Memorable Words of Wisdom and Inspiration

********************** Being able to recognize and identify birds is crucial to our awareness of the world around us. - LEE ALLEN PETERSON *********************

**** Birding is something that we do for enjoyment; so if you enjoy it, you're a good birder. If you enjoy it a lot, you're a great birder. - KENN KAUFMAN ****
Showing posts with label eastern bluebird. Show all posts
Showing posts with label eastern bluebird. Show all posts

Saturday, September 18, 2010

eBird Report - Drumlin Farm Wildlife Sanctuary, 9/18/10 - The Buff-breasted Sandpiper is still in attendance!!

Hello my fellow birders! Just a fairly quick notation here about my 55 minute trek at Drumlin Farm Wildlife Sanctuary in search of the reported Buff-breasted Sandpiper that had been seen over this past week and was initially sighted this past Saturday (the 11th) by Pamela Sowizral, Kathy Seymour and her birding group that she was leading that Saturday morning! So yes, as the title of this post implies, the Buff-breasted is still present in the southern section of the Boyce Farm Fields, chilling and perusing along with at least a Baker's dozen of Killdeer (probably more there)! A half-dozen Eastern Bluebirds (most of them immature) were hanging around the bluebird boxes they have up near Boyce Field. Other highlights were a Red-tailed Hawk buzzing by right over my head near the entrance of Wildlife Care while I was walking back to my car; a Red-bellied Woodpecker noisily looking for insects near the Education Center and a female Ruby-throated Hummingbird zipping around and perching near the array of bird feeders that are situated near the main parking lot/walkway up to the Nature Center. I hope other folks get a chance to see this Buff-breasted, for it was definitely a Lifer for me today! Happy birding everybody!


Location:     Drumlin Farm Wildlife Sanctuary
Observation date:     9/18/10
Notes:     Buff-breasted Sandpiper is still present at the Boyce Farm Fields near the southwestern quadrant of the area along with numerous Killdeer.
Number of species:     19
Red-tailed Hawk - Buteo jamaicensis     1 (Wildlife Care area)
Killdeer - Charadrius vociferus     13 (Boyce Farm Fields)
Buff-breasted Sandpiper - Tryngites subruficollis     1 (Boyce Farm Fields)
Mourning Dove - Zenaida macroura     1
Ruby-throated Hummingbird - Archilochus colubris     1 (bird feeder area near parking lot)
Red-bellied Woodpecker - Melanerpes carolinus     1 (near Education Center)
Downy Woodpecker - Picoides pubescens     1
Eastern Phoebe - Sayornis phoebe     1
Blue Jay - Cyanocitta cristata     6
American Crow - Corvus brachyrhynchos     2
Black-capped Chickadee - Poecile atricapillus     9
Tufted Titmouse - Baeolophus bicolor     3
White-breasted Nuthatch - Sitta carolinensis     5
Eastern Bluebird - Sialia sialis     6 (Boyce Field area)
American Robin - Turdus migratorius     10
Gray Catbird - Dumetella carolinensis     4
Baltimore Oriole - Icterus galbula     1 (Drumlin Loop Trail)
American Goldfinch - Spinus tristis     7
House Sparrow - Passer domesticus     8

This report was generated automatically by eBird v2(http://ebird.org)

Sunday, July 11, 2010

eBird Report - Frances A. Crane WMA, 7/11/10 - 2 More Lifers -- Grasshopper Sparrow and Orchard Oriole!!!

Today was a perfect day to finally do some birding with my good buddy Kirk Marshall, for the weather was not as hot, the air was not quite as sticky, and today would be the last time in about 2 to 3 weeks from now before I am able to do any birding again with Kirk (though I will be doing some birding/hiking while on vacation up at Tall Timber Lodge off of Back Lake in Pittsburg, NH....from the 18th through 25th of July!) For a few weeks now Kirk and I had known about the sightings of several Grasshopper Sparrows and a few Blue Grosbeaks down at Crane WMA in Falmouth, MA, so we hoped with some good fortune that both target species would still be kicking around. Thankfully, to our delight, at least one of them was still with us, the Grasshopper Sparrow! And what a wonderful cooperative little sparrow it was! It was just sitting on a tall single-stalk plant, looking around furtively whilst holding what looked to be a grasshopper in its bill! Ironic huh, considering the species is commonly known as a Grasshopper Sparrow! And according to Cornell's All About Birds, this sparrow is aptly named, for its primary source of sustenance is indeed grasshoppers. Anyhoo, sadly, we did not chance upon any of the Blue Grosbeaks in the area, but 1 target species is good enough! As a bonus, I was able to see both male and female Orchard Orioles as well as what appeared to be fledgling Orchards.....yes, its about time I finally saw an Orchard Oriole, since they are somewhat common, though not as much so as the much more brightly colored Baltimore Oriole! Both the "Quail" and "Pheasant" sections of Crane WMA abounded with Eastern Towhees and Indigo Buntings, as many more numbers of both species were heard than seen (tallies below are birds actually seen). Oh yes, how could I forget....Kirk and I heard 2 Northern Bobwhites calling in the "Pheasant" section of Crane, but alas, could not flush them out to get a look....plus, these bobwhites may not have been wild ones, for they could've been stocked game birds. Still, very sweet nonetheless! Get out there folks and happy birding to all!!!

Location:     Crane WMA
Observation date:     7/11/10
Notes:     Visited both the "Quail" section off of Sandwich Road and the "Pheasant" section off of Route 151 of Frances A. Crane WMA in Falmouth, MA.
Number of species:     31

Double-crested Cormorant - Phalacrocorax auritus     3
Turkey Vulture - Cathartes aura     4
Red-tailed Hawk - Buteo jamaicensis     1
Mourning Dove - Zenaida macroura     6
Downy Woodpecker - Picoides pubescens     1
Northern Flicker (Yellow-shafted) - Colaptes auratus [auratus Group]     3
Eastern Phoebe - Sayornis phoebe     1
Eastern Kingbird - Tyrannus tyrannus     6
American Crow - Corvus brachyrhynchos     2
Tree Swallow - Tachycineta bicolor     11
Bank Swallow - Riparia riparia     3
Barn Swallow - Hirundo rustica     4
Black-capped Chickadee - Poecile atricapillus     3
Tufted Titmouse - Baeolophus bicolor     2
White-breasted Nuthatch - Sitta carolinensis     1
Carolina Wren - Thryothorus ludovicianus     1
Eastern Bluebird - Sialia sialis     5
American Robin - Turdus migratorius     4
Gray Catbird - Dumetella carolinensis     3
Northern Mockingbird - Mimus polyglottos     1
Prairie Warbler - Dendroica discolor     1
Common Yellowthroat - Geothlypis trichas     4
Eastern Towhee - Pipilo erythrophthalmus     8
Chipping Sparrow - Spizella passerina     3
Field Sparrow - Spizella pusilla     1
Savannah Sparrow - Passerculus sandwichensis     1
Grasshopper Sparrow - Ammodramus savannarum     1
Song Sparrow - Melospiza melodia     2
Indigo Bunting - Passerina cyanea     5
Orchard Oriole - Icterus spurius     3
American Goldfinch - Spinus tristis     11

This report was generated automatically by eBird v2(http://ebird.org/massaudubon/)


General directions to Frances A. Crane WMA are as follows, per the route Kirk and I took: Route 128/I-95 South until I-95 South splits off and heads toward Rhode Island. At junction of I-95 and I-495, take I-495 South to the Cape. 495 will end and become Route 25. Follow 25 to Bourne. At rotary that is just over the Bourne Bridge, follow Route 28 South into North Falmouth. Keep following 28 South (you will come across a second rotary, stay on 28 South). At the exit for Route 151 off of 28, take 151 East. Parking for the "Pheasant" section of Crane WMA will be on your left for the Allieta Softball Field after a couple of miles on 151. If you want to continue to the "Quail" section of Crane WMA, keep going on 151 until it junctures with Sandwich Road. Take a right onto Sandwich Road and after about a mile or so, take a left onto Ashumet Road.

Tuesday, June 22, 2010

eBird Report - Gray Farm Road, Littleton, MA, 6/22/10 - I really need to invest in a small, compact pair of binocs!!!

This isn't the first time I wished I had a small, compact pair of binoculars on me, you know, something you could possibly stuff in a pant pocket or what not, something like 8x32 to 10x32. Today was one of those instances where I wish I had such binocs on my person. Birding was not my main objective today, as I was out walking my beloved little fox-like dog, Gildor (whom is a tri-colored Pembroke Welsh Corgi). NOTE: Picture was taken last July while on vacation in Pittsburg, NH; this particular shot taken while visiting Scott's Bog specifically).

But when I do venture out and take the "puppa" for a "W" (walk), I am always listening to my surroundings, trying to look for movement and what not because ya never know what is out there even if birding is not your primary focus. Every bird I saw today I could make out well enough, and coupled with these birds observed singing, was 100% positive on all identifications despite having no binocs on hand. Still, how very frustrating, because I could've gotten excellent views of such birds as Indigo Buntings, Prairie Warblers, a Carolina Wren, a House Wren, an Eastern Phoebe and an Eastern Bluebird. Oh well, such is life. Its just nice to see such birds in an area that will soon be fully developed for residential use, a locale that was probably once fields, pastures and secondary growth woodlands. Nonetheless, it is just such a pleasure to be more aware of your surroundings, to listen to everything that calls the area around you home, and of course, since birding is such an avid and passionate hobby of mine, always being frosty for the presence of our fine-feathered avian friends! Happy birding everybody!!

Location:     Gray Farm Road, Littleton, MA
Observation date:     6/22/10
Notes:     This area also encompasses what I assume will be later called Darrell Road (according to Google Maps) once this particular area of housing development is complete. Was out walking my dog, hence why I listed this is an "incidental" observation. Was trying to observe the birds around me while with my dog. Much birdier than it has been in the past in this partially developed residential area.
Number of species:     29

Killdeer - Charadrius vociferus     1
Mourning Dove - Zenaida macroura     4
Downy Woodpecker - Picoides pubescens     1
Eastern Phoebe - Sayornis phoebe     1
Red-eyed Vireo - Vireo olivaceus     1
Blue Jay - Cyanocitta cristata     2
American Crow - Corvus brachyrhynchos     3
Bank Swallow - Riparia riparia     2
Black-capped Chickadee - Poecile atricapillus     3
Tufted Titmouse - Baeolophus bicolor     2
White-breasted Nuthatch - Sitta carolinensis     1
Carolina Wren - Thryothorus ludovicianus     1
House Wren - Troglodytes aedon     1
Eastern Bluebird - Sialia sialis     1
American Robin - Turdus migratorius     6
Gray Catbird - Dumetella carolinensis     1
Northern Mockingbird - Mimus polyglottos     3
Prairie Warbler - Dendroica discolor     2
Common Yellowthroat - Geothlypis trichas     1
Chipping Sparrow - Spizella passerina     1
Song Sparrow - Melospiza melodia     2
Northern Cardinal - Cardinalis cardinalis     2
Indigo Bunting - Passerina cyanea     2
Red-winged Blackbird - Agelaius phoeniceus     5
Common Grackle - Quiscalus quiscula     2
Brown-headed Cowbird - Molothrus ater     1
House Finch - Carpodacus mexicanus     2
American Goldfinch - Spinus tristis     4
House Sparrow - Passer domesticus     5

This report was generated automatically by eBird v2(http://ebird.org/massaudubon/)

Wednesday, April 21, 2010

eBird Report - Wachusett Meadow Wildlife Sanctuary, 4/21/10 - A Kestrel, 4 Sapsuckers, a dozen Hermit Thrushes & a Porcupine!!

I guess there is one good thing about being unemployed (and thankfully still collecting UI) and that is I am able to get out more often.....yeah, I know, I shouldn't be out birding at all, I should be hitting the pavement day in, day out looking for employment. I wish I were that motivated (I should be nonetheless). Anyhow, I digress, for today was an amazing day to be outside enjoying all that Mother Nature has to offer (including annoying insects and a bit of a sunburn).

I chose to visit Wachusett Meadow Wildlife Sanctuary in Princeton, MA, only my 2nd time visiting this Mass Audubon property. I had fallen in love with it the first time I visited (back in autumn of last year), but this visit was even more inspiring! I didn't quite hike as much as I did on my 1st visit, but still, I would say 7.5 miles worth of trails is plenty enough! I was at Wachusett from 9 am until about 2:20 pm.

I started off visiting the trails that go along near Beaver Wetland (South Meadow Trail and Beaver Bend Trail). It is here I saw the majority of the Common Grackles, Red-winged Blackbirds, Tree Swallows and all of the Brown-headed Cowbirds (though they stayed mainly near the meadows next to the barns). The lone White-crowned Sparrow I lucked upon was found while walking along South Meadow Trail. It is also here that I saw 2 of the 3 Red-tailed Hawks and the highlight of this area, the AMERICAN KESTREL! Great looks for several minutes before being chased off by Common Grackles. 2 of the 4 Yellow-bellied Sapsuckers were found along this stretch as well.

I then went onto Pasture Trail and Heron Rookery Trail. Goldfinches were everywhere throughout the sanctuary, but most were found along Pasture Trail. Sadly, no Great Blue Herons yet at the rookery, but of course more Tree Swallows and a few Eastern Bluebirds. It was when I got onto Fern Forest Trail that I started seeing the Hermit Thrushes (and numerous Dark-eyed Juncos). More Hermit Thrushes were seen along Hemlock Seep Trail as well as the 3rd Sapsucker of the day.

Most of Chapman Trail, West Border Trail, Brown Hill Loop and Summit Trail was quiet. I did find the rest of the Hermit Thrushes I observed on the trails criss-crossing the Brown Hill area, a few of them singing, which was a very welcome sound to my ears! The biggest highlight of this area was coming across a lumbering, slow-moving PORCUPINE, near the northern junction of West Border Trail and Chapman Trail. He either didn't know I was there or just didn't care that I was, for this porcupine was only about 30 feet in front of me....what a sight it was, the first porcupine I have seen in the wild alive! Anyhow, I also trekked along Otter Pond Trail (more Tree Swallows and Bluebirds) and Birch Trail (where I saw my 4th Sapsucker). I made a stop at the Farm Pond found on along the lower half of the North Meadow Trail area and was greeted with Eastern Phoebes, numerous American Goldfinches and Red-winged Blackbirds, a few Eastern Bluebirds and alas, a number of House Sparrows. The other House Sparrows were found, of course, near the barns and other man-made structures.

Well, enough blabbering from me! It was a most fantastic venture and I encourage all others to make a trip out to Wachusett Meadow Wildlife Sanctuary! Here are the directions from Mass Audubon's website:
From Rt 2: Take exit 28 (Rt 31, Fitchburg/Princeton). Follow Rt 31 south for 3.9 miles to a blinking red light. Turn left at the light and follow Rt 31 and Rt 140 south for 1.8 miles to a blinking yellow light. Turn right and follow Rt 31 south for 2.8 miles to a steep hill and a blinking yellow light (center of Princeton). At the light, follow signs for Rt 62 west by crossing the intersection and bearing right (follow the road as it curves right on the far side of the common after the light). Follow Rt 62 west for 0.6 miles, and you will see the sanctuary sign on the right at Goodnow Road. Turn right on Goodnow Road, and the parking lot is 1 mile ahead on the left.
From Rt I-190: Take exit 5 (Rt 140, Sterling/W. Boylston). Follow Rt 140 north for 2.4 miles to the intersection of Rt 62 (blinking yellow light). Take a left onto Rt 62 west and follow it for 4.2 miles to a stop sign. Turn left on Rt 31 and go up the hill to a flashing yellow light (center of Princeton). Follow directions above from the "center of Princeton."

Here is the link to the information page on Mass Audubon's website for Wachusett Meadow Wildlife Sanctuary

I hope other folks were able to get out today to enjoy this fine weather and do a little bit of birding/hiking! Happy birding to all!

Location:     Wachusett Meadow Wildlife Sanctuary
Observation date:     4/21/10
Notes:     Also came across a porcupine, my first seen in the wild, alive!
Number of species:     32

Canada Goose - Branta canadensis     4
Wood Duck - Aix sponsa     2 (Beaver Wetlands near jct of South Meadow Trail and Beaver Bend Trail)
Mallard - Anas platyrhynchos     5
Turkey Vulture - Cathartes aura     1 (soaring over Brown Hill)
BROAD-WINGED HAWK - Buteo platypterus     1 (slowly circling over Beaver Wetland and neighboring woods)
Red-tailed Hawk - Buteo jamaicensis     3
AMERICAN KESTREL - Falco sparverius     1 (overlooking Beaver Wetland from trees along South Meadow Trail, near jct with Beaver Bend Trail)
Killdeer - Charadrius vociferus     1
Mourning Dove - Zenaida macroura     1
YELLOW-BELLIED SAPSUCKER - Sphyrapicus varius     4 (Wildlife Pond area of South Meadow Trail, Beaver Bend Trail, Hemlock Seep Trail, Birch Trail)
Downy Woodpecker - Picoides pubescens     1
Hairy Woodpecker - Picoides villosus     1
Eastern Phoebe - Sayornis phoebe     4 (near barns and also near Farm Pond)
Blue Jay - Cyanocitta cristata     6
Tree Swallow - Tachycineta bicolor     X (throughout, especially over Beaver Wetland and adjacent meadows)
Black-capped Chickadee - Poecile atricapillus     X
Tufted Titmouse - Baeolophus bicolor     X
Red-breasted Nuthatch - Sitta canadensis     1 (along Fern Forest Trail)
White-breasted Nuthatch - Sitta carolinensis     4
Eastern Bluebird - Sialia sialis     6 (check all bluebird boxes, especially both North and South Meadow Trails)
HERMIT THRUSH - Catharus guttatus     12 (Fern Forest Trail, Hemlock Seep Trail, Chapman Trail, Brown Hill Loop)
American Robin - Turdus migratorius     8
Yellow-rumped Warbler (Myrtle) - Dendroica coronata coronata     1 (Beaver Bend Trail)
Chipping Sparrow - Spizella passerina     1 (near feeders adjacent to parking lot)
Song Sparrow - Melospiza melodia     3
WHITE-CROWNED SPARROW (EASTERN) - Zonotrichia leucophrys leucophrys     1 (South Meadow Trail)
Dark-eyed Junco (Slate-colored) - Junco hyemalis hyemalis/carolinensis     X (throughout, but mainly along Fern Forest Trail)
Red-winged Blackbird - Agelaius phoeniceus     X
Common Grackle - Quiscalus quiscula     X
Brown-headed Cowbird - Molothrus ater     8
American Goldfinch - Carduelis tristis     X
House Sparrow - Passer domesticus     10

This report was generated automatically by eBird v2(http://ebird.org/massaudubon/)

Sunday, April 18, 2010

eBird Report - Oxbow National Wildlife Refuge, 4/13/10 - A multitude of woodpeckers!

Another fine day to be out and about! I decided to hit Oxbow NWR for the first time this year, Oxbow being my favorite local area to find solitude in and to go a-birding! I had wanted to check out Oxbow prior to, but with the recent flooding, that was not possible. You can tell how bad the flooding was due the faint silty waterline about 4 feet up on some of the tree trunks. Just amazing!

At any rate, a fine day of birding it was, taking a jaunt through all the trails from 10:30 am to 2 pm. The place was loaded with chickadees, goldfinches, grackles, red-wings, robins, tree swallows, titmice and singing juncos. I was also amazed at the numbers of woodpeckers there, especially finding 6 Red-bellied Woodpeckers, the most I have ever seen anywhere at one time! It was also very nice seeing a Yellow-bellied Sapsucker again, FOY! Also finally notched my FOY Pine Warblers, some excellent looks along Tank Road. I also had the pleasure of seeing 2 Ruffed Grouse along Tank Road, the first grouse I have seen in years! Normally, from what I understand, they tend to be solitary, but there were 2 of them, one following the other. I will say they were a bit far back into the pines, but had good looks at them before losing them into the thick of the woods. Definitely sweet! Enough babbling from me!

Here are some directions to Oxbow NWR for those who would like to check it out (do where some good hikers, its very mucky, especially along the Riverside Trail): From MA Route 2, take Exit 38 (Route 110/111) south toward Harvard; bear right to stay on Route 110 at Harvard Center; and, turn right onto Still River Depot Road at the Still River Post Office. The refuge parking area is at the end of Still River Depot Road, past the railroad tracks.

Happy birding everyone!

Location:     Oxbow National Wildlife Refuge
Observation date:     4/13/10
Number of species:     33

Canada Goose - Branta canadensis     5
Wood Duck - Aix sponsa     7 (all along Turnpike Trail near jct with Riverside Trail)
Mallard - Anas platyrhynchos     5
Ruffed Grouse - Bonasa umbellus     2 (in pine forest area long Tank Road nearer to Route 2)
Wild Turkey - Meleagris gallopavo     2 (Tank Road)
Great Blue Heron - Ardea herodias     2
Mourning Dove - Zenaida macroura     6
Barred Owl - Strix varia     2 (heard "who cooks for you, who cooks for you-all" fairly close, but could not get on them; was on Tank Road nearest jct of Turnpike Trail when calls were heard; were seemingly calling back and forth between each other)
Belted Kingfisher - Megaceryle alcyon     2
Red-bellied Woodpecker - Melanerpes carolinus     6 (Most along Riverside Trail)
Yellow-bellied Sapsucker - Sphyrapicus varius     1 (near jct. of Riverside & Turnpike)
Downy Woodpecker - Picoides pubescens     5
Hairy Woodpecker - Picoides villosus     2
Northern Flicker (Yellow-shafted) - Colaptes auratus [auratus Group]     3
Blue Jay - Cyanocitta cristata     11
American Crow - Corvus brachyrhynchos     3
Tree Swallow - Tachycineta bicolor     X (throughout, but most along Turnpike Trail)
Black-capped Chickadee - Poecile atricapillus     X
Tufted Titmouse - Baeolophus bicolor     X
White-breasted Nuthatch - Sitta carolinensis     6
Eastern Bluebird - Sialia sialis     2 (along backside of marsh area that runs along Tank Road)
Hermit Thrush - Catharus guttatus     1 (pine forest area along Tank Road)
American Robin - Turdus migratorius     X
Pine Warbler - Dendroica pinus     3 (Tank Road)
Palm Warbler (Yellow) - Dendroica palmarum hypochrysea     2 (Turnpike Trail)
Song Sparrow - Melospiza melodia     1
Swamp Sparrow - Melospiza georgiana     1
White-throated Sparrow - Zonotrichia albicollis     5
Dark-eyed Junco (Slate-colored) - Junco hyemalis hyemalis/carolinensis     X
Red-winged Blackbird - Agelaius phoeniceus     X
Common Grackle - Quiscalus quiscula     X
Brown-headed Cowbird - Molothrus ater     2 (near parking lot)
American Goldfinch - Carduelis tristis     X

This report was generated automatically by eBird v2 (http://ebird.org/massaudubon/)

eBird Report - Memorial Forest, Sudbury, MA , 3/5/10

Here are some directions copied from the Sudbury Valley Trustees website:

From Sudbury Center (the intersection of Concord Road and Route 27), take Hudson Road west (staying left on Hudson rather than following Route 27 north) for 2.0 mi to Dutton Road on the left. Take Dutton Road 1.8 mi, staying on Dutton Road by bearing right at intersection with Garrison, to an unpaved access on the right into a parking area under pine trees. There is an SVT sign at the entrance to the parking area.

Location:     Memorial Forest, Sudbury, MA
Observation date:     3/5/10
Notes:     A vast and glorious pine forest at Memorial with some wetlands and several brooks running through the property. Numerous Black-capped Chickadees (seemed to be BC Chickadee central!) and Tufted Titmice. The highlights of course was the lone Eastern Bluebird and the Red-breasted Nuthatch. My inclination is that there were probably more RB Nuthatches around, but I find they tend to be more seclusive than their White-breasted brethren. If anybody decides to check out Memorial Forest, you'll need waterproof boots with good grip (still packed ice and snow along trails) and the loop south of Trout Brook is partially flooded (you'll have to do some trekking around it).
Number of species:     9

Ring-billed Gull - Larus delawarensis     3
Mourning Dove - Zenaida macroura     4
Downy Woodpecker - Picoides pubescens     1
American Crow - Corvus brachyrhynchos     3
Black-capped Chickadee - Poecile atricapillus     X
Tufted Titmouse - Baeolophus bicolor     X
Red-breasted Nuthatch - Sitta canadensis     1
White-breasted Nuthatch - Sitta carolinensis     4
Eastern Bluebird - Sialia sialis     1

This report was generated automatically by eBird v2(http://ebird.org/massaudubon/)

eBird Report - Mill St., Dover, MA (Charles River), 2/1/10 - Barrow's Goldeneye: NO

Location:     Mill St., Dover, MA (Charles River)
Observation date:     2/1/10
Notes:     As you can see from the 0 on the Barrow's, that particular bird was my target species. I am assuming the Goldeneyes were farther downstream on the Charles or were busy diving. But at least I was able to see Hooded Mergansers, one of my favorite birds! On a side note, while I was driving back to Littleton via 4/225 in Carlisle, a pair of Eastern Bluebirds flew over the hood of my Corolla (don't worry folks, its safe to drive, the VIN starts with JT). Maybe others will have luck seeing the Barrow's! Good birding to all!
Number of species:     9

Canada Goose - Branta canadensis     10
Mallard - Anas platyrhynchos     40
Common Goldeneye - Bucephala clangula     0
Barrow's Goldeneye - Bucephala islandica     0
Hooded Merganser - Lophodytes cucullatus     6
Red-bellied Woodpecker - Melanerpes carolinus     1
American Crow - Corvus brachyrhynchos     2
Black-capped Chickadee - Poecile atricapillus     5
Tufted Titmouse - Baeolophus bicolor     3

This report was generated automatically by eBird v2(http://ebird.org/massaudubon/)