast year. American crow - 538 Common raven - 20, Multiple counting is a hazard. Black-capped chickadee - 2582 Tufted titmouse - 1455 Golden-crowned kinglet - 139 Ruby-crowned kinglet - 10, HC record high count Red-breasted nuthatch - 4 White-breasted nuthatch - 987 Brown creeper - 49 Winter wren - 41, HC Record high count Marsh wren - 11, HC Record high count Carolina wren - 261, LC the previous decade was 90 (2015). European starling - 2446, In 1971 18,000. Gray catbird - 4 Northern mockingbird - 46, In 1980 the tally was 314. Stable. Eastern bluebird - 585, First appearance 1966 with four. Hermit thrush - 8 American robin - 4177, roost in Stow. Cedar waxwing - 538, had 1365 in 2002. House sparrow - 1917, peaked in 2016 with 3326 House finch - 732 American goldfinch - 1461 Chipping sparrow - 5, a count regular now. Field sparrow - 2, regular on the count. 39 in 1982. Filtered for review by eBird! American tree sparrow - 313 LC, new low count. Fox sparrow - 1 Dark-eyed junco - 2012, almost 10,000 in 2009. White-throated sparrow - 625, in 2009 we had 1884. Savannah sparrow - 1 Song sparrow - 671, possible new HC. Swamp sparrow - 39, record adjusted for participation level holds for 1960–45, our first year. Eastern towhee - 2 Red-winged blackbird - 138 Brown-headed cowbird - 8 Rusty blackbird - 5, reliable in Wayland’s Wash Brook area. Year 2000 showed 64. Decline and fall. Common grackle - 9, Year 1984 showed invasion of 442. Pine warbler - 8, new high count Northern cardinal - 738, three in 1963 and upward from there.
Number of count day individuals: 24,825 Count day species, spuhs, hybrids, and CWs: 78 Actual count day species: 73
Black vulture - 3, CW undocumented Golden eagle - 1, CW undocumented to date
Date: 1/4/20 10:14 am From: Soheil Zendeh <sohzendeh...> Subject: [MASSBIRD] Next Bear Creek, Saugus, walk on January 12, 2020, at 9 am; report for Jan 1 walk
Folks,
The next walk at Bear Creek Sanctuary, Saugus, is scheduled for 9 am on
Wednesday, January 12, 2020; details below.
Note that there is NO WALK tomorrow, Janaury 5.
Approximately 43 people attended the January 1 walk, which was cold and
blustery. Many people, but not all, got good looks or at least glimpses of
the Northern Bobwhite which has been hanging out at the feeders. It tends to
disappear when the crowd shows up. Other highlights were the raptors
(including a Rough-legged Hawk), the usual Horned Lark flock, lingering
Eastern Meadowlarks and a White-crowned Sparrow. A very pale Palm Warbler
added spice to the early going.
Here is the 1/1/2020 ebird list:
Bear Creek Sanctuary (Restricted Access), Essex, Massachusetts, US
Jan 1, 2020 9:00 AM - 11:45 AM
Protocol: Traveling
2.75 mile(s)
Checklist Comments: Happy New Year!
31 bird species
Canada Goose 61
Mallard 4
American Black Duck 8
Bufflehead 20
Common Goldeneye 12
Northern Bobwhite 1 Seen and heard at the start of the trip.
Here are the details for attending walks at this property:
Bear Creek is an upland sanctuary built on the Wheelabrator (formerly RESCO)
landfill at the northern end of Rumney Marsh in Saugus and Revere. Access
information is below. Wear good walking shoes and be prepared to hike 3 4
miles. The property is mostly very open, so be prepared for sun, wind and
weather.
This walk is free and open to the public, but also note that this property
is accessible by invitation only and visitors need to be chaperoned at all
times. Please allow roughly 4 hours for this field trip. The actual length
of the trip depends on conditions and the birds present. It's usually
difficult to break up the party if you need to be somewhere in the early
afternoon. Come prepared to stay with the group.
Wheelabrator company has graciously stocked up on some extra pairs of
binoculars, so if you or someone you know wants to learn about birds and
birding, come on down.
Bear Creek sanctuary access is via the Wheelabrator plant, 100 Salem
Turnpike (Rte 107), Saugus. The rotary at the intersection of Rtes 60 and
107 is about 1 miles southwest of the plant and about 1 mile east of Rte 1
exit on Rte 60. When traveling northeast on 107, if you go over the Ballard
Street bridge (just after a set of lights) youve gone too far turn back.
Here is a link to google maps:
When you arrive, drive through the plant gates, park in the parking lot
immediately and wait for the group. Please do not drive farther into the
property without an escort.
Good Birding, Mr. Shilo McDonald, Lynn, MA ShiloCM at Yahoo dot com
"The greatness of a nation and its moral progress can be judged by the way its animals are treated." ― Mahatma Gandhi
Shilo's Animal Sanctuary, Essex, Massachusetts, US Jan 3, 2020 10:40 AM - 10:55 AM Protocol: Stationary Checklist Comments: Backyard Birding and... Waitaminute! That's no House Sparrow! That's a Dickcissel! A new yard bird! 16 species (+1 other taxa)
Canada Goose 1 A flyover. Heard only. Honking. Mallard 3 Flyovers. Mourning Dove 8 Herring Gull 2 Flyovers. Accipiter sp. 1 Flew in and out fast. Everyone scattered. My attention was focused on the Dickcissel at the time. I only saw a blur of motion. Downy Woodpecker 1 Female at the Squirrel Buster Suet Feeder. Black-capped Chickadee 3 Tufted Titmouse 2 White-breasted Nuthatch 1 Carolina Wren 2 Also at the Squirrel Buster Suet Feeder. House Sparrow 10 House Finch 2 2 males. American Goldfinch 1 On the Finch Feeder. White-throated Sparrow 4 Song Sparrow 1 Northern Cardinal 2 Dickcissel 1 Immature. First seen on the Squirrel Buster bird feeder. Then seen foraging on the ground beneath the feeder. A new yard bird! And on January 3rd!! Can YOU believe it?!? Well, in case you can't, lots of photos attached. :-)
From: Robert Ross <plumisl...> Date: Fri, 3 Jan 2020 11:48:25 -0500 Subject: Shrike Hunt
The campground at Salisbury State Park this time of year is a ghost town. With the RVs in storage, the grounds become a favorite spot for winter birding.
As I walked across the grounds, I heard an usual sound of a flock of mourning doves, cooing loudly and in panic. I then saw the flock lift off from a small, wind-smacked cedar and fly into a small stand of pines. The flock was at least ten birds and they flew together.
My first thought was a hawk or Merlin was near. Both are common in the campground in the winter. I stopped to look around. I could not find any falconiformes. The tops of the cedars were clear and there was no wings soaring above, nor any shadows.
The flock of doves spooked again and flew toward the southeast corner. I moved on, toward the small woods framing the north edge of the campground and boarding the marsh, I heard the unmistakable chirps of snow buntings and horned larks. The birds were in the marsh. Nearby, goldfinch and sparrows also chirped excitedly.
Then a small, blueish-grey bird flew, head high, right in front of me. It flew quickly and into a small pine where it instantly vanished. The white bars on the black wings were obvious.
Shrike! I searched the tree with my binoculars but could not find the grey ghost of passerines past. I scanned for several minutes. Nothing. The bird had vanished in the instant it had appeared.
While we often see shrikes on the top of small bushes or trees, when they are hunting they are stealth hunters. They often slip quietly into the center of trees and into bushes where they instantly disappear. This Shrike was on the hunt. I searched and searched, yet it alluded me. The Shrike was not hiding from me. It was hiding from its prey. The query was much sharper at picking out predators than I and the Shrike, as all successful predators, is a master of hiding from its prey.
In the West, it is often said of mountain lions, the only time you see one is when it is not hungry. If it is hungry, you will never see it coming. I thought of this as I gave up on the Shrike. If I wanted to get a good look I would have to wait until it was sated. If it was till hungry, I would never see it coming.
Date: 1/3/20 1:51 pm From: John Nelson <jnelson...> Subject: [MASSBIRD] Brookline Bird Club Young Birder Scholarships
As a reminder, the Brookline Bird Club is again offering two Young Birder
Scholarships to nurture interest in bird study and conservation among young
birders, and we ask that you pass the word along to any young birders you
might know and encourage them to apply. The 2020 scholarships will cover
the full cost ($1395) of the Coastal Maine Bird Studies for Teens program
at National Audubon’s Hog Island camp on June 16-21, 2020. The cost
includes housing, boat travel, and all meals. Scholarship recipients will
be responsible for transportation costs to and from the camp.
Applicants must be New England residents, ages 14-17 as of June 1, 2020,
and must submit a written application and two letters of reference.
Preference will be given to applicants with individual or family BBC
memberships. To be considered a member, an applicant may join the club at
the time of application. All nine of our scholarship recipients have had
tremendous adventures at Hog Island. “I truly had an unforgettable
experience at the Hog Island camp,” wrote 2018 recipient Sam Mroz in a
thank-you note to the BBC, “and I would not have been able to attend
without your sponsorship.”
References may be sent separately to the BBC or included with the young
birder’s application, but all completed applications and references must be
received by the BBC by February 15, 2020. Selection and notification of
recipients will be completed by February 29, 2020.
Click on www.brooklinebirdclub.org to go to the scholarship announcement on
the BBC home page and then click on the announcement to get links to the
instructions and application form.
John Nelson
Chair, BBC Conservation and Education Committee
Date: 1/3/20 1:07 pm From: AJ Pellegrini-Toole <aptoole...> Subject: [MASSBIRD] Yard Birds on the Cape
Today in addition to the regulars in the yard, cardinal, flicker, downy
wp, titmouse, junco,
Carolina wren, goldfinch, house finch (you get the drift), 7 wild
turkeys showed up, while
my neighbor's holly tree was covered in robins. The sound of them
moving against the holly
leaves made me look on the ground as it sounded like leaf litter. I
finally realized the noise
was from the tree and there were robins everywhere. And then they left.
While working out at the Abington track (by the library) I noticed that one of the 200 Canada Geese there was noticeably smaller and paler than the others.Warren &Abby ChildsNorwellSent via the Samsung Galaxy S7, an AT&T 4G LTE smartphone
Date: 1/3/20 5:53 am From: Nash, Matthew (DCR) <matthew.nash...> Subject: [MASSBIRD] DCR Belle Isle Marsh-Birding Programs
DCR's Belle Isle Marsh Reservation- Program listing January 2020
North Region Coastal District Department of Conservation and Recreation Contact: Matthew Nash One Eliot Circle Revere, MA 02151 781-656-1485 <Matthew.Nash...>
January 2020 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.
Please visit mass.gov/dcr/calendar for a complete listing of programs. All programs are open to the public and are free of charge.
Belle Isle Marsh Reservation 1399 Bennington Street, East Boston, MA
MBTA: Blueline to Beachmont Station. Free parking available in the paved lot.
CANCELLED Saturday, January 4 CANCELLED An Oasis for Birds
Saturday, January 18 8:00-9:00 a.m. HAPPENING ON SCHEDULE Join DCR Naturalists on a bird walk through a restored wildlife sanctuary. We will look for Snowy Owls and other raptors, native sparrows, finches and waterfowl. Bring binoculars if you have them. Suitable for adults and children ages 10 and older accompanied by an adult. Reasonable accommodations available upon request. Meets every 1st and 3rd Saturday of the month, (Except National Holidays) Every month of the year.
Date: 1/3/20 5:42 am From: Tom Brownrigg <brownriggs...> Subject: [MASSBIRD] ravens at Tufts U.
On January 2 at about 11:30 AM I saw a pair of ravens near The Fletcher School at Tufts U. in Medford. The birds were flying close together in circles, one above the other, while calling occasionally. This went on for a few minutes, and they finally flew east. I wonder if this was courtship behavior. I have not seen ravens at Tufts previously, but I only go there a few times a week.
Date: 1/2/20 7:04 pm From: Barbara Volkle <barb620...> Subject: [MASSBIRD] Re:2019 A Year of Changes
Thanks to Paul Peterson for this post.
Barbara Volkle Northborough, MA <barb620...> *
Date: Thu, 2 Jan 2020 23:28:05 +0000 (UTC) From: Paul Peterson <petersonpaul63...> Subject: Re:2019 A Year of Changes
Normally, I'm lucky if I get a single Mourning Warbler in spring. However, this spring will go down in the record books. Not only were there THREE Mourning Warblers at McLaughlin Woods in Roxbury(on the same day), but I also had two at Dorchester Park. If that weren't enough, I also had one at Fowl Meadow in Milton. SIX MOURNING WARBLERS IN ONE SPRING!
Date: 1/2/20 7:03 pm From: Barbara Volkle <barb620...> Subject: [MASSBIRD] 1/2 Cutler Park Sir Wrens-a-lot
Thanks to Paul Peterson for this report.
Barbara Volkle Northborough, MA <barb620...>
*
Date: Thu, 2 Jan 2020 22:46:58 +0000 (UTC) From: Paul Peterson <petersonpaul63...> Subject: 1/2 Cutler Park Sir Wrens-a-lot
Apparently all in search of Lady Guinivere.I had such a good time the other day, so I came back for more. I birded here from 1:25-4:35. It is six hundred acres. There is actually about five parking spots at the pullover near the long boardwalk. The pullover is on Needham St. in Dedham, on the Needham town line. Today, I had two MARSH WRENS and three Swamp Sparrows responding to pishing near dusk on the boardwalk, about three-fourths of the way down. ( a little bit earlier than the other day)
Common Merganser 8 Cow Island Pond Hooded Merganser 1 Great Horned Owl 2 calling at dusk Pine Island Hairy Woodpecker 1 FISH CROW 130 streaming overhead at beginning of Pine Island Carolina Wren 4 WINTER WREN 2 one seen, one heard way distant from first one MARSH WREN 2 SEE ABOVE; one each side of boardwalk Swamp Sparrow 5 See Above American Tree Sparrow 13 eight total from meadow before boardwalk and boardwalk itself
Date: 1/2/20 4:33 pm From: Phil Brown <ecocmail...> Subject: [MASSBIRD] ECOC Meeting Reminder - Friday, January 10, 2020 - Birds in Winter Plus ECOC Book Sale
Friday, Jan. 10, 2020, 7:30 pm
Special ECOC Members Night program: Birds in Winter Plus ECOC Book Sale, 7-7:30 pm and Annual Meeting, 7:30-7:45 pm
Refreshments served
Roger Pasquier’s Birds in Winter (2019) is the first book devoted to the ecology and behavior of birds during this most challenging season. Discover ways that winter affects birds throughout the year, both those that endure winter’s extreme conditions and those that migrate to warmer climes. Pasquier, a lifelong birder, career conservationist, and an associate in the Dept. of Ornithology at the American Museum of Natural History points out that much is visible to any interested observer. A book signing for Birds in Winter: Surviving the Most Challenging Season follows the program. Co-sponsored by PEM.
Please help support ECOC by clearing out your extra bird books and bringing them to the annual book sale. All books sell for $2, unless otherwise noted. Proceeds benefit the Club.
PEM Connect Building, Peabody Essex Museum. Free and open to the public.
Date: 1/2/20 1:26 pm From: David Weaver <cygnus-dkw...> Subject: [MASSBIRD] Plum Island (Parker River NWR) - 01-02-2020
David Larson and I led the Joppa Flats Wednesday Morning Birding program
- on Thursday with yesterday's Wednesday holiday. Skies were cloudy to partly cloudy; temps in the mid to upper 30s; and winds W-SW/10-15 mph. All in all, not too bad a day for birding.
Our list:
[Snow Goose (1) - immature w/ Canada Geese behind Joppa Flats Education Center.] Canada Goose - common. Mallard (~ 20) - no doubt there were more. American Black Duck - common; at one time, 700+ in air with imm. Bald Eagle below. Common Eider (~ 30) - seven ocean. Surf Scoter (3) - seven ocean. White-winged Scoter (~ 20) - seven ocean. Black Scoter (1) - seven ocean. Long-tailed Duck (~ 10) - seven ocean. Bufflehead (~ 11) - seven ocean. Common Goldeneye (6) - seven ocean. [Red-breasted Merganser (6) - Merrimack River behind Joppa Flats.] Horned Grebe (8) - seven ocean. Herring Gull Great Black-backed Gull (~ 6) Common Loon (7) - seven ocean. Northern Harrier (1) - North Field. Sharp-shinned Hawk (1) - over dunes seven. Bald Eagle (1) - flying over PI River, w. North Pool dike. [Red-tailed Hawk (1) - soaring above Joppa Flats.] Rough-legged Hawk (1) - hovering above s. end North Field. Snowy Owl (1) - hunkered down in middle of Emerson Rocks. Northern Shrike (1) - ad., quite active in and among shrubs and trees of s. copse North Field (first seen with vole in mouth). Blue Jay (2) - s. copse North Field. American Goldfinch (~ 8) - The Warden's. American Tree Sparrow (1) - The Warden's.
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: 1/2/20 10:22 am From: Barbara Volkle <barb620...> Subject: [MASSBIRD] Great Meadows NWR--Concord Unit, Jan 2, 2020
Thanks to Alan Bragg for this report.
Barbara Volkle Northborough, MA <barb620...>
*
From: "Alan & Ruth Bragg" <alan.ruth.bragg...> Date: Thu, 2 Jan 2020 11:31:01 -0500 Subject: Great Meadows NWR--Concord Unit, Jan 2, 2020
Great Meadows NWR--Concord Unit, Middlesex, Massachusetts, US Jan 2, 2020 7:30 AM - 10:32 AM Protocol: Traveling 2.2 mile(s) Checklist Comments: Weekly survey by NWR volunteers Jared, Zena, Jonathan, Cris, Tom, Joan, Maryellen, Wendy & Alan 31 species (+3 other taxa)
Canada Goose 30 Mute Swan 2 Mallard 5 American Black Duck 14 Common Merganser 5 duck sp. 1 Rock Pigeon (Feral Pigeon) 1 Virginia Rail 4 Continuing, 2 at first bridge, 1 half way across the main dike & 1 along riverside dike lower impoundment. Great Blue Heron 1 Cooper's Hawk 1 Red-tailed Hawk 4 hawk sp. 1 Red-bellied Woodpecker 5 Downy Woodpecker 8 Hairy Woodpecker 1 Pileated Woodpecker 2 Blue Jay 6 American Crow 3 Black-capped Chickadee 8 Tufted Titmouse 9 Golden-crowned Kinglet 3 White-breasted Nuthatch 8 Brown Creeper 1 Winter Wren 1 Carolina Wren 1 Eastern Bluebird 9 American Robin 3 American Goldfinch 36 American Tree Sparrow 5 Fox Sparrow 1 Clearly seen across river at boat landing by multiple people. White-throated Sparrow 4 Song Sparrow 9 sparrow sp. 2 Northern Cardinal 2
Under spectacular weather and clear sky conditions, was out on Crow Patrol last night. The action was dazzling with well over 15,000 Crows staging around the airport and in other nearby locations, flying over the Merrimack River, and then converging into the overnight roost after sunset time....WOW! The full recap for last night has just been posted on the blog with a video and many photos.
For those with an interest, many recent postings have been completed with regular and night vision photos, along with both regular and time lapse videos. The action around staging and roosting continues to draw more and more visitors. The regular videos and time lapse videos are well worth a look!
12.30.19: 1 video and photos 12.29.19: 2 videos and photos 12.27.19: 1 time lapse and photos (TL - pre sunrise dispersal) 12.26.19: 1 video and photos (night vision optics) 12.23.19: 2 videos and photos 12.19.19: 1 time lapse and photos (TL - converging into roost)
Blog:http://www.wintercrowroost.com
Next event: Friday, Jan. 10, 2020 from 5-7pm - opening reception for 2020 "Celebration of the Winter Crow Roost" at the Essex Art Center located at 56 Island Street in Lawrence, MA. Details to follow!
Date: 1/1/20 10:32 pm From: Josh <opihi...> Subject: [MASSBIRD] New Year's surprise YRWA in Weston
Hi MassBirders,
A belated thank-you to everyone who advised me on places to bird around Weston, Belmont, and vicinity, and about parking near Fresh Pond. I haven’t had as much time as I’d hoped to put your suggestions into effect yet; so far all I’ve managed is a couple of walks along the Charles River in Waltham (which have been nice enough). But we are still getting pulled back to the area regularly, so might get to poke around more in the near future….
On New Year’s Eve, we’d pulled into the place where we’d been renting an apartment, but it has a steep driveway, and the recent slush made it impossible to drive up; we had to park halfway down to the road. So after breakfast on January 1, we needed to scrape the frozen slush off of the driveway so that we could actually, y’know, drive on it. First I walked the dog around the yard, which was fun because we came across a large owl pellet! My first bird of 2020 was a Northern Cardinal heard during this walk, which was the only bird detected for about 20 minutes. But then, just as I was getting started on the driveway, a quartet of Common Mergansers flew over, surprising as there isn’t much significant water in the neighborhood. Third species was an American Robin that flew in and perched high above.
Then came bird species #4 for the year. I heard a distinctly warbler-like chip note, and stopped scraping slush to look for the source. The bird came flying across the road toward me, landed in a tangle of brush at the edge of the yard, and started eating Poison Ivy berries. Yellow-rumped Warbler! My big DSLR camera with the telephoto lens was back in the house, but the critter was so preoccupied snacking that I was able to stalk in close enough for identifiable photos using my little pocket-sized point-and-shoot. Sure, it’s a massively superabundant species at some places and times, but looking at my eBird records, I’ve never seen one in MA in December or January before, and my only February sighting was out on Nantucket. Made clearing the driveway seem like not such a terrible task…
Date: 1/1/20 5:34 pm From: DOUGLAS E CHICKERING <dovekie...> Subject: [MASSBIRD] 2019 A year of Changes
Massbirders:
This year was a year where circumstances forced many changes upon me. They were not what I wanted but were what I couldn’t avoid. Time and life marches on without our permission and pretty much out of our control. So, it was with me. A year where I continued to mourn and had to move and was even visited with a health scare; not an unusual event in a man of my years. The move was not as bad as it could be because I like where I am now living, and the health scare was little more than a warning. The mourning for my loss is an affliction that will clearly stay with me for the rest of my days. Gone will be the Fox Sparrow that visited Lois’ feeders every year, and the Nighthawks that flew over her deck in the late summer. I will have to find those somewhere else. But at this beginning of the new year I like to review the beautiful and uplifting events that nature has presented to me over the last year. Centered, of course on the birds. My life will always be filled with joy and adventure so long as I can go birding. It has been thus for forty years and I can’t help but love my life because of this fact.
I read my year list and reflect upon the highlights that stand out from the general pleasure of being out there with nature around me. It is impossible to judge them or put them in any order of best or second best. They stand alone as bright moments in the year and I appreciate and take joy in all of them, more or less equally. There are some that are indelible in my memory. A Cape May Warbler in a bush at the side of the road. There was something in me that suddenly burst open as watched it; so close so fantastically beautiful. It fed leisurely and pretty much out in the open. I watched it with my binoculars still hanging from my neck. A moment that seemed transcendent at the time, so stunningly beautiful that I thought I would weep.
The two or three days in S Curves at Plum Island: looking up into the orderly cluster of Sassafras trees. For some magic reason those two days that is where the Warblers congregated and fed openly in the sun. From the most common of their kind like Yellows and Magnolia’s and Black-throated Greens to those we would have been grateful to see one any other year. Cape May’s and Bay-breasteds gleaning the foliage in impressive numbers. I cannot recall a spring when I have seen so many Cape Mays and Bay-breasted Warblers.
There was the Lawrence’s Warbler at the trail crossing at hellcat. I had been watching it for a while and right after it plunged into the brush, I was joined by Bob Secatore who was looking for this bird and feared he had missed it. We waited a few minutes when I caught movement out of the corner my and then quietly motioned to Bob to look down. There at the edge of the road less than five feet from us was the Lawrence’s. A stroke of fortune that seemed to be the theme for that spring.
In late August I had occasion to be on the Hellcat dike at dusk. I had come down, principally to listen for the Whip-poor-wills. The sun slipped below the horizon; the sky at the horizon glowed a brilliant scarlet and I looked up with my binoculars into the darkening sky and into a mass of Tree swallows. Gathering for their roost they filled the sky in a dense cluster of flying birds. I couldn’t see them without my binoculars. It was like magic when they suddenly appeared through my glasses. I watched as they went to roost. The inescapable impression that came over me was that there were tens, perhaps hundreds of thousands of birds up there and when they finally went to roost it was in thick clusters of birds that either simply dropped like water from a faucet, or swirled in tornado-like funnels down into the cat-tails. It probably happens like this every year and why I have missed it until this year I have no answer. I will not miss that show again.
The Tree Swallows had virtually slipped into view through my binoculars. Another bird did the same the end of November. I was walking on the boardwalk at Hellcat; heading towards the Tom Wetmore bench when the chattering of Chickadee’s caught my attention. It was intense and widespread and I immediately knew this wasn’t their idle chatter. They were onto something; probably scolding an Owl. I looked towards the source of the scolding, into dense, if leafless underbrush and trees but, at first, could see nothing. Then I spotted a couple of Chickadees, jumping excitedly from branch to branch and scanned the area with my binoculars and still could see only the tangle of the trees and brush. The Chickadees calmed down and eventually moved off to my frustration. I knew they had been on something that I wanted to see. So, one last time I set my binoculars straight in and scanned. Then like magic the bins slid over onto a Long-eared Owl, filling the eyepiece and looking at me with ears erect. It clearly could see me as well as I could see it but seemed quite unconcerned and even once closed its eyes. I managed to get a few of my friends on it before leaving the owl in peace.
These are just some of several sharp memories I have of the year past. Every year brings these wonders that fill my heart with joy and wonder. The music never stops.
Date: 1/1/20 4:55 pm From: <anhinga3...> Subject: [MASSBIRD] BBC New Year's Day Birding Trip 01/01/2020
Happy New Year MassBirders!
Mark Burns and I led our 24th Annual New Year's Day Birding Trip for the Brookline Bird Club (BBC) today! At 9:00AM, 39 BBCers joined us at the Newburyport "T" Station parking lot where we toasted in the New Year with sparkling apple cider. During the toast, introductions were made and folks told us where they traveled from and what their first bird of the New Year was. (Mine was Blue Jay and Mark's was American Goldfinch.)
We birded Salisbury Beach State Reservation, Parker River National Wildlife Refuge, and Cape Ann [Andrews Point, Cathedral Ledge, Old Granite Pier, Bass Rocks/Elks Club, Niles Pond, and Jodrey Fish Pier] and called it a day at 4:30PM. The temperature ranged from 34df to 40df with wind gusts up to 25mph. We tallied 52 species for the Club list. Following is a complete list of the birds we saw:
Canada Goose - 560
Mute Swan - 2
Gadwall - 10
American Black Duck - 375
Mallard - 205
Greater Scaup - 16 (Niles Pond)
Lessor Scaup - 2 (Niles Pond)
King Eider - 1 (Bass Rocks/Elks Club. Thank you to Linda Ferraresso for finding this gem!)
Many thanks to those who spent all or part of your day birding with us and for your help in finding birds. What makes this trip so much fun to lead each New Year's Day is spending time with you and kicking off a new year of birding!
Wishing you a very Happy, Healthy, and Birdy 2020!
Laura H. de la Flor
Salem, MA
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
"So much to learn about Mother Nature .. ... always racing with father time." (lhf)
Thank you for such a detailed report! I especially appreciate it because we moved from Douglas, MA to Providence, RI, last year and the one thing I miss most: seeing so many wonderful birds on my property (bluebirds, pileated woodpeckers, etc).
Date: 1/1/20 8:10 am From: Jonathan Layman <jonathan.layman...> Subject: [MASSBIRD] Fort Heath, Winthrop waterfowl
Hello birders,
Among the waterfowl scoped from Fort Heath on Winthrop this morning were two interesting ducks. First, a hybrid goldeneye drake was with the Common Goldeneyes. Second, a King Eider hen was seen at a greater distance northwest towards the breakwater.
The results have come in from the Uxbridge X'mas Count from Sat 12/28/19 with a total of 67 species plus 3 count week birds, total of 6648 individual birds compared to 5361 individuals from 2018 - near ideal weather conditions from 37 degrees at 5 am up to 46 degrees mid-day. with clear skies and little wind. Fourteen teams composed of 29 participants split up the 15 mile radius circle that centered at the junction of Rte 146 & Rte 16. Day started owling as 17 E Screech Owls, 3 Gt-horned Owls were found and later 1 Barred Owl was seen during daylight. Of the 67 species recorded, 19 species were seen by only 1 team - Common Loon, Green-w Teal, Ring-n Duck, N Harrier, Sharp-shinned Hawk, Virginia Rail, Barred Owl, Yellow-breasted Sapsucker, Pileated Woodpecker, E Phoebe, Fish Crow, Red-b Nuthatch, Winter Wren, Hermit Thrush, Yellow-r Warbler, E Towhee, Am Tree Sparrow, Savannah Sparrow, Brown-h Cowbird Species seen by only 2 teams - Turkey Vulture, Wild Turkey, Belted Kingfisher, Ruby-cr Kinglet, N Mockingbird, Swamp Sparrow Count week species were Saw-whet Owl, Black Vulture and Gt Blue Heron Highest combined numbers counted for some species were Canada Goose [1096], Blk-c Chickadee [753], S-c Junco [433], Tufted Titmouse [331], Wht-b Nuthatch [240], Cedar Waxwings [138], Downy Woodpeckers [121]..... No winter finches in count This snapshot of the bird life in the Uxbridge X'mas Count radius compared to previous years at the approx same date provides valuable data on population changes in the area - so many species when I was growing up [many years ago] like Evening Grosbeaks, Common Redpolls, Pine Siskin, etc were expected but no longer - now new species are replacing them that once were not part of the counts....all interesting trends Thanks again to all the participants who helped in the field to collect and record the data
Date: 12/30/19 6:54 pm From: Barbara Volkle <barb620...> Subject: [MASSBIRD] 12/29 Cutler Park Dedham/Needham Marsh Wrens, Bald Eagle etc.
Thanks to Paul Peterson for this report.
Barbara Volkle Northborough, MA <barb620...>
*
Date: Tue, 31 Dec 2019 00:02:50 +0000 (UTC) From: Paul Peterson <petersonpaul63...> Subject: 12/29 Cutler Park Dedham/Needham Marsh Wrens, Bald Eagle etc.
I birded here from 1:00-4:40. I covered the entire Dedham portion,( including Pine Island), as well as a small portion in Needham. (where the MARSH WRENS were, as well as most of the Swamp Sparrows). I arrived at the long boardwalk in Needham at dusk. My pishing brought up three Swamp Sparrows and THREE MARSH WRENS. (all heard, and one seen). Park at the area for two or three cars on Needham St. in Dedham, just before the Needham line. You will see a bulletin board there. The walk from your car to the boardwalk is two minutes. Pine Island and the boardwalk were very productive:
Common Merganser 5 BALD EAGLE 1 immature flyover at Cow Island Red-tailed Hawk 1 Hairy Woodpecker 2 Fish Crow 25 flyover; calling MARSH WREN 3 See Above Carolina Wren 6 Winter Wren 1 near beginning of Pine Island Trail; right-hand side Golden-crowned Kinglet 3 ditto YELLOW-BREASTED CHAT possible; ditto; up in tree with berries Swamp Sparrow 5 White-throated Sparrow 13
Date: 12/30/19 3:40 pm From: Bill Lafley <blafley...> Subject: Re: [MASSBIRD] letter to New York Times - John Kricher
Hello,
Although I agree with John and was troubled when I read the article he references in his letter I would also add that if we have lost 3 billion birds over the last 50 years (under our watch with the Migratory Bird Treaty Act being enforced aggressively) then instead of looking for villains perhaps all of US have to redouble our efforts to change our life styles, lobby our legislators, support conservation efforts, etc, etc if we want to preserve the diversity of bird life for not only our grandchildren but even our grandchildren’s grandchildren.
Bill Lafley New Salem <blafley...>
> On Dec 30, 2019, at 5:28 PM, Barbara Volkle <barb620...> wrote: > > John Kricher shared this - massbird readers might be interested in reading a letter that he wrote published in the New York Times this morning. It concerns the gutting of the Migratory Bird Treaty Act. > > Here is the link: https://www.nytimes.com/2019/12/29/opinion/letters/bird-deaths.html > > Thanks, John! > > > Barbara Volkle > Northborough, MA > <barb620...> <mailto:<barb620...>
Date: 12/30/19 2:56 pm From: Carol Mo <cbmolander...> Subject: Re: [MASSBIRD] Leucistic junco (?)
Thank you to all the birders who have supplied information regarding the junco in question. Also, to the many who have shared photos and stories of unusual pigmentation in birds they have observed. We have a partially leucistic female cardinal (her brown head feathers are white) who visits our feeders. I call her”Lucy”.
Perhaps the Sibley discussion of coloring in birds best explains the possible lack of pigment, causing the junco to appear buff/light brown. It may be eumelanin of the black pigment where the “normal” junco’s black feathers would be seen.
Happy birding to all of you in 2020!
Carol
Sent from my iPhone
> On Dec 30, 2019, at 3:16 PM, Spector, David (Biology) <spectord...> wrote:
>
> The terms "albino," "leucistic," and "dilute" are used somewhat differently by different people, and some people get very adamant that their usage is the one and only "correct" usage. Here is one useful view of these terms:
> https://www.sibleyguides.com/2011/08/abnormal-coloration-in-birds-melanin-reduction/ .
>
> In some cases, such as young female juncos, distinguishing abnormally pale conditions from the extreme end of normal variation might not be easy.
>
> David Spector
> Belchertown, Massachusetts
>
> ________________________________________
> From: <massbird-approval...> [<massbird-approval...>] on behalf of Chris Heys [<chris.p.heys...>]
> Sent: Monday, December 30, 2019 2:42 PM
> To: Alvin T Laasanen
> Cc: Massbird
> Subject: Re: [MASSBIRD] Leucistic junco (?)
>
>
> Very neat. Does anyone reading this have a quick and dirty rundown on the difference between albinism and leucism in our avifauna?
>
> I understand albinism is loss of melanin while leucism is loss of other pigments aside from melanin and it did not affect the eyes. But is there a way to use the terms correctly simply by observing a particular bird?
>
> Chris Heys
> Jaffrey NH
>
>
Date: 12/30/19 2:29 pm From: Shilo McDonald <shilocm...> Subject: [MASSBIRD] My Freshman Year - Thank You
Remember the excitement of your first year of birding? When every bird was new? That first year, a Life Bird was hidden inside of every thicket.
Well my friends, 2019 was my first year. And for me, that's how it felt. A new discovery every week.
Kentucky Warbler, Royal Tern, Grasshopper Sparrow, Upland Sandpiper, Wilson’s Plover, Lark Sparrow, Gull-billed Tern, Barnacle Goose, Hooded Warbler, Lark Bunting, Caspian Tern... All Life Birds!
In fact, in Massachusetts this year I've seen 277 species. (And 270 of those were spotted in Essex County!)
Not bad for a first year. Even if we subtract all the ones I got wrong. :-D
BUT, I wouldn't have seen even half of those birds, if it wasn't for the Brookline Bird Club, Essex County Ornithological Club, MassAudubon, MassBird and so many birders who helped me along the way. A heartfelt THANKS to Pete Gilmore, Andy Sanford, Steve Babbitt, Linda Ireland, Jan Smith, Steve Grinley, Mary Margaret Halsey, Susan Hedman, Linda Ferraresso, David Williams, Carol Disney, Barbara Volkle, Soheil Zendeh, Warren Tatro, Eric Labato, Geoff Wilson, Tim Walker, Nancy Walker, Dan Prima, John Nelson, Bob Stymeist, Margo Goetschkes, Ian Pepper, Matt Padulo, Marjorie Watson and Tom Wetmore.
You taught me the things I couldn't find in my books. To remember to have fun. And to laugh at yourself. Like when Linda F. taught me, "To tell the difference between House Finch and Purple Finch, just remember one is strawberry red and one is raspberry red." Easy right? Now if only I could remember which one she said was which...? Ha ha! ;-)
Sharing with me your experiences, tips, tricks and cautions - you ALL made me a better Birder. And for that I am truly and sincerely thankful.
Happy New Year to you and yours! and Happy Birding! Mr. Shilo McDonald, Lynn, MA ShiloCM at yahoo dot com
"There's life before birding and life after birding. But, it's the life during birding, which I prefer."
Date: 12/30/19 2:22 pm From: Barbara Volkle <barb620...> Subject: [MASSBIRD] letter to New York Times - John Kricher
John Kricher shared this - massbird readers might be interested in reading a letter that he wrote published in the New York Times this morning. It concerns the gutting of the Migratory Bird Treaty Act.
In some cases, such as young female juncos, distinguishing abnormally pale conditions from the extreme end of normal variation might not be easy.
David Spector Belchertown, Massachusetts
________________________________________ From: <massbird-approval...> [<massbird-approval...>] on behalf of Chris Heys [<chris.p.heys...>] Sent: Monday, December 30, 2019 2:42 PM To: Alvin T Laasanen Cc: Massbird Subject: Re: [MASSBIRD] Leucistic junco (?)
Very neat. Does anyone reading this have a quick and dirty rundown on the difference between albinism and leucism in our avifauna?
I understand albinism is loss of melanin while leucism is loss of other pigments aside from melanin and it did not affect the eyes. But is there a way to use the terms correctly simply by observing a particular bird?
As I understand it, a true albino has no pigment at all, whereas a
leucistic individual has individual feathers or even entire tracts which
lack pigment, but pigment is present elsewhere. Lack of eye pigment would
be the way to figure out which is which. I have seen some nearly pure white
birds that were still not albino, including a Red-tailed Hawks and an
American Robin.
Jeremy Coleman
Shelburne Falls MA
On Mon, Dec 30, 2019 at 2:52 PM Chris Heys <chris.p.heys...> wrote:
> Very neat. Does anyone reading this have a quick and dirty rundown on the
> difference between albinism and leucism in our avifauna?
>
> I understand albinism is loss of melanin while leucism is loss of other
> pigments aside from melanin and it did not affect the eyes. But is there a
> way to use the terms correctly simply by observing a particular bird?
>
> Chris Heys
> Jaffrey NH
>
> Sent from my iPhone
>
> On Dec 30, 2019, at 2:31 PM, Alvin T Laasanen <laasanen...> wrote:
>
>
> Following the lead of others I posted a picture of what appeared to be a
> partial albino Common Grackle coming to my finder briefly this summer. It
> had pinkish soft parts, a white head and a mostly dark body.
> https://ebird.org/checklist/S62779438 >
> Alvin Laasanen
> Sterling MA
> <laasanen...>
>
>
> On 12/29/2019 3:32 PM, Carol Baird Molander wrote:
>
> My husband and I saw this dark-eyed junco among several others today. Is
> it a leucistic bird, a sub-species or just very light in coloring? Ebird
> link included.
> Any thoughts?
> https://ebird.org/checklist/S62734584 > Thank you,
> Carol Molander
> *Carol B. Molander*
> <cbmolander...>
> 508-748-3759 Home
> 508-641-0991 Cell
>
>
>
> On Dec 30, 2019, at 2:50 PM, Chris Heys <chris.p.heys...> wrote:
>
> Very neat. Does anyone reading this have a quick and dirty rundown on the difference between albinism and leucism in our avifauna?
>
> I understand albinism is loss of melanin while leucism is loss of other pigments aside from melanin and it did not affect the eyes. But is there a way to use the terms correctly simply by observing a particular bird?
>
> Chris Heys
> Jaffrey NH
>>
Date: 12/30/19 11:46 am From: Chris Heys <chris.p.heys...> Subject: Re: [MASSBIRD] Leucistic junco (?)
Very neat. Does anyone reading this have a quick and dirty rundown on the difference between albinism and leucism in our avifauna?
I understand albinism is loss of melanin while leucism is loss of other pigments aside from melanin and it did not affect the eyes. But is there a way to use the terms correctly simply by observing a particular bird?
Chris Heys
Jaffrey NH
Sent from my iPhone
> On Dec 30, 2019, at 2:31 PM, Alvin T Laasanen <laasanen...> wrote:
>
>
> Following the lead of others I posted a picture of what appeared to be a partial albino Common Grackle coming to my finder briefly this summer. It had pinkish soft parts, a white head and a mostly dark body.
> https://ebird.org/checklist/S62779438 >
> Alvin Laasanen
> Sterling MA
> <laasanen...>
>
>
>> On 12/29/2019 3:32 PM, Carol Baird Molander wrote:
>> My husband and I saw this dark-eyed junco among several others today. Is it a leucistic bird, a sub-species or just very light in coloring? Ebird link included.
>> Any thoughts?
>> https://ebird.org/checklist/S62734584 >> Thank you,
>> Carol Molander
>> Carol B. Molander
>> <cbmolander...>
>> 508-748-3759 Home
>> 508-641-0991 Cell
>
Date: 12/30/19 11:24 am From: Alvin T Laasanen <laasanen...> Subject: Re: [MASSBIRD] Leucistic junco (?)
Following the lead of others I posted a picture of what appeared to be a partial albino Common Grackle coming to my finder briefly this summer. It had pinkish soft parts, a white head and a mostly dark body.
https://ebird.org/checklist/S62779438
On 12/29/2019 3:32 PM, Carol Baird Molander wrote:
My husband and I saw this dark-eyed junco among several others today. Is it a leucistic bird, a sub-species or just very light in coloring? Ebird link included.
Any thoughts?
https://ebird.org/checklist/S62734584 Thank you,
Carol Molander
Carol B. Molander
<cbmolander...><mailto:<cbmolander...> 508-748-3759 Home
508-641-0991 Cell
Date: 12/30/19 9:10 am From: Bob & Bonnie Buxton <bbxt...> Subject: [MASSBIRD] Blessed with avian color in Merrimac
Hello friends, We were blessed on Thanksgiving morning this year with a flock of at least 7 Eastern Bluebirds and they have been visiting the feeders just about every day since then ( eating dried mealworms and crumbled up 'no melt' suet cakes ) and today another colorful bird joined them.. a Baltimore Oriole! We've been keeping grape jelly out there most of the winter in case a wayward jelly-lover stops by.. but the House Sparrows eat most of it. The Oriole has been eating the dried mealworms, but there are now three dishes of jelly out there in case he decides to try it. He looks a little unsteady so we're not sure how his health is, but we'll certainly try to keep him fed. The Starlings are overwhelming the feeders though.. so it's a constant challenge out there.
Stay safe and warm in this tricky weather,
Bonnie & Bob Buxton Merrimac, MA bbxt(AT)comcast.net
Date: 12/30/19 8:58 am From: <rbowes...> Subject: [MASSBIRD] 12/30 Duxbury MA - juv Snow Goose
The Snow Goose found during the Christmas Count yesterday was still present at 10:00 am (juv, white form). There have been several large groups of Canada Geese on the golf course clearly visible on the south side of Harrison Street for a couple of weeks though this bird not seen among them. However, yesterday and today the bird was with 50ish individuals at the westmost end of the golf course within 50-75 yards of end of the road.
how interesting to see Carol's post - I saw a junco in my yard this morning that looked just like her photo; it took me a minute of "what in the world is that bird?" before the bill and leg color, shape and behavior registered as junco, then I just assumed it was a pale, almost peachy-colored female; the back was solid color, with no appearance of contrast in the feather edges - could they be hybridization with Oregon?
------------------------------------
(by)..."not noticing birds in one's daily environment, one misses a whole segment of life on earth that can deliver joy every day." Bruce M. Beehler, 2019
Lynette Leka
Newbury, MA 01951
email: <lynette.leka...>
On Sunday, December 29, 2019, 3:35:11 PM EST, Carol Baird Molander <cbmolander...> wrote:
My husband and I saw this dark-eyed junco among several others today. Is it a leucistic bird, a sub-species or just very light in coloring? Ebird link included.Any thoughts?https://ebird.org/checklist/S62734584 Thank you,Carol MolanderCarol B. <Molandercbmolander...> Home508-641-0991 Cell
Date: 12/29/19 6:04 pm From: Barbara Volkle <barb620...> Subject: [MASSBIRD] Townsend Solitaire candidate - Halibut Point
Thanks to linda Ferraresso for this report.
Barbara Volkle Northborough, MA <barb620...>
*
From: Linda Ferraresso <tattler1...> Subject: Townsend Solitaire candidate - Halibut Point Date: Sun, 29 Dec 2019 20:48:44 -0500
Linda Pivacek and I had a 3 fleeting looks at a candidate for the Townsend Solitaire in the Juniper grove adjacent to the Visitor's center at Halibut Point on Saturday.  We spend quite a bit of time trying to relocate what we believe was probably the Solitaire unsuccessfully. This is more of a heads up to birders who go to Halibut point to continue to check for this bird. There are still Juniper berries on several of the trees in the central part of the grove.
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
Reminds me of the “red” variant of the Siamese cat which is often more tan than red. That gene is a variant of “albino”. Wound be interesting to get close enough to see the eye color.
Charlie Patterson
Norwell, Ma
<chaspatt...>
Sent from Middle Earth.
> On Dec 29, 2019, at 3:32 PM, Carol Baird Molander <cbmolander...> wrote:
>
> My husband and I saw this dark-eyed junco among several others today. Is it a leucistic bird, a sub-species or just very light in coloring? Ebird link included.
> Any thoughts?
> https://ebird.org/checklist/S62734584 > Thank you,
> Carol Molander
> Carol B. Molander
> <cbmolander...>
> 508-748-3759 Home
> 508-641-0991 Cell
I posted here back in late June that a woodpecker was visiting my suet feeder which was aberrantly pigmented. Kinda like Carol’s junco, it did not have the irregularly distributed pure white feathers typically described as “leucistic”, but instead was generally paler all over than a typical individual of its species, gray in the places where other Downies were black. I’ve followed Carol’s lead and posted photos of the woodpecker on eBird now. I first noticed it on July 25. The critter got netted on July 1 when Neighborhood Nestwatch made their annual visit. It kept coming back to my suet for a few weeks, then disappeared for a while, but what I think was the same individual returned a couple of times later. On August 18 I was able to call this woodpecker “he” instead of “it", as a red spot started growing in on the back of his head. My most recent sighting was on November 12, at which time he seemed to be getting a bit less pale and the red spot more intense, so maybe was molting out of its original paleness? My time to be at home watching and refilling feeders has been far less than usual over the past couple of months, so I’m not sure if the little guy is gone now, or still coming in, or maybe has continued converging on normal coloration to the point that I can’t so easily tell him apart from the rest of his species….
> On Dec 29, 2019, at 4:02 PM, Chris Heys <chris.p.heys...> wrote:
>
> What an absolutely stunning bird. The only leucistic juncos I have seen had interspersed pure white feathers (like is seen sometimes in AMCR) as opposed to the light wash that your bird seems to have.
> I have been before, and would be happy to be corrected again on leucistic presentation vs. aberrant patterning.
>
> Chris Heys
> Jaffrey NH
>
> Sent from my iPhone
>
>> On Dec 29, 2019, at 3:40 PM, Carol Baird Molander <cbmolander...> wrote:
>>
>>
>> My husband and I saw this dark-eyed junco among several others today. Is it a leucistic bird, a sub-species or just very light in coloring? Ebird link included.
>> Any thoughts?
>> https://ebird.org/checklist/S62734584 <https://ebird.org/checklist/S62734584> >> Thank you,
>> Carol Molander
>> Carol B. Molander
>> <cbmolander...> <mailto:<cbmolander...> >> 508-748-3759 Home
>> 508-641-0991 Cell
Date: 12/29/19 1:42 pm From: Spector, David (Biology) <spectord...> Subject: RE: [MASSBIRD] Chat- in Chatham
A Chat in Chatham? I guess we'll have to find a Belcher's Gull in Belchertown* or Montagu's Harrier in Montague to top that.
David Spector Belchertown, Mass.
P.S. I have seen Ipswich Sparrow in Ipswich (with thanks to Jim for help adding that to my etymological life list). *The gull is named for the great grandson of the governor for whom the town is named.
________________________________________ From: <massbird-approval...> [<massbird-approval...>] on behalf of Barbara Volkle [<barb620...>] Sent: Sunday, December 29, 2019 3:20 PM To: massbird Subject: [MASSBIRD] Chat- in Chatham
Thanks to Peter Gaines for this report.
Barbara Volkle Northborough, MA <barb620...>
*
From: Peter Gaines <pgaines116...> Date: Sun, 29 Dec 2019 15:10:37 -0500 Subject: Chat- in Chatham
I had a Yellow-breasted Chat in my yard with many other yard birds today around noon, for about an hour. First time yard bird.
What an absolutely stunning bird. The only leucistic juncos I have seen had interspersed pure white feathers (like is seen sometimes in AMCR) as opposed to the light wash that your bird seems to have.
I have been before, and would be happy to be corrected again on leucistic presentation vs. aberrant patterning.
Chris Heys
Jaffrey NH
Sent from my iPhone
> On Dec 29, 2019, at 3:40 PM, Carol Baird Molander <cbmolander...> wrote:
>
>
> My husband and I saw this dark-eyed junco among several others today. Is it a leucistic bird, a sub-species or just very light in coloring? Ebird link included.
> Any thoughts?
> https://ebird.org/checklist/S62734584 > Thank you,
> Carol Molander
> Carol B. Molander
> <cbmolander...>
> 508-748-3759 Home
> 508-641-0991 Cell
My husband and I saw this dark-eyed junco among several others today. Is it a leucistic bird, a sub-species or just very light in coloring? Ebird link included. Any thoughts? https://ebird.org/checklist/S62734584 Thank you, Carol Molander *Carol B. Molander* <cbmolander...> 508-748-3759 Home 508-641-0991 Cell
Planning a trip out to PI and surrounds next week and was wondering if the Newburyport CBC results have been published anywhere yet. I couldn’t track it down in my email or in the web.
Date: 12/28/19 1:48 pm From: Barbara Volkle <barb620...> Subject: [MASSBIRD] Need help id'ing two pelagic birds
Thanks to Stephen Hersey for this post.
Barbara Volkle Northborough, MA <barb620...>
*
From: STEPHEN HERSEY <sherseyva...> Subject: Need help id'ing two pelagic birds Date: Sat, 28 Dec 2019 16:33:26 -0500
Hi all!
I had the pleasure of going on a whale watch out of Gloucester in August and need help identifying two birds. Hope you all can help! Iâll try to post a link to the photos - I posted them on my Facebook page. https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=100009429232207&sk=timeline#_
Date: 12/28/19 9:20 am From: Peter Trull <petrull...> Subject: [MASSBIRD] Flicker images, Short-eared Owl
Massbirders, Happy New Year. After a 6 month hiatus…… my Flickr site is back up, which makes me happy….. Here are a half dozen December images from ruddy duck to short-eared owl. Enjoy.
Peter Trull
Brewster
<petrull...>
www.petertrull.org
Date: 12/28/19 6:54 am From: Madeleine Linck <madeleine.linck...> Subject: [MASSBIRD] Bluebirds in Foxboro
My 14 year old granddaughter who lives in a somewhat rural part of Foxboro just texted me photos of a flock of 6 eastern bluebirds that are in her yard this morning. She says two appear to be females. On Christmas day, she spotted a harrier flying low over the Dahlia field behind her house.
Date: 12/28/19 5:51 am From: Barbara Volkle <barb620...> Subject: [MASSBIRD] Gloucester - Orange-crowned Warbler
I've got additional information about the location of the Orange-crowned Warbler in Gloucester which continues to periodically visit a suet feeder. Please be respectful or the neighbors and neighborhood if you venture over.
The feeder it has visited is not visible from the street. Here are some directions from the person reporting the bird:
It's almost at the end of Doanne rd in Gloucester. (Dead end street) Just before the curve at the water. One house before the bottom of the hill, before it curves to the left. There is no street parking; people would have to park in front of Smith - Thompson Park on Shore Hill rd and walk around the corner. Very close though. There are about 3 parallel parking spaces in front of that tiny park. Smith-Thompson Park was only recently named, so it might even not show up on Google Maps. But it is at the corner of Shore Hill Road and Wheeler Street. And there is a sign on a small boulder saying Smith Thompson Park.
Doanne is a private rd so if they try to park on the street (it's insanely narrow so there is no space to park anyway on the street) they would get towed. And of course if they park in or block anyone's driveway they will be towed. There are only a handful of houses on the street and everyone knows everyone else's car, so any strange cars blocking the road or somebody's driveway would definitely garner attention. But people can come and park on Shore Hill and try to find the bird! I have not yet found where it hangs out when it isn't on my suet feeder. There are thickets edging both sides of the street and small wooded areas between houses so it could be anywhere...
It's not a big area.Doanne road is only one short block long. And the bird could be anywhere in the thickets .... or down at the very end of the dead end... Or, for all I know, it spends its other time in Smith Thompson Park. There are actually a few little tiny pathways in there that people can walk on.
Date: 12/27/19 7:50 pm From: Barbara Volkle <barb620...> Subject: [MASSBIRD] Re: late molt American Goldfinch
Thanks to Sandy Selesky for this post.
Barbara Volkle Northborough, MA <barb620...>
*
From: Sandy <sandyselesky...> Date: Fri, 27 Dec 2019 21:57:30 -0500 Subject: Re: late molt American Goldfinch
Yes, as I had posted last year, a goldfinch that came to my feeders all winter stayed in his full bright yellow and black breeding plumage and never molted into dull winter coloring through that entire winter! First time I had ever seen one that kept his colors all year! I got pictures too.
Date: 12/27/19 2:28 pm From: Tom Murray <tmurray74...> Subject: [MASSBIRD] Kestrel & Merlin in Groton 12-27-19
This afternoon at the Surrenden Farm fields the first bird I saw was a male Kestrel, being mobbed by 4 Blue Jays. Later an immature Merlin was perched up high at the opposite edge of the same field. For the complete list and photos, here's my eBird report: https://ebird.org/massaudubon/checklist/S62673650 Another nice surprise was a porcupine eating grass out in one of the fields. Here's a few pictures of the animal: https://www.flickr.com/photos/tmurray74/ Tom MurrayGroton, Ma.
Date: 12/27/19 12:48 pm From: Nash, Matthew (DCR) <matthew.nash...> Subject: [MASSBIRD] DCR’s Belle Isle Marsh Reservation, Birding Program listing January 2020
North Region Coastal District Department of Conservation and Recreation Contact: Matthew Nash One Eliot Circle Revere, MA 02151 781-656-1485 <Matthew.Nash...>
January 2020 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.
Please visit mass.gov/dcr/calendar for a complete listing of programs. All programs are open to the public and are free of charge.
Belle Isle Marsh Reservation 1399 Bennington Street, East Boston, MA
MBTA: Blueline to Beachmont Station. Free parking available in the paved lot.
An Oasis for Birds Saturday, January 4-CANCELLED Saturday, January 18 8:00 a.m.-9:00 a.m. Happening on Schedule Join DCR Naturalists on a bird walk through a restored wildlife sanctuary. We will look for Snowy Owls and other raptors, native sparrows, finches and waterfowl. Bring binoculars if you have them. Suitable for adults and children ages 10 and older accompanied by an adult. Meets every 1st and 3rd Saturday of the month, (Except National Holidays) Every month of the year.
Matthew Nash Visitor Services Supervisor North Region Coastal District Department of Conservation and Recreation One Eliot Circle Revere, MA 02151 781-656-1485 <Matthew.Nash...>
Date: 12/27/19 9:22 am From: Barbara Volkle <barb620...> Subject: [MASSBIRD] new book - The Birds of Gambell and St. Lawrence Island, Alaska
Thanks to Wayne Petersen and Ken Able for the announcement of the new Gambell book that Paul Lehman has written for the Western Field Ornithologists. According to Wayne, "It's a stunning book filled with spectacular images of Gambell rarities, many of which are the only North American records." For additional info, go to www.WFOPublications.org
Many of you have visited Gambell, or have this on your wish list of birding destinations.
*
Here's the description:
THE BIRDS OF GAMBELL AND ST. LAWRENCE ISLAND, ALASKA by Paul Lehman
Western Field Ornithologists is proud to announce the publication of THE BIRDS OF GAMBELL AND ST. LAWRENCE ISLAND, ALASKA, by Paul E. Lehman. This 360-page book is the first complete and detailed treatment of our knowledge of the birds of this region, from the early explorers through 2018. It is certain to remain the definitive work on the ornithology of this fascinating island for decades to come.
The book is beautifully illustrated with maps and more than 800 color photographs of the island and its habitats, and a majority of the bird species, including many documentary photos of rare occurrences.
Detailed accounts of the 290 species that have been documented on the island include a remarkable 19 first North American records (7 in spring, 12 in fall).
Order at www.WFOPublications.org Paperback:$50 (plus s/h $8.50) Kindle eBook version $29
Date: 12/27/19 7:44 am From: Barbara Volkle <barb620...> Subject: [MASSBIRD] New Years Resolutions and birds
Thanks to Suzanne Sullivan for this post.
Barbara Volkle Northborough, MA <barb620...>
*
From: Suzanne Sullivan <swampy435...> Date: Fri, 27 Dec 2019 08:18:23 -0500 Subject: New Years Resolutions and birds
Dear Massbirders,
I am not really big on the 1st half of the subject line, but am pretty big on the 2nd half. I am writing this today to ask all of you to do whatever you can to help birds this year. Whether you are a lister and travel for your year birds increasing carbon foot prints, or whether you are making decisions on what coffee you drink, or yard decisions please consider birds and make things better not worse. And that would be make things better for ALL birds, gulls included. Maybe you could work in your community to plant more trees, to stop the crazy losing war on invasives and help preserve and create thickets, maybe leash laws on beaches, or maybe stop using pesticides to kill, whatever please help. I am pasting two articles below . One is about the Migratory Bird Act and the consequences of the current political system. I share this article for hopefully motivation and education purposes in response to a comment made earlier in a post about the Cape Ann CBC and the lack of gulls and how that might ensure more shorebirds nesting. Clearly the decline in shorebirds, all birds for that matter, lies with in the hands of humans not gulls. This war and negative attitude about gulls needs to stop. It is rooted in ignorance and perceptions that are false. In all my years at Sandy Point the impact to nesting birds was human, not gulls. Gulls are intelligent adaptable animals. They literally have no where to go any more around here. We have taken their habitat as our own and complain when they attempt to adapt. They get run over in parking lots for fun, they are poisoned and shot at landfills, they are chased relentlessly at beaches by off leash dogs, they are poisoned on islands to Censure other species survival, and they are unfairly maligned as horrible in almost every forum, including this one. We have decimated their natural food supply/fish and some beaches "dispose" of seaweed and shells when they wash up on shore. Gulls are awesome parents and live in a complex social structures. They are super smart, tough as nails, agile, beautiful birds with more personality than most humans I know. I would rather spend my time in a flock of gulls than at a meeting in a room of people any day of the week.. So I have also posted another link to a book review on the ABA blog by Amar Ayyah, a gull lover like me. I have not read this book yet but plan to. There are actually a lot people out there that love and appreciate gulls just a much as warblers and piping plovers. If the birding community can get it then there is little to no hope for the larger contingency. Happy New Year and Good (responsible) Birding! Suzanne Sullivan Wilmington MA <swampy435...>
"The self evident vision of who we are as a free and caring nation, and the ideal to fulfill this destiny is stronger than the division of those who's only vision is of themselves. =E2=80=9C SMB
A friend sent me a photo she took today at her bird feeder in Rehoboth. It was of a male American Goldfinch with very brilliant yellow feathers. None of the goldfinches at my house have ever shown such color this time of year. My friend wondered if other birders have observed this lack of molting into winter plumage.
Date: 12/26/19 5:50 pm From: Barbara Volkle <barb620...> Subject: [MASSBIRD] 12/26 Millennium Park Highlights
Thanks to Paul Peterson for this report.
Barbara Volkle Northborough, MA <barb620...>
*
Date: Fri, 27 Dec 2019 00:07:58 +0000 (UTC) From: Paul Peterson <petersonpaul63...> Subject: 12/26 Millennium Park Highlights
Combined bird totals are from Millennium Park, high school wetland, St. Joseph's Cemetery, and Brook Farm Reservation:
Great Blue Heron 1 juv. wistfully hunting on FROZEN WETLAND!? Hooded Merganser 5 Common Merganser 3 Red-tailed Hawk 2 accipiter sp. 1 Northern Flicker 1 WINTER WREN 1 mouth of Sawmill Brook; same place as five weeks ago (Ruins Trail) YELLOW-RUMPED WARBLER 1Â cemetery Swamp Sparrow 3 American Tree Sparrow 14 White-throated Sparrow 18 Red-winged Blackbird 13 Common Grackle 12
Date: 12/26/19 2:52 pm From: Donna Carkin <dcarkin1...> Subject: [MASSBIRD] Plum Island 12/26
Visited Plum Island today for a quick observation approx 10:00 Northern Harrier near Lot 4 flying over marsh Peregrine Falcon lot 4 Bald Eagle flying over marsh by lot 1 Donna, MA
Date: 12/26/19 10:52 am From: Kathy Dia <katbirder...> Subject: [MASSBIRD] Great Meadows NWR, weekly species census, Dec 26, 2019
---------- Forwarded message ---------
Great Meadows NWR--Concord Unit, Middlesex, Massachusetts, US Dec 26, 2019 7:30 AM - 10:30 AM Protocol: Traveling 2.8 mile(s) Checklist Comments: Weekly species census for the NWB. Much muskrat activity. Observers: Alan Bragg, Maryellen Stone, Bob Stone, Langdon Stevenson, Tom Maxwell, Frank Richichi, Zena Casteel, Kathy Dia. 22 species
Canada Goose 74 Mute Swan 2 Mallard 21 Wild Turkey 22 Monsen Rd. Virginia Rail 2 Grunting heard near the water crossing (first bridge) on the main dike where there is still running water. Then as we moved on, one rail ran across the trail. We returned to hear two grunting across the dike to each other. Not frequent enough for a decent recording; I caught the second individual just at the start of the this recording (Song Sparrow in background). Second individual seen partially and briefly. Zena caught a glimpse through the reeds in a photo to follow. . Great Blue Heron 2 One perched on Lower Pool. Second was fly over paler morph Red-shouldered Hawk 1 Perched off Timber Tr. ; banded tail,red breast. Possibly the same individual (or pair member) we have been seeing on the refuge the past few weeks. Photo to follow. Red-tailed Hawk 1 Red-bellied Woodpecker 2 Downy Woodpecker (Eastern) 6 Hairy Woodpecker (Eastern) 1 Blue Jay 15 American Crow 2 Black-capped Chickadee 14 Tufted Titmouse 6 White-breasted Nuthatch (Eastern) 10 Brown Creeper 2 One near the river and one on timber Tr. Carolina Wren 1 Riverine area American Robin 2 American Goldfinch 10 Song Sparrow 10 Swamp Sparrow 2
Thought many of you would be interested today’s in my next guest Holly Merker, Environmental Educator. https://bit.ly/35Ur6PY Listen in and subscribe on your favorite App to BCR show on your travels.
Wishing everyone a wonderful holiday and Season’s Greetings! Save Travels.
Date: 12/24/19 9:08 am From: Barbara Volkle <barb620...> Subject: [MASSBIRD] Flicker and Pileateds in Westford
Thanks to Sandy Selesky for this post.
Barbara Volkle Northborough, MA <barb620...>
*
From: Sandy <sandyselesky...> Date: Tue, 24 Dec 2019 10:54:11 -0500 Subject: Flicker and Pileateds in Westford
Yesterday I had a wonderful surprise at my suet for several minutes- for the first time in 34 years at my condo I had a Flicker eating suet from the feeder on my deck! I have never even seen Flickers in my backyard area. I get daily visits from downies, hairies, red-bellied woodpeckers and occasionally Pileateds (the female flew to my neighbor's suet for a few seconds on Sunday) and perching birds that also love the suet cakes as well as seed but this was a first for a Flicker!! To top off the same morning hour yesterday, the male Pileated was hammering and pulling out ants from a tree hole next to my driveway as his mate flew to a nearby tree and then to our backyard for awhile. Earlier, a Red-tailed Hawk had flown across the backyard at eye level. Got lots of pictures of the Pileateds and a few of the Flicker before taking off for Salisbury and Plum which were much quieter than what I had just left!!
Date: 12/24/19 8:16 am From: John Nelson <jnelson...> Subject: [MASSBIRD] TV Interview and Website Story about My Bird Book "Flight Calls"
For those of you who live on Cape Ann, Channel 12 (Cape Ann TV) will be airing a segment of "The Writer's Block" in which host John Ronan interviews me about the publication of my bird book *Flight Calls*. The program is scheduled to air at the following times:
Date: 12/23/19 9:53 am From: Barbara Volkle <barb620...> Subject: [MASSBIRD] Next Bear Creek, Saugus, walk on January 1, 2020, at 9 am; report for Dec 22 walk
Thanks to Soheil Zendeh for this announcement.
Barbara Volkle Northborough, MA <barb620...>
*
From: "Soheil Zendeh" <sohzendeh...> Subject: Next Bear Creek, Saugus, walk on January 1, 2020, at 9 am; report for Dec 22 walk Date: Mon, 23 Dec 2019 10:57:49 -0500
Folks,
The next walk at Bear Creek Sanctuary, Saugus, is scheduled for 9 am on Wednesday, January 1, 2020; details below. Special treat: Please come = and enjoy the New Year's Day walk followed by lunches for all courtesy of Wheelabrator. Please let me know you're coming so we can have a head = count.
Note that there is NO WALK on Sunday, December 29.
The 23 people attending the December 22 walk were pleased with the weather and also pleased with the variety of birds; there was even a quick glimpse of a Coyote. Coyotes den at Bear Creek and there is a healthy population of them on the property, but sightings of them are few and far between.
The highlight of the walk came late: At the highest point of the landfill, the spot which has been our sparrow cache this season, our friend Sundar first called out an unfamiliar sparrow, very buffy with large eyering, head stripes and white outer tail feathers. Soon everyone was on the bird and many photos were being taken. Your fearless trip leader (me) made a futile attempt to turn the bird into a LeConte's Sparrow, but it was a Grasshopper Sparrow. You can see at least one photo of it in the ebird checklist posted below.
Other highlights were multiple Short-eared Owl and Northern Harrier sightings (inlcuding a Grey Ghost), 3 Eastern Meadowlarks, and 2 White-crowned Sparrows. Both White-crowns were juveniles; Last week on the Christmas Count, 2 adults were also seen, but could not be refound this time.
Many thanks to the photographers (Lauren Grimes and Brandon Burke and perhaps others) who posted additional documenting (and gorgeous) photos to the ebird list.
Here is the 12/22 ebird list:
Bear Creek Sanctuary (Restricted Access), Essex, Massachusetts, US
Dec 22, 2019 9:19 AM - 12:57 PM
Protocol: Traveling
2.68 mile(s)
35 species (+1 other taxa)
Canada Goose 140 American Black Duck 7 Surf Scoter 4 White-winged Scoter 10 Bufflehead 12 Common Goldeneye 8 Red-breasted Merganser 10 Wild Turkey 3 Rock Pigeon (Feral Pigeon) 75 Mourning Dove 46 Herring Gull 160 Great Black-backed Gull 10 Northern Harrier 2 Cooper's Hawk 1 Sharp-shinned/Cooper's Hawk 1 Red-tailed Hawk 4 Short-eared Owl 2 Blue Jay 2 American Crow 1 Horned Lark 60 European Starling 600 Northern Mockingbird 1 American Robin 1 House Sparrow 9 House Finch 6 American Goldfinch 4 Grasshopper Sparrow 1 Photos American Tree Sparrow 6 White-crowned Sparrow 2 Juveniles White-throated Sparrow 2 Savannah Sparrow 3 Song Sparrow 47 Swamp Sparrow 1 Eastern Meadowlark 3 Photos Red-winged Blackbird 13 Northern Cardinal 1
Here are the details for attending walks at this property:
Bear Creek is an upland sanctuary built on the Wheelabrator (formerly RESCO) landfill at the northern end of Rumney Marsh in Saugus and Revere. Access information is below. Wear good walking shoes and be prepared to hike 3 96 4 miles. The property is mostly very open, so be prepared for sun, wind and weather.
This walk is free and open to the public, but also note that this property is accessible by invitation only and visitors need to be chaperoned at all times. Please allow roughly 4 hours for this field trip. The actual length of the trip depends on conditions and the birds present. It's usually difficult to break up the party if you need to be somewhere in the early afternoon. Come prepared to stay with the group.
Wheelabrator company has graciously stocked up on some extra pairs of binoculars, so if you or someone you know wants to learn about birds and birding, come on down.
Bear Creek sanctuary access is via the Wheelabrator plant, 100 Salem Turnpike (Rte 107), Saugus. The rotary at the intersection of Rtes 60 and 107 is about 1=BD miles southwest of the plant and about 1 mile east of Rte 1 exit on Rte 60. When traveling northeast on 107, if you go over the Ballard Street bridge (just after a set of lights) you=92ve gone too far =97 turn back. Here is a link to google maps:
When you arrive, drive through the plant gates, park in the parking lot immediately and wait for the group. Please do not drive farther into the property without an escort.
Date: 12/23/19 6:57 am From: Fred Bouchard <frederickbouchard...> Subject: [MASSBIRD] christmas elf
something's nibbling the suet — not squirrels?
tweedle-tweedle-tweedle
the carolina wren comes back
after weeks away -- just in time
--
<frederickbouchard...>
78 farnham st
belmont 02478 ma
617-484-6692
www.fredbouchard.wordpress.com
'One ought, every day, to hear a little song, read a good poem, sip a tasty
wine,
see a fine picture, and if possible, to speak a few reasonable words.'
-- Johann Wolfgang von Goethe
(1749-1836)
Date: 12/23/19 4:09 am From: Barbara Volkle <barb620...> Subject: [MASSBIRD] Western Tanager - East Sandwich
Reported on the Massachusetts Rare Bird Alert on Facebook that during the Mid Cape CBC today, Sean Williams and Will Sweet found a WESTERN TANAGER in East Sandwich.
I was going to get pics of a group of Long-tailed Ducks at Fort Phoenix this morning. They all dove and when one came back up, it wasn't the duck but this bird that I have never seen before. I figured it was an alcid and thought it was a Common Murre, but now I think it might be a Black Guillemot. It wasn't there for more than a few minutes when the Rowing Club went by and scared it away. I tried to re-find it but no luck.
Date: 12/21/19 5:51 pm From: GLENN D'ENTREMONT <gdentremont1...> Subject: [MASSBIRD] Re: Black-tailed Godwit-Parker River WNR, late July 2006
Thanks to everyone who responded including links with images attached. It is as I recall.
Red-faced I must have input either an incorrect year or month period as today all the reports are visible.
Lesson learned: if can't locate a record, wait until next day to look again. Exhaustion causes errors.
Sorry to have bothered you.
Glenn
Glenn d'Entremont: <gdentremont1...> Stoughton, MA
> On December 20, 2019 at 10:49 PM GLENN D'ENTREMONT <gdentremont1...> wrote: > > Entering my old lists into ebird and in July 2006 there was a Black-tailed Godwit which was still in alternate plumage, if I recall correctly, just south of the main pans. > > It appears ebird has no records input for this species in the Americas for that time period. > > Has anyone else entered their data from this time period? Any images? > > Thanks. > > Glenn > > Glenn d'Entremont: <gdentremont1...> Stoughton, MA >
Date: 12/21/19 3:02 pm From: Eric <elabato...> Subject: [MASSBIRD] Wood Thrush - Plum Island
With the Newburyport Christmas Bird Count occurring tomorrow, I wanted to get the word out there was a Wood Thrush on the Dune Loop at Parker River Refuge today. It was frequenting the portion of the Loop closest to the Refuge Road and appeared to me to be on territory. I wouldn't be surprised if it was still there tomorrow.
I decided to walk the Dune Loop one last time before it closes. I wasn't seeing many birds so I left my camera in the car. Just as I was about to climb the stairs leading back up to the road I spotted a thrush moving around in the bushes below the stairs. I assumed it was Hermit Thrush but then it moved out into the light and I saw the back and head were a bright rusty orange. The white background made the orange coloration really stand out. Then the bird faced me and I saw the white underside with heavy dark spotting. Knowing that certain birders would not be convinced regardless of how good of a look I got of it and how well I described it, I ran back to my car over the snow and ice and got my camera. The thrush was still in the area when I got back, but it was very difficult to photograph. It stayed low in the vegetation and was in constant motion. It also kept going under the boardwalk, one time flying out right under my feet. After awhile I realized that the bird appeared to be following a regular roughly circular route. I decided to sit on the stairs and wait for the bird to come to me. After about 5 minutes, it flew right in front of me so close it startled me and I got a couple of relatively clear photos. The link to my ebird report with photos is below. There was also a Catbird and a Yellow-bellied Sapsucker in the area. I saw an Eastern Towhee in the S-curves as I was driving out.
SORA has many smaller bird magazines not in the major academic databases (e.g., Web of Science, SCOPUS) and everything in it is available in full-text PDF without needing a subscription or institutional affiliation.
Date: 12/21/19 12:58 pm From: Gregory Finnegan <g.finnegan...> Subject: Re: [MASSBIRD] Black-tailed Godwit-Parker River WNR, late July 2006
I haven’t entered my data into eBird. My notes show this bird from about 3:55pm to 4:40 on 23 July 2006, in salt marsh about 120m. s. of Lot 3, S. of the pans. My notes include the comment “many photos by others” (but none by me.)
Greg Finnegan
Oakland CA
> On Dec 20, 2019, at 7:49 PM, GLENN D'ENTREMONT <gdentremont1...> wrote:
>
> Entering my old lists into ebird and in July 2006 there was a Black-tailed Godwit which was still in alternate plumage, if I recall correctly, just south of the main pans.
>
> It appears ebird has no records input for this species in the Americas for that time period.
>
> Has anyone else entered their data from this time period? Any images?
>
> Thanks.
>
> Glenn
>
> Glenn d'Entremont: <gdentremont1...> Stoughton, MA
Date: 12/21/19 10:56 am From: Barbara Volkle <barb620...> Subject: [MASSBIRD] 12/20 Sudbury Path in Wellesley American Wigeon, etc.
Thanks to Paul Peterson for this report.
Barbara Volkle Northborough, MA <barb620...>
*
Date: Sat, 21 Dec 2019 18:25:48 +0000 (UTC) From: Paul Peterson <petersonpaul63...> Subject: 12/20 Sudbury Path in Wellesley American Wigeon, etc.
Hi, I birded the entire Sudbury Path in Wellesley. This is 4.6 miles in length. I actually birded further than this, for I entered the Sudbury Path in Needham behind the Eliot School. The big payoff was at the Waban Arches near the end. Unless noted, all birds were from the absolutely beautiful Waban Arches:
Great Blue Heron 1 Mallard Duck 120 AMERICAN WIGEON 1 immature directly below Hooded Merganser 5 Red-tailed Hawk 3 including two near Rosemary Brook Belted Kingfisher 1 near Wellesley Recycling YELLOW-BELLIED SAPSUCKER 1 near Eliot School Hairy Woodpecker 4 one Longfellow P., one Babson , two Walker Woods Carolina Wren 2 Golden-crowned Kinglet 1
Date: 12/21/19 6:24 am From: Barbara Volkle <barb620...> Subject: Re: [MASSBIRD] Black-tailed Godwit-Parker River WNR, late July 2006
Thanks to Suzanne Sullivan for this post.
Barbara Volkle Northborough, MA <barb620...>
*
From: Suzanne Sullivan <swampy435...> Date: Sat, 21 Dec 2019 09:09:07 -0500 Subject: Re: [MASSBIRD] Black-tailed Godwit-Parker River WNR, late July 2006 To: "GLENN D'ENTREMONT" <gdentremont1...>
HI Glen, I looked back on my PBase website which I hardly ever update or use any more and I do have a photo and you are more than welcome to use the link. This bird was memorable because I just started seriously birding. It looks like it is in/starting transition from alternate to basic? https://pbase.com/image/111536767. Best Suzanne Sullivan Wilmington, MA
Date: 12/21/19 5:48 am From: STEPHIMAC27 <housestewart...> Subject: Re: [MASSBIRD] New Crow article: Ipswich!
> On Dec 21, 2019, at 8:32 AM, CRAIG GIBSON <cbgibson...> wrote:
>
> Greetings all,
>
> A very nice article on encounters with local Crows was written by Rebecca Pugh and recently published by Ipswich Local News. Lively and informative, Ipswich Local News is a valued source for news and events in the North Shore. The print edition is published on Thursdays and its primary focus is on Ipswich.
>
> She writes a column titled Birding Unplugged. It is an occasional series about birds for people out and about without binoculars or books. Rebecca is an author, has a Ph.D. in storytelling and peacemaking from Lesley University and is a student in Mass Audubon’s Birder’s Certificate Program at Joppa Flats!
>
> In the article about her encounter with Crows in Ipswich, she references Crow expert, Kevin McGowan at Cornell, young Gabi and her exchanges of food and return gifts by her local Crows, the winter Crow roost in Lawrence, and an article by Charles Townsend about the Ipswich roost written over 100 years ago!
>
> For those with an interest, story and link posted on the blog, and well worth a look!
>
> Link: http://www.wintercrowroost.com/clever-crows/ <http://www.wintercrowroost.com/clever-crows/> >
> Enjoy,
>
> Craig Gibson
> 2019 Crow Patrol
Date: 12/21/19 5:36 am From: CRAIG GIBSON <cbgibson...> Subject: [MASSBIRD] New Crow article: Ipswich!
Greetings all,
A very nice article on encounters with local Crows was written by Rebecca Pugh and recently published by Ipswich Local News. Lively and informative, Ipswich Local News is a valued source for news and events in the North Shore. The print edition is published on Thursdays and its primary focus is on Ipswich.
She writes a column titled Birding Unplugged. It is an occasional series about birds for people out and about without binoculars or books. Rebecca is an author, has a Ph.D. in storytelling and peacemaking from Lesley University and is a student in Mass Audubon’s Birder’s Certificate Program at Joppa Flats!
In the article about her encounter with Crows in Ipswich, she references Crow expert, Kevin McGowan at Cornell, young Gabi and her exchanges of food and return gifts by her local Crows, the winter Crow roost in Lawrence, and an article by Charles Townsend about the Ipswich roost written over 100 years ago!
For those with an interest, story and link posted on the blog, and well worth a look!
Date: 12/21/19 5:00 am From: KIRK Elwell <kirkelwell...> Subject: Re: [MASSBIRD] Re: Black-tailed Godwit-Parker River WNR, late July 2006
I too have it in my Life List for July 23, 2006.
Kirk.
Sent from my Verizon LG Smartphone
------ Original message------
From: Phil Brown
Date: Sat, Dec 21, 2019 7:30 AM
To: MassBird;
Cc:
Subject:[MASSBIRD] Re: Black-tailed Godwit-Parker River WNR, late July 2006
I added the Black-tailed Godwit to ebird as well, seen on July 17, 2006. I uploaded the photos to go along with the checklist this morning.
Entering my old lists into ebird and in July 2006 there was a Black-tailed Godwit which was still in alternate plumage, if I recall correctly, just south of the main pans.
It appears ebird has no records input for this species in the Americas for that time period.
Has anyone else entered their data from this time period? Any images?
Enjoy, Phil Brown Essex, MA 01929 <nebirdsplus...>
-----------------------------
Entering my old lists into ebird and in July 2006 there was a Black-tailed Godwit which was still in alternate plumage, if I recall correctly, just south of the main pans.
It appears ebird has no records input for this species in the Americas for that time period.
Has anyone else entered their data from this time period? Any images?
From: GLENN D'ENTREMONT
Sent: Friday, December 20, 2019 10:59 PM
To: <massbird...>
Subject: [MASSBIRD] Black-tailed Godwit-Parker River WNR, late July 2006
Entering my old lists into ebird and in July 2006 there was a Black-tailed Godwit which was still in alternate plumage, if I recall correctly, just south of the main pans.
It appears ebird has no records input for this species in the Americas for that time period.
Has anyone else entered their data from this time period? Any images?
Thanks.
Glenn
Glenn d'Entremont: <gdentremont1...> Stoughton, MA
Date: 12/20/19 7:52 pm From: GLENN D'ENTREMONT <gdentremont1...> Subject: [MASSBIRD] Black-tailed Godwit-Parker River WNR, late July 2006
Entering my old lists into ebird and in July 2006 there was a Black-tailed Godwit which was still in alternate plumage, if I recall correctly, just south of the main pans.
It appears ebird has no records input for this species in the Americas for that time period.
Has anyone else entered their data from this time period? Any images?
Thanks.
Glenn
Glenn d'Entremont: <gdentremont1...> Stoughton, MA
Date: 12/19/19 2:08 pm From: Sam Miller <zamziller...> Subject: [MASSBIRD] Glaucous Gull, Whalom Lake, Lunenburg, Dec 19, 2019
Today I finally tracked down the Glaucous Gull found by Bart Kamp on Dec 15. It was at Whalom Lake, where he had it, but where it is mostly absent, judging by multiple checks since. More details in the attached eBird report. There are also at least two immature Iceland Gulls in the area. One with an injured right foot is fairly regular at Whalom Lake, and perhaps more regular at AKS Recycling in Fitchburg, a 10-minute drive away. There is generally a flock of 50 to 100 gulls there, and yesterday there were at least two imm Icelands there. But no Glaucous, and no imm. Lesser Black-backed Gull, which Bart also had on December 15. But if you go to Whalom Lake and strike out on rare gulls, try AKS, then return for another check of Whalom Lake.
> > Whalom Lake, Worcester, Massachusetts, US > Dec 19, 2019 12:02 PM - 12:57 PM > Protocol: Stationary > 6 species > > Canada Goose 9 > Ring-billed Gull 14 > Herring Gull (American) 34 > Glaucous Gull 1 *Rare. Large, bull-chested, white-winged gull with obvious bi-colored bill. Initially seen in flight, harassing other gulls. From above, quite white, but not pure white; from below, tan, but with very pale wingtips. Bi-colored pink and black bill easily visible in flight. Spent lots of time in the air chasing gulls, but eventually landed, alone on ice, then up again to harass more gulls, then settled in for a spell with the gull flock at edge of open water. At rest, clearly bigger and bulkier than Herrings. Sharp demarcation between black tip and pink base of bill. Probably a first-winter bird. Most of the gulls, including the Glaucous, were flushed by imm. Bald Eagle overhead, and flew off to the south. > Originally found and reported to Carla Dengler and me on Dec. 15 by Bart Kamp when we stopped for lunch at Whalom Lake while doing the Groton CBC, and luckily parked next to him. The Glaucous and an imm. Lesser Black-backed Gull that he had also seen were gone by then and we could not refind either bird that day, or since, until today. > Attached are poor phone-scoped photos, most cropped, sufficient for ID. > Great Black-backed Gull 5 > Bald Eagle 1 Imm., overhead, flushed the gull flock. > > View this checklist online at https://ebird.org/checklist/S62448918 > > This report was generated automatically by eBird v3 (https://ebird.org/home)
Date: 12/19/19 1:37 pm From: Barbara Volkle <barb620...> Subject: [MASSBIRD] Parker River NWR - Hellcat trail closing Dec 23
Thanks to MaryMargaret Halsey and the Friends of Parker River NWR for this update.
Dave Larson has already shared the press release.
Barbara Volkle Northborough, MA <barb620...>
*
Greetings, I'm writing as a member of the Friends of PRNWR to ask your help in spreading the word about the imminent closure of the Hellcat Dike as of December 23 for up to a year during construction to improve the boardwalk.
The official press release is attached. Please note that about half of the Hellcat parking lot will remain open to visitors, and restrooms also. Visitors will be able to walk past the bathrooms, up and onto the cross-dike, and enjoy access to the observation tower and the usual short segments of Bill Forward and North Pool dikes.
Please share this information - thoughtfully to avoid multiple notices - with birding organizations, photographers, clubs who frequent the Refuge and rely on Hellcat.
Thanks for your help. Suggestions welcome. MaryMargaret
Date: 12/19/19 12:56 pm From: Barbara Volkle <barb620...> Subject: [MASSBIRD] Western Tanager - Plymouth
Joe Bourget reports on the Massachusetts Rare Bird Alert Facebook page that today that Ian Davies found a WESTERN TANAGER at the Eel River Preserve in Plymouth.
Date: 12/19/19 12:55 pm From: David Larson <dlarson...> Subject: [MASSBIRD] Hellcat trail closures at Parker River NWR on Plum Island
Plum Island Birders,
The good news is that the Parker River NWR received new funding to finish the reconstruction of the boardwalks at the Hellcat area. Prior funding paid for the replacement of a section of boardwalk, but was limited. The new funding will allow the rebuild of the rest of the boardwalks, including changes to routes to remove the need for stairs to make the boardwalks all-persons trails.
The bad news is that the Hellcat trail system will be out of service while construction is underway, maybe for a full year (see notice from PRNWR below). Here at Joppa Flats we will miss access to the trails greatly while they are inaccessible, but we are happy that the refuge received the necessary funding to complete this project at one go instead of piecemeal and that we will soon have a stable, roomy boardwalk for all to use.
FROM PRNWR: Hellcat Trail to Close on Monday, December 23 for Boardwalk Replacement Project The Hellcat Trail at Parker River National Wildlife Refuge will be closed to all public access effective Monday, December 23rd in order to facilitate replacement of the entire boardwalk system that supports the trail. The existing trail, both the marsh and dune loops, will be closed for the duration of the project, which is expected to take up to a year. During the Hellcat Trail boardwalk closure, visitors may walk a variety of other boardwalks and trails on the refuge - including a new trail to the tip of Stage Island. Additionally, there are six miles of ocean beach to enjoy through the fall, winter, and early spring months.
David M. Larson, Ph.D., Science and Education Coordinator Joppa Flats Education Center, Mass Audubon, 1 Plum Island Turnpike, Newburyport, MA 01950 Telephone: (978) 462-9998 E-mail: <dlarson...> Ask me about my upcoming 2020 trips to Colombia at the end of February, Alaska with an extension to the Pribilofs in June, and Grand Tetons / Yellowstone in early October!
Date: 12/19/19 8:28 am From: Barbara Volkle <barb620...> Subject: [MASSBIRD] Great Meadows NWR--Concord Unit, Dec 19, 2019
Thanks to Alan Bragg for this update.
Barbara Volkle Northborough, MA <barb620...>
*
From: "Alan & Ruth Bragg" <alan.ruth.bragg...> Date: Thu, 19 Dec 2019 10:55:48 -0500 Subject: Great Meadows NWR--Concord Unit, Dec 19, 2019
Great Meadows NWR--Concord Unit, Middlesex, Massachusetts, US Dec 19, 2019 7:30 AM - 9:40 AM Protocol: Traveling 2.0 mile(s) Checklist Comments: Weekly survey by NWR volunteers Tom, Joan, Wendy, Frank, Cris, Lang, Maryellen & Alan 22 species
Canada Goose 8 Mute Swan 2 Mallard 11 American Black Duck 8 Hooded Merganser 1 Wild Turkey 2 Great Blue Heron 2 Red-bellied Woodpecker 3 Downy Woodpecker 6 Hairy Woodpecker 2 Blue Jay 2 American Crow 2 Black-capped Chickadee 5 Tufted Titmouse 3 White-breasted Nuthatch 6 Eastern Bluebird 10 American Goldfinch 12 Field Sparrow 1 Seen a couple weeks ago and is apparently hanging around. American Tree Sparrow 6 Dark-eyed Junco 5 Song Sparrow 5 Northern Cardinal 1
Date: 12/19/19 7:50 am From: Bob Stymeist <bobstymeist...> Subject: [MASSBIRD] Update- Boston CBC
Following up with the final results of the Greater Boston CBC on Sunday Dec
15, the three day count period after the count added three species,
outstanding was the discovery of the Townsend’s Warbler in Watertown by
Travis Mazerall, a Nashville Warbler in downtown Boston, interesting is
that both those birds were found by birders while at work. The third was a
Pine Warbler in Waltham. The Townsend’s was the 233 species that has been
recorded on the Boston CBC. Pretty amazing for an urban count in December.
Again, thanks to all the participants who help on all the Christmas Bird
Counts
Date: 12/18/19 6:29 pm From: Linda Ferraresso <tattler1...> Subject: Re: [MASSBIRD] Townsend’s Warbler Charles River - Watertown - update
Several birders searched for the Townsends Warbler in Watertown this afternoon but by the time Margo and I left around 3:30 no other sightings were reported.
Linda
Sent from my iPad
Linda Ferraresso Salem, MA <Tattler1...>
> On Dec 18, 2019, at 12:34 PM, Barbara Volkle <barb620...> wrote: > > Thanks to Travis Mazerall for this update. > > Photos are on ebird. Hoping for updates from others later today! > > Barbara Volkle > Northborough, MA > <barb620...> > * > >> *From:* Travis Mazerall <tmazerall...> >> *Date:* December 18, 2019 at 10:42:17 AM EST >> *To:* Mass Bird <Massbird...> >> *Subject:* *Townsend’s Warbler Charles River - Watertown* >> >> All - I had a Townsend’s warbler this morning outside my office, which I originally mistook for a cape May. Photos and location below. Was hanging around 10-15’ in the trees near the dam overlook. Closest parking is the DCR lot which is just around the corner. >> >> Dropped pin >> Near Charles River Greenway, Watertown, MA 02472 >> https://goo.gl/maps/vLnsnumMVDXHXrM87 >> >> >> >> Travis Mazerall >> Belmont, MA >> >> Sent from my iPhone
Date: 12/18/19 1:43 pm From: David Weaver <cygnus-dkw...> Subject: [MASSBIRD] Salisbury Beach State Reservation & Plum Island - 12-18-2019
David Moon and I led today's Wednesday Morning Birding program out of Joppa Flats Education Center to Salisbury Beach State Reservation and Plum Island. Skies were clear to partly cloudy; temps in the low 30s; and winds W-NW/5-10 mph.
Our list:
Salisbury -- Gadwall (2) -flyover, boat ramp. Mallard (8) American Black Duck - common. Common Eider (~ 70) White-winged Scoter (6) Long-tailed Duck (5) Bufflehead (~ 50) Common Goldeneye (4) Red-breasted Merganser (2) Horned Grebe (3) Mourning Dove (1) Sanderling (1) Ring-billed Gull (~ 10) - main parking lot. Herring Gull - common. Great Black-backed Gull (1) Red-throated Loon (2) Common Loon (2) Red-tailed Hawk (1) Rough-legged Hawk (1) American Crow (1) Black-capped Chickadee (1) Hermit Thrush (1) - "owl thicket." Northern Mockingbird (2) European Starling (1) American Pipit (1) - flyover. American Tree Sparrow (3) - "owl thicket." Dark-eyed Junco (2) - "owl thicket." White-throated Sparrow (5) - "owl thicket." Song Sparrow (~ 8) - "owl thicket." Eastern Towhee (1) - female; "owl thicket." Northern Cardinal (4) - "owl thicket."
Plum Island -- Canada Goose (12) - south end of Bill Forward Pool (BFP). American Black Duck - common. Red-breasted Merganser (1) - BFP. Rock Pigeon (~ 30) - on wires n. refuge gate. Northern Harrier (3) Rough-legged Hawk (2) Downy Woodpecker (2) - Hellcat parking area. Northern Shrike (1) - adult; seen from Hellcat dike atop birch to east near refuge road. American Crow (2) American Robin (~ 15) - various, roadside. White-throated Sparrow (~ 5) - Hellcat parking area. Song Sparrow (3) - roadside. Yellow-rumped Warbler (4) - Hellcat parking area.
Next Wednesday being Christmas Day, there will be no Wednesday Morning Birding. The next WMB will be at Joppa Flats on Thursday, January 2, 2020. We will meet at 0930. For more information about Joppa Flats programs, call David Moon or Dave Larson at 978-462-9998.
Date: 12/18/19 10:12 am From: Travis Mazerall <tmazerall...> Subject: [MASSBIRD] Townsend’s Warbler Charles River - Watertown
All - I had a Townsend’s warbler this morning outside my office, which I originally mistook for a cape May. Photos and location below. Was hanging around 10-15’ in the trees near the dam overlook at the bottom of the boardwalk towards Galen Street. Closest parking is the DCR lot which is just around the corner. > > Dropped pin > Near Charles River Greenway, Watertown, MA 02472 > https://goo.gl/maps/vLnsnumMVDXHXrM87 > > Travis Mazerall > Belmont, MA > > Sent from my iPhone
Date: 12/18/19 9:39 am From: Barbara Volkle <barb620...> Subject: [MASSBIRD] Townsend’s Warbler Charles River - Watertown
Thanks to Travis Mazerall for this update.
Photos are on ebird. Hoping for updates from others later today!
Barbara Volkle Northborough, MA <barb620...> *
> *From:* Travis Mazerall <tmazerall...> > *Date:* December 18, 2019 at 10:42:17 AM EST > *To:* Mass Bird <Massbird...> > *Subject:* *Townsend’s Warbler Charles River - Watertown* > > All - I had a Townsend’s warbler this morning outside my office, > which I originally mistook for a cape May. Photos and location below. > Was hanging around 10-15’ in the trees near the dam overlook. Closest > parking is the DCR lot which is just around the corner. > > Dropped pin > Near Charles River Greenway, Watertown, MA 02472 > https://goo.gl/maps/vLnsnumMVDXHXrM87 > > > > Travis Mazerall > Belmont, MA > > Sent from my iPhone
The bird was reported as a Cape May Warbler but looks like a Townsend's Warbler. Not sure how to contact Travis Mazerall to get more info, but somebody should let him know!
