eBird Report - Nashoba Brook Wildlife Sanctuary, 3/28/11 - A Phoebe and 2 Ravens!

More signs of Spring have become evident with the coming of the Eastern Phoebe! The phoebe I observed at Nashoba Brook Wildlife Sanctuary in Westford was not the first one nor would it be the last one for today! When I got up this morning, after having showered and had breakfast, I observed a singing Eastern Phoebe on the edges of our backyard while taking Mr. Gildor, our Corgi, outside for a bathroom break. And as the phoebe at Nashoba was not the last one, another was heard singing along Gray Farm Road in Littleton while taking Gildor for a walk late this afternoon, after having done my 4 miles worth of trekking at Nashoba.

It sure was a pleasant day to be outside, in spite of the brisk winds and slightly-below-normal temperatures. Today's little excursion started off with coming across 5 Golden-crowned Kinglets way up in the tops of the pines along the Woodland Loop Trail. Onwards, while on the trails situated on lands owned by the Westford Conservation Trust that connect the 2 parcels of property that make up Nashoba Brook, I came upon a Brown Creeper going from tree to tree, singing its lovely, ethereal song....a treat that was since the song of the creeper is one of my favorites! Lastly, the other most notable species of bird I came across was while on the trails near Nonset Brook that reside within property owned and maintained by the Westford Conservation Commission. These trails also connect to the MAS lands comprising Nashoba Brook. This particular species was a pair of calling Common Ravens observed flying just above the treetops heading northwards. I just love their guttural croak! The full listing of birds seen at MAS Nashoba Brook Wildlife Sanctuary are below:

Location:     Nashoba Brook Wildlife Sanctuary
Observation date:     3/28/11
Number of species:     17

Mallard - Anas platyrhynchos     6
Great Blue Heron - Ardea herodias     1
Red-tailed Hawk - Buteo jamaicensis     1
Mourning Dove - Zenaida macroura     3
Downy Woodpecker - Picoides pubescens     5
Hairy Woodpecker - Picoides villosus     1
Eastern Phoebe - Sayornis phoebe     1
Blue Jay - Cyanocitta cristata     1
American Crow - Corvus brachyrhynchos     15
Common Raven - Corvus corax     2
Black-capped Chickadee - Poecile atricapillus     18
Tufted Titmouse - Baeolophus bicolor     6
White-breasted Nuthatch - Sitta carolinensis     14
Brown Creeper - Certhia americana     1
Golden-crowned Kinglet - Regulus satrapa     5
Dark-eyed Junco (Slate-colored) - Junco hyemalis hyemalis/carolinensis     2
Red-winged Blackbird - Agelaius phoeniceus     4

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


Before I depart here, I also wanted to mention a bird I have never had in our yards at home before until this past Saturday, that being a lone Fox Sparrow that came around late afternoon time (4:15 to 5:40), kicking up the ground very much in the fashion of an Eastern Towhee.....twas only the 3rd time I had ever seen a Fox Sparrow! Below is the full listing of birds in our yards observed at that time:


Location:     83 Hartwell Avenue, Littleton, MA 01460
Observation date:     3/26/11
Notes:     First Fox Sparrow I have ever seen in our yard, only the 3rd Fox Sparrow I have seen in my life thus far (first in 2009 in Sanbornton, NH; 2nd in 2010 at Stony Brook Wildlife Sanctuary).
Number of species:     15

Mourning Dove - Zenaida macroura     4
Downy Woodpecker - Picoides pubescens     1
Hairy Woodpecker - Picoides villosus     1
Blue Jay - Cyanocitta cristata     2
Black-capped Chickadee - Poecile atricapillus     7
Tufted Titmouse - Baeolophus bicolor     5
Red-breasted Nuthatch - Sitta canadensis     2
White-breasted Nuthatch - Sitta carolinensis     2
Carolina Wren - Thryothorus ludovicianus     2
Fox Sparrow (Red) - Passerella iliaca iliaca/zaboria     1
Song Sparrow - Melospiza melodia     1
Dark-eyed Junco (Slate-colored) - Junco hyemalis hyemalis/carolinensis     5
Northern Cardinal - Cardinalis cardinalis     2
House Finch - Carpodacus mexicanus     6
American Goldfinch - Spinus tristis     4

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

It has been another good year of birding thus far! Get out there folks and enjoy it! Happy birding!!

eBird Report - Oxbow National Wildlife Refuge, 9/6/10 - A pleasant afternoon at my favorite place to find solitude!

I just could not waste this amazingly gorgeous day with a slight breeze in the air, temps in the mid 70s, the sky boasting bright sunshine and a few wispy clouds. Though you may have thought I did waste a good portion of the day sleeping in until 11:20 am, but it was so worth it and necessary! After a great day of birding (and stuffing my face) yesterday, I had to continue this blessed Labor Day weekend being out and about enjoying Mother Nature! Of course, I made sure I completed what errands I had chosen to tackle today before ending my day the best way I could, by taking in all the sights and sounds, the atmosphere and environs of my favorite place to find solitude, that being Oxbow National Wildlife Refuge in Harvard, MA!


I arrived at Oxbow and started on my way at about 3:15 pm EST, not coming back to the parking lot until 3 hours later. I did my usual, routine route, going from the gate to Riverside Trail that parallels the Nashua River, then following Turnpike Trail that cuts across the vast wetlands until it joins up with Tank Road. Most times I would take a right at this junction following Tank Road all the way back to the parking lot, but on occasion, as I did today, I went left following Tank Road north that eventually comes upon Route 2. I didn't go as far as Route 2, for I typically will stop at the pond that is on the right-hand side, but is fairly close in proximity to Route 2 nonetheless.


I did not expect to see much in the way of birds, even though sometimes birds will become more active again in the late afternoon to evening hours. But once must consider that it is late in the summer and the summer months out here in the inland areas of MA tend to be rather quiet, that is of course until the Fall migration begins anew, which should be within the next week or 2 I believe. All the birds I saw there were of the usual variety, but a few favorites that one can typically find there were in attendance! The most notable birds observed were indeed a few favorites, such as a couple of Red-bellied Woodpeckers, one along Turnpike Trail (great looks!) and one at the parking lot when I had returned. A few Eastern Phoebes were seen, one on Turnpike Trail, one along Tank Road and one at the pond catching some flying insects. 2 noisy, yet striking Belted Kingfishers made their presence known with said explosive chatterings, one briefly seen along Riverside Trail near the junction of Turnpike Trail and one seen at the aforementioned pond that is on the right-hand side of Tank Road. The 2nd Kingfisher was especially cooperative and active. It seemed that he was diving into the water for some din dins, but no, it was diving in to the pond to help preen itself, for it would return to the same snag and start picking away at its water-soaked feathers.


However, the most noteworthy warm-blooded fauna observed were as follows: A Beaver down at that pond along Tank Road nearest to Route 2. This lovely beaver was just lounging, eating some vegetation, caring not for my presence. A Fisher was unexpectantly seen just sitting on the railroad tracks that run parallel to the eastern edge of the refuge, near the entrance to the dirt road that leads down to the parking lot. Initially I did not recognize this mammal to be a fisher until I got my binocs on it! Best looks I have ever had of a fisher, with its dark-grayish head, dark-brown body and very long, bushy tail....it stared at me for a few moments before deciding I was not a threat and headed onwards into Oxbow NWR. What a treat that was, for this was on the way heading out of Oxbow!


I must apologize for my narrative of today's exploits not being so boisterous and exuberant, for I am still feeling a bit exhausted after this long and fruitful weekend! At any rate, my bird observations are below! Happy birding to all!

Location:     Oxbow National Wildlife Refuge
Observation date:     9/6/10
Number of species:     17

Great Blue Heron - Ardea herodias     3
Mourning Dove - Zenaida macroura     2
Belted Kingfisher - Megaceryle alcyon     2
Red-bellied Woodpecker - Melanerpes carolinus     2
Downy Woodpecker - Picoides pubescens     3
Hairy Woodpecker - Picoides villosus     2
Eastern Phoebe - Sayornis phoebe     3
Blue Jay - Cyanocitta cristata     10
American Crow - Corvus brachyrhynchos     3
Black-capped Chickadee - Poecile atricapillus     31
Tufted Titmouse - Baeolophus bicolor     14
White-breasted Nuthatch - Sitta carolinensis     9
American Robin - Turdus migratorius     8
Gray Catbird - Dumetella carolinensis     4
Red-winged Blackbird - Agelaius phoeniceus     1
Common Grackle - Quiscalus quiscula     2
American Goldfinch - Spinus tristis     4

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

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/)

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/)

eBird Report - Assabet River National Wildlife Refuge--IBA, 4/7/10 - Phoebes, Chipping Sparrows and a Palm Warblah!!

A most fantastic day hiking/birding at the Assabet River NWR today. Was out there from 11 am to about 3:20 pm. I personally have never seen so many Eastern Phoebes, most of them right out around the parking lot and trailheads near the entrance off of Hudson Road. Also found 3 of the 4 Chipping Sparrows I came across there, 2 of which poking around the information kiosk. The lone FOY Palm Warbler I observed was along the section of Harry's Way Trail that is between White Pond Road and Towhee Trail. One Red-breasted Nuthatch was observed amongst the pines on White Pond Road before you come across the fields there. All in all a great day!

Here are general directions to Assabet River NWR: There are currently two parking areas on the Assabet River National Wildlife Refuge. The main parking lot is on Hudson Road in Sudbury, MA, three miles west of the Sudbury Town Center. The north gate parking area is off White Pond Road, reachable from Rt. 117 in Stow, MA. 

I hope everybody has been able to get out at some point and enjoy this gorgeous day! Good luck and happy birding to all!

Location:     Assabet River National Wildlife Refuge--IBA
Observation date:     4/7/10
Number of species:     26

Canada Goose - Branta canadensis     12
Mute Swan - Cygnus olor     1
American Black Duck - Anas rubripes     4 (Puffer Pond)
Mallard - Anas platyrhynchos     5
Great Blue Heron - Ardea herodias     1 (among the reeds along northeastern shore of Puffer Pond)
Red-tailed Hawk - Buteo jamaicensis     1
Mourning Dove - Zenaida macroura     4
Belted Kingfisher - Megaceryle alcyon     1 (near jct. of Otter Alley Trail and Taylor Way Trail)
Red-bellied Woodpecker - Melanerpes carolinus     1
Downy Woodpecker - Picoides pubescens     4
Northern Flicker (Yellow-shafted) - Colaptes auratus [auratus Group]     1 (also in same area is Palm Warbler)
Eastern Phoebe - Sayornis phoebe     9
Blue Jay - Cyanocitta cristata     3
Tree Swallow - Tachycineta bicolor     7 (skimming Puffer Pond near northeastern edge)
Black-capped Chickadee - Poecile atricapillus     X
Tufted Titmouse - Baeolophus bicolor     X
Red-breasted Nuthatch - Sitta canadensis     1
White-breasted Nuthatch - Sitta carolinensis     6
American Robin - Turdus migratorius     15
Palm Warbler (Yellow) - Dendroica palmarum hypochrysea     1
Chipping Sparrow - Spizella passerina     4
Song Sparrow - Melospiza melodia     1
Dark-eyed Junco (Slate-colored) - Junco hyemalis hyemalis/carolinensis     X
Northern Cardinal - Cardinalis cardinalis     2
Red-winged Blackbird - Agelaius phoeniceus     3
American Goldfinch - Carduelis tristis     6

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

Maynard, Middleborough & Seekonk - Barrow's Goldeneye, Rough-legged Hawk - YES; Tufted Duck - NO (03/21/10)

Yet another fine day weather-wise it was!! And such a thing is always a bonus when out and about birding! As is custom, Kirk and I headed out again on the weekend to see what was out there, though mainly in thanks to all the fellow posters on Massbird with their amazing sightings! Before we left my driveway in Littleton, we watched an EASTERN PHOEBE singing away in my neighbor's front yard! A good start!

Our first stop was for the BARROW'S GOLDENEYES on the Assabet River in Maynard, near the junction of 117 & 62. I had already seen them a week ago, but since the male and female were still around, I wanted to make sure Kirk had the chance to see them as well! And it is always nice when there is a scope involved! The first time I saw the Barrow's, I had decent enough looks with my binocs that enabled me to positively identify those 2 divers were the ducks in question. But thanks to Kirk, we got amazing looks at these 2 lovebirds! We first checked by 62 & 117, but they were not to be found, so we made our way over onto White Pond Rd., taking a left off of 117 onto Hastings, then another left onto White Pond Rd, which seems to end at the northwestern border of the Assabet River NWR. We were initially greeted with at least 20 CANADA GEESE (I know, not exciting), a few RED-WINGED BLACKBIRDS and a few SONG SPARROWS. But about 100 yards out or so (rough guess) near the reddish dock that protrudes into the Assabet on the right-hand shoreline (north side of the bridge) were the 2 Barrow's diving away. As Kirk noted, its great watching them dive because its like they just slip into the depths with hardly a ripple! Certainly a good start to the day and a lifer for my good buddy!

Once spending about 20 minutes there, we headed south down 495 to exit 6 (Route 44) and headed east on 44 until it met up with 105. We took that north, and then proceeded to circumvent Cumberland Farm Fields in Middleborough/Halifax area. Along 105 north, near the NW border of Cumbies, we spied ourselves the  light-morph ROUGH-LEGGED HAWK hovering over the fields to the treeline near Bartlett Brook. It then swooped down to the ground, trying to grasp some unfortunate animal, or so we thought. It rose back up into the air unsuccessful and perched onto a tall deciduous tree along that treeline directly across from our vantage point (we were parked over north of  the junction of Plain Street & 105/Thompson Rd). After a few minutes, the Rough-legged glided down along the treeline directly next to us near 105 heading south along that treeline. When heading around along Wood Street, we observed a NORTHERN  FLICKER and dozens of AMERICAN ROBINS. Further down along close to where Wood meets up with Fuller Street, we observed a NORTHERN HARRIER gliding about 10-15 feet above ground-level, heading further into Cumbies. This particular Harrier was very white on the underside compared to most Harriers that Kirk and I have seen in the past. Oh, I almost forgot, while driving around Cumbies, we heard a fair number of EASTERN PHOEBES and SONG SPARROWS singing their hearts out, as well as numerous RED-WINGED BLACKBIRDS and COMMON GRACKLES interspersed throughout the area.

Our last stop was over at the James V. Turner Reservoir in Seekonk to try and find the TUFTED DUCK, but alas, to no avail. However, we observed at least 20 LESSER SCAUP, at least a dozen RUDDY DUCKS and a few RING-NECKED DUCKS. We were also graced by the presence of a FISH CROW, discerned by its vocalizations (and yes, I am sure, I double-checked on Cornell's All About Birds). All in all, a very good day of birding! Good luck and happy birding to all!!